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, 20162018
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ______ to _______

Commission Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter; IRS Employer
File Number State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization Identification No.
001-14881 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY 94-2213782
  (An Iowa Corporation)  
  666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500  
  Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580  
  515-242-4300  
     
001-05152 PACIFICORP 93-0246090
  (An Oregon Corporation)  
  825 N.E. Multnomah Street  
  Portland, Oregon 97232  
  888-221-7070  
     
333-90553 MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC 47-0819200
  (An Iowa Limited Liability Company)  
  666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500  
  Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580  
  515-242-4300  
     
333-15387 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY 42-1425214
  (An Iowa Corporation)  
  666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500  
  Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580  
  515-242-4300  
     
000-52378 NEVADA POWER COMPANY 88-0420104
  (A Nevada Corporation)  
  6226 West Sahara Avenue  
  Las Vegas, Nevada 89146  
  702-402-5000  
     
000-00508 SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY 88-0044418
  (A Nevada Corporation)  
  6100 Neil Road  
  Reno, Nevada 89511  
  775-834-4011  

RegistrantSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANYNone
PACIFICORPNone
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLCNone
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANYNone
NEVADA POWER COMPANYNone
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANYNone

RegistrantName of exchange on which registered:
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANYNone
PACIFICORPNone
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLCNone
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANYNone
NEVADA POWER COMPANYNone
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANYNone

RegistrantSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANYNone
PACIFICORPNone
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLCNone
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANYNone
NEVADA POWER COMPANYCommon Stock, $1.00 stated value
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANYCommon Stock, $3.75 par value

RegistrantName of exchange on which registered:
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANYNone
PACIFICORPNone
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLCNone
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANYNone
NEVADA POWER COMPANYNone
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANYNone

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
RegistrantYesNo
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY X
PACIFICORP X
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC X
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANYX 
NEVADA POWER COMPANY X
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY X

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
RegistrantYesNo
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY X
PACIFICORP X
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLCX 
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY X
NEVADA POWER COMPANY X
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY X


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
RegistrantYesNo
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANYX 
PACIFICORPX 
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC X
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANYX 
NEVADA POWER COMPANYX 
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANYX 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web sites, 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). Yes.Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer"filer," "smaller reporting company," and "smaller reporting"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
RegistrantLarge accelerated filerAccelerated filerNon-accelerated filerSmaller reporting companyEmerging growth company
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY  X 
PACIFICORP  X 
MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC  X 
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY  X 
NEVADA POWER COMPANY  X 
SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY  X 

If an emerging growth company, 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.  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes o No x

All shares of outstanding common stock of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company are privately held by a limited group of investors. As of February 17, 2017, 77,356,14421, 2019, 76,549,232 shares of common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

All shares of outstanding common stock of PacifiCorp are indirectly owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company. As of February 17, 2017,21, 2019, 357,060,915 shares of common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

All of the member's equity of MidAmerican Funding, LLC is held by its parent company, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, as of February 17, 2017.21, 2019.

All shares of outstanding common stock of MidAmerican Energy Company are owned by its parent company, MHC Inc., which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding, LLC. As of February 17, 2017,21, 2019, 70,980,203 shares of common stock, no par value, were outstanding.

All shares of outstanding common stock of Nevada Power Company are owned by its parent company, NV Energy, Inc., which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company. As of February 17, 2017,21, 2019, 1,000 shares of common stock, $1.00 stated value, were outstanding.


All shares of outstanding common stock of Sierra Pacific Power Company are owned by its parent company, NV Energy, Inc. As of February 17, 2017,21, 2019, 1,000 shares of common stock, $3.75 par value, were outstanding.


Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, MidAmerican Funding, LLC, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and are therefore filing portions of this Form 10-K with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction I(2) of Form 10-K.10‑K.

This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company. Information contained herein relating to any individual company is filed by such company on its own behalf. Each company makes no representation as to information relating to the other companies.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I
   
Mine Safety Disclosures
   
PART II
   
   
PART III
   
   
PART IV
   
 


i


Definition of Abbreviations and Industry Terms

When used in Forward-Looking Statements, Part I - Items 1 through 4, Part II - Items 5 through 7A, and Part III - Items 10 through 14, the following terms have the definitions indicated.
Entity Definitions
BHE Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Berkshire HathawayBerkshire Hathaway Inc.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy or the Company Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
PacifiCorp PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Funding MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Energy MidAmerican Energy Company
NV Energy NV Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries
Nevada Power Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Sierra Pacific Sierra Pacific Power Company and its subsidiaries
Nevada Utilities Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company
Registrants Berkshire Hathaway Energy, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, MidAmerican Funding, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific
Subsidiary Registrants PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, MidAmerican Funding, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific
Northern Powergrid Northern Powergrid Holdings Company
Northern Natural Gas Northern Natural Gas Company
Kern River Kern River Gas Transmission Company
AltaLink BHE Canada Holdings Corporation
ALP AltaLink, L.P.
BHE U.S. Transmission BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC
BHE Renewables, LLC BHE Renewables, LLC
HomeServices HomeServices of America, Inc. and its subsidiaries
BHE Pipeline Group or Pipeline Companies Consists of Northern Natural Gas and Kern River
BHE Transmission Consists of AltaLink and BHE U.S. Transmission
BHE Renewables Consists of BHE Renewables, LLC and CalEnergy Philippines
ETT Electric Transmission Texas, LLC
Domestic Regulated Businesses PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company, Sierra Pacific Power Company, Northern Natural Gas Company and Kern River Gas Transmission Company
Regulated Businesses PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company, Sierra Pacific Power Company, Northern Natural Gas Company, Kern River Gas Transmission Company and AltaLink, L.P.
Utilities PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company
Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc
Berkshire HathawayBerkshire Hathaway Inc.
Topaz Topaz Solar Farms LLC
Topaz Project 550-megawatt solar project in California
Agua Caliente Agua Caliente Solar, LLC
Agua Caliente Project 290-megawatt solar project in Arizona
Bishop Hill II Bishop Hill Energy II LLC
Bishop Hill Project 81-megawatt wind-powered generating facility in Illinois
Pinyon Pines I Pinyon Pines Wind I, LLC

ii


Pinyon Pines II Pinyon Pines Wind II, LLC
Pinyon Pines Projects 168-megawatt and 132-megawatt wind-powered generating facilities in California
Jumbo Road Jumbo Road Holdings, LLC
Jumbo Road Project 300-megawatt wind-powered generating facility in Texas
Solar Star Funding Solar Star Funding, LLC
Solar Star Projects A combined 586-megawatt solar project in California
Solar Star I Solar Star California XIX, LLC
Solar Star II Solar Star California XX, LLC
   
Certain Industry Terms  
2017 Tax ReformThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017, effective January 1, 2018
AESO Alberta Electric System Operator
AFUDC Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
AUC Alberta Utilities Commission
Bcf Billion cubic feet
BTER Base Tariff Energy Rates
California ISO California Independent System Operator Corporation
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
DEAA Deferred Energy Accounting Adjustment
Dodd-Frank Reform Act Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Dth Decatherms
DSM Demand-side Management
EBA Energy Balancing Account
ECAC Energy Cost Adjustment Clause
ECAM Energy Cost Adjustment Mechanism
EEIR Energy Efficiency Implementation Rate
EEPR Energy Efficiency Program Rate
EIM Energy Imbalance Market
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
ERCOT Electric Reliability Council of Texas
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GEMA Gas and Electricity Markets Authority
GHG Greenhouse Gases
GWh Gigawatt HoursHour
ICC Illinois Commerce Commission
IPUC Idaho Public Utilities Commission
IRP Integrated Resource Plan
IUB Iowa Utilities Board
kV Kilovolt
LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
LDC Local Distribution Company
MATS Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
MISO Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
MW MegawattsMegawatt
MWh Megawatt HoursHour
NERC North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NRCNuclear Regulatory Commission
OCAIowa Office of Consumer Advocate

iii


NRCNuclear Regulatory Commission
OATTOpen Access Transmission Tariff
OCAIowa Office of Consumer Advocate
OfgemOffice of Gas and Electric Markets
OPUC Oregon Public Utility Commission
PCAM Power Cost Adjustment Mechanism
PTAM Post Test-year Adjustment Mechanism
PUCN Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
REC Renewable Energy Credit
RPS Renewable Portfolio Standards
RRA Renewable Energy Credit and Sulfur Dioxide Revenue Adjustment Mechanism
RTO Regional Transmission Organization
SEC United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SIP State Implementation Plan
TAM Transition Adjustment Mechanism
UPSC Utah Public Service Commission
WECC Western Electricity Coordinating Council
WPSC Wyoming Public Service Commission
WUTC Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission


iv


Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can typically be identified by the use of forward-looking words, such as "will," "may," "could," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "intend," "potential," "plan," "forecast" and similar terms. These statements are based upon the relevant Registrant's current intentions, assumptions, expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Many of these factors are outside the control of each Registrant and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others:
general economic, political and business conditions, as well as changes in, and compliance with, laws and regulations, including income tax reform, initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the utility industry, and reliability and safety standards, affecting the respective Registrant's operations or related industries;
changes in, and compliance with, environmental laws, regulations, decisions and policies that could, among other items, increase operating and capital costs, reduce facility output, accelerate facility retirements or delay facility construction or acquisition;
the outcome of regulatory rate reviews and other proceedings conducted by regulatory agencies or other governmental and legal bodies and the respective Registrant's ability to recover costs through rates in a timely manner;
changes in economic, industry, competition or weather conditions, as well as demographic trends, new technologies and various conservation, energy efficiency and private generation measures and programs, that could affect customer growth and usage, electricity and natural gas supply or the respective Registrant's ability to obtain long-term contracts with customers and suppliers;
performance, availability and ongoing operation of the respective Registrant's facilities, including facilities not operated by the Registrants, due to the impacts of market conditions, outages and repairs, transmission constraints, weather, including wind, solar and hydroelectric conditions, and operating conditions;
the effects of catastrophic and other unforeseen events, which may be caused by factors beyond the control of each respective Registrant or by a breakdown or failure of the Registrants' operating assets, including severe storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, explosions, landslides, an electromagnetic pulse, mining accidents,incidents, litigation, wars, terrorism, embargoes, and cyber security attacks, data security breaches, disruptions, or other malicious acts;
a high degree of variance between actual and forecasted load or generation that could impact a Registrant's hedging strategy and the cost of balancing its generation resources with its retail load obligations;
changes in prices, availability and demand for wholesale electricity, coal, natural gas, other fuel sources and fuel transportation that could have a significant impact on generating capacity and energy costs;
the financial condition and creditworthiness of the respective Registrant's significant customers and suppliers;
changes in business strategy or development plans;
availability, terms and deployment of capital, including reductions in demand for investment-grade commercial paper, debt securities and other sources of debt financing and volatility in the London Interbank Offered Rate, the base interest rate for the Registrants' credit facilities;rates;
changes in the respective Registrant's credit ratings;
risks relating to nuclear generation, including unique operational, closure and decommissioning risks;
hydroelectric conditions and the cost, feasibility and eventual outcome of hydroelectric relicensing proceedings;
the impact of certain contracts used to mitigate or manage volume, price and interest rate risk, including increased collateral requirements, and changes in commodity prices, interest rates and other conditions that affect the fair value of certain contracts;
the impact of inflation on costs and the ability of the respective Registrants to recover such costs in regulated rates;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the British pound and the Canadian dollar;
increases in employee healthcare costs;
the impact of investment performance and changes in interest rates, legislation, healthcare cost trends, mortality and morbidity on pension and other postretirement benefits expense and funding requirements;

v


changes in the residential real estate brokerage, mortgage and mortgagefranchising industries and regulations that could affect brokerage, mortgage and mortgagefranchising transactions;
the ability to successfully integrate future acquired operations into a Registrant's business;
unanticipated construction delays, changes in costs, receipt of required permits and authorizations, ability to fund capital projects and other factors that could affect future facilities and infrastructure additions;
the availability and price of natural gas in applicable geographic regions and demand for natural gas supply;
the impact of new accounting guidance or changes in current accounting estimates and assumptions on the consolidated financial results of the respective Registrants;
the ability to successfully integrate future acquired operations into a Registrant's business; and
other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in the Registrants' filings with the SEC or in other publicly disseminated written documents.

Further details of the potential risks and uncertainties affecting the Registrants are described in the Registrants' filings with the SEC, including Item 1A and other discussions contained in this Form 10-K. Each Registrant undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing factors should not be construed as exclusive.


vi


PART I

Item 1.    Business

GENERAL

BHE is a holding company that owns subsidiariesa highly diversified portfolio of locally managed businesses principally engaged in the energy businessesindustry and is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. As of February 17, 201721, 2019, Berkshire Hathaway, Mr. Walter Scott, Jr., a member of BHE's Board of Directors (along with his family members and related or affiliated entities) and Mr. Gregory E. Abel, BHE's Executive Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,beneficially owned 90.0%90.9%, 9.0%8.1% and 1.0%, respectively, of BHE's voting common stock.

Berkshire Hathaway Energy's operations are organized and managed as eight business segments: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy), NV Energy (which primarily consists of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific), Northern Powergrid (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which consists of Northern Natural Gas and Kern River), BHE Transmission (which consists of AltaLink and BHE U.S. Transmission), BHE Renewables and HomeServices. BHE, through these locally managed and operated businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business selling power generated primarily frominvesting in wind, solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric sources under long-term contracts,projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

BHE owns a highly diversified portfolio of primarily regulated businesses that generate, transmit, store, distribute and supply energy and serve customers and end-users across geographically diverse service territories, including 18 states in the Western and Midwestern United States and in Great Britain and Canada.
90%87% of Berkshire Hathaway Energy's consolidated operating income during 20162018 was generated from rate-regulated businesses.
The Utilities serve 4.74.9 million electric and natural gas customers in 11 states in the United States, Northern Powergrid serves 3.9 million end-users in northern England and ALP serves approximately 85% of Alberta, Canada's population.
As of December 31, 20162018, Berkshire Hathaway Energy ownedthe Company owns approximately 31,600 MW33,700 MWs of generation capacity in operation and under construction:
Approximately 27,600 MW29,000 MWs of generation capacity is owned by its regulated electric utility businesses;
Approximately 4,000 MW4,700 MWs of generation capacity is owned by its nonregulated subsidiaries, the majority of which provides power to utilities under long-term contracts; and
Berkshire Hathaway Energy'sOwned generation capacity in operation and under construction consists of 33% natural gas, 30%35% wind and solar, 30%32% natural gas, 27% coal, 4%5% hydroelectric and 3%geothermal and 1% nuclear and other.other; and,
As of December 31, 2016, Berkshire Hathaway Energy has invested $19 billionCumulative investments in wind, solar, wind, geothermal and biomass generation facilities.facilities is approximately $25 billion.
Berkshire Hathaway EnergyThe Company owns approximately 32,90033,000 miles of transmission lines and owns a 50% interest in ETT that has approximately 1,200 miles of transmission lines.
The BHE Pipeline Group owns approximately 16,400 miles of pipeline with a market area design capacity of approximately 7.98.2 Bcf of natural gas per day, serves customers and end-users in 14 states and transported approximately 8% of the total natural gas consumed in the United States during 20162018.
HomeServices closed over $86.5$129.9 billion of home sales in 20162018, up 11.0%20.5% from 2015,2017, and continued to grow its brokerage, mortgage and franchise businesses.businesses, with services in 49 states. HomeServices' franchise business operates in 47 states with over 375has approximately 370 franchisees throughout the country.United States and Europe.

As of December 31, 20162018, Berkshire Hathaway Energy hadthe Company has approximately 21,00023,000 employees, of which approximately 8,4008,300 are covered by union contracts. The majority of the union employees are employed by the Utilities and are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Utility Workers Union of America, the United Utility Workers Association and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. These collective bargaining agreements have expiration dates ranging through August 2024. HomeServices currently has over 29,00042,500 real estate agents who are independent contractors and not employees.


Refer to Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional reportable segment information.

BHE's principal executive offices are located at 666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580, and its telephone number is (515) 242-4300.242-4300 and its internet address is www.berkshirehathawayenergyco.com. BHE was initially incorporated in 1971 as California Energy Company, Inc. under the laws of the state of Delaware and through a merger transaction in 1999 was reincorporated in Iowa under the name MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company. In 2014, its name was changed to Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company.

PACIFICORP

General

PacifiCorp, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, is a United States regulated electric utility company headquartered in Oregon that serves 1.81.9 million retail electric customers in portions of Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho and California. PacifiCorp is principally engaged in the business of generating, transmitting, distributing and selling electricity. PacifiCorp's combined service territory covers approximately 143,000141,400 square miles and includes diverse regional economies across six states. No single segment of the economy dominates the service territory, which helps mitigate PacifiCorp's exposure to economic fluctuations. In the eastern portion of the service territory, consisting of Utah, Wyoming and southeastern Idaho, the principal industries are manufacturing, mining or extraction of natural resources, agriculture, technology, recreation and government. In the western portion of the service territory, consisting of Oregon, southern Washington and northern California, the principal industries are agriculture, manufacturing, forest products, food processing, technology, government and primary metals. In addition to retail sales, PacifiCorp buys and sells electricity on the wholesale market with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants to balance and optimize the economic benefits of electricity generation, retail customer loads and existing wholesale transactions. Certain PacifiCorp subsidiaries support its electric utility operations by providing coal mining services.

PacifiCorp's operations are conducted under numerous franchise agreements, certificates, permits and licenses obtained from federal, state and local authorities. The average term of the franchise agreements is approximately 2524 years, although their terms range from five years to indefinite. Several of these franchise agreements allow the municipality the right to seek amendment to the franchise agreement at a specified time during the term. PacifiCorp generally has an exclusive right to serve electric customers within its service territories and, in turn, has an obligation to provide electric service to those customers. In return, the state utility commissions have established rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow PacifiCorp an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and to earn a reasonable return on its investments.

PacifiCorp's principal executive offices are located at 825 N.E. Multnomah Street, Portland, Oregon 97232, and its telephone number is (888) 221-7070.221-7070 and its internet address is www.pacificorp.com. PacifiCorp was initially incorporated in 1910 under the laws of the state of Maine under the name Pacific Power & Light Company. In 1984, Pacific Power & Light Company changed its name to PacifiCorp. In 1989, it merged with Utah Power and Light Company, a Utah corporation, in a transaction wherein both corporations merged into a newly formed Oregon corporation. The resulting Oregon corporation was re-named PacifiCorp, which is the operating entity today. PacifiCorp delivers electricity to customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho under the trade name Rocky Mountain Power and to customers in Oregon, Washington and California under the trade name Pacific Power.

BHE controls substantially all of PacifiCorp's voting securities, which include both common and preferred stock.


Regulated Electric Operations

Customers

The GWhGWhs and percentages of electricity sold to PacifiCorp's retail customers by jurisdiction for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
                      
Utah24,020
 44% 24,158
 44% 24,105
 44%24,514
 45% 24,134
 44% 24,020
 44%
Oregon12,869
 24
 12,863
 24
 12,959
 24
12,867
 23
 13,200
 24
 12,869
 24
Wyoming9,189
 17
 9,330
 17
 9,568
 17
9,393
 17
 9,330
 17
 9,189
 17
Washington3,982
 7
 4,108
 8
 4,118
 8
3,949
 7
 4,221
 8
 3,982
 7
Idaho3,510
 7
 3,443
 6
 3,495
 6
3,643
 7
 3,603
 6
 3,510
 7
California748
 1
 739
 1
 754
 1
749
 1
 762
 1
 748
 1
54,318
 100% 54,641
 100% 54,999
 100%55,115
 100% 55,250
 100% 54,318
 100%

Electricity sold to PacifiCorp's retail and wholesale customers by class of customer and the average number of retail customers for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2016 2015 2014
GWh sold:           
Residential16,058
 26% 15,566
 25% 15,568
 24%
Commercial16,857
 28
 17,262
 27
 17,073
 26
Industrial and irrigation20,924
 34
 21,403
 34
 21,934
 34
Other479
 1
 410
 
 424
 
Total retail54,318
 89
 54,641
 86
 54,999
 84
Wholesale6,641
 11
 8,889
 14
 10,270
 16
Total GWh sold60,959
 100% 63,530
 100% 65,269
 100%
            
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):           
Residential1,599
 87% 1,574
 87% 1,546
 87%
Commercial205
 11
 202
 11
 200
 11
Industrial and irrigation33
 2
 33
 2
 33
 2
Other4
 
 4
 
 4
 
Total1,841
 100% 1,813
 100% 1,783
 100%
            
Retail customers:           
Average usage per customer (kilowatt hours)29,505
   30,139
   30,846
  
Average revenue per customer$2,642
   $2,652
   $2,645
  
Revenue per kilowatt hour
9.0¢   
8.8¢   
8.6¢  
 2018 2017 2016
GWhs sold:           
Residential16,227
 26% 16,625
 27% 16,058
 26%
Commercial18,078
 28
 17,726
 28
 16,857
 28
Industrial, irrigation, and other20,810
 33
 20,899
 33
 21,403
 35
Total retail55,115
 87
 55,250
 88
 54,318
 89
Wholesale8,309
 13
 7,218
 12
 6,641
 11
Total GWhs sold63,424
 100% 62,468
 100% 60,959
 100%
            
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):           
Residential1,651
 87% 1,622
 87% 1,599
 87%
Commercial212
 11
 208
 11
 205
 11
Industrial, irrigation, and other37
 2
 37
 2
 37
 2
Total1,900
 100% 1,867
 100% 1,841
 100%

Changes
Variations in weather, economic and weather conditions as well asand various conservation, energy efficiency and customer self-generationprivate generation measures and programs can impact PacifiCorp's customer usage. Wholesale sales are impacted by market prices for energy relative to the incremental cost to generate power.

The annual hourly peak customer demand, which represents the highest demand on a given day and at a given hour, occurs in the summer when air conditioning and irrigation systems are heavily used. The winter also experiences a peak demand due to heating requirements. During 20162018, PacifiCorp's peak demand was 10,139 MW10,551 MWs in the summer and 8,708 MW8,436 MWs in the winter.


Generating Facilities and Fuel Supply

PacifiCorp has ownership interest in a diverse portfolio of generating facilities. The following table presents certain information regarding PacifiCorp's owned generating facilities as of December 31, 20162018:
 Facility Net Owned Facility Net Owned
 Net Capacity Capacity Net Capacity Capacity
Generating Facility Location Energy Source Installed 
(MW)(1)
 
(MW)(1)
 Location Energy Source Installed 
(MWs)(1)
 
(MWs)(1)
COAL:        
Jim Bridger Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Rock Springs, WY Coal 1974-1979 2,123
 1,415
 Rock Springs, WY Coal 1974-1979 2,123
 1,415
Hunter Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Castle Dale, UT Coal 1978-1983 1,363
 1,158
 Castle Dale, UT Coal 1978-1983 1,363
 1,158
Huntington Nos. 1 and 2 Huntington, UT Coal 1974-1977 909
 909
 Huntington, UT Coal 1974-1977 909
 909
Dave Johnston Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Glenrock, WY Coal 1959-1972 760
 760
 Glenrock, WY Coal 1959-1972 751
 751
Naughton Nos. 1, 2 and 3(2)
 Kemmerer, WY Coal 1963-1971 637
 637
 Kemmerer, WY Coal 1963-1971 637
 637
Cholla No. 4 Joseph City, AZ Coal 1981 395
 395
 Joseph City, AZ Coal 1981 395
 395
Wyodak No. 1 Gillette, WY Coal 1978 332
 266
 Gillette, WY Coal 1978 332
 266
Craig Nos. 1 and 2 Craig, CO Coal 1979-1980 855
 165
 Craig, CO Coal 1979-1980 837
 161
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 4 Colstrip, MT Coal 1984-1986 1,480
 148
 Colstrip, MT Coal 1984-1986 1,480
 148
Hayden Nos. 1 and 2 Hayden, CO Coal 1965-1976 446
 78
 Hayden, CO Coal 1965-1976 441
 77
 9,300
 5,931
 9,268
 5,917
NATURAL GAS:        
Lake Side 2 Vineyard, UT Natural gas/steam 2014 631
 631
 Vineyard, UT Natural gas/steam 2014 631
 631
Lake Side Vineyard, UT Natural gas/steam 2007 546
 546
 Vineyard, UT Natural gas/steam 2007 546
 546
Currant Creek Mona, UT Natural gas/steam 2005-2006 524
 524
 Mona, UT Natural gas/steam 2005-2006 524
 524
Chehalis Chehalis, WA Natural gas/steam 2003 477
 477
 Chehalis, WA Natural gas/steam 2003 477
 477
Hermiston Hermiston, OR Natural gas/steam 1996 461
 231
 Hermiston, OR Natural gas/steam 1996 461
 231
Gadsby Steam Salt Lake City, UT Natural gas 1951-1955 238
 238
 Salt Lake City, UT Natural gas 1951-1955 238
 238
Gadsby Peakers Salt Lake City, UT Natural gas 2002 119
 119
 Salt Lake City, UT Natural gas 2002 119
 119
 2,996
 2,766
 2,996
 2,766
HYDROELECTRIC:(3)
        
Lewis River System WA Hydroelectric 1931-1958 578
 578
 WA Hydroelectric 1931-1958 578
 578
North Umpqua River System OR Hydroelectric��1950-1956 204
 204
 OR Hydroelectric 1950-1956 204
 204
Klamath River System CA, OR Hydroelectric 1903-1962 170
 170
 CA, OR Hydroelectric 1903-1962 170
 170
Bear River System ID, UT Hydroelectric 1908-1984 105
 105
 ID, UT Hydroelectric 1908-1984 105
 105
Rogue River System OR Hydroelectric 1912-1957 52
 52
 OR Hydroelectric 1912-1957 52
 52
Minor hydroelectric facilities Various Hydroelectric 1895-1986 26
 26
 Various Hydroelectric 1895-1986 26
 26
 1,135
 1,135
 1,135
 1,135
WIND:(3)
        
Foote Creek Arlington, WY Wind 1999 41
 32
Leaning Juniper Arlington, OR Wind 2006 100
 100
Marengo Dayton, WA Wind 2007-2008 210
 210
 Dayton, WA Wind 2007-2008 210
 210
Seven Mile Hill Medicine Bow, WY Wind 2008 119
 119
Goodnoe Hills Goldendale, WA Wind 2008 94
 94
Glenrock Glenrock, WY Wind 2008-2009 138
 138
 Glenrock, WY Wind 2008-2009 138
 138
Seven Mile Hill Medicine Bow, WY Wind 2008 119
 119
Dunlap Ranch Medicine Bow, WY Wind 2010 111
 111
Leaning Juniper Arlington, OR Wind 2006 100
 100
High Plains McFadden, WY Wind 2009 99
 99
 McFadden, WY Wind 2009 99
 99
Rolling Hills Glenrock, WY Wind 2009 99
 99
 Glenrock, WY Wind 2009 99
 99
Goodnoe Hills Goldendale, WA Wind 2008 94
 94
Foote Creek Arlington, WY Wind 1999 41
 32
McFadden Ridge McFadden, WY Wind 2009 28
 28
 McFadden, WY Wind 2009 28
 28
Dunlap Ranch Medicine Bow, WY Wind 2010 111
 111
 1,039
 1,030
 1,039
 1,030
OTHER:(3)
        
Blundell Milford, UT Geothermal 1984, 2007 32
 32
 Milford, UT Geothermal 1984, 2007 32
 32
 32
 32
 32
 32
Total Available Generating CapacityTotal Available Generating Capacity 14,502
 10,894
Total Available Generating Capacity 14,470
 10,880
    
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION    
Various wind projects 950
 950
 15,420
 11,830


(1)
Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MW)MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates PacifiCorp's ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(2)As required by currentprevious state permits, PacifiCorp currently plansplanned to remove Naughton Unit No. 3 (280 MW)MWs) from coal-fueled service by year-end 2017. However, a request has been submitted to and is being considered byIn March 2017, the state of Wyoming that would allowissued an extension to operate the unit to operate as a coal-fueled unit until no later thanthrough January 30, 2019 and then either close or be converted to a natural gas.gas-fueled unit. PacifiCorp removed the unit from coal-fueled service on January 30, 2019, and is evaluating the economic benefits of converting it to a natural gas-fueled generation resource. Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.
(3)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of RECs or other environmental commodities.

The following table shows the percentages of PacifiCorp's total energy supplied by energy source for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Coal56% 61% 60%54% 56% 56%
Natural gas15
 14
 16
16
 11
 15
Hydroelectric(1)
6
 4
 5
5
 7
 6
Wind and other(1)
5
 4
 5
5
 5
 5
Total energy generated82
 83
 86
80
 79
 82
Energy purchased - short-term contracts and other10
 9
 6
10
 11
 10
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (renewable)(1)
8
 5
 5
10
 10
 8
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (non-renewable)
 3
 3

 
 
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%

(1)
All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities and purchases may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements, (b) sold to third parties in the form of RECs or other environmental commodities, or (c) excluded from energy purchased.

PacifiCorp is required to have resources available to continuously meet its customer needs and reliably operate its electric system. The percentage of PacifiCorp's energy supplied by energy source varies from year to year and is subject to numerous operational and economic factors such as planned and unplanned outages, fuel commodity prices, fuel transportation costs, weather, environmental considerations, transmission constraints and wholesale market prices of electricity. PacifiCorp evaluates these factors continuously in order to facilitate economical dispatch of its generating facilities. When factors for one energy source are less favorable, PacifiCorp places more reliance on other energy sources. For example, PacifiCorp can generate more electricity using its low cost hydroelectric and wind-powered generating facilities when factors associated with these facilities are favorable. In addition to meeting its customers' energy needs, PacifiCorp is required to maintain operating reserves on its system to mitigate the impacts of unplanned outages or other disruption in supply, and to meet intra-hour changes in load and resource balance. This operating reserve requirement is dispersed across PacifiCorp's generation portfolio on a least-cost basis based on the operating characteristics of the portfolio. Operating reserves may be held on hydroelectric, coal-fueled, or natural gas-fueled resources.or certain types of interruptible load. PacifiCorp manages certain risks relating to its supply of electricity and fuel requirements by entering into various contracts, which may be accounted for as derivatives and may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements. Refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of energy cost recovery by jurisdiction and to PacifiCorp's Item 7A in this Form 10-K for a discussion of commodity price risk and derivative contracts.

Coal

PacifiCorp has interests in coal mines that support its coal-fueled generating facilities and operates the Bridger surface and Bridger underground coal mines. In 2015, PacifiCorp idled the Deer Creek underground coal mine that historically served the Huntington, Hunter and Carbon Unit Nos. 1 and 2 ("Carbon Facility") generating facilities and commenced reclamation activities. These mines supplied 15%17%, 18%16% and 27%15% of PacifiCorp's total coal requirements during the years ended December 31, 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016, respectively. The remaining coal requirements are acquired through long and short-term third-party contracts. PacifiCorp also operates the Wyodak Coal Crushing Facility.


Most of PacifiCorp's coal reserves are held pursuant to leases through agreements with the federal Bureau of Land Management and from certain states and private parties. The leasesagreements generally have multi-year terms that may be renewed or extended, only with the consent of the lessor and require payment of rents and royalties. In addition, federal and state regulations require that comprehensive environmental protection and reclamation standards be met during the course of mining operations and upon completion of mining activities.


Coal reserve estimates are subject to adjustment as a result of the development of additional engineering and geological data, new mining technology and changes in regulation and economic factors affecting the utilization of such reserves. PacifiCorp's recoverable coal reserves of operating mines as of December 31, 20162018, based on recent engineering studies, were as follows (in millions):
Coal Mine Location Generating Facility Served Mining Method Recoverable Tons Location Generating Facility Served Mining Method Recoverable Tons
    
Bridger Rock Springs, WY Jim Bridger Surface 31
(1) Rock Springs, WY Jim Bridger Surface 16
(1)
Bridger Rock Springs, WY Jim Bridger Underground 8
(1) Rock Springs, WY Jim Bridger Underground 5
(1)
Trapper Craig, CO Craig Surface 5
(2) Craig, CO Craig Surface 4
(2)
 44
  25
 

(1)These coal reserves are leased and mined by Bridger Coal Company, a joint venture between Pacific Minerals, Inc. and a subsidiary of Idaho Power Company. Pacific Minerals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PacifiCorp, has a two-thirds interest in the joint venture. The amounts included above represent only PacifiCorp's two-thirds interest in the coal reserves.
(2)These coal reserves are leased and mined by Trapper Mining Inc., a cooperative in which PacifiCorp has an ownership interest of 21%. The amount included above represents only PacifiCorp's 21% interest in the coal reserves. PacifiCorp does not operate the Trapper mine.

Recoverability by surface mining methods typically ranges from 90% to 95%. Recoverability by underground mining techniques ranges from 50% to 70%. To meet applicable standards, PacifiCorp blends coal mined at its owned mines with contracted coal and utilizes emissions reduction technologies for controlling sulfur dioxide and other emissions. For fuel needs at PacifiCorp's coal-fueled generating facilities in excess of coal reserves available, PacifiCorp believes it will be able to purchase coal under both long and short-term contracts to supply its generating facilities over their currently expected remaining useful lives.

Natural Gas

PacifiCorp uses natural gas as fuel for its combined and simple-cycle natural gas-fueled generating facilities and for the Gadsby Steam generating facility. Oil and natural gas are also used for igniter fuel and standby purposes. These sources are presently in adequate supply and available to meet PacifiCorp's needs.

PacifiCorp enters into forward natural gas purchases at fixed or indexed market prices. PacifiCorp purchases natural gas in the spot market with both fixed and indexed market prices for physical delivery to fulfill any fuel requirements not already satisfied through forward purchases of natural gas and sells natural gas in the spot market for the disposition of any excess supply if the forecasted requirements of its natural gas-fueled generating facilities decrease. PacifiCorp also utilizes financial swap contracts to mitigate price risk associated with its forecasted fuel requirements.

Hydroelectric

The amount of electricity PacifiCorp is able to generate from its hydroelectric facilities depends on a number of factors, including snowpack in the mountains upstream of its hydroelectric facilities, reservoir storage, precipitation in its watersheds, generating unit availability and restrictions imposed by oversight bodies due to competing water management objectives.

PacifiCorp operates the majority of its hydroelectric generating portfolio under long-term licenses. The FERC regulates 99% of the net capacity of this portfolio through 15 individual licenses, which have terms of 30 to 50 years. The licenses for major hydroelectric generating facilities expire at various dates through May 2058. A portion of this portfolio is licensed under the Oregon Hydroelectric Act. For discussion of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric relicensing activities, including updated information regarding the Klamath River hydroelectric system, refer to Note 1615 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.


Wind and Other Renewable Resources

PacifiCorp has pursued renewable resources as a viable, economical and environmentally prudent means of supplying electricity and complying with laws and regulations. Renewable resources have low to no emissions and require little or no fossil fuel. PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities, including those facilities where a significant portion of the equipment willis expected to be replaced, are eligible for federal renewable electricity production tax credits for 10 years from the date the facilities are placed in-service. Production tax credits for PacifiCorp's currently eligible wind-powered generating facilities began expiring in 2016, with final expiration in 2020. PacifiCorp is in the process of repowering all of its wind-powered generating facilities in 2019 and 2020 to requalify the facilities for federal renewable electricity production tax credits for 10 years. The repowering project will extend the lives of the existing wind facilities by 10 years or more while increasing the anticipated electrical generation from the repowered wind facilities, on average, by approximately 26%. In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding repowering activities, refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K.

Wholesale Activities

PacifiCorp purchases and sells electricity in the wholesale markets as needed to balance its generation with its retail load obligations. PacifiCorp may also purchase electricity in the wholesale markets when it is more economical than generating electricity from its own facilities and may sell surplus electricity in the wholesale markets when it can do so economically. When prudent, PacifiCorp enters into financial swap contracts and forward electricity sales and purchases for physical delivery at fixed prices to reduce its exposure to electricity price volatility.

Energy Imbalance Market

PacifiCorp and the California ISO implemented an EIM in November 2014, which reduces costs to serve customers through more efficient dispatch of a larger and more diverse pool of resources, more effectively integrates renewables and enhances reliability through improved situational awareness and responsiveness. The EIM expands the real-time component of the California ISO's market technology to optimize and balance electricity supply and demand every five minutes across the EIM footprint. The EIM is voluntary and available to all balancing authorities in the western United States. EIM market participants submit bids to the California ISO market operator before each hour for each generating resource they choose to be dispatched by the market. Each bid is comprised of a dispatchable operating range, ramp rate and prices across the operating range. The California ISO market operator uses sophisticated technology to select the least-cost resources to meet demand and send simultaneous dispatch signals to every participating generator across the EIM footprint every five minutes. In addition to generation resource bids, the California ISO market operator also receives continuous real-time updates of the transmission grid network, meteorological and load forecast information that it uses to optimize dispatch instructions. Outside the EIM footprint, utilities in the western United States do not utilize comparable technology and are largely limited to transactions within the borders of their balancing authority area to balance supply and demand intra-hour using a combination of manual and automated dispatch. The EIM delivers customer benefits by leveraging automation and resource diversity to result in more efficient dispatch, more effective integration of renewables and improved situational awareness. Benefits are expected to increase further with renewable resource expansion and as more entities join the EIM bringing incremental diversity.

PacifiCorp will continue to monitor regional market expansion efforts, including creation of a regional Independent System Operator ("ISO"). California Senate Bill No. 350, which was passed in October 2015, authorized the California legislature to consider making changes to current laws that would create an independent governance structure for a regional ISO during the 2017 legislative session. The California legislature did not pass any legislation related to a regional ISO during its 2018 legislative session, which closed August 31, 2018.

Transmission and Distribution

PacifiCorp operates one balancing authority area in the western portion of its service territory and one balancing authority area in the eastern portion of its service territory. A balancing authority area is a geographic area with transmission systems that control generation to maintain schedules with other balancing authority areas and ensure reliable operations. In operating the balancing authority areas, PacifiCorp is responsible for continuously balancing electricity supply and demand by dispatching generating resources and interchange transactions so that generation internal to the balancing authority area, plus net imported power, matches customer loads. Deliveries of energy over PacifiCorp's transmission system are managed and scheduled in accordance with FERC requirements.


PacifiCorp's transmission system is part of the Western Interconnection, which includes the interconnected transmission systems of 14 western states, two Canadian provinces and parts of Mexico. PacifiCorp's transmission system, together with contractual rights on other transmission systems, enables PacifiCorp to integrate and access generation resources to meet its customer load requirements. PacifiCorp's transmission and distribution systems included approximately 16,500 miles of transmission lines in nineten states, 63,00064,000 miles of distribution lines and 900 substations as of December 31, 20162018.

PacifiCorp's transmission and distribution system is managed on a coordinated basis to obtain maximum load-carrying capability and efficiency. Portions of PacifiCorp's transmission and distribution systems are located:

On property owned or leasedused through agreements by PacifiCorp;
Under or over streets, alleys, highways and other public places, the public domain and national forests and state and federal lands under franchises, easements or other rights that are generally subject to termination;
Under or over private property as a result of easements obtained primarily from the title holder of record; or
Under or over Native American reservations under grant of easement bythrough agreements with the United States Secretary of Interior or lease by Native American tribes.
It is possible that some of the easements and the property over which the easements were granted may have title defects or may be subject to mortgages or liens existing at the time the easements were acquired.


PacifiCorp and the California ISO implemented an EIM in November 2014. The EIM expands the real-time component of the California ISO's market technology to optimize and balance electricity supply and demand every five minutes across the entire PacifiCorp and California ISO EIM footprint. The EIM is voluntary and available to all balancing authorities in the Western United States. EIM market participants submit bids to the California ISO market operator before each hour for each generating resource they choose to be dispatched by the market. Each bid is comprised of a dispatchable operating range, ramp rate and prices across the operating range. The California ISO market operator uses sophisticated technology to select the least-cost resources to meet demand and send simultaneous dispatch signals to every participating generator across the EIM footprint every five minutes. In addition to generation resource bids, the California ISO market operator also receives continuous real-time updates of the transmission grid network, meteorological and load forecast information that it uses to optimize dispatch instructions. Outside the EIM footprint, utilities in the Western United States do not utilize comparable technology and are largely limited to transactions within the borders of their balancing authority area to balance supply and demand intra-hour using a combination of manual and automated dispatch. The EIM delivers customer benefits by leveraging automation and resource diversity to result in more efficient dispatch, more effective integration of renewables and improved situational awareness. Benefits to customers have increased since NV Energy, Puget Sound Energy and Arizona Public Service joined the EIM in 2015 and 2016, and benefits are expected to increase further with renewable resource expansion and as more entities join the EIM bringing incremental diversity.

PacifiCorp and the California ISO are exploring the feasibility, costs and benefits of PacifiCorp joining a regional Independent System Operator ("ISO") as a participating transmission owner if the California ISO becomes a regional ISO by modifying its governance structure and expanding its balancing authority area. California Senate Bill No. 350, which was passed in October 2015, authorizes the California legislature to consider making changes to current laws that would create an independent governance structure for a regional ISO during the 2017 legislative session. If PacifiCorp decides to become a participating transmission owner in the regional ISO, it will seek necessary regulatory approvals, including from its state regulatory commissions and the FERC. Joining the regional ISO would extend PacifiCorp's current participation in the real-time market through the EIM to participation in the day-ahead energy market operated by the California ISO, in addition to unified planning and operation of PacifiCorp's transmission network.

PacifiCorp's Energy Gateway Transmission Expansion Program represents plans to build approximately 2,000 miles of new high-voltage transmission lines, with an estimated cost exceeding $6 billion, primarily in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Oregon. The $6 billion estimated cost includes: (a) the 135-mile, 345-kV Populus to Terminal transmission line between the Terminal substation near the Salt Lake City Airport and the Populus substation in Downey, Idaho placed in-service in 2010; (b) the 100-mile, 345/50-kV500-kV Mona to Oquirrh transmission line between the Mona substation in central Utah and the Oquirrh substation in the Salt Lake Valley placed in-service in 2013; (c) the 170-mile, 345-kV transmission line between the Sigurd Substation in central Utah and the Red Butte Substation in southwest Utah placed in-service in May 2015; and (d) other segments that are expected to be placed in-service in future years, depending on load growth, siting, permitting and construction schedules. The transmission line segments are intended to: (a) address customer load growth; (b) improve system reliability; (c) reduce transmission system constraints; (d) provide access to diverse generation resources, including renewable resources; and (e) improve the flow of electricity throughout PacifiCorp's six-state service area. Proposed transmission line segments are evaluated to ensure optimal benefits and timing before committing to move forward with permitting and construction. Through December 31, 20162018, $1.9$2.0 billion had been spent and $1.6 billion, including AFUDC, had been placed in-service.

Future Generation, Conservation and Energy Efficiency

Integrated Resource PlanPlanning

As required by certain state regulations, PacifiCorp uses an IRP to develop a long-term resource plan to ensure that PacifiCorp can continue to provide reliable and cost-effective electric service to its customers while maintaining compliance with existing and evolving environmental laws and regulations. The IRP process identifies the amount and timing of PacifiCorp's expected future resource needs, accounting for planning uncertainty, risks, reliability, state energy policies and other factors. The IRP is prepared following a public process, which provides an opportunity for stakeholders to participate in PacifiCorp's resource planning process. PacifiCorp files its IRP on a biennial basis with the state commissions in each of the six states where PacifiCorp operates. Five states indicate whether the IRP meets the state commission's IRP standards and guidelines, a process referred to as "acknowledgment" in some states.

In March 2015,April 2017, PacifiCorp filed its 20152017 IRP with theits state commissions. In 2015,The IRP, which includes the WPSC acceptedEnergy Vision 2020 project in the 2015preferred portfolio, includes investments in renewable energy resources, upgrades to the existing wind fleet, and energy efficiency measures to meet future customer needs. The OPUC acknowledged PacifiCorp's 2017 IRP into its files andin December 2017, the UPSC acknowledged the 2017 IRP in March 2018, the IPUC acknowledged the 2017 IRP in April 2018 and the WUTC acknowledged the 2015 IRP. In February 2016, the OPUC acknowledged the 20152017 IRP with one exception. In March 2016,in May 2018. PacifiCorp filed its update to the 20152017 IRP Update with its state commissions, except for California, in May 2018. In August 2018, PacifiCorp filed its 2017 IRP and its 2017 IRP Update with the state commissions.CPUC to comply with new IRP requirements in California. PacifiCorp is currently developing its 20172019 IRP that is expected to be filed in March 2017.summer 2019.


Requests for Proposals

PacifiCorp issues individual Request for Proposals ("RFP"), each of which typically focuses on a specific category of generation resources consistent with the IRP or other customer-driven demands. The IRP and the RFPs provide for the identification and staged procurement of resources to meet load or renewable portfolio standard requirements. Depending upon the specific RFP, applicable laws and regulations may require PacifiCorp to file draft RFPs with the UPSC, the OPUC and the WUTC. Approval by the UPSC, the OPUC or the WUTC may be required depending on the nature of the RFPs.

As required by applicable laws and regulations, PacifiCorp issued renewable resourcefiled its draft 2017R RFP with the UPSC in June 2017 and renewable energy credit RFPswith the OPUC in August 2017. The UPSC and the OPUC approved PacifiCorp's 2017R RFP in September 2017. The 2017R RFP was subsequently released to the market on April 11, 2016.September 27, 2017. The RFPs were issued2017R RFP sought up to seek cost-effective renewableapproximately 1,270 MWs of new wind resources and RECs that can take full advantageinterconnect to PacifiCorp's transmission system in Wyoming once a proposed high-voltage transmission line is constructed. The 2017R RFP also sought proposals for wind resources located outside of Wyoming capable of delivering all-in economic benefits for PacifiCorp's customers. The proposed high-voltage transmission line and new wind resources must be placed in service by December 31, 2020, to maximize potential federal incomeproduction tax incentivescredit benefits for PacifiCorp's customers. PacifiCorp finalized its bid-selection process and that can be usedestablished a final shortlist in February 2018. PacifiCorp plans to meet renewable portfolio standard requirements in Oregon, Washington,deliver 1,150 MWs from three new wind facilities under various commercial structures including a power purchase agreement, a build-transfer agreement, and California.traditional self-build agreements. PacifiCorp executed REChas finalized a 200-MW power purchase agreement and a 200-MW build-transfer agreement for one of three new wind facilities. PacifiCorp has also secured agreements fromfor safe harbor wind turbine equipment, acquisition of development assets and balance-of-plant construction for the two remaining projects; one providing 250 MWs and a second providing 500 MWs. Agreements for acquisition of follow-on wind project offering prior-year vintage RECs and from six solar projects offering RECs that will be generated overturbine equipment for the period 2016 through 2036. The solarfinal two projects are located in Oregon and Utah and have an aggregate capacity of 169 MW.nearing completion.

Utah Subscriber Solar Program

In October 2015, the UPSC approved the Utah Subscriber Solar Program that allows Utah customers to meet a portion or all of their energy requirements from Utah-based solar photovoltaic resources. The program is an alternative for customers who are unable or do not want to install solar. Residential and small commercial participants will be able to subscribe in 200 kilowatt-hour blocks up to their total annual usage. Large commercial and industrial participants will be able to subscribe in 1 kilowatt blocks up to their total annual usage. As part of the program, PacifiCorp issued a 2015 Solar RFP to seek solar photovoltaic resources up to 20 MW sited in Utah. The contract for the solar resource was executed in January 2016 and the plant officially started generating service for the Subscriber Solar Program on December 30, 2016. Enrollment began May 2016 for commercial customers and June 2016 for residential customers, and was sold out within 26 weeks.
Demand-side Management

PacifiCorp has provided a comprehensive set of DSM programs to its customers since the 1970s. The programs are designed to reduce energy consumption and more effectively manage when energy is used, including management of seasonal peak loads. PacifiCorp offers services to customers such as energy engineering audits and information on how to improve the efficiency of their homes and businesses. To assist customers in investing in energy efficiency, PacifiCorp offers rebates or incentives encouraging the purchase and installation of high-efficiency equipment such as lighting, heating and cooling equipment, weatherization, motors, process equipment and systems, as well as incentives for energy project management, efficient building operations and efficient construction. Incentives are also paid to solicit participation in load management programs by residential, business and agricultural customers through programs such as PacifiCorp's residential and small commercial air conditioner load control program and irrigation equipment load control programs. Although subject to prudence reviews, state regulations allow for contemporaneous recovery of costs incurred for the DSM programs through state-specific energy efficiency surcharges to retail customers or for recovery of costs through rates. During 2016,2018, PacifiCorp spent $142$149 million on these DSM programs, resulting in an estimated 685,109 MWh598,712 MWhs of first-year energy savings and an estimated 290 MW306 MWs of peak load management. In March 2016,PacifiCorp began amortizing Utah DSM program costs over a 10-year period in 2017, as a result of the Utah Legislature approved Senate Bill 115, "Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan Act" that will enableAct." In 2018, upon approval from the WPSC, PacifiCorp to amortizebegan amortizing Wyoming DSM program costs over a 10 year10-year period beginning in 2017.for Category 3 large energy-using customers. In addition to these DSM programs, PacifiCorp has load curtailment contracts with a number of large industrial customers that deliver up to 305 MWMWs of load reduction when needed, depending on the customers' actual loads. Recovery of the costs associated with the large industrial load management program are captured in the retail special contract agreements with those customers approved by their respective state commissions or through PacifiCorp's general rate case process.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp had approximately 5,6005,400 employees, of which approximately 3,3003,100 were covered by union contracts, principally with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Utility Workers Union of America and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING AND MIDAMERICAN ENERGY

MidAmerican Funding is an Iowa limited liability company whose sole member is BHE. MidAmerican Funding, a holding company, owns all of the outstanding common stock of MHC Inc. ("MHC"), which is a holding company owning all of the common stock of MidAmerican Energy; Midwest Capital Group, Inc. ("Midwest Capital"); and MEC Construction Services Co. ("MEC Construction"). MidAmerican Energy is a public utility company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and incorporated in the state of Iowa. MHC, MidAmerican Funding and BHEMidAmerican Energy are also headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.indirect consolidated subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway.


MidAmerican Funding and MHC

MidAmerican Funding conducts no business other than activities related to its debt securities and the ownership of MHC. MHC conducts no business other than the ownership of its subsidiaries and related corporate services. MidAmerican Energy accounts for the predominant partis a substantial portion of MidAmerican Funding's and MHC's assets, revenue and earnings. Financial information on

MidAmerican Funding's segments of businessprincipal executive offices are located at 666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580 and its telephone number is (515) 242-4300. MidAmerican Funding was formed as a limited liability company in Note 201999 under the laws of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsstate of MidAmerican Funding in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.Iowa.

MidAmerican Energy

General

MidAmerican Energy, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, is a United States regulated electric and natural gas utility company that serves 0.8 million regulated retail electric customers in portions of Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota and 0.70.8 million regulated retail and transportation natural gas customers in portions of Iowa, South Dakota, Illinois and Nebraska. MidAmerican Energy is principally engaged in the business of generating, transmitting, distributing and selling electricity and in distributing, selling and transporting natural gas. MidAmerican Energy's service territory covers approximately 11,000 square miles. Metropolitan areas in which MidAmerican Energy distributes electricity at retail include Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Sioux City and Waterloo, Iowa; and the Quad Cities (Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois). Metropolitan areas in which it distributes natural gas at retail include Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, Sioux City and Waterloo, Iowa; the Quad Cities; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. MidAmerican Energy has a diverse customer base consisting of urban and rural residential customers and a variety of commercial and industrial customers. Principal industries served by MidAmerican Energy include electronic data storage; processing and sales of food products; manufacturing, processing and fabrication of primary metals;metals, farm and other non-electrical machinery; real estate; electronic data storage; cement and gypsum products; financial services; and government. In addition to retail sales and natural gas transportation, MidAmerican Energy sells electricity principally to markets operated by RTOs and natural gas to other utilities and market participants on a wholesale basis. MidAmerican Energy is a transmission-owning member of the MISO and participates in its capacity, energy capacity and ancillary services markets.

MidAmerican Energy's regulated electric and natural gas operations are conducted under numerous franchise agreements, certificates, permits and licenses obtained from federal, state and local authorities. The franchise agreements, with various expiration dates, are typically for 20- to 25-year terms. Several of these franchise agreements give either party the right to seek amendment to the franchise agreement at one or two specified times during the term. MidAmerican Energy generally has an exclusive right to serve electric customers within its service territories and, in turn, has an obligation to provide electricity service to those customers. In return, the state utility commissions have established rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow MidAmerican Energy an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and to earn a reasonable return on its investment. In Illinois, MidAmerican Energy's regulated retail electric customers may choose their energy supplier.

Prior to 2016, MidAmerican Energy also had nonregulated business activities consisting predominantly of competitive electricity and natural gas. On January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy transferred the assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC, a subsidiary of BHE.


MidAmerican Energy had total assets of $15.5 billion as of December 31, 2016, and total operating revenue of $2.6 billion for 2016. Financial information on MidAmerican Energy's segments of business is disclosed in MidAmerican Energy's Note 20 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

The percentages of MidAmerican Energy's operating revenue and netoperating income derived from the following business activities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
Regulated electric76% 74% 65%75% 75% 76%
Regulated gas24
 26
 35
25
 25
 24
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%
          
Operating income:          
Regulated electric88% 86% 81%85% 86% 88%
Regulated gas12
 14
 19
15
 14
 12
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%


MidAmerican Energy's principal executive offices are located at 666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580, its telephone number is (515) 242-4300 and its internet address is www.midamericanenergy.com. MidAmerican Energy was incorporated under the laws of the state of Iowa as part of the July 1, 1995 merger of Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company, Midwest Resources Inc. and Midwest Power Systems Inc. On December 1, 1996, MidAmerican Energy became, through a corporate reorganization, a wholly owned subsidiary of MHC Inc., formerly known as MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company.

Regulated Electric Operations

Customers

The GWhGWhs and percentages of electricity sold to MidAmerican Energy's retail customers by jurisdiction for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
                      
Iowa21,766
 91% 20,922
 90% 20,585
 90%23,670
 92% 22,365
 91% 21,766
 91%
Illinois1,940
 8
 1,903
 9
 1,975
 9
1,944
 7
 1,891
 8
 1,940
 8
South Dakota218
 1
 217
 1
 217
 1
237
 1
 236
 1
 218
 1
23,924
 100% 23,042
 100% 22,777
 100%25,851
 100% 24,492
 100% 23,924
 100%

Electricity sold to MidAmerican Energy's retail and wholesale customers by class of customer and the average number of retail customers for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
GWh sold:           
GWhs sold:           
Residential6,408
 20% 6,166
 19% 6,429
 20%6,763
 18% 6,207
 18% 6,408
 20%
Commercial3,812
 12
 3,806
 12
 4,084
 12
3,897
 11
 3,761
 11
 3,812
 12
Industrial12,115
 37
 11,487
 36
 10,642
 33
13,587
 37
 12,957
 39
 12,115
 37
Other1,589
 5
 1,583
 5
 1,622
 5
1,604
 4
 1,567
 5
 1,589
 5
Total retail23,924
 74
 23,042
 72
 22,777
 70
25,851
 70
 24,492
 73
 23,924
 74
Wholesale8,489
 26
 8,741
 28
 9,716
 30
11,181
 30
 9,165
 27
 8,489
 26
Total GWh sold32,413
 100% 31,783
 100% 32,493
 100%
Total GWhs sold37,032
 100% 33,657
 100% 32,413
 100%
                      
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):                      
Residential653
 86% 646
 86% 643
 86%670
 86% 662
 86% 653
 86%
Commercial91
 12
 90
 12
 87
 12
94
 12
 92
 12
 91
 12
Industrial2
 
 2
 
 2
 
2
 
 2
 
 2
 
Other14
 2
 14
 2
 14
 2
14
 2
 14
 2
 14
 2
Total760
 100% 752
 100% 746
 100%780
 100% 770
 100% 760
 100%

In addition to the variationsVariations in weather, from year to year, fluctuations in economic conditions within MidAmerican Energy's service territory and elsewherevarious conservation and energy efficiency measures and programs can impact customer usage, particularly for industrial customers.usage. Wholesale sales are impacted by market prices for energy relative to the incremental cost to generate power.

There are seasonal variations in MidAmerican Energy's electricity sales that are principally related to weather and the related use of electricity for air conditioning. Additionally, electricity sales are priced higher in the summer months compared to the remaining months of the year. As a result, 40% to 50% of MidAmerican Energy's regulated electric revenue is reported in the months of June, July, August and September.

A degree of concentration of sales exists with certain large electric retail customers. Sales to the ten largest customers, from a variety of industries, comprised 16%20%, 15%19% and 14%16% of total retail electric sales in 2018, 2017 and 2016, 2015respectively. Sales to electronic data storage customers included in the ten largest customers comprised 9%, 9% and 2014,7% of total retail electric sales in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


The annual hourly peak demand on MidAmerican Energy's electric system usually occurs as a result of air conditioning use during the cooling season. Peak demand represents the highest demand on a given day and at a given hour. On July 21, 2016,12, 2018, retail customer usage of electricity caused ana new record hourly peak demand of 4,698 MW5,051 MWs on MidAmerican Energy's electric distribution system, which is 54 MW less201 MWs greater than the previous record hourly peak demand of 4,752 MW4,850 MWs set July 19, 2011.

2017.

Generating Facilities and Fuel Supply

MidAmerican Energy has ownership interest in a diverse portfolio of generating facilities. The following table presents certain information regarding MidAmerican Energy's owned generating facilities as of December 31, 2016:2018:
 Facility Net
 Year Facility Net Net Owned Year Installed / Net Capacity Owned Capacity
Generating Facility Location Energy Source Installed 
Capacity (MW)(1)
 
Capacity (MW)(1)
 Location Energy Source 
Repowered(1)
 
(MWs)(2)
 
(MWs)(2)
WIND:                    
Intrepid Schaller, IA Wind 2004-2005 / 2018 176
 176
Century Blairsburg, IA Wind 2005-2008 / 2018 200
 200
Victory Westside, IA Wind 2006 / 2018 99
 99
Pomeroy Pomeroy, IA Wind 2007-2011 / 2018 286
 286
Adair Adair, IA Wind 2008 175
 175
 Adair, IA Wind 2008 175
 175
Carroll Carroll, IA Wind 2008 150
 150
Charles City Charles City, IA Wind 2008 / 2018 75
 75
Walnut Walnut, IA Wind 2008 150
 150
Laurel Laurel, IA Wind 2011 120
 120
Rolling Hills Massena, IA Wind 2011 443
 443
Eclipse Adair, IA Wind 2012 200
 200
Morning Light Adair, IA Wind 2012 100
 100
Vienna Gladbrook, IA Wind 2012-2013 150
 150
Lundgren Otho, IA Wind 2014 250
 250
Macksburg Macksburg, IA Wind 2014 119
 119
Wellsburg Wellsburg, IA Wind 2014 139
 139
Adams Lennox, IA Wind 2015 150
 150
 Lennox, IA Wind 2015 150
 150
Carroll Carroll, IA Wind 2008 150
 150
Century Blairsburg, IA Wind 2005-2008 200
 200
Charles City Charles City, IA Wind 2008 75
 75
Eclipse Adair, IA Wind 2012 200
 200
Highland Primghar, IA Wind 2015 475
 475
 Primghar, IA Wind 2015 475
 475
Ida Grove Ida Grove, IA Wind 2016 300
 300
 Ida Grove, IA Wind 2016 300
 300
Intrepid Schaller, IA Wind 2004-2005 176
 176
Laurel Laurel, IA Wind 2011 120
 120
Lundgren Otho, IA Wind 2014 250
 250
Macksburg Macksburg, IA Wind 2014 119
 119
Morning Light Adair, IA Wind 2012 100
 100
O'Brien Primghar, IA Wind 2016 250
 250
 Primghar, IA Wind 2016 250
 250
Pomeroy Pomeroy, IA Wind 2007-2011 286
 286
Rolling Hills Massena, IA Wind 2011 443
 443
Victory Westside, IA Wind 2006 99
 99
Vienna Gladbrook, IA Wind 2012-2013 150
 150
Walnut Walnut, IA Wind 2008 150
 150
Wellsburg Wellsburg, IA Wind 2014 139
 139
Beaver Creek Ogden, IA Wind 2017-2018 340
 340
Prairie Montezuma, IA Wind 2017-2018 168
 168
Arbor Hill Greenfield, IA Wind 2018 250
 250
Ivester Wellsburg, IA Wind 2018 91
 91
North English Montezuma, IA Wind 2018 200
 200
Orient Greenfield, IA Wind 2018 102
 102
 4,007
 4,007
 5,158
 5,158
COAL:        
Louisa Muscatine, IA Coal 1983 746
 656
Walter Scott, Jr. Unit No. 3 Council Bluffs, IA Coal 1978 708
 560
Walter Scott, Jr. Unit No. 4 Council Bluffs, IA Coal 2007 815
 486
Ottumwa Ottumwa, IA Coal 1981 712
 370
George Neal Unit No. 3 Sergeant Bluff, IA Coal 1975 518
 373
 Sergeant Bluff, IA Coal 1975 515
 371
George Neal Unit No. 4 Salix, IA Coal 1979 660
 268
 Salix, IA Coal 1979 645
 262
Louisa Muscatine, IA Coal 1983 740
 651
Ottumwa Ottumwa, IA Coal 1981 730
 380
Walter Scott, Jr. Unit No. 3 Council Bluffs, IA Coal 1978 702
 555
Walter Scott, Jr. Unit No. 4 Council Bluffs, IA Coal 2007 806
 481
 4,156
 2,708
 4,141
 2,705
NATURAL GAS AND OTHER:        
Greater Des Moines Pleasant Hill, IA Gas 2003-2004 481
 481
 Pleasant Hill, IA Gas 2003-2004 489
 489
Coralville Coralville, IA Gas 1970 63
 63
Electrifarm Waterloo, IA Gas or Oil 1975-1978 182
 182
 Waterloo, IA Gas or Oil 1975-1978 190
 190
Moline Moline, IL Gas 1970 61
 61
Parr Charles City, IA Gas 1969 33
 33
Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill, IA Gas or Oil 1990-1994 160
 160
 Pleasant Hill, IA Gas or Oil 1990-1994 156
 156
Sycamore Johnston, IA Gas or Oil 1974 150
 150
River Hills Des Moines, IA Gas 1966-1967 115
 115
 Des Moines, IA Gas 1966-1967 115
 115
Riverside Unit No. 5 Bettendorf, IA Gas 1961 123
 123
 Bettendorf, IA Gas 1961 107
 107
Sycamore Johnston, IA Gas or Oil 1974 148
 148
Coralville Coralville, IA Gas 1970 66
 66
Moline Moline, IL Gas 1970 64
 64
28 portable power modules Various Oil 2000 56
 56
 Various Oil 2000 56
 56
Parr Charles City, IA Gas 1969 32
 32
 1,422
 1,422
 1,425
 1,425
NUCLEAR:        
Quad Cities Unit Nos. 1 and 2 Cordova, IL Uranium 1972 1,824
 456
    
HYDROELECTRIC:    
Moline Unit Nos. 1-4(2)
 Moline, IL Hydroelectric 1941 2
 2
    
Total Available Generating Capacity 11,411
 8,595
    
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION    
Various wind projects 2,000
 2,000
 13,411
 10,595


        Facility Net
      Year Installed / Net Capacity Owned Capacity
Generating Facility Location Energy Source 
Repowered(1)
 
(MWs)(2)
 
(MWs)(2)
Quad Cities Unit Nos. 1 and 2 Cordova, IL Uranium 1972 1,823
 456
           
HYDROELECTRIC:          
Moline Unit Nos. 1-4 Moline, IL Hydroelectric 1941 4
 4
           
Total Available Generating Capacity     12,551
 9,748
           
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION        
Various wind projects       1,440
 1,440
    13,991
 11,188
(1)
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rules provide for re-establishment of the production tax credit for an existing wind-powered generating facility upon the replacement of a significant portion of its components. Such component replacement is commonly referred to as repowering. If the degree of component replacement in such projects meets IRS guidelines, production tax credits are re-established for ten years at rates that depend upon the date in which construction begins.
(2)Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MW)MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates MidAmerican Energy's ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(2)Three of the Moline hydroelectric units were out of service and not accredited by the MISO in 2016.

The following table shows the percentages of MidAmerican Energy's total energy supplied by energy source for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Coal39% 48% 55%42% 40% 39%
Nuclear12
 12
 12
10
 11
 12
Natural gas2
 1
 
2
 1
 2
Wind and other(1)
35
 29
 24
36
 38
 35
Total energy generated88
 90
 91
90
 90
 88
Energy purchased - short-term contracts and other10
 8
 7
8
 8
 10
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (renewable)(1)
1
 1
 1
1
 1
 1
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (non-renewable)1
 1
 1
1
 1
 1
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%

(1)
All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities and purchases may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements, (b) sold to third parties in the form of renewable energy credits or other environmental commodities, or (c) excluded from energy purchased.

MidAmerican Energy is required to have resources available for dispatch by MISO to continuously meet its customer needs.needs and reliably operate its electric system. The percentage of MidAmerican Energy's energy supplied by energy source varies from year to year and is subject to numerous operational and economic factors such as planned and unplanned outages, fuel commodity prices, fuel transportation costs, weather, environmental considerations, transmission constraints, and wholesale market prices of electricity. MidAmerican Energy evaluates these factors continuously in order to facilitate economical dispatch of its generating facilities by MISO. When factors for one energy source are less favorable, MidAmerican Energy places more reliance on other energy sources. For example, MidAmerican Energy can generate more electricity using its low cost wind-powered generating facilities when factors associated with these facilities are favorable. When factors associated with wind resources are less favorable, MidAmerican Energy must increase its reliance on more expensive generation or purchased electricity. Refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of energy cost recovery by jurisdiction.

Coal

All of the coal-fueled generating facilities operated by MidAmerican Energy are fueled by low-sulfur, western coal from the Powder River Basin in northeast Wyoming. MidAmerican Energy's coal supply portfolio includes multiple suppliers and mines under short-term and multi-year agreements of varying terms and quantities through 2019.2020. MidAmerican Energy believes supplies

from these sources are presently adequate and available to meet MidAmerican Energy's needs. MidAmerican Energy's coal supply portfolio has substantially all of its expected 20172019 requirements under fixed-price contracts. MidAmerican Energy regularly monitors the western coal market for opportunities to enhance its coal supply portfolio.

MidAmerican Energy has a multi-year long-haul coal transportation agreement with BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF"), an affiliate company, for the delivery of coal to all of the MidAmerican Energy-operated coal-fueled generating facilities other than the George Neal Energy Center. Under this agreement, BNSF delivers coal directly to MidAmerican Energy's Walter Scott, Jr. Energy Center and to an interchange point with Canadian Pacific Railway Company for short-haul delivery to the Louisa Energy Center. MidAmerican Energy has a multi-year long-haul coal transportation agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for the delivery of coal to the George Neal Energy Center.

Nuclear

MidAmerican Energy is a 25% joint owner of Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station"), a nuclear power plant. Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("Exelon Generation"), a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, is the 75% joint owner and the operator of Quad Cities Station. Approximately one-third of the nuclear fuel assemblies in each reactor core at Quad Cities Station is replaced every 24 months. MidAmerican Energy has been advised by Exelon Generation that the following requirements for Quad Cities Station can be met under existing supplies or commitments: uranium requirements through 2021 and partial requirements through 2022;2025; uranium conversion requirements through 2021 and partial requirements through 2025; enrichment requirements through 20202021 and partial requirements through 2025; and fuel fabrication requirements through 2022. MidAmerican Energy has been advised by Exelon Generation that it does not anticipate it will have difficulty in contracting for uranium, uranium conversion, enrichment or fabrication of nuclear fuel needed to operate Quad Cities Station during these time periods.

Natural Gas

MidAmerican Energy uses natural gas and oil as fuel for intermediate and peak demand electric generation, igniter fuel, transmission support and standby purposes. These sources are presently in adequate supply and available to meet MidAmerican Energy's needs.

Wind and Other

MidAmerican Energy owns more wind-powered generating capacity than any other United States rate-regulated electric utility and believes wind-powered generation offers a viable, economical and environmentally prudent means of supplying electricity and complying with laws and regulations. Pursuant to ratemaking principles approved by the IUB, all of MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities in servicein-service at December 31, 2016,2018, are authorized to earn over their regulatory lives a fixed rate of return on equity over their useful lives ranging from 11.35%11.0% to 12.2% on the depreciated cost of their original construction, which excludes the cost of later replacements, in any future Iowa rate proceeding. MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities, including those facilities where a significant portion of the equipment will bewas replaced, commonly referred to as repowered facilities, are eligible for federal renewable electricity production tax credits for 10 years from the date the facilities are placed in service.in-service. Production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold. Production tax credits for MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities currently in service,in-service, began expiring in 2014, with final expiration in 2026.2028. MidAmerican Energy has repowered, or plans to repower, all but 50 MWs of wind-powered generating facilities for which production tax credits have expired or will expire by the end of 2022. MidAmerican Energy anticipates energy generation from the repowered facilities will increase, on average, by approximately 19 to 30% depending upon the technology being repowered.

Of the 5,215 MWs (nominal ratings) of wind-powered generating facilities in-service as of December 31, 2018, 4,551 MWs were generating production tax credits, including 636 MWs for facilities repowered in 2017 and 2018. Of those facilities currently not generating production tax credits, 614 MWs are scheduled to be repowered by the end of 2020. Production tax credits earned by MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service prior to 2013, except for facilities that have been repowered, are included in energy adjustment clauses, through which MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover fluctuations in its electric retail energy costs. Facilities earning production tax credits that currently benefit customers through energy adjustment clauses totaled 1,000 MWs (nominal ratings) as of December 31, 2018. The eligibility for earning production tax credits will expire for these facilities by the end of 2022. MidAmerican Energy earned production tax credits totaling $308 million and $287 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which 33% and 47%, respectively, were included in energy adjustment clauses.


Regional Transmission Organizations

MidAmerican Energy sells and purchases electricity and ancillary services related to its generation and load in wholesale markets pursuant to the tariffs in those markets. MidAmerican Energy participates predominantly in the MISO energy and ancillary service markets, which provide MidAmerican Energy with wholesale opportunities over a large market area. MidAmerican Energy can enter into wholesale bilateral transactions in addition to market activity related to its assets. MidAmerican Energy is authorized to participate in the Southwest Power Pool, Inc. and PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. ("PJM") markets and can contract with several other major transmission-owning utilities in the region. MidAmerican Energy can utilize both financial swaps and physical fixed-price electricity sales and purchases contracts to reduce its exposure to electricity price volatility.

MidAmerican Energy's total net generating capability accredited by the MISO for the summer of 20162018 was 5,066 MW5,137 MWs compared to a 20162018 summer peak demand of 4,698 MW.5,051 MWs. Accredited net generating capability represents the amount of generation available to meet the requirements of MidAmerican Energy's retail customers and consists of MidAmerican Energy-owned generation, certain customer "behind the meter" generatorsprivate generation that MidAmerican Energy is contractually allowed to dispatch and the net amount of capacity purchases and sales. Accredited capacity may vary from the nominal, or design, capacity ratings, particularly for wind turbines whose output is dependent upon wind levels at any given time. Additionally, the actual amount of generating capacity available at any time may be less than the accredited capacity due to regulatory restrictions, transmission constraints, fuel restrictions and generating units being temporarily out of service for inspection, maintenance, refueling, modifications or other reasons. MidAmerican Energy's accredited capability currently exceeds the MISO's minimum requirements.

Transmission and Distribution

MidAmerican Energy's transmission and distribution systems included 3,9004,000 miles of transmission lines in four states, 37,00038,300 miles of distribution lines and 380 substations as of December 31, 20162018. Electricity from MidAmerican Energy's generating facilities and purchased electricity is delivered to wholesale markets and its retail customers via the transmission facilities of MidAmerican Energy and others. MidAmerican Energy participates in the MISO capacity, energy and ancillary services markets as a transmission-owning member and, accordingly, operates its transmission assets at the direction of the MISO. The MISO manages its energy and ancillary service markets using reliability-constrained economic dispatch of the region's generation. For both the day-ahead and real-time (every five minutes) markets, the MISO analyzes generation commitments to provide market liquidity and transparent pricing while maintaining transmission system reliability by minimizing congestion and maximizing efficient energy transmission. Additionally, through its FERC-approved open access transmission tariff ("OATT"),OATT, the MISO performs the role of transmission service provider throughout the MISO footprint and administers the long-term planning function. MISO and related costs of the participants are shared among the participants through a number of mechanisms in accordance with the MISO tariff.


Regulated Natural Gas Operations

MidAmerican Energy is engaged in the procurement, transportation, storage and distribution of natural gas for customers in its service territory. MidAmerican Energy purchases natural gas from various suppliers and contracts with interstate natural gas pipelines for transportation of the gas to MidAmerican Energy's service territory and for storage and balancing services. MidAmerican Energy sells natural gas and delivery services to end-use customers on its distribution system; sells natural gas to other utilities, municipalities and energy marketing companies; and transports natural gas through its distribution system for end-use customers who have independently secured their supply of natural gas. During 20162018, 53%54% of the total natural gas delivered through MidAmerican Energy's distribution system was associated with transportation service.

Natural gas property consists primarily of natural gas mains and servicesservice lines, meters, and related distribution equipment, including feeder lines to communities served from natural gas pipelines owned by others. The natural gas distribution facilities of MidAmerican Energy included 23,30024,000 miles of natural gas main and service lines as of December 31, 20162018.

Customers
Customer Usage and Seasonality

The percentages of natural gas sold to MidAmerican Energy's retail customers by jurisdiction for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Iowa76% 76% 77%76% 76% 76%
South Dakota13
 13
 12
13
 13
 13
Illinois10
 10
 10
10
 10
 10
Nebraska1
 1
 1
1
 1
 1
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%

The percentages of natural gas sold to MidAmerican Energy's retail and wholesale customers by class of customer, total Dth of natural gas sold, total Dth of transportation service and the average number of retail customers for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Residential41% 42% 49%43% 41% 41%
Commercial(1)
21
 21
 24
21
 20
 21
Industrial(1)
4
 5
 5
5
 4
 4
Total retail66
 68
 78
69
 65
 66
Wholesale(2)
34
 32
 22
31
 35
 34
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%
          
Total Dth of natural gas sold (in thousands)113,294
 110,105
 115,209
126,272
 114,298
 113,294
Total Dth of transportation service (in thousands)83,610
 80,001
 82,314
102,198
 92,136
 83,610
Total average number of retail customers (in thousands)742
 733
 726
759
 751
 742

(1)
Commercial and industrial customers are classified primarily based on the nature of their business and natural gas usage. Commercial customers are non-residential customers that use natural gas principally for heating. Industrial customers are non-residential customers that use natural gas principally for their manufacturing processes.
(2)Wholesale sales are generally made to other utilities, municipalities and energy marketing companies for eventual resale to end-use customers.

There are seasonal variations in MidAmerican Energy's regulated natural gas business that are principally due to the use of natural gas for heating. Typically, 50-60% of MidAmerican Energy's regulated natural gas revenue is reported in the months of January, February, March and December.


On January 6, 2014,29, 2019, MidAmerican Energy recorded its all-time highest peak-day delivery through its distribution system of 1,281,7671,314,526 Dth. This preliminary peak-day delivery consisted of 69%68% traditional retail sales service and 31% transportation service. MidAmerican Energy's 2016/2017 winter heating season peak-day delivery as of February 3, 2017, was 1,096,801 Dth reached on January 5, 2017. This preliminary peak-day delivery included 66% traditional retail sales service and 34%32% transportation service.

Fuel Supply and Capacity

MidAmerican Energy uses several strategies designed to maintain a reliable natural gas supply and reduce the impact of volatility in natural gas prices on its regulated retail natural gas customers. These strategies include the purchase of a geographically diverse supply portfolio from producers and third partythird-party energy marketing companies, the use of leasedinterstate pipeline storage services and MidAmerican Energy's LNG peaking facilities, and the use of financial derivatives to fix the price on a portion of the anticipated natural gas requirements of MidAmerican Energy's customers. Refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of the purchased gas adjustment clauses ("PGA").


MidAmerican Energy contracts for firm natural gas pipeline capacity to transport natural gas from key production areas and liquid market centers to its service territory through direct interconnects to the pipeline systems of several interstate natural gas pipeline systems, including Northern Natural Gas, an affiliate company. MidAmerican Energy has multiple pipeline interconnections into several larger markets within its distribution system. Multiple pipeline interconnections create competition among pipeline suppliers for transportation capacity to serve those markets, thus reducing costs. In addition, multiple pipeline interconnections increase delivery reliability and give MidAmerican Energy the ability to optimize delivery of the lowest cost supply from the various production areas and liquid market centers into these markets. Benefits to MidAmerican Energy's distribution system customers are shared among all jurisdictions through a consolidated PGA.

At times, the natural gas pipeline capacity available through MidAmerican Energy's firm capacity portfolio may exceed the requirements of retail customers on MidAmerican Energy's distribution system. Firm capacity in excess of MidAmerican Energy's system needs can be resoldreleased to other companies to achieve optimum use of the available capacity. Past IUB and South Dakota Public Utilities Commission ("SDPUC") rulings have allowed MidAmerican Energy to retain 30% of the respective jurisdictional revenue on the resold capacity, with the remaining 70% being returned to customers through the PGAs.

MidAmerican Energy utilizes interstate pipeline natural gas storage leased from the interstate pipelinesservices to meet retail customer requirements, manage fluctuations in demand due to changes in weather and other usage factors and manage variation in seasonal natural gas pricing. MidAmerican Energy typically withdraws natural gas from storage during the heating season when customer demand is historically at its peak and injects natural gas into storage during off-peak months when customer demand is historically lower than during the heating season.lower. MidAmerican Energy also utilizes its three LNG facilities to meet peak day demands during the winter heating season. The leasedInterstate pipeline storage services and MidAmerican Energy's LNG facilities reduce MidAmerican Energy's dependence on natural gas purchases during the volatile winter heating season and can deliver a significant portion of MidAmerican Energy's anticipated retail sales requirements on a peak winter day. For MidAmerican Energy's 2016/20172018/2019 winter heating season preliminary peak-day of January 5, 2017,29, 2019, supply sources used to meet deliveries to traditional retail sales service customers included 74%66% from purchases delivered on interstate pipelines, 20% from interstate pipelines, 24% from leasedpipeline storage services and 2%14% from MidAmerican Energy's LNG facilities.

MidAmerican Energy attempts to optimize the value of its regulated transportation capacity, natural gas supply and leased storage arrangements by engaging in wholesale transactions. IUB and SDPUC rulings have allowed MidAmerican Energy to retain 50% of the respective jurisdictional margins earned on certain wholesale sales of natural gas, with the remaining 50% being returned to customers through the PGAs.

In 1995, the SDPUC gave initial approval of MidAmerican Energy's Incentive Gas Supply Procurement Plan, which seeks to establish a market-based reference price for key components of MidAmerican Energy's natural gas supply costs. In December 2016, the SDPUC extended the program through October 31, 2019. Under the program, as amended, MidAmerican Energy is required to file with the SDPUC annually a comparison of its actual natural gas procurement costs to the reference price. If MidAmerican Energy's actual natural gas supply costs for the applicable period were less or greater than an established tolerance band around the reference price, then MidAmerican Energy shares a portion of the savings or costs with customers. A similar program was also in effect in Iowa from 1995 through October 31, 2016. Since the implementation of these programs, MidAmerican Energy has successfully achieved savings relative to the applicable reference prices and shared such savings with its regulated retail natural gas customers. MidAmerican Energy's portion of shared savings is reflected in other revenues.

MidAmerican Energy is not aware of any factors that would cause material difficulties in meeting its anticipated retail customer demand for the foreseeable future.


Demand-side Management

MidAmerican Energy has provided a comprehensive set of DSM programs to its Iowa electric and gas customers since 1990 and to customers in its other jurisdictions since 2008. The programs are designed to reduce energy consumption and more effectively manage when energy is used, including management of seasonal peak loads. Current programs offer services to customers such as energy engineering audits and information on how to improve the efficiency of their homes and businesses. To assist customers in investing in energy efficiency, MidAmerican Energy offers rebates or incentives encouraging the purchase and installation of high-efficiency equipment such as lighting, heating and cooling equipment, weatherization, motors, process equipment and systems, as well as incentives for efficient construction. Incentives are also paid to residential customers who participate in the air conditioner load control program and nonresidential customers who participate in the nonresidential load management program. Although subject to prudence reviews, state regulations allow for contemporaneous recovery of costs incurred for the DSM programs through state-specific energy efficiency service charges paid by all retail electric and gas customers. In 20162018, $122$154 million was expensed for MidAmerican Energy's DSM programs, which resulted in estimated first-year energy savings of 333,000 MWh347,000 MWhs of electricity and 845,000846,000 Dth of natural gas and an estimated peak load reduction of 414 MW385 MWs of electricity and 10,13010,460 Dth per day of natural gas.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Funding and its subsidiaries, had approximately 3,300 employees. As of December 31, 2016,which includes MidAmerican Energy, had approximately 3,3003,400 employees, of which approximately 1,4001,500 were covered by union contracts. MidAmerican Energy has three separate contracts with locals of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW") and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union. A contract with the IBEW covering substantially all of the union employees expires April 30, 2022.


NV ENERGY (NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC)

General

NV Energy, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, acquired on December 19, 2013, is an energy holding company headquartered in Nevada whose principal subsidiaries are Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific are indirect consolidated subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway. Nevada Power is a United States regulated electric utility company serving 0.9 million retail customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers primarily in the Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and adjoining areas. Sierra Pacific is a United States regulated electric and natural gas utility company serving 0.3 million retail electric customers including residential, commercial and industrial customers, and 0.2 million retail and transportation natural gas customers in northern Nevada.

The Nevada Utilities are principally engaged in the business of generating, transmitting, distributing and selling electricity and, in the case of Sierra Pacific, in distributing, selling and transporting natural gas. Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific have electric service territories covering approximately 4,500 square miles and 41,200 square miles, respectively. Sierra Pacific has a natural gas service territory in an area of aboutcovering approximately 900 square miles in Reno and Sparks. Natural gas property consists primarily of natural gas mainsPrincipal industries served by the Nevada Utilities include gaming, recreation, warehousing, manufacturing and service lines, meters, and related distribution equipment, including feeder lines to communities served from natural gas pipelines owned by others. The natural gas distribution facilities ofgovernmental services. Sierra Pacific included 3,300 miles of natural gas mains and service lines as of December 31, 2016.

also serves the mining industry. The Nevada Utilities also buy and sell electricity on the wholesale market with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants to balance and optimize the economic benefits of electricity generation, retail customer loads and existing wholesale transactions.

The Nevada Utilities are subject to comprehensive stateUtilities' electric and federal regulation. Regulated electric utility operation is Nevada Power's only segment while regulated electric utility operations and regulated natural gas operations are the two segmentsconducted under numerous nonexclusive franchise agreements, revocable permits and licenses obtained from federal, state and local authorities. The expiration of these franchise agreements ranges from 2020 through 2032 for Nevada Power and 2019 through 2049 for Sierra Pacific. Principal industries served by the Nevada Utilities include gaming, recreation, warehousing, manufacturing and governmental. Sierra Pacific also serves the mining industry. In addition to the Nevada Utilities electric retail sales and Sierra Pacific's natural gas transportation, the Nevada Utilities sell electricity and natural gas to other utilities, municipalities and energy marketing companies on a wholesale basis.

Nevada Power's principal executive offices are located at 6226 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146, and its telephone number is (702) 402-5000. Nevada Power was incorporated in 1929 under the laws of the state of Nevada.

Sierra Pacific's principal executive offices are located at 6100 Neil Road, Reno, Nevada 89511, and its telephone number is (775) 834-4011. Sierra Pacific was incorporated in 1912 under the laws of the state of Nevada.


Regulated Operations

The Nevada Utilities deliver electricity and, in the case of Sierra Pacific, natural gas to customers in Nevada. The Nevada Utilities own facilities or have power purchase contracts for coal, natural gas, water, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and waste heat resources to provide electricity. This electricity, together with electricity purchased on the wholesale market, is then transmitted via a grid of transmission lines, which are part of the Western Interconnection, a regional grid in the United States. The Western Interconnection includes the interconnected transmission systems of 14 western states, two Canadian provinces and parts of Mexico. The electricity is then transformed to lower voltages and delivered to customers through the Nevada Utilities' distribution system.

The Nevada Utilities seek to manage growth in their customer demand through the construction and purchase of cost-effective, environmentally prudent and efficient sources of electricity supply and through energy efficiency programs. The Nevada Utilities participate in an EIM operated by the California ISO, which reduces costs to serve customers through more efficient dispatch of a larger and more diverse pool of resources, more effectively integrates renewables and enhances reliability through improved situational awareness and responsiveness.

The Nevada Utilities operate under certificates of public convenience and necessity as regulated by the PUCN, and as such the Nevada Utilities have an obligation to provide electricity service to those customers within their service territory. In return, the PUCN has established rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow the Nevada Utilities an opportunity to recover all prudently incurred costs of providing services and an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on their investment.

TheNV Energy's monthly net income is affected by the seasonal impact of weather on electricity and natural gas sales and seasonal retail electricity prices from the Nevada Utilities'. For 2018, 81% of NV Energy annual net income was recorded in the months of June through September.

Regulated electric utility operations is Nevada Power's only segment while regulated electric utility operations and regulated natural gas operations are conducted under numerous nonexclusive franchise agreements, revocable permits and licenses obtained from federal, state and local authorities. The expirationthe two segments of these franchise agreements ranges from 2020 through 2032 for Nevada Power and 2017 through 2049 for Sierra Pacific.

The percentages of Sierra Pacific's operating revenue and operating income derived from the following business activities for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Operating revenue:          
Electric86% 86% 86%88% 88% 86%
Gas14
 14
 14
12
 12
 14
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%
          
Operating income:          
Electric89% 91% 93%89% 89% 89%
Gas11
 9
 7
11
 11
 11
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%

Nevada Power's principal executive offices are located at 6226 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89146, its telephone number is (702) 402-5000 and its internet address is www.nvenergy.com. Nevada Power was incorporated in 1929 under the laws of the state of Nevada.

Sierra Pacific's principal executive offices are located at 6100 Neil Road, Reno, Nevada 89511, its telephone number is (775) 834-4011 and its internet address is www.nvenergy.com. Sierra Pacific was incorporated in 1912 under the laws of the state of Nevada.


Regulated Electric Operations

Customers

The Nevada Utilities' sell electricity to retail customers in a single state jurisdiction. Electricity sold to the Nevada Utilities' retail and wholesale customers by class of customer and the average number of retail customers for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Nevada Power:                      
GWh sold:           
GWhs sold:           
Residential9,394
 43% 9,246
 42% 8,923
 42%9,970
 43% 9,501
 42% 9,394
 42%
Commercial4,663
 21
 4,635
 21
 4,489
 21
4,778
 20
 4,656
 20
 4,663
 21
Industrial7,313
 34
 7,571
 34
 7,486
 36
5,534
 24
 6,201
 28
 7,313
 32
Other212
 1
 214
 1
 211
 1
214
 1
 212
 1
 212
 1
Total fully bundled20,496
 88
 20,570
 91
 21,582
 96
Distribution only service2,521
 11
 1,830
 8
 662
 3
Total retail21,582
 99
 21,666
 98
 21,109
 100
23,017
 99
 22,400
 99
 22,244
 99
Wholesale258
 1
 353
 2
 20
 
274
 1
 314
 1
 258
 1
Total GWh sold21,840
 100% 22,019
 100% 21,129
 100%
Total GWhs sold23,291
 100% 22,714
 100% 22,502
 100%
                      
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):                      
Residential796
 88% 782
 88% 770
 88%825
 88% 810
 88% 796
 88%
Commercial105
 12
 104
 12
 102
 12
108
 12
 106
 12
 105
 12
Industrial2
 
 2
 
 2
 
2
 
 2
 
 2
 
Total903
 100% 888
 100% 874
 100%935
 100% 918
 100% 903
 100%
                      
Sierra Pacific:                      
GWh sold:           
GWhs sold:           
Residential2,375
 26% 2,315
 26% 2,268
 26%2,483
 23% 2,492
 24% 2,375
 23%
Commercial2,933
 33
 2,942
 33
 2,944
 34
2,998
 27
 2,954
 28
 2,933
 28
Industrial3,014
 34
 2,973
 34
 2,869
 33
3,387
 31
 3,176
 30
 3,014
 30
Other16
 
 16
 
 16
 
16
 
 16
 
 16
 
Total fully bundled8,884
 81
 8,638
 82
 8,338
 81
Distribution only service1,516
 14
 1,394
 13
 1,360
 13
Total retail8,338
 93
 8,246
 93
 8,097
 93
10,400
 95% 10,032
 95% 9,698
 94%
Wholesale662
 7
 664
 7
 645
 7
558
 5
 561
 5
 662
 6
Total GWh sold9,000
 100% 8,910
 100% 8,742
 100%
Total GWhs sold10,958
 100% 10,593
 100% 10,360
 100%
                      
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):                      
Residential291
 86% 288
 86% 285
 86%300
 86% 295
 86% 291
 86%
Commercial47
 14
 46
 14
 46
 14
47
 14
 47
 14
 47
 14
Total338
 100% 334
 100% 331
 100%347
 100% 342
 100% 338
 100%

Customer Usage and Seasonality

In addition to the variationsVariations in weather, from year to year, fluctuations in economic conditions, within the Nevada Utilities' service territory and elsewhere can impact customer usage, particularly for gaming, mining and wholesale customers.customers and various conservation, energy efficiency and private generation measures and programs can impact customer usage. Wholesale sales are impacted by market prices for energy relative to the incremental cost to generate power.

There are seasonal variations in the Nevada Utilities' electric business that are principally related to weather and the related use of electricity for air conditioning. Typically, 46-50%48-50% of Nevada Power's and 35-38%36-38% of Sierra Pacific's regulated electric revenue is reported in the months of June July, August andthrough September.


The annual hourly peak customer demand on the Nevada Utilities' electric systems occurs as a result of air conditioning use during the cooling season. Peak demand represents the highest demand on a given day and at a given hour. On July 25, 2018, customer usage of electricity caused an hourly peak demand of 5,956 MWs on Nevada Power's electric system, which is 168 MWs less than the record hourly peak demand of 6,124 MWs set July 28, 2016,2016. On July 19, 2018, customer usage of electricity caused a record hourly peak demand of 6,124 MW on Nevada Power's electric system. On July 28, 2016, customer usage of electricity caused a record hourly peak demand of 1,842 MW1,860 MWs on Sierra Pacific's electric system.


Generating Facilities and Fuel Supply

The Nevada Utilities have ownership interest in a diverse portfolio of generating facilities. The following table presents certain information regarding the Nevada Utilities' owned generating facilities as of December 31, 2016:2018:
 Facility Net Owned Facility Net Owned
 Net Capacity Capacity Net Capacity Capacity
Generating Facility Location Energy Source Installed 
(MW)(1)
 
(MW)(1)
 Location Energy Source Installed 
(MWs)(1)
 
(MWs)(1)
Nevada Power:        
NATURAL GAS:        
Clark Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 1973-2008 1,102
 1,102
 Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 1973-2008 1,102
 1,102
Lenzie Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 2006 1,102
 1,102
 Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 2006 1,102
 1,102
Harry Allen Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 1995-2011 628
 628
 Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 1995-2011 628
 628
Higgins Primm, NV Natural gas 2004 530
 530
 Primm, NV Natural gas 2004 530
 530
Silverhawk(2)
 Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 2004 520
 390
 Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 2004 520
 520
Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 1994-2003 272
 272
 Las Vegas, NV Natural gas 1994-2003 272
 272
Sun Peak Las Vegas, NVNatural gas/oil 1991 210
 210
 Las Vegas, NVNatural gas/oil 1991 210
 210
 4,364
 4,234
 4,364
 4,364
COAL:        
Reid Gardner Unit No. 4(3)
 Moapa, NV Coal 1983 257
 257
Navajo Unit Nos. 1, 2 and 3(3)
 Page, AZ Coal 1974-1976 2,250
 255
Navajo Unit Nos. 1, 2 and 3(2)
 Page, AZ Coal 1974-1976 2,250
 255
 2,507
 512
 

 

RENEWABLES:        
Nellis Las Vegas, NV Solar 2015 15
 15
Goodsprings Goodsprings, NV Waste heat 2010 5
 5
 Goodsprings, NV Waste heat 2010 5
 5
Nellis Las Vegas, NV Solar 2015 15
 15
 20
 20
 20
 20
        
Total Nevada Power 6,891
 4,766
 6,634
 4,639
        
Sierra Pacific:        
NATURAL GAS:        
Tracy Sparks, NV Natural gas 1974-2008 753
 753
 Sparks, NV Natural gas 1974-2008 753
 753
Ft. Churchill Yerington, NVNatural gas 1968-1971 226
 226
 Yerington, NVNatural gas 1968-1971 226
 226
Clark Mountain Sparks, NV Natural gas 1994 132
 132
 Sparks, NV Natural gas 1994 132
 132
 1,111
 1,111
 1,111
 1,111
COAL:        
Valmy Unit Nos. 1 and 2 Valmy, NV Coal 1981-1985 522
 261
 Valmy, NV Coal 1981-1985 522
 261
        
Total Sierra Pacific 1,633
 1,372
 1,633
 1,372
        
Total NV Energy 8,524
 6,138
 8,267
 6,011

(1)Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MW)MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates Nevada Power or Sierra Pacific's ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(2)Nevada Power plans to acquire the remaining 25% (130 MW) of Silverhawk in April 2017.
(3)Nevada Power currently anticipates retiring Reid Gardner Unit No. 4 in the first quarter of 2017 and eliminating its interest in Navajo Unit Nos. 1, 2 and 3 inon or before October 2019. Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.


The following table shows the percentages of the Nevada Utilities' total energy supplied by energy source for the years ended December 31:

2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Nevada Power:          
Natural gas64% 65% 56%64% 61% 64%
Coal7
 7
 20
6
 7
 7
Total energy generated71
 72
 76
70
 68
 71
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (non-renewable)14
 15
 13
10
 15
 14
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (renewable)(1)
14
 12
 10
16
 15
 14
Energy purchased - short-term contracts and other1
 1
 1
4
 2
 1
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%
          
Sierra Pacific:          
Natural gas45% 41% 46%48% 44% 45%
Coal8
 13
 21
8
 5
 8
Total energy generated53
 54
 67
56
 49
 53
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (non-renewable)36
 36
 22
29
 38
 36
Energy purchased - long-term contracts (renewable)(1)
10
 9
 10
12
 11
 10
Energy purchased - short-term contracts and other1
 1
 1
3
 2
 1
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%

(1)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with renewable energy purchased may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of renewable energy credits or other environmental commodities.

The Nevada Utilities are required to have resources available to continuously meet their customer needs.needs and reliably operate their electric systems. The percentage of the Nevada Utilities' energy supplied by energy source varies from year-to-year and is subject to numerous operational and economic factors such as planned and unplanned outages; fuel commodity prices; fuel transportation costs; weather; environmental considerations; transmission constraints; and wholesale market prices of electricity. The Nevada Utilities evaluate these factors continuously in order to facilitate economical dispatch of their generating facilities. When factors for one energy source are less favorable, the Nevada Utilities place more reliance on other energy sources. As long as the Nevada Utilities' purchases are deemed prudent by the PUCN, through their annual prudency review, the Nevada Utilities are permitted to recover the cost of fuel and purchased power. The Nevada Utilities also have the ability to reset quarterly BTER, with PUCN approval, based on the last twelve months fuel costs and purchased power and to reset quarterly DEAA.

In response to these energy supply challenges, theThe Nevada Utilities have adopted an approach to managing the energy supply function that has three primary elements. The first element is a set of management guidelines to procuring and optimizing the supply portfolio that is consistent with the requirements of a load serving entity with a full requirements obligation, and with the growth of private generation serving a small but growing group of customers with partial requirements. The second element is an energy risk management and risk control approach that ensures clear separation of roles between the day-to-day management of risks and compliance monitoring and control and ensures clear distinction between policy setting (or planning) and execution. Lastly, the Nevada Utilities pursue a process of ongoing regulatory involvement and acknowledgment of the resource portfolio management plans.

The Nevada Utilities have entered into multiple long-term power purchase contracts (three or more years) with suppliers that generate electricity utilizing coal,renewable resources, natural gas and renewable resources.coal. Nevada Power has entered into contracts with a total capacity of 2,217 MWMWs with contract termination dates ranging from 20172019 to 2040.2067. Included in these contracts are 1,257 MW1,957 MWs of capacity of renewable energy, of which 228 MW725 MWs of capacity are under development or construction and not currently available. Sierra Pacific has entered into contracts with a total capacity of 508 MW1,188 MWs with contract termination dates ranging from 20172019 to 2040.2046. Included in these contracts are 311 MW997 MWs of capacity of renewable energy, of which 101 MW676 MWs of capacity are under development or construction and not currently available. In December 2016, the PUCN approved a settlement with Switch, Ltd. allowing it to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution only service customer prior to August 2017. The settlement provides that Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific will assign to Switch, Ltd. power purchase contracts of 28 MW and 51 MW, respectively, for renewable energy currently under construction if all parties involved reach an agreement.


The Nevada Utilities manage certain risks relating to their supply of electricity and fuel requirements by entering into various contracts, which may be accounted for as derivatives, including forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements. Refer to NV Energy's "General Regulation" section in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of energy cost recovery by jurisdiction and Nevada Power's Item 7A and Sierra Pacific's Item 7A in this Form 10-K for a discussion of commodity price risk and derivative contracts.

Natural Gas

The Nevada Utilities rely on first-of-the-month indexed physical gas purchases for the majority of natural gas needed to operate their generating facilities. To secure natural gas supplies for the generating facilities, the Nevada Utilities execute purchases pursuant to a PUCN approved four season laddering strategy. In 2016,2018, natural gas supply net purchases averaged 356,795321,154 and 133,921158,698 Dth per day with the winter period contracts averaging 312,271241,234 and 156,841172,844 Dth per day and the summer period contracts averaging 388,419377,546 and 117,642148,717 Dth per day for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific, respectively. The Nevada Utilities believe supplies from these sources are presently adequate and available to meet its needs.

The Nevada Utilities contract for firm natural gas pipeline capacity to transport natural gas from production areas to their service territory through direct interconnects to the pipeline systems of several interstate natural gas pipeline systems, including Nevada Power who contracts with Kern River, an affiliated company. Sierra Pacific utilizes natural gas storage leasedcontracted from interstate pipelines to meet retail customer requirements and to manage the daily changes in demand due to changes in weather and other usage factors. The stored natural gas is typically replaced during off-peak months when the demand for natural gas is historically lower than during the heating season.

Coal

Other than the agreement mentioned below for the Navajo Generating Station, theThe Nevada Utilities have no commitments to purchase coal for 2017 or beyond and will rely on spot market solicitations for any coal supplies needed during 2017 and will regularly monitor the western coal market for opportunities to meet these needs. Nevada Power's coal supply planneeds except for the needs of the Navajo Generating Station. Sierra Pacific has the overall goal of eliminating Reid Gardner Unit No. 4's coal pile by its expected retirement date in the first quarter of 2017. The Nevada Utilities havea transportation services contractscontract with Union Pacific Railroad Company to ship coal from various origins in Centralcentral Utah, Westernwestern Colorado and Wyoming that expireexpires December 31, 2017 for Nevada Power and December 31, 2019 for Sierra Pacific.2019. The Navajo Generating Station, jointly owned by Nevada Power along with other entities and operated by Salt River Project, has a coal purchase agreement that extends through December 2019.

Transmission and Distribution

The Nevada Utilities' transmission system is part of the Western Interconnection. The Nevada Utilities' transmission system, together with contractual rights on other transmission systems, enables the Nevada Utilities to integrate and access generation resources to meet their customer load requirements. Nevada Power's transmission and distribution systems included approximately 2,000 miles of transmission lines, 24,700 miles of distribution lines and 200 substations as of December 31, 2016. Sierra Pacific's transmission and distribution systems included approximately 2,300 miles of transmission lines, 17,700 miles of distribution lines and 200 substations as of December 31, 2016.

ON Line is a 231 mile, 500-kV transmission line connecting Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's service territories. ON Line provides the ability to jointly dispatch energy throughout Nevada and provide access to renewable energy resources in parts of northern and eastern Nevada, which enhances the Nevada Utilities' ability to manage and optimize their generating facilities. ON Line provides between 600 and 800 MW of transfer capability with interconnection between the Robinson Summit substation on the Sierra Pacific system and the Harry Allen substation on the Nevada Power system. ON Line was a joint project between the Nevada Utilities and Great Basin Transmission, LLC. The Nevada Utilities own a 25% interest in ON Line and have entered into a long-term transmission use agreement with Great Basin Transmission, LLC for its 75% interest in ON Line until 2054. The Nevada Utilities share of its 25% interest in ON Line and the long-term transmission use agreement is split 95% for Nevada Power and 5% for Sierra Pacific.

Energy Imbalance Market

The Nevada Utilities participate in the EIM operated by the California ISO.ISO, which reduces costs to serve customers through more efficient dispatch of a larger and more diverse pool of resources, more effectively integrates renewables and enhances reliability through improved situational awareness and responsiveness. The EIM expands the real-time component of the California ISOISO's market technology to optimize and balance electricity supply and demand every five minutes across the EIM footprint. The EIM is voluntary and available to all balancing authorities in the Westernwestern United States. EIM market participants submit bids to the California ISO market operator before each hour for each generating resource they choose to be dispatched by the market. Each bid is comprised of a dispatchable operating range, ramp rate and prices across the operating range. The California ISO market operator uses sophisticated technology to select the least-cost resources to meet demand and send simultaneous dispatch signals to every participating generator across the EIM footprint every five minutes. In addition to generation resource bids, the California ISO market operator also receives continuous real-time updates of the transmission grid network, meteorological and load forecast information that it uses to optimize dispatch instructions. Outside the EIM footprint, utilities in the Westernwestern United States do not utilize comparable technology and are largely limited to transactions within the borders of their balancing authority area to balance supply and demand intra-hour using a combination of manual and automated dispatch. The EIM delivers customer benefits by leveraging automation geographic and resource diversity to result in more efficient dispatch, more effective integration of renewables and improved situational awareness. Benefits to customers are expected to increase further with renewable resource expansion and as more entities join the EIM bringing incremental diversity.

The Nevada Utilities will continue to monitor regional market expansion efforts, including creation of a regional Independent System Operator ("ISO"). California Senate Bill No. 350, which was passed in October 2015, authorized the California legislature to consider making changes to current laws that would create an independent governance structure for a regional ISO during the 2017 legislative session. The California legislature did not pass any legislation related to a regional ISO during its 2018 legislative session, which closed August 31, 2018.

Transmission and Distribution

The Nevada Utilities' transmission system is part of the Western Interconnection, a regional grid in the United States. The Western Interconnection includes the interconnected transmission systems of 14 western states, two Canadian provinces and parts of Mexico. The Nevada Utilities' transmission system, together with contractual rights on other transmission systems, enables the Nevada Utilities to integrate and access generation resources to meet their customer load requirements. Nevada Power's transmission and distribution systems included approximately 2,000 miles of transmission lines, 25,000 miles of distribution lines and 210 substations as of December 31, 2018. Sierra Pacific's transmission and distribution systems included approximately 2,300 miles of transmission lines, 17,700 miles of distribution lines and 200 substations as of December 31, 2018.

ON Line is a 231-mile, 500-kV transmission line connecting Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's service territories. ON Line provides the ability to jointly dispatch energy throughout Nevada and provide access to renewable energy resources in parts of northern and eastern Nevada, which enhances the Nevada Utilities' ability to manage and optimize their generating facilities. ON Line provides between 600 and 900 MWs of transfer capability with interconnection between the Robinson Summit substation on the Sierra Pacific system and the Harry Allen substation on the Nevada Power system. ON Line was a joint project between the Nevada Utilities and Great Basin Transmission, LLC. The Nevada Utilities own a 25% interest in ON Line and have entered into a long-term transmission use agreement with Great Basin Transmission, LLC for its 75% interest in ON Line until 2054. The Nevada Utilities share of its 25% interest in ON Line and the long-term transmission use agreement is split 95% for Nevada Power and 5% for Sierra Pacific.

Future Generation

TheEnergy Supply Planning

Within the energy supply planning process, there are three key components covering different time frames:

IRPs are filed by the Nevada Utilities file IRPsfor approval by the PUCN every three years and the Nevada Utilities may, as necessary, may file amendments to their IRPs. IRPs are prepared in compliance with Nevada laws and regulations and cover a 20-year period. Nevada law governing the IRP process was modified in 2017 and now requires joint filings by Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. IRPs develop a comprehensive, integrated plan that considers customer energy requirements and propose the resources to meet those requirements in a manner that is consistent with prevailing market fundamentals. The ultimate goal of the IRPs is to balance the objectives of minimizing costs and reducing volatility while reliably meeting the electric needs of the Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific'sUtilities' customers. Costs incurred to complete projects approved through the IRP process still remain subject to review for reasonableness by the PUCN.
Energy Supply Plans ("ESP") are filed with the PUCN for approval and operate in conjunction with the PUCN-approved 20-year IRP. The ESP has a one- to three-year planning horizon and is an intermediate-term resource procurement and risk management plan that establishes the supply portfolio strategies within which intermediate-term resource requirements will be met with PUCN approval required for executing contracts of longer than three years.
Action plans are filed with the PUCN for approval and operate in conjunction with the PUCN-approved 20-year IRP and PUCN-approved ESP. The action plan establishes tactical execution activities with a one-month to twelve-month focus.

In July 2015,June 2018, the Nevada PowerUtilities filed its triennialwith the PUCN a joint application for approval of a 2019-2038 Triennial IRP, a 2019-2021 ESP and in December 2015, Nevada Power received PUCN approval. Nevada Power filed an amended IRP in August 2016 and received PUCN approval in December 2016. Sierra Pacific filed its triennial IRP in July 2016 and in December 2016, Sierra Pacific received PUCN approval.a 2019-2021 Action Plan. As a part of the filings, the Nevada Utilities sought PUCN authorizationrequested approval of six power purchase agreements for 1,001 MWs of solar photovoltaic generating resources, three battery energy storage systems with dispatch capability of 100 MWs over four hours, transmission network upgrades and the conditional early retirement of North Valmy Unit 1 generating station in 2021. The conditions for the early retirement of North Valmy Unit 1 generating station require the Nevada Utilities to acquire the South Point Energy Center, a 504-MW combined-cycle generating facility located in Arizona.have, or have access to, adequate capacity to serve customers. In December 2016,2018, the PUCN denied the acquisition of this facility. In January 2017, Nevada Powerapproved these requests. Some intervening parties have filed a petitionpetitions for reconsideration relating to the acquisition of South Point Energy Center. In February 2017, the PUCN affirmed the denial of the acquisition of South Point Energy Center.reconsideration.

There is the potential for continued price volatility in the Nevada Utilities' service territories, particularly during peak periods. Too great of a dependence on generation from the wholesale market can lead to power price volatilities depending on available power supply and prevailing natural gas prices. The Nevada Utilities face load obligation uncertainty due to the potential for customer switching. Some counterparties in these areas have significant credit difficulties, representing credit risk to the Nevada Utilities. Finally, the Nevada Utilities' own credit situation can have an impact on its ability to enter into transactions.

Within the energy supply planning process, there are three key components covering different time frames:
Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan

The PUCN-approvedIn compliance with Senate Bill No. 123, Nevada Power retired 557 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2017 and will retire an additional 255 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2019. Consistent with the Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan ("ERCR Plan"), between 2014 and 2016, Nevada Power acquired 536 MWs of natural gas generating resources, executed long-term IRP which is filed every three yearspower purchase agreements for 200 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity and constructed a 15-MW solar photovoltaic facility. Nevada Power has a 20-year planning horizon;
The PUCN-approvedthe option to acquire 35 MWs of nameplate renewable energy supply plan which is an intermediate term resource procurement and risk management plan that establishescapacity in the supply portfolio strategies within which intermediate term resource requirements will be met and has a onefuture under the ERCR Plan, subject to three year planning horizon; and
Tactical execution activities with a one-month to twelve-month focus.PUCN approval.

The energy supply plan operates in conjunction with the PUCN-approved 20-year IRP. It serves as a guide for near-term execution and fulfillment of energy needs. When the energy supply plan calls for executing contracts of longer than three years, PUCN approval is required.


Energy-Efficiency Programs

The Nevada Utilities have provided a comprehensive set of energy efficiency, demand response and conservation programs to their Nevada electric customers. The programs are designed to reduce energy consumption and more effectively manage when energy is used, including management of seasonal peak loads. Current programs offer services to customers such as energy audits and customer education and awareness efforts that provide information on how to improve the efficiency of their homes and businesses. To assist customers in investing in energy efficiency, the Nevada Utilities have offered rebates or incentives encouraging the purchase and installation of high-efficiency equipment such as lighting, heating and cooling equipment, weatherization, motors, process equipment and systems, as well as incentives for efficient construction. Incentives are also paid to residential customers who participate in the air conditioner load control program and nonresidential customers who participate in the nonresidential load management program. Energy efficiency program costs are recovered through annual rates set by the PUCN, and adjusted based on the Nevada Utilities' annual filing to recover current program costs and any over or under collections from the prior filing, subject to prudence review. During 2016,2018, Nevada Power spent $38$34 million on energy efficiency programs, resulting in an estimated 173,942 MWh157,084 MWhs of electric energy savings and an estimated 219 MW240 MWs of electric peak load management. During 2016,2018, Sierra Pacific spent $11$12 million on energy efficiency programs, resulting in an estimated 60,825 MWh58,277 MWhs of electric energy savings and an estimated 12 MW25 MWs of electric peak load management.

Regulated Natural Gas Operations

Sierra Pacific is engaged in the procurement, transportation, storage and distribution of natural gas for customers in its service territory. Sierra Pacific purchases natural gas from various suppliers and contracts with interstate natural gas pipelines for transportation of the natural gas from the production areas to Sierra Pacific's service territory and for storage services to manage fluctuations in system demand and seasonal pricing. Sierra Pacific sells natural gas and delivery services to end-use customers on its distribution system; sells natural gas to other utilities, municipalities and energy marketing companies; and transports natural gas through its distribution system for a number of end-use customers who have independently secured their supply of natural gas. During 2016,2018, 11% of the total natural gas delivered through Sierra Pacific's distribution system was for transportation service.

CustomersNatural gas property consists primarily of natural gas mains and service lines, meters, and related distribution equipment, including feeder lines to communities served from natural gas pipelines owned by others. The natural gas distribution facilities of Sierra Pacific included 3,400 miles of natural gas mains and service lines as of December 31, 2018.


Customer Usage and Seasonality

The percentages of natural gas sold to Sierra Pacific's retail and wholesale customers by class of customer, total Dth of natural gas sold, total Dth of transportation service and the average number of retail customers for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Residential52% 49% 51%55% 53% 52%
Commercial(1)
26
 24
 25
28
 27
 26
Industrial(1)
9
 8
 9
11
 9
 9
Total retail87
 81
 85
94
 89
 87
Wholesale13
 19
 15
6
 11
 13
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%
          
Total Dth of natural gas sold (in thousands)17,677
 17,600
 15,519
18,334
 19,313
 17,677
Total Dth of transportation service (in thousands)2,256
 2,288
 2,275
2,250
 1,977
 2,256
Total average number of retail customers (in thousands)163
 159
 156
167
 165
 163

(1)Commercial and industrial customers are classified primarily based on their natural gas usage. Commercial customers are non-residential customers with monthly gas usage less than 12,000 therms during five consecutive winter months. Industrial customers are non-residential customers that use natural gas in excess of 12,000 therms during one or more winter months.

There are seasonal variations in Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas business that are principally due to the use of natural gas for heating. Typically, 50-60%48-58% of Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas revenue is reported in the months of January, February, March and December.December through March.

On January 1, 2016,February 19, 2018, Sierra Pacific recorded its highest peak-day natural gas delivery of 151,184144,024 Dth, which is 12,39019,550 Dth less than the record peak-day delivery of 163,574 Dth set on December 9, 2013. This peak-day delivery consisted of 93% traditional retail sales service and 7% transportation service.


Fuel Supply and Capacity

The purchase of natural gas for Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas operations is done in combination with the purchase of natural gas for Sierra Pacific's regulated electric operations. In response to energy supply challenges, Sierra Pacific has adopted an approach to managing the energy supply function that has three primary elements, as discussed earlier under Generating Facilities and Fuel Supply. Similar to Sierra Pacific's regulated electric operations, as long as Sierra Pacific's purchases of natural gas are deemed prudent by the PUCN, through its annual prudency review, Sierra Pacific is permitted to recover the cost of natural gas. Sierra Pacific also has the ability, with PUCN approval, to reset quarterly BTER, with PUCN approval, based on the last twelve months fuel costs, and to reset quarterly DEAA.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016,2018, Nevada Power had approximately 1,400 employees, of which approximately 700 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, Sierra Pacific had approximately 1,000 employees, of which approximately 500 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.


NORTHERN POWERGRID

Northern Powergrid, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, is a holding company which owns two companies that distribute electricity in Great Britain, Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc. In addition to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, Northern Powergrid also owns a meter asset rental business that leases smart meters to energy suppliers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, an engineering contracting business that provides electrical infrastructure contracting services primarily to third parties and a hydrocarbon exploration and development business that is focused on developing integrated upstream gas projects in Europe and Australia.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies serve 3.9 million end-users and operate in the north-east of England from North Northumberland through Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Yorkshire to North Lincolnshire, an area covering 10,000 square miles. The principal function of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies is to build, maintain and operate the electricity distribution network through which the end-user receives a supply of electricity.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies receive electricity from the national grid transmission system and from generators that are directly connected to the distribution network and distribute it to end-users' premises using their networks of transformers, switchgear and distribution lines and cables. Substantially all of the end-users in the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution service areas are directly or indirectly connected to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' networks and electricity can only be delivered to these end-users through their distribution systems, thus providing the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies with distribution volumes that are relatively stable from year to year. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to the suppliers of electricity.

The suppliers purchase electricity from generators, sell the electricity to end-user customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to an industry standard "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." One supplier,During 2018, RWE Npower PLC and certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented 2219% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies during 2016.Companies. Variations in demand from end-users can affect the revenues that are received by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies in any year, but such variations have no effect on the total revenue that the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies are allowed to recover in a price control period. Under- or over-recoveries against price-controlled revenues are carried forward into prices for future years.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' combined service territory features a diverse economy with no dominant sector. The mix of rural, agricultural, urban and industrial areas covers a broad customer base ranging from domestic usage through farming and retail to major industry including automotives, chemicals, mining, steelmaking and offshore marine construction. The industry within the area is concentrated around the principal centers of Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Leeds.


The price controlled revenue of the regulated distribution companiesNorthern Powergrid Distribution Companies is set out in the special conditions of the licenses of those companies. The licenses are enforced by the regulator, GEMA, through the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority through its office of gas and electric markets (known as "Ofgem")Ofgem and limit increases to allowed revenues (or may require decreases) based upon the rate of inflation, other specified factors and other regulatory action. Changes to the price controls can be made by the regulator, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority.Authority ("CMA"). It has been the convention in Great Britain for regulators to conduct periodic regulatory reviews before making proposals for any changes to the price controls. The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is expected to continue through March 31, 2023. Following initial submission of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' business plans for the current price control period to Ofgem in July 2013 and resubmission, following feedback from Ofgem in March 2014, the final determinations for the current price control were published in November 2014. In March 2015 Northern Powergrid was the only electricity distributor to appeal Ofgem's price control decision and in September 2015 the appeal authority allowed part of the appeal, awarding an additional £30 million (in 2012/13 prices) in expenditure allowances.

GWh
GWhs and percentages of electricity distributed to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' end-users and the total number of end-users as of and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:

2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited:                      
Residential5,227
 36% 5,144
 34% 5,161
 34%5,104
 36% 5,125
 36% 5,227
 36%
Commercial(1)2,222
 15% 2,417
 16
 2,393
 16
1,741
 12
 1,782
 13
 2,222
 15
Industrial(1)6,963
 48% 7,160
 48
 7,181
 48
7,296
 51
 7,134
 50
 6,963
 48
Other214
 1% 231
 2
 262
 2
172
 1
 198
 1
 214
 1
14,626
 100% 14,952
 100% 14,997
 100%14,313
 100% 14,239
 100% 14,626
 100%
                      
Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc:                      
Residential7,612
 36% 7,574
 35% 7,481
 35%7,434
 35% 7,509
 36% 7,612
 36%
Commercial(1)3,116
 15% 3,352
 16
 3,347
 16
2,517
 12
 2,558
 12
 3,116
 15
Industrial(1)10,275
 48% 10,403
 48
 10,486
 48
10,901
 52
 10,716
 51
 10,275
 48
Other290
 1% 299
 1
 322
 1
249
 1
 268
 1
 290
 1
21,293
 100% 21,628
 100% 21,636
 100%21,101
 100% 21,051
 100% 21,293
 100%
                      
Total electricity distributed35,919
   36,580
   36,633
  35,414
   35,290
   35,919
  
                      
Number of end-users (in thousands):                      
Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited1,602
   1,597
   1,593
  1,606
   1,603
   1,602
  
Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc2,301
   2,294
   2,286
  2,305
   2,301
   2,301
  
3,903
   3,891
   3,879
  3,911
   3,904
   3,903
  

(1)The increase in industrial and decrease in commercial is largely due to the Great Britain-wide customer reclassifications which are in progress (as a result of Ofgem approved industry changes), negatively impacting commercial volumes by 100 GWhs in 2018 compared to 2017 and 700 GWhs in 2017 compared to 2016.

As of December 31, 20162018, the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' combined electricity distribution network included 18,000approximately 17,400 miles of overhead lines, 42,00042,300 miles of underground cables and 750780 major substations.


BHE PIPELINE GROUP

The BHE Pipeline Group consists of BHE's interstate natural gas pipeline companies, Northern Natural Gas and Kern River.

Northern Natural Gas

Northern Natural Gas, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, owns the largest interstate natural gas pipeline system in the United States, as measured by pipeline miles, which reaches from west Texas to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Northern Natural Gas primarily transports and stores natural gas for utilities, municipalities, gas marketing companies-andcompanies and industrial and commercial users. Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system consists of two commercial segments. Its traditional end-use and distribution market area in the northern part of its system, referred to as the Market Area, includes points in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Michigan and Illinois. Its natural gas supply and delivery service area in the southern part of its system, referred to as the Field Area, includes points in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The Market Area and Field Area are separated at a Demarcation Point ("Demarc"). Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system consists of 14,700 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 6,300 miles of mainline transmission pipelines and 8,400 miles of branch and lateral pipelines, with a Market Area design capacity of 5.86.0 Bcf per day, a Field Area delivery capacity of 1.7 Bcf per day to the Market Area and 1.11.4 Bcf per day to the West Texas area and over 7379 Bcf of firm service and operational storage cycle capacity in five storage facilities. Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system is configured with approximately 2,300 active receipt and delivery points which are integrated with the facilities of LDCs. Many of Northern Natural Gas' LDC customers are part of combined utilities that also use natural gas as a fuel source for electric generation. Northern Natural Gas deliversdelivered over 1.0 Trillion Cubic Feet1.2 trillion cubic feet ("Tcf") of natural gas to its customers annually.in 2018.


Northern Natural Gas' transportation rates and most of its storage rates are cost-based. These rates are designed to provide Northern Natural Gas with an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and earn a reasonable return on its investments. In addition, Northern Natural Gas has fixed rates that are market-based for certain of its firm storage contracts with contract terms that expire in 2028.

Northern Natural Gas' operating revenue for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Transportation:                
Market Area$492
77% $474
72% $457
63%$518
58% $504
73% $492
77%
Field Area64
10
 84
13
 100
14
Field Area - deliveries to Demarc102
11
 36
5
 23
4
Field Area - other deliveries71
9
 50
8
 41
6
Total transportation556
87
 558
85
 557
77
691
78
 590
86
 556
87
Storage69
11
 62
9
 61
8
68
8
 71
10
 69
11
Total transportation and storage revenue625
98
 620
94
 618
96
759
86
 661
96
 625
98
Gas, liquids and other sales11
2
 36
6
 106
4
128
14
 28
4
 11
2
Total operating revenue$636
100% $656
100% $724
100%$887
100% $689
100% $636
100%

Substantially all of Northern Natural Gas' Market Area transportation revenue is generated from reservation charges, with the balance from usage charges. Northern Natural Gas transports natural gas primarily to local distribution markets and end-users in the Market Area. Northern Natural Gas provides service to 81 utilities, including MidAmerican Energy, an affiliate company, which serve numerous residential, commercial and industrial customers. Most of Northern Natural Gas' transportation capacity in the Market Area is committed to customers under firm transportation contracts, where customers pay Northern Natural Gas a monthly reservation charge for the right to transport natural gas through Northern Natural Gas' system. Reservation charges are required to be paid regardless of volumes transported or stored. As of December 31, 20162018, approximately 72%85% of Northern Natural Gas' customers' entitlement in the Market Area have terms beyond 20182020 and over 41%approximately two-thirds beyond 2019.2022. As of December 31, 20162018, the weighted average remaining contract term for Northern Natural Gas' Market Area firm transportation contracts is approximately fiveover eight years.

Northern Natural Gas' Field Area customers consist primarily of energy marketing companies and midstream companies, which take advantage of the price spread opportunities created between Field Area supply points and the Field-Market Demarcation Point.Demarc. In addition, there are a growing number of midstream customers that are delivering gas south in the Field Area to the Waha Hub market. The remaining Field Area transportation service is sold to power generators connected to Northern Natural Gas' system in Texas and New Mexico that are contracted on a long-term basis with terms that extend to at least 2020,a weighted average remaining contract term of seven years, and various LDCs, energy marketing companies and midstream companies for both connected and off-system markets.


Northern Natural Gas' storage services are provided through the operation of one underground natural gas storage field in Iowa, two underground natural gas storage facilities in Kansas and two LNG storage peaking units, one in Iowa and one in Minnesota. The three underground natural gas storage facilities and two LNG storage peaking units have a total firm service and operational storage cycle capacity of over 7379 Bcf and over 2.02.2 Bcf per day of peak delivery capability. These storage facilities provide operational flexibility for the daily balancing of Northern Natural Gas' system and provide services to customers for their winter peaking and year-round load swing requirements.

Northern Natural Gas has 59.365.1 Bcf of firm storage contracts with its cost-based and market-based services.rates. Firm storage contracts with cost-based rates, representing 51.357.1 Bcf, have an average remaining contract term of six years and are contracted at maximum tariff rates. The remaining firm storage contracts with market-based rates, representing 8.0 Bcf, have an average remaining contract term of elevennine years.

Except for quantities of natural gas owned and managed for operational and system balancing purposes, Northern Natural Gas does not own the natural gas that is transported through its system. The sale of natural gas for operational and system balancing purposes accounts for the majority of the remaining operating revenue.

During 20162018, Northern Natural Gas had threetwo customers including MidAmerican Energy, that each accounted for greater than 10% of its transportation and storage revenue and its ten largest customers accounted for 67%60% of its system-wide transportation and storage revenue. Northern Natural Gas has agreements with terms from 2017 tothrough 2027 and 2034 to retain the majority of its threetwo largest customers' volumes. The loss of any of these significant customers, if not replaced, could have a material adverse effect on Northern Natural Gas.


Northern Natural Gas' extensive pipeline system, which is interconnected with many interstate and intrastate pipelines in the national grid system, has access to multiple major supply basins. Direct access is available from producers in the Anadarko, Permian and Hugoton basins, some of which have recently experienced increased production from shale and tight sands formations adjacent to Northern Natural Gas' pipeline. Since 2011, the pipeline has connected 1,705,0002,145,000 Dth per day of supply access from the Wolfberry shale formation in west Texas and from the Granite Wash tight sands formations in the Texas panhandle and in Oklahoma. Additionally, Northern Natural Gas has interconnections with several interstate pipelines and several intrastate pipelines with receipt, delivery, or bi-directional capabilities. Because of Northern Natural Gas' location and multiple interconnections it is able to access natural gas from other key production areas, such as the Rocky Mountain, Williston, including the Bakken formation, and western Canadian basins. The Rocky Mountain basins are accessed through interconnects with Trailblazer Pipeline Company, Tallgrass Interstate Gas Transmission, LLC, Cheyenne Plains Gas Pipeline Company, LLC, Colorado Interstate Gas Company and Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC ("REX"). The western Canadian basins are accessed through interconnects with Northern Border Pipeline Company ("Northern Border"), Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership ("Great Lakes") and Viking Gas Transmission Company ("Viking"). This supply diversity and access to both stable and growing production areas provides significant flexibility to Northern Natural Gas' system and customers.

Northern Natural Gas' system experiences significant seasonal swings in demand and revenue typically with the highest demand and revenues typicallyover 60% of transportation revenue occurring during the months of November through March. This seasonality provides Northern Natural Gas with opportunities to deliver additional value-added services, such as firm and interruptible storage services. As a result of Northern Natural Gas' geographic location in the middle of the United States and its many interconnections with other pipelines, Northern Natural Gas has the opportunity to augment its steady end user and LDC revenue by capitalizing on opportunities for shippers to reach additional markets, such as Chicago, Illinois, other parts of the Midwest, and Texas, through interconnects.

Kern River

Kern River, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, owns an interstate natural gas pipeline system that extends from supply areas in the Rocky Mountains to consuming markets in Utah, Nevada and California. Kern River provided 20% of California's demand for natural gas in 2015. Kern River's pipeline system consists of 1,700 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 1,400 miles of mainline section and 300 miles of common facilities, with a design capacity of 2,166,575 Dth, or 2.2 Bcf, per day. Kern River owns the entire mainline section, which extends from the system's point of origination near Opal, Wyoming, through the Central Rocky Mountains area intoto Daggett, California. The mainline section consists of 1,300 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline and 100 miles of various laterals that connect to the mainline. The common facilities are jointly owned by Kern River and Mojave Pipeline Company ("Mojave") as tenants-in-common. Except for quantities of natural gas owned for operational purposes, Kern River does not own the natural gas that is transported through its system. Kern River's transportation rates are cost-based. The rates are designed to provide Kern River with an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and earn a reasonable return on its investments.

Kern River's rates are based on a levelized rate design with recovery of 70% of the original investment during the initial long-term contracts ("Period One rates"). After expiration of the initial term, eligible customers have the option to elect service at rates ("Period Two rates") that are lower than Period One rates because they are designed to recover the remaining 30% of the original investment. To the extent that eligible customers do not contract for service at Period Two rates, the volumes are turned back and sold at market rates for varying terms. As of December 31, 2018, initial Period One contracts total 411,000 Dth. Period Two contracts total 974,950 Dth and 515,056 Dth per day of total turned back volume have an average remaining contract term of nearly three years. The remaining capacity is sold on a short-term basis at market rates.

Approximately 90%As of December 31, 2018, approximately 84% of Kern River's design capacity of 2,166,575 Dth per day is contracted pursuant to long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements, whereby Kern River receives natural gas on behalf of customers at designated receipt points and transports the natural gas on a firm basis to designated delivery points. In return for this service, each customer pays Kern River a fixed monthly reservation fee based on each customer's maximum daily quantity, which represents 96%89% of total operating revenue, and a commodity charge based on the actual amount of natural gas transported pursuant to its long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements and Kern River's tariff.

These long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements expire between March 20182020 and April 2033 and have a weighted-average remaining contract term of over eightnearly nine years. Kern River's customers include electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As of December 31, 20162018, nearly 79%73% of the firm capacity under contract has primary delivery points in California, with the flexibility to access secondary delivery points in Nevada and Utah. Kern River provided 22% of California's demand for natural gas in 2017.


During 20162018, Kern River had one customer,two customers, including Nevada Power Company, an affiliate company, whod/b/a NV Energy, that each accounted for greater than 10% of its revenue. The loss of thisthese significant customer,customers, if not replaced, could have a material adverse effect on Kern River.

Competition

The Pipeline Companies compete with other pipelines on the basis of cost, flexibility, reliability of service and overall customer service, with the end-user'scustomer's decision being made primarily on the basis of delivered price, which includes both the natural gas commodity cost and its transportation cost. Natural gas also competes with alternative energy sources, including coal, nuclear energy, wind, geothermal, solar and fuel oil. Legislation and governmental regulations, the weather, the futures market, production costs and other factors beyond the control of the Pipeline Companies influence the price of the natural gas commodity.

The natural gas industry is undergoinghas undergone a significant shift in supply sources. Production from conventional sources continues to declinehas declined while production from unconventional sources, such as shale gas, is increasing.has increased. This shift will affecthas affected the supply patterns, the flows, the locational and seasonal natural gas price spreads and rates that can be charged on pipeline systems. The impact will varyhas varied among pipelines according to the location and the number of competitors attached to these new supply sources.

Electric power generation has been the source of most of the growth in demand for natural gas over the last 10 years, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. The growth of natural gas in this sector is influenced by regulation, new sources of natural gas, competition with other energy sources, primarily coal and renewables, and increased consumption of electricity as a result of economic growth. Short-term market shifts have been driven by relative costs of coal-fueled generation versus natural gas-fueled generation. A long-term market shift away from the use of coal in power generation could be driven by environmental regulations. The future demand for natural gas could be increased by regulations limiting or discouraging coal use. However, natural gas demand could potentially be adversely affected by laws mandating or encouraging renewable power sources that produce fewer GHG emissions than natural gas.

The Pipeline Companies' ability to extend existing customer contracts, remarket expiring contracted capacity or market new capacity is dependent on competitive alternatives, the regulatory environment and the market supply and demand factors at the relevant dates these contracts are eligible to be renewed or extended. The duration of new or renegotiated contracts will be affected by current commodity and transportation prices, competitive conditions and customers' judgments concerning future market trends and volatility.

Subject to regulatory requirements, the Pipeline Companies attempt to recontract or remarket capacity at the maximum rates allowed under their tariffs, although at times the Pipeline Companies discount these rates to remain competitive. The Pipeline Companies' existing contracts mature at various times and in varying amounts of entitlement. The Pipeline Companies manage the recontracting process to mitigate the risk of a significant negative impact on operating revenue.

Historically, the Pipeline Companies have been able to provide competitively priced services because of access to a variety of relatively low cost supply basins, cost control measures and the relatively high level of firm entitlement that is sold on a seasonal and annual basis, which lowers the per unit cost of transportation. To date, the Pipeline Companies have avoided significant pipeline system bypasses.


Northern Natural Gas needs to compete aggressively to serve existing load and add new load. Northern Natural Gas has been successful in competing for a significant amount of the increased demand related to residential and commercial needs and the construction of new power plants and new fertilizer or other industrial plants. The growth related to utilities has historically been driven by population growth and increased commercial and industrial needs. Northern Natural Gas has been generally successful in negotiating increased transportation rates for customers who received discounted service when such contract terms are renegotiated and extended.

Northern Natural Gas' major competitors in the Market Area include ANR Pipeline Company, Northern Border, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC, Great Lakes and Viking. In the Field Area, where the vast majority of Northern Natural Gas' capacity is used for transportation services provided on a short-term firm basis, Northern Natural Gas competes with a large number of interstate and intrastate pipeline companies.


Northern Natural Gas' attractive competitive position relative to other pipelines in the upper Midwest wasis reinforced during the colder than normaleach winter as customers expect, and receive, reliable deliveries of 2013-2014.natural gas for their critical markets. Northern Natural Gas' customers' abilityGas provides customers access to access multiple supply basins has been criticalthat allow customers to obtain reliable supplies at competitive prices, not subject to the natural gas grid dynamics from pipeline competition that would limit customers managing their reliability andto a singular supply costs.source. Northern Natural Gas' Field Area has access to diverse Mid-Continent, Permian and Rockies supplies with resulting prices delivered to Market Area customers at DemarcationDemarc at significantly lesslower prices than their alternative supply source. The benefits of Northern Natural Gas' system is particularly demonstrated during extreme winter conditions such as the polar vortex of 2013-2104 and severe cold weather that impacted Northern Natural Gas' Market Area in January 2019. During these periods of high market demand, customers have received all of their scheduled deliveries, without interruption, due to Northern Natural Gas' extensive, reticulated pipeline system.


Northern Natural Gas expects the current level of Field Area contracting to Demarc to continue in the foreseeable future, as Market Area customers presently need to purchase competitively-priced supplies from the Field Area to support their existing and growth demand requirements. However, the revenue received from these Field Area contracts is expected to vary in relationship to the difference, or "spread," in natural gas prices between the MidContinent and Permian Regions and the price of the alternative supplies that are available to Northern Natural Gas' Market Area. This spread affects the value of the Field Area transportation capacity because natural gas from the MidContinent and Permian Regions that is transported through Northern Natural Gas' Field Area competes directly with natural gas delivered directly into the Market Area from Canada and other supply areas, including new shale gas producing areas outside of the Field Area.

Kern River's rates are based on a levelized rate design with recovery of 70% of the original investment during the initial long-term contracts ("Period One rates"). After expiration of the initial term, eligible customers elect to take service at rates ("Period Two rates") that are lower than Period One rates because they are designed to recover only the remaining plant balances. To the extent that eligible customers elected not to contract for service at Period Two rates, the volumes are turned back and sold at market rates for varying terms. Of the customers that were eligible to take Period Two service beginning October 1, 2016, 97% elected to extend their contracts at maximum Period Two rates, with 184,528 Dth per day electing 10-year contracts and 410,763 Dth per day electing 15-year contracts. Of the customers that were eligible to take Period Two service beginning May 1, 2017, 72% elected to extend their contracts at maximum Period Two rates, with 64,500 Dth per day electing 15-year contracts. As of December 1, 2016, Kern River has sold 318,362 Dth per day of the total turned back volume of 353,503 Dth per day with an average remaining contract term of three years. The remaining turned back capacity is sold on a short-term basis at market rates.

Kern River competes with various interstate pipelines in developing expansion projects and entering into long-term agreements to serve market growth in Southern California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Kern River also competes with various interstate pipelines and their customers to market unutilized capacity under shorter term transactions. Kern River provides its customers with supply diversity through interconnections with pipelines such as Northwest Pipeline LLC, Colorado Interstate Gas Company, Overland Trails Transmission, LLC, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline LLC and Dominion Energy Questar Overthrust Pipeline LLC; and storage facilities such as Ryckman Creek Resources,Spire Storage West LLC and Clear Creek Storage Company, LLC. These interconnections, in addition to the direct interconnections to natural gas processing facilities in Wyoming and California, allow Kern River to access natural gas reserves in Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, California and the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

Kern River is the only interstate pipeline that presently delivers natural gas directly from the Rocky Mountain gas supply region to end-users in the Southern California market. This enables direct connect customers to avoid paying a "rate stack" (i.e., additional transportation costs attributable to the movement from one or more interstate pipeline systems to an intrastate system within California). Kern River's levelized rate structure and access to upstream pipelines, storage facilities and economic Rocky Mountain gas reserves increases its competitiveness and attractiveness to end-users. Kern River believes it has an advantage relative to other interstate pipelines serving Southern California because its relatively new pipeline can be economically expanded and has required significantly less capital expenditures and ongoing maintenance than other systems to comply with the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002. Kern River's favorable market position is tied to the availability of gas reserves in the Rocky Mountain area, an area that in recent years has attracted considerable expansion of pipeline capacity serving markets other than Southern California and Nevada.


BHE TRANSMISSION

AltaLink

ALP, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE acquired on December 1, 2014, is a regulated electric transmission-only company headquartered in Alberta, Canada serving approximately 85% of Alberta's population. ALP connects generation plants to major load centers, cities and large industrial plants throughout its 87,000 square mile service territory, which covers a diverse geographic area including most major urban centers in central and southern Alberta. ALP's transmission facilities, consisting of approximately 8,200 miles of transmission lines and 300310 substations as of December 31, 2016,2018, are an integral part of the Alberta Integrated Electric System ("AIES").

The AIES is a network or grid of transmission facilities operating at high voltages ranging from 69kV69 kVs to 500kV.500 kVs. The grid delivers electricity from generating units across Alberta, Canada through approximately 16,000 miles of transmission and over 600 substations.transmission. The AIES is interconnected to British Columbia's transmission system that links Alberta with the North American western interconnected system.

ALP is a transmission facility owner within the electricity industry in Alberta and is permitted to charge a tariff rate for the use of its transmission facilities. Such tariff rates are established on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow ALP an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and to earn a reasonable return on its investments. Transmission tariffs are approved by the AUC and are collected from the AESO.

The electricity industry in Alberta consists of four principal segments. Generators sell wholesale power into the power pool operated by the AESO and through direct contractual arrangements. Alberta's transmission system or grid is composed of high voltage power lines and related facilities that transmit electricity from generating facilities to distribution networks and directly connected end-users. Distribution facility owners are regulated by the AUC and are responsible for arranging for, or providing, regulated rate and regulated default supply services to convey electricity from transmission systems and distribution-connected generators to end-use customers. Retailers can procure energy through the power pool, through direct contractual arrangements with energy suppliers or ownership of generation facilities and arrange for its distribution to end-use customers.

In November 2015 the AESO finalized and made available the 2015 Long-Term Transmission Plan ("LTP"). The AESO mandate is defined in the Electric Utilities Act and its regulations, and requires the AESO to assess both current and future needs of Alberta’sAlberta's interconnected electrical system. The 2015 LTP is based onIn July 2017, the AESO's forecast of load and generation as documented inAESO released the 2014 Long Term2017 Long-Term Outlook ("LTO"). The, which is a forecast used as one input to guide the AESO 2015 LTP recognizes the province's economic outlook has changed significantly since then. Current economic conditions have resulted in slower provincial growth.planning Alberta's transmission system. In May 2016January 2018, the AESO finalized and made available the 2016 LTO.2017 Long-Term Transmission Plan ("LTP"). The 2016 LTO assumes2017 LTP places increased focus on the evolving economy, policy changes and environmental initiatives, including renewable generation additions and the phase-out of coal-fueled generation whenever possible. The plan was developed with the goal of efficient utilization of existing and planned transmission systems in areas where high renewables potential exists, and timely addition of necessary new transmission developments. The AESO has forecast Alberta's economy and correspondingelectricity demand to grow at an annual rate of 0.9% until 2037. Future generation investments are expected to keep pace with load growth will recover withinand coal-fueled generation replacements, as well as generation additions primarily through the Renewable Electricity Program. The 2017 LTP identifies 15 transmission developments across Alberta proposed over the next fewfive years and takes into account the Alberta government's 2015 Climate Leadership Plan, whichvalued at approximately C$1 billion. Regulatory approval for all identified developments is in the process of being refined prior to becoming law.still required.

BHE U.S. Transmission

BHE U.S. Transmission is engaged in various joint ventures to develop, own and operate transmission assets and is pursuing additional investment opportunities in the United States. Currently, BHE U.S. Transmission has two joint ventures with transmission assets that are operational.

BHE U.S. Transmission indirectly owns a 50% interest in ETT, along with subsidiaries of American Electric Power Company, Inc. ("AEP"). ETT owns and operates electric transmission assets in the ERCOT and, as of December 31, 20162018, had total assets of $2.9$3.0 billion. ETT is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. A total of $2.7 billion of transmission projects were in-service as of December 31, 2016, with $0.3 billion of projects forecast to be completed in 2017 through 2020. ETT's transmission system includes approximately 1,200 miles of transmission lines and 3036 substations as of December 31, 2016.2018.

BHE U.S. Transmission also indirectly owns a 25% interest in Prairie Wind Transmission, LLC, a joint venture with AEP and Westar Energy, Inc., to build, own and operate a 108-mile, 345 kV345-kV transmission project in Kansas. The project cost $158 million and was fully placed in-service in November 2014.


BHE RENEWABLES

The subsidiaries comprising the BHE Renewables reportable segment own interests in several independent power projects that are in-service or under construction in the United States and in the Philippines. The following table presents certain information concerning these independent power projects as of December 31, 20162018:

 Power Facility Net Power Facility Net
 Purchase Net Owned Purchase Net Owned
 Energy Agreement Power Capacity Capacity Energy Agreement Power Capacity Capacity
Generating Facility Location Source Installed Expiration 
Purchaser(1)
 
(MW)(2)
 
(MW)(2)
 Location Source Installed Expiration 
Purchaser(1)
 
(MWs)(2)
 
(MWs)(2)
SOLAR:        
Topaz California Solar 2013-2014 2040 PG&E 550
 550
 California Solar 2013-2014 2039 PG&E 550
 550
Solar Star 1 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 310
 310
 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 310
 310
Solar Star 2 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 276
 276
 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 276
 276
Agua Caliente Arizona Solar 2012-2013 2039 PG&E 290
 142
 Arizona Solar 2012-2013 2039 PG&E 290
 142
Community Solar Gardens Minnesota Solar 2016 2036 (5) 23
 23
Community Solar Gardens(6)
 Minnesota Solar 2016-2018 2041-2043 (5) 98
 98
Alamo 6 Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 110
 110
Pearl Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 50
 50
 1,449
 1,301
 1,684
 1,536
WIND:        
Bishop Hill II Illinois Wind 2012 2032 Ameren 81
 81
 Illinois Wind 2012 2032 Ameren 81
 81
Pinyon Pines I California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 168
 168
 California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 168
 168
Pinyon Pines II California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 132
 132
 California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 132
 132
Jumbo Road Texas Wind 2015 2033 AE 300
 300
 Texas Wind 2015 2033 AE 300
 300
Marshall Kansas Wind 2016 2036 MJMEC, KPP, KMEA & COIMO 72
 72
 Kansas Wind 2016 2036 MJMEC, KPP, KMEA & COIMO 72
 72
Grand Prairie Nebraska Wind 2016 2036 OPPD 400
 400
Grande Prairie Nebraska Wind 2016 2036 OPPD 400
 400
Santa Rita Texas Wind 2018 2030-2038 KC, CODTX 300
 300
Walnut Ridge Illinois Wind 2018 2028 USGSA 212
 212
 1,153
 1,153
 1,665
 1,665
GEOTHERMAL:        
Imperial Valley Projects California Geothermal 1982-2000 (3) (3) 338
 338
 California Geothermal 1982-2000 (3) (3) 338
 338
        
HYDROELECTRIC:        
Casecnan Project(4)
 Philippines Hydroelectric 2001 2021 NIA 150
 128
 Philippines Hydroelectric 2001 2021 NIA 150
 128
Wailuku Hawaii Hydroelectric 1993 2023 HELCO 10
 10
 Hawaii Hydroelectric 1993 2023 HELCO 10
 10
 160
 138
 160
 138
NATURAL GAS:        
Saranac New York Natural Gas 1994 2017 TEMUS 245
 196
 New York Natural Gas 1994 2019 TEMUS 245
 196
Power Resources Texas Natural Gas 1988 2018 EDF 212
 212
 Texas Natural Gas 1988 2018 EDF 212
 212
Yuma Arizona Natural Gas 1994 2024 SDG&E 50
 50
 Arizona Natural Gas 1994 2024 SDG&E 50
 50
Cordova Illinois Natural Gas 2001 2019 EGC 512
 512
 Illinois Natural Gas 2001 2019 EGC 512
 512
 1,019
 970
 1,019
 970
        
Total Available Generating Capacity 4,119
 3,900
 4,866
 4,647
    
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION:    
    
Community Solar Gardens Minnesota Solar 2017 2037 (5) 72
 72
    
 4,191
 3,972


(1)
TransAlta Energy Marketing U.S. ("TEMUS"); EDF Energy Services, LLC ("EDF"); San Diego Gas & Electric Company ("SDG&E"); Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("EGC"); Pacific Gas and Electric Company ("PG&E"), Ameren Illinois Company ("Ameren"), Southern California Edison ("SCE"), the Philippine National Irrigation Administration ("NIA"); Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. ("HELCO"); Austin Energy ("AE"); Omaha Public Power District ("OPPD"); Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("KC"); City of Denton, TX ("CODTX"); U.S. General Services Administration ("USGSA"); Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Commission ("MJMEC"); Kansas Power Pool ("KPP"); Kansas Municipal Energy Agency ("KMEA"); and City of Independence, MO ("COIMO"); and CPS Energy ("CPS").
(2)
Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MW)MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates BHE Renewables' ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(3)
The majority of the Imperial Valley Projects' Contract Capacity is currently sold to Southern California Edison Company under long-term power purchase agreements expiring in 20172019 through 2026. Certain long-term power purchase agreement renewals have been entered into with other parties that begin upon the existing contracts' expiration and expire in 2028 and 2039.

(4)
Under the terms of the agreement with the NIA, CalEnergy Philippines will own and operate the Casecnan project for a 20-year cooperation period which ends December 11, 2021, after which ownership and operation of the project will be transferred to the NIA at no cost on an "as-is" basis. NIA also pays CalEnergy Philippines for delivery of water pursuant to the agreement.

(5)The power purchasers are commercial, industrial and not-for-profit organizations.

(6)The community solar gardens project is consolidated in the table above for convenience as it consists of 98 distinct entities that each own an approximately 1-MW solar garden with independent but substantially similar terms and conditions.

Additionally, BHE Renewables has invested $1.9 billion in eleven wind projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments.

BHE Renewables' operating revenue is derived from the following business activities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Solar$369
 $383
 $238
51% 52% 49%
Wind138
 99
 99
18
 17
 19
Geothermal148
 165
 125
19
 19
 20
Hydro30
 23
 107
5
 6
 4
Natural gas58
 58
 54
7
 6
 8
Total operating revenue$743
 $728
 $623
100% 100% 100%

HOMESERVICES

HomeServices, a majority-owned subsidiary of BHE, is the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States. In addition to providing traditional residential real estate brokerage services, HomeServices offers other integrated real estate services, including mortgage originations and mortgage banking; title and closing services; property and casualty insurance; home warranties; relocation services; and other home-related services. HomeServices' real estate brokerage business is subject to seasonal fluctuations because more home sale transactions tend to close during the second and third quarters of the year. As a result, HomeServices' operating results and profitability are typically higher in the second and third quarters relative to the remainder of the year. HomeServices' owned brokerages currently operate in nearly 540880 offices in 2830 states and the District of Columbia with over 29,00042,500 real estate agents under 3847 brand names. The United States residential real estate brokerage business is subject to the general real estate market conditions, is highly competitive and consists of numerous local brokers and agents in each market seeking to represent sellers and buyers in residential real estate transactions. In October 2014, HomeServices acquired the remaining 50.1% of HomeServices Lending, a mortgage origination company.

In October 2012, HomeServices acquired a 66.7% interest in one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States, which offers and sells independently owned and operated residential real estate brokerage franchises. The noncontrolling interest member hashad the right to put the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business to HomeServices after March 2015 and HomeServices hashad the right to purchasecall the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business after March 2018completion and receipt of the 2017 financial statement audit at an option exercise formula based on historical financial performance.In April 2018, HomeServices exercised its call option and acquired the remaining 33.3% interest.


HomeServices' franchise network currently includes over 375approximately 370 franchisees in over 1,500nearly 1,600 brokerage offices in 47 statesthroughout the United States and Europe with over 46,00051,500 real estate agents under threetwo brand names. In exchange for certain fees, HomeServices provides the right to use the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Prudential or Real Living brand names and other related service marks, as well as providing orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services.


OTHER ENERGY BUSINESSES

Effective January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred its nonregulated energy operations to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES"), a subsidiary of BHE. MES is a nonregulated energy business consisting of competitive electricity and natural gas retail sales. MES' electric operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Ohio,Pennsylvania, Maryland and other states that allow customers to choose their energy supplier. MES' natural gas operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Iowa and Illinois. Electricity and natural gas are purchased from producers and third party energy marketing companies and sold directly to commercial, industrial and governmental end-users. MES does not own electricity or natural gas production assets but hedges its contracted sales obligations either with physical supply arrangements or financial products. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MES' contracts in place for the sale of electricity totaled 16,614,956 MWh18,571 GWhs with a weightedan average lifeterm of 2.32.4 years and for the sale of natural gas totaled 33,642,45425,717,425 Dth with a weightedan average lifeterm of 1.41.3 years. In addition, MES manages natural gas supplies for a number of smaller commercial end-users, which includes the sale of natural gas to these customers to meet their supply requirements. Refer to Item 7A in this Form 10-K for a discussion of commodity price risk and derivative contracts.

The percentages of electricity sold to MES' retail customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Illinois48% 51% 58%45% 46% 48%
Ohio23
 23
 21
Texas13
 15
 17
16
 15
 13
Ohio21
 18
 10
Pennsylvania9
 8
 8
Maryland7
 7
 8
6
 7
 7
Other11
 9
 7
1
 1
 3
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%

The percentages of natural gas sold to MES' customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Iowa86% 87% 87%89% 86% 86%
Illinois9
 8
 8
7
 9
 9
Other5
 5
 5
4
 5
 5
100% 100% 100%100% 100% 100%




GENERAL REGULATION

BHE's regulated subsidiaries and certain affiliates are subject to comprehensive governmental regulation, which significantly influences their operating environment, prices charged to customers, capital structure, costs and, ultimately, their ability to recover costs and earn a reasonable return on invested capital. In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding general regulation, refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding certain regulatory matters.

Domestic Regulated Public Utility Subsidiaries

The Utilities are subject to comprehensive regulation by various state, federal state and local agencies. The more significant aspects of this regulatory framework are described below.


State Regulation

Historically, state regulatory commissions have established retail electric and natural gas rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow a utility anthe opportunity to recover what each state regulatory commission deems to be the utility's reasonable costs of providing services, including a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investments based on its cost of debt and equity. In addition to return on investment, a utility's cost of service generally reflects a representative level of prudent expenses, including cost of sales, operating expense, depreciation and amortization and income and other tax expense, reduced by wholesale electricity and other revenue. The allowed operating expenses are typically based on actual historical costs adjusted for known and measurable or forecasted changes. State regulatory commissions may adjust cost of service for various reasons, including pursuant to a review of: (a) the utility's revenue and expenses during a defined test period, and (b) the utility's level of investment.investment and (c) changes in income tax laws. State regulatory commissions typically have the authority to review and change rates on their own initiative; however, they may also initiate reviews at the request of a utility, utility customers or organizations representing groups of customers. In certain jurisdictions, the utility and such parties, however, may agree with one another not to request a review of or changes to rates for a specified period of time.

The retail electric rates of the Utilities are generally based on the cost of providing traditional bundled services, including generation, transmission and distribution services. The Utilities have established energy cost adjustment mechanisms and other cost recovery mechanisms in certain states, which help mitigate their exposure to changes in costs from those assumed in establishing base rates.

With certain limited exceptions, the Utilities have an exclusive right to serve retail customers within their service territories and, in turn, have an obligation to provide service to those customers. In some jurisdictions, certain classes of customers may choose to purchase all or a portion of their energy from alternative energy suppliers, and in some jurisdictions retail customers can generate all or a portion of their own energy. Under Oregon law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, nonresidential customers have the right to choose an alternative provider of energy supply. The impact of this right on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results has not been material. In Washington, state law does not provide for exclusive service territory allocation. PacifiCorp's service territory in Washington is surrounded by other public utilities with whom PacifiCorp has from time to time entered into service area agreements under the jurisdiction of the WUTC. Under California law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, cities, counties and certain other public agencies have the right to choose to generate energy supply or elect an alternative provider of energy supply through the formation of a Community Choice Aggregator ("CCA"). To date, no CCA activity has occurred in PacifiCorp's California service territory. If a CCA is formed, PacifiCorp would continue to provide CCA customers transmission, distribution, metering and billing services and the CCA would provide generation supply. In addition, PacifiCorp would likely be able to collect costs from CCA customers for the generation-related costs that PacifiCorp incurred while they were customers of PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp would remain the electricity provider of last resort for these customers. In Illinois, state law has established a competitive environment so that all Illinois customers are free to choose their retail service supplier. For customers that choose an alternative retail energy supplier, MidAmerican Energy continues to have an ongoing obligation to deliver the supplier's energy to the retail customer. MidAmerican Energy bills the retail customer for such delivery services. MidAmerican Energy also has an obligation to serve customers at regulated cost-based rates and has a continuing obligation to serve customers who have not selected a competitive electricity provider. The impact of this right on MidAmerican Energy's financial results has not been material. In Nevada, state lawChapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one MW or more to file a letter of intent and application with the PUCN to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier. The law requires customers wishing to choose a new supplier to receive the approval of the PUCN to meet public interest standards. In particular, departing customers must secure new energy resources that are not under contract to the Nevada Utilities, the departure must not burden the Nevada Utilities with increased costs or cause any remaining customers to pay increased costs and the departing customers must pay their portion of any deferred energy balances, all as determined by the PUCN. Also, the Utilities and the state regulatory commissions are individually evaluating how best to integrate private generation resources into their service and rate design, including considering such factors as maintaining high levels of customer safety and service reliability, minimizing adverse cost impacts and fairly allocating costs among all customers.

Also in Nevada, large natural gas customers using 12,000 therms per month with fuel switching capability are allowed by tariff to participate in the incentive natural gas rate tariff. Once a service agreement has been executed, a customer can compare natural gas prices under this tariff to alternative energy sources and choose its source of natural gas. In addition, natural gas customers using greater than 1,000 therms per day have the ability to secure their own natural gas supplies under the gas transportation tariff.


PacifiCorp

Rate Filings

Under Utah law, the UPSC must issue a written order within 240 days of a public utility’s application for a general rate change, absent an order, the proposed rates go into effect as filed and are not subject to refund; the UPSC may allow interim rates to take effect within 45 days of an application, subject to refund or surcharge, if an adequate prima facie showing is established in hearing that the interim rate change is justified.

The OPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates for a period not to exceed more than six months, with an additional three-month extension, beyond the 30-day time period when the new rates would usually otherwise go into effect. Absent suspension or other action from the OPUC, new rates automatically go into effect 30 days from filing by the utility. Upon suspension by the OPUC, the OPUC is authorized to allow collection of an interim rate, subject to refund, during the pendency of the OPUC’s review of the rate request.

In Wyoming, the WPSC can allow interim rates to go into effect 30 days after the initial application but may require a bond to secure a refund for the amount. The WPSC may suspend the rates for final approval for a period not to exceed 10 months.

The WUTC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 10 months beyond the 30-day time period when the new rate would usually otherwise go into effect.

Under Idaho law, the IPUC can suspend a filing for an initial period not to exceed five months, and an additional extension of 60 days with a showing of good cause.

The CPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 18 months. The CPUC may extend the suspension period on a case-by-case period.

Adjustment Mechanisms

In addition to recovery through base rates, PacifiCorp also achieves recovery of certain costs through various adjustment mechanisms as summarized below.
State Regulator Base Rate Test Period Adjustment Mechanism
UPSC 
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
 EBA under which 100% (beginning in June 2016) of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Wheeling revenue is also included in the mechanism. Prior to June 2016, the amount deferred was 70% of the difference as noted above.
     
    Balancing account to provide for 100% recovery or refund of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues after adjusting for a REC incentive authorized by the UPSC.
     
    Recovery mechanism for single capital investments that in total exceed 1% of existing rate base when a general rate case has occurred within the preceding 18 months.
     
OPUC Forecasted PCAM under which 90% of the difference between forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits established under the annual TAM and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits is deferred and reflected in future rates. The difference between the forecasted and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits must fall outside of an established asymmetrical deadband, rangewith a negative annual power cost variance deadband of $15 million, and a positive annual power cost variance deadband of $30 million and is also subject to an earnings test.test of +/- 1% around PacifiCorp's allowed return on equity.
     
    Annual TAM based on forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits. Production tax credits were not included in forecasted net variable power costs prior to 2017.
     
    Renewable Adjustment Clause to recover the revenue requirement of new renewable resources and associated transmission costs that are not reflected in general rates.
     
    Balancing account for proceeds from the sale of RECs.
     
WPSC 
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
 ECAM under which 70% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Chemical costs and start-up fuel costs are also included in the mechanism starting in 2016.mechanism.
     
    REC and sulfur dioxide revenue adjustment mechanism to provide for recovery or refund of 100% of any difference between actual REC and sulfur dioxide revenues and the level in rates.
     

WUTC Historical with known and measurable changes PCAM under which the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates after applying a $4 million deadband for positive or negative net power cost variances. For net power cost variances between $4 million and $10 million, amounts to be recovered from customers are allocated 50/50 and amounts to be credited to customers are allocated 75/25 (customers/PacifiCorp). Positive or negative net power cost variances in excess of $10 million are allocated 90/10 (customers/PacifiCorp).
     
    Deferral mechanism of costs for up to 24 months of new base load generation resources and eligible renewable resources and related transmission that qualify under the state's emissions performance standard and are not reflected in base rates.
     
    REC revenue tracking mechanism to provide credit of 100% of Washington-allocated REC revenues.
     
    
Decoupling mechanism under which the difference between actual annual revenues and authorized revenues per customer is deferred and reflected in future rates, subject to an earnings test. To trigger a rate adjustment, the deferral balance must exceed plus or minus 2.5% of the authorized revenue at the end of each deferral period by rate class. Rate adjustments must not exceed a surcharge of 5% of the actual normalized revenue by class.

     
IPUC Historical with known and measurable changes ECAM under which 90% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Also provides for recovery or refund of 100% of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues and differences in actual production tax credits compared to the amount in base rates.
     
CPUC Forecasted PTAM for major capital additions that allows for rate adjustments outside of the context of a traditional general rate case for the revenue requirement associated with capital additions exceeding $50 million on a total-company basis. Filed as eligible capital additions are placed into service.
     
    ECAC that allows for an annual update to actual and forecasted net power costs.
     
    PTAM for attrition, a mechanism that allows for an annual adjustment to costs other than net power costs.

(1)PacifiCorp has relied on both historical test periods with known and measurable adjustments, as well as forecasted test periods.


MidAmerican Energy

Under Iowa law, there are two options for temporary collection of higher rates following the filing of a request for a base rate increase. Collection can begin, subject to refund, either (1) within 10 days of filing, without IUB review, or (2) 90 days after filing, with approval by the IUB, depending upon the ratemaking principles and precedents utilized. In either case, if the IUB has not issued a final order within ten months after the filing date, the temporary rates become final and any difference between the requested rate increase and the temporary rates may then be collected subject to refund until receipt of a final order. Under Illinois law, new base rates may become effective 45 days after the filing of a request with the ICC, or earlier with ICC approval. The ICC has authority to suspend the proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed approximately eleven months after filing. South Dakota law authorizes the SDPUC to suspend new base rates for up to six months during the pendency of rate proceedings; however, a utility may implement all or a portion of the proposed new rates six months after the filing of a request for a rate increase subject to refund pending a final order in the proceeding.

Iowa law also permits rate-regulated utilities to seek ratemaking principles with the IUB prior to the construction of certain types of new generating facilities. Pursuant to this law, MidAmerican Energy has applied for and obtained IUB ratemaking principles orders for a 484-MW (MidAmerican Energy's share) coal-fueled generating facility, a 495-MW combined cycle natural gas-fueled generating facility and 6,048 MW6,639 MWs (nominal ratings) of wind-powered generating facilities, including 2,000 MW1,440 MWs (nominal ratings) under construction, as of December 31, 2016.2018. These ratemaking principles established cost caps for the projects and authorized a fixed rate of return on equity for the respective generating facilities over the regulatory life of the facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the generating facilities in service totaled $5.6$6.9 billion, or 44%42%, of MidAmerican Energy's regulated property, plant and equipment, net and were subject to these ratemaking principles at a weighted average return on equity of 11.8%11.6% with a weighted average remaining life of 3132 years.


Under its current Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota electric tariffs, MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover fluctuations in electric energy costs for its retail electric sales through fuel, or energy, cost adjustment mechanisms. The Iowa mechanism also includes production tax credits associated with wind-powered generation placed in servicein-service prior to 2013.2013, except for production tax credits earned by repowered facilities, which totaled 636 MWs as of December 31, 2018. Eligibility for production tax credits associated with MidAmerican Energy's earliest projects began expiring in 2014. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has transmission adjustment clauses to recover certain transmission charges related to retail customers in all jurisdictions. The adjustment mechanisms reduce the regulatory lag for the recovery of energy and transmission costs related to retail electric customers in these jurisdictions.

Of the wind-powered generating facilities placed in servicein-service as of December 31, 2016, 1,763 MW2018, 2,914 MWs (nominal ratings) have not been included in the determination of MidAmerican Energy’sEnergy's Iowa retail electric base rates. In accordance with the related ratemaking principles, until such time as these generation assets are reflected in base rates and ceasing thereafter, MidAmerican Energy reduced its revenue from Iowa energy adjustment clause recoveries by $5 million in 2015 and $9 million in 2016 and is to reduce its recoveries by $12 million for each calendar year thereafter.

MidAmerican Energy has mechanisms in Iowa where rate base may be reduced, including revenue sharing and retail customer benefits attributable to most of the wind-powered generating facilities placed in service in 2016 ("Wind X").reduced. The revenue sharing mechanism originates from multiple ratemaking principles proceedings and reduces rate base for Iowa electric returns on equity exceeding an established benchmark. The Wind Xretail customer benefit mechanism, which reduces rate base for the value of higher cost retail energy displaced by covered wind-powered production, applies to the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service in 2016 under the Wind X production.project and facilities to be constructed under the Wind XII project approved by the IUB in 2018.

MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas is collected for each jurisdiction in its gas rates through a uniform PGA, which is updated monthly to reflect changes in actual costs. Subject to prudence reviews, the PGA accomplishes a pass-through of MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas to its customers and, accordingly, has no direct effect on net income. MidAmerican Energy's DSM program costs are collected through separately established rates that are adjusted annually based on actual and expected costs, as approved by the respective state regulatory commission. As such, recovery of DSM program costs has no direct impact on net income.


NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Rate Filings

Nevada statutes require the Nevada Utilities to file electric general rate cases at least once every three years with the PUCN. Sierra Pacific may also file natural gas general rate cases with the PUCN. The Nevada Utilities are also subject to a two-part fuel and purchased power adjustment mechanism. The Nevada Utilities make quarterly filings to reset BTER, based on the last 12 months of fuel and purchased power costs. The difference between actual fuel and purchased power costs and the revenue collected in the BTER is deferred into a balancing account. The DEAA rate clears amounts deferred into the balancing account. Nevada regulations allow an electric or natural gas utility that adjusts its BTER on a quarterly basis to request PUCN approval to make quarterly changes to its DEAA rate if the request is in the public interest. The Nevada Utilities received approval from the PUCN and file quarterly adjustments to the DEAA rate to clear amounts deferred into the balancing account. During required annual DEAA proceedings, the prudence of fuel and purchased power costs is reviewed, and if any costs are disallowed on such grounds, the disallowances will be incorporated into the next quarterly BTER rate change. Also, on an annual basis, the Nevada Utilities (a) seek a determination that energy efficiency program expenditures were reasonable, (b) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency program rates, and (c) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency implementation rates. When the Nevada Utilities' regulatory earned rate of return for a calendar year exceeds the regulatory rate of return used to set base tariff general rates, they are obligated to refund energy efficiency implementation revenue previously collected for that year.

EEPR and EEIR

EEPR was established to allow the Nevada Utilities to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by the Nevada Utilities and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent the Nevada Utilities' earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, the Nevada Utilities' are required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year.


Net Metering

Nevada enacted Assembly Bill 405 ("AB 405") on June 15, 2017. The legislation, among other things, established net metering crediting rates for private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts. Under AB 405, private generation customers will be compensated at 95% of the rate the customer would have paid for a kilowatt-hour of electricity supplied by the Nevada Utilities for the first 80 MWs of cumulative installed capacity of all net metering systems in Nevada, 88% of the rate for the next 80 MWs, 81% of the rate for the next 80 MWs and 75% of the rate for any additional private generation capacity. As of December 31, 2018, the cumulative installed and applied-for capacity of net metering systems under AB 405 in Nevada was 118 MWs.

Energy Choice Initiative - Deregulation

In November 2016, a majority of Nevada voters supported a ballot measure to amend Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution. If it had been approved again in 2018, the proposed constitutional amendment would requirehave required the Nevada Legislature to create, on or before July 2023, an open and competitive retail electric market that includesincluded provisions to reduce costs to customers, protect against service disconnections and unfair practices and prohibit the granting of monopolies and exclusive franchises for the generation of electricity. The outcome of any customer choice initiative could have broad implications toIn November 2018, the Nevada Utilities. The Governor issued an executive order establishing the Governor’s Committee on Energy Choice in which the Nevada Utilities will have representation. The Nevada Utilities will be engaged in the legislative process but cannot assess or predict the outcome of the potential constitutional amendment or the financial impact, if any, at this time. The uncertainty created byvoters rejected the ballot initiative complicates both the short-term allocation of resources and long-term resource planning for the Nevada Utilities, including the ability to forecast load growth and the timing of resource additions. This uncertainty in planning is evidenced by a recent decision the PUCN issued denying Nevada Power’s proposed purchase of the South Point Energy Center, citing the unknown outcomes of the energy choice initiative as one of the factors considered in their decision.measure.

Federal Regulation

The FERC is an independent agency with broad authority to implement provisions of the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act ("NGA"), the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ("Energy Policy Act") and other federal statutes. The FERC regulates rates for wholesale sales of electricity; transmission of electricity, including pricing and regional planning for the expansion of transmission systems; electric system reliability; utility holding companies; accounting and records retention; securities issuances; construction and operation of hydroelectric facilities; and other matters. The FERC also has the enforcement authority to assess civil penalties of up to $1.2 million per day per violation of rules, regulations and orders issued under the Federal Power Act. The Utilities have implemented programs and procedures that facilitate and monitor compliance with the FERC's regulations described below. MidAmerican Energy is also subject to regulation by the NRC pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended ("Atomic Energy Act"), with respect to its ownership interest in the Quad Cities Station.

Wholesale Electricity and Capacity

The FERC regulates the Utilities' rates charged to wholesale customers for electricity and transmission capacity and related services. MostMuch of the Utilities' wholesale electricity sales and purchases occur under market-based pricing allowed by the FERC and are therefore subject to market volatility. The Utilities are precluded from selling at market-based rates in the PacifiCorp-East, PacifiCorp-West, Idaho Power Company and NorthWestern Energy balancing authority areas. Wholesale electricity sales in those specific balancing authority areas are permitted at cost-based rates. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have been granted the authority to bid into the California EIM at market-based rates.


The Utilities' and BHE Renewables' authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the Utilities and BHE Renewables are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. InPacifiCorp, the Nevada Utilities and certain affiliates, representing the BHE Northwest Companies, file together for market power study purposes. The BHE Northwest Companies' most recent triennial filing was made in June 2016 BHE Renewables submitted a triennial filingand, as to its non-mitigated balancing authority areas, was approved in November 2017. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC for the southwest region and PacifiCorp and NV Energy submitted aFERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the northwest region. These filings are pending at the FERC.Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. MidAmerican Energy currently has noand certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial reviews pending withfiling for the FERC.Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. Under the FERC's market-based rules, the Utilities must also file with the FERC a notice of change in status when there is a change in the conditions that the FERC relied upon in granting market-based rate authority.

On December 9, 2014, the FERC issued an order requesting that the BHE subsidiaries having authority to sell power and energy at market-based rates, including the Utilities, show cause why their market-based rate authority remains just and reasonable following BHE's acquisition of NV Energy. In June 2016, the FERC issued an order for all BHE subsidiaries, including the Utilities, with market-based rates to amend their respective market-based rate tariffs to preclude them from selling at market-based rates in the PacifiCorp East, PacifiCorp West, Idaho Power Company and NorthWestern Corporation balancing authority areas (the "Mitigated BAAs"). These tariff amendments were filed. Sales may be made in the Mitigated BAAs at cost-based rates. In addition, the specified BHE subsidiaries were ordered to issue refunds for market-based wholesale electricity sales in the Mitigated BAAs for the period from January 2015 through April 2016, to the extent such sales were priced above cost-based rates. Such refunds, totaling less than $1 million, were made by PacifiCorp, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific in July 2016. MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables do not transact in the Mitigated BAAs. In July 2016, the specified BHE subsidiaries affected in the order filed with the FERC a request for rehearing and clarification. In December 2016, the FERC denied the request for rehearing, made limited clarifications to the June 2016 order and accepted the conforming tariffs filed by the BHE subsidiaries. The specified BHE subsidiaries affected in the order do not believe the order will have a material impact on their respective consolidated financial statements.

Transmission

PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' wholesale transmission services are regulated by the FERC under cost-based regulation subject to PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' OATT, respectively. These services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, which means that all potential customers are provided an equal opportunity to access the transmission system. PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC's Standards of Conduct. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have made several required compliance filings in accordance with these rules.

In December 2011, PacifiCorp adopted a cost-based formula rate under its OATT for its transmission services. Cost-based formula rates are intended to be an effective means of recovering PacifiCorp's investments and associated costs of its transmission system without the need to file rate cases with the FERC, although the formula rate results are subject to discovery and challenges by the FERC and intervenors. A significant portion of these services are provided to PacifiCorp's energy supply management function.

MidAmerican Energy participates in the MISO as a transmission-owning member. Accordingly, the MISO is the transmission provider under its FERC-approved OATT. While the MISO is responsible for directing the operation of MidAmerican Energy's transmission system, MidAmerican Energy retains ownership of its transmission assets and, therefore, is subject to the FERC's reliability standards discussed below. MidAmerican Energy's transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC Standards of Conduct.

MidAmerican Energy has approval from the MISO to construct and own four Multi-Value Projects ("MVPs") located in Iowa and Illinois that will addhave added approximately 245250 miles of 345 kV345-kV transmission line to MidAmerican Energy's transmission system since 2012, of which 191224 miles have been placed in servicein-service as of December 31, 2016.2018. The MISO OATT allows for broad cost allocation for MidAmerican Energy's MVPs, including similar MVPs of other MISO participants. Accordingly, a significant portion of the revenue requirement associated with MidAmerican Energy's MVP investments will be shared with other MISO participants based on the MISO's cost allocation methodology, and a portion of the revenue requirement of the other participants' MVPs will be allocated to MidAmerican Energy. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has approval from the FERC to include 100% of construction work in progresswork-in-progress in the determination of rates for its MVPs and to use a forward-looking rate structure for all of its transmission investments and costs. The transmission assets and financial results of MidAmerican Energy's MVPs are excluded from the determination of its retail electric rates.

The FERC has established an extensive number of mandatory reliability standards developed by the NERC and the WECC, including planning and operations, critical infrastructure protection and regional standards. Compliance, enforcement and monitoring oversight of these standards is carried out by the FERC; the NERC; and the WECC for PacifiCorp, Nevada Power, and Sierra Pacific; and the Midwest Reliability Organization for MidAmerican Energy.

Hydroelectric

The FERC licenses and regulates the operation of hydroelectric systems, including license compliance and dam safety programs. Most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities are licensed by the FERC as major systems under the Federal Power Act, and certain of these systems are licensed under the Oregon Hydroelectric Act. Under the Federal Power Act, 16 dams18 developments associated with PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities licensed with the FERC are classified as "high hazard potential," meaning it is probable in the event of a dam failure that loss of human life in the downstream population could occur. The FERC provides guidelines utilized by PacifiCorp in development of public safety programs consisting of a dam safety program and emergency action plans.

PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system is the only significant hydroelectric system for which PacifiCorp has a pending relicensing process with the FERC. Refer to Note 1615 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for an update regarding hydroelectric relicensing for PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

General

MidAmerican Energy is subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC with respect to its license and 25% ownership interest in Quad Cities Station. Exelon Generation, the operator and 75% owner of Quad Cities Station, is under contract with MidAmerican Energy to secure and keep in effect all necessary NRC licenses and authorizations.


The NRC regulates the granting of permits and licenses for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations and regularly inspects such stations for compliance with applicable laws, regulations and license terms. Current licenses for Quad Cities Station provide for operation until December 14, 2032. The NRC review and regulatory process covers, among other things, operations, maintenance and environmental and radiological aspects of such stations. The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, the regulations under such Act or the terms of such licenses.

Federal regulations provide that any nuclear operating facility may be required to cease operation if the NRC determines there are deficiencies in state, local or utility emergency preparedness plans relating to such facility, and the deficiencies are not corrected. Exelon Generation has advised MidAmerican Energy that an emergency preparedness plan for Quad Cities Station has been approved by the NRC. Exelon Generation has also advised MidAmerican Energy that state and local plans relating to Quad Cities Station have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The NRC also regulates the decommissioning of nuclear powerednuclear-powered generating facilities, including the planning and funding for the eventual decommissioning of the facilities. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the NRC providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay its share of the costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station. MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds collected for nuclear decommissioning of Quad Cities Station.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 ("NWPA"), the U.S.United States Department of Energy ("DOE") is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Exelon Generation, as required by the NWPA, signed a contract with the DOE under which the DOE was to receive spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste for disposal beginning not later than January 1998. The DOE did not begin receiving spent nuclear fuel on the scheduled date and remains unable to receive such fuel and waste. The costs to be incurred by the DOE for disposal activities were previously being financed by fees charged to owners and generators of the waste. In accordance with a 2013 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit"), the DOE, in May 2014, provided notice that, effective May 16, 2014, the spent nuclear fuel disposal fee would be zero. In 2004, Exelon Generation, reached a settlement with the DOE concerning the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel in 1998. As a result, Quad Cities Station has been billing the DOE, and the DOE is obligated to reimburse the station for all station costs incurred due to the DOE's delay. Exelon Generation has completed construction of an interim spent fuel storage installation ("ISFSI") at Quad Cities Station to store spent nuclear fuel in dry casks in order to free space in the storage pool. The first pad at the ISFSI is expected to facilitate storage of casks to support operations at Quad Cities Station until at least 2020. The first storage in a dry cask commenced in November 2005. By 2020, Exelon Generation plans to add a second pad to the ISFSI to accommodate storage of spent nuclear fuel through the end of operations at Quad Cities Station.


    
Nuclear Insurance

MidAmerican Energy maintains financial protection against catastrophic loss associated with its interest in Quad Cities Station through a combination of insurance purchased by Exelon Generation, insurance purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy, and the mandatory industry-wide loss funding mechanism afforded under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988 ("Price-Anderson"), which was amended and extended by the Energy Policy Act. The general types of coverage maintained are: nuclear liability, property damage or loss and nuclear worker liability, as discussed below.

Exelon Generation purchases private market nuclear liability insurance for Quad Cities Station in the maximum available amount of $375$450 million, which includes coverage for MidAmerican Energy's ownership. In accordance with Price-Anderson, excess liability protection above that amount is provided by a mandatory industry-wide Secondary Financial Protection program under which the licensees of nuclear generating facilities could be assessed for liability incurred due to a serious nuclear incident at any commercial nuclear reactor in the United States. Currently, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate maximum potential share of an assessment for Quad Cities Station is approximately $64$69 million per incident, payable in installments not to exceed $10 million annually.


The insurance for nuclear property insurancedamage losses covers property damage, stabilization and decontamination of the facility, disposal of the decontaminated material and premature decommissioning arising out of a covered loss. For Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation purchases primary and excess property insurance protection for the combined interests in Quad Cities Station, with coverage limits totaling $2.1for nuclear damage losses up to $1.5 billion. MidAmerican Energy also directly purchases extra expense coverage for its share of replacement power and other extra expenses in the event of a covered accidental outage at Quad Cities Station. The property and related coverages purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy and by Exelon Generation, which includes the interests of MidAmerican Energy, are underwritten by an industry mutual insurance company and contain provisions for retrospective premium assessments to be called upon based on the industry mutual board of directors' discretion for adverse loss experience. Currently, the maximum retrospective amounts that could be assessed against MidAmerican Energy from industry mutual policies for its obligations associated with Quad Cities Station total $9$8 million.

The master nuclear worker liability coverage, which is purchased by Exelon Generation for Quad Cities Station, is an industry-wide guaranteed-cost policy with an aggregate limit of $375$450 million for the nuclear industry as a whole, which is in effect to cover tort claims of workers in nuclear-related industries.

United States Mine Safety

PacifiCorp's mining operations are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which administers federal mine safety and health laws and regulations, and state regulatory agencies. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has the statutory authority to institute a civil action for relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction, restraining order or other appropriate order against a mine operator who fails to pay penalties or fines for violations of federal mine safety standards. Federal law requires PacifiCorp to have a written emergency response plan specific to each underground mine it operates, which is reviewed by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration every six months, and to have at least two mine rescue teams located within one hour of each mine. Information regarding PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Subsidiaries

The Pipeline Companies are regulated by the FERC, pursuant to the NGA and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Under this authority, the FERC regulates, among other items, rates; charges;(a) rates, charges, terms and conditions of service;service and (b) the construction and operation of interstate pipelines, storage and related facilities, including the extension, expansion or abandonment of such facilities. The Pipeline Companies hold certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the FERC, which authorize them to construct, operate and maintain their pipeline and related facilities and services.


FERC regulations and the Pipeline Companies' tariffs allow each of the Pipeline Companies to charge approved rates for the services set forth in their respective tariff. Generally, these rates are a function of the cost of providing services to their customers, including prudently incurred operations and maintenance expenses, taxes, depreciation and amortization and a reasonable return on their investments.invested capital. Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariff rates have been developed under a rate design methodology whereby substantially all of their fixed costs, including a return on invested capital and income taxes, are collected through reservation charges, which are paid by firm transportation and storage customers regardless of volumes shipped. Commodity charges, which are paid only with respect to volumes actually shipped, are designed to recover the remaining, primarily variable, costs. Kern River's reservation rates have historically been approved using a "levelized" cost-of-service methodology so that the rate remains constant over the levelization period. This levelized cost of service has been achieved by using a FERC-approved depreciation schedule in which depreciation increases as interest expense and return on equity amounts decrease.

Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's rates are subject to change in future general rate proceedings. Rates for natural gas pipelines are changed by filings under either Section 5 or Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act. Section 5 proceedings are initiated by the FERC or the pipeline's customers for a potential reduction to rates that the FERC finds are no longer just and reasonable. In a Section 5 proceeding, the FERC has the burden of demonstrating that the currently effective rates of the pipeline are no longer just and reasonable, and of establishing just and reasonable rates. Any rate decrease as a result of a Section 5 proceeding would be implemented prospectively upon the issuance of a final FERC order calculating the new just and reasonable rates. Section 4 rate proceedings are initiated by the natural gas pipeline, who must demonstrate that the new proposed rates are just and reasonable. The new rates as a result of a Section 4 proceeding are typically implemented six months after the Section 4 filing and are subject to refund upon issuance of a final order by the FERC.

Natural gas transportation companies may not grant any undue preference to any customer. FERC regulations also restrict each pipeline's marketing affiliates' access to certain non-public information regarding their affiliated interstate natural gas transmission pipelines.


Interstate natural gas pipelines are also subject to regulations administered by the Office of Pipeline Safety within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Transportation ("DOT"). Federal pipeline safety regulations are issued pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended ("NGPSA"), which establishes safety requirements in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of interstate natural gas facilities, and requires an entity that owns or operates pipeline facilities to comply with such plans. Major amendments to the NGPSA include the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 ("2002 Act"), the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 ("2006 Act") and, the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ("2011 Act") and the Protecting Our Infrastructure Of Pipelines And Enhancing Safety Act Of 2016 ("2016 Act").

The 2002 Act established additional safety and pipeline integrity regulations for all natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas. The 2002 Act imposed major new requirements in the areas of operator qualifications, risk analysis and integrity management. The 2002 Act mandated more frequent periodic inspection or testing of natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas, which are locations where the potential consequences of a natural gas pipeline accident may be significant or may do considerable harm to persons or property. Pursuant to the 2002 Act, the DOT promulgated new regulations that require natural gas pipeline operators to develop comprehensive integrity management programs, to identify applicable threats to natural gas pipeline segments that could impact high-consequence areas, to assess these segments and to provide ongoing mitigation and monitoring. The regulations required that all baselinerequire recurring inspections of high-consequence area segments be assessed by December 17, 2012 and require recurring inspections every seven years thereafter. Based onafter the Pipeline Companies' extensive compliance efforts, they haveinitial baseline assessment which was completed all required high-consequence area pipeline baseline integrity assessments.by Kern River also completed the required in-line inspections in early 2011 on that portion of its pipeline system required by the conditions associated with a special permit which allowed for an increase to the maximum allowable operating pressure.and Northern Natural Gas in 2012.

The 2006 Act required pipeline operators to institute human factors management plans for personnel employed in pipeline control centers. DOT regulations published pursuant to the 2006 Act required development and implementation of written control room management procedures.

The 2011 Act was a response to natural gas pipeline incidents, most notably the San Bruno natural gas pipeline explosion that occurred in September 2010 in California. The 2011 Act increased the maximum allowable civil penalties for violations, directs operator assistance for Federal authorities conducting investigations and authorized the DOT to hire additional inspection and enforcement personnel. The 2011 Act also directed the DOT to study several topics, including the definition of high-consequence areas, the use of automatic shutoff valves in high-consequence areas, expansion of integrity management requirements beyond high-consequence areas and cast iron pipe replacement. The studies are complete, and a number of notices of proposed rulemaking have been issued. The BHE Pipeline Group anticipates final rules on a number of areas sometime in 2017.2019. The BHE Pipeline Group cannot currently assess the potential cost of compliance with new rules and regulations under the 2011 Act.

The 2016 Act required the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to set federal minimum safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities and authorized emergency order (interim final rule) authority. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an interim final rule requiring underground natural gas storage field operators to implement the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute ("API") Recommended Practice 1171, "Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs." Northern Natural Gas has three underground natural gas storage fields which fall under this regulation and has implemented programs to be in full compliance with this regulation. Kern River does not have underground natural gas storage facilities.

The DOT and related state agencies routinely audit and inspect the pipeline facilities for compliance with their regulations. The Pipeline Companies conduct internal audits of their facilities every four years;years with more frequent reviews of those deemed higher risk. The Pipeline Companies also conduct preliminary audits in advance of agency audits. Compliance issues that arise during these audits or during the normal course of business are addressed on a timely basis. The Pipeline Companies believe their pipeline systems comply in all material respects with the NGPSA and with DOT regulations issued pursuant to the NGPSA.


Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. GEMA regulates distribution network operators ("DNOs") within the terms of the Electricity Act 1989 and the terms of DNO licenses, which are revocable with 25 years notice. Under the Electricity Act 1989, GEMA has a duty to ensure that DNOs can finance their regulated activities and DNOs have a duty to maintain an investment grade credit rating. GEMA discharges certain of its duties through its staff within Ofgem. Each of fourteen licensed DNOs distributes electricity from the national grid transmission system to end users within its respective distribution services area.


DNOs are subject to price controls, enforced by Ofgem, that limit the revenue that may be recovered and retained from their electricity distribution activities. The regulatory regime that has been applied to electricity distributors in Great Britain encourages companies to look for efficiency gains in order to improve profits. The distribution price control formula also adjusts the revenue received by DNOs to reflect a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the rate of inflation (as measured by the United Kingdom's Retail Prices Index) and the quality of service delivered by the licensee's distribution system. The current price control, Electricity Distribution 1 ("ED1"), has been set for a period of eight years, starting April 1, 2015, although the formula has been, and may be, reviewed by the regulator following public consultation. The procedure and methodology adopted at a price control review are at the reasonable discretion of Ofgem. Ofgem's judgment of the future allowed revenue of licensees is likely to take into account, among other things:
the actual operating and capital costs of each of the licensees;
the operating and capital costs that each of the licensees would incur if it were as efficient as, in Ofgem's judgment, the more efficient licensees;
the actual value of certain costs which are judged to be beyond the control of the licensees;
the taxes that each licensee is expected to pay;
the regulatory value ascribed to the expenditures that have been incurred in the past and the efficient expenditures that are to be incurred in the forthcoming regulatory period;
the rate of return to be allowed on expenditures that make up the regulatory asset value;
the financial ratios of each of the licensees and the license requirement for each licensee to maintain investment grade status;
an allowance in respect of the repair of the pension deficits in the defined benefit pension schemes sponsored by each of the licensees; and
any under- or over-recoveries of revenues, relative to allowed revenues, in the previous price control period.

A number of incentive schemes also operate within the current price control period to encourage DNOs to provide an appropriate quality of service to end users. This includes specified payments to be made for failures to meet prescribed standards of service. The aggregate of these guaranteed standards payments is uncapped, but may be excused in certain prescribed circumstances that are generally beyond the control of the DNO.DNOs.

A new price control can be implemented by GEMA without the consent of the DNO,DNOs, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA"),CMA, as can certain other parties. Any appeals must be notified within 20 working days of the license modification by GEMA. If the CMA determines that the appellant has relevant standing, then the statute requires that the CMA complete its process within six months, or in some exceptional circumstances seven months. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies appealed Ofgem's proposals for the resetting of the formula that commenced April 1, 2015, as did one other party, and the CMA subsequently revised GEMA's decision.


The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is due to terminate on March 31, 2023, and will be immediately replaced with a new2023. The current price control (in line with GEMA's current timetable). This price control iswas the first to be set for electricity distribution in Great Britain since Ofgem completed its review of network regulation (known as the RPI-X @ 20 project). The key changes to the price control calculations, compared to those used in previous price controls are that:
the period over which new regulatory assets are depreciated is being gradually lengthened, from 20 years to 45 years, with the change being phased over eight years;
allowed revenues will be adjusted during the price control period, rather than at the next price control review, to partially reflect cost variances relative to cost allowances;
the allowed cost of debt will be updated within the price control period by reference to a long-run trailing average based on external benchmarks of utility debt costs;
allowed revenues will be adjusted in relation to some new service standard incentives, principally relating to speed and service standards for new connections to the network; and
there is scope for a mid-period review and adjustment to revenues in the latter half of the period for any changes in the outputs required of licensees for certain specified reasons.


Under the current price control, as revised by the CMA, and excluding the effects of incentive schemes and any deferred revenues from the prior price control, the base allowed revenue of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc decreased by approximately 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively, from 2015-16 to 2016-17, and then remains constant in all subsequent years within the price control period (RIIO-ED1) through 2022-23, before the addition of inflation. Nominal base allowed revenues will increase in line with inflation.

In December 2018, GEMA, through Ofgem published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

Ofgem also monitors DNO compliance with license conditions and enforces the remedies resulting from any breach of condition. License conditions include the prices and terms of service, financial strength of the DNO, the provision of information to Ofgem and the public, as well as maintaining transparency, non-discrimination and avoidance of cross-subsidy in the provision of such services. Ofgem also monitors and enforces certain duties of a DNO set out in the Electricity Act 1989, including the duty to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity distribution. Under changes to the Electricity Act 1989 introduced by the Utilities Act 2000, GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their license duties or certain of their duties under the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, or that are failing to achieve a satisfactory performance in relation to the individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the licensee's revenue.

ALP Transmission

ALP is regulated by the AUC, pursuant to the Electric Utilities Act (Alberta), the Public Utilities Act (Alberta), the Alberta Utilities Commission Act (Alberta) and the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (Alberta). The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems. The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing.


The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers paid by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta, Canada that controls the operation of ALP's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulation and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

ALP's tariffs are regulated by the AUC under the provisions of the Electric Utilities Act in respect of rates and terms and conditions of service. The Electric Utilities Act and related regulations require the AUC to consider that it is in the public interest to provide consumers the benefit of unconstrained transmission access to competitive generation and the wholesale electricity market. In regulating transmission tariffs, the AUC must facilitate sufficient investment to ensure the timely upgrade, enhancement or expansion of transmission facilities, and foster a stable investment climate and a continued stream of capital investment for the transmission system.


Under the Electric Utilities Act, ALP prepares and files applications with the AUC for approval of tariffs to be paid by the AESO for the use of its transmission facilities, and the terms and conditions governing the use of those facilities. The AUC reviews and approves such tariff applications based on a cost-of-service regulatory model under a forward test year basis. Under this model, the AUC provides ALP with a reasonable opportunity to (i) recover the net book value of assets and all prudently incurred costs; (ii) earn a fair return on equity; and (ii)(iii) recover its forecast costs, including operating expenses, depreciation, borrowing costs and taxes associated with its regulated transmission business. The AUC must approve tariffs that are just, reasonable and not unduly preferential, arbitrary or unjustly discriminatory. ALP's transmission tariffs are not dependent on the price or volume of electricity transported through its transmission system.

The AESO is an independent system operator in Alberta, Canada that oversees the AIES and wholesale electricity market. The AESO is responsible for directing the safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIES, including long-term transmission system planning. ALP and the other transmission facility owners receive substantially all of their transmission tariff revenues from the AESO. The AESO, in turn, charges wholesale tariffs, approved by the AUC, in a manner that promotes fair and open access to the AIES and facilitates a competitive market for the purchase and sale of electricity. The AESO monitors compliance with approved reliability standards, which are enforced by the Market Surveillance Administrator, which may impose penalties on transmission facility owners for non-compliance with the approved reliability standards.

The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of the AESO market participants. When the AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that certain transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualified bidders.


Independent Power Projects

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Power Resources, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Jumbo Road, Marshall, Grande Prairie, andWalnut Ridge, Pinyon Pines, Santa Rita, Alamo 6 and Pearl independent power projects are Exempt Wholesale Generators ("EWG") under the Energy Policy Act, while the Community Solar Gardens, Imperial Valley and Wailuku independent power projects are currently certified as Qualifying Facilities ("QF") under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Both EWGs and QFs are generally exempt from compliance with extensive federal and state regulations that control the financial structure of an electric generating plant and the prices and terms at which electricity may be sold by the facilities. In addition, the

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Yuma, Imperial Valley, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge and Pinyon Pines independent power projects have obtained authority from the FERC to sell their power using market-based rates. Jumbo Road'sThis authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the respective independent power projects are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. The Pinyon Pines, Solar Star, Topaz and Yuma independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Southwest Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Region was made in June 2016 and an order accepting it was issued December 2016. The Cordova and Saranac independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. The Bishop Hill II independent power project and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. The Marshall and Grande Prairie independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes in the FERC-defined Southwest Power Pool Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Power Pool Region was made in December 2018 and is awaiting FERC action.

The entire output of Jumbo Road, Santa Rita, Alamo 6, Pearl and Power Resources is dedicated to its offtaker within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT") and doesmarket-based authority is not require market-based authorityrequired for such sales solely within ERCOT as the ERCOT market is not a FERC-jurisdictional market. Similarly, Wailuku sells its output solely to the Hawaii Electric Light Company within the Hawaii electric grid which is not a FERC-jurisdictional market and Wailuku therefore does not require market-based rate authority.


EWGs are permitted to sell capacity and electricity only in the wholesale markets, not to end users. Additionally, utilities are required to purchase electricity produced by QFs at a price that does not exceed the purchasing utility's "avoided cost" and to sell back-up power to the QFs on a non-discriminatory basis, unless they have successfully petitioned the FERC for an exemption from this purchase requirement. Avoided cost is defined generally as the price at which the utility could purchase or produce the same amount of power from sources other than the QF on a long-term basis. The Energy Policy Act eliminated the purchase requirement for utilities with respect to new contracts under certain conditions. New QF contracts are also subject to FERC rate filing requirements, unlike QF contracts entered into prior to the Energy Policy Act. FERC regulations also permit QFs and utilities to negotiate agreements for utility purchases of power at rates other than the utilities' avoided cost.

The Philippine Congress has passed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 ("EPIRA"), which is aimed at restructuring the Philippine power industry, privatizing the National Power Corporation and introducing a competitive electricity market, among other initiatives. The implementation of EPIRA may impact future operations in the Philippines and the Philippine power industry as a whole, the effect of which is not yet known as changes resulting from EPIRA are ongoing.

Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company

HomeServices is regulated by the United States Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection under the Truth In Lending Act ("TILA") and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"); the United States Federal Trade Commission with respect to certain franchising activities; and by state agencies where it operates. TILA primarily governs the real estate lending process by mandating lenders to fully inform borrowers about loan costs. RESPA primarily governs the real estate settlement process by mandating all parties fully inform borrowers about all closing costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices and business relationships between closing service providers and other parties to the transaction.


REGULATORY MATTERS

In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding regulatory matters, refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the general regulatory framework.

PacifiCorp

In June 2017, PacifiCorp filed two applications each with the UPSC, IPUC and the WPSC for the Energy Vision 2020 project. The first application sought approvals to construct or procure four new Wyoming wind resources with a total capacity of 860 MWs identified as benchmark resources and certain transmission facilities. A request for proposals was issued in September 2017 seeking up to 1,270 MWs to compete against PacifiCorp's benchmark resources in the final resource selection process for the project. PacifiCorp selected four wind resource bids from this solicitation totaling 1,311 MWs, consisting of 1,111 MWs owned and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. The combined new wind and transmission projects will cost approximately $2 billion. In October 2018, the WPSC approved a settlement agreement and certificates of public convenience and necessity for the transmission facilities and three of the selected wind resources. The settlement supports 950 MWs of owned wind resources and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. Hearings were held by the UPSC and IPUC in May 2018. The UPSC approved the application in an order issued in June 2018. The order grants approval for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities up to the projected costs. PacifiCorp can seek recovery of any actual costs in excess of the estimates in a general rate case. The IPUC approved a partial settlement agreement in an order issued in July 2018. The settlement provides cost recovery through a tracking mechanism. The IPUC order caps cost recovery at the overall estimated costs for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities. The second application sought approval of PacifiCorp's resource decision to upgrade or "repower" existing wind resources, with the exception of the Foote Creek I facility, as prudent and in the public interest. PacifiCorp estimates the wind repowering project will cost approximately $1 billion. Applications filed in Utah, Mine DispositionIdaho and Wyoming seek approval for the proposed rate-making treatment associated with the projects, including recovery of the replaced equipment. In December 2017, the IPUC approved an all-party stipulation for approval of the application to repower existing wind facilities and allow recovery of costs in rates through an adjustment to the annual ECAM filing. In May 2018, the UPSC approved the application for repowering, up to the estimated costs, with the exception of the Leaning Juniper project, for which the commission expressed concern with the economics. The WPSC approved an all-party settlement agreement to repower wind facilities in a bench decision in June 2018 and a written order was issued in December 2018. In the decision, the WPSC specifically removed the Leaning Juniper project from the agreement and the approval, consistent with the treatment in Utah. In October 2018, based on improved economics, PacifiCorp decided to proceed with the Leaning Juniper project, which will be subject to a standard prudence review in future general rate cases. In February 2019, PacifiCorp filed a certificate of public convenience and necessity application with the WPSC requesting to repower the existing Foote Creek I wind facility. PacifiCorp requested a determination by May 1, 2019.


During 2018, the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018. In December 2014,2018, PacifiCorp filed applicationssubmitted filings with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC and the IPUCWUTC seeking certain approvals, prudence determinationsapproval to recover the settlement charge. Also in December 2018, an advice letter was filed with the CPUC requesting a memo account to record the costs associated with pension and accounting orderspostretirement settlements and curtailments.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to close its Deer Creek mining operations, sell certain Utah mining assets, enter intothe Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a replacement coal supply agreement, amend an existing coal supply agreement, withdraw fromreduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. PacifiCorp has agreed to refund or defer the impact of the tax law change with each of its state regulatory commissions. The status of the tax reform proceedings are noted in the applicable state section below.
Utah Mine Workers of America ("UMWA") 1974 Pension Plan and settle PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit obligation for UMWA participants (collectively, the "Utah Mine Disposition"). In 2015, PacifiCorp received approval from the commissions.Disposition

In December 2014, PacifiCorp also filed an advice letter with the CPUC to request approval to sell certain Utah mining assets and to establish memorandum accounts to track the costs associated with the Utah Mine Disposition for future recovery. In July 2015, the CPUC Energy Division issued a letter requiring PacifiCorp to file a formal application for approval of the sale of certain Utah mining assets. Accordingly, in September 2015, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC. OnIn February 6, 2017, a joint motion was filed with the CPUC seeking approval of a settlement agreement reached by PacifiCorp and all other parties. The agreement states, among other things, that the decision to sell certain Utah mining assets is in the public interest. Parties also reserve their rights to additional testimony, briefs and hearings to the extent the CPUC determines that additional California Environmental Quality Act proceedings are necessary. AIn September 2018, the CPUC issued a decision onthat (1) approves, with modification, the joint motionstipulation entered into between PacifiCorp and settlement agreement is expectedall other parties; (2) finds that the sale of the mining assets and early closure of the Deer Creek mine was in 2017.the public interest; and (3) finds that the California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the sale of the mining assets.

For additional information related to the accounting impacts associated with the Utah Mine Disposition, refer to Notes 5 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Depreciation Rate Study

In September 2018, PacifiCorp filed applications for depreciation rate changes with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC, the WUTC and the IPUC based on PacifiCorp's most recent depreciation study. The proposed depreciation rate changes would increase annual depreciation expense by approximately $300 million. The depreciation study will continue to be evaluated by the state commissions during 2019 and is subject to their review and approval. PacifiCorp requested that the new depreciation rates become effective January 1, 2021. The impacts of the new depreciation study will be included in rates as part of a future regulatory proceeding.

Utah

In March 2016,2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual EBA with the UPSC requesting recovery of $19seeking approval to recover $3 million in deferred net power costs from customers for the period January 1, 20152017 through December 31, 2015. A settlement2017, reflecting the difference between base and actual net power costs in the 2017 deferral period. The rate change was reached with all parties andapproved by the UPSC approved the settlementeffective May 1, 2018 on an interim basis. A hearing on final approval was held in October 2016, authorizing recovery of $15 million of deferred net power costs. New rates were effective November 2016.February 2019, and final approval is expected in March 2019.

In March 2016,2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual REC balancing account application with the UPSC requesting recovery of $7seeking to recover $1 million from customers for the period January 1, 20152017 through December 31, 2015.2017 for the difference in base and actual RECs. The UPSC approved rates requested in the applicationrate change became effective on an interim basis effective June 2016, and1, 2018, with final ratesapproval received in August 2016.2018.

The Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan was signed into law in March 2016. The legislation establishes a five-year pilot program to provide up to $10 million annually of mandated funding for electric vehicle infrastructure and clean coal research, and authorizes funding at the commission's discretion for solar development, utility-scale battery storage, and other innovative technology, economic development and air quality initiatives. The legislation allows PacifiCorp to change its regulatory accounting for energy efficiency services and programs from expense to capital, to be amortized over a ten-year period. The difference between amounts collected in rates for energy efficiency services and programs and the annual amount of cost amortization will result in a regulatory liability that may be used for depreciation of its coal-fired plants, as determined by the commission. Beginning June 1, 2016, the legislation mandates full recovery of Utah's share of incremental fuel, purchased power and other variable supply costs through the EBA that are not fully in base rates rather than the prior recovery of 70%. The legislation also allows for the approval byIn April 2018, the UPSC ordered a rate reduction of $61 million, or 4.7%, effective May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, based on a renewable energy tariff that would allow qualifying customers to receive 100% renewable energy from PacifiCorp. A renewable energy tariff was filed withpreliminary estimate of the UPSC in June 2016, whichrevenue requirement impact of 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the UPSC approved in August 2016. In September 2016, PacifiCorp filed an application seeking approvalall-party settlement that continues the current rate reduction of phase 1$61 million, with other benefits provided to customers through a combination of its proposed five-year pilot program with an annual budget$174 million of $10 million. The UPSC issued an order approving phase Iaccelerated depreciation of the five-year pilot program in December 2016.


In November 2016, PacifiCorp filed costcertain thermal steam plant units and deferral of service analyses, as ordered by the UPSC, to quantify the cost shifting due to net metering. The UPSC ordered the analyses to comply with a 2014 law requiring the examination of whether the costs of net metering exceed theother benefits to PacifiCorp and other customers. The filing includes a proposal for a new rate schedule for residential customer generators with a three-part rate based on the cost of serving this class of customer, which will mitigate future cost shifting. PacifiCorp proposed that the new rate schedule only apply to new net metering customers that submit applications after December 9, 2016. On December 9, 2016, PacifiCorp requested that the effective date for the start of a transitional tariff be suspended while it works with stakeholders on a collaborative process to resolve net metering rate design issues. The filing also requests an increaseoffset costs in the application fees for net metering. The UPSC has set a procedural schedule with hearings to occur in August 2017.next general rate case.


Oregon

In April 2016,March 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its initial filing for the annual TAM filing in Oregon requesting an annual increase of $20$17 million, or an average price increase of 2%1.3%, based on forecasted net power costs and loads for calendar year 2017. In accordance with the passage2019. The filing includes an update of Oregon Senate Bill No. 1547-B, the filing included the impact of expiring production tax credits, which accountaccounts for $5$11 million of the requested increase. Intotal rate adjustment, consistent with Oregon Senate Bill 1547. The filing was updated in July to reflect an all-party partial stipulation resolving all but one issue in the proceeding and to update changes in contracts and market conditions. The OPUC approved the all-party partial stipulation and resolved all issues in the proceeding in an order issued in October 2016, the OPUC issued a preliminary order approving PacifiCorp's request.2018. PacifiCorp submitted the final update in November 2016, which2018 that reflected a rate increasedecrease of $12$1 million, or an average price increasedecrease of 1%0.1%, effective January 2017. 2019.

In December 2016,2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Oregon resulting from 2017 Tax Reform. PacifiCorp reached an all-party settlement on the amortization of the current income tax expense benefits and the deferral of the decision regarding the ratemaking treatment of excess deferred income tax balances until PacifiCorp's next rate case. The settlement, which results in a rate reduction of $48 million, or 3.7%, effective February 1, 2019, was approved by the OPUC issued its final order.in January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp filed an application requesting recovery of $37 million, or a 2.8% increase in rates, associated with repowering of approximately 900 MWs of company-owned and installed wind facilities. A decision is expected from the OPUC in September 2019.

Wyoming

In March 2016,April 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM and REC and RRA applicationsapplication with the WPSC. The ECAM filing requestedrequests approval to recover $12refund $3 million in deferred net power costs to customers for the period January 1, 20152017 through December 31, 2015, and2017. The rate change was approved by the RRA application requests approvalWPSC on an interim basis, effective July 1, 2018. The WPSC approved the rates as final in December 2018.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a partial settlement related to refund $1the impact of 2017 Tax Reform with the WPSC that provides a rate reduction of $23 million, or 3.3%, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, with the remaining tax savings to customers.be deferred with offsets to other costs. In May 2016,June 2018, the WPSC approved ECAM and RRA ratesthe rate reduction on an interim basis. In October 2016,June 2018, PacifiCorp filed reports with the WPSC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $28 million annually, comprised of $20 million in current tax savings and $8 million for the amortization of excess deferred income tax. These reports initiated the next phase of the proceedings including a hearing held in January 2019 and public deliberations in February 2019. During public deliberations the WPSC approved an all-party settlement allowing recoverythe continuation of $11 million inthe rate reduction until the next general rate case with other savings to be deferred net power costs and to allow interim rates for the RRA that were effective in May 2016 to become final.offset other costs. A net decrease in rates for the ECAM became effective in November 2016.written order is pending.

Washington

In December 2013,2017, PacifiCorp submitted a tariff filing to implement the first price change for the decoupling mechanism approved in PacifiCorp's 2015 regulatory rate review. WUTC staff disputed PacifiCorp's interpretation of the WUTC's order for the decoupling mechanism and PacifiCorp's subsequent calculations requesting additional funds be booked for return to customers. In February 2018, the WUTC approved an annual increasegranted the staff's motions and rejected PacifiCorp's tariff revision and required that PacifiCorp re-file price changes for its decoupling mechanism. In March 2018, the WUTC issued a letter accepting PacifiCorp's revised compliance filing in the decoupling revenue adjustment docket. The filing resulted in a net credit of $17$2 million or an average price increase of 6%,to customers, effective December 2013 related to a general rate case filed in January 2013 requesting $37 million, or an average price increase of 12%. April 1, 2018.

In January 2014,May 2018, PacifiCorp filed a petition for judicial review of certain findingssettlement stipulation and joint narrative in support of the WUTC's December 2013 order. In Aprilsettlement stipulation resolving all issues in the 2016 PCAM with the Washington CourtWUTC. The settlement agreement resulted in a net credit to the PCAM balancing account of Appeals$5 million. The WUTC issued itsan order in July 2018 approving the appeal of the general rate case. The two issues before the court were the WUTC's decisions to: (1) re-price power purchase agreements with California and Oregon qualifying facilities at market prices; and (2) the cost of capital, including use of a hypothetical capital structure. The court affirmed the WUTC, deferring to the WUTC's discretion in ratemaking and concluding that it did not abuse that discretion.settlement.

In September 2016,June 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its 2017 PCAM filing with the WUTC seeking approval to credit $13 million to the PCAM balancing account. No rate changes were requested. In August 2018, the WUTC issued final orders inan order approving PacifiCorp's filing and directed PacifiCorp to amortize the PCAM balance of $18 million over a 12-month period effective November 2015 rate filing, two-year rate plan and decoupling mechanism proceeding. The WUTC approved a rate increase of $6 million, or 1.7%, effective October 2016 and a second step rate increase of1, 2018.

In November 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates by $8 million, or 2.3%, effective September 2017. The WUTC also approved a revenue decoupling mechanism and accelerated depreciation for coal-fueled generation facilities includedJanuary 1, 2019, to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Washington rates. As part ofresulting from 2017 Tax Reform and to defer all other tax savings to offset costs in the proposed rate plan, PacifiCorp agreed to not file anext general rate casecase. PacifiCorp's proposal was approved by the WUTC in Washington with rates effective earlier than mid-2018.December 2018.

Idaho

In February 2016,March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM application with the IPUC requesting recovery of $17 million, consisting primarily of $7$8 million for deferred costs in 2017. This filing includes recovery of the difference in actual net power costs $6 millionto the base level in rates, an adder for recovery of the difference between REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues and $4 million for a Lake Side 2 resource, adder. In March 2016, therecovery of Deer Creek longwall mine investment and changes in production tax credits and renewable energy credits. The IPUC approved recovery of $17the deferred costs. As the new approved recovery amount is less than what is currently in rates, it resulted in a rate reduction of $2 million, or 0.8%, effective April 2016.June 1, 2018.

In September 2016,May 2018, the IPUC approved an all-party settlement to implement a compliance filing was maderate reduction of $6 million, or 2.2%, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019, to pass back a portion of the benefits associated with 2017 Tax Reform. The credit may be adjusted following the next phase of the proceeding. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed a report with the IPUC to update net power costswith the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $11 million annually, comprised of $8 million in base rates. In December 2016,current tax savings and $3 million of the IPUC approved a $1 million, or 0.4%, decrease in rates effective January 2017.

amortization of excess deferred income tax. This report initiated the next phase of the proceeding. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

California

In March 2016,April 2017, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC approved PacifiCorp's applicationfor an overall rate increase of $3 million, or 1.3%, to recover costs recorded in the catastrophic events memorandum account over a $1 million revenue requirement associated withtwo-year period effective April 1, 2018. The catastrophic events memorandum account includes costs for implementing drought-related fire hazard mitigation costs recordedmeasures and storm damage and recovery efforts associated with the December 2016 and January 2017 winter storms. The CPUC issued an order in its catastrophic events memorandum account in 2014. February 2018 approving this request.

In October 2016,April 2018, PacifiCorp filed its post test year adjustment mechanism attrition factora general rate case with the CPUC for 2017, requesting an overall rate increase of $1 million, or 1%0.9%, effective January 1, 2019. A CPUC decision is pending.

On September 21, 2018, California's governor signed legislation to strengthen California's ability to prevent and recover from catastrophic wildfires, including Senate Bill 901 ("SB 901"). In December 2016,SB 901 requires electric utilities to prepare and submit wildfire mitigation plans that describe the utilities' plans to prevent, combat and respond to wildfires affecting their service territories. PacifiCorp filed its wildfire mitigation plan with the CPUC approved PacifiCorp’s request, with new rates effective January 2017.on February 6, 2019. The wildfire mitigation plan incorporates the requirements outlined in SB 901, including situational awareness, system hardening, vegetation management and procedures for proactive de-energization in certain high risk areas during times of extreme danger. A workshop was held February 13, 2019, at which time PacifiCorp briefly described its wildfire mitigation plan as filed. Additional workshops and hearings are scheduled through March 2019.


Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan

In compliance with Senate Bill No. 123, Nevada Power retired 557 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2017 and will retire an additional 255 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2019. Consistent with the Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan ("ERCR Plan"), between 2014 and 2016, Nevada Power acquired 536 MWs of natural gas generating resources, executed long-term power purchase agreements for 200 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity and constructed a 15-MW solar photovoltaic facility. Nevada Power has the option to acquire 35 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity in the future under the ERCR Plan, subject to PUCN approval.

Energy-Efficiency Programs

The Nevada Utilities have provided a comprehensive set of energy efficiency, demand response and conservation programs to their Nevada electric customers. The programs are designed to reduce energy consumption and more effectively manage when energy is used, including management of seasonal peak loads. Current programs offer services to customers such as energy audits and customer education and awareness efforts that provide information on how to improve the efficiency of their homes and businesses. To assist customers in investing in energy efficiency, the Nevada Utilities have offered rebates or incentives encouraging the purchase and installation of high-efficiency equipment such as lighting, heating and cooling equipment, weatherization, motors, process equipment and systems, as well as incentives for efficient construction. Incentives are also paid to residential customers who participate in the air conditioner load control program and nonresidential customers who participate in the nonresidential load management program. Energy efficiency program costs are recovered through annual rates set by the PUCN, and adjusted based on the Nevada Utilities' annual filing to recover current program costs and any over or under collections from the prior filing, subject to prudence review. During 2018, Nevada Power spent $34 million on energy efficiency programs, resulting in an estimated 157,084 MWhs of electric energy savings and an estimated 240 MWs of electric peak load management. During 2018, Sierra Pacific spent $12 million on energy efficiency programs, resulting in an estimated 58,277 MWhs of electric energy savings and an estimated 25 MWs of electric peak load management.

Regulated Natural Gas Operations

Sierra Pacific is engaged in the procurement, transportation, storage and distribution of natural gas for customers in its service territory. Sierra Pacific purchases natural gas from various suppliers and contracts with interstate natural gas pipelines for transportation of the natural gas from the production areas to Sierra Pacific's service territory and for storage services to manage fluctuations in system demand and seasonal pricing. Sierra Pacific sells natural gas and delivery services to end-use customers on its distribution system; sells natural gas to other utilities, municipalities and energy marketing companies; and transports natural gas through its distribution system for a number of end-use customers who have independently secured their supply of natural gas. During 2018, 11% of the total natural gas delivered through Sierra Pacific's distribution system was for transportation service.

Natural gas property consists primarily of natural gas mains and service lines, meters, and related distribution equipment, including feeder lines to communities served from natural gas pipelines owned by others. The natural gas distribution facilities of Sierra Pacific included 3,400 miles of natural gas mains and service lines as of December 31, 2018.


Customer Usage and Seasonality

The percentages of natural gas sold to Sierra Pacific's retail and wholesale customers by class of customer, total Dth of natural gas sold, total Dth of transportation service and the average number of retail customers for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Residential55% 53% 52%
Commercial(1)
28
 27
 26
Industrial(1)
11
 9
 9
Total retail94
 89
 87
Wholesale6
 11
 13
 100% 100% 100%
      
Total Dth of natural gas sold (in thousands)18,334
 19,313
 17,677
Total Dth of transportation service (in thousands)2,250
 1,977
 2,256
Total average number of retail customers (in thousands)167
 165
 163

(1)Commercial and industrial customers are classified primarily based on their natural gas usage. Commercial customers are non-residential customers with monthly gas usage less than 12,000 therms during five consecutive winter months. Industrial customers are non-residential customers that use natural gas in excess of 12,000 therms during one or more winter months.

There are seasonal variations in Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas business that are principally due to the use of natural gas for heating. Typically, 48-58% of Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas revenue is reported in the months of December through March.

On February 19, 2018, Sierra Pacific recorded its highest peak-day natural gas delivery of 144,024 Dth, which is 19,550 Dth less than the record peak-day delivery of 163,574 Dth set on December 9, 2013. This peak-day delivery consisted of 93% traditional retail sales service and 7% transportation service.

Fuel Supply and Capacity

The purchase of natural gas for Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas operations is done in combination with the purchase of natural gas for Sierra Pacific's regulated electric operations. In response to energy supply challenges, Sierra Pacific has adopted an approach to managing the energy supply function that has three primary elements, as discussed earlier under Generating Facilities and Fuel Supply. Similar to Sierra Pacific's regulated electric operations, as long as Sierra Pacific's purchases of natural gas are deemed prudent by the PUCN, through its annual prudency review, Sierra Pacific is permitted to recover the cost of natural gas. Sierra Pacific also has the ability, with PUCN approval, to reset quarterly BTER, based on the last twelve months fuel costs, and to reset quarterly DEAA.

Employees

As of December 31, 2018, Nevada Power had approximately 1,400 employees, of which approximately 700 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

As of December 31, 2018, Sierra Pacific had approximately 1,000 employees, of which approximately 500 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.


NORTHERN POWERGRID

Northern Powergrid, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, is a holding company which owns two companies that distribute electricity in Great Britain, Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc. In addition to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, Northern Powergrid also owns a meter asset rental business that leases smart meters to energy suppliers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, an engineering contracting business that provides electrical infrastructure contracting services primarily to third parties and a hydrocarbon exploration and development business that is focused on developing integrated upstream gas projects in Europe and Australia.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies serve 3.9 million end-users and operate in the north-east of England from North Northumberland through Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Yorkshire to North Lincolnshire, an area covering 10,000 square miles. The principal function of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies is to build, maintain and operate the electricity distribution network through which the end-user receives a supply of electricity.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies receive electricity from the national grid transmission system and from generators that are directly connected to the distribution network and distribute it to end-users' premises using their networks of transformers, switchgear and distribution lines and cables. Substantially all of the end-users in the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution service areas are directly or indirectly connected to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' networks and electricity can only be delivered to these end-users through their distribution systems, thus providing the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies with distribution volumes that are relatively stable from year to year. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to the suppliers of electricity.

The suppliers purchase electricity from generators, sell the electricity to end-user customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to an industry standard "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." During 2018, RWE Npower PLC and certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented 19% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies. Variations in demand from end-users can affect the revenues that are received by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies in any year, but such variations have no effect on the total revenue that the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies are allowed to recover in a price control period. Under- or over-recoveries against price-controlled revenues are carried forward into prices for future years.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' combined service territory features a diverse economy with no dominant sector. The mix of rural, agricultural, urban and industrial areas covers a broad customer base ranging from domestic usage through farming and retail to major industry including automotives, chemicals, mining, steelmaking and offshore marine construction. The industry within the area is concentrated around the principal centers of Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Leeds.

The price controlled revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies is set out in the special conditions of the licenses of those companies. The licenses are enforced by the regulator, GEMA, through the Ofgem and limit increases to allowed revenues (or may require decreases) based upon the rate of inflation, other specified factors and other regulatory action. Changes to the price controls can be made by the regulator, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA"). It has been the convention in Great Britain for regulators to conduct periodic regulatory reviews before making proposals for any changes to the price controls. The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is expected to continue through March 31, 2023.


GWhs and percentages of electricity distributed to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' end-users and the total number of end-users as of and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited:           
Residential5,104
 36% 5,125
 36% 5,227
 36%
Commercial(1)
1,741
 12
 1,782
 13
 2,222
 15
Industrial(1)
7,296
 51
 7,134
 50
 6,963
 48
Other172
 1
 198
 1
 214
 1
 14,313
 100% 14,239
 100% 14,626
 100%
            
Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc:           
Residential7,434
 35% 7,509
 36% 7,612
 36%
Commercial(1)
2,517
 12
 2,558
 12
 3,116
 15
Industrial(1)
10,901
 52
 10,716
 51
 10,275
 48
Other249
 1
 268
 1
 290
 1
 21,101
 100% 21,051
 100% 21,293
 100%
            
Total electricity distributed35,414
   35,290
   35,919
  
            
Number of end-users (in thousands):           
Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited1,606
   1,603
   1,602
  
Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc2,305
   2,301
   2,301
  
 3,911
   3,904
   3,903
  

(1)The increase in industrial and decrease in commercial is largely due to the Great Britain-wide customer reclassifications which are in progress (as a result of Ofgem approved industry changes), negatively impacting commercial volumes by 100 GWhs in 2018 compared to 2017 and 700 GWhs in 2017 compared to 2016.

As of December 31, 2018, the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' combined electricity distribution network included approximately 17,400 miles of overhead lines, 42,300 miles of underground cables and 780 major substations.

BHE PIPELINE GROUP

The BHE Pipeline Group consists of BHE's interstate natural gas pipeline companies, Northern Natural Gas and Kern River.

Northern Natural Gas

Northern Natural Gas, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, owns the largest interstate natural gas pipeline system in the United States, as measured by pipeline miles, which reaches from west Texas to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Northern Natural Gas primarily transports and stores natural gas for utilities, municipalities, gas marketing companies and industrial and commercial users. Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system consists of two commercial segments. Its traditional end-use and distribution market area in the northern part of its system, referred to as the Market Area, includes points in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Michigan and Illinois. Its natural gas supply and delivery service area in the southern part of its system, referred to as the Field Area, includes points in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The Market Area and Field Area are separated at a Demarcation Point ("Demarc"). Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system consists of 14,700 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 6,300 miles of mainline transmission pipelines and 8,400 miles of branch and lateral pipelines, with a Market Area design capacity of 6.0 Bcf per day, a Field Area delivery capacity of 1.7 Bcf per day to the Market Area and 1.4 Bcf per day to the West Texas area and over 79 Bcf of firm service and operational storage cycle capacity in five storage facilities. Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system is configured with approximately 2,300 active receipt and delivery points which are integrated with the facilities of LDCs. Many of Northern Natural Gas' LDC customers are part of combined utilities that also use natural gas as a fuel source for electric generation. Northern Natural Gas delivered over 1.2 trillion cubic feet ("Tcf") of natural gas to its customers in 2018.


Northern Natural Gas' transportation rates and most of its storage rates are cost-based. These rates are designed to provide Northern Natural Gas with an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and earn a reasonable return on its investments. In addition, Northern Natural Gas has fixed rates that are market-based for certain of its firm storage contracts with contract terms that expire in 2028.

Northern Natural Gas' operating revenue for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Transportation:        
Market Area$518
58% $504
73% $492
77%
Field Area - deliveries to Demarc102
11
 36
5
 23
4
Field Area - other deliveries71
9
 50
8
 41
6
Total transportation691
78
 590
86
 556
87
Storage68
8
 71
10
 69
11
Total transportation and storage revenue759
86
 661
96
 625
98
Gas, liquids and other sales128
14
 28
4
 11
2
Total operating revenue$887
100% $689
100% $636
100%

Substantially all of Northern Natural Gas' Market Area transportation revenue is generated from reservation charges, with the balance from usage charges. Northern Natural Gas transports natural gas primarily to local distribution markets and end-users in the Market Area. Northern Natural Gas provides service to 81 utilities, including MidAmerican Energy, an affiliate company, which serve numerous residential, commercial and industrial customers. Most of Northern Natural Gas' transportation capacity in the Market Area is committed to customers under firm transportation contracts, where customers pay Northern Natural Gas a monthly reservation charge for the right to transport natural gas through Northern Natural Gas' system. Reservation charges are required to be paid regardless of volumes transported or stored. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 85% of Northern Natural Gas' customers' entitlement in the Market Area have terms beyond 2020 and approximately two-thirds beyond 2022. As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average remaining contract term for Northern Natural Gas' Market Area firm transportation contracts is over eight years.

Northern Natural Gas' Field Area customers consist primarily of energy marketing companies and midstream companies, which take advantage of the price spread opportunities created between Field Area supply points and Demarc. In addition, there are a growing number of midstream customers that are delivering gas south in the Field Area to the Waha Hub market. The remaining Field Area transportation service is sold to power generators connected to Northern Natural Gas' system in Texas and New Mexico that are contracted on a long-term basis with a weighted average remaining contract term of seven years, and various LDCs, energy marketing companies and midstream companies for both connected and off-system markets.

Northern Natural Gas' storage services are provided through the operation of one underground natural gas storage field in Iowa, two underground natural gas storage facilities in Kansas and two LNG storage peaking units, one in Iowa and one in Minnesota. The three underground natural gas storage facilities and two LNG storage peaking units have a total firm service and operational storage cycle capacity of over 79 Bcf and over 2.2 Bcf per day of peak delivery capability. These storage facilities provide operational flexibility for the daily balancing of Northern Natural Gas' system and provide services to customers for their winter peaking and year-round load swing requirements. Northern Natural Gas has 65.1 Bcf of firm storage contracts with cost-based and market-based rates. Firm storage contracts with cost-based rates, representing 57.1 Bcf, have an average remaining contract term of six years and are contracted at maximum tariff rates. The remaining firm storage contracts with market-based rates, representing 8.0 Bcf, have an average remaining contract term of nine years.

Except for quantities of natural gas owned and managed for operational and system balancing purposes, Northern Natural Gas does not own the natural gas that is transported through its system. The sale of natural gas for operational and system balancing purposes accounts for the majority of the remaining operating revenue.

During 2018, Northern Natural Gas had two customers that each accounted for greater than 10% of its transportation and storage revenue and its ten largest customers accounted for 60% of its system-wide transportation and storage revenue. Northern Natural Gas has agreements with terms through 2027 and 2034 to retain the majority of its two largest customers' volumes. The loss of any of these significant customers, if not replaced, could have a material adverse effect on Northern Natural Gas.


Northern Natural Gas' extensive pipeline system, which is interconnected with many interstate and intrastate pipelines in the national grid system, has access to multiple major supply basins. Direct access is available from producers in the Anadarko, Permian and Hugoton basins, some of which have recently experienced increased production from shale and tight sands formations adjacent to Northern Natural Gas' pipeline. Since 2011, the pipeline has connected 2,145,000 Dth per day of supply access from the Wolfberry shale formation in west Texas and from the Granite Wash tight sands formations in the Texas panhandle and in Oklahoma. Additionally, Northern Natural Gas has interconnections with several interstate pipelines and several intrastate pipelines with receipt, delivery, or bi-directional capabilities. Because of Northern Natural Gas' location and multiple interconnections it is able to access natural gas from other key production areas, such as the Rocky Mountain, Williston, including the Bakken formation, and western Canadian basins. The Rocky Mountain basins are accessed through interconnects with Trailblazer Pipeline Company, Tallgrass Interstate Gas Transmission, LLC, Cheyenne Plains Gas Pipeline Company, LLC, Colorado Interstate Gas Company and Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC ("REX"). The western Canadian basins are accessed through interconnects with Northern Border Pipeline Company ("Northern Border"), Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership ("Great Lakes") and Viking Gas Transmission Company ("Viking"). This supply diversity and access to both stable and growing production areas provides significant flexibility to Northern Natural Gas' system and customers.

Northern Natural Gas' system experiences significant seasonal swings in demand and revenue typically with over 60% of transportation revenue occurring during the months of November through March. This seasonality provides Northern Natural Gas with opportunities to deliver additional value-added services, such as firm and interruptible storage services. As a result of Northern Natural Gas' geographic location in the middle of the United States and its many interconnections with other pipelines, Northern Natural Gas has the opportunity to augment its steady end user and LDC revenue by capitalizing on opportunities for shippers to reach additional markets, such as Chicago, Illinois, other parts of the Midwest, and Texas, through interconnects.

Kern River

Kern River, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, owns an interstate natural gas pipeline system that extends from supply areas in the Rocky Mountains to consuming markets in Utah, Nevada and California. Kern River's pipeline system consists of 1,700 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 1,400 miles of mainline section and 300 miles of common facilities, with a design capacity of 2,166,575 Dth, or 2.2 Bcf, per day. Kern River owns the entire mainline section, which extends from the system's point of origination near Opal, Wyoming, through the Central Rocky Mountains to Daggett, California. The mainline section consists of 1,300 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline and 100 miles of various laterals that connect to the mainline. The common facilities are jointly owned by Kern River and Mojave Pipeline Company ("Mojave") as tenants-in-common. Except for quantities of natural gas owned for operational purposes, Kern River does not own the natural gas that is transported through its system. Kern River's transportation rates are cost-based. The rates are designed to provide Kern River with an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and earn a reasonable return on its investments.

Kern River's rates are based on a levelized rate design with recovery of 70% of the original investment during the initial long-term contracts ("Period One rates"). After expiration of the initial term, eligible customers have the option to elect service at rates ("Period Two rates") that are lower than Period One rates because they are designed to recover the remaining 30% of the original investment. To the extent that eligible customers do not contract for service at Period Two rates, the volumes are turned back and sold at market rates for varying terms. As of December 31, 2018, initial Period One contracts total 411,000 Dth. Period Two contracts total 974,950 Dth and 515,056 Dth per day of total turned back volume have an average remaining contract term of nearly three years. The remaining capacity is sold on a short-term basis at market rates.

As of December 31, 2018, approximately 84% of Kern River's design capacity of 2,166,575 Dth per day is contracted pursuant to long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements, whereby Kern River receives natural gas on behalf of customers at designated receipt points and transports the natural gas on a firm basis to designated delivery points. In return for this service, each customer pays Kern River a fixed monthly reservation fee based on each customer's maximum daily quantity, which represents 89% of total operating revenue, and a commodity charge based on the actual amount of natural gas transported pursuant to its long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements and Kern River's tariff.

These long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements expire between March 2020 and April 2033 and have a weighted-average remaining contract term of nearly nine years. Kern River's customers include electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As of December 31, 2018, nearly 73% of the firm capacity under contract has primary delivery points in California, with the flexibility to access secondary delivery points in Nevada and Utah. Kern River provided 22% of California's demand for natural gas in 2017.


During 2018, Kern River had two customers, including Nevada Power Company, d/b/a NV Energy, that each accounted for greater than 10% of its revenue. The loss of these significant customers, if not replaced, could have a material adverse effect on Kern River.

Competition

The Pipeline Companies compete with other pipelines on the basis of cost, flexibility, reliability of service and overall customer service, with the customer's decision being made primarily on the basis of delivered price, which includes both the natural gas commodity cost and its transportation cost. Natural gas also competes with alternative energy sources, including coal, nuclear energy, wind, geothermal, solar and fuel oil. Legislation and governmental regulations, the weather, the futures market, production costs and other factors beyond the control of the Pipeline Companies influence the price of the natural gas commodity.

The natural gas industry has undergone a significant shift in supply sources. Production from conventional sources has declined while production from unconventional sources, such as shale gas, has increased. This shift has affected the supply patterns, the flows, the locational and seasonal natural gas price spreads and rates that can be charged on pipeline systems. The impact has varied among pipelines according to the location and the number of competitors attached to these new supply sources.

Electric power generation has been the source of most of the growth in demand for natural gas over the last 10 years, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. The growth of natural gas in this sector is influenced by regulation, new sources of natural gas, competition with other energy sources, primarily coal and renewables, and increased consumption of electricity as a result of economic growth. Short-term market shifts have been driven by relative costs of coal-fueled generation versus natural gas-fueled generation. A long-term market shift away from the use of coal in power generation could be driven by environmental regulations. The future demand for natural gas could be increased by regulations limiting or discouraging coal use. However, natural gas demand could potentially be adversely affected by laws mandating or encouraging renewable power sources that produce fewer GHG emissions than natural gas.

The Pipeline Companies' ability to extend existing customer contracts, remarket expiring contracted capacity or market new capacity is dependent on competitive alternatives, the regulatory environment and the market supply and demand factors at the relevant dates these contracts are eligible to be renewed or extended. The duration of new or renegotiated contracts will be affected by current commodity and transportation prices, competitive conditions and customers' judgments concerning future market trends and volatility.

Subject to regulatory requirements, the Pipeline Companies attempt to recontract or remarket capacity at the maximum rates allowed under their tariffs, although at times the Pipeline Companies discount these rates to remain competitive. The Pipeline Companies' existing contracts mature at various times and in varying amounts of entitlement. The Pipeline Companies manage the recontracting process to mitigate the risk of a significant negative impact on operating revenue.

Historically, the Pipeline Companies have been able to provide competitively priced services because of access to a variety of relatively low cost supply basins, cost control measures and the relatively high level of firm entitlement that is sold on a seasonal and annual basis, which lowers the per unit cost of transportation. To date, the Pipeline Companies have avoided significant pipeline system bypasses.

Northern Natural Gas needs to compete aggressively to serve existing load and add new load. Northern Natural Gas has been successful in competing for a significant amount of the increased demand related to residential and commercial needs and the construction of new power plants and new fertilizer or other industrial plants. The growth related to utilities has historically been driven by population growth and increased commercial and industrial needs. Northern Natural Gas has been generally successful in negotiating increased transportation rates for customers who received discounted service when such contract terms are renegotiated and extended.

Northern Natural Gas' major competitors in the Market Area include ANR Pipeline Company, Northern Border, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC, Great Lakes and Viking. In the Field Area, where the majority of Northern Natural Gas' capacity is used for transportation services provided on a short-term firm basis, Northern Natural Gas competes with a large number of interstate and intrastate pipeline companies.


Northern Natural Gas' attractive competitive position relative to other pipelines in the upper Midwest is reinforced each winter as customers expect, and receive, reliable deliveries of natural gas for their critical markets. Northern Natural Gas provides customers access to multiple supply basins that allow customers to obtain reliable supplies at competitive prices, not subject to the natural gas grid dynamics from pipeline competition that would limit customers to a singular supply source. Northern Natural Gas' Field Area has access to diverse Mid-Continent, Permian and Rockies supplies delivered to Market Area customers at Demarc at significantly lower prices than their alternative supply source. The benefits of Northern Natural Gas' system is particularly demonstrated during extreme winter conditions such as the polar vortex of 2013-2104 and severe cold weather that impacted Northern Natural Gas' Market Area in January 2019. During these periods of high market demand, customers have received all of their scheduled deliveries, without interruption, due to Northern Natural Gas' extensive, reticulated pipeline system.


Northern Natural Gas expects the current level of Field Area contracting to Demarc to continue in the foreseeable future, as Market Area customers presently need to purchase competitively-priced supplies from the Field Area to support their existing and growth demand requirements. However, the revenue received from these Field Area contracts is expected to vary in relationship to the difference, or "spread," in natural gas prices between the MidContinent and Permian Regions and the price of the alternative supplies that are available to Northern Natural Gas' Market Area. This spread affects the value of the Field Area transportation capacity because natural gas from the MidContinent and Permian Regions that is transported through Northern Natural Gas' Field Area competes directly with natural gas delivered directly into the Market Area from Canada and other supply areas, including new shale gas producing areas outside of the Field Area.

Kern River competes with various interstate pipelines in developing expansion projects and entering into long-term agreements to serve market growth in Southern California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Kern River also competes with various interstate pipelines and their customers to market unutilized capacity under shorter term transactions. Kern River provides its customers with supply diversity through interconnections with pipelines such as Northwest Pipeline LLC, Colorado Interstate Gas Company, Overland Trails Transmission, LLC, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline LLC and Dominion Energy Questar Overthrust Pipeline LLC; and storage facilities such as Spire Storage West LLC and Clear Creek Storage Company, LLC. These interconnections, in addition to the direct interconnections to natural gas processing facilities in Wyoming and California, allow Kern River to access natural gas reserves in Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, California and the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

Kern River is the only interstate pipeline that presently delivers natural gas directly from the Rocky Mountain gas supply region to end-users in the Southern California market. This enables direct connect customers to avoid paying a "rate stack" (i.e., additional transportation costs attributable to the movement from one or more interstate pipeline systems to an intrastate system within California). Kern River's levelized rate structure and access to upstream pipelines, storage facilities and economic Rocky Mountain gas reserves increases its competitiveness and attractiveness to end-users. Kern River believes it has an advantage relative to other interstate pipelines serving Southern California because its relatively new pipeline can be economically expanded and has required significantly less capital expenditures and ongoing maintenance than other systems to comply with the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002.

BHE TRANSMISSION

AltaLink

ALP, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE acquired on December 1, 2014, is a regulated electric transmission-only company headquartered in Alberta, Canada serving approximately 85% of Alberta's population. ALP connects generation plants to major load centers, cities and large industrial plants throughout its 87,000 square mile service territory, which covers a diverse geographic area including most major urban centers in central and southern Alberta. ALP's transmission facilities, consisting of approximately 8,200 miles of transmission lines and 310 substations as of December 31, 2018, are an integral part of the Alberta Integrated Electric System ("AIES").

The AIES is a network or grid of transmission facilities operating at high voltages ranging from 69 kVs to 500 kVs. The grid delivers electricity from generating units across Alberta, Canada through approximately 16,000 miles of transmission. The AIES is interconnected to British Columbia's transmission system that links Alberta with the North American western interconnected system.

ALP is a transmission facility owner within the electricity industry in Alberta and is permitted to charge a tariff rate for the use of its transmission facilities. Such tariff rates are established on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow ALP an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and to earn a reasonable return on its investments. Transmission tariffs are approved by the AUC and are collected from the AESO.

The electricity industry in Alberta consists of four principal segments. Generators sell wholesale power into the power pool operated by the AESO and through direct contractual arrangements. Alberta's transmission system or grid is composed of high voltage power lines and related facilities that transmit electricity from generating facilities to distribution networks and directly connected end-users. Distribution facility owners are regulated by the AUC and are responsible for arranging for, or providing, regulated rate and regulated default supply services to convey electricity from transmission systems and distribution-connected generators to end-use customers. Retailers can procure energy through the power pool, through direct contractual arrangements with energy suppliers or ownership of generation facilities and arrange for its distribution to end-use customers.

The AESO mandate is defined in the Electric Utilities Act and its regulations, and requires the AESO to assess both current and future needs of Alberta's interconnected electrical system. In July 2017, the AESO released the 2017 Long-Term Outlook ("LTO"), which is a forecast used as one input to guide the AESO in planning Alberta's transmission system. In January 2018, the AESO finalized and made available the 2017 Long-Term Transmission Plan ("LTP"). The 2017 LTP places increased focus on the evolving economy, policy changes and environmental initiatives, including renewable generation additions and the phase-out of coal-fueled generation whenever possible. The plan was developed with the goal of efficient utilization of existing and planned transmission systems in areas where high renewables potential exists, and timely addition of necessary new transmission developments. The AESO has forecast Alberta's electricity demand to grow at an annual rate of 0.9% until 2037. Future generation investments are expected to keep pace with load growth and coal-fueled generation replacements, as well as generation additions primarily through the Renewable Electricity Program. The 2017 LTP identifies 15 transmission developments across Alberta proposed over the next five years valued at approximately C$1 billion. Regulatory approval for all identified developments is still required.

BHE U.S. Transmission

BHE U.S. Transmission is engaged in various joint ventures to develop, own and operate transmission assets and is pursuing additional investment opportunities in the United States. Currently, BHE U.S. Transmission has two joint ventures with transmission assets that are operational.

BHE U.S. Transmission indirectly owns a 50% interest in ETT, along with subsidiaries of American Electric Power Company, Inc. ("AEP"). ETT owns and operates electric transmission assets in the ERCOT and, as of December 31, 2018, had total assets of $3.0 billion. ETT's transmission system includes approximately 1,200 miles of transmission lines and 36 substations as of December 31, 2018.

BHE U.S. Transmission also indirectly owns a 25% interest in Prairie Wind Transmission, LLC, a joint venture with AEP and Westar Energy, Inc., to build, own and operate a 108-mile, 345-kV transmission project in Kansas. The project cost $158 million and was fully placed in-service in November 2014.


BHE RENEWABLES

The subsidiaries comprising the BHE Renewables reportable segment own interests in several independent power projects in the United States and in the Philippines. The following table presents certain information concerning these independent power projects as of December 31, 2018:
        Power   Facility Net
        Purchase   Net Owned
    Energy   Agreement Power Capacity Capacity
Generating Facility Location Source Installed Expiration 
Purchaser(1)
 
(MWs)(2)
 
(MWs)(2)
SOLAR:              
Topaz California Solar 2013-2014 2039 PG&E 550
 550
Solar Star 1 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 310
 310
Solar Star 2 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 276
 276
Agua Caliente Arizona Solar 2012-2013 2039 PG&E 290
 142
Community Solar Gardens(6)
 Minnesota Solar 2016-2018 2041-2043 (5) 98
 98
Alamo 6 Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 110
 110
Pearl Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 50
 50
            1,684
 1,536
WIND:              
Bishop Hill II Illinois Wind 2012 2032 Ameren 81
 81
Pinyon Pines I California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 168
 168
Pinyon Pines II California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 132
 132
Jumbo Road Texas Wind 2015 2033 AE 300
 300
Marshall Kansas Wind 2016 2036 MJMEC, KPP, KMEA & COIMO 72
 72
Grande Prairie Nebraska Wind 2016 2036 OPPD 400
 400
Santa Rita Texas Wind 2018 2030-2038 KC, CODTX 300
 300
Walnut Ridge Illinois Wind 2018 2028 USGSA 212
 212
            1,665
 1,665
GEOTHERMAL:              
Imperial Valley Projects California Geothermal 1982-2000 (3) (3) 338
 338
               
HYDROELECTRIC:              
Casecnan Project(4)
 Philippines Hydroelectric 2001 2021 NIA 150
 128
Wailuku Hawaii Hydroelectric 1993 2023 HELCO 10
 10
            160
 138
NATURAL GAS:              
Saranac New York Natural Gas 1994 2019 TEMUS 245
 196
Power Resources Texas Natural Gas 1988 2018 EDF 212
 212
Yuma Arizona Natural Gas 1994 2024 SDG&E 50
 50
Cordova Illinois Natural Gas 2001 2019 EGC 512
 512
            1,019
 970
               
Total Available Generating Capacity           4,866
 4,647


(1)
TransAlta Energy Marketing U.S. ("TEMUS"); EDF Energy Services, LLC ("EDF"); San Diego Gas & Electric Company ("SDG&E"); Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("EGC"); Pacific Gas and Electric Company ("PG&E"), Ameren Illinois Company ("Ameren"), Southern California Edison ("SCE"), the Philippine National Irrigation Administration ("NIA"); Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. ("HELCO"); Austin Energy ("AE"); Omaha Public Power District ("OPPD"); Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("KC"); City of Denton, TX ("CODTX"); U.S. General Services Administration ("USGSA"); Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Commission ("MJMEC"); Kansas Power Pool ("KPP"); Kansas Municipal Energy Agency ("KMEA"); City of Independence, MO ("COIMO"); and CPS Energy ("CPS").
(2)
Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates BHE Renewables' ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(3)
The majority of the Imperial Valley Projects' Contract Capacity is currently sold to Southern California Edison Company under long-term power purchase agreements expiring in 2019 through 2026. Certain long-term power purchase agreement renewals have been entered into with other parties that begin upon the existing contracts' expiration and expire in 2028 and 2039.

(4)
Under the terms of the agreement with the NIA, CalEnergy Philippines will own and operate the Casecnan project for a 20-year cooperation period which ends December 11, 2021, after which ownership and operation of the project will be transferred to the NIA at no cost on an "as-is" basis. NIA also pays CalEnergy Philippines for delivery of water pursuant to the agreement.

(5)The power purchasers are commercial, industrial and not-for-profit organizations.

(6)The community solar gardens project is consolidated in the table above for convenience as it consists of 98 distinct entities that each own an approximately 1-MW solar garden with independent but substantially similar terms and conditions.

Additionally, BHE Renewables has invested $1.9 billion in eleven wind projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments.

BHE Renewables' operating revenue is derived from the following business activities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Solar51% 52% 49%
Wind18
 17
 19
Geothermal19
 19
 20
Hydro5
 6
 4
Natural gas7
 6
 8
Total operating revenue100% 100% 100%

HOMESERVICES

HomeServices, a majority-owned subsidiary of BHE, is the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States. In addition to providing traditional residential real estate brokerage services, HomeServices offers other integrated real estate services, including mortgage originations and mortgage banking; title and closing services; property and casualty insurance; home warranties; relocation services; and other home-related services. HomeServices' real estate brokerage business is subject to seasonal fluctuations because more home sale transactions tend to close during the second and third quarters of the year. As a result, HomeServices' operating results and profitability are typically higher in the second and third quarters relative to the remainder of the year. HomeServices' owned brokerages currently operate in nearly 880 offices in 30 states and the District of Columbia with over 42,500 real estate agents under 47 brand names. The United States residential real estate brokerage business is subject to the general real estate market conditions, is highly competitive and consists of numerous local brokers and agents in each market seeking to represent sellers and buyers in residential real estate transactions. In October 2014, HomeServices acquired the remaining 50.1% of HomeServices Lending, a mortgage origination company.

In October 2012, HomeServices acquired a 66.7% interest in one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States, which offers and sells independently owned and operated residential real estate brokerage franchises. The noncontrolling interest member had the right to put the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business to HomeServices after March 2015 and HomeServices had the right to call the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business after completion and receipt of the 2017 financial statement audit at an option exercise formula based on historical financial performance. In April 2018, HomeServices exercised its call option and acquired the remaining 33.3% interest.


HomeServices' franchise network currently includes approximately 370 franchisees in nearly 1,600 brokerage offices throughout the United States and Europe with over 51,500 real estate agents under two brand names. In exchange for certain fees, HomeServices provides the right to use the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Real Living brand names and other related service marks, as well as providing orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services.

OTHER ENERGY BUSINESSES

Effective January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred its nonregulated energy operations to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES"), a subsidiary of BHE. MES is a nonregulated energy business consisting of competitive electricity and natural gas retail sales. MES' electric operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland and other states that allow customers to choose their energy supplier. MES' natural gas operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Iowa and Illinois. Electricity and natural gas are purchased from producers and third party energy marketing companies and sold directly to commercial, industrial and governmental end-users. MES does not own electricity or natural gas production assets but hedges its contracted sales obligations either with physical supply arrangements or financial products. As of December 31, 2018, MES' contracts in place for the sale of electricity totaled 18,571 GWhs with an average term of 2.4 years and for the sale of natural gas totaled 25,717,425 Dth with an average term of 1.3 years. In addition, MES manages natural gas supplies for a number of smaller commercial end-users, which includes the sale of natural gas to these customers to meet their supply requirements. Refer to Item 7A in this Form 10-K for a discussion of commodity price risk and derivative contracts.

The percentages of electricity sold to MES' retail customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Illinois45% 46% 48%
Ohio23
 23
 21
Texas16
 15
 13
Pennsylvania9
 8
 8
Maryland6
 7
 7
Other1
 1
 3
 100% 100% 100%

The percentages of natural gas sold to MES' customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Iowa89% 86% 86%
Illinois7
 9
 9
Other4
 5
 5
 100% 100% 100%

GENERAL REGULATION

BHE's regulated subsidiaries and certain affiliates are subject to comprehensive governmental regulation, which significantly influences their operating environment, prices charged to customers, capital structure, costs and, ultimately, their ability to recover costs and earn a reasonable return on invested capital. In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding general regulation, refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding certain regulatory matters.

Domestic Regulated Public Utility Subsidiaries

The Utilities are subject to comprehensive regulation by various state, federal and local agencies. The more significant aspects of this regulatory framework are described below.


State Regulation

Historically, state regulatory commissions have established retail electric and natural gas rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow a utility the opportunity to recover what each state regulatory commission deems to be the utility's reasonable costs of providing services, including a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investments based on its cost of debt and equity. In addition to return on investment, a utility's cost of service generally reflects a representative level of prudent expenses, including cost of sales, operating expense, depreciation and amortization and income and other tax expense, reduced by wholesale electricity and other revenue. The allowed operating expenses are typically based on actual historical costs adjusted for known and measurable or forecasted changes. State regulatory commissions may adjust cost of service for various reasons, including pursuant to a review of: (a) the utility's revenue and expenses during a defined test period, (b) the utility's level of investment and (c) changes in income tax laws. State regulatory commissions typically have the authority to review and change rates on their own initiative; however, they may also initiate reviews at the request of a utility, utility customers or organizations representing groups of customers. In certain jurisdictions, the utility and such parties, however, may agree with one another not to request a review of or changes to rates for a specified period of time.

The retail electric rates of the Utilities are generally based on the cost of providing traditional bundled services, including generation, transmission and distribution services. The Utilities have established energy cost adjustment mechanisms and other cost recovery mechanisms in certain states, which help mitigate their exposure to changes in costs from those assumed in establishing base rates.

With certain limited exceptions, the Utilities have an exclusive right to serve retail customers within their service territories and, in turn, have an obligation to provide service to those customers. In some jurisdictions, certain classes of customers may choose to purchase all or a portion of their energy from alternative energy suppliers, and in some jurisdictions retail customers can generate all or a portion of their own energy. Under Oregon law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, nonresidential customers have the right to choose an alternative provider of energy supply. The impact of this right on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results has not been material. In Washington, state law does not provide for exclusive service territory allocation. PacifiCorp's service territory in Washington is surrounded by other public utilities with whom PacifiCorp has from time to time entered into service area agreements under the jurisdiction of the WUTC. Under California law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, cities, counties and certain other public agencies have the right to choose to generate energy supply or elect an alternative provider of energy supply through the formation of a Community Choice Aggregator ("CCA"). To date, no CCA activity has occurred in PacifiCorp's California service territory. If a CCA is formed, PacifiCorp would continue to provide CCA customers transmission, distribution, metering and billing services and the CCA would provide generation supply. In addition, PacifiCorp would likely be able to collect costs from CCA customers for the generation-related costs that PacifiCorp incurred while they were customers of PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp would remain the electricity provider of last resort for these customers. In Illinois, state law has established a competitive environment so that all Illinois customers are free to choose their retail service supplier. For customers that choose an alternative retail energy supplier, MidAmerican Energy continues to have an ongoing obligation to deliver the supplier's energy to the retail customer. MidAmerican Energy bills the retail customer for such delivery services. MidAmerican Energy also has an obligation to serve customers at regulated cost-based rates and has a continuing obligation to serve customers who have not selected a competitive electricity provider. The impact of this right on MidAmerican Energy's financial results has not been material. In Nevada, Chapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one MW or more to file a letter of intent and application with the PUCN to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier. The law requires customers wishing to choose a new supplier to receive the approval of the PUCN to meet public interest standards. In particular, departing customers must secure new energy resources that are not under contract to the Nevada Utilities, the departure must not burden the Nevada Utilities with increased costs or cause any remaining customers to pay increased costs and the departing customers must pay their portion of any deferred energy balances, all as determined by the PUCN. Also, the Utilities and the state regulatory commissions are individually evaluating how best to integrate private generation resources into their service and rate design, including considering such factors as maintaining high levels of customer safety and service reliability, minimizing adverse cost impacts and fairly allocating costs among all customers.

Also in Nevada, large natural gas customers using 12,000 therms per month with fuel switching capability are allowed to participate in the incentive natural gas rate tariff. Once a service agreement has been executed, a customer can compare natural gas prices under this tariff to alternative energy sources and choose its source of natural gas. In addition, natural gas customers using greater than 1,000 therms per day have the ability to secure their own natural gas supplies under the gas transportation tariff.


PacifiCorp

Rate Filings

Under Utah law, the UPSC must issue a written order within 240 days of a public utility’s application for a general rate change, absent an order, the proposed rates go into effect as filed and are not subject to refund; the UPSC may allow interim rates to take effect within 45 days of an application, subject to refund or surcharge, if an adequate prima facie showing is established in hearing that the interim rate change is justified.

The OPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates for a period not to exceed more than six months, with an additional three-month extension, beyond the 30-day time period when the new rates would usually otherwise go into effect. Absent suspension or other action from the OPUC, new rates automatically go into effect 30 days from filing by the utility. Upon suspension by the OPUC, the OPUC is authorized to allow collection of an interim rate, subject to refund, during the pendency of the OPUC’s review of the rate request.

In July 2014,Wyoming, the WPSC can allow interim rates to go into effect 30 days after the initial application but may require a bond to secure a refund for the amount. The WPSC may suspend the rates for final approval for a period not to exceed 10 months.

The WUTC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 10 months beyond the 30-day time period when the new rate would usually otherwise go into effect.

Under Idaho law, the IPUC can suspend a filing for an initial period not to exceed five months, and an additional extension of 60 days with a showing of good cause.

The CPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 18 months. The CPUC may extend the suspension period on a case-by-case period.

Adjustment Mechanisms

In addition to recovery through base rates, PacifiCorp also achieves recovery of certain costs through various adjustment mechanisms as summarized below.
State RegulatorBase Rate Test PeriodAdjustment Mechanism
UPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
EBA under which 100% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Wheeling revenue is also included in the mechanism.
Balancing account to provide for 100% recovery or refund of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues after adjusting for a REC incentive authorized by the UPSC.
Recovery mechanism for single capital investments that in total exceed 1% of existing rate base when a general rate case has occurred within the preceding 18 months.
OPUCForecastedPCAM under which 90% of the difference between forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits established under the annual TAM and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits is deferred and reflected in future rates. The difference between the forecasted and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits must fall outside of an established asymmetrical deadband, with a negative annual power cost variance deadband of $15 million, and a positive annual power cost variance deadband of $30 million and is also subject to an earnings test of +/- 1% around PacifiCorp's allowed return on equity.
Annual TAM based on forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits.
Renewable Adjustment Clause to recover the revenue requirement of new renewable resources and associated transmission costs that are not reflected in general rates.
Balancing account for proceeds from the sale of RECs.
WPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
ECAM under which 70% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Chemical costs and start-up fuel costs are also included in the mechanism.
REC and sulfur dioxide revenue adjustment mechanism to provide for recovery or refund of 100% of any difference between actual REC and sulfur dioxide revenues and the level in rates.

WUTCHistorical with known and measurable changesPCAM under which the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates after applying a $4 million deadband for positive or negative net power cost variances. For net power cost variances between $4 million and $10 million, amounts to be recovered from customers are allocated 50/50 and amounts to be credited to customers are allocated 75/25 (customers/PacifiCorp). Positive or negative net power cost variances in excess of $10 million are allocated 90/10 (customers/PacifiCorp).
Deferral mechanism of costs for up to 24 months of new base load generation resources and eligible renewable resources and related transmission that qualify under the state's emissions performance standard and are not reflected in base rates.
REC revenue tracking mechanism to provide credit of 100% of REC revenues.
Decoupling mechanism under which the difference between actual annual revenues and authorized revenues per customer is deferred and reflected in future rates, subject to an earnings test. To trigger a rate adjustment, the deferral balance must exceed plus or minus 2.5% of the authorized revenue at the end of each deferral period by rate class. Rate adjustments must not exceed a surcharge of 5% of the actual normalized revenue by class.

IPUCHistorical with known and measurable changesECAM under which 90% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Also provides for recovery or refund of 100% of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues and differences in actual production tax credits compared to the amount in base rates.
CPUCForecastedPTAM for major capital additions that allows for rate adjustments outside of the context of a traditional general rate case for the revenue requirement associated with capital additions exceeding $50 million on a total-company basis. Filed as eligible capital additions are placed into service.
ECAC that allows for an annual update to actual and forecasted net power costs.
PTAM for attrition, a mechanism that allows for an annual adjustment to costs other than net power costs.

(1)PacifiCorp has relied on both historical test periods with known and measurable adjustments, as well as forecasted test periods.

MidAmerican Energy

Under Iowa law, there are two options for temporary collection of higher rates following the filing of a request for a base rate increase. Collection can begin, subject to refund, either (1) within 10 days of filing, without IUB review, or (2) 90 days after filing, with approval by the IUB, depending upon the ratemaking principles and precedents utilized. In either case, if the IUB has not issued ana final order approvingwithin ten months after the filing date, the temporary rates become final and any difference between the requested rate increase and the temporary rates may then be collected subject to refund until receipt of a final order. Under Illinois law, new base rates may become effective 45 days after the filing of a request with the ICC, or earlier with ICC approval. The ICC has authority to suspend the proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed approximately eleven months after filing. South Dakota law authorizes the SDPUC to suspend new base rates for up to six months during the pendency of rate proceedings; however, a utility may implement all or a portion of the proposed new rates six months after the filing of a request for a rate increase subject to refund pending a final order in the proceeding.

Iowa law also permits rate-regulated utilities to seek ratemaking principles with the IUB prior to the construction of certain types of new generating facilities. Pursuant to this law, MidAmerican Energy has applied for and obtained IUB ratemaking principles orders for a 484-MW (MidAmerican Energy's share) coal-fueled generating facility, a 495-MW combined cycle natural gas-fueled generating facility and 6,639 MWs (nominal ratings) of wind-powered generating facilities, including 1,440 MWs (nominal ratings) under construction, as of December 31, 2018. These ratemaking principles established cost caps for the projects and authorized a fixed rate of return on equity for the respective generating facilities over the regulatory life of the facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. As of December 31, 2018, the generating facilities in service totaled $6.9 billion, or 42%, of MidAmerican Energy's regulated property, plant and equipment, net and were subject to these ratemaking principles at a weighted average return on equity of 11.6% with a weighted average remaining life of 32 years.


Under its current Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota electric tariffs, MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover fluctuations in electric energy costs for its retail electric sales through fuel, or energy, cost adjustment mechanisms. The Iowa mechanism also includes production tax credits associated with wind-powered generation placed in-service prior to 2013, except for production tax credits earned by repowered facilities, which totaled 636 MWs as of December 31, 2018. Eligibility for production tax credits associated with MidAmerican Energy's earliest projects began expiring in 2014. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has transmission adjustment clauses to recover certain transmission charges related to retail customers in all jurisdictions. The adjustment mechanisms reduce the regulatory lag for the recovery of energy and transmission costs related to retail electric customers in these jurisdictions.

Of the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service as of December 31, 2018, 2,914 MWs (nominal ratings) have not been included in the determination of MidAmerican Energy's Iowa retail electric base rates for MidAmerican Energy's Iowa customers. The order allowed MidAmerican Energy to increase its base rates over approximately three yearsrates. In accordance with equal annualized increases in revenues of $45 million, or 3.6% over 2012, effective August 2013 and again on January 1, 2015 and 2016, for a total annualized increase of $135 million when fully implemented. In addition to an increasethe related ratemaking principles, until such time as these generation assets are reflected in base rates the order approved (1) the implementation of two newand ceasing thereafter, MidAmerican Energy reduced its revenue from Iowa energy adjustment clauses related to the recovery of retail energy production costsclause recoveries by $9 million in 2016 and certain electric transmission charges (2) seasonal pricing that increased the difference between higherby $12 million for each calendar year thereafter.

MidAmerican Energy has mechanisms in Iowa where rate base rates in effect for June through September and base rates applicable to the remaining months of the year; and (3) amay be reduced. The revenue sharing mechanism that shares with originates from multiple ratemaking principles proceedings and reduces rate base for Iowa electric returns on equity exceeding an established benchmark. The retail customer benefit mechanism, which reduces rate base for the value of higher cost retail energy displaced by covered wind-powered production, applies to the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service in 2016 under the Wind X project and facilities to be constructed under the Wind XII project approved by the IUB in 2018.

MidAmerican Energy's customers 80%cost of revenues relatedgas is collected for each jurisdiction in its gas rates through a uniform PGA, which is updated monthly to equity returns above 11% and 100% of revenues related to equity returns above 14%, with the customer portion of any sharing reducing rate base. Thereflect changes in seasonal pricing, adjustment clausesactual costs. Subject to prudence reviews, the PGA accomplishes a pass-through of MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas to its customers and, new revenue sharing mechanism were effective with final base rates.accordingly, has no direct effect on net income. MidAmerican Energy recorded aEnergy's DSM program costs are collected through separately established rates that are adjusted annually based on actual and expected costs, as approved by the respective state regulatory liability for revenue sharing totaling $30 million in 2016, which reduced rate base in January 2017. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy and the OCA have agreed not to seek or support an increase or decrease in the final base rates to become effective prior to January 1, 2018, unless MidAmerican Energy projects its returncommission. As such, recovery of DSM program costs has no direct impact on equity to be below 10%.net income.

NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Regulatory Rate ReviewsFilings

In June 2016,Nevada statutes require the Nevada Utilities to file electric general rate cases at least once every three years with the PUCN. Sierra Pacific filed an electric regulatorymay also file natural gas general rate reviewcases with the PUCN. The filing requested no incrementalNevada Utilities are also subject to a two-part fuel and purchased power adjustment mechanism. The Nevada Utilities make quarterly filings to reset BTER, based on the last 12 months of fuel and purchased power costs. The difference between actual fuel and purchased power costs and the revenue collected in the BTER is deferred into a balancing account. The DEAA rate clears amounts deferred into the balancing account. Nevada regulations allow an electric or natural gas utility that adjusts its BTER on a quarterly basis to request PUCN approval to make quarterly changes to its DEAA rate if the request is in the public interest. During required annual revenue relief. In October 2016, Sierra Pacific filed withDEAA proceedings, the prudence of fuel and purchased power costs is reviewed, and if any costs are disallowed on such grounds, the disallowances will be incorporated into the next quarterly BTER rate change. Also, on an annual basis, the Nevada Utilities (a) seek a determination that energy efficiency program expenditures were reasonable, (b) request that the PUCN a settlement agreement resolving most, but not all, issues in the proceedingreset base and reduced Sierra Pacific's electric revenue requirement by $3 million spread evenly to all rate classes. In December 2016,amortization energy efficiency program rates, and (c) request that the PUCN approvedreset base and amortization energy efficiency implementation rates. When the settlement agreement and established an additional six MWNevada Utilities' regulatory earned rate of net metering capacity underreturn for a calendar year exceeds the grandfathered rates, which are those net metering rates that were in effect prior to January 2016; the order establishes cost-based rates and a value-based excess energy credit for customers who choose to install private generation after the six MW limitation is reached. The new rates were effective January 1, 2017. In January 2017, Sierra Pacific filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the creation of the additional six MW of net metering at the grandfathered rates. Sierra Pacific believes the effects of the PUCN decision result in additional cost shifting to non-net metering customers and reduces the stipulated rate reduction for other customer classes.

In June 2016, Sierra Pacific filed a gas regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing requested a slight decrease in its incremental annualof return used to set base tariff general rates, they are obligated to refund energy efficiency implementation revenue requirement. In October 2016, Sierra Pacific filed with the PUCN a settlement agreement resolving all issues in the proceeding and reduced Sierra Pacific's gas revenue requirement by $2 million. In December 2016, the PUCN approved the settlement agreement. The new rates were effective January 1, 2017.previously collected for that year.

EEPR and EEIR

EEPR was established to allow the Nevada Utilities to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year throughin the utility's annual DEAA application process based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by the Nevada Utilities and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent the Nevada Utilities' earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, the Nevada Utilities' are required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year. In March 2016,


Net Metering

Nevada enacted Assembly Bill 405 ("AB 405") on June 15, 2017. The legislation, among other things, established net metering crediting rates for private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts. Under AB 405, private generation customers will be compensated at 95% of the rate the customer would have paid for a kilowatt-hour of electricity supplied by the Nevada Utilities each filedfor the first 80 MWs of cumulative installed capacity of all net metering systems in Nevada, 88% of the rate for the next 80 MWs, 81% of the rate for the next 80 MWs and 75% of the rate for any additional private generation capacity. As of December 31, 2018, the cumulative installed and applied-for capacity of net metering systems under AB 405 in Nevada was 118 MWs.

Energy Choice Initiative - Deregulation

In November 2016, a majority of Nevada voters supported a ballot measure to amend Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution. If it had been approved again in 2018, the proposed constitutional amendment would have required the Nevada Legislature to create, on or before July 2023, an applicationopen and competitive retail electric market that included provisions to resetreduce costs to customers, protect against service disconnections and unfair practices and prohibit the EEIRgranting of monopolies and EEPRexclusive franchises for the generation of electricity. In November 2018, the Nevada voters rejected the ballot measure.

Federal Regulation

The FERC is an independent agency with broad authority to implement provisions of the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act ("NGA"), the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ("Energy Policy Act") and refundother federal statutes. The FERC regulates rates for wholesale sales of electricity; transmission of electricity, including pricing and regional planning for the EEIR revenue receivedexpansion of transmission systems; electric system reliability; utility holding companies; accounting and records retention; securities issuances; construction and operation of hydroelectric facilities; and other matters. The FERC also has the enforcement authority to assess civil penalties of up to $1.2 million per day per violation of rules, regulations and orders issued under the Federal Power Act. The Utilities have implemented programs and procedures that facilitate and monitor compliance with the FERC's regulations described below. MidAmerican Energy is also subject to regulation by the NRC pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended ("Atomic Energy Act"), with respect to its ownership interest in 2015, including carrying charges. In Julythe Quad Cities Station.

Wholesale Electricity and Capacity

The FERC regulates the Utilities' rates charged to wholesale customers for electricityand transmission capacity and related services. Much of the Utilities' wholesale electricity sales and purchases occur under market-based pricing allowed by the FERC and are therefore subject to market volatility. The Utilities are precluded from selling at market-based rates in the PacifiCorp-East, PacifiCorp-West, Idaho Power Company and NorthWestern Energy balancing authority areas. Wholesale electricity sales in those specific balancing authority areas are permitted at cost-based rates. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have been granted the authority to bid into the California EIM at market-based rates.

The Utilities' authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the Utilities are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. PacifiCorp, the Nevada Utilities and certain affiliates, representing the BHE Northwest Companies, file together for market power study purposes. The BHE Northwest Companies' most recent triennial filing was made in June 2016 and, as to its non-mitigated balancing authority areas, was approved in November 2017. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the PUCN issuedFERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. Under the FERC's market-based rules, the Utilities must also file with the FERC a stipulation requiringnotice of change in status when there is a change in the conditions that the FERC relied upon in granting market-based rate authority.


Transmission

PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' wholesale transmission services are regulated by the FERC under cost-based regulation subject to PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' OATT, respectively. These services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, which means that all potential customers are provided an equal opportunity to access the transmission system. PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC's Standards of Conduct. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have made several required compliance filings in accordance with these rules.

In December 2011, PacifiCorp adopted a cost-based formula rate under its OATT for its transmission services. Cost-based formula rates are intended to refundbe an effective means of recovering PacifiCorp's investments and associated costs of its transmission system without the 2015need to file rate cases with the FERC, although the formula rate results are subject to discovery and challenges by the FERC and intervenors. A significant portion of these services are provided to PacifiCorp's energy supply management function.

MidAmerican Energy participates in the MISO as a transmission-owning member. Accordingly, the MISO is the transmission provider under its FERC-approved OATT. While the MISO is responsible for directing the operation of MidAmerican Energy's transmission system, MidAmerican Energy retains ownership of its transmission assets and, therefore, is subject to the FERC's reliability standards discussed below. MidAmerican Energy's transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC Standards of Conduct.

MidAmerican Energy has approval from the MISO to construct and own four Multi-Value Projects ("MVPs") located in Iowa and Illinois that will have added approximately 250 miles of 345-kV transmission line to MidAmerican Energy's transmission system since 2012, of which 224 miles have been placed in-service as of December 31, 2018. The MISO OATT allows for broad cost allocation for MidAmerican Energy's MVPs, including similar MVPs of other MISO participants. Accordingly, a significant portion of the revenue requirement associated with MidAmerican Energy's MVP investments will be shared with other MISO participants based on the MISO's cost allocation methodology, and reseta portion of the revenue requirement of the other participants' MVPs will be allocated to MidAmerican Energy. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has approval from the FERC to include 100% of construction work-in-progress in the determination of rates as filed effective October 1, 2016.for its MVPs and to use a forward-looking rate structure for all of its transmission investments and costs. The current EEIR liabilitytransmission assets and financial results of MidAmerican Energy's MVPs are excluded from the determination of its retail electric rates.

The FERC has established an extensive number of mandatory reliability standards developed by the NERC and the WECC, including planning and operations, critical infrastructure protection and regional standards. Compliance, enforcement and monitoring oversight of these standards is carried out by the FERC; the NERC; and the WECC for PacifiCorp, Nevada Power, and Sierra PacificPacific; and the Midwest Reliability Organization for MidAmerican Energy.

Hydroelectric

The FERC licenses and regulates the operation of hydroelectric systems, including license compliance and dam safety programs. Most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities are licensed by the FERC as major systems under the Federal Power Act, and certain of these systems are licensed under the Oregon Hydroelectric Act. Under the Federal Power Act, 18 developments associated with PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities licensed with the FERC are classified as "high hazard potential," meaning it is $10 millionprobable in the event of a dam failure that loss of human life in the downstream population could occur. The FERC provides guidelines utilized by PacifiCorp in development of public safety programs consisting of a dam safety program and $2 million, respectively,emergency action plans.

PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system is the only significant hydroelectric system for which PacifiCorp has a pending relicensing process with the FERC. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for an update regarding hydroelectric relicensing for PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

General

MidAmerican Energy is includedsubject to the jurisdiction of the NRC with respect to its license and 25% ownership interest in current regulatory liabilities on each respective Consolidated Balance Sheet asQuad Cities Station. Exelon Generation, the operator and 75% owner of December 31, 2016.Quad Cities Station, is under contract with MidAmerican Energy to secure and keep in effect all necessary NRC licenses and authorizations.


Chapter 704B ApplicationsThe NRC regulates the granting of permits and licenses for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations and regularly inspects such stations for compliance with applicable laws, regulations and license terms. Current licenses for Quad Cities Station provide for operation until December 14, 2032. The NRC review and regulatory process covers, among other things, operations, maintenance and environmental and radiological aspects of such stations. The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, the regulations under such Act or the terms of such licenses.

Federal regulations provide that any nuclear operating facility may be required to cease operation if the NRC determines there are deficiencies in state, local or utility emergency preparedness plans relating to such facility, and the deficiencies are not corrected. Exelon Generation has advised MidAmerican Energy that an emergency preparedness plan for Quad Cities Station has been approved by the NRC. Exelon Generation has also advised MidAmerican Energy that state and local plans relating to Quad Cities Station have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The NRC also regulates the decommissioning of nuclear-powered generating facilities, including the planning and funding for the eventual decommissioning of the facilities. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the NRC providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay its share of the costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station. MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds collected for nuclear decommissioning of Quad Cities Station.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 ("NWPA"), the United States Department of Energy ("DOE") is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Exelon Generation, as required by the NWPA, signed a contract with the DOE under which the DOE was to receive spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste for disposal beginning not later than January 1998. The DOE did not begin receiving spent nuclear fuel on the scheduled date and remains unable to receive such fuel and waste. The costs to be incurred by the DOE for disposal activities were previously being financed by fees charged to owners and generators of the waste. In accordance with a 2013 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit"), the DOE, in May 2014, provided notice that, effective May 16, 2014, the spent nuclear fuel disposal fee would be zero. In 2004, Exelon Generation, reached a settlement with the DOE concerning the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel in 1998. As a result, Quad Cities Station has been billing the DOE, and the DOE is obligated to reimburse the station for all station costs incurred due to the DOE's delay. Exelon Generation has completed construction of an interim spent fuel storage installation ("ISFSI") at Quad Cities Station to store spent nuclear fuel in dry casks in order to free space in the storage pool. The first pad at the ISFSI is expected to facilitate storage of casks to support operations at Quad Cities Station until at least 2020. The first storage in a dry cask commenced in November 2005. By 2020, Exelon Generation plans to add a second pad to the ISFSI to accommodate storage of spent nuclear fuel through the end of operations at Quad Cities Station.
Nuclear Insurance

MidAmerican Energy maintains financial protection against catastrophic loss associated with its interest in Quad Cities Station through a combination of insurance purchased by Exelon Generation, insurance purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy, and the mandatory industry-wide loss funding mechanism afforded under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988 ("Price-Anderson"), which was amended and extended by the Energy Policy Act. The general types of coverage maintained are: nuclear liability, property damage or loss and nuclear worker liability, as discussed below.

Exelon Generation purchases private market nuclear liability insurance for Quad Cities Station in the maximum available amount of $450 million, which includes coverage for MidAmerican Energy's ownership. In accordance with Price-Anderson, excess liability protection above that amount is provided by a mandatory industry-wide Secondary Financial Protection program under which the licensees of nuclear generating facilities could be assessed for liability incurred due to a serious nuclear incident at any commercial nuclear reactor in the United States. Currently, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate maximum potential share of an assessment for Quad Cities Station is approximately $69 million per incident, payable in installments not to exceed $10 million annually.


The insurance for nuclear property damage losses covers property damage, stabilization and decontamination of the facility, disposal of the decontaminated material and premature decommissioning arising out of a covered loss. For Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation purchases primary and excess property insurance protection for the combined interests in Quad Cities Station, with coverage limits for nuclear damage losses up to $1.5 billion. MidAmerican Energy also directly purchases extra expense coverage for its share of replacement power and other extra expenses in the event of a covered accidental outage at Quad Cities Station. The property and related coverages purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy and by Exelon Generation, which includes the interests of MidAmerican Energy, are underwritten by an industry mutual insurance company and contain provisions for retrospective premium assessments to be called upon based on the industry mutual board of directors' discretion for adverse loss experience. Currently, the maximum retrospective amounts that could be assessed against MidAmerican Energy from industry mutual policies for its obligations associated with Quad Cities Station total $8 million.

The master nuclear worker liability coverage, which is purchased by Exelon Generation for Quad Cities Station, is an industry-wide guaranteed-cost policy with an aggregate limit of $450 million for the nuclear industry as a whole, which is in effect to cover tort claims of workers in nuclear-related industries.

United States Mine Safety

PacifiCorp's mining operations are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which administers federal mine safety and health laws and regulations, and state regulatory agencies. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has the statutory authority to institute a civil action for relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction, restraining order or other appropriate order against a mine operator who fails to pay penalties or fines for violations of federal mine safety standards. Federal law requires PacifiCorp to have a written emergency response plan specific to each underground mine it operates, which is reviewed by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration every six months, and to have at least two mine rescue teams located within one hour of each mine. Information regarding PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Subsidiaries

The Pipeline Companies are regulated by the FERC, pursuant to the NGA and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Under this authority, the FERC regulates, among other items, (a) rates, charges, terms and conditions of service and (b) the construction and operation of interstate pipelines, storage and related facilities, including the extension, expansion or abandonment of such facilities. The Pipeline Companies hold certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the FERC, which authorize them to construct, operate and maintain their pipeline and related facilities and services.

FERC regulations and the Pipeline Companies' tariffs allow each of the Pipeline Companies to charge approved rates for the services set forth in their respective tariff. Generally, these rates are a function of the cost of providing services to their customers, including prudently incurred operations and maintenance expenses, taxes, depreciation and amortization and a reasonable return on their invested capital. Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariff rates have been developed under a rate design methodology whereby substantially all of their fixed costs, including a return on invested capital and income taxes, are collected through reservation charges, which are paid by firm transportation and storage customers regardless of volumes shipped. Commodity charges, which are paid only with respect to volumes actually shipped, are designed to recover the remaining, primarily variable, costs. Kern River's reservation rates have historically been approved using a "levelized" cost-of-service methodology so that the rate remains constant over the levelization period. This levelized cost of service has been achieved by using a FERC-approved depreciation schedule in which depreciation increases as interest expense and return on equity amounts decrease.

Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's rates are subject to change in future general rate proceedings. Rates for natural gas pipelines are changed by filings under either Section 5 or Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act. Section 5 proceedings are initiated by the FERC or the pipeline's customers for a potential reduction to rates that the FERC finds are no longer just and reasonable. In a Section 5 proceeding, the FERC has the burden of demonstrating that the currently effective rates of the pipeline are no longer just and reasonable, and of establishing just and reasonable rates. Any rate decrease as a result of a Section 5 proceeding would be implemented prospectively upon the issuance of a final FERC order calculating the new just and reasonable rates. Section 4 rate proceedings are initiated by the natural gas pipeline, who must demonstrate that the new proposed rates are just and reasonable. The new rates as a result of a Section 4 proceeding are typically implemented six months after the Section 4 filing and are subject to refund upon issuance of a final order by the FERC.

Natural gas transportation companies may not grant any undue preference to any customer. FERC regulations also restrict each pipeline's marketing affiliates' access to certain non-public information regarding their affiliated interstate natural gas transmission pipelines.


Interstate natural gas pipelines are also subject to regulations administered by the Office of Pipeline Safety within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Transportation ("DOT"). Federal pipeline safety regulations are issued pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended ("NGPSA"), which establishes safety requirements in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of interstate natural gas facilities, and requires an entity that owns or operates pipeline facilities to comply with such plans. Major amendments to the NGPSA include the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 ("2002 Act"), the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 ("2006 Act"), the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ("2011 Act") and the Protecting Our Infrastructure Of Pipelines And Enhancing Safety Act Of 2016 ("2016 Act").

The 2002 Act established additional safety and pipeline integrity regulations for all natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas. The 2002 Act imposed major new requirements in the areas of operator qualifications, risk analysis and integrity management. The 2002 Act mandated more frequent periodic inspection or testing of natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas, which are locations where the potential consequences of a natural gas pipeline accident may be significant or may do considerable harm to persons or property. Pursuant to the 2002 Act, the DOT promulgated new regulations that require natural gas pipeline operators to develop comprehensive integrity management programs, to identify applicable threats to natural gas pipeline segments that could impact high-consequence areas, to assess these segments and to provide ongoing mitigation and monitoring. The regulations require recurring inspections of high-consequence area segments every seven years after the initial baseline assessment which was completed by Kern River in early 2011 and Northern Natural Gas in 2012.

The 2006 Act required pipeline operators to institute human factors management plans for personnel employed in pipeline control centers. DOT regulations published pursuant to the 2006 Act required development and implementation of written control room management procedures.

The 2011 Act was a response to natural gas pipeline incidents, most notably the San Bruno natural gas pipeline explosion that occurred in September 2010 in California. The 2011 Act increased the maximum allowable civil penalties for violations, directs operator assistance for Federal authorities conducting investigations and authorized the DOT to hire additional inspection and enforcement personnel. The 2011 Act also directed the DOT to study several topics, including the definition of high-consequence areas, the use of automatic shutoff valves in high-consequence areas, expansion of integrity management requirements beyond high-consequence areas and cast iron pipe replacement. The studies are complete, and a number of notices of proposed rulemaking have been issued. The BHE Pipeline Group anticipates final rules on a number of areas sometime in 2019. The BHE Pipeline Group cannot currently assess the potential cost of compliance with new rules and regulations under the 2011 Act.

The 2016 Act required the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to set federal minimum safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities and authorized emergency order (interim final rule) authority. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an interim final rule requiring underground natural gas storage field operators to implement the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute ("API") Recommended Practice 1171, "Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs." Northern Natural Gas has three underground natural gas storage fields which fall under this regulation and has implemented programs to be in full compliance with this regulation. Kern River does not have underground natural gas storage facilities.

The DOT and related state agencies routinely audit and inspect the pipeline facilities for compliance with their regulations. The Pipeline Companies conduct internal audits of their facilities every four years with more frequent reviews of those deemed higher risk. The Pipeline Companies also conduct preliminary audits in advance of agency audits. Compliance issues that arise during these audits or during the normal course of business are addressed on a timely basis. The Pipeline Companies believe their pipeline systems comply in all material respects with the NGPSA and with DOT regulations issued pursuant to the NGPSA.

Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. GEMA regulates distribution network operators ("DNOs") within the terms of the Electricity Act 1989 and the terms of DNO licenses, which are revocable with 25 years notice. Under the Electricity Act 1989, GEMA has a duty to ensure that DNOs can finance their regulated activities and DNOs have a duty to maintain an investment grade credit rating. GEMA discharges certain of its duties through its staff within Ofgem. Each of fourteen licensed DNOs distributes electricity from the national grid transmission system to end users within its respective distribution services area.


DNOs are subject to price controls, enforced by Ofgem, that limit the revenue that may be recovered and retained from their electricity distribution activities. The regulatory regime that has been applied to electricity distributors in Great Britain encourages companies to look for efficiency gains in order to improve profits. The distribution price control formula also adjusts the revenue received by DNOs to reflect a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the rate of inflation (as measured by the United Kingdom's Retail Prices Index) and the quality of service delivered by the licensee's distribution system. The current price control, Electricity Distribution 1 ("ED1"), has been set for a period of eight years, starting April 1, 2015, although the formula has been, and may be, reviewed by the regulator following public consultation. The procedure and methodology adopted at a price control review are at the reasonable discretion of Ofgem. Ofgem's judgment of the future allowed revenue of licensees is likely to take into account, among other things:
the actual operating and capital costs of each of the licensees;
the operating and capital costs that each of the licensees would incur if it were as efficient as, in Ofgem's judgment, the more efficient licensees;
the actual value of certain costs which are judged to be beyond the control of the licensees;
the taxes that each licensee is expected to pay;
the regulatory value ascribed to the expenditures that have been incurred in the past and the efficient expenditures that are to be incurred in the forthcoming regulatory period;
the rate of return to be allowed on expenditures that make up the regulatory asset value;
the financial ratios of each of the licensees and the license requirement for each licensee to maintain investment grade status;
an allowance in respect of the repair of the pension deficits in the defined benefit pension schemes sponsored by each of the licensees; and
any under- or over-recoveries of revenues, relative to allowed revenues, in the previous price control period.

A number of incentive schemes also operate within the current price control period to encourage DNOs to provide an appropriate quality of service to end users. This includes specified payments to be made for failures to meet prescribed standards of service. The aggregate of these guaranteed standards payments is uncapped, but may be excused in certain prescribed circumstances that are generally beyond the control of the DNOs.

A new price control can be implemented by GEMA without the consent of the DNOs, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's CMA, as can certain other parties. Any appeals must be notified within 20 working days of the license modification by GEMA. If the CMA determines that the appellant has relevant standing, then the statute requires that the CMA complete its process within six months, or in some exceptional circumstances seven months. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies appealed Ofgem's proposals for the resetting of the formula that commenced April 1, 2015, as did one other party, and the CMA subsequently revised GEMA's decision.

The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is due to terminate on March 31, 2023. The current price control was the first to be set for electricity distribution in Great Britain since Ofgem completed its review of network regulation (known as the RPI-X @ 20 project). The key changes to the price control calculations, compared to those used in previous price controls are that:
the period over which new regulatory assets are depreciated is being gradually lengthened, from 20 years to 45 years, with the change being phased over eight years;
allowed revenues will be adjusted during the price control period, rather than at the next price control review, to partially reflect cost variances relative to cost allowances;
the allowed cost of debt will be updated within the price control period by reference to a long-run trailing average based on external benchmarks of utility debt costs;
allowed revenues will be adjusted in relation to some new service standard incentives, principally relating to speed and service standards for new connections to the network; and
there is scope for a mid-period review and adjustment to revenues in the latter half of the period for any changes in the outputs required of licensees for certain specified reasons.


Under the current price control, as revised by the CMA, and excluding the effects of incentive schemes and any deferred revenues from the prior price control, the base allowed revenue of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc remains constant in all subsequent years within the price control period (RIIO-ED1) through 2022-23, before the addition of inflation. Nominal base allowed revenues will increase in line with inflation.

In May 2015, three customers,December 2018, GEMA, through Ofgem published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

Ofgem also monitors DNO compliance with license conditions and enforces the remedies resulting from any breach of condition. License conditions include the prices and terms of service, financial strength of the DNO, the provision of information to Ofgem and the public, as well as maintaining transparency, non-discrimination and avoidance of cross-subsidy in the provision of such services. Ofgem also monitors and enforces certain duties of a DNO set out in the Electricity Act 1989, including MGM Resorts Internationalthe duty to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity distribution. Under changes to the Electricity Act 1989 introduced by the Utilities Act 2000, GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their license duties or certain of their duties under the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, or that are failing to achieve a satisfactory performance in relation to the individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the licensee's revenue.

ALP Transmission

ALP is regulated by the AUC, pursuant to the Electric Utilities Act (Alberta), the Public Utilities Act (Alberta), the Alberta Utilities Commission Act (Alberta) and the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (Alberta). The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems. The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing.

The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers paid by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta, Canada that controls the operation of ALP's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulation and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

ALP's tariffs are regulated by the AUC under the provisions of the Electric Utilities Act in respect of rates and terms and conditions of service. The Electric Utilities Act and related regulations require the AUC to consider that it is in the public interest to provide consumers the benefit of unconstrained transmission access to competitive generation and the wholesale electricity market. In regulating transmission tariffs, the AUC must facilitate sufficient investment to ensure the timely upgrade, enhancement or expansion of transmission facilities, and foster a stable investment climate and a continued stream of capital investment for the transmission system.


Under the Electric Utilities Act, ALP prepares and files applications with the AUC for approval of tariffs to be paid by the AESO for the use of its transmission facilities, and the terms and conditions governing the use of those facilities. The AUC reviews and approves such tariff applications based on a cost-of-service regulatory model under a forward test year basis. Under this model, the AUC provides ALP with a reasonable opportunity to (i) recover the net book value of assets and all prudently incurred costs; (ii) earn a fair return on equity; and (iii) recover its forecast costs, including operating expenses, depreciation, borrowing costs and taxes associated with its regulated transmission business. The AUC must approve tariffs that are just, reasonable and not unduly preferential, arbitrary or unjustly discriminatory. ALP's transmission tariffs are not dependent on the price or volume of electricity transported through its transmission system.

The AESO is an independent system operator in Alberta, Canada that oversees the AIES and wholesale electricity market. The AESO is responsible for directing the safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIES, including long-term transmission system planning. ALP and the other transmission facility owners receive substantially all of their transmission tariff revenues from the AESO. The AESO, in turn, charges wholesale tariffs, approved by the AUC, in a manner that promotes fair and open access to the AIES and facilitates a competitive market for the purchase and sale of electricity. The AESO monitors compliance with approved reliability standards, which are enforced by the Market Surveillance Administrator, which may impose penalties on transmission facility owners for non-compliance with the approved reliability standards.

The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of the AESO market participants. When the AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that certain transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualified bidders.

Independent Power Projects

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Power Resources, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Jumbo Road, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge, Pinyon Pines, Santa Rita, Alamo 6 and Pearl independent power projects are Exempt Wholesale Generators ("MGM"EWG") under the Energy Policy Act, while the Community Solar Gardens, Imperial Valley and Wailuku independent power projects are currently certified as Qualifying Facilities ("QF") under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Both EWGs and QFs are generally exempt from compliance with extensive federal and state regulations that control the financial structure of an electric generating plant and the prices and terms at which electricity may be sold by the facilities.

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Imperial Valley, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge and Pinyon Pines independent power projects have obtained authority from the FERC to sell their power using market-based rates. This authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the respective independent power projects are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. The Pinyon Pines, Solar Star, Topaz and Yuma independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Southwest Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Region was made in June 2016 and an order accepting it was issued December 2016. The Cordova and Saranac independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. The Bishop Hill II independent power project and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. The Marshall and Grande Prairie independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes in the FERC-defined Southwest Power Pool Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Power Pool Region was made in December 2018 and is awaiting FERC action.

The entire output of Jumbo Road, Santa Rita, Alamo 6, Pearl and Power Resources is within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT") and Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), filed applicationsmarket-based authority is not required for such sales solely within ERCOT as the ERCOT market is not a FERC-jurisdictional market. Similarly, Wailuku sells its output solely to the Hawaii Electric Light Company within the Hawaii electric grid which is not a FERC-jurisdictional market and Wailuku therefore does not require market-based rate authority.


EWGs are permitted to sell capacity and electricity only in the wholesale markets, not to end users. Additionally, utilities are required to purchase energyelectricity produced by QFs at a price that does not exceed the purchasing utility's "avoided cost" and to sell back-up power to the QFs on a non-discriminatory basis, unless they have successfully petitioned the FERC for an exemption from alternativethis purchase requirement. Avoided cost is defined generally as the price at which the utility could purchase or produce the same amount of power from sources other than the QF on a long-term basis. The Energy Policy Act eliminated the purchase requirement for utilities with respect to new contracts under certain conditions. New QF contracts are also subject to FERC rate filing requirements, unlike QF contracts entered into prior to the Energy Policy Act. FERC regulations also permit QFs and utilities to negotiate agreements for utility purchases of power at rates other than the utilities' avoided cost.

The Philippine Congress has passed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 ("EPIRA"), which is aimed at restructuring the Philippine power industry, privatizing the National Power Corporation and introducing a competitive electricity market, among other initiatives. The implementation of EPIRA may impact future operations in the Philippines and the Philippine power industry as a whole, the effect of which is not yet known as changes resulting from EPIRA are ongoing.

Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company

HomeServices is regulated by the United States Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection under the Truth In Lending Act ("TILA") and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"); the United States Federal Trade Commission with respect to certain franchising activities; and by state agencies where it operates. TILA primarily governs the real estate lending process by mandating lenders to fully inform borrowers about loan costs. RESPA primarily governs the real estate settlement process by mandating all parties fully inform borrowers about all closing costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices and business relationships between closing service providers and other parties to the transaction.


REGULATORY MATTERS

In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding regulatory matters, refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the general regulatory framework.

PacifiCorp

In June 2017, PacifiCorp filed two applications each with the UPSC, IPUC and the WPSC for the Energy Vision 2020 project. The first application sought approvals to construct or procure four new Wyoming wind resources with a total capacity of 860 MWs identified as benchmark resources and certain transmission facilities. A request for proposals was issued in September 2017 seeking up to 1,270 MWs to compete against PacifiCorp's benchmark resources in the final resource selection process for the project. PacifiCorp selected four wind resource bids from this solicitation totaling 1,311 MWs, consisting of 1,111 MWs owned and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. The combined new electric resourcewind and become distribution only service customers, as allowed by Chapter 704Btransmission projects will cost approximately $2 billion. In October 2018, the WPSC approved a settlement agreement and certificates of public convenience and necessity for the transmission facilities and three of the Nevada Revised Statutes.selected wind resources. The settlement supports 950 MWs of owned wind resources and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. Hearings were held by the UPSC and IPUC in May 2018. The UPSC approved the application in an order issued in June 2018. The order grants approval for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities up to the projected costs. PacifiCorp can seek recovery of any actual costs in excess of the estimates in a general rate case. The IPUC approved a partial settlement agreement in an order issued in July 2018. The settlement provides cost recovery through a tracking mechanism. The IPUC order caps cost recovery at the overall estimated costs for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities. The second application sought approval of PacifiCorp's resource decision to upgrade or "repower" existing wind resources, with the exception of the Foote Creek I facility, as prudent and in the public interest. PacifiCorp estimates the wind repowering project will cost approximately $1 billion. Applications filed in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming seek approval for the proposed rate-making treatment associated with the projects, including recovery of the replaced equipment. In December 2015,2017, the PUCN grantedIPUC approved an all-party stipulation for approval of the applicationsapplication to repower existing wind facilities and allow recovery of costs in rates through an adjustment to the annual ECAM filing. In May 2018, the UPSC approved the application for repowering, up to the estimated costs, with the exception of the Leaning Juniper project, for which the commission expressed concern with the economics. The WPSC approved an all-party settlement agreement to repower wind facilities in a bench decision in June 2018 and a written order was issued in December 2018. In the decision, the WPSC specifically removed the Leaning Juniper project from the agreement and the approval, consistent with the treatment in Utah. In October 2018, based on improved economics, PacifiCorp decided to proceed with the Leaning Juniper project, which will be subject to conditions,a standard prudence review in future general rate cases. In February 2019, PacifiCorp filed a certificate of public convenience and necessity application with the WPSC requesting to repower the existing Foote Creek I wind facility. PacifiCorp requested a determination by May 1, 2019.


During 2018, the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018. In December 2018, PacifiCorp submitted filings with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC and the WUTC seeking approval to recover the settlement charge. Also in December 2018, an advice letter was filed with the CPUC requesting a memo account to record the costs associated with pension and postretirement settlements and curtailments.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, payingamong other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. PacifiCorp has agreed to refund or defer the impact of the tax law change with each of its state regulatory commissions. The status of the tax reform proceedings are noted in the applicable state section below.
Utah Mine Disposition

In December 2014, PacifiCorp filed an impact fee, on-going chargesadvice letter with the CPUC to request approval to sell certain Utah mining assets and receiving approval for specific alternative energy providers and terms. Theto establish memorandum accounts to track the costs associated with the impact fee and on-going charges were assessed to alleviate the burden on other Nevada Power customersUtah Mine Disposition for the applicants' share of previously committed investments and long-term renewable contracts. The impact fee is set on a case-by-case basis by the PUCN and at a level designed such that the remaining customers are not subjected to increased costs.future recovery. In DecemberJuly 2015, the applicants filed petitionsCPUC Energy Division issued a letter requiring PacifiCorp to file a formal application for reconsideration. In January 2016, the PUCN granted reconsideration and updated someapproval of the terms, including removing a limitation related to energy purchased indirectly from NV Energy. In June 2016, MGM and Wynn made the required compliance filings and the PUCN issued orders allowing the customers to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become distribution only service customerssale of Nevada Power. The third customer did not proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. Incertain Utah mining assets. Accordingly, in September 2016, MGM and Wynn paid impact fees totaling $97 million. In October 2016, MGM and Wynn became distribution only service customers and started procuring energy from another energy supplier. In December 2016, as contemplated in the PUCN order, the impact fees were increased $2 million to reflect final energy costs for MGM and Wynn.

In July 2016, one Sierra Pacific retail electric customer2015, PacifiCorp filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providersCPUC. In February 2017, a joint motion was filed with the CPUC seeking approval of a new electric resourcesettlement agreement reached by PacifiCorp and become a distribution only service customer.all other parties. The agreement states, among other things, that the decision to sell certain Utah mining assets is in the public interest. Parties also reserve their rights to additional testimony, briefs and hearings to the extent the CPUC determines that additional California Environmental Quality Act proceedings are necessary. In September 2016,2018, the CPUC issued a decision that customer withdrew its application.(1) approves, with modification, the stipulation entered into between PacifiCorp and all other parties; (2) finds that the sale of the mining assets and early closure of the Deer Creek mine was in the public interest; and (3) finds that the California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the sale of the mining assets.

For additional information related to the accounting impacts associated with the Utah Mine Disposition, refer to Notes 5 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Depreciation Rate Study

In September 2016, Switch, Ltd. ("Switch"), a customer2018, PacifiCorp filed applications for depreciation rate changes with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC, the WUTC and the IPUC based on PacifiCorp's most recent depreciation study. The proposed depreciation rate changes would increase annual depreciation expense by approximately $300 million. The depreciation study will continue to be evaluated by the state commissions during 2019 and is subject to their review and approval. PacifiCorp requested that the new depreciation rates become effective January 1, 2021. The impacts of the Nevada Utilities,new depreciation study will be included in rates as part of a future regulatory proceeding.

Utah

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual EBA with the UPSC seeking approval to recover $3 million in deferred net power costs from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, reflecting the difference between base and actual net power costs in the 2017 deferral period. The rate change was approved by the UPSC effective May 1, 2018 on an interim basis. A hearing on final approval was held in February 2019, and final approval is expected in March 2019.

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual REC balancing account application with the UPSC seeking to recover $1 million from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for the difference in base and actual RECs. The rate change became effective on an interim basis June 1, 2018, with final approval received in August 2018.

In April 2018, the UPSC ordered a rate reduction of $61 million, or 4.7%, effective May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, based on a preliminary estimate of the revenue requirement impact of 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the UPSC approved an all-party settlement that continues the current rate reduction of $61 million, with other benefits provided to customers through a combination of $174 million of accelerated depreciation of certain thermal steam plant units and deferral of other benefits to offset costs in the next general rate case.


Oregon

In March 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its filing for the annual TAM filing in Oregon requesting an annual increase of $17 million, or an average price increase of 1.3%, based on forecasted net power costs and loads for calendar year 2019. The filing includes an update of the impact of expiring production tax credits, which accounts for $11 million of the total rate adjustment, consistent with Oregon Senate Bill 1547. The filing was updated in July to reflect an all-party partial stipulation resolving all but one issue in the proceeding and to update changes in contracts and market conditions. The OPUC approved the all-party partial stipulation and resolved all issues in the proceeding in an order issued in October 2018. PacifiCorp submitted the final update in November 2018 that reflected a rate decrease of $1 million, or an average price decrease of 0.1%, effective January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Oregon resulting from 2017 Tax Reform. PacifiCorp reached an all-party settlement on the amortization of the current income tax expense benefits and the deferral of the decision regarding the ratemaking treatment of excess deferred income tax balances until PacifiCorp's next rate case. The settlement, which results in a rate reduction of $48 million, or 3.7%, effective February 1, 2019, was approved by the OPUC in January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp filed an application requesting recovery of $37 million, or a 2.8% increase in rates, associated with repowering of approximately 900 MWs of company-owned and installed wind facilities. A decision is expected from the OPUC in September 2019.

Wyoming

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM and RRA application with the WPSC. The filing requests approval to refund $3 million in deferred net power costs to customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The rate change was approved by the WPSC on an interim basis, effective July 1, 2018. The WPSC approved the rates as final in December 2018.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a partial settlement related to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform with the WPSC that provides a rate reduction of $23 million, or 3.3%, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, with the remaining tax savings to be deferred with offsets to other costs. In June 2018, the WPSC approved the rate reduction on an interim basis. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed reports with the WPSC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $28 million annually, comprised of $20 million in current tax savings and $8 million for the amortization of excess deferred income tax. These reports initiated the next phase of the proceedings including a hearing held in January 2019 and public deliberations in February 2019. During public deliberations the WPSC approved the continuation of the rate reduction until the next general rate case with other savings to be deferred to offset other costs. A written order is pending.
Washington

In December 2017, PacifiCorp submitted a tariff filing to implement the first price change for the decoupling mechanism approved in PacifiCorp's 2015 regulatory rate review. WUTC staff disputed PacifiCorp's interpretation of the WUTC's order for the decoupling mechanism and PacifiCorp's subsequent calculations requesting additional funds be booked for return to customers. In February 2018, the WUTC granted the staff's motions and rejected PacifiCorp's tariff revision and required that PacifiCorp re-file price changes for its decoupling mechanism. In March 2018, the WUTC issued a letter accepting PacifiCorp's revised compliance filing in the decoupling revenue adjustment docket. The filing resulted in a net credit of $2 million to customers, effective April 1, 2018.

In May 2018, PacifiCorp filed a settlement stipulation and joint narrative in support of the settlement stipulation resolving all issues in the 2016 PCAM with the WUTC. The settlement agreement resulted in a net credit to the PCAM balancing account of $5 million. The WUTC issued an order in July 2018 approving the settlement.

In June 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its 2017 PCAM filing with the WUTC seeking approval to credit $13 million to the PCAM balancing account. No rate changes were requested. In August 2018, the WUTC issued an order approving PacifiCorp's filing and directed PacifiCorp to amortize the PCAM balance of $18 million over a 12-month period effective November 1, 2018.

In November 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates by $8 million, or 2.3%, effective January 1, 2019, to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Washington resulting from 2017 Tax Reform and to defer all other tax savings to offset costs in the next general rate case. PacifiCorp's proposal was approved by the WUTC in December 2018.

Idaho

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM application with the IPUC requesting recovery of $8 million for deferred costs in 2017. This filing includes recovery of the difference in actual net power costs to the base level in rates, an adder for recovery of the Lake Side 2 resource, recovery of Deer Creek longwall mine investment and changes in production tax credits and renewable energy credits. The IPUC approved recovery of the deferred costs. As the new approved recovery amount is less than what is currently in rates, it resulted in a rate reduction of $2 million, or 0.8%, effective June 1, 2018.

In May 2018, the IPUC approved an all-party settlement to implement a rate reduction of $6 million, or 2.2%, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019, to pass back a portion of the benefits associated with 2017 Tax Reform. The credit may be adjusted following the next phase of the proceeding. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed a report with the IPUC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $11 million annually, comprised of $8 million in current tax savings and $3 million of the amortization of excess deferred income tax. This report initiated the next phase of the proceeding. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

California

In April 2017, PacifiCorp filed an application with the PUCNCPUC for an overall rate increase of $3 million, or 1.3%, to purchase energy from alternative providers ofrecover costs recorded in the catastrophic events memorandum account over a new electric resourcetwo-year period effective April 1, 2018. The catastrophic events memorandum account includes costs for implementing drought-related fire hazard mitigation measures and become a distribution only service customer of Nevada Powerstorm damage and Sierra Pacific. Inrecovery efforts associated with the December 2016 the PUCN approved a stipulation agreement that allowed Switch to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee in the Nevada Power service territory. Switch has provided notice that it intends to proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In November 2016, another customer of the Nevada Utilities filed a similar application with the PUCN.

Net Metering

Nevada enacted Senate Bill 374 ("SB 374") on June 5, 2015.and January 2017 winter storms. The legislation required the Nevada Utilities to prepare cost-of-service studies and propose new rules and rates for customers who install distributed, renewable generating resources. In July 2015, the Nevada Utilities made filings in compliance with SB 374 and the PUCN issued final orders December 23, 2015.

The final orders issued by the PUCN establish separate rate classes for customers who install distributed, renewable generating facilities. The establishment of separate rate classes recognizes the unique characteristics, costs and services received by these partial requirements customers. The PUCN also established new, cost-based rates or prices for these new customer classes, including increases in the basic service charge and related reductions in energy charges. Finally, the PUCN established a separate value for compensating customers who produce and deliver excess energy to the Nevada Utilities. The valuation will consider eleven factors, including alternatives available to the Nevada Utilities. The PUCN established a gradual, five-step process for transition over four years to the new, cost-based rates.

In January 2016, the PUCN denied requests to stay the order issued December 23, 2015. The PUCN also voted to reopen the evidentiary proceeding to address the application of new net metering rules for customers who applied for net metering service before the issuance of the final order. In February 2016, the PUCN affirmed most of the provisions of the December 23, 2015 order and adopted a twelve-year transition plan for changing rates for net metering customers to cost-based rates for utility services and value-based pricing for excess energy. Subsequently, two solar industry interest groups filed petitions for judicial review of the PUCN order issued in February 2016. The petitions request that the court either modify the PUCN order or direct the PUCN to modify its decision in a manner that would maintain rates and rules of service applicable to net metering as existed prior to the December 23, 2015 order of the PUCN. Two of the three petitions filed by the solar industry interest groups have been dismissed. In September 2016, the state district courtCPUC issued an order in the third petition. The court concluded that the PUCN failed to provide existing net metering customers adequate legal notice of the proceeding. The court affirmed the PUCN's decision to establish new net energy metering rates and apply those to new net metering customers. The Nevada state district court decision was appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court.February 2018 approving this request.

In addition,April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a referendum was filed in Nevada to modify the statutes applicable to net metering. This referendum was challenged in Nevada state district court and the court determined the referendum was not consistentgeneral rate case with the Nevada Constitution. The Nevada state district courtCPUC for an overall rate increase of $1 million, or 0.9%, effective January 1, 2019. A CPUC decision was appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court. In August 2016, the Nevada Supreme Court upheld the Nevada state district court decision.is pending.

In July 2016,On September 21, 2018, California's governor signed legislation to strengthen California's ability to prevent and recover from catastrophic wildfires, including Senate Bill 901 ("SB 901"). SB 901 requires electric utilities to prepare and submit wildfire mitigation plans that describe the Nevada Utilitiesutilities' plans to prevent, combat and respond to wildfires affecting their service territories. PacifiCorp filed applicationsits wildfire mitigation plan with the PUCN to revert back toCPUC on February 6, 2019. The wildfire mitigation plan incorporates the original net metering ratesrequirements outlined in SB 901, including situational awareness, system hardening, vegetation management and procedures for a periodproactive de-energization in certain high risk areas during times of twenty years for customers who installed or had an active application for distributed, renewable generating facilitiesextreme danger. A workshop was held February 13, 2019, at which time PacifiCorp briefly described its wildfire mitigation plan as of December 31, 2015. In September 2016, the PUCN issued an order accepting the stipulationfiled. Additional workshops and approved the applications as modified by the stipulation. In December 2016, as a part of Sierra Pacific's regulatory rate review, the PUCN issued an order establishing an additional six MWs of net metering under the grandfathered rates in the Sierra Pacific service territory; the order establishes cost-based rates and a value-based excess energy credit for customers who choose to install private generation after the six MW limitation is reached.hearings are scheduled through March 2019.

Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan

In compliance with Senate Bill No. 123, Nevada Power retired 557 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2017 and will retire an additional 255 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2019. Consistent with the Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan ("ERCR Plan"), between 2014 and 2016, Nevada Power acquired a 272-MW536 MWs of natural gas co-generating facility in 2014, acquired a 210-MW natural gas peaking facility in 2014,generating resources, executed long-term power purchase agreements for 200 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity and constructed a 15-MW solar photovoltaic facility in 2015 and contracted two renewable power purchase agreements with 100-MW solar photovoltaic generating facilities in 2015. In February 2016,facility. Nevada Power solicited proposalshas the option to acquire 35 MWMWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity to be owned by Nevada Power. Nevada Power did not enter into any agreements to acquire the 35 MW of nameplate renewable energy capacity; however, it has the option to acquire the 35 MW in the future under the ERCR Plan, subject to PUCN approval.

Energy-Efficiency Programs

The Nevada Utilities have provided a comprehensive set of energy efficiency, demand response and conservation programs to their Nevada electric customers. The programs are designed to reduce energy consumption and more effectively manage when energy is used, including management of seasonal peak loads. Current programs offer services to customers such as energy audits and customer education and awareness efforts that provide information on how to improve the efficiency of their homes and businesses. To assist customers in investing in energy efficiency, the Nevada Utilities have offered rebates or incentives encouraging the purchase and installation of high-efficiency equipment such as lighting, heating and cooling equipment, weatherization, motors, process equipment and systems, as well as incentives for efficient construction. Incentives are also paid to residential customers who participate in the air conditioner load control program and nonresidential customers who participate in the nonresidential load management program. Energy efficiency program costs are recovered through annual rates set by the PUCN, and adjusted based on the Nevada Utilities' annual filing to recover current program costs and any over or under collections from the prior filing, subject to prudence review. During 2018, Nevada Power spent $34 million on energy efficiency programs, resulting in an estimated 157,084 MWhs of electric energy savings and an estimated 240 MWs of electric peak load management. During 2018, Sierra Pacific spent $12 million on energy efficiency programs, resulting in an estimated 58,277 MWhs of electric energy savings and an estimated 25 MWs of electric peak load management.

Regulated Natural Gas Operations

Sierra Pacific is engaged in the procurement, transportation, storage and distribution of natural gas for customers in its service territory. Sierra Pacific purchases natural gas from various suppliers and contracts with interstate natural gas pipelines for transportation of the natural gas from the production areas to Sierra Pacific's service territory and for storage services to manage fluctuations in system demand and seasonal pricing. Sierra Pacific sells natural gas and delivery services to end-use customers on its distribution system; sells natural gas to other utilities, municipalities and energy marketing companies; and transports natural gas through its distribution system for a number of end-use customers who have independently secured their supply of natural gas. During 2018, 11% of the total natural gas delivered through Sierra Pacific's distribution system was for transportation service.

Natural gas property consists primarily of natural gas mains and service lines, meters, and related distribution equipment, including feeder lines to communities served from natural gas pipelines owned by others. The natural gas distribution facilities of Sierra Pacific included 3,400 miles of natural gas mains and service lines as of December 31, 2018.


Customer Usage and Seasonality

The percentages of natural gas sold to Sierra Pacific's retail and wholesale customers by class of customer, total Dth of natural gas sold, total Dth of transportation service and the average number of retail customers for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Residential55% 53% 52%
Commercial(1)
28
 27
 26
Industrial(1)
11
 9
 9
Total retail94
 89
 87
Wholesale6
 11
 13
 100% 100% 100%
      
Total Dth of natural gas sold (in thousands)18,334
 19,313
 17,677
Total Dth of transportation service (in thousands)2,250
 1,977
 2,256
Total average number of retail customers (in thousands)167
 165
 163

(1)Commercial and industrial customers are classified primarily based on their natural gas usage. Commercial customers are non-residential customers with monthly gas usage less than 12,000 therms during five consecutive winter months. Industrial customers are non-residential customers that use natural gas in excess of 12,000 therms during one or more winter months.

There are seasonal variations in Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas business that are principally due to the use of natural gas for heating. Typically, 48-58% of Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas revenue is reported in the months of December through March.

On February 19, 2018, Sierra Pacific recorded its highest peak-day natural gas delivery of 144,024 Dth, which is 19,550 Dth less than the record peak-day delivery of 163,574 Dth set on December 9, 2013. This peak-day delivery consisted of 93% traditional retail sales service and 7% transportation service.

Fuel Supply and Capacity

The purchase of natural gas for Sierra Pacific's regulated natural gas operations is done in combination with the purchase of natural gas for Sierra Pacific's regulated electric operations. In response to energy supply challenges, Sierra Pacific has adopted an approach to managing the energy supply function that has three primary elements, as discussed earlier under Generating Facilities and Fuel Supply. Similar to Sierra Pacific's regulated electric operations, as long as Sierra Pacific's purchases of natural gas are deemed prudent by the PUCN, through its annual prudency review, Sierra Pacific is permitted to recover the cost of natural gas. Sierra Pacific also has the ability, with PUCN approval, to reset quarterly BTER, based on the last twelve months fuel costs, and to reset quarterly DEAA.

Employees

As of December 31, 2018, Nevada Power had approximately 1,400 employees, of which approximately 700 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

As of December 31, 2018, Sierra Pacific had approximately 1,000 employees, of which approximately 500 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.


NORTHERN POWERGRID

Northern Powergrid, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, is a holding company which owns two companies that distribute electricity in Great Britain, Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc. In addition to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, Northern Powergrid also owns a meter asset rental business that leases smart meters to energy suppliers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, an engineering contracting business that provides electrical infrastructure contracting services primarily to third parties and a hydrocarbon exploration and development business that is focused on developing integrated upstream gas projects in Europe and Australia.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies serve 3.9 million end-users and operate in the north-east of England from North Northumberland through Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Yorkshire to North Lincolnshire, an area covering 10,000 square miles. The principal function of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies is to build, maintain and operate the electricity distribution network through which the end-user receives a supply of electricity.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies receive electricity from the national grid transmission system and from generators that are directly connected to the distribution network and distribute it to end-users' premises using their networks of transformers, switchgear and distribution lines and cables. Substantially all of the end-users in the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution service areas are directly or indirectly connected to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' networks and electricity can only be delivered to these end-users through their distribution systems, thus providing the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies with distribution volumes that are relatively stable from year to year. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to the suppliers of electricity.

The suppliers purchase electricity from generators, sell the electricity to end-user customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to an industry standard "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." During 2018, RWE Npower PLC and certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented 19% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies. Variations in demand from end-users can affect the revenues that are received by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies in any year, but such variations have no effect on the total revenue that the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies are allowed to recover in a price control period. Under- or over-recoveries against price-controlled revenues are carried forward into prices for future years.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' combined service territory features a diverse economy with no dominant sector. The mix of rural, agricultural, urban and industrial areas covers a broad customer base ranging from domestic usage through farming and retail to major industry including automotives, chemicals, mining, steelmaking and offshore marine construction. The industry within the area is concentrated around the principal centers of Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Leeds.

The price controlled revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies is set out in the special conditions of the licenses of those companies. The licenses are enforced by the regulator, GEMA, through the Ofgem and limit increases to allowed revenues (or may require decreases) based upon the rate of inflation, other specified factors and other regulatory action. Changes to the price controls can be made by the regulator, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA"). It has been the convention in Great Britain for regulators to conduct periodic regulatory reviews before making proposals for any changes to the price controls. The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is expected to continue through March 31, 2023.


GWhs and percentages of electricity distributed to the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' end-users and the total number of end-users as of and for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited:           
Residential5,104
 36% 5,125
 36% 5,227
 36%
Commercial(1)
1,741
 12
 1,782
 13
 2,222
 15
Industrial(1)
7,296
 51
 7,134
 50
 6,963
 48
Other172
 1
 198
 1
 214
 1
 14,313
 100% 14,239
 100% 14,626
 100%
            
Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc:           
Residential7,434
 35% 7,509
 36% 7,612
 36%
Commercial(1)
2,517
 12
 2,558
 12
 3,116
 15
Industrial(1)
10,901
 52
 10,716
 51
 10,275
 48
Other249
 1
 268
 1
 290
 1
 21,101
 100% 21,051
 100% 21,293
 100%
            
Total electricity distributed35,414
   35,290
   35,919
  
            
Number of end-users (in thousands):           
Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited1,606
   1,603
   1,602
  
Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc2,305
   2,301
   2,301
  
 3,911
   3,904
   3,903
  

(1)The increase in industrial and decrease in commercial is largely due to the Great Britain-wide customer reclassifications which are in progress (as a result of Ofgem approved industry changes), negatively impacting commercial volumes by 100 GWhs in 2018 compared to 2017 and 700 GWhs in 2017 compared to 2016.

As of December 31, 2018, the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' combined electricity distribution network included approximately 17,400 miles of overhead lines, 42,300 miles of underground cables and 780 major substations.

BHE PIPELINE GROUP

The BHE Pipeline Group consists of BHE's interstate natural gas pipeline companies, Northern Natural Gas and Kern River.

Northern Natural Gas

Northern Natural Gas, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, owns the largest interstate natural gas pipeline system in the United States, as measured by pipeline miles, which reaches from west Texas to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Northern Natural Gas primarily transports and stores natural gas for utilities, municipalities, gas marketing companies and industrial and commercial users. Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system consists of two commercial segments. Its traditional end-use and distribution market area in the northern part of its system, referred to as the Market Area, includes points in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Michigan and Illinois. Its natural gas supply and delivery service area in the southern part of its system, referred to as the Field Area, includes points in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The Market Area and Field Area are separated at a Demarcation Point ("Demarc"). Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system consists of 14,700 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 6,300 miles of mainline transmission pipelines and 8,400 miles of branch and lateral pipelines, with a Market Area design capacity of 6.0 Bcf per day, a Field Area delivery capacity of 1.7 Bcf per day to the Market Area and 1.4 Bcf per day to the West Texas area and over 79 Bcf of firm service and operational storage cycle capacity in five storage facilities. Northern Natural Gas' pipeline system is configured with approximately 2,300 active receipt and delivery points which are integrated with the facilities of LDCs. Many of Northern Natural Gas' LDC customers are part of combined utilities that also use natural gas as a fuel source for electric generation. Northern Natural Gas delivered over 1.2 trillion cubic feet ("Tcf") of natural gas to its customers in 2018.


Northern Natural Gas' transportation rates and most of its storage rates are cost-based. These rates are designed to provide Northern Natural Gas with an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and earn a reasonable return on its investments. In addition, Northern Natural Gas has fixed rates that are market-based for certain of its firm storage contracts with contract terms that expire in 2028.

Northern Natural Gas' operating revenue for the years ended December 31 was as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Transportation:        
Market Area$518
58% $504
73% $492
77%
Field Area - deliveries to Demarc102
11
 36
5
 23
4
Field Area - other deliveries71
9
 50
8
 41
6
Total transportation691
78
 590
86
 556
87
Storage68
8
 71
10
 69
11
Total transportation and storage revenue759
86
 661
96
 625
98
Gas, liquids and other sales128
14
 28
4
 11
2
Total operating revenue$887
100% $689
100% $636
100%

Substantially all of Northern Natural Gas' Market Area transportation revenue is generated from reservation charges, with the balance from usage charges. Northern Natural Gas transports natural gas primarily to local distribution markets and end-users in the Market Area. Northern Natural Gas provides service to 81 utilities, including MidAmerican Energy, an affiliate company, which serve numerous residential, commercial and industrial customers. Most of Northern Natural Gas' transportation capacity in the Market Area is committed to customers under firm transportation contracts, where customers pay Northern Natural Gas a monthly reservation charge for the right to transport natural gas through Northern Natural Gas' system. Reservation charges are required to be paid regardless of volumes transported or stored. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 85% of Northern Natural Gas' customers' entitlement in the Market Area have terms beyond 2020 and approximately two-thirds beyond 2022. As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average remaining contract term for Northern Natural Gas' Market Area firm transportation contracts is over eight years.

Northern Natural Gas' Field Area customers consist primarily of energy marketing companies and midstream companies, which take advantage of the price spread opportunities created between Field Area supply points and Demarc. In addition, there are a growing number of midstream customers that are delivering gas south in the Field Area to the Waha Hub market. The remaining Field Area transportation service is sold to power generators connected to Northern Natural Gas' system in Texas and New Mexico that are contracted on a long-term basis with a weighted average remaining contract term of seven years, and various LDCs, energy marketing companies and midstream companies for both connected and off-system markets.

Northern Natural Gas' storage services are provided through the operation of one underground natural gas storage field in Iowa, two underground natural gas storage facilities in Kansas and two LNG storage peaking units, one in Iowa and one in Minnesota. The three underground natural gas storage facilities and two LNG storage peaking units have a total firm service and operational storage cycle capacity of over 79 Bcf and over 2.2 Bcf per day of peak delivery capability. These storage facilities provide operational flexibility for the daily balancing of Northern Natural Gas' system and provide services to customers for their winter peaking and year-round load swing requirements. Northern Natural Gas has 65.1 Bcf of firm storage contracts with cost-based and market-based rates. Firm storage contracts with cost-based rates, representing 57.1 Bcf, have an average remaining contract term of six years and are contracted at maximum tariff rates. The remaining firm storage contracts with market-based rates, representing 8.0 Bcf, have an average remaining contract term of nine years.

Except for quantities of natural gas owned and managed for operational and system balancing purposes, Northern Natural Gas does not own the natural gas that is transported through its system. The sale of natural gas for operational and system balancing purposes accounts for the majority of the remaining operating revenue.

During 2018, Northern Natural Gas had two customers that each accounted for greater than 10% of its transportation and storage revenue and its ten largest customers accounted for 60% of its system-wide transportation and storage revenue. Northern Natural Gas has agreements with terms through 2027 and 2034 to retain the majority of its two largest customers' volumes. The loss of any of these significant customers, if not replaced, could have a material adverse effect on Northern Natural Gas.


Northern Natural Gas' extensive pipeline system, which is interconnected with many interstate and intrastate pipelines in the national grid system, has access to multiple major supply basins. Direct access is available from producers in the Anadarko, Permian and Hugoton basins, some of which have recently experienced increased production from shale and tight sands formations adjacent to Northern Natural Gas' pipeline. Since 2011, the pipeline has connected 2,145,000 Dth per day of supply access from the Wolfberry shale formation in west Texas and from the Granite Wash tight sands formations in the Texas panhandle and in Oklahoma. Additionally, Northern Natural Gas has interconnections with several interstate pipelines and several intrastate pipelines with receipt, delivery, or bi-directional capabilities. Because of Northern Natural Gas' location and multiple interconnections it is able to access natural gas from other key production areas, such as the Rocky Mountain, Williston, including the Bakken formation, and western Canadian basins. The Rocky Mountain basins are accessed through interconnects with Trailblazer Pipeline Company, Tallgrass Interstate Gas Transmission, LLC, Cheyenne Plains Gas Pipeline Company, LLC, Colorado Interstate Gas Company and Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC ("REX"). The western Canadian basins are accessed through interconnects with Northern Border Pipeline Company ("Northern Border"), Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership ("Great Lakes") and Viking Gas Transmission Company ("Viking"). This supply diversity and access to both stable and growing production areas provides significant flexibility to Northern Natural Gas' system and customers.

Northern Natural Gas' system experiences significant seasonal swings in demand and revenue typically with over 60% of transportation revenue occurring during the months of November through March. This seasonality provides Northern Natural Gas with opportunities to deliver additional value-added services, such as firm and interruptible storage services. As a result of Northern Natural Gas' geographic location in the middle of the United States and its many interconnections with other pipelines, Northern Natural Gas has the opportunity to augment its steady end user and LDC revenue by capitalizing on opportunities for shippers to reach additional markets, such as Chicago, Illinois, other parts of the Midwest, and Texas, through interconnects.

Kern River

Kern River, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, owns an interstate natural gas pipeline system that extends from supply areas in the Rocky Mountains to consuming markets in Utah, Nevada and California. Kern River's pipeline system consists of 1,700 miles of natural gas pipelines, including 1,400 miles of mainline section and 300 miles of common facilities, with a design capacity of 2,166,575 Dth, or 2.2 Bcf, per day. Kern River owns the entire mainline section, which extends from the system's point of origination near Opal, Wyoming, through the Central Rocky Mountains to Daggett, California. The mainline section consists of 1,300 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline and 100 miles of various laterals that connect to the mainline. The common facilities are jointly owned by Kern River and Mojave Pipeline Company ("Mojave") as tenants-in-common. Except for quantities of natural gas owned for operational purposes, Kern River does not own the natural gas that is transported through its system. Kern River's transportation rates are cost-based. The rates are designed to provide Kern River with an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and earn a reasonable return on its investments.

Kern River's rates are based on a levelized rate design with recovery of 70% of the original investment during the initial long-term contracts ("Period One rates"). After expiration of the initial term, eligible customers have the option to elect service at rates ("Period Two rates") that are lower than Period One rates because they are designed to recover the remaining 30% of the original investment. To the extent that eligible customers do not contract for service at Period Two rates, the volumes are turned back and sold at market rates for varying terms. As of December 31, 2018, initial Period One contracts total 411,000 Dth. Period Two contracts total 974,950 Dth and 515,056 Dth per day of total turned back volume have an average remaining contract term of nearly three years. The remaining capacity is sold on a short-term basis at market rates.

As of December 31, 2018, approximately 84% of Kern River's design capacity of 2,166,575 Dth per day is contracted pursuant to long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements, whereby Kern River receives natural gas on behalf of customers at designated receipt points and transports the natural gas on a firm basis to designated delivery points. In return for this service, each customer pays Kern River a fixed monthly reservation fee based on each customer's maximum daily quantity, which represents 89% of total operating revenue, and a commodity charge based on the actual amount of natural gas transported pursuant to its long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements and Kern River's tariff.

These long-term firm natural gas transportation service agreements expire between March 2020 and April 2033 and have a weighted-average remaining contract term of nearly nine years. Kern River's customers include electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As of December 31, 2018, nearly 73% of the firm capacity under contract has primary delivery points in California, with the flexibility to access secondary delivery points in Nevada and Utah. Kern River provided 22% of California's demand for natural gas in 2017.


During 2018, Kern River had two customers, including Nevada Power was granted approval to purchaseCompany, d/b/a NV Energy, that each accounted for greater than 10% of its revenue. The loss of these significant customers, if not replaced, could have a material adverse effect on Kern River.

Competition

The Pipeline Companies compete with other pipelines on the remaining 130 MWbasis of cost, flexibility, reliability of service and overall customer service, with the customer's decision being made primarily on the basis of delivered price, which includes both the natural gas commodity cost and its transportation cost. Natural gas also competes with alternative energy sources, including coal, nuclear energy, wind, geothermal, solar and fuel oil. Legislation and governmental regulations, the weather, the futures market, production costs and other factors beyond the control of the SilverhawkPipeline Companies influence the price of the natural gas-fueled combined cycle generating facility. In June 2016, Nevada Power executedgas commodity.

The natural gas industry has undergone a long-termsignificant shift in supply sources. Production from conventional sources has declined while production from unconventional sources, such as shale gas, has increased. This shift has affected the supply patterns, the flows, the locational and seasonal natural gas price spreads and rates that can be charged on pipeline systems. The impact has varied among pipelines according to the location and the number of competitors attached to these new supply sources.

Electric power purchase agreementgeneration has been the source of most of the growth in demand for 100 MW of nameplate renewable energy capacity in Nevada. In December 2016,natural gas over the order was approved. In addition the order approved the early retirement of Reid Gardner Unit 4last 10 years, and this trend is expected to continue in the first quarterfuture. The growth of 2017. These transactions are related to Nevada Power's compliancenatural gas in this sector is influenced by regulation, new sources of natural gas, competition with Senate Bill No. 123, resulting in the retirementother energy sources, primarily coal and renewables, and increased consumption of 812 MWelectricity as a result of economic growth. Short-term market shifts have been driven by relative costs of coal-fueled generation versus natural gas-fueled generation. A long-term market shift away from the use of coal in power generation could be driven by environmental regulations. The future demand for natural gas could be increased by regulations limiting or discouraging coal use. However, natural gas demand could potentially be adversely affected by laws mandating or encouraging renewable power sources that produce fewer GHG emissions than natural gas.

The Pipeline Companies' ability to extend existing customer contracts, remarket expiring contracted capacity or market new capacity is dependent on competitive alternatives, the regulatory environment and the market supply and demand factors at the relevant dates these contracts are eligible to be renewed or extended. The duration of new or renegotiated contracts will be affected by current commodity and transportation prices, competitive conditions and customers' judgments concerning future market trends and volatility.

Subject to regulatory requirements, the Pipeline Companies attempt to recontract or remarket capacity at the maximum rates allowed under their tariffs, although at times the Pipeline Companies discount these rates to remain competitive. The Pipeline Companies' existing contracts mature at various times and in varying amounts of entitlement. The Pipeline Companies manage the recontracting process to mitigate the risk of a significant negative impact on operating revenue.

Historically, the Pipeline Companies have been able to provide competitively priced services because of access to a variety of relatively low cost supply basins, cost control measures and the relatively high level of firm entitlement that is sold on a seasonal and annual basis, which lowers the per unit cost of transportation. To date, the Pipeline Companies have avoided significant pipeline system bypasses.

Northern Natural Gas needs to compete aggressively to serve existing load and add new load. Northern Natural Gas has been successful in competing for a significant amount of the increased demand related to residential and commercial needs and the construction of new power plants and new fertilizer or other industrial plants. The growth related to utilities has historically been driven by population growth and increased commercial and industrial needs. Northern Natural Gas has been generally successful in negotiating increased transportation rates for customers who received discounted service when such contract terms are renegotiated and extended.

Northern Natural Gas' major competitors in the Market Area include ANR Pipeline Company, Northern Border, Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America LLC, Great Lakes and Viking. In the Field Area, where the majority of Northern Natural Gas' capacity is used for transportation services provided on a short-term firm basis, Northern Natural Gas competes with a large number of interstate and intrastate pipeline companies.


Northern Natural Gas' attractive competitive position relative to other pipelines in the upper Midwest is reinforced each winter as customers expect, and receive, reliable deliveries of natural gas for their critical markets. Northern Natural Gas provides customers access to multiple supply basins that allow customers to obtain reliable supplies at competitive prices, not subject to the natural gas grid dynamics from pipeline competition that would limit customers to a singular supply source. Northern Natural Gas' Field Area has access to diverse Mid-Continent, Permian and Rockies supplies delivered to Market Area customers at Demarc at significantly lower prices than their alternative supply source. The benefits of Northern Natural Gas' system is particularly demonstrated during extreme winter conditions such as the polar vortex of 2013-2104 and severe cold weather that impacted Northern Natural Gas' Market Area in January 2019. During these periods of high market demand, customers have received all of their scheduled deliveries, without interruption, due to Northern Natural Gas' extensive, reticulated pipeline system.


Northern Natural Gas expects the current level of Field Area contracting to Demarc to continue in the foreseeable future, as Market Area customers presently need to purchase competitively-priced supplies from the Field Area to support their existing and growth demand requirements. However, the revenue received from these Field Area contracts is expected to vary in relationship to the difference, or "spread," in natural gas prices between the MidContinent and Permian Regions and the price of the alternative supplies that are available to Northern Natural Gas' Market Area. This spread affects the value of the Field Area transportation capacity because natural gas from the MidContinent and Permian Regions that is transported through Northern Natural Gas' Field Area competes directly with natural gas delivered directly into the Market Area from Canada and other supply areas, including new shale gas producing areas outside of the Field Area.

Kern River competes with various interstate pipelines in developing expansion projects and entering into long-term agreements to serve market growth in Southern California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Kern River also competes with various interstate pipelines and their customers to market unutilized capacity under shorter term transactions. Kern River provides its customers with supply diversity through interconnections with pipelines such as Northwest Pipeline LLC, Colorado Interstate Gas Company, Overland Trails Transmission, LLC, Dominion Energy Questar Pipeline LLC and Dominion Energy Questar Overthrust Pipeline LLC; and storage facilities such as Spire Storage West LLC and Clear Creek Storage Company, LLC. These interconnections, in addition to the direct interconnections to natural gas processing facilities in Wyoming and California, allow Kern River to access natural gas reserves in Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, California and the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.

Kern River is the only interstate pipeline that presently delivers natural gas directly from the Rocky Mountain gas supply region to end-users in the Southern California market. This enables direct connect customers to avoid paying a "rate stack" (i.e., additional transportation costs attributable to the movement from one or more interstate pipeline systems to an intrastate system within California). Kern River's levelized rate structure and access to upstream pipelines, storage facilities and economic Rocky Mountain gas reserves increases its competitiveness and attractiveness to end-users. Kern River believes it has an advantage relative to other interstate pipelines serving Southern California because its relatively new pipeline can be economically expanded and has required significantly less capital expenditures and ongoing maintenance than other systems to comply with the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002.

BHE TRANSMISSION

AltaLink

ALP, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE acquired on December 1, 2014, is a regulated electric transmission-only company headquartered in Alberta, Canada serving approximately 85% of Alberta's population. ALP connects generation plants to major load centers, cities and large industrial plants throughout its 87,000 square mile service territory, which covers a diverse geographic area including most major urban centers in central and southern Alberta. ALP's transmission facilities, consisting of approximately 8,200 miles of transmission lines and 310 substations as of December 31, 2018, are an integral part of the Alberta Integrated Electric System ("AIES").

The AIES is a network or grid of transmission facilities operating at high voltages ranging from 69 kVs to 500 kVs. The grid delivers electricity from generating units across Alberta, Canada through approximately 16,000 miles of transmission. The AIES is interconnected to British Columbia's transmission system that links Alberta with the North American western interconnected system.

ALP is a transmission facility owner within the electricity industry in Alberta and is permitted to charge a tariff rate for the use of its transmission facilities. Such tariff rates are established on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow ALP an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and to earn a reasonable return on its investments. Transmission tariffs are approved by the AUC and are collected from the AESO.

The electricity industry in Alberta consists of four principal segments. Generators sell wholesale power into the power pool operated by the AESO and through direct contractual arrangements. Alberta's transmission system or grid is composed of high voltage power lines and related facilities that transmit electricity from generating facilities to distribution networks and directly connected end-users. Distribution facility owners are regulated by the AUC and are responsible for arranging for, or providing, regulated rate and regulated default supply services to convey electricity from transmission systems and distribution-connected generators to end-use customers. Retailers can procure energy through the power pool, through direct contractual arrangements with energy suppliers or ownership of generation facilities and arrange for its distribution to end-use customers.

The AESO mandate is defined in the Electric Utilities Act and its regulations, and requires the AESO to assess both current and future needs of Alberta's interconnected electrical system. In July 2017, the AESO released the 2017 Long-Term Outlook ("LTO"), which is a forecast used as one input to guide the AESO in planning Alberta's transmission system. In January 2018, the AESO finalized and made available the 2017 Long-Term Transmission Plan ("LTP"). The 2017 LTP places increased focus on the evolving economy, policy changes and environmental initiatives, including renewable generation additions and the phase-out of coal-fueled generation whenever possible. The plan was developed with the goal of efficient utilization of existing and planned transmission systems in areas where high renewables potential exists, and timely addition of necessary new transmission developments. The AESO has forecast Alberta's electricity demand to grow at an annual rate of 0.9% until 2037. Future generation investments are expected to keep pace with load growth and coal-fueled generation replacements, as well as generation additions primarily through the Renewable Electricity Program. The 2017 LTP identifies 15 transmission developments across Alberta proposed over the next five years valued at approximately C$1 billion. Regulatory approval for all identified developments is still required.

BHE U.S. Transmission

BHE U.S. Transmission is engaged in various joint ventures to develop, own and operate transmission assets and is pursuing additional investment opportunities in the United States. Currently, BHE U.S. Transmission has two joint ventures with transmission assets that are operational.

IRPBHE U.S. Transmission indirectly owns a 50% interest in ETT, along with subsidiaries of American Electric Power Company, Inc. ("AEP"). ETT owns and operates electric transmission assets in the ERCOT and, as of December 31, 2018, had total assets of $3.0 billion. ETT's transmission system includes approximately 1,200 miles of transmission lines and 36 substations as of December 31, 2018.

BHE U.S. Transmission also indirectly owns a 25% interest in Prairie Wind Transmission, LLC, a joint venture with AEP and Westar Energy, Inc., to build, own and operate a 108-mile, 345-kV transmission project in Kansas. The project cost $158 million and was fully placed in-service in November 2014.


BHE RENEWABLES

The subsidiaries comprising the BHE Renewables reportable segment own interests in several independent power projects in the United States and in the Philippines. The following table presents certain information concerning these independent power projects as of December 31, 2018:
        Power   Facility Net
        Purchase   Net Owned
    Energy   Agreement Power Capacity Capacity
Generating Facility Location Source Installed Expiration 
Purchaser(1)
 
(MWs)(2)
 
(MWs)(2)
SOLAR:              
Topaz California Solar 2013-2014 2039 PG&E 550
 550
Solar Star 1 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 310
 310
Solar Star 2 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 276
 276
Agua Caliente Arizona Solar 2012-2013 2039 PG&E 290
 142
Community Solar Gardens(6)
 Minnesota Solar 2016-2018 2041-2043 (5) 98
 98
Alamo 6 Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 110
 110
Pearl Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 50
 50
            1,684
 1,536
WIND:              
Bishop Hill II Illinois Wind 2012 2032 Ameren 81
 81
Pinyon Pines I California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 168
 168
Pinyon Pines II California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 132
 132
Jumbo Road Texas Wind 2015 2033 AE 300
 300
Marshall Kansas Wind 2016 2036 MJMEC, KPP, KMEA & COIMO 72
 72
Grande Prairie Nebraska Wind 2016 2036 OPPD 400
 400
Santa Rita Texas Wind 2018 2030-2038 KC, CODTX 300
 300
Walnut Ridge Illinois Wind 2018 2028 USGSA 212
 212
            1,665
 1,665
GEOTHERMAL:              
Imperial Valley Projects California Geothermal 1982-2000 (3) (3) 338
 338
               
HYDROELECTRIC:              
Casecnan Project(4)
 Philippines Hydroelectric 2001 2021 NIA 150
 128
Wailuku Hawaii Hydroelectric 1993 2023 HELCO 10
 10
            160
 138
NATURAL GAS:              
Saranac New York Natural Gas 1994 2019 TEMUS 245
 196
Power Resources Texas Natural Gas 1988 2018 EDF 212
 212
Yuma Arizona Natural Gas 1994 2024 SDG&E 50
 50
Cordova Illinois Natural Gas 2001 2019 EGC 512
 512
            1,019
 970
               
Total Available Generating Capacity           4,866
 4,647


(1)
TransAlta Energy Marketing U.S. ("TEMUS"); EDF Energy Services, LLC ("EDF"); San Diego Gas & Electric Company ("SDG&E"); Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("EGC"); Pacific Gas and Electric Company ("PG&E"), Ameren Illinois Company ("Ameren"), Southern California Edison ("SCE"), the Philippine National Irrigation Administration ("NIA"); Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. ("HELCO"); Austin Energy ("AE"); Omaha Public Power District ("OPPD"); Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("KC"); City of Denton, TX ("CODTX"); U.S. General Services Administration ("USGSA"); Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Commission ("MJMEC"); Kansas Power Pool ("KPP"); Kansas Municipal Energy Agency ("KMEA"); City of Independence, MO ("COIMO"); and CPS Energy ("CPS").
(2)
Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates BHE Renewables' ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(3)
The majority of the Imperial Valley Projects' Contract Capacity is currently sold to Southern California Edison Company under long-term power purchase agreements expiring in 2019 through 2026. Certain long-term power purchase agreement renewals have been entered into with other parties that begin upon the existing contracts' expiration and expire in 2028 and 2039.

(4)
Under the terms of the agreement with the NIA, CalEnergy Philippines will own and operate the Casecnan project for a 20-year cooperation period which ends December 11, 2021, after which ownership and operation of the project will be transferred to the NIA at no cost on an "as-is" basis. NIA also pays CalEnergy Philippines for delivery of water pursuant to the agreement.

(5)The power purchasers are commercial, industrial and not-for-profit organizations.

(6)The community solar gardens project is consolidated in the table above for convenience as it consists of 98 distinct entities that each own an approximately 1-MW solar garden with independent but substantially similar terms and conditions.

Additionally, BHE Renewables has invested $1.9 billion in eleven wind projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments.

BHE Renewables' operating revenue is derived from the following business activities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Solar51% 52% 49%
Wind18
 17
 19
Geothermal19
 19
 20
Hydro5
 6
 4
Natural gas7
 6
 8
Total operating revenue100% 100% 100%

HOMESERVICES

HomeServices, a majority-owned subsidiary of BHE, is the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States. In addition to providing traditional residential real estate brokerage services, HomeServices offers other integrated real estate services, including mortgage originations and mortgage banking; title and closing services; property and casualty insurance; home warranties; relocation services; and other home-related services. HomeServices' real estate brokerage business is subject to seasonal fluctuations because more home sale transactions tend to close during the second and third quarters of the year. As a result, HomeServices' operating results and profitability are typically higher in the second and third quarters relative to the remainder of the year. HomeServices' owned brokerages currently operate in nearly 880 offices in 30 states and the District of Columbia with over 42,500 real estate agents under 47 brand names. The United States residential real estate brokerage business is subject to the general real estate market conditions, is highly competitive and consists of numerous local brokers and agents in each market seeking to represent sellers and buyers in residential real estate transactions. In October 2014, HomeServices acquired the remaining 50.1% of HomeServices Lending, a mortgage origination company.

In October 2012, HomeServices acquired a 66.7% interest in one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States, which offers and sells independently owned and operated residential real estate brokerage franchises. The noncontrolling interest member had the right to put the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business to HomeServices after March 2015 and HomeServices had the right to call the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business after completion and receipt of the 2017 financial statement audit at an option exercise formula based on historical financial performance. In April 2018, HomeServices exercised its call option and acquired the remaining 33.3% interest.


HomeServices' franchise network currently includes approximately 370 franchisees in nearly 1,600 brokerage offices throughout the United States and Europe with over 51,500 real estate agents under two brand names. In exchange for certain fees, HomeServices provides the right to use the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Real Living brand names and other related service marks, as well as providing orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services.

OTHER ENERGY BUSINESSES

Effective January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred its nonregulated energy operations to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES"), a subsidiary of BHE. MES is a nonregulated energy business consisting of competitive electricity and natural gas retail sales. MES' electric operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland and other states that allow customers to choose their energy supplier. MES' natural gas operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Iowa and Illinois. Electricity and natural gas are purchased from producers and third party energy marketing companies and sold directly to commercial, industrial and governmental end-users. MES does not own electricity or natural gas production assets but hedges its contracted sales obligations either with physical supply arrangements or financial products. As of December 31, 2018, MES' contracts in place for the sale of electricity totaled 18,571 GWhs with an average term of 2.4 years and for the sale of natural gas totaled 25,717,425 Dth with an average term of 1.3 years. In addition, MES manages natural gas supplies for a number of smaller commercial end-users, which includes the sale of natural gas to these customers to meet their supply requirements. Refer to Item 7A in this Form 10-K for a discussion of commodity price risk and derivative contracts.

The percentages of electricity sold to MES' retail customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Illinois45% 46% 48%
Ohio23
 23
 21
Texas16
 15
 13
Pennsylvania9
 8
 8
Maryland6
 7
 7
Other1
 1
 3
 100% 100% 100%

The percentages of natural gas sold to MES' customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Iowa89% 86% 86%
Illinois7
 9
 9
Other4
 5
 5
 100% 100% 100%

GENERAL REGULATION

BHE's regulated subsidiaries and certain affiliates are subject to comprehensive governmental regulation, which significantly influences their operating environment, prices charged to customers, capital structure, costs and, ultimately, their ability to recover costs and earn a reasonable return on invested capital. In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding general regulation, refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding certain regulatory matters.

Domestic Regulated Public Utility Subsidiaries

The Utilities are subject to comprehensive regulation by various state, federal and local agencies. The more significant aspects of this regulatory framework are described below.


State Regulation

Historically, state regulatory commissions have established retail electric and natural gas rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow a utility the opportunity to recover what each state regulatory commission deems to be the utility's reasonable costs of providing services, including a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investments based on its cost of debt and equity. In addition to return on investment, a utility's cost of service generally reflects a representative level of prudent expenses, including cost of sales, operating expense, depreciation and amortization and income and other tax expense, reduced by wholesale electricity and other revenue. The allowed operating expenses are typically based on actual historical costs adjusted for known and measurable or forecasted changes. State regulatory commissions may adjust cost of service for various reasons, including pursuant to a review of: (a) the utility's revenue and expenses during a defined test period, (b) the utility's level of investment and (c) changes in income tax laws. State regulatory commissions typically have the authority to review and change rates on their own initiative; however, they may also initiate reviews at the request of a utility, utility customers or organizations representing groups of customers. In certain jurisdictions, the utility and such parties, however, may agree with one another not to request a review of or changes to rates for a specified period of time.

The retail electric rates of the Utilities are generally based on the cost of providing traditional bundled services, including generation, transmission and distribution services. The Utilities have established energy cost adjustment mechanisms and other cost recovery mechanisms in certain states, which help mitigate their exposure to changes in costs from those assumed in establishing base rates.

With certain limited exceptions, the Utilities have an exclusive right to serve retail customers within their service territories and, in turn, have an obligation to provide service to those customers. In some jurisdictions, certain classes of customers may choose to purchase all or a portion of their energy from alternative energy suppliers, and in some jurisdictions retail customers can generate all or a portion of their own energy. Under Oregon law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, nonresidential customers have the right to choose an alternative provider of energy supply. The impact of this right on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results has not been material. In Washington, state law does not provide for exclusive service territory allocation. PacifiCorp's service territory in Washington is surrounded by other public utilities with whom PacifiCorp has from time to time entered into service area agreements under the jurisdiction of the WUTC. Under California law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, cities, counties and certain other public agencies have the right to choose to generate energy supply or elect an alternative provider of energy supply through the formation of a Community Choice Aggregator ("CCA"). To date, no CCA activity has occurred in PacifiCorp's California service territory. If a CCA is formed, PacifiCorp would continue to provide CCA customers transmission, distribution, metering and billing services and the CCA would provide generation supply. In addition, PacifiCorp would likely be able to collect costs from CCA customers for the generation-related costs that PacifiCorp incurred while they were customers of PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp would remain the electricity provider of last resort for these customers. In Illinois, state law has established a competitive environment so that all Illinois customers are free to choose their retail service supplier. For customers that choose an alternative retail energy supplier, MidAmerican Energy continues to have an ongoing obligation to deliver the supplier's energy to the retail customer. MidAmerican Energy bills the retail customer for such delivery services. MidAmerican Energy also has an obligation to serve customers at regulated cost-based rates and has a continuing obligation to serve customers who have not selected a competitive electricity provider. The impact of this right on MidAmerican Energy's financial results has not been material. In Nevada, Chapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one MW or more to file a letter of intent and application with the PUCN to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier. The law requires customers wishing to choose a new supplier to receive the approval of the PUCN to meet public interest standards. In particular, departing customers must secure new energy resources that are not under contract to the Nevada Utilities, the departure must not burden the Nevada Utilities with increased costs or cause any remaining customers to pay increased costs and the departing customers must pay their portion of any deferred energy balances, all as determined by the PUCN. Also, the Utilities and the state regulatory commissions are individually evaluating how best to integrate private generation resources into their service and rate design, including considering such factors as maintaining high levels of customer safety and service reliability, minimizing adverse cost impacts and fairly allocating costs among all customers.

Also in Nevada, large natural gas customers using 12,000 therms per month with fuel switching capability are allowed to participate in the incentive natural gas rate tariff. Once a service agreement has been executed, a customer can compare natural gas prices under this tariff to alternative energy sources and choose its source of natural gas. In addition, natural gas customers using greater than 1,000 therms per day have the ability to secure their own natural gas supplies under the gas transportation tariff.


PacifiCorp

Rate Filings

Under Utah law, the UPSC must issue a written order within 240 days of a public utility’s application for a general rate change, absent an order, the proposed rates go into effect as filed and are not subject to refund; the UPSC may allow interim rates to take effect within 45 days of an application, subject to refund or surcharge, if an adequate prima facie showing is established in hearing that the interim rate change is justified.

The OPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates for a period not to exceed more than six months, with an additional three-month extension, beyond the 30-day time period when the new rates would usually otherwise go into effect. Absent suspension or other action from the OPUC, new rates automatically go into effect 30 days from filing by the utility. Upon suspension by the OPUC, the OPUC is authorized to allow collection of an interim rate, subject to refund, during the pendency of the OPUC’s review of the rate request.

In Wyoming, the WPSC can allow interim rates to go into effect 30 days after the initial application but may require a bond to secure a refund for the amount. The WPSC may suspend the rates for final approval for a period not to exceed 10 months.

The WUTC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 10 months beyond the 30-day time period when the new rate would usually otherwise go into effect.

Under Idaho law, the IPUC can suspend a filing for an initial period not to exceed five months, and an additional extension of 60 days with a showing of good cause.

The CPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 18 months. The CPUC may extend the suspension period on a case-by-case period.

Adjustment Mechanisms

In Julyaddition to recovery through base rates, PacifiCorp also achieves recovery of certain costs through various adjustment mechanisms as summarized below.
State RegulatorBase Rate Test PeriodAdjustment Mechanism
UPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
EBA under which 100% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Wheeling revenue is also included in the mechanism.
Balancing account to provide for 100% recovery or refund of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues after adjusting for a REC incentive authorized by the UPSC.
Recovery mechanism for single capital investments that in total exceed 1% of existing rate base when a general rate case has occurred within the preceding 18 months.
OPUCForecastedPCAM under which 90% of the difference between forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits established under the annual TAM and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits is deferred and reflected in future rates. The difference between the forecasted and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits must fall outside of an established asymmetrical deadband, with a negative annual power cost variance deadband of $15 million, and a positive annual power cost variance deadband of $30 million and is also subject to an earnings test of +/- 1% around PacifiCorp's allowed return on equity.
Annual TAM based on forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits.
Renewable Adjustment Clause to recover the revenue requirement of new renewable resources and associated transmission costs that are not reflected in general rates.
Balancing account for proceeds from the sale of RECs.
WPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
ECAM under which 70% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Chemical costs and start-up fuel costs are also included in the mechanism.
REC and sulfur dioxide revenue adjustment mechanism to provide for recovery or refund of 100% of any difference between actual REC and sulfur dioxide revenues and the level in rates.

WUTCHistorical with known and measurable changesPCAM under which the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates after applying a $4 million deadband for positive or negative net power cost variances. For net power cost variances between $4 million and $10 million, amounts to be recovered from customers are allocated 50/50 and amounts to be credited to customers are allocated 75/25 (customers/PacifiCorp). Positive or negative net power cost variances in excess of $10 million are allocated 90/10 (customers/PacifiCorp).
Deferral mechanism of costs for up to 24 months of new base load generation resources and eligible renewable resources and related transmission that qualify under the state's emissions performance standard and are not reflected in base rates.
REC revenue tracking mechanism to provide credit of 100% of REC revenues.
Decoupling mechanism under which the difference between actual annual revenues and authorized revenues per customer is deferred and reflected in future rates, subject to an earnings test. To trigger a rate adjustment, the deferral balance must exceed plus or minus 2.5% of the authorized revenue at the end of each deferral period by rate class. Rate adjustments must not exceed a surcharge of 5% of the actual normalized revenue by class.

IPUCHistorical with known and measurable changesECAM under which 90% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Also provides for recovery or refund of 100% of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues and differences in actual production tax credits compared to the amount in base rates.
CPUCForecastedPTAM for major capital additions that allows for rate adjustments outside of the context of a traditional general rate case for the revenue requirement associated with capital additions exceeding $50 million on a total-company basis. Filed as eligible capital additions are placed into service.
ECAC that allows for an annual update to actual and forecasted net power costs.
PTAM for attrition, a mechanism that allows for an annual adjustment to costs other than net power costs.

(1)PacifiCorp has relied on both historical test periods with known and measurable adjustments, as well as forecasted test periods.

MidAmerican Energy

Under Iowa law, there are two options for temporary collection of higher rates following the filing of a request for a base rate increase. Collection can begin, subject to refund, either (1) within 10 days of filing, without IUB review, or (2) 90 days after filing, with approval by the IUB, depending upon the ratemaking principles and precedents utilized. In either case, if the IUB has not issued a final order within ten months after the filing date, the temporary rates become final and any difference between the requested rate increase and the temporary rates may then be collected subject to refund until receipt of a final order. Under Illinois law, new base rates may become effective 45 days after the filing of a request with the ICC, or earlier with ICC approval. The ICC has authority to suspend the proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed approximately eleven months after filing. South Dakota law authorizes the SDPUC to suspend new base rates for up to six months during the pendency of rate proceedings; however, a utility may implement all or a portion of the proposed new rates six months after the filing of a request for a rate increase subject to refund pending a final order in the proceeding.

Iowa law also permits rate-regulated utilities to seek ratemaking principles with the IUB prior to the construction of certain types of new generating facilities. Pursuant to this law, MidAmerican Energy has applied for and obtained IUB ratemaking principles orders for a 484-MW (MidAmerican Energy's share) coal-fueled generating facility, a 495-MW combined cycle natural gas-fueled generating facility and 6,639 MWs (nominal ratings) of wind-powered generating facilities, including 1,440 MWs (nominal ratings) under construction, as of December 31, 2018. These ratemaking principles established cost caps for the projects and authorized a fixed rate of return on equity for the respective generating facilities over the regulatory life of the facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. As of December 31, 2018, the generating facilities in service totaled $6.9 billion, or 42%, of MidAmerican Energy's regulated property, plant and equipment, net and were subject to these ratemaking principles at a weighted average return on equity of 11.6% with a weighted average remaining life of 32 years.


Under its current Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota electric tariffs, MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover fluctuations in electric energy costs for its retail electric sales through fuel, or energy, cost adjustment mechanisms. The Iowa mechanism also includes production tax credits associated with wind-powered generation placed in-service prior to 2013, except for production tax credits earned by repowered facilities, which totaled 636 MWs as of December 31, 2018. Eligibility for production tax credits associated with MidAmerican Energy's earliest projects began expiring in 2014. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has transmission adjustment clauses to recover certain transmission charges related to retail customers in all jurisdictions. The adjustment mechanisms reduce the regulatory lag for the recovery of energy and transmission costs related to retail electric customers in these jurisdictions.

Of the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service as of December 31, 2018, 2,914 MWs (nominal ratings) have not been included in the determination of MidAmerican Energy's Iowa retail electric base rates. In accordance with the related ratemaking principles, until such time as these generation assets are reflected in base rates and ceasing thereafter, MidAmerican Energy reduced its revenue from Iowa energy adjustment clause recoveries by $9 million in 2016 and by $12 million for each calendar year thereafter.

MidAmerican Energy has mechanisms in Iowa where rate base may be reduced. The revenue sharing mechanism originates from multiple ratemaking principles proceedings and reduces rate base for Iowa electric returns on equity exceeding an established benchmark. The retail customer benefit mechanism, which reduces rate base for the value of higher cost retail energy displaced by covered wind-powered production, applies to the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service in 2016 under the Wind X project and facilities to be constructed under the Wind XII project approved by the IUB in 2018.

MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas is collected for each jurisdiction in its gas rates through a uniform PGA, which is updated monthly to reflect changes in actual costs. Subject to prudence reviews, the PGA accomplishes a pass-through of MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas to its customers and, accordingly, has no direct effect on net income. MidAmerican Energy's DSM program costs are collected through separately established rates that are adjusted annually based on actual and expected costs, as approved by the respective state regulatory commission. As such, recovery of DSM program costs has no direct impact on net income.

NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Rate Filings

Nevada statutes require the Nevada Utilities to file electric general rate cases at least once every three years with the PUCN. Sierra Pacific may also file natural gas general rate cases with the PUCN. The Nevada Utilities are also subject to a two-part fuel and purchased power adjustment mechanism. The Nevada Utilities make quarterly filings to reset BTER, based on the last 12 months of fuel and purchased power costs. The difference between actual fuel and purchased power costs and the revenue collected in the BTER is deferred into a balancing account. The DEAA rate clears amounts deferred into the balancing account. Nevada regulations allow an electric or natural gas utility that adjusts its BTER on a quarterly basis to request PUCN approval to make quarterly changes to its DEAA rate if the request is in the public interest. During required annual DEAA proceedings, the prudence of fuel and purchased power costs is reviewed, and if any costs are disallowed on such grounds, the disallowances will be incorporated into the next quarterly BTER rate change. Also, on an annual basis, the Nevada Utilities (a) seek a determination that energy efficiency program expenditures were reasonable, (b) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency program rates, and (c) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency implementation rates. When the Nevada Utilities' regulatory earned rate of return for a calendar year exceeds the regulatory rate of return used to set base tariff general rates, they are obligated to refund energy efficiency implementation revenue previously collected for that year.

EEPR and EEIR

EEPR was established to allow the Nevada Utilities to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by the Nevada Utilities and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent the Nevada Utilities' earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, the Nevada Utilities' are required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year.


Net Metering

Nevada enacted Assembly Bill 405 ("AB 405") on June 15, 2017. The legislation, among other things, established net metering crediting rates for private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts. Under AB 405, private generation customers will be compensated at 95% of the rate the customer would have paid for a kilowatt-hour of electricity supplied by the Nevada Utilities for the first 80 MWs of cumulative installed capacity of all net metering systems in Nevada, 88% of the rate for the next 80 MWs, 81% of the rate for the next 80 MWs and 75% of the rate for any additional private generation capacity. As of December 31, 2018, the cumulative installed and applied-for capacity of net metering systems under AB 405 in Nevada was 118 MWs.

Energy Choice Initiative - Deregulation

In November 2016, a majority of Nevada voters supported a ballot measure to amend Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution. If it had been approved again in 2018, the proposed constitutional amendment would have required the Nevada Legislature to create, on or before July 2023, an open and competitive retail electric market that included provisions to reduce costs to customers, protect against service disconnections and unfair practices and prohibit the granting of monopolies and exclusive franchises for the generation of electricity. In November 2018, the Nevada voters rejected the ballot measure.

Federal Regulation

The FERC is an independent agency with broad authority to implement provisions of the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act ("NGA"), the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ("Energy Policy Act") and other federal statutes. The FERC regulates rates for wholesale sales of electricity; transmission of electricity, including pricing and regional planning for the expansion of transmission systems; electric system reliability; utility holding companies; accounting and records retention; securities issuances; construction and operation of hydroelectric facilities; and other matters. The FERC also has the enforcement authority to assess civil penalties of up to $1.2 million per day per violation of rules, regulations and orders issued under the Federal Power Act. The Utilities have implemented programs and procedures that facilitate and monitor compliance with the FERC's regulations described below. MidAmerican Energy is also subject to regulation by the NRC pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended ("Atomic Energy Act"), with respect to its ownership interest in the Quad Cities Station.

Wholesale Electricity and Capacity

The FERC regulates the Utilities' rates charged to wholesale customers for electricityand transmission capacity and related services. Much of the Utilities' wholesale electricity sales and purchases occur under market-based pricing allowed by the FERC and are therefore subject to market volatility. The Utilities are precluded from selling at market-based rates in the PacifiCorp-East, PacifiCorp-West, Idaho Power Company and NorthWestern Energy balancing authority areas. Wholesale electricity sales in those specific balancing authority areas are permitted at cost-based rates. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have been granted the authority to bid into the California EIM at market-based rates.

The Utilities' authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the Utilities are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. PacifiCorp, the Nevada Utilities and certain affiliates, representing the BHE Northwest Companies, file together for market power study purposes. The BHE Northwest Companies' most recent triennial filing was made in June 2016 and, as to its non-mitigated balancing authority areas, was approved in November 2017. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. Under the FERC's market-based rules, the Utilities must also file with the FERC a notice of change in status when there is a change in the conditions that the FERC relied upon in granting market-based rate authority.


Transmission

PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' wholesale transmission services are regulated by the FERC under cost-based regulation subject to PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' OATT, respectively. These services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, which means that all potential customers are provided an equal opportunity to access the transmission system. PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC's Standards of Conduct. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have made several required compliance filings in accordance with these rules.

In December 2011, PacifiCorp adopted a cost-based formula rate under its OATT for its transmission services. Cost-based formula rates are intended to be an effective means of recovering PacifiCorp's investments and associated costs of its transmission system without the need to file rate cases with the FERC, although the formula rate results are subject to discovery and challenges by the FERC and intervenors. A significant portion of these services are provided to PacifiCorp's energy supply management function.

MidAmerican Energy participates in the MISO as a transmission-owning member. Accordingly, the MISO is the transmission provider under its FERC-approved OATT. While the MISO is responsible for directing the operation of MidAmerican Energy's transmission system, MidAmerican Energy retains ownership of its transmission assets and, therefore, is subject to the FERC's reliability standards discussed below. MidAmerican Energy's transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC Standards of Conduct.

MidAmerican Energy has approval from the MISO to construct and own four Multi-Value Projects ("MVPs") located in Iowa and Illinois that will have added approximately 250 miles of 345-kV transmission line to MidAmerican Energy's transmission system since 2012, of which 224 miles have been placed in-service as of December 31, 2018. The MISO OATT allows for broad cost allocation for MidAmerican Energy's MVPs, including similar MVPs of other MISO participants. Accordingly, a significant portion of the revenue requirement associated with MidAmerican Energy's MVP investments will be shared with other MISO participants based on the MISO's cost allocation methodology, and a portion of the revenue requirement of the other participants' MVPs will be allocated to MidAmerican Energy. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has approval from the FERC to include 100% of construction work-in-progress in the determination of rates for its MVPs and to use a forward-looking rate structure for all of its transmission investments and costs. The transmission assets and financial results of MidAmerican Energy's MVPs are excluded from the determination of its retail electric rates.

The FERC has established an extensive number of mandatory reliability standards developed by the NERC and the WECC, including planning and operations, critical infrastructure protection and regional standards. Compliance, enforcement and monitoring oversight of these standards is carried out by the FERC; the NERC; and the WECC for PacifiCorp, Nevada Power, and Sierra Pacific; and the Midwest Reliability Organization for MidAmerican Energy.

Hydroelectric

The FERC licenses and regulates the operation of hydroelectric systems, including license compliance and dam safety programs. Most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities are licensed by the FERC as major systems under the Federal Power Act, and certain of these systems are licensed under the Oregon Hydroelectric Act. Under the Federal Power Act, 18 developments associated with PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities licensed with the FERC are classified as "high hazard potential," meaning it is probable in the event of a dam failure that loss of human life in the downstream population could occur. The FERC provides guidelines utilized by PacifiCorp in development of public safety programs consisting of a dam safety program and emergency action plans.

PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system is the only significant hydroelectric system for which PacifiCorp has a pending relicensing process with the FERC. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for an update regarding hydroelectric relicensing for PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

General

MidAmerican Energy is subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC with respect to its license and 25% ownership interest in Quad Cities Station. Exelon Generation, the operator and 75% owner of Quad Cities Station, is under contract with MidAmerican Energy to secure and keep in effect all necessary NRC licenses and authorizations.


The NRC regulates the granting of permits and licenses for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations and regularly inspects such stations for compliance with applicable laws, regulations and license terms. Current licenses for Quad Cities Station provide for operation until December 14, 2032. The NRC review and regulatory process covers, among other things, operations, maintenance and environmental and radiological aspects of such stations. The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, the regulations under such Act or the terms of such licenses.

Federal regulations provide that any nuclear operating facility may be required to cease operation if the NRC determines there are deficiencies in state, local or utility emergency preparedness plans relating to such facility, and the deficiencies are not corrected. Exelon Generation has advised MidAmerican Energy that an emergency preparedness plan for Quad Cities Station has been approved by the NRC. Exelon Generation has also advised MidAmerican Energy that state and local plans relating to Quad Cities Station have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The NRC also regulates the decommissioning of nuclear-powered generating facilities, including the planning and funding for the eventual decommissioning of the facilities. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the NRC providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay its share of the costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station. MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds collected for nuclear decommissioning of Quad Cities Station.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 ("NWPA"), the United States Department of Energy ("DOE") is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Exelon Generation, as required by the NWPA, signed a contract with the DOE under which the DOE was to receive spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste for disposal beginning not later than January 1998. The DOE did not begin receiving spent nuclear fuel on the scheduled date and remains unable to receive such fuel and waste. The costs to be incurred by the DOE for disposal activities were previously being financed by fees charged to owners and generators of the waste. In accordance with a 2013 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit"), the DOE, in May 2014, provided notice that, effective May 16, 2014, the spent nuclear fuel disposal fee would be zero. In 2004, Exelon Generation, reached a settlement with the DOE concerning the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel in 1998. As a result, Quad Cities Station has been billing the DOE, and the DOE is obligated to reimburse the station for all station costs incurred due to the DOE's delay. Exelon Generation has completed construction of an interim spent fuel storage installation ("ISFSI") at Quad Cities Station to store spent nuclear fuel in dry casks in order to free space in the storage pool. The first pad at the ISFSI is expected to facilitate storage of casks to support operations at Quad Cities Station until at least 2020. The first storage in a dry cask commenced in November 2005. By 2020, Exelon Generation plans to add a second pad to the ISFSI to accommodate storage of spent nuclear fuel through the end of operations at Quad Cities Station.
Nuclear Insurance

MidAmerican Energy maintains financial protection against catastrophic loss associated with its interest in Quad Cities Station through a combination of insurance purchased by Exelon Generation, insurance purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy, and the mandatory industry-wide loss funding mechanism afforded under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988 ("Price-Anderson"), which was amended and extended by the Energy Policy Act. The general types of coverage maintained are: nuclear liability, property damage or loss and nuclear worker liability, as discussed below.

Exelon Generation purchases private market nuclear liability insurance for Quad Cities Station in the maximum available amount of $450 million, which includes coverage for MidAmerican Energy's ownership. In accordance with Price-Anderson, excess liability protection above that amount is provided by a mandatory industry-wide Secondary Financial Protection program under which the licensees of nuclear generating facilities could be assessed for liability incurred due to a serious nuclear incident at any commercial nuclear reactor in the United States. Currently, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate maximum potential share of an assessment for Quad Cities Station is approximately $69 million per incident, payable in installments not to exceed $10 million annually.


The insurance for nuclear property damage losses covers property damage, stabilization and decontamination of the facility, disposal of the decontaminated material and premature decommissioning arising out of a covered loss. For Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation purchases primary and excess property insurance protection for the combined interests in Quad Cities Station, with coverage limits for nuclear damage losses up to $1.5 billion. MidAmerican Energy also directly purchases extra expense coverage for its share of replacement power and other extra expenses in the event of a covered accidental outage at Quad Cities Station. The property and related coverages purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy and by Exelon Generation, which includes the interests of MidAmerican Energy, are underwritten by an industry mutual insurance company and contain provisions for retrospective premium assessments to be called upon based on the industry mutual board of directors' discretion for adverse loss experience. Currently, the maximum retrospective amounts that could be assessed against MidAmerican Energy from industry mutual policies for its obligations associated with Quad Cities Station total $8 million.

The master nuclear worker liability coverage, which is purchased by Exelon Generation for Quad Cities Station, is an industry-wide guaranteed-cost policy with an aggregate limit of $450 million for the nuclear industry as a whole, which is in effect to cover tort claims of workers in nuclear-related industries.

United States Mine Safety

PacifiCorp's mining operations are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which administers federal mine safety and health laws and regulations, and state regulatory agencies. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has the statutory authority to institute a civil action for relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction, restraining order or other appropriate order against a mine operator who fails to pay penalties or fines for violations of federal mine safety standards. Federal law requires PacifiCorp to have a written emergency response plan specific to each underground mine it operates, which is reviewed by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration every six months, and to have at least two mine rescue teams located within one hour of each mine. Information regarding PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Subsidiaries

The Pipeline Companies are regulated by the FERC, pursuant to the NGA and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Under this authority, the FERC regulates, among other items, (a) rates, charges, terms and conditions of service and (b) the construction and operation of interstate pipelines, storage and related facilities, including the extension, expansion or abandonment of such facilities. The Pipeline Companies hold certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the FERC, which authorize them to construct, operate and maintain their pipeline and related facilities and services.

FERC regulations and the Pipeline Companies' tariffs allow each of the Pipeline Companies to charge approved rates for the services set forth in their respective tariff. Generally, these rates are a function of the cost of providing services to their customers, including prudently incurred operations and maintenance expenses, taxes, depreciation and amortization and a reasonable return on their invested capital. Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariff rates have been developed under a rate design methodology whereby substantially all of their fixed costs, including a return on invested capital and income taxes, are collected through reservation charges, which are paid by firm transportation and storage customers regardless of volumes shipped. Commodity charges, which are paid only with respect to volumes actually shipped, are designed to recover the remaining, primarily variable, costs. Kern River's reservation rates have historically been approved using a "levelized" cost-of-service methodology so that the rate remains constant over the levelization period. This levelized cost of service has been achieved by using a FERC-approved depreciation schedule in which depreciation increases as interest expense and return on equity amounts decrease.

Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's rates are subject to change in future general rate proceedings. Rates for natural gas pipelines are changed by filings under either Section 5 or Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act. Section 5 proceedings are initiated by the FERC or the pipeline's customers for a potential reduction to rates that the FERC finds are no longer just and reasonable. In a Section 5 proceeding, the FERC has the burden of demonstrating that the currently effective rates of the pipeline are no longer just and reasonable, and of establishing just and reasonable rates. Any rate decrease as a result of a Section 5 proceeding would be implemented prospectively upon the issuance of a final FERC order calculating the new just and reasonable rates. Section 4 rate proceedings are initiated by the natural gas pipeline, who must demonstrate that the new proposed rates are just and reasonable. The new rates as a result of a Section 4 proceeding are typically implemented six months after the Section 4 filing and are subject to refund upon issuance of a final order by the FERC.

Natural gas transportation companies may not grant any undue preference to any customer. FERC regulations also restrict each pipeline's marketing affiliates' access to certain non-public information regarding their affiliated interstate natural gas transmission pipelines.


Interstate natural gas pipelines are also subject to regulations administered by the Office of Pipeline Safety within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Transportation ("DOT"). Federal pipeline safety regulations are issued pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended ("NGPSA"), which establishes safety requirements in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of interstate natural gas facilities, and requires an entity that owns or operates pipeline facilities to comply with such plans. Major amendments to the NGPSA include the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 ("2002 Act"), the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 ("2006 Act"), the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ("2011 Act") and the Protecting Our Infrastructure Of Pipelines And Enhancing Safety Act Of 2016 ("2016 Act").

The 2002 Act established additional safety and pipeline integrity regulations for all natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas. The 2002 Act imposed major new requirements in the areas of operator qualifications, risk analysis and integrity management. The 2002 Act mandated more frequent periodic inspection or testing of natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas, which are locations where the potential consequences of a natural gas pipeline accident may be significant or may do considerable harm to persons or property. Pursuant to the 2002 Act, the DOT promulgated new regulations that require natural gas pipeline operators to develop comprehensive integrity management programs, to identify applicable threats to natural gas pipeline segments that could impact high-consequence areas, to assess these segments and to provide ongoing mitigation and monitoring. The regulations require recurring inspections of high-consequence area segments every seven years after the initial baseline assessment which was completed by Kern River in early 2011 and Northern Natural Gas in 2012.

The 2006 Act required pipeline operators to institute human factors management plans for personnel employed in pipeline control centers. DOT regulations published pursuant to the 2006 Act required development and implementation of written control room management procedures.

The 2011 Act was a response to natural gas pipeline incidents, most notably the San Bruno natural gas pipeline explosion that occurred in September 2010 in California. The 2011 Act increased the maximum allowable civil penalties for violations, directs operator assistance for Federal authorities conducting investigations and authorized the DOT to hire additional inspection and enforcement personnel. The 2011 Act also directed the DOT to study several topics, including the definition of high-consequence areas, the use of automatic shutoff valves in high-consequence areas, expansion of integrity management requirements beyond high-consequence areas and cast iron pipe replacement. The studies are complete, and a number of notices of proposed rulemaking have been issued. The BHE Pipeline Group anticipates final rules on a number of areas sometime in 2019. The BHE Pipeline Group cannot currently assess the potential cost of compliance with new rules and regulations under the 2011 Act.

The 2016 Act required the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to set federal minimum safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities and authorized emergency order (interim final rule) authority. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an interim final rule requiring underground natural gas storage field operators to implement the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute ("API") Recommended Practice 1171, "Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs." Northern Natural Gas has three underground natural gas storage fields which fall under this regulation and has implemented programs to be in full compliance with this regulation. Kern River does not have underground natural gas storage facilities.

The DOT and related state agencies routinely audit and inspect the pipeline facilities for compliance with their regulations. The Pipeline Companies conduct internal audits of their facilities every four years with more frequent reviews of those deemed higher risk. The Pipeline Companies also conduct preliminary audits in advance of agency audits. Compliance issues that arise during these audits or during the normal course of business are addressed on a timely basis. The Pipeline Companies believe their pipeline systems comply in all material respects with the NGPSA and with DOT regulations issued pursuant to the NGPSA.

Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. GEMA regulates distribution network operators ("DNOs") within the terms of the Electricity Act 1989 and the terms of DNO licenses, which are revocable with 25 years notice. Under the Electricity Act 1989, GEMA has a duty to ensure that DNOs can finance their regulated activities and DNOs have a duty to maintain an investment grade credit rating. GEMA discharges certain of its duties through its staff within Ofgem. Each of fourteen licensed DNOs distributes electricity from the national grid transmission system to end users within its respective distribution services area.


DNOs are subject to price controls, enforced by Ofgem, that limit the revenue that may be recovered and retained from their electricity distribution activities. The regulatory regime that has been applied to electricity distributors in Great Britain encourages companies to look for efficiency gains in order to improve profits. The distribution price control formula also adjusts the revenue received by DNOs to reflect a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the rate of inflation (as measured by the United Kingdom's Retail Prices Index) and the quality of service delivered by the licensee's distribution system. The current price control, Electricity Distribution 1 ("ED1"), has been set for a period of eight years, starting April 1, 2015, although the formula has been, and may be, reviewed by the regulator following public consultation. The procedure and methodology adopted at a price control review are at the reasonable discretion of Ofgem. Ofgem's judgment of the future allowed revenue of licensees is likely to take into account, among other things:
the actual operating and capital costs of each of the licensees;
the operating and capital costs that each of the licensees would incur if it were as efficient as, in Ofgem's judgment, the more efficient licensees;
the actual value of certain costs which are judged to be beyond the control of the licensees;
the taxes that each licensee is expected to pay;
the regulatory value ascribed to the expenditures that have been incurred in the past and the efficient expenditures that are to be incurred in the forthcoming regulatory period;
the rate of return to be allowed on expenditures that make up the regulatory asset value;
the financial ratios of each of the licensees and the license requirement for each licensee to maintain investment grade status;
an allowance in respect of the repair of the pension deficits in the defined benefit pension schemes sponsored by each of the licensees; and
any under- or over-recoveries of revenues, relative to allowed revenues, in the previous price control period.

A number of incentive schemes also operate within the current price control period to encourage DNOs to provide an appropriate quality of service to end users. This includes specified payments to be made for failures to meet prescribed standards of service. The aggregate of these guaranteed standards payments is uncapped, but may be excused in certain prescribed circumstances that are generally beyond the control of the DNOs.

A new price control can be implemented by GEMA without the consent of the DNOs, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's CMA, as can certain other parties. Any appeals must be notified within 20 working days of the license modification by GEMA. If the CMA determines that the appellant has relevant standing, then the statute requires that the CMA complete its process within six months, or in some exceptional circumstances seven months. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies appealed Ofgem's proposals for the resetting of the formula that commenced April 1, 2015, as did one other party, and the CMA subsequently revised GEMA's decision.

The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is due to terminate on March 31, 2023. The current price control was the first to be set for electricity distribution in Great Britain since Ofgem completed its review of network regulation (known as the RPI-X @ 20 project). The key changes to the price control calculations, compared to those used in previous price controls are that:
the period over which new regulatory assets are depreciated is being gradually lengthened, from 20 years to 45 years, with the change being phased over eight years;
allowed revenues will be adjusted during the price control period, rather than at the next price control review, to partially reflect cost variances relative to cost allowances;
the allowed cost of debt will be updated within the price control period by reference to a long-run trailing average based on external benchmarks of utility debt costs;
allowed revenues will be adjusted in relation to some new service standard incentives, principally relating to speed and service standards for new connections to the network; and
there is scope for a mid-period review and adjustment to revenues in the latter half of the period for any changes in the outputs required of licensees for certain specified reasons.


Under the current price control, as revised by the CMA, and excluding the effects of incentive schemes and any deferred revenues from the prior price control, the base allowed revenue of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc remains constant in all subsequent years within the price control period (RIIO-ED1) through 2022-23, before the addition of inflation. Nominal base allowed revenues will increase in line with inflation.

In December 2018, GEMA, through Ofgem published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

Ofgem also monitors DNO compliance with license conditions and enforces the remedies resulting from any breach of condition. License conditions include the prices and terms of service, financial strength of the DNO, the provision of information to Ofgem and the public, as well as maintaining transparency, non-discrimination and avoidance of cross-subsidy in the provision of such services. Ofgem also monitors and enforces certain duties of a DNO set out in the Electricity Act 1989, including the duty to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity distribution. Under changes to the Electricity Act 1989 introduced by the Utilities Act 2000, GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their license duties or certain of their duties under the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, or that are failing to achieve a satisfactory performance in relation to the individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the licensee's revenue.

ALP Transmission

ALP is regulated by the AUC, pursuant to the Electric Utilities Act (Alberta), the Public Utilities Act (Alberta), the Alberta Utilities Commission Act (Alberta) and the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (Alberta). The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems. The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing.

The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers paid by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta, Canada that controls the operation of ALP's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulation and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

ALP's tariffs are regulated by the AUC under the provisions of the Electric Utilities Act in respect of rates and terms and conditions of service. The Electric Utilities Act and related regulations require the AUC to consider that it is in the public interest to provide consumers the benefit of unconstrained transmission access to competitive generation and the wholesale electricity market. In regulating transmission tariffs, the AUC must facilitate sufficient investment to ensure the timely upgrade, enhancement or expansion of transmission facilities, and foster a stable investment climate and a continued stream of capital investment for the transmission system.


Under the Electric Utilities Act, ALP prepares and files applications with the AUC for approval of tariffs to be paid by the AESO for the use of its transmission facilities, and the terms and conditions governing the use of those facilities. The AUC reviews and approves such tariff applications based on a cost-of-service regulatory model under a forward test year basis. Under this model, the AUC provides ALP with a reasonable opportunity to (i) recover the net book value of assets and all prudently incurred costs; (ii) earn a fair return on equity; and (iii) recover its forecast costs, including operating expenses, depreciation, borrowing costs and taxes associated with its regulated transmission business. The AUC must approve tariffs that are just, reasonable and not unduly preferential, arbitrary or unjustly discriminatory. ALP's transmission tariffs are not dependent on the price or volume of electricity transported through its transmission system.

The AESO is an independent system operator in Alberta, Canada that oversees the AIES and wholesale electricity market. The AESO is responsible for directing the safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIES, including long-term transmission system planning. ALP and the other transmission facility owners receive substantially all of their transmission tariff revenues from the AESO. The AESO, in turn, charges wholesale tariffs, approved by the AUC, in a manner that promotes fair and open access to the AIES and facilitates a competitive market for the purchase and sale of electricity. The AESO monitors compliance with approved reliability standards, which are enforced by the Market Surveillance Administrator, which may impose penalties on transmission facility owners for non-compliance with the approved reliability standards.

The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of the AESO market participants. When the AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that certain transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualified bidders.

Independent Power Projects

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Power Resources, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Jumbo Road, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge, Pinyon Pines, Santa Rita, Alamo 6 and Pearl independent power projects are Exempt Wholesale Generators ("EWG") under the Energy Policy Act, while the Community Solar Gardens, Imperial Valley and Wailuku independent power projects are currently certified as Qualifying Facilities ("QF") under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Both EWGs and QFs are generally exempt from compliance with extensive federal and state regulations that control the financial structure of an electric generating plant and the prices and terms at which electricity may be sold by the facilities.

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Imperial Valley, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge and Pinyon Pines independent power projects have obtained authority from the FERC to sell their power using market-based rates. This authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the respective independent power projects are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. The Pinyon Pines, Solar Star, Topaz and Yuma independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Southwest Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Region was made in June 2016 and an order accepting it was issued December 2016. The Cordova and Saranac independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. The Bishop Hill II independent power project and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. The Marshall and Grande Prairie independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes in the FERC-defined Southwest Power Pool Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Power Pool Region was made in December 2018 and is awaiting FERC action.

The entire output of Jumbo Road, Santa Rita, Alamo 6, Pearl and Power Resources is within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT") and market-based authority is not required for such sales solely within ERCOT as the ERCOT market is not a FERC-jurisdictional market. Similarly, Wailuku sells its output solely to the Hawaii Electric Light Company within the Hawaii electric grid which is not a FERC-jurisdictional market and Wailuku therefore does not require market-based rate authority.


EWGs are permitted to sell capacity and electricity only in the wholesale markets, not to end users. Additionally, utilities are required to purchase electricity produced by QFs at a price that does not exceed the purchasing utility's "avoided cost" and to sell back-up power to the QFs on a non-discriminatory basis, unless they have successfully petitioned the FERC for an exemption from this purchase requirement. Avoided cost is defined generally as the price at which the utility could purchase or produce the same amount of power from sources other than the QF on a long-term basis. The Energy Policy Act eliminated the purchase requirement for utilities with respect to new contracts under certain conditions. New QF contracts are also subject to FERC rate filing requirements, unlike QF contracts entered into prior to the Energy Policy Act. FERC regulations also permit QFs and utilities to negotiate agreements for utility purchases of power at rates other than the utilities' avoided cost.

The Philippine Congress has passed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 ("EPIRA"), which is aimed at restructuring the Philippine power industry, privatizing the National Power Corporation and introducing a competitive electricity market, among other initiatives. The implementation of EPIRA may impact future operations in the Philippines and the Philippine power industry as a whole, the effect of which is not yet known as changes resulting from EPIRA are ongoing.

Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company

HomeServices is regulated by the United States Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection under the Truth In Lending Act ("TILA") and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"); the United States Federal Trade Commission with respect to certain franchising activities; and by state agencies where it operates. TILA primarily governs the real estate lending process by mandating lenders to fully inform borrowers about loan costs. RESPA primarily governs the real estate settlement process by mandating all parties fully inform borrowers about all closing costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices and business relationships between closing service providers and other parties to the transaction.


REGULATORY MATTERS

In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding regulatory matters, refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the general regulatory framework.

PacifiCorp

In June 2017, PacifiCorp filed two applications each with the UPSC, IPUC and the WPSC for the Energy Vision 2020 project. The first application sought approvals to construct or procure four new Wyoming wind resources with a total capacity of 860 MWs identified as benchmark resources and certain transmission facilities. A request for proposals was issued in September 2017 seeking up to 1,270 MWs to compete against PacifiCorp's benchmark resources in the final resource selection process for the project. PacifiCorp selected four wind resource bids from this solicitation totaling 1,311 MWs, consisting of 1,111 MWs owned and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. The combined new wind and transmission projects will cost approximately $2 billion. In October 2018, the WPSC approved a settlement agreement and certificates of public convenience and necessity for the transmission facilities and three of the selected wind resources. The settlement supports 950 MWs of owned wind resources and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. Hearings were held by the UPSC and IPUC in May 2018. The UPSC approved the application in an order issued in June 2018. The order grants approval for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities up to the projected costs. PacifiCorp can seek recovery of any actual costs in excess of the estimates in a general rate case. The IPUC approved a partial settlement agreement in an order issued in July 2018. The settlement provides cost recovery through a tracking mechanism. The IPUC order caps cost recovery at the overall estimated costs for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities. The second application sought approval of PacifiCorp's resource decision to upgrade or "repower" existing wind resources, with the exception of the Foote Creek I facility, as prudent and in the public interest. PacifiCorp estimates the wind repowering project will cost approximately $1 billion. Applications filed in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming seek approval for the proposed rate-making treatment associated with the projects, including recovery of the replaced equipment. In December 2017, the IPUC approved an all-party stipulation for approval of the application to repower existing wind facilities and allow recovery of costs in rates through an adjustment to the annual ECAM filing. In May 2018, the UPSC approved the application for repowering, up to the estimated costs, with the exception of the Leaning Juniper project, for which the commission expressed concern with the economics. The WPSC approved an all-party settlement agreement to repower wind facilities in a bench decision in June 2018 and a written order was issued in December 2018. In the decision, the WPSC specifically removed the Leaning Juniper project from the agreement and the approval, consistent with the treatment in Utah. In October 2018, based on improved economics, PacifiCorp decided to proceed with the Leaning Juniper project, which will be subject to a standard prudence review in future general rate cases. In February 2019, PacifiCorp filed a certificate of public convenience and necessity application with the WPSC requesting to repower the existing Foote Creek I wind facility. PacifiCorp requested a determination by May 1, 2019.


During 2018, the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018. In December 2018, PacifiCorp submitted filings with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC and the WUTC seeking approval to recover the settlement charge. Also in December 2018, an advice letter was filed with the CPUC requesting a memo account to record the costs associated with pension and postretirement settlements and curtailments.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. PacifiCorp has agreed to refund or defer the impact of the tax law change with each of its state regulatory commissions. The status of the tax reform proceedings are noted in the applicable state section below.
Utah Mine Disposition

In December 2014, PacifiCorp filed an advice letter with the CPUC to request approval to sell certain Utah mining assets and to establish memorandum accounts to track the costs associated with the Utah Mine Disposition for future recovery. In July 2015, the CPUC Energy Division issued a letter requiring PacifiCorp to file a formal application for approval of the sale of certain Utah mining assets. Accordingly, in September 2015, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC. In February 2017, a joint motion was filed with the CPUC seeking approval of a settlement agreement reached by PacifiCorp and all other parties. The agreement states, among other things, that the decision to sell certain Utah mining assets is in the public interest. Parties also reserve their rights to additional testimony, briefs and hearings to the extent the CPUC determines that additional California Environmental Quality Act proceedings are necessary. In September 2018, the CPUC issued a decision that (1) approves, with modification, the stipulation entered into between PacifiCorp and all other parties; (2) finds that the sale of the mining assets and early closure of the Deer Creek mine was in the public interest; and (3) finds that the California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the sale of the mining assets.

For additional information related to the accounting impacts associated with the Utah Mine Disposition, refer to Notes 5 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Depreciation Rate Study

In September 2018, PacifiCorp filed applications for depreciation rate changes with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC, the WUTC and the IPUC based on PacifiCorp's most recent depreciation study. The proposed depreciation rate changes would increase annual depreciation expense by approximately $300 million. The depreciation study will continue to be evaluated by the state commissions during 2019 and is subject to their review and approval. PacifiCorp requested that the new depreciation rates become effective January 1, 2021. The impacts of the new depreciation study will be included in rates as part of a future regulatory proceeding.

Utah

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its statutorilyannual EBA with the UPSC seeking approval to recover $3 million in deferred net power costs from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, reflecting the difference between base and actual net power costs in the 2017 deferral period. The rate change was approved by the UPSC effective May 1, 2018 on an interim basis. A hearing on final approval was held in February 2019, and final approval is expected in March 2019.

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual REC balancing account application with the UPSC seeking to recover $1 million from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for the difference in base and actual RECs. The rate change became effective on an interim basis June 1, 2018, with final approval received in August 2018.

In April 2018, the UPSC ordered a rate reduction of $61 million, or 4.7%, effective May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, based on a preliminary estimate of the revenue requirement impact of 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the UPSC approved an all-party settlement that continues the current rate reduction of $61 million, with other benefits provided to customers through a combination of $174 million of accelerated depreciation of certain thermal steam plant units and deferral of other benefits to offset costs in the next general rate case.


Oregon

In March 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its filing for the annual TAM filing in Oregon requesting an annual increase of $17 million, or an average price increase of 1.3%, based on forecasted net power costs and loads for calendar year 2019. The filing includes an update of the impact of expiring production tax credits, which accounts for $11 million of the total rate adjustment, consistent with Oregon Senate Bill 1547. The filing was updated in July to reflect an all-party partial stipulation resolving all but one issue in the proceeding and to update changes in contracts and market conditions. The OPUC approved the all-party partial stipulation and resolved all issues in the proceeding in an order issued in October 2018. PacifiCorp submitted the final update in November 2018 that reflected a rate decrease of $1 million, or an average price decrease of 0.1%, effective January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Oregon resulting from 2017 Tax Reform. PacifiCorp reached an all-party settlement on the amortization of the current income tax expense benefits and the deferral of the decision regarding the ratemaking treatment of excess deferred income tax balances until PacifiCorp's next rate case. The settlement, which results in a rate reduction of $48 million, or 3.7%, effective February 1, 2019, was approved by the OPUC in January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp filed an application requesting recovery of $37 million, or a 2.8% increase in rates, associated with repowering of approximately 900 MWs of company-owned and installed wind facilities. A decision is expected from the OPUC in September 2019.

Wyoming

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM and RRA application with the WPSC. The filing requests approval to refund $3 million in deferred net power costs to customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The rate change was approved by the WPSC on an interim basis, effective July 1, 2018. The WPSC approved the rates as final in December 2018.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a partial settlement related to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform with the WPSC that provides a rate reduction of $23 million, or 3.3%, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, with the remaining tax savings to be deferred with offsets to other costs. In June 2018, the WPSC approved the rate reduction on an interim basis. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed reports with the WPSC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $28 million annually, comprised of $20 million in current tax savings and $8 million for the amortization of excess deferred income tax. These reports initiated the next phase of the proceedings including a hearing held in January 2019 and public deliberations in February 2019. During public deliberations the WPSC approved the continuation of the rate reduction until the next general rate case with other savings to be deferred to offset other costs. A written order is pending.
Washington

In December 2017, PacifiCorp submitted a tariff filing to implement the first price change for the decoupling mechanism approved in PacifiCorp's 2015 regulatory rate review. WUTC staff disputed PacifiCorp's interpretation of the WUTC's order for the decoupling mechanism and PacifiCorp's subsequent calculations requesting additional funds be booked for return to customers. In February 2018, the WUTC granted the staff's motions and rejected PacifiCorp's tariff revision and required IRP. that PacifiCorp re-file price changes for its decoupling mechanism. In March 2018, the WUTC issued a letter accepting PacifiCorp's revised compliance filing in the decoupling revenue adjustment docket. The filing resulted in a net credit of $2 million to customers, effective April 1, 2018.

In May 2018, PacifiCorp filed a settlement stipulation and joint narrative in support of the settlement stipulation resolving all issues in the 2016 PCAM with the WUTC. The settlement agreement resulted in a net credit to the PCAM balancing account of $5 million. The WUTC issued an order in July 2018 approving the settlement.

In June 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its 2017 PCAM filing with the WUTC seeking approval to credit $13 million to the PCAM balancing account. No rate changes were requested. In August 2018, the WUTC issued an order approving PacifiCorp's filing and directed PacifiCorp to amortize the PCAM balance of $18 million over a 12-month period effective November 1, 2018.

In November 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates by $8 million, or 2.3%, effective January 1, 2019, to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Washington resulting from 2017 Tax Reform and to defer all other tax savings to offset costs in the next general rate case. PacifiCorp's proposal was approved by the WUTC in December 2018.

Idaho

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM application with the IPUC requesting recovery of $8 million for deferred costs in 2017. This filing includes recovery of the difference in actual net power costs to the base level in rates, an adder for recovery of the Lake Side 2 resource, recovery of Deer Creek longwall mine investment and changes in production tax credits and renewable energy credits. The IPUC approved recovery of the deferred costs. As the new approved recovery amount is less than what is currently in rates, it resulted in a rate reduction of $2 million, or 0.8%, effective June 1, 2018.

In May 2018, the IPUC approved an all-party settlement to implement a rate reduction of $6 million, or 2.2%, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019, to pass back a portion of the benefits associated with 2017 Tax Reform. The credit may be adjusted following the next phase of the proceeding. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed a report with the IPUC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $11 million annually, comprised of $8 million in current tax savings and $3 million of the amortization of excess deferred income tax. This report initiated the next phase of the proceeding. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

California

In April 2017, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC for an overall rate increase of $3 million, or 1.3%, to recover costs recorded in the catastrophic events memorandum account over a two-year period effective April 1, 2018. The catastrophic events memorandum account includes costs for implementing drought-related fire hazard mitigation measures and storm damage and recovery efforts associated with the December 2016 and January 2017 winter storms. The CPUC issued an order in February 2018 approving this request.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a general rate case with the CPUC for an overall rate increase of $1 million, or 0.9%, effective January 1, 2019. A CPUC decision is pending.

On September 21, 2018, California's governor signed legislation to strengthen California's ability to prevent and recover from catastrophic wildfires, including Senate Bill 901 ("SB 901"). SB 901 requires electric utilities to prepare and submit wildfire mitigation plans that describe the utilities' plans to prevent, combat and respond to wildfires affecting their service territories. PacifiCorp filed its wildfire mitigation plan with the CPUC on February 6, 2019. The wildfire mitigation plan incorporates the requirements outlined in SB 901, including situational awareness, system hardening, vegetation management and procedures for proactive de-energization in certain high risk areas during times of extreme danger. A workshop was held February 13, 2019, at which time PacifiCorp briefly described its wildfire mitigation plan as filed. Additional workshops and hearings are scheduled through March 2019.

MidAmerican Energy

Ratemaking Principles

In August 2016, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 2,000 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles modified the revenue sharing mechanism, and for 2018, sharing was triggered by MidAmerican Energy's actual equity return being above a threshold calculated annually in accordance with the order. The threshold was the weighted average equity return of rate base with returns authorized via ratemaking principles proceedings and all other rate base. For all other rate base, the return is based on interest rates on 30-year A-rated utility bond yields plus 400 basis points, with a minimum return of 9.5%. Pursuant to this mechanism, MidAmerican Energy shared with customers 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger in 2018, and such sharing will reduce generation rate base.

In December 2018, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 591 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles modified the revenue sharing mechanism for 2019 and beyond by capping the return on equity threshold for sharing at 11% and reducing the customer sharing percentage from 100% to 90%.


2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Accumulated deferred income tax balances were re-measured at the 21% rate, and regulatory liabilities increased pursuant to mechanisms approved in Iowa and Illinois and anticipated to be adopted in South Dakota. In December 2018, the IUB approved in final form a Tax Expense Revision Mechanism that reduces customer electric rates for the impact of the lower income tax rate on current operations, as calculated annually, and defers the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes created by their re-measurement to a regulatory liability, the disposition of which will be determined in MidAmerican Energy's next rate case. For all MidAmerican Energy rate jurisdictions, customer revenue was reduced $93 million in 2018 through these mechanisms.

NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Regulatory Rate Reviews

In June 2017, Nevada Power filed an amendmentelectric regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing supported an annual revenue increase of $29 million, or 2%, but requested no incremental annual revenue relief. In December 2017, the PUCN issued an order which reduced Nevada Power's revenue requirement by $26 million and requires Nevada Power to its related IRP.share 50% of regulatory earnings above 9.7%. In January 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for clarification of certain findings and directives in the order and intervening parties filed motions for reconsideration. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting petitions for clarification and reconsideration and modified the December 2017 order requiring Nevada Power to record additional expense for carrying charges on impact fees received but not yet included in rates. As a partresult of the filings,order, Nevada Power recorded expense of $44 million in 2018, which consists of regulatory earnings sharing of $38 million and carrying charges of $6 million, and $28 million in December 2017, primarily due to the reduction of a regulatory asset to return to customers revenue collected for costs not incurred. The new rates were effective February 15, 2018.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. In February 2018, the Nevada Utilities sought PUCN authorization to acquire the South Point Energy Center, a 504-MW combined-cycle generating facility located in Arizona. In December 2016,made filings with the PUCN deniedproposing a tax rate reduction rider for the acquisitionlower annual income tax expense anticipated to result from 2017 Tax Reform for 2018 and beyond. The filings supported an annual rate reduction of this facility.$59 million and $25 million for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific, respectively. In March 2018, the PUCN issued an order approving the rate reduction proposed by the Nevada Utilities. The new rates were effective April 1, 2018. The order extended the procedural schedule to allow parties additional discovery relevant to 2017 Tax Reform and a hearing was held in July 2018. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order directing the Nevada Utilities to record the amortization of any excess protected accumulated deferred income tax arising from the 2017 Tax Reform as a regulatory liability effective January 2017,1, 2018. Subsequently, the Nevada PowerUtilities filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the acquisitionamortization of South Pointprotected excess accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the September 2018 order. In December 2018, the Nevada Utilities filed a petition for judicial review.
In March 2018, the FERC issued a Show Cause Order related to 2017 Tax Reform. In May 2018, in response to the Show Cause Order, the Nevada Utilities proposed a reduction to transmission and certain ancillary service rates under the NV Energy Center.OATT for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated from 2017 Tax Reform. In FebruaryNovember 2018, FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate reduction effective March 21, 2018 as filed and refunds to customers were made in December 2018 totaling $1 million each for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. In addition, FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on public utility transmission rate changes to address accumulated deferred income taxes.

EEPR and EEIR

In March 2018, the Nevada Utilities each filed an application to reset the EEIR and EEPR and to refund the EEIR revenue received in 2017, including carrying charges. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order accepting a stipulation requiring the Nevada Utilities to refund the 2017 revenue and reset the rates as filed effective October 1, 2018. The current EEIR liability for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific is $9 million and $2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018.


Chapter 704B Applications

In October 2016, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier. In April 2017, Wynn filed a motion with the PUCN seeking relief from the January 2016 order that established the impact fee that was paid in September 2016 and requested the PUCN adopt an alternative impact fee and revise on-going charges associated with retirement of assets and high cost renewable contracts. In September 2018, the PUCN granted relief requiring Nevada Power to credit $3 million as an offset against Wynn's remaining impact fee obligation. In October 2018, Wynn elected to pay the net present value lump sum of its Renewable Base Tariff Energy Rate ("R-BTER") obligation of $2 million, net of the $3 million credit. The PUCN ordered Nevada Power to establish a regulatory liability of $5 million amortized in equal monthly installments through December 2022 and to establish a regulatory asset of $3 million for the impact fee credit. Wynn's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's electric system in the year of filing.

In November 2016, Caesars Enterprise Service ("Caesars"), a customer of the Nevada Utilities, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. Caesars' estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 2% and less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's electric systems, respectively, in the year of filing. In March 2017, the PUCN affirmedapproved the denialapplication allowing Caesars to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In March 2017, Caesars provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee monthly for three and six years at Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power, respectively, and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In July 2017, Caesars made the required compliance filings and, in September 2017, the PUCN issued an order allowing Caesars to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become a distribution-only service customer of the acquisitionNevada Utilities. In January 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Sierra Pacific service territory. In February 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer, started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Nevada Power service territory and began paying Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific impact fees of South Point Energy Center.

Kern River$44 million in 72 equal monthly payments and $4 million in 36 equal monthly payments, respectively.

In May 2017, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino ("Peppermill"), a customer of Sierra Pacific, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Sierra Pacific. Peppermill's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Sierra Pacific's electric system in the year of filing. In August 2017, the PUCN approved a stipulation allowing Peppermill to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In September 2017, Peppermill provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In April 2018, Peppermill paid a one-time impact fee of $3 million and became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier.

In June 2018, Station Casinos LLC ("Station"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. Station's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's electric system in the year of filing. In October 2018, the PUCN approved an order allowing Station to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee of $15 million. In November 2018, Station filed a petition for reconsideration with the PUCN to allow Station to pay its share of the R-BTER in a single lump sum, receive a credit for a portion of impact fees previously paid by past 704B applicants and receive a credit for a portion of incremental transmission revenue associated with expected sales to others. In December 2016,2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the October 2018 order.

As of February 2019, the Nevada Utilities have received communications from 11 additional current and pending customers, of which four provided a letter of intent to file with the PUCN an application and seven have filed an application to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become distribution-only service customers. The estimated peak demand of all of the applicants at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of each of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's electric systems in the year of filing.


Net Metering

In July 2017, the Nevada Utilities filed with the PUCN proposed amendments to their tariffs necessary to comply with the provisions of AB 405. The filing in July 2017 also included a proposed optional time-differentiated rate schedule for both Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. In September 2017, the PUCN issued an order directing the Nevada Utilities to place all new private generation customers who have submitted applications after June 15, 2017, into a new rate class with rates equal to the rate class they would be in if they were not private generation customers. Private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts prior to June 15, 2017, may elect to migrate to the new rate class created under AB 405 or stay in their otherwise-applicable rate class. The new AB 405 rates became effective December 1, 2017. In February 2018, the Nevada Utilities filed with the PUCN a settlement agreement resolving the outstanding issues related to its proposal for optional time-differentiated rate schedules. In March 2018, the PUCN approved the settlement agreement.

Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

GEMA, through the Ofgem, published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation in December 2018, continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Ofgem explicitly states that this consultation does not set out proposals for Northern Powergrid's next price control, which will begin in April 2023. However, it also states that some of the proposals may be capable of application to that price control. Regarding allowed return on capital, Ofgem has stated that it currently considers that a cost of equity of 4.0% (plus inflation calculated using the United Kingdom's consumer prices index including owner occupiers' housing costs) would be appropriate for energy networks, which is approximately 2.5 percentage points lower than the current comparable cost of equity. This cost of equity assumption is based on a proposed debt capitalization assumption for the next price control of 60%, which is five percentage points lower than the 65% debt capitalization assumption for the current price control.

BHE Pipeline Group

Northern Natural Gas

In July 2018, the FERC issued a final rule adopting procedures for determining whether natural gas pipelines were collecting unjust and unreasonable rates in light of the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 2017 Tax Reform. Pursuant to the final rule, in October 2018, Northern Natural Gas filed an informational filing on FERC Form No. 501-G and a Statement Demonstrating Why No Rate Adjustment is Necessary. On January 16, 2019, FERC initiated a Section 5 investigation to determine whether the rates currently charged by Northern Natural Gas are just and reasonable. On January 28, 2019, Northern Natural Gas filed a motion moving the FERC to take notice of a significant error in its calculation of Northern Natural Gas' return on equity and terminate the Section 5 investigation. If the Section 5 investigation proceeds, Northern Natural Gas expects to file a general Section 4 rate case in 2019, as soon as July 1, 2019, which would supersede a Section 5 rate action to address Northern Natural Gas' significant investment. Northern Natural Gas believes a rate increase will result from the Section 4 rate case and rates would be implemented subject to refund in early 2020.

Kern River

In October 2018, Kern River filed an informational filing on FERC Form No. 501-G and a StipulationStatement Explaining Why No Rate Adjustment is Necessary, along with a Tax Reform Credit Rate Settlement in a companion docket. Kern River's Tax Reform Credit Rate Settlement offered an 11% rate credit against the Maximum Base Tariff Rates for firm service and Agreementany one-part rate that includes fixed costs which would result in an expected annual rate credit of Settlement with the$13 million. In November 2018, FERC approved Kern River's Tax Reform Credit to establish an alternative set of rates for customers that extend service associated with Kern River’s original system and 2002 expansion, 2003 expansion and 2010 expansion projects. The proposal provides a lower rate option to customers, improves the likelihood of re-contracting expiring capacity and extends recovery of Kern River’s rate base. Under the proposal, customers will have the option to stay with currently established rates or choose the alternative lower rates. The reduction in rates is accomplished by extending the rate term to 25 years instead of the current term of 10 orbe effective November 15, years, resulting in rates that are 9% to 26% lower than currently established rates. Kern River received FERC approval of the stipulation in January 2017.2018.

BHE Transmission

ALP

General Tariff Applications

In November 2014, ALP filed a general tariff application ("GTA") requesting the AUC to approve revenue requirements of C$811 million for 2015 and C$1.0 billion for 2016, primarily due to continued investment in capital projects as directed by the AESO. ALP amended the GTA in June 2015 to propose transmission tariff relief measures for customers and modifications to its capital structure. ALP also amended and updated the GTA in October 2015, reducing the requested revenue requirements to C$672 million for 2015 and C$704 million for 2016. In May 2016, the AUC issued its decision pertaining to the 2015-2016 GTA. ALP filed its 2015-20162017-2018 GTA compliance filing in July 2016 to comply with the AUC's decision.


The compliance filing requested the AUC to approve revenue requirements of C$599 million for 2015 and C$685 million forFebruary 2016. The decreased revenue requirements requested in the compliance filing, as compared to the 2015-2016 GTA filing updated in October 2015, were primarily due to the AUC approval of ALP's:

Proposed immediate tariff relief of C$415 million for customers for 2015 and 2016, through (i) the discontinuance of construction work-in-progress ("CWIP") in rate base and the return to AFUDC accounting effective January 1, 2015, resulting in a C$82 million reduction of revenue requirement and the refund of C$277 million previously collected as CWIP in rate base as part of ALP's transmission tariffs during 2011-2014 less related returns of C$12 million and (ii) a change to the flow through method for calculating income taxes for 2016, resulting in further tariff relief of C$68 million; and

Depreciation rates as filed, but reduced most of ALP's salvage rates to 2014 levels, which resulted in a reduction of revenue of about C$87 million over two years.

In October 2016, ALP updated its 2015-2016 GTA compliance filing to reflect the impacts of the generic cost of capital decision issued in October 2016. The update requested the AUC to approve ALP's revenue requirement of C$688 million for 2016, an increase of C$3 million from the previously requested C$685 million. The requested 2015 revenue requirement remained unchanged.

In December 2016, the AUC issued its decision with respect to ALP’s 2015-2016 GTA compliance filing. The AUC found that ALP has either complied with or the AUC has otherwise relieved ALP from its compliance with all its directions in its decision except for Directive 47, which dealt with the determination of the refund for previously collected CWIP-in-rate base and all related amounts. In its original compliance filing, ALP had proposed to separately determine the refund of CWIP-in-rate base and the recapitalization of AFUDC to achieve revenue neutrality for ratepayers and ALP. Instead, the AUC has directed ALP to re-calculate the impact of removing CWIP-in-rate base and re-capitalize AFUDC for each of the years 2011 to 2014, and in each year include the accumulated net return and related impacts in no cost capital. In January 2017, ALP filed its second compliance filing as directed by the AUC and requested a technical conference to explain the technical aspects of the filing. The outcome of the compliance filing process is not expected to materially impact the CWIP-in-rate base refund amount.

Once the AUC approves ALP’s compliance filing, final transmission tariff rates for the 2015 and 2016 test years will be set, subject to further adjustment through the deferral account reconciliation process.

ALPsubsequently updated and refiled its 2017-2018 GTA in August 2016 to reflect the findings and conclusions of the AUC in its 2015-2016 GTA decision issued in May 2016. In October 2016, ALP amended its 2017-2018 GTA to reflect the impacts of the generic cost of capital decision issued in October 2016 and other updates and revisions. The amendment requests the AUC to approve ALP's revenue requirement of C$891 million for 2017 and C$919 million for 2018. In November 2016, the AUC approved the 2017 interim refundable transmission tariff at C$70 million per month effective January 2017. In December 2016, the AUC approved ALP's request to enter into a negotiated settlement process.


In January 2017, the partiesALP successfully reached a negotiated settlement onwith all parties regarding all aspects of ALP’sALP's 2017-2018 GTA. InGTA and in February 2017, ALP filed with the AUC the 2017-2018 negotiated settlement application for approval. The application consists of negotiated reductions of C$16 million of operating expenses and C$40 million of transmission maintenance and information technology capital expenditures over the two years, as well as an increase to miscellaneous revenue of C$3 million. These reductions resulted in a C$24 million, or 1.3%, net decrease to the two-year total revenue requirement applied for in ALP’sALP's 2017-2018 GTA amendment filed in October 2016. In addition, ALP proposed to provide significant tariff relief through the refund of previously collected accumulated depreciation surplus of C$130 million (C$125 million net of other related impacts). The negotiated settlement agreement also provides for additional potential reductions over the two years through a 50/50 cost savings sharing mechanism.

The total tariff relief proposedDuring the second quarter 2017, ALP responded to information requests from the AUC with respect to its 2017-2018 negotiated settlement agreement application filed in February 2017. In August 2017, the 2015-2016 GTA compliance filing andAUC issued a decision approving ALP's negotiated settlement agreement for the 2017-2018 GTA, as filed. Also, the AUC approved a C$31 million refund of accumulated depreciation surplus as opposed to the C$130 million refund proposed by ALP and three customer groups.

In November 2017, ALP filed and received AUC approval regarding its compliance filing, which includes revenue requirements of C$864 million and C$888 million for ALP's2017 and 2018, respectively.

In August 2018, AltaLink filed its 2019-2021 GTA with the AUC, delivering on the first three years of its commitment to keep rates flat for customers totals approximately C$600for the next five years. The three-year application achieves flat tariffs by keeping operations and maintenance expense flat with the exception of salaries and wages and software licensing fees, transitioning to a new salvage recovery approach and continuing the use of the flow-through income tax method. In addition, similar to the $31 million refund approved by the AUC for the 2017-2018 GTA, AltaLink proposes to provide a further tariff reduction over the 2015-2018 period.three years by refunding previously collected accumulated depreciation surplus of $31 million. The application requests the approval of revenue requirements of $885 million, $887 million and $889 million for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively, which are lower than the approved 2018 revenue requirement of $904 million. The forecast revenue requirement includes an 8.5% return on equity and 37% deemed equity approved by the AUC for 2019 and 2020, and assumes the same for 2021 as placeholders.

The information requests process commenced at the end of November 2018 and is expected to continue into early 2019. A hearing is expected in the second quarter of 2019.

20162018 Generic Cost of Capital Proceeding

In April 2015,July 2017, the AUC opened a newdenied the utilities' request that the interim determinations of 8.5% return on equity and deemed capital structures for 2018 be made final, by stating that it is not prepared to finalize 2018 values in the absence of an evidentiary process and its intention to issue the generic cost of capital decision for 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the end of 2018 to reduce regulatory lag. The AUC also confirmed the process timelines with an oral hearing scheduled for March 2018.

In October 2017, ALP's evidence was submitted recommending a range of 9% to 10.75% return on equity, on a recommended equity ratio of 40%. ALP also filed evidence outlining increased uncertainties in the Alberta utility regulatory environment. In January 2018, the Consumers' Coalition of Alberta, the Utilities Consumer Advocate and the City of Calgary filed intervenor evidence. The return on equity recommended by the intervenors ranges from 6.3% to 7.75%. The equity ratio recommended by the intervenors for ALP ranges from 35% to 37%.

On August 2018, the AUC issued its decision on the 2018 GCOC proceeding to set the deemed capital structure and generic return on equity for 20162018, 2019 and 2017. The AUC released2020. In its decision, on this proceeding in October 2016, setting the deemed capital structure and generic return on equity for 2016 and 2017. The AUC set the return on equity at 8.3% for 2016 and 8.5% for 2017. ALP's2018, 2019 and 2020, and AltaLink's common equity ratio was set at 37% for 20162018, 2019 and 2017. The AUC set deemed common equity ratios for each regulated utility that are consistent with credit ratings in the A category on a stand-alone basis and determined that company specific adjustments were not required for ALP's large capital build program. The AUC also concluded that there was a directional increase in generic business risk, mainly due to concerns with the principles reflected in the Utility Asset Disposition ("UAD") decision.2020.

Deferral Account Reconciliation Application

In April 2017, ALP filed its application with the AUC with respect to ALP's 2014 projects and deferral accounts and specific 2015 projects. The application includes approximately C$2.0 billion in net capital additions. In June 2016,2017, the AUC ruled that the scope of the deferral account proceeding would not be extended to consider the utilization of assets for which final cost approval is sought. However, the AUC will initiate a separate proceeding to address the issue of transmission asset utilization and how the corporate and property law principles applied in the Utility Asset Disposition decision may relate.

In December 2017, ALP amended its application to include the remaining capital projects completed in 2015. The amended 2014 and 2015 deferral account reconciliation application includes 110 completed projects with total gross capital additions, excluding AFUDC, of C$3.8 billion.

In September 2018, a hearing was held after the completion of an extensive information request process earlier in the year. Following written arguments in October 2018, the record of the proceeding was closed.

In December 2018, the AUC issued its decision in relation to the 2012-2013 deferral accounts reconciliation application. Through2014-2015 Deferral Accounts Reconciliation Application. In its decision, the AUC approved C$1.9 billion99% out of the total C$2.03.8 billion of capital projectsproject additions included in the application with projectapplication. Project costs of C$109155 million were deferred to a future hearing. In August 2016,The AUC disallowed capital additions of C$30 million including applicable AFUDC, pending receipt of additional requested supporting documentation. On February 15, 2019 ALP filedrefiled its 2012-20132014-2015 deferral accounts reconciliation compliance filing with the AUCapplication to reflect the findings, conclusions and directions arising from the AUC'sthis decision. In December 2016,its compliance filing, ALP requested approval of interest in the amount of C$10 million on total outstanding amount of C$110 million to be recovered through a one-time payment from the AESO. In addition, the AUC ruled that it will put in placeholder amounts for the approved costs of the charge of C$59 million to the AESO as requestedassets in the amended compliance filing.

Direct Assigned Capital Deferral Account (DACDA) filing

In2014-2015 deferral account proceeding until the December 2016 compliance decision for the 2012-2013 DACDA, the AUC recognized the imbalance between the projects proposed to be in ALP’s 2014 and 2015 DACDAs and stated it was willingAUC-initiated proceeding to consider a proposal by ALP to shift certain 2015 projects to its 2014 DACDA. In January 2017, ALP filed a proposal with the AUC to include six projects previously in its 2015 DACDA, approximately C$1 billionissue of additions, to ALP’s 2014 DACDA. In February 2017, the AUC approved ALP’s proposal.transmission asset utilization.

Appeals of Recent AUC DecisionsFirst Nations Asset Transfer Application

In March 2015,November 2018, the AUC issued its decision regarding costapproved ALP's application with conditions filed in April 2017 to sell and transfer approximately C$91 million of capital matters applicabletransmission assets located on reserve lands to all electricity and natural gas utilities under its jurisdiction, including ALP. new limited partnerships with First Nations. The transfers are part of the agreement which allowed AltaLink to route the Southwest Project on reserve land.

In its decision, which was retroactively applied to January 1, 2013, the AUC decreased the generic return on equity applicable to all utilities to 8.30% from the previously approved placeholder rate of 8.75% and decreased ALP's equity ratio from 37% to 36% for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015. ALP and other utilities had applied toDecember 2018, AltaLink filed an application with the Alberta Court of Appeal for leavepermission to appeal this decision; however, a decision not to proceed was made in the first quarter of 2016.

In November 2013,conditions imposed by the AUC issued its UAD decision in which it concluded, among other things, that indecision. In January 2019, AltaLink filed an application for review and variance with the case of the extraordinary retirement of an asset before it is fully depreciated, under or over recovery of capital investment on an extraordinary retirement should be borne by the utility and its shareholders. ALP and other utilities appealed the AUC's UAD decision to the Alberta Court of Appeal, which was dismissed in September 2015. In November 2015, ALP, Epcor and Enmax, filed a joint leave application to the Supreme Court of Canada for appeal of the Alberta Court of Appeal's UAD decision. The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal in April 2016.

In its November 2013 decision pertaining to ALP's 2013-2014 GTA, the AUC directed ALP to re-forecast the capital project expenditures for 2013 and 2014 Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management ("EPCM") services to reflect a two times labor multiplier and other approved mark-ups. ALP requested approval of the capital project expenditures, including the new competitively bid EPCM rates, in its 2012-2013 direct assigned capital deferral account filing. The AUC approved the EPCM rates applied for as part of that filing as prudent in June 2016.AUC.

BHE U.S. Transmission

A significant portion of ETT's revenues are based on interim rate changes that can be filed twice annually and are subject to review and possible true-up in the next filed base regulatory rate review. In October 2016, the most recent interim filing was approved which set total annual revenue requirements at $373 million and a rate base of $2.7 billion. In a November 2015 open meeting at the PUCT, ETT committed to file a base regulatory rate review byscheduled for no later than February 2017.1, 2021. In January 2017, the PUCT approved ETT's request to suspend thea base regulatory rate review filing scheduled for February 2017 and set ETT's annual revenue requirement to $327 million, effective March 2017. Results of a base regulatory rate review would be prospective except for any deemed disallowance by the PUCT of the transmission investment since the initial base regulatory rate review in 2007. A refundIn June 2018, the PUCT approved ETT's application to reduce its transmission revenue by $28 million to reflect the lower federal income tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform with the amortization of interim transmission rates would reduce future netexcess accumulated deferred federal income and cash flows. Management is unabletaxes expected to determine a range of potential losses that are reasonably possible of occurring.be addressed in the next base rate case.


ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Each Registrant is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, RPS, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact each Registrant's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by the EPA and various federal, state, local and international agencies. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. The Company has cumulative investments in wind, solar, geothermal and biomass generating facilities of approximately $25 billion and plans to spend an additional $6.4 billion on the construction of wind-powered generating facilities, repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities and funding of wind tax equity investments through 2021. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" of each respective Registrant in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for discussion of each Registrant's forecast environmental-relatedrenewable generation-related capital expenditures.


Climate Change

In December 2015, an international agreement was negotiated by 195 nations to create a universal framework for coordinated action on climate change in what is referred to as the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement reaffirms the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, while urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius; establishes commitments by all parties to make nationally determined contributions and pursue domestic measures aimed at achieving the commitments; commits all countries to submit emissions inventories and report regularly on their emissions and progress made in implementing and achieving their nationally determined commitments; and commits all countries to submit new commitments every five years, with the expectation that the commitments will get more aggressive. In the context of the Paris Agreement, the United States agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% to 28% by 2025 from 2005 levels. After more than 55 countries representing more than 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions submitted their ratification documents, the Paris Agreement became effective November 4, 2016. Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, ratifying countries are bound for a three-year period and must provide one-year's notice of their intent to withdraw. On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the withdrawal would be effective in November 2020. The cornerstone of the United States' commitment was the Clean Power Plan which was finalized by the EPA in 2015 but has since been proposed for repeal by the EPA.

GHG Performance Standards

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA may establish emissions standards that reflect the degree of emissions reductions achievable through the best technology that has been demonstrated, taking into consideration the cost of achieving those reductions and any non-air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. On August 3, 2015, the EPA issued final new source performance standards, establishing a standard of 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for large natural gas-fueled generating facilities and 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for new coal-fueled generating facilities with the "Best System of Emission Reduction" reflecting highly efficient supercritical pulverized coal facilities with partial carbon capture and sequestration or integrated gasification combined-cycle units that are co-fired with natural gas or pre-combustion slipstream capture of carbon dioxide. The new source performance standards were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") and oral argument was scheduled for April 17, 2017. However, oral argument was deferred and the court held the case in abeyance for an indefinite period of time. On December 6, 2018, the EPA announced revisions to new source performance standards for new and reconstructed coal-fired units. EPA proposes to revise carbon dioxide emission limits for new coal-fired facilities to 1,900 pounds per MWh for small units and 2,000 pounds per MWh for large units. EPA would define the best system of emission reduction for new and modified units as the most efficient demonstrated steam cycle, combined with best operating practices. EPA is accepting comment on the proposal through March 18, 2019. Until such time as the EPA undertakes further action on the proposed reconsideration or the court takes action, any new fossil-fueled generating facilities constructed by the relevant Registrants will be required to meet the GHG new source performance standards.

Clean Power Plan

In June 2014, the EPA released proposed regulations to address GHG emissions from existing fossil-fueled generating facilities, referred to as the Clean Power Plan, under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The EPA's proposal calculated state-specific emission rate targets to be achieved based on the "Best System of Emission Reduction." In August 2015, the final Clean Power Plan was released, which established the Best System of Emission Reduction as including: (a) heat rate improvements; (b) increased utilization of existing combined-cycle natural gas-fueled generating facilities; and (c) increased deployment of new and incremental non-carbon generation placed in-service after 2012. The compliance period would have begun in 2022, with three interim periods of compliance and with the final goal to be achieved by 2030 and was expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the power sector to 32% below 2005 levels by 2030. On February 9, 2016, the United States Supreme Court ordered that the EPA's emission guidelines for existing sources be stayed pending the disposition of the challenges to the rule in the D.C. Circuit and any action on a writ of certiorari before the United States Supreme Court. Oral argument was heard before the D.C. Circuit on September 27, 2016. The court has not yet issued its decision. On October 10, 2017, the EPA issued a proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan and the EPA took comments on the proposed repeal until April 26, 2018. In addition, the EPA published in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on December 28, 2017, seeking public input on, without committing to, a potential replacement rule. The public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concluded February 26, 2018. On August 21, 2018, the EPA proposed the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which would replace the Clean Power Plan. The Affordable Clean Energy rule would determine that the best system of emissions reduction for existing coal-fueled power plants is heat rate improvements and proposes a set of candidate technologies and measures that could improve heat rates. The EPA did not propose to set a specific numerical standard of performance for all affected units. Instead, states would be required to evaluate the candidate technologies and measures to establish standards of performance on a unit-specific basis, setting a standard of performance for each affected unit, measured in terms of pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. Measures taken to meet the standards of performance must be achieved at the source itself. Under the proposed rule, states would have three years from rule finalization to submit a plan to the EPA, which would have one year to determine the approvability of the plan. If a state does not submit a plan or a submitted plan is not satisfactory, the EPA would have two years to develop a federal plan. Comments on the proposal were due October 31, 2018. Until the proposed rule is finalized and state plans are developed, the full impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined. However, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific have historically pursued cost-effective projects, including plant efficiency improvements, increased diversification of their generating fleets to include deployment of renewable and lower carbon generating resources, and advanced customer energy efficiency programs.

Regional and State Activities

Several states have promulgated or otherwise participate in state-specific or regional laws or initiatives to report or mitigate GHG emissions. These are expected to impact the relevant Registrant, and include:

In June 2013, Nevada SB 123 was signed into law. Among other things, SB 123 and regulations thereunder required Nevada Power to file with the PUCN an emission reduction and capacity replacement plan by May 1, 2014. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its emissions reduction capacity replacement plan. The plan provided for the retirement or elimination of 300 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2014, another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2017, and another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2019, along with replacement of such capacity with a mixture of constructed, acquired or contracted renewable and non-technology specific generating units. The plan also sets forth the expected timeline and costs associated with decommissioning coal-fired generating units that will be retired or eliminated pursuant to the plan. The PUCN has the authority to approve or modify the emission reduction and capacity replacement plan filed by Nevada Power. The PUCN may approve variations to Nevada Power's resource plans relative to requirements under SB 123. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the ERCR Plan.

Under the authority of California's Global Warming Solutions Act, which includes a series of policies aimed at returning California greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, the California Air Resources Board adopted a GHG cap-and-trade program with an effective date of January 1, 2012; compliance obligations were imposed on entities beginning in 2013. PacifiCorp is subject to the cap-and-trade program as a retail service provider in California and an importer of wholesale energy into California. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In September 2016, California Senate Bill 32 was signed into law establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

The states of California, Washington and Oregon have adopted GHG emissions performance standards for base load electricity generating resources. Under the laws in California and Oregon, the emissions performance standards provide that emissions must not exceed 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. In September 2018, the Washington Department of Commerce amended the emissions performance standards to provide that GHG emissions for base load electricity generating resources must not exceed 925 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. These GHG emissions performance standards generally prohibit electric utilities from entering into long-term financial commitments (e.g., new ownership investments, upgrades, or new or renewed contracts with a term of five or more years) unless any base load generation supplied under long-term financial commitments comply with the GHG emissions performance standards.

In September 2016, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a final rule regulating GHG emissions from sources in Washington. The rule regulates greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride beginning in 2017 with three-year compliance periods thereafter (i.e., 2017-2019, 2020-2022, etc.). Under the rule, the Washington State Department of Ecology established GHG emissions reduction pathways for all covered entities. Covered entities may use emission reduction units, which may be traded with other covered entities, to meet their compliance requirements. PacifiCorp's resources that are covered under the rule include the Chehalis generating facility, which is a natural gas combined-cycle plant located in Washington state. PacifiCorp received its baseline emission order on December 17, 2017, which specified the emission reduction requirements for the Chehalis generating facility every three years beginning in 2017. The reduction requirements average 1.7% per year. However, the Washington State Department of Ecology suspended the compliance obligations of the Clean Air Rule after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled the state lacks authority to mandate reductions from indirect emitters. Pending further interpretation of the court's decision by the Washington State Department of Ecology, entities subject to the rule are required to continue reporting emissions.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a mandatory, market-based effort to reduce GHG emissions in ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, required, beginning in 2009, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector of 10% by 2018. In May 2011, New Jersey withdrew from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Following a program review in 2012, the nine Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states implemented a new 2014 cap which was approximately 45% lower than the 2012-2013 cap. The cap is reduced each year by 2.5% from 2015 to 2020. In December 2017, an updated model rule was released by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states which includes an additional 30% regional cap reduction between 2020 and 2030.

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Each state's RPS described below could significantly impact the relevant Registrant's consolidated financial results. Resources that meet the qualifying electricity requirements under each RPS vary from state to state. Each state's RPS requires some form of compliance reporting and the relevant Registrant can be subject to penalties in the event of noncompliance. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable RPS laws and regulations.

In 1983, Iowa became the first state in the United States to adopt a RPS requiring the state utilities to own or to contract for a combined total of 105 MWs of renewable generating capacity and associated energy production. The IUB allocated the 105-MW requirement between the two utilities in Iowa based on each utility's percentage of their combined estimated Iowa retail peak demand in 1990 resulting in MidAmerican Energy being allocated a RPS requirement of 55.2 MWs. The utility must meet its RPS obligation by either owning renewable energy production facilities located in Iowa or entering into long-term contracts to purchase or wheel electricity from renewable production facilities located in the utility's service area.


Since 1997, NV Energy has been required to comply with a RPS. Current law requires the Nevada Utilities to meet 18% of their energy requirements with renewable resources for 2014, 20% for 2015 through 2019, 22% for 2020 and 2024, and 25% for 2025 and thereafter. The RPS also requires 5% of the portfolio requirement come from solar resources through 2015 and increasing to 6% in 2016. Nevada law also permits energy efficiency measures to be used to satisfy a portion of the RPS through 2025, subject to certain limitations. In November 2018, Nevada voters approved a measure to increase the state's RPS to 50% by 2030; the measure must be voted on and approved a second time, in November 2020, in order to take effect.

Utah's Energy Resource and Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative provides that, beginning in the year 2025, 20% of adjusted retail electric sales of all Utah utilities be supplied by renewable energy, if it is cost effective. Retail electric sales will be adjusted by deducting the amount of generation from sources that produce zero or reduced carbon emissions, and for sales avoided as a result of energy efficiency and DSM programs. Qualifying renewable energy sources can be located anywhere within the WECC, and renewable energy credits can be used.

The Oregon Renewable Energy Act ("OREA") provides a comprehensive renewable energy policy and RPS for Oregon. Subject to certain exemptions and cost limitations established in the law, PacifiCorp and other qualifying electric utilities must meet minimum qualifying electricity requirements for electricity sold to retail customers of at least 5% in 2011 through 2014, 15% in 2015 through 2019, and 20% in 2020 through 2024. In March 2016, Oregon Senate Bill No. 1547-B, the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan, was signed into law. Senate Bill No. 1547-B requires that coal-fueled resources are eliminated from Oregon's allocation of electricity by January 1, 2030, and increases the current RPS target from 25% in 2025 to 50% by 2040. Senate Bill No. 1547-B also implements new REC banking provisions, as well as the following interim RPS targets: 27% in 2025 through 2029, 35% in 2030 through 2034, 45% in 2035 through 2039, and 50% by 2040 and subsequent years. As required by the OREA, the OPUC has approved an automatic adjustment clause to allow an electric utility, including PacifiCorp, to recover prudently incurred costs of its investments in renewable energy generating facilities and associated transmission costs.

Washington's Energy Independence Act establishes a renewable energy target for qualifying electric utilities, including PacifiCorp. The requirements are 3% of retail sales by January 1, 2012 through 2015, 9% of retail sales by January 1, 2016 through 2019 and 15% of retail sales by January 1, 2020 and each year thereafter. In April 2013, Washington State Senate Bill No. 5400 ("SB 5400") was signed into law. SB 5400 expands the geographic area in which eligible renewable resources may be located to beyond the Pacific Northwest, allowing renewable resources located in all states served by PacifiCorp to qualify. SB 5400 also provides PacifiCorp with additional flexibility and options to meet Washington's renewable mandates.

The California RPS required all California retail sellers to procure an average of 20% of retail load from renewable resources by December 31, 2013, 25% by December 31, 2016 and 33% by December 31, 2020. In October 2015, California Senate Bill No. 350 became law and increased the RPS target to 50% by December 31, 2030. The state's RPS was further expanded in September 2018, when California Senate Bill 100 (SB-100), the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 was signed into law. In addition to requiring retail sellers to meet a RPS target of 60% by 2030, SB-100 enabled a longer-term planning target for 100% of total California retail sales to come from eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources by December 31, 2045. In December 2011, the CPUC adopted a decision confirming that multi-jurisdictional utilities, such as PacifiCorp, are not subject to the percentage limits within the three product content categories of RPS-eligible resources established by the legislation that have been imposed on other California retail sellers.

Clean Air Act Regulations

The Clean Air Act is a federal law administered by the EPA that provides a framework for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and controlling sources of air emissions. The implementation of new standards is generally outlined in SIPs, which are a collection of regulations, programs and policies to be followed. SIPs vary by state and are subject to public hearings and EPA approval. Some states may adopt additional or more stringent requirements than those implemented by the EPA. The major Clean Air Act programs most directly affecting the Registrants' operations are described below.


National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, the EPA sets minimum national ambient air quality standards for six principal pollutants, consisting of carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone and sulfur dioxide, considered harmful to public health and the environment. Areas that achieve the standards, as determined by ambient air quality monitoring, are characterized as being in attainment, while those that fail to meet the standards are designated as being nonattainment areas. Generally, sources of emissions in a nonattainment area that are determined to contribute to the nonattainment are required to reduce emissions. Most air quality standards require measurement over a defined period of time to determine the average concentration of the pollutant present. Currently, with the exceptions described in the following paragraphs, air quality monitoring data indicates that all counties where the relevant Registrant's major emission sources are located are in attainment of the current national ambient air quality standards.

In October 2015, theOn June 4, 2018, EPA revised the national ambient air quality standard for ground level ozone, strengthening the standard from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion. It is anticipated that the EPA will make attainment/nonattainmentpublished final designations for much of the revised standards by late 2017. NonattainmentUnited States. Relevant to the Registrants, these designations include classifying Yuma County, Arizona; Clark County, Nevada; and the Northern Wasatch Front, Southern Wasatch Front and Duchesne and Uintah counties in Utah as nonattainment-marginal. These areas will have until 2020 to late 2037be required to meet the standard. Given the level at which the standard was set in conjunction with retirements and the installation of controls, the new standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the relevant Registrant.

Until the 2015 standard is fully implemented,three years from the EPA continuesAugust 3, 2018, effective date. All other areas relevant to implement the 2008 ozone standards. The Upper Green River Basin Area in Wyoming, including all of Sublette and portions of Lincoln and Sweetwater Counties,Registrants were proposed to be designated as nonattainment for the 2008 ozone standard. When the final designations were released in April 2012, portions of Lincoln and Sweetwater Counties and Sublette County were determined to be in marginal nonattainment. While PacifiCorp's Jim Bridger plant is located in Sweetwater County, it is not in the portion of the designated nonattainment area and has not been impacted by the 2012 designation. In December 2012, the EPA approved Nevada's request to re-designate Clark County to be in attainment for the 1997 eight-hour ozone standard while also approving Clark County's plan to maintain complianceattainment/unclassifiable with the standard through 2022. However, Clark County remains unclassifiable for the 2008 ozone standard. If the EPA revises the ozone standard to be more stringent, it is possible that Clark County will again be designated as nonattainment for ozone, creating the potential to impact Nevada Power's Clark, Sun Peak, Las Vegas, Lenzie, Silverhawk, Harry Allen, Higgins, and Goodsprings generating facilities. However, until such time as the 2015 standard is implemented or Clark County is classified as nonattainment for the 2008 or 2015 standards, any potential impacts cannot be determined.this same action.

In January 2010, the EPA finalized a one-hour air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide at 100 parts per billion. In February 2012, the EPA published final designations indicating that based on air quality monitoring data, all areas of the country are designated as "unclassifiable/attainment" for the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard.

On April 6, 2018, EPA issued a decision to retain the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard without revision.

In June 2010, the EPA finalized a new national ambient air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. Under the 2010 rule, areas must meet a one-hour standard of 75 parts per billion utilizing a three-year average. The rule utilizes source modeling in addition to the installation of ambient monitors where sulfur dioxide emissions impact populated areas. Attainment designations were due by June 2012; however, citing a lack of sufficient information to make the designations, the EPA did not issue its final designations until July 2013 and determined, at that date, that a portion of Muscatine County, Iowa was in nonattainment for the one-hour sulfur dioxide standard. MidAmerican Energy's Louisa coal-fueled generating facility is located just outside of Muscatine County, south of the violating monitor. In its final designation, the EPA indicated that it was not yet prepared to conclude that the emissions from the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility contribute to the monitored violation or to other possible violations, and that in a subsequent round of designations, the EPA will make decisions for areas and sources outside Muscatine County. MidAmerican Energy does not believe a subsequent nonattainment designation will have a material impact on the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility. Although the EPA's July 2013 designations did not impact PacifiCorp's nor the Nevada Utilities' generating facilities, the EPA's assessment of sulfur dioxide area designations will continue with the deployment of additional sulfur dioxide monitoring networks across the country.

The Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the EPA in August 2013 with respect to the one-hour sulfur dioxide standards and its failure to make certain attainment designations in a timely manner. In March 2015, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ("Northern District of California") accepted as an enforceable order an agreement between the EPA and Sierra Club to resolve litigation concerning the deadline for completing the designations. The Northern District of California's order directed the EPA to complete designations in three phases: the first phase by July 2, 2016; the second phase by December 31, 2017; and the final phase by December 31, 2020. The first phase of the designations require the EPA to designate two groups of areas: 1) areas that have newly monitored violations of the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard; and 2) areas that contain any stationary source that, according to the EPA's data, either emitted more than 16,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2012 or emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and had an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012 and, as of March 2, 2015, had not been announced for retirement. MidAmerican Energy's George Neal Unit 4 and the Ottumwa Generating Station (in which MidAmerican Energy has a majority ownership interest, but does not operate), are included as units subject to the first phase of the designations, having emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and having an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012. States may submit to the EPA updated recommendations and supporting information for the EPA to consider in making its determinations. Iowa submitted documentation to the EPA in April 2016 supporting its recommendation that Des Moines, Wapello and Woodbury Counties be designated as being in attainment of the standard. In July 2016, the EEPAPA's's final designations were published in the Federal Register indicating portions of Muscatine County, Iowa were in nonattainment with the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard, Woodbury County, Iowa was unclassifiable, and Des Moines and Wapello Counties were unclassifiable/attainment.

In January 2017, the states of Utah and Wyoming submitted a combination of modeling and a proposed monitoring plan to the EPA that will be used to determine if areas around PacifiCorp's coal facilities located within those states are in attainment with the one-hour sulfur dioxide standard. It is expected that the combination of modeling and monitoring will demonstrate that the areas surrounding PacifiCorp's coal facilities are in attainment with the standard.

In December 2012, the EPA finalized more stringent fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards, reducing the annual standard from 15 micrograms per cubic meter to 12 micrograms per cubic meter and retaining the 24-hour standard at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The EPA did not set a separate secondary visibility standard, choosing to rely on the existing secondary 24-hour standard to protect against visibility impairment. In December 2014, the EPA issued final area designations for the 2012 fine particulate matter standard. Based on these designations, the areas in which the relevant Registrant operates generating facilities have been classified as "unclassifiable/attainment." Unless additional monitoring suggests otherwise, the relevant Registrant does not anticipate that any impacts of the revised standard will be significant.

In December 2014, the Utah SIP for fine particulate matter was adopted by the Utah Air Quality Board. PacifiCorp's Lake Side and Gadsby generating facilities operate within nonattainment areas for fine particulate matter; however, the SIP did not impose significant new requirements on PacifiCorp's impacted generating facilities, nor did the EPA's comments on the Utah SIP identify requirements for PacifiCorp's existing generating facilities that would have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

As new, more stringent national ambient air quality standards are adopted, the number of counties designated as nonattainment areas is likely to increase. Businesses operating in newly designated nonattainment counties could face increased regulation and costs to monitor or reduce emissions. For instance, existing major emissions sources may have to install reasonably available control technologies to achieve certain reductions in emissions and undertake additional monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting. The construction or modification of facilities that are sources of emissions could also become more difficult in nonattainment areas. Until new requirements are promulgated and additional monitoring and modeling is conducted, the impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined.


MercuryClimate Change

In December 2015, an international agreement was negotiated by 195 nations to create a universal framework for coordinated action on climate change in what is referred to as the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement reaffirms the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, while urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius; establishes commitments by all parties to make nationally determined contributions and Air Toxicspursue domestic measures aimed at achieving the commitments; commits all countries to submit emissions inventories and report regularly on their emissions and progress made in implementing and achieving their nationally determined commitments; and commits all countries to submit new commitments every five years, with the expectation that the commitments will get more aggressive. In the context of the Paris Agreement, the United States agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% to 28% by 2025 from 2005 levels. After more than 55 countries representing more than 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions submitted their ratification documents, the Paris Agreement became effective November 4, 2016. Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, ratifying countries are bound for a three-year period and must provide one-year's notice of their intent to withdraw. On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the withdrawal would be effective in November 2020. The cornerstone of the United States' commitment was the Clean Power Plan which was finalized by the EPA in 2015 but has since been proposed for repeal by the EPA.

GHG Performance Standards

In March 2011,Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA proposedmay establish emissions standards that reflect the degree of emissions reductions achievable through the best technology that has been demonstrated, taking into consideration the cost of achieving those reductions and any non-air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. On August 3, 2015, the EPA issued final new source performance standards, establishing a rule that requiresstandard of 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for large natural gas-fueled generating facilities and 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for new coal-fueled generating facilities with the "Best System of Emission Reduction" reflecting highly efficient supercritical pulverized coal facilities with partial carbon capture and sequestration or integrated gasification combined-cycle units that are co-fired with natural gas or pre-combustion slipstream capture of carbon dioxide. The new source performance standards were appealed to reduce mercury emissionsthe United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") and other hazardous air pollutants throughoral argument was scheduled for April 17, 2017. However, oral argument was deferred and the establishmentcourt held the case in abeyance for an indefinite period of "Maximum Achievable Control Technology" standards. The final MATS became effective on April 16, 2012, and required thattime. On December 6, 2018, the EPA announced revisions to new source performance standards for new and existing coal-fueledreconstructed coal-fired units. EPA proposes to revise carbon dioxide emission limits for new coal-fired facilities to 1,900 pounds per MWh for small units and 2,000 pounds per MWh for large units. EPA would define the best system of emission reduction for new and modified units as the most efficient demonstrated steam cycle, combined with best operating practices. EPA is accepting comment on the proposal through March 18, 2019. Until such time as the EPA undertakes further action on the proposed reconsideration or the court takes action, any new fossil-fueled generating facilities achieve emission standards for mercury, acid gases and other non-mercury hazardous air pollutants. Existing sources wereconstructed by the relevant Registrants will be required to comply withmeet the GHG new standards by April 16, 2015 withsource performance standards.

Clean Power Plan

In June 2014, the potential for individual sourcesEPA released proposed regulations to obtain an extension of upaddress GHG emissions from existing fossil-fueled generating facilities, referred to one additional year, atas the discretionClean Power Plan, under Section 111(d) of the Title V permitting authority,Clean Air Act. The EPA's proposal calculated state-specific emission rate targets to complete installationbe achieved based on the "Best System of controls or for transmission system reliability reasons.Emission Reduction." In August 2015, the final Clean Power Plan was released, which established the Best System of Emission Reduction as including: (a) heat rate improvements; (b) increased utilization of existing combined-cycle natural gas-fueled generating facilities; and (c) increased deployment of new and incremental non-carbon generation placed in-service after 2012. The relevant Registrantscompliance period would have completed emission reduction projects to complybegun in 2022, with three interim periods of compliance and with the final rule's standards for acid gasesgoal to be achieved by 2030 and non-mercury metallic hazardous air pollutants.

MidAmerican Energy retired certain coal-fueled generating units as the least-cost alternativewas expected to comply with the MATS. Walter Scott, Jr. Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in 2015, and George Neal Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in April 2016. A fifth unit, Riverside Generating Station, was limited to natural gas combustion in March 2015.

PacifiCorp retired its two coal-fueled generating units at the Carbon Facility in 2015 to comply with the MATS requirements and other environmental regulations as well as in conformance with Utah's Regional Haze SIP. Refer to the Regional Haze section below for additional requirements regarding the Carbon Facility.

Numerous lawsuits have been filedreduce carbon dioxide emissions in the D.C. Circuit challenging the MATS. In April 2014, the D.C. Circuit upheld the MATS requirements. In November 2014,power sector to 32% below 2005 levels by 2030. On February 9, 2016, the United States Supreme Court agreedordered that the EPA's emission guidelines for existing sources be stayed pending the disposition of the challenges to hear the MATS appeal on the limited issue of whether the EPA unreasonably refused to consider costs in determining whether it is appropriate to regulate hazardous air pollutants emitted by electric utilities. Oral argumentrule in the case was heldD.C. Circuit and any action on a writ of certiorari before the United States Supreme Court. Oral argument was heard before the D.C. Circuit on September 27, 2016. The court has not yet issued its decision. On October 10, 2017, the EPA issued a proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan and the EPA took comments on the proposed repeal until April 26, 2018. In addition, the EPA published in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on December 28, 2017, seeking public input on, without committing to, a potential replacement rule. The public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concluded February 26, 2018. On August 21, 2018, the EPA proposed the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which would replace the Clean Power Plan. The Affordable Clean Energy rule would determine that the best system of emissions reduction for existing coal-fueled power plants is heat rate improvements and proposes a set of candidate technologies and measures that could improve heat rates. The EPA did not propose to set a specific numerical standard of performance for all affected units. Instead, states would be required to evaluate the candidate technologies and measures to establish standards of performance on a unit-specific basis, setting a standard of performance for each affected unit, measured in terms of pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. Measures taken to meet the standards of performance must be achieved at the source itself. Under the proposed rule, states would have three years from rule finalization to submit a plan to the EPA, which would have one year to determine the approvability of the plan. If a state does not submit a plan or a submitted plan is not satisfactory, the EPA would have two years to develop a federal plan. Comments on the proposal were due October 31, 2018. Until the proposed rule is finalized and state plans are developed, the full impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined. However, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific have historically pursued cost-effective projects, including plant efficiency improvements, increased diversification of their generating fleets to include deployment of renewable and lower carbon generating resources, and advanced customer energy efficiency programs.

Regional and State Activities

Several states have promulgated or otherwise participate in state-specific or regional laws or initiatives to report or mitigate GHG emissions. These are expected to impact the relevant Registrant, and include:

In June 2013, Nevada SB 123 was signed into law. Among other things, SB 123 and regulations thereunder required Nevada Power to file with the PUCN an emission reduction and capacity replacement plan by May 1, 2014. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its emissions reduction capacity replacement plan. The plan provided for the retirement or elimination of 300 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2014, another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2017, and another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2019, along with replacement of such capacity with a mixture of constructed, acquired or contracted renewable and non-technology specific generating units. The plan also sets forth the expected timeline and costs associated with decommissioning coal-fired generating units that will be retired or eliminated pursuant to the plan. The PUCN has the authority to approve or modify the emission reduction and capacity replacement plan filed by Nevada Power. The PUCN may approve variations to Nevada Power's resource plans relative to requirements under SB 123. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the ERCR Plan.

Under the authority of California's Global Warming Solutions Act, which includes a series of policies aimed at returning California greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, the California Air Resources Board adopted a GHG cap-and-trade program with an effective date of January 1, 2012; compliance obligations were imposed on entities beginning in 2013. PacifiCorp is subject to the cap-and-trade program as a retail service provider in California and an importer of wholesale energy into California. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In September 2016, California Senate Bill 32 was signed into law establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

The states of California, Washington and Oregon have adopted GHG emissions performance standards for base load electricity generating resources. Under the laws in California and Oregon, the emissions performance standards provide that emissions must not exceed 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. In September 2018, the Washington Department of Commerce amended the emissions performance standards to provide that GHG emissions for base load electricity generating resources must not exceed 925 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. These GHG emissions performance standards generally prohibit electric utilities from entering into long-term financial commitments (e.g., new ownership investments, upgrades, or new or renewed contracts with a term of five or more years) unless any base load generation supplied under long-term financial commitments comply with the GHG emissions performance standards.

In September 2016, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a final rule regulating GHG emissions from sources in Washington. The rule regulates greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride beginning in 2017 with three-year compliance periods thereafter (i.e., 2017-2019, 2020-2022, etc.). Under the rule, the Washington State Department of Ecology established GHG emissions reduction pathways for all covered entities. Covered entities may use emission reduction units, which may be traded with other covered entities, to meet their compliance requirements. PacifiCorp's resources that are covered under the rule include the Chehalis generating facility, which is a natural gas combined-cycle plant located in Washington state. PacifiCorp received its baseline emission order on December 17, 2017, which specified the emission reduction requirements for the Chehalis generating facility every three years beginning in 2017. The reduction requirements average 1.7% per year. However, the Washington State Department of Ecology suspended the compliance obligations of the Clean Air Rule after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled the state lacks authority to mandate reductions from indirect emitters. Pending further interpretation of the court's decision by the Washington State Department of Ecology, entities subject to the rule are required to continue reporting emissions.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a mandatory, market-based effort to reduce GHG emissions in Marchten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, required, beginning in 2009, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector of 10% by 2018. In May 2011, New Jersey withdrew from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Following a program review in 2012, the nine Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states implemented a new 2014 cap which was approximately 45% lower than the 2012-2013 cap. The cap is reduced each year by 2.5% from 2015 to 2020. In December 2017, an updated model rule was released by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states which includes an additional 30% regional cap reduction between 2020 and a decision was issued by2030.

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Each state's RPS described below could significantly impact the relevant Registrant's consolidated financial results. Resources that meet the qualifying electricity requirements under each RPS vary from state to state. Each state's RPS requires some form of compliance reporting and the relevant Registrant can be subject to penalties in the event of noncompliance. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable RPS laws and regulations.

In 1983, Iowa became the first state in the United States Supreme Courtto adopt a RPS requiring the state utilities to own or to contract for a combined total of 105 MWs of renewable generating capacity and associated energy production. The IUB allocated the 105-MW requirement between the two utilities in JuneIowa based on each utility's percentage of their combined estimated Iowa retail peak demand in 1990 resulting in MidAmerican Energy being allocated a RPS requirement of 55.2 MWs. The utility must meet its RPS obligation by either owning renewable energy production facilities located in Iowa or entering into long-term contracts to purchase or wheel electricity from renewable production facilities located in the utility's service area.


Since 1997, NV Energy has been required to comply with a RPS. Current law requires the Nevada Utilities to meet 18% of their energy requirements with renewable resources for 2014, 20% for 2015 which reversedthrough 2019, 22% for 2020 and remanded2024, and 25% for 2025 and thereafter. The RPS also requires 5% of the MATS ruleportfolio requirement come from solar resources through 2015 and increasing to 6% in 2016. Nevada law also permits energy efficiency measures to be used to satisfy a portion of the D.C. CircuitRPS through 2025, subject to certain limitations. In November 2018, Nevada voters approved a measure to increase the state's RPS to 50% by 2030; the measure must be voted on and approved a second time, in November 2020, in order to take effect.

Utah's Energy Resource and Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative provides that, beginning in the year 2025, 20% of adjusted retail electric sales of all Utah utilities be supplied by renewable energy, if it is cost effective. Retail electric sales will be adjusted by deducting the amount of generation from sources that produce zero or reduced carbon emissions, and for further action. sales avoided as a result of energy efficiency and DSM programs. Qualifying renewable energy sources can be located anywhere within the WECC, and renewable energy credits can be used.

The United States Supreme Court heldOregon Renewable Energy Act ("OREA") provides a comprehensive renewable energy policy and RPS for Oregon. Subject to certain exemptions and cost limitations established in the law, PacifiCorp and other qualifying electric utilities must meet minimum qualifying electricity requirements for electricity sold to retail customers of at least 5% in 2011 through 2014, 15% in 2015 through 2019, and 20% in 2020 through 2024. In March 2016, Oregon Senate Bill No. 1547-B, the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan, was signed into law. Senate Bill No. 1547-B requires that coal-fueled resources are eliminated from Oregon's allocation of electricity by January 1, 2030, and increases the EPA had acted unreasonably when it deemed cost irrelevantcurrent RPS target from 25% in 2025 to 50% by 2040. Senate Bill No. 1547-B also implements new REC banking provisions, as well as the decisionfollowing interim RPS targets: 27% in 2025 through 2029, 35% in 2030 through 2034, 45% in 2035 through 2039, and 50% by 2040 and subsequent years. As required by the OREA, the OPUC has approved an automatic adjustment clause to regulateallow an electric utility, including PacifiCorp, to recover prudently incurred costs of its investments in renewable energy generating facilities and that cost,associated transmission costs.

Washington's Energy Independence Act establishes a renewable energy target for qualifying electric utilities, including costsPacifiCorp. The requirements are 3% of compliance, must be considered before deciding whether regulation is necessaryretail sales by January 1, 2012 through 2015, 9% of retail sales by January 1, 2016 through 2019 and appropriate. The United States Supreme Court's decision did not vacate or stay implementation15% of retail sales by January 1, 2020 and each year thereafter. In April 2013, Washington State Senate Bill No. 5400 ("SB 5400") was signed into law. SB 5400 expands the MATS rule. In December 2015, the D.C. Circuit issued an order remanding the rule to the EPA, without vacating the rule. As a result, the relevant Registrants continue to have a legal obligation under the MATS rule and the respective permits issued by the statesgeographic area in which each respective Registrant operateseligible renewable resources may be located to complybeyond the Pacific Northwest, allowing renewable resources located in all states served by PacifiCorp to qualify. SB 5400 also provides PacifiCorp with the MATS rule, including operating all emissions controls or otherwise complying with the MATS requirements.

Cross-State Air Pollution Ruleadditional flexibility and options to meet Washington's renewable mandates.

The California RPS required all California retail sellers to procure an average of 20% of retail load from renewable resources by December 31, 2013, 25% by December 31, 2016 and 33% by December 31, 2020. In October 2015, California Senate Bill No. 350 became law and increased the RPS target to 50% by December 31, 2030. The state's RPS was further expanded in September 2018, when California Senate Bill 100 (SB-100), the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 was signed into law. In addition to requiring retail sellers to meet a RPS target of 60% by 2030, SB-100 enabled a longer-term planning target for 100% of total California retail sales to come from eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources by December 31, 2045. In December 2011, the CPUC adopted a decision confirming that multi-jurisdictional utilities, such as PacifiCorp, are not subject to the percentage limits within the three product content categories of RPS-eligible resources established by the legislation that have been imposed on other California retail sellers.

Clean Air Act Regulations

The Clean Air Act is a federal law administered by the EPA promulgated an initial rulethat provides a framework for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and controlling sources of air emissions. The implementation of new standards is generally outlined in March 2005SIPs, which are a collection of regulations, programs and policies to reduce emissionsbe followed. SIPs vary by state and are subject to public hearings and EPA approval. Some states may adopt additional or more stringent requirements than those implemented by the EPA. The major Clean Air Act programs most directly affecting the Registrants' operations are described below.


National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, the EPA sets minimum national ambient air quality standards for six principal pollutants, consisting of carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone and sulfur dioxide, precursorsconsidered harmful to public health and the environment. Areas that achieve the standards, as determined by ambient air quality monitoring, are characterized as being in attainment, while those that fail to meet the standards are designated as being nonattainment areas. Generally, sources of ozone and particulate matter, from down-wind sourcesemissions in a nonattainment area that are determined to contribute to the nonattainment are required to reduce emissions. Most air quality standards require measurement over a defined period of time to determine the average concentration of the pollutant present. Currently, with the exceptions described in the easternfollowing paragraphs, air quality monitoring data indicates that all counties where the relevant Registrant's major emission sources are located are in attainment of the current national ambient air quality standards.

On June 4, 2018, EPA published final designations for much of the United States, including Iowa,States. Relevant to reduce emissions by implementingthe Registrants, these designations include classifying Yuma County, Arizona; Clark County, Nevada; and the Northern Wasatch Front, Southern Wasatch Front and Duchesne and Uintah counties in Utah as nonattainment-marginal. These areas will be required to meet the 2015 standard three years from the August 3, 2018, effective date. All other areas relevant to the Registrants were designated attainment/unclassifiable with this same action.

In January 2010, the EPA finalized a planone-hour air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide at 100 parts per billion. In February 2012, the EPA published final designations indicating that based on air quality monitoring data, all areas of the country are designated as "unclassifiable/attainment" for the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard. On April 6, 2018, EPA issued a market-based cap-and-trade system,decision to retain the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard without revision.

In June 2010, the EPA finalized a new national ambient air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. Under the 2010 rule, areas must meet a one-hour standard of 75 parts per billion utilizing a three-year average. The rule utilizes source modeling in addition to the installation of ambient monitors where sulfur dioxide emissions reductions,impact populated areas. Attainment designations were due by June 2012; however, citing a lack of sufficient information to make the designations, the EPA did not issue its final designations until July 2013 and determined, at that date, that a portion of Muscatine County, Iowa was in nonattainment for the one-hour sulfur dioxide standard. MidAmerican Energy's Louisa coal-fueled generating facility is located just outside of Muscatine County, south of the violating monitor. In its final designation, the EPA indicated that it was not yet prepared to conclude that the emissions from the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility contribute to the monitored violation or both. After numerous appeals,to other possible violations, and that in a subsequent round of designations, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") was promulgated to address interstate transportEPA will make decisions for areas and sources outside Muscatine County. MidAmerican Energy does not believe a subsequent nonattainment designation will have a material impact on the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility. Although the EPA's July 2013 designations did not impact PacifiCorp's nor the Nevada Utilities' generating facilities, the EPA's assessment of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions in 27 eastern and Midwestern states.area designations will continue with the deployment of additional sulfur dioxide monitoring networks across the country.

The Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the EPA in August 2013 with respect to the one-hour sulfur dioxide standards and its failure to make certain attainment designations in a timely manner. In March 2015, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ("Northern District of California") accepted as an enforceable order an agreement between the EPA and Sierra Club to resolve litigation concerning the deadline for completing the designations. The Northern District of California's order directed the EPA to complete designations in three phases: the first phase by July 2, 2016; the second phase by December 31, 2017; and the final phase by December 31, 2020. The first phase of the rule was implemented January 1, 2015. In November 2015,designations require the EPA releasedto designate two groups of areas: 1) areas that have newly monitored violations of the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard; and 2) areas that contain any stationary source that, according to the EPA's data, either emitted more than 16,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2012 or emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and had an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012 and, as of March 2, 2015, had not been announced for retirement. MidAmerican Energy's George Neal Unit 4 and the Ottumwa Generating Station (in which MidAmerican Energy has a proposed rulemajority ownership interest, but does not operate), are included as units subject to the first phase of the designations, having emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and having an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012. States may submit to the EPA updated recommendations and supporting information for the EPA to consider in making its determinations. Iowa submitted documentation to the EPA in April 2016 supporting its recommendation that would further reduce nitrogen oxides emissionsDes Moines, Wapello and Woodbury Counties be designated as being in 2017. Theattainment of the standard. In July 2016, the EPA's final rule wasdesignations were published in the Federal Register indicating portions of Muscatine County, Iowa were in October 2016. The rule requires additional reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions beginning in May 2017. Onnonattainment with the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard, Woodbury County, Iowa was unclassifiable, and Des Moines and Wapello Counties were unclassifiable/attainment.


In December 23, 2016, a lawsuit was filed against2012, the EPA finalized more stringent fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards, reducing the annual standard from 15 micrograms per cubic meter to 12 micrograms per cubic meter and retaining the 24-hour standard at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The EPA did not set a separate secondary visibility standard, choosing to rely on the existing secondary 24-hour standard to protect against visibility impairment. In December 2014, the EPA issued final area designations for the 2012 fine particulate matter standard. Based on these designations, the areas in which the D.C. Circuit over the final CSAPR "update" rule.

MidAmerican Energy has installed emissions controls at its coal-fueledrelevant Registrant operates generating facilities to comply withhave been classified as "unclassifiable/attainment." Unless additional monitoring suggests otherwise, the CSAPR and may purchase emissions allowances to meet a portion of its compliance obligations. The cost of these allowances is subject to market conditions at the time of purchase and historically has not been material. MidAmerican Energy believes that the controls installed to date are consistent with the reductions to be achieved from implementation of the rule andrelevant Registrant does not anticipate that any impacts of the CSAPR updaterevised standard will be significant.

MidAmerican Energy operates natural gas-fueledIn December 2014, the Utah SIP for fine particulate matter was adopted by the Utah Air Quality Board. PacifiCorp's Lake Side and Gadsby generating facilities in Iowa and BHE Renewables operates natural gas-fueledoperate within nonattainment areas for fine particulate matter; however, the SIP did not impose significant new requirements on PacifiCorp's impacted generating facilities, in Texas, Illinois and New York, which are subject tonor did the CSAPR. However,EPA's comments on the provisions are not anticipated toUtah SIP identify requirements for PacifiCorp's existing generating facilities that would have a material impact on Berkshire Hathaway Energy or MidAmerican Energy. None of PacifiCorp's, Nevada Power's or Sierra Pacific's generating facilities are subject to the CSAPR. However, in a Notice of Data Availability published in the January 6, 2017, Federal Register, the EPA provided preliminary estimates of which upwind states may have linkages to downwind states experiencing ozone levels at or exceeding the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standard of 70 parts per billion, and, using similar methodology to that in the CSAPR, indicated that Utah and Wyoming could have an obligation under the "good neighbor" provisions of the Clean Air Act to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions.its consolidated financial results.

Regional Haze

The EPA's Regional Haze Rule, finalized in 1999, requires states to develop and implement plans to improve visibility in designated federally protected areas ("Class I areas"). Some of PacifiCorp's coal-fueled generating facilities in Utah, Wyoming, Arizona and Colorado and certain of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's fossil-fueled generating facilities are subject to the Clean Air Visibility Rules. In accordance with the federal requirements, states are required to submit SIPs that address emissions from sources subject to best available retrofit technology ("BART") requirements and demonstrate progress towards achieving natural visibility requirements in Class I areas by 2064.

The state of Utah issued a regional haze SIP requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. In December 2012, the EPA approved the sulfur dioxide portion of the Utah regional haze SIP and disapproved the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter portions. Certain groups appealed the EPA's approval of the sulfur dioxide portion and oral argument was heard before the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ("Tenth Circuit") in March 2014. In October 2014, the Tenth Circuit upheld the EPA's approval of the sulfur dioxide portion of the SIP. The state of Utah and PacifiCorp filed petitions for administrative and judicial review of the EPA's final rule on the BART determinations for the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter portions of Utah's regional haze SIP in March 2013. In May 2014, the Tenth Circuit dismissed the petition on jurisdictional grounds. In addition, and separate from the EPA's approval process and related litigation, the Utah Division of Air Quality completed an alternative BART analysis for Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. The alternative BART analysis and revised regional haze SIP were submitted in June 2015 to the EPA for review and proposed action after a public comment period. The revised regional haze SIP included a state-enforceable requirement to cease operation of the Carbon Facility by August 15, 2015. PacifiCorp retired the Carbon Facility in December 2015. In January 2016, the EPA published two alternative proposals to either approve the Utah SIP as written or reject the Utah SIP relating to nitrogen oxides controls and require the installation of selective catalytic reduction ("SCR") controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years. EPA's final action on the Utah regional haze SIP was effective August 4, 2016. The EPA approved in part and disapproved in part the Utah regional haze SIP and issued a federal implementation plan ("FIP") requiring the installation of SCR controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years of the effective date of the rule. PacifiCorp and other parties have filed requests with the EPA to reconsider and stay that decision, and have also filed motions for stay and petitions for review with the Tenth Circuit asking the court to overturn the EPA’s actions. The EPA has yet to respond to the administrative action filings. The Tenth Circuit has established procedural schedules for review of the stay request and the appeal, with filings in the stay proceeding having been concluded and awaiting action by the Tenth Circuit.
The state of Wyoming issued two regional haze SIPs requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on certain PacifiCorp coal-fueled generating facilities in Wyoming. The EPA approved the sulfur dioxide SIP in December 2012 and the EPA's approval was upheld on appeal by the Tenth Circuit in October 2014. In addition, the EPA initially proposed in June 2012 to disapprove portions of the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and instead issue a FIP. The EPA withdrew its initial proposed actions on the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and the proposed FIP, published a re-proposed rule in June 2013, and finalized its determination in January 2014, which aligns more closely with the SIP proposed by the state of Wyoming. The EPA's final action on the Wyoming SIP approved the state's plan to have PacifiCorp install low-nitrogen oxides burners at Naughton Units 1 and 2, SCR controls at Naughton Unit 3 by December 2014, SCR controls at Jim Bridger Units 1 through 4 between 2015 and 2022, and low-nitrogen oxides burners at Dave Johnston Unit 4. The EPA disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for Dave Johnston Unit 3, where it required the installation of SCR controls by 2019 or, in lieu of installing SCR controls, a commitment to shut down Dave Johnston Unit 3 by 2027, its currently approved depreciable life. The EPA also disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for the Wyodak coal-fueled generating facility ("Wyodak Facility"), requiring the installation of SCR controls within five years (i.e., by 2019). The EPA action became final on March 3, 2014. PacifiCorp filed an appeal of the EPA's final action on the Wyodak Facility in March 2014. The state of Wyoming also filed an appeal of the EPA's final action, as did the Powder River Basin Resource Council, National Parks Conservation Association and Sierra Club. In September 2014, the Tenth Circuit issued a stay of the March 2019 compliance deadline for the Wyodak Facility, pending further action by the Tenth Circuit in the appeal. In June 2014, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a revised BART permit allowing Naughton Unit 3 to operate on coal through 2017 and providing for natural gas conversion of the unit in 2018; in October 2016, an application was filed with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality requesting a revision of the dates for the end of coal firing and the start of gas firing for Naughton Unit 3 to align with the requirements of the Wyoming SIP. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has taken public comment on, but not yet approved, Naughton Unit 3 to cease coal firing no later than January 30, 2019, and complete the gas conversion by June 30, 2019. In its final action, the EPA indicated it supported the conversion of the unit to natural gas as its fuel source and would expedite action relative to consideration of the natural gas conversion once the state of Wyoming submitted the requisite SIP amendment; nonetheless, Naughton Unit 3 natural gas conversion, should it ultimately be pursued, remains subject to final approval by the EPA.


The state of Arizona issued a regional haze SIP requiring, among other things, the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Cholla Unit 4. The EPA approved in part, and disapproved in part, the Arizona SIP and issued a FIP for the disapproved portions requiring SCR controls on Cholla Unit 4. PacifiCorp filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ("Ninth Circuit") regarding the FIP as it relates to Cholla Unit 4, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and other affected Arizona utilities filed separate appeals of the FIP as it relates to their interests. The Ninth Circuit issued an order in February 2015, holding the matter in abeyance relating to PacifiCorp and Arizona Public Service Company as they work with state and federal agencies on an alternate compliance approach for Cholla Unit 4. In January 2015, permit applications and studies were submitted to amend the Cholla Title V permit, and subsequently the Arizona SIP to convert Cholla Unit 4 to a natural gas-fueled unit in 2025. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality prepared a draft permit and a revision to the Arizona regional haze SIP, held two public hearings in July 2015 and, after considering the comments received during the public comment period that closed on July 14, 2015, submitted the final proposals to the EPA for review, public comment and final action. The EPA issued its proposed action to approve amendments to the Arizona regional haze SIP, which were published in the Federal Register in July 2016. The EPA's final action to approve the amendments to the Arizona regional haze SIP was issued January 13, 2017, but has not yet been published in the Federal Register.

The state of Colorado regional haze SIP requires SCR controls at Craig Unit 2 and Hayden Units 1 and 2, in which PacifiCorp has ownership interests. Each of those regional haze compliance projects are either already in service or currently being constructed. In addition, in February 2015, the state of Colorado finalized an amendment to its regional haze SIP relating to Craig Unit 1, in which PacifiCorp has an ownership interest, to require the installation of SCR controls by 2021. The EPA has yet to act on the amended Colorado SIP. In September 2016, the owners of Craig Units 1 and 2 reached an agreement with state and federal agencies and certain environmental groups that were parties to the previous settlement requiring SCR to retire Unit 1 by December 31, 2025, in lieu of SCR installation, or alternatively to remove the unit from coal-fueled service in 2021 and implement a natural gas conversion by 2023, in lieu of SCR installation. The terms of the agreement were approved by the Colorado Air Quality Board in December 2016. The terms of the agreement will be incorporated into an amended Colorado regional haze SIP in 2017, which upon approval, will be submitted to the EPA for its review and approval process.

Until the EPA takes final action in each state and decisions have been made in the pending appeals, PacifiCorp, cannot fully determine the impacts of the Regional Haze Rule on its respective generating facilities.

The Navajo Generating Station, in which Nevada Power is a joint owner with an 11.3% ownership share, is also a source that is subject to the regional haze BART requirements. In January 2013, the EPA announced a proposed FIP addressing BART and an alternative for the Navajo Generating Station that includes a flexible timeline for reducing nitrogen oxides emissions. Nevada Power, along with the other owners of the facility, have been reviewing the EPA's proposal to determine its impact on the viability of the facility's future operations. The land lease for the Navajo Generating Station is subject to renewal in 2019. Renewal of the lease will require completion of an Environmental Impact Statement as well as a renewal of the fuel supply agreement. In September 2013, the EPA issued a supplemental proposal that included another BART alternative called the Technical Work Group Alternative, which is based on a proposal submitted to the EPA by a group of Navajo Generating Station stakeholders. The EPA accepted comments on the various alternatives through January 6, 2014 and, in August 2014, the EPA announced it had approved the final plan for the Navajo Generating Station, including the reduction of emissions of nitrogen oxides by approximately 80% through the retirement of one unit, or the curtailment of generation equivalent to one unit, in 2019 and installation of SCR controls at the other two units by 2030. In October 2014, several groups filed an appeal of the EPA's decision in the Ninth Circuit; oral arguments were heard by the Ninth Circuit on November 18, 2016. The Hopi Tribe was initially part of the larger group appeal but their challenge was subsequently severed from that appeal and is proceeding separately. Until such time as additional action is taken by the Ninth Circuit and the uncertainties regarding lease and agreement renewal terms for the Navajo Generating Station are addressed, Nevada Power cannot predict the outcome of this matter. Nevada Power filed the ERCR Plan in May 2014 that proposed to eliminate its ownership participation in the Navajo Generating Station in 2019, which was approved by the PUCN.


Climate Change

In December 2015, an international agreement was negotiated by 195 nations to create a universal framework for coordinated action on climate change in what is referred to as the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement reaffirms the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, while urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius; establishes commitments by all parties to make nationally determined contributions and pursue domestic measures aimed at achieving the commitments; commits all countries to submit emissions inventories and report regularly on their emissions and progress made in implementing and achieving their nationally determined commitments; and commits all countries to submit new commitments every five years, with the expectation that the commitments will get more aggressive. In the context of the Paris Agreement, the United States agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% to 28% by 2025 from 2005 levels. After more than 55 countries representing more than 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions submitted their ratification documents, the Paris Agreement became effective November 4, 2016. Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, ratifying countries are bound for a three-year period and must provide one-year's notice of their intent to withdraw. On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the withdrawal would be effective in November 2020. The cornerstone of the United States' commitment iswas the Clean Power Plan which was finalized by the EPA in 2015.2015 but has since been proposed for repeal by the EPA.

GHG Performance Standards

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA may establish emissions standards that reflect the degree of emissions reductions achievable through the best technology that has been demonstrated, taking into consideration the cost of achieving those reductions and any non-air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. On August 3, 2015, the EPA issued final new source performance standards, establishing a standard of 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for large natural gas-fueled generating facilities and 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for new coal-fueled generating facilities with the "Best System of Emission Reduction" reflecting highly efficient supercritical pulverized coal facilities with partial carbon capture and sequestration or integrated gasification combined-cycle units that are co-fired with natural gas or pre-combustion slipstream capture of carbon dioxide. The new source performance standards have beenwere appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. CircuitCircuit") and oral argument iswas scheduled to be heardfor April 17, 2017. However, despiteoral argument was deferred and the pendencycourt held the case in abeyance for an indefinite period of time. On December 6, 2018, the appeal,EPA announced revisions to new source performance standards for new and reconstructed coal-fired units. EPA proposes to revise carbon dioxide emission limits for new coal-fired facilities to 1,900 pounds per MWh for small units and 2,000 pounds per MWh for large units. EPA would define the best system of emission reduction for new and modified units as the most efficient demonstrated steam cycle, combined with best operating practices. EPA is accepting comment on the proposal through March 18, 2019. Until such time as the EPA undertakes further action on the proposed reconsideration or the court takes action, any new fossil-fueled generating facilities constructed by the relevant Registrants will be required to meet the GHG new source performance standards.
    

Clean Power Plan

In June 2014, the EPA released proposed regulations to address GHG emissions from existing fossil-fueled generating facilities, referred to as the Clean Power Plan, under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The EPA's proposal calculated state-specific emission rate targets to be achieved based on the "Best System of Emission Reduction." In August 2015, the final Clean Power Plan was released, which established the Best System of Emission Reduction as including: (a) heat rate improvements; (b) increased utilization of existing combined-cycle natural gas-fueled generating facilities; and (c) increased deployment of new and incremental non-carbon generation placed in-service after 2012. The EPA also changed the compliance period to beginwould have begun in 2022, with three interim periods of compliance and with the final goal to be achieved by 2030. Based on changes to the state emission reduction targets, which are now all between 771 pounds per MWh2030 and 1,305 pounds per MWh, the Clean Power Plan, when fully implemented, iswas expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the power sector to 32% below 2005 levels by 2030. The EPA also released in August 2015, a draft federal plan as an option or backstop for states to utilize in the event they do not submit approvable state plans. The public comment period on the draft federal plan and proposed model trading rules closed January 21, 2016. States were required to submit their initial implementation plans by September 2016 but could request an extension to September 2018. However, onOn February 9, 2016, the United States Supreme Court ordered that the EPA's emission guidelines for existing sources be stayed pending the disposition of the challenges to the rule in the D.C. Circuit and any action on a writ of certiorari before the U.S.United States Supreme Court. Oral argument was heard before the full D.C. Circuit (with the exception of Chief Judge Merrick Garland) on September 27, 2016, and the2016. The court has not yet issued its decision. On October 10, 2017, the EPA issued a proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan and the EPA took comments on the proposed repeal until April 26, 2018. In addition, the EPA published in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on December 28, 2017, seeking public input on, without committing to, a potential replacement rule. The public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concluded February 26, 2018. On August 21, 2018, the EPA proposed the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which would replace the Clean Power Plan. The Affordable Clean Energy rule would determine that the best system of emissions reduction for existing coal-fueled power plants is heat rate improvements and proposes a set of candidate technologies and measures that could improve heat rates. The EPA did not propose to set a specific numerical standard of performance for all affected units. Instead, states would be required to evaluate the candidate technologies and measures to establish standards of performance on a unit-specific basis, setting a standard of performance for each affected unit, measured in terms of pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. Measures taken to meet the standards of performance must be achieved at the source itself. Under the proposed rule, states would have three years from rule finalization to submit a plan to the EPA, which would have one year to determine the approvability of the plan. If a state does not submit a plan or a submitted plan is not satisfactory, the EPA would have two years to develop a federal plan. Comments on the proposal were due October 31, 2018. Until the proposed rule is finalized and state plans are developed, the full impacts of the final rule or the federal plan on the Registrants cannot be determined until the outcome of the pending litigation and subsequent appeals, the outcome of any issues should the case be remanded for further action by the EPA, the development and implementation of state plans, and finalization of the federal plan.determined. However, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific have historically pursued cost-effective projects, including plant efficiency improvements, increased diversification of their generating fleets to include deployment of renewable and lower carbon generating resources, and advancement ofadvanced customer energy efficiency programs.


In the absence of comprehensive climate legislation or regulation, the Registrants have continued to invest in lower- and non-carbon generating resources and to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. In July 2015, BHE signed the American Business Act on Climate pledge, in which BHE pledged to build on the Company's combined investment of more than $15 billion in renewable energy generation under construction and in operation through 2014 by investing up to an additional $15 billion. Components of BHE's pledge include:
Pursue the construction of an additional 552 MW of new wind-powered generation in Iowa, increasing MidAmerican Energy's generating portfolio to more than 4,000 MW of wind, which is forecast to be equivalent to 63 percent of its Iowa retail sales in 2017. MidAmerican Energy surpassed its Climate Pledge commitments in 2016 and is currently proceeding with the construction of an additional 2,000 MW of new wind-powered generation in Iowa. When complete, MidAmerican Energy’s wind portfolio will include more than 6,000 MW, which is forecast to be equivalent to 89 percent of its Iowa retail sales in 2020. MidAmerican Energy owns the largest portfolio of wind-powered generating capacity in the United States among rate-regulated utilities.
Retire more than 75 percent of the Nevada Utilities' coal-fueled generating capacity in Nevada by 2019.
Add more than 1,000 MW of incremental solar and wind capacity through long-term power purchase agreements to PacifiCorp's owned 1,030 MW of wind-powered generating capacity. PacifiCorp owns the second largest portfolio of wind-powered generating capacity in the United States among rate-regulated utilities. PacifiCorp’s Climate Pledge commitments were met December 2016. The new capacity brings PacifiCorp’s non-carbon generating capacity to more than 4,500 MW, which is forecast to be equivalent to 22 percent of its retail sales in 2017.
Invest in transmission infrastructure in the West and Midwest to support the integration of renewable energy onto the grid.
Support and advance the development of markets in the West to optimize the electric grid, lower costs, enhance reliability and more effectively integrate renewable sources.
New federal, regional, state and international accords, legislation, regulation, or judicial proceedings limiting GHG emissions could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants, the United States and the global economy. Companies and industries with higher GHG emissions, such as utilities with significant coal-fueled generating facilities, will be subject to more direct impacts and greater financial and regulatory risks. The impact is dependent on numerous factors, none of which can be meaningfully quantified at this time. These factors include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and timing of GHG emissions reduction requirements; the design of the requirements; the cost, availability and effectiveness of emissions control technology; the price, distribution method and availability of offsets and allowances used for compliance; government-imposed compliance costs; and the existence and nature of incremental cost recovery mechanisms. Examples of how new requirements may impact the Registrants include:
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase required emissions allowances under any market-based cap-and-trade system in excess of allocations that are received at no cost. These purchases would be necessary until new technologies could be developed and deployed to reduce emissions or lower carbon generation is available;
Acquiring and renewing construction and operating permits for new and existing generating facilities may be costly and difficult;
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase and deploy new generating technologies;
Costs may be incurred to retire existing coal-fueled generating facilities before the end of their otherwise useful lives or to convert them to burn fuels, such as natural gas or biomass, that result in lower emissions;
Operating costs may be higher and generating unit outputs may be lower;
Higher interest and financing costs and reduced access to capital markets may result to the extent that financial markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a greater business risk; and
The relevant Registrant's natural gas pipeline operations, electric transmission and retail sales may be impacted in response to changes in customer demand and requirements to reduce GHG emissions.


The impact of events or conditions caused by climate change, whether from natural processes or human activities, are uncertain and could vary widely, from highly localized to worldwide, and the extent to which a utility's operations may be affected is uncertain. Climate change may cause physical and financial risk through, among other things, sea level rise, changes in precipitation and extreme weather events. Consumer demand for energy may increase or decrease, based on overall changes in weather and as customers promote lower energy consumption through the continued use of energy efficiency programs or other means. Availability of resources to generate electricity, such as water for hydroelectric production and cooling purposes, may also be impacted by climate change and could influence the Registrants' existing and future electricity generating portfolio. These issues may have a direct impact on the costs of electricity production and increase the price customers pay or their demand for electricity.

Regional and State Activities

Several states have promulgated or otherwise participate in state-specific or regional laws or initiatives to report or mitigate GHG emissions. These are expected to impact the relevant Registrant, and include:

In June 2013, Nevada Senate BillSB 123 ("SB 123") was signed into law. Among other things, SB 123 and regulations thereunder requirerequired Nevada Power to file with the PUCN an emission reduction and capacity replacement plan by May 1, 2014. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its emissions reduction capacity replacement plan. The plan provided for the retirement or elimination of 300 MWMWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2014, another 250 MWMWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2017, and another 250 MWMWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2019, along with replacement of such capacity with a mixture of constructed, acquired or contracted renewable and non-technology specific generating units. The plan also sets forth the expected timeline and costs associated with decommissioning coal-fired generating units that will be retired or eliminated pursuant to the plan. The PUCN has the authority to approve or modify the emission reduction and capacity replacement plan filed by Nevada Power. Given theThe PUCN may recommend and/or approve variations to Nevada Power's resource plans relative to requirements under SB 123,123. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the specific impacts of SB 123 on Nevada Power cannot be determined.ERCR Plan.

Under the authority of California's Global Warming Solutions Act, which includes a series of policies aimed at returning California greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, the California Air Resources Board adopted a GHG cap-and-trade program with an effective date of January 1, 2012; compliance obligations were imposed on entities beginning in 2013. PacifiCorp is subject to the cap-and-trade program as a retail service provider in California and an importer of wholesale energy into California. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In September 2016, California Senate Bill 32 was signed into law establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

The states of California, Washington and Oregon have adopted GHG emissions performance standards for base load electricity generating resources. Under the laws in California and Oregon, the emissions performance standards provide that emissions must not exceed 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. Effective April 2013, Washington'sIn September 2018, the Washington Department of Commerce amended the emissions performance standards to provide that GHG emissions for base load electricity generating resources must not exceed 970925 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. These GHG emissions performance standards generally prohibit electric utilities from entering into long-term financial commitments (e.g., new ownership investments, upgrades, or new or renewed contracts with a term of five or more years) unless any base load generation supplied under long-term financial commitments comply with the GHG emissions performance standards.

Washington and Oregon enacted legislation in May 2007 and August 2007, respectively, establishing goals for the reduction of GHG emissions in their respective states. Washington's goals seek to (a) reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; (b) reduce emissions to 25% below 1990 levels by 2035; and (c) reduce emissions to 50% below 1990 levels by 2050, or 70% below Washington's forecasted emissions in 2050. Oregon's goals seek to (a) cease the growth of Oregon GHG emissions by 2010; (b) reduce GHG levels to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020; and (c) reduce GHG levels to at least 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. Each state's legislation also calls for state government to develop policy recommendations in the future to assist in the monitoring and achievement of these goals.

In September 2016, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a final rule regulating GHG emissions from sources in Washington. The rule regulates greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride beginning in 2017 with three-year compliance periods thereafter (i.e., 2017-2019, 2020-2022, etc.). Under the rule, the Washington State Department of Ecology will establish aestablished GHG emissions reduction pathwaypathways for all covered entities. Covered entities may use emission reduction units, which may be traded with other covered entities, to meet their compliance requirements. PacifiCorp's resources that are covered under the rule include the Chehalis generating facility, which is a natural gas combined-cycle plant located in Washington state. PacifiCorp received its baseline emission order on December 17, 2017, which specified the emission reduction requirements for the Chehalis generating facility every three years beginning in 2017. The reduction requirements average 1.7% per year. However, the Washington State Department of Ecology suspended the compliance obligations of the Clean Air Rule after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled the state lacks authority to mandate reductions from indirect emitters. Pending further interpretation of the court's decision by the Washington State Department of Ecology, entities subject to the rule are required to continue reporting emissions.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a mandatory, market-based effort to reduce GHG emissions in ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, required, beginning in 2009, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector of 10% by 2018. In May 2011, New Jersey withdrew from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Following a program review in 2012, the nine Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states implemented a new 2014 cap which was approximately 45% lower than the 2012-2013 cap. The cap is reduced each year by 2.5% from 2015 to 2020. As called for inIn December 2017, an updated model rule was released by the 2012 program review, a program review was initiated for 2016Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states which includes an additional 30% regional cap reduction between 2020 and continues through 2017 with the expectation that states will implement program changes in the fourth control period from 2018 to 2020.

GHG Litigation

Each Registrant closely monitors ongoing environmental litigation applicable to its respective operations. Numerous lawsuits have been unsuccessfully pursued against the industry that attempt to link GHG emissions to public or private harm. The lower courts initially refrained from adjudicating the cases under the "political question" doctrine, because of their inherently political nature. These cases have typically been appealed to federal appellate courts and, in certain circumstances, to the United States Supreme Court. In the U.S. Supreme Court's 2011 decision in the case of American Electric Power Co., Inc., et al. v. Connecticut et al., the court addressed the question of whether federal common law nuisance claims could be maintained against certain electric power companies' for their GHG emissions and require the setting of an emissions cap for the emitters. The court held that the Clean Air Act and the EPA actions it authorizes displace any federal common law right to seek abatement of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fuel-fired power plants. Adverse rulings in GHG-related cases could result in increased or changed regulations and could increase costs for GHG emitters, including the Registrants' generating facilities.

The GHG rules, changes to those rules, and the Registrants' compliance requirements are subject to potential outcomes from proceedings and litigation challenging the rules.2030.

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Each state's RPS described below could significantly impact the relevant Registrant's consolidated financial results. Resources that meet the qualifying electricity requirements under each RPS vary from state to state. Each state's RPS requires some form of compliance reporting and the relevant Registrant can be subject to penalties in the event of noncompliance. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable RPS laws and regulations.

In 1983, Iowa became the first state in the United States to adopt a RPS requiring the state utilities to own or to contract for a combined total of 105 MWs of renewable generating capacity and associated energy production. The IUB allocated the 105-MW requirement between the two utilities in Iowa based on each utility's percentage of their combined estimated Iowa retail peak demand in 1990 resulting in MidAmerican Energy being allocated a RPS requirement of 55.2 MWs. The utility must meet its RPS obligation by either owning renewable energy production facilities located in Iowa or entering into long-term contracts to purchase or wheel electricity from renewable production facilities located in the utility's service area.


Since 1997, NV Energy has been required to comply with a RPS. Current law requires the Nevada Utilities to meet 18% of their energy requirements with renewable resources for 2014, 20% for 2015 through 2019, 22% for 2020 and 2024, and 25% for 2025 and thereafter. The RPS also requires 5% of the portfolio requirement come from solar resources through 2015 and increasing to 6% in 2016. Nevada law also permits energy efficiency measures to be used to satisfy a portion of the RPS through 2025, subject to certain limitations. In November 2018, Nevada voters approved a measure to increase the state's RPS to 50% by 2030; the measure must be voted on and approved a second time, in November 2020, in order to take effect.

Utah's Energy Resource and Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative provides that, beginning in the year 2025, 20% of adjusted retail electric sales of all Utah utilities be supplied by renewable energy, if it is cost effective. Retail electric sales will be adjusted by deducting the amount of generation from sources that produce zero or reduced carbon emissions, and for sales avoided as a result of energy efficiency and DSM programs. Qualifying renewable energy sources can be located anywhere within the WECC, and renewable energy credits can be used.

The Oregon Renewable Energy Act ("OREA") provides a comprehensive renewable energy policy and RPS for Oregon. Subject to certain exemptions and cost limitations established in the law, PacifiCorp and other qualifying electric utilities must meet minimum qualifying electricity requirements for electricity sold to retail customers of at least 5% in 2011 through 2014, 15% in 2015 through 2019, and 20% in 2020 through 2024. In March 2016, Oregon Senate Bill No. 1547-B, the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan, was signed into law. Senate Bill No. 1547-B requires that coal-fueled resources are eliminated from Oregon’sOregon's allocation of electricity by January 1, 2030, and increases the current RPS target from 25% in 2025 to 50% by 2040. Senate Bill No. 1547-B also implements new REC banking provisions, as well as the following interim RPS targets: 27% in 2025 through 2029, 35% in 2030 through 2034, 45% in 2035 through 2039, and 50% by 2040 and subsequent years. As required by the OREA, the OPUC has approved an automatic adjustment clause to allow an electric utility, including PacifiCorp, to recover prudently incurred costs of its investments in renewable energy generating facilities and associated transmission costs.


Washington's Energy Independence Act establishes a renewable energy target for qualifying electric utilities, including PacifiCorp. The requirements are 3% of retail sales by January 1, 2012 through 2015, 9% of retail sales by January 1, 2016 through 2019 and 15% of retail sales by January 1, 2020 and each year thereafter. In April 2013, Washington State Senate Bill No. 5400 ("SB 5400") was signed into law. SB 5400 expands the geographic area in which eligible renewable resources may be located to beyond the Pacific Northwest, allowing renewable resources located in all states served by PacifiCorp to qualify. SB 5400 also provides PacifiCorp with additional flexibility and options to meet Washington's renewable mandates.

The California RPS required all California retail sellers to procure an average of 20% of retail load from renewable resources by December 31, 2013, 25% by December 31, 2016 and 33% by December 31, 2020. In October 2015, California Senate Bill No. 350 was signed intobecame law whichand increased the current RPS requirementtarget to 40% by December 31, 2024, 45% by December 31, 2027 and 50% by December 31, 2030. The state's RPS was further expanded in September 2018, when California Senate Bill 100 (SB-100), the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 was signed into law. In addition to requiring retail sellers to meet a RPS target of 60% by 2030, SB-100 enabled a longer-term planning target for 100% of total California retail sales to come from eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources by December 31, 2045. In December 2011, the CPUC adopted a decision confirming that multi-jurisdictional utilities, such as PacifiCorp, are not subject to the percentage limits within the three product content categories of RPS-eligible resources established by the legislation that have been imposed on other California retail sellers.

Clean Air Act Regulations

The Clean Air Act is a federal law administered by the EPA that provides a framework for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and controlling sources of air emissions. The implementation of new standards is generally outlined in SIPs, which are a collection of regulations, programs and policies to be followed. SIPs vary by state and are subject to public hearings and EPA approval. Some states may adopt additional or more stringent requirements than those implemented by the EPA. The major Clean Air Act programs most directly affecting the Registrants' operations are described below.


National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, the EPA sets minimum national ambient air quality standards for six principal pollutants, consisting of carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone and sulfur dioxide, considered harmful to public health and the environment. Areas that achieve the standards, as determined by ambient air quality monitoring, are characterized as being in attainment, while those that fail to meet the standards are designated as being nonattainment areas. Generally, sources of emissions in a nonattainment area that are determined to contribute to the nonattainment are required to reduce emissions. Most air quality standards require measurement over a defined period of time to determine the average concentration of the pollutant present. Currently, with the exceptions described in the following paragraphs, air quality monitoring data indicates that all counties where the relevant Registrant's major emission sources are located are in attainment of the current national ambient air quality standards.

On June 4, 2018, EPA published final designations for much of the United States. Relevant to the Registrants, these designations include classifying Yuma County, Arizona; Clark County, Nevada; and the Northern Wasatch Front, Southern Wasatch Front and Duchesne and Uintah counties in Utah as nonattainment-marginal. These areas will be required to meet the 2015 standard three years from the August 3, 2018, effective date. All other areas relevant to the Registrants were designated attainment/unclassifiable with this same action.

In January 2010, the EPA finalized a one-hour air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide at 100 parts per billion. In February 2012, the EPA published final designations indicating that based on air quality monitoring data, all areas of the country are designated as "unclassifiable/attainment" for the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard. On April 6, 2018, EPA issued a decision to retain the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard without revision.

In June 2010, the EPA finalized a new national ambient air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. Under the 2010 rule, areas must meet a one-hour standard of 75 parts per billion utilizing a three-year average. The rule utilizes source modeling in addition to the installation of ambient monitors where sulfur dioxide emissions impact populated areas. Attainment designations were due by June 2012; however, citing a lack of sufficient information to make the designations, the EPA did not issue its final designations until July 2013 and determined, at that date, that a portion of Muscatine County, Iowa was in nonattainment for the one-hour sulfur dioxide standard. MidAmerican Energy's Louisa coal-fueled generating facility is located just outside of Muscatine County, south of the violating monitor. In its final designation, the EPA indicated that it was not yet prepared to conclude that the emissions from the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility contribute to the monitored violation or to other possible violations, and that in a subsequent round of designations, the EPA will make decisions for areas and sources outside Muscatine County. MidAmerican Energy does not believe a subsequent nonattainment designation will have a material impact on the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility. Although the EPA's July 2013 designations did not impact PacifiCorp's nor the Nevada Utilities' generating facilities, the EPA's assessment of sulfur dioxide area designations will continue with the deployment of additional sulfur dioxide monitoring networks across the country.

The Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the EPA in August 2013 with respect to the one-hour sulfur dioxide standards and its failure to make certain attainment designations in a timely manner. In March 2015, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ("Northern District of California") accepted as an enforceable order an agreement between the EPA and Sierra Club to resolve litigation concerning the deadline for completing the designations. The Northern District of California's order directed the EPA to complete designations in three phases: the first phase by July 2, 2016; the second phase by December 31, 2017; and the final phase by December 31, 2020. The first phase of the designations require the EPA to designate two groups of areas: 1) areas that have newly monitored violations of the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard; and 2) areas that contain any stationary source that, according to the EPA's data, either emitted more than 16,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2012 or emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and had an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012 and, as of March 2, 2015, had not been announced for retirement. MidAmerican Energy's George Neal Unit 4 and the Ottumwa Generating Station (in which MidAmerican Energy has a majority ownership interest, but does not operate), are included as units subject to the first phase of the designations, having emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and having an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012. States may submit to the EPA updated recommendations and supporting information for the EPA to consider in making its determinations. Iowa submitted documentation to the EPA in April 2016 supporting its recommendation that Des Moines, Wapello and Woodbury Counties be designated as being in attainment of the standard. In July 2016, the EPA's final designations were published in the Federal Register indicating portions of Muscatine County, Iowa were in nonattainment with the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard, Woodbury County, Iowa was unclassifiable, and Des Moines and Wapello Counties were unclassifiable/attainment.


In December 2012, the EPA finalized more stringent fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards, reducing the annual standard from 15 micrograms per cubic meter to 12 micrograms per cubic meter and retaining the 24-hour standard at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The EPA did not set a separate secondary visibility standard, choosing to rely on the existing secondary 24-hour standard to protect against visibility impairment. In December 2014, the EPA issued final area designations for the 2012 fine particulate matter standard. Based on these designations, the areas in which the relevant Registrant operates generating facilities have been classified as "unclassifiable/attainment." Unless additional monitoring suggests otherwise, the relevant Registrant does not anticipate that any impacts of the revised standard will be significant.

In December 2014, the Utah SIP for fine particulate matter was adopted by the Utah Air Quality Board. PacifiCorp's Lake Side and Gadsby generating facilities operate within nonattainment areas for fine particulate matter; however, the SIP did not impose significant new requirements on PacifiCorp's impacted generating facilities, nor did the EPA's comments on the Utah SIP identify requirements for PacifiCorp's existing generating facilities that would have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

In March 2011, the EPA proposed a rule that requires coal-fueled generating facilities to reduce mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants through the establishment of "Maximum Achievable Control Technology" standards. The final MATS became effective on April 16, 2012, and required that new and existing coal-fueled generating facilities achieve emission standards for mercury, acid gases and other non-mercury hazardous air pollutants. Existing sources were required to comply with the new standards by April 16, 2015 with the potential for individual sources to obtain an extension of up to one additional year, at the discretion of the Title V permitting authority, to complete installation of controls or for transmission system reliability reasons. The relevant Registrants have completed emission reduction projects to comply with the final rule's standards for acid gases and non-mercury metallic hazardous air pollutants.

MidAmerican Energy retired certain coal-fueled generating units as the least-cost alternative to comply with the MATS. Walter Scott, Jr. Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in 2015, and George Neal Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in April 2016. A fifth unit, Riverside Generating Station, was limited to natural gas combustion in March 2015.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in the D.C. Circuit challenging the MATS. In April 2014, the D.C. Circuit upheld the MATS requirements. In November 2014, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear the MATS appeal on the limited issue of whether the EPA unreasonably refused to consider costs in determining whether it is appropriate to regulate hazardous air pollutants emitted by electric utilities. Oral argument in the case was held before the United States Supreme Court in March 2015, and a decision was issued by the United States Supreme Court in June 2015, which reversed and remanded the MATS rule to the D.C. Circuit for further action. The United States Supreme Court held that the EPA had acted unreasonably when it deemed cost irrelevant to the decision to regulate generating facilities, and that cost, including costs of compliance, must be considered before deciding whether regulation is necessary and appropriate. The United States Supreme Court's decision did not vacate or stay implementation of the MATS rule. In December 2015, the D.C. Circuit issued an order remanding the rule to the EPA, without vacating the rule. As a result, the relevant Registrants continue to have a legal obligation under the MATS rule and the respective permits issued by the states in which each respective Registrant operates to comply with the MATS rule, including operating all emissions controls or otherwise complying with the MATS requirements.

On December 27, 2018, the EPA issued a proposed revised supplemental cost finding for the MATS, as well as the required risk and technology review under Clean Air Act Section 112. EPA proposes to determine that it is not appropriate and necessary to regulate hazardous air pollutant emissions from power plants under Section 112; however, EPA proposes to retain the emission standards and other requirements of the MATS rule, because EPA is not proposing to remove coal- and oil-fired power plants from the list of sources regulated under Section 112. The public comment period on the proposal closes April 8, 2019. Until EPA takes final action on the rule, the relevant Registrants cannot fully determine the impacts of the proposed changes to the MATS rule.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

The EPA promulgated an initial rule in March 2005 to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, precursors of ozone and particulate matter, from down-wind sources in the eastern United States, including Iowa, to reduce emissions by implementing a plan based on a market-based cap-and-trade system, emissions reductions, or both. After numerous appeals, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") was promulgated to address interstate transport of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions in 27 eastern and Midwestern states.


The first phase of the rule was implemented January 1, 2015. In November 2015, the EPA released a proposed rule that would further reduce nitrogen oxides emissions in 2017. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in October 2016. The rule requires additional reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions beginning in May 2017. On December 23, 2016, a lawsuit was filed against the EPA in the D.C. Circuit over the final CSAPR "update" rule, which is still pending.

MidAmerican Energy has installed emissions controls at its coal-fueled generating facilities to comply with the CSAPR and may purchase emissions allowances to meet a portion of its compliance obligations. The cost of these allowances is subject to market conditions at the time of purchase and historically has not been material. MidAmerican Energy believes that the controls installed to date are consistent with the reductions to be achieved from implementation of the rule and does not anticipate that any impacts of the CSAPR update will be significant.

MidAmerican Energy operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Iowa and BHE Renewables operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Texas, Illinois and New York, which are subject to the CSAPR. However, the provisions are not anticipated to have a material impact on Berkshire Hathaway Energy or MidAmerican Energy. None of PacifiCorp's, Nevada Power's or Sierra Pacific's generating facilities are subject to the CSAPR. However, in a Notice of Data Availability published in the January 6, 2017, Federal Register, the EPA provided preliminary estimates of which upwind states may have linkages to downwind states experiencing ozone levels at or exceeding the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standard of 70 parts per billion, and, using similar methodology to that in the CSAPR, indicated that Utah and Wyoming could have an obligation under the "good neighbor" provisions of the Clean Air Act to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions.

On December 6, 2018, EPA finalized a rule to close out the CSAPR, having determined that the CSAPR Update for the 2008 ozone NAAQS fully addresses Clean Air Act interstate transport obligations of 20 eastern states. EPA determined that 2023 is an appropriate future analytic year to evaluate remaining good neighbor obligations and that there will be no remaining nonattainment or maintenance receptors with respect to the 2008 ozone NAAQS in the eastern United States in that year. Per EPA's determination, the 20 CSAPR Update-affected states would therefore not contribute significantly to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance of, any other state with regard to the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The final CSAPR Close-Out Rule was published December 21, 2018, and became effective February 19, 2019.

Regional Haze

The EPA's Regional Haze Rule, finalized in 1999, requires states to develop and implement plans to improve visibility in designated federally protected areas ("Class I areas"). Some of PacifiCorp's coal-fueled generating facilities in Utah, Wyoming, Arizona and Colorado and certain of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's fossil-fueled generating facilities are subject to the Clean Air Visibility Rules. In accordance with the federal requirements, states are required to submit SIPs that address emissions from sources subject to best available retrofit technology ("BART") requirements and demonstrate progress towards achieving natural visibility requirements in Class I areas by 2064.

The state of Utah issued a regional haze SIP requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. In December 2012, the EPA approved the sulfur dioxide portion of the Utah regional haze SIP and disapproved the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter portions. Subsequently, the Utah Division of Air Quality completed an alternative BART analysis for Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. In January 2016, the EPA published two alternative proposals to either approve the Utah SIP as written or reject the Utah SIP relating to nitrogen oxides controls and require the installation of selective catalytic reduction ("SCR") controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years. EPA's final action on the Utah regional haze SIP was effective August 4, 2016. The EPA approved in part and disapproved in part the Utah regional haze SIP and issued a federal implementation plan ("FIP") requiring the installation of SCR controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years of the effective date of the rule. PacifiCorp and other parties filed requests with the EPA to reconsider and stay that decision, as well as filed motions for stay and petitions for review with the Tenth Circuit asking the court to overturn the EPA's actions. In July 2017, the EPA issued a letter indicating it would reconsider its FIP decision. In light of the EPA's grant of reconsideration and the EPA's position in the litigation, the Tenth Circuit held the litigation in abeyance and imposed a stay of the compliance obligations of the FIP for the number of days the stay is in effect while the EPA conducts its reconsideration process. To support the reconsideration, PacifiCorp undertook additional air quality modeling using the CAMX air quality dispersion model. On January 14, 2019, the state of Utah submitted a SIP revision to the EPA, which includes the updated modeling information and additional analysis.

The state of Wyoming issued two regional haze SIPs requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on certain PacifiCorp coal-fueled generating facilities in Wyoming. The EPA approved the sulfur dioxide SIP in December 2012 and the EPA's approval was upheld on appeal by the Tenth Circuit in October 2014. In addition, the EPA initially proposed in June 2012 to disapprove portions of the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and instead issue a FIP. The EPA withdrew its initial proposed actions on the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and the proposed FIP, published a re-proposed rule in June 2013, and finalized its determination in January 2014, which aligns more closely with the SIP proposed by the state of Wyoming. The EPA's final action on the Wyoming SIP approved the state's plan to have PacifiCorp install low-nitrogen oxides burners at Naughton Units 1 and 2, SCR controls at Naughton Unit 3 by December 2014, SCR controls at Jim Bridger Units 1 through 4 between 2015 and 2022, and low-nitrogen oxides burners at Dave Johnston Unit 4. The EPA disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for Dave Johnston Unit 3, where it required the installation of SCR controls by 2019 or, in lieu of installing SCR controls, a commitment to shut down Dave Johnston Unit 3 by 2027, its currently approved depreciable life. The EPA also disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for the Wyodak coal-fueled generating facility ("Wyodak Facility"), requiring the installation of SCR controls within five years (i.e., by 2019). The EPA action became final on March 3, 2014. PacifiCorp filed an appeal of the EPA's final action on the Wyodak Facility in March 2014. The state of Wyoming also filed an appeal of the EPA's final action, as did the Powder River Basin Resource Council, National Parks Conservation Association and Sierra Club. In September 2014, the Tenth Circuit issued a stay of the March 2019 compliance deadline for the Wyodak Facility, pending further action by the Tenth Circuit in the appeal. A stay remains in place and the case has not yet been set for oral argument. In June 2014, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a revised BART permit allowing Naughton Unit 3 to operate on coal through 2017 and providing for natural gas conversion of the unit in 2018; in October 2016, an application was filed with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality requesting a revision of the dates for the end of coal firing and the start of gas firing for Naughton Unit 3 to align with the requirements of the Wyoming SIP. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality approved a change to the requirements for Naughton Unit 3, extending the requirement to cease coal firing to no later than January 30, 2019, and complete the gas conversion by June 30, 2019. On March 17, 2017, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued an extension to operate the unit as a coal-fueled unit through January 30, 2019. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality submitted a proposed revision to the Wyoming SIP, including a change to the Naughton Unit 3 compliance date, to the EPA for approval on November 28, 2017. On November 7, 2018, the EPA published its proposed approval of the Wyoming SIP relative to the Naughton 3 gas conversion. The comment period closed December 7, 2018 and the EPA has not taken final action. PacifiCorp removed the unit from coal-fueled service on January 30, 2019, and is evaluating the economic benefits of converting it to a natural gas-fueled generation resource.

The state of Arizona issued a regional haze SIP requiring, among other things, the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Cholla Unit 4. The EPA approved in part, and disapproved in part, the Arizona SIP and issued a FIP for the disapproved portions requiring SCR controls on Cholla Unit 4. PacifiCorp filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ("Ninth Circuit") regarding the FIP as it relates to Cholla Unit 4, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and other affected Arizona utilities filed separate appeals of the FIP as it relates to their interests. The Ninth Circuit issued an order in February 2015, holding the matter in abeyance while the parties pursued an alternate compliance approach for Cholla Unit 4. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's revision of the draft permit and revision to the Arizona regional haze SIP were approved by the EPA through final action published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2017, with an effective date of April 26, 2017. The final action allows Cholla Unit 4 to utilize coal until April 30, 2025 and convert to gas or otherwise cease burning coal by June 30, 2025.

The state of Colorado regional haze SIP requires SCR controls at Craig Unit 2 and Hayden Units 1 and 2, in which PacifiCorp has ownership interests. Each of those regional haze compliance projects are either already in service or currently being constructed. In addition, in February 2015, the state of Colorado finalized an amendment to its regional haze SIP relating to Craig Unit 1, in which PacifiCorp has an ownership interest, to require the installation of SCR controls by 2021. In September 2016, the owners of Craig Units 1 and 2 reached an agreement with state and federal agencies and certain environmental groups that were parties to the previous settlement requiring SCR to retire Unit 1 by December 31, 2025, in lieu of SCR installation, or alternatively to remove the unit from coal-fueled service by August 31, 2021 with an option to convert the unit to natural gas by August 31, 2023, in lieu of SCR installation. The terms of the agreement were approved by the Colorado Air Quality Board in December 2016. The terms of the agreement were incorporated into an amended Colorado regional haze SIP in 2017 and were submitted to the EPA for its review and approval. The EPA's approval of the amended Colorado regional haze SIP was published in the Federal Register on July 5, 2018, with an effective date of August 6, 2018.

Until the EPA takes final action in each state and decisions have been made in the pending appeals, PacifiCorp, cannot fully determine the impacts of the Regional Haze Rule on its respective generating facilities.


The Navajo Generating Station, in which Nevada Power is a joint owner with an 11.3% ownership share, is also a source that is subject to the regional haze BART requirements. In January 2013, the EPA announced a proposed FIP addressing BART and an alternative for the Navajo Generating Station that includes a flexible timeline for reducing nitrogen oxides emissions. The EPA issued a final FIP on August 8, 2014 adopting, with limited changes, the Navajo Generating Station proposal as a "better than BART" determination. Nevada Power filed the ERCR Plan in May 2014 that proposed to eliminate its ownership participation in the Navajo Generating Station in 2019, which was approved by the PUCN. In February 2017, the non-federal owners of the Navajo Generating Station announced the facility will shut down on or before December 23, 2019, unless new owners can be found. All current owners have since approved a lease extension with the Navajo Nation to allow operations to continue through 2019. Ownership transfer negotiations are ongoing and, until concluded, the relevant Registrant cannot determine whether additional action may be required.

Water Quality Standards

The federal Water Pollution Control Act ("Clean Water Act") establishes the framework for maintaining and improving water quality in the United States through a program that regulates, among other things, discharges to and withdrawals from waterways. The Clean Water Act requires that cooling water intake structures reflect the "best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact" to aquatic organisms. After significant litigation, the EPA released a proposed rule under §316(b) of the Clean Water Act to regulate cooling water intakes at existing facilities. The final rule was released in May 2014, and became effective in October 2014. Under the final rule, existing facilities that withdraw at least 25% of their water exclusively for cooling purposes and have a design intake flow of greater than two million gallons per day are required to reduce fish impingement (i.e., when fish and other aquatic organisms are trapped against screens when water is drawn into a facility's cooling system) by choosing one of seven options. Facilities that withdraw at least 125 million gallons of water per day from waters of the United States must also conduct studies to help their permitting authority determine what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms (i.e., when organisms are drawn into the facility). PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy are assessing the options for compliance at their generating facilities impacted by the final rule and will complete impingement and entrainment studies. PacifiCorp's Dave Johnston generating facility and all of MidAmerican Energy's coal-fueled generating facilities, except Louisa, Ottumwa and Walter Scott, Jr. Unit 4, which have water cooling towers, withdraw more than 125 million gallons per day of water from waters of the United States for once-through cooling applications. PacifiCorp's Jim Bridger, Naughton, Gadsby, Hunter and Huntington generating facilities currently utilize closed cycle cooling towers but are designed to withdraw more than two million gallons of water per day. The standards are required to be met as soon as possible after the effective date of the final rule, but no later than eight years thereafter. The costs of compliance with the cooling water intake structure rule cannot be fully determined until the prescribed studies are conducted.conducted and the respective state environmental agencies review the studies to determine whether additional mitigation technologies should be applied. In the event that PacifiCorp's or MidAmerican Energy's existing intake structures require modification, the costs are not anticipated to be significant to the consolidated financial statements. Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific do not utilize once-through cooling water intake or discharge structures at any of their generating facilities. All of the Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific generating stations are designed to have either minimal or zero discharge; therefore, they are not impacted by the §316(b) final rule.

In November 2015, the EPA published final effluent limitation guidelines and standards for the steam electric power generating sector which, among other things, regulate the discharge of bottom ash transport water, fly ash transport water, combustion residual leachate and non-chemical metal cleaning wastes. These guidelines, which had not been revised since 1982, were revised in response to the EPA's concerns that the addition of controls for air emissions has changed the effluent discharged from coal- and natural gas-fueled generating facilities. PermittingUnder the originally-promulgated guidelines, permitting authorities arewere required to include the new limits in each impacted facility's discharge permit upon renewal;renewal with the new limits mustto be met as soon as possible, beginning November 1, 2018 and must befully implemented by December 31, 2023. MostOn April 5, 2017, a request for reconsideration and administrative stay of the guidelines was filed with the EPA. The EPA granted the request for reconsideration on April 12, 2017, imposed an immediate administrative stay of compliance dates in the rule that had not passed judicial review and requested the court stay the pending litigation over the rule until September 12, 2017. On June 6, 2017, the EPA proposed to extend many of the compliance deadlines that would otherwise occur in 2018 and on September 18, 2017, the EPA issued a final rule extending certain compliance dates for flue gas desulfurization wastewater and bottom ash transport water limits until November 1, 2020. While most of the issues raised by this rule are already being addressed through the coal combustion residuals rule and are not expected to impose significant additional requirements on the facilities.facilities, the impact of the rule cannot be fully determined until the reconsideration action is complete and any judicial review is conducted.


In April 2014, the EPA and the United States Army Corps of Engineers issued a joint proposal to address "Waters"waters of the United States" to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands. The proposed rule comes as a result of United States Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 that created confusion regarding jurisdictional waters that were subject to permitting under either nationwide or individual permitting requirements. The final rule was released in May 2015 but is currently under appeal in multiple courts and a nationwide stay on the implementation of the rule was issued in October 2015. On January 13, 2017, the U.S.United States Supreme Court granted a petition to address jurisdictional challenges to the rule. Depending onThe EPA plans to undertake a two-step process, with the outcomefirst step to repeal the 2015 rule and the second step to carry out a notice-and-comment rulemaking in which a substantive re-evaluation of the appeal(s), a varietydefinition of projects that otherwise would have qualified for streamlined permitting processes under nationwide or regional general permitsthe "waters of the United States" will be requiredundertaken. On July 27, 2017, the EPA and the Corps of Engineers issued a proposal to undergo more lengthyrepeal the final rule and costly individual permit procedures basedrecodify the pre-existing rules pending issuance of a new rule and on anNovember 16, 2017, the agencies proposed to extend the implementation day of the "waters of the United States" rule to 2020; neither of the proposals has been finalized. On January 22, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision related to the jurisdictional challenges to the rule, holding that federal district courts, rather than federal appeals courts, have proper jurisdiction to hear challenges to the rule and instructed the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss the petitions for review for lack of jurisdiction, clearing the way for imposition of the rule in certain states barring final action by the EPA to formalize the extension of watersthe compliance deadline. On December 11, 2018, the EPA and the Corps of Engineers proposed a revised definition of "waters of the United States" that is intended further clarify jurisdictional questions, eliminate case-by-case determinations and narrow Clean Water Act jurisdiction to align with Justice Scalia's 2006 opinion in Rapanos v. United States. The public comment period will be deemed jurisdictional. However, untilclose April 15, 2019. Until the rule is fully litigated and finalized, the Registrants cannot determine whether projects that include construction and demolition will face more complex permitting issues, higher costs or increased requirements for compensatory mitigation.

Coal Combustion Byproduct Disposal

In May 2010, the EPA released a proposed rule to regulate the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts presenting two alternatives to regulation under the RCRA. The public comment period closed in November 2010. The final rule was released by the EPA on December 19, 2014, was published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2015 and was effective on October 19, 2015. The final rule regulates coal combustion byproducts as non-hazardous waste under RCRA Subtitle D and establishes minimum nationwide standards for the disposal of coal combustion residuals. Under the final rule, surface impoundments and landfills utilized for coal combustion byproducts may need to be closed unless they can meet the more stringent regulatory requirements. The final rule requires regulated entities to post annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action reports. The first of these reports was posted to the respective Registrant's coal combustion rule compliance data and information websites in March 2018. Based on the results in those reports, additional action may be required under the rule.

At the time the rule was published in April 2015, PacifiCorp operated 18 surface impoundments and seven landfills that contained coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, nine surface impoundments and three landfills were either closed or repurposed to no longer receive coal combustion byproducts and hence are not subject to the final rule. As PacifiCorp proceeded to implement the final coal combustion rule, it was determined that two surface impoundments located at the Dave Johnston Generating Station were hydraulically connected and effectively constitute a single impoundment. In November 2017, a new surface impoundment was placed into service at the Naughton Generating Station. At the time the rule was published in April 2015, MidAmerican Energy owned or operated nine surface impoundments and four landfills that contain coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, MidAmerican Energy closed or repurposed six surface impoundments to no longer receive coal combustion byproducts. These sixFive of these surface impoundments are subject to closurewere closed on or before April 2018.December 21, 2017 and the sixth is undergoing closure. At the time the rule was published in April 2015, the Nevada Utilities operated ten evaporative surface impoundments and two landfills that contained coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, the Nevada Utilities closed four of the surface impoundments, four impoundments discontinued receipt of coal combustion byproducts and will be subject to final closure on or before April 2018,making them inactive and two surface impoundments remain active and subject to the final rule. The two landfills remain active and subject to the final rule. Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for discussion of the impacts on asset retirement obligations as a result of the final rule.

Additional substantive revisions to the rule are expected to be finalized by the EPA by December 2019 but have not yet been released for public comment. If adopted, certain elements of the proposal have the potential to reduce costs of compliance. The D.C. Circuit issued a decision on August 21, 2018, vacating several elements of the rule, including closure provisions for unlined surface impoundments, and finding that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act provides the EPA authority to regulate inactive surface impoundments at inactive facilities. The court's order was effective October 15, 2018, and as a result, the EPA will need to undertake additional rulemaking to implement the court's order. Until such time as additional rulemaking is final, the impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined.


Multiple parties filed challenges over various aspects of the final rule in the D.C. Circuit in 2015, resulting in settlement of some of the issues and subsequent regulatory action by the EPA, including subjecting inactive surface impoundments to regulation. Oral argument was held by the D.C. Circuit on November 20, 2017 over certain portions of the 2015 rule that had not been settled or otherwise remanded. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit issued its opinion in Utility Solid Waste Activities Group v. EPA, finding it was arbitrary and capricious for EPA to allow unlined ash ponds to continue operating until some unknown point in the future when groundwater contamination could be detected. The D.C. Circuit vacated the closure section of the CCR rule and remanded the issue of unlined ponds to EPA for reconsideration with specific instructions to consider harm to the environment, not just to human health. The D.C. Circuit also held EPA's decision to not regulate legacy ponds was arbitrary and capricious. While the D.C. Circuit's decision was pending, the EPA, on March 15, 2018, issued a proposal to address provisions of the final coal combustion rule that were remanded back to the agency on June 14, 2016, by the D.C. Circuit. The proposal included provisions that establish alternative performance standards for owners and operators of coal combustion residuals units located in states that have approved permit programs or are otherwise subject to oversight through a permit program administered by the EPA. The EPA published the first phase of the coal combustion rule amendments on July 30, 2018, with an effective date of August 28, 2018 (the "Phase 1, Part 1 rule"). In addition to adopting alternative performance standards and revising groundwater performance standards for certain constituents, EPA extended the deadline by which facilities must initiate closure of unlined ash ponds exceeding a groundwater protection standard and impoundments that do not meet the rule's aquifer location restrictions to October 31, 2020. On October 22, 2018, a coalition of environmental groups, including Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc., Clean Water Action, Prairie Rivers Network, Hoosier Environmental Council, Heal Utah and Sierra Club, filed a petition in the D.C. Circuit challenging the Phase 1, Part 1 rule and subsequently filed a request with EPA to stay the October 31, 2020 deadline extension. In light of the D.C Circuit's opinion in USWAG v. EPA, the EPA filed a motion December 17, 2018 seeking voluntary remand without vacatur of the Phase 1, Part 1 rule in order to undertake new rulemaking to establish revised timeframes for unlined impoundments to initiate closure consistent with USWAG. Environmental petitioners filed a motion requesting a stay of the October 31, 2020 deadline. The D.C. Circuit has not yet acted on these motions. Until the rule is fully litigated and finalized, the Registrants cannot determine whether additional action may be required.

Separately, on August 10, 2017, the EPA issued proposed permitting guidance on how states' coal combustion residuals permit programs should comply with the requirements of the final rule as authorized under the December 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. Utilizing that guidance, the state of Oklahoma submitted an application to the EPA for approval of its state program and, on June 28, 2018, the EPA's approval of the application was published in the Federal Register. Environmental groups, including Waterkeeper Alliance and the Sierra Club, filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on September 26, 2018, alleging that the EPA unlawfully approved Oklahoma's permit program. This suit also incorporates claims first identified in a July 26, 2018 notice of intent to sue that alleged the EPA failed to perform nondiscretionary duties related to the development and publication of minimum guidelines for public participation in the approval of state permit programs for coal combustion residuals. To date, none of the states in which the Registrants operate has submitted an application for approval of state permitting authority. The state of Utah adopted the federal final rule in September 2016, which required two landfills to submit permit applications by March 2017. It is anticipated that the state of Utah will submit an application for approval of its coal combustion residuals permit program prior to the end of 2019.

Notwithstanding the status of the final coal combustion residuals rule, citizens' suits have been filed against regulated entities seeking judicial relief for contamination alleged to have been caused by releases of coal combustion byproducts. Some of these cases have been successful in imposing liability upon companies if coal combustion byproducts contaminate groundwater that is ultimately released or connected to surface water. In addition, actions have been filed against regulated entities seeking to require that surface impoundments containing coal combustion residuals be subject to closure by removal rather than being allowed to effectuate closure in place as provided under the final rule. The Registrants are not a party to these lawsuits and until they are resolved, the Registrants cannot predict the impact on overall compliance obligations.

Other

Other laws, regulations and agencies to which the relevant Registrants are subject include, but are not limited to:
The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and similar state laws may require any current or former owners or operators of a disposal site, as well as transporters or generators of hazardous substances sent to such disposal site, to share in environmental remediation costs. Certain Registrants have been identified as potentially responsible parties in connection with certain disposal sites. The relevant Registrants have completed several cleanup actions and are participating in ongoing investigations and remedial actions. Costs associated with these actions are not expected to be material and are expected to be found prudent and included in rates.

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, under which the United States Department of Energy is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 1211 of the Notes to Financial Statements of MidAmerican Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding MidAmerican Energy's nuclear decommissioning obligations.
The federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and similar state statutes establish operational, reclamation and closure standards that must be met during and upon completion of PacifiCorp's mining activities.
The FERC evaluates hydroelectric systems to ensure environmental impacts are minimized, including the issuance of environmental impact statements for licensed projects both initially and upon relicensing. The FERC monitors the hydroelectric facilities for compliance with the license terms and conditions, which include environmental provisions. Refer to Note 1615 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding the relicensing of PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.


The Registrants expect they will be allowed to recover their respective prudently incurred costs to comply with the environmental laws and regulations discussed above. The Registrants' planning efforts take into consideration the complexity of balancing factors such as: (a) pending environmental regulations and requirements to reduce emissions, address waste disposal, ensure water quality and protect wildlife; (b) avoidance of excessive reliance on any one generation technology; (c) costs and trade-offs of various resource options including energy efficiency, demand response programs and renewable generation; (d) state-specific energy policies, resource preferences and economic development efforts; (e) additional transmission investment to reduce power costs and increase efficiency and reliability of the integrated transmission system; and (f) keeping rates affordable. Due to the number of generating units impacted by environmental regulations, deferring installation of compliance-related projects is often not feasible or cost effective and places the Registrants at risk of not having access to necessary capital, material, and labor while attempting to perform major equipment installations in a compressed timeframe concurrent with other utilities across the country. Therefore, the Registrants have established installation schedules with permitting agencies that coordinate compliance timeframes with construction and tie-in of major environmental compliance projects as units are scheduled off-line for planned maintenance outages; these coordinated efforts help reduce costs associated with replacement power and maintain system reliability.


Item 1A.    Risk Factors

Each Registrant is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described below. Careful consideration of these risks, together with all of the other information included in this Form 10-K and the other public information filed by the relevant Registrant, should be made before making an investment decision. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or which each Registrant currently deems immaterial may also impair its business operations. Unless stated otherwise, the risks described below generally relate to each Registrant.

Corporate and Financial Structure Risks

BHE is a holding company and depends on distributions from subsidiaries, including joint ventures, to meet its obligations.

BHE is a holding company with no material assets other than the ownership interests in its subsidiaries and joint ventures, collectively referred to as its subsidiaries. Accordingly, cash flows and the ability to meet BHE's obligations are largely dependent upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the payment of such earnings to BHE in the form of dividends or other distributions. BHE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay amounts due pursuant to BHE's senior debt, junior subordinated debt or its other obligations, or to make funds available, whether by dividends or other payments, for the payment of amounts due pursuant to BHE's senior debt, junior subordinated debt or its other obligations, and do not guarantee the payment of any of its obligations. Distributions from subsidiaries may also be limited by:
their respective earnings, capital requirements, and required debt and preferred stock payments;
the satisfaction of certain terms contained in financing, ring-fencing or organizational documents; and
regulatory restrictions that limit the ability of BHE's regulated utility subsidiaries to distribute profits.

BHE is substantially leveraged, the terms of its existing senior and junior subordinated debt do not restrict the incurrence of additional debt by BHE or its subsidiaries, and BHE's senior debt is structurally subordinated to the debt of its subsidiaries, and each of such factors could adversely affect BHE's consolidated financial results.

A significant portion of BHE's capital structure is comprised of debt, and BHE expects to incur additional debt in the future to fund items such as, among others, acquisitions, capital investments and the development and construction of new or expanded facilities. As of December 31, 20162018, BHE had the following outstanding obligations:
senior unsecured debt of $7.8$8.6 billion;
junior subordinated debentures of $944$100 million;
short-term borrowings under its commercial paper program of $834$983 million;
guarantees and letters of credit in respect of subsidiary and equity method investments aggregating $460297 million; and
commitments, subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions in support of renewable tax equity investments totaling $288 million.$1.4 billion.

BHE's consolidated subsidiaries also have significant amounts of outstanding debt, which totaled $28.4$29.6 billion as of December 31, 20162018. These amounts exclude (a) trade debt, (b) preferred stock obligations, (c) letters of credit in respect of subsidiary debt, and (d) BHE's share of the outstanding debt of its own or its subsidiaries' equity method investments.

Given BHE's substantial leverage, it may not have sufficient cash to service its debt, which could limit its ability to finance future acquisitions, develop and construct additional projects, or operate successfully under difficult conditions, including those brought on by adverse national and global economies, unfavorable financial markets or growth conditions where its capital needs may exceed its ability to fund them. BHE's leverage could also impair its credit quality or the credit quality of its subsidiaries, making it more difficult to finance operations or issue future debt on favorable terms, and could result in a downgrade in debt ratings by credit rating agencies.


The terms of BHE's and its subsidiaries' debt do not limit itsBHE's ability or the ability of its subsidiaries to incur additional debt or issue preferred stock. Accordingly, BHE or its subsidiaries could enter into acquisitions, new financings, refinancings, recapitalizations, capital leases or other highly leveraged transactions that could significantly increase BHE's or its subsidiaries' total amount of outstanding debt. The interest payments needed to service this increased level of debt could adversely affect BHE's consolidatedor its subsidiaries' financial results. Many of BHE's subsidiaries' debt agreements contain covenants, or may in the future contain covenants, that restrict or limit, among other things, such subsidiaries' ability to create liens, sell assets, make certain distributions, incur additional debt or miss contractual deadlines or requirements, and BHE's ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond its control. Further, if an event of default accelerates a repayment obligation and such acceleration results in an event of default under some or all of BHE's other debt, BHE may not have sufficient funds to repay all of the accelerated debt simultaneously, and the other risks described under "Corporate and Financial Structure Risks" may be magnified as well.

Because BHE is a holding company, the claims of its senior debt holders are structurally subordinated with respect to the assets and earnings of its subsidiaries. Therefore, the rights of its creditors to participate in the assets of any subsidiary in the event of a liquidation or reorganization are subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors and preferred shareholders, if any. In addition, pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties, MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa, Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada, and AltaLink's transmission properties, the equity interest of MidAmerican Funding's subsidiary the long-term customer contracts of Kern River and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of solar and wind generation projects, are directly or indirectly pledged to secure their financings and, therefore, may be unavailable as potential sources of repayment of BHE's debt.

A downgrade in BHE's credit ratings or the credit ratings of its subsidiaries, including the Subsidiary Registrants, could negatively affect BHE's or its subsidiaries' access to capital, increase the cost of borrowing or raise energy transaction credit support requirements.

BHE's senior unsecured debt and its subsidiaries' long-term debt, including the Subsidiary Registrants, are rated by various rating agencies. BHE cannot give assurance that its senior unsecured debt rating or any of its subsidiaries' long-term debt ratings will not be reduced in the future. Although none of the Registrants' outstanding debt has rating-downgrade triggers that would accelerate a repayment obligation, a credit rating downgrade would increase any such Registrant's borrowing costs and commitment fees on its revolving credit agreements and other financing arrangements, perhaps significantly. In addition, such Registrant would likely be required to pay a higher interest rate in future financings, and the potential pool of investors and funding sources would likely decrease. Further, access to the commercial paper market, the principal source of short-term borrowings for each Registrant, could be significantly limited, resulting in higher interest costs.

Similarly, any downgrade or other event negatively affecting the credit ratings of BHE's subsidiaries could make their costs of borrowing higher or access to funding sources more limited, which in turn could cause BHE to provide liquidity in the form of capital contributions or loans to such subsidiaries, thus reducing its and its subsidiaries' liquidity and borrowing capacity.

Most of the Registrants' large wholesale customers, suppliers and counterparties require such Registrant to have sufficient creditworthiness in order to enter into transactions, particularly in the wholesale energy markets. If the credit ratings of a Registrant were to decline, especially below investment grade, the relevant Registrant's financing costs and borrowings would likely increase because certain counterparties may require collateral in the form of cash, a letter of credit or some other form of security for existing transactions and as a condition to entering into future transactions with such Registrant. Amounts may be material and may adversely affect such Registrant's liquidity and cash flows.


BHE's majority shareholder, Berkshire Hathaway, could exercise control over BHE in a manner that would benefit Berkshire Hathaway to the detriment of BHE's creditors and BHE could exercise control over the Subsidiary Registrants in a manner that would benefit BHE to the detriment of the Subsidiary Registrants' creditors and PacifiCorp's preferred stockholders.

Berkshire Hathaway is majority owner of BHE and has control over all decisions requiring shareholder approval. In circumstances involving a conflict of interest between Berkshire Hathaway and BHE's creditors, Berkshire Hathaway could exercise its control in a manner that would benefit Berkshire Hathaway to the detriment of BHE's creditors.

BHE indirectly owns all of the common stock of PacifiCorp, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific and is the sole member of MidAmerican Funding and, accordingly, indirectly owns all of MidAmerican Energy's common stock. As a result, BHE has control over all decisions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors. In circumstances involving a conflict of interest between BHE and the creditors of the Subsidiary Registrants, and PacifiCorp's preferred stockholders, BHE could exercise its control in a manner that would benefit BHE to the detriment of the Subsidiary Registrants' creditors and PacifiCorp's preferred stockholders.creditors.


Business Risks

Much of BHE's growth has been achieved through acquisitions, and any such acquisition may not be successful.

Much of BHE's growth has been achieved through acquisitions. Future acquisitions may range from buying individual assets to the purchase of entire businesses. BHE will continue to investigate and pursue opportunities for future acquisitions that it believes, but cannot assure, you, may increase value and expand or complement existing businesses. BHE may participate in bidding or other negotiations at any time for such acquisition opportunities which may or may not be successful.

Any acquisition entails numerous risks, including, among others:
the failure to complete the transaction for various reasons, such as the inability to obtain the required regulatory approvals, materially adverse developments in the potential acquiree's business or financial condition or successful intervening offers by third parties;
the failure of the combined business to realize the expected benefits;
the risk that federal, state or foreign regulators or courts could require regulatory commitments or other actions in respect of acquired assets, potentially including programs, contributions, investments, divestitures and market mitigation measures;
the risk of unexpected or unidentified issues not discovered in the diligence process; and
the need for substantial additional capital and financial investments.

An acquisition could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of BHE's subsidiaries. In addition, the final orders of regulatory authorities approving acquisitions may be subject to appeal by third parties. The diversion of BHE management's attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the approval and integration of the acquired operations could adversely affect BHE's combined businesses and financial results and could impair its ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.

BHE cannot assure you that future acquisitions, if any, or any integration efforts will be successful, or that BHE's ability to repay its obligations will not be adversely affected by any future acquisitions.


The Registrants are subject to operating uncertainties and events beyond each respective Registrant's control that impact the costs to operate, maintain, repair and replace utility and interstate natural gas pipeline systems, which could adversely affect each respective Registrant's consolidated financial results.

The operation of complex utility systems or interstate natural gas pipeline and storage systems that are spread over large geographic areas involves many operating uncertainties and events beyond each respective Registrant's control. These potential events include the breakdown or failure of the Registrants' thermal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind and other electricity generating facilities and related equipment, compressors, pipelines, transmission and distribution lines or other equipment or processes, which could lead to catastrophic events; unscheduled outages; strikes, lockouts or other labor-related actions; shortages of qualified labor; transmission and distribution system constraints; failure to obtain, renew or maintain rights-of-way, easements and leases on United States federal, Native American, First Nations or tribal lands; terrorist activities or military or other actions, including cyber attacks; fuel shortages or interruptions; unavailability of critical equipment, materials and supplies; low water flows and other weather-related impacts; performance below expected levels of output, capacity or efficiency; operator error; third partythird-party excavation errors; unexpected degradation of pipeline systems; design, construction or manufacturing defects; and catastrophic events such as severe storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, explosions, landslides, an electromagnetic pulse, mining incidents, litigation, wars, terrorism embargoes and mining accidents.embargoes. A catastrophic event might result in injury or loss of life, extensive property damage or environmental or natural resource damages. For example, in the event of an uncontrolled release of water at one of PacifiCorp's high hazard potential hydroelectric dams, it is probable that loss of human life, disruption of lifeline facilities and property damage could occur in the downstream population and civil or other penalties could be imposed by the FERC. Similarly, in the event of a fire caused by a Registrant's operation of its businesses, including transmission or distribution systems, the relevant Registrant could be exposed to significant liability for personal and property damages that result. The extent of that liability would be determined by the applicable state law where any such damage occurred. In California, for example, where PacifiCorp operates, state law currently exposes utilities to so-called "inverse condemnation" liability for damages resulting from events such as fires caused by the utility's operations regardless of fault. Any of these events or other operational events could significantly reduce or eliminate the relevant Registrant's revenue or significantly increase its expenses, thereby reducing the availability of distributions to BHE. For example, if the relevant Registrant cannot operate its electricity or natural gas facilities at full capacity due to damage caused by a catastrophic event, its revenue could decrease and its expenses could increase due to the need to obtain energy from more expensive sources.

Further, the Registrants self-insure many risks, and current and future insurance coverage may not be sufficient to replace lost revenue or cover repair and replacement costs. The scope, cost and availability of each Registrant's insurance coverage may change, including the portion that is self-insured. Any reduction of each Registrant's revenue or increase in its expenses resulting from the risks described above, could adversely affect the relevant Registrant's consolidated financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign legislation and regulation, including numerous environmental, health, safety, reliability and other laws and regulations that affect its operations and costs. These laws and regulations are complex, dynamic and subject to new interpretations or change. In addition, new laws and regulations, including initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the utility industry, are continually being proposed and enacted that impose new or revised requirements or standards on each Registrant.

Each Registrant is required to comply with numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations as described in "General Regulation" and "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K that have broad application to each Registrant and limits the respective Registrant's ability to independently make and implement management decisions regarding, among other items, acquiring businesses; constructing, acquiring or disposing of operating assets; operating and maintaining generating facilities and transmission and distribution system assets; complying with pipeline safety and integrity and environmental requirements; setting rates charged to customers; establishing capital structures and issuing debt or equity securities; transacting between subsidiaries and affiliates; and paying dividends or similar distributions. These laws and regulations, which are followed in developing the Registrants' safety and compliance programs and procedures, and are implemented and enforced by federal, state and local regulatory agencies, such as among others, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the FERC, the EPA, the DOT, the NRC, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and various state regulatory commissions in the United States, and foreign regulatory agencies, such as GEMA, which discharges certain of its powers through its staff within Ofgem, in Great Britain and the AUC in Alberta, Canada.


Compliance with applicable laws and regulations generally requires each Registrant to obtain and comply with a wide variety of licenses, permits, inspections, audits and other approvals. Further, compliance with laws and regulations can require significant capital and operating expenditures, including expenditures for new equipment, inspection, cleanup costs, removal and remediation costs and damages arising out of contaminated properties and refunds, fines, penalties and injunctive measures affecting operating assets for failure to comply with environmental regulations.properties. Compliance activities pursuant to existing or new laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive or otherwise uneconomical. As a result, each Registrant could be required to shut down some facilities or materially alter its operations. Further, each Registrant may not be able to obtain or maintain all required environmental or other regulatory approvals and permits for its operating assets or development projects. Delays in, or active opposition by third parties to, obtaining any required environmental or regulatory authorizations or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the authorizations may increase costs or prevent or delay each Registrant from operating its facilities, developing or favorably locating new facilities or expanding existing facilities. If any Registrant fails to comply with any environmental or other regulatory requirements, such Registrant may be subject to penalties and fines or other sanctions, including changes to the way its electricity generating facilities are operated that may adversely impact generation or how the Pipeline Companies are permitted to operate their systems that may adversely impact throughput. The costs of complying with laws and regulations could adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results. Not being able to operate existing facilities or develop new generating facilities to meet customer electricity needs could require such Registrant to increase its purchases of electricity on the wholesale market, which could increase market and price risks and adversely affect such Registrant's consolidated financial results.

Existing laws and regulations, while comprehensive, are subject to changes and revisions from ongoing policy initiatives by legislators and regulators and to interpretations that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. For example, changes in laws and regulations could result in, but are not limited to, increased competition and decreased revenues within each Registrant's service territories, such as the recently defeated Nevada energy choice initiative;Energy Choice Initiative; new environmental requirements, including the implementation of or changes to the Clean Power Plan, RPS and GHG emissions reduction goals; the issuance of new or stricter air quality standards; the implementation of energy efficiency mandates; the issuance of regulations governing the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts; changes in forecasting requirements; changes to each Registrant's service territories as a result of condemnation or takeover by municipalities or other governmental entities, particularly where it lacks the exclusive right to serve its customers; the inability of each Registrant to recover its costs on a timely basis, if at all; new pipeline safety requirements; or a negative impact on each Registrant's current transportation and cost recovery arrangements. In addition to changes in existing legislation and regulation, new laws and regulations are likely to be enacted from time to time that impose additional or new requirements or standards on each Registrant. Recent efforts by the EPA to repeal the Clean Power Plan could increase the filing of common law nuisance lawsuits against emitters of GHG. Adverse rulings in GHG-related cases could result in increased or changed regulations and could increase costs for GHG emitters, including the Registrants' generating facilities. The GHG rules, changes to those rules, and the Registrants' compliance requirements are subject to potential outcomes from proceedings and litigation challenging the rules.


New federal, regional, state and international accords, legislation, regulation, or judicial proceedings limiting GHG emissions could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants, the United States and the global economy. Companies and industries with higher GHG emissions, such as utilities with significant coal-fueled generating facilities, will be subject to more direct impacts and greater financial and regulatory risks. The impact is dependent on numerous factors, none of which can be meaningfully quantified at this time. These factors include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and timing of GHG emissions reduction requirements; the design of the requirements; the cost, availability and effectiveness of emissions control technology; the price, distribution method and availability of offsets and allowances used for compliance; government-imposed compliance costs; and the existence and nature of incremental cost recovery mechanisms. Examples of how new requirements may impact the Registrants include:
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase required emissions allowances under any market-based cap-and-trade system in excess of allocations that are received at no cost. These purchases would be necessary until new technologies could be developed and deployed to reduce emissions or lower carbon generation is available;
Acquiring and renewing construction and operating permits for new and existing generating facilities may be costly and difficult;
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase and deploy new generating technologies;
Costs may be incurred to retire existing coal-fueled generating facilities before the end of their otherwise useful lives or to convert them to burn fuels, such as natural gas or biomass, that result in lower emissions;
Operating costs may be higher and generating unit outputs may be lower;
Higher interest and financing costs and reduced access to capital markets may result to the extent that financial markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a greater business risk; and
The relevant Registrant's natural gas pipeline operations, electric transmission and retail sales may be impacted in response to changes in customer demand and requirements to reduce GHG emissions.

The impact of events or conditions caused by climate change, whether from natural processes or human activities, are uncertain and could vary widely, from highly localized to worldwide, and the extent to which a utility's operations may be affected is uncertain. Climate change may cause physical and financial risk through, among other things, sea level rise, changes in precipitation and extreme weather events. Consumer demand for energy may increase or decrease, based on overall changes in weather and as customers promote lower energy consumption through the continued use of energy efficiency programs or other means. Availability of resources to generate electricity, such as water for hydroelectric production and cooling purposes, may also be impacted by climate change and could influence the Registrants' existing and future electricity generating portfolio. These issues may have a direct impact on the costs of electricity production and increase the price customers pay or their demand for electricity.

Implementing actions required under, and otherwise complying with, new federal and state laws and regulations and changes in existing ones are among the most challenging aspects of managing utility operations. The Registrants cannot accurately predict the type or scope of future laws and regulations that may be enacted, changes in existing ones or new interpretations by agency orders or court decisions, nor can each Registrant determine their impact on it at this time; however, any one of these could adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results through higher capital expenditures and operating costs, and early closure of generating facilities or lower tax benefits or restrict or otherwise cause an adverse change in how each Registrant operates its business. To the extent that each Registrant is not allowed by its regulators to recover or cannot otherwise recover the costs to comply with new laws and regulations or changes in existing ones, the costs of complying with such additional requirements could have a material adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's consolidated financial results. Additionally, even if such costs are recoverable in rates, if they are substantial and result in rates increasing to levels that substantially reduce customer demand, this could have a material adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's consolidated financial results. The Registrants have made their best estimate regarding the impact of the 2017 Tax Reform and the probability and timing of settlements of net regulatory liabilities established pursuant to the 2017 Tax Reform. However, the amount and timing of the settlements may change based on decisions and actions by each Registrant's regulators, which could have an effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results.


Recovery of costs and certain activities by each Registrant is subject to regulatory review and approval, and the inability to recover costs or undertake certain activities may adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results.

State Regulatory Rate Review Proceedings

The Utilities establish rates for their regulated retail service through state regulatory proceedings. These proceedings typically involve multiple parties, including government bodies and officials, consumer advocacy groups and various consumers of energy, who have differing concerns but generally have the common objective of limiting rate increases while also requiring the Utilities to ensure system reliability. Decisions are subject to judicial appeal, potentially leading to further uncertainty associated with the approval proceedings.


States set retail rates based in part upon the state regulatory commission's acceptance of an allocated share of total utility costs. When states adopt different methods to calculate interjurisdictional cost allocations, some costs may not be incorporated into rates of any state or other jurisdiction. Ratemaking is also generally done on the basis of estimates of normalized costs, so if a given year's realized costs are higher than normalized costs, rates may not be sufficient to cover those costs. In some cases, actual costs are lower than the normalized or estimated costs recovered through rates and from time-to-time may result in a state regulator requiring refunds to customers. Each state regulatory commission generally sets rates based on a test year established in accordance with that commission's policies. The test year data adopted by each state regulatory commission may create a lag between the incurrence of a cost and its recovery in rates. Each state regulatory commission also decides the allowed levels of expense, investment and capital structure that it deems are just and reasonableprudently incurred in providing the service and may disallow recovery in rates for any costs that it believes do not meet such standard. Additionally, each state regulatory commission establishes the allowed rate of return the Utilities will be given an opportunity to earn on their sources of capital. While rate regulation is premised on providing a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, the state regulatory commissions do not guarantee that each Registrant will be able to realize the allowed rate of return.return or recover all of its costs even if it believes such costs to be prudently incurred.

Energy cost increases above the level assumed in establishing base rates may be subject to customer sharing. Any significant increase in fuel costs for electricity generation or purchased electricity costs could have a negative impact on the Utilities, despite efforts to minimize this impact through the use of hedging contracts and sharing mechanisms or through future general regulatory rate reviews. Any of these consequences could adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results.

FERC Jurisdiction

The FERC authorizes cost-based rates associated with transmission services provided by the Utilities' transmission facilities. Under the Federal Power Act, the Utilities, or MISO as it relates to MidAmerican Energy, may voluntarily file, or may be obligated to file, for changes, including general rate changes, to their system-wide transmission service rates. General rate changes implemented may be subject to refund. The FERC also has responsibility for approving both cost- and market-based rates under which the Utilities sell electricity at wholesale, has jurisdiction over most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities and has broad jurisdiction over energy markets. The FERC may impose price limitations, bidding rules and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility of these markets or could revoke or restrict the ability of the Utilities to sell electricity at market-based rates, which could adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results. The FERC also maintains rules concerning standards of conduct, affiliate restrictions, interlocking directorates and cross-subsidization. As a transmission owning member of MISO, MidAmerican Energy is also subject to MISO-directed modifications of market rules, which are subject to FERC approval and operational procedures. As participants in EIM, PacifiCorp, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific are also subject to applicable California ISO rules, which are subject to FERC approval and operational procedures. The FERC may also impose substantial civil penalties for any non-compliance with the Federal Power Act and the FERC's rules and orders.

The NERC has standards in place to ensure the reliability of the electric generation system and transmission grid. The Utilities are subject to the NERC's regulations and periodic audits to ensure compliance with those regulations. The NERC may carry out enforcement actions for non-compliance and administer significant financial penalties, subject to the FERC's review.

The FERC has jurisdiction over, among other things, the construction, abandonment, modification and operation of natural gas pipelines and related facilities used in the transportation, storage and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce, including all rates, charges and terms and conditions of service. The FERC also has market transparency authority and has adopted additional reporting and internet posting requirements for natural gas pipelines and buyers and sellers of natural gas.


Rates for the interstate natural gas transmission and storage operations at the Pipeline Companies, which include reservation, commodity, surcharges, fuel and gas lost and unaccounted for charges, are authorized by the FERC. In accordance with the FERC's rate-making principles, the Pipeline Companies' current maximum tariff rates are designed to recover prudently incurred costs included in their pipeline system's regulatory cost of service that are associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of their pipeline system and to afford the Pipeline Companies an opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return. Nevertheless, the rates the FERC authorizes the Pipeline Companies to charge their customers may not be sufficient to recover the costs incurred to provide services in any given period. Moreover, from time to time, the FERC may change, alter or refine its policies or methodologies for establishing pipeline rates and terms and conditions of service. In addition, the FERC has the authority under Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act of 1938 ("NGA") to investigate whether a pipeline may be earning more than its allowed rate of return and, when appropriate, to institute proceedings against such pipeline to prospectively reduce rates. Any such proceedings, if instituted, could result in significantly adverse rate decreases.


Under FERC policy, interstate pipelines and their customers may execute contracts at negotiated rates, which may be above or below the maximum tariff rate for that service or the pipeline may agree to provide a discounted rate, which would be a rate between the maximum and minimum tariff rates. In a rate proceeding, rates in these contracts are generally not subject to adjustment. It is possible that the cost to perform services under negotiated or discounted rate contracts will exceed the cost used in the determination of the negotiated or discounted rates, which could result either in losses or lower rates of return for providing such services. Under certain circumstances, FERC policy allows interstate natural gas pipelines to design new maximum tariff rates to recover such costs in regulatory rate reviews. However, with respect to discounts granted to affiliates, the interstate natural gas pipeline must demonstrate that the discounted rate was necessary in order to meet competition.

GEMA Jurisdiction

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as Distribution Network Operators ("DNOs") and holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. Most of the revenue of a DNO is controlled by a distribution price control formula set out in the electricity distribution license. The price control formula does not directly constrain profits from year to year,year-to-year, but is a control on revenue that operates independentlyindependent of a significant portion of the DNO's actual costs. A resetting of the formula does not require the consent of the DNO, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority. GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their electricity distribution license duties or certain of their duties under British law, or fail to achieve satisfactory performance of individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the DNO's revenue. During the term of any price control, additional costs have a direct impact on the financial results of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies.

AUC Jurisdiction

The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems.


The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing. The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta that controls the operation of AltaLink's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulationregulations and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

In addition, AUC approval is required in connection with new energy and regulated utility initiatives in Alberta, amendments to existing approvals and financing proposals by designated utilities.


The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion freecongestion-free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of AESO market participants. When AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualifying bidders. In either case, there can be no assurance that any jurisdictional market participant that BHE may own, including AltaLink, will be selected by the AESO to build, own and operate transmission facilities, even if BHE's market participant operates in the relevant geographic area, or that BHE's market participant will be successful in any such competitive process in which it may participate.

Physical or cyber attacks, both threatened and actual, could impact each Registrant's operations and could adversely affect its financial results.

Each Registrant relies on information technology in virtually all aspects of its business. Like those of many large businesses, certain of the Registrant's information technology systems have been subject to computer viruses, malicious codes, unauthorized access, phishing efforts, denial-of-service attacks and other cyber attacks and each Registrant expects to be subject to similar attacks in the future as such attacks become more sophisticated and frequent. A significant disruption or failure of its information technology systems by physical or cyber attack could result in service interruptions, safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures, an inability to protect sensitive corporate and customer information and assets against intruders, and other operational difficulties. Attacks perpetrated against each Registrant's information systems could result in loss of assets and critical information and expose it to remediation costs and reputational damage.

Although the Registrants have taken steps intended to mitigate these risks, a significant disruption or cyber intrusion could lead to misappropriation of assets or data corruption. Cyber attacks could further adversely affect each Registrant's ability to operate facilities, information technology and business systems, or compromise sensitive customer and employee information. In addition, physical or cyber attacks against key suppliers or service providers could have a similar effect on each Registrant. Additionally, if each Registrant is unable to acquire or implement new technology, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage. Any of these items could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.


Each Registrant is actively pursuing, developing and constructing new or expanded facilities, the completion and expected costs of which are subject to significant risk, and each Registrant has significant funding needs related to its planned capital expenditures.

Each Registrant actively pursues, develops and constructs new or expanded facilities. Each Registrant expects to incur significant annual capital expenditures over the next several years. Such expenditures may include construction and other costs for new electricity generating facilities, electric transmission or distribution projects, environmental control and compliance systems, natural gas storage facilities, new or expanded pipeline systems, and continued maintenance and upgrades of existing assets.

Development and construction of major facilities are subject to substantial risks, including fluctuations in the price and availability of commodities, manufactured goods, equipment, and the imposition of tariffs thereon when sourced by foreign providers, labor, siting and permitting and changes in environmental and operational compliance matters, load forecasts and other items over a multi-year construction period, as well as counterparty risk and the economic viability of the Registrants' suppliers, customers and contractors. Certain of the Registrants' construction projects are substantially dependent upon a single supplier or contractor and replacement of such supplier or contractor may be difficult and cannot be assured. These risks may result in the inability to timely complete a project or higher than expected costs to complete an asset and place it in-service and, in extreme cases, the loss of the power purchase agreements or other long-term off-take contracts underlying such projects. Such costs may not be recoverable in the regulated rates or market or contract prices each Registrant is able to charge its customers. Delays in construction of renewable projects may result in delayed in-service dates which may result in the loss of anticipated revenue or income tax benefits. It is also possible that additional generation needs may be obtained through power purchase agreements, which could increase long-term purchase obligations and force reliance on the operating performance of a third party. The inability to successfully and timely complete a project, avoid unexpected costs or recover any such costs could adversely affect such Registrant's consolidated financial results.

Furthermore, each Registrant depends upon both internal and external sources of liquidity to provide working capital and to fund capital requirements. If BHE does not provide needed funding to its subsidiaries and the subsidiaries are unable to obtain funding from external sources, they may need to postpone or cancel planned capital expenditures.


A significant sustained decrease in demand for electricity or natural gas in the markets served by each Registrant would decrease its operating revenue, could impact its planned capital expenditures and could adversely affect its consolidated financial results.

A significant sustained decrease in demand for electricity or natural gas in the markets served by each Registrant would decrease its operating revenue, could impact its planned capital expenditures and could adversely affect its consolidated financial results. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market demand include, among others:
a depression, recession or other adverse economic condition that results in a lower level of economic activity or reduced spending by consumers on electricity or natural gas;
an increase in the market price of electricity or natural gas or a decrease in the price of other competing forms of energy;
shifts in competitively priced natural gas supply sources away from the sources connected to the Pipeline Companies' systems, including shale gas sources;
efforts by customers, legislators and regulators to reduce the consumption of electricity generated or distributed by each Registrant through various existing laws and regulations, as well as, deregulation, conservation, energy efficiency and private generation measures and programs;
laws mandating or encouraging renewable energy sources, which may decrease the demand for electricity and natural gas or change the market prices of these commodities;
higher fuel taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions that increase, directly or indirectly, the cost of natural gas or other fuel sources for electricity generation or that limit the use of natural gas or the generation of electricity from fossil fuels;
a shift to more energy-efficient or alternative fuel machinery or an improvement in fuel economy, whether as a result of technological advances by manufacturers, legislation mandating higher fuel economy or lower emissions, price differentials, incentives or otherwise;
a reduction in the state or federal subsidies or tax incentives that are provided to agricultural, industrial or other customers, or a significant sustained change in prices for commodities such as ethanol or corn for ethanol manufacturers; and
sustained mild weather that reduces heating or cooling needs.

Each Registrant's operating results may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis and may be adversely affected by weather.

In most parts of the United States and other markets in which each Registrant operates, demand for electricity peaks during the summer months when irrigation and cooling needs are higher. Market prices for electricity also generally peak at that time. In other areas, including the western portion of PacifiCorp's service territory, demand for electricity peaks during the winter when heating needs are higher. In addition, demand for natural gas and other fuels generally peaks during the winter. This is especially true in MidAmerican Energy's and Sierra Pacific's retail natural gas businesses. Further, extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, winter storms or floods could cause these seasonal fluctuations to be more pronounced. Periods of low rainfall or snowpack may negatively impact electricity generation at PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities, which may result in greater purchases of electricity from the wholesale market or from other sources at market prices. Additionally, PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy have added substantial wind-powered generating capacity, and BHE's unregulated subsidiaries are adding solar and wind-powered generating capacity, each of which is also a climate-dependent resource.

As a result, the overall financial results of each Registrant may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal and quarterly basis. Each Registrant has historically provided less service, and consequently earned less income, when weather conditions are mild. Unusually mild weather in the future may adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results through lower revenue or margins. Conversely, unusually extreme weather conditions could increase each Registrant's costs to provide services and could adversely affect its consolidated financial results. The extent of fluctuation in each Registrant's consolidated financial results may change depending on a number of factors related to its regulatory environment and contractual agreements, including its ability to recover energy costs, the existence of revenue sharing provisions as it relates to MidAmerican Energy and Nevada Power, and terms of its wholesale sale contracts.


Each Registrant is subject to market risk associated with the wholesale energy markets, which could adversely affect its consolidated financial results.

In general, each Registrant's primary market risk is adverse fluctuations in the market price of wholesale electricity and fuel, including natural gas, coal and fuel oil, which is compounded by volumetric changes affecting the availability of or demand for electricity and fuel. The market price of wholesale electricity may be influenced by several factors, such as the adequacy or type of generating capacity, scheduled and unscheduled outages of generating facilities, prices and availability of fuel sources for generation, disruptions or constraints to transmission and distribution facilities, weather conditions, demand for electricity, economic growth and changes in technology. Volumetric changes are caused by fluctuations in generation or changes in customer needs that can be due to the weather, electricity and fuel prices, the economy, regulations or customer behavior. For example, the Utilities purchase electricity and fuel in the open market as part of their normal operating businesses. If market prices rise, especially in a time when larger than expected volumes must be purchased at market prices, the Utilities may incur significantly greater expense than anticipated. Likewise, if electricity market prices decline in a period when the Utilities are a net seller of electricity in the wholesale market, the Utilities could earn less revenue. Although the Utilities have energy cost adjustment mechanisms, the risks associated with changes in market prices may not be fully mitigated due to customer sharing bands as it relates to PacifiCorp and other factors.

Potential terrorist activities and the impact of military or other actions, could adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results.

The ongoing threat of terrorism and the impact of military or other actions by nations or politically, ethnically or religiously motivated organizations regionally or globally may create increased political, economic, social and financial market instability, which could subject each Registrant's operations to increased risks. Additionally, the United States government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically pipeline, nuclear generation, transmission and other electric utility infrastructure, are potential targets for terrorist attacks. Political, economic, social or financial market instability or damage to or interference with the operating assets of the Registrants, customers or suppliers may result in business interruptions, lost revenue, higher commodity prices, disruption in fuel supplies, lower energy consumption and unstable markets, particularly with respect to electricity and natural gas, and increased security, repair or other costs, any of which may materially adversely affect each Registrant in ways that cannot be predicted at this time. Any of these risks could materially affect its consolidated financial results. Furthermore, instability in the financial markets as a result of terrorism or war could also materially adversely affect each Registrant's ability to raise capital.

Physical or cyber attacks, both threatened and actual, could impact each Registrant's operations and could adversely affect its consolidated financial results.

Each Registrant relies on information technology in virtually all aspects of its business. A significant disruption or failure of its information technology systems by physical or cyber attack could result in service interruptions, safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures, an inability to protect corporate information assets against intruders, and other operational difficulties. Attacks perpetrated against each Registrant's information systems could result in loss of assets and critical information and expose it to remediation costs and reputational damage.

Although the Registrants have taken steps intended to mitigate these risks, including business continuity planning, disaster recovery planning and business impact analysis, a significant disruption or cyber intrusion could lead to misappropriation of assets or data corruption and could adversely affect each Registrant's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Additionally, if each Registrant is unable to acquire or implement new technology, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage, which could also have an adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. Cyber attacks could further adversely affect each Registrant's ability to operate facilities, information technology and business systems, or compromise confidential customer and employee information. In addition, physical or cyber attacks against key suppliers or service providers could have a similar effect on each Registrant.


Certain Registrants are subject to the unique risks associated with nuclear generation.

The ownership and operation of nuclear power plants, such as MidAmerican Energy's 25% ownership interest in Quad Cities Station, involves certain risks. These risks include, among other items, mechanical or structural problems, inadequacy or lapses in maintenance protocols, the impairment of reactor operation and safety systems due to human error, the costs of storage, handling and disposal of nuclear materials, compliance with and changes in regulation of nuclear power plants, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance coverage commercially available, and uncertainties with respect to the technological and financial aspects of decommissioning nuclear facilities at the end of their useful lives. Additionally, Exelon Generation, the 75% owner and operator of the facility, may respond to the occurrence of any of these or other risks in a manner that negatively impacts MidAmerican Energy, including closure of Quad Cities Station prior to the expiration of its operating license. The prolonged unavailability, or early closure, of Quad Cities Station due to operational or economic factors could have a materially adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results, particularly when the cost to produce power at the plant is significantly less than market wholesale prices. The following are among the more significant of these risks:
Operational Risk - Operations at any nuclear power plant could degrade to the point where the plant would have to be shut down. If such degradations were to occur, the process of identifying and correcting the causes of the operational downgrade to return the plant to operation could require significant time and expense, resulting in both lost revenue and increased fuel and purchased electricity costs to meet supply commitments. Rather than incurring substantial costs to restart the plant, the plant could be shut down. Furthermore, a shut-down or failure at any other nuclear power plant could cause regulators to require a shut-down or reduced availability at Quad Cities Station.
In addition, issues relating to the disposal of nuclear waste material, including the availability, unavailability and expense of a permanent repository for spent nuclear fuel could adversely impact operations as well as the cost and ability to decommission nuclear power plants, including Quad Cities Station, in the future.

Regulatory Risk - The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with applicable Atomic Energy Act regulations or the terms of the licenses of nuclear facilities. Unless extended, the NRC operating licenses for Quad Cities Station will expire in 2032. Changes in regulations by the NRC could require a substantial increase in capital expenditures or result in increased operating or decommissioning costs.

Nuclear Accident and Catastrophic Risks - Accidents and other unforeseen catastrophic events have occurred at nuclear facilities other than Quad Cities Station, both in the United States and elsewhere, such as at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. The consequences of an accident or catastrophic event can be severe and include loss of life and property damage. Any resulting liability from a nuclear accident or catastrophic event could exceed the relevant Registrant's resources, including insurance coverage.

Certain of BHE's subsidiaries are subject to the risk that customers will not renew their contracts or that BHE's subsidiaries will be unable to obtain new customers for expanded capacity, each of which could adversely affect its consolidated financial results.

If BHE's subsidiaries are unable to renew, remarket, or find replacements for their customer agreements on favorable terms, BHE's subsidiaries' sales volumes and operating revenue would be exposed to reduction and increased volatility. For example, without the benefit of long-term transportation agreements, BHE cannot assure that the Pipeline Companies will be able to transport natural gas at efficient capacity levels. Substantially all of the Pipeline Companies' revenues are generated under transportation and storage contracts that periodically must be renegotiated and extended or replaced, and the Pipeline Companies are dependent upon relatively few customers for a substantial portion of their revenue. Similarly, without long-term power purchase agreements, BHE cannot assure that its unregulated power generators will be able to operate profitably. Failure to maintain existing long-term agreements or secure new long-term agreements, or being required to discount rates significantly upon renewal or replacement, could adversely affect BHE's consolidated financial results. The replacement of any existing long-term agreements depends on market conditions and other factors that may be beyond BHE's subsidiaries' control.


Each Registrant is subject to counterparty risk, which could adversely affect its consolidated financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty credit risk related to contractual payment obligations with wholesale suppliers and customers. Adverse economic conditions or other events affecting counterparties with whom each Registrant conducts business could impair the ability of these counterparties to meet their payment obligations. Each Registrant depends on these counterparties to remit payments on a timely basis. Each Registrant continues to monitor the creditworthiness of its wholesale suppliers and customers in an attempt to reduce the impact of any potential counterparty default. If strategies used to minimize these risk exposures are ineffective or if any Registrant's wholesale suppliers' or customers' financial condition deteriorates or they otherwise become unable to pay, it could have a significant adverse impact on each Registrant's liquidity and its consolidated financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty performance risk related to performance of contractual obligations by wholesale suppliers, customers and contractors. Each Registrant relies on wholesale suppliers to deliver commodities, primarily natural gas, coal and electricity, in accordance with short- and long-term contracts. Failure or delay by suppliers to provide these commodities pursuant to existing contracts could disrupt the delivery of electricity and require the Utilities to incur additional expenses to meet customer needs. In addition, when these contracts terminate, the Utilities may be unable to purchase the commodities on terms equivalent to the terms of current contracts.

Each Registrant relies on wholesale customers to take delivery of the energy they have committed to purchase. Failure of customers to take delivery may require the relevant Registrant to find other customers to take the energy at lower prices than the original customers committed to pay. If each Registrant's wholesale customers are unable to fulfill their obligations, there may be a significant adverse impact on its consolidated financial results.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses with RWE Npower PLC and British Gas Trading Limited accounting for approximately 22%19% and 13%, respectively, of distribution revenue in 20162018. AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO. Generally, a single customer purchases the energy from BHE's independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines pursuant to long-term power purchase agreements. For example, certain of BHE Renewables' solar and wind independent power projects sell all of their electrical production to either Pacific Gas and Electric Company or Southern California Edison Company, respectively. Any material payment or other performance failure by the counterparties in these arrangements could have a significant adverse impact on BHE's consolidated financial results.

BHE owns investments and projects in foreign countries that are exposed to risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and increased economic, regulatory and political risks.

BHE's business operations and investments outside the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's principal reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from its foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact. BHE indirectly owns a hydroelectric power plant in the Philippines and may acquire significant energy-related investments and projects outside of the United States. BHE may selectively reduce some foreign currency exchange rate risk by, among other things, requiring contracted amounts be settled in, or indexed to, United States dollars or a currency freely convertible into United States dollars, or hedging through foreign currency derivatives. These efforts, however, may not be effective and could negatively affect BHE's consolidated financial results.

In addition to any disruption in the global financial markets, the economic, regulatory and political conditions in some of the countries where BHE has operations or is pursuing investment opportunities may present increased risks related to, among others, inflation, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, currency repatriation restrictions, nationalization, renegotiation, privatization, availability of financing on suitable terms, customer creditworthiness, construction delays, business interruption, political instability, civil unrest, guerilla activity, terrorism, expropriation, trade sanctions, contract nullification and changes in law, regulations or tax policy. BHE may not choose to or be capable of either fully insuring against or effectively hedging these risks.


Poor performance of plan and fund investments and other factors impacting the pension and other postretirement benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning and mine reclamation trust funds could unfavorably impact each Registrant's cash flows and liquidity.

Costs of providing each Registrant's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans and costs associated with the joint trustee plan to which PacifiCorp contributes depend upon a number of factors, including the rates of return on plan assets, the level and nature of benefits provided, discount rates, mortality assumptions, the interest rates used to measure required minimum funding levels, the funded status of the plans, changes in benefit design, tax deductibility and funding limits, changes in laws and government regulation and each Registrant's required or voluntary contributions made to the plans. Certain of the Registrant's pension and other postretirement benefit plans are in underfunded positions. Even if sustained growth in the investments over future periods increases the value of these plans' assets, each Registrant will likely be required to make cash contributions to fund these plans in the future. Additionally, each Registrant's plans have investments in domestic and foreign equity and debt securities and other investments that are subject to loss. Losses from investments could add to the volatility, size and timing of future contributions.


Furthermore, the funded status of the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan multiemployer plan to which PacifiCorp's subsidiary previously contributed is considered critical and declining. PacifiCorp's subsidiary involuntarily withdrew from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan in June 2015 when the UMWA employees ceased performing work for the subsidiary. PacifiCorp has recorded its best estimate of the withdrawal obligation. If participating employers withdraw from a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, including any employers that withdrew during the three years prior to a mass withdrawal.employers.

In addition, MidAmerican Energy is required to fund over time the projected costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station, a nuclear power plant, and Bridger Coal Company, a joint venture of PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Pacific Minerals, Inc., is required to fund projected mine reclamation costs. Funds that MidAmerican Energy has invested in a nuclear decommissioning trust and PacifiCorp has invested in a mine reclamation trust are invested in debt and equity securities and poor performance of these investments will reduce the amount of funds available for their intended purpose, which could require MidAmerican Energy or PacifiCorp to make additional cash contributions. Such cash funding obligations, which are also impacted by the other factors described above, could have a material impact on MidAmerican Energy's or PacifiCorp's liquidity by reducing their available cash.

Inflation and changes in commodity prices and fuel transportation costs may adversely affect each Registrant's consolidated financial results.

Inflation and increases in commodity prices and fuel transportation costs may affect each Registrant by increasing both operating and capital costs. As a result of existing rate agreements, contractual arrangements or competitive price pressures, each Registrant may not be able to pass the costs of inflation on to its customers. If each Registrant is unable to manage cost increases or pass them on to its customers, its consolidated financial results could be adversely affected.

Cyclical fluctuations in the residential real estate brokerage and mortgage businesses could adversely affect HomeServices.

The residential real estate brokerage and mortgage industries tend to experience cycles of greater and lesser activity and profitability and are typically affected by changes in economic conditions, which are beyond HomeServices' control. Any of the following, among others, are examples of items that could have a material adverse effect on HomeServices' businesses by causing a general decline in the number of home sales, sale prices or the number of home financings which, in turn, would adversely affect its financial results:
rising interest rates or unemployment rates, including a sustained high unemployment rate in the United States;
periods of economic slowdown or recession in the markets served;
decreasing home affordability;
lack of available mortgage credit for potential homebuyers, such as the reduced availability of credit, which may continue into future periods;
inadequate home inventory levels;
nontraditional sources of new competition; and
changes in applicable tax law.


Disruptions in the financial markets could affect each Registrant's ability to obtain debt financing or to draw upon or renew existing credit facilities and have other adverse effects on each Registrant.

Disruptions in the financial markets could affect each Registrant's ability to obtain debt financing or to draw upon or renew existing credit facilities and have other adverse effects on each Registrant. Significant dislocations and liquidity disruptions in the United States, Great Britain, Canada and global credit markets, such as those that occurred in 2008 and 2009, may materially impact liquidity in the bank and debt capital markets, making financing terms less attractive for borrowers that are able to find financing and, in other cases, may cause certain types of debt financing, or any financing, to be unavailable. Additionally, economic uncertainty in the United States or globally may adversely affect the United States' credit markets and could negatively impact each Registrant's ability to access funds on favorable terms or at all. If each Registrant is unable to access the bank and debt markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure needs, it may adversely affect the timing and amount of its capital expenditures, acquisition financing and its consolidated financial results.


Potential changes in accounting standards may impact each Registrant's financial results and disclosures in the future, which may change the way analysts measure each Registrant's business or financial performance.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the SEC continuously make changes to accounting standards and disclosure and other financial reporting requirements. New or revised accounting standards and requirements issued by the FASB or the SEC or new accounting orders issued by the FERC could significantly impact each Registrant's financial results and disclosures. For example, beginning in 2018 all changes in the fair values of equity securities (whether realized or unrealized) will be recognized as gains or losses in the relevant Registrant's financial statements. Accordingly, periodic changes in such Registrant's reported net income will likely be subject to significant variability.

Each Registrant is involved in a variety of legal proceedings, the outcomes of which are uncertain and could adversely affect its consolidated financial results.

Each Registrant is, and in the future may become, a party to a variety of legal proceedings. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and the Registrants cannot predict the outcome of individual matters with certainty. It is possible that the final resolution of some of the matters in which each Registrant is involved could result in additional material payments substantially in excess of established reserves or in terms that could require each Registrant to change business practices and procedures or divest ownership of assets. Further, litigation could result in the imposition of financial penalties or injunctions and adverse regulatory consequences, any of which could limit each Registrant's ability to take certain desired actions or the denial of needed permits, licenses or regulatory authority to conduct its business, including the siting or permitting of facilities. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on such Registrant's consolidated financial results.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.


Item 2.    Properties

Each Registrant's energy properties consist of the physical assets necessary to support its applicable electricity and natural gas businesses. Properties of the relevant Registrant's electricity businesses include electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, as well as coal mining assets that support certain of PacifiCorp's electric generating facilities. Properties of the relevant Registrant's natural gas businesses include natural gas distribution facilities, interstate pipelines, storage facilities, compressor stations and meter stations. The transmission and distribution assets are primarily within each Registrant's service territories. In addition to these physical assets, the Registrants have rights-of-way, mineral rights and water rights that enable each Registrant to utilize its facilities. It is the opinion of each Registrant's management that the principal depreciable properties owned by it are in good operating condition and are well maintained. Pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties, MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa, Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada, AltaLink'sALP's transmission properties and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of generation projects are pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise provide the security for the related subsidiary debt. For additional information regarding each Registrant's energy properties, refer to Item 1 of this Form 10-K and Notes 4, 5 and 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 43 and 54 of the Notes to Financial Statements of MidAmerican Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Nevada Power in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Sierra Pacific in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

The following table summarizes Berkshire Hathaway Energy's electric generating facilities that are in operation as of December 31, 20162018:
 Facility Net Net Owned Facility Net Net Owned
Energy Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity
Source Entity Location by Significance (MW) (MW) Entity Location by Significance (MW) (MW)
  
Natural gas PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, NV Energy and BHE Renewables Nevada, Utah, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Texas, New York and Arizona 10,917 10,508 PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, NV Energy and BHE Renewables Nevada, Utah, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Texas, New York and Arizona 10,920 10,641
  
Coal PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy Wyoming, Iowa, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Montana 16,485 9,412 PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy Wyoming, Iowa, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Montana 16,181 9,138
  
Wind PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables Iowa, Wyoming, Nebraska, Washington, California, Texas, Oregon, Illinois and Kansas 6,199 6,190 PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables Iowa, Wyoming, Texas, Nebraska, Washington, California, Illinois, Oregon and Kansas 7,862 7,853
  
Solar BHE Renewables and NV Energy California, Arizona, Minnesota and Nevada 1,464 1,316 BHE Renewables and NV Energy California, Texas, Arizona, Minnesota and Nevada 1,699 1,551
  
Hydroelectric 
PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy
 and BHE Renewables
 Washington, Oregon, The Philippines, Idaho, California, Utah, Hawaii, Montana, Illinois and Wyoming 1,297 1,275 
PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy
 and BHE Renewables
 Washington, Oregon, The Philippines, Idaho, California, Utah, Hawaii, Montana, Illinois and Wyoming 1,299 1,277
  
Nuclear MidAmerican Energy Illinois 1,824 456 MidAmerican Energy Illinois 1,823 456
  
Geothermal PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables California and Utah 370 370 PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables California and Utah 370 370
  
 Total 38,556 29,527 Total 40,154 31,286

Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway Energyas of December 31, 2018 the Company has electric generating facilities that are under construction in Iowa and Minnesota as of December 31, 2016Wyoming having total Facility Net Capacity and Net Owned Capacity of 2,072 MW.2,390 MWs.


The right to construct and operate each Registrant's electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines across certain property was obtained in most circumstances through negotiations and, where necessary, through prescription, eminent domain or similar rights. PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas and Kern River in the United States; Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc in Great Britain; and AltaLinkALP in Alberta, Canada continue to have the power of eminent domain or similar rights in each of the jurisdictions in which they operate their respective facilities, but the United States and Canadian utilities do not have the power of eminent domain with respect to governmental, Native American or Canadian First Nations' tribal lands. Although the main Kern River pipeline crosses the Moapa Indian Reservation, all facilities in the Moapa Indian Reservation are located within a utility corridor that is reserved to the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

With respect to real property, each of the electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines fall into two basic categories: (1) parcels that are owned in fee, such as certain of the electric generating facilities, electric substations, natural gas compressor stations, natural gas meter stations and office sites; and (2) parcels where the interest derives from leases, easements (including prescriptive easements), rights-of-way, permits or licenses from landowners or governmental authorities permitting the use of such land for the construction, operation and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines. Each Registrant believes it has satisfactory title or interest to all of the real property making up their respective facilities in all material respects.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

Each Registrant is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Each Registrant does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. Each Registrant is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Information regarding Berkshire Hathaway Energy's and PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.


PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY

BHE's common stock is beneficially owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Mr. Walter Scott, Jr., a member of BHE's Board of Directors (along with his family members and related or affiliated entities), and Mr. Gregory E. Abel, BHE's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,Chairman, and has not been registered with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, listed on a stock exchange or otherwise publicly held or traded. BHE has not declared or paid any cash dividends to its common shareholders since Berkshire Hathaway acquired an equity ownership interest in BHE in March 2000, and does not presently anticipate that it will declare any dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future.

For a discussion of restrictions that limit BHE's and its subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends on their common stock, refer to Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

PACIFICORP

All common stock of PacifiCorp is held by its parent company, PPW Holdings LLC, which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. PacifiCorp declared and paid dividends to PPW Holdings LLC of $875$450 million in 20162018 and $950$600 million in 2015.2017.

For a discussion of regulatory restrictions that limit PacifiCorp's ability to pay dividends on common stock, refer to "Limitations" in PacifiCorp's Item 7 in this Form 10-K and to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING AND MIDAMERICAN ENERGY

All common stock of MidAmerican Energy is held by its parent company, MHC, which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding. MidAmerican Funding is an Iowa limited liability company whose membership interest is held solely by BHE.

For a discussion of regulatory restrictions that limit Neither MidAmerican Energy's ability to pay dividends on common stock, refer to "Debt Authorizations and Related Matters" in MidAmerican Energy's Item 7 in this Form 10-K and to Note 9 of the Notes to Financial Statements ofFunding or MidAmerican Energy declared or paid any cash distributions or dividends to its sole member or shareholder in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.2018 and 2017.

NEVADA POWER

All common stock of Nevada Power is held by its parent company, NV Energy, which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. Nevada Power did not declare or pay any dividends to NV Energy in 2018 and declared and paid dividends to NV Energy of $469$548 million in 2016 and $13 million in 2015.2017.

SIERRA PACIFIC

All common stock of Sierra Pacific is held by its parent company, NV Energy.Energy, which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. Sierra Pacific did not declare or pay any dividends to NV Energy in 2018 and declared and paid dividends to NV Energy of $51$45 million in 2016 and $7 million in 2015.2017.


Item 6.Selected Financial Data
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries 
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries 
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company 
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries 
Sierra Pacific Power Company and its subsidiaries 

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries 
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries 
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company 
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries 
Sierra Pacific Power Company and its subsidiaries 

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries 
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries 
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company 
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries 
Sierra Pacific Power Company and its subsidiaries 


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
MidAmerican Energy Company  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Balance Sheets 
Statements of Operations 
Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity 
Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Financial Statements 
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Member's Equity 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Sierra Pacific Power Company and its subsidiaries  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth the Company's selected consolidated historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the information inInformation required by Item 7 of this6 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) to Form 10-K and with the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated historical financial data has been derived from the Company's audited historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto (in millions).
 Years Ended December 31,
 
2016(1)
 
2015(1)
 
2014(1)
 
2013(1)
 2012
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:         
Operating revenue$17,422
 $17,880
 $17,326
 $12,635
 $11,548
Net income2,570
 2,400
 2,122
 1,676
 1,495
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders2,542
 2,370
 2,095
 1,636
 1,472
          
 As of December 31,
 
2016(1)
 
2015(1)
 
2014(1)
 
2013(1)
 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:         
Total assets(2)(3)
$85,440
 $83,618
 $81,816
 $69,591
 $52,212
Short-term debt1,869
 974
 1,445
 232
 887
Long-term debt, including current maturities:         
BHE senior debt(3)
7,818
 7,814
 7,810
 6,575
 4,592
BHE subordinated debt944
 2,944
 3,794
 2,594
 
Subsidiary debt(3)
27,354
 27,214
 26,848
 22,645
 16,007
Total BHE shareholders' equity24,327
 22,401
 20,442
 18,711
 15,742

(1)
Reflects the completion of the AltaLink acquisition from December 1, 2014 and the NV Energy acquisition from December 19, 2013.

(2)In December 2015, the Company retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of certain deferred income tax balances previously recognized within other current assets in the amounts of $291 million, $211 million and $119 million, as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as reductions in noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities.

(3)In December 2015, the Company retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, which resulted in the reclassification of certain deferred debt issuance costs previously recognized within other assets in the amounts of $50 million, $41 million and $29 million, as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as reductions in BHE senior debt, and certain deferred debt issuance costs previously recognized within other assets in the amounts of $147 million, $157 million and $107 million, as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as reductions in subsidiary debt.

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 6 of this Form 10-K and with the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Company's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

The reportable segment financial information includes all necessary adjustments and eliminations needed to conform to the Company's significant accounting policies. The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations. Effective January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy transferred the assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC, a subsidiary of BHE. Prior period amounts have been changed to reflect this activity in BHE and Other.


Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for the Company's reportable segments for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders:                              
PacifiCorp$764
 $697
 $67
 10 % $697
 $700
 $(3)  %$739
 $769
 $(30) (4)% $769
 $764
 $5
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding532
 442
 90
 20
 442
 393
 49
 12
669
 574
 95
 17
 574
 532
 42
 8
NV Energy359
 379
 (20) (5) 379
 354
 25
 7
317
 346
 (29) (8) 346
 359
 (13) (4)
Northern Powergrid342
 422
 (80) (19) 422
 412
 10
 2
239
 251
 (12) (5) 251
 342
 (91) (27)
BHE Pipeline Group249
 243
 6
 2
 243
 230
 13
 6
387
 277
 110
 40
 277
 249
 28
 11
BHE Transmission214
 186
 28
 15
 186
 56
 130
 *210
 224
 (14) (6) 224
 214
 10
 5
BHE Renewables(1)179
 124
 55
 44
 124
 121
 3
 2
329
 864
 (535) (62) 864
 179
 685
 *
HomeServices127
 104
 23
 22
 104
 83
 21
 25
145
 149
 (4) (3) 149
 127
 22
 17
BHE and Other(224) (227) 3
 1
 (227) (254) 27
 11
(467) (584) 117
 20
 (584) (224) (360) *
Total net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,542
 $2,370
 $172
 7
 $2,370
 $2,095
 $275
 13
$2,568
 $2,870
 $(302) (11) $2,870
 $2,542
 $328
 13

* Not meaningful

(1)Includes the tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and the earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

Net income attributable to BHE shareholders increased $172decreased $302 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017. 2018 included a pre-tax unrealized loss of $538 million ($383 million after-tax) on the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited, partially offset by a $134 million income tax benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform. 2017 included a $516 million income tax benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, partially offset by $439 million of pre-tax charges ($263 million after-tax) from tender offers for certain long-term debt completed in December 2017. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders in 2018 was $2,817 million, an increase of $200 million compared to adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders in 2017 of $2,617 million.


In 2018, the Domestic Regulated Businesses began passing the benefits of lower income tax expense related to the 2017 Tax Reform to customers through various regulatory mechanisms, including lower retail rates, higher depreciation expense and reductions to rate base, which generally produced lower revenue, operating income and income tax expense in 2018. The decrease in net income attributable to BHE shareholders was due to the following:

PacifiCorp's net income increased $67decreased $30 million primarily due to higher marginslower utility margin of $86 million, lower operations and maintenance expenses of $18$198 million and higher productionpension and post retirement expense of $13 million primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax creditsexpense of $8$181 million, primarily from a lower tax rate partially offset by $6 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform, andhigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas costs, lower wholesale revenue, higher purchased electricity costs and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortizationnet deferrals of $13 million, lower AFUDC of $9 million and higher property taxes of $5 million. Margins increased primarily due to lower purchased electricityincurred net power costs higher retail rates, lower coal-fueled generationin accordance with established adjustment mechanisms and lower natural gas costs, partially offset by lower wholesale electricity revenue from lower volumes and prices.coal costs. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.6%0.2% due to lower commercial customer usage in Utah and lower industrial customer usage primarily in Utah and Oregon,impacts of weather, partially offset by an increase in the average number of residential customers in Utah and Oregon and commercial customers in Utah and the impacts of weather on residential customer volumes.customers.
MidAmerican Funding's net income increased $90$95 million primarily due to higher electric marginsutility margin of $172$122 million, a higher income tax benefit of $60 million, primarily due to a $21 million increase in production tax credits, a lower federal tax rate and a 2017 charge of $39$10 million from 2017 Tax Reform, after-tax charges of $17 million in 2017 related to the tender offer of a portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029 and lower fossil-fueled generation operationshigher allowance for borrowed and maintenanceequity funds of $35$17 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $72$109 million fromdue to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service and an accrual related to anincreases for Iowa regulatory revenue sharing, arrangement, a pre-tax gainhigher operations and maintenance expense of $13$11 million in 2015 on the sale of a generating facility lease,and higher interest expense of $10 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders of $127 million (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense), higher retail customer volumes of 5.6%, largely due to industrial growth and the favorable impact of weather and higher wholesale revenue, partially offset by lower average retail rates of $126 million, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform, and higher generation and purchased power costs.
NV Energy's net income decreased $29 million primarily due to an increase in operations and maintenance expense of $71 million from higher political activity expenses and $38 million of earnings sharing established in 2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review, a decrease in electric utility margin of $52 million and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $34 million as a result of various regulatory-directed amortizations established in the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review. These decreases to net income were partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $122 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate and a 2017 charge of $19 million from 2017 Tax Reform. Electric utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $71 million, partially offset by higher retail customer volumes of 3.0%, mainly due to the favorable impact of weather.
Northern Powergrid's net income decreased $12 million due to higher distribution-related operating and depreciation expenses of $32 million from additional distribution network investment and higher pension expense of $13 million, largely resulting from pension settlement losses recognized in 2018 due to higher lump sum payments, partially offset by higher distribution revenue of $13 million, higher smart meter net income of $9 million and the weaker United States dollar of $9 million. Distribution revenue increased due to higher tariff rates of $24 million, partially offset by unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions.
BHE Pipeline Group's net income increased $110 million, due to higher transportation revenue of $113 million at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River from higher volumes and rates due to unique market opportunities and colder temperatures, a decrease in income tax expense of $50 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate offset by $7 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform, and lower depreciation and amortization of $33 million, largely due to lower depreciation rates at Kern River, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $88 million, primarily due to increased pipeline integrity projects at Northern Natural Gas.
BHE Transmission's net income decreased $14 million from lower earnings at AltaLink of $10 million, primarily due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order in December 2018 and benefits from the release of contingent liabilities in 2017, partially offset by higher net income from the nonregulated natural gas generation business, and lower earnings at BHE U.S. Transmission of $4 million from lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order in March 2017.

BHE Renewables' net income decreased $535 million, primarily due to $628 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform primarily resulting from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities, $45 million of higher operations and maintenance expense, mainly due to losses on asset disposals in the Imperial Valley and transformer remediation costs, and an unfavorable derivative valuation movement of $13 million. These decreases were partially offset by $50 million of increased revenue from overall higher generation and pricing at existing projects, favorable earnings of $34 million from tax equity investments due largely to earnings from additional tax equity investments of $41 million offset by $7 million of higher equity losses from existing tax equity investments, $29 million of net income from additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service, $15 million of make-whole premiums paid in 2017 due to early debt retirements and a settlement of $7 million received in 2018 related to transformer issues in 2016.
HomeServices' net income decreased $4 million, primarily due to lower margin and higher operating expenses at existing businesses, $31 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform and $16 million of higher interest expense from increased borrowings primarily related to acquisitions, partially offset by net income of $58 million contributed from acquired businesses and a decrease in income tax expense of $28 million from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform.
BHE and Other net loss improved $117 million, primarily due to the 2017 after-tax charge of $246 million related to the tender offer of a portion of BHE's senior bonds, a 2017 charge of $127 million from 2017 Tax Reform, a reduction of $134 million in 2018 to the amounts recorded for the repatriation tax on foreign earnings and lower consolidated state and foreign income tax expense, partially offset by the aforementioned after-tax unrealized loss on the investment in BYD Company Limited totaling $383 million and $58 million of lower tax benefits from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform.

Net income attributable to BHE shareholders increased $328 million for 2017 compared to 2016, including a $516 million benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, partially offset by a pre-tax charge of $439 million ($263 million after-tax) from tender offers for certain long-term debt completed in December 2017. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders was $2,617 million, an increase of $75 million compared to 2016.
The increase in net income attributable to BHE shareholders was due to the following with such explanations excluding the impacts of DSM and energy efficiency programs having no impact on net income:
PacifiCorp's net income increased $5 million, including $6 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $763 million, a decrease of $1 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $11 million, lower production tax credits of $11 million and higher property and other taxes of $7 million, partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million. Utility margin increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue and higher wheeling revenue, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates and higher coal costs. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to favorable impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage.
MidAmerican Funding's net income taxesincreased $42 million, including a pre-tax charge of $29 million ($17 million after-tax) related to the tender offer of a portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029 and $10 million for 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income was $601 million, an increase of $69 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher income tax benefit from higher production tax credits of $38 million, the effects of ratemaking and lower pre-tax income, and higher pre-tax income.electric utility margin of $98 million, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $93 million due to operations costs recovered through bill riders, additional wind-powered generating facilities and the timing of fossil-fueled generation maintenance, higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa regulatory arrangements, partially offset by a December 2016 reduction in depreciation rates, and higher property and other taxes of $7 million. Electric margins reflectutility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail salescustomer volumes, higher retail rates in Iowa, lower energy costs, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue.revenue, partially offset by higher coal and purchased power costs. Retail customer volumes increased 2.4% due to industrial growth net of lower residential and commercial volumes from milder temperatures.
NV Energy's net income decreased $20$13 million, including a charge of $19 million from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $365 million, an increase of $6 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher operating expenseelectric utility margin of $27$20 million higher depreciation and amortization of $11 million due to higher plant in-service and lower electric margins of $2 million, partially offset by lower interest expense of $12 million. Operating expense$17 million from lower deferred charges and lower rates on outstanding debt balances, partially offset by $28 million of charges related to the Nevada Power regulatory rate order. Electric utility margin increased due to benefits from changeshigher retail customer volumes, partially offset by a decrease in contingent liabilities in 2015 and regulatory disallowances in 2016. Electric margins decreased primarilywholesale revenues. Retail customer volumes increased 1.5% due to lower transmission and wholesale revenue and lower customer usage offset bypatterns, higher customer growth.demand from the impacts of weather and an increase in the average number of customers.
Northern Powergrid's net income decreased $80$91 million due to the stronger United States dollar of $47 million, lower distribution revenues mainly due to the recovery in 2015 of the December 2013 customer rebate and unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions, higher depreciation of $25 million from additional assets placed in service, higher write-offs of hydrocarbon well exploration costs of $15 million and higher interest expense of $7 million. These adverse variances were partially offset by higher smart meter revenue, lower operating expenses and lower income tax expense of $35 million primarily due to $39 million of benefits from the resolution of income tax return claims from prior years partially offset by decreasedin 2016 and $17 million of deferred income tax benefits reflected in 2016 due to a 1% reduction in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate, higher pension expense of $24 million, including the impact of settlement losses recognized in 2017 due to higher lump sum payments, lower distribution revenue of $23 million and the stronger United States dollar of $11 million. These decreases were partly offset by $19 million of asset provisions recognized in 2016 comparedat the CE Gas business. Distribution revenue decreased due to a 2% reductionlower units distributed, the recovery in 2015.2016 of the December 2013 customer rebate and unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions, partially offset by higher tariff rates.
BHE Pipeline Group's net income increased $6$28 million, including $7 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $270 million, an increase of $21 million compared to 2016, primarily due to a reduction in expenses and regulatory liabilities related to the impact of an alternative rate structure approved by the FERC at Kern River and higher transportation and storage revenues lower operating expenses and lower interest expense due to the early redemption in December 2015 of the 6.667% Senior Notes at Kern River,Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by lower transportation revenuesrevenue at Kern River and higher depreciation expense.

operating expense at Northern Natural Gas.
BHE Transmission's net income increased $28$10 million from higher earnings at AltaLink of $22$18 million, andpartially offset by lower earnings at BHE U.S. Transmission of $6$8 million. Earnings at AltaLink increased primarily due to additional assets placed in-service, and favorable regulatory decisions, partially offset by a $26 million pre-tax impairment related tolower impairments of nonregulated natural gas-fueled generation assets of $21 million and the strongerweaker United States dollar of $5 million.$3 million, partially offset by more favorable regulatory decisions in 2016. BHE U.S. Transmission's earnings improveddecreased primarily from higherdue to lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC from continued investment and additional plant placed in-service.the impacts of a regulatory rate order in March 2017.

BHE Renewables' net income increased $55$685 million dueincluding $628 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform primarily resulting from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $236 million, an increase of $57 million compared to three tax equity investments reaching commercial operations in 2016, and higher production at wind projects, including additional capacity placed in-service in 2016 at two projects, partially offset by lower solar revenues mainly due to forced outages and higher depreciation expenseprimarily due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service.in-service, higher generation at the Solar Star projects due to transformer related forced outages in 2016 and higher production at the Casecnan project due to higher rainfall.
HomeServices' net income increased $23$22 million, dueincluding $31 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $118 million, a decrease of $9 million compared to a 9% increase in closed brokerage units,2016, primarily due to lower earnings at acquired and existing brokerage businesses, a 2% increase in average home sales prices andpartially offset by higher earnings at existing mortgage and franchise businesses.
BHE and Other net loss improved $3increased $360 million, dueincluding pre-tax charges of $410 million ($246 million after-tax) related to lower interest expense, an increase in consolidated deferred state income tax benefitsthe tender offer of a portion of BHE's senior bonds and higher investment returns, partially offset by higher United States income taxes on foreign earnings.
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders increased $275$127 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to the following:
PacifiCorp's net income decreased $3 million due to the recognition of insurance recoveries for a fire claim in 2014, higher depreciation and amortization of $35 million, lower AFUDC of $25 million and higher property taxes, partially offset by higher margins of $109 million and lower production tax credits of $9 million. Margins increased primarily due to higher retail rates, lower purchased electricity prices, lower natural gas generation and costs, Utah mine disposition costs in 2014 and lower coal generation, partially offset by higher purchased electricity volumes, lower wholesale electricity revenue from lower volumes and prices and lower retail customer volumes. Customer volumes decreased 0.7% due to lower industrial customer usage in Utah and Wyoming and lower residential customer usage across the service territory, partially offset by an increase in the average number of residential customers in Utah and Oregon, an increase in the average number of commercial customers in Utah and2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impacts of weather on residential, commercialthese items, the adjusted net loss was $211 million, an improvement of $13 million compared to 2016. The $127 million of net loss from 2017 Tax Reform included an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and irrigation customer volumes.
MidAmerican Funding's net income increased $49 million due to higher regulated electric margins of $119 million, higher production tax credits of $27 million and lower fossil-fueled generation maintenance of $10profits totaling $419 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization$292 million of $56 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $27 million, lower regulated natural gas margins of $12 million due to warmer temperaturesbenefits from reductions in 2015 and higher interest expense of $9 million due to the issuance of first mortgage bonds in April 2014 and October 2015. Regulated electric margins increased primarily due to higher retail rates in Iowa and changes in rate structure related to seasonal pricing, lower purchased power costs, a lower average cost of fuel for generation and higher transmission revenue, partially offset by lower wholesale revenue. Electric retail customer volumes increased 1.2% as a result of strong industrial growth, partially offset by warmer winter temperatures compared to 2014.
NV Energy's netdeferred income increased $25 million due to higher electric margins of $76 million and lower interest expense of $21 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $31 million due to higher regulatory amortizations and higher operating expense of $30 million,tax liabilities primarily related to energy efficiency costs. Electric margins increased primarily due to higher electric retail customer volumes of 2.4% from increased customer usage and growth and the impacts of weather.
Northern Powergrid's net income increased $10 million due to income tax benefits of $41 million from a 2% reductionunrealized gain on the investment in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate, higher distribution revenue from recovery of the December 2013 customer rebate and favorable movements in regulatory provisions, and lower write-offs of hydrocarbon well exploration costs of $22 million, partially offset by lower tariff rates and distributed units and the stronger United States dollar of $34 million.
BHE Pipeline Group's net income increased $13 million due to lower operating expenses of $28 million primarily at Northern Natural Gas as a result of lower in-line inspection, hydrostatic testing and other maintenance project costs and higher transportation revenues of $7 million, partially offset by higher depreciation expense of $8 million and lower other income of $6 million due to a contract restructuring at Northern Natural Gas that expired in 2015.
BHE Transmission's net income increased $130 million from higher earnings at AltaLink of $120 million due to the acquisition of AltaLink on December 1, 2014, and at BHE U.S. Transmission of $10 million primarily related to lower acquisition and project development costs.BYD Company Limited.

BHE Renewables' net income increased $3 million due to higher earnings of $18 million from solar projects primarily due to additional solar capacity at the Solar Star and Topaz Projects being placed in-service, partially offset by lower earnings of $18 million at CE Generation due to lower revenue from lower short run avoided cost pricing.
HomeServices' net income increased $21 million due to higher earnings at existing brokerage, mortgage and franchise businesses, due to higher closed units, and acquired brokerage businesses, partially offset by $12 million of gains in 2014 from the acquisition of interests in equity method investments.
BHE and Other net loss improved $27 million due to lower income tax expense from favorable consolidated deferred state income tax benefits and United States income taxes on foreign earnings, partially offset by higher interest expense from debt issuances in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Reportable Segment Results

Operating revenue and operating income for the Company's reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Operating revenue:                              
PacifiCorp$5,201
 $5,232
 $(31) (1)% $5,232
 $5,252
 $(20)  %$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding2,631
 2,515
 116
 5
 2,515
 2,844
 (329) (12)3,053
 2,846
 207
 7
 2,846
 2,631
 215
 8
NV Energy2,895
 3,351
 (456) (14) 3,351
 3,241
 110
 3
3,039
 3,015
 24
 1
 3,015
 2,895
 120
 4
Northern Powergrid995
 1,140
 (145) (13) 1,140
 1,283
 (143) (11)1,020
 949
 71
 7
 949
 995
 (46) (5)
BHE Pipeline Group978
 1,016
 (38) (4) 1,016
 1,078
 (62) (6)1,203
 993
 210
 21
 993
 978
 15
 2
BHE Transmission502
 592
 (90) (15) 592
 62
 530
 *710
 699
 11
 2
 699
 502
 197
 39
BHE Renewables743
 728
 15
 2
 728
 623
 105
 17
908
 838
 70
 8
 838
 743
 95
 13
HomeServices2,801
 2,526
 275
 11
 2,526
 2,144
 382
 18
4,214
 3,443
 771
 22
 3,443
 2,801
 642
 23
BHE and Other676
 780
 (104) (13) 780
 799
 (19) (2)614
 594
 20
 3
 594
 676
 (82) (12)
Total operating revenue$17,422
 $17,880
 $(458) (3) $17,880
 $17,326
 $554
 3
$19,787
 $18,614
 $1,173
 6
 $18,614
 $17,422
 $1,192
 7
                              
Operating income:                              
PacifiCorp$1,427
 $1,344
 $83
 6 % $1,344
 $1,308
 $36
 3 %$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389) (27)% $1,440
 $1,429
 $11
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding566
 451
 115
 25
 451
 395
 56
 14
550
 544
 6
 1
 544
 551
 (7) (1)
NV Energy770
 812
 (42) (5) 812
 791
 21
 3
607
 766
 (159) (21) 766
 774
 (8) (1)
Northern Powergrid494
 593
 (99) (17) 593
 674
 (81) (12)486
 488
 (2) 
 488
 500
 (12) (2)
BHE Pipeline Group455
 464
 (9) (2) 464
 439
 25
 6
525
 473
 52
 11
 473
 455
 18
 4
BHE Transmission92
 260
 (168) (65) 260
 16
 244
 *313
 322
 (9) (3) 322
 92
 230
 *
BHE Renewables256
 255
 1
 
 255
 314
 (59) (19)325
 316
 9
 3
 316
 256
 60
 23
HomeServices212
 184
 28
 15
 184
 125
 59
 47
214
 214
 
 
 214
 212
 2
 1
BHE and Other(21) (35) 14
 40
 (35) (16) (19) *1
 (41) 42
 102
 (41) (22) (19) (86)
Total operating income$4,251
 $4,328
 $(77) (2) $4,328
 $4,046
 $282
 7
$4,072
 $4,522
 $(450) (10) $4,522
 $4,247
 $275
 6

* Not meaningful

PacifiCorp

Operating revenue decreased $31$211 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 due to lower retail revenue of $197 million and lower wholesale and other revenue of $88 million, partially offset by higher retail revenue of $57for $14 million. Wholesale and otherRetail revenue decreased $180 million due to lower wholesale volumesaverage retail rates, including the impact of $65lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, and lower average wholesale pricescustomer volumes of $25$17 million. The increase in retail revenue was primarily due to higher retail rates. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.6%0.2% due to lowerimpacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes and lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial customer usage primarily in UtahOregon, Washington and Oregon,Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers across the service territory, higher residential and commercial usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.

Operating income decreased $389 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher depreciation and amortization expense of $183 million, primarily due to accelerated depreciation of Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million as ordered by the Utah Public Utilities Commission. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $151 million, higher natural gas costs, lower wholesale revenue, higher purchased electricity costs and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms and lower coal costs.


Operating revenue increased $36 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher wholesale and other revenue of $50 million, partially offset by lower retail revenue of $14 million. Wholesale and other revenue increased due to higher wholesale sales volumes and short-term market prices and higher wheeling revenue. Retail revenue decreased due to lower average rates of $64 million and lower DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $55 million, primarily driven by the establishment of the Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan program, partially offset by higher customer volumes of $105 million. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and commercial customers in Utah and the impacts of weather on residential customer volumes.

lower irrigation usage.

Operating income increased $83$11 million for 20162017 compared to 20152016 due to higher marginsutility margin of $86$72 million, excluding the impact of a decrease in DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $55 million, and lower operations and maintenance expenses of $18 million,expense, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $13$26 million from additional plant placed in-service and higher property and other taxes of $5$7 million. MarginsUtility margin increased due to lower energy costs of $117 million, partially offset by lower operating revenue of $31 million. Energy costs decreased primarily due to lower purchased electricity costs, lower coal-fueled generation and lower natural gas costs, partially offset by higher gas-fueled generation and higher coal costs. Operations and maintenance expenses decreased primarily due to lower plant maintenance costs associated with reduced generation and lower labor and benefit costs due to lower headcount, partially offset by a Washington rate case decision disallowing returns on recent selective catalytic reduction projects.

Operating revenue decreased $20 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower wholesale and other revenue of $113 million, partially offset by higher retail revenue of $93 million. Wholesale and other revenue decreased due to lower wholesale volumes of $55 million, lower REC revenue of $31 million and lower average wholesale prices of $27 million. The increase in retail revenue was due to higher retail rates of $109 million, partially offset by lower retail customer volumes, of $16 million. Customer volumes decreased 0.7% due to lower industrial customer usage in Utah and Wyoming and lower residential customer usage across the service territory, partially offset by an increase in the average number of residential customers in Utah and Oregon, an increase in the average number of commercial customers in Utah and the impacts of weather on residential, commercial and irrigation customer volumes.
Operating income increased $36 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to higher margins of $109 million, partially offset by the recognition of insurance recoveries for a fire claim in 2014, higher depreciation and amortization of $35 million primarily due to higher plant in-service including the Lake Side 2 natural gas-fueled generating facility ("Lake Side 2") placed in-service in May 2014generation, higher wholesale revenue and higher property taxes. Margins increased due to lower energy costs of $129 million, partially offset by the lower operating revenue. Energy costs decreased due to lower purchased electricity prices, lower natural gas generation, lower average cost of natural gas, Utah mine disposition costs in 2014 and lower coal generation,wheeling revenue, partially offset by higher purchased electricity volumescosts, lower average retail rates and lower net deferrals of incurred net powerhigher coal costs.

MidAmerican Funding

Operating revenue increased $116$207 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to higher electric operating revenue of $148$175 million partially offset by lowerand higher natural gas operating revenue of $24 million and lower other operating revenue of $8$35 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $112$102 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $36$73 million. RetailElectric retail revenue increased $47$127 million from higher electric ratesrecoveries through bill riders (substantially offset in Iowa effective January 1, 2016, $33cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense), primarily the energy adjustment clause, $65 million from non-weather-relatedhigher customer usage, including higher industrial sales volumes, and $36 million from the impact of weather in 2018, partially offset by lower average rates of $126 million, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform. Electric retail customer volumes increased 5.6%, largely due to industrial growth and the favorable impact of weather. Electric wholesale and other revenue increased due to 22.0% higher sales volumes and higher average per-unit prices of $18 million. Natural gas operating revenue increased due to 16.7% higher retail sales volumes from the impact of weather in 2018 and industrial growth, partially offset by a lower average per-unit price of $21 million (offset in cost of gas purchased for resale and other) and other usage and rate factors, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform.

Operating income increased $6 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electric utility margin of $122 million and higher natural gas utility margin of $11 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $109 million, higher operations and maintenance expense of $11 million and higher property and other taxes of $6 million. Wind-powered generation maintenance increased $23 million primarily due to the additional wind generation facilities but was offset by lower maintenance costs for transmission, distribution and fossil-fueled generation. The increase in depreciation and amortization reflects $65 million related to additional wind generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa revenue sharing of $44 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail customer volumes and higher wholesale revenue, partially offset by lower average retail rates, predominately from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform, and higher generation and purchased power costs. Natural gas utility margin increased due to higher retail sales volumes from colder temperatures in 2018, partially offset by lower average rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform.

Operating revenue increased $215 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher electric operating revenue of $123 million, higher natural gas operating revenue of $82 million and higher other revenue of $10 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $88 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $35 million. Electric retail revenue increased $73 million from higher recoveries through bill riders (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense) and $39 million from usage and growth and rate factors, including higher industrial sales volumes, and $30partially offset by $24 million from warmer cooling season temperatures, netthe impact of warmer wintermilder temperatures in 2016.2017. Electric retail customer volumes increased 3.8%2.4% from industrial growth, partially offset by the favorableunfavorable impact of temperatures and industrial growth.temperatures. Electric wholesale and other revenue increased primarily due to higher transmission revenue of $13 million, higher wholesale volumes of $12 million and higher wholesale prices of $25 million and higher transmission revenue of $17 million related to Multi-Value Projects, which are expected to increase as projects are constructed, partially offset by lower wholesale volumes of $6$8 million. Natural gas operating revenue decreasedincreased due to a lowerhigher average per-unit cost of gas sold of $42$67 million which is offset(offset in cost of natural gas purchased for resale and other), higher DSM program revenue of $3 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense), 2.4% higher wholesale sales volumes and 0.5% lower0.1% higher retail sales volumes, primarily from warmer winter temperatures in 2016, partially offset by 10.1% higher wholesale volumes. Other operating revenue decreased primarily due to the completion of major projects of a nonregulated utility construction subsidiary in 2015.


Operating income increased $115decreased $7 million for 20162017 compared to 20152016 due to higher electric operating incomemaintenance expense of $112$52 million for additional wind-powered generating facilities and the timing of fossil-fueled generation maintenance, higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million and higher natural gas operating income of $4 million. Electric operating income increased due to the higher operating revenue, lower energy costs of $24 million reflecting lower coal-fueled generation in part due to greater wind-powered generation, higher purchased power volumesproperty and higher natural gas-fueled generation, lower fossil-fueled generation maintenance of $24 million from planned outages in 2015 and lower generation operations costsother taxes of $7 million, partially offset by higher electric utility margin of $98 million, including the impact of an increase in electric DSM program revenue of $22 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense), and higher natural gas utility margin of $5 million, including the impact of an increase in gas DSM program revenue of $3 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense). Electric utility margin was higher due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail sales volumes, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue, partially offset by higher coal-fueled generation and purchased power costs. The increase in depreciation and amortization of $70reflects $38 million from wind-poweredrelated to wind generation and other plant placed in-service and an accrual related to anincreases for Iowa regulatory revenue sharing arrangement, higher other generation maintenance of $13 million primarily from the addition of wind turbines and higher operating expense recovered through bill riders of $14 million. Natural gas operating income increased due to lower distribution costs.


Operating revenue decreased $329 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower natural gas operating revenue of $335 million and lower other operating revenuearrangements of $14 million, partially offset by higher electric operating revenuea reduction of $20 million. Natural gas operating revenue decreased due to a lower average per-unit cost of gas sold of $290 million, which is offset in cost of sales, and 16.7% lower retail sales volumes primarily from warmer winter temperatures in 2015, partially offset by higher wholesale volumes. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $84 million, partially offset by lower wholesale and other revenue of $64 million. Retail revenue increased $70$31 million from higher electriclower depreciation rates primarilyimplemented in Iowa, $16 million from non-weather-related usage factors and $8 million from higher recoveries through bill riders and adjustment clauses, which is substantially offset in operating expense, partially offset by $10 million from the impact of warmer winter temperatures. The increase in Iowa electric rates reflects higher retail rates and changes in rate structure related to seasonal pricing that were effective with the implementation of final base rates in August 2014 and result in a greater differential between higher rates from June to September and lower rates in the remaining months. Electric retail customer volumes increased 1.2% as a result of strong industrial growth, net of the impact of temperatures compared to 2014. Electric wholesale and other revenue decreased primarily due to lower average wholesale prices of $62 million and lower wholesale volumes of $24 million, partially offset by higher transmission revenue of $25 million related to Multi-Value Projects.

Operating income increased $56 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to higher electric operating income of $66 million, partially offset by lower natural gas operating income of $11 million. Electric operating income increased due to lower energy costs of $99 million from a lower average cost of fuel for generation and lower purchased power costs, the higher retail rates and changes in rate structure related to seasonal pricing, the higher transmission revenue and lower fossil-fueled generation maintenance from planned major outages in 2014 of $10 million, partially offset by the lower wholesale revenue and higher depreciation and amortization of $56 million due to wind generation and other plant placed in-service. Natural gas operating income decreased due to the lower retail sales volumes, partially offset by a one-time refund of $8 million to customers in 2014 of insurance recoveries related to environmental matters.December 2016.

NV Energy

Operating revenue decreased $456increased $24 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to lowerhigher electric operating revenue of $427$17 million lowerand higher natural gas operating revenue of $27$5 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher electric retail revenue of $17 million primarily due to lowerhigher energy rates partially offset by(offset in cost of fuel and energy) of $84 million, higher customer usage, and lower other operating revenuevolumes of $2 million. Electric operating revenue decreased due to lower retail revenue of $414$19 million, and lower wholesale, transmission and other revenue of $13 million. Retail revenue decreased primarily due to $431 million from lower retail rates primarily from lower energy costs which are passed on to customers through deferred energy adjustment mechanisms and $28 million from lower customer usage, partially offset by $38 million from higher customer growth, $11 million from higher customer usage primarily due to the impacts of weather, and $4customer growth of $11 million, partially offset by a decrease from the impact of higher energy efficiencya lower federal tax rate revenue, which is offset in operating expense.due to 2017 Tax Reform of $71 million and lower rates from the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review of $30 million. Electric retail customer volumes, were flatincluding distribution only service customers, increased 3.0% compared to 2015.2017. Natural gas operating revenue increased $5 million due to a higher average per-unit price (offset in cost of natural gas purchased for resale) of $7 million, partially offset by lower volumes.

Operating income decreased $42$159 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 due to higher operatingan increase in operations and maintenance expense of $27$71 million, primarily due to benefits from changeshigher political activity expenses and $38 million of earnings sharing established in contingent liabilities2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review, a decrease in 2015, regulatory disallowances in 2016electric utility margin of $52 million and higher energy efficiency program costs, which is offset in operating revenue, higher depreciation and amortization of $11$34 million due toas a result of various regulatory-directed amortizations established in the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review. Electric utility margin decreased as higher plant in-service and lower electric margins of $2 million. Electric margins were lower due to the lower electric operating revenue offset by lower energy costs of $425 million. Energy costs decreased due to lower net deferred power costs of $413 million and a lower average cost of fuel for generation of $69 million partiallywere offset by higher purchased power costs of $57 million.

Operating revenue increased $110 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to higher electric operating revenue of $94 million and higher natural gas operating revenue of $12 million due to increased customer usage and higher rates. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $82 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $12 million primarily due to higher transmission revenue. Retail revenue was higher due to $45 million from higher customer growth, $31 million of higher energy efficiency rate revenue, which is offset in operating expense, and $22 million of higher customer usage primarily due to the impacts of weather, partially offset by $18 million from lower retail rates primarily from lower energy costs which are passed on to customers through deferred energy adjustment mechanisms. Electric retail customer volumes increased 2.4% compared to 2014.

Operating income increased $21 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to higher electric margins of $76 million from the higher electric operating revenue, partially offset by higher energy costs of $18 million, higher depreciation and amortization of $31 million and higher operating expense of $30 million, primarily related to energy efficiency program costs, which is offset in operating revenue.$17 million. Energy costs increased due to higher net deferred power costs of $247$57 million and higher purchased power costs of $33 million, partially offset by a lower average cost of fuel for generation of $228$21 million.

Operating revenue increased $120 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher electric operating revenue of $134 million, partially offset by lower natural gas operating revenue of $11 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $127 million and higher transmission revenue of $9 million. Electric retail revenue increased due to $198 million from higher rates primarily from energy costs (offset in cost of sales), $40 million from higher distribution only service revenue and impact fees received due to customers purchasing energy from alternative providers and becoming distribution only service customers, $18 million from an increase in the average number customers and $10 million higher customer usage mainly from the favorable impacts of weather, partially offset by $114 million from lower commercial and industrial revenue, mainly from customers purchasing energy from alternative providers, and $23 million of lower energy efficiency program revenue (offset in operating expense). Electric retail customer volumes, including distribution only service customers, increased 1.5% compared to 2016. Natural gas operating revenue decreased due to lower energy rates, partially offset by higher customer usage.

Operating income decreased $8 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to $25 million of operating expenses related to Nevada Power's regulatory rate review, partially offset by higher electric utility margin of $20 million, excluding the impact of a decrease in energy efficiency program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $23 million. Electric utility margin was higher due to increased electric operating revenue of $157 million, excluding the impact of decreased energy efficiency program revenues, partially offset by increased energy costs of $137 million. Energy costs increased due to lower net deferred power costs of $85 million, a higher average cost of fuel for generation of $44 million and higher purchased power costs.

Northern Powergrid

Operating revenue decreased $145increased $71 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 due to the weaker United States dollar of $36 million, higher smart metering revenues of $27 million and higher distribution revenues of $13 million, partially offset by lower contracting revenue of $6 million. Smart metering revenue increased due to a larger number of units installed. Distribution revenue increased primarily due to higher tariff rates of $24 million, partially offset by unfavorable movements on regulatory provisions of $6 million. Operating income decreased $2 million for 2018 compared to 2017 mainly due to higher distribution-related operating and depreciation of $32 million from additional distribution network investment partially offset by the weaker United States dollar of $18 million, higher distribution revenue of $13 million and higher smart meter operating income of $9 million.


Operating revenue decreased $46 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to the stronger United States dollar of $127$48 million and lower distribution revenues of $28 million and lower contracting revenue of $5$23 million, partially offset by higher smart meter revenue of $18$25 million. Distribution revenue decreased primarily due to lower units distributed of $13 million, the recovery in 20152016 of the December 2013 customer rebate of $22$10 million lower units distributed and unfavorable movements on regulatory provisions of $8$7 million, partially offset by higher tariff rates.rates of $5 million. Operating income decreased $99$12 million for 20162017 compared to 20152016 mainly due to the stronger United States dollar of $61$26 million and the lower distribution revenue, higher depreciation expense of $25 million from additional distribution and smart meter assets placed in-service and higherpartially offset by write-offs of hydrocarbon well exploration costs of $15 million, partially offset by the higher smart meter revenue and lower pension costs.

Operating revenue decreased $143 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to the stronger United States dollar of $90 million, lower distribution revenue of $43 million and lower contracting and other revenue of $10 million. Distribution revenue decreased due to lower tariff rates of $99 million mainly reflecting the impact of the new price control period effective April 1, 2015 and lower units distributed of $6 million, partially offset by the recovery in 2015 of the December 2013 customer rebate of $41 million and favorable movements in regulatory provisions of $21 million. Operating income decreased $81 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to the stronger United States dollar of $47 million, the lower distribution revenue and higher pension costs of $9 million, partially offset by lower write-offs of hydrocarbon well exploration costs of $222016 totaling $19 million.

BHE Pipeline Group

Operating revenue decreased $38increased $210 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 due to lower gas saleshigher transportation revenues of $25$113 million at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River from higher volumes and rates due to unique market opportunities and colder temperatures and higher gas sales of $99 million related to system and operational balancing activities which are largelyat Northern Natural Gas (largely offset in cost of sales, and a $20sales). Operating income increased $52 million reduction infor 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher transportation revenues, partially offset by a $7 million increase in storage revenues at Northern Natural Gas. Operating income decreased $9Gas and Kern River and lower depreciation and amortization of $33 million, for 2016 compared to 2015largely due to the lower transportation revenues and higher depreciation expense,rates at Kern River, partially offset by the higher storage revenuesoperations and lower operating expenses.maintenance expense, primarily due to increased pipeline integrity projects at Northern Natural Gas.

Operating revenue decreased $62increased $15 million for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to lowerhigher transportation revenues of $33 million and higher gas sales of $68$19 million related to system and operational balancing activities which are largely(largely offset in cost of sales,sales) at Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by higherlower transportation revenues.revenues of $40 million at Kern River. Operating income increased $25$18 million for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to the higher transportation revenues and lower operating expenses of $28 million primarily at Northern Natural Gas asand a resultreduction in expenses and regulatory liabilities related to the impact of lower in-line inspection, hydrostatic testing and other maintenance project costs,an alternative rate structure approved by the FERC at Kern River, partially offset by higher depreciation expense of $8 million.operating expenses at Northern Natural Gas.

BHE Transmission

Operating revenue decreased $90increased $11 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 due to higher operating revenue at AltaLink, primarily from higher revenue from the nonregulated natural gas generation business and additional assets placed in-service, partially offset by the release of contingent liabilities in 2017. Operating income decreased $9 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order received by AltaLink in December 2018 and the release of contingent liabilities in 2017, partially offset by the weaker United States dollar and higher operating income from the nonregulated natural gas generation business.

Operating revenue increased $197 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a one-time reduction of $200 million from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, AltaLink's change to the flow through method of recognizing income tax expense of $45 million, which is offset in income tax expense, and the strongera weaker United States dollar of $20$19 million partially offset by $175and $15 million from additional assets placed in-service and recovery of higher costs.in service, partially offset by more favorable regulatory decisions in 2016. Operating income decreased $168increased $230 million for 20162017 compared to 20152016 primarily due to the lowerhigher operating revenues at AltaLink, a $26 million impairment related to nonregulated natural gas-fueled generation assets andrevenue from the stronger United States dollar of $5 million. The 2015-2016 GTA decision that required AltaLink to refund $200 million to customers in 2016 through reduced monthly billings for the change from receiving cash during construction for the return on construction work-in-progress in rate base to recording allowance for borrowed and equity funds used during construction related to construction expenditures during the 2011 to 2014 time period. This amount is offset with higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds.

AltaLink Operating income was acquired on December 1, 2014, and its results are included in the consolidated results beginning asalso favorably impacted by lower operating expense primarily due to reduced impairments of that date. Operating revenue and operating income for 2015 from AltaLink were $592nonregulated natural gas-fueled generation assets of $21 million and $262 million, respectively, compared with $62 million and $31 million, respectively, for 2014. Operating income also increased for 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower acquisition and project development costs.a weaker United States dollar of $11 million.

BHE Renewables

Operating revenue increased $15$70 million for 2016in 2018 compared to 20152017 due to overall higher wind generation and pricing of $50 million at the Pinyon Pinesexisting projects and Jumbo Road projects of $21 million, additional wind capacity placed in-service of $14 million, a favorable change in the valuation of a power purchase agreement derivative of $6 million and higher hydro generation of $6 million, partially offset by lower geothermal generation of $18 million and lower solar generation of $14 million mainly due to forced outages. Operating income increased $1 million for 2016 compared to 2015 due to the higher operating revenue being offset by higher depreciation expense of $14$33 million from additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service.

Operating revenue increased $105 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to an increase of $160 million as additional solar and wind capacity was placed in-service, and an increase from the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in CE Generation in June 2014 of $55 million, partially offset by an $88unfavorable derivative valuation movement of $13 million. Operating income increased $9 million decrease at CalEnergy Philippinesin 2018 compared to 2017 due to the adoption of ASC 853 and lower wind generation at existing projects. Operating income decreased $59 million for 2015 compared to 2014 as the higherincrease in operating revenue, was more thanpartially offset by higher operatingoperations and maintenance expense of $101$45 million related to losses on asset disposals in the Imperial Valley, transformer remediation costs and higher depreciation and amortizationexpense of $64 million. Operating expense increased due$17 million, primarily related to $69 million from the CE Generation acquisition, $22 million from additional solar and wind capacity placed in-service. Depreciation and amortization


Operating revenue increased $95 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to $52 million from additional solarwind and windsolar capacity placed in-service of $57 million, higher generation at the Solar Star projects of $31 million due to transformer related forced outages in 2016 and $33higher production at the Casecnan project of $24 million due to higher rainfall, partially offset by lower generation of $11 million at the existing wind projects due to a lower wind resource and lower generation at the Topaz project of $6 million due to a scheduled maintenance outage. Operating income increased $60 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to the increase in operating revenue, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million and higher operating expense of $18 million, each primarily due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service. Operating expense also increased from the scope and timing of maintenance at certain geothermal plants. The higher depreciation and amortization is offset by a reduction of $8 million from the CE Generation acquisition, partially offset by a $23 million decrease at CalEnergy Philippines dueextension of the useful life of certain wind-generating facilities from 25 years to the adoption of ASC 853.30 years effective January 2017.

HomeServices

Operating revenue increased $275$771 million for 20162018 compared to 2015 due to a 9% increase in closed brokerage units and a 2% increase in average home sales prices. The increase in operating revenue was2017 due to an increase from existing businesses totaling $106 million and an increase in acquired businesses totaling $169 million. The increase in existing businesses reflects$838 million and a 2% increase in closed brokerage units, a 2%4% increase in average home sales prices for existing brokerage businesses, offset by a 5% decrease in closed brokerage units at existing brokerage businesses. Operating income was unchanged for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher earnings from acquired businesses of $65 million offset by lower earnings from existing businesses.

Operating revenue increased $642 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to an increase from acquired businesses totaling $542 million and $34 million of higher mortgage revenue.a 4% increase in average home sales prices for existing brokerage businesses. Operating income increased $28$2 million for 20162017 compared to 20152016 primarily due to the higher mortgage revenue andearnings from acquired brokeragefranchise businesses, partially offset by lower earnings at existingfrom brokerage businesses mainly due to higher operating expenses offset by higher net revenues.

Operating revenue increased $382 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to a 12.0% increase in closed brokerage units and a 3% increase in average home sales prices. The increase in operating revenue was due to an increase from existing businesses totaling $225 million and an increase in acquired businesses totaling $157 million. The increase in existing businesses reflects an 8% increase in closed brokerage units and a 2% increase in average home sales prices. Operating income increased $59 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to higher revenues, partially offset by higher costs, primarily commission expense, at existing businesses of $53 million and higher earnings at acquired businesses of $6 million.businesses.

BHE and Other

Operating revenue decreased $104increased $20 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to lowerhigher electricity volumes and natural gas pricesvolumes and favorable derivative valuation movement at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC. Operating loss improved $14BHE and Other had operating income of $1 million for 2016in 2018 compared to 2015an operating loss of $41 million in 2017 primarily due to lower other operating costs and higher margins of $10 million at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC.

Operating revenue decreased $19$82 million for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to lower electricity and natural gas pricesvolumes and volumes, partially offset by higherlower electricity prices and volumes, at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC. Operating loss increased $19 million for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to lower margins of $4 million at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC and higher other operating costs.LLC.

Consolidated Other Income and Expense Items

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
                      
Subsidiary debt$1,378
 $1,392
 $(14) (1)% $1,392
 $1,280
 $112
 9%$1,412
 $1,399
 $13
 1 % $1,399
 $1,378
 $21
 2 %
BHE senior debt and other411
 408
 3
 1
 408
 353
 55
 16
421
 423
 (2) 
 423
 411
 12
 3
BHE junior subordinated debentures65
 104
 (39) (38) 104
 78
 26
 33
5
 19
 (14) (74) 19
 65
 (46) (71)
Total interest expense$1,854
 $1,904
 $(50) (3) $1,904
 $1,711
 $193
 11
$1,838
 $1,841
 $(3) 
 $1,841
 $1,854
 $(13) (1)

Interest expense ondecreased $3 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to repayments of BHE junior subordinated debentures of $944 million in 2017, scheduled maturities and principal payments and early redemptions of subsidiary debt, partially offset by debt issuances at BHE, MidAmerican Funding, BHE Renewables and HomeServices.

Interest expense decreased $14$13 million for 20162017 compared to 20152016 due to repayments of BHE junior subordinated debentures of $944 million in 2017 and $2.0 billion in 2016, scheduled maturities and principal payments and early redemptions of subsidiary debt, partially offset by debt issuances at MidAmerican Funding, NV Energy, Northern Powergrid, AltaLink and BHE Renewables scheduled maturities and principal payments and by the impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements of $23 million.higher short-term borrowings at BHE.

Interest expense on BHE junior subordinated debentures decreased $39 million for 2016 compared to 2015 due to $2.0 billion of repayments in 2016.

Interest expense on subsidiary debt increased $112 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to $132 million from the acquisition of AltaLink in December 2014, partially offset by $11 million from the impact of the foreign currency exchange rate.

Interest expense on BHE senior debt and other increased $55 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to the issuance of $1.5 billion of BHE senior debt in December 2014, partially offset by scheduled maturities of BHE senior debt totaling $250 million in 2014.

Interest expense on BHE junior subordinated debentures increased $26 million for 2015 compared to 2014 from $1.5 billion of junior subordinated debentures issued to certain Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries in 2014, partially offset by $850 million of repayments in 2015.

Capitalized Interest

Capitalized interest increased $65$16 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to higher construction work-in-progress balances at PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables.

Capitalized interest decreased $45 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to $96 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016 from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, which is offset in operating revenue, partially offset by lower construction work-in-progress balances at AltaLink and PacifiCorp.

Capitalized interest decreased $15 million for 2015 compared to 2014 as $25 million from AltaLink was more than offset by lower construction work-in-progress balances at BHE Renewables, partially offset by higher construction work-in-progress balances at MidAmerican Energy and PacifiCorp.Energy.

Allowance for Equity Funds
Allowance for equity funds increased $67$28 million for 20162018 compared to 20152071 primarily due to higher construction work-in-progress balances at PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy.

Allowance for equity funds decreased $76 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to $104 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016 from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, which is offset in operating revenue, partially offset by lower construction work-in-progress balances at AltaLink and PacifiCorp.

Allowance for equity funds decreased $7 million for 2015 compared to 2014 as $29 million from AltaLink was more than offset by lowerhigher construction work-in-progress balances at MidAmerican Energy and PacifiCorp.Energy.

Interest and Dividend Income
Interest and dividend income increased $13$2 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to favorable investment activity at PacifiCorp and higher cash balances at MidAmerican Energy, partially offset by a lower financial asset balance at the Casecnan project.

Interest and dividend income decreased $9 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a dividendlower financial asset balance at the Casecnan project and lower dividends from BYD Company Limited.

Interest and dividend income increased $69(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net

(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net was a loss of $538 million for 2015in 2018 compared to 2014a gain of $14 million in 2017 primarily due to the recognition of interest incomean unrealized loss in 2018 on the financial asset established as a resultCompany's investment in BYD Company Limited totaling $526 million.

Other, net

Changes in other, net from 2018, 2017 and 2016 were primarily due to charges of the adoption of ASC 853 at CalEnergy Philippines.$439 million in 2017 from tender offers related to certain long-term debt completed in December 2017.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

Income tax expense decreased $47benefit increased $29 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 and the effective tax rate was 14%(30)% for 20162018 and 16%(22)% for 2015.2017. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, the favorable impacts of ratemaking of $140 million, including amortization of Utah's share of non-protected excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the Utah Public Utilities Commission, a reduction to the amounts recorded for the repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings of $134 million, higher production tax credits of $107 million, the resolution of income tax return claims from prior years of $28$76 million and favorable impacts of rate making of $24 million, partially offset by unfavorablelower United States income taxes on foreign earnings of $46$40 million, partially offset by net impacts of $731 million in 2017 as a result of 2017 Tax Reform.

Income tax expense decreased $957 million for 2017 compared to 2016 and the effective tax rate was (22)% for 2017 and 14% for 2016. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the net impacts of 2017 Tax Reform of $731 million, higher production tax credits of $97 million and lowerthe favorable impacts of rate making of $33 million, partially offset by benefits from the resolution of income tax return claims in 2016 of $39 million and deferred income tax benefits of $23$16 million reflected in 2016 due to a 1% reduction in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate in 2016 compared to a 2% reduction in 2015.rate.

Income tax expense decreased $139 million for 2015 compared to 2014 and the effective tax rate was 16% for 2015 and 23% for 2014. The effective tax rate decreased due to deferred income tax benefits of $39 million from a 2% reduction in2017 Tax Reform most notably lowered the United KingdomStates federal corporate income tax rate favorable United States income taxesfrom 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and created a one-time repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings and profits. The $731 million of $36 million, favorable consolidated statelower income tax expense was comprised of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities of $35$1,150 million, favorable impactspartially offset by an accrual for the deemed repatriation of rate making of $34 millionundistributed foreign earnings and higher production tax credits recognized of $33profits totaling $419 million.


Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold based on a per kilowatt rate as prescribed pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law and are eligible for the credit for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service. A credit of $0.024 per kilowatt hour was applied to 2018 and 2017 production and a credit of $0.023 per kilowatt hour was applied to 2016 2015 and 2014 production respectively, which resulted in production tax credits of $571 million in 2018, $495 million in 2017 and $398 million $291 million and $258 million, respectively, in production tax credits.

2016.

Equity Income (Loss)

Equity income (loss) for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Equity income:               
Equity income (loss):             
ETT$95
 $81
 $14
 17% $81
 $80
 $1
 1 %$62
 $(62) $124
 * $(62) $95
 $(157) *
Tax equity investments(61) (120) 59
 (49) (120) (10) (110) *
Agua Caliente25
 24
 1
 4
 24
 27
 (3) (11)27
 24
 3
 13 24
 25
 (1) (4)
CE Generation
 
 
 *
 
 (8) 8
 *
HomeServices6
 6
 
 *
 6
 2
 4
 *
8
 6
 2
 33 6
 6
 
 
Other(3) 4
 (7) *
 4
 8
 (4) (50)7
 1
 6
 * 1
 7
 (6) (86)
Total equity income (loss)$123
 $115
 $8
 7
 $115
 $109
 $6
 6
$43
 $(151) $194
 * $(151) $123
 $(274) *

* Not meaningful

Equity income increased $8$194 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to higherthe impacts of 2017 Tax Reform, which decreased equity income in 2017 by $228 million mainly due to equity earnings charges recognized totaling $154 million for amounts to be returned to the customers of $14 millionequity investments in regulated entities. These investments include pass-through entities for income tax purposes and the lower equity income is entirely offset by lower income tax expense as a result of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities. Additionally, 2018 pre-tax equity earnings were lower at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC from continued investment and additional plant placed in-service, partially offsetprimarily due to the impacts of new retail rates effective March 2017.

Equity income decreased $274 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform, which decreased equity income in 2017 by a$228 million mainly due to equity earnings charges recognized totaling $154 million for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities. Equity income also decreased due to lower pre-tax loss of $9 millionequity earnings from tax equity investments mainly due to unfavorable operating results and lower equity earnings at BHE Renewables.

Equity income increased $6 million for 2015 compared to 2014Electric Transmission Texas, LLC primarily due to the acquisitionimpacts of new retail rates effective March 2017.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $17 million for 2018 compared to 2017 mainly due to the remainingApril 2018 purchase of a redeemable noncontrolling interest in CE Generation on June 1, 2014 resulting in consolidation of the activity effective on this date.at HomeServices.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $12 million for 2017 compared to 2016 mainly due to higher earnings at HomeServices' franchise business.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Each of BHE's direct and indirect subsidiaries is organized as a legal entity separate and apart from BHE and its other subsidiaries. It should not be assumed that the assets of any subsidiary will be available to satisfy BHE's obligations or the obligations of its other subsidiaries. However, unrestricted cash or other assets that are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law, regulatory commitments and the terms of financing and ring-fencing arrangements for such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to BHE or affiliates thereof. The Company's long-term debt of subsidiaries may include provisions that allow BHE'sBHE or its subsidiaries to redeem such debt in whole or in part at any time. These provisions generally include make-whole premiums. Refer to Note 1716 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the limitation of distributions from BHE's subsidiaries.


As of December 31, 2016,2018, the Company's total net liquidity was $4.7 billion as follows (in millions):
    MidAmerican NV Northern          MidAmerican NV Northern      
BHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other TotalBHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other Total
                              
Cash and cash equivalents$33
 $17
 $15
 $330
 $65
 $10
 $251
 $721
$9
 $77
 $1
 $208
 $39
 $57
 $236
 $627
 
              
 
              
Credit facilities(1)2,000
 1,000
 609
 650
 185
 986
 915
 6,345
3,500
 1,200
 1,309
 650
 231
 639
 1,585
 9,114
Less:               
               
Short-term debt(834) (270) (99) 
 
 (289) (377) (1,869)(983) (30) (240) 
 (77) (345) (841) (2,516)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit(7) (142) (220) (80) 
 (8) 
 (457)
 (89) (370) (80) 
 (4) 
 (543)
Net credit facilities1,159
 588
 290
 570
 185
 689
 538
 4,019
2,517
 1,081
 699
 570
 154
 290
 744
 6,055
                              
Total net liquidity$1,192
 $605
 $305
 $900
 $250
 $699
 $789
 $4,740
$2,526
 $1,158
 $700
 $778
 $193
 $347
 $980
 $6,682
Credit facilities: 
  
  
    
    
  
 
  
  
    
    
  
Maturity dates2019
 2018, 2019
 2017, 2018
 2018
 2020
 2017, 2018, 2021
 2017, 2018
  
2021
 2021
 2019, 2021
 2021
 2020
 2023
 2019, 2022
  

(1)    Includes the drawn uncommitted credit facilities totaling $39 million at Northern Powergrid.

Refer to Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's credit facilities, letters of credit, equity commitments and other related items.

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. As a result, the Company does not expect to receive distributions from Topaz or Agua Caliente in the near term.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $6.1$6.77 billion and $7.0$6.08 billion, respectively. The changeincrease was primarily due to lowerchanges in working capital and an increase in income tax receipts of $618 million and payment for the USA Power final judgment and postjudgment interest of $123 million.receipts.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were $7.0$6.1 billion and $5.1$6.1 billion, respectively. Higher income tax receipts of $1.0 billion,The increase was primarily due to improved operating results, of $653 million, including $403 million from AltaLink, and other changes in working capital wereand the payment for the USA Power litigation in 2016, partially offset by higher interest payments of $179 million. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a currentreduction in income tax receivable of $319 million.receipts.

The timing of the Company's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

In December 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the "Act") was signed into law, extending the 50% bonus depreciation for qualifying property purchased and placed in-service before January 1, 2015 and before January 1, 2016 for certain longer-lived assets. Production tax credits were extended for wind power and other forms of non-solar renewable energy projects that begin construction before the end of 2014. As a result of the Act, the Company's cash flows from operations benefited in 2015 due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service and for production tax credits earned on qualifying projects.

In December 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 ("PATH") was signed into law, extending bonus depreciation for qualifying property acquired and placed in-service before January 1, 2020 (bonus depreciation rates will be 50% in 2015-2017, 40% in 2018, and 30% in 2019), with an additional year for certain longer lived assets. Production tax credits were extended and phased-out for wind power and other forms of non-solar renewable energy projects that begin construction before the end of 2019. Production tax credits are maintained at full value through 2016, at 80% of value in 2017, at 60% of value in 2018, and 40% of value in 2019. Investment tax credits were extended and phased-down for solar projects that are under construction before the end of 2021 (investment tax credit rates are 30% through 2019, 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021; they revert to the statutory rate of 10% thereafter). As a result of PATH, the Company's cash flows from operations are expected to benefit due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service through 2019, production tax credits through 2029 and investment tax credits earned on qualifying wind and solar projects through 2021, respectively.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $(5.7)(7.0) billion and $(6.2)(6.1) billion, respectively. The change was primarily due to lowerhigher capital expenditures of $785 million, partially offset by$1.7 billion and higher funding of tax equity investments.investments, partially offset by higher cash paid for acquisitions in 2017 of $1.0 billion. Refer to "Future Uses of Cash" for further discussion of capital expenditures.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were $(6.2)(6.1) billion and $(9.4)(5.7) billion, respectively. The change was primarily due to lowerhigher cash paid for acquisitions totaling $164 million in 2015 compared to $3.0of $1.0 billion, in 2014 ($2.7 billion for AltaLink) andpartially offset by lower capital expenditures of $680 million, partially offset by changes in restricted cash and investments of $201$519 million and higherlower funding of tax equity method investmentsinvestments. Refer to "Future Uses of $165Cash" for further discussion of capital expenditures.


Acquisitions

In 2018, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $106 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $15 million, assumed liabilities of $12 million and recognized goodwill of $79 million.

In 2017, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $1.1 billion, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses, development and construction costs for the 110-MW Alamo 6 and the 50-MW Pearl solar projects, and the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generation facility at Nevada Power. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $1.1 billion, assumed liabilities of $487 million and recognized goodwill of $508 million.

In 2016, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $66 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The assets acquired consisted of property, plant and equipment, development and construction costs for renewable projects, other working capital items, goodwill of $50 million and other identifiable intangible assets. The liabilities assumed totaled $54 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $(174) million. Sources of cash totaled $5.6 billion and consisted of proceeds from BHE senior debt issuances of $3.2 billion and proceeds from subsidiary debt issuances totaling $2.4 billion. Uses of cash totaled $5.8 billion and consisted mainly of $2.4 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt, net repayments of short term debt of $1.9 billion, $1.0 billion for repayments of BHE senior debt and the purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest of $131 million.

Financing ActivitiesNet cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $274 million. Sources of cash totaled $4.1 billion and consisted of net proceeds from short-term debt of $2.4 billion and proceeds from subsidiary debt issuances totaling $1.7 billion. Uses of cash totaled $3.9 billion and consisted mainly of $2.3 billion for repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures, $1.0 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt and tender offer premiums paid of $435 million.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $(690) million. Sources of cash totaled $3.2 billion and consisted mainly of proceeds from subsidiary debt totaling $2.3 billion and net proceeds from short-term debt of $880 million. Uses of cash totaled $3.9 billion and consisted mainly of $1.8 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt and repayments of BHE subordinated debt totaling $2 billion.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $(255) million. Sources of cash totaled $2.5 billion and consisted of proceeds from subsidiary debt. Uses of cash totaled $2.7 billion and consisted mainly of $1.4 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt, repayments of BHE subordinated debt totaling $850 million and net repayments of short-term debt of $421 million.


Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $3.7 billion. Sources of cash totaled $5.3 billion and consisted of proceeds from BHE junior subordinated debentures totaling $1.5 billion, proceeds from subsidiary debt totaling $1.3 billion, proceeds from BHE senior debt totaling $1.5 billion and net proceeds from short-term debt totaling $1.1 billion. Uses of cash totaled $1.6 billion and consisted mainly of $1.0 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt and repayments of BHE senior and subordinated debt totaling $550 million.

On December 1, 2014, BHE completed its acquisition of AltaLink. Following completion of the acquisition, AltaLink became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, among BHE and SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., BHE paid C$3.1 billion (US$2.7 billion) in cash to SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. for 100% of the equity interests of AltaLink. BHE funded the total purchase price with $1.5 billion of junior subordinated debentures issued and sold to subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway, $1.0 billion borrowed under its commercial paper program and cash on hand. On December 4, 2014, BHE issued $350 million of 2.40% Senior Notes due 2020, $400 million of 3.50% Senior Notes due 2025 and $750 million of 4.50% Senior Notes due 2045 and used the proceeds to repay commercial paper borrowings.Debt Repurchases

The Company may from time to time seek to acquire its outstanding debt securities through cash purchases in the open market, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any debt securities repurchased by the Company may be reissued or resold by the Company from time to time and will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company's liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Common Stock Transactions

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE repurchased 177,381 shares of its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million, respectively.

In February 2019, BHE repurchased 447,712 shares of its common stock for $293 million.

Future Uses of Cash

The Company has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, the issuance of equity and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which BHE and each subsidiary has access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including its credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry and project finance markets, among other items.

Capital Expenditures

The Company has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisitions of existing assets.

The Company's historical and forecast capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, by reportable segment for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Historical ForecastHistorical Forecast
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 20192016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
                      
PacifiCorp$1,066
 $916
 $903
 $850
 $985
 $1,620
$903
 $769
 $1,257
 $2,293
 $2,261
 $877
MidAmerican Funding1,527
 1,448
 1,637
 1,852
 1,525
 1,780
1,637
 1,776
 2,332
 2,544
 1,437
 1,058
NV Energy558
 571
 529
 457
 385
 376
529
 456
 503
 624
 626
 685
Northern Powergrid675
 674
 579
 626
 520
 420
579
 579
 566
 577
 521
 466
BHE Pipeline Group257
 240
 226
 305
 217
 309
226
 286
 427
 537
 366
 457
BHE Transmission222
 966
 466
 369
 290
 234
466
 334
 270
 236
 201
 264
BHE Renewables2,221
 1,034
 719
 741
 76
 86
719
 323
 817
 92
 79
 74
HomeServices17
 16
 20
 30
 20
 18
20
 37
 47
 50
 37
 34
BHE and Other12
 10
 11
 21
 19
 16
11
 11
 22
 11
 12
 5
Total$6,555
 $5,875
 $5,090
 $5,251
 $4,037
 $4,859
$5,090
 $4,571
 $6,241
 $6,964
 $5,540
 $3,920

 Historical Forecast
 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
            
Wind generation$1,052
 $1,177
 $1,712
 $1,166
 $1,197
 $2,178
Solar generation1,896
 786
 69
 654
 18
 2
Electric transmission547
 936
 448
 393
 247
 160
Environmental258
 134
 70
 139
 102
 23
Other developmental projects178
 63
 48
 197
 42
 174
Other operating2,624
 2,779
 2,743
 2,702
 2,431
 2,322
Total$6,555
 $5,875
 $5,090
 $5,251
 $4,037
 $4,859
 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Wind generation$1,712
 $1,291
 $2,740
 $2,534
 $1,864
 $592
Electric transmission448
 343
 219
 666
 242
 174
Other growth483
 689
 715
 737
 370
 600
Operating2,447
 2,248
 2,567
 3,027
 3,064
 2,554
Total$5,090
 $4,571
 $6,241
 $6,964
 $5,540
 $3,920


The Company's historical and forecast capital expenditures consisted mainly of the following:
Wind generation includes the following:
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at MidAmerican Energy totaling $1,261 million for 2018, $657 million for 2017 and $943 million for 2016, $931 million for 2015 and $767 million for 2014.2016. MidAmerican Energy placed in-service 600 MW817 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2016, 608 MW2018, 334 MWs (nominal ratings) during 20152017 and 511 MW600 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2014.2016. In August 2016, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 2,000 MWMWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities, including the additions in 2017 and 2018 and facilities expected to be placed in-service in 2017 through 2019. MidAmerican Energy expects to spend $826$1,378 million in 2017, $8532019, $479 million in 20182020 and $1.4 billion$7 million in 20192021 for these additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles establish a cost cap of $3.6 billion, including AFUDC, and a fixed rate of return on equity of 11.0% over the proposed 40-year useful lives of those facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. The cost cap ensures that as long as total costs are below the cap, the investment will be deemed prudent in any future Iowa rate proceeding. Additionally, the ratemaking principles modify the revenue sharing mechanism currently in effect. The revised sharing mechanism will bewas effective in 2018 and will be triggered each year by actual equity returns if they are above theexceeding a weighted average return on equity for MidAmerican Energy calculated annually. Pursuant to the change in revenue sharing, MidAmerican Energy will share 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger with customers. Such revenue sharing will reduce coal and nuclear generation rate base, which is intended to mitigate future base rate increases. MidAmerican Energy expects all of these wind-powered generating facilities to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available.
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at BHE Renewables totaling $456 million for 2016, $246 million for 2015, and $286 million for 2014. The Marshall Wind Project with a total capacity of 72 MW achieved commercial operation in April 2016 and the Grande Prairie Wind Project with a total capacity of 400 MW achieved commercial operation in November 2016. The Jumbo Road Project with a total capacity of 300 MW achieved commercial operation in April 2015.
Equipment purchases totaling $324 million in 2016 for the purposes of repoweringRepowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy totaling $422 million for 2018, $514 million for 2017 and the construction of new wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables.$67 million for 2016. The repowering projects entail the replacement of significant components of older turbines. Planned spending for the repowered generating facilities totals $168 million in 2019, $236 million in 2020 and $576 million in 2021. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for federal production tax credits available for ten years following each facility's return to service.
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaling $9 million for 2018 and $5 million for 2017. The new wind-powered generating facilities are expected to be placed in-service in 2020. Planned spending for the new wind-powered generating facilities totals $323$420 million in 2017, $3132019, $991 million in 20182020 and $740$9 million in 2019.2021. The energy production from the repowered and the new wind-powered generating facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal renewable electricityproduction tax credits available.
Repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaling $332 million for 2018, $6 million for 2017 and $80 million for 2016. The repowering projects entail the replacement of significant components of older turbines. Planned spending for the repowered generating facilities totals $567 million in 2019, $159 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for federal production tax credits available for ten years once the equipment is placed in-service.
Solar generation includes the following:
BHE Solar acquired the 110-MW Alamo 6 project located in Texas in January 2017 for approximately $385 million.
BHE Solar spent $56 million in 2016 and $3 million in 2015 for construction of the community solar gardens in Minnesota and expectsfollowing each facility's return to spend an additional $153 million in 2017 and $6 million in 2018. The completed project will be comprised of 28 locations with a nominal facilities capacity of 96 MW.service.
Construction of the Solar Star Projectswind-powered generating facilities at BHE Renewables totaling $10$717 million for 2016, $6892018, $109 million for 20152017 and $1.1 billion for 2014. Both projects declared July 1, 2015 as the commercial operation date in accordance with the power purchase agreements. Final completion under the engineering, procurement and construction agreements occurred November 30, 2015 and project completion was achieved under the financing documents on December 15, 2015.

Construction of the Topaz Project totaling $49$602 million for 20152016. BHE Renewables placed in-service 512 MWs during 2018 and $814 million for 2014. Final completion under the engineering, procurement and construction agreement occurred February 28, 2015, and project completion was achieved under the financing documents on March 30, 2015.472 MWs during 2016.
Electric transmission includes investments for ALP's transmission system including directly assigned projects from the AESO, PacifiCorp's costs primarily associated with main grid reinforcement and the Energy Gateway Transmission Expansion Program, and MidAmerican Energy's MVPsMulti-Value Projects approved by the MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. for the construction of approximately 250 miles of 345 kV345-kV transmission line located in Iowa and Illinois.Illinois and AltaLink's directly assigned projects from the AESO.
EnvironmentalOther growth includes the installation of new or the replacement of existing emissions control equipment at certain generating facilities at the Utilities, including installation or upgrade of selective catalytic reduction control systems and low nitrogen oxide burners to reduce nitrogen oxides, particulate matter control systems, sulfur dioxide emissions control systems and mercury emissions control systems, as well as expendituresinvestments in solar generation for the managementconstruction of coal combustion residuals.the community solar gardens project in Minnesota comprised of 28 locations with a nominal facilities capacity of 98 MWs, projects to deliver power and services to new markets, new customer connections and enhancements to existing customer connections.
Other operatingOperating includes ongoing distribution systems infrastructure needed at the Utilities and Northern Powergrid, and investments in routine expenditures for generation, transmission, distribution and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.demand and environmental spending relating to emissions control equipment and the management of coal combustion residuals.


Contractual Obligations
The Company has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes the Company's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 20162018 (in millions):
 Payments Due By Periods Payments Due By Periods
   2018- 2020- 2022 and     2020- 2022- 2024 and  
 2017 2019 2021 After Total 2019 2021 2023 After Total
                    
BHE senior debt $400
 $1,000
 $350
 $6,125
 $7,875
 $
 $800
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures 
 
 
 944
 944
 
 
 
 100
 100
Subsidiary debt 606
 4,643
 2,025
 20,202
 27,476
 2,106
 2,749
 3,401
 20,007
 28,263
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 1,789
 3,257
 2,853
 18,269
 26,168
 1,704
 3,135
 2,864
 18,163
 25,866
Short-term debt 1,869
 
 
 
 1,869
 2,516
 
 
 
 2,516
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments(1)
 2,370
 2,995
 2,218
 10,053
 17,636
 2,215
 3,039
 2,221
 11,155
 18,630
Construction commitments(1)
 852
 115
 2
 4
 973
 2,330
 639
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements(1)
 141
 223
 160
 1,085
 1,609
 197
 337
 250
 1,738
 2,522
Other(1)
 339
 496
 435
 871
 2,141
 349
 728
 603
 1,443
 3,123
Total contractual cash obligations $8,366
 $12,729
 $8,043
 $57,553
 $86,691
 $11,417
 $11,427
 $10,239
 $59,557
 $92,640

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 8), uncertain tax positions (Note 11) and asset retirement obligations (Note 13), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Additionally, the Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $170$698 million, in 2015$403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and expectshas commitments as of December 31, 2018, subject to contribute $87 millionsatisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions of $1.4 billion in 20172019 and $201 million in 20182020 pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.


Regulatory Matters

The Company is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of non-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in full the December invoices for both Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Quad Cities Generating Station Operating Status

Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("Exelon Generation"), the operator of Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station") of which MidAmerican Energy has a 25% ownership interest, announced on June 2, 2016, its intention to shut down Quad Cities Station on June 1, 2018, as a result of Illinois not passing adequate legislation and Quad Cities Station not clearing the 2019-2020 PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. capacity auction. MidAmerican Energy expressed to Exelon Generation its desire for the continued operation of the facility through the end of its operating license in 2032 and worked with Exelon Generation on solutions to that end. In December 2016, Illinois passed legislation creating a zero emission standard.standard, which went into effect June 1, 2017. The zero emission standard requires the Illinois Power Agency to purchase zero emission credits ("ZEC's") and recover the costs from certain ratepayers in Illinois, subject to certain limitations. The proceeds from the zero emission credits will provide Exelon Generation additional revenue through 2027 as an incentive for continued operation of Quad Cities Station. For the nuclear assets already in rate base, MidAmerican Energy's customers will not be charged for the subsidy, and MidAmerican Energy will not receive additional revenue from the subsidy.

On February 14, 2017, two lawsuits were filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ("Northern District of Illinois") against the Illinois Power Agency alleging that the state's zero emission credit program violates certain provisions of the United States Constitution. Both complaints argue that the Illinois zero emission credit program will distort the FERC's energy and capacity market auction system of setting wholesale prices. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation intervened and filed motions to dismiss in both lawsuits. On July 14, 2017, the Northern District of Illinois granted the motions to dismiss. On July 17, 2017, the plaintiffs filed appeals with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ("Seventh Circuit"). On May 29, 2018, the United States Department of Justice and the FERC filed an amicus brief arguing federal rules do not preempt Illinois' ZEC program. On September 13, 2018, the Seventh Circuit upheld the Northern District of Illinois' ruling concluding that Illinois' ZEC program does not violate the Federal Power Act, and is thus, constitutional. On January 7, 2019, plaintiffs filed a petition seeking review of the case by the United States Supreme Court.

On January 9, 2017, the Electric Power Supply Association filed two requests with the FERC seeking to expand Minimum Offer Price Rule ("MOPR") provisions to apply to existing resources receiving zero emission credit compensation. If successful, an expanded MOPR could result in an increased risk of Quad Cities Station not clearing in future capacity auctions and Exelon Generation no longer receiving capacity revenues for the facility. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation has filed protests at the FERC in response to each filing. The timing of the FERC's decision with respect to both proceedings is currently unknown and the outcome of these matters is currently uncertain.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, RPS, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact its current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations and capital expenditure requirements, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by the EPA and various federal, state, local and international agencies. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding environmental laws and regulations and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for discussion of the Company's forecast environmental-related capital expenditures.regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of BHE and debt and preferred securities of certain of its subsidiaries are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of the rated company's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

BHE and its subsidiaries have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. The Company's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 20162018, the applicable entities' credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 20162018, the Company would have been required to post $490$469 million of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. Refer to Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company's collateral requirements specific to its derivative contracts.


Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where BHE's subsidiaries operate have not had a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. In the United States and Canada, the Regulated Businesses operate under cost-of-service based rate structures administered by various state and provincial commissions and the FERC. Under these rate structures, the Regulated Businesses are allowed to include prudent costs in their rates, including the impact of inflation. The price control formula used by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies incorporates the rate of inflation in determining rates charged to customers. BHE's subsidiaries attempt to minimize the potential impact of inflation on their operations through the use of fuel, energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has certain investments that are accounted for under the equity method in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").GAAP. Accordingly, an amount is recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as an equity investment and is increased or decreased for the Company's pro-rata share of earnings or losses, respectively, less any dividends from such investments. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of investment tax credits.


As of December 31, 20162018, the Company's investments that are accounted for under the equity method had short- and long-term debt of $2.4 billion, unused revolving credit facilities of $348$129 million and letters of credit outstanding of $88 million. As of December 31, 20162018, the Company's pro-rata share of such short- and long-term debt was $1.2 billion, unused revolving credit facilities was $143$65 million and outstanding letters of credit was $43 million. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding short- and long-term debt and unused revolving credit facilities is non-recourse to the Company. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding letters of credit is recourse to the Company. Although the Company is generally not required to support debt service obligations of its equity investees, default with respect to this non-recourse short- and long-term debt could result in a loss of invested equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting the Company, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by the Company's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

The Regulated Businesses prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.


The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Total regulatory assets were $4.53.1 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $3.17.5 billion as of December 31, 20162018. Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Regulated Businesses' regulatory assets and liabilities.

Derivatives

The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through BHE's ownership of the Utilities as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. The Company also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold, and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate short- and long-term debt, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. Additionally, BHE is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk from its business operations and investments in Great Britain and Canada. Each of BHE's business platforms has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, manage, mitigate, monitor and report each of the various types of risk involved in its business. The Company employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price, interest rate, and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, the Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, forward sale commitments, or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Refer to Notes 14 and 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's derivative contracts.

Measurement Principles

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which the Company transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, the Company uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent the Company's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. The Company bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by the Company. Market price quotations are generally readily obtainable for the applicable term of the Company's outstanding derivative contracts; therefore, the Company's forward price curves reflect observable market quotes. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a net derivative liability of $143 million related to contracts valued using either quoted prices or forward price curves based upon observable market quotes. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to the length of the contract. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, the Company uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. The assumptions used in these models are important because any changes in assumptions could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the contracts. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had a net derivative asset of $66 million related to contracts where the Company uses internal models with significant unobservable inputs.


Classification and Recognition Methodology

The majority of the Company's commodity derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in the rates of its rate-regulated subsidiaries, and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as net regulatory assets or liabilities. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 20162018, the Company had $148$110 million recorded as net regulatory assets related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 20162018 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $9.0$9.6 billion. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. Additionally, no indicators of impairment were identified as of December 31, 20162018. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. Estimated future cash flows are impacted by, among other factors, growth rates, changes in regulations and rates, ability to renew contracts and estimates of future commodity prices. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. Refer to Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's goodwill.

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 20162018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

The estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what the Company would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect the Company's results of operations.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Certain of the Company's subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of employees. The Company recognizes the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 20162018, the Company recognized a net liability totaling $451174 million for the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 20162018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets totaled $791764 million and in AOCI totaled $603497 million.

The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and healthcare cost trend rates. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 20162018.


The Company chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the expected asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. The Company regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.


The Company chooses a healthcare cost trend rate that reflects the near and long-term expectations of increases in medical costs and corresponds to the expected benefit payment periods. The healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to gradually decline to 5.00% by 2025, at which point the rate of increase is assumed to remain constant. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for healthcare cost trend rate sensitivity disclosures.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (dollars in millions):
Domestic Plans  Domestic Plans  
    Other Postretirement United Kingdom    Other Postretirement United Kingdom
Pension Plans Benefit Plans Pension PlanPension Plans Benefit Plans Pension Plan
+0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%+0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
                      
Effect on December 31, 2016           
Effect on December 31, 2018           
Benefit Obligations:                      
Discount rate$(147) $163
 $(31) $34
 $(189) $216
$(133) $146
 $(27) $30
 $(172) $147
                      
Effect on 2016 Periodic Cost:           
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:           
Discount rate$(6) $6
 $
 $
 $(16) $16
$(1) $1
 $1
 $(1) $(22) $21
Expected rate of return on plan assets(12) 12
 (3) 3
 (9) 9
(12) 12
 (4) 4
 (11) 11

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and the Company's funding policy for each plan.

Income Taxes

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's income taxes.

The Utilities are required toIt is probable the Company's regulated businesses will pass income tax benefits and expense related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property-related basis differences and other various differences on to their customers in certain state and provincial jurisdictions. As of December 31, 20162018, these amounts were recognized as a regulatory asset of $1.6 billion and anet regulatory liability of $25 million$3.7 billion and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.


The Company has not established deferred income taxes on theits undistributed foreign earnings of Northern Powergrid or AltaLink or the related currency translation adjustment that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely. The cumulative undistributed foreign earnings were approximately $3.0 billion as of December 31, 2016. Theindefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of Northern Powergrid's or AltaLink'sthe Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends wouldmay be subject to taxation in the United States. However, any United States incomebut the tax liability would be offset, in part, by available United States income tax credits with respect to corporate income taxes previously paid in the United Kingdom and Canada. Because of the availability of foreign income tax credits, it is not practicableexpected to determine the United States income tax liability that would be recognized if such cumulative earnings were not reinvested indefinitely. The Company has established deferred income taxes on all other undistributed foreign earnings. If opportunities become available to repatriate any available cash without triggering incremental United States income tax expense, the Company may distribute certain foreign earnings of Northern Powergrid and AltaLink.material.


Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue from energy business customersrecognized is recognizedequal to what the Company has the right to invoice as electricity or natural gas is delivered or services are provided.it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. The determination of customer billingsinvoices is based on a systematic reading of meters, fixed reservation charges based on contractual quantities and rates or, in the case of the Great Britain distribution businesses, when information is received from the national settlement system. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $643554 million as of December 31, 20162018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Unbilled revenue is reversed in the following month and billed revenue is recorded based on the subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. The Company's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which the Company transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with the Company's business activities. Each of the Company's business platforms has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to Notes 2 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through BHE's ownership of the Utilities as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. The Company also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage and transmission and transportation constraints. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To mitigatemanage a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. The Company's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.


The table that follows summarizes the Company's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $74$59 million and $103$76 million,, respectively, as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices with the contracted or expected volumes. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value afterFair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
Net Asset Hypothetical Change in PriceNet Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
(Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease(Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2016:     
As of December 31, 2018:     
Not designated as hedging contracts$(71) $(37) $(105)$5
 $34
 $(12)
Designated as hedging contracts(16) 19
 (51)5
 37
 (21)
Total commodity derivative contracts$(87) $(18) $(156)$10
 $71
 $(33)
          
As of December 31, 2015     
As of December 31, 2017     
Not designated as hedging contracts$(186) $(148) $(224)$(32) $(18) $(46)
Designated as hedging contracts(47) (4) (89)(1) 35
 (37)
Total commodity derivative contracts$(233) $(152) $(313)$(33) $17
 $(83)

The settled cost of certain of the Company's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts is included in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose the Company to earnings volatility. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, wholesale natural gas or fuel are higher than what is included in regulated rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms. As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, a net regulatory asset of $148$110 million and $250$119 million,, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $5 million and the net derivative liability of $71$32 million, and $186 million, respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables. For the Company's commodity derivative contracts designated as hedging contracts, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts, to the extent the hedge is considered effective, generally do not expose the Company to earnings volatility. The settled cost of these commodity derivative contracts is generally included in regulated rates. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, natural gas or fuel are higher than what is included in regulated rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms.


Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, the Company's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose the Company to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if the Company were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of the Company's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 8, 9, 10, and 1514 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of the Company's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, the Company had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $4.24.3 billion and $5.56.4 billion, respectively, that expose the Company to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017.


The Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, forward sale commitments or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. Changes in fair value of agreements designated as cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the hedge is effective until the forecasted transaction occurs. Changes in fair value of agreements not designated as hedging contracts are recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, the Company had variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $714$637 million and $653$679 million, respectively, and £161 million and £136 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. Additionally, as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, the Company had mortgage commitments, net, with notional amounts of $309$326 million and $312$422 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. The fair value of the Company's interest rate derivative contracts was a net derivative assetliability of $10$8 million as of December 31, 20162018, and a net derivative liabilityasset of $4$16 million as of December 31, 20152017. A hypothetical 20 basis point increase and a 20 basis point decrease in the interest raterates would not have a material impact on the Company.

Equity Price Risk

Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation and consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock represented approximately 75%79% and 76%81%, respectively, of the total fair value of the Company's equity securities. The majority of the Company's remaining equity securities are held in a trust related to certain trust funds in whichthe decommissioning of nuclear generation assets and the realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. The following table summarizes the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 and the effects of a hypothetical 30% increase and a 30% decrease in market price as of those dates. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
     Estimated Hypothetical
   Hypothetical Fair Value after Percentage Increase
 Fair Price Hypothetical (Decrease) in BHE
 Value Change Change in Prices Shareholders' Equity
        
As of December 31, 2016$1,185
 30% increase $1,541
 1 %
   30% decrease 830
 (1)
        
As of December 31, 2015$1,238
 30% increase $1,609
 1 %
   30% decrease 867
 (1)
     Estimated Hypothetical
   Hypothetical Fair Value after Percentage Increase
 Fair Price Hypothetical (Decrease) in BHE
 Value Change Change in Prices Shareholders' Equity
        
As of December 31, 2018$1,435
 30% increase $1,866
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,005
 (1)
        
As of December 31, 2017$1,961
 30% increase $2,549
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,373
 (1)


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

BHE's business operations and investments outside of the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates primarily in relation to the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from BHE's foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact.

Northern Powergrid's functional currency is the British pound. As of December 31, 20162018, a 10% devaluation in the British pound to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $356$460 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for Northern Powergrid of $34$24 million in 20162018.

AltaLink's functional currency is the Canadian dollar. As of December 31, 20162018, a 10% devaluation in the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $275$302 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for AltaLink of $15$17 million in 20162018.


Credit Risk

Domestic Regulated Operations

The Utilities are exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent the Utilities' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, the Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit exposure from wholesale activities totaled $136$719 million, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral.collateral, compared to $127 million as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, $1352018, $552 million or 99.6%, of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to long-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with counterparties having investment grade credit ratingsinternal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation by either Moody's Investor Service or Standard & Poor's Rating Services. As of December 31, 2016, two counterparties comprised $87 million, or 64%, ofcontractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the aggregate credit exposure. The two counterparties are rated investment grade by Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's Rating Services, and PacifiCorp is not aware of any factors that would likely result in a downgrade of the counterparties' credit ratings to below investment grade over the remaining term of transactions outstanding as of December 31, 2016.counterparty.

Substantially all of MidAmerican Energy's electric wholesale sales revenue results from participation in regional transmission organizations ("RTOs"),RTOs, including the MISO and the PJM. MidAmerican Energy's share of historical losses from defaults by other RTO market participants has not been material. Additionally, as of December 31, 20162018, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate direct credit exposure from electric wholesale marketing counterparties was not material.

As of December 31, 20162018, NV Energy's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.

Northern Natural Gas' primary customers include utilities in the upper Midwest. Kern River's primary customers are electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As a general policy, collateral is not required for receivables from creditworthy customers. Customers' financial condition and creditworthiness, as defined by the tariff, are regularly evaluated and historical losses have been minimal. In order to provide protection against credit risk, and as permitted by the separate terms of each of Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariffs, the companies have required customers that lack creditworthiness to provide cash deposits, letters of credit or other security until they meet the creditworthiness requirements of the respective tariff.


Northern Powergrid

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to supply companies. The supply companies which purchase electricity from generators and traders, and sell the electricity to end-use customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to the multilateral "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses withbusinesses. During 2018, RWE Npower PLC accounting forand certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented approximately 22%19% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue in 2016.of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies. The industry operates in accordance with a framework which sets credit limits for each supply business based on its credit rating or payment history and requires them to provide credit cover if their value at risk (measured as being equivalent to 45 days usage) exceeds the credit limit. Acceptable credit typically is provided in the form of a parent company guarantee, letter of credit or an escrow account. Ofgem has indicated that, provided the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies have implemented credit control, billing and collection in line with best practice guidelines and can demonstrate compliance with the guidelines or are able to satisfactorily explain departure from the guidelines, any bad debt losses arising from supplier default will be recovered through an increase in future allowed income. Losses incurred to date have not been material.


AltaLink

AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO, an entity rated AA- by Standard and Poor's. Because of the dependence on a single customer, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair AltaLink's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. Total operating revenue for AltaLink was $502$710 million for the year ended December 31, 20162018.

BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables owns independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines that generally have separate project financing agreements. These projects source of operating revenue is derived primarily from long-term power purchase agreements with single customers, primarily utilities, which expire between 20172019 and 2040.2043. Because of the dependence generally from a single customer at each project, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair that project's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. On January 29, 2019, a customer of certain BHE Renewables' solar projects filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. See BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for additional information. Total operating revenue for BHE Renewables was $743$908 million for the year ended December 31, 20162018.

Other Energy Business

MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES") is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent that MES' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, MES analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, MES enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, MES exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MES' aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included2018, and the financial statementrelated notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(ii)(2) (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, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) in 2018 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities".

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements and financial statement schedules 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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.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. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding 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

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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.


/s/Deloitte & Touche LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
February 24, 201722, 2019

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1991.



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$721
 $1,108
$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Trade receivables, net1,751
 1,785
2,038
 2,014
Income taxes receivable
 319
Income tax receivable90
 334
Inventories925
 882
844
 888
Mortgage loans held for sale359
 335
468
 465
Other current assets917
 814
853
 815
Total current assets4,673
 5,243
5,147
 5,778
      
Property, plant and equipment, net62,509
 60,769
68,595
 65,871
Goodwill9,010
 9,076
9,595
 9,678
Regulatory assets4,307
 4,155
2,896
 2,761
Investments and restricted cash and investments3,945
 3,367
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments4,903
 4,872
Other assets996
 1,008
1,053
 1,248
      
Total assets$85,440
 $83,618
$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$1,317
 $1,564
$1,809
 $1,519
Accrued interest454
 469
469
 488
Accrued property, income and other taxes389
 372
599
 354
Accrued employee expenses261
 264
275
 274
Regulatory liabilities187
 402
Short-term debt1,869
 974
2,516
 4,488
Current portion of long-term debt1,006
 1,148
2,106
 3,431
Other current liabilities830
 896
996
 1,049
Total current liabilities6,313
 6,089
8,770
 11,603
      
Regulatory liabilities2,933
 2,631
BHE senior debt7,418
 7,814
8,577
 5,452
BHE junior subordinated debentures944
 2,944
100
 100
Subsidiary debt26,748
 26,066
25,991
 26,210
Regulatory liabilities7,346
 7,309
Deferred income taxes13,879
 12,685
9,047
 8,242
Other long-term liabilities2,742
 2,854
2,635
 2,984
Total liabilities60,977
 61,083
62,466
 61,900
      
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
      
Equity:      
BHE shareholders' equity:      
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding
 

 
Additional paid-in capital6,390
 6,403
6,371
 6,368
Long-term income tax receivable(457) 
Retained earnings19,448
 16,906
25,624
 22,206
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(1,511) (908)(1,945) (398)
Total BHE shareholders' equity24,327
 22,401
29,593
 28,176
Noncontrolling interests136
 134
130
 132
Total equity24,463
 22,535
29,723
 28,308
   
   
Total liabilities and equity$85,440
 $83,618
$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
Energy$14,621
 $15,354
 $15,182
$15,573
 $15,171
 $14,621
Real estate2,801
 2,526
 2,144
4,214
 3,443
 2,801
Total operating revenue17,422
 17,880
 17,326
19,787
 18,614
 17,422
          
Operating costs and expenses:     
Operating expenses:     
Energy:          
Cost of sales4,315
 5,079
 5,732
4,769
 4,518
 4,315
Operating expense3,707
 3,732
 3,501
Operations and maintenance3,440
 3,210
 3,176
Depreciation and amortization2,560
 2,399
 2,028
2,933
 2,580
 2,560
Property and other taxes573
 555
 535
Real estate2,589
 2,342
 2,019
4,000
 3,229
 2,589
Total operating costs and expenses13,171
 13,552
 13,280
Total operating expenses15,715
 14,092
 13,175
   
     
  
Operating income4,251
 4,328
 4,046
4,072
 4,522
 4,247
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense(1,854) (1,904) (1,711)(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest139
 74
 89
61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds158
 91
 98
104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income120
 107
 38
113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net36
 39
 42
(9) (420) 30
Total other income (expense)(1,401) (1,593) (1,444)(2,107) (2,015) (1,397)
          
Income before income tax expense and equity income2,850
 2,735
 2,602
Income tax expense403
 450
 589
Equity income123
 115
 109
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)1,965
 2,507
 2,850
Income tax (benefit) expense(583) (554) 403
Equity income (loss)43
 (151) 123
Net income2,570
 2,400
 2,122
2,591
 2,910
 2,570
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests28
 30
 27
23
 40
 28
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,542
 $2,370
 $2,095
$2,568
 $2,870
 $2,542

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Net income$2,570
 $2,400
 $2,122
$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
          
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of
$11, $17 and $19
(9) 52
 69
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of
$8, $9 and $11
25
 64
 (9)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(583) (680) (314)(494) 546
 (583)
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of
$(19), $129 and $(84)
(30) 225
 (134)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of
$13, $(7) and $(13)
19
 (11) (18)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax(603) (414) (397)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax of
$-, $270 and $(19)

 500
 (30)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of
$1, $(7) and $13
7
 3
 19
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(462) 1,113
 (603)
     
     
Comprehensive income1,967
 1,986
 1,725
2,129
 4,023
 1,967
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests28
 30
 27
23
 40
 28
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders$1,939
 $1,956
 $1,698
$2,106
 $3,983
 $1,939

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

BHE Shareholders' Equity    BHE Shareholders' Equity    
        Accumulated          Long-term   Accumulated    
    Additional   Other        Additional Income   Other    
Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling TotalCommon Paid-in Tax Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling Total
Shares Stock Capital Earnings Loss, Net Interests EquityShares Stock Capital Receivable Earnings Loss, Net Interests Equity
                            
Balance, December 31, 201377
 $
 $6,390
 $12,418
 $(97) $105
 $18,816
Net income
 
 
 2,095
 
 17
 2,112
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (397) 
 (397)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 (22) (22)
Other equity transactions
 
 33
 
 
 31
 64
Balance, December 31, 201477
 
 6,423
 14,513
 (494) 131
 20,573
Adoption of ASC 853
 
 
 56
 
 11
 67
Net income
 
 
 2,370
 
 18
 2,388
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (414) 
 (414)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 (21) (21)
Common stock purchases
 
 (3) (33) 
 
 (36)
Other equity transactions
 
 (17) 
 
 (5) (22)
Balance, December 31, 201577
 
 6,403
 16,906
 (908) 134
 22,535
77
 $
 $6,403
 $
 $16,906
 $(908) $134
 $22,535
Net income
 
 
 2,542
 
 14
 2,556

 
 
 
 2,542
 
 14
 2,556
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (603) 
 (603)
 
 
 
 
 (603) 
 (603)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 (20) (20)
 
 
 
 
 
 (20) (20)
Other equity transactions
 
 (13) 
 
 8
 (5)
 
 (13) 
 
 
 8
 (5)
Balance, December 31, 201677
 $
 $6,390
 $19,448
 $(1,511) $136
 $24,463
77
 
 6,390
 
 19,448
 (1,511) 136
 24,463
Net income
 
 
 
 2,870
 
 22
 2,892
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 1,113
 
 1,113
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (22) (22)
Common stock purchases
 
 (1) 
 (18) 
 
 (19)
Common stock exchange
 
 (6) 
 (94) 
 
 (100)
Other equity transactions
 
 (15) 
 
 
 (4) (19)
Balance, December 31, 201777
 
 6,368
 
 22,206
 (398) 132
 28,308
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
 
 
 1,085
 (1,085) 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 2,568
 
 20
 2,588
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 (462) 
 (462)
Reclassification of long-term
income tax receivable

 
 
 (609) 
 
 
 (609)
Long-term income tax
receivable adjustments

 
 
 152
 (135) 
 
 17
Common stock purchases
 
 (6) 
 (101) 
 
 (107)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (23) (23)
Other equity transactions
 
 9
 
 1
 
 1
 11
Balance, December 31, 201877
 $
 $6,371
 $(457) $25,624
 $(1,945) $130
 $29,723

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$2,570
 $2,400
 $2,122
$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:          
Losses (gains) on marketable securities, net538
 (14) (10)
Losses (gains) on other items, net56
 455
 62
Depreciation and amortization2,591
 2,428
 2,057
2,984
 2,646
 2,591
Allowance for equity funds(158) (91) (98)(104) (76) (158)
Equity income, net of distributions(67) (38) (79)
Equity loss (income), net of distributions45
 260
 (67)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities(34) 356
 (168)196
 31
 (34)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits1,090
 1,265
 2,335
8
 19
 1,090
Other, net(80) 11
 147
67
 12
 (132)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:          
Trade receivables and other assets(158) (9) (44)72
 (74) (110)
Derivative collateral, net32
 (14) (70)27
 (22) 32
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans(79) (11) 86
(54) (91) (79)
Accrued property, income and other taxes377
 877
 (1,117)199
 (28) 377
Accounts payable and other liabilities(28) (194) (25)145
 50
 (28)
Net cash flows from operating activities6,056
 6,980
 5,146
6,770
 6,078
 6,104
          
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Capital expenditures(5,090) (5,875) (6,555)(6,241) (4,571) (5,090)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(66) (164) (2,956)(106) (1,113) (66)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash and investments(36) (28) 173
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(141) (144) (150)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities191
 142
 118
Purchases of marketable securities(329) (190) (141)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities287
 202
 191
Equity method investments(570) (202) (37)(683) (395) (596)
Other, net(34) 41
 (11)83
 (12) (34)
Net cash flows from investing activities(5,746) (6,230) (9,418)(6,989) (6,079) (5,736)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from BHE senior debt
 
 1,478
3,166
 
 
Proceeds from BHE junior subordinated debentures
 
 1,500
Repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures(2,000) (850) (550)(1,045) (2,323) (2,000)
Common stock purchases
 (36) 
(107) (19) 
Proceeds from subsidiary debt2,327
 2,479
 1,257
2,352
 1,763
 2,327
Repayments of subsidiary debt(1,831) (1,354) (971)(2,422) (1,000) (1,831)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt879
 (421) 1,055
(1,946) 2,361
 879
Tender offer premium paid
 (435) 
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest(131) 
 
Other, net(65) (73) (44)(41) (73) (65)
Net cash flows from financing activities(690) (255) 3,725
(174) 274
 (690)
          
Effect of exchange rate changes(7) (4) (11)(7) 7
 (7)
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(387) 491
 (558)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,108
 617
 1,175
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$721
 $1,108
 $617
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(400) 280
 (329)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,283
 1,003
 1,332
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$883
 $1,283
 $1,003

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Organization and Operations

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") is a holding company that owns subsidiariesa highly diversified portfolio of locally managed businesses principally engaged in the energy businessesindustry (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company"). BHE and is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The Company's operations are organized and managed as eight business segments: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which consists of Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas") and Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River")), BHE Transmission (which consists of BHE Canada Holdings Corporation ("AltaLink") (which primarily consists of AltaLink, L.P. ("ALP")) and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC), BHE Renewables and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). The Company, through these locally managed and operated businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business primarily selling power generated frominvesting in wind, solar, wind, geothermal and hydro sources under long-term contracts,hydroelectric projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BHE and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. The Consolidated Statements of Operations include the revenue and expenses of any acquired entities from the date of acquisition. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; impairment of goodwill; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas, Kern River and ALP (the "Regulated Businesses") prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.


The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. DifferentAlternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. Restricted amounts are included in other current assetsrestricted cash and cash equivalents and investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company's management determines the appropriate classification of investments in debt and equityfixed maturity securities at the acquisition date and reevaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments that management does not intend to use or is restricted from using in current operations are presented as noncurrent on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Available-for-sale securitiesinvestments are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. Trading securitiesinvestments are carried at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losseschanges in fair value recognized in earnings. Held-to-maturity securitiesinvestments are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. The difference between the original cost and maturity value of a fixed maturity security is amortized to earnings using the interest method.

The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, the Company records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by the Company's proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") of the investee. The Company records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of related investment tax credits.


InvestmentsInvestment gains and losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other-than-temporarily impaired.impaired with respect to securities classified as available-for-sale. If a decline inthe value of ana fixed maturity investment declines to below amortized cost and the decline is deemed other than temporary, the amortized cost of the investment is written downreduced to fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. Factors considered in judging whether an impairment is other than temporary include: the financial condition, business prospects and creditworthiness of the issuer; the relative amount of the decline; the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment until the fair value recovers; and the length of time that fair value has been less than cost. Impairment losses on equity securities are charged to earnings. With respect to an investment in a debt security, anyAny resulting impairment loss is recognized in earnings if the Company intends to sell, or expects to be required to sell, the debt security before its amortized cost is recovered. If the Company does not expect to ultimately recover the amortized cost basis even if it does not intend to sell the security, the credit loss component is recognized in earnings and any difference between fair value and the amortized cost basis, net of the credit loss, is reflected in OCI.other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). For regulated fixed maturity investments, any impairment charge is offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset to the extent recovery in regulated rates is probable.


Equity Securities

Beginning January 1, 2018, investments in equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as a component of gains (losses) on marketable securities, net. Prior to January 1, 2018, substantially all of the Company's equity security investments were classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recognized in OCI, net of income taxes. All changes in fair value of equity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates.

Equity Method Investments

The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when the investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, the Company records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by the Company's share of the net earnings or losses and OCI of the investee. The Company records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of related investment tax credits.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to the Company by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $3342 million and $3140 million, respectively, and is included in trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives

The Company employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price, interest rate, and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements. Cash collateral received from or paid to counterparties to secure derivative contract assets or liabilities in excess of amounts offset is included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts and for which changes in fair value are not recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as operating revenue for sales contracts; cost of sales and operating expense for purchase contracts and electricity, natural gas and fuel swap contracts; and other, net for interest rate swap derivatives.

For the Company's derivatives designated as hedging contracts, the Company formally assesses, at inception and thereafter, whether the hedging contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. The Company formally documents hedging activity by transaction type and risk management strategy.


Changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative contract designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to the extent effective, are included on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity as AOCI, net of tax, until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it has determined that a derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, or when it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, future changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative contract are charged to earnings. Gains and losses related to discontinued hedges that were previously recorded in AOCI will remain in AOCI until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings, unless it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur at which time associated deferred amounts in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings.


Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of fuel, which includes coal stocks, stored gas and fuel oil, totaling $402273 million and $353352 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively, and materials and supplies totaling $523571 million and $529536 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively. The cost of materials and supplies, coal stocks and fuel oil is determined primarily using the average cost method. The cost of stored gas is determined using either the last-in-first-out ("LIFO") method or the lower of average cost or market. With respect to inventories carried at LIFO cost, the replacement cost would be $2714 million and $822 million higher as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes all construction-related material,materials, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include capitalized interest, including debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable to the Regulated Businesses. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has regulatory arrangements in Iowa in which the carrying cost of certain utility plant has been reduced for amounts associated with electric returns on equity exceeding specified thresholds.
 
Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by the Company's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by the Regulated Businesses to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when the Company retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, is capitalized by the Regulated Businesses as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") and the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC"). After construction is completed, the Company is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.


Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. The Company's AROs are primarily related to the decommissioning of nuclear generating facilities and obligations associated with its other generating facilities and offshore natural gas pipelines. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. For the Regulated Businesses, the difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.


Impairment

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then the identifiable assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. As such, the determination of fair value incorporates significant unobservable inputs. During 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, the Company did not record any material goodwill impairments.

The Company records goodwill adjustments for (a) the tax benefit associated with the excess of tax-deductible goodwill over the reported amount of goodwill and (b) changes to the purchase price allocation prior to the end of the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date.

Revenue Recognition

Energy BusinessesCustomer Revenue

RevenueThe Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, the Company would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between the Company's performance and the customer's payment.


Energy Products and Services

A majority of the Company's energy business customersrevenue is recognized as electricity orderived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. The Company's energy revenue that is nonregulated primarily relates to the Company's renewable energy business.

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, unbilled revenue was $643 million and $660 million, respectively, and is included in2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $554 million and $665 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy businessesproducts and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements.arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued. The Company records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Real Estate Commission Revenue, Mortgage Revenue and Franchise Royalty FeesServices

The Company's HomeServices reportable segment consists of separate brokerage, mortgage and franchise businesses. Rates charged for brokerage, mortgage and franchise real estate services are established through contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price and the allocation of the price amongst the separate performance obligations.

The full-service residential real estate brokerage business has performance obligations to deliver integrated real estate services including brokerage services, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, relocation services, and other home-related services to customers. All performance obligations related to the full-service residential real estate brokerage business are satisfied in less than one year at the point in time when a real estate transaction is closed or when services are provided. Commission revenue from real estate brokerage transactions and related amounts due to agents are recognized when a real estate transaction is closed. Title and escrow closing fee revenue from real estate transactions and related amounts due to the title insurer are recognized at closing. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer at closing.

The franchise business operates a network that has performance obligations to provide the right to use certain brand names and other related service marks as well as to provide orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services to its franchisees. The performance obligations related to the franchise business are satisfied over time or when the services are provided. Franchise royalty fees are sales-based variable consideration and are based on a percentage of commissions earned by franchisees on real estate sales, which are recognized when the sale closes. Meetings and training revenue, referral fees, late fees, service fees and franchise termination fees are earned when services have been completed. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the franchisee within 30 days of billing.

Other Revenue

Energy Products and Services

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to power purchase agreements not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" and ASC 840, "Leases" and certain non tariff-based revenue approved by the regulator that is not considered Customer Revenue within ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers."

Real Estate Service

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to the mortgage business. Mortgage fee revenue consists of amounts earned related to application and underwriting fees, and fees on canceled loans. Fees associated with the origination and acquisition of mortgage loans are recognized as earned. Franchise royalty feesThese amounts are based on a percentage of commissions earned by franchisees on real estate sales andnot considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized when the sale closes.in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," ASC 825, "Financial Instruments" and ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing."

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Debt Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing using the effective interest method.


Foreign CurrencyAltaLink

AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO, an entity rated AA- by Standard and Poor's. Because of the dependence on a single customer, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair AltaLink's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. Total operating revenue for AltaLink was $710 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables owns independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines that generally have separate project financing agreements. These projects source of operating revenue is derived primarily from long-term power purchase agreements with single customers, primarily utilities, which expire between 2019 and 2043. Because of the dependence generally from a single customer at each project, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair that project's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. On January 29, 2019, a customer of certain BHE Renewables' solar projects filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. See BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for additional information. Total operating revenue for BHE Renewables was $908 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Other Energy Business

MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES") is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent that MES' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, MES analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, MES enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, MES exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2018, MES' aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (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, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) in 2018 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities".

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

Des Moines, Iowa
February 22, 2019

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1991.



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Trade receivables, net2,038
 2,014
Income tax receivable90
 334
Inventories844
 888
Mortgage loans held for sale468
 465
Other current assets853
 815
Total current assets5,147
 5,778
    
Property, plant and equipment, net68,595
 65,871
Goodwill9,595
 9,678
Regulatory assets2,896
 2,761
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments4,903
 4,872
Other assets1,053
 1,248
    
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208

The accounts of foreign-based subsidiariesaccompanying notes are measured in most instances using the local currency of the subsidiary as the functional currency. Revenue and expensesan integral part of these businesses are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Gains or losses from translating theconsolidated financial statements of foreign-based operations are included in equity as a component of AOCI. Gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity that is party to the transaction are included in earnings.statements.

Income TaxesBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$1,809
 $1,519
Accrued interest469
 488
Accrued property, income and other taxes599
 354
Accrued employee expenses275
 274
Short-term debt2,516
 4,488
Current portion of long-term debt2,106
 3,431
Other current liabilities996
 1,049
Total current liabilities8,770
 11,603
    
BHE senior debt8,577
 5,452
BHE junior subordinated debentures100
 100
Subsidiary debt25,991
 26,210
Regulatory liabilities7,346
 7,309
Deferred income taxes9,047
 8,242
Other long-term liabilities2,635
 2,984
Total liabilities62,466
 61,900
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
    
Equity:   
BHE shareholders' equity:   
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding
 
Additional paid-in capital6,371
 6,368
Long-term income tax receivable(457) 
Retained earnings25,624
 22,206
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(1,945) (398)
Total BHE shareholders' equity29,593
 28,176
Noncontrolling interests130
 132
Total equity29,723
 28,308
    
Total liabilities and equity$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
Energy$15,573
 $15,171
 $14,621
Real estate4,214
 3,443
 2,801
Total operating revenue19,787
 18,614
 17,422
      
Operating expenses:     
Energy:     
Cost of sales4,769
 4,518
 4,315
Operations and maintenance3,440
 3,210
 3,176
Depreciation and amortization2,933
 2,580
 2,560
Property and other taxes573
 555
 535
Real estate4,000
 3,229
 2,589
Total operating expenses15,715
 14,092
 13,175
    
  
Operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total other income (expense)(2,107) (2,015) (1,397)
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)1,965
 2,507
 2,850
Income tax (benefit) expense(583) (554) 403
Equity income (loss)43
 (151) 123
Net income2,591
 2,910
 2,570
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,568
 $2,870
 $2,542

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of
$8, $9 and $11
25
 64
 (9)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(494) 546
 (583)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax of
 $-, $270 and $(19)

 500
 (30)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of
 $1, $(7) and $13
7
 3
 19
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(462) 1,113
 (603)
      
Comprehensive income2,129
 4,023
 1,967
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,106
 $3,983
 $1,939

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

 BHE Shareholders' Equity    
       Long-term   Accumulated    
     Additional Income   Other    
 Common Paid-in Tax Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling Total
 Shares Stock Capital Receivable Earnings Loss, Net Interests Equity
                
Balance, December 31, 201577
 $
 $6,403
 $
 $16,906
 $(908) $134
 $22,535
Net income
 
 
 
 2,542
 
 14
 2,556
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (603) 
 (603)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (20) (20)
Other equity transactions
 
 (13) 
 
 
 8
 (5)
Balance, December 31, 201677
 
 6,390
 
 19,448
 (1,511) 136
 24,463
Net income
 
 
 
 2,870
 
 22
 2,892
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 1,113
 
 1,113
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (22) (22)
Common stock purchases
 
 (1) 
 (18) 
 
 (19)
Common stock exchange
 
 (6) 
 (94) 
 
 (100)
Other equity transactions
 
 (15) 
 
 
 (4) (19)
Balance, December 31, 201777
 
 6,368
 
 22,206
 (398) 132
 28,308
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
 
 
 1,085
 (1,085) 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 2,568
 
 20
 2,588
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 (462) 
 (462)
Reclassification of long-term
income tax receivable

 
 
 (609) 
 
 
 (609)
Long-term income tax
receivable adjustments

 
 
 152
 (135) 
 
 17
Common stock purchases
 
 (6) 
 (101) 
 
 (107)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (23) (23)
Other equity transactions
 
 9
 
 1
 
 1
 11
Balance, December 31, 201877
 $
 $6,371
 $(457) $25,624
 $(1,945) $130
 $29,723

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:     
Losses (gains) on marketable securities, net538
 (14) (10)
Losses (gains) on other items, net56
 455
 62
Depreciation and amortization2,984
 2,646
 2,591
Allowance for equity funds(104) (76) (158)
Equity loss (income), net of distributions45
 260
 (67)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities196
 31
 (34)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits8
 19
 1,090
Other, net67
 12
 (132)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:     
Trade receivables and other assets72
 (74) (110)
Derivative collateral, net27
 (22) 32
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans(54) (91) (79)
Accrued property, income and other taxes199
 (28) 377
Accounts payable and other liabilities145
 50
 (28)
Net cash flows from operating activities6,770
 6,078
 6,104
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(6,241) (4,571) (5,090)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(106) (1,113) (66)
Purchases of marketable securities(329) (190) (141)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities287
 202
 191
Equity method investments(683) (395) (596)
Other, net83
 (12) (34)
Net cash flows from investing activities(6,989) (6,079) (5,736)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from BHE senior debt3,166
 
 
Repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures(1,045) (2,323) (2,000)
Common stock purchases(107) (19) 
Proceeds from subsidiary debt2,352
 1,763
 2,327
Repayments of subsidiary debt(2,422) (1,000) (1,831)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt(1,946) 2,361
 879
Tender offer premium paid
 (435) 
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest(131) 
 
Other, net(41) (73) (65)
Net cash flows from financing activities(174) 274
 (690)
      
Effect of exchange rate changes(7) 7
 (7)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(400) 280
 (329)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,283
 1,003
 1,332
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$883
 $1,283
 $1,003

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Organization and Operations

Berkshire Hathaway includesEnergy Company ("BHE") is a holding company that owns a highly diversified portfolio of locally managed businesses principally engaged in the Company inenergy industry (collectively with its United States federal income tax return. The Company's provision for income taxes has been computed onsubsidiaries, the "Company") and is a stand-alone basis.consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

Deferred income tax assetsThe Company's operations are organized as eight business segments: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and liabilities are based on differences betweenSierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which consists of Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas") and Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River")), BHE Transmission (which consists of BHE Canada Holdings Corporation ("AltaLink") (which primarily consists of AltaLink, L.P. ("ALP")) and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC), BHE Renewables and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). The Company, through these locally managed and operated businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business primarily investing in wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BHE and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. The Consolidated Statements of Operations include the revenue and income tax basisexpenses of any acquired entities from the date of acquisition. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities using estimatedat the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; impairment of goodwill; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income tax rates expected to betaxes; unbilled revenue; fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income taxbusiness combinations; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, that are associated with componentsincluding derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, and Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas, Kern River and ALP (the "Utilities""Regulated Businesses") are required to pass on toprepare their customersfinancial statements in most state jurisdictions are chargedaccordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, these amounts were recognized as regulatory assets of $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, and regulatory liabilities of $25 million and $29 million, respectively, andincome if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be includeda corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income taxrates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are included as a componentestablished to reflect the impacts of income tax expense. Changesthese deferrals, which will be recognized in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable toearnings in the periods the corresponding changes in enacted income taxregulated rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory jurisdictions.occur.


The Company has not established deferred income taxes oncontinually evaluates the undistributed foreign earningsapplicability of Northern Powergrid or AltaLink or the related currency translation adjustment that have been determinedguidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by management to be reinvested indefinitely. The cumulative undistributed foreign earnings were approximately $3.0 billionconsidering factors such as of December 31, 2016. The Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstancesa change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and a portion of Northern Powergrid'sregulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or AltaLink's undistributed earnings were repatriated,income will be included in future regulated rates, the dividendsrelated regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be subjectreceived to taxationsell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the United States. However, any United States income tax liability would be offset, in part, by available United States income tax credits with respect to corporate income taxes previously paidprincipal market or in the United Kingdom and Canada. Because ofmost advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Alternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the availability of foreign income tax credits, it is not practicablecircumstances to determine the United States income tax liabilityvalue that would be recognized if such cumulative earnings werereceived to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not reinvested indefinitely. The Company has established deferred income taxes on all other undistributed foreign earnings. If opportunities become availableunder duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to repatriate any available cash without triggering incrementaldevelop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States income tax expense,Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds restricted for the Company may distributepurpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain foreign earnings of Northern Powergrid and AltaLink.

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory jurisdictions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. The Company's unrecognized tax benefitsnonregulated renewable energy projects. Restricted amounts are primarily included in accrued property, incomerestricted cash and other taxescash equivalents and other long-term liabilitiesinvestments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


New Accounting PronouncementsInvestments

In November 2016,Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company's management determines the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-18, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Subtopic 230-10, “Statementappropriate classification of Cash Flows - Overall.” The amendmentsinvestments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explainfixed maturity securities at the change duringacquisition date and reevaluates the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents,classification at each balance sheet date. Investments and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts showninvestments that management does not intend to use or is restricted from using in current operations are presented as noncurrent on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.Balance Sheets.

In August 2016,Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities in a trust related to the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statementdecommissioning of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance addressnuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effectiveCompany expects to recover costs for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10, "Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments in this guidance address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including a requirement that allthese activities through regulated rates. Trading investments in equity securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting or result in consolidation of the investee be measuredare carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. The difference between the original cost and maturity value of a fixed maturity security is amortized to earnings using the interest method.

Investment gains and losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other-than-temporarily impaired with respect to securities classified as available-for-sale. If the value of a fixed maturity investment declines to below amortized cost and the decline is deemed other than temporary, the amortized cost of the investment is reduced to fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. Any resulting impairment loss is recognized in earnings if the Company intends to sell, or expects to be required to sell, the debt security before its amortized cost is recovered. If the Company does not expect to ultimately recover the amortized cost basis even if it does not intend to sell the security, the credit loss component is recognized in earnings and any difference between fair value and the amortized cost basis, net income.of the credit loss, is reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). For regulated fixed maturity investments, any impairment charge is offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset to the extent recovery in regulated rates is probable.


Equity Securities

Beginning January 1, 2018, investments in equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as a component of gains (losses) on marketable securities, net. Prior to January 1, 2018, substantially all of the Company's equity security investments were classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recognized in OCI, net of income taxes. All changes in fair value of equity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates.

Equity Method Investments

The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when the investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This guidancepresumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is effectiverestricted. In applying the equity method, the Company records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by the Company's share of the net earnings or losses and OCI of the investee. The Company records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of related investment tax credits.

Allowance for interimDoubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to the Company by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. As of December 31, 2018 and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption not permitted,, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $42 million and $40 million, respectively, and is required to be adopted prospectively by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment toincluded in trade receivables, net on the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives

The Company employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price, interest rate, and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements. Cash collateral received from or paid to counterparties to secure derivative contract assets or liabilities in excess of amounts offset is currently evaluatingincluded in other current assets on the impactConsolidated Balance Sheets.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or cost of adopting this guidancesales on itsthe Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosuresof Operations.

For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts, the settled amount is generally included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The material impacts currently identified include recordingin regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on available-for-sale securitiescontracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts and for which changes in fair value are not recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as opposed to OCI. operating revenue for sales contracts; cost of sales and operating expense for purchase contracts and electricity, natural gas and fuel swap contracts; and other, net for interest rate swap derivatives.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015Company's derivatives designated as hedging contracts, the Company formally assesses, at inception and 2014, these amounts,thereafter, whether the hedging contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. The Company formally documents hedging activity by transaction type and risk management strategy.


Changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative contract designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to the extent effective, are included on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity as AOCI, net of tax, until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it has determined that a derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, or when it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, future changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative contract are charged to earnings. Gains and losses related to discontinued hedges that were $(30) million, $225 millionpreviously recorded in AOCI will remain in AOCI until the contract settles and $(134) million, respectively.the hedged item is recognized in earnings, unless it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur at which time associated deferred amounts in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of fuel, which includes coal stocks, stored gas and fuel oil, totaling $273 million and $352 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and materials and supplies totaling $571 million and $536 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The cost of materials and supplies, coal stocks and fuel oil is determined primarily using the average cost method. The cost of stored gas is determined using either the last-in-first-out ("LIFO") method or the lower of average cost or market. With respect to inventories carried at LIFO cost, the replacement cost would be $14 million and $22 million higher as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes all construction-related materials, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include capitalized interest, including debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable to the Regulated Businesses. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has regulatory arrangements in Iowa in which the carrying cost of certain utility plant has been reduced for amounts associated with electric returns on equity exceeding specified thresholds.
Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by the Company's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by the Regulated Businesses to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when the Company retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, is capitalized by the Regulated Businesses as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") and the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC"). After construction is completed, the Company is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.


Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. The Company's AROs are primarily related to the decommissioning of nuclear generating facilities and obligations associated with its other generating facilities and offshore natural gas pipelines. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. For the Regulated Businesses, the difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Impairment

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then the identifiable assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. In May 2014,estimating future cash flows, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. As such, the determination of fair value incorporates significant unobservable inputs. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not record any material goodwill impairments.

The Company records goodwill adjustments for (a) the tax benefit associated with the excess of tax-deductible goodwill over the reported amount of goodwill and (b) changes to the purchase price allocation prior to the end of the measurement period, which creates FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenueis not to exceed one year from Contracts with Customers" and supersedes ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." the acquisition date.

Revenue Recognition

Customer Revenue

The guidance replaces industry-specific guidance and establishesCompany uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entitythe Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally,The Company records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the guidance requirestaxing authorities on a net basis on the entity to disclose further quantitative and qualitative information regardingConsolidated Statements of Operations. In the nature and amount of revenues arising from contracts with customers, as well as other information about the significant judgments and estimates used in recognizing revenues from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09event one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. During 2016, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarify the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but do not change the core principle of the guidance. This guidance may be adopted retrospectivelyparties to a contract has performed before the other, the Company would recognize a contract asset or under a modified retrospective method wherecontract liability depending on the cumulative effect is recognized atrelationship between the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluatingCompany's performance and the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statementscustomer's payment.


Energy Products and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company currently does not expect the timing and amount of revenue currently recognized to be materially different after adoptionServices

A majority of the new guidance as a majority ofCompany's energy revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. The Company's energy revenue that is nonregulated primarily relates to the Company's renewable energy business.

Revenue recognized whenis equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company’sCompany's performance to date. The Company's current plandate and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $554 million and $665 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is to quantitatively disaggregate revenue in the required financial statement footnote by regulated energy, nonregulated energy and real estate, with further disaggregation of regulated energy by jurisdiction and real estate by line of business.accrued.

Real Estate Services

In January 2014,The Company's HomeServices reportable segment consists of separate brokerage, mortgage and franchise businesses. Rates charged for brokerage, mortgage and franchise real estate services are established through contractual arrangements that establish the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-05, which amends FASB ASC Topic 853, "Service Concession Arrangements" ("ASC 853"). transaction price and the allocation of the price amongst the separate performance obligations.

The amendmentsfull-service residential real estate brokerage business has performance obligations to deliver integrated real estate services including brokerage services, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, relocation services, and other home-related services to customers. All performance obligations related to the full-service residential real estate brokerage business are satisfied in this guidance require an entityless than one year at the point in time when a real estate transaction is closed or when services are provided. Commission revenue from real estate brokerage transactions and related amounts due to not account for service concession arrangements asagents are recognized when a leasereal estate transaction is closed. Title and should also not recognize them as property, plantescrow closing fee revenue from real estate transactions and equipment. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2015 under a modified retrospective method whererelated amounts due to the cumulative effect istitle insurer are recognized at closing. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the date of initial application. customer at closing.

The adoption resulted infranchise business operates a network that has performance obligations to provide the establishment of a financial asset with aright to use certain brand names and other related recognition of interest income, the elimination of a portion of previously recognized property, plantservice marks as well as to provide orientation programs, training and equipment, the elimination of recognizing guaranteed waterconsultation services, advertising programs and energy delivery fees in operating revenue and increasesother services to retained earnings attributableits franchisees. The performance obligations related to the Companyfranchise business are satisfied over time or when the services are provided. Franchise royalty fees are sales-based variable consideration and are based on a percentage of $56 millioncommissions earned by franchisees on real estate sales, which are recognized when the sale closes. Meetings and noncontrolling intereststraining revenue, referral fees, late fees, service fees and franchise termination fees are earned when services have been completed. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the franchisee within 30 days of $11 million.billing.

(3)    Business AcquisitionsOther Revenue

BHE owns a highly diversified portfolio of businesses comprisedEnergy Products and Services

Other revenue consists primarily of regulated utilities. Consistentrevenue related to power purchase agreements not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with BHE's strategy to growAccounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, "Derivatives and further diversify through a disciplined acquisition approach,Hedging" and ASC 840, "Leases" and certain non tariff-based revenue approved by the Company closed on several acquisitions during 2016, 2015 and 2014.regulator that is not considered Customer Revenue within ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers."

Real Estate Service

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to the mortgage business. Mortgage fee revenue consists of amounts earned related to application and underwriting fees, and fees on canceled loans. Fees associated with the origination and acquisition of mortgage loans are recognized as earned. These amounts are not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," ASC 825, "Financial Instruments" and ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing."

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Debt Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing using the effective interest method.

AltaLink

Transaction Description

On December 1, 2014, BHE completed its acquisition of AltaLink and AltaLink becameALP, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE ("AltaLink Transaction"). Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, dated Mayacquired on December 1, 2014, among BHE and SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. ("SNC-Lavalin"), BHE paid C$3.1 billion (US$2.7 billion) in cash to SNC-Lavalin for 100% of the equity interests of AltaLink. BHE funded the total purchase price with $1.5 billion of junior subordinated debentures issued and sold to subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway, $1.0 billion borrowed under its commercial paper program and cash on hand.

ALP is a regulated electric transmission business,transmission-only company headquartered in Calgary,Alberta, Canada serving approximately 85% of Alberta's population. ALP connects generation plants to major load centers, cities and large industrial plants throughout its 87,000 square mile service territory, which covers a diverse geographic area including most major urban centers in central and southern Alberta. ALP ownsALP's transmission facilities, consisting of approximately 8,200 miles of transmission lines and 300310 substations as of December 31, 2018, are an integral part of the Alberta Integrated Electric System ("AIES").

The AIES is a network or grid of transmission facilities operating at high voltages ranging from 69 kVs to 500 kVs. The grid delivers electricity from generating units across Alberta, Canada through approximately 16,000 miles of transmission. The AIES is interconnected to British Columbia's transmission system that links Alberta with the North American western interconnected system.

ALP is a transmission facility owner within the electricity industry in Alberta and operates underis permitted to charge a tariff rate for the use of its transmission facilities. Such tariff rates are established on a cost-of-service regulatory model, includingbasis, which are designed to allow ALP an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and to earn a forward test year, overseenreasonable return on its investments. Transmission tariffs are approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC").AUC and are collected from the AESO.

IncludedThe electricity industry in BHE's Consolidated StatementAlberta consists of Operations withinfour principal segments. Generators sell wholesale power into the power pool operated by the AESO and through direct contractual arrangements. Alberta's transmission system or grid is composed of high voltage power lines and related facilities that transmit electricity from generating facilities to distribution networks and directly connected end-users. Distribution facility owners are regulated by the AUC and are responsible for arranging for, or providing, regulated rate and regulated default supply services to convey electricity from transmission systems and distribution-connected generators to end-use customers. Retailers can procure energy through the power pool, through direct contractual arrangements with energy suppliers or ownership of generation facilities and arrange for its distribution to end-use customers.

The AESO mandate is defined in the Electric Utilities Act and its regulations, and requires the AESO to assess both current and future needs of Alberta's interconnected electrical system. In July 2017, the AESO released the 2017 Long-Term Outlook ("LTO"), which is a forecast used as one input to guide the AESO in planning Alberta's transmission system. In January 2018, the AESO finalized and made available the 2017 Long-Term Transmission Plan ("LTP"). The 2017 LTP places increased focus on the evolving economy, policy changes and environmental initiatives, including renewable generation additions and the phase-out of coal-fueled generation whenever possible. The plan was developed with the goal of efficient utilization of existing and planned transmission systems in areas where high renewables potential exists, and timely addition of necessary new transmission developments. The AESO has forecast Alberta's electricity demand to grow at an annual rate of 0.9% until 2037. Future generation investments are expected to keep pace with load growth and coal-fueled generation replacements, as well as generation additions primarily through the Renewable Electricity Program. The 2017 LTP identifies 15 transmission developments across Alberta proposed over the next five years valued at approximately C$1 billion. Regulatory approval for all identified developments is still required.

BHE U.S. Transmission

BHE U.S. Transmission is engaged in various joint ventures to develop, own and operate transmission assets and is pursuing additional investment opportunities in the United States. Currently, BHE U.S. Transmission has two joint ventures with transmission assets that are operational.

BHE U.S. Transmission indirectly owns a 50% interest in ETT, along with subsidiaries of American Electric Power Company, Inc. ("AEP"). ETT owns and operates electric transmission assets in the ERCOT and, as of December 31, 2018, had total assets of $3.0 billion. ETT's transmission system includes approximately 1,200 miles of transmission lines and 36 substations as of December 31, 2018.

BHE U.S. Transmission also indirectly owns a 25% interest in Prairie Wind Transmission, LLC, a joint venture with AEP and Westar Energy, Inc., to build, own and operate a 108-mile, 345-kV transmission project in Kansas. The project cost $158 million and was fully placed in-service in November 2014.


BHE RENEWABLES

The subsidiaries comprising the BHE TransmissionRenewables reportable segment own interests in several independent power projects in the United States and in the Philippines. The following table presents certain information concerning these independent power projects as of December 31, 2018:
        Power   Facility Net
        Purchase   Net Owned
    Energy   Agreement Power Capacity Capacity
Generating Facility Location Source Installed Expiration 
Purchaser(1)
 
(MWs)(2)
 
(MWs)(2)
SOLAR:              
Topaz California Solar 2013-2014 2039 PG&E 550
 550
Solar Star 1 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 310
 310
Solar Star 2 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 276
 276
Agua Caliente Arizona Solar 2012-2013 2039 PG&E 290
 142
Community Solar Gardens(6)
 Minnesota Solar 2016-2018 2041-2043 (5) 98
 98
Alamo 6 Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 110
 110
Pearl Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 50
 50
            1,684
 1,536
WIND:              
Bishop Hill II Illinois Wind 2012 2032 Ameren 81
 81
Pinyon Pines I California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 168
 168
Pinyon Pines II California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 132
 132
Jumbo Road Texas Wind 2015 2033 AE 300
 300
Marshall Kansas Wind 2016 2036 MJMEC, KPP, KMEA & COIMO 72
 72
Grande Prairie Nebraska Wind 2016 2036 OPPD 400
 400
Santa Rita Texas Wind 2018 2030-2038 KC, CODTX 300
 300
Walnut Ridge Illinois Wind 2018 2028 USGSA 212
 212
            1,665
 1,665
GEOTHERMAL:              
Imperial Valley Projects California Geothermal 1982-2000 (3) (3) 338
 338
               
HYDROELECTRIC:              
Casecnan Project(4)
 Philippines Hydroelectric 2001 2021 NIA 150
 128
Wailuku Hawaii Hydroelectric 1993 2023 HELCO 10
 10
            160
 138
NATURAL GAS:              
Saranac New York Natural Gas 1994 2019 TEMUS 245
 196
Power Resources Texas Natural Gas 1988 2018 EDF 212
 212
Yuma Arizona Natural Gas 1994 2024 SDG&E 50
 50
Cordova Illinois Natural Gas 2001 2019 EGC 512
 512
            1,019
 970
               
Total Available Generating Capacity           4,866
 4,647


(1)
TransAlta Energy Marketing U.S. ("TEMUS"); EDF Energy Services, LLC ("EDF"); San Diego Gas & Electric Company ("SDG&E"); Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("EGC"); Pacific Gas and Electric Company ("PG&E"), Ameren Illinois Company ("Ameren"), Southern California Edison ("SCE"), the Philippine National Irrigation Administration ("NIA"); Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. ("HELCO"); Austin Energy ("AE"); Omaha Public Power District ("OPPD"); Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("KC"); City of Denton, TX ("CODTX"); U.S. General Services Administration ("USGSA"); Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Commission ("MJMEC"); Kansas Power Pool ("KPP"); Kansas Municipal Energy Agency ("KMEA"); City of Independence, MO ("COIMO"); and CPS Energy ("CPS").
(2)
Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates BHE Renewables' ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(3)
The majority of the Imperial Valley Projects' Contract Capacity is currently sold to Southern California Edison Company under long-term power purchase agreements expiring in 2019 through 2026. Certain long-term power purchase agreement renewals have been entered into with other parties that begin upon the existing contracts' expiration and expire in 2028 and 2039.

(4)
Under the terms of the agreement with the NIA, CalEnergy Philippines will own and operate the Casecnan project for a 20-year cooperation period which ends December 11, 2021, after which ownership and operation of the project will be transferred to the NIA at no cost on an "as-is" basis. NIA also pays CalEnergy Philippines for delivery of water pursuant to the agreement.

(5)The power purchasers are commercial, industrial and not-for-profit organizations.

(6)The community solar gardens project is consolidated in the table above for convenience as it consists of 98 distinct entities that each own an approximately 1-MW solar garden with independent but substantially similar terms and conditions.

Additionally, BHE Renewables has invested $1.9 billion in eleven wind projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments.

BHE Renewables' operating revenue is derived from the following business activities for the yearyears ended December 31 2014(in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Solar51% 52% 49%
Wind18
 17
 19
Geothermal19
 19
 20
Hydro5
 6
 4
Natural gas7
 6
 8
Total operating revenue100% 100% 100%

HOMESERVICES

HomeServices, a majority-owned subsidiary of BHE, is $13 millionthe second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States. In addition to providing traditional residential real estate brokerage services, HomeServices offers other integrated real estate services, including mortgage originations and mortgage banking; title and closing services; property and casualty insurance; home warranties; relocation services; and other home-related services. HomeServices' real estate brokerage business is subject to seasonal fluctuations because more home sale transactions tend to close during the second and third quarters of net income asthe year. As a result, HomeServices' operating results and profitability are typically higher in the second and third quarters relative to the remainder of the year. HomeServices' owned brokerages currently operate in nearly 880 offices in 30 states and the District of Columbia with over 42,500 real estate agents under 47 brand names. The United States residential real estate brokerage business is subject to the general real estate market conditions, is highly competitive and consists of numerous local brokers and agents in each market seeking to represent sellers and buyers in residential real estate transactions. In October 2014, HomeServices acquired the remaining 50.1% of HomeServices Lending, a mortgage origination company.

In October 2012, HomeServices acquired a 66.7% interest in one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States, which offers and sells independently owned and operated residential real estate brokerage franchises. The noncontrolling interest member had the right to put the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business to HomeServices after March 2015 and HomeServices had the right to call the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business after completion and receipt of the 2017 financial statement audit at an option exercise formula based on historical financial performance. In April 2018, HomeServices exercised its call option and acquired the remaining 33.3% interest.


HomeServices' franchise network currently includes approximately 370 franchisees in nearly 1,600 brokerage offices throughout the United States and Europe with over 51,500 real estate agents under two brand names. In exchange for certain fees, HomeServices provides the right to use the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Real Living brand names and other related service marks, as well as providing orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services.

OTHER ENERGY BUSINESSES

Effective January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred its nonregulated energy operations to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES"), a subsidiary of BHE. MES is a nonregulated energy business consisting of competitive electricity and natural gas retail sales. MES' electric operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland and other states that allow customers to choose their energy supplier. MES' natural gas operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Iowa and Illinois. Electricity and natural gas are purchased from producers and third party energy marketing companies and sold directly to commercial, industrial and governmental end-users. MES does not own electricity or natural gas production assets but hedges its contracted sales obligations either with physical supply arrangements or financial products. As of December 31, 2018, MES' contracts in place for the sale of electricity totaled 18,571 GWhs with an average term of 2.4 years and for the sale of natural gas totaled 25,717,425 Dth with an average term of 1.3 years. In addition, MES manages natural gas supplies for a number of smaller commercial end-users, which includes the sale of natural gas to these customers to meet their supply requirements. Refer to Item 7A in this Form 10-K for a discussion of commodity price risk and derivative contracts.

The percentages of electricity sold to MES' retail customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Illinois45% 46% 48%
Ohio23
 23
 21
Texas16
 15
 13
Pennsylvania9
 8
 8
Maryland6
 7
 7
Other1
 1
 3
 100% 100% 100%

The percentages of natural gas sold to MES' customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Iowa89% 86% 86%
Illinois7
 9
 9
Other4
 5
 5
 100% 100% 100%

GENERAL REGULATION

BHE's regulated subsidiaries and certain affiliates are subject to comprehensive governmental regulation, which significantly influences their operating environment, prices charged to customers, capital structure, costs and, ultimately, their ability to recover costs and earn a reasonable return on invested capital. In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding general regulation, refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding certain regulatory matters.

Domestic Regulated Public Utility Subsidiaries

The Utilities are subject to comprehensive regulation by various state, federal and local agencies. The more significant aspects of this regulatory framework are described below.


State Regulation

Historically, state regulatory commissions have established retail electric and natural gas rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow a utility the opportunity to recover what each state regulatory commission deems to be the utility's reasonable costs of providing services, including AltaLink'sa fair opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investments based on its cost of debt and equity. In addition to return on investment, a utility's cost of service generally reflects a representative level of prudent expenses, including cost of sales, operating expense, depreciation and amortization and income and other tax expense, reduced by wholesale electricity and other revenue. The allowed operating expenses are typically based on actual historical costs adjusted for known and measurable or forecasted changes. State regulatory commissions may adjust cost of service for various reasons, including pursuant to a review of: (a) the utility's revenue and expenses from December 1, 2014. Additionally, BHE incurred $3 millionduring a defined test period, (b) the utility's level of direct transaction costs associatedinvestment and (c) changes in income tax laws. State regulatory commissions typically have the authority to review and change rates on their own initiative; however, they may also initiate reviews at the request of a utility, utility customers or organizations representing groups of customers. In certain jurisdictions, the utility and such parties, however, may agree with the AltaLink Transaction that are included in operating expense on the Consolidated Statementone another not to request a review of Operationsor changes to rates for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Pro Forma Financial Informationa specified period of time.

The following unaudited pro formaretail electric rates of the Utilities are generally based on the cost of providing traditional bundled services, including generation, transmission and distribution services. The Utilities have established energy cost adjustment mechanisms and other cost recovery mechanisms in certain states, which help mitigate their exposure to changes in costs from those assumed in establishing base rates.

With certain limited exceptions, the Utilities have an exclusive right to serve retail customers within their service territories and, in turn, have an obligation to provide service to those customers. In some jurisdictions, certain classes of customers may choose to purchase all or a portion of their energy from alternative energy suppliers, and in some jurisdictions retail customers can generate all or a portion of their own energy. Under Oregon law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, nonresidential customers have the right to choose an alternative provider of energy supply. The impact of this right on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial information reflectsresults has not been material. In Washington, state law does not provide for exclusive service territory allocation. PacifiCorp's service territory in Washington is surrounded by other public utilities with whom PacifiCorp has from time to time entered into service area agreements under the consolidated resultsjurisdiction of operationsthe WUTC. Under California law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, cities, counties and certain other public agencies have the right to choose to generate energy supply or elect an alternative provider of BHE, non-recurring transaction costs incurred by both BHEenergy supply through the formation of a Community Choice Aggregator ("CCA"). To date, no CCA activity has occurred in PacifiCorp's California service territory. If a CCA is formed, PacifiCorp would continue to provide CCA customers transmission, distribution, metering and AltaLink during 2014billing services and the amortizationCCA would provide generation supply. In addition, PacifiCorp would likely be able to collect costs from CCA customers for the generation-related costs that PacifiCorp incurred while they were customers of PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp would remain the electricity provider of last resort for these customers. In Illinois, state law has established a competitive environment so that all Illinois customers are free to choose their retail service supplier. For customers that choose an alternative retail energy supplier, MidAmerican Energy continues to have an ongoing obligation to deliver the supplier's energy to the retail customer. MidAmerican Energy bills the retail customer for such delivery services. MidAmerican Energy also has an obligation to serve customers at regulated cost-based rates and has a continuing obligation to serve customers who have not selected a competitive electricity provider. The impact of this right on MidAmerican Energy's financial results has not been material. In Nevada, Chapter 704B of the purchase price adjustments each assumingNevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one MW or more to file a letter of intent and application with the acquisition had taken placePUCN to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier. The law requires customers wishing to choose a new supplier to receive the approval of the PUCN to meet public interest standards. In particular, departing customers must secure new energy resources that are not under contract to the Nevada Utilities, the departure must not burden the Nevada Utilities with increased costs or cause any remaining customers to pay increased costs and the departing customers must pay their portion of any deferred energy balances, all as determined by the PUCN. Also, the Utilities and the state regulatory commissions are individually evaluating how best to integrate private generation resources into their service and rate design, including considering such factors as maintaining high levels of customer safety and service reliability, minimizing adverse cost impacts and fairly allocating costs among all customers.

Also in Nevada, large natural gas customers using 12,000 therms per month with fuel switching capability are allowed to participate in the incentive natural gas rate tariff. Once a service agreement has been executed, a customer can compare natural gas prices under this tariff to alternative energy sources and choose its source of natural gas. In addition, natural gas customers using greater than 1,000 therms per day have the ability to secure their own natural gas supplies under the gas transportation tariff.


PacifiCorp

Rate Filings

Under Utah law, the UPSC must issue a written order within 240 days of a public utility’s application for a general rate change, absent an order, the proposed rates go into effect as filed and are not subject to refund; the UPSC may allow interim rates to take effect within 45 days of an application, subject to refund or surcharge, if an adequate prima facie showing is established in hearing that the interim rate change is justified.

The OPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates for a period not to exceed more than six months, with an additional three-month extension, beyond the 30-day time period when the new rates would usually otherwise go into effect. Absent suspension or other action from the OPUC, new rates automatically go into effect 30 days from filing by the utility. Upon suspension by the OPUC, the OPUC is authorized to allow collection of an interim rate, subject to refund, during the pendency of the OPUC’s review of the rate request.

In Wyoming, the WPSC can allow interim rates to go into effect 30 days after the initial application but may require a bond to secure a refund for the amount. The WPSC may suspend the rates for final approval for a period not to exceed 10 months.

The WUTC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 10 months beyond the 30-day time period when the new rate would usually otherwise go into effect.

Under Idaho law, the IPUC can suspend a filing for an initial period not to exceed five months, and an additional extension of 60 days with a showing of good cause.

The CPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 18 months. The CPUC may extend the suspension period on January 1, 2013 (in millions):a case-by-case period.

Adjustment Mechanisms

In addition to recovery through base rates, PacifiCorp also achieves recovery of certain costs through various adjustment mechanisms as summarized below.
State Regulator Base Rate Test Period2014Adjustment Mechanism
UPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
EBA under which 100% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Wheeling revenue is also included in the mechanism.
    
Operating revenue 17,888
    Balancing account to provide for 100% recovery or refund of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues after adjusting for a REC incentive authorized by the UPSC.
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders  2,155
Recovery mechanism for single capital investments that in total exceed 1% of existing rate base when a general rate case has occurred within the preceding 18 months.
OPUCForecastedPCAM under which 90% of the difference between forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits established under the annual TAM and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits is deferred and reflected in future rates. The difference between the forecasted and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits must fall outside of an established asymmetrical deadband, with a negative annual power cost variance deadband of $15 million, and a positive annual power cost variance deadband of $30 million and is also subject to an earnings test of +/- 1% around PacifiCorp's allowed return on equity.
Annual TAM based on forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits.
Renewable Adjustment Clause to recover the revenue requirement of new renewable resources and associated transmission costs that are not reflected in general rates.
Balancing account for proceeds from the sale of RECs.
WPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
ECAM under which 70% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Chemical costs and start-up fuel costs are also included in the mechanism.
REC and sulfur dioxide revenue adjustment mechanism to provide for recovery or refund of 100% of any difference between actual REC and sulfur dioxide revenues and the level in rates.

WUTCHistorical with known and measurable changesPCAM under which the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates after applying a $4 million deadband for positive or negative net power cost variances. For net power cost variances between $4 million and $10 million, amounts to be recovered from customers are allocated 50/50 and amounts to be credited to customers are allocated 75/25 (customers/PacifiCorp). Positive or negative net power cost variances in excess of $10 million are allocated 90/10 (customers/PacifiCorp).
Deferral mechanism of costs for up to 24 months of new base load generation resources and eligible renewable resources and related transmission that qualify under the state's emissions performance standard and are not reflected in base rates.
REC revenue tracking mechanism to provide credit of 100% of REC revenues.
Decoupling mechanism under which the difference between actual annual revenues and authorized revenues per customer is deferred and reflected in future rates, subject to an earnings test. To trigger a rate adjustment, the deferral balance must exceed plus or minus 2.5% of the authorized revenue at the end of each deferral period by rate class. Rate adjustments must not exceed a surcharge of 5% of the actual normalized revenue by class.

IPUCHistorical with known and measurable changesECAM under which 90% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Also provides for recovery or refund of 100% of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues and differences in actual production tax credits compared to the amount in base rates.
CPUCForecastedPTAM for major capital additions that allows for rate adjustments outside of the context of a traditional general rate case for the revenue requirement associated with capital additions exceeding $50 million on a total-company basis. Filed as eligible capital additions are placed into service.
ECAC that allows for an annual update to actual and forecasted net power costs.
PTAM for attrition, a mechanism that allows for an annual adjustment to costs other than net power costs.

(1)PacifiCorp has relied on both historical test periods with known and measurable adjustments, as well as forecasted test periods.

MidAmerican Energy

Under Iowa law, there are two options for temporary collection of higher rates following the filing of a request for a base rate increase. Collection can begin, subject to refund, either (1) within 10 days of filing, without IUB review, or (2) 90 days after filing, with approval by the IUB, depending upon the ratemaking principles and precedents utilized. In either case, if the IUB has not issued a final order within ten months after the filing date, the temporary rates become final and any difference between the requested rate increase and the temporary rates may then be collected subject to refund until receipt of a final order. Under Illinois law, new base rates may become effective 45 days after the filing of a request with the ICC, or earlier with ICC approval. The unaudited pro formaICC has authority to suspend the proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed approximately eleven months after filing. South Dakota law authorizes the SDPUC to suspend new base rates for up to six months during the pendency of rate proceedings; however, a utility may implement all or a portion of the proposed new rates six months after the filing of a request for a rate increase subject to refund pending a final order in the proceeding.

Iowa law also permits rate-regulated utilities to seek ratemaking principles with the IUB prior to the construction of certain types of new generating facilities. Pursuant to this law, MidAmerican Energy has applied for and obtained IUB ratemaking principles orders for a 484-MW (MidAmerican Energy's share) coal-fueled generating facility, a 495-MW combined cycle natural gas-fueled generating facility and 6,639 MWs (nominal ratings) of wind-powered generating facilities, including 1,440 MWs (nominal ratings) under construction, as of December 31, 2018. These ratemaking principles established cost caps for the projects and authorized a fixed rate of return on equity for the respective generating facilities over the regulatory life of the facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. As of December 31, 2018, the generating facilities in service totaled $6.9 billion, or 42%, of MidAmerican Energy's regulated property, plant and equipment, net and were subject to these ratemaking principles at a weighted average return on equity of 11.6% with a weighted average remaining life of 32 years.


Under its current Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota electric tariffs, MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover fluctuations in electric energy costs for its retail electric sales through fuel, or energy, cost adjustment mechanisms. The Iowa mechanism also includes production tax credits associated with wind-powered generation placed in-service prior to 2013, except for production tax credits earned by repowered facilities, which totaled 636 MWs as of December 31, 2018. Eligibility for production tax credits associated with MidAmerican Energy's earliest projects began expiring in 2014. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has transmission adjustment clauses to recover certain transmission charges related to retail customers in all jurisdictions. The adjustment mechanisms reduce the regulatory lag for the recovery of energy and transmission costs related to retail electric customers in these jurisdictions.

Of the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service as of December 31, 2018, 2,914 MWs (nominal ratings) have not been included in the determination of MidAmerican Energy's Iowa retail electric base rates. In accordance with the related ratemaking principles, until such time as these generation assets are reflected in base rates and ceasing thereafter, MidAmerican Energy reduced its revenue from Iowa energy adjustment clause recoveries by $9 million in 2016 and by $12 million for each calendar year thereafter.

MidAmerican Energy has mechanisms in Iowa where rate base may be reduced. The revenue sharing mechanism originates from multiple ratemaking principles proceedings and reduces rate base for Iowa electric returns on equity exceeding an established benchmark. The retail customer benefit mechanism, which reduces rate base for the value of higher cost retail energy displaced by covered wind-powered production, applies to the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service in 2016 under the Wind X project and facilities to be constructed under the Wind XII project approved by the IUB in 2018.

MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas is collected for each jurisdiction in its gas rates through a uniform PGA, which is updated monthly to reflect changes in actual costs. Subject to prudence reviews, the PGA accomplishes a pass-through of MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas to its customers and, accordingly, has no direct effect on net income. MidAmerican Energy's DSM program costs are collected through separately established rates that are adjusted annually based on actual and expected costs, as approved by the respective state regulatory commission. As such, recovery of DSM program costs has no direct impact on net income.

NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Rate Filings

Nevada statutes require the Nevada Utilities to file electric general rate cases at least once every three years with the PUCN. Sierra Pacific may also file natural gas general rate cases with the PUCN. The Nevada Utilities are also subject to a two-part fuel and purchased power adjustment mechanism. The Nevada Utilities make quarterly filings to reset BTER, based on the last 12 months of fuel and purchased power costs. The difference between actual fuel and purchased power costs and the revenue collected in the BTER is deferred into a balancing account. The DEAA rate clears amounts deferred into the balancing account. Nevada regulations allow an electric or natural gas utility that adjusts its BTER on a quarterly basis to request PUCN approval to make quarterly changes to its DEAA rate if the request is in the public interest. During required annual DEAA proceedings, the prudence of fuel and purchased power costs is reviewed, and if any costs are disallowed on such grounds, the disallowances will be incorporated into the next quarterly BTER rate change. Also, on an annual basis, the Nevada Utilities (a) seek a determination that energy efficiency program expenditures were reasonable, (b) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency program rates, and (c) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency implementation rates. When the Nevada Utilities' regulatory earned rate of return for a calendar year exceeds the regulatory rate of return used to set base tariff general rates, they are obligated to refund energy efficiency implementation revenue previously collected for that year.

EEPR and EEIR

EEPR was established to allow the Nevada Utilities to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by the Nevada Utilities and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent the Nevada Utilities' earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, the Nevada Utilities' are required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year.


Net Metering

Nevada enacted Assembly Bill 405 ("AB 405") on June 15, 2017. The legislation, among other things, established net metering crediting rates for private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts. Under AB 405, private generation customers will be compensated at 95% of the rate the customer would have paid for a kilowatt-hour of electricity supplied by the Nevada Utilities for the first 80 MWs of cumulative installed capacity of all net metering systems in Nevada, 88% of the rate for the next 80 MWs, 81% of the rate for the next 80 MWs and 75% of the rate for any additional private generation capacity. As of December 31, 2018, the cumulative installed and applied-for capacity of net metering systems under AB 405 in Nevada was 118 MWs.

Energy Choice Initiative - Deregulation

In November 2016, a majority of Nevada voters supported a ballot measure to amend Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution. If it had been approved again in 2018, the proposed constitutional amendment would have required the Nevada Legislature to create, on or before July 2023, an open and competitive retail electric market that included provisions to reduce costs to customers, protect against service disconnections and unfair practices and prohibit the granting of monopolies and exclusive franchises for the generation of electricity. In November 2018, the Nevada voters rejected the ballot measure.

Federal Regulation

The FERC is an independent agency with broad authority to implement provisions of the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act ("NGA"), the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ("Energy Policy Act") and other federal statutes. The FERC regulates rates for wholesale sales of electricity; transmission of electricity, including pricing and regional planning for the expansion of transmission systems; electric system reliability; utility holding companies; accounting and records retention; securities issuances; construction and operation of hydroelectric facilities; and other matters. The FERC also has the enforcement authority to assess civil penalties of up to $1.2 million per day per violation of rules, regulations and orders issued under the Federal Power Act. The Utilities have implemented programs and procedures that facilitate and monitor compliance with the FERC's regulations described below. MidAmerican Energy is also subject to regulation by the NRC pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended ("Atomic Energy Act"), with respect to its ownership interest in the Quad Cities Station.

Wholesale Electricity and Capacity

The FERC regulates the Utilities' rates charged to wholesale customers for electricityand transmission capacity and related services. Much of the Utilities' wholesale electricity sales and purchases occur under market-based pricing allowed by the FERC and are therefore subject to market volatility. The Utilities are precluded from selling at market-based rates in the PacifiCorp-East, PacifiCorp-West, Idaho Power Company and NorthWestern Energy balancing authority areas. Wholesale electricity sales in those specific balancing authority areas are permitted at cost-based rates. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have been granted the authority to bid into the California EIM at market-based rates.

The Utilities' authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the Utilities are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. PacifiCorp, the Nevada Utilities and certain affiliates, representing the BHE Northwest Companies, file together for market power study purposes. The BHE Northwest Companies' most recent triennial filing was made in June 2016 and, as to its non-mitigated balancing authority areas, was approved in November 2017. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. Under the FERC's market-based rules, the Utilities must also file with the FERC a notice of change in status when there is a change in the conditions that the FERC relied upon in granting market-based rate authority.


Transmission

PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' wholesale transmission services are regulated by the FERC under cost-based regulation subject to PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' OATT, respectively. These services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, which means that all potential customers are provided an equal opportunity to access the transmission system. PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC's Standards of Conduct. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have made several required compliance filings in accordance with these rules.

In December 2011, PacifiCorp adopted a cost-based formula rate under its OATT for its transmission services. Cost-based formula rates are intended to be an effective means of recovering PacifiCorp's investments and associated costs of its transmission system without the need to file rate cases with the FERC, although the formula rate results are subject to discovery and challenges by the FERC and intervenors. A significant portion of these services are provided to PacifiCorp's energy supply management function.

MidAmerican Energy participates in the MISO as a transmission-owning member. Accordingly, the MISO is the transmission provider under its FERC-approved OATT. While the MISO is responsible for directing the operation of MidAmerican Energy's transmission system, MidAmerican Energy retains ownership of its transmission assets and, therefore, is subject to the FERC's reliability standards discussed below. MidAmerican Energy's transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC Standards of Conduct.

MidAmerican Energy has approval from the MISO to construct and own four Multi-Value Projects ("MVPs") located in Iowa and Illinois that will have added approximately 250 miles of 345-kV transmission line to MidAmerican Energy's transmission system since 2012, of which 224 miles have been placed in-service as of December 31, 2018. The MISO OATT allows for broad cost allocation for MidAmerican Energy's MVPs, including similar MVPs of other MISO participants. Accordingly, a significant portion of the revenue requirement associated with MidAmerican Energy's MVP investments will be shared with other MISO participants based on the MISO's cost allocation methodology, and a portion of the revenue requirement of the other participants' MVPs will be allocated to MidAmerican Energy. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has approval from the FERC to include 100% of construction work-in-progress in the determination of rates for its MVPs and to use a forward-looking rate structure for all of its transmission investments and costs. The transmission assets and financial informationresults of MidAmerican Energy's MVPs are excluded from the determination of its retail electric rates.

The FERC has established an extensive number of mandatory reliability standards developed by the NERC and the WECC, including planning and operations, critical infrastructure protection and regional standards. Compliance, enforcement and monitoring oversight of these standards is carried out by the FERC; the NERC; and the WECC for PacifiCorp, Nevada Power, and Sierra Pacific; and the Midwest Reliability Organization for MidAmerican Energy.

Hydroelectric

The FERC licenses and regulates the operation of hydroelectric systems, including license compliance and dam safety programs. Most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities are licensed by the FERC as major systems under the Federal Power Act, and certain of these systems are licensed under the Oregon Hydroelectric Act. Under the Federal Power Act, 18 developments associated with PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities licensed with the FERC are classified as "high hazard potential," meaning it is probable in the event of a dam failure that loss of human life in the downstream population could occur. The FERC provides guidelines utilized by PacifiCorp in development of public safety programs consisting of a dam safety program and emergency action plans.

PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system is the only significant hydroelectric system for which PacifiCorp has a pending relicensing process with the FERC. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for an update regarding hydroelectric relicensing for PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

General

MidAmerican Energy is subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC with respect to its license and 25% ownership interest in Quad Cities Station. Exelon Generation, the operator and 75% owner of Quad Cities Station, is under contract with MidAmerican Energy to secure and keep in effect all necessary NRC licenses and authorizations.


The NRC regulates the granting of permits and licenses for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations and regularly inspects such stations for compliance with applicable laws, regulations and license terms. Current licenses for Quad Cities Station provide for operation until December 14, 2032. The NRC review and regulatory process covers, among other things, operations, maintenance and environmental and radiological aspects of such stations. The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, the regulations under such Act or the terms of such licenses.

Federal regulations provide that any nuclear operating facility may be required to cease operation if the NRC determines there are deficiencies in state, local or utility emergency preparedness plans relating to such facility, and the deficiencies are not corrected. Exelon Generation has advised MidAmerican Energy that an emergency preparedness plan for Quad Cities Station has been presentedapproved by the NRC. Exelon Generation has also advised MidAmerican Energy that state and local plans relating to Quad Cities Station have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The NRC also regulates the decommissioning of nuclear-powered generating facilities, including the planning and funding for illustrative purposesthe eventual decommissioning of the facilities. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the NRC providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay its share of the costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station. MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds collected for nuclear decommissioning of Quad Cities Station.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 ("NWPA"), the United States Department of Energy ("DOE") is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Exelon Generation, as required by the NWPA, signed a contract with the DOE under which the DOE was to receive spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste for disposal beginning not later than January 1998. The DOE did not begin receiving spent nuclear fuel on the scheduled date and remains unable to receive such fuel and waste. The costs to be incurred by the DOE for disposal activities were previously being financed by fees charged to owners and generators of the waste. In accordance with a 2013 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit"), the DOE, in May 2014, provided notice that, effective May 16, 2014, the spent nuclear fuel disposal fee would be zero. In 2004, Exelon Generation, reached a settlement with the DOE concerning the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel in 1998. As a result, Quad Cities Station has been billing the DOE, and the DOE is obligated to reimburse the station for all station costs incurred due to the DOE's delay. Exelon Generation has completed construction of an interim spent fuel storage installation ("ISFSI") at Quad Cities Station to store spent nuclear fuel in dry casks in order to free space in the storage pool. The first pad at the ISFSI is expected to facilitate storage of casks to support operations at Quad Cities Station until at least 2020. The first storage in a dry cask commenced in November 2005. By 2020, Exelon Generation plans to add a second pad to the ISFSI to accommodate storage of spent nuclear fuel through the end of operations at Quad Cities Station.
Nuclear Insurance

MidAmerican Energy maintains financial protection against catastrophic loss associated with its interest in Quad Cities Station through a combination of insurance purchased by Exelon Generation, insurance purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy, and the mandatory industry-wide loss funding mechanism afforded under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988 ("Price-Anderson"), which was amended and extended by the Energy Policy Act. The general types of coverage maintained are: nuclear liability, property damage or loss and nuclear worker liability, as discussed below.

Exelon Generation purchases private market nuclear liability insurance for Quad Cities Station in the maximum available amount of $450 million, which includes coverage for MidAmerican Energy's ownership. In accordance with Price-Anderson, excess liability protection above that amount is provided by a mandatory industry-wide Secondary Financial Protection program under which the licensees of nuclear generating facilities could be assessed for liability incurred due to a serious nuclear incident at any commercial nuclear reactor in the United States. Currently, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate maximum potential share of an assessment for Quad Cities Station is approximately $69 million per incident, payable in installments not to exceed $10 million annually.


The insurance for nuclear property damage losses covers property damage, stabilization and decontamination of the facility, disposal of the decontaminated material and premature decommissioning arising out of a covered loss. For Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation purchases primary and excess property insurance protection for the combined interests in Quad Cities Station, with coverage limits for nuclear damage losses up to $1.5 billion. MidAmerican Energy also directly purchases extra expense coverage for its share of replacement power and other extra expenses in the event of a covered accidental outage at Quad Cities Station. The property and related coverages purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy and by Exelon Generation, which includes the interests of MidAmerican Energy, are underwritten by an industry mutual insurance company and contain provisions for retrospective premium assessments to be called upon based on the industry mutual board of directors' discretion for adverse loss experience. Currently, the maximum retrospective amounts that could be assessed against MidAmerican Energy from industry mutual policies for its obligations associated with Quad Cities Station total $8 million.

The master nuclear worker liability coverage, which is purchased by Exelon Generation for Quad Cities Station, is an industry-wide guaranteed-cost policy with an aggregate limit of $450 million for the nuclear industry as a whole, which is in effect to cover tort claims of workers in nuclear-related industries.

United States Mine Safety

PacifiCorp's mining operations are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which administers federal mine safety and health laws and regulations, and state regulatory agencies. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has the statutory authority to institute a civil action for relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction, restraining order or other appropriate order against a mine operator who fails to pay penalties or fines for violations of federal mine safety standards. Federal law requires PacifiCorp to have a written emergency response plan specific to each underground mine it operates, which is reviewed by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration every six months, and to have at least two mine rescue teams located within one hour of each mine. Information regarding PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Subsidiaries

The Pipeline Companies are regulated by the FERC, pursuant to the NGA and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Under this authority, the FERC regulates, among other items, (a) rates, charges, terms and conditions of service and (b) the construction and operation of interstate pipelines, storage and related facilities, including the extension, expansion or abandonment of such facilities. The Pipeline Companies hold certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the FERC, which authorize them to construct, operate and maintain their pipeline and related facilities and services.

FERC regulations and the Pipeline Companies' tariffs allow each of the Pipeline Companies to charge approved rates for the services set forth in their respective tariff. Generally, these rates are a function of the cost of providing services to their customers, including prudently incurred operations and maintenance expenses, taxes, depreciation and amortization and a reasonable return on their invested capital. Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariff rates have been developed under a rate design methodology whereby substantially all of their fixed costs, including a return on invested capital and income taxes, are collected through reservation charges, which are paid by firm transportation and storage customers regardless of volumes shipped. Commodity charges, which are paid only with respect to volumes actually shipped, are designed to recover the remaining, primarily variable, costs. Kern River's reservation rates have historically been approved using a "levelized" cost-of-service methodology so that the rate remains constant over the levelization period. This levelized cost of service has been achieved by using a FERC-approved depreciation schedule in which depreciation increases as interest expense and return on equity amounts decrease.

Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's rates are subject to change in future general rate proceedings. Rates for natural gas pipelines are changed by filings under either Section 5 or Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act. Section 5 proceedings are initiated by the FERC or the pipeline's customers for a potential reduction to rates that the FERC finds are no longer just and reasonable. In a Section 5 proceeding, the FERC has the burden of demonstrating that the currently effective rates of the pipeline are no longer just and reasonable, and of establishing just and reasonable rates. Any rate decrease as a result of a Section 5 proceeding would be implemented prospectively upon the issuance of a final FERC order calculating the new just and reasonable rates. Section 4 rate proceedings are initiated by the natural gas pipeline, who must demonstrate that the new proposed rates are just and reasonable. The new rates as a result of a Section 4 proceeding are typically implemented six months after the Section 4 filing and are subject to refund upon issuance of a final order by the FERC.

Natural gas transportation companies may not grant any undue preference to any customer. FERC regulations also restrict each pipeline's marketing affiliates' access to certain non-public information regarding their affiliated interstate natural gas transmission pipelines.


Interstate natural gas pipelines are also subject to regulations administered by the Office of Pipeline Safety within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Transportation ("DOT"). Federal pipeline safety regulations are issued pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended ("NGPSA"), which establishes safety requirements in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of interstate natural gas facilities, and requires an entity that owns or operates pipeline facilities to comply with such plans. Major amendments to the NGPSA include the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 ("2002 Act"), the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 ("2006 Act"), the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ("2011 Act") and the Protecting Our Infrastructure Of Pipelines And Enhancing Safety Act Of 2016 ("2016 Act").

The 2002 Act established additional safety and pipeline integrity regulations for all natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas. The 2002 Act imposed major new requirements in the areas of operator qualifications, risk analysis and integrity management. The 2002 Act mandated more frequent periodic inspection or testing of natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas, which are locations where the potential consequences of a natural gas pipeline accident may be significant or may do considerable harm to persons or property. Pursuant to the 2002 Act, the DOT promulgated new regulations that require natural gas pipeline operators to develop comprehensive integrity management programs, to identify applicable threats to natural gas pipeline segments that could impact high-consequence areas, to assess these segments and to provide ongoing mitigation and monitoring. The regulations require recurring inspections of high-consequence area segments every seven years after the initial baseline assessment which was completed by Kern River in early 2011 and Northern Natural Gas in 2012.

The 2006 Act required pipeline operators to institute human factors management plans for personnel employed in pipeline control centers. DOT regulations published pursuant to the 2006 Act required development and implementation of written control room management procedures.

The 2011 Act was a response to natural gas pipeline incidents, most notably the San Bruno natural gas pipeline explosion that occurred in September 2010 in California. The 2011 Act increased the maximum allowable civil penalties for violations, directs operator assistance for Federal authorities conducting investigations and authorized the DOT to hire additional inspection and enforcement personnel. The 2011 Act also directed the DOT to study several topics, including the definition of high-consequence areas, the use of automatic shutoff valves in high-consequence areas, expansion of integrity management requirements beyond high-consequence areas and cast iron pipe replacement. The studies are complete, and a number of notices of proposed rulemaking have been issued. The BHE Pipeline Group anticipates final rules on a number of areas sometime in 2019. The BHE Pipeline Group cannot currently assess the potential cost of compliance with new rules and regulations under the 2011 Act.

The 2016 Act required the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to set federal minimum safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities and authorized emergency order (interim final rule) authority. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an interim final rule requiring underground natural gas storage field operators to implement the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute ("API") Recommended Practice 1171, "Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs." Northern Natural Gas has three underground natural gas storage fields which fall under this regulation and has implemented programs to be in full compliance with this regulation. Kern River does not have underground natural gas storage facilities.

The DOT and related state agencies routinely audit and inspect the pipeline facilities for compliance with their regulations. The Pipeline Companies conduct internal audits of their facilities every four years with more frequent reviews of those deemed higher risk. The Pipeline Companies also conduct preliminary audits in advance of agency audits. Compliance issues that arise during these audits or during the normal course of business are addressed on a timely basis. The Pipeline Companies believe their pipeline systems comply in all material respects with the NGPSA and with DOT regulations issued pursuant to the NGPSA.

Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. GEMA regulates distribution network operators ("DNOs") within the terms of the Electricity Act 1989 and the terms of DNO licenses, which are revocable with 25 years notice. Under the Electricity Act 1989, GEMA has a duty to ensure that DNOs can finance their regulated activities and DNOs have a duty to maintain an investment grade credit rating. GEMA discharges certain of its duties through its staff within Ofgem. Each of fourteen licensed DNOs distributes electricity from the national grid transmission system to end users within its respective distribution services area.


DNOs are subject to price controls, enforced by Ofgem, that limit the revenue that may be recovered and retained from their electricity distribution activities. The regulatory regime that has been applied to electricity distributors in Great Britain encourages companies to look for efficiency gains in order to improve profits. The distribution price control formula also adjusts the revenue received by DNOs to reflect a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the rate of inflation (as measured by the United Kingdom's Retail Prices Index) and the quality of service delivered by the licensee's distribution system. The current price control, Electricity Distribution 1 ("ED1"), has been set for a period of eight years, starting April 1, 2015, although the formula has been, and may be, reviewed by the regulator following public consultation. The procedure and methodology adopted at a price control review are at the reasonable discretion of Ofgem. Ofgem's judgment of the future allowed revenue of licensees is likely to take into account, among other things:
the actual operating and capital costs of each of the licensees;
the operating and capital costs that each of the licensees would incur if it were as efficient as, in Ofgem's judgment, the more efficient licensees;
the actual value of certain costs which are judged to be beyond the control of the licensees;
the taxes that each licensee is expected to pay;
the regulatory value ascribed to the expenditures that have been incurred in the past and the efficient expenditures that are to be incurred in the forthcoming regulatory period;
the rate of return to be allowed on expenditures that make up the regulatory asset value;
the financial ratios of each of the licensees and the license requirement for each licensee to maintain investment grade status;
an allowance in respect of the repair of the pension deficits in the defined benefit pension schemes sponsored by each of the licensees; and
any under- or over-recoveries of revenues, relative to allowed revenues, in the previous price control period.

A number of incentive schemes also operate within the current price control period to encourage DNOs to provide an appropriate quality of service to end users. This includes specified payments to be made for failures to meet prescribed standards of service. The aggregate of these guaranteed standards payments is uncapped, but may be excused in certain prescribed circumstances that are generally beyond the control of the DNOs.

A new price control can be implemented by GEMA without the consent of the DNOs, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's CMA, as can certain other parties. Any appeals must be notified within 20 working days of the license modification by GEMA. If the CMA determines that the appellant has relevant standing, then the statute requires that the CMA complete its process within six months, or in some exceptional circumstances seven months. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies appealed Ofgem's proposals for the resetting of the formula that commenced April 1, 2015, as did one other party, and the CMA subsequently revised GEMA's decision.

The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is not necessarily indicativedue to terminate on March 31, 2023. The current price control was the first to be set for electricity distribution in Great Britain since Ofgem completed its review of network regulation (known as the RPI-X @ 20 project). The key changes to the price control calculations, compared to those used in previous price controls are that:
the period over which new regulatory assets are depreciated is being gradually lengthened, from 20 years to 45 years, with the change being phased over eight years;
allowed revenues will be adjusted during the price control period, rather than at the next price control review, to partially reflect cost variances relative to cost allowances;
the allowed cost of debt will be updated within the price control period by reference to a long-run trailing average based on external benchmarks of utility debt costs;
allowed revenues will be adjusted in relation to some new service standard incentives, principally relating to speed and service standards for new connections to the network; and
there is scope for a mid-period review and adjustment to revenues in the latter half of the period for any changes in the outputs required of licensees for certain specified reasons.


Under the current price control, as revised by the CMA, and excluding the effects of incentive schemes and any deferred revenues from the prior price control, the base allowed revenue of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc remains constant in all subsequent years within the price control period (RIIO-ED1) through 2022-23, before the addition of inflation. Nominal base allowed revenues will increase in line with inflation.

In December 2018, GEMA, through Ofgem published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

Ofgem also monitors DNO compliance with license conditions and enforces the remedies resulting from any breach of condition. License conditions include the prices and terms of service, financial strength of the DNO, the provision of information to Ofgem and the public, as well as maintaining transparency, non-discrimination and avoidance of cross-subsidy in the provision of such services. Ofgem also monitors and enforces certain duties of a DNO set out in the Electricity Act 1989, including the duty to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity distribution. Under changes to the Electricity Act 1989 introduced by the Utilities Act 2000, GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their license duties or certain of their duties under the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, or that are failing to achieve a satisfactory performance in relation to the individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the licensee's revenue.

ALP Transmission

ALP is regulated by the AUC, pursuant to the Electric Utilities Act (Alberta), the Public Utilities Act (Alberta), the Alberta Utilities Commission Act (Alberta) and the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (Alberta). The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems. The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing.

The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers paid by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta, Canada that controls the operation of ALP's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulation and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

ALP's tariffs are regulated by the AUC under the provisions of the Electric Utilities Act in respect of rates and terms and conditions of service. The Electric Utilities Act and related regulations require the AUC to consider that it is in the public interest to provide consumers the benefit of unconstrained transmission access to competitive generation and the wholesale electricity market. In regulating transmission tariffs, the AUC must facilitate sufficient investment to ensure the timely upgrade, enhancement or expansion of transmission facilities, and foster a stable investment climate and a continued stream of capital investment for the transmission system.


Under the Electric Utilities Act, ALP prepares and files applications with the AUC for approval of tariffs to be paid by the AESO for the use of its transmission facilities, and the terms and conditions governing the use of those facilities. The AUC reviews and approves such tariff applications based on a cost-of-service regulatory model under a forward test year basis. Under this model, the AUC provides ALP with a reasonable opportunity to (i) recover the net book value of assets and all prudently incurred costs; (ii) earn a fair return on equity; and (iii) recover its forecast costs, including operating expenses, depreciation, borrowing costs and taxes associated with its regulated transmission business. The AUC must approve tariffs that are just, reasonable and not unduly preferential, arbitrary or unjustly discriminatory. ALP's transmission tariffs are not dependent on the price or volume of electricity transported through its transmission system.

The AESO is an independent system operator in Alberta, Canada that oversees the AIES and wholesale electricity market. The AESO is responsible for directing the safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIES, including long-term transmission system planning. ALP and the other transmission facility owners receive substantially all of their transmission tariff revenues from the AESO. The AESO, in turn, charges wholesale tariffs, approved by the AUC, in a manner that promotes fair and open access to the AIES and facilitates a competitive market for the purchase and sale of electricity. The AESO monitors compliance with approved reliability standards, which are enforced by the Market Surveillance Administrator, which may impose penalties on transmission facility owners for non-compliance with the approved reliability standards.

The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of the AESO market participants. When the AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that certain transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualified bidders.

Independent Power Projects

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Power Resources, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Jumbo Road, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge, Pinyon Pines, Santa Rita, Alamo 6 and Pearl independent power projects are Exempt Wholesale Generators ("EWG") under the Energy Policy Act, while the Community Solar Gardens, Imperial Valley and Wailuku independent power projects are currently certified as Qualifying Facilities ("QF") under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Both EWGs and QFs are generally exempt from compliance with extensive federal and state regulations that control the financial structure of an electric generating plant and the prices and terms at which electricity may be sold by the facilities.

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Imperial Valley, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge and Pinyon Pines independent power projects have obtained authority from the FERC to sell their power using market-based rates. This authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the respective independent power projects are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. The Pinyon Pines, Solar Star, Topaz and Yuma independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Southwest Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Region was made in June 2016 and an order accepting it was issued December 2016. The Cordova and Saranac independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. The Bishop Hill II independent power project and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. The Marshall and Grande Prairie independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes in the FERC-defined Southwest Power Pool Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Power Pool Region was made in December 2018 and is awaiting FERC action.

The entire output of Jumbo Road, Santa Rita, Alamo 6, Pearl and Power Resources is within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT") and market-based authority is not required for such sales solely within ERCOT as the ERCOT market is not a FERC-jurisdictional market. Similarly, Wailuku sells its output solely to the Hawaii Electric Light Company within the Hawaii electric grid which is not a FERC-jurisdictional market and Wailuku therefore does not require market-based rate authority.


EWGs are permitted to sell capacity and electricity only in the wholesale markets, not to end users. Additionally, utilities are required to purchase electricity produced by QFs at a price that does not exceed the purchasing utility's "avoided cost" and to sell back-up power to the QFs on a non-discriminatory basis, unless they have successfully petitioned the FERC for an exemption from this purchase requirement. Avoided cost is defined generally as the price at which the utility could purchase or produce the same amount of power from sources other than the QF on a long-term basis. The Energy Policy Act eliminated the purchase requirement for utilities with respect to new contracts under certain conditions. New QF contracts are also subject to FERC rate filing requirements, unlike QF contracts entered into prior to the Energy Policy Act. FERC regulations also permit QFs and utilities to negotiate agreements for utility purchases of power at rates other than the utilities' avoided cost.

The Philippine Congress has passed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 ("EPIRA"), which is aimed at restructuring the Philippine power industry, privatizing the National Power Corporation and introducing a competitive electricity market, among other initiatives. The implementation of EPIRA may impact future operations in the Philippines and the Philippine power industry as a whole, the effect of which is not yet known as changes resulting from EPIRA are ongoing.

Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company

HomeServices is regulated by the United States Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection under the Truth In Lending Act ("TILA") and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"); the United States Federal Trade Commission with respect to certain franchising activities; and by state agencies where it operates. TILA primarily governs the real estate lending process by mandating lenders to fully inform borrowers about loan costs. RESPA primarily governs the real estate settlement process by mandating all parties fully inform borrowers about all closing costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices and business relationships between closing service providers and other parties to the transaction.


REGULATORY MATTERS

In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding regulatory matters, refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the general regulatory framework.

PacifiCorp

In June 2017, PacifiCorp filed two applications each with the UPSC, IPUC and the WPSC for the Energy Vision 2020 project. The first application sought approvals to construct or procure four new Wyoming wind resources with a total capacity of 860 MWs identified as benchmark resources and certain transmission facilities. A request for proposals was issued in September 2017 seeking up to 1,270 MWs to compete against PacifiCorp's benchmark resources in the final resource selection process for the project. PacifiCorp selected four wind resource bids from this solicitation totaling 1,311 MWs, consisting of 1,111 MWs owned and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. The combined new wind and transmission projects will cost approximately $2 billion. In October 2018, the WPSC approved a settlement agreement and certificates of public convenience and necessity for the transmission facilities and three of the selected wind resources. The settlement supports 950 MWs of owned wind resources and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. Hearings were held by the UPSC and IPUC in May 2018. The UPSC approved the application in an order issued in June 2018. The order grants approval for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities up to the projected costs. PacifiCorp can seek recovery of any actual costs in excess of the estimates in a general rate case. The IPUC approved a partial settlement agreement in an order issued in July 2018. The settlement provides cost recovery through a tracking mechanism. The IPUC order caps cost recovery at the overall estimated costs for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities. The second application sought approval of PacifiCorp's resource decision to upgrade or "repower" existing wind resources, with the exception of the Foote Creek I facility, as prudent and in the public interest. PacifiCorp estimates the wind repowering project will cost approximately $1 billion. Applications filed in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming seek approval for the proposed rate-making treatment associated with the projects, including recovery of the replaced equipment. In December 2017, the IPUC approved an all-party stipulation for approval of the application to repower existing wind facilities and allow recovery of costs in rates through an adjustment to the annual ECAM filing. In May 2018, the UPSC approved the application for repowering, up to the estimated costs, with the exception of the Leaning Juniper project, for which the commission expressed concern with the economics. The WPSC approved an all-party settlement agreement to repower wind facilities in a bench decision in June 2018 and a written order was issued in December 2018. In the decision, the WPSC specifically removed the Leaning Juniper project from the agreement and the approval, consistent with the treatment in Utah. In October 2018, based on improved economics, PacifiCorp decided to proceed with the Leaning Juniper project, which will be subject to a standard prudence review in future general rate cases. In February 2019, PacifiCorp filed a certificate of public convenience and necessity application with the WPSC requesting to repower the existing Foote Creek I wind facility. PacifiCorp requested a determination by May 1, 2019.


During 2018, the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018. In December 2018, PacifiCorp submitted filings with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC and the WUTC seeking approval to recover the settlement charge. Also in December 2018, an advice letter was filed with the CPUC requesting a memo account to record the costs associated with pension and postretirement settlements and curtailments.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. PacifiCorp has agreed to refund or defer the impact of the tax law change with each of its state regulatory commissions. The status of the tax reform proceedings are noted in the applicable state section below.
Utah Mine Disposition

In December 2014, PacifiCorp filed an advice letter with the CPUC to request approval to sell certain Utah mining assets and to establish memorandum accounts to track the costs associated with the Utah Mine Disposition for future recovery. In July 2015, the CPUC Energy Division issued a letter requiring PacifiCorp to file a formal application for approval of the sale of certain Utah mining assets. Accordingly, in September 2015, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC. In February 2017, a joint motion was filed with the CPUC seeking approval of a settlement agreement reached by PacifiCorp and all other parties. The agreement states, among other things, that the decision to sell certain Utah mining assets is in the public interest. Parties also reserve their rights to additional testimony, briefs and hearings to the extent the CPUC determines that additional California Environmental Quality Act proceedings are necessary. In September 2018, the CPUC issued a decision that (1) approves, with modification, the stipulation entered into between PacifiCorp and all other parties; (2) finds that the sale of the mining assets and early closure of the Deer Creek mine was in the public interest; and (3) finds that the California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the sale of the mining assets.

For additional information related to the accounting impacts associated with the Utah Mine Disposition, refer to Notes 5 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Depreciation Rate Study

In September 2018, PacifiCorp filed applications for depreciation rate changes with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC, the WUTC and the IPUC based on PacifiCorp's most recent depreciation study. The proposed depreciation rate changes would increase annual depreciation expense by approximately $300 million. The depreciation study will continue to be evaluated by the state commissions during 2019 and is subject to their review and approval. PacifiCorp requested that the new depreciation rates become effective January 1, 2021. The impacts of the new depreciation study will be included in rates as part of a future regulatory proceeding.

Utah

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual EBA with the UPSC seeking approval to recover $3 million in deferred net power costs from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, reflecting the difference between base and actual net power costs in the 2017 deferral period. The rate change was approved by the UPSC effective May 1, 2018 on an interim basis. A hearing on final approval was held in February 2019, and final approval is expected in March 2019.

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual REC balancing account application with the UPSC seeking to recover $1 million from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for the difference in base and actual RECs. The rate change became effective on an interim basis June 1, 2018, with final approval received in August 2018.

In April 2018, the UPSC ordered a rate reduction of $61 million, or 4.7%, effective May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, based on a preliminary estimate of the revenue requirement impact of 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the UPSC approved an all-party settlement that continues the current rate reduction of $61 million, with other benefits provided to customers through a combination of $174 million of accelerated depreciation of certain thermal steam plant units and deferral of other benefits to offset costs in the next general rate case.


Oregon

In March 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its filing for the annual TAM filing in Oregon requesting an annual increase of $17 million, or an average price increase of 1.3%, based on forecasted net power costs and loads for calendar year 2019. The filing includes an update of the impact of expiring production tax credits, which accounts for $11 million of the total rate adjustment, consistent with Oregon Senate Bill 1547. The filing was updated in July to reflect an all-party partial stipulation resolving all but one issue in the proceeding and to update changes in contracts and market conditions. The OPUC approved the all-party partial stipulation and resolved all issues in the proceeding in an order issued in October 2018. PacifiCorp submitted the final update in November 2018 that reflected a rate decrease of $1 million, or an average price decrease of 0.1%, effective January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Oregon resulting from 2017 Tax Reform. PacifiCorp reached an all-party settlement on the amortization of the current income tax expense benefits and the deferral of the decision regarding the ratemaking treatment of excess deferred income tax balances until PacifiCorp's next rate case. The settlement, which results in a rate reduction of $48 million, or 3.7%, effective February 1, 2019, was approved by the OPUC in January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp filed an application requesting recovery of $37 million, or a 2.8% increase in rates, associated with repowering of approximately 900 MWs of company-owned and installed wind facilities. A decision is expected from the OPUC in September 2019.

Wyoming

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM and RRA application with the WPSC. The filing requests approval to refund $3 million in deferred net power costs to customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The rate change was approved by the WPSC on an interim basis, effective July 1, 2018. The WPSC approved the rates as final in December 2018.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a partial settlement related to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform with the WPSC that provides a rate reduction of $23 million, or 3.3%, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, with the remaining tax savings to be deferred with offsets to other costs. In June 2018, the WPSC approved the rate reduction on an interim basis. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed reports with the WPSC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $28 million annually, comprised of $20 million in current tax savings and $8 million for the amortization of excess deferred income tax. These reports initiated the next phase of the proceedings including a hearing held in January 2019 and public deliberations in February 2019. During public deliberations the WPSC approved the continuation of the rate reduction until the next general rate case with other savings to be deferred to offset other costs. A written order is pending.
Washington

In December 2017, PacifiCorp submitted a tariff filing to implement the first price change for the decoupling mechanism approved in PacifiCorp's 2015 regulatory rate review. WUTC staff disputed PacifiCorp's interpretation of the WUTC's order for the decoupling mechanism and PacifiCorp's subsequent calculations requesting additional funds be booked for return to customers. In February 2018, the WUTC granted the staff's motions and rejected PacifiCorp's tariff revision and required that PacifiCorp re-file price changes for its decoupling mechanism. In March 2018, the WUTC issued a letter accepting PacifiCorp's revised compliance filing in the decoupling revenue adjustment docket. The filing resulted in a net credit of $2 million to customers, effective April 1, 2018.

In May 2018, PacifiCorp filed a settlement stipulation and joint narrative in support of the settlement stipulation resolving all issues in the 2016 PCAM with the WUTC. The settlement agreement resulted in a net credit to the PCAM balancing account of $5 million. The WUTC issued an order in July 2018 approving the settlement.

In June 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its 2017 PCAM filing with the WUTC seeking approval to credit $13 million to the PCAM balancing account. No rate changes were requested. In August 2018, the WUTC issued an order approving PacifiCorp's filing and directed PacifiCorp to amortize the PCAM balance of $18 million over a 12-month period effective November 1, 2018.

In November 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates by $8 million, or 2.3%, effective January 1, 2019, to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Washington resulting from 2017 Tax Reform and to defer all other tax savings to offset costs in the next general rate case. PacifiCorp's proposal was approved by the WUTC in December 2018.

Idaho

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM application with the IPUC requesting recovery of $8 million for deferred costs in 2017. This filing includes recovery of the difference in actual net power costs to the base level in rates, an adder for recovery of the Lake Side 2 resource, recovery of Deer Creek longwall mine investment and changes in production tax credits and renewable energy credits. The IPUC approved recovery of the deferred costs. As the new approved recovery amount is less than what is currently in rates, it resulted in a rate reduction of $2 million, or 0.8%, effective June 1, 2018.

In May 2018, the IPUC approved an all-party settlement to implement a rate reduction of $6 million, or 2.2%, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019, to pass back a portion of the benefits associated with 2017 Tax Reform. The credit may be adjusted following the next phase of the proceeding. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed a report with the IPUC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $11 million annually, comprised of $8 million in current tax savings and $3 million of the amortization of excess deferred income tax. This report initiated the next phase of the proceeding. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

California

In April 2017, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC for an overall rate increase of $3 million, or 1.3%, to recover costs recorded in the catastrophic events memorandum account over a two-year period effective April 1, 2018. The catastrophic events memorandum account includes costs for implementing drought-related fire hazard mitigation measures and storm damage and recovery efforts associated with the December 2016 and January 2017 winter storms. The CPUC issued an order in February 2018 approving this request.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a general rate case with the CPUC for an overall rate increase of $1 million, or 0.9%, effective January 1, 2019. A CPUC decision is pending.

On September 21, 2018, California's governor signed legislation to strengthen California's ability to prevent and recover from catastrophic wildfires, including Senate Bill 901 ("SB 901"). SB 901 requires electric utilities to prepare and submit wildfire mitigation plans that describe the utilities' plans to prevent, combat and respond to wildfires affecting their service territories. PacifiCorp filed its wildfire mitigation plan with the CPUC on February 6, 2019. The wildfire mitigation plan incorporates the requirements outlined in SB 901, including situational awareness, system hardening, vegetation management and procedures for proactive de-energization in certain high risk areas during times of extreme danger. A workshop was held February 13, 2019, at which time PacifiCorp briefly described its wildfire mitigation plan as filed. Additional workshops and hearings are scheduled through March 2019.

MidAmerican Energy

Ratemaking Principles

In August 2016, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 2,000 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles modified the revenue sharing mechanism, and for 2018, sharing was triggered by MidAmerican Energy's actual equity return being above a threshold calculated annually in accordance with the order. The threshold was the weighted average equity return of rate base with returns authorized via ratemaking principles proceedings and all other rate base. For all other rate base, the return is based on interest rates on 30-year A-rated utility bond yields plus 400 basis points, with a minimum return of 9.5%. Pursuant to this mechanism, MidAmerican Energy shared with customers 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger in 2018, and such sharing will reduce generation rate base.

In December 2018, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 591 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles modified the revenue sharing mechanism for 2019 and beyond by capping the return on equity threshold for sharing at 11% and reducing the customer sharing percentage from 100% to 90%.


2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Accumulated deferred income tax balances were re-measured at the 21% rate, and regulatory liabilities increased pursuant to mechanisms approved in Iowa and Illinois and anticipated to be adopted in South Dakota. In December 2018, the IUB approved in final form a Tax Expense Revision Mechanism that reduces customer electric rates for the impact of the lower income tax rate on current operations, as calculated annually, and defers the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes created by their re-measurement to a regulatory liability, the disposition of which will be determined in MidAmerican Energy's next rate case. For all MidAmerican Energy rate jurisdictions, customer revenue was reduced $93 million in 2018 through these mechanisms.

NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Regulatory Rate Reviews

In June 2017, Nevada Power filed an electric regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing supported an annual revenue increase of $29 million, or 2%, but requested no incremental annual revenue relief. In December 2017, the PUCN issued an order which reduced Nevada Power's revenue requirement by $26 million and requires Nevada Power to share 50% of regulatory earnings above 9.7%. In January 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for clarification of certain findings and directives in the order and intervening parties filed motions for reconsideration. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting petitions for clarification and reconsideration and modified the December 2017 order requiring Nevada Power to record additional expense for carrying charges on impact fees received but not yet included in rates. As a result of the order, Nevada Power recorded expense of $44 million in 2018, which consists of regulatory earnings sharing of $38 million and carrying charges of $6 million, and $28 million in December 2017, primarily due to the reduction of a regulatory asset to return to customers revenue collected for costs not incurred. The new rates were effective February 15, 2018.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. In February 2018, the Nevada Utilities made filings with the PUCN proposing a tax rate reduction rider for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated to result from 2017 Tax Reform for 2018 and beyond. The filings supported an annual rate reduction of $59 million and $25 million for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific, respectively. In March 2018, the PUCN issued an order approving the rate reduction proposed by the Nevada Utilities. The new rates were effective April 1, 2018. The order extended the procedural schedule to allow parties additional discovery relevant to 2017 Tax Reform and a hearing was held in July 2018. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order directing the Nevada Utilities to record the amortization of any excess protected accumulated deferred income tax arising from the 2017 Tax Reform as a regulatory liability effective January 1, 2018. Subsequently, the Nevada Utilities filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the amortization of protected excess accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the September 2018 order. In December 2018, the Nevada Utilities filed a petition for judicial review.
In March 2018, the FERC issued a Show Cause Order related to 2017 Tax Reform. In May 2018, in response to the Show Cause Order, the Nevada Utilities proposed a reduction to transmission and certain ancillary service rates under the NV Energy OATT for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated from 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate reduction effective March 21, 2018 as filed and refunds to customers were made in December 2018 totaling $1 million each for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. In addition, FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on public utility transmission rate changes to address accumulated deferred income taxes.

EEPR and EEIR

In March 2018, the Nevada Utilities each filed an application to reset the EEIR and EEPR and to refund the EEIR revenue received in 2017, including carrying charges. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order accepting a stipulation requiring the Nevada Utilities to refund the 2017 revenue and reset the rates as filed effective October 1, 2018. The current EEIR liability for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific is $9 million and $2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018.


Chapter 704B Applications

In October 2016, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier. In April 2017, Wynn filed a motion with the PUCN seeking relief from the January 2016 order that established the impact fee that was paid in September 2016 and requested the PUCN adopt an alternative impact fee and revise on-going charges associated with retirement of assets and high cost renewable contracts. In September 2018, the PUCN granted relief requiring Nevada Power to credit $3 million as an offset against Wynn's remaining impact fee obligation. In October 2018, Wynn elected to pay the net present value lump sum of its Renewable Base Tariff Energy Rate ("R-BTER") obligation of $2 million, net of the $3 million credit. The PUCN ordered Nevada Power to establish a regulatory liability of $5 million amortized in equal monthly installments through December 2022 and to establish a regulatory asset of $3 million for the impact fee credit. Wynn's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's electric system in the year of filing.

In November 2016, Caesars Enterprise Service ("Caesars"), a customer of the Nevada Utilities, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. Caesars' estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 2% and less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's electric systems, respectively, in the year of filing. In March 2017, the PUCN approved the application allowing Caesars to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In March 2017, Caesars provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee monthly for three and six years at Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power, respectively, and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In July 2017, Caesars made the required compliance filings and, in September 2017, the PUCN issued an order allowing Caesars to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become a distribution-only service customer of the Nevada Utilities. In January 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Sierra Pacific service territory. In February 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer, started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Nevada Power service territory and began paying Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific impact fees of $44 million in 72 equal monthly payments and $4 million in 36 equal monthly payments, respectively.

In May 2017, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino ("Peppermill"), a customer of Sierra Pacific, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Sierra Pacific. Peppermill's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Sierra Pacific's electric system in the year of filing. In August 2017, the PUCN approved a stipulation allowing Peppermill to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In September 2017, Peppermill provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In April 2018, Peppermill paid a one-time impact fee of $3 million and became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier.

In June 2018, Station Casinos LLC ("Station"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. Station's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's electric system in the year of filing. In October 2018, the PUCN approved an order allowing Station to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee of $15 million. In November 2018, Station filed a petition for reconsideration with the PUCN to allow Station to pay its share of the R-BTER in a single lump sum, receive a credit for a portion of impact fees previously paid by past 704B applicants and receive a credit for a portion of incremental transmission revenue associated with expected sales to others. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the October 2018 order.

As of February 2019, the Nevada Utilities have received communications from 11 additional current and pending customers, of which four provided a letter of intent to file with the PUCN an application and seven have filed an application to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become distribution-only service customers. The estimated peak demand of all of the applicants at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of each of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's electric systems in the year of filing.


Net Metering

In July 2017, the Nevada Utilities filed with the PUCN proposed amendments to their tariffs necessary to comply with the provisions of AB 405. The filing in July 2017 also included a proposed optional time-differentiated rate schedule for both Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. In September 2017, the PUCN issued an order directing the Nevada Utilities to place all new private generation customers who have submitted applications after June 15, 2017, into a new rate class with rates equal to the rate class they would be in if they were not private generation customers. Private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts prior to June 15, 2017, may elect to migrate to the new rate class created under AB 405 or stay in their otherwise-applicable rate class. The new AB 405 rates became effective December 1, 2017. In February 2018, the Nevada Utilities filed with the PUCN a settlement agreement resolving the outstanding issues related to its proposal for optional time-differentiated rate schedules. In March 2018, the PUCN approved the settlement agreement.

Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

GEMA, through the Ofgem, published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation in December 2018, continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Ofgem explicitly states that this consultation does not set out proposals for Northern Powergrid's next price control, which will begin in April 2023. However, it also states that some of the proposals may be capable of application to that price control. Regarding allowed return on capital, Ofgem has stated that it currently considers that a cost of equity of 4.0% (plus inflation calculated using the United Kingdom's consumer prices index including owner occupiers' housing costs) would be appropriate for energy networks, which is approximately 2.5 percentage points lower than the current comparable cost of equity. This cost of equity assumption is based on a proposed debt capitalization assumption for the next price control of 60%, which is five percentage points lower than the 65% debt capitalization assumption for the current price control.

BHE Pipeline Group

Northern Natural Gas

In July 2018, the FERC issued a final rule adopting procedures for determining whether natural gas pipelines were collecting unjust and unreasonable rates in light of the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 2017 Tax Reform. Pursuant to the final rule, in October 2018, Northern Natural Gas filed an informational filing on FERC Form No. 501-G and a Statement Demonstrating Why No Rate Adjustment is Necessary. On January 16, 2019, FERC initiated a Section 5 investigation to determine whether the rates currently charged by Northern Natural Gas are just and reasonable. On January 28, 2019, Northern Natural Gas filed a motion moving the FERC to take notice of a significant error in its calculation of Northern Natural Gas' return on equity and terminate the Section 5 investigation. If the Section 5 investigation proceeds, Northern Natural Gas expects to file a general Section 4 rate case in 2019, as soon as July 1, 2019, which would supersede a Section 5 rate action to address Northern Natural Gas' significant investment. Northern Natural Gas believes a rate increase will result from the Section 4 rate case and rates would be implemented subject to refund in early 2020.

Kern River

In October 2018, Kern River filed an informational filing on FERC Form No. 501-G and a Statement Explaining Why No Rate Adjustment is Necessary, along with a Tax Reform Credit Rate Settlement in a companion docket. Kern River's Tax Reform Credit Rate Settlement offered an 11% rate credit against the Maximum Base Tariff Rates for firm service and any one-part rate that includes fixed costs which would result in an expected annual rate credit of $13 million. In November 2018, FERC approved Kern River's Tax Reform Credit to be effective November 15, 2018.

BHE Transmission

ALP

General Tariff Applications

ALP filed its 2017-2018 GTA in February 2016. ALP subsequently updated and refiled its 2017-2018 GTA in August 2016 to reflect the findings and conclusions of the AUC in its 2015-2016 GTA decision issued in May 2016. In October 2016, ALP amended its 2017-2018 GTA to reflect the impacts of the generic cost of capital decision issued in October 2016 and other updates and revisions. In December 2016, the AUC approved ALP's request to enter into a negotiated settlement process.


In January 2017, ALP successfully reached a negotiated settlement with all parties regarding all aspects of ALP's 2017-2018 GTA and in February 2017, ALP filed with the AUC the 2017-2018 negotiated settlement application for approval. The application consists of negotiated reductions of C$16 million of operating expenses and C$40 million of transmission maintenance and information technology capital expenditures over the two years, as well as an increase to miscellaneous revenue of C$3 million. These reductions resulted in a C$24 million, or 1.3%, net decrease to the two-year total revenue requirement applied for in ALP's 2017-2018 GTA amendment filed in October 2016. In addition, ALP proposed to provide significant tariff relief through the refund of previously collected accumulated depreciation surplus of C$130 million (C$125 million net of other related impacts). The negotiated settlement agreement also provides for additional potential reductions over the two years through a 50/50 cost savings sharing mechanism.

During the second quarter 2017, ALP responded to information requests from the AUC with respect to its 2017-2018 negotiated settlement agreement application filed in February 2017. In August 2017, the AUC issued a decision approving ALP's negotiated settlement agreement for the 2017-2018 GTA, as filed. Also, the AUC approved a C$31 million refund of accumulated depreciation surplus as opposed to the C$130 million refund proposed by ALP and three customer groups.

In November 2017, ALP filed and received AUC approval regarding its compliance filing, which includes revenue requirements of C$864 million and C$888 million for 2017 and 2018, respectively.

In August 2018, AltaLink filed its 2019-2021 GTA with the AUC, delivering on the first three years of its commitment to keep rates flat for customers for the next five years. The three-year application achieves flat tariffs by keeping operations and maintenance expense flat with the exception of salaries and wages and software licensing fees, transitioning to a new salvage recovery approach and continuing the use of the flow-through income tax method. In addition, similar to the $31 million refund approved by the AUC for the 2017-2018 GTA, AltaLink proposes to provide a further tariff reduction over the three years by refunding previously collected accumulated depreciation surplus of $31 million. The application requests the approval of revenue requirements of $885 million, $887 million and $889 million for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively, which are lower than the approved 2018 revenue requirement of $904 million. The forecast revenue requirement includes an 8.5% return on equity and 37% deemed equity approved by the AUC for 2019 and 2020, and assumes the same for 2021 as placeholders.

The information requests process commenced at the end of November 2018 and is expected to continue into early 2019. A hearing is expected in the second quarter of 2019.

2018 Generic Cost of Capital Proceeding

In July 2017, the AUC denied the utilities' request that the interim determinations of 8.5% return on equity and deemed capital structures for 2018 be made final, by stating that it is not prepared to finalize 2018 values in the absence of an evidentiary process and its intention to issue the generic cost of capital decision for 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the end of 2018 to reduce regulatory lag. The AUC also confirmed the process timelines with an oral hearing scheduled for March 2018.

In October 2017, ALP's evidence was submitted recommending a range of 9% to 10.75% return on equity, on a recommended equity ratio of 40%. ALP also filed evidence outlining increased uncertainties in the Alberta utility regulatory environment. In January 2018, the Consumers' Coalition of Alberta, the Utilities Consumer Advocate and the City of Calgary filed intervenor evidence. The return on equity recommended by the intervenors ranges from 6.3% to 7.75%. The equity ratio recommended by the intervenors for ALP ranges from 35% to 37%.

On August 2018, the AUC issued its decision on the 2018 GCOC proceeding to set the deemed capital structure and generic return on equity for 2018, 2019 and 2020. In its decision, the AUC set the return on equity at 8.5% for 2018, 2019 and 2020, and AltaLink's common equity ratio at 37% for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Deferral Account Reconciliation Application

In April 2017, ALP filed its application with the AUC with respect to ALP's 2014 projects and deferral accounts and specific 2015 projects. The application includes approximately C$2.0 billion in net capital additions. In June 2017, the AUC ruled that the scope of the deferral account proceeding would not be extended to consider the utilization of assets for which final cost approval is sought. However, the AUC will initiate a separate proceeding to address the issue of transmission asset utilization and how the corporate and property law principles applied in the Utility Asset Disposition decision may relate.

In December 2017, ALP amended its application to include the remaining capital projects completed in 2015. The amended 2014 and 2015 deferral account reconciliation application includes 110 completed projects with total gross capital additions, excluding AFUDC, of C$3.8 billion.

In September 2018, a hearing was held after the completion of an extensive information request process earlier in the year. Following written arguments in October 2018, the record of the proceeding was closed.

In December 2018, the AUC issued its decision in relation to the 2014-2015 Deferral Accounts Reconciliation Application. In its decision, the AUC approved 99% out of the C$3.8 billion capital project additions included in the application. Project costs of C$155 million were deferred to a future hearing. The AUC disallowed capital additions of C$30 million including applicable AFUDC, pending receipt of additional requested supporting documentation. On February 15, 2019 ALP refiled its 2014-2015 deferral accounts application to reflect the findings, conclusions and directions arising from this decision. In its compliance filing, ALP requested approval of interest in the amount of C$10 million on total outstanding amount of C$110 million to be recovered through a one-time payment from the AESO. In addition, the AUC ruled that it will put in placeholder amounts for the approved costs of the assets in the 2014-2015 deferral account proceeding until the AUC-initiated proceeding to consider the issue of transmission asset utilization.

First Nations Asset Transfer Application

In November 2018, the AUC approved ALP's application with conditions filed in April 2017 to sell and transfer approximately C$91 million of transmission assets located on reserve lands to new limited partnerships with First Nations. The transfers are part of the agreement which allowed AltaLink to route the Southwest Project on reserve land.

In December 2018, AltaLink filed an application with the Alberta Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the conditions imposed by the AUC decision. In January 2019, AltaLink filed an application for review and variance with the AUC.

BHE U.S. Transmission

A significant portion of ETT's revenues are based on interim rate changes that can be filed twice annually and are subject to review and possible true-up in the next filed base regulatory rate review scheduled for no later than February 1, 2021. In January 2017, the PUCT approved ETT's request to suspend a base regulatory rate review filing scheduled for February 2017 and set ETT's annual revenue requirement to $327 million, effective March 2017. Results of a base regulatory rate review would be prospective except for any deemed disallowance by the PUCT of the transmission investment since the initial base regulatory rate review in 2007. In June 2018, the PUCT approved ETT's application to reduce its transmission revenue by $28 million to reflect the lower federal income tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform with the amortization of excess accumulated deferred federal income taxes expected to be addressed in the next base rate case.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Each Registrant is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact each Registrant's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. The Company has cumulative investments in wind, solar, geothermal and biomass generating facilities of approximately $25 billion and plans to spend an additional $6.4 billion on the construction of wind-powered generating facilities, repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities and funding of wind tax equity investments through 2021. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" of each respective Registrant in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for discussion of each Registrant's renewable generation-related capital expenditures.


Climate Change

In December 2015, an international agreement was negotiated by 195 nations to create a universal framework for coordinated action on climate change in what is referred to as the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement reaffirms the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, while urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius; establishes commitments by all parties to make nationally determined contributions and pursue domestic measures aimed at achieving the commitments; commits all countries to submit emissions inventories and report regularly on their emissions and progress made in implementing and achieving their nationally determined commitments; and commits all countries to submit new commitments every five years, with the expectation that the commitments will get more aggressive. In the context of the Paris Agreement, the United States agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% to 28% by 2025 from 2005 levels. After more than 55 countries representing more than 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions submitted their ratification documents, the Paris Agreement became effective November 4, 2016. Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, ratifying countries are bound for a three-year period and must provide one-year's notice of their intent to withdraw. On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the withdrawal would be effective in November 2020. The cornerstone of the United States' commitment was the Clean Power Plan which was finalized by the EPA in 2015 but has since been proposed for repeal by the EPA.

GHG Performance Standards

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA may establish emissions standards that reflect the degree of emissions reductions achievable through the best technology that has been demonstrated, taking into consideration the cost of achieving those reductions and any non-air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. On August 3, 2015, the EPA issued final new source performance standards, establishing a standard of 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for large natural gas-fueled generating facilities and 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for new coal-fueled generating facilities with the "Best System of Emission Reduction" reflecting highly efficient supercritical pulverized coal facilities with partial carbon capture and sequestration or integrated gasification combined-cycle units that are co-fired with natural gas or pre-combustion slipstream capture of carbon dioxide. The new source performance standards were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") and oral argument was scheduled for April 17, 2017. However, oral argument was deferred and the court held the case in abeyance for an indefinite period of time. On December 6, 2018, the EPA announced revisions to new source performance standards for new and reconstructed coal-fired units. EPA proposes to revise carbon dioxide emission limits for new coal-fired facilities to 1,900 pounds per MWh for small units and 2,000 pounds per MWh for large units. EPA would define the best system of emission reduction for new and modified units as the most efficient demonstrated steam cycle, combined with best operating practices. EPA is accepting comment on the proposal through March 18, 2019. Until such time as the EPA undertakes further action on the proposed reconsideration or the court takes action, any new fossil-fueled generating facilities constructed by the relevant Registrants will be required to meet the GHG new source performance standards.

Clean Power Plan

In June 2014, the EPA released proposed regulations to address GHG emissions from existing fossil-fueled generating facilities, referred to as the Clean Power Plan, under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The EPA's proposal calculated state-specific emission rate targets to be achieved based on the "Best System of Emission Reduction." In August 2015, the final Clean Power Plan was released, which established the Best System of Emission Reduction as including: (a) heat rate improvements; (b) increased utilization of existing combined-cycle natural gas-fueled generating facilities; and (c) increased deployment of new and incremental non-carbon generation placed in-service after 2012. The compliance period would have begun in 2022, with three interim periods of compliance and with the final goal to be achieved by 2030 and was expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the power sector to 32% below 2005 levels by 2030. On February 9, 2016, the United States Supreme Court ordered that the EPA's emission guidelines for existing sources be stayed pending the disposition of the challenges to the rule in the D.C. Circuit and any action on a writ of certiorari before the United States Supreme Court. Oral argument was heard before the D.C. Circuit on September 27, 2016. The court has not yet issued its decision. On October 10, 2017, the EPA issued a proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan and the EPA took comments on the proposed repeal until April 26, 2018. In addition, the EPA published in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on December 28, 2017, seeking public input on, without committing to, a potential replacement rule. The public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concluded February 26, 2018. On August 21, 2018, the EPA proposed the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which would replace the Clean Power Plan. The Affordable Clean Energy rule would determine that the best system of emissions reduction for existing coal-fueled power plants is heat rate improvements and proposes a set of candidate technologies and measures that could improve heat rates. The EPA did not propose to set a specific numerical standard of performance for all affected units. Instead, states would be required to evaluate the candidate technologies and measures to establish standards of performance on a unit-specific basis, setting a standard of performance for each affected unit, measured in terms of pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. Measures taken to meet the standards of performance must be achieved at the source itself. Under the proposed rule, states would have three years from rule finalization to submit a plan to the EPA, which would have one year to determine the approvability of the plan. If a state does not submit a plan or a submitted plan is not satisfactory, the EPA would have two years to develop a federal plan. Comments on the proposal were due October 31, 2018. Until the proposed rule is finalized and state plans are developed, the full impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined. However, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific have historically pursued cost-effective projects, including plant efficiency improvements, increased diversification of their generating fleets to include deployment of renewable and lower carbon generating resources, and advanced customer energy efficiency programs.

Regional and State Activities

Several states have promulgated or otherwise participate in state-specific or regional laws or initiatives to report or mitigate GHG emissions. These are expected to impact the relevant Registrant, and include:

In June 2013, Nevada SB 123 was signed into law. Among other things, SB 123 and regulations thereunder required Nevada Power to file with the PUCN an emission reduction and capacity replacement plan by May 1, 2014. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its emissions reduction capacity replacement plan. The plan provided for the retirement or elimination of 300 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2014, another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2017, and another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2019, along with replacement of such capacity with a mixture of constructed, acquired or contracted renewable and non-technology specific generating units. The plan also sets forth the expected timeline and costs associated with decommissioning coal-fired generating units that will be retired or eliminated pursuant to the plan. The PUCN has the authority to approve or modify the emission reduction and capacity replacement plan filed by Nevada Power. The PUCN may approve variations to Nevada Power's resource plans relative to requirements under SB 123. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the ERCR Plan.

Under the authority of California's Global Warming Solutions Act, which includes a series of policies aimed at returning California greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, the California Air Resources Board adopted a GHG cap-and-trade program with an effective date of January 1, 2012; compliance obligations were imposed on entities beginning in 2013. PacifiCorp is subject to the cap-and-trade program as a retail service provider in California and an importer of wholesale energy into California. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In September 2016, California Senate Bill 32 was signed into law establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

The states of California, Washington and Oregon have adopted GHG emissions performance standards for base load electricity generating resources. Under the laws in California and Oregon, the emissions performance standards provide that emissions must not exceed 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. In September 2018, the Washington Department of Commerce amended the emissions performance standards to provide that GHG emissions for base load electricity generating resources must not exceed 925 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. These GHG emissions performance standards generally prohibit electric utilities from entering into long-term financial commitments (e.g., new ownership investments, upgrades, or new or renewed contracts with a term of five or more years) unless any base load generation supplied under long-term financial commitments comply with the GHG emissions performance standards.

In September 2016, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a final rule regulating GHG emissions from sources in Washington. The rule regulates greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride beginning in 2017 with three-year compliance periods thereafter (i.e., 2017-2019, 2020-2022, etc.). Under the rule, the Washington State Department of Ecology established GHG emissions reduction pathways for all covered entities. Covered entities may use emission reduction units, which may be traded with other covered entities, to meet their compliance requirements. PacifiCorp's resources that are covered under the rule include the Chehalis generating facility, which is a natural gas combined-cycle plant located in Washington state. PacifiCorp received its baseline emission order on December 17, 2017, which specified the emission reduction requirements for the Chehalis generating facility every three years beginning in 2017. The reduction requirements average 1.7% per year. However, the Washington State Department of Ecology suspended the compliance obligations of the Clean Air Rule after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled the state lacks authority to mandate reductions from indirect emitters. Pending further interpretation of the court's decision by the Washington State Department of Ecology, entities subject to the rule are required to continue reporting emissions.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a mandatory, market-based effort to reduce GHG emissions in ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, required, beginning in 2009, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector of 10% by 2018. In May 2011, New Jersey withdrew from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Following a program review in 2012, the nine Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states implemented a new 2014 cap which was approximately 45% lower than the 2012-2013 cap. The cap is reduced each year by 2.5% from 2015 to 2020. In December 2017, an updated model rule was released by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states which includes an additional 30% regional cap reduction between 2020 and 2030.

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Each state's RPS described below could significantly impact the relevant Registrant's consolidated resultsfinancial results. Resources that meet the qualifying electricity requirements under each RPS vary from state to state. Each state's RPS requires some form of compliance reporting and the relevant Registrant can be subject to penalties in the event of noncompliance. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable RPS laws and regulations.

In 1983, Iowa became the first state in the United States to adopt a RPS requiring the state utilities to own or to contract for a combined total of 105 MWs of renewable generating capacity and associated energy production. The IUB allocated the 105-MW requirement between the two utilities in Iowa based on each utility's percentage of their combined estimated Iowa retail peak demand in 1990 resulting in MidAmerican Energy being allocated a RPS requirement of 55.2 MWs. The utility must meet its RPS obligation by either owning renewable energy production facilities located in Iowa or entering into long-term contracts to purchase or wheel electricity from renewable production facilities located in the utility's service area.


Since 1997, NV Energy has been required to comply with a RPS. Current law requires the Nevada Utilities to meet 18% of their energy requirements with renewable resources for 2014, 20% for 2015 through 2019, 22% for 2020 and 2024, and 25% for 2025 and thereafter. The RPS also requires 5% of the portfolio requirement come from solar resources through 2015 and increasing to 6% in 2016. Nevada law also permits energy efficiency measures to be used to satisfy a portion of the RPS through 2025, subject to certain limitations. In November 2018, Nevada voters approved a measure to increase the state's RPS to 50% by 2030; the measure must be voted on and approved a second time, in November 2020, in order to take effect.

Utah's Energy Resource and Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative provides that, beginning in the year 2025, 20% of adjusted retail electric sales of all Utah utilities be supplied by renewable energy, if it is cost effective. Retail electric sales will be adjusted by deducting the amount of generation from sources that produce zero or reduced carbon emissions, and for sales avoided as a result of energy efficiency and DSM programs. Qualifying renewable energy sources can be located anywhere within the WECC, and renewable energy credits can be used.

The Oregon Renewable Energy Act ("OREA") provides a comprehensive renewable energy policy and RPS for Oregon. Subject to certain exemptions and cost limitations established in the law, PacifiCorp and other qualifying electric utilities must meet minimum qualifying electricity requirements for electricity sold to retail customers of at least 5% in 2011 through 2014, 15% in 2015 through 2019, and 20% in 2020 through 2024. In March 2016, Oregon Senate Bill No. 1547-B, the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan, was signed into law. Senate Bill No. 1547-B requires that coal-fueled resources are eliminated from Oregon's allocation of electricity by January 1, 2030, and increases the current RPS target from 25% in 2025 to 50% by 2040. Senate Bill No. 1547-B also implements new REC banking provisions, as well as the following interim RPS targets: 27% in 2025 through 2029, 35% in 2030 through 2034, 45% in 2035 through 2039, and 50% by 2040 and subsequent years. As required by the OREA, the OPUC has approved an automatic adjustment clause to allow an electric utility, including PacifiCorp, to recover prudently incurred costs of its investments in renewable energy generating facilities and associated transmission costs.

Washington's Energy Independence Act establishes a renewable energy target for qualifying electric utilities, including PacifiCorp. The requirements are 3% of retail sales by January 1, 2012 through 2015, 9% of retail sales by January 1, 2016 through 2019 and 15% of retail sales by January 1, 2020 and each year thereafter. In April 2013, Washington State Senate Bill No. 5400 ("SB 5400") was signed into law. SB 5400 expands the geographic area in which eligible renewable resources may be located to beyond the Pacific Northwest, allowing renewable resources located in all states served by PacifiCorp to qualify. SB 5400 also provides PacifiCorp with additional flexibility and options to meet Washington's renewable mandates.

The California RPS required all California retail sellers to procure an average of 20% of retail load from renewable resources by December 31, 2013, 25% by December 31, 2016 and 33% by December 31, 2020. In October 2015, California Senate Bill No. 350 became law and increased the RPS target to 50% by December 31, 2030. The state's RPS was further expanded in September 2018, when California Senate Bill 100 (SB-100), the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 was signed into law. In addition to requiring retail sellers to meet a RPS target of 60% by 2030, SB-100 enabled a longer-term planning target for 100% of total California retail sales to come from eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources by December 31, 2045. In December 2011, the CPUC adopted a decision confirming that multi-jurisdictional utilities, such as PacifiCorp, are not subject to the percentage limits within the three product content categories of RPS-eligible resources established by the legislation that have been imposed on other California retail sellers.

Clean Air Act Regulations

The Clean Air Act is a federal law administered by the EPA that provides a framework for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and controlling sources of air emissions. The implementation of new standards is generally outlined in SIPs, which are a collection of regulations, programs and policies to be followed. SIPs vary by state and are subject to public hearings and EPA approval. Some states may adopt additional or more stringent requirements than those implemented by the EPA. The major Clean Air Act programs most directly affecting the Registrants' operations are described below.


National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, the EPA sets minimum national ambient air quality standards for six principal pollutants, consisting of carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone and sulfur dioxide, considered harmful to public health and the environment. Areas that achieve the standards, as determined by ambient air quality monitoring, are characterized as being in attainment, while those that fail to meet the standards are designated as being nonattainment areas. Generally, sources of emissions in a nonattainment area that are determined to contribute to the nonattainment are required to reduce emissions. Most air quality standards require measurement over a defined period of time to determine the average concentration of the pollutant present. Currently, with the exceptions described in the following paragraphs, air quality monitoring data indicates that all counties where the relevant Registrant's major emission sources are located are in attainment of the current national ambient air quality standards.

On June 4, 2018, EPA published final designations for much of the United States. Relevant to the Registrants, these designations include classifying Yuma County, Arizona; Clark County, Nevada; and the Northern Wasatch Front, Southern Wasatch Front and Duchesne and Uintah counties in Utah as nonattainment-marginal. These areas will be required to meet the 2015 standard three years from the August 3, 2018, effective date. All other areas relevant to the Registrants were designated attainment/unclassifiable with this same action.

In January 2010, the EPA finalized a one-hour air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide at 100 parts per billion. In February 2012, the EPA published final designations indicating that based on air quality monitoring data, all areas of the country are designated as "unclassifiable/attainment" for the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard. On April 6, 2018, EPA issued a decision to retain the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard without revision.

In June 2010, the EPA finalized a new national ambient air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. Under the 2010 rule, areas must meet a one-hour standard of 75 parts per billion utilizing a three-year average. The rule utilizes source modeling in addition to the installation of ambient monitors where sulfur dioxide emissions impact populated areas. Attainment designations were due by June 2012; however, citing a lack of sufficient information to make the designations, the EPA did not issue its final designations until July 2013 and determined, at that date, that a portion of Muscatine County, Iowa was in nonattainment for the one-hour sulfur dioxide standard. MidAmerican Energy's Louisa coal-fueled generating facility is located just outside of Muscatine County, south of the violating monitor. In its final designation, the EPA indicated that it was not yet prepared to conclude that the emissions from the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility contribute to the monitored violation or to other possible violations, and that in a subsequent round of designations, the EPA will make decisions for areas and sources outside Muscatine County. MidAmerican Energy does not believe a subsequent nonattainment designation will have a material impact on the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility. Although the EPA's July 2013 designations did not impact PacifiCorp's nor the Nevada Utilities' generating facilities, the EPA's assessment of sulfur dioxide area designations will continue with the deployment of additional sulfur dioxide monitoring networks across the country.

The Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the EPA in August 2013 with respect to the one-hour sulfur dioxide standards and its failure to make certain attainment designations in a timely manner. In March 2015, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ("Northern District of California") accepted as an enforceable order an agreement between the EPA and Sierra Club to resolve litigation concerning the deadline for completing the designations. The Northern District of California's order directed the EPA to complete designations in three phases: the first phase by July 2, 2016; the second phase by December 31, 2017; and the final phase by December 31, 2020. The first phase of the designations require the EPA to designate two groups of areas: 1) areas that have newly monitored violations of the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard; and 2) areas that contain any stationary source that, according to the EPA's data, either emitted more than 16,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2012 or emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and had an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012 and, as of March 2, 2015, had not been announced for retirement. MidAmerican Energy's George Neal Unit 4 and the Ottumwa Generating Station (in which MidAmerican Energy has a majority ownership interest, but does not operate), are included as units subject to the first phase of the designations, having emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and having an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012. States may submit to the EPA updated recommendations and supporting information for the EPA to consider in making its determinations. Iowa submitted documentation to the EPA in April 2016 supporting its recommendation that Des Moines, Wapello and Woodbury Counties be designated as being in attainment of the standard. In July 2016, the EPA's final designations were published in the Federal Register indicating portions of Muscatine County, Iowa were in nonattainment with the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard, Woodbury County, Iowa was unclassifiable, and Des Moines and Wapello Counties were unclassifiable/attainment.


In December 2012, the EPA finalized more stringent fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards, reducing the annual standard from 15 micrograms per cubic meter to 12 micrograms per cubic meter and retaining the 24-hour standard at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The EPA did not set a separate secondary visibility standard, choosing to rely on the existing secondary 24-hour standard to protect against visibility impairment. In December 2014, the EPA issued final area designations for the 2012 fine particulate matter standard. Based on these designations, the areas in which the relevant Registrant operates generating facilities have been classified as "unclassifiable/attainment." Unless additional monitoring suggests otherwise, the relevant Registrant does not anticipate that any impacts of the revised standard will be significant.

In December 2014, the Utah SIP for fine particulate matter was adopted by the Utah Air Quality Board. PacifiCorp's Lake Side and Gadsby generating facilities operate within nonattainment areas for fine particulate matter; however, the SIP did not impose significant new requirements on PacifiCorp's impacted generating facilities, nor did the EPA's comments on the Utah SIP identify requirements for PacifiCorp's existing generating facilities that would have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

In March 2011, the EPA proposed a rule that requires coal-fueled generating facilities to reduce mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants through the establishment of "Maximum Achievable Control Technology" standards. The final MATS became effective on April 16, 2012, and required that new and existing coal-fueled generating facilities achieve emission standards for mercury, acid gases and other non-mercury hazardous air pollutants. Existing sources were required to comply with the new standards by April 16, 2015 with the potential for individual sources to obtain an extension of up to one additional year, at the discretion of the Title V permitting authority, to complete installation of controls or for transmission system reliability reasons. The relevant Registrants have completed emission reduction projects to comply with the final rule's standards for acid gases and non-mercury metallic hazardous air pollutants.

MidAmerican Energy retired certain coal-fueled generating units as the least-cost alternative to comply with the MATS. Walter Scott, Jr. Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in 2015, and George Neal Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in April 2016. A fifth unit, Riverside Generating Station, was limited to natural gas combustion in March 2015.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in the D.C. Circuit challenging the MATS. In April 2014, the D.C. Circuit upheld the MATS requirements. In November 2014, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear the MATS appeal on the limited issue of whether the EPA unreasonably refused to consider costs in determining whether it is appropriate to regulate hazardous air pollutants emitted by electric utilities. Oral argument in the case was held before the United States Supreme Court in March 2015, and a decision was issued by the United States Supreme Court in June 2015, which reversed and remanded the MATS rule to the D.C. Circuit for further action. The United States Supreme Court held that the EPA had acted unreasonably when it deemed cost irrelevant to the decision to regulate generating facilities, and that cost, including costs of compliance, must be considered before deciding whether regulation is necessary and appropriate. The United States Supreme Court's decision did not vacate or stay implementation of the MATS rule. In December 2015, the D.C. Circuit issued an order remanding the rule to the EPA, without vacating the rule. As a result, the relevant Registrants continue to have a legal obligation under the MATS rule and the respective permits issued by the states in which each respective Registrant operates to comply with the MATS rule, including operating all emissions controls or otherwise complying with the MATS requirements.

On December 27, 2018, the EPA issued a proposed revised supplemental cost finding for the MATS, as well as the required risk and technology review under Clean Air Act Section 112. EPA proposes to determine that it is not appropriate and necessary to regulate hazardous air pollutant emissions from power plants under Section 112; however, EPA proposes to retain the emission standards and other requirements of the MATS rule, because EPA is not proposing to remove coal- and oil-fired power plants from the list of sources regulated under Section 112. The public comment period on the proposal closes April 8, 2019. Until EPA takes final action on the rule, the relevant Registrants cannot fully determine the impacts of the proposed changes to the MATS rule.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

The EPA promulgated an initial rule in March 2005 to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, precursors of ozone and particulate matter, from down-wind sources in the eastern United States, including Iowa, to reduce emissions by implementing a plan based on a market-based cap-and-trade system, emissions reductions, or both. After numerous appeals, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") was promulgated to address interstate transport of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions in 27 eastern and Midwestern states.


The first phase of the rule was implemented January 1, 2015. In November 2015, the EPA released a proposed rule that would further reduce nitrogen oxides emissions in 2017. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in October 2016. The rule requires additional reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions beginning in May 2017. On December 23, 2016, a lawsuit was filed against the EPA in the D.C. Circuit over the final CSAPR "update" rule, which is still pending.

MidAmerican Energy has installed emissions controls at its coal-fueled generating facilities to comply with the CSAPR and may purchase emissions allowances to meet a portion of its compliance obligations. The cost of these allowances is subject to market conditions at the time of purchase and historically has not been material. MidAmerican Energy believes that the controls installed to date are consistent with the reductions to be achieved from implementation of the rule and does not anticipate that any impacts of the CSAPR update will be significant.

MidAmerican Energy operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Iowa and BHE Renewables operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Texas, Illinois and New York, which are subject to the CSAPR. However, the provisions are not anticipated to have a material impact on Berkshire Hathaway Energy or MidAmerican Energy. None of PacifiCorp's, Nevada Power's or Sierra Pacific's generating facilities are subject to the CSAPR. However, in a Notice of Data Availability published in the January 6, 2017, Federal Register, the EPA provided preliminary estimates of which upwind states may have linkages to downwind states experiencing ozone levels at or exceeding the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standard of 70 parts per billion, and, using similar methodology to that in the CSAPR, indicated that Utah and Wyoming could have an obligation under the "good neighbor" provisions of the Clean Air Act to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions.

On December 6, 2018, EPA finalized a rule to close out the CSAPR, having determined that the CSAPR Update for the 2008 ozone NAAQS fully addresses Clean Air Act interstate transport obligations of 20 eastern states. EPA determined that 2023 is an appropriate future analytic year to evaluate remaining good neighbor obligations and that there will be no remaining nonattainment or maintenance receptors with respect to the 2008 ozone NAAQS in the eastern United States in that year. Per EPA's determination, the 20 CSAPR Update-affected states would therefore not contribute significantly to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance of, any other state with regard to the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The final CSAPR Close-Out Rule was published December 21, 2018, and became effective February 19, 2019.

Regional Haze

The EPA's Regional Haze Rule, finalized in 1999, requires states to develop and implement plans to improve visibility in designated federally protected areas ("Class I areas"). Some of PacifiCorp's coal-fueled generating facilities in Utah, Wyoming, Arizona and Colorado and certain of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's fossil-fueled generating facilities are subject to the Clean Air Visibility Rules. In accordance with the federal requirements, states are required to submit SIPs that address emissions from sources subject to best available retrofit technology ("BART") requirements and demonstrate progress towards achieving natural visibility requirements in Class I areas by 2064.

The state of Utah issued a regional haze SIP requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. In December 2012, the EPA approved the sulfur dioxide portion of the Utah regional haze SIP and disapproved the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter portions. Subsequently, the Utah Division of Air Quality completed an alternative BART analysis for Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. In January 2016, the EPA published two alternative proposals to either approve the Utah SIP as written or reject the Utah SIP relating to nitrogen oxides controls and require the installation of selective catalytic reduction ("SCR") controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years. EPA's final action on the Utah regional haze SIP was effective August 4, 2016. The EPA approved in part and disapproved in part the Utah regional haze SIP and issued a federal implementation plan ("FIP") requiring the installation of SCR controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years of the effective date of the rule. PacifiCorp and other parties filed requests with the EPA to reconsider and stay that decision, as well as filed motions for stay and petitions for review with the Tenth Circuit asking the court to overturn the EPA's actions. In July 2017, the EPA issued a letter indicating it would reconsider its FIP decision. In light of the EPA's grant of reconsideration and the EPA's position in the litigation, the Tenth Circuit held the litigation in abeyance and imposed a stay of the compliance obligations of the FIP for the number of days the stay is in effect while the EPA conducts its reconsideration process. To support the reconsideration, PacifiCorp undertook additional air quality modeling using the CAMX air quality dispersion model. On January 14, 2019, the state of Utah submitted a SIP revision to the EPA, which includes the updated modeling information and additional analysis.

The state of Wyoming issued two regional haze SIPs requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on certain PacifiCorp coal-fueled generating facilities in Wyoming. The EPA approved the sulfur dioxide SIP in December 2012 and the EPA's approval was upheld on appeal by the Tenth Circuit in October 2014. In addition, the EPA initially proposed in June 2012 to disapprove portions of the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and instead issue a FIP. The EPA withdrew its initial proposed actions on the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and the proposed FIP, published a re-proposed rule in June 2013, and finalized its determination in January 2014, which aligns more closely with the SIP proposed by the state of Wyoming. The EPA's final action on the Wyoming SIP approved the state's plan to have PacifiCorp install low-nitrogen oxides burners at Naughton Units 1 and 2, SCR controls at Naughton Unit 3 by December 2014, SCR controls at Jim Bridger Units 1 through 4 between 2015 and 2022, and low-nitrogen oxides burners at Dave Johnston Unit 4. The EPA disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for Dave Johnston Unit 3, where it required the installation of SCR controls by 2019 or, in lieu of installing SCR controls, a commitment to shut down Dave Johnston Unit 3 by 2027, its currently approved depreciable life. The EPA also disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for the Wyodak coal-fueled generating facility ("Wyodak Facility"), requiring the installation of SCR controls within five years (i.e., by 2019). The EPA action became final on March 3, 2014. PacifiCorp filed an appeal of the EPA's final action on the Wyodak Facility in March 2014. The state of Wyoming also filed an appeal of the EPA's final action, as did the Powder River Basin Resource Council, National Parks Conservation Association and Sierra Club. In September 2014, the Tenth Circuit issued a stay of the March 2019 compliance deadline for the Wyodak Facility, pending further action by the Tenth Circuit in the appeal. A stay remains in place and the case has not yet been set for oral argument. In June 2014, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a revised BART permit allowing Naughton Unit 3 to operate on coal through 2017 and providing for natural gas conversion of the unit in 2018; in October 2016, an application was filed with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality requesting a revision of the dates for the end of coal firing and the start of gas firing for Naughton Unit 3 to align with the requirements of the Wyoming SIP. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality approved a change to the requirements for Naughton Unit 3, extending the requirement to cease coal firing to no later than January 30, 2019, and complete the gas conversion by June 30, 2019. On March 17, 2017, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued an extension to operate the unit as a coal-fueled unit through January 30, 2019. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality submitted a proposed revision to the Wyoming SIP, including a change to the Naughton Unit 3 compliance date, to the EPA for approval on November 28, 2017. On November 7, 2018, the EPA published its proposed approval of the Wyoming SIP relative to the Naughton 3 gas conversion. The comment period closed December 7, 2018 and the EPA has not taken final action. PacifiCorp removed the unit from coal-fueled service on January 30, 2019, and is evaluating the economic benefits of converting it to a natural gas-fueled generation resource.

The state of Arizona issued a regional haze SIP requiring, among other things, the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Cholla Unit 4. The EPA approved in part, and disapproved in part, the Arizona SIP and issued a FIP for the disapproved portions requiring SCR controls on Cholla Unit 4. PacifiCorp filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ("Ninth Circuit") regarding the FIP as it relates to Cholla Unit 4, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and other affected Arizona utilities filed separate appeals of the FIP as it relates to their interests. The Ninth Circuit issued an order in February 2015, holding the matter in abeyance while the parties pursued an alternate compliance approach for Cholla Unit 4. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's revision of the draft permit and revision to the Arizona regional haze SIP were approved by the EPA through final action published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2017, with an effective date of April 26, 2017. The final action allows Cholla Unit 4 to utilize coal until April 30, 2025 and convert to gas or otherwise cease burning coal by June 30, 2025.

The state of Colorado regional haze SIP requires SCR controls at Craig Unit 2 and Hayden Units 1 and 2, in which PacifiCorp has ownership interests. Each of those regional haze compliance projects are either already in service or currently being constructed. In addition, in February 2015, the state of Colorado finalized an amendment to its regional haze SIP relating to Craig Unit 1, in which PacifiCorp has an ownership interest, to require the installation of SCR controls by 2021. In September 2016, the owners of Craig Units 1 and 2 reached an agreement with state and federal agencies and certain environmental groups that were parties to the previous settlement requiring SCR to retire Unit 1 by December 31, 2025, in lieu of SCR installation, or alternatively to remove the unit from coal-fueled service by August 31, 2021 with an option to convert the unit to natural gas by August 31, 2023, in lieu of SCR installation. The terms of the agreement were approved by the Colorado Air Quality Board in December 2016. The terms of the agreement were incorporated into an amended Colorado regional haze SIP in 2017 and were submitted to the EPA for its review and approval. The EPA's approval of the amended Colorado regional haze SIP was published in the Federal Register on July 5, 2018, with an effective date of August 6, 2018.

Until the EPA takes final action in each state and decisions have been made in the pending appeals, PacifiCorp, cannot fully determine the impacts of the Regional Haze Rule on its respective generating facilities.


The Navajo Generating Station, in which Nevada Power is a joint owner with an 11.3% ownership share, is also a source that is subject to the regional haze BART requirements. In January 2013, the EPA announced a proposed FIP addressing BART and an alternative for the Navajo Generating Station that includes a flexible timeline for reducing nitrogen oxides emissions. The EPA issued a final FIP on August 8, 2014 adopting, with limited changes, the Navajo Generating Station proposal as a "better than BART" determination. Nevada Power filed the ERCR Plan in May 2014 that proposed to eliminate its ownership participation in the Navajo Generating Station in 2019, which was approved by the PUCN. In February 2017, the non-federal owners of the Navajo Generating Station announced the facility will shut down on or before December 23, 2019, unless new owners can be found. All current owners have since approved a lease extension with the Navajo Nation to allow operations to continue through 2019. Ownership transfer negotiations are ongoing and, until concluded, the relevant Registrant cannot determine whether additional action may be required.

Water Quality Standards

The federal Water Pollution Control Act ("Clean Water Act") establishes the framework for maintaining and improving water quality in the United States through a program that regulates, among other things, discharges to and withdrawals from waterways. The Clean Water Act requires that cooling water intake structures reflect the "best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact" to aquatic organisms. After significant litigation, the EPA released a proposed rule under §316(b) of the Clean Water Act to regulate cooling water intakes at existing facilities. The final rule was released in May 2014, and became effective in October 2014. Under the final rule, existing facilities that withdraw at least 25% of their water exclusively for cooling purposes and have a design intake flow of greater than two million gallons per day are required to reduce fish impingement (i.e., when fish and other aquatic organisms are trapped against screens when water is drawn into a facility's cooling system) by choosing one of seven options. Facilities that withdraw at least 125 million gallons of water per day from waters of the United States must also conduct studies to help their permitting authority determine what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms (i.e., when organisms are drawn into the facility). PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy are assessing the options for compliance at their generating facilities impacted by the final rule and will complete impingement and entrainment studies. PacifiCorp's Dave Johnston generating facility and all of MidAmerican Energy's coal-fueled generating facilities, except Louisa, Ottumwa and Walter Scott, Jr. Unit 4, which have water cooling towers, withdraw more than 125 million gallons per day of water from waters of the United States for once-through cooling applications. PacifiCorp's Jim Bridger, Naughton, Gadsby, Hunter and Huntington generating facilities currently utilize closed cycle cooling towers but are designed to withdraw more than two million gallons of water per day. The standards are required to be met as soon as possible after the effective date of the final rule, but no later than eight years thereafter. The costs of compliance with the cooling water intake structure rule cannot be fully determined until the prescribed studies are conducted and the respective state environmental agencies review the studies to determine whether additional mitigation technologies should be applied. In the event that PacifiCorp's or MidAmerican Energy's existing intake structures require modification, the costs are not anticipated to be significant to the consolidated financial statements. Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific do not utilize once-through cooling water intake or discharge structures at any of their generating facilities. All of the Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific generating stations are designed to have either minimal or zero discharge; therefore, they are not impacted by the §316(b) final rule.

In November 2015, the EPA published final effluent limitation guidelines and standards for the steam electric power generating sector which, among other things, regulate the discharge of bottom ash transport water, fly ash transport water, combustion residual leachate and non-chemical metal cleaning wastes. These guidelines, which had not been revised since 1982, were revised in response to the EPA's concerns that the addition of controls for air emissions has changed the effluent discharged from coal- and natural gas-fueled generating facilities. Under the originally-promulgated guidelines, permitting authorities were required to include the new limits in each impacted facility's discharge permit upon renewal with the new limits to be met as soon as possible, beginning November 1, 2018 and fully implemented by December 31, 2023. On April 5, 2017, a request for reconsideration and administrative stay of the guidelines was filed with the EPA. The EPA granted the request for reconsideration on April 12, 2017, imposed an immediate administrative stay of compliance dates in the rule that had not passed judicial review and requested the court stay the pending litigation over the rule until September 12, 2017. On June 6, 2017, the EPA proposed to extend many of the compliance deadlines that would otherwise occur in 2018 and on September 18, 2017, the EPA issued a final rule extending certain compliance dates for flue gas desulfurization wastewater and bottom ash transport water limits until November 1, 2020. While most of the issues raised by this rule are already being addressed through the coal combustion residuals rule and are not expected to impose significant additional requirements on the facilities, the impact of the rule cannot be fully determined until the reconsideration action is complete and any judicial review is conducted.


In April 2014, the EPA and the United States Army Corps of Engineers issued a joint proposal to address "waters of the United States" to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands. The proposed rule comes as a result of United States Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 that created confusion regarding jurisdictional waters that were subject to permitting under either nationwide or individual permitting requirements. The final rule was released in May 2015 but is currently under appeal in multiple courts and a nationwide stay on the implementation of the rule was issued in October 2015. On January 13, 2017, the United States Supreme Court granted a petition to address jurisdictional challenges to the rule. The EPA plans to undertake a two-step process, with the first step to repeal the 2015 rule and the second step to carry out a notice-and-comment rulemaking in which a substantive re-evaluation of the definition of the "waters of the United States" will be undertaken. On July 27, 2017, the EPA and the Corps of Engineers issued a proposal to repeal the final rule and recodify the pre-existing rules pending issuance of a new rule and on November 16, 2017, the agencies proposed to extend the implementation day of the "waters of the United States" rule to 2020; neither of the proposals has been finalized. On January 22, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision related to the jurisdictional challenges to the rule, holding that federal district courts, rather than federal appeals courts, have proper jurisdiction to hear challenges to the rule and instructed the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss the petitions for review for lack of jurisdiction, clearing the way for imposition of the rule in certain states barring final action by the EPA to formalize the extension of the compliance deadline. On December 11, 2018, the EPA and the Corps of Engineers proposed a revised definition of "waters of the United States" that is intended further clarify jurisdictional questions, eliminate case-by-case determinations and narrow Clean Water Act jurisdiction to align with Justice Scalia's 2006 opinion in Rapanos v. United States. The public comment period will close April 15, 2019. Until the rule is fully litigated and finalized, the Registrants cannot determine whether projects that include construction and demolition will face more complex permitting issues, higher costs or increased requirements for compensatory mitigation.

Coal Combustion Byproduct Disposal

In May 2010, the EPA released a proposed rule to regulate the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts under the RCRA. The final rule was released by the EPA on December 19, 2014, was published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2015 and was effective on October 19, 2015. The final rule regulates coal combustion byproducts as non-hazardous waste under RCRA Subtitle D and establishes minimum nationwide standards for the disposal of coal combustion residuals. Under the final rule, surface impoundments and landfills utilized for coal combustion byproducts may need to be closed unless they can meet the more stringent regulatory requirements. The final rule requires regulated entities to post annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action reports. The first of these reports was posted to the respective Registrant's coal combustion rule compliance data and information websites in March 2018. Based on the results in those reports, additional action may be required under the rule.

At the time the rule was published in April 2015, PacifiCorp operated 18 surface impoundments and seven landfills that contained coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, nine surface impoundments and three landfills were either closed or repurposed to no longer receive coal combustion byproducts and hence are not subject to the final rule. As PacifiCorp proceeded to implement the final coal combustion rule, it was determined that two surface impoundments located at the Dave Johnston Generating Station were hydraulically connected and effectively constitute a single impoundment. In November 2017, a new surface impoundment was placed into service at the Naughton Generating Station. At the time the rule was published in April 2015, MidAmerican Energy owned or operated nine surface impoundments and four landfills that contain coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, MidAmerican Energy closed or repurposed six surface impoundments to no longer receive coal combustion byproducts. Five of these surface impoundments were closed on or before December 21, 2017 and the sixth is undergoing closure. At the time the rule was published in April 2015, the Nevada Utilities operated ten evaporative surface impoundments and two landfills that contained coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, the Nevada Utilities closed four of the surface impoundments, four impoundments discontinued receipt of coal combustion byproducts making them inactive and two surface impoundments remain active and subject to the final rule. The two landfills remain active and subject to the final rule. Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for discussion of the impacts on asset retirement obligations as a result of the final rule.

Additional substantive revisions to the rule are expected to be finalized by the EPA by December 2019 but have not yet been released for public comment. If adopted, certain elements of the proposal have the potential to reduce costs of compliance. The D.C. Circuit issued a decision on August 21, 2018, vacating several elements of the rule, including closure provisions for unlined surface impoundments, and finding that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act provides the EPA authority to regulate inactive surface impoundments at inactive facilities. The court's order was effective October 15, 2018, and as a result, the EPA will need to undertake additional rulemaking to implement the court's order. Until such time as additional rulemaking is final, the impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined.


Multiple parties filed challenges over various aspects of the final rule in the D.C. Circuit in 2015, resulting in settlement of some of the issues and subsequent regulatory action by the EPA, including subjecting inactive surface impoundments to regulation. Oral argument was held by the D.C. Circuit on November 20, 2017 over certain portions of the 2015 rule that had not been settled or otherwise remanded. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit issued its opinion in Utility Solid Waste Activities Group v. EPA, finding it was arbitrary and capricious for EPA to allow unlined ash ponds to continue operating until some unknown point in the future when groundwater contamination could be detected. The D.C. Circuit vacated the closure section of the CCR rule and remanded the issue of unlined ponds to EPA for reconsideration with specific instructions to consider harm to the environment, not just to human health. The D.C. Circuit also held EPA's decision to not regulate legacy ponds was arbitrary and capricious. While the D.C. Circuit's decision was pending, the EPA, on March 15, 2018, issued a proposal to address provisions of the final coal combustion rule that were remanded back to the agency on June 14, 2016, by the D.C. Circuit. The proposal included provisions that establish alternative performance standards for owners and operators of coal combustion residuals units located in states that have approved permit programs or are otherwise subject to oversight through a permit program administered by the EPA. The EPA published the first phase of the coal combustion rule amendments on July 30, 2018, with an effective date of August 28, 2018 (the "Phase 1, Part 1 rule"). In addition to adopting alternative performance standards and revising groundwater performance standards for certain constituents, EPA extended the deadline by which facilities must initiate closure of unlined ash ponds exceeding a groundwater protection standard and impoundments that do not meet the rule's aquifer location restrictions to October 31, 2020. On October 22, 2018, a coalition of environmental groups, including Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc., Clean Water Action, Prairie Rivers Network, Hoosier Environmental Council, Heal Utah and Sierra Club, filed a petition in the D.C. Circuit challenging the Phase 1, Part 1 rule and subsequently filed a request with EPA to stay the October 31, 2020 deadline extension. In light of the D.C Circuit's opinion in USWAG v. EPA, the EPA filed a motion December 17, 2018 seeking voluntary remand without vacatur of the Phase 1, Part 1 rule in order to undertake new rulemaking to establish revised timeframes for unlined impoundments to initiate closure consistent with USWAG. Environmental petitioners filed a motion requesting a stay of the October 31, 2020 deadline. The D.C. Circuit has not yet acted on these motions. Until the rule is fully litigated and finalized, the Registrants cannot determine whether additional action may be required.

Separately, on August 10, 2017, the EPA issued proposed permitting guidance on how states' coal combustion residuals permit programs should comply with the requirements of the final rule as authorized under the December 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. Utilizing that guidance, the state of Oklahoma submitted an application to the EPA for approval of its state program and, on June 28, 2018, the EPA's approval of the application was published in the Federal Register. Environmental groups, including Waterkeeper Alliance and the Sierra Club, filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on September 26, 2018, alleging that the EPA unlawfully approved Oklahoma's permit program. This suit also incorporates claims first identified in a July 26, 2018 notice of intent to sue that alleged the EPA failed to perform nondiscretionary duties related to the development and publication of minimum guidelines for public participation in the approval of state permit programs for coal combustion residuals. To date, none of the states in which the Registrants operate has submitted an application for approval of state permitting authority. The state of Utah adopted the federal final rule in September 2016, which required two landfills to submit permit applications by March 2017. It is anticipated that the state of Utah will submit an application for approval of its coal combustion residuals permit program prior to the end of 2019.

Notwithstanding the status of the final coal combustion residuals rule, citizens' suits have been filed against regulated entities seeking judicial relief for contamination alleged to have been caused by releases of coal combustion byproducts. Some of these cases have been successful in imposing liability upon companies if coal combustion byproducts contaminate groundwater that is ultimately released or connected to surface water. In addition, actions have been filed against regulated entities seeking to require that surface impoundments containing coal combustion residuals be subject to closure by removal rather than being allowed to effectuate closure in place as provided under the final rule. The Registrants are not a party to these lawsuits and until they are resolved, the Registrants cannot predict the impact on overall compliance obligations.

Other

Other laws, regulations and agencies to which the relevant Registrants are subject include, but are not limited to:
The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and similar state laws may require any current or former owners or operators of a disposal site, as well as transporters or generators of hazardous substances sent to such disposal site, to share in environmental remediation costs. Certain Registrants have been identified as potentially responsible parties in connection with certain disposal sites. The relevant Registrants have completed several cleanup actions and are participating in ongoing investigations and remedial actions. Costs associated with these actions are not expected to be material and are expected to be found prudent and included in rates.

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, under which the United States Department of Energy is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 11 of the Notes to Financial Statements of MidAmerican Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding MidAmerican Energy's nuclear decommissioning obligations.
The federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and similar state statutes establish operational, reclamation and closure standards that must be met during and upon completion of PacifiCorp's mining activities.
The FERC evaluates hydroelectric systems to ensure environmental impacts are minimized, including the issuance of environmental impact statements for licensed projects both initially and upon relicensing. The FERC monitors the hydroelectric facilities for compliance with the license terms and conditions, which include environmental provisions. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding the relicensing of PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.

The Registrants expect they will be allowed to recover their respective prudently incurred costs to comply with the environmental laws and regulations discussed above. The Registrants' planning efforts take into consideration the complexity of balancing factors such as: (a) pending environmental regulations and requirements to reduce emissions, address waste disposal, ensure water quality and protect wildlife; (b) avoidance of excessive reliance on any one generation technology; (c) costs and trade-offs of various resource options including energy efficiency, demand response programs and renewable generation; (d) state-specific energy policies, resource preferences and economic development efforts; (e) additional transmission investment to reduce power costs and increase efficiency and reliability of the integrated transmission system; and (f) keeping rates affordable. Due to the number of generating units impacted by environmental regulations, deferring installation of compliance-related projects is often not feasible or cost effective and places the Registrants at risk of not having access to necessary capital, material, and labor while attempting to perform major equipment installations in a compressed timeframe concurrent with other utilities across the country. Therefore, the Registrants have established installation schedules with permitting agencies that coordinate compliance timeframes with construction and tie-in of major environmental compliance projects as units are scheduled off-line for planned maintenance outages; these coordinated efforts help reduce costs associated with replacement power and maintain system reliability.


Item 1A.    Risk Factors

Each Registrant is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described below. Careful consideration of these risks, together with all of the other information included in this Form 10-K and the other public information filed by the relevant Registrant, should be made before making an investment decision. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or which each Registrant currently deems immaterial may also impair its business operations. Unless stated otherwise, the risks described below generally relate to each Registrant.

Corporate and Financial Structure Risks

BHE is a holding company and depends on distributions from subsidiaries, including joint ventures, to meet its obligations.

BHE is a holding company with no material assets other than the ownership interests in its subsidiaries and joint ventures, collectively referred to as its subsidiaries. Accordingly, cash flows and the ability to meet BHE's obligations are largely dependent upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the payment of such earnings to BHE in the form of dividends or other distributions. BHE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay amounts due pursuant to BHE's senior debt, junior subordinated debt or its other obligations, or to make funds available, whether by dividends or other payments, for the payment of amounts due pursuant to BHE's senior debt, junior subordinated debt or its other obligations, and do not guarantee the payment of any of its obligations. Distributions from subsidiaries may also be limited by:
their respective earnings, capital requirements, and required debt and preferred stock payments;
the satisfaction of certain terms contained in financing, ring-fencing or organizational documents; and
regulatory restrictions that limit the ability of BHE's regulated utility subsidiaries to distribute profits.

BHE is substantially leveraged, the terms of its existing senior and junior subordinated debt do not restrict the incurrence of additional debt by BHE or its subsidiaries, and BHE's senior debt is structurally subordinated to the debt of its subsidiaries, and each of such factors could adversely affect BHE's consolidated financial results.

A significant portion of BHE's capital structure is comprised of debt, and BHE expects to incur additional debt in the future to fund items such as, among others, acquisitions, capital investments and the development and construction of new or expanded facilities. As of December 31, 2018, BHE had the following outstanding obligations:
senior unsecured debt of $8.6 billion;
junior subordinated debentures of $100 million;
short-term borrowings of $983 million;
guarantees and letters of credit in respect of subsidiary and equity method investments aggregating $297 million; and
commitments, subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions in support of renewable tax equity investments totaling $1.4 billion.

BHE's consolidated subsidiaries also have significant amounts of outstanding debt, which totaled $29.6 billion as of December 31, 2018. These amounts exclude (a) trade debt, (b) preferred stock obligations, (c) letters of credit in respect of subsidiary debt, and (d) BHE's share of the outstanding debt of its own or its subsidiaries' equity method investments.

Given BHE's substantial leverage, it may not have sufficient cash to service its debt, which could limit its ability to finance future acquisitions, develop and construct additional projects, or operate successfully under difficult conditions, including those brought on by adverse national and global economies, unfavorable financial markets or growth conditions where its capital needs may exceed its ability to fund them. BHE's leverage could also impair its credit quality or the credit quality of its subsidiaries, making it more difficult to finance operations or issue future debt on favorable terms, and could result in a downgrade in debt ratings by credit rating agencies.


The terms of BHE's and its subsidiaries' debt do not limit BHE's ability or the ability of its subsidiaries to incur additional debt or issue preferred stock. Accordingly, BHE or its subsidiaries could enter into acquisitions, new financings, refinancings, recapitalizations, capital leases or other highly leveraged transactions that could significantly increase BHE's or its subsidiaries' total amount of outstanding debt. The interest payments needed to service this increased level of debt could adversely affect BHE's or its subsidiaries' financial results. Many of BHE's subsidiaries' debt agreements contain covenants, or may in the future contain covenants, that restrict or limit, among other things, such subsidiaries' ability to create liens, sell assets, make certain distributions, incur additional debt or miss contractual deadlines or requirements, and BHE's ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond its control. Further, if an event of default accelerates a repayment obligation and such acceleration results in an event of default under some or all of BHE's other debt, BHE may not have sufficient funds to repay all of the accelerated debt simultaneously, and the other risks described under "Corporate and Financial Structure Risks" may be magnified as well.

Because BHE is a holding company, the claims of its senior debt holders are structurally subordinated with respect to the assets and earnings of its subsidiaries. Therefore, the rights of its creditors to participate in the assets of any subsidiary in the event of a liquidation or reorganization are subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors and preferred shareholders, if any. In addition, pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties, MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa, Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada, AltaLink's transmission properties, the equity interest of MidAmerican Funding's subsidiary and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of solar and wind generation projects, are directly or indirectly pledged to secure their financings and, therefore, may be unavailable as potential sources of repayment of BHE's debt.

A downgrade in BHE's credit ratings or the credit ratings of its subsidiaries, including the Subsidiary Registrants, could negatively affect BHE's or its subsidiaries' access to capital, increase the cost of borrowing or raise energy transaction credit support requirements.

BHE's senior unsecured debt and its subsidiaries' long-term debt, including the Subsidiary Registrants, are rated by various rating agencies. BHE cannot give assurance that its senior unsecured debt rating or any of its subsidiaries' long-term debt ratings will not be reduced in the future. Although none of the Registrants' outstanding debt has rating-downgrade triggers that would accelerate a repayment obligation, a credit rating downgrade would increase any such Registrant's borrowing costs and commitment fees on its revolving credit agreements and other financing arrangements, perhaps significantly. In addition, such Registrant would likely be required to pay a higher interest rate in future financings, and the potential pool of investors and funding sources would likely decrease. Further, access to the commercial paper market, the principal source of short-term borrowings for each Registrant, could be significantly limited, resulting in higher interest costs.

Similarly, any downgrade or other event negatively affecting the credit ratings of BHE's subsidiaries could make their costs of borrowing higher or access to funding sources more limited, which in turn could cause BHE to provide liquidity in the form of capital contributions or loans to such subsidiaries, thus reducing its and its subsidiaries' liquidity and borrowing capacity.

Most of the Registrants' large wholesale customers, suppliers and counterparties require such Registrant to have sufficient creditworthiness in order to enter into transactions, particularly in the wholesale energy markets. If the credit ratings of a Registrant were to decline, especially below investment grade, the relevant Registrant's financing costs and borrowings would likely increase because certain counterparties may require collateral in the form of cash, a letter of credit or some other form of security for existing transactions and as a condition to entering into future transactions with such Registrant. Amounts may be material and may adversely affect such Registrant's liquidity and cash flows.

BHE's majority shareholder, Berkshire Hathaway, could exercise control over BHE in a manner that would benefit Berkshire Hathaway to the detriment of BHE's creditors and BHE could exercise control over the Subsidiary Registrants in a manner that would benefit BHE to the detriment of the Subsidiary Registrants' creditors and PacifiCorp's preferred stockholders.

Berkshire Hathaway is majority owner of BHE and has control over all decisions requiring shareholder approval. In circumstances involving a conflict of interest between Berkshire Hathaway and BHE's creditors, Berkshire Hathaway could exercise its control in a manner that would benefit Berkshire Hathaway to the detriment of BHE's creditors.

BHE indirectly owns all of the common stock of PacifiCorp, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific and is the sole member of MidAmerican Funding and, accordingly, indirectly owns all of MidAmerican Energy's common stock. As a result, BHE has control over all decisions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors. In circumstances involving a conflict of interest between BHE and the creditors of the Subsidiary Registrants, BHE could exercise its control in a manner that would benefit BHE to the detriment of the Subsidiary Registrants' creditors.


Business Risks

Much of BHE's growth has been achieved through acquisitions, and any such acquisition may not be successful.

Much of BHE's growth has been achieved through acquisitions. Future acquisitions may range from buying individual assets to the purchase of entire businesses. BHE will continue to investigate and pursue opportunities for future acquisitions that it believes, but cannot assure, may increase value and expand or complement existing businesses. BHE may participate in bidding or other negotiations at any time for such acquisition opportunities which may or may not be successful.

Any acquisition entails numerous risks, including, among others:
the failure to complete the transaction for various reasons, such as the inability to obtain the required regulatory approvals, materially adverse developments in the potential acquiree's business or financial condition or successful intervening offers by third parties;
the failure of the combined business to realize the expected benefits;
the risk that federal, state or foreign regulators or courts could require regulatory commitments or other actions in respect of acquired assets, potentially including programs, contributions, investments, divestitures and market mitigation measures;
the risk of unexpected or unidentified issues not discovered in the diligence process; and
the need for substantial additional capital and financial investments.

An acquisition could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of BHE's subsidiaries. In addition, the final orders of regulatory authorities approving acquisitions may be subject to appeal by third parties. The diversion of BHE management's attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the approval and integration of the acquired operations could adversely affect BHE's combined businesses and financial results and could impair its ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.

BHE cannot assure that future acquisitions, if any, or any integration efforts will be successful, or that BHE's ability to repay its obligations will not be adversely affected by any future acquisitions.

The Registrants are subject to operating uncertainties and events beyond each respective Registrant's control that impact the costs to operate, maintain, repair and replace utility and interstate natural gas pipeline systems, which could adversely affect each respective Registrant's financial results.

The operation of complex utility systems or interstate natural gas pipeline and storage systems that are spread over large geographic areas involves many operating uncertainties and events beyond each respective Registrant's control. These potential events include the breakdown or failure of the Registrants' thermal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind and other electricity generating facilities and related equipment, compressors, pipelines, transmission and distribution lines or other equipment or processes, which could lead to catastrophic events; unscheduled outages; strikes, lockouts or other labor-related actions; shortages of qualified labor; transmission and distribution system constraints; failure to obtain, renew or maintain rights-of-way, easements and leases on United States federal, Native American, First Nations or tribal lands; terrorist activities or military or other actions, including cyber attacks; fuel shortages or interruptions; unavailability of critical equipment, materials and supplies; low water flows and other weather-related impacts; performance below expected levels of output, capacity or efficiency; operator error; third-party excavation errors; unexpected degradation of pipeline systems; design, construction or manufacturing defects; and catastrophic events such as severe storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, explosions, landslides, an electromagnetic pulse, mining incidents, litigation, wars, terrorism and embargoes. A catastrophic event might result in injury or loss of life, extensive property damage or environmental or natural resource damages. For example, in the event of an uncontrolled release of water at one of PacifiCorp's high hazard potential hydroelectric dams, it is probable that loss of human life, disruption of lifeline facilities and property damage could occur in the downstream population and civil or other penalties could be imposed by the FERC. Similarly, in the event of a fire caused by a Registrant's operation of its businesses, including transmission or distribution systems, the relevant Registrant could be exposed to significant liability for personal and property damages that result. The extent of that liability would be determined by the applicable state law where any such damage occurred. In California, for example, where PacifiCorp operates, state law currently exposes utilities to so-called "inverse condemnation" liability for damages resulting from events such as fires caused by the utility's operations regardless of fault. Any of these events or other operational events could significantly reduce or eliminate the relevant Registrant's revenue or significantly increase its expenses, thereby reducing the availability of distributions to BHE. For example, if the relevant Registrant cannot operate its electricity or natural gas facilities at full capacity due to damage caused by a catastrophic event, its revenue could decrease and its expenses could increase due to the need to obtain energy from more expensive sources.

Further, the Registrants self-insure many risks, and current and future insurance coverage may not be sufficient to replace lost revenue or cover repair and replacement costs. The scope, cost and availability of each Registrant's insurance coverage may change, including the portion that is self-insured. Any reduction of each Registrant's revenue or increase in its expenses resulting from the risks described above, could adversely affect the relevant Registrant's financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign legislation and regulation, including numerous environmental, health, safety, reliability and other laws and regulations that affect its operations and costs. These laws and regulations are complex, dynamic and subject to new interpretations or change. In addition, new laws and regulations, including initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the utility industry, are continually being proposed and enacted that impose new or revised requirements or standards on each Registrant.

Each Registrant is required to comply with numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations as described in "General Regulation" and "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K that have broad application to each Registrant and limits the respective Registrant's ability to independently make and implement management decisions regarding, among other items, acquiring businesses; constructing, acquiring or disposing of operating assets; operating and maintaining generating facilities and transmission and distribution system assets; complying with pipeline safety and integrity and environmental requirements; setting rates charged to customers; establishing capital structures and issuing debt or equity securities; transacting between subsidiaries and affiliates; and paying dividends or similar distributions. These laws and regulations, which are followed in developing the Registrants' safety and compliance programs and procedures, are implemented and enforced by federal, state and local regulatory agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the FERC, the EPA, the DOT, the NRC, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and various state regulatory commissions in the United States, and foreign regulatory agencies, such as GEMA, which discharges certain of its powers through its staff within Ofgem, in Great Britain and the AUC in Alberta, Canada.

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations generally requires each Registrant to obtain and comply with a wide variety of licenses, permits, inspections, audits and other approvals. Further, compliance with laws and regulations can require significant capital and operating expenditures, including expenditures for new equipment, inspection, cleanup costs, removal and remediation costs and damages arising out of contaminated properties. Compliance activities pursuant to existing or new laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive or otherwise uneconomical. As a result, each Registrant could be required to shut down some facilities or materially alter its operations. Further, each Registrant may not be able to obtain or maintain all required environmental or other regulatory approvals and permits for its operating assets or development projects. Delays in, or active opposition by third parties to, obtaining any required environmental or regulatory authorizations or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the authorizations may increase costs or prevent or delay each Registrant from operating its facilities, developing or favorably locating new facilities or expanding existing facilities. If any Registrant fails to comply with any environmental or other regulatory requirements, such Registrant may be subject to penalties and fines or other sanctions, including changes to the way its electricity generating facilities are operated that may adversely impact generation or how the Pipeline Companies are permitted to operate their systems that may adversely impact throughput. The costs of complying with laws and regulations could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results. Not being able to operate existing facilities or develop new generating facilities to meet customer electricity needs could require such Registrant to increase its purchases of electricity on the wholesale market, which could increase market and price risks and adversely affect such Registrant's financial results.

Existing laws and regulations, while comprehensive, are subject to changes and revisions from ongoing policy initiatives by legislators and regulators and to interpretations that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. For example, changes in laws and regulations could result in, but are not limited to, increased competition and decreased revenues within each Registrant's service territories, such as the recently defeated Nevada Energy Choice Initiative; new environmental requirements, including the implementation of or changes to the Clean Power Plan, RPS and GHG emissions reduction goals; the issuance of new or stricter air quality standards; the implementation of energy efficiency mandates; the issuance of regulations governing the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts; changes in forecasting requirements; changes to each Registrant's service territories as a result of condemnation or takeover by municipalities or other governmental entities, particularly where it lacks the exclusive right to serve its customers; the inability of each Registrant to recover its costs on a timely basis, if at all; new pipeline safety requirements; or a negative impact on each Registrant's current transportation and cost recovery arrangements. In addition to changes in existing legislation and regulation, new laws and regulations are likely to be enacted from time to time that impose additional or new requirements or standards on each Registrant. Recent efforts by the EPA to repeal the Clean Power Plan could increase the filing of common law nuisance lawsuits against emitters of GHG. Adverse rulings in GHG-related cases could result in increased or changed regulations and could increase costs for GHG emitters, including the Registrants' generating facilities. The GHG rules, changes to those rules, and the Registrants' compliance requirements are subject to potential outcomes from proceedings and litigation challenging the rules.


New federal, regional, state and international accords, legislation, regulation, or judicial proceedings limiting GHG emissions could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants, the United States and the global economy. Companies and industries with higher GHG emissions, such as utilities with significant coal-fueled generating facilities, will be subject to more direct impacts and greater financial and regulatory risks. The impact is dependent on numerous factors, none of which can be meaningfully quantified at this time. These factors include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and timing of GHG emissions reduction requirements; the design of the requirements; the cost, availability and effectiveness of emissions control technology; the price, distribution method and availability of offsets and allowances used for compliance; government-imposed compliance costs; and the existence and nature of incremental cost recovery mechanisms. Examples of how new requirements may impact the Registrants include:
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase required emissions allowances under any market-based cap-and-trade system in excess of allocations that are received at no cost. These purchases would be necessary until new technologies could be developed and deployed to reduce emissions or lower carbon generation is available;
Acquiring and renewing construction and operating permits for new and existing generating facilities may be costly and difficult;
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase and deploy new generating technologies;
Costs may be incurred to retire existing coal-fueled generating facilities before the end of their otherwise useful lives or to convert them to burn fuels, such as natural gas or biomass, that result in lower emissions;
Operating costs may be higher and generating unit outputs may be lower;
Higher interest and financing costs and reduced access to capital markets may result to the extent that financial markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a greater business risk; and
The relevant Registrant's natural gas pipeline operations, electric transmission and retail sales may be impacted in response to changes in customer demand and requirements to reduce GHG emissions.

The impact of events or conditions caused by climate change, whether from natural processes or human activities, are uncertain and could vary widely, from highly localized to worldwide, and the extent to which a utility's operations may be affected is uncertain. Climate change may cause physical and financial risk through, among other things, sea level rise, changes in precipitation and extreme weather events. Consumer demand for energy may increase or decrease, based on overall changes in weather and as customers promote lower energy consumption through the continued use of energy efficiency programs or other means. Availability of resources to generate electricity, such as water for hydroelectric production and cooling purposes, may also be impacted by climate change and could influence the Registrants' existing and future electricity generating portfolio. These issues may have a direct impact on the costs of electricity production and increase the price customers pay or their demand for electricity.

Implementing actions required under, and otherwise complying with, new federal and state laws and regulations and changes in existing ones are among the most challenging aspects of managing utility operations. The Registrants cannot accurately predict the type or scope of future laws and regulations that may be enacted, changes in existing ones or new interpretations by agency orders or court decisions, nor can each Registrant determine their impact on it at this time; however, any one of these could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results through higher capital expenditures and operating costs, early closure of generating facilities or lower tax benefits or restrict or otherwise cause an adverse change in how each Registrant operates its business. To the extent that each Registrant is not allowed by its regulators to recover or cannot otherwise recover the costs to comply with new laws and regulations or changes in existing ones, the costs of complying with such additional requirements could have a material adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results. Additionally, even if such costs are recoverable in rates, if they are substantial and result in rates increasing to levels that substantially reduce customer demand, this could have a material adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results. The Registrants have made their best estimate regarding the impact of the 2017 Tax Reform and the probability and timing of settlements of net regulatory liabilities established pursuant to the 2017 Tax Reform. However, the amount and timing of the settlements may change based on decisions and actions by each Registrant's regulators, which could have an effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results.


Recovery of costs and certain activities by each Registrant is subject to regulatory review and approval, and the inability to recover costs or undertake certain activities may adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

State Regulatory Rate Review Proceedings

The Utilities establish rates for their regulated retail service through state regulatory proceedings. These proceedings typically involve multiple parties, including government bodies and officials, consumer advocacy groups and various consumers of energy, who have differing concerns but generally have the common objective of limiting rate increases while also requiring the Utilities to ensure system reliability. Decisions are subject to judicial appeal, potentially leading to further uncertainty associated with the approval proceedings.

States set retail rates based in part upon the state regulatory commission's acceptance of an allocated share of total utility costs. When states adopt different methods to calculate interjurisdictional cost allocations, some costs may not be incorporated into rates of any state or other jurisdiction. Ratemaking is also generally done on the basis of estimates of normalized costs, so if a given year's realized costs are higher than normalized costs, rates may not be sufficient to cover those costs. In some cases, actual costs are lower than the normalized or estimated costs recovered through rates and from time-to-time may result in a state regulator requiring refunds to customers. Each state regulatory commission generally sets rates based on a test year established in accordance with that commission's policies. The test year data adopted by each state regulatory commission may create a lag between the incurrence of a cost and its recovery in rates. Each state regulatory commission also decides the allowed levels of expense, investment and capital structure that it deems are prudently incurred in providing the service and may disallow recovery in rates for any costs that it believes do not meet such standard. Additionally, each state regulatory commission establishes the allowed rate of return the Utilities will be given an opportunity to earn on their sources of capital. While rate regulation is premised on providing a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, the state regulatory commissions do not guarantee that each Registrant will be able to realize the allowed rate of return or recover all of its costs even if it believes such costs to be prudently incurred.

Energy cost increases above the level assumed in establishing base rates may be subject to customer sharing. Any significant increase in fuel costs for electricity generation or purchased electricity costs could have a negative impact on the Utilities, despite efforts to minimize this impact through the use of hedging contracts and sharing mechanisms or through future general regulatory rate reviews. Any of these consequences could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

FERC Jurisdiction

The FERC authorizes cost-based rates associated with transmission services provided by the Utilities' transmission facilities. Under the Federal Power Act, the Utilities, or MISO as it relates to MidAmerican Energy, may voluntarily file, or may be obligated to file, for changes, including general rate changes, to their system-wide transmission service rates. General rate changes implemented may be subject to refund. The FERC also has responsibility for approving both cost- and market-based rates under which the Utilities sell electricity at wholesale, has jurisdiction over most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities and has broad jurisdiction over energy markets. The FERC may impose price limitations, bidding rules and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility of these markets or could revoke or restrict the ability of the Utilities to sell electricity at market-based rates, which could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results. The FERC also maintains rules concerning standards of conduct, affiliate restrictions, interlocking directorates and cross-subsidization. As a transmission owning member of MISO, MidAmerican Energy is also subject to MISO-directed modifications of market rules, which are subject to FERC approval and operational procedures. As participants in EIM, PacifiCorp, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific are also subject to applicable California ISO rules, which are subject to FERC approval and operational procedures. The FERC may also impose substantial civil penalties for any non-compliance with the Federal Power Act and the FERC's rules and orders.

The NERC has standards in place to ensure the reliability of the electric generation system and transmission grid. The Utilities are subject to the NERC's regulations and periodic audits to ensure compliance with those regulations. The NERC may carry out enforcement actions for non-compliance and administer significant financial penalties, subject to the FERC's review.

The FERC has jurisdiction over, among other things, the construction, abandonment, modification and operation of natural gas pipelines and related facilities used in the transportation, storage and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce, including all rates, charges and terms and conditions of service. The FERC also has market transparency authority and has adopted additional reporting and internet posting requirements for natural gas pipelines and buyers and sellers of natural gas.


Rates for the interstate natural gas transmission and storage operations at the Pipeline Companies, which include reservation, commodity, surcharges, fuel and gas lost and unaccounted for charges, are authorized by the FERC. In accordance with the FERC's rate-making principles, the Pipeline Companies' current maximum tariff rates are designed to recover prudently incurred costs included in their pipeline system's regulatory cost of service that are associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of their pipeline system and to afford the Pipeline Companies an opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return. Nevertheless, the rates the FERC authorizes the Pipeline Companies to charge their customers may not be sufficient to recover the costs incurred to provide services in any given period. Moreover, from time to time, the FERC may change, alter or refine its policies or methodologies for establishing pipeline rates and terms and conditions of service. In addition, the FERC has the authority under Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act of 1938 ("NGA") to investigate whether a pipeline may be earning more than its allowed rate of return and, when appropriate, to institute proceedings against such pipeline to prospectively reduce rates. Any such proceedings, if instituted, could result in significantly adverse rate decreases.

Under FERC policy, interstate pipelines and their customers may execute contracts at negotiated rates, which may be above or below the maximum tariff rate for that service or the pipeline may agree to provide a discounted rate, which would be a rate between the maximum and minimum tariff rates. In a rate proceeding, rates in these contracts are generally not subject to adjustment. It is possible that the cost to perform services under negotiated or discounted rate contracts will exceed the cost used in the determination of the negotiated or discounted rates, which could result either in losses or lower rates of return for providing such services. Under certain circumstances, FERC policy allows interstate natural gas pipelines to design new maximum tariff rates to recover such costs in regulatory rate reviews. However, with respect to discounts granted to affiliates, the interstate natural gas pipeline must demonstrate that the discounted rate was necessary in order to meet competition.

GEMA Jurisdiction

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as Distribution Network Operators ("DNOs") and holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. Most of the revenue of a DNO is controlled by a distribution price control formula set out in the electricity distribution license. The price control formula does not directly constrain profits from year-to-year, but is a control on revenue that operates independent of a significant portion of the DNO's actual costs. A resetting of the formula does not require the consent of the DNO, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority. GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their electricity distribution license duties or certain of their duties under British law, or fail to achieve satisfactory performance of individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the DNO's revenue. During the term of any price control, additional costs have a direct impact on the financial results of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies.

AUC Jurisdiction

The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems.


The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing. The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta that controls the operation of AltaLink's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

In addition, AUC approval is required in connection with new energy and regulated utility initiatives in Alberta, amendments to existing approvals and financing proposals by designated utilities.

The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion-free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of AESO market participants. When AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualifying bidders. In either case, there can be no assurance that any jurisdictional market participant that BHE may own, including AltaLink, will be selected by the AESO to build, own and operate transmission facilities, even if BHE's market participant operates in the relevant geographic area, or that BHE's market participant will be successful in any such competitive process in which it may participate.

Physical or cyber attacks, both threatened and actual, could impact each Registrant's operations and could adversely affect its financial results.

Each Registrant relies on information technology in virtually all aspects of its business. Like those of many large businesses, certain of the Registrant's information technology systems have been subject to computer viruses, malicious codes, unauthorized access, phishing efforts, denial-of-service attacks and other cyber attacks and each Registrant expects to be subject to similar attacks in the future as such attacks become more sophisticated and frequent. A significant disruption or failure of its information technology systems by physical or cyber attack could result in service interruptions, safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures, an inability to protect sensitive corporate and customer information and assets against intruders, and other operational difficulties. Attacks perpetrated against each Registrant's information systems could result in loss of assets and critical information and expose it to remediation costs and reputational damage.

Although the Registrants have taken steps intended to mitigate these risks, a significant disruption or cyber intrusion could lead to misappropriation of assets or data corruption. Cyber attacks could further adversely affect each Registrant's ability to operate facilities, information technology and business systems, or compromise sensitive customer and employee information. In addition, physical or cyber attacks against key suppliers or service providers could have a similar effect on each Registrant. Additionally, if each Registrant is unable to acquire or implement new technology, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage. Any of these items could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.


Each Registrant is actively pursuing, developing and constructing new or expanded facilities, the completion and expected costs of which are subject to significant risk, and each Registrant has significant funding needs related to its planned capital expenditures.

Each Registrant actively pursues, develops and constructs new or expanded facilities. Each Registrant expects to incur significant annual capital expenditures over the next several years. Such expenditures may include construction and other costs for new electricity generating facilities, electric transmission or distribution projects, environmental control and compliance systems, natural gas storage facilities, new or expanded pipeline systems, and continued maintenance and upgrades of existing assets.

Development and construction of major facilities are subject to substantial risks, including fluctuations in the price and availability of commodities, manufactured goods, equipment, and the imposition of tariffs thereon when sourced by foreign providers, labor, siting and permitting and changes in environmental and operational compliance matters, load forecasts and other items over a multi-year construction period, as well as counterparty risk and the economic viability of the Registrants' suppliers, customers and contractors. Certain of the Registrants' construction projects are substantially dependent upon a single supplier or contractor and replacement of such supplier or contractor may be difficult and cannot be assured. These risks may result in the inability to timely complete a project or higher than expected costs to complete an asset and place it in-service and, in extreme cases, the loss of the power purchase agreements or other long-term off-take contracts underlying such projects. Such costs may not be recoverable in the regulated rates or market or contract prices each Registrant is able to charge its customers. Delays in construction of renewable projects may result in delayed in-service dates which may result in the loss of anticipated revenue or income tax benefits. It is also possible that additional generation needs may be obtained through power purchase agreements, which could increase long-term purchase obligations and force reliance on the operating performance of a third party. The inability to successfully and timely complete a project, avoid unexpected costs or recover any such costs could adversely affect such Registrant's financial results.

Furthermore, each Registrant depends upon both internal and external sources of liquidity to provide working capital and to fund capital requirements. If BHE does not provide needed funding to its subsidiaries and the subsidiaries are unable to obtain funding from external sources, they may need to postpone or cancel planned capital expenditures.

A significant sustained decrease in demand for electricity or natural gas in the markets served by each Registrant would decrease its operating revenue, could impact its planned capital expenditures and could adversely affect its financial results.

A significant sustained decrease in demand for electricity or natural gas in the markets served by each Registrant would decrease its operating revenue, could impact its planned capital expenditures and could adversely affect its financial results. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market demand include, among others:
a depression, recession or other adverse economic condition that results in a lower level of economic activity or reduced spending by consumers on electricity or natural gas;
an increase in the market price of electricity or natural gas or a decrease in the price of other competing forms of energy;
shifts in competitively priced natural gas supply sources away from the sources connected to the Pipeline Companies' systems, including shale gas sources;
efforts by customers, legislators and regulators to reduce the consumption of electricity generated or distributed by each Registrant through various existing laws and regulations, as well as, deregulation, conservation, energy efficiency and private generation measures and programs;
laws mandating or encouraging renewable energy sources, which may decrease the demand for electricity and natural gas or change the market prices of these commodities;
higher fuel taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions that increase, directly or indirectly, the cost of natural gas or other fuel sources for electricity generation or that limit the use of natural gas or the generation of electricity from fossil fuels;
a shift to more energy-efficient or alternative fuel machinery or an improvement in fuel economy, whether as a result of technological advances by manufacturers, legislation mandating higher fuel economy or lower emissions, price differentials, incentives or otherwise;
a reduction in the state or federal subsidies or tax incentives that are provided to agricultural, industrial or other customers, or a significant sustained change in prices for commodities such as ethanol or corn for ethanol manufacturers; and
sustained mild weather that reduces heating or cooling needs.

Each Registrant's operating results may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis and may be adversely affected by weather.

In most parts of the United States and other markets in which each Registrant operates, demand for electricity peaks during the summer months when irrigation and cooling needs are higher. Market prices for electricity also generally peak at that time. In other areas, including the western portion of PacifiCorp's service territory, demand for electricity peaks during the winter when heating needs are higher. In addition, demand for natural gas and other fuels generally peaks during the winter. This is especially true in MidAmerican Energy's and Sierra Pacific's retail natural gas businesses. Further, extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, winter storms or floods could cause these seasonal fluctuations to be more pronounced. Periods of low rainfall or snowpack may negatively impact electricity generation at PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities, which may result in greater purchases of electricity from the wholesale market or from other sources at market prices. Additionally, PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy have added substantial wind-powered generating capacity, and BHE's unregulated subsidiaries are adding solar and wind-powered generating capacity, each of which is also a climate-dependent resource.

As a result, the overall financial results of each Registrant may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal and quarterly basis. Each Registrant has historically provided less service, and consequently earned less income, when weather conditions are mild. Unusually mild weather in the future may adversely affect each Registrant's financial results through lower revenue or margins. Conversely, unusually extreme weather conditions could increase each Registrant's costs to provide services and could adversely affect its financial results. The extent of fluctuation in each Registrant's financial results may change depending on a number of factors related to its regulatory environment and contractual agreements, including its ability to recover energy costs, the existence of revenue sharing provisions as it relates to MidAmerican Energy and Nevada Power, and terms of its wholesale sale contracts.

Each Registrant is subject to market risk associated with the wholesale energy markets, which could adversely affect its financial results.

In general, each Registrant's primary market risk is adverse fluctuations in the market price of wholesale electricity and fuel, including natural gas, coal and fuel oil, which is compounded by volumetric changes affecting the availability of or demand for electricity and fuel. The market price of wholesale electricity may be influenced by several factors, such as the adequacy or type of generating capacity, scheduled and unscheduled outages of generating facilities, prices and availability of fuel sources for generation, disruptions or constraints to transmission and distribution facilities, weather conditions, demand for electricity, economic growth and changes in technology. Volumetric changes are caused by fluctuations in generation or changes in customer needs that can be due to the weather, electricity and fuel prices, the economy, regulations or customer behavior. For example, the Utilities purchase electricity and fuel in the open market as part of their normal operating businesses. If market prices rise, especially in a time when larger than expected volumes must be purchased at market prices, the Utilities may incur significantly greater expense than anticipated. Likewise, if electricity market prices decline in a period when the Utilities are a net seller of electricity in the wholesale market, the Utilities could earn less revenue. Although the Utilities have energy cost adjustment mechanisms, the risks associated with changes in market prices may not be fully mitigated due to customer sharing bands as it relates to PacifiCorp and other factors.

Potential terrorist activities and the impact of military or other actions, could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

The ongoing threat of terrorism and the impact of military or other actions by nations or politically, ethnically or religiously motivated organizations regionally or globally may create increased political, economic, social and financial market instability, which could subject each Registrant's operations to increased risks. Additionally, the United States government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically pipeline, nuclear generation, transmission and other electric utility infrastructure, are potential targets for terrorist attacks. Political, economic, social or financial market instability or damage to or interference with the operating assets of the Registrants, customers or suppliers may result in business interruptions, lost revenue, higher commodity prices, disruption in fuel supplies, lower energy consumption and unstable markets, particularly with respect to electricity and natural gas, and increased security, repair or other costs, any of which may materially adversely affect each Registrant in ways that cannot be predicted at this time. Any of these risks could materially affect its consolidated financial results. Furthermore, instability in the financial markets as a result of terrorism or war could also materially adversely affect each Registrant's ability to raise capital.


Certain Registrants are subject to the unique risks associated with nuclear generation.

The ownership and operation of nuclear power plants, such as MidAmerican Energy's 25% ownership interest in Quad Cities Station, involves certain risks. These risks include, among other items, mechanical or structural problems, inadequacy or lapses in maintenance protocols, the impairment of reactor operation and safety systems due to human error, the costs of storage, handling and disposal of nuclear materials, compliance with and changes in regulation of nuclear power plants, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance coverage commercially available, and uncertainties with respect to the technological and financial aspects of decommissioning nuclear facilities at the end of their useful lives. Additionally, Exelon Generation, the 75% owner and operator of the facility, may respond to the occurrence of any of these or other risks in a manner that negatively impacts MidAmerican Energy, including closure of Quad Cities Station prior to the expiration of its operating license. The prolonged unavailability, or early closure, of Quad Cities Station due to operational or economic factors could have a materially adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results, particularly when the cost to produce power at the plant is significantly less than market wholesale prices. The following are among the more significant of these risks:
Operational Risk - Operations at any nuclear power plant could degrade to the point where the plant would have to be shut down. If such degradations were to occur, the process of identifying and correcting the causes of the operational downgrade to return the plant to operation could require significant time and expense, resulting in both lost revenue and increased fuel and purchased electricity costs to meet supply commitments. Rather than incurring substantial costs to restart the plant, the plant could be shut down. Furthermore, a shut-down or failure at any other nuclear power plant could cause regulators to require a shut-down or reduced availability at Quad Cities Station.
In addition, issues relating to the disposal of nuclear waste material, including the availability, unavailability and expense of a permanent repository for spent nuclear fuel could adversely impact operations as well as the cost and ability to decommission nuclear power plants, including Quad Cities Station, in the future.

Regulatory Risk - The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with applicable Atomic Energy Act regulations or the terms of the licenses of nuclear facilities. Unless extended, the NRC operating licenses for Quad Cities Station will expire in 2032. Changes in regulations by the NRC could require a substantial increase in capital expenditures or result in increased operating or decommissioning costs.

Nuclear Accident and Catastrophic Risks - Accidents and other unforeseen catastrophic events have occurred at nuclear facilities other than Quad Cities Station, both in the United States and elsewhere, such as at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. The consequences of an accident or catastrophic event can be severe and include loss of life and property damage. Any resulting liability from a nuclear accident or catastrophic event could exceed the relevant Registrant's resources, including insurance coverage.

Certain of BHE's subsidiaries are subject to the risk that customers will not renew their contracts or that BHE's subsidiaries will be unable to obtain new customers for expanded capacity, each of which could adversely affect its financial results.

If BHE's subsidiaries are unable to renew, remarket, or find replacements for their customer agreements on favorable terms, BHE's subsidiaries' sales volumes and operating revenue would be exposed to reduction and increased volatility. For example, without the benefit of long-term transportation agreements, BHE cannot assure that the Pipeline Companies will be able to transport natural gas at efficient capacity levels. Substantially all of the Pipeline Companies' revenues are generated under transportation and storage contracts that periodically must be renegotiated and extended or replaced, and the Pipeline Companies are dependent upon relatively few customers for a substantial portion of their revenue. Similarly, without long-term power purchase agreements, BHE cannot assure that its unregulated power generators will be able to operate profitably. Failure to maintain existing long-term agreements or secure new long-term agreements, or being required to discount rates significantly upon renewal or replacement, could adversely affect BHE's consolidated financial results. The replacement of any existing long-term agreements depends on market conditions and other factors that may be beyond BHE's subsidiaries' control.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty risk, which could adversely affect its financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty credit risk related to contractual payment obligations with wholesale suppliers and customers. Adverse economic conditions or other events affecting counterparties with whom each Registrant conducts business could impair the ability of these counterparties to meet their payment obligations. Each Registrant depends on these counterparties to remit payments on a timely basis. Each Registrant continues to monitor the creditworthiness of its wholesale suppliers and customers in an attempt to reduce the impact of any potential counterparty default. If strategies used to minimize these risk exposures are ineffective or if any Registrant's wholesale suppliers' or customers' financial condition deteriorates or they otherwise become unable to pay, it could have a significant adverse impact on each Registrant's liquidity and its financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty performance risk related to performance of contractual obligations by wholesale suppliers, customers and contractors. Each Registrant relies on wholesale suppliers to deliver commodities, primarily natural gas, coal and electricity, in accordance with short- and long-term contracts. Failure or delay by suppliers to provide these commodities pursuant to existing contracts could disrupt the delivery of electricity and require the Utilities to incur additional expenses to meet customer needs. In addition, when these contracts terminate, the Utilities may be unable to purchase the commodities on terms equivalent to the terms of current contracts.

Each Registrant relies on wholesale customers to take delivery of the energy they have committed to purchase. Failure of customers to take delivery may require the relevant Registrant to find other customers to take the energy at lower prices than the original customers committed to pay. If each Registrant's wholesale customers are unable to fulfill their obligations, there may be a significant adverse impact on its financial results.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses with RWE Npower PLC and British Gas Trading Limited accounting for approximately 19% and 13%, respectively, of distribution revenue in 2018. AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO. Generally, a single customer purchases the energy from BHE's independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines pursuant to long-term power purchase agreements. For example, certain of BHE Renewables' solar and wind independent power projects sell all of their electrical production to either Pacific Gas and Electric Company or Southern California Edison Company, respectively. Any material payment or other performance failure by the counterparties in these arrangements could have a significant adverse impact on BHE's consolidated financial results.

BHE owns investments and projects in foreign countries that are exposed to risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and increased economic, regulatory and political risks.

BHE's business operations and investments outside the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's principal reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from its foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact. BHE indirectly owns a hydroelectric power plant in the Philippines and may acquire significant energy-related investments and projects outside of the United States. BHE may selectively reduce some foreign currency exchange rate risk by, among other things, requiring contracted amounts be settled in, or indexed to, United States dollars or a currency freely convertible into United States dollars, or hedging through foreign currency derivatives. These efforts, however, may not be effective and could negatively affect BHE's consolidated financial results.

In addition to any disruption in the global financial markets, the economic, regulatory and political conditions in some of the countries where BHE has operations or is pursuing investment opportunities may present increased risks related to, among others, inflation, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, currency repatriation restrictions, nationalization, renegotiation, privatization, availability of financing on suitable terms, customer creditworthiness, construction delays, business interruption, political instability, civil unrest, guerilla activity, terrorism, expropriation, trade sanctions, contract nullification and changes in law, regulations or tax policy. BHE may not choose to or be capable of either fully insuring against or effectively hedging these risks.

Poor performance of plan and fund investments and other factors impacting the pension and other postretirement benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning and mine reclamation trust funds could unfavorably impact each Registrant's cash flows and liquidity.

Costs of providing each Registrant's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans and costs associated with the joint trustee plan to which PacifiCorp contributes depend upon a number of factors, including the rates of return on plan assets, the level and nature of benefits provided, discount rates, mortality assumptions, the interest rates used to measure required minimum funding levels, the funded status of the plans, changes in benefit design, tax deductibility and funding limits, changes in laws and government regulation and each Registrant's required or voluntary contributions made to the plans. Certain of the Registrant's pension and other postretirement benefit plans are in underfunded positions. Even if sustained growth in the investments over future periods increases the value of these plans' assets, each Registrant will likely be required to make cash contributions to fund these plans in the future. Additionally, each Registrant's plans have investments in domestic and foreign equity and debt securities and other investments that are subject to loss. Losses from investments could add to the volatility, size and timing of future contributions.


Furthermore, the funded status of the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan multiemployer plan to which PacifiCorp's subsidiary previously contributed is considered critical and declining. PacifiCorp's subsidiary involuntarily withdrew from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan in June 2015 when the UMWA employees ceased performing work for the subsidiary. PacifiCorp has recorded its best estimate of the withdrawal obligation. If participating employers withdraw from a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.

In addition, MidAmerican Energy is required to fund over time the projected costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station, a nuclear power plant, and Bridger Coal Company, a joint venture of PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Pacific Minerals, Inc., is required to fund projected mine reclamation costs. Funds that MidAmerican Energy has invested in a nuclear decommissioning trust and PacifiCorp has invested in a mine reclamation trust are invested in debt and equity securities and poor performance of these investments will reduce the amount of funds available for their intended purpose, which could require MidAmerican Energy or PacifiCorp to make additional cash contributions. Such cash funding obligations, which are also impacted by the other factors described above, could have a material impact on MidAmerican Energy's or PacifiCorp's liquidity by reducing their available cash.

Inflation and changes in commodity prices and fuel transportation costs may adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

Inflation and increases in commodity prices and fuel transportation costs may affect each Registrant by increasing both operating and capital costs. As a result of existing rate agreements, contractual arrangements or competitive price pressures, each Registrant may not be able to pass the costs of inflation on to its customers. If each Registrant is unable to manage cost increases or pass them on to its customers, its financial results could be adversely affected.

Cyclical fluctuations in the residential real estate brokerage and mortgage businesses could adversely affect HomeServices.

The residential real estate brokerage and mortgage industries tend to experience cycles of greater and lesser activity and profitability and are typically affected by changes in economic conditions, which are beyond HomeServices' control. Any of the following, among others, are examples of items that could have a material adverse effect on HomeServices' businesses by causing a general decline in the number of home sales, sale prices or the number of home financings which, in turn, would adversely affect its financial results:
rising interest rates or unemployment rates, including a sustained high unemployment rate in the United States;
periods of economic slowdown or recession in the markets served;
decreasing home affordability;
lack of available mortgage credit for potential homebuyers, such as the reduced availability of credit, which may continue into future periods;
inadequate home inventory levels;
nontraditional sources of new competition; and
changes in applicable tax law.

Disruptions in the financial markets could affect each Registrant's ability to obtain debt financing or to draw upon or renew existing credit facilities and have other adverse effects on each Registrant.

Disruptions in the financial markets could affect each Registrant's ability to obtain debt financing or to draw upon or renew existing credit facilities and have other adverse effects on each Registrant. Significant dislocations and liquidity disruptions in the United States, Great Britain, Canada and global credit markets, such as those that occurred in 2008 and 2009, may materially impact liquidity in the bank and debt capital markets, making financing terms less attractive for borrowers that are able to find financing and, in other cases, may cause certain types of debt financing, or any financing, to be unavailable. Additionally, economic uncertainty in the United States or globally may adversely affect the United States' credit markets and could negatively impact each Registrant's ability to access funds on favorable terms or at all. If each Registrant is unable to access the bank and debt markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure needs, it may adversely affect the timing and amount of its capital expenditures, acquisition financing and its financial results.


Potential changes in accounting standards may impact each Registrant's financial results and disclosures in the future, which may change the way analysts measure each Registrant's business or financial performance.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the SEC continuously make changes to accounting standards and disclosure and other financial reporting requirements. New or revised accounting standards and requirements issued by the FASB or the SEC or new accounting orders issued by the FERC could significantly impact each Registrant's financial results and disclosures. For example, beginning in 2018 all changes in the fair values of equity securities (whether realized or unrealized) will be recognized as gains or losses in the relevant Registrant's financial statements. Accordingly, periodic changes in such Registrant's reported net income will likely be subject to significant variability.

Each Registrant is involved in a variety of legal proceedings, the outcomes of which are uncertain and could adversely affect its financial results.

Each Registrant is, and in the future may become, a party to a variety of legal proceedings. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and the Registrants cannot predict the outcome of individual matters with certainty. It is possible that the final resolution of some of the matters in which each Registrant is involved could result in additional material payments substantially in excess of established reserves or in terms that could require each Registrant to change business practices and procedures or divest ownership of assets. Further, litigation could result in the imposition of financial penalties or injunctions and adverse regulatory consequences, any of which could limit each Registrant's ability to take certain desired actions or the denial of needed permits, licenses or regulatory authority to conduct its business, including the siting or permitting of facilities. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on such Registrant's financial results.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.


Item 2.Properties

Each Registrant's energy properties consist of the physical assets necessary to support its applicable electricity and natural gas businesses. Properties of the relevant Registrant's electricity businesses include electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, as well as coal mining assets that support certain of PacifiCorp's electric generating facilities. Properties of the relevant Registrant's natural gas businesses include natural gas distribution facilities, interstate pipelines, storage facilities, compressor stations and meter stations. The transmission and distribution assets are primarily within each Registrant's service territories. In addition to these physical assets, the Registrants have rights-of-way, mineral rights and water rights that enable each Registrant to utilize its facilities. It is the opinion of each Registrant's management that the principal depreciable properties owned by it are in good operating condition and are well maintained. Pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties, MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa, Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada, ALP's transmission properties and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of generation projects are pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise provide the security for the related subsidiary debt. For additional information regarding each Registrant's energy properties, refer to Item 1 of this Form 10-K and Notes 4, 5 and 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements of MidAmerican Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Nevada Power in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Sierra Pacific in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

The following table summarizes Berkshire Hathaway Energy's electric generating facilities that are in operation as of December 31, 2018:
      Facility Net Net Owned
Energy     Capacity Capacity
Source Entity Location by Significance (MW) (MW)
         
Natural gas PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, NV Energy and BHE Renewables Nevada, Utah, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Texas, New York and Arizona 10,920 10,641
         
Coal PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy Wyoming, Iowa, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Montana 16,181 9,138
         
Wind PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables Iowa, Wyoming, Texas, Nebraska, Washington, California, Illinois, Oregon and Kansas 7,862 7,853
         
Solar BHE Renewables and NV Energy California, Texas, Arizona, Minnesota and Nevada 1,699 1,551
         
Hydroelectric 
PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy
 and BHE Renewables
 Washington, Oregon, The Philippines, Idaho, California, Utah, Hawaii, Montana, Illinois and Wyoming 1,299 1,277
         
Nuclear MidAmerican Energy Illinois 1,823 456
         
Geothermal PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables California and Utah 370 370
         
    Total 40,154 31,286

Additionally, as of December 31, 2018 the Company has electric generating facilities that are under construction in Iowa and Wyoming having total Facility Net Capacity and Net Owned Capacity of 2,390 MWs.


The right to construct and operate each Registrant's electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines across certain property was obtained in most circumstances through negotiations and, where necessary, through prescription, eminent domain or similar rights. PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas and Kern River in the United States; Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc in Great Britain; and ALP in Alberta, Canada continue to have the power of eminent domain or similar rights in each of the jurisdictions in which they operate their respective facilities, but the United States and Canadian utilities do not have the power of eminent domain with respect to governmental, Native American or Canadian First Nations' tribal lands. Although the main Kern River pipeline crosses the Moapa Indian Reservation, all facilities in the Moapa Indian Reservation are located within a utility corridor that is reserved to the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

With respect to real property, each of the electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines fall into two basic categories: (1) parcels that are owned in fee, such as certain of the electric generating facilities, electric substations, natural gas compressor stations, natural gas meter stations and office sites; and (2) parcels where the interest derives from leases, easements (including prescriptive easements), rights-of-way, permits or licenses from landowners or governmental authorities permitting the use of such land for the construction, operation and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines. Each Registrant believes it has satisfactory title or interest to all of the real property making up their respective facilities in all material respects.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

Each Registrant is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Each Registrant does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. Each Registrant is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Information regarding Berkshire Hathaway Energy's and PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.


PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY

BHE's common stock is beneficially owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Mr. Walter Scott, Jr., a member of BHE's Board of Directors (along with his family members and related or affiliated entities) and Mr. Gregory E. Abel, BHE's Executive Chairman, and has not been registered with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, listed on a stock exchange or otherwise publicly held or traded. BHE has not declared or paid any cash dividends to its common shareholders since Berkshire Hathaway acquired an equity ownership interest in BHE in March 2000, and does not presently anticipate that it will declare any dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future.

PACIFICORP

All common stock of PacifiCorp is held by its parent company, PPW Holdings LLC, which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. PacifiCorp declared and paid dividends to PPW Holdings LLC of $450 million in 2018 and $600 million in 2017.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING AND MIDAMERICAN ENERGY

All common stock of MidAmerican Energy is held by its parent company, MHC, which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding. MidAmerican Funding is an Iowa limited liability company whose membership interest is held solely by BHE. Neither MidAmerican Funding or MidAmerican Energy declared or paid any cash distributions or dividends to its sole member or shareholder in 2018 and 2017.

NEVADA POWER

All common stock of Nevada Power is held by its parent company, NV Energy, which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. Nevada Power did not declare or pay any dividends to NV Energy in 2018 and declared and paid dividends to NV Energy of $548 million in 2017.

SIERRA PACIFIC

All common stock of Sierra Pacific is held by its parent company, NV Energy, which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. Sierra Pacific did not declare or pay any dividends to NV Energy in 2018 and declared and paid dividends to NV Energy of $45 million in 2017.


Item 6.Selected Financial Data
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Sierra Pacific Power Company

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Sierra Pacific Power Company

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Sierra Pacific Power Company


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MidAmerican Energy Company
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Balance Sheets
Statements of Operations
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Financial Statements
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Member's Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sierra Pacific Power Company
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Balance Sheets
Statements of Operations
Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Financial Statements


Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Information required by Item 6 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) to Form 10-K.

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Company's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

The reportable segment financial information includes all necessary adjustments and eliminations needed to conform to the Company's significant accounting policies. The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.

Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for the Company's reportable segments for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders:               
PacifiCorp$739
 $769
 $(30) (4)% $769
 $764
 $5
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding669
 574
 95
 17
 574
 532
 42
 8
NV Energy317
 346
 (29) (8) 346
 359
 (13) (4)
Northern Powergrid239
 251
 (12) (5) 251
 342
 (91) (27)
BHE Pipeline Group387
 277
 110
 40
 277
 249
 28
 11
BHE Transmission210
 224
 (14) (6) 224
 214
 10
 5
BHE Renewables(1)
329
 864
 (535) (62) 864
 179
 685
 *
HomeServices145
 149
 (4) (3) 149
 127
 22
 17
BHE and Other(467) (584) 117
 20
 (584) (224) (360) *
Total net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,568
 $2,870
 $(302) (11) $2,870
 $2,542
 $328
 13

* Not meaningful

(1)Includes the tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and the earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

Net income attributable to BHE shareholders decreased $302 million for 2018 compared to 2017. 2018 included a pre-tax unrealized loss of $538 million ($383 million after-tax) on the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited, partially offset by a $134 million income tax benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform. 2017 included a $516 million income tax benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, partially offset by $439 million of pre-tax charges ($263 million after-tax) from tender offers for certain long-term debt completed in December 2017. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders in 2018 was $2,817 million, an increase of $200 million compared to adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders in 2017 of $2,617 million.


In 2018, the Domestic Regulated Businesses began passing the benefits of lower income tax expense related to the 2017 Tax Reform to customers through various regulatory mechanisms, including lower retail rates, higher depreciation expense and reductions to rate base, which generally produced lower revenue, operating income and income tax expense in 2018. The decrease in net income attributable to BHE shareholders was due to the following:

PacifiCorp's net income decreased $30 million primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million and higher pension and post retirement expense of $13 million primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $181 million, primarily from a lower tax rate partially offset by $6 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform, andhigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas costs, lower wholesale revenue, higher purchased electricity costs and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms and lower coal costs. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather, partially offset by an increase in the average number of customers.
MidAmerican Funding's net income increased $95 million primarily due to higher electric utility margin of $122 million, a higher income tax benefit of $60 million, primarily due to a $21 million increase in production tax credits, a lower federal tax rate and a 2017 charge of $10 million from 2017 Tax Reform, after-tax charges of $17 million in 2017 related to the tender offer of a portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029 and higher allowance for borrowed and equity funds of $17 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $109 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa revenue sharing, higher operations and maintenance expense of $11 million and higher interest expense of $10 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders of $127 million (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense), higher retail customer volumes of 5.6%, largely due to industrial growth and the favorable impact of weather and higher wholesale revenue, partially offset by lower average retail rates of $126 million, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform, and higher generation and purchased power costs.
NV Energy's net income decreased $29 million primarily due to an increase in operations and maintenance expense of $71 million from higher political activity expenses and $38 million of earnings sharing established in 2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review, a decrease in electric utility margin of $52 million and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $34 million as a result of various regulatory-directed amortizations established in the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review. These decreases to net income were partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $122 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate and a 2017 charge of $19 million from 2017 Tax Reform. Electric utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $71 million, partially offset by higher retail customer volumes of 3.0%, mainly due to the favorable impact of weather.
Northern Powergrid's net income decreased $12 million due to higher distribution-related operating and depreciation expenses of $32 million from additional distribution network investment and higher pension expense of $13 million, largely resulting from pension settlement losses recognized in 2018 due to higher lump sum payments, partially offset by higher distribution revenue of $13 million, higher smart meter net income of $9 million and the weaker United States dollar of $9 million. Distribution revenue increased due to higher tariff rates of $24 million, partially offset by unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions.
BHE Pipeline Group's net income increased $110 million, due to higher transportation revenue of $113 million at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River from higher volumes and rates due to unique market opportunities and colder temperatures, a decrease in income tax expense of $50 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate offset by $7 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform, and lower depreciation and amortization of $33 million, largely due to lower depreciation rates at Kern River, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $88 million, primarily due to increased pipeline integrity projects at Northern Natural Gas.
BHE Transmission's net income decreased $14 million from lower earnings at AltaLink of $10 million, primarily due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order in December 2018 and benefits from the release of contingent liabilities in 2017, partially offset by higher net income from the nonregulated natural gas generation business, and lower earnings at BHE U.S. Transmission of $4 million from lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order in March 2017.

BHE Renewables' net income decreased $535 million, primarily due to $628 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform primarily resulting from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities, $45 million of higher operations and maintenance expense, mainly due to losses on asset disposals in the Imperial Valley and transformer remediation costs, and an unfavorable derivative valuation movement of $13 million. These decreases were partially offset by $50 million of increased revenue from overall higher generation and pricing at existing projects, favorable earnings of $34 million from tax equity investments due largely to earnings from additional tax equity investments of $41 million offset by $7 million of higher equity losses from existing tax equity investments, $29 million of net income from additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service, $15 million of make-whole premiums paid in 2017 due to early debt retirements and a settlement of $7 million received in 2018 related to transformer issues in 2016.
HomeServices' net income decreased $4 million, primarily due to lower margin and higher operating expenses at existing businesses, $31 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform and $16 million of higher interest expense from increased borrowings primarily related to acquisitions, partially offset by net income of $58 million contributed from acquired businesses and a decrease in income tax expense of $28 million from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform.
BHE and Other net loss improved $117 million, primarily due to the 2017 after-tax charge of $246 million related to the tender offer of a portion of BHE's senior bonds, a 2017 charge of $127 million from 2017 Tax Reform, a reduction of $134 million in 2018 to the amounts recorded for the repatriation tax on foreign earnings and lower consolidated state and foreign income tax expense, partially offset by the aforementioned after-tax unrealized loss on the investment in BYD Company Limited totaling $383 million and $58 million of lower tax benefits from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform.

Net income attributable to BHE shareholders increased $328 million for 2017 compared to 2016, including a $516 million benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, partially offset by a pre-tax charge of $439 million ($263 million after-tax) from tender offers for certain long-term debt completed in December 2017. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders was $2,617 million, an increase of $75 million compared to 2016.
The increase in net income attributable to BHE shareholders was due to the following with such explanations excluding the impacts of DSM and energy efficiency programs having no impact on net income:
PacifiCorp's net income increased $5 million, including $6 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $763 million, a decrease of $1 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $11 million, lower production tax credits of $11 million and higher property and other taxes of $7 million, partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million. Utility margin increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue and higher wheeling revenue, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates and higher coal costs. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to favorable impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage.
MidAmerican Funding's net income increased $42 million, including a pre-tax charge of $29 million ($17 million after-tax) related to the tender offer of a portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029 and $10 million for 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income was $601 million, an increase of $69 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher income tax benefit from higher production tax credits of $38 million, the effects of ratemaking and lower pre-tax income, and higher electric utility margin of $98 million, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $93 million due to operations costs recovered through bill riders, additional wind-powered generating facilities and the timing of fossil-fueled generation maintenance, higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa regulatory arrangements, partially offset by a December 2016 reduction in depreciation rates, and higher property and other taxes of $7 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail customer volumes, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue, partially offset by higher coal and purchased power costs. Retail customer volumes increased 2.4% due to industrial growth net of lower residential and commercial volumes from milder temperatures.
NV Energy's net income decreased $13 million, including a charge of $19 million from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $365 million, an increase of $6 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher electric utility margin of $20 million and lower interest expense of $17 million from lower deferred charges and lower rates on outstanding debt balances, partially offset by $28 million of charges related to the Nevada Power regulatory rate order. Electric utility margin increased due to higher retail customer volumes, partially offset by a decrease in wholesale revenues. Retail customer volumes increased 1.5% due to customer usage patterns, higher customer demand from the impacts of weather and an increase in the average number of customers.
Northern Powergrid's net income decreased $91 million due to higher income tax expense of $35 million primarily due to $39 million of benefits from the resolution of income tax return claims in 2016 and $17 million of deferred income tax benefits reflected in 2016 due to a 1% reduction in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate, higher pension expense of $24 million, including the impact of settlement losses recognized in 2017 due to higher lump sum payments, lower distribution revenue of $23 million and the stronger United States dollar of $11 million. These decreases were partly offset by $19 million of asset provisions recognized in 2016 at the CE Gas business. Distribution revenue decreased due to lower units distributed, the recovery in 2016 of the December 2013 customer rebate and unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions, partially offset by higher tariff rates.
BHE Pipeline Group's net income increased $28 million, including $7 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $270 million, an increase of $21 million compared to 2016, primarily due to a reduction in expenses and regulatory liabilities related to the impact of an alternative rate structure approved by the FERC at Kern River and higher transportation and storage revenues at Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by lower transportation revenue at Kern River and higher operating expense at Northern Natural Gas.
BHE Transmission's net income increased $10 million from higher earnings at AltaLink of $18 million, partially offset by lower earnings at BHE U.S. Transmission of $8 million. Earnings at AltaLink increased primarily due to additional assets placed in-service, lower impairments of nonregulated natural gas-fueled generation assets of $21 million and the weaker United States dollar of $3 million, partially offset by more favorable regulatory decisions in 2016. BHE U.S. Transmission's earnings decreased primarily due to lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC from the impacts of a regulatory rate order in March 2017.

BHE Renewables' net income increased $685 million including $628 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform primarily resulting from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $236 million, an increase of $57 million compared to 2016, primarily due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service, higher generation at the Solar Star projects due to transformer related forced outages in 2016 and higher production at the Casecnan project due to higher rainfall.
HomeServices' net income increased $22 million, including $31 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $118 million, a decrease of $9 million compared to 2016, primarily due to lower earnings at acquired and existing brokerage businesses, partially offset by higher earnings at existing franchise businesses.
BHE and Other net loss increased $360 million, including pre-tax charges of $410 million ($246 million after-tax) related to the tender offer of a portion of BHE's senior bonds and $127 million for 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impacts of these items, the adjusted net loss was $211 million, an improvement of $13 million compared to 2016. The $127 million of net loss from 2017 Tax Reform included an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits totaling $419 million, partially offset by $292 million of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities primarily related to the unrealized gain on the investment in BYD Company Limited.


Reportable Segment Results

Operating revenue and operating income for the Company's reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Operating revenue:               
PacifiCorp$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding3,053
 2,846
 207
 7
 2,846
 2,631
 215
 8
NV Energy3,039
 3,015
 24
 1
 3,015
 2,895
 120
 4
Northern Powergrid1,020
 949
 71
 7
 949
 995
 (46) (5)
BHE Pipeline Group1,203
 993
 210
 21
 993
 978
 15
 2
BHE Transmission710
 699
 11
 2
 699
 502
 197
 39
BHE Renewables908
 838
 70
 8
 838
 743
 95
 13
HomeServices4,214
 3,443
 771
 22
 3,443
 2,801
 642
 23
BHE and Other614
 594
 20
 3
 594
 676
 (82) (12)
Total operating revenue$19,787
 $18,614
 $1,173
 6
 $18,614
 $17,422
 $1,192
 7
                
Operating income:               
PacifiCorp$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389) (27)% $1,440
 $1,429
 $11
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding550
 544
 6
 1
 544
 551
 (7) (1)
NV Energy607
 766
 (159) (21) 766
 774
 (8) (1)
Northern Powergrid486
 488
 (2) 
 488
 500
 (12) (2)
BHE Pipeline Group525
 473
 52
 11
 473
 455
 18
 4
BHE Transmission313
 322
 (9) (3) 322
 92
 230
 *
BHE Renewables325
 316
 9
 3
 316
 256
 60
 23
HomeServices214
 214
 
 
 214
 212
 2
 1
BHE and Other1
 (41) 42
 102
 (41) (22) (19) (86)
Total operating income$4,072
 $4,522
 $(450) (10) $4,522
 $4,247
 $275
 6

* Not meaningful

PacifiCorp

Operating revenue decreased $211 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to lower retail revenue of $197 million and lower wholesale and other revenue for $14 million. Retail revenue decreased $180 million due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, and lower customer volumes of $17 million. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes and lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers across the service territory, higher residential and commercial usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.

Operating income decreased $389 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher depreciation and amortization expense of $183 million, primarily due to accelerated depreciation of Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million as ordered by the Utah Public Utilities Commission. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $151 million, higher natural gas costs, lower wholesale revenue, higher purchased electricity costs and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms and lower coal costs.


Operating revenue increased $36 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher wholesale and other revenue of $50 million, partially offset by lower retail revenue of $14 million. Wholesale and other revenue increased due to higher wholesale sales volumes and short-term market prices and higher wheeling revenue. Retail revenue decreased due to lower average rates of $64 million and lower DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $55 million, primarily driven by the establishment of the Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan program, partially offset by higher customer volumes of $105 million. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage.

Operating income increased $11 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher utility margin of $72 million, excluding the impact of a decrease in DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $55 million, and lower operations and maintenance expense, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service and higher property and other taxes of $7 million. Utility margin increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue and higher wheeling revenue, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates and higher coal costs.

MidAmerican Funding

Operating revenue increased $207 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electric operating revenue of $175 million and higher natural gas operating revenue of $35 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $102 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $73 million. Electric retail revenue increased $127 million from higher recoveries through bill riders (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense), primarily the energy adjustment clause, $65 million from higher customer usage, including higher industrial sales volumes, and $36 million from the impact of weather in 2018, partially offset by lower average rates of $126 million, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform. Electric retail customer volumes increased 5.6%, largely due to industrial growth and the favorable impact of weather. Electric wholesale and other revenue increased due to 22.0% higher sales volumes and higher average per-unit prices of $18 million. Natural gas operating revenue increased due to 16.7% higher retail sales volumes from the impact of weather in 2018 and industrial growth, partially offset by a lower average per-unit price of $21 million (offset in cost of gas purchased for resale and other) and other usage and rate factors, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform.

Operating income increased $6 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electric utility margin of $122 million and higher natural gas utility margin of $11 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $109 million, higher operations and maintenance expense of $11 million and higher property and other taxes of $6 million. Wind-powered generation maintenance increased $23 million primarily due to the additional wind generation facilities but was offset by lower maintenance costs for transmission, distribution and fossil-fueled generation. The increase in depreciation and amortization reflects $65 million related to additional wind generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa revenue sharing of $44 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail customer volumes and higher wholesale revenue, partially offset by lower average retail rates, predominately from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform, and higher generation and purchased power costs. Natural gas utility margin increased due to higher retail sales volumes from colder temperatures in 2018, partially offset by lower average rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform.

Operating revenue increased $215 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher electric operating revenue of $123 million, higher natural gas operating revenue of $82 million and higher other revenue of $10 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $88 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $35 million. Electric retail revenue increased $73 million from higher recoveries through bill riders (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense) and $39 million from usage and growth and rate factors, including higher industrial sales volumes, partially offset by $24 million from the impact of milder temperatures in 2017. Electric retail customer volumes increased 2.4% from industrial growth, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of temperatures. Electric wholesale and other revenue increased primarily due to higher transmission revenue of $13 million, higher wholesale volumes of $12 million and higher wholesale prices of $8 million. Natural gas operating revenue increased due to a higher average per-unit cost of gas sold of $67 million (offset in cost of natural gas purchased for resale and other), higher DSM program revenue of $3 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense), 2.4% higher wholesale sales volumes and 0.1% higher retail sales volumes.


Operating income decreased $7 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher maintenance expense of $52 million for additional wind-powered generating facilities and the timing of fossil-fueled generation maintenance, higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million and higher property and other taxes of $7 million, partially offset by higher electric utility margin of $98 million, including the impact of an increase in electric DSM program revenue of $22 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense), and higher natural gas utility margin of $5 million, including the impact of an increase in gas DSM program revenue of $3 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense). Electric utility margin was higher due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail sales volumes, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue, partially offset by higher coal-fueled generation and purchased power costs. The increase in depreciation and amortization reflects $38 million related to wind generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa regulatory arrangements of $14 million, partially offset by a reduction of $31 million from lower depreciation rates implemented in December 2016.

NV Energy

Operating revenue increased $24 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electric operating revenue of $17 million and higher natural gas operating revenue of $5 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher electric retail revenue of $17 million primarily due to higher energy rates (offset in cost of fuel and energy) of $84 million, higher customer volumes of $19 million, primarily due to the impacts of weather, and customer growth of $11 million, partially offset by a decrease from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $71 million and lower rates from the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review of $30 million. Electric retail customer volumes, including distribution only service customers, increased 3.0% compared to 2017. Natural gas operating revenue increased $5 million due to a higher average per-unit price (offset in cost of natural gas purchased for resale) of $7 million, partially offset by lower volumes.

Operating income decreased $159 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to an increase in operations and maintenance expense of $71 million, primarily due to higher political activity expenses and $38 million of earnings sharing established in 2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review, a decrease in electric utility margin of $52 million and higher depreciation and amortization of $34 million as a result of various regulatory-directed amortizations established in the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review. Electric utility margin decreased as higher energy costs of $69 million were offset by higher electric operating revenue of $17 million. Energy costs increased due to higher net deferred power costs of $57 million and higher purchased power costs of $33 million, partially offset by a lower average cost of fuel for generation of $21 million.

Operating revenue increased $120 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher electric operating revenue of $134 million, partially offset by lower natural gas operating revenue of $11 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $127 million and higher transmission revenue of $9 million. Electric retail revenue increased due to $198 million from higher rates primarily from energy costs (offset in cost of sales), $40 million from higher distribution only service revenue and impact fees received due to customers purchasing energy from alternative providers and becoming distribution only service customers, $18 million from an increase in the average number customers and $10 million higher customer usage mainly from the favorable impacts of weather, partially offset by $114 million from lower commercial and industrial revenue, mainly from customers purchasing energy from alternative providers, and $23 million of lower energy efficiency program revenue (offset in operating expense). Electric retail customer volumes, including distribution only service customers, increased 1.5% compared to 2016. Natural gas operating revenue decreased due to lower energy rates, partially offset by higher customer usage.

Operating income decreased $8 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to $25 million of operating expenses related to Nevada Power's regulatory rate review, partially offset by higher electric utility margin of $20 million, excluding the impact of a decrease in energy efficiency program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $23 million. Electric utility margin was higher due to increased electric operating revenue of $157 million, excluding the impact of decreased energy efficiency program revenues, partially offset by increased energy costs of $137 million. Energy costs increased due to lower net deferred power costs of $85 million, a higher average cost of fuel for generation of $44 million and higher purchased power costs.

Northern Powergrid

Operating revenue increased $71 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to the weaker United States dollar of $36 million, higher smart metering revenues of $27 million and higher distribution revenues of $13 million, partially offset by lower contracting revenue of $6 million. Smart metering revenue increased due to a larger number of units installed. Distribution revenue increased primarily due to higher tariff rates of $24 million, partially offset by unfavorable movements on regulatory provisions of $6 million. Operating income decreased $2 million for 2018 compared to 2017 mainly due to higher distribution-related operating and depreciation of $32 million from additional distribution network investment partially offset by the weaker United States dollar of $18 million, higher distribution revenue of $13 million and higher smart meter operating income of $9 million.


Operating revenue decreased $46 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to the stronger United States dollar of $48 million and lower distribution revenues of $23 million, partially offset by higher smart meter revenue of $25 million. Distribution revenue decreased primarily due to lower units distributed of $13 million, the recovery in 2016 of the December 2013 customer rebate of $10 million and unfavorable movements on regulatory provisions of $7 million, partially offset by higher tariff rates of $5 million. Operating income decreased $12 million for 2017 compared to 2016 mainly due to the stronger United States dollar of $26 million and the lower distribution revenue, partially offset by write-offs of hydrocarbon well exploration costs in 2016 totaling $19 million.

BHE Pipeline Group

Operating revenue increased $210 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to higher transportation revenues of $113 million at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River from higher volumes and rates due to unique market opportunities and colder temperatures and higher gas sales of $99 million related to system balancing activities at Northern Natural Gas (largely offset in cost of sales). Operating income increased $52 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher transportation revenues at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River and lower depreciation and amortization of $33 million, largely due to lower depreciation rates at Kern River, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, primarily due to increased pipeline integrity projects at Northern Natural Gas.

Operating revenue increased $15 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher transportation revenues of $33 million and higher gas sales of $19 million related to system and operational balancing activities (largely offset in cost of sales) at Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by lower transportation revenues of $40 million at Kern River. Operating income increased $18 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the higher transportation revenues at Northern Natural Gas and a reduction in expenses and regulatory liabilities related to the impact of an alternative rate structure approved by the FERC at Kern River, partially offset by higher operating expenses at Northern Natural Gas.

BHE Transmission

Operating revenue increased $11 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to higher operating revenue at AltaLink, primarily from higher revenue from the nonregulated natural gas generation business and additional assets placed in-service, partially offset by the release of contingent liabilities in 2017. Operating income decreased $9 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order received by AltaLink in December 2018 and the release of contingent liabilities in 2017, partially offset by the weaker United States dollar and higher operating income from the nonregulated natural gas generation business.

Operating revenue increased $197 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a one-time reduction of $200 million from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, a weaker United States dollar of $19 million and $15 million from additional assets placed in service, partially offset by more favorable regulatory decisions in 2016. Operating income increased $230 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the higher operating revenue from the 2015-2016 GTA decision that required AltaLink to refund $200 million to customers in 2016 through reduced monthly billings for the change from receiving cash during construction for the return on construction work-in-progress in rate base to recording allowance for borrowed and equity funds used during construction related to construction expenditures during the 2011 to 2014 time period. This amount is offset with higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds. Operating income was also favorably impacted by lower operating expense primarily due to reduced impairments of nonregulated natural gas-fueled generation assets of $21 million and a weaker United States dollar of $11 million.

BHE Renewables

Operating revenue increased $70 million in 2018 compared to 2017 due to overall higher generation and pricing of $50 million at existing projects and $33 million from additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service, partially offset by an unfavorable derivative valuation movement of $13 million. Operating income increased $9 million in 2018 compared to 2017 due to the increase in operating revenue, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $45 million related to losses on asset disposals in the Imperial Valley, transformer remediation costs and higher depreciation expense of $17 million, primarily related to additional solar and wind capacity placed in-service.


Operating revenue increased $95 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service of $57 million, higher generation at the Solar Star projects of $31 million due to transformer related forced outages in 2016 and higher production at the Casecnan project of $24 million due to higher rainfall, partially offset by lower generation of $11 million at the existing wind projects due to a lower wind resource and lower generation at the Topaz project of $6 million due to a scheduled maintenance outage. Operating income increased $60 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to the increase in operating revenue, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million and higher operating expense of $18 million, each primarily due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service. Operating expense also increased from the scope and timing of maintenance at certain geothermal plants. The higher depreciation and amortization is offset by a reduction of $8 million from the extension of the useful life of certain wind-generating facilities from 25 years to 30 years effective January 2017.

HomeServices

Operating revenue increased $771 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to an increase from acquired businesses totaling $838 million and a 4% increase in average home sales prices for existing brokerage businesses, offset by a 5% decrease in closed brokerage units at existing brokerage businesses. Operating income was unchanged for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher earnings from acquired businesses of $65 million offset by lower earnings from existing businesses.

Operating revenue increased $642 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to an increase from acquired businesses totaling $542 million and a 4% increase in average home sales prices for existing brokerage businesses. Operating income increased $2 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher earnings from franchise businesses, partially offset by lower earnings from brokerage businesses mainly due to higher operating expenses at existing businesses.

BHE and Other

Operating revenue increased $20 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electricity and natural gas volumes and favorable derivative valuation movement at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC. BHE and Other had operating income of $1 million in 2018 compared to an operating loss of $41 million in 2017 primarily due to lower other operating costs and higher margins at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC.

Operating revenue decreased $82 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower electricity and natural gas volumes and lower electricity prices at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC. Operating loss increased $19 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower margins at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC.

Consolidated Other Income and Expense Items

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
            
Subsidiary debt$1,412
 $1,399
 $13
 1 % $1,399
 $1,378
 $21
 2 %
BHE senior debt and other421
 423
 (2) 
 423
 411
 12
 3
BHE junior subordinated debentures5
 19
 (14) (74) 19
 65
 (46) (71)
Total interest expense$1,838
 $1,841
 $(3) 
 $1,841
 $1,854
 $(13) (1)

Interest expense decreased $3 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to repayments of BHE junior subordinated debentures of $944 million in 2017, scheduled maturities and principal payments and early redemptions of subsidiary debt, partially offset by debt issuances at BHE, MidAmerican Funding, BHE Renewables and HomeServices.

Interest expense decreased $13 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to repayments of BHE junior subordinated debentures of $944 million in 2017 and $2.0 billion in 2016, scheduled maturities and principal payments and early redemptions of subsidiary debt, partially offset by debt issuances at MidAmerican Funding, Northern Powergrid, AltaLink and BHE Renewables and higher short-term borrowings at BHE.


Capitalized Interest

Capitalized interest increased $16 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher construction work-in-progress balances at PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables.

Capitalized interest decreased $45 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to $96 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016 from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, which is offset in operating revenue, and lower construction work-in-progress balances at BHE Renewables, partially offset by higher construction work-in-progress balances at MidAmerican Energy.

Allowance for Equity Funds
Allowance for equity funds increased $28 million for 2018 compared to 2071 primarily due to higher construction work-in-progress balances at PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy.

Allowance for equity funds decreased $76 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to $104 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016 from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, which is offset in operating revenue, partially offset by higher construction work-in-progress balances at MidAmerican Energy.

Interest and Dividend Income
Interest and dividend income increased $2 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to favorable investment activity at PacifiCorp and higher cash balances at MidAmerican Energy, partially offset by a lower financial asset balance at the Casecnan project.

Interest and dividend income decreased $9 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a lower financial asset balance at the Casecnan project and lower dividends from BYD Company Limited.

(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net

(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net was a loss of $538 million in 2018 compared to a gain of $14 million in 2017 primarily due to an unrealized loss in 2018 on the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited totaling $526 million.

Other, net

Changes in other, net from 2018, 2017 and 2016 were primarily due to charges of $439 million in 2017 from tender offers related to certain long-term debt completed in December 2017.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

Income tax benefit increased $29 million for 2018 compared to 2017 and the effective tax rate was (30)% for 2018 and (22)% for 2017. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, the favorable impacts of ratemaking of $140 million, including amortization of Utah's share of non-protected excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the Utah Public Utilities Commission, a reduction to the amounts recorded for the repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings of $134 million, higher production tax credits of $76 million and lower United States income taxes on foreign earnings of $40 million, partially offset by net impacts of $731 million in 2017 as a result of 2017 Tax Reform.

Income tax expense decreased $957 million for 2017 compared to 2016 and the effective tax rate was (22)% for 2017 and 14% for 2016. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the net impacts of 2017 Tax Reform of $731 million, higher production tax credits of $97 million and the favorable impacts of rate making of $33 million, partially offset by benefits from the resolution of income tax return claims in 2016 of $39 million and deferred income tax benefits of $16 million reflected in 2016 due to a 1% reduction in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate.

The 2017 Tax Reform most notably lowered the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and created a one-time repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings and profits. The $731 million of lower income tax expense was comprised of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities of $1,150 million, partially offset by an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits totaling $419 million.


Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold based on a per kilowatt rate as prescribed pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law and are eligible for the credit for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service. A credit of $0.024 per kilowatt hour was applied to 2018 and 2017 production and a credit of $0.023 per kilowatt hour was applied to 2016 production which resulted in production tax credits of $571 million in 2018, $495 million in 2017 and $398 million in 2016.

Equity Income (Loss)

Equity income (loss) for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Equity income (loss):               
ETT$62
 $(62) $124
 * $(62) $95
 $(157) *
Tax equity investments(61) (120) 59
 (49) (120) (10) (110) *
Agua Caliente27
 24
 3
 13 24
 25
 (1) (4)
HomeServices8
 6
 2
 33 6
 6
 
 
Other7
 1
 6
 * 1
 7
 (6) (86)
Total equity income (loss)$43
 $(151) $194
 * $(151) $123
 $(274) *

* Not meaningful

Equity income increased $194 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform, which decreased equity income in 2017 by $228 million mainly due to equity earnings charges recognized totaling $154 million for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities. These investments include pass-through entities for income tax purposes and the lower equity income is entirely offset by lower income tax expense as a result of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities. Additionally, 2018 pre-tax equity earnings were lower at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC primarily due to the impacts of new retail rates effective March 2017.

Equity income decreased $274 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform, which decreased equity income in 2017 by $228 million mainly due to equity earnings charges recognized totaling $154 million for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities. Equity income also decreased due to lower pre-tax equity earnings from tax equity investments mainly due to unfavorable operating results and lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC primarily due to the impacts of new retail rates effective March 2017.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $17 million for 2018 compared to 2017 mainly due to the April 2018 purchase of a redeemable noncontrolling interest at HomeServices.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $12 million for 2017 compared to 2016 mainly due to higher earnings at HomeServices' franchise business.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Each of BHE's direct and indirect subsidiaries is organized as a legal entity separate and apart from BHE and its other subsidiaries. It should not be assumed that the assets of any subsidiary will be available to satisfy BHE's obligations or the obligations of its other subsidiaries. However, unrestricted cash or other assets that are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law, regulatory commitments and the terms of financing and ring-fencing arrangements for such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to BHE or affiliates thereof. The Company's long-term debt may include provisions that allow BHE or its subsidiaries to redeem such debt in whole or in part at any time. These provisions generally include make-whole premiums. Refer to Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the limitation of distributions from BHE's subsidiaries.


As of December 31, 2018, the Company's total net liquidity was as follows (in millions):
     MidAmerican NV Northern      
 BHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other Total
                
Cash and cash equivalents$9
 $77
 $1
 $208
 $39
 $57
 $236
 $627
  
              
Credit facilities(1)
3,500
 1,200
 1,309
 650
 231
 639
 1,585
 9,114
Less:               
Short-term debt(983) (30) (240) 
 (77) (345) (841) (2,516)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit
 (89) (370) (80) 
 (4) 
 (543)
Net credit facilities2,517
 1,081
 699
 570
 154
 290
 744
 6,055
                
Total net liquidity$2,526
 $1,158
 $700
 $778
 $193
 $347
 $980
 $6,682
Credit facilities: 
  
  
    
    
  
Maturity dates2021
 2021
 2019, 2021
 2021
 2020
 2023
 2019, 2022
  

(1)    Includes the drawn uncommitted credit facilities totaling $39 million at Northern Powergrid.

Refer to Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's credit facilities, letters of credit, equity commitments and other related items.

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. As a result, the Company does not expect to receive distributions from Topaz or Agua Caliente in the near term.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $6.77 billion and $6.08 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to changes in working capital and an increase in income tax receipts.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $6.1 billion and $6.1 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to improved operating results, changes in working capital and the payment for the USA Power litigation in 2016, partially offset by a reduction in income tax receipts.

The timing of the Company's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(7.0) billion and $(6.1) billion, respectively. The change was primarily due to higher capital expenditures of $1.7 billion and higher funding of tax equity investments, partially offset by higher cash paid for acquisitions in 2017 of $1.0 billion. Refer to "Future Uses of Cash" for further discussion of capital expenditures.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(6.1) billion and $(5.7) billion, respectively. The change was primarily due to higher cash paid for acquisitions of $1.0 billion, partially offset by lower capital expenditures of $519 million and lower funding of tax equity investments. Refer to "Future Uses of Cash" for further discussion of capital expenditures.


Acquisitions

In 2018, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $106 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $15 million, assumed liabilities of $12 million and recognized goodwill of $79 million.

In 2017, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $1.1 billion, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses, development and construction costs for the 110-MW Alamo 6 and the 50-MW Pearl solar projects, and the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generation facility at Nevada Power. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $1.1 billion, assumed liabilities of $487 million and recognized goodwill of $508 million.

In 2016, the Company completed various other acquisitions totaling $66 million.million, net of cash acquired. The purchase prices wereprice for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in each acquisition.assumed. The assets acquired consisted of property, plant and equipment, development and construction costs for renewable projects, other working capital items, goodwill of $50 million and other identifiable intangible assets. The liabilities assumed totaled $54 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $(174) million. Sources of cash totaled $5.6 billion and consisted of proceeds from BHE senior debt issuances of $3.2 billion and proceeds from subsidiary debt issuances totaling $2.4 billion. Uses of cash totaled $5.8 billion and consisted mainly of $2.4 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt, net repayments of short term debt of $1.9 billion, $1.0 billion for repayments of BHE senior debt and the purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest of $131 million.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $274 million. Sources of cash totaled $4.1 billion and consisted of net proceeds from short-term debt of $2.4 billion and proceeds from subsidiary debt issuances totaling $1.7 billion. Uses of cash totaled $3.9 billion and consisted mainly of $2.3 billion for repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures, $1.0 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt and tender offer premiums paid of $435 million.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $(690) million. Sources of cash totaled $3.2 billion and consisted mainly of proceeds from subsidiary debt totaling $2.3 billion and net proceeds from short-term debt of $880 million. Uses of cash totaled $3.9 billion and consisted mainly of $1.8 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt and repayments of BHE subordinated debt totaling $2 billion.

Debt Repurchases

The Company may from time to time seek to acquire its outstanding debt securities through cash purchases in the open market, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any debt securities repurchased by the Company may be reissued or resold by the Company from time to time and will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company's liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Common Stock Transactions

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE repurchased 177,381 shares of its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million, respectively.

In 2015, the Company completed various other acquisitions totaling $164 million. The purchase prices were allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in each acquisition. The assets acquired consistedFebruary 2019, BHE repurchased 447,712 shares of property, plant and equipment, development and construction costsits common stock for renewable projects, other working capital items, goodwill of $33 million and other identifiable intangible assets. The liabilities assumed totaled $84$293 million.

In 2014,Future Uses of Cash

The Company has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, the issuance of equity and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which BHE and each subsidiary has access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including its credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry and project finance markets, among other items.

Capital Expenditures

The Company completed varioushas significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other acquisitions totaling $243 million. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocatedfactors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which related primarily to property, plant and equipmentcustomers' rates; outcomes of $641 million, goodwill of $80 million, long-term debt of $231 million and noncurrent deferredregulatory proceedings; changes in income tax liabilitieslaws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of $170 millionconstruction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisitions of existing assets.

The Company's historical and forecast capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, by reportable segment for the remaining 50% interest in CE Generation, LLC ("CE Generation"), development and construction costs for the 300-megawatt ("MW") TX Jumbo Road Wind, LLC wind-powered generation project ("Jumbo Road Project") and real estate brokerage and mortgage businesses. There were no other material assets acquired or liabilities assumed.

(4)Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the followingyears ended December 31 are as of December 31follows (in millions):
 Depreciable    
 Life 2016 2015
Regulated assets:     
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems5-80 years $71,536
 $69,248
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets3-80 years 6,942
 6,755
   78,478
 76,003
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (23,603) (22,682)
Regulated assets, net  54,875
 53,321
      
Nonregulated assets:     
Independent power plants5-30 years 5,594
 4,751
Other assets3-30 years 1,002
 875
   6,596
 5,626
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (1,060) (805)
Nonregulated assets, net  5,536
 4,821
      
Net operating assets  60,411
 58,142
Construction work-in-progress  2,098
 2,627
Property, plant and equipment, net  $62,509
 $60,769
 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
PacifiCorp$903
 $769
 $1,257
 $2,293
 $2,261
 $877
MidAmerican Funding1,637
 1,776
 2,332
 2,544
 1,437
 1,058
NV Energy529
 456
 503
 624
 626
 685
Northern Powergrid579
 579
 566
 577
 521
 466
BHE Pipeline Group226
 286
 427
 537
 366
 457
BHE Transmission466
 334
 270
 236
 201
 264
BHE Renewables719
 323
 817
 92
 79
 74
HomeServices20
 37
 47
 50
 37
 34
BHE and Other11
 11
 22
 11
 12
 5
Total$5,090
 $4,571
 $6,241
 $6,964
 $5,540
 $3,920

Construction work-in-progress
 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Wind generation$1,712
 $1,291
 $2,740
 $2,534
 $1,864
 $592
Electric transmission448
 343
 219
 666
 242
 174
Other growth483
 689
 715
 737
 370
 600
Operating2,447
 2,248
 2,567
 3,027
 3,064
 2,554
Total$5,090
 $4,571
 $6,241
 $6,964
 $5,540
 $3,920


The Company's historical and forecast capital expenditures consisted mainly of the following:
Wind generation includes $1.8 billionthe following:
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at MidAmerican Energy totaling $1,261 million for 2018, $657 million for 2017 and $943 million for 2016. MidAmerican Energy placed in-service 817 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2018, 334 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2017 and 600 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2016. In August 2016, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 2,000 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities, including the additions in 2017 and 2018 and facilities expected to be placed in-service in 2019. MidAmerican Energy expects to spend $1,378 million in 2019, $479 million in 2020 and $7 million in 2021 for these additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles establish a cost cap of $3.6 billion, including AFUDC, and a fixed rate of return on equity of 11.0% over the proposed 40-year useful lives of those facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. The cost cap ensures that as long as total costs are below the cap, the investment will be deemed prudent in any future Iowa rate proceeding. Additionally, the ratemaking principles modify the revenue sharing mechanism currently in effect. The revised sharing mechanism was effective in 2018 and will be triggered each year by actual equity returns exceeding a weighted average return on equity for MidAmerican Energy calculated annually. Pursuant to the change in revenue sharing, MidAmerican Energy will share 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger with customers. Such revenue sharing will reduce coal and nuclear generation rate base, which is intended to mitigate future base rate increases. MidAmerican Energy expects all of these wind-powered generating facilities to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available.
Repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities at MidAmerican Energy totaling $422 million for 2018, $514 million for 2017 and $67 million for 2016. The repowering projects entail the replacement of significant components of older turbines. Planned spending for the repowered generating facilities totals $168 million in 2019, $236 million in 2020 and $576 million in 2021. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for federal production tax credits available for ten years following each facility's return to service.
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaling $9 million for 2018 and $5 million for 2017. The new wind-powered generating facilities are expected to be placed in-service in 2020. Planned spending for the new wind-powered generating facilities totals $420 million in 2019, $991 million in 2020 and $9 million in 2021. The energy production from the new wind-powered generating facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available.
Repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaling $332 million for 2018, $6 million for 2017 and $80 million for 2016. The repowering projects entail the replacement of significant components of older turbines. Planned spending for the repowered generating facilities totals $567 million in 2019, $159 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for federal production tax credits available for ten years following each facility's return to service.
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at BHE Renewables totaling $717 million for 2018, $109 million for 2017 and $602 million for 2016. BHE Renewables placed in-service 512 MWs during 2018 and 472 MWs during 2016.
Electric transmission includes PacifiCorp's costs associated with main grid reinforcement and the Energy Gateway Transmission Expansion Program, MidAmerican Energy's Multi-Value Projects approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. for the construction of approximately 250 miles of 345-kV transmission line located in Iowa and Illinois and AltaLink's directly assigned projects from the AESO.
Other growth includes investments in solar generation for the construction of the community solar gardens project in Minnesota comprised of 28 locations with a nominal facilities capacity of 98 MWs, projects to deliver power and services to new markets, new customer connections and enhancements to existing customer connections.
Operating includes ongoing distribution systems infrastructure needed at the Utilities and Northern Powergrid, investments in routine expenditures for generation, transmission, distribution and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand and environmental spending relating to emissions control equipment and the management of coal combustion residuals.


Contractual Obligations
$2.3 billionThe Company has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes the Company's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively, related to the construction of regulated assets.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, MidAmerican Energy revised its electric and gas depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study, the most significant impact of which was longer estimated useful lives for certain wind-powered generating facilities. The effect of this change was to reduce depreciation and amortization expense by $3 million in 2016 and $34 million annually based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.



(5)
Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, the Domestic Regulated Businesses, as tenants in common, have undivided interests in jointly owned generation, transmission, distribution and pipeline common facilities. The Company accounts for its proportionate share of each facility, and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include the Company's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent the Company's share in each jointly owned facility as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in(in millions):
     Accumulated Construction
 Company Facility In Depreciation and Work-in-
 Share Service Amortization Progress
PacifiCorp:       
Jim Bridger Nos. 1-467% $1,420
 $583
 $10
Hunter No. 194
 473
 161
 1
Hunter No. 260
 296
 98
 
Wyodak80
 467
 203
 1
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 410
 244
 130
 5
Hermiston50
 178
 76
 2
Craig Nos. 1 and 219
 325
 223
 32
Hayden No. 125
 74
 32
 
Hayden No. 213
 43
 20
 
Foote Creek79
 39
 25
 
Transmission and distribution facilitiesVarious 777
 228
 61
Total PacifiCorp  4,336
 1,779
 112
MidAmerican Energy:       
Louisa No. 188% 766
 418
 9
Quad Cities Nos. 1 and 2(1)
25
 689
 367
 7
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 379
 614
 303
 1
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 4(2)
60
 448
 101
 2
George Neal No. 441
 307
 154
 1
Ottumwa No. 152
 548
 191
 13
George Neal No. 372
 426
 174
 1
Transmission facilitiesVarious 247
 86
 1
Total MidAmerican Energy  4,045
 1,794
 35
NV Energy:       
Navajo11% 213
 145
 2
Silverhawk75
 248
 66
 3
Valmy50
 389
 216
 1
Transmission facilitiesVarious 213
 41
 
Total NV Energy  1,063
 468
 6
BHE Pipeline Group - common facilities
Various 286
 164
 
Total  $9,730
 $4,205
 $153
  Payments Due By Periods
    2020- 2022- 2024 and  
  2019 2021 2023 After Total
           
BHE senior debt $
 $800
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures 
 
 
 100
 100
Subsidiary debt 2,106
 2,749
 3,401
 20,007
 28,263
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 1,704
 3,135
 2,864
 18,163
 25,866
Short-term debt 2,516
 
 
 
 2,516
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments(1)
 2,215
 3,039
 2,221
 11,155
 18,630
Construction commitments(1)
 2,330
 639
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements(1)
 197
 337
 250
 1,738
 2,522
Other(1)
 349
 728
 603
 1,443
 3,123
Total contractual cash obligations $11,417
 $11,427
 $10,239
 $59,557
 $92,640

(1)Includes amounts related to nuclear fuel.Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)
Facility in-service and accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are net of credits applied under Iowa revenue sharing arrangements totaling $319 million and $75 million, respectively.

(6)Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future regulated rates. The Company's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2016 2015
      
Deferred income taxes(1)
27 years $1,754
 $1,577
Employee benefit plans(2)
17 years 816
 778
Asset disposition costsVarious 281
 307
Deferred net power costs1 year 38
 140
Asset retirement obligations12 years 301
 281
Unrealized loss on regulated derivative contracts5 years 154
 250
Abandoned projects3 years 159
 136
Unamortized contract values7 years 98
 110
OtherVarious 856
 706
Total regulatory assets  $4,457
 $4,285
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $150
 $130
Noncurrent assets  4,307
 4,155
Total regulatory assets  $4,457
 $4,285

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax benefits related to state accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously flowed through to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.
(2)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.

The Company had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $2.8 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



Regulatory Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. The Company's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2016 2015
      
Cost of removal(1)
27 years $2,242
 $2,167
Deferred net power costs1 years 64
 206
Asset retirement obligations35 years 122
 147
Levelized depreciation23 years 244
 199
Impact fees6 years 90
 
Employee benefit plans(2)
12 years 25
 13
Unrealized gain on regulated derivative contracts1 year 6
 
OtherVarious 327
 301
Total regulatory liabilities  $3,120
 $3,033
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $187
 $402
Noncurrent liabilities  2,933
 2,631
Total regulatory liabilities  $3,120
 $3,033

(1)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.
(2)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are to be returned to customers in future periods when recognized.

ALP General Tariff Application ("GTA")

In November 2014, ALP filed a GTA requesting the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC") to approve revenue requirements of C$811 million for 2015 and C$1.0 billion for 2016, primarily due to continued investment in capital projects as directed by the Alberta Electric System Operator. ALP amended the GTA in June 2015 to propose transmission tariff relief measures for customers and modifications to its capital structure. ALP also amended and updated the GTA in October 2015, reducing the requested revenue requirements to C$672 million for 2015 and C$704 million for 2016. In May 2016, the AUC issued its decision pertaining to the 2015-2016 GTA. ALP filed its 2015-2016 GTA compliance filing in July 2016 to comply with the AUC's decision.

The compliance filing requested the AUC to approve revenue requirements of C$599 million for 2015 and C$685 million for 2016. The decreased revenue requirements requested in the compliance filing, as compared to the 2015-2016 GTA filing updated in October 2015, were primarily due to the AUC approval of ALP's proposed immediate tariff relief of C$415 million for customers for 2015 and 2016, through (i) the discontinuance of construction work-in-progress ("CWIP") in rate base and the return to allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") accounting effective January 1, 2015, resulting in a C$82 million reduction of revenue requirement and the refund of C$277 million previously collected as CWIP in rate base as part of ALP's transmission tariffs during 2011-2014 less related returns of C$12 million and (ii) a change to the flow through method for calculating income taxes for 2016, resulting in further tariff relief of C$68 million.

Operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, included a one-time reduction of $200 million from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at ALP. The 2015-2016 GTA decision required ALP to refund $200 million to customers in 2016 through reduced monthly billings for the change from receiving cash during construction for the return on CWIP in rate base to recording allowance for borrowed and equity funds used during construction related to construction expenditures during the 2011 to 2014 time period. This amount is offset with higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the decision required ALP to change to the flow through method of recognizing income tax expense effective January 1, 2016. This change reduced operating revenue by $45 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, with offsetting impacts to income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(7)Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments

Investments and restricted cash and investments consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
Investments:   
BYD Company Limited common stock$1,185
 $1,238
Rabbi trusts403
 380
Other106
 130
Total investments1,694
 1,748
    
Equity method investments:   
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC672
 585
Bridger Coal Company165
 190
BHE Renewables tax equity investments741
 168
Other142
 160
Total equity method investments1,720
 1,103
    
Restricted cash and investments:   
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds460
 429
Solar Star and Topaz Projects64
 95
Other218
 129
Total restricted cash and investments742
 653
    
Total investments and restricted cash and investments$4,156
 $3,504
    
Reflected as:   
Current assets$211
 $137
Noncurrent assets3,945
 3,367
Total investments and restricted cash and investments$4,156
 $3,504

Investments

BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock is accounted for as an available-for-sale security with changes in fair value recognized in AOCI. The fair value of BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock reflects a pre-tax unrealized gain of $953 million and $1,006 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Rabbi trusts primarily hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain current and former key executives and directors. The Rabbi trusts were established to hold investments used to fund the obligations of various nonqualified executive and director compensation plans and to pay the costs of the trusts. The amount represents the cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value.

Equity Method Investments

BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 50% of Electric Transmission Texas, LLC, which owns and operates electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 66.67% of Bridger Coal Company ("Bridger Coal"), which is a coal mining joint venture that supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating facility. Bridger Coal is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bridger Coal's economic performance are shared with the joint venture partner.


The Company has alsoother types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 8), uncertain tax positions (Note 11) and asset retirement obligations (Note 13), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Additionally, the Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $170$698 million, in 2015$403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and has commitments as of December 31, 2018, subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions of $1.4 billion in 2019 and 2020 pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.

Restricted Cash and Investments
Regulatory Matters

MidAmerican Energy has established a trustThe Company is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of fundsnon-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in full the December invoices for decommissioningboth Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Quad Cities NuclearGenerating Station Operating Status

Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("Exelon Generation"), the operator of Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station"). These investments in debt and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. Funds are invested in the trust in accordance with applicable federal and state investment guidelines and are restricted for use as reimbursement for costs of decommissioning thewhich MidAmerican Energy has a 25% ownership interest, announced on June 2, 2016, its intention to shut down Quad Cities Station on June 1, 2018, as a result of Illinois not passing adequate legislation and Quad Cities Station not clearing the 2019-2020 PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. capacity auction. MidAmerican Energy expressed to Exelon Generation its desire for the continued operation of the facility through the end of its operating license in 2032 and worked with Exelon Generation on solutions to that end. In December 2016, Illinois passed legislation creating a zero emission standard, which went into effect June 1, 2017. The zero emission standard requires the Illinois Power Agency to purchase zero emission credits ("ZEC's") and recover the costs from certain ratepayers in Illinois, subject to certain limitations. The proceeds from the zero emission credits will provide Exelon Generation additional revenue through 2027 as an incentive for continued operation of Quad Cities Station. For the nuclear assets already in rate base, MidAmerican Energy's customers will not be charged for the subsidy, and MidAmerican Energy will not receive additional revenue from the subsidy.

On February 14, 2017, two lawsuits were filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ("Northern District of Illinois") against the Illinois Power Agency alleging that the state's zero emission credit program violates certain provisions of the United States Constitution. Both complaints argue that the Illinois zero emission credit program will distort the FERC's energy and capacity market auction system of setting wholesale prices. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation intervened and filed motions to dismiss in both lawsuits. On July 14, 2017, the Northern District of Illinois granted the motions to dismiss. On July 17, 2017, the plaintiffs filed appeals with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ("Seventh Circuit"). On May 29, 2018, the United States Department of Justice and the FERC filed an amicus brief arguing federal rules do not preempt Illinois' ZEC program. On September 13, 2018, the Seventh Circuit upheld the Northern District of Illinois' ruling concluding that Illinois' ZEC program does not violate the Federal Power Act, and is thus, constitutional. On January 7, 2019, plaintiffs filed a petition seeking review of the case by the United States Supreme Court.

On January 9, 2017, the Electric Power Supply Association filed two requests with the FERC seeking to expand Minimum Offer Price Rule ("MOPR") provisions to apply to existing resources receiving zero emission credit compensation. If successful, an expanded MOPR could result in an increased risk of Quad Cities Station not clearing in future capacity auctions and Exelon Generation no longer receiving capacity revenues for the facility. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation has filed protests at the FERC in response to each filing. The timing of the FERC's decision with respect to both proceedings is currently unknown and the outcome of these matters is currently uncertain.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact its current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations and capital expenditure requirements, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are currently licensedadministered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for operation until December 2032.further discussion regarding environmental laws and regulations.

(8)Short-Term Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of BHE and Credit Facilitiesdebt and preferred securities of certain of its subsidiaries are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of the rated company's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

BHE and its subsidiaries have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. The Company's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2018, the applicable entities' credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2018, the Company would have been required to post $469 million of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where BHE's subsidiaries operate have not had a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. In the United States and Canada, the Regulated Businesses operate under cost-of-service based rate structures administered by various state and provincial commissions and the FERC. Under these rate structures, the Regulated Businesses are allowed to include prudent costs in their rates, including the impact of inflation. The price control formula used by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies incorporates the rate of inflation in determining rates charged to customers. BHE's subsidiaries attempt to minimize the potential impact of inflation on their operations through the use of fuel, energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table summarizes BHE'sCompany has certain investments that are accounted for under the equity method in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, an amount is recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as an equity investment and its subsidiaries' availability under their credit facilities asis increased or decreased for the Company's pro-rata share of December 31, (in millions):
     MidAmerican NV Northern      
 BHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other 
Total(1)
2016:               
Credit facilities$2,000
 $1,000
 $609
 $650
 $185
 $986
 $915
 $6,345
Less:               
Short-term debt(834) (270) (99) 
 
 (289) (377) (1,869)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit(7) (142) (220) (80) 
 (8) 
 (457)
Net credit facilities$1,159
 $588
 $290
 $570
 $185
 $689
 $538
 $4,019
                
2015:               
Credit facilities$2,000
 $1,200
 $609
 $650
 $221
 $813
 $928
 $6,421
Less:               
Short-term debt(253) (20) 
 
 
 (401) (300) (974)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit(51) (160) (195) 
 
 (9) 
 (415)
Net credit facilities$1,696
 $1,020
 $414
 $650
 $221
 $403
 $628
 $5,032
earnings or losses, respectively, less any dividends from such investments. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of investment tax credits.

(1)The above table does not include unused credit facilities and letters of credit for investments that are accounted for under the equity method.

As of December 31, 20162018, the Company's investments that are accounted for under the equity method had short- and long-term debt of $2.4 billion, unused revolving credit facilities of $129 million and letters of credit outstanding of $88 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's pro-rata share of such short- and long-term debt was $1.2 billion, unused revolving credit facilities was $65 million and outstanding letters of credit was $43 million. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding short- and long-term debt and unused revolving credit facilities is non-recourse to the Company. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding letters of credit is recourse to the Company. Although the Company is generally not required to support debt service obligations of its equity investees, default with respect to this non-recourse short- and long-term debt could result in a loss of invested equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting the Company, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by the Company's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

The Regulated Businesses prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Total regulatory assets were $3.1 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $7.5 billion as of December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Regulated Businesses' regulatory assets and liabilities.

Classification and Recognition Methodology

The majority of the Company's commodity derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in the rates of its rate-regulated subsidiaries, and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as net regulatory assets or liabilities. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 2018, the Company washad $110 million recorded as net regulatory assets related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $9.6 billion. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. Additionally, no indicators of impairment were identified as of December 31, 2018. Significant judgment is required in compliance withestimating the covenantsfair value of its credit facilitiesthe reporting unit and letterperforming goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of credit arrangements.methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. Estimated future cash flows are impacted by, among other factors, growth rates, changes in regulations and rates, ability to renew contracts and estimates of future commodity prices. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. Refer to Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's goodwill.

BHEThe Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

BHE has a $2.0 billion unsecured credit facility expiringThe estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in June 2019 with two one-year extension options subjectthe impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what the Company would expect to bank consent. The credit facility, whichrecover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is for general corporate purposes and also supports BHE's commercial paper program and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate basedhighly dependent on the LIBOR or a base rate, at BHE's option, plus a spreadunderlying assumptions and could significantly affect the Company's results of operations.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Certain of the Company's subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that varies basedcover the majority of employees. The Company recognizes the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on BHE's senior unsecured long-term debt credit ratings.the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 20162018, the Company recognized a net liability totaling $174 million for the funded status of the defined benefit pension and 2015,other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets totaled $764 million and in AOCI totaled $497 million.

The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and healthcare cost trend rates. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. The Company believes that the weighted average interestassumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company chooses a discount rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 0.88% and 0.66%, respectively. The credit facility requires that BHE's ratio of consolidatedbased upon high quality debt including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.70 to 1.0security investment yields in effect as of the last daymeasurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the expected asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. The Company regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.


The Company chooses a healthcare cost trend rate that reflects the near and long-term expectations of increases in medical costs and corresponds to the expected benefit payment periods. The healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to gradually decline to 5.00% by 2025, at which point the rate of increase is assumed to remain constant. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for healthcare cost trend rate sensitivity disclosures.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (dollars in millions):
 Domestic Plans  
     Other Postretirement United Kingdom
 Pension Plans Benefit Plans Pension Plan
 +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
            
Effect on December 31, 2018           
Benefit Obligations:           
Discount rate$(133) $146
 $(27) $30
 $(172) $147
            
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:           
Discount rate$(1) $1
 $1
 $(1) $(22) $21
Expected rate of return on plan assets(12) 12
 (4) 4
 (11) 11

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and the Company's funding policy for each plan.

Income Taxes

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's income taxes.

It is probable the Company's regulated businesses will pass income tax benefits and expense related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property-related basis differences and other various differences on to their customers in certain state and provincial jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $3.7 billion and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

The Company has not established deferred income taxes on its undistributed foreign earnings that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of the Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends may be subject to taxation in the United States but the tax is not expected to be material.


Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. The determination of customer invoices is based on a systematic reading of meters, fixed reservation charges based on contractual quantities and rates or, in the case of the Great Britain distribution businesses, when information is received from the national settlement system. At the end of each quarter.month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $554 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Unbilled revenue is reversed in the following month and billed revenue is recorded based on the subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. The Company's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which the Company transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with the Company's business activities. Each of the Company's business platforms has established guidelines for credit risk management.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through BHE's ownership of the Utilities as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. The Company also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage and transmission and transportation constraints. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To manage a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. The Company's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

The table that follows summarizes the Company's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $59 million and $76 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices with the contracted or expected volumes. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Not designated as hedging contracts$5
 $34
 $(12)
Designated as hedging contracts5
 37
 (21)
Total commodity derivative contracts$10
 $71
 $(33)
      
As of December 31, 2017     
Not designated as hedging contracts$(32) $(18) $(46)
Designated as hedging contracts(1) 35
 (37)
Total commodity derivative contracts$(33) $17
 $(83)

The settled cost of certain of the Company's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts is included in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose the Company to earnings volatility. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, wholesale natural gas or fuel are higher than what is included in regulated rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a net regulatory asset of $110 million and $119 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $5 million and the net derivative liability of $32 million, respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables. For the Company's commodity derivative contracts designated as hedging contracts, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts, to the extent the hedge is considered effective, generally do not expose the Company to earnings volatility.


Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, the Company's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose the Company to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if the Company were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of the Company's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 8, 9, 10, and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of the Company's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $4.3 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, that expose the Company to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, forward sale commitments or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. Changes in fair value of agreements designated as cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the hedge is effective until the forecasted transaction occurs. Changes in fair value of agreements not designated as hedging contracts are recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $637 million and $679 million, respectively, and £161 million and £136 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had mortgage commitments, net, with notional amounts of $326 million and $422 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. The fair value of the Company's interest rate derivative contracts was a net derivative liability of $8 million as of December 31, 2018 and a net derivative asset of $16 million as of December 31, 2017. A hypothetical 20 basis point increase and a 20 basis point decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on the Company.

Equity Price Risk

Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation and consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock represented approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, of the total fair value of the Company's equity securities. The majority of the Company's remaining equity securities are held in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets and the realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. The following table summarizes the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the effects of a hypothetical 30% increase and a 30% decrease in market price as of those dates. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
     Estimated Hypothetical
   Hypothetical Fair Value after Percentage Increase
 Fair Price Hypothetical (Decrease) in BHE
 Value Change Change in Prices Shareholders' Equity
        
As of December 31, 2018$1,435
 30% increase $1,866
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,005
 (1)
        
As of December 31, 2017$1,961
 30% increase $2,549
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,373
 (1)


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

BHE's business operations and investments outside of the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates primarily in relation to the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from BHE's foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact.

Northern Powergrid's functional currency is the British pound. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the British pound to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $460 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for Northern Powergrid of $24 million in 2018.

AltaLink's functional currency is the Canadian dollar. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $302 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for AltaLink of $17 million in 2018.

Credit Risk

Domestic Regulated Operations

The Utilities are exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent the Utilities' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, the Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 20162018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit exposure from wholesale activities totaled $719 million, based on settlement and 2015, BHE had $123 million and $142 million, respectively,mark-to-market exposures, net of letters of credit outstanding, of which $7 million and $51collateral, compared to $127 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were issued under the credit facilities. These letters of credit primarily support power purchase agreements and debt service requirements at certain subsidiaries of BHE Renewables, LLC and expire through December 2018.


PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in March 2018 and a $400 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2019 each with two one-year extension options subject to bank consent. These credit facilities, which support PacifiCorp's commercial paper program, certain series of its tax-exempt bond obligations and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have a variable interest rate based on LIBOR or a base rate, at PacifiCorp's option, plus a spread that varies based on PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.2017. As of December 31, 20162018, $552 million of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to long-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and 2015,commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the weighted average interest rate onextent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 0.96%operation by contractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.

Substantially all of MidAmerican Energy's electric wholesale sales revenue results from participation in RTOs, including the MISO and 0.65%, respectively. These credit facilities require that PacifiCorp's ratiothe PJM. MidAmerican Energy's share of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalizationhistorical losses from defaults by other RTO market participants has not exceed 0.65 to 1.0been material. Additionally, as of the last day of each quarter.December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate direct credit exposure from electric wholesale marketing counterparties was not material.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, PacifiCorp had $255 million and $310 million2018, respectively,NV Energy's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of fully availablecollateral, was not material.

Northern Natural Gas' primary customers include utilities in the upper Midwest. Kern River's primary customers are electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As a general policy, collateral is not required for receivables from creditworthy customers. Customers' financial condition and creditworthiness, as defined by the tariff, are regularly evaluated and historical losses have been minimal. In order to provide protection against credit risk, and as permitted by the separate terms of each of Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariffs, the companies have required customers that lack creditworthiness to provide cash deposits, letters of credit issued under committed arrangements, of which $10 million as of December 31, 2015 were issued underor other security until they meet the credit facilities. These letters of credit support PacifiCorp's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and expire through March 2019.

MidAmerican Funding

MidAmerican Energy has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in March 2018 with two one-year extension options subject to bank consent. The credit facility, which supports MidAmerican Energy's commercial paper program and its variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on LIBOR or a base rate, at MidAmerican Energy's option, plus a spread that varies based on MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings for senior unsecured long-term debt securities. As of December 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 0.73%. The credit facility requires that MidAmerican Energy's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 ascreditworthiness requirements of the last day of each quarter.respective tariff.

NV Energy

Nevada Power has a $400 million secured credit facility expiring in March 2018 and Sierra Pacific has a $250 million secured credit facility expiring in March 2018 each with two one-year extension options subject to bank consent. These credit facilities, which are for general corporate purposes and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have a variable interest rate based on LIBOR or a base rate, at each of the Nevada Utilities' option, plus a spread that varies based on each of the Nevada Utilities' credit ratings for its senior secured long-term debt securities. Amounts due under each credit facility are collateralized by each of the Nevada Utilities' general and refunding mortgage bonds. The credit facilities require that each of the Nevada Utilities' ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.68 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

Northern Powergrid

The Northern Powergrid hasDistribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to supply companies. The supply companies purchase electricity from generators and traders, sell the electricity to end-use customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to the multilateral "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses. During £150 million2018 unsecured, RWE Npower PLC and certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented approximately 19% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies. The industry operates in accordance with a framework which sets credit facility expiring in April 2020. The credit facility has a variable interest rate based on sterling LIBOR plus a spread that varieslimits for each supply business based on its credit ratings. Therating or payment history and requires them to provide credit facility requirescover if their value at risk (measured as being equivalent to 45 days usage) exceeds the credit limit. Acceptable credit typically is provided in the form of a parent company guarantee, letter of credit or an escrow account. Ofgem has indicated that, provided the ratio of consolidated senior total net debt, including current maturities, to regulated asset value not exceed 0.8 to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies have implemented credit control, billing and 0.65collection in line with best practice guidelines and can demonstrate compliance with the guidelines or are able to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc as of June 30 and December 31. Northern Powergrid's interest coverage ratio shallsatisfactorily explain departure from the guidelines, any bad debt losses arising from supplier default will be recovered through an increase in future allowed income. Losses incurred to date have not be less than 2.5 to 1.0.been material.

AltaLink

ALP, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BHE acquired on December 1, 2014, is a regulated electric transmission-only company headquartered in Alberta, Canada serving approximately 85% of Alberta's population. ALP connects generation plants to major load centers, cities and large industrial plants throughout its 87,000 square mile service territory, which covers a diverse geographic area including most major urban centers in central and southern Alberta. ALP's transmission facilities, consisting of approximately 8,200 miles of transmission lines and 310 substations as of December 31, 2018, are an integral part of the Alberta Integrated Electric System ("AIES").

The AIES is a network or grid of transmission facilities operating at high voltages ranging from 69 kVs to 500 kVs. The grid delivers electricity from generating units across Alberta, Canada through approximately 16,000 miles of transmission. The AIES is interconnected to British Columbia's transmission system that links Alberta with the North American western interconnected system.

ALP is a transmission facility owner within the electricity industry in Alberta and is permitted to charge a tariff rate for the use of its transmission facilities. Such tariff rates are established on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow ALP an opportunity to recover its costs of providing services and to earn a reasonable return on its investments. Transmission tariffs are approved by the AUC and are collected from the AESO.

The electricity industry in Alberta consists of four principal segments. Generators sell wholesale power into the power pool operated by the AESO and through direct contractual arrangements. Alberta's transmission system or grid is composed of high voltage power lines and related facilities that transmit electricity from generating facilities to distribution networks and directly connected end-users. Distribution facility owners are regulated by the AUC and are responsible for arranging for, or providing, regulated rate and regulated default supply services to convey electricity from transmission systems and distribution-connected generators to end-use customers. Retailers can procure energy through the power pool, through direct contractual arrangements with energy suppliers or ownership of generation facilities and arrange for its distribution to end-use customers.

The AESO mandate is defined in the Electric Utilities Act and its regulations, and requires the AESO to assess both current and future needs of Alberta's interconnected electrical system. In July 2017, the AESO released the 2017 Long-Term Outlook ("LTO"), which is a forecast used as one input to guide the AESO in planning Alberta's transmission system. In January 2018, the AESO finalized and made available the 2017 Long-Term Transmission Plan ("LTP"). The 2017 LTP places increased focus on the evolving economy, policy changes and environmental initiatives, including renewable generation additions and the phase-out of coal-fueled generation whenever possible. The plan was developed with the goal of efficient utilization of existing and planned transmission systems in areas where high renewables potential exists, and timely addition of necessary new transmission developments. The AESO has forecast Alberta's electricity demand to grow at an annual rate of 0.9% until 2037. Future generation investments are expected to keep pace with load growth and coal-fueled generation replacements, as well as generation additions primarily through the Renewable Electricity Program. The 2017 LTP identifies 15 transmission developments across Alberta proposed over the next five years valued at approximately C$1 billion. Regulatory approval for all identified developments is still required.

BHE U.S. Transmission

BHE U.S. Transmission is engaged in various joint ventures to develop, own and operate transmission assets and is pursuing additional investment opportunities in the United States. Currently, BHE U.S. Transmission has two joint ventures with transmission assets that are operational.

BHE U.S. Transmission indirectly owns a 50% interest in ETT, along with subsidiaries of American Electric Power Company, Inc. ("AEP"). ETT owns and operates electric transmission assets in the ERCOT and, as of December 31, 2018, had total assets of $3.0 billion. ETT's transmission system includes approximately 1,200 miles of transmission lines and 36 substations as of December 31, 2018.

BHE U.S. Transmission also indirectly owns a 25% interest in Prairie Wind Transmission, LLC, a joint venture with AEP and Westar Energy, Inc., to build, own and operate a 108-mile, 345-kV transmission project in Kansas. The project cost $158 million and was fully placed in-service in November 2014.


BHE RENEWABLES

The subsidiaries comprising the BHE Renewables reportable segment own interests in several independent power projects in the United States and in the Philippines. The following table presents certain information concerning these independent power projects as of December 31, 2018:
        Power   Facility Net
        Purchase   Net Owned
    Energy   Agreement Power Capacity Capacity
Generating Facility Location Source Installed Expiration 
Purchaser(1)
 
(MWs)(2)
 
(MWs)(2)
SOLAR:              
Topaz California Solar 2013-2014 2039 PG&E 550
 550
Solar Star 1 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 310
 310
Solar Star 2 California Solar 2013-2015 2035 SCE 276
 276
Agua Caliente Arizona Solar 2012-2013 2039 PG&E 290
 142
Community Solar Gardens(6)
 Minnesota Solar 2016-2018 2041-2043 (5) 98
 98
Alamo 6 Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 110
 110
Pearl Texas Solar 2017 2042 CPS 50
 50
            1,684
 1,536
WIND:              
Bishop Hill II Illinois Wind 2012 2032 Ameren 81
 81
Pinyon Pines I California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 168
 168
Pinyon Pines II California Wind 2012 2035 SCE 132
 132
Jumbo Road Texas Wind 2015 2033 AE 300
 300
Marshall Kansas Wind 2016 2036 MJMEC, KPP, KMEA & COIMO 72
 72
Grande Prairie Nebraska Wind 2016 2036 OPPD 400
 400
Santa Rita Texas Wind 2018 2030-2038 KC, CODTX 300
 300
Walnut Ridge Illinois Wind 2018 2028 USGSA 212
 212
            1,665
 1,665
GEOTHERMAL:              
Imperial Valley Projects California Geothermal 1982-2000 (3) (3) 338
 338
               
HYDROELECTRIC:              
Casecnan Project(4)
 Philippines Hydroelectric 2001 2021 NIA 150
 128
Wailuku Hawaii Hydroelectric 1993 2023 HELCO 10
 10
            160
 138
NATURAL GAS:              
Saranac New York Natural Gas 1994 2019 TEMUS 245
 196
Power Resources Texas Natural Gas 1988 2018 EDF 212
 212
Yuma Arizona Natural Gas 1994 2024 SDG&E 50
 50
Cordova Illinois Natural Gas 2001 2019 EGC 512
 512
            1,019
 970
               
Total Available Generating Capacity           4,866
 4,647


(1)
TransAlta Energy Marketing U.S. ("TEMUS"); EDF Energy Services, LLC ("EDF"); San Diego Gas & Electric Company ("SDG&E"); Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("EGC"); Pacific Gas and Electric Company ("PG&E"), Ameren Illinois Company ("Ameren"), Southern California Edison ("SCE"), the Philippine National Irrigation Administration ("NIA"); Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. ("HELCO"); Austin Energy ("AE"); Omaha Public Power District ("OPPD"); Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("KC"); City of Denton, TX ("CODTX"); U.S. General Services Administration ("USGSA"); Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Commission ("MJMEC"); Kansas Power Pool ("KPP"); Kansas Municipal Energy Agency ("KMEA"); City of Independence, MO ("COIMO"); and CPS Energy ("CPS").
(2)
Facility Net Capacity represents the lesser of nominal ratings or any limitations under applicable interconnection, power purchase, or other agreements for intermittent resources and the total net dependable capability available during summer conditions for all other units. An intermittent resource's nominal rating is the manufacturer's contractually specified capability (in MWs) under specified conditions. Net Owned Capacity indicates BHE Renewables' ownership of Facility Net Capacity.
(3)
The majority of the Imperial Valley Projects' Contract Capacity is currently sold to Southern California Edison Company under long-term power purchase agreements expiring in 2019 through 2026. Certain long-term power purchase agreement renewals have been entered into with other parties that begin upon the existing contracts' expiration and expire in 2028 and 2039.

(4)
Under the terms of the agreement with the NIA, CalEnergy Philippines will own and operate the Casecnan project for a 20-year cooperation period which ends December 11, 2021, after which ownership and operation of the project will be transferred to the NIA at no cost on an "as-is" basis. NIA also pays CalEnergy Philippines for delivery of water pursuant to the agreement.

(5)The power purchasers are commercial, industrial and not-for-profit organizations.

(6)The community solar gardens project is consolidated in the table above for convenience as it consists of 98 distinct entities that each own an approximately 1-MW solar garden with independent but substantially similar terms and conditions.

Additionally, BHE Renewables has invested $1.9 billion in eleven wind projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments.

BHE Renewables' operating revenue is derived from the following business activities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Solar51% 52% 49%
Wind18
 17
 19
Geothermal19
 19
 20
Hydro5
 6
 4
Natural gas7
 6
 8
Total operating revenue100% 100% 100%

HOMESERVICES

HomeServices, a majority-owned subsidiary of BHE, is the second-largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States. In addition to providing traditional residential real estate brokerage services, HomeServices offers other integrated real estate services, including mortgage originations and mortgage banking; title and closing services; property and casualty insurance; home warranties; relocation services; and other home-related services. HomeServices' real estate brokerage business is subject to seasonal fluctuations because more home sale transactions tend to close during the second and third quarters of the year. As a result, HomeServices' operating results and profitability are typically higher in the second and third quarters relative to the remainder of the year. HomeServices' owned brokerages currently operate in nearly 880 offices in 30 states and the District of Columbia with over 42,500 real estate agents under 47 brand names. The United States residential real estate brokerage business is subject to the general real estate market conditions, is highly competitive and consists of numerous local brokers and agents in each market seeking to represent sellers and buyers in residential real estate transactions. In October 2014, HomeServices acquired the remaining 50.1% of HomeServices Lending, a mortgage origination company.

In October 2012, HomeServices acquired a 66.7% interest in one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States, which offers and sells independently owned and operated residential real estate brokerage franchises. The noncontrolling interest member had the right to put the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business to HomeServices after March 2015 and HomeServices had the right to call the remaining 33.3% interest in the franchise business after completion and receipt of the 2017 financial statement audit at an option exercise formula based on historical financial performance. In April 2018, HomeServices exercised its call option and acquired the remaining 33.3% interest.


HomeServices' franchise network currently includes approximately 370 franchisees in nearly 1,600 brokerage offices throughout the United States and Europe with over 51,500 real estate agents under two brand names. In exchange for certain fees, HomeServices provides the right to use the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or Real Living brand names and other related service marks, as well as providing orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services.

OTHER ENERGY BUSINESSES

Effective January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred its nonregulated energy operations to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES"), a subsidiary of BHE. MES is a nonregulated energy business consisting of competitive electricity and natural gas retail sales. MES' electric operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Maryland and other states that allow customers to choose their energy supplier. MES' natural gas operations predominantly include sales to retail customers in Iowa and Illinois. Electricity and natural gas are purchased from producers and third party energy marketing companies and sold directly to commercial, industrial and governmental end-users. MES does not own electricity or natural gas production assets but hedges its contracted sales obligations either with physical supply arrangements or financial products. As of December 31, 2018, MES' contracts in place for the sale of electricity totaled 18,571 GWhs with an average term of 2.4 years and for the sale of natural gas totaled 25,717,425 Dth with an average term of 1.3 years. In addition, MES manages natural gas supplies for a number of smaller commercial end-users, which includes the sale of natural gas to these customers to meet their supply requirements. Refer to Item 7A in this Form 10-K for a discussion of commodity price risk and derivative contracts.

The percentages of electricity sold to MES' retail customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Illinois45% 46% 48%
Ohio23
 23
 21
Texas16
 15
 13
Pennsylvania9
 8
 8
Maryland6
 7
 7
Other1
 1
 3
 100% 100% 100%

The percentages of natural gas sold to MES' customers by state for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Iowa89% 86% 86%
Illinois7
 9
 9
Other4
 5
 5
 100% 100% 100%

GENERAL REGULATION

BHE's regulated subsidiaries and certain affiliates are subject to comprehensive governmental regulation, which significantly influences their operating environment, prices charged to customers, capital structure, costs and, ultimately, their ability to recover costs and earn a reasonable return on invested capital. In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding general regulation, refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding certain regulatory matters.

Domestic Regulated Public Utility Subsidiaries

The Utilities are subject to comprehensive regulation by various state, federal and local agencies. The more significant aspects of this regulatory framework are described below.


State Regulation

Historically, state regulatory commissions have established retail electric and natural gas rates on a cost-of-service basis, which are designed to allow a utility the opportunity to recover what each state regulatory commission deems to be the utility's reasonable costs of providing services, including a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable return on its investments based on its cost of debt and equity. In addition to return on investment, a utility's cost of service generally reflects a representative level of prudent expenses, including cost of sales, operating expense, depreciation and amortization and income and other tax expense, reduced by wholesale electricity and other revenue. The allowed operating expenses are typically based on actual historical costs adjusted for known and measurable or forecasted changes. State regulatory commissions may adjust cost of service for various reasons, including pursuant to a review of: (a) the utility's revenue and expenses during a defined test period, (b) the utility's level of investment and (c) changes in income tax laws. State regulatory commissions typically have the authority to review and change rates on their own initiative; however, they may also initiate reviews at the request of a utility, utility customers or organizations representing groups of customers. In certain jurisdictions, the utility and such parties, however, may agree with one another not to request a review of or changes to rates for a specified period of time.

The retail electric rates of the Utilities are generally based on the cost of providing traditional bundled services, including generation, transmission and distribution services. The Utilities have established energy cost adjustment mechanisms and other cost recovery mechanisms in certain states, which help mitigate their exposure to changes in costs from those assumed in establishing base rates.

With certain limited exceptions, the Utilities have an exclusive right to serve retail customers within their service territories and, in turn, have an obligation to provide service to those customers. In some jurisdictions, certain classes of customers may choose to purchase all or a portion of their energy from alternative energy suppliers, and in some jurisdictions retail customers can generate all or a portion of their own energy. Under Oregon law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, nonresidential customers have the right to choose an alternative provider of energy supply. The impact of this right on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results has not been material. In Washington, state law does not provide for exclusive service territory allocation. PacifiCorp's service territory in Washington is surrounded by other public utilities with whom PacifiCorp has from time to time entered into service area agreements under the jurisdiction of the WUTC. Under California law, PacifiCorp has the exclusive right and obligation to provide electricity distribution services to all residential and nonresidential customers within its allocated service territory; however, cities, counties and certain other public agencies have the right to choose to generate energy supply or elect an alternative provider of energy supply through the formation of a Community Choice Aggregator ("CCA"). To date, no CCA activity has occurred in PacifiCorp's California service territory. If a CCA is formed, PacifiCorp would continue to provide CCA customers transmission, distribution, metering and billing services and the CCA would provide generation supply. In addition, PacifiCorp would likely be able to collect costs from CCA customers for the generation-related costs that PacifiCorp incurred while they were customers of PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp would remain the electricity provider of last resort for these customers. In Illinois, state law has established a competitive environment so that all Illinois customers are free to choose their retail service supplier. For customers that choose an alternative retail energy supplier, MidAmerican Energy continues to have an ongoing obligation to deliver the supplier's energy to the retail customer. MidAmerican Energy bills the retail customer for such delivery services. MidAmerican Energy also has an obligation to serve customers at regulated cost-based rates and has a continuing obligation to serve customers who have not selected a competitive electricity provider. The impact of this right on MidAmerican Energy's financial results has not been material. In Nevada, Chapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one MW or more to file a letter of intent and application with the PUCN to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier. The law requires customers wishing to choose a new supplier to receive the approval of the PUCN to meet public interest standards. In particular, departing customers must secure new energy resources that are not under contract to the Nevada Utilities, the departure must not burden the Nevada Utilities with increased costs or cause any remaining customers to pay increased costs and the departing customers must pay their portion of any deferred energy balances, all as determined by the PUCN. Also, the Utilities and the state regulatory commissions are individually evaluating how best to integrate private generation resources into their service and rate design, including considering such factors as maintaining high levels of customer safety and service reliability, minimizing adverse cost impacts and fairly allocating costs among all customers.

Also in Nevada, large natural gas customers using 12,000 therms per month with fuel switching capability are allowed to participate in the incentive natural gas rate tariff. Once a service agreement has been executed, a customer can compare natural gas prices under this tariff to alternative energy sources and choose its source of natural gas. In addition, natural gas customers using greater than 1,000 therms per day have the ability to secure their own natural gas supplies under the gas transportation tariff.


PacifiCorp

Rate Filings

Under Utah law, the UPSC must issue a written order within 240 days of a public utility’s application for a general rate change, absent an order, the proposed rates go into effect as filed and are not subject to refund; the UPSC may allow interim rates to take effect within 45 days of an application, subject to refund or surcharge, if an adequate prima facie showing is established in hearing that the interim rate change is justified.

The OPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates for a period not to exceed more than six months, with an additional three-month extension, beyond the 30-day time period when the new rates would usually otherwise go into effect. Absent suspension or other action from the OPUC, new rates automatically go into effect 30 days from filing by the utility. Upon suspension by the OPUC, the OPUC is authorized to allow collection of an interim rate, subject to refund, during the pendency of the OPUC’s review of the rate request.

In Wyoming, the WPSC can allow interim rates to go into effect 30 days after the initial application but may require a bond to secure a refund for the amount. The WPSC may suspend the rates for final approval for a period not to exceed 10 months.

The WUTC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 10 months beyond the 30-day time period when the new rate would usually otherwise go into effect.

Under Idaho law, the IPUC can suspend a filing for an initial period not to exceed five months, and an additional extension of 60 days with a showing of good cause.

The CPUC has the authority to suspend proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed 18 months. The CPUC may extend the suspension period on a case-by-case period.

Adjustment Mechanisms

In addition to recovery through base rates, PacifiCorp also achieves recovery of certain costs through various adjustment mechanisms as summarized below.
State RegulatorBase Rate Test PeriodAdjustment Mechanism
UPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
EBA under which 100% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Wheeling revenue is also included in the mechanism.
Balancing account to provide for 100% recovery or refund of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues after adjusting for a REC incentive authorized by the UPSC.
Recovery mechanism for single capital investments that in total exceed 1% of existing rate base when a general rate case has occurred within the preceding 18 months.
OPUCForecastedPCAM under which 90% of the difference between forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits established under the annual TAM and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits is deferred and reflected in future rates. The difference between the forecasted and actual net variable power costs and production tax credits must fall outside of an established asymmetrical deadband, with a negative annual power cost variance deadband of $15 million, and a positive annual power cost variance deadband of $30 million and is also subject to an earnings test of +/- 1% around PacifiCorp's allowed return on equity.
Annual TAM based on forecasted net variable power costs and production tax credits.
Renewable Adjustment Clause to recover the revenue requirement of new renewable resources and associated transmission costs that are not reflected in general rates.
Balancing account for proceeds from the sale of RECs.
WPSC
Forecasted or historical with known and measurable changes(1)
ECAM under which 70% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Chemical costs and start-up fuel costs are also included in the mechanism.
REC and sulfur dioxide revenue adjustment mechanism to provide for recovery or refund of 100% of any difference between actual REC and sulfur dioxide revenues and the level in rates.

WUTCHistorical with known and measurable changesPCAM under which the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates after applying a $4 million deadband for positive or negative net power cost variances. For net power cost variances between $4 million and $10 million, amounts to be recovered from customers are allocated 50/50 and amounts to be credited to customers are allocated 75/25 (customers/PacifiCorp). Positive or negative net power cost variances in excess of $10 million are allocated 90/10 (customers/PacifiCorp).
Deferral mechanism of costs for up to 24 months of new base load generation resources and eligible renewable resources and related transmission that qualify under the state's emissions performance standard and are not reflected in base rates.
REC revenue tracking mechanism to provide credit of 100% of REC revenues.
Decoupling mechanism under which the difference between actual annual revenues and authorized revenues per customer is deferred and reflected in future rates, subject to an earnings test. To trigger a rate adjustment, the deferral balance must exceed plus or minus 2.5% of the authorized revenue at the end of each deferral period by rate class. Rate adjustments must not exceed a surcharge of 5% of the actual normalized revenue by class.

IPUCHistorical with known and measurable changesECAM under which 90% of the difference between base net power costs set during a general rate case and actual net power costs is deferred and reflected in future rates. Also provides for recovery or refund of 100% of the difference between the level of REC revenues included in base rates and actual REC revenues and differences in actual production tax credits compared to the amount in base rates.
CPUCForecastedPTAM for major capital additions that allows for rate adjustments outside of the context of a traditional general rate case for the revenue requirement associated with capital additions exceeding $50 million on a total-company basis. Filed as eligible capital additions are placed into service.
ECAC that allows for an annual update to actual and forecasted net power costs.
PTAM for attrition, a mechanism that allows for an annual adjustment to costs other than net power costs.

(1)PacifiCorp has relied on both historical test periods with known and measurable adjustments, as well as forecasted test periods.

MidAmerican Energy

Under Iowa law, there are two options for temporary collection of higher rates following the filing of a request for a base rate increase. Collection can begin, subject to refund, either (1) within 10 days of filing, without IUB review, or (2) 90 days after filing, with approval by the IUB, depending upon the ratemaking principles and precedents utilized. In either case, if the IUB has not issued a final order within ten months after the filing date, the temporary rates become final and any difference between the requested rate increase and the temporary rates may then be collected subject to refund until receipt of a final order. Under Illinois law, new base rates may become effective 45 days after the filing of a request with the ICC, or earlier with ICC approval. The ICC has authority to suspend the proposed new rates, subject to hearing, for a period not to exceed approximately eleven months after filing. South Dakota law authorizes the SDPUC to suspend new base rates for up to six months during the pendency of rate proceedings; however, a utility may implement all or a portion of the proposed new rates six months after the filing of a request for a rate increase subject to refund pending a final order in the proceeding.

Iowa law also permits rate-regulated utilities to seek ratemaking principles with the IUB prior to the construction of certain types of new generating facilities. Pursuant to this law, MidAmerican Energy has applied for and obtained IUB ratemaking principles orders for a 484-MW (MidAmerican Energy's share) coal-fueled generating facility, a 495-MW combined cycle natural gas-fueled generating facility and 6,639 MWs (nominal ratings) of wind-powered generating facilities, including 1,440 MWs (nominal ratings) under construction, as of December 31, 2018. These ratemaking principles established cost caps for the projects and authorized a fixed rate of return on equity for the respective generating facilities over the regulatory life of the facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. As of December 31, 2018, the generating facilities in service totaled $6.9 billion, or 42%, of MidAmerican Energy's regulated property, plant and equipment, net and were subject to these ratemaking principles at a weighted average return on equity of 11.6% with a weighted average remaining life of 32 years.


Under its current Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota electric tariffs, MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover fluctuations in electric energy costs for its retail electric sales through fuel, or energy, cost adjustment mechanisms. The Iowa mechanism also includes production tax credits associated with wind-powered generation placed in-service prior to 2013, except for production tax credits earned by repowered facilities, which totaled 636 MWs as of December 31, 2018. Eligibility for production tax credits associated with MidAmerican Energy's earliest projects began expiring in 2014. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has transmission adjustment clauses to recover certain transmission charges related to retail customers in all jurisdictions. The adjustment mechanisms reduce the regulatory lag for the recovery of energy and transmission costs related to retail electric customers in these jurisdictions.

Of the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service as of December 31, 2018, 2,914 MWs (nominal ratings) have not been included in the determination of MidAmerican Energy's Iowa retail electric base rates. In accordance with the related ratemaking principles, until such time as these generation assets are reflected in base rates and ceasing thereafter, MidAmerican Energy reduced its revenue from Iowa energy adjustment clause recoveries by $9 million in 2016 and by $12 million for each calendar year thereafter.

MidAmerican Energy has mechanisms in Iowa where rate base may be reduced. The revenue sharing mechanism originates from multiple ratemaking principles proceedings and reduces rate base for Iowa electric returns on equity exceeding an established benchmark. The retail customer benefit mechanism, which reduces rate base for the value of higher cost retail energy displaced by covered wind-powered production, applies to the wind-powered generating facilities placed in-service in 2016 under the Wind X project and facilities to be constructed under the Wind XII project approved by the IUB in 2018.

MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas is collected for each jurisdiction in its gas rates through a uniform PGA, which is updated monthly to reflect changes in actual costs. Subject to prudence reviews, the PGA accomplishes a pass-through of MidAmerican Energy's cost of gas to its customers and, accordingly, has no direct effect on net income. MidAmerican Energy's DSM program costs are collected through separately established rates that are adjusted annually based on actual and expected costs, as approved by the respective state regulatory commission. As such, recovery of DSM program costs has no direct impact on net income.

NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Rate Filings

Nevada statutes require the Nevada Utilities to file electric general rate cases at least once every three years with the PUCN. Sierra Pacific may also file natural gas general rate cases with the PUCN. The Nevada Utilities are also subject to a two-part fuel and purchased power adjustment mechanism. The Nevada Utilities make quarterly filings to reset BTER, based on the last 12 months of fuel and purchased power costs. The difference between actual fuel and purchased power costs and the revenue collected in the BTER is deferred into a balancing account. The DEAA rate clears amounts deferred into the balancing account. Nevada regulations allow an electric or natural gas utility that adjusts its BTER on a quarterly basis to request PUCN approval to make quarterly changes to its DEAA rate if the request is in the public interest. During required annual DEAA proceedings, the prudence of fuel and purchased power costs is reviewed, and if any costs are disallowed on such grounds, the disallowances will be incorporated into the next quarterly BTER rate change. Also, on an annual basis, the Nevada Utilities (a) seek a determination that energy efficiency program expenditures were reasonable, (b) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency program rates, and (c) request that the PUCN reset base and amortization energy efficiency implementation rates. When the Nevada Utilities' regulatory earned rate of return for a calendar year exceeds the regulatory rate of return used to set base tariff general rates, they are obligated to refund energy efficiency implementation revenue previously collected for that year.

EEPR and EEIR

EEPR was established to allow the Nevada Utilities to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by the Nevada Utilities and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent the Nevada Utilities' earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, the Nevada Utilities' are required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year.


Net Metering

Nevada enacted Assembly Bill 405 ("AB 405") on June 15, 2017. The legislation, among other things, established net metering crediting rates for private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts. Under AB 405, private generation customers will be compensated at 95% of the rate the customer would have paid for a kilowatt-hour of electricity supplied by the Nevada Utilities for the first 80 MWs of cumulative installed capacity of all net metering systems in Nevada, 88% of the rate for the next 80 MWs, 81% of the rate for the next 80 MWs and 75% of the rate for any additional private generation capacity. As of December 31, 2018, the cumulative installed and applied-for capacity of net metering systems under AB 405 in Nevada was 118 MWs.

Energy Choice Initiative - Deregulation

In November 2016, a majority of Nevada voters supported a ballot measure to amend Article 1 of the Nevada Constitution. If it had been approved again in 2018, the proposed constitutional amendment would have required the Nevada Legislature to create, on or before July 2023, an open and competitive retail electric market that included provisions to reduce costs to customers, protect against service disconnections and unfair practices and prohibit the granting of monopolies and exclusive franchises for the generation of electricity. In November 2018, the Nevada voters rejected the ballot measure.

Federal Regulation

The FERC is an independent agency with broad authority to implement provisions of the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act ("NGA"), the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ("Energy Policy Act") and other federal statutes. The FERC regulates rates for wholesale sales of electricity; transmission of electricity, including pricing and regional planning for the expansion of transmission systems; electric system reliability; utility holding companies; accounting and records retention; securities issuances; construction and operation of hydroelectric facilities; and other matters. The FERC also has the enforcement authority to assess civil penalties of up to $1.2 million per day per violation of rules, regulations and orders issued under the Federal Power Act. The Utilities have implemented programs and procedures that facilitate and monitor compliance with the FERC's regulations described below. MidAmerican Energy is also subject to regulation by the NRC pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended ("Atomic Energy Act"), with respect to its ownership interest in the Quad Cities Station.

Wholesale Electricity and Capacity

The FERC regulates the Utilities' rates charged to wholesale customers for electricityand transmission capacity and related services. Much of the Utilities' wholesale electricity sales and purchases occur under market-based pricing allowed by the FERC and are therefore subject to market volatility. The Utilities are precluded from selling at market-based rates in the PacifiCorp-East, PacifiCorp-West, Idaho Power Company and NorthWestern Energy balancing authority areas. Wholesale electricity sales in those specific balancing authority areas are permitted at cost-based rates. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have been granted the authority to bid into the California EIM at market-based rates.

The Utilities' authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the Utilities are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. PacifiCorp, the Nevada Utilities and certain affiliates, representing the BHE Northwest Companies, file together for market power study purposes. The BHE Northwest Companies' most recent triennial filing was made in June 2016 and, as to its non-mitigated balancing authority areas, was approved in November 2017. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. Under the FERC's market-based rules, the Utilities must also file with the FERC a notice of change in status when there is a change in the conditions that the FERC relied upon in granting market-based rate authority.


Transmission

PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' wholesale transmission services are regulated by the FERC under cost-based regulation subject to PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' OATT, respectively. These services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, which means that all potential customers are provided an equal opportunity to access the transmission system. PacifiCorp's and the Nevada Utilities' transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC's Standards of Conduct. PacifiCorp and the Nevada Utilities have made several required compliance filings in accordance with these rules.

In December 2011, PacifiCorp adopted a cost-based formula rate under its OATT for its transmission services. Cost-based formula rates are intended to be an effective means of recovering PacifiCorp's investments and associated costs of its transmission system without the need to file rate cases with the FERC, although the formula rate results are subject to discovery and challenges by the FERC and intervenors. A significant portion of these services are provided to PacifiCorp's energy supply management function.

MidAmerican Energy participates in the MISO as a transmission-owning member. Accordingly, the MISO is the transmission provider under its FERC-approved OATT. While the MISO is responsible for directing the operation of MidAmerican Energy's transmission system, MidAmerican Energy retains ownership of its transmission assets and, therefore, is subject to the FERC's reliability standards discussed below. MidAmerican Energy's transmission business is managed and operated independently from its wholesale marketing business in accordance with the FERC Standards of Conduct.

MidAmerican Energy has approval from the MISO to construct and own four Multi-Value Projects ("MVPs") located in Iowa and Illinois that will have added approximately 250 miles of 345-kV transmission line to MidAmerican Energy's transmission system since 2012, of which 224 miles have been placed in-service as of December 31, 2018. The MISO OATT allows for broad cost allocation for MidAmerican Energy's MVPs, including similar MVPs of other MISO participants. Accordingly, a significant portion of the revenue requirement associated with MidAmerican Energy's MVP investments will be shared with other MISO participants based on the MISO's cost allocation methodology, and a portion of the revenue requirement of the other participants' MVPs will be allocated to MidAmerican Energy. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has approval from the FERC to include 100% of construction work-in-progress in the determination of rates for its MVPs and to use a forward-looking rate structure for all of its transmission investments and costs. The transmission assets and financial results of MidAmerican Energy's MVPs are excluded from the determination of its retail electric rates.

The FERC has established an extensive number of mandatory reliability standards developed by the NERC and the WECC, including planning and operations, critical infrastructure protection and regional standards. Compliance, enforcement and monitoring oversight of these standards is carried out by the FERC; the NERC; and the WECC for PacifiCorp, Nevada Power, and Sierra Pacific; and the Midwest Reliability Organization for MidAmerican Energy.

Hydroelectric

The FERC licenses and regulates the operation of hydroelectric systems, including license compliance and dam safety programs. Most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities are licensed by the FERC as major systems under the Federal Power Act, and certain of these systems are licensed under the Oregon Hydroelectric Act. Under the Federal Power Act, 18 developments associated with PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities licensed with the FERC are classified as "high hazard potential," meaning it is probable in the event of a dam failure that loss of human life in the downstream population could occur. The FERC provides guidelines utilized by PacifiCorp in development of public safety programs consisting of a dam safety program and emergency action plans.

PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system is the only significant hydroelectric system for which PacifiCorp has a pending relicensing process with the FERC. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for an update regarding hydroelectric relicensing for PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

General

MidAmerican Energy is subject to the jurisdiction of the NRC with respect to its license and 25% ownership interest in Quad Cities Station. Exelon Generation, the operator and 75% owner of Quad Cities Station, is under contract with MidAmerican Energy to secure and keep in effect all necessary NRC licenses and authorizations.


The NRC regulates the granting of permits and licenses for the construction and operation of nuclear generating stations and regularly inspects such stations for compliance with applicable laws, regulations and license terms. Current licenses for Quad Cities Station provide for operation until December 14, 2032. The NRC review and regulatory process covers, among other things, operations, maintenance and environmental and radiological aspects of such stations. The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with the Atomic Energy Act, the regulations under such Act or the terms of such licenses.

Federal regulations provide that any nuclear operating facility may be required to cease operation if the NRC determines there are deficiencies in state, local or utility emergency preparedness plans relating to such facility, and the deficiencies are not corrected. Exelon Generation has advised MidAmerican Energy that an emergency preparedness plan for Quad Cities Station has been approved by the NRC. Exelon Generation has also advised MidAmerican Energy that state and local plans relating to Quad Cities Station have been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The NRC also regulates the decommissioning of nuclear-powered generating facilities, including the planning and funding for the eventual decommissioning of the facilities. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the NRC providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay its share of the costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station. MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds collected for nuclear decommissioning of Quad Cities Station.

Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 ("NWPA"), the United States Department of Energy ("DOE") is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Exelon Generation, as required by the NWPA, signed a contract with the DOE under which the DOE was to receive spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste for disposal beginning not later than January 1998. The DOE did not begin receiving spent nuclear fuel on the scheduled date and remains unable to receive such fuel and waste. The costs to be incurred by the DOE for disposal activities were previously being financed by fees charged to owners and generators of the waste. In accordance with a 2013 ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit"), the DOE, in May 2014, provided notice that, effective May 16, 2014, the spent nuclear fuel disposal fee would be zero. In 2004, Exelon Generation, reached a settlement with the DOE concerning the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel in 1998. As a result, Quad Cities Station has been billing the DOE, and the DOE is obligated to reimburse the station for all station costs incurred due to the DOE's delay. Exelon Generation has completed construction of an interim spent fuel storage installation ("ISFSI") at Quad Cities Station to store spent nuclear fuel in dry casks in order to free space in the storage pool. The first pad at the ISFSI is expected to facilitate storage of casks to support operations at Quad Cities Station until at least 2020. The first storage in a dry cask commenced in November 2005. By 2020, Exelon Generation plans to add a second pad to the ISFSI to accommodate storage of spent nuclear fuel through the end of operations at Quad Cities Station.
Nuclear Insurance

MidAmerican Energy maintains financial protection against catastrophic loss associated with its interest in Quad Cities Station through a combination of insurance purchased by Exelon Generation, insurance purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy, and the mandatory industry-wide loss funding mechanism afforded under the Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 1988 ("Price-Anderson"), which was amended and extended by the Energy Policy Act. The general types of coverage maintained are: nuclear liability, property damage or loss and nuclear worker liability, as discussed below.

Exelon Generation purchases private market nuclear liability insurance for Quad Cities Station in the maximum available amount of $450 million, which includes coverage for MidAmerican Energy's ownership. In accordance with Price-Anderson, excess liability protection above that amount is provided by a mandatory industry-wide Secondary Financial Protection program under which the licensees of nuclear generating facilities could be assessed for liability incurred due to a serious nuclear incident at any commercial nuclear reactor in the United States. Currently, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate maximum potential share of an assessment for Quad Cities Station is approximately $69 million per incident, payable in installments not to exceed $10 million annually.


The insurance for nuclear property damage losses covers property damage, stabilization and decontamination of the facility, disposal of the decontaminated material and premature decommissioning arising out of a covered loss. For Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation purchases primary and excess property insurance protection for the combined interests in Quad Cities Station, with coverage limits for nuclear damage losses up to $1.5 billion. MidAmerican Energy also directly purchases extra expense coverage for its share of replacement power and other extra expenses in the event of a covered accidental outage at Quad Cities Station. The property and related coverages purchased directly by MidAmerican Energy and by Exelon Generation, which includes the interests of MidAmerican Energy, are underwritten by an industry mutual insurance company and contain provisions for retrospective premium assessments to be called upon based on the industry mutual board of directors' discretion for adverse loss experience. Currently, the maximum retrospective amounts that could be assessed against MidAmerican Energy from industry mutual policies for its obligations associated with Quad Cities Station total $8 million.

The master nuclear worker liability coverage, which is purchased by Exelon Generation for Quad Cities Station, is an industry-wide guaranteed-cost policy with an aggregate limit of $450 million for the nuclear industry as a whole, which is in effect to cover tort claims of workers in nuclear-related industries.

United States Mine Safety

PacifiCorp's mining operations are regulated by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, which administers federal mine safety and health laws and regulations, and state regulatory agencies. The Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has the statutory authority to institute a civil action for relief, including a temporary or permanent injunction, restraining order or other appropriate order against a mine operator who fails to pay penalties or fines for violations of federal mine safety standards. Federal law requires PacifiCorp to have a written emergency response plan specific to each underground mine it operates, which is reviewed by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration every six months, and to have at least two mine rescue teams located within one hour of each mine. Information regarding PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.

Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Subsidiaries

The Pipeline Companies are regulated by the FERC, pursuant to the NGA and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978. Under this authority, the FERC regulates, among other items, (a) rates, charges, terms and conditions of service and (b) the construction and operation of interstate pipelines, storage and related facilities, including the extension, expansion or abandonment of such facilities. The Pipeline Companies hold certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the FERC, which authorize them to construct, operate and maintain their pipeline and related facilities and services.

FERC regulations and the Pipeline Companies' tariffs allow each of the Pipeline Companies to charge approved rates for the services set forth in their respective tariff. Generally, these rates are a function of the cost of providing services to their customers, including prudently incurred operations and maintenance expenses, taxes, depreciation and amortization and a reasonable return on their invested capital. Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariff rates have been developed under a rate design methodology whereby substantially all of their fixed costs, including a return on invested capital and income taxes, are collected through reservation charges, which are paid by firm transportation and storage customers regardless of volumes shipped. Commodity charges, which are paid only with respect to volumes actually shipped, are designed to recover the remaining, primarily variable, costs. Kern River's reservation rates have historically been approved using a "levelized" cost-of-service methodology so that the rate remains constant over the levelization period. This levelized cost of service has been achieved by using a FERC-approved depreciation schedule in which depreciation increases as interest expense and return on equity amounts decrease.

Both Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's rates are subject to change in future general rate proceedings. Rates for natural gas pipelines are changed by filings under either Section 5 or Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act. Section 5 proceedings are initiated by the FERC or the pipeline's customers for a potential reduction to rates that the FERC finds are no longer just and reasonable. In a Section 5 proceeding, the FERC has the burden of demonstrating that the currently effective rates of the pipeline are no longer just and reasonable, and of establishing just and reasonable rates. Any rate decrease as a result of a Section 5 proceeding would be implemented prospectively upon the issuance of a final FERC order calculating the new just and reasonable rates. Section 4 rate proceedings are initiated by the natural gas pipeline, who must demonstrate that the new proposed rates are just and reasonable. The new rates as a result of a Section 4 proceeding are typically implemented six months after the Section 4 filing and are subject to refund upon issuance of a final order by the FERC.

Natural gas transportation companies may not grant any undue preference to any customer. FERC regulations also restrict each pipeline's marketing affiliates' access to certain non-public information regarding their affiliated interstate natural gas transmission pipelines.


Interstate natural gas pipelines are also subject to regulations administered by the Office of Pipeline Safety within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Transportation ("DOT"). Federal pipeline safety regulations are issued pursuant to the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended ("NGPSA"), which establishes safety requirements in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of interstate natural gas facilities, and requires an entity that owns or operates pipeline facilities to comply with such plans. Major amendments to the NGPSA include the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 ("2002 Act"), the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 ("2006 Act"), the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ("2011 Act") and the Protecting Our Infrastructure Of Pipelines And Enhancing Safety Act Of 2016 ("2016 Act").

The 2002 Act established additional safety and pipeline integrity regulations for all natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas. The 2002 Act imposed major new requirements in the areas of operator qualifications, risk analysis and integrity management. The 2002 Act mandated more frequent periodic inspection or testing of natural gas pipelines in high-consequence areas, which are locations where the potential consequences of a natural gas pipeline accident may be significant or may do considerable harm to persons or property. Pursuant to the 2002 Act, the DOT promulgated new regulations that require natural gas pipeline operators to develop comprehensive integrity management programs, to identify applicable threats to natural gas pipeline segments that could impact high-consequence areas, to assess these segments and to provide ongoing mitigation and monitoring. The regulations require recurring inspections of high-consequence area segments every seven years after the initial baseline assessment which was completed by Kern River in early 2011 and Northern Natural Gas in 2012.

The 2006 Act required pipeline operators to institute human factors management plans for personnel employed in pipeline control centers. DOT regulations published pursuant to the 2006 Act required development and implementation of written control room management procedures.

The 2011 Act was a response to natural gas pipeline incidents, most notably the San Bruno natural gas pipeline explosion that occurred in September 2010 in California. The 2011 Act increased the maximum allowable civil penalties for violations, directs operator assistance for Federal authorities conducting investigations and authorized the DOT to hire additional inspection and enforcement personnel. The 2011 Act also directed the DOT to study several topics, including the definition of high-consequence areas, the use of automatic shutoff valves in high-consequence areas, expansion of integrity management requirements beyond high-consequence areas and cast iron pipe replacement. The studies are complete, and a number of notices of proposed rulemaking have been issued. The BHE Pipeline Group anticipates final rules on a number of areas sometime in 2019. The BHE Pipeline Group cannot currently assess the potential cost of compliance with new rules and regulations under the 2011 Act.

The 2016 Act required the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to set federal minimum safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities and authorized emergency order (interim final rule) authority. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an interim final rule requiring underground natural gas storage field operators to implement the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute ("API") Recommended Practice 1171, "Functional Integrity of Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Aquifer Reservoirs." Northern Natural Gas has three underground natural gas storage fields which fall under this regulation and has implemented programs to be in full compliance with this regulation. Kern River does not have underground natural gas storage facilities.

The DOT and related state agencies routinely audit and inspect the pipeline facilities for compliance with their regulations. The Pipeline Companies conduct internal audits of their facilities every four years with more frequent reviews of those deemed higher risk. The Pipeline Companies also conduct preliminary audits in advance of agency audits. Compliance issues that arise during these audits or during the normal course of business are addressed on a timely basis. The Pipeline Companies believe their pipeline systems comply in all material respects with the NGPSA and with DOT regulations issued pursuant to the NGPSA.

Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. GEMA regulates distribution network operators ("DNOs") within the terms of the Electricity Act 1989 and the terms of DNO licenses, which are revocable with 25 years notice. Under the Electricity Act 1989, GEMA has a duty to ensure that DNOs can finance their regulated activities and DNOs have a duty to maintain an investment grade credit rating. GEMA discharges certain of its duties through its staff within Ofgem. Each of fourteen licensed DNOs distributes electricity from the national grid transmission system to end users within its respective distribution services area.


DNOs are subject to price controls, enforced by Ofgem, that limit the revenue that may be recovered and retained from their electricity distribution activities. The regulatory regime that has been applied to electricity distributors in Great Britain encourages companies to look for efficiency gains in order to improve profits. The distribution price control formula also adjusts the revenue received by DNOs to reflect a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the rate of inflation (as measured by the United Kingdom's Retail Prices Index) and the quality of service delivered by the licensee's distribution system. The current price control, Electricity Distribution 1 ("ED1"), has been set for a period of eight years, starting April 1, 2015, although the formula has been, and may be, reviewed by the regulator following public consultation. The procedure and methodology adopted at a price control review are at the reasonable discretion of Ofgem. Ofgem's judgment of the future allowed revenue of licensees is likely to take into account, among other things:
the actual operating and capital costs of each of the licensees;
the operating and capital costs that each of the licensees would incur if it were as efficient as, in Ofgem's judgment, the more efficient licensees;
the actual value of certain costs which are judged to be beyond the control of the licensees;
the taxes that each licensee is expected to pay;
the regulatory value ascribed to the expenditures that have been incurred in the past and the efficient expenditures that are to be incurred in the forthcoming regulatory period;
the rate of return to be allowed on expenditures that make up the regulatory asset value;
the financial ratios of each of the licensees and the license requirement for each licensee to maintain investment grade status;
an allowance in respect of the repair of the pension deficits in the defined benefit pension schemes sponsored by each of the licensees; and
any under- or over-recoveries of revenues, relative to allowed revenues, in the previous price control period.

A number of incentive schemes also operate within the current price control period to encourage DNOs to provide an appropriate quality of service to end users. This includes specified payments to be made for failures to meet prescribed standards of service. The aggregate of these guaranteed standards payments is uncapped, but may be excused in certain prescribed circumstances that are generally beyond the control of the DNOs.

A new price control can be implemented by GEMA without the consent of the DNOs, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's CMA, as can certain other parties. Any appeals must be notified within 20 working days of the license modification by GEMA. If the CMA determines that the appellant has relevant standing, then the statute requires that the CMA complete its process within six months, or in some exceptional circumstances seven months. The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies appealed Ofgem's proposals for the resetting of the formula that commenced April 1, 2015, as did one other party, and the CMA subsequently revised GEMA's decision.

The current electricity distribution price control became effective April 1, 2015 and is due to terminate on March 31, 2023. The current price control was the first to be set for electricity distribution in Great Britain since Ofgem completed its review of network regulation (known as the RPI-X @ 20 project). The key changes to the price control calculations, compared to those used in previous price controls are that:
the period over which new regulatory assets are depreciated is being gradually lengthened, from 20 years to 45 years, with the change being phased over eight years;
allowed revenues will be adjusted during the price control period, rather than at the next price control review, to partially reflect cost variances relative to cost allowances;
the allowed cost of debt will be updated within the price control period by reference to a long-run trailing average based on external benchmarks of utility debt costs;
allowed revenues will be adjusted in relation to some new service standard incentives, principally relating to speed and service standards for new connections to the network; and
there is scope for a mid-period review and adjustment to revenues in the latter half of the period for any changes in the outputs required of licensees for certain specified reasons.


Under the current price control, as revised by the CMA, and excluding the effects of incentive schemes and any deferred revenues from the prior price control, the base allowed revenue of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc remains constant in all subsequent years within the price control period (RIIO-ED1) through 2022-23, before the addition of inflation. Nominal base allowed revenues will increase in line with inflation.

In December 2018, GEMA, through Ofgem published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Refer to "Regulatory Matters" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

Ofgem also monitors DNO compliance with license conditions and enforces the remedies resulting from any breach of condition. License conditions include the prices and terms of service, financial strength of the DNO, the provision of information to Ofgem and the public, as well as maintaining transparency, non-discrimination and avoidance of cross-subsidy in the provision of such services. Ofgem also monitors and enforces certain duties of a DNO set out in the Electricity Act 1989, including the duty to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity distribution. Under changes to the Electricity Act 1989 introduced by the Utilities Act 2000, GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their license duties or certain of their duties under the Electricity Act 1989, as amended, or that are failing to achieve a satisfactory performance in relation to the individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the licensee's revenue.

ALP Transmission

ALP is regulated by the AUC, pursuant to the Electric Utilities Act (Alberta), the Public Utilities Act (Alberta), the Alberta Utilities Commission Act (Alberta) and the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (Alberta). The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems. The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing.

The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers paid by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta, Canada that controls the operation of ALP's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulation and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

ALP's tariffs are regulated by the AUC under the provisions of the Electric Utilities Act in respect of rates and terms and conditions of service. The Electric Utilities Act and related regulations require the AUC to consider that it is in the public interest to provide consumers the benefit of unconstrained transmission access to competitive generation and the wholesale electricity market. In regulating transmission tariffs, the AUC must facilitate sufficient investment to ensure the timely upgrade, enhancement or expansion of transmission facilities, and foster a stable investment climate and a continued stream of capital investment for the transmission system.


Under the Electric Utilities Act, ALP prepares and files applications with the AUC for approval of tariffs to be paid by the AESO for the use of its transmission facilities, and the terms and conditions governing the use of those facilities. The AUC reviews and approves such tariff applications based on a cost-of-service regulatory model under a forward test year basis. Under this model, the AUC provides ALP with a reasonable opportunity to (i) recover the net book value of assets and all prudently incurred costs; (ii) earn a fair return on equity; and (iii) recover its forecast costs, including operating expenses, depreciation, borrowing costs and taxes associated with its regulated transmission business. The AUC must approve tariffs that are just, reasonable and not unduly preferential, arbitrary or unjustly discriminatory. ALP's transmission tariffs are not dependent on the price or volume of electricity transported through its transmission system.

The AESO is an independent system operator in Alberta, Canada that oversees the AIES and wholesale electricity market. The AESO is responsible for directing the safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIES, including long-term transmission system planning. ALP and the other transmission facility owners receive substantially all of their transmission tariff revenues from the AESO. The AESO, in turn, charges wholesale tariffs, approved by the AUC, in a manner that promotes fair and open access to the AIES and facilitates a competitive market for the purchase and sale of electricity. The AESO monitors compliance with approved reliability standards, which are enforced by the Market Surveillance Administrator, which may impose penalties on transmission facility owners for non-compliance with the approved reliability standards.

The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of the AESO market participants. When the AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that certain transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualified bidders.

Independent Power Projects

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Power Resources, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Jumbo Road, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge, Pinyon Pines, Santa Rita, Alamo 6 and Pearl independent power projects are Exempt Wholesale Generators ("EWG") under the Energy Policy Act, while the Community Solar Gardens, Imperial Valley and Wailuku independent power projects are currently certified as Qualifying Facilities ("QF") under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Both EWGs and QFs are generally exempt from compliance with extensive federal and state regulations that control the financial structure of an electric generating plant and the prices and terms at which electricity may be sold by the facilities.

The Yuma, Cordova, Saranac, Imperial Valley, Topaz, Agua Caliente, Solar Star, Bishop Hill II, Marshall, Grande Prairie, Walnut Ridge and Pinyon Pines independent power projects have obtained authority from the FERC to sell their power using market-based rates. This authority to sell electricity in wholesale electricity markets at market-based rates is subject to triennial reviews conducted by the FERC. Accordingly, the respective independent power projects are required to submit triennial filings to the FERC that demonstrate a lack of market power over sales of wholesale electricity and electric generation capacity in their respective market areas. The Pinyon Pines, Solar Star, Topaz and Yuma independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Southwest Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Region was made in June 2016 and an order accepting it was issued December 2016. The Cordova and Saranac independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Northeast Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Northeast Region was made in June 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in January 2018. The Bishop Hill II independent power project and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together with MidAmerican Energy and certain affiliates for market power study purposes of the FERC-defined Central Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Central Region was made in December 2017 and an order accepting it was issued in November 2018. The Marshall and Grande Prairie independent power projects and power marketer CalEnergy, LLC file together for market power study purposes in the FERC-defined Southwest Power Pool Region. The most recent triennial filing for the Southwest Power Pool Region was made in December 2018 and is awaiting FERC action.

The entire output of Jumbo Road, Santa Rita, Alamo 6, Pearl and Power Resources is within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas ("ERCOT") and market-based authority is not required for such sales solely within ERCOT as the ERCOT market is not a FERC-jurisdictional market. Similarly, Wailuku sells its output solely to the Hawaii Electric Light Company within the Hawaii electric grid which is not a FERC-jurisdictional market and Wailuku therefore does not require market-based rate authority.


EWGs are permitted to sell capacity and electricity only in the wholesale markets, not to end users. Additionally, utilities are required to purchase electricity produced by QFs at a price that does not exceed the purchasing utility's "avoided cost" and to sell back-up power to the QFs on a non-discriminatory basis, unless they have successfully petitioned the FERC for an exemption from this purchase requirement. Avoided cost is defined generally as the price at which the utility could purchase or produce the same amount of power from sources other than the QF on a long-term basis. The Energy Policy Act eliminated the purchase requirement for utilities with respect to new contracts under certain conditions. New QF contracts are also subject to FERC rate filing requirements, unlike QF contracts entered into prior to the Energy Policy Act. FERC regulations also permit QFs and utilities to negotiate agreements for utility purchases of power at rates other than the utilities' avoided cost.

The Philippine Congress has passed the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 ("EPIRA"), which is aimed at restructuring the Philippine power industry, privatizing the National Power Corporation and introducing a competitive electricity market, among other initiatives. The implementation of EPIRA may impact future operations in the Philippines and the Philippine power industry as a whole, the effect of which is not yet known as changes resulting from EPIRA are ongoing.

Residential Real Estate Brokerage Company

HomeServices is regulated by the United States Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection under the Truth In Lending Act ("TILA") and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"); the United States Federal Trade Commission with respect to certain franchising activities; and by state agencies where it operates. TILA primarily governs the real estate lending process by mandating lenders to fully inform borrowers about loan costs. RESPA primarily governs the real estate settlement process by mandating all parties fully inform borrowers about all closing costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices and business relationships between closing service providers and other parties to the transaction.


REGULATORY MATTERS

In addition to the discussion contained herein regarding regulatory matters, refer to "General Regulation" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the general regulatory framework.

PacifiCorp

In June 2017, PacifiCorp filed two applications each with the UPSC, IPUC and the WPSC for the Energy Vision 2020 project. The first application sought approvals to construct or procure four new Wyoming wind resources with a total capacity of 860 MWs identified as benchmark resources and certain transmission facilities. A request for proposals was issued in September 2017 seeking up to 1,270 MWs to compete against PacifiCorp's benchmark resources in the final resource selection process for the project. PacifiCorp selected four wind resource bids from this solicitation totaling 1,311 MWs, consisting of 1,111 MWs owned and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. The combined new wind and transmission projects will cost approximately $2 billion. In October 2018, the WPSC approved a settlement agreement and certificates of public convenience and necessity for the transmission facilities and three of the selected wind resources. The settlement supports 950 MWs of owned wind resources and a 200-MW power purchase agreement. Hearings were held by the UPSC and IPUC in May 2018. The UPSC approved the application in an order issued in June 2018. The order grants approval for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities up to the projected costs. PacifiCorp can seek recovery of any actual costs in excess of the estimates in a general rate case. The IPUC approved a partial settlement agreement in an order issued in July 2018. The settlement provides cost recovery through a tracking mechanism. The IPUC order caps cost recovery at the overall estimated costs for the 1,150 MWs of new wind and transmission facilities. The second application sought approval of PacifiCorp's resource decision to upgrade or "repower" existing wind resources, with the exception of the Foote Creek I facility, as prudent and in the public interest. PacifiCorp estimates the wind repowering project will cost approximately $1 billion. Applications filed in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming seek approval for the proposed rate-making treatment associated with the projects, including recovery of the replaced equipment. In December 2017, the IPUC approved an all-party stipulation for approval of the application to repower existing wind facilities and allow recovery of costs in rates through an adjustment to the annual ECAM filing. In May 2018, the UPSC approved the application for repowering, up to the estimated costs, with the exception of the Leaning Juniper project, for which the commission expressed concern with the economics. The WPSC approved an all-party settlement agreement to repower wind facilities in a bench decision in June 2018 and a written order was issued in December 2018. In the decision, the WPSC specifically removed the Leaning Juniper project from the agreement and the approval, consistent with the treatment in Utah. In October 2018, based on improved economics, PacifiCorp decided to proceed with the Leaning Juniper project, which will be subject to a standard prudence review in future general rate cases. In February 2019, PacifiCorp filed a certificate of public convenience and necessity application with the WPSC requesting to repower the existing Foote Creek I wind facility. PacifiCorp requested a determination by May 1, 2019.


During 2018, the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018. In December 2018, PacifiCorp submitted filings with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC and the WUTC seeking approval to recover the settlement charge. Also in December 2018, an advice letter was filed with the CPUC requesting a memo account to record the costs associated with pension and postretirement settlements and curtailments.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. PacifiCorp has agreed to refund or defer the impact of the tax law change with each of its state regulatory commissions. The status of the tax reform proceedings are noted in the applicable state section below.
Utah Mine Disposition

In December 2014, PacifiCorp filed an advice letter with the CPUC to request approval to sell certain Utah mining assets and to establish memorandum accounts to track the costs associated with the Utah Mine Disposition for future recovery. In July 2015, the CPUC Energy Division issued a letter requiring PacifiCorp to file a formal application for approval of the sale of certain Utah mining assets. Accordingly, in September 2015, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC. In February 2017, a joint motion was filed with the CPUC seeking approval of a settlement agreement reached by PacifiCorp and all other parties. The agreement states, among other things, that the decision to sell certain Utah mining assets is in the public interest. Parties also reserve their rights to additional testimony, briefs and hearings to the extent the CPUC determines that additional California Environmental Quality Act proceedings are necessary. In September 2018, the CPUC issued a decision that (1) approves, with modification, the stipulation entered into between PacifiCorp and all other parties; (2) finds that the sale of the mining assets and early closure of the Deer Creek mine was in the public interest; and (3) finds that the California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the sale of the mining assets.

For additional information related to the accounting impacts associated with the Utah Mine Disposition, refer to Notes 5 and 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Depreciation Rate Study

In September 2018, PacifiCorp filed applications for depreciation rate changes with the UPSC, the OPUC, the WPSC, the WUTC and the IPUC based on PacifiCorp's most recent depreciation study. The proposed depreciation rate changes would increase annual depreciation expense by approximately $300 million. The depreciation study will continue to be evaluated by the state commissions during 2019 and is subject to their review and approval. PacifiCorp requested that the new depreciation rates become effective January 1, 2021. The impacts of the new depreciation study will be included in rates as part of a future regulatory proceeding.

Utah

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual EBA with the UPSC seeking approval to recover $3 million in deferred net power costs from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, reflecting the difference between base and actual net power costs in the 2017 deferral period. The rate change was approved by the UPSC effective May 1, 2018 on an interim basis. A hearing on final approval was held in February 2019, and final approval is expected in March 2019.

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual REC balancing account application with the UPSC seeking to recover $1 million from customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for the difference in base and actual RECs. The rate change became effective on an interim basis June 1, 2018, with final approval received in August 2018.

In April 2018, the UPSC ordered a rate reduction of $61 million, or 4.7%, effective May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, based on a preliminary estimate of the revenue requirement impact of 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the UPSC approved an all-party settlement that continues the current rate reduction of $61 million, with other benefits provided to customers through a combination of $174 million of accelerated depreciation of certain thermal steam plant units and deferral of other benefits to offset costs in the next general rate case.


Oregon

In March 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its filing for the annual TAM filing in Oregon requesting an annual increase of $17 million, or an average price increase of 1.3%, based on forecasted net power costs and loads for calendar year 2019. The filing includes an update of the impact of expiring production tax credits, which accounts for $11 million of the total rate adjustment, consistent with Oregon Senate Bill 1547. The filing was updated in July to reflect an all-party partial stipulation resolving all but one issue in the proceeding and to update changes in contracts and market conditions. The OPUC approved the all-party partial stipulation and resolved all issues in the proceeding in an order issued in October 2018. PacifiCorp submitted the final update in November 2018 that reflected a rate decrease of $1 million, or an average price decrease of 0.1%, effective January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Oregon resulting from 2017 Tax Reform. PacifiCorp reached an all-party settlement on the amortization of the current income tax expense benefits and the deferral of the decision regarding the ratemaking treatment of excess deferred income tax balances until PacifiCorp's next rate case. The settlement, which results in a rate reduction of $48 million, or 3.7%, effective February 1, 2019, was approved by the OPUC in January 2019.

In December 2018, PacifiCorp filed an application requesting recovery of $37 million, or a 2.8% increase in rates, associated with repowering of approximately 900 MWs of company-owned and installed wind facilities. A decision is expected from the OPUC in September 2019.

Wyoming

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM and RRA application with the WPSC. The filing requests approval to refund $3 million in deferred net power costs to customers for the period January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The rate change was approved by the WPSC on an interim basis, effective July 1, 2018. The WPSC approved the rates as final in December 2018.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a partial settlement related to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform with the WPSC that provides a rate reduction of $23 million, or 3.3%, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, with the remaining tax savings to be deferred with offsets to other costs. In June 2018, the WPSC approved the rate reduction on an interim basis. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed reports with the WPSC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $28 million annually, comprised of $20 million in current tax savings and $8 million for the amortization of excess deferred income tax. These reports initiated the next phase of the proceedings including a hearing held in January 2019 and public deliberations in February 2019. During public deliberations the WPSC approved the continuation of the rate reduction until the next general rate case with other savings to be deferred to offset other costs. A written order is pending.
Washington

In December 2017, PacifiCorp submitted a tariff filing to implement the first price change for the decoupling mechanism approved in PacifiCorp's 2015 regulatory rate review. WUTC staff disputed PacifiCorp's interpretation of the WUTC's order for the decoupling mechanism and PacifiCorp's subsequent calculations requesting additional funds be booked for return to customers. In February 2018, the WUTC granted the staff's motions and rejected PacifiCorp's tariff revision and required that PacifiCorp re-file price changes for its decoupling mechanism. In March 2018, the WUTC issued a letter accepting PacifiCorp's revised compliance filing in the decoupling revenue adjustment docket. The filing resulted in a net credit of $2 million to customers, effective April 1, 2018.

In May 2018, PacifiCorp filed a settlement stipulation and joint narrative in support of the settlement stipulation resolving all issues in the 2016 PCAM with the WUTC. The settlement agreement resulted in a net credit to the PCAM balancing account of $5 million. The WUTC issued an order in July 2018 approving the settlement.

In June 2018, PacifiCorp submitted its 2017 PCAM filing with the WUTC seeking approval to credit $13 million to the PCAM balancing account. No rate changes were requested. In August 2018, the WUTC issued an order approving PacifiCorp's filing and directed PacifiCorp to amortize the PCAM balance of $18 million over a 12-month period effective November 1, 2018.

In November 2018, PacifiCorp proposed to reduce customer rates by $8 million, or 2.3%, effective January 1, 2019, to reflect the lower annual current income tax expense in Washington resulting from 2017 Tax Reform and to defer all other tax savings to offset costs in the next general rate case. PacifiCorp's proposal was approved by the WUTC in December 2018.

Idaho

In March 2018, PacifiCorp filed its annual ECAM application with the IPUC requesting recovery of $8 million for deferred costs in 2017. This filing includes recovery of the difference in actual net power costs to the base level in rates, an adder for recovery of the Lake Side 2 resource, recovery of Deer Creek longwall mine investment and changes in production tax credits and renewable energy credits. The IPUC approved recovery of the deferred costs. As the new approved recovery amount is less than what is currently in rates, it resulted in a rate reduction of $2 million, or 0.8%, effective June 1, 2018.

In May 2018, the IPUC approved an all-party settlement to implement a rate reduction of $6 million, or 2.2%, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019, to pass back a portion of the benefits associated with 2017 Tax Reform. The credit may be adjusted following the next phase of the proceeding. In June 2018, PacifiCorp filed a report with the IPUC with the calculation of the full impact of the tax law change on revenue requirement of $11 million annually, comprised of $8 million in current tax savings and $3 million of the amortization of excess deferred income tax. This report initiated the next phase of the proceeding. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

California

In April 2017, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC for an overall rate increase of $3 million, or 1.3%, to recover costs recorded in the catastrophic events memorandum account over a two-year period effective April 1, 2018. The catastrophic events memorandum account includes costs for implementing drought-related fire hazard mitigation measures and storm damage and recovery efforts associated with the December 2016 and January 2017 winter storms. The CPUC issued an order in February 2018 approving this request.

In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a general rate case with the CPUC for an overall rate increase of $1 million, or 0.9%, effective January 1, 2019. A CPUC decision is pending.

On September 21, 2018, California's governor signed legislation to strengthen California's ability to prevent and recover from catastrophic wildfires, including Senate Bill 901 ("SB 901"). SB 901 requires electric utilities to prepare and submit wildfire mitigation plans that describe the utilities' plans to prevent, combat and respond to wildfires affecting their service territories. PacifiCorp filed its wildfire mitigation plan with the CPUC on February 6, 2019. The wildfire mitigation plan incorporates the requirements outlined in SB 901, including situational awareness, system hardening, vegetation management and procedures for proactive de-energization in certain high risk areas during times of extreme danger. A workshop was held February 13, 2019, at which time PacifiCorp briefly described its wildfire mitigation plan as filed. Additional workshops and hearings are scheduled through March 2019.

MidAmerican Energy

Ratemaking Principles

In August 2016, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 2,000 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles modified the revenue sharing mechanism, and for 2018, sharing was triggered by MidAmerican Energy's actual equity return being above a threshold calculated annually in accordance with the order. The threshold was the weighted average equity return of rate base with returns authorized via ratemaking principles proceedings and all other rate base. For all other rate base, the return is based on interest rates on 30-year A-rated utility bond yields plus 400 basis points, with a minimum return of 9.5%. Pursuant to this mechanism, MidAmerican Energy shared with customers 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger in 2018, and such sharing will reduce generation rate base.

In December 2018, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 591 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles modified the revenue sharing mechanism for 2019 and beyond by capping the return on equity threshold for sharing at 11% and reducing the customer sharing percentage from 100% to 90%.


2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Accumulated deferred income tax balances were re-measured at the 21% rate, and regulatory liabilities increased pursuant to mechanisms approved in Iowa and Illinois and anticipated to be adopted in South Dakota. In December 2018, the IUB approved in final form a Tax Expense Revision Mechanism that reduces customer electric rates for the impact of the lower income tax rate on current operations, as calculated annually, and defers the amortization of excess accumulated deferred income taxes created by their re-measurement to a regulatory liability, the disposition of which will be determined in MidAmerican Energy's next rate case. For all MidAmerican Energy rate jurisdictions, customer revenue was reduced $93 million in 2018 through these mechanisms.

NV Energy (Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific)

Regulatory Rate Reviews

In June 2017, Nevada Power filed an electric regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing supported an annual revenue increase of $29 million, or 2%, but requested no incremental annual revenue relief. In December 2017, the PUCN issued an order which reduced Nevada Power's revenue requirement by $26 million and requires Nevada Power to share 50% of regulatory earnings above 9.7%. In January 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for clarification of certain findings and directives in the order and intervening parties filed motions for reconsideration. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting petitions for clarification and reconsideration and modified the December 2017 order requiring Nevada Power to record additional expense for carrying charges on impact fees received but not yet included in rates. As a result of the order, Nevada Power recorded expense of $44 million in 2018, which consists of regulatory earnings sharing of $38 million and carrying charges of $6 million, and $28 million in December 2017, primarily due to the reduction of a regulatory asset to return to customers revenue collected for costs not incurred. The new rates were effective February 15, 2018.

2017 Tax Reform

2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. In February 2018, the Nevada Utilities made filings with the PUCN proposing a tax rate reduction rider for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated to result from 2017 Tax Reform for 2018 and beyond. The filings supported an annual rate reduction of $59 million and $25 million for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific, respectively. In March 2018, the PUCN issued an order approving the rate reduction proposed by the Nevada Utilities. The new rates were effective April 1, 2018. The order extended the procedural schedule to allow parties additional discovery relevant to 2017 Tax Reform and a hearing was held in July 2018. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order directing the Nevada Utilities to record the amortization of any excess protected accumulated deferred income tax arising from the 2017 Tax Reform as a regulatory liability effective January 1, 2018. Subsequently, the Nevada Utilities filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the amortization of protected excess accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the September 2018 order. In December 2018, the Nevada Utilities filed a petition for judicial review.
In March 2018, the FERC issued a Show Cause Order related to 2017 Tax Reform. In May 2018, in response to the Show Cause Order, the Nevada Utilities proposed a reduction to transmission and certain ancillary service rates under the NV Energy OATT for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated from 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate reduction effective March 21, 2018 as filed and refunds to customers were made in December 2018 totaling $1 million each for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. In addition, FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on public utility transmission rate changes to address accumulated deferred income taxes.

EEPR and EEIR

In March 2018, the Nevada Utilities each filed an application to reset the EEIR and EEPR and to refund the EEIR revenue received in 2017, including carrying charges. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order accepting a stipulation requiring the Nevada Utilities to refund the 2017 revenue and reset the rates as filed effective October 1, 2018. The current EEIR liability for Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific is $9 million and $2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018.


Chapter 704B Applications

In October 2016, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier. In April 2017, Wynn filed a motion with the PUCN seeking relief from the January 2016 order that established the impact fee that was paid in September 2016 and requested the PUCN adopt an alternative impact fee and revise on-going charges associated with retirement of assets and high cost renewable contracts. In September 2018, the PUCN granted relief requiring Nevada Power to credit $3 million as an offset against Wynn's remaining impact fee obligation. In October 2018, Wynn elected to pay the net present value lump sum of its Renewable Base Tariff Energy Rate ("R-BTER") obligation of $2 million, net of the $3 million credit. The PUCN ordered Nevada Power to establish a regulatory liability of $5 million amortized in equal monthly installments through December 2022 and to establish a regulatory asset of $3 million for the impact fee credit. Wynn's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's electric system in the year of filing.

In November 2016, Caesars Enterprise Service ("Caesars"), a customer of the Nevada Utilities, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. Caesars' estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 2% and less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's electric systems, respectively, in the year of filing. In March 2017, the PUCN approved the application allowing Caesars to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In March 2017, Caesars provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee monthly for three and six years at Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power, respectively, and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In July 2017, Caesars made the required compliance filings and, in September 2017, the PUCN issued an order allowing Caesars to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become a distribution-only service customer of the Nevada Utilities. In January 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Sierra Pacific service territory. In February 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer, started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Nevada Power service territory and began paying Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific impact fees of $44 million in 72 equal monthly payments and $4 million in 36 equal monthly payments, respectively.

In May 2017, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino ("Peppermill"), a customer of Sierra Pacific, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Sierra Pacific. Peppermill's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Sierra Pacific's electric system in the year of filing. In August 2017, the PUCN approved a stipulation allowing Peppermill to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In September 2017, Peppermill provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In April 2018, Peppermill paid a one-time impact fee of $3 million and became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier.

In June 2018, Station Casinos LLC ("Station"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. Station's estimated peak demand at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of Nevada Power's electric system in the year of filing. In October 2018, the PUCN approved an order allowing Station to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee of $15 million. In November 2018, Station filed a petition for reconsideration with the PUCN to allow Station to pay its share of the R-BTER in a single lump sum, receive a credit for a portion of impact fees previously paid by past 704B applicants and receive a credit for a portion of incremental transmission revenue associated with expected sales to others. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the October 2018 order.

As of February 2019, the Nevada Utilities have received communications from 11 additional current and pending customers, of which four provided a letter of intent to file with the PUCN an application and seven have filed an application to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become distribution-only service customers. The estimated peak demand of all of the applicants at the time of filing represents less than 1% of the peak demand of each of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's electric systems in the year of filing.


Net Metering

In July 2017, the Nevada Utilities filed with the PUCN proposed amendments to their tariffs necessary to comply with the provisions of AB 405. The filing in July 2017 also included a proposed optional time-differentiated rate schedule for both Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. In September 2017, the PUCN issued an order directing the Nevada Utilities to place all new private generation customers who have submitted applications after June 15, 2017, into a new rate class with rates equal to the rate class they would be in if they were not private generation customers. Private generation customers with installed net metering systems less than 25 kilowatts prior to June 15, 2017, may elect to migrate to the new rate class created under AB 405 or stay in their otherwise-applicable rate class. The new AB 405 rates became effective December 1, 2017. In February 2018, the Nevada Utilities filed with the PUCN a settlement agreement resolving the outstanding issues related to its proposal for optional time-differentiated rate schedules. In March 2018, the PUCN approved the settlement agreement.

Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies

GEMA, through the Ofgem, published its RIIO-2 sector methodology consultation in December 2018, continuing the process of developing the next set of price control arrangements that will be implemented for transmission and gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Ofgem explicitly states that this consultation does not set out proposals for Northern Powergrid's next price control, which will begin in April 2023. However, it also states that some of the proposals may be capable of application to that price control. Regarding allowed return on capital, Ofgem has stated that it currently considers that a cost of equity of 4.0% (plus inflation calculated using the United Kingdom's consumer prices index including owner occupiers' housing costs) would be appropriate for energy networks, which is approximately 2.5 percentage points lower than the current comparable cost of equity. This cost of equity assumption is based on a proposed debt capitalization assumption for the next price control of 60%, which is five percentage points lower than the 65% debt capitalization assumption for the current price control.

BHE Pipeline Group

Northern Natural Gas

In July 2018, the FERC issued a final rule adopting procedures for determining whether natural gas pipelines were collecting unjust and unreasonable rates in light of the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate from 2017 Tax Reform. Pursuant to the final rule, in October 2018, Northern Natural Gas filed an informational filing on FERC Form No. 501-G and a Statement Demonstrating Why No Rate Adjustment is Necessary. On January 16, 2019, FERC initiated a Section 5 investigation to determine whether the rates currently charged by Northern Natural Gas are just and reasonable. On January 28, 2019, Northern Natural Gas filed a motion moving the FERC to take notice of a significant error in its calculation of Northern Natural Gas' return on equity and terminate the Section 5 investigation. If the Section 5 investigation proceeds, Northern Natural Gas expects to file a general Section 4 rate case in 2019, as soon as July 1, 2019, which would supersede a Section 5 rate action to address Northern Natural Gas' significant investment. Northern Natural Gas believes a rate increase will result from the Section 4 rate case and rates would be implemented subject to refund in early 2020.

Kern River

In October 2018, Kern River filed an informational filing on FERC Form No. 501-G and a Statement Explaining Why No Rate Adjustment is Necessary, along with a Tax Reform Credit Rate Settlement in a companion docket. Kern River's Tax Reform Credit Rate Settlement offered an 11% rate credit against the Maximum Base Tariff Rates for firm service and any one-part rate that includes fixed costs which would result in an expected annual rate credit of $13 million. In November 2018, FERC approved Kern River's Tax Reform Credit to be effective November 15, 2018.

BHE Transmission

ALP

General Tariff Applications

ALP filed its 2017-2018 GTA in February 2016. ALP subsequently updated and refiled its 2017-2018 GTA in August 2016 to reflect the findings and conclusions of the AUC in its 2015-2016 GTA decision issued in May 2016. In October 2016, ALP amended its 2017-2018 GTA to reflect the impacts of the generic cost of capital decision issued in October 2016 and other updates and revisions. In December 2016, the AUC approved ALP's request to enter into a negotiated settlement process.


In January 2017, ALP successfully reached a negotiated settlement with all parties regarding all aspects of ALP's 2017-2018 GTA and in February 2017, ALP filed with the AUC the 2017-2018 negotiated settlement application for approval. The application consists of negotiated reductions of C$16 million of operating expenses and C$40 million of transmission maintenance and information technology capital expenditures over the two years, as well as an increase to miscellaneous revenue of C$3 million. These reductions resulted in a C$24 million, or 1.3%, net decrease to the two-year total revenue requirement applied for in ALP's 2017-2018 GTA amendment filed in October 2016. In addition, ALP proposed to provide significant tariff relief through the refund of previously collected accumulated depreciation surplus of C$130 million (C$125 million net of other related impacts). The negotiated settlement agreement also provides for additional potential reductions over the two years through a 50/50 cost savings sharing mechanism.

During the second quarter 2017, ALP responded to information requests from the AUC with respect to its 2017-2018 negotiated settlement agreement application filed in February 2017. In August 2017, the AUC issued a decision approving ALP's negotiated settlement agreement for the 2017-2018 GTA, as filed. Also, the AUC approved a C$31 million refund of accumulated depreciation surplus as opposed to the C$130 million refund proposed by ALP and three customer groups.

In November 2017, ALP filed and received AUC approval regarding its compliance filing, which includes revenue requirements of C$864 million and C$888 million for 2017 and 2018, respectively.

In August 2018, AltaLink filed its 2019-2021 GTA with the AUC, delivering on the first three years of its commitment to keep rates flat for customers for the next five years. The three-year application achieves flat tariffs by keeping operations and maintenance expense flat with the exception of salaries and wages and software licensing fees, transitioning to a new salvage recovery approach and continuing the use of the flow-through income tax method. In addition, similar to the $31 million refund approved by the AUC for the 2017-2018 GTA, AltaLink proposes to provide a further tariff reduction over the three years by refunding previously collected accumulated depreciation surplus of $31 million. The application requests the approval of revenue requirements of $885 million, $887 million and $889 million for 2019, 2020 and 2021 respectively, which are lower than the approved 2018 revenue requirement of $904 million. The forecast revenue requirement includes an 8.5% return on equity and 37% deemed equity approved by the AUC for 2019 and 2020, and assumes the same for 2021 as placeholders.

The information requests process commenced at the end of November 2018 and is expected to continue into early 2019. A hearing is expected in the second quarter of 2019.

2018 Generic Cost of Capital Proceeding

In July 2017, the AUC denied the utilities' request that the interim determinations of 8.5% return on equity and deemed capital structures for 2018 be made final, by stating that it is not prepared to finalize 2018 values in the absence of an evidentiary process and its intention to issue the generic cost of capital decision for 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the end of 2018 to reduce regulatory lag. The AUC also confirmed the process timelines with an oral hearing scheduled for March 2018.

In October 2017, ALP's evidence was submitted recommending a range of 9% to 10.75% return on equity, on a recommended equity ratio of 40%. ALP also filed evidence outlining increased uncertainties in the Alberta utility regulatory environment. In January 2018, the Consumers' Coalition of Alberta, the Utilities Consumer Advocate and the City of Calgary filed intervenor evidence. The return on equity recommended by the intervenors ranges from 6.3% to 7.75%. The equity ratio recommended by the intervenors for ALP ranges from 35% to 37%.

On August 2018, the AUC issued its decision on the 2018 GCOC proceeding to set the deemed capital structure and generic return on equity for 2018, 2019 and 2020. In its decision, the AUC set the return on equity at 8.5% for 2018, 2019 and 2020, and AltaLink's common equity ratio at 37% for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Deferral Account Reconciliation Application

In April 2017, ALP filed its application with the AUC with respect to ALP's 2014 projects and deferral accounts and specific 2015 projects. The application includes approximately C$2.0 billion in net capital additions. In June 2017, the AUC ruled that the scope of the deferral account proceeding would not be extended to consider the utilization of assets for which final cost approval is sought. However, the AUC will initiate a separate proceeding to address the issue of transmission asset utilization and how the corporate and property law principles applied in the Utility Asset Disposition decision may relate.

In December 2017, ALP amended its application to include the remaining capital projects completed in 2015. The amended 2014 and 2015 deferral account reconciliation application includes 110 completed projects with total gross capital additions, excluding AFUDC, of C$3.8 billion.

In September 2018, a hearing was held after the completion of an extensive information request process earlier in the year. Following written arguments in October 2018, the record of the proceeding was closed.

In December 2018, the AUC issued its decision in relation to the 2014-2015 Deferral Accounts Reconciliation Application. In its decision, the AUC approved 99% out of the C$3.8 billion capital project additions included in the application. Project costs of C$155 million were deferred to a future hearing. The AUC disallowed capital additions of C$30 million including applicable AFUDC, pending receipt of additional requested supporting documentation. On February 15, 2019 ALP refiled its 2014-2015 deferral accounts application to reflect the findings, conclusions and directions arising from this decision. In its compliance filing, ALP requested approval of interest in the amount of C$10 million on total outstanding amount of C$110 million to be recovered through a one-time payment from the AESO. In addition, the AUC ruled that it will put in placeholder amounts for the approved costs of the assets in the 2014-2015 deferral account proceeding until the AUC-initiated proceeding to consider the issue of transmission asset utilization.

First Nations Asset Transfer Application

In November 2018, the AUC approved ALP's application with conditions filed in April 2017 to sell and transfer approximately C$91 million of transmission assets located on reserve lands to new limited partnerships with First Nations. The transfers are part of the agreement which allowed AltaLink to route the Southwest Project on reserve land.

In December 2018, AltaLink filed an application with the Alberta Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the conditions imposed by the AUC decision. In January 2019, AltaLink filed an application for review and variance with the AUC.

BHE U.S. Transmission

A significant portion of ETT's revenues are based on interim rate changes that can be filed twice annually and are subject to review and possible true-up in the next filed base regulatory rate review scheduled for no later than February 1, 2021. In January 2017, the PUCT approved ETT's request to suspend a base regulatory rate review filing scheduled for February 2017 and set ETT's annual revenue requirement to $327 million, effective March 2017. Results of a base regulatory rate review would be prospective except for any deemed disallowance by the PUCT of the transmission investment since the initial base regulatory rate review in 2007. In June 2018, the PUCT approved ETT's application to reduce its transmission revenue by $28 million to reflect the lower federal income tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform with the amortization of excess accumulated deferred federal income taxes expected to be addressed in the next base rate case.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Each Registrant is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact each Registrant's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. The Company has cumulative investments in wind, solar, geothermal and biomass generating facilities of approximately $25 billion and plans to spend an additional $6.4 billion on the construction of wind-powered generating facilities, repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities and funding of wind tax equity investments through 2021. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" of each respective Registrant in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for discussion of each Registrant's renewable generation-related capital expenditures.


Climate Change

In December 2015, an international agreement was negotiated by 195 nations to create a universal framework for coordinated action on climate change in what is referred to as the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement reaffirms the goal of limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, while urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius; establishes commitments by all parties to make nationally determined contributions and pursue domestic measures aimed at achieving the commitments; commits all countries to submit emissions inventories and report regularly on their emissions and progress made in implementing and achieving their nationally determined commitments; and commits all countries to submit new commitments every five years, with the expectation that the commitments will get more aggressive. In the context of the Paris Agreement, the United States agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 26% to 28% by 2025 from 2005 levels. After more than 55 countries representing more than 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions submitted their ratification documents, the Paris Agreement became effective November 4, 2016. Under the terms of the Paris Agreement, ratifying countries are bound for a three-year period and must provide one-year's notice of their intent to withdraw. On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the withdrawal would be effective in November 2020. The cornerstone of the United States' commitment was the Clean Power Plan which was finalized by the EPA in 2015 but has since been proposed for repeal by the EPA.

GHG Performance Standards

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA may establish emissions standards that reflect the degree of emissions reductions achievable through the best technology that has been demonstrated, taking into consideration the cost of achieving those reductions and any non-air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. On August 3, 2015, the EPA issued final new source performance standards, establishing a standard of 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for large natural gas-fueled generating facilities and 1,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh for new coal-fueled generating facilities with the "Best System of Emission Reduction" reflecting highly efficient supercritical pulverized coal facilities with partial carbon capture and sequestration or integrated gasification combined-cycle units that are co-fired with natural gas or pre-combustion slipstream capture of carbon dioxide. The new source performance standards were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") and oral argument was scheduled for April 17, 2017. However, oral argument was deferred and the court held the case in abeyance for an indefinite period of time. On December 6, 2018, the EPA announced revisions to new source performance standards for new and reconstructed coal-fired units. EPA proposes to revise carbon dioxide emission limits for new coal-fired facilities to 1,900 pounds per MWh for small units and 2,000 pounds per MWh for large units. EPA would define the best system of emission reduction for new and modified units as the most efficient demonstrated steam cycle, combined with best operating practices. EPA is accepting comment on the proposal through March 18, 2019. Until such time as the EPA undertakes further action on the proposed reconsideration or the court takes action, any new fossil-fueled generating facilities constructed by the relevant Registrants will be required to meet the GHG new source performance standards.

Clean Power Plan

In June 2014, the EPA released proposed regulations to address GHG emissions from existing fossil-fueled generating facilities, referred to as the Clean Power Plan, under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The EPA's proposal calculated state-specific emission rate targets to be achieved based on the "Best System of Emission Reduction." In August 2015, the final Clean Power Plan was released, which established the Best System of Emission Reduction as including: (a) heat rate improvements; (b) increased utilization of existing combined-cycle natural gas-fueled generating facilities; and (c) increased deployment of new and incremental non-carbon generation placed in-service after 2012. The compliance period would have begun in 2022, with three interim periods of compliance and with the final goal to be achieved by 2030 and was expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the power sector to 32% below 2005 levels by 2030. On February 9, 2016, the United States Supreme Court ordered that the EPA's emission guidelines for existing sources be stayed pending the disposition of the challenges to the rule in the D.C. Circuit and any action on a writ of certiorari before the United States Supreme Court. Oral argument was heard before the D.C. Circuit on September 27, 2016. The court has not yet issued its decision. On October 10, 2017, the EPA issued a proposal to repeal the Clean Power Plan and the EPA took comments on the proposed repeal until April 26, 2018. In addition, the EPA published in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on December 28, 2017, seeking public input on, without committing to, a potential replacement rule. The public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concluded February 26, 2018. On August 21, 2018, the EPA proposed the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which would replace the Clean Power Plan. The Affordable Clean Energy rule would determine that the best system of emissions reduction for existing coal-fueled power plants is heat rate improvements and proposes a set of candidate technologies and measures that could improve heat rates. The EPA did not propose to set a specific numerical standard of performance for all affected units. Instead, states would be required to evaluate the candidate technologies and measures to establish standards of performance on a unit-specific basis, setting a standard of performance for each affected unit, measured in terms of pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. Measures taken to meet the standards of performance must be achieved at the source itself. Under the proposed rule, states would have three years from rule finalization to submit a plan to the EPA, which would have one year to determine the approvability of the plan. If a state does not submit a plan or a submitted plan is not satisfactory, the EPA would have two years to develop a federal plan. Comments on the proposal were due October 31, 2018. Until the proposed rule is finalized and state plans are developed, the full impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined. However, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific have historically pursued cost-effective projects, including plant efficiency improvements, increased diversification of their generating fleets to include deployment of renewable and lower carbon generating resources, and advanced customer energy efficiency programs.

Regional and State Activities

Several states have promulgated or otherwise participate in state-specific or regional laws or initiatives to report or mitigate GHG emissions. These are expected to impact the relevant Registrant, and include:

In June 2013, Nevada SB 123 was signed into law. Among other things, SB 123 and regulations thereunder required Nevada Power to file with the PUCN an emission reduction and capacity replacement plan by May 1, 2014. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its emissions reduction capacity replacement plan. The plan provided for the retirement or elimination of 300 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2014, another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2017, and another 250 MWs of coal generating capacity by December 31, 2019, along with replacement of such capacity with a mixture of constructed, acquired or contracted renewable and non-technology specific generating units. The plan also sets forth the expected timeline and costs associated with decommissioning coal-fired generating units that will be retired or eliminated pursuant to the plan. The PUCN has the authority to approve or modify the emission reduction and capacity replacement plan filed by Nevada Power. The PUCN may approve variations to Nevada Power's resource plans relative to requirements under SB 123. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the ERCR Plan.

Under the authority of California's Global Warming Solutions Act, which includes a series of policies aimed at returning California greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, the California Air Resources Board adopted a GHG cap-and-trade program with an effective date of January 1, 2012; compliance obligations were imposed on entities beginning in 2013. PacifiCorp is subject to the cap-and-trade program as a retail service provider in California and an importer of wholesale energy into California. In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. In September 2016, California Senate Bill 32 was signed into law establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

The states of California, Washington and Oregon have adopted GHG emissions performance standards for base load electricity generating resources. Under the laws in California and Oregon, the emissions performance standards provide that emissions must not exceed 1,100 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. In September 2018, the Washington Department of Commerce amended the emissions performance standards to provide that GHG emissions for base load electricity generating resources must not exceed 925 pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh. These GHG emissions performance standards generally prohibit electric utilities from entering into long-term financial commitments (e.g., new ownership investments, upgrades, or new or renewed contracts with a term of five or more years) unless any base load generation supplied under long-term financial commitments comply with the GHG emissions performance standards.

In September 2016, the Washington State Department of Ecology issued a final rule regulating GHG emissions from sources in Washington. The rule regulates greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride beginning in 2017 with three-year compliance periods thereafter (i.e., 2017-2019, 2020-2022, etc.). Under the rule, the Washington State Department of Ecology established GHG emissions reduction pathways for all covered entities. Covered entities may use emission reduction units, which may be traded with other covered entities, to meet their compliance requirements. PacifiCorp's resources that are covered under the rule include the Chehalis generating facility, which is a natural gas combined-cycle plant located in Washington state. PacifiCorp received its baseline emission order on December 17, 2017, which specified the emission reduction requirements for the Chehalis generating facility every three years beginning in 2017. The reduction requirements average 1.7% per year. However, the Washington State Department of Ecology suspended the compliance obligations of the Clean Air Rule after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled the state lacks authority to mandate reductions from indirect emitters. Pending further interpretation of the court's decision by the Washington State Department of Ecology, entities subject to the rule are required to continue reporting emissions.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a mandatory, market-based effort to reduce GHG emissions in ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, required, beginning in 2009, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector of 10% by 2018. In May 2011, New Jersey withdrew from participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Following a program review in 2012, the nine Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states implemented a new 2014 cap which was approximately 45% lower than the 2012-2013 cap. The cap is reduced each year by 2.5% from 2015 to 2020. In December 2017, an updated model rule was released by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative states which includes an additional 30% regional cap reduction between 2020 and 2030.

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Each state's RPS described below could significantly impact the relevant Registrant's consolidated financial results. Resources that meet the qualifying electricity requirements under each RPS vary from state to state. Each state's RPS requires some form of compliance reporting and the relevant Registrant can be subject to penalties in the event of noncompliance. Each Registrant believes it is in material compliance with all applicable RPS laws and regulations.

In 1983, Iowa became the first state in the United States to adopt a RPS requiring the state utilities to own or to contract for a combined total of 105 MWs of renewable generating capacity and associated energy production. The IUB allocated the 105-MW requirement between the two utilities in Iowa based on each utility's percentage of their combined estimated Iowa retail peak demand in 1990 resulting in MidAmerican Energy being allocated a RPS requirement of 55.2 MWs. The utility must meet its RPS obligation by either owning renewable energy production facilities located in Iowa or entering into long-term contracts to purchase or wheel electricity from renewable production facilities located in the utility's service area.


Since 1997, NV Energy has been required to comply with a RPS. Current law requires the Nevada Utilities to meet 18% of their energy requirements with renewable resources for 2014, 20% for 2015 through 2019, 22% for 2020 and 2024, and 25% for 2025 and thereafter. The RPS also requires 5% of the portfolio requirement come from solar resources through 2015 and increasing to 6% in 2016. Nevada law also permits energy efficiency measures to be used to satisfy a portion of the RPS through 2025, subject to certain limitations. In November 2018, Nevada voters approved a measure to increase the state's RPS to 50% by 2030; the measure must be voted on and approved a second time, in November 2020, in order to take effect.

Utah's Energy Resource and Carbon Emission Reduction Initiative provides that, beginning in the year 2025, 20% of adjusted retail electric sales of all Utah utilities be supplied by renewable energy, if it is cost effective. Retail electric sales will be adjusted by deducting the amount of generation from sources that produce zero or reduced carbon emissions, and for sales avoided as a result of energy efficiency and DSM programs. Qualifying renewable energy sources can be located anywhere within the WECC, and renewable energy credits can be used.

The Oregon Renewable Energy Act ("OREA") provides a comprehensive renewable energy policy and RPS for Oregon. Subject to certain exemptions and cost limitations established in the law, PacifiCorp and other qualifying electric utilities must meet minimum qualifying electricity requirements for electricity sold to retail customers of at least 5% in 2011 through 2014, 15% in 2015 through 2019, and 20% in 2020 through 2024. In March 2016, Oregon Senate Bill No. 1547-B, the Clean Electricity and Coal Transition Plan, was signed into law. Senate Bill No. 1547-B requires that coal-fueled resources are eliminated from Oregon's allocation of electricity by January 1, 2030, and increases the current RPS target from 25% in 2025 to 50% by 2040. Senate Bill No. 1547-B also implements new REC banking provisions, as well as the following interim RPS targets: 27% in 2025 through 2029, 35% in 2030 through 2034, 45% in 2035 through 2039, and 50% by 2040 and subsequent years. As required by the OREA, the OPUC has approved an automatic adjustment clause to allow an electric utility, including PacifiCorp, to recover prudently incurred costs of its investments in renewable energy generating facilities and associated transmission costs.

Washington's Energy Independence Act establishes a renewable energy target for qualifying electric utilities, including PacifiCorp. The requirements are 3% of retail sales by January 1, 2012 through 2015, 9% of retail sales by January 1, 2016 through 2019 and 15% of retail sales by January 1, 2020 and each year thereafter. In April 2013, Washington State Senate Bill No. 5400 ("SB 5400") was signed into law. SB 5400 expands the geographic area in which eligible renewable resources may be located to beyond the Pacific Northwest, allowing renewable resources located in all states served by PacifiCorp to qualify. SB 5400 also provides PacifiCorp with additional flexibility and options to meet Washington's renewable mandates.

The California RPS required all California retail sellers to procure an average of 20% of retail load from renewable resources by December 31, 2013, 25% by December 31, 2016 and 33% by December 31, 2020. In October 2015, California Senate Bill No. 350 became law and increased the RPS target to 50% by December 31, 2030. The state's RPS was further expanded in September 2018, when California Senate Bill 100 (SB-100), the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 was signed into law. In addition to requiring retail sellers to meet a RPS target of 60% by 2030, SB-100 enabled a longer-term planning target for 100% of total California retail sales to come from eligible renewable energy resources and zero-carbon resources by December 31, 2045. In December 2011, the CPUC adopted a decision confirming that multi-jurisdictional utilities, such as PacifiCorp, are not subject to the percentage limits within the three product content categories of RPS-eligible resources established by the legislation that have been imposed on other California retail sellers.

Clean Air Act Regulations

The Clean Air Act is a federal law administered by the EPA that provides a framework for protecting and improving the nation's air quality and controlling sources of air emissions. The implementation of new standards is generally outlined in SIPs, which are a collection of regulations, programs and policies to be followed. SIPs vary by state and are subject to public hearings and EPA approval. Some states may adopt additional or more stringent requirements than those implemented by the EPA. The major Clean Air Act programs most directly affecting the Registrants' operations are described below.


National Ambient Air Quality Standards

Under the authority of the Clean Air Act, the EPA sets minimum national ambient air quality standards for six principal pollutants, consisting of carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone and sulfur dioxide, considered harmful to public health and the environment. Areas that achieve the standards, as determined by ambient air quality monitoring, are characterized as being in attainment, while those that fail to meet the standards are designated as being nonattainment areas. Generally, sources of emissions in a nonattainment area that are determined to contribute to the nonattainment are required to reduce emissions. Most air quality standards require measurement over a defined period of time to determine the average concentration of the pollutant present. Currently, with the exceptions described in the following paragraphs, air quality monitoring data indicates that all counties where the relevant Registrant's major emission sources are located are in attainment of the current national ambient air quality standards.

On June 4, 2018, EPA published final designations for much of the United States. Relevant to the Registrants, these designations include classifying Yuma County, Arizona; Clark County, Nevada; and the Northern Wasatch Front, Southern Wasatch Front and Duchesne and Uintah counties in Utah as nonattainment-marginal. These areas will be required to meet the 2015 standard three years from the August 3, 2018, effective date. All other areas relevant to the Registrants were designated attainment/unclassifiable with this same action.

In January 2010, the EPA finalized a one-hour air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide at 100 parts per billion. In February 2012, the EPA published final designations indicating that based on air quality monitoring data, all areas of the country are designated as "unclassifiable/attainment" for the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard. On April 6, 2018, EPA issued a decision to retain the 2010 nitrogen dioxide national ambient air quality standard without revision.

In June 2010, the EPA finalized a new national ambient air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. Under the 2010 rule, areas must meet a one-hour standard of 75 parts per billion utilizing a three-year average. The rule utilizes source modeling in addition to the installation of ambient monitors where sulfur dioxide emissions impact populated areas. Attainment designations were due by June 2012; however, citing a lack of sufficient information to make the designations, the EPA did not issue its final designations until July 2013 and determined, at that date, that a portion of Muscatine County, Iowa was in nonattainment for the one-hour sulfur dioxide standard. MidAmerican Energy's Louisa coal-fueled generating facility is located just outside of Muscatine County, south of the violating monitor. In its final designation, the EPA indicated that it was not yet prepared to conclude that the emissions from the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility contribute to the monitored violation or to other possible violations, and that in a subsequent round of designations, the EPA will make decisions for areas and sources outside Muscatine County. MidAmerican Energy does not believe a subsequent nonattainment designation will have a material impact on the Louisa coal-fueled generating facility. Although the EPA's July 2013 designations did not impact PacifiCorp's nor the Nevada Utilities' generating facilities, the EPA's assessment of sulfur dioxide area designations will continue with the deployment of additional sulfur dioxide monitoring networks across the country.

The Sierra Club filed a lawsuit against the EPA in August 2013 with respect to the one-hour sulfur dioxide standards and its failure to make certain attainment designations in a timely manner. In March 2015, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ("Northern District of California") accepted as an enforceable order an agreement between the EPA and Sierra Club to resolve litigation concerning the deadline for completing the designations. The Northern District of California's order directed the EPA to complete designations in three phases: the first phase by July 2, 2016; the second phase by December 31, 2017; and the final phase by December 31, 2020. The first phase of the designations require the EPA to designate two groups of areas: 1) areas that have newly monitored violations of the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard; and 2) areas that contain any stationary source that, according to the EPA's data, either emitted more than 16,000 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2012 or emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and had an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012 and, as of March 2, 2015, had not been announced for retirement. MidAmerican Energy's George Neal Unit 4 and the Ottumwa Generating Station (in which MidAmerican Energy has a majority ownership interest, but does not operate), are included as units subject to the first phase of the designations, having emitted more than 2,600 tons of sulfur dioxide and having an emission rate of at least 0.45 lbs/sulfur dioxide per million British thermal unit in 2012. States may submit to the EPA updated recommendations and supporting information for the EPA to consider in making its determinations. Iowa submitted documentation to the EPA in April 2016 supporting its recommendation that Des Moines, Wapello and Woodbury Counties be designated as being in attainment of the standard. In July 2016, the EPA's final designations were published in the Federal Register indicating portions of Muscatine County, Iowa were in nonattainment with the 2010 sulfur dioxide standard, Woodbury County, Iowa was unclassifiable, and Des Moines and Wapello Counties were unclassifiable/attainment.


In December 2012, the EPA finalized more stringent fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards, reducing the annual standard from 15 micrograms per cubic meter to 12 micrograms per cubic meter and retaining the 24-hour standard at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The EPA did not set a separate secondary visibility standard, choosing to rely on the existing secondary 24-hour standard to protect against visibility impairment. In December 2014, the EPA issued final area designations for the 2012 fine particulate matter standard. Based on these designations, the areas in which the relevant Registrant operates generating facilities have been classified as "unclassifiable/attainment." Unless additional monitoring suggests otherwise, the relevant Registrant does not anticipate that any impacts of the revised standard will be significant.

In December 2014, the Utah SIP for fine particulate matter was adopted by the Utah Air Quality Board. PacifiCorp's Lake Side and Gadsby generating facilities operate within nonattainment areas for fine particulate matter; however, the SIP did not impose significant new requirements on PacifiCorp's impacted generating facilities, nor did the EPA's comments on the Utah SIP identify requirements for PacifiCorp's existing generating facilities that would have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

In March 2011, the EPA proposed a rule that requires coal-fueled generating facilities to reduce mercury emissions and other hazardous air pollutants through the establishment of "Maximum Achievable Control Technology" standards. The final MATS became effective on April 16, 2012, and required that new and existing coal-fueled generating facilities achieve emission standards for mercury, acid gases and other non-mercury hazardous air pollutants. Existing sources were required to comply with the new standards by April 16, 2015 with the potential for individual sources to obtain an extension of up to one additional year, at the discretion of the Title V permitting authority, to complete installation of controls or for transmission system reliability reasons. The relevant Registrants have completed emission reduction projects to comply with the final rule's standards for acid gases and non-mercury metallic hazardous air pollutants.

MidAmerican Energy retired certain coal-fueled generating units as the least-cost alternative to comply with the MATS. Walter Scott, Jr. Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in 2015, and George Neal Energy Center Units 1 and 2 were retired in April 2016. A fifth unit, Riverside Generating Station, was limited to natural gas combustion in March 2015.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed in the D.C. Circuit challenging the MATS. In April 2014, the D.C. Circuit upheld the MATS requirements. In November 2014, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear the MATS appeal on the limited issue of whether the EPA unreasonably refused to consider costs in determining whether it is appropriate to regulate hazardous air pollutants emitted by electric utilities. Oral argument in the case was held before the United States Supreme Court in March 2015, and a decision was issued by the United States Supreme Court in June 2015, which reversed and remanded the MATS rule to the D.C. Circuit for further action. The United States Supreme Court held that the EPA had acted unreasonably when it deemed cost irrelevant to the decision to regulate generating facilities, and that cost, including costs of compliance, must be considered before deciding whether regulation is necessary and appropriate. The United States Supreme Court's decision did not vacate or stay implementation of the MATS rule. In December 2015, the D.C. Circuit issued an order remanding the rule to the EPA, without vacating the rule. As a result, the relevant Registrants continue to have a legal obligation under the MATS rule and the respective permits issued by the states in which each respective Registrant operates to comply with the MATS rule, including operating all emissions controls or otherwise complying with the MATS requirements.

On December 27, 2018, the EPA issued a proposed revised supplemental cost finding for the MATS, as well as the required risk and technology review under Clean Air Act Section 112. EPA proposes to determine that it is not appropriate and necessary to regulate hazardous air pollutant emissions from power plants under Section 112; however, EPA proposes to retain the emission standards and other requirements of the MATS rule, because EPA is not proposing to remove coal- and oil-fired power plants from the list of sources regulated under Section 112. The public comment period on the proposal closes April 8, 2019. Until EPA takes final action on the rule, the relevant Registrants cannot fully determine the impacts of the proposed changes to the MATS rule.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

The EPA promulgated an initial rule in March 2005 to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, precursors of ozone and particulate matter, from down-wind sources in the eastern United States, including Iowa, to reduce emissions by implementing a plan based on a market-based cap-and-trade system, emissions reductions, or both. After numerous appeals, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") was promulgated to address interstate transport of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions in 27 eastern and Midwestern states.


The first phase of the rule was implemented January 1, 2015. In November 2015, the EPA released a proposed rule that would further reduce nitrogen oxides emissions in 2017. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in October 2016. The rule requires additional reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions beginning in May 2017. On December 23, 2016, a lawsuit was filed against the EPA in the D.C. Circuit over the final CSAPR "update" rule, which is still pending.

MidAmerican Energy has installed emissions controls at its coal-fueled generating facilities to comply with the CSAPR and may purchase emissions allowances to meet a portion of its compliance obligations. The cost of these allowances is subject to market conditions at the time of purchase and historically has not been material. MidAmerican Energy believes that the controls installed to date are consistent with the reductions to be achieved from implementation of the rule and does not anticipate that any impacts of the CSAPR update will be significant.

MidAmerican Energy operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Iowa and BHE Renewables operates natural gas-fueled generating facilities in Texas, Illinois and New York, which are subject to the CSAPR. However, the provisions are not anticipated to have a material impact on Berkshire Hathaway Energy or MidAmerican Energy. None of PacifiCorp's, Nevada Power's or Sierra Pacific's generating facilities are subject to the CSAPR. However, in a Notice of Data Availability published in the January 6, 2017, Federal Register, the EPA provided preliminary estimates of which upwind states may have linkages to downwind states experiencing ozone levels at or exceeding the 2015 ozone national ambient air quality standard of 70 parts per billion, and, using similar methodology to that in the CSAPR, indicated that Utah and Wyoming could have an obligation under the "good neighbor" provisions of the Clean Air Act to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions.

On December 6, 2018, EPA finalized a rule to close out the CSAPR, having determined that the CSAPR Update for the 2008 ozone NAAQS fully addresses Clean Air Act interstate transport obligations of 20 eastern states. EPA determined that 2023 is an appropriate future analytic year to evaluate remaining good neighbor obligations and that there will be no remaining nonattainment or maintenance receptors with respect to the 2008 ozone NAAQS in the eastern United States in that year. Per EPA's determination, the 20 CSAPR Update-affected states would therefore not contribute significantly to nonattainment in, or interfere with maintenance of, any other state with regard to the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The final CSAPR Close-Out Rule was published December 21, 2018, and became effective February 19, 2019.

Regional Haze

The EPA's Regional Haze Rule, finalized in 1999, requires states to develop and implement plans to improve visibility in designated federally protected areas ("Class I areas"). Some of PacifiCorp's coal-fueled generating facilities in Utah, Wyoming, Arizona and Colorado and certain of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's fossil-fueled generating facilities are subject to the Clean Air Visibility Rules. In accordance with the federal requirements, states are required to submit SIPs that address emissions from sources subject to best available retrofit technology ("BART") requirements and demonstrate progress towards achieving natural visibility requirements in Class I areas by 2064.

The state of Utah issued a regional haze SIP requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. In December 2012, the EPA approved the sulfur dioxide portion of the Utah regional haze SIP and disapproved the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter portions. Subsequently, the Utah Division of Air Quality completed an alternative BART analysis for Hunter Units 1 and 2, and Huntington Units 1 and 2. In January 2016, the EPA published two alternative proposals to either approve the Utah SIP as written or reject the Utah SIP relating to nitrogen oxides controls and require the installation of selective catalytic reduction ("SCR") controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years. EPA's final action on the Utah regional haze SIP was effective August 4, 2016. The EPA approved in part and disapproved in part the Utah regional haze SIP and issued a federal implementation plan ("FIP") requiring the installation of SCR controls at Hunter Units 1 and 2 and Huntington Units 1 and 2 within five years of the effective date of the rule. PacifiCorp and other parties filed requests with the EPA to reconsider and stay that decision, as well as filed motions for stay and petitions for review with the Tenth Circuit asking the court to overturn the EPA's actions. In July 2017, the EPA issued a letter indicating it would reconsider its FIP decision. In light of the EPA's grant of reconsideration and the EPA's position in the litigation, the Tenth Circuit held the litigation in abeyance and imposed a stay of the compliance obligations of the FIP for the number of days the stay is in effect while the EPA conducts its reconsideration process. To support the reconsideration, PacifiCorp undertook additional air quality modeling using the CAMX air quality dispersion model. On January 14, 2019, the state of Utah submitted a SIP revision to the EPA, which includes the updated modeling information and additional analysis.

The state of Wyoming issued two regional haze SIPs requiring the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on certain PacifiCorp coal-fueled generating facilities in Wyoming. The EPA approved the sulfur dioxide SIP in December 2012 and the EPA's approval was upheld on appeal by the Tenth Circuit in October 2014. In addition, the EPA initially proposed in June 2012 to disapprove portions of the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and instead issue a FIP. The EPA withdrew its initial proposed actions on the nitrogen oxides and particulate matter SIP and the proposed FIP, published a re-proposed rule in June 2013, and finalized its determination in January 2014, which aligns more closely with the SIP proposed by the state of Wyoming. The EPA's final action on the Wyoming SIP approved the state's plan to have PacifiCorp install low-nitrogen oxides burners at Naughton Units 1 and 2, SCR controls at Naughton Unit 3 by December 2014, SCR controls at Jim Bridger Units 1 through 4 between 2015 and 2022, and low-nitrogen oxides burners at Dave Johnston Unit 4. The EPA disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for Dave Johnston Unit 3, where it required the installation of SCR controls by 2019 or, in lieu of installing SCR controls, a commitment to shut down Dave Johnston Unit 3 by 2027, its currently approved depreciable life. The EPA also disapproved a portion of the Wyoming SIP and issued a FIP for the Wyodak coal-fueled generating facility ("Wyodak Facility"), requiring the installation of SCR controls within five years (i.e., by 2019). The EPA action became final on March 3, 2014. PacifiCorp filed an appeal of the EPA's final action on the Wyodak Facility in March 2014. The state of Wyoming also filed an appeal of the EPA's final action, as did the Powder River Basin Resource Council, National Parks Conservation Association and Sierra Club. In September 2014, the Tenth Circuit issued a stay of the March 2019 compliance deadline for the Wyodak Facility, pending further action by the Tenth Circuit in the appeal. A stay remains in place and the case has not yet been set for oral argument. In June 2014, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a revised BART permit allowing Naughton Unit 3 to operate on coal through 2017 and providing for natural gas conversion of the unit in 2018; in October 2016, an application was filed with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality requesting a revision of the dates for the end of coal firing and the start of gas firing for Naughton Unit 3 to align with the requirements of the Wyoming SIP. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality approved a change to the requirements for Naughton Unit 3, extending the requirement to cease coal firing to no later than January 30, 2019, and complete the gas conversion by June 30, 2019. On March 17, 2017, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued an extension to operate the unit as a coal-fueled unit through January 30, 2019. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality submitted a proposed revision to the Wyoming SIP, including a change to the Naughton Unit 3 compliance date, to the EPA for approval on November 28, 2017. On November 7, 2018, the EPA published its proposed approval of the Wyoming SIP relative to the Naughton 3 gas conversion. The comment period closed December 7, 2018 and the EPA has not taken final action. PacifiCorp removed the unit from coal-fueled service on January 30, 2019, and is evaluating the economic benefits of converting it to a natural gas-fueled generation resource.

The state of Arizona issued a regional haze SIP requiring, among other things, the installation of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter controls on Cholla Unit 4. The EPA approved in part, and disapproved in part, the Arizona SIP and issued a FIP for the disapproved portions requiring SCR controls on Cholla Unit 4. PacifiCorp filed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ("Ninth Circuit") regarding the FIP as it relates to Cholla Unit 4, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and other affected Arizona utilities filed separate appeals of the FIP as it relates to their interests. The Ninth Circuit issued an order in February 2015, holding the matter in abeyance while the parties pursued an alternate compliance approach for Cholla Unit 4. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's revision of the draft permit and revision to the Arizona regional haze SIP were approved by the EPA through final action published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2017, with an effective date of April 26, 2017. The final action allows Cholla Unit 4 to utilize coal until April 30, 2025 and convert to gas or otherwise cease burning coal by June 30, 2025.

The state of Colorado regional haze SIP requires SCR controls at Craig Unit 2 and Hayden Units 1 and 2, in which PacifiCorp has ownership interests. Each of those regional haze compliance projects are either already in service or currently being constructed. In addition, in February 2015, the state of Colorado finalized an amendment to its regional haze SIP relating to Craig Unit 1, in which PacifiCorp has an ownership interest, to require the installation of SCR controls by 2021. In September 2016, the owners of Craig Units 1 and 2 reached an agreement with state and federal agencies and certain environmental groups that were parties to the previous settlement requiring SCR to retire Unit 1 by December 31, 2025, in lieu of SCR installation, or alternatively to remove the unit from coal-fueled service by August 31, 2021 with an option to convert the unit to natural gas by August 31, 2023, in lieu of SCR installation. The terms of the agreement were approved by the Colorado Air Quality Board in December 2016. The terms of the agreement were incorporated into an amended Colorado regional haze SIP in 2017 and were submitted to the EPA for its review and approval. The EPA's approval of the amended Colorado regional haze SIP was published in the Federal Register on July 5, 2018, with an effective date of August 6, 2018.

Until the EPA takes final action in each state and decisions have been made in the pending appeals, PacifiCorp, cannot fully determine the impacts of the Regional Haze Rule on its respective generating facilities.


The Navajo Generating Station, in which Nevada Power is a joint owner with an 11.3% ownership share, is also a source that is subject to the regional haze BART requirements. In January 2013, the EPA announced a proposed FIP addressing BART and an alternative for the Navajo Generating Station that includes a flexible timeline for reducing nitrogen oxides emissions. The EPA issued a final FIP on August 8, 2014 adopting, with limited changes, the Navajo Generating Station proposal as a "better than BART" determination. Nevada Power filed the ERCR Plan in May 2014 that proposed to eliminate its ownership participation in the Navajo Generating Station in 2019, which was approved by the PUCN. In February 2017, the non-federal owners of the Navajo Generating Station announced the facility will shut down on or before December 23, 2019, unless new owners can be found. All current owners have since approved a lease extension with the Navajo Nation to allow operations to continue through 2019. Ownership transfer negotiations are ongoing and, until concluded, the relevant Registrant cannot determine whether additional action may be required.

Water Quality Standards

The federal Water Pollution Control Act ("Clean Water Act") establishes the framework for maintaining and improving water quality in the United States through a program that regulates, among other things, discharges to and withdrawals from waterways. The Clean Water Act requires that cooling water intake structures reflect the "best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact" to aquatic organisms. After significant litigation, the EPA released a proposed rule under §316(b) of the Clean Water Act to regulate cooling water intakes at existing facilities. The final rule was released in May 2014, and became effective in October 2014. Under the final rule, existing facilities that withdraw at least 25% of their water exclusively for cooling purposes and have a design intake flow of greater than two million gallons per day are required to reduce fish impingement (i.e., when fish and other aquatic organisms are trapped against screens when water is drawn into a facility's cooling system) by choosing one of seven options. Facilities that withdraw at least 125 million gallons of water per day from waters of the United States must also conduct studies to help their permitting authority determine what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic organisms (i.e., when organisms are drawn into the facility). PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy are assessing the options for compliance at their generating facilities impacted by the final rule and will complete impingement and entrainment studies. PacifiCorp's Dave Johnston generating facility and all of MidAmerican Energy's coal-fueled generating facilities, except Louisa, Ottumwa and Walter Scott, Jr. Unit 4, which have water cooling towers, withdraw more than 125 million gallons per day of water from waters of the United States for once-through cooling applications. PacifiCorp's Jim Bridger, Naughton, Gadsby, Hunter and Huntington generating facilities currently utilize closed cycle cooling towers but are designed to withdraw more than two million gallons of water per day. The standards are required to be met as soon as possible after the effective date of the final rule, but no later than eight years thereafter. The costs of compliance with the cooling water intake structure rule cannot be fully determined until the prescribed studies are conducted and the respective state environmental agencies review the studies to determine whether additional mitigation technologies should be applied. In the event that PacifiCorp's or MidAmerican Energy's existing intake structures require modification, the costs are not anticipated to be significant to the consolidated financial statements. Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific do not utilize once-through cooling water intake or discharge structures at any of their generating facilities. All of the Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific generating stations are designed to have either minimal or zero discharge; therefore, they are not impacted by the §316(b) final rule.

In November 2015, the EPA published final effluent limitation guidelines and standards for the steam electric power generating sector which, among other things, regulate the discharge of bottom ash transport water, fly ash transport water, combustion residual leachate and non-chemical metal cleaning wastes. These guidelines, which had not been revised since 1982, were revised in response to the EPA's concerns that the addition of controls for air emissions has changed the effluent discharged from coal- and natural gas-fueled generating facilities. Under the originally-promulgated guidelines, permitting authorities were required to include the new limits in each impacted facility's discharge permit upon renewal with the new limits to be met as soon as possible, beginning November 1, 2018 and fully implemented by December 31, 2023. On April 5, 2017, a request for reconsideration and administrative stay of the guidelines was filed with the EPA. The EPA granted the request for reconsideration on April 12, 2017, imposed an immediate administrative stay of compliance dates in the rule that had not passed judicial review and requested the court stay the pending litigation over the rule until September 12, 2017. On June 6, 2017, the EPA proposed to extend many of the compliance deadlines that would otherwise occur in 2018 and on September 18, 2017, the EPA issued a final rule extending certain compliance dates for flue gas desulfurization wastewater and bottom ash transport water limits until November 1, 2020. While most of the issues raised by this rule are already being addressed through the coal combustion residuals rule and are not expected to impose significant additional requirements on the facilities, the impact of the rule cannot be fully determined until the reconsideration action is complete and any judicial review is conducted.


In April 2014, the EPA and the United States Army Corps of Engineers issued a joint proposal to address "waters of the United States" to clarify protection under the Clean Water Act for streams and wetlands. The proposed rule comes as a result of United States Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 that created confusion regarding jurisdictional waters that were subject to permitting under either nationwide or individual permitting requirements. The final rule was released in May 2015 but is currently under appeal in multiple courts and a nationwide stay on the implementation of the rule was issued in October 2015. On January 13, 2017, the United States Supreme Court granted a petition to address jurisdictional challenges to the rule. The EPA plans to undertake a two-step process, with the first step to repeal the 2015 rule and the second step to carry out a notice-and-comment rulemaking in which a substantive re-evaluation of the definition of the "waters of the United States" will be undertaken. On July 27, 2017, the EPA and the Corps of Engineers issued a proposal to repeal the final rule and recodify the pre-existing rules pending issuance of a new rule and on November 16, 2017, the agencies proposed to extend the implementation day of the "waters of the United States" rule to 2020; neither of the proposals has been finalized. On January 22, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision related to the jurisdictional challenges to the rule, holding that federal district courts, rather than federal appeals courts, have proper jurisdiction to hear challenges to the rule and instructed the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss the petitions for review for lack of jurisdiction, clearing the way for imposition of the rule in certain states barring final action by the EPA to formalize the extension of the compliance deadline. On December 11, 2018, the EPA and the Corps of Engineers proposed a revised definition of "waters of the United States" that is intended further clarify jurisdictional questions, eliminate case-by-case determinations and narrow Clean Water Act jurisdiction to align with Justice Scalia's 2006 opinion in Rapanos v. United States. The public comment period will close April 15, 2019. Until the rule is fully litigated and finalized, the Registrants cannot determine whether projects that include construction and demolition will face more complex permitting issues, higher costs or increased requirements for compensatory mitigation.

Coal Combustion Byproduct Disposal

In May 2010, the EPA released a proposed rule to regulate the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts under the RCRA. The final rule was released by the EPA on December 19, 2014, was published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2015 and was effective on October 19, 2015. The final rule regulates coal combustion byproducts as non-hazardous waste under RCRA Subtitle D and establishes minimum nationwide standards for the disposal of coal combustion residuals. Under the final rule, surface impoundments and landfills utilized for coal combustion byproducts may need to be closed unless they can meet the more stringent regulatory requirements. The final rule requires regulated entities to post annual groundwater monitoring and corrective action reports. The first of these reports was posted to the respective Registrant's coal combustion rule compliance data and information websites in March 2018. Based on the results in those reports, additional action may be required under the rule.

At the time the rule was published in April 2015, PacifiCorp operated 18 surface impoundments and seven landfills that contained coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, nine surface impoundments and three landfills were either closed or repurposed to no longer receive coal combustion byproducts and hence are not subject to the final rule. As PacifiCorp proceeded to implement the final coal combustion rule, it was determined that two surface impoundments located at the Dave Johnston Generating Station were hydraulically connected and effectively constitute a single impoundment. In November 2017, a new surface impoundment was placed into service at the Naughton Generating Station. At the time the rule was published in April 2015, MidAmerican Energy owned or operated nine surface impoundments and four landfills that contain coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, MidAmerican Energy closed or repurposed six surface impoundments to no longer receive coal combustion byproducts. Five of these surface impoundments were closed on or before December 21, 2017 and the sixth is undergoing closure. At the time the rule was published in April 2015, the Nevada Utilities operated ten evaporative surface impoundments and two landfills that contained coal combustion byproducts. Prior to the effective date of the rule in October 2015, the Nevada Utilities closed four of the surface impoundments, four impoundments discontinued receipt of coal combustion byproducts making them inactive and two surface impoundments remain active and subject to the final rule. The two landfills remain active and subject to the final rule. Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for discussion of the impacts on asset retirement obligations as a result of the final rule.

Additional substantive revisions to the rule are expected to be finalized by the EPA by December 2019 but have not yet been released for public comment. If adopted, certain elements of the proposal have the potential to reduce costs of compliance. The D.C. Circuit issued a decision on August 21, 2018, vacating several elements of the rule, including closure provisions for unlined surface impoundments, and finding that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act provides the EPA authority to regulate inactive surface impoundments at inactive facilities. The court's order was effective October 15, 2018, and as a result, the EPA will need to undertake additional rulemaking to implement the court's order. Until such time as additional rulemaking is final, the impacts on the Registrants cannot be determined.


Multiple parties filed challenges over various aspects of the final rule in the D.C. Circuit in 2015, resulting in settlement of some of the issues and subsequent regulatory action by the EPA, including subjecting inactive surface impoundments to regulation. Oral argument was held by the D.C. Circuit on November 20, 2017 over certain portions of the 2015 rule that had not been settled or otherwise remanded. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit issued its opinion in Utility Solid Waste Activities Group v. EPA, finding it was arbitrary and capricious for EPA to allow unlined ash ponds to continue operating until some unknown point in the future when groundwater contamination could be detected. The D.C. Circuit vacated the closure section of the CCR rule and remanded the issue of unlined ponds to EPA for reconsideration with specific instructions to consider harm to the environment, not just to human health. The D.C. Circuit also held EPA's decision to not regulate legacy ponds was arbitrary and capricious. While the D.C. Circuit's decision was pending, the EPA, on March 15, 2018, issued a proposal to address provisions of the final coal combustion rule that were remanded back to the agency on June 14, 2016, by the D.C. Circuit. The proposal included provisions that establish alternative performance standards for owners and operators of coal combustion residuals units located in states that have approved permit programs or are otherwise subject to oversight through a permit program administered by the EPA. The EPA published the first phase of the coal combustion rule amendments on July 30, 2018, with an effective date of August 28, 2018 (the "Phase 1, Part 1 rule"). In addition to adopting alternative performance standards and revising groundwater performance standards for certain constituents, EPA extended the deadline by which facilities must initiate closure of unlined ash ponds exceeding a groundwater protection standard and impoundments that do not meet the rule's aquifer location restrictions to October 31, 2020. On October 22, 2018, a coalition of environmental groups, including Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc., Clean Water Action, Prairie Rivers Network, Hoosier Environmental Council, Heal Utah and Sierra Club, filed a petition in the D.C. Circuit challenging the Phase 1, Part 1 rule and subsequently filed a request with EPA to stay the October 31, 2020 deadline extension. In light of the D.C Circuit's opinion in USWAG v. EPA, the EPA filed a motion December 17, 2018 seeking voluntary remand without vacatur of the Phase 1, Part 1 rule in order to undertake new rulemaking to establish revised timeframes for unlined impoundments to initiate closure consistent with USWAG. Environmental petitioners filed a motion requesting a stay of the October 31, 2020 deadline. The D.C. Circuit has not yet acted on these motions. Until the rule is fully litigated and finalized, the Registrants cannot determine whether additional action may be required.

Separately, on August 10, 2017, the EPA issued proposed permitting guidance on how states' coal combustion residuals permit programs should comply with the requirements of the final rule as authorized under the December 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. Utilizing that guidance, the state of Oklahoma submitted an application to the EPA for approval of its state program and, on June 28, 2018, the EPA's approval of the application was published in the Federal Register. Environmental groups, including Waterkeeper Alliance and the Sierra Club, filed suit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on September 26, 2018, alleging that the EPA unlawfully approved Oklahoma's permit program. This suit also incorporates claims first identified in a July 26, 2018 notice of intent to sue that alleged the EPA failed to perform nondiscretionary duties related to the development and publication of minimum guidelines for public participation in the approval of state permit programs for coal combustion residuals. To date, none of the states in which the Registrants operate has submitted an application for approval of state permitting authority. The state of Utah adopted the federal final rule in September 2016, which required two landfills to submit permit applications by March 2017. It is anticipated that the state of Utah will submit an application for approval of its coal combustion residuals permit program prior to the end of 2019.

Notwithstanding the status of the final coal combustion residuals rule, citizens' suits have been filed against regulated entities seeking judicial relief for contamination alleged to have been caused by releases of coal combustion byproducts. Some of these cases have been successful in imposing liability upon companies if coal combustion byproducts contaminate groundwater that is ultimately released or connected to surface water. In addition, actions have been filed against regulated entities seeking to require that surface impoundments containing coal combustion residuals be subject to closure by removal rather than being allowed to effectuate closure in place as provided under the final rule. The Registrants are not a party to these lawsuits and until they are resolved, the Registrants cannot predict the impact on overall compliance obligations.

Other

Other laws, regulations and agencies to which the relevant Registrants are subject include, but are not limited to:
The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and similar state laws may require any current or former owners or operators of a disposal site, as well as transporters or generators of hazardous substances sent to such disposal site, to share in environmental remediation costs. Certain Registrants have been identified as potentially responsible parties in connection with certain disposal sites. The relevant Registrants have completed several cleanup actions and are participating in ongoing investigations and remedial actions. Costs associated with these actions are not expected to be material and are expected to be found prudent and included in rates.

The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, under which the United States Department of Energy is responsible for the selection and development of repositories for, and the permanent disposal of, spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive wastes. Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 11 of the Notes to Financial Statements of MidAmerican Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding MidAmerican Energy's nuclear decommissioning obligations.
The federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and similar state statutes establish operational, reclamation and closure standards that must be met during and upon completion of PacifiCorp's mining activities.
The FERC evaluates hydroelectric systems to ensure environmental impacts are minimized, including the issuance of environmental impact statements for licensed projects both initially and upon relicensing. The FERC monitors the hydroelectric facilities for compliance with the license terms and conditions, which include environmental provisions. Refer to Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding the relicensing of PacifiCorp's Klamath River hydroelectric system.

The Registrants expect they will be allowed to recover their respective prudently incurred costs to comply with the environmental laws and regulations discussed above. The Registrants' planning efforts take into consideration the complexity of balancing factors such as: (a) pending environmental regulations and requirements to reduce emissions, address waste disposal, ensure water quality and protect wildlife; (b) avoidance of excessive reliance on any one generation technology; (c) costs and trade-offs of various resource options including energy efficiency, demand response programs and renewable generation; (d) state-specific energy policies, resource preferences and economic development efforts; (e) additional transmission investment to reduce power costs and increase efficiency and reliability of the integrated transmission system; and (f) keeping rates affordable. Due to the number of generating units impacted by environmental regulations, deferring installation of compliance-related projects is often not feasible or cost effective and places the Registrants at risk of not having access to necessary capital, material, and labor while attempting to perform major equipment installations in a compressed timeframe concurrent with other utilities across the country. Therefore, the Registrants have established installation schedules with permitting agencies that coordinate compliance timeframes with construction and tie-in of major environmental compliance projects as units are scheduled off-line for planned maintenance outages; these coordinated efforts help reduce costs associated with replacement power and maintain system reliability.


Item 1A.    Risk Factors

Each Registrant is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described below. Careful consideration of these risks, together with all of the other information included in this Form 10-K and the other public information filed by the relevant Registrant, should be made before making an investment decision. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or which each Registrant currently deems immaterial may also impair its business operations. Unless stated otherwise, the risks described below generally relate to each Registrant.

Corporate and Financial Structure Risks

BHE is a holding company and depends on distributions from subsidiaries, including joint ventures, to meet its obligations.

BHE is a holding company with no material assets other than the ownership interests in its subsidiaries and joint ventures, collectively referred to as its subsidiaries. Accordingly, cash flows and the ability to meet BHE's obligations are largely dependent upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the payment of such earnings to BHE in the form of dividends or other distributions. BHE's subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay amounts due pursuant to BHE's senior debt, junior subordinated debt or its other obligations, or to make funds available, whether by dividends or other payments, for the payment of amounts due pursuant to BHE's senior debt, junior subordinated debt or its other obligations, and do not guarantee the payment of any of its obligations. Distributions from subsidiaries may also be limited by:
their respective earnings, capital requirements, and required debt and preferred stock payments;
the satisfaction of certain terms contained in financing, ring-fencing or organizational documents; and
regulatory restrictions that limit the ability of BHE's regulated utility subsidiaries to distribute profits.

BHE is substantially leveraged, the terms of its existing senior and junior subordinated debt do not restrict the incurrence of additional debt by BHE or its subsidiaries, and BHE's senior debt is structurally subordinated to the debt of its subsidiaries, and each of such factors could adversely affect BHE's consolidated financial results.

A significant portion of BHE's capital structure is comprised of debt, and BHE expects to incur additional debt in the future to fund items such as, among others, acquisitions, capital investments and the development and construction of new or expanded facilities. As of December 31, 2018, BHE had the following outstanding obligations:
senior unsecured debt of $8.6 billion;
junior subordinated debentures of $100 million;
short-term borrowings of $983 million;
guarantees and letters of credit in respect of subsidiary and equity method investments aggregating $297 million; and
commitments, subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions in support of renewable tax equity investments totaling $1.4 billion.

BHE's consolidated subsidiaries also have significant amounts of outstanding debt, which totaled $29.6 billion as of December 31, 2018. These amounts exclude (a) trade debt, (b) preferred stock obligations, (c) letters of credit in respect of subsidiary debt, and (d) BHE's share of the outstanding debt of its own or its subsidiaries' equity method investments.

Given BHE's substantial leverage, it may not have sufficient cash to service its debt, which could limit its ability to finance future acquisitions, develop and construct additional projects, or operate successfully under difficult conditions, including those brought on by adverse national and global economies, unfavorable financial markets or growth conditions where its capital needs may exceed its ability to fund them. BHE's leverage could also impair its credit quality or the credit quality of its subsidiaries, making it more difficult to finance operations or issue future debt on favorable terms, and could result in a downgrade in debt ratings by credit rating agencies.


The terms of BHE's and its subsidiaries' debt do not limit BHE's ability or the ability of its subsidiaries to incur additional debt or issue preferred stock. Accordingly, BHE or its subsidiaries could enter into acquisitions, new financings, refinancings, recapitalizations, capital leases or other highly leveraged transactions that could significantly increase BHE's or its subsidiaries' total amount of outstanding debt. The interest payments needed to service this increased level of debt could adversely affect BHE's or its subsidiaries' financial results. Many of BHE's subsidiaries' debt agreements contain covenants, or may in the future contain covenants, that restrict or limit, among other things, such subsidiaries' ability to create liens, sell assets, make certain distributions, incur additional debt or miss contractual deadlines or requirements, and BHE's ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond its control. Further, if an event of default accelerates a repayment obligation and such acceleration results in an event of default under some or all of BHE's other debt, BHE may not have sufficient funds to repay all of the accelerated debt simultaneously, and the other risks described under "Corporate and Financial Structure Risks" may be magnified as well.

Because BHE is a holding company, the claims of its senior debt holders are structurally subordinated with respect to the assets and earnings of its subsidiaries. Therefore, the rights of its creditors to participate in the assets of any subsidiary in the event of a liquidation or reorganization are subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors and preferred shareholders, if any. In addition, pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties, MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa, Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada, AltaLink's transmission properties, the equity interest of MidAmerican Funding's subsidiary and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of solar and wind generation projects, are directly or indirectly pledged to secure their financings and, therefore, may be unavailable as potential sources of repayment of BHE's debt.

A downgrade in BHE's credit ratings or the credit ratings of its subsidiaries, including the Subsidiary Registrants, could negatively affect BHE's or its subsidiaries' access to capital, increase the cost of borrowing or raise energy transaction credit support requirements.

BHE's senior unsecured debt and its subsidiaries' long-term debt, including the Subsidiary Registrants, are rated by various rating agencies. BHE cannot give assurance that its senior unsecured debt rating or any of its subsidiaries' long-term debt ratings will not be reduced in the future. Although none of the Registrants' outstanding debt has rating-downgrade triggers that would accelerate a repayment obligation, a credit rating downgrade would increase any such Registrant's borrowing costs and commitment fees on its revolving credit agreements and other financing arrangements, perhaps significantly. In addition, such Registrant would likely be required to pay a higher interest rate in future financings, and the potential pool of investors and funding sources would likely decrease. Further, access to the commercial paper market, the principal source of short-term borrowings for each Registrant, could be significantly limited, resulting in higher interest costs.

Similarly, any downgrade or other event negatively affecting the credit ratings of BHE's subsidiaries could make their costs of borrowing higher or access to funding sources more limited, which in turn could cause BHE to provide liquidity in the form of capital contributions or loans to such subsidiaries, thus reducing its and its subsidiaries' liquidity and borrowing capacity.

Most of the Registrants' large wholesale customers, suppliers and counterparties require such Registrant to have sufficient creditworthiness in order to enter into transactions, particularly in the wholesale energy markets. If the credit ratings of a Registrant were to decline, especially below investment grade, the relevant Registrant's financing costs and borrowings would likely increase because certain counterparties may require collateral in the form of cash, a letter of credit or some other form of security for existing transactions and as a condition to entering into future transactions with such Registrant. Amounts may be material and may adversely affect such Registrant's liquidity and cash flows.

BHE's majority shareholder, Berkshire Hathaway, could exercise control over BHE in a manner that would benefit Berkshire Hathaway to the detriment of BHE's creditors and BHE could exercise control over the Subsidiary Registrants in a manner that would benefit BHE to the detriment of the Subsidiary Registrants' creditors and PacifiCorp's preferred stockholders.

Berkshire Hathaway is majority owner of BHE and has control over all decisions requiring shareholder approval. In circumstances involving a conflict of interest between Berkshire Hathaway and BHE's creditors, Berkshire Hathaway could exercise its control in a manner that would benefit Berkshire Hathaway to the detriment of BHE's creditors.

BHE indirectly owns all of the common stock of PacifiCorp, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific and is the sole member of MidAmerican Funding and, accordingly, indirectly owns all of MidAmerican Energy's common stock. As a result, BHE has control over all decisions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors. In circumstances involving a conflict of interest between BHE and the creditors of the Subsidiary Registrants, BHE could exercise its control in a manner that would benefit BHE to the detriment of the Subsidiary Registrants' creditors.


Business Risks

Much of BHE's growth has been achieved through acquisitions, and any such acquisition may not be successful.

Much of BHE's growth has been achieved through acquisitions. Future acquisitions may range from buying individual assets to the purchase of entire businesses. BHE will continue to investigate and pursue opportunities for future acquisitions that it believes, but cannot assure, may increase value and expand or complement existing businesses. BHE may participate in bidding or other negotiations at any time for such acquisition opportunities which may or may not be successful.

Any acquisition entails numerous risks, including, among others:
the failure to complete the transaction for various reasons, such as the inability to obtain the required regulatory approvals, materially adverse developments in the potential acquiree's business or financial condition or successful intervening offers by third parties;
the failure of the combined business to realize the expected benefits;
the risk that federal, state or foreign regulators or courts could require regulatory commitments or other actions in respect of acquired assets, potentially including programs, contributions, investments, divestitures and market mitigation measures;
the risk of unexpected or unidentified issues not discovered in the diligence process; and
the need for substantial additional capital and financial investments.

An acquisition could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, the activities of one or more of BHE's subsidiaries. In addition, the final orders of regulatory authorities approving acquisitions may be subject to appeal by third parties. The diversion of BHE management's attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the approval and integration of the acquired operations could adversely affect BHE's combined businesses and financial results and could impair its ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.

BHE cannot assure that future acquisitions, if any, or any integration efforts will be successful, or that BHE's ability to repay its obligations will not be adversely affected by any future acquisitions.

The Registrants are subject to operating uncertainties and events beyond each respective Registrant's control that impact the costs to operate, maintain, repair and replace utility and interstate natural gas pipeline systems, which could adversely affect each respective Registrant's financial results.

The operation of complex utility systems or interstate natural gas pipeline and storage systems that are spread over large geographic areas involves many operating uncertainties and events beyond each respective Registrant's control. These potential events include the breakdown or failure of the Registrants' thermal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind and other electricity generating facilities and related equipment, compressors, pipelines, transmission and distribution lines or other equipment or processes, which could lead to catastrophic events; unscheduled outages; strikes, lockouts or other labor-related actions; shortages of qualified labor; transmission and distribution system constraints; failure to obtain, renew or maintain rights-of-way, easements and leases on United States federal, Native American, First Nations or tribal lands; terrorist activities or military or other actions, including cyber attacks; fuel shortages or interruptions; unavailability of critical equipment, materials and supplies; low water flows and other weather-related impacts; performance below expected levels of output, capacity or efficiency; operator error; third-party excavation errors; unexpected degradation of pipeline systems; design, construction or manufacturing defects; and catastrophic events such as severe storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, explosions, landslides, an electromagnetic pulse, mining incidents, litigation, wars, terrorism and embargoes. A catastrophic event might result in injury or loss of life, extensive property damage or environmental or natural resource damages. For example, in the event of an uncontrolled release of water at one of PacifiCorp's high hazard potential hydroelectric dams, it is probable that loss of human life, disruption of lifeline facilities and property damage could occur in the downstream population and civil or other penalties could be imposed by the FERC. Similarly, in the event of a fire caused by a Registrant's operation of its businesses, including transmission or distribution systems, the relevant Registrant could be exposed to significant liability for personal and property damages that result. The extent of that liability would be determined by the applicable state law where any such damage occurred. In California, for example, where PacifiCorp operates, state law currently exposes utilities to so-called "inverse condemnation" liability for damages resulting from events such as fires caused by the utility's operations regardless of fault. Any of these events or other operational events could significantly reduce or eliminate the relevant Registrant's revenue or significantly increase its expenses, thereby reducing the availability of distributions to BHE. For example, if the relevant Registrant cannot operate its electricity or natural gas facilities at full capacity due to damage caused by a catastrophic event, its revenue could decrease and its expenses could increase due to the need to obtain energy from more expensive sources.

Further, the Registrants self-insure many risks, and current and future insurance coverage may not be sufficient to replace lost revenue or cover repair and replacement costs. The scope, cost and availability of each Registrant's insurance coverage may change, including the portion that is self-insured. Any reduction of each Registrant's revenue or increase in its expenses resulting from the risks described above, could adversely affect the relevant Registrant's financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to extensive federal, state, local and foreign legislation and regulation, including numerous environmental, health, safety, reliability and other laws and regulations that affect its operations and costs. These laws and regulations are complex, dynamic and subject to new interpretations or change. In addition, new laws and regulations, including initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the utility industry, are continually being proposed and enacted that impose new or revised requirements or standards on each Registrant.

Each Registrant is required to comply with numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations as described in "General Regulation" and "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K that have broad application to each Registrant and limits the respective Registrant's ability to independently make and implement management decisions regarding, among other items, acquiring businesses; constructing, acquiring or disposing of operating assets; operating and maintaining generating facilities and transmission and distribution system assets; complying with pipeline safety and integrity and environmental requirements; setting rates charged to customers; establishing capital structures and issuing debt or equity securities; transacting between subsidiaries and affiliates; and paying dividends or similar distributions. These laws and regulations, which are followed in developing the Registrants' safety and compliance programs and procedures, are implemented and enforced by federal, state and local regulatory agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the FERC, the EPA, the DOT, the NRC, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and various state regulatory commissions in the United States, and foreign regulatory agencies, such as GEMA, which discharges certain of its powers through its staff within Ofgem, in Great Britain and the AUC in Alberta, Canada.

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations generally requires each Registrant to obtain and comply with a wide variety of licenses, permits, inspections, audits and other approvals. Further, compliance with laws and regulations can require significant capital and operating expenditures, including expenditures for new equipment, inspection, cleanup costs, removal and remediation costs and damages arising out of contaminated properties. Compliance activities pursuant to existing or new laws and regulations could be prohibitively expensive or otherwise uneconomical. As a result, each Registrant could be required to shut down some facilities or materially alter its operations. Further, each Registrant may not be able to obtain or maintain all required environmental or other regulatory approvals and permits for its operating assets or development projects. Delays in, or active opposition by third parties to, obtaining any required environmental or regulatory authorizations or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the authorizations may increase costs or prevent or delay each Registrant from operating its facilities, developing or favorably locating new facilities or expanding existing facilities. If any Registrant fails to comply with any environmental or other regulatory requirements, such Registrant may be subject to penalties and fines or other sanctions, including changes to the way its electricity generating facilities are operated that may adversely impact generation or how the Pipeline Companies are permitted to operate their systems that may adversely impact throughput. The costs of complying with laws and regulations could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results. Not being able to operate existing facilities or develop new generating facilities to meet customer electricity needs could require such Registrant to increase its purchases of electricity on the wholesale market, which could increase market and price risks and adversely affect such Registrant's financial results.

Existing laws and regulations, while comprehensive, are subject to changes and revisions from ongoing policy initiatives by legislators and regulators and to interpretations that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. For example, changes in laws and regulations could result in, but are not limited to, increased competition and decreased revenues within each Registrant's service territories, such as the recently defeated Nevada Energy Choice Initiative; new environmental requirements, including the implementation of or changes to the Clean Power Plan, RPS and GHG emissions reduction goals; the issuance of new or stricter air quality standards; the implementation of energy efficiency mandates; the issuance of regulations governing the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts; changes in forecasting requirements; changes to each Registrant's service territories as a result of condemnation or takeover by municipalities or other governmental entities, particularly where it lacks the exclusive right to serve its customers; the inability of each Registrant to recover its costs on a timely basis, if at all; new pipeline safety requirements; or a negative impact on each Registrant's current transportation and cost recovery arrangements. In addition to changes in existing legislation and regulation, new laws and regulations are likely to be enacted from time to time that impose additional or new requirements or standards on each Registrant. Recent efforts by the EPA to repeal the Clean Power Plan could increase the filing of common law nuisance lawsuits against emitters of GHG. Adverse rulings in GHG-related cases could result in increased or changed regulations and could increase costs for GHG emitters, including the Registrants' generating facilities. The GHG rules, changes to those rules, and the Registrants' compliance requirements are subject to potential outcomes from proceedings and litigation challenging the rules.


New federal, regional, state and international accords, legislation, regulation, or judicial proceedings limiting GHG emissions could have a material adverse impact on the Registrants, the United States and the global economy. Companies and industries with higher GHG emissions, such as utilities with significant coal-fueled generating facilities, will be subject to more direct impacts and greater financial and regulatory risks. The impact is dependent on numerous factors, none of which can be meaningfully quantified at this time. These factors include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and timing of GHG emissions reduction requirements; the design of the requirements; the cost, availability and effectiveness of emissions control technology; the price, distribution method and availability of offsets and allowances used for compliance; government-imposed compliance costs; and the existence and nature of incremental cost recovery mechanisms. Examples of how new requirements may impact the Registrants include:
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase required emissions allowances under any market-based cap-and-trade system in excess of allocations that are received at no cost. These purchases would be necessary until new technologies could be developed and deployed to reduce emissions or lower carbon generation is available;
Acquiring and renewing construction and operating permits for new and existing generating facilities may be costly and difficult;
Additional costs may be incurred to purchase and deploy new generating technologies;
Costs may be incurred to retire existing coal-fueled generating facilities before the end of their otherwise useful lives or to convert them to burn fuels, such as natural gas or biomass, that result in lower emissions;
Operating costs may be higher and generating unit outputs may be lower;
Higher interest and financing costs and reduced access to capital markets may result to the extent that financial markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a greater business risk; and
The relevant Registrant's natural gas pipeline operations, electric transmission and retail sales may be impacted in response to changes in customer demand and requirements to reduce GHG emissions.

The impact of events or conditions caused by climate change, whether from natural processes or human activities, are uncertain and could vary widely, from highly localized to worldwide, and the extent to which a utility's operations may be affected is uncertain. Climate change may cause physical and financial risk through, among other things, sea level rise, changes in precipitation and extreme weather events. Consumer demand for energy may increase or decrease, based on overall changes in weather and as customers promote lower energy consumption through the continued use of energy efficiency programs or other means. Availability of resources to generate electricity, such as water for hydroelectric production and cooling purposes, may also be impacted by climate change and could influence the Registrants' existing and future electricity generating portfolio. These issues may have a direct impact on the costs of electricity production and increase the price customers pay or their demand for electricity.

Implementing actions required under, and otherwise complying with, new federal and state laws and regulations and changes in existing ones are among the most challenging aspects of managing utility operations. The Registrants cannot accurately predict the type or scope of future laws and regulations that may be enacted, changes in existing ones or new interpretations by agency orders or court decisions, nor can each Registrant determine their impact on it at this time; however, any one of these could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results through higher capital expenditures and operating costs, early closure of generating facilities or lower tax benefits or restrict or otherwise cause an adverse change in how each Registrant operates its business. To the extent that each Registrant is not allowed by its regulators to recover or cannot otherwise recover the costs to comply with new laws and regulations or changes in existing ones, the costs of complying with such additional requirements could have a material adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results. Additionally, even if such costs are recoverable in rates, if they are substantial and result in rates increasing to levels that substantially reduce customer demand, this could have a material adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results. The Registrants have made their best estimate regarding the impact of the 2017 Tax Reform and the probability and timing of settlements of net regulatory liabilities established pursuant to the 2017 Tax Reform. However, the amount and timing of the settlements may change based on decisions and actions by each Registrant's regulators, which could have an effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results.


Recovery of costs and certain activities by each Registrant is subject to regulatory review and approval, and the inability to recover costs or undertake certain activities may adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

State Regulatory Rate Review Proceedings

The Utilities establish rates for their regulated retail service through state regulatory proceedings. These proceedings typically involve multiple parties, including government bodies and officials, consumer advocacy groups and various consumers of energy, who have differing concerns but generally have the common objective of limiting rate increases while also requiring the Utilities to ensure system reliability. Decisions are subject to judicial appeal, potentially leading to further uncertainty associated with the approval proceedings.

States set retail rates based in part upon the state regulatory commission's acceptance of an allocated share of total utility costs. When states adopt different methods to calculate interjurisdictional cost allocations, some costs may not be incorporated into rates of any state or other jurisdiction. Ratemaking is also generally done on the basis of estimates of normalized costs, so if a given year's realized costs are higher than normalized costs, rates may not be sufficient to cover those costs. In some cases, actual costs are lower than the normalized or estimated costs recovered through rates and from time-to-time may result in a state regulator requiring refunds to customers. Each state regulatory commission generally sets rates based on a test year established in accordance with that commission's policies. The test year data adopted by each state regulatory commission may create a lag between the incurrence of a cost and its recovery in rates. Each state regulatory commission also decides the allowed levels of expense, investment and capital structure that it deems are prudently incurred in providing the service and may disallow recovery in rates for any costs that it believes do not meet such standard. Additionally, each state regulatory commission establishes the allowed rate of return the Utilities will be given an opportunity to earn on their sources of capital. While rate regulation is premised on providing a fair opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return on invested capital, the state regulatory commissions do not guarantee that each Registrant will be able to realize the allowed rate of return or recover all of its costs even if it believes such costs to be prudently incurred.

Energy cost increases above the level assumed in establishing base rates may be subject to customer sharing. Any significant increase in fuel costs for electricity generation or purchased electricity costs could have a negative impact on the Utilities, despite efforts to minimize this impact through the use of hedging contracts and sharing mechanisms or through future general regulatory rate reviews. Any of these consequences could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

FERC Jurisdiction

The FERC authorizes cost-based rates associated with transmission services provided by the Utilities' transmission facilities. Under the Federal Power Act, the Utilities, or MISO as it relates to MidAmerican Energy, may voluntarily file, or may be obligated to file, for changes, including general rate changes, to their system-wide transmission service rates. General rate changes implemented may be subject to refund. The FERC also has responsibility for approving both cost- and market-based rates under which the Utilities sell electricity at wholesale, has jurisdiction over most of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities and has broad jurisdiction over energy markets. The FERC may impose price limitations, bidding rules and other mechanisms to address some of the volatility of these markets or could revoke or restrict the ability of the Utilities to sell electricity at market-based rates, which could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results. The FERC also maintains rules concerning standards of conduct, affiliate restrictions, interlocking directorates and cross-subsidization. As a transmission owning member of MISO, MidAmerican Energy is also subject to MISO-directed modifications of market rules, which are subject to FERC approval and operational procedures. As participants in EIM, PacifiCorp, Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific are also subject to applicable California ISO rules, which are subject to FERC approval and operational procedures. The FERC may also impose substantial civil penalties for any non-compliance with the Federal Power Act and the FERC's rules and orders.

The NERC has standards in place to ensure the reliability of the electric generation system and transmission grid. The Utilities are subject to the NERC's regulations and periodic audits to ensure compliance with those regulations. The NERC may carry out enforcement actions for non-compliance and administer significant financial penalties, subject to the FERC's review.

The FERC has jurisdiction over, among other things, the construction, abandonment, modification and operation of natural gas pipelines and related facilities used in the transportation, storage and sale of natural gas in interstate commerce, including all rates, charges and terms and conditions of service. The FERC also has market transparency authority and has adopted additional reporting and internet posting requirements for natural gas pipelines and buyers and sellers of natural gas.


Rates for the interstate natural gas transmission and storage operations at the Pipeline Companies, which include reservation, commodity, surcharges, fuel and gas lost and unaccounted for charges, are authorized by the FERC. In accordance with the FERC's rate-making principles, the Pipeline Companies' current maximum tariff rates are designed to recover prudently incurred costs included in their pipeline system's regulatory cost of service that are associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of their pipeline system and to afford the Pipeline Companies an opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return. Nevertheless, the rates the FERC authorizes the Pipeline Companies to charge their customers may not be sufficient to recover the costs incurred to provide services in any given period. Moreover, from time to time, the FERC may change, alter or refine its policies or methodologies for establishing pipeline rates and terms and conditions of service. In addition, the FERC has the authority under Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act of 1938 ("NGA") to investigate whether a pipeline may be earning more than its allowed rate of return and, when appropriate, to institute proceedings against such pipeline to prospectively reduce rates. Any such proceedings, if instituted, could result in significantly adverse rate decreases.

Under FERC policy, interstate pipelines and their customers may execute contracts at negotiated rates, which may be above or below the maximum tariff rate for that service or the pipeline may agree to provide a discounted rate, which would be a rate between the maximum and minimum tariff rates. In a rate proceeding, rates in these contracts are generally not subject to adjustment. It is possible that the cost to perform services under negotiated or discounted rate contracts will exceed the cost used in the determination of the negotiated or discounted rates, which could result either in losses or lower rates of return for providing such services. Under certain circumstances, FERC policy allows interstate natural gas pipelines to design new maximum tariff rates to recover such costs in regulatory rate reviews. However, with respect to discounts granted to affiliates, the interstate natural gas pipeline must demonstrate that the discounted rate was necessary in order to meet competition.

GEMA Jurisdiction

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies, as Distribution Network Operators ("DNOs") and holders of electricity distribution licenses, are subject to regulation by GEMA. Most of the revenue of a DNO is controlled by a distribution price control formula set out in the electricity distribution license. The price control formula does not directly constrain profits from year-to-year, but is a control on revenue that operates independent of a significant portion of the DNO's actual costs. A resetting of the formula does not require the consent of the DNO, but if a licensee disagrees with a change to its license it can appeal the matter to the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority. GEMA is able to impose financial penalties on DNOs that contravene any of their electricity distribution license duties or certain of their duties under British law, or fail to achieve satisfactory performance of individual standards prescribed by GEMA. Any penalty imposed must be reasonable and may not exceed 10% of the DNO's revenue. During the term of any price control, additional costs have a direct impact on the financial results of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies.

AUC Jurisdiction

The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency established by the province of Alberta, Canada, which is responsible for, among other things, approving the tariffs of transmission facility owners, including ALP, and distribution utilities, acquisitions of such transmission facility owners or utilities, and construction and operation of new transmission projects in Alberta. The AUC also investigates and rules on regulated rate disputes and system access problems.


The AUC regulates and oversees Alberta's electricity transmission sector with broad authority that may impact many of ALP's activities, including its tariffs, rates, construction, operations and financing. The AUC has various core functions in regulating the Alberta electricity transmission sector, including the following:
regulating and adjudicating issues related to the operation of electric utilities within Alberta;
processing and approving general tariff applications relating to revenue requirements and rates of return including deemed capital structure for regulated utilities while ensuring that utility rates are just and reasonable and approval of the transmission tariff rates of regulated transmission providers by the AESO, which is the independent transmission system operator in Alberta that controls the operation of AltaLink's transmission system;
approving the need for new electricity transmission facilities and permits to build and licenses to operate electricity transmission facilities;
reviewing operations and accounts from electric utilities and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards;
adjudicating enforcement issues including the imposition of administrative penalties that arise when market participants violate the rules of the AESO; and
collecting, storing, analyzing, appraising and disseminating information to effectively fulfill its duties as an industry regulator.

In addition, AUC approval is required in connection with new energy and regulated utility initiatives in Alberta, amendments to existing approvals and financing proposals by designated utilities.

The AESO determines the need and plans for the expansion and enhancement of a congestion-free transmission system in Alberta in accordance with applicable law and reliability standards. The AESO's responsibilities include long-term transmission planning and management, including assessing and planning for the current and future transmission system capacity needs of AESO market participants. When AESO determines an expansion or enhancement of the transmission system is needed, with limited exceptions, it submits an application to the AUC for approval of the proposed expansion or enhancement. The AESO then determines which transmission provider should submit an application to the AUC for a permit and license to construct and operate the designated transmission facilities. Generally the transmission provider operating in the geographic area where the transmission facilities expansion or enhancement is to be located is selected by the AESO to build, own and operate the transmission facilities. In addition, Alberta law provides that transmission projects may be subject to a competitive process open to qualifying bidders. In either case, there can be no assurance that any jurisdictional market participant that BHE may own, including AltaLink, will be selected by the AESO to build, own and operate transmission facilities, even if BHE's market participant operates in the relevant geographic area, or that BHE's market participant will be successful in any such competitive process in which it may participate.

Physical or cyber attacks, both threatened and actual, could impact each Registrant's operations and could adversely affect its financial results.

Each Registrant relies on information technology in virtually all aspects of its business. Like those of many large businesses, certain of the Registrant's information technology systems have been subject to computer viruses, malicious codes, unauthorized access, phishing efforts, denial-of-service attacks and other cyber attacks and each Registrant expects to be subject to similar attacks in the future as such attacks become more sophisticated and frequent. A significant disruption or failure of its information technology systems by physical or cyber attack could result in service interruptions, safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures, an inability to protect sensitive corporate and customer information and assets against intruders, and other operational difficulties. Attacks perpetrated against each Registrant's information systems could result in loss of assets and critical information and expose it to remediation costs and reputational damage.

Although the Registrants have taken steps intended to mitigate these risks, a significant disruption or cyber intrusion could lead to misappropriation of assets or data corruption. Cyber attacks could further adversely affect each Registrant's ability to operate facilities, information technology and business systems, or compromise sensitive customer and employee information. In addition, physical or cyber attacks against key suppliers or service providers could have a similar effect on each Registrant. Additionally, if each Registrant is unable to acquire or implement new technology, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage. Any of these items could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.


Each Registrant is actively pursuing, developing and constructing new or expanded facilities, the completion and expected costs of which are subject to significant risk, and each Registrant has significant funding needs related to its planned capital expenditures.

Each Registrant actively pursues, develops and constructs new or expanded facilities. Each Registrant expects to incur significant annual capital expenditures over the next several years. Such expenditures may include construction and other costs for new electricity generating facilities, electric transmission or distribution projects, environmental control and compliance systems, natural gas storage facilities, new or expanded pipeline systems, and continued maintenance and upgrades of existing assets.

Development and construction of major facilities are subject to substantial risks, including fluctuations in the price and availability of commodities, manufactured goods, equipment, and the imposition of tariffs thereon when sourced by foreign providers, labor, siting and permitting and changes in environmental and operational compliance matters, load forecasts and other items over a multi-year construction period, as well as counterparty risk and the economic viability of the Registrants' suppliers, customers and contractors. Certain of the Registrants' construction projects are substantially dependent upon a single supplier or contractor and replacement of such supplier or contractor may be difficult and cannot be assured. These risks may result in the inability to timely complete a project or higher than expected costs to complete an asset and place it in-service and, in extreme cases, the loss of the power purchase agreements or other long-term off-take contracts underlying such projects. Such costs may not be recoverable in the regulated rates or market or contract prices each Registrant is able to charge its customers. Delays in construction of renewable projects may result in delayed in-service dates which may result in the loss of anticipated revenue or income tax benefits. It is also possible that additional generation needs may be obtained through power purchase agreements, which could increase long-term purchase obligations and force reliance on the operating performance of a third party. The inability to successfully and timely complete a project, avoid unexpected costs or recover any such costs could adversely affect such Registrant's financial results.

Furthermore, each Registrant depends upon both internal and external sources of liquidity to provide working capital and to fund capital requirements. If BHE does not provide needed funding to its subsidiaries and the subsidiaries are unable to obtain funding from external sources, they may need to postpone or cancel planned capital expenditures.

A significant sustained decrease in demand for electricity or natural gas in the markets served by each Registrant would decrease its operating revenue, could impact its planned capital expenditures and could adversely affect its financial results.

A significant sustained decrease in demand for electricity or natural gas in the markets served by each Registrant would decrease its operating revenue, could impact its planned capital expenditures and could adversely affect its financial results. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market demand include, among others:
a depression, recession or other adverse economic condition that results in a lower level of economic activity or reduced spending by consumers on electricity or natural gas;
an increase in the market price of electricity or natural gas or a decrease in the price of other competing forms of energy;
shifts in competitively priced natural gas supply sources away from the sources connected to the Pipeline Companies' systems, including shale gas sources;
efforts by customers, legislators and regulators to reduce the consumption of electricity generated or distributed by each Registrant through various existing laws and regulations, as well as, deregulation, conservation, energy efficiency and private generation measures and programs;
laws mandating or encouraging renewable energy sources, which may decrease the demand for electricity and natural gas or change the market prices of these commodities;
higher fuel taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions that increase, directly or indirectly, the cost of natural gas or other fuel sources for electricity generation or that limit the use of natural gas or the generation of electricity from fossil fuels;
a shift to more energy-efficient or alternative fuel machinery or an improvement in fuel economy, whether as a result of technological advances by manufacturers, legislation mandating higher fuel economy or lower emissions, price differentials, incentives or otherwise;
a reduction in the state or federal subsidies or tax incentives that are provided to agricultural, industrial or other customers, or a significant sustained change in prices for commodities such as ethanol or corn for ethanol manufacturers; and
sustained mild weather that reduces heating or cooling needs.

Each Registrant's operating results may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis and may be adversely affected by weather.

In most parts of the United States and other markets in which each Registrant operates, demand for electricity peaks during the summer months when irrigation and cooling needs are higher. Market prices for electricity also generally peak at that time. In other areas, including the western portion of PacifiCorp's service territory, demand for electricity peaks during the winter when heating needs are higher. In addition, demand for natural gas and other fuels generally peaks during the winter. This is especially true in MidAmerican Energy's and Sierra Pacific's retail natural gas businesses. Further, extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, winter storms or floods could cause these seasonal fluctuations to be more pronounced. Periods of low rainfall or snowpack may negatively impact electricity generation at PacifiCorp's hydroelectric generating facilities, which may result in greater purchases of electricity from the wholesale market or from other sources at market prices. Additionally, PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy have added substantial wind-powered generating capacity, and BHE's unregulated subsidiaries are adding solar and wind-powered generating capacity, each of which is also a climate-dependent resource.

As a result, the overall financial results of each Registrant may fluctuate substantially on a seasonal and quarterly basis. Each Registrant has historically provided less service, and consequently earned less income, when weather conditions are mild. Unusually mild weather in the future may adversely affect each Registrant's financial results through lower revenue or margins. Conversely, unusually extreme weather conditions could increase each Registrant's costs to provide services and could adversely affect its financial results. The extent of fluctuation in each Registrant's financial results may change depending on a number of factors related to its regulatory environment and contractual agreements, including its ability to recover energy costs, the existence of revenue sharing provisions as it relates to MidAmerican Energy and Nevada Power, and terms of its wholesale sale contracts.

Each Registrant is subject to market risk associated with the wholesale energy markets, which could adversely affect its financial results.

In general, each Registrant's primary market risk is adverse fluctuations in the market price of wholesale electricity and fuel, including natural gas, coal and fuel oil, which is compounded by volumetric changes affecting the availability of or demand for electricity and fuel. The market price of wholesale electricity may be influenced by several factors, such as the adequacy or type of generating capacity, scheduled and unscheduled outages of generating facilities, prices and availability of fuel sources for generation, disruptions or constraints to transmission and distribution facilities, weather conditions, demand for electricity, economic growth and changes in technology. Volumetric changes are caused by fluctuations in generation or changes in customer needs that can be due to the weather, electricity and fuel prices, the economy, regulations or customer behavior. For example, the Utilities purchase electricity and fuel in the open market as part of their normal operating businesses. If market prices rise, especially in a time when larger than expected volumes must be purchased at market prices, the Utilities may incur significantly greater expense than anticipated. Likewise, if electricity market prices decline in a period when the Utilities are a net seller of electricity in the wholesale market, the Utilities could earn less revenue. Although the Utilities have energy cost adjustment mechanisms, the risks associated with changes in market prices may not be fully mitigated due to customer sharing bands as it relates to PacifiCorp and other factors.

Potential terrorist activities and the impact of military or other actions, could adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

The ongoing threat of terrorism and the impact of military or other actions by nations or politically, ethnically or religiously motivated organizations regionally or globally may create increased political, economic, social and financial market instability, which could subject each Registrant's operations to increased risks. Additionally, the United States government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically pipeline, nuclear generation, transmission and other electric utility infrastructure, are potential targets for terrorist attacks. Political, economic, social or financial market instability or damage to or interference with the operating assets of the Registrants, customers or suppliers may result in business interruptions, lost revenue, higher commodity prices, disruption in fuel supplies, lower energy consumption and unstable markets, particularly with respect to electricity and natural gas, and increased security, repair or other costs, any of which may materially adversely affect each Registrant in ways that cannot be predicted at this time. Any of these risks could materially affect its consolidated financial results. Furthermore, instability in the financial markets as a result of terrorism or war could also materially adversely affect each Registrant's ability to raise capital.


Certain Registrants are subject to the unique risks associated with nuclear generation.

The ownership and operation of nuclear power plants, such as MidAmerican Energy's 25% ownership interest in Quad Cities Station, involves certain risks. These risks include, among other items, mechanical or structural problems, inadequacy or lapses in maintenance protocols, the impairment of reactor operation and safety systems due to human error, the costs of storage, handling and disposal of nuclear materials, compliance with and changes in regulation of nuclear power plants, limitations on the amounts and types of insurance coverage commercially available, and uncertainties with respect to the technological and financial aspects of decommissioning nuclear facilities at the end of their useful lives. Additionally, Exelon Generation, the 75% owner and operator of the facility, may respond to the occurrence of any of these or other risks in a manner that negatively impacts MidAmerican Energy, including closure of Quad Cities Station prior to the expiration of its operating license. The prolonged unavailability, or early closure, of Quad Cities Station due to operational or economic factors could have a materially adverse effect on the relevant Registrant's financial results, particularly when the cost to produce power at the plant is significantly less than market wholesale prices. The following are among the more significant of these risks:
Operational Risk - Operations at any nuclear power plant could degrade to the point where the plant would have to be shut down. If such degradations were to occur, the process of identifying and correcting the causes of the operational downgrade to return the plant to operation could require significant time and expense, resulting in both lost revenue and increased fuel and purchased electricity costs to meet supply commitments. Rather than incurring substantial costs to restart the plant, the plant could be shut down. Furthermore, a shut-down or failure at any other nuclear power plant could cause regulators to require a shut-down or reduced availability at Quad Cities Station.
In addition, issues relating to the disposal of nuclear waste material, including the availability, unavailability and expense of a permanent repository for spent nuclear fuel could adversely impact operations as well as the cost and ability to decommission nuclear power plants, including Quad Cities Station, in the future.

Regulatory Risk - The NRC may modify, suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties for failure to comply with applicable Atomic Energy Act regulations or the terms of the licenses of nuclear facilities. Unless extended, the NRC operating licenses for Quad Cities Station will expire in 2032. Changes in regulations by the NRC could require a substantial increase in capital expenditures or result in increased operating or decommissioning costs.

Nuclear Accident and Catastrophic Risks - Accidents and other unforeseen catastrophic events have occurred at nuclear facilities other than Quad Cities Station, both in the United States and elsewhere, such as at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. The consequences of an accident or catastrophic event can be severe and include loss of life and property damage. Any resulting liability from a nuclear accident or catastrophic event could exceed the relevant Registrant's resources, including insurance coverage.

Certain of BHE's subsidiaries are subject to the risk that customers will not renew their contracts or that BHE's subsidiaries will be unable to obtain new customers for expanded capacity, each of which could adversely affect its financial results.

If BHE's subsidiaries are unable to renew, remarket, or find replacements for their customer agreements on favorable terms, BHE's subsidiaries' sales volumes and operating revenue would be exposed to reduction and increased volatility. For example, without the benefit of long-term transportation agreements, BHE cannot assure that the Pipeline Companies will be able to transport natural gas at efficient capacity levels. Substantially all of the Pipeline Companies' revenues are generated under transportation and storage contracts that periodically must be renegotiated and extended or replaced, and the Pipeline Companies are dependent upon relatively few customers for a substantial portion of their revenue. Similarly, without long-term power purchase agreements, BHE cannot assure that its unregulated power generators will be able to operate profitably. Failure to maintain existing long-term agreements or secure new long-term agreements, or being required to discount rates significantly upon renewal or replacement, could adversely affect BHE's consolidated financial results. The replacement of any existing long-term agreements depends on market conditions and other factors that may be beyond BHE's subsidiaries' control.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty risk, which could adversely affect its financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty credit risk related to contractual payment obligations with wholesale suppliers and customers. Adverse economic conditions or other events affecting counterparties with whom each Registrant conducts business could impair the ability of these counterparties to meet their payment obligations. Each Registrant depends on these counterparties to remit payments on a timely basis. Each Registrant continues to monitor the creditworthiness of its wholesale suppliers and customers in an attempt to reduce the impact of any potential counterparty default. If strategies used to minimize these risk exposures are ineffective or if any Registrant's wholesale suppliers' or customers' financial condition deteriorates or they otherwise become unable to pay, it could have a significant adverse impact on each Registrant's liquidity and its financial results.

Each Registrant is subject to counterparty performance risk related to performance of contractual obligations by wholesale suppliers, customers and contractors. Each Registrant relies on wholesale suppliers to deliver commodities, primarily natural gas, coal and electricity, in accordance with short- and long-term contracts. Failure or delay by suppliers to provide these commodities pursuant to existing contracts could disrupt the delivery of electricity and require the Utilities to incur additional expenses to meet customer needs. In addition, when these contracts terminate, the Utilities may be unable to purchase the commodities on terms equivalent to the terms of current contracts.

Each Registrant relies on wholesale customers to take delivery of the energy they have committed to purchase. Failure of customers to take delivery may require the relevant Registrant to find other customers to take the energy at lower prices than the original customers committed to pay. If each Registrant's wholesale customers are unable to fulfill their obligations, there may be a significant adverse impact on its financial results.

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses with RWE Npower PLC and British Gas Trading Limited accounting for approximately 19% and 13%, respectively, of distribution revenue in 2018. AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO. Generally, a single customer purchases the energy from BHE's independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines pursuant to long-term power purchase agreements. For example, certain of BHE Renewables' solar and wind independent power projects sell all of their electrical production to either Pacific Gas and Electric Company or Southern California Edison Company, respectively. Any material payment or other performance failure by the counterparties in these arrangements could have a significant adverse impact on BHE's consolidated financial results.

BHE owns investments and projects in foreign countries that are exposed to risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and increased economic, regulatory and political risks.

BHE's business operations and investments outside the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's principal reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from its foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact. BHE indirectly owns a hydroelectric power plant in the Philippines and may acquire significant energy-related investments and projects outside of the United States. BHE may selectively reduce some foreign currency exchange rate risk by, among other things, requiring contracted amounts be settled in, or indexed to, United States dollars or a currency freely convertible into United States dollars, or hedging through foreign currency derivatives. These efforts, however, may not be effective and could negatively affect BHE's consolidated financial results.

In addition to any disruption in the global financial markets, the economic, regulatory and political conditions in some of the countries where BHE has operations or is pursuing investment opportunities may present increased risks related to, among others, inflation, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, currency repatriation restrictions, nationalization, renegotiation, privatization, availability of financing on suitable terms, customer creditworthiness, construction delays, business interruption, political instability, civil unrest, guerilla activity, terrorism, expropriation, trade sanctions, contract nullification and changes in law, regulations or tax policy. BHE may not choose to or be capable of either fully insuring against or effectively hedging these risks.

Poor performance of plan and fund investments and other factors impacting the pension and other postretirement benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning and mine reclamation trust funds could unfavorably impact each Registrant's cash flows and liquidity.

Costs of providing each Registrant's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans and costs associated with the joint trustee plan to which PacifiCorp contributes depend upon a number of factors, including the rates of return on plan assets, the level and nature of benefits provided, discount rates, mortality assumptions, the interest rates used to measure required minimum funding levels, the funded status of the plans, changes in benefit design, tax deductibility and funding limits, changes in laws and government regulation and each Registrant's required or voluntary contributions made to the plans. Certain of the Registrant's pension and other postretirement benefit plans are in underfunded positions. Even if sustained growth in the investments over future periods increases the value of these plans' assets, each Registrant will likely be required to make cash contributions to fund these plans in the future. Additionally, each Registrant's plans have investments in domestic and foreign equity and debt securities and other investments that are subject to loss. Losses from investments could add to the volatility, size and timing of future contributions.


Furthermore, the funded status of the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan multiemployer plan to which PacifiCorp's subsidiary previously contributed is considered critical and declining. PacifiCorp's subsidiary involuntarily withdrew from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan in June 2015 when the UMWA employees ceased performing work for the subsidiary. PacifiCorp has recorded its best estimate of the withdrawal obligation. If participating employers withdraw from a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.

In addition, MidAmerican Energy is required to fund over time the projected costs of decommissioning Quad Cities Station, a nuclear power plant, and Bridger Coal Company, a joint venture of PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Pacific Minerals, Inc., is required to fund projected mine reclamation costs. Funds that MidAmerican Energy has invested in a nuclear decommissioning trust and PacifiCorp has invested in a mine reclamation trust are invested in debt and equity securities and poor performance of these investments will reduce the amount of funds available for their intended purpose, which could require MidAmerican Energy or PacifiCorp to make additional cash contributions. Such cash funding obligations, which are also impacted by the other factors described above, could have a material impact on MidAmerican Energy's or PacifiCorp's liquidity by reducing their available cash.

Inflation and changes in commodity prices and fuel transportation costs may adversely affect each Registrant's financial results.

Inflation and increases in commodity prices and fuel transportation costs may affect each Registrant by increasing both operating and capital costs. As a result of existing rate agreements, contractual arrangements or competitive price pressures, each Registrant may not be able to pass the costs of inflation on to its customers. If each Registrant is unable to manage cost increases or pass them on to its customers, its financial results could be adversely affected.

Cyclical fluctuations in the residential real estate brokerage and mortgage businesses could adversely affect HomeServices.

The residential real estate brokerage and mortgage industries tend to experience cycles of greater and lesser activity and profitability and are typically affected by changes in economic conditions, which are beyond HomeServices' control. Any of the following, among others, are examples of items that could have a material adverse effect on HomeServices' businesses by causing a general decline in the number of home sales, sale prices or the number of home financings which, in turn, would adversely affect its financial results:
rising interest rates or unemployment rates, including a sustained high unemployment rate in the United States;
periods of economic slowdown or recession in the markets served;
decreasing home affordability;
lack of available mortgage credit for potential homebuyers, such as the reduced availability of credit, which may continue into future periods;
inadequate home inventory levels;
nontraditional sources of new competition; and
changes in applicable tax law.

Disruptions in the financial markets could affect each Registrant's ability to obtain debt financing or to draw upon or renew existing credit facilities and have other adverse effects on each Registrant.

Disruptions in the financial markets could affect each Registrant's ability to obtain debt financing or to draw upon or renew existing credit facilities and have other adverse effects on each Registrant. Significant dislocations and liquidity disruptions in the United States, Great Britain, Canada and global credit markets, such as those that occurred in 2008 and 2009, may materially impact liquidity in the bank and debt capital markets, making financing terms less attractive for borrowers that are able to find financing and, in other cases, may cause certain types of debt financing, or any financing, to be unavailable. Additionally, economic uncertainty in the United States or globally may adversely affect the United States' credit markets and could negatively impact each Registrant's ability to access funds on favorable terms or at all. If each Registrant is unable to access the bank and debt markets to meet liquidity and capital expenditure needs, it may adversely affect the timing and amount of its capital expenditures, acquisition financing and its financial results.


Potential changes in accounting standards may impact each Registrant's financial results and disclosures in the future, which may change the way analysts measure each Registrant's business or financial performance.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the SEC continuously make changes to accounting standards and disclosure and other financial reporting requirements. New or revised accounting standards and requirements issued by the FASB or the SEC or new accounting orders issued by the FERC could significantly impact each Registrant's financial results and disclosures. For example, beginning in 2018 all changes in the fair values of equity securities (whether realized or unrealized) will be recognized as gains or losses in the relevant Registrant's financial statements. Accordingly, periodic changes in such Registrant's reported net income will likely be subject to significant variability.

Each Registrant is involved in a variety of legal proceedings, the outcomes of which are uncertain and could adversely affect its financial results.

Each Registrant is, and in the future may become, a party to a variety of legal proceedings. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and the Registrants cannot predict the outcome of individual matters with certainty. It is possible that the final resolution of some of the matters in which each Registrant is involved could result in additional material payments substantially in excess of established reserves or in terms that could require each Registrant to change business practices and procedures or divest ownership of assets. Further, litigation could result in the imposition of financial penalties or injunctions and adverse regulatory consequences, any of which could limit each Registrant's ability to take certain desired actions or the denial of needed permits, licenses or regulatory authority to conduct its business, including the siting or permitting of facilities. Any of these outcomes could have a material adverse effect on such Registrant's financial results.

Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.


Item 2.Properties

Each Registrant's energy properties consist of the physical assets necessary to support its applicable electricity and natural gas businesses. Properties of the relevant Registrant's electricity businesses include electric generation, transmission and distribution facilities, as well as coal mining assets that support certain of PacifiCorp's electric generating facilities. Properties of the relevant Registrant's natural gas businesses include natural gas distribution facilities, interstate pipelines, storage facilities, compressor stations and meter stations. The transmission and distribution assets are primarily within each Registrant's service territories. In addition to these physical assets, the Registrants have rights-of-way, mineral rights and water rights that enable each Registrant to utilize its facilities. It is the opinion of each Registrant's management that the principal depreciable properties owned by it are in good operating condition and are well maintained. Pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties, MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa, Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada, ALP's transmission properties and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of generation projects are pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise provide the security for the related subsidiary debt. For additional information regarding each Registrant's energy properties, refer to Item 1 of this Form 10-K and Notes 4, 5 and 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements of MidAmerican Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Nevada Power in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Sierra Pacific in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

The following table summarizes Berkshire Hathaway Energy's electric generating facilities that are in operation as of December 31, 2018:
      Facility Net Net Owned
Energy     Capacity Capacity
Source Entity Location by Significance (MW) (MW)
         
Natural gas PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, NV Energy and BHE Renewables Nevada, Utah, Iowa, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Texas, New York and Arizona 10,920 10,641
         
Coal PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy Wyoming, Iowa, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Montana 16,181 9,138
         
Wind PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables Iowa, Wyoming, Texas, Nebraska, Washington, California, Illinois, Oregon and Kansas 7,862 7,853
         
Solar BHE Renewables and NV Energy California, Texas, Arizona, Minnesota and Nevada 1,699 1,551
         
Hydroelectric 
PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy
 and BHE Renewables
 Washington, Oregon, The Philippines, Idaho, California, Utah, Hawaii, Montana, Illinois and Wyoming 1,299 1,277
         
Nuclear MidAmerican Energy Illinois 1,823 456
         
Geothermal PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables California and Utah 370 370
         
    Total 40,154 31,286

Additionally, as of December 31, 2018 the Company has electric generating facilities that are under construction in Iowa and Wyoming having total Facility Net Capacity and Net Owned Capacity of 2,390 MWs.


The right to construct and operate each Registrant's electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines across certain property was obtained in most circumstances through negotiations and, where necessary, through prescription, eminent domain or similar rights. PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas and Kern River in the United States; Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc in Great Britain; and ALP in Alberta, Canada continue to have the power of eminent domain or similar rights in each of the jurisdictions in which they operate their respective facilities, but the United States and Canadian utilities do not have the power of eminent domain with respect to governmental, Native American or Canadian First Nations' tribal lands. Although the main Kern River pipeline crosses the Moapa Indian Reservation, all facilities in the Moapa Indian Reservation are located within a utility corridor that is reserved to the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

With respect to real property, each of the electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines fall into two basic categories: (1) parcels that are owned in fee, such as certain of the electric generating facilities, electric substations, natural gas compressor stations, natural gas meter stations and office sites; and (2) parcels where the interest derives from leases, easements (including prescriptive easements), rights-of-way, permits or licenses from landowners or governmental authorities permitting the use of such land for the construction, operation and maintenance of the electric transmission and distribution facilities and interstate natural gas pipelines. Each Registrant believes it has satisfactory title or interest to all of the real property making up their respective facilities in all material respects.

Item 3.Legal Proceedings

Each Registrant is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Each Registrant does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. Each Registrant is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts.

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

Information regarding Berkshire Hathaway Energy's and PacifiCorp's mine safety violations and other legal matters disclosed in accordance with Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-K.


PART II

Item 5.Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY

BHE's common stock is beneficially owned by Berkshire Hathaway, Mr. Walter Scott, Jr., a member of BHE's Board of Directors (along with his family members and related or affiliated entities) and Mr. Gregory E. Abel, BHE's Executive Chairman, and has not been registered with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, listed on a stock exchange or otherwise publicly held or traded. BHE has not declared or paid any cash dividends to its common shareholders since Berkshire Hathaway acquired an equity ownership interest in BHE in March 2000, and does not presently anticipate that it will declare any dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future.

PACIFICORP

All common stock of PacifiCorp is held by its parent company, PPW Holdings LLC, which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. PacifiCorp declared and paid dividends to PPW Holdings LLC of $450 million in 2018 and $600 million in 2017.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING AND MIDAMERICAN ENERGY

All common stock of MidAmerican Energy is held by its parent company, MHC, which is a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding. MidAmerican Funding is an Iowa limited liability company whose membership interest is held solely by BHE. Neither MidAmerican Funding or MidAmerican Energy declared or paid any cash distributions or dividends to its sole member or shareholder in 2018 and 2017.

NEVADA POWER

All common stock of Nevada Power is held by its parent company, NV Energy, which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. Nevada Power did not declare or pay any dividends to NV Energy in 2018 and declared and paid dividends to NV Energy of $548 million in 2017.

SIERRA PACIFIC

All common stock of Sierra Pacific is held by its parent company, NV Energy, which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. Sierra Pacific did not declare or pay any dividends to NV Energy in 2018 and declared and paid dividends to NV Energy of $45 million in 2017.


Item 6.Selected Financial Data
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Sierra Pacific Power Company

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Sierra Pacific Power Company

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Sierra Pacific Power Company


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MidAmerican Energy Company
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Balance Sheets
Statements of Operations
Statements of Comprehensive Income
Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Financial Statements
MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Member's Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sierra Pacific Power Company
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Balance Sheets
Statements of Operations
Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Financial Statements


Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Information required by Item 6 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) to Form 10-K.

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Company's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

The reportable segment financial information includes all necessary adjustments and eliminations needed to conform to the Company's significant accounting policies. The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.

Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for the Company's reportable segments for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders:               
PacifiCorp$739
 $769
 $(30) (4)% $769
 $764
 $5
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding669
 574
 95
 17
 574
 532
 42
 8
NV Energy317
 346
 (29) (8) 346
 359
 (13) (4)
Northern Powergrid239
 251
 (12) (5) 251
 342
 (91) (27)
BHE Pipeline Group387
 277
 110
 40
 277
 249
 28
 11
BHE Transmission210
 224
 (14) (6) 224
 214
 10
 5
BHE Renewables(1)
329
 864
 (535) (62) 864
 179
 685
 *
HomeServices145
 149
 (4) (3) 149
 127
 22
 17
BHE and Other(467) (584) 117
 20
 (584) (224) (360) *
Total net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,568
 $2,870
 $(302) (11) $2,870
 $2,542
 $328
 13

* Not meaningful

(1)Includes the tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and the earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

Net income attributable to BHE shareholders decreased $302 million for 2018 compared to 2017. 2018 included a pre-tax unrealized loss of $538 million ($383 million after-tax) on the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited, partially offset by a $134 million income tax benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform. 2017 included a $516 million income tax benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, partially offset by $439 million of pre-tax charges ($263 million after-tax) from tender offers for certain long-term debt completed in December 2017. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders in 2018 was $2,817 million, an increase of $200 million compared to adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders in 2017 of $2,617 million.


In 2018, the Domestic Regulated Businesses began passing the benefits of lower income tax expense related to the 2017 Tax Reform to customers through various regulatory mechanisms, including lower retail rates, higher depreciation expense and reductions to rate base, which generally produced lower revenue, operating income and income tax expense in 2018. The decrease in net income attributable to BHE shareholders was due to the following:

PacifiCorp's net income decreased $30 million primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million and higher pension and post retirement expense of $13 million primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $181 million, primarily from a lower tax rate partially offset by $6 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform, andhigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas costs, lower wholesale revenue, higher purchased electricity costs and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms and lower coal costs. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather, partially offset by an increase in the average number of customers.
MidAmerican Funding's net income increased $95 million primarily due to higher electric utility margin of $122 million, a higher income tax benefit of $60 million, primarily due to a $21 million increase in production tax credits, a lower federal tax rate and a 2017 charge of $10 million from 2017 Tax Reform, after-tax charges of $17 million in 2017 related to the tender offer of a portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029 and higher allowance for borrowed and equity funds of $17 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $109 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa revenue sharing, higher operations and maintenance expense of $11 million and higher interest expense of $10 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders of $127 million (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense), higher retail customer volumes of 5.6%, largely due to industrial growth and the favorable impact of weather and higher wholesale revenue, partially offset by lower average retail rates of $126 million, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform, and higher generation and purchased power costs.
NV Energy's net income decreased $29 million primarily due to an increase in operations and maintenance expense of $71 million from higher political activity expenses and $38 million of earnings sharing established in 2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review, a decrease in electric utility margin of $52 million and an increase in depreciation and amortization of $34 million as a result of various regulatory-directed amortizations established in the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review. These decreases to net income were partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $122 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate and a 2017 charge of $19 million from 2017 Tax Reform. Electric utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $71 million, partially offset by higher retail customer volumes of 3.0%, mainly due to the favorable impact of weather.
Northern Powergrid's net income decreased $12 million due to higher distribution-related operating and depreciation expenses of $32 million from additional distribution network investment and higher pension expense of $13 million, largely resulting from pension settlement losses recognized in 2018 due to higher lump sum payments, partially offset by higher distribution revenue of $13 million, higher smart meter net income of $9 million and the weaker United States dollar of $9 million. Distribution revenue increased due to higher tariff rates of $24 million, partially offset by unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions.
BHE Pipeline Group's net income increased $110 million, due to higher transportation revenue of $113 million at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River from higher volumes and rates due to unique market opportunities and colder temperatures, a decrease in income tax expense of $50 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate offset by $7 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform, and lower depreciation and amortization of $33 million, largely due to lower depreciation rates at Kern River, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $88 million, primarily due to increased pipeline integrity projects at Northern Natural Gas.
BHE Transmission's net income decreased $14 million from lower earnings at AltaLink of $10 million, primarily due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order in December 2018 and benefits from the release of contingent liabilities in 2017, partially offset by higher net income from the nonregulated natural gas generation business, and lower earnings at BHE U.S. Transmission of $4 million from lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order in March 2017.

BHE Renewables' net income decreased $535 million, primarily due to $628 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform primarily resulting from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities, $45 million of higher operations and maintenance expense, mainly due to losses on asset disposals in the Imperial Valley and transformer remediation costs, and an unfavorable derivative valuation movement of $13 million. These decreases were partially offset by $50 million of increased revenue from overall higher generation and pricing at existing projects, favorable earnings of $34 million from tax equity investments due largely to earnings from additional tax equity investments of $41 million offset by $7 million of higher equity losses from existing tax equity investments, $29 million of net income from additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service, $15 million of make-whole premiums paid in 2017 due to early debt retirements and a settlement of $7 million received in 2018 related to transformer issues in 2016.
HomeServices' net income decreased $4 million, primarily due to lower margin and higher operating expenses at existing businesses, $31 million of income in 2017 from 2017 Tax Reform and $16 million of higher interest expense from increased borrowings primarily related to acquisitions, partially offset by net income of $58 million contributed from acquired businesses and a decrease in income tax expense of $28 million from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform.
BHE and Other net loss improved $117 million, primarily due to the 2017 after-tax charge of $246 million related to the tender offer of a portion of BHE's senior bonds, a 2017 charge of $127 million from 2017 Tax Reform, a reduction of $134 million in 2018 to the amounts recorded for the repatriation tax on foreign earnings and lower consolidated state and foreign income tax expense, partially offset by the aforementioned after-tax unrealized loss on the investment in BYD Company Limited totaling $383 million and $58 million of lower tax benefits from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform.

Net income attributable to BHE shareholders increased $328 million for 2017 compared to 2016, including a $516 million benefit as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, partially offset by a pre-tax charge of $439 million ($263 million after-tax) from tender offers for certain long-term debt completed in December 2017. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income attributable to BHE shareholders was $2,617 million, an increase of $75 million compared to 2016.
The increase in net income attributable to BHE shareholders was due to the following with such explanations excluding the impacts of DSM and energy efficiency programs having no impact on net income:
PacifiCorp's net income increased $5 million, including $6 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $763 million, a decrease of $1 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $11 million, lower production tax credits of $11 million and higher property and other taxes of $7 million, partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million. Utility margin increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue and higher wheeling revenue, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates and higher coal costs. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to favorable impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage.
MidAmerican Funding's net income increased $42 million, including a pre-tax charge of $29 million ($17 million after-tax) related to the tender offer of a portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029 and $10 million for 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impacts of these items, adjusted net income was $601 million, an increase of $69 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher income tax benefit from higher production tax credits of $38 million, the effects of ratemaking and lower pre-tax income, and higher electric utility margin of $98 million, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $93 million due to operations costs recovered through bill riders, additional wind-powered generating facilities and the timing of fossil-fueled generation maintenance, higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa regulatory arrangements, partially offset by a December 2016 reduction in depreciation rates, and higher property and other taxes of $7 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail customer volumes, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue, partially offset by higher coal and purchased power costs. Retail customer volumes increased 2.4% due to industrial growth net of lower residential and commercial volumes from milder temperatures.
NV Energy's net income decreased $13 million, including a charge of $19 million from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $365 million, an increase of $6 million compared to 2016, primarily due to higher electric utility margin of $20 million and lower interest expense of $17 million from lower deferred charges and lower rates on outstanding debt balances, partially offset by $28 million of charges related to the Nevada Power regulatory rate order. Electric utility margin increased due to higher retail customer volumes, partially offset by a decrease in wholesale revenues. Retail customer volumes increased 1.5% due to customer usage patterns, higher customer demand from the impacts of weather and an increase in the average number of customers.
Northern Powergrid's net income decreased $91 million due to higher income tax expense of $35 million primarily due to $39 million of benefits from the resolution of income tax return claims in 2016 and $17 million of deferred income tax benefits reflected in 2016 due to a 1% reduction in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate, higher pension expense of $24 million, including the impact of settlement losses recognized in 2017 due to higher lump sum payments, lower distribution revenue of $23 million and the stronger United States dollar of $11 million. These decreases were partly offset by $19 million of asset provisions recognized in 2016 at the CE Gas business. Distribution revenue decreased due to lower units distributed, the recovery in 2016 of the December 2013 customer rebate and unfavorable movements in regulatory provisions, partially offset by higher tariff rates.
BHE Pipeline Group's net income increased $28 million, including $7 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $270 million, an increase of $21 million compared to 2016, primarily due to a reduction in expenses and regulatory liabilities related to the impact of an alternative rate structure approved by the FERC at Kern River and higher transportation and storage revenues at Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by lower transportation revenue at Kern River and higher operating expense at Northern Natural Gas.
BHE Transmission's net income increased $10 million from higher earnings at AltaLink of $18 million, partially offset by lower earnings at BHE U.S. Transmission of $8 million. Earnings at AltaLink increased primarily due to additional assets placed in-service, lower impairments of nonregulated natural gas-fueled generation assets of $21 million and the weaker United States dollar of $3 million, partially offset by more favorable regulatory decisions in 2016. BHE U.S. Transmission's earnings decreased primarily due to lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC from the impacts of a regulatory rate order in March 2017.

BHE Renewables' net income increased $685 million including $628 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform primarily resulting from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $236 million, an increase of $57 million compared to 2016, primarily due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service, higher generation at the Solar Star projects due to transformer related forced outages in 2016 and higher production at the Casecnan project due to higher rainfall.
HomeServices' net income increased $22 million, including $31 million of income from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $118 million, a decrease of $9 million compared to 2016, primarily due to lower earnings at acquired and existing brokerage businesses, partially offset by higher earnings at existing franchise businesses.
BHE and Other net loss increased $360 million, including pre-tax charges of $410 million ($246 million after-tax) related to the tender offer of a portion of BHE's senior bonds and $127 million for 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impacts of these items, the adjusted net loss was $211 million, an improvement of $13 million compared to 2016. The $127 million of net loss from 2017 Tax Reform included an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits totaling $419 million, partially offset by $292 million of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities primarily related to the unrealized gain on the investment in BYD Company Limited.


Reportable Segment Results

Operating revenue and operating income for the Company's reportable segments for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Operating revenue:               
PacifiCorp$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding3,053
 2,846
 207
 7
 2,846
 2,631
 215
 8
NV Energy3,039
 3,015
 24
 1
 3,015
 2,895
 120
 4
Northern Powergrid1,020
 949
 71
 7
 949
 995
 (46) (5)
BHE Pipeline Group1,203
 993
 210
 21
 993
 978
 15
 2
BHE Transmission710
 699
 11
 2
 699
 502
 197
 39
BHE Renewables908
 838
 70
 8
 838
 743
 95
 13
HomeServices4,214
 3,443
 771
 22
 3,443
 2,801
 642
 23
BHE and Other614
 594
 20
 3
 594
 676
 (82) (12)
Total operating revenue$19,787
 $18,614
 $1,173
 6
 $18,614
 $17,422
 $1,192
 7
                
Operating income:               
PacifiCorp$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389) (27)% $1,440
 $1,429
 $11
 1 %
MidAmerican Funding550
 544
 6
 1
 544
 551
 (7) (1)
NV Energy607
 766
 (159) (21) 766
 774
 (8) (1)
Northern Powergrid486
 488
 (2) 
 488
 500
 (12) (2)
BHE Pipeline Group525
 473
 52
 11
 473
 455
 18
 4
BHE Transmission313
 322
 (9) (3) 322
 92
 230
 *
BHE Renewables325
 316
 9
 3
 316
 256
 60
 23
HomeServices214
 214
 
 
 214
 212
 2
 1
BHE and Other1
 (41) 42
 102
 (41) (22) (19) (86)
Total operating income$4,072
 $4,522
 $(450) (10) $4,522
 $4,247
 $275
 6

* Not meaningful

PacifiCorp

Operating revenue decreased $211 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to lower retail revenue of $197 million and lower wholesale and other revenue for $14 million. Retail revenue decreased $180 million due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, and lower customer volumes of $17 million. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes and lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers across the service territory, higher residential and commercial usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.

Operating income decreased $389 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher depreciation and amortization expense of $183 million, primarily due to accelerated depreciation of Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million as ordered by the Utah Public Utilities Commission. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $151 million, higher natural gas costs, lower wholesale revenue, higher purchased electricity costs and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms and lower coal costs.


Operating revenue increased $36 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher wholesale and other revenue of $50 million, partially offset by lower retail revenue of $14 million. Wholesale and other revenue increased due to higher wholesale sales volumes and short-term market prices and higher wheeling revenue. Retail revenue decreased due to lower average rates of $64 million and lower DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $55 million, primarily driven by the establishment of the Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan program, partially offset by higher customer volumes of $105 million. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage.

Operating income increased $11 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher utility margin of $72 million, excluding the impact of a decrease in DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $55 million, and lower operations and maintenance expense, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service and higher property and other taxes of $7 million. Utility margin increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue and higher wheeling revenue, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates and higher coal costs.

MidAmerican Funding

Operating revenue increased $207 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electric operating revenue of $175 million and higher natural gas operating revenue of $35 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $102 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $73 million. Electric retail revenue increased $127 million from higher recoveries through bill riders (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense), primarily the energy adjustment clause, $65 million from higher customer usage, including higher industrial sales volumes, and $36 million from the impact of weather in 2018, partially offset by lower average rates of $126 million, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform. Electric retail customer volumes increased 5.6%, largely due to industrial growth and the favorable impact of weather. Electric wholesale and other revenue increased due to 22.0% higher sales volumes and higher average per-unit prices of $18 million. Natural gas operating revenue increased due to 16.7% higher retail sales volumes from the impact of weather in 2018 and industrial growth, partially offset by a lower average per-unit price of $21 million (offset in cost of gas purchased for resale and other) and other usage and rate factors, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform.

Operating income increased $6 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electric utility margin of $122 million and higher natural gas utility margin of $11 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $109 million, higher operations and maintenance expense of $11 million and higher property and other taxes of $6 million. Wind-powered generation maintenance increased $23 million primarily due to the additional wind generation facilities but was offset by lower maintenance costs for transmission, distribution and fossil-fueled generation. The increase in depreciation and amortization reflects $65 million related to additional wind generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa revenue sharing of $44 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail customer volumes and higher wholesale revenue, partially offset by lower average retail rates, predominately from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform, and higher generation and purchased power costs. Natural gas utility margin increased due to higher retail sales volumes from colder temperatures in 2018, partially offset by lower average rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform.

Operating revenue increased $215 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher electric operating revenue of $123 million, higher natural gas operating revenue of $82 million and higher other revenue of $10 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $88 million and higher wholesale and other revenue of $35 million. Electric retail revenue increased $73 million from higher recoveries through bill riders (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax expense) and $39 million from usage and growth and rate factors, including higher industrial sales volumes, partially offset by $24 million from the impact of milder temperatures in 2017. Electric retail customer volumes increased 2.4% from industrial growth, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of temperatures. Electric wholesale and other revenue increased primarily due to higher transmission revenue of $13 million, higher wholesale volumes of $12 million and higher wholesale prices of $8 million. Natural gas operating revenue increased due to a higher average per-unit cost of gas sold of $67 million (offset in cost of natural gas purchased for resale and other), higher DSM program revenue of $3 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense), 2.4% higher wholesale sales volumes and 0.1% higher retail sales volumes.


Operating income decreased $7 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher maintenance expense of $52 million for additional wind-powered generating facilities and the timing of fossil-fueled generation maintenance, higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million and higher property and other taxes of $7 million, partially offset by higher electric utility margin of $98 million, including the impact of an increase in electric DSM program revenue of $22 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense), and higher natural gas utility margin of $5 million, including the impact of an increase in gas DSM program revenue of $3 million (offset in operations and maintenance expense). Electric utility margin was higher due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail sales volumes, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue, partially offset by higher coal-fueled generation and purchased power costs. The increase in depreciation and amortization reflects $38 million related to wind generation and other plant placed in-service and increases for Iowa regulatory arrangements of $14 million, partially offset by a reduction of $31 million from lower depreciation rates implemented in December 2016.

NV Energy

Operating revenue increased $24 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electric operating revenue of $17 million and higher natural gas operating revenue of $5 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher electric retail revenue of $17 million primarily due to higher energy rates (offset in cost of fuel and energy) of $84 million, higher customer volumes of $19 million, primarily due to the impacts of weather, and customer growth of $11 million, partially offset by a decrease from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $71 million and lower rates from the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review of $30 million. Electric retail customer volumes, including distribution only service customers, increased 3.0% compared to 2017. Natural gas operating revenue increased $5 million due to a higher average per-unit price (offset in cost of natural gas purchased for resale) of $7 million, partially offset by lower volumes.

Operating income decreased $159 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to an increase in operations and maintenance expense of $71 million, primarily due to higher political activity expenses and $38 million of earnings sharing established in 2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review, a decrease in electric utility margin of $52 million and higher depreciation and amortization of $34 million as a result of various regulatory-directed amortizations established in the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review. Electric utility margin decreased as higher energy costs of $69 million were offset by higher electric operating revenue of $17 million. Energy costs increased due to higher net deferred power costs of $57 million and higher purchased power costs of $33 million, partially offset by a lower average cost of fuel for generation of $21 million.

Operating revenue increased $120 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher electric operating revenue of $134 million, partially offset by lower natural gas operating revenue of $11 million. Electric operating revenue increased due to higher retail revenue of $127 million and higher transmission revenue of $9 million. Electric retail revenue increased due to $198 million from higher rates primarily from energy costs (offset in cost of sales), $40 million from higher distribution only service revenue and impact fees received due to customers purchasing energy from alternative providers and becoming distribution only service customers, $18 million from an increase in the average number customers and $10 million higher customer usage mainly from the favorable impacts of weather, partially offset by $114 million from lower commercial and industrial revenue, mainly from customers purchasing energy from alternative providers, and $23 million of lower energy efficiency program revenue (offset in operating expense). Electric retail customer volumes, including distribution only service customers, increased 1.5% compared to 2016. Natural gas operating revenue decreased due to lower energy rates, partially offset by higher customer usage.

Operating income decreased $8 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to $25 million of operating expenses related to Nevada Power's regulatory rate review, partially offset by higher electric utility margin of $20 million, excluding the impact of a decrease in energy efficiency program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $23 million. Electric utility margin was higher due to increased electric operating revenue of $157 million, excluding the impact of decreased energy efficiency program revenues, partially offset by increased energy costs of $137 million. Energy costs increased due to lower net deferred power costs of $85 million, a higher average cost of fuel for generation of $44 million and higher purchased power costs.

Northern Powergrid

Operating revenue increased $71 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to the weaker United States dollar of $36 million, higher smart metering revenues of $27 million and higher distribution revenues of $13 million, partially offset by lower contracting revenue of $6 million. Smart metering revenue increased due to a larger number of units installed. Distribution revenue increased primarily due to higher tariff rates of $24 million, partially offset by unfavorable movements on regulatory provisions of $6 million. Operating income decreased $2 million for 2018 compared to 2017 mainly due to higher distribution-related operating and depreciation of $32 million from additional distribution network investment partially offset by the weaker United States dollar of $18 million, higher distribution revenue of $13 million and higher smart meter operating income of $9 million.


Operating revenue decreased $46 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to the stronger United States dollar of $48 million and lower distribution revenues of $23 million, partially offset by higher smart meter revenue of $25 million. Distribution revenue decreased primarily due to lower units distributed of $13 million, the recovery in 2016 of the December 2013 customer rebate of $10 million and unfavorable movements on regulatory provisions of $7 million, partially offset by higher tariff rates of $5 million. Operating income decreased $12 million for 2017 compared to 2016 mainly due to the stronger United States dollar of $26 million and the lower distribution revenue, partially offset by write-offs of hydrocarbon well exploration costs in 2016 totaling $19 million.

BHE Pipeline Group

Operating revenue increased $210 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to higher transportation revenues of $113 million at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River from higher volumes and rates due to unique market opportunities and colder temperatures and higher gas sales of $99 million related to system balancing activities at Northern Natural Gas (largely offset in cost of sales). Operating income increased $52 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher transportation revenues at Northern Natural Gas and Kern River and lower depreciation and amortization of $33 million, largely due to lower depreciation rates at Kern River, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, primarily due to increased pipeline integrity projects at Northern Natural Gas.

Operating revenue increased $15 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher transportation revenues of $33 million and higher gas sales of $19 million related to system and operational balancing activities (largely offset in cost of sales) at Northern Natural Gas, partially offset by lower transportation revenues of $40 million at Kern River. Operating income increased $18 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the higher transportation revenues at Northern Natural Gas and a reduction in expenses and regulatory liabilities related to the impact of an alternative rate structure approved by the FERC at Kern River, partially offset by higher operating expenses at Northern Natural Gas.

BHE Transmission

Operating revenue increased $11 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to higher operating revenue at AltaLink, primarily from higher revenue from the nonregulated natural gas generation business and additional assets placed in-service, partially offset by the release of contingent liabilities in 2017. Operating income decreased $9 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to the impacts of a regulatory rate order received by AltaLink in December 2018 and the release of contingent liabilities in 2017, partially offset by the weaker United States dollar and higher operating income from the nonregulated natural gas generation business.

Operating revenue increased $197 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a one-time reduction of $200 million from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, a weaker United States dollar of $19 million and $15 million from additional assets placed in service, partially offset by more favorable regulatory decisions in 2016. Operating income increased $230 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the higher operating revenue from the 2015-2016 GTA decision that required AltaLink to refund $200 million to customers in 2016 through reduced monthly billings for the change from receiving cash during construction for the return on construction work-in-progress in rate base to recording allowance for borrowed and equity funds used during construction related to construction expenditures during the 2011 to 2014 time period. This amount is offset with higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds. Operating income was also favorably impacted by lower operating expense primarily due to reduced impairments of nonregulated natural gas-fueled generation assets of $21 million and a weaker United States dollar of $11 million.

BHE Renewables

Operating revenue increased $70 million in 2018 compared to 2017 due to overall higher generation and pricing of $50 million at existing projects and $33 million from additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service, partially offset by an unfavorable derivative valuation movement of $13 million. Operating income increased $9 million in 2018 compared to 2017 due to the increase in operating revenue, partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense of $45 million related to losses on asset disposals in the Imperial Valley, transformer remediation costs and higher depreciation expense of $17 million, primarily related to additional solar and wind capacity placed in-service.


Operating revenue increased $95 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service of $57 million, higher generation at the Solar Star projects of $31 million due to transformer related forced outages in 2016 and higher production at the Casecnan project of $24 million due to higher rainfall, partially offset by lower generation of $11 million at the existing wind projects due to a lower wind resource and lower generation at the Topaz project of $6 million due to a scheduled maintenance outage. Operating income increased $60 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to the increase in operating revenue, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million and higher operating expense of $18 million, each primarily due to additional wind and solar capacity placed in-service. Operating expense also increased from the scope and timing of maintenance at certain geothermal plants. The higher depreciation and amortization is offset by a reduction of $8 million from the extension of the useful life of certain wind-generating facilities from 25 years to 30 years effective January 2017.

HomeServices

Operating revenue increased $771 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to an increase from acquired businesses totaling $838 million and a 4% increase in average home sales prices for existing brokerage businesses, offset by a 5% decrease in closed brokerage units at existing brokerage businesses. Operating income was unchanged for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher earnings from acquired businesses of $65 million offset by lower earnings from existing businesses.

Operating revenue increased $642 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to an increase from acquired businesses totaling $542 million and a 4% increase in average home sales prices for existing brokerage businesses. Operating income increased $2 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher earnings from franchise businesses, partially offset by lower earnings from brokerage businesses mainly due to higher operating expenses at existing businesses.

BHE and Other

Operating revenue increased $20 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher electricity and natural gas volumes and favorable derivative valuation movement at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC. BHE and Other had operating income of $1 million in 2018 compared to an operating loss of $41 million in 2017 primarily due to lower other operating costs and higher margins at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC.

Operating revenue decreased $82 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower electricity and natural gas volumes and lower electricity prices at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC. Operating loss increased $19 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower margins at MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC.

Consolidated Other Income and Expense Items

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
            
Subsidiary debt$1,412
 $1,399
 $13
 1 % $1,399
 $1,378
 $21
 2 %
BHE senior debt and other421
 423
 (2) 
 423
 411
 12
 3
BHE junior subordinated debentures5
 19
 (14) (74) 19
 65
 (46) (71)
Total interest expense$1,838
 $1,841
 $(3) 
 $1,841
 $1,854
 $(13) (1)

Interest expense decreased $3 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to repayments of BHE junior subordinated debentures of $944 million in 2017, scheduled maturities and principal payments and early redemptions of subsidiary debt, partially offset by debt issuances at BHE, MidAmerican Funding, BHE Renewables and HomeServices.

Interest expense decreased $13 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to repayments of BHE junior subordinated debentures of $944 million in 2017 and $2.0 billion in 2016, scheduled maturities and principal payments and early redemptions of subsidiary debt, partially offset by debt issuances at MidAmerican Funding, Northern Powergrid, AltaLink and BHE Renewables and higher short-term borrowings at BHE.


Capitalized Interest

Capitalized interest increased $16 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher construction work-in-progress balances at PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and BHE Renewables.

Capitalized interest decreased $45 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to $96 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016 from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, which is offset in operating revenue, and lower construction work-in-progress balances at BHE Renewables, partially offset by higher construction work-in-progress balances at MidAmerican Energy.

Allowance for Equity Funds
Allowance for equity funds increased $28 million for 2018 compared to 2071 primarily due to higher construction work-in-progress balances at PacifiCorp and MidAmerican Energy.

Allowance for equity funds decreased $76 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to $104 million recorded in the second quarter of 2016 from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at AltaLink, which is offset in operating revenue, partially offset by higher construction work-in-progress balances at MidAmerican Energy.

Interest and Dividend Income
Interest and dividend income increased $2 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to favorable investment activity at PacifiCorp and higher cash balances at MidAmerican Energy, partially offset by a lower financial asset balance at the Casecnan project.

Interest and dividend income decreased $9 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a lower financial asset balance at the Casecnan project and lower dividends from BYD Company Limited.

(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net

(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net was a loss of $538 million in 2018 compared to a gain of $14 million in 2017 primarily due to an unrealized loss in 2018 on the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited totaling $526 million.

Other, net

Changes in other, net from 2018, 2017 and 2016 were primarily due to charges of $439 million in 2017 from tender offers related to certain long-term debt completed in December 2017.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense

Income tax benefit increased $29 million for 2018 compared to 2017 and the effective tax rate was (30)% for 2018 and (22)% for 2017. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, the favorable impacts of ratemaking of $140 million, including amortization of Utah's share of non-protected excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the Utah Public Utilities Commission, a reduction to the amounts recorded for the repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings of $134 million, higher production tax credits of $76 million and lower United States income taxes on foreign earnings of $40 million, partially offset by net impacts of $731 million in 2017 as a result of 2017 Tax Reform.

Income tax expense decreased $957 million for 2017 compared to 2016 and the effective tax rate was (22)% for 2017 and 14% for 2016. The effective tax rate decreased primarily due to the net impacts of 2017 Tax Reform of $731 million, higher production tax credits of $97 million and the favorable impacts of rate making of $33 million, partially offset by benefits from the resolution of income tax return claims in 2016 of $39 million and deferred income tax benefits of $16 million reflected in 2016 due to a 1% reduction in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate.

The 2017 Tax Reform most notably lowered the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, and created a one-time repatriation tax on undistributed foreign earnings and profits. The $731 million of lower income tax expense was comprised of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities of $1,150 million, partially offset by an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits totaling $419 million.


Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold based on a per kilowatt rate as prescribed pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law and are eligible for the credit for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service. A credit of $0.024 per kilowatt hour was applied to 2018 and 2017 production and a credit of $0.023 per kilowatt hour was applied to 2016 production which resulted in production tax credits of $571 million in 2018, $495 million in 2017 and $398 million in 2016.

Equity Income (Loss)

Equity income (loss) for the years ended December 31 is summarized as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Equity income (loss):               
ETT$62
 $(62) $124
 * $(62) $95
 $(157) *
Tax equity investments(61) (120) 59
 (49) (120) (10) (110) *
Agua Caliente27
 24
 3
 13 24
 25
 (1) (4)
HomeServices8
 6
 2
 33 6
 6
 
 
Other7
 1
 6
 * 1
 7
 (6) (86)
Total equity income (loss)$43
 $(151) $194
 * $(151) $123
 $(274) *

* Not meaningful

Equity income increased $194 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform, which decreased equity income in 2017 by $228 million mainly due to equity earnings charges recognized totaling $154 million for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities. These investments include pass-through entities for income tax purposes and the lower equity income is entirely offset by lower income tax expense as a result of benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities. Additionally, 2018 pre-tax equity earnings were lower at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC primarily due to the impacts of new retail rates effective March 2017.

Equity income decreased $274 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform, which decreased equity income in 2017 by $228 million mainly due to equity earnings charges recognized totaling $154 million for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities. Equity income also decreased due to lower pre-tax equity earnings from tax equity investments mainly due to unfavorable operating results and lower equity earnings at Electric Transmission Texas, LLC primarily due to the impacts of new retail rates effective March 2017.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $17 million for 2018 compared to 2017 mainly due to the April 2018 purchase of a redeemable noncontrolling interest at HomeServices.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $12 million for 2017 compared to 2016 mainly due to higher earnings at HomeServices' franchise business.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Each of BHE's direct and indirect subsidiaries is organized as a legal entity separate and apart from BHE and its other subsidiaries. It should not be assumed that the assets of any subsidiary will be available to satisfy BHE's obligations or the obligations of its other subsidiaries. However, unrestricted cash or other assets that are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law, regulatory commitments and the terms of financing and ring-fencing arrangements for such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to BHE or affiliates thereof. The Company's long-term debt may include provisions that allow BHE or its subsidiaries to redeem such debt in whole or in part at any time. These provisions generally include make-whole premiums. Refer to Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the limitation of distributions from BHE's subsidiaries.


As of December 31, 2018, the Company's total net liquidity was as follows (in millions):
     MidAmerican NV Northern      
 BHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other Total
                
Cash and cash equivalents$9
 $77
 $1
 $208
 $39
 $57
 $236
 $627
  
              
Credit facilities(1)
3,500
 1,200
 1,309
 650
 231
 639
 1,585
 9,114
Less:               
Short-term debt(983) (30) (240) 
 (77) (345) (841) (2,516)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit
 (89) (370) (80) 
 (4) 
 (543)
Net credit facilities2,517
 1,081
 699
 570
 154
 290
 744
 6,055
                
Total net liquidity$2,526
 $1,158
 $700
 $778
 $193
 $347
 $980
 $6,682
Credit facilities: 
  
  
    
    
  
Maturity dates2021
 2021
 2019, 2021
 2021
 2020
 2023
 2019, 2022
  

(1)    Includes the drawn uncommitted credit facilities totaling $39 million at Northern Powergrid.

Refer to Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's credit facilities, letters of credit, equity commitments and other related items.

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. As a result, the Company does not expect to receive distributions from Topaz or Agua Caliente in the near term.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $6.77 billion and $6.08 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to changes in working capital and an increase in income tax receipts.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $6.1 billion and $6.1 billion, respectively. The increase was primarily due to improved operating results, changes in working capital and the payment for the USA Power litigation in 2016, partially offset by a reduction in income tax receipts.

The timing of the Company's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(7.0) billion and $(6.1) billion, respectively. The change was primarily due to higher capital expenditures of $1.7 billion and higher funding of tax equity investments, partially offset by higher cash paid for acquisitions in 2017 of $1.0 billion. Refer to "Future Uses of Cash" for further discussion of capital expenditures.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(6.1) billion and $(5.7) billion, respectively. The change was primarily due to higher cash paid for acquisitions of $1.0 billion, partially offset by lower capital expenditures of $519 million and lower funding of tax equity investments. Refer to "Future Uses of Cash" for further discussion of capital expenditures.


Acquisitions

In 2018, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $106 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $15 million, assumed liabilities of $12 million and recognized goodwill of $79 million.

In 2017, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $1.1 billion, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses, development and construction costs for the 110-MW Alamo 6 and the 50-MW Pearl solar projects, and the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generation facility at Nevada Power. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $1.1 billion, assumed liabilities of $487 million and recognized goodwill of $508 million.

In 2016, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $66 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The assets acquired consisted of property, plant and equipment, development and construction costs for renewable projects, other working capital items, goodwill of $50 million and other identifiable intangible assets. The liabilities assumed totaled $54 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $(174) million. Sources of cash totaled $5.6 billion and consisted of proceeds from BHE senior debt issuances of $3.2 billion and proceeds from subsidiary debt issuances totaling $2.4 billion. Uses of cash totaled $5.8 billion and consisted mainly of $2.4 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt, net repayments of short term debt of $1.9 billion, $1.0 billion for repayments of BHE senior debt and the purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest of $131 million.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $274 million. Sources of cash totaled $4.1 billion and consisted of net proceeds from short-term debt of $2.4 billion and proceeds from subsidiary debt issuances totaling $1.7 billion. Uses of cash totaled $3.9 billion and consisted mainly of $2.3 billion for repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures, $1.0 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt and tender offer premiums paid of $435 million.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $(690) million. Sources of cash totaled $3.2 billion and consisted mainly of proceeds from subsidiary debt totaling $2.3 billion and net proceeds from short-term debt of $880 million. Uses of cash totaled $3.9 billion and consisted mainly of $1.8 billion for repayments of subsidiary debt and repayments of BHE subordinated debt totaling $2 billion.

Debt Repurchases

The Company may from time to time seek to acquire its outstanding debt securities through cash purchases in the open market, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any debt securities repurchased by the Company may be reissued or resold by the Company from time to time and will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company's liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Common Stock Transactions

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE repurchased 177,381 shares of its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million, respectively.

In February 2019, BHE repurchased 447,712 shares of its common stock for $293 million.

Future Uses of Cash

The Company has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, the issuance of equity and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which BHE and each subsidiary has access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including its credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry and project finance markets, among other items.

Capital Expenditures

The Company has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisitions of existing assets.

The Company's historical and forecast capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, by reportable segment for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
PacifiCorp$903
 $769
 $1,257
 $2,293
 $2,261
 $877
MidAmerican Funding1,637
 1,776
 2,332
 2,544
 1,437
 1,058
NV Energy529
 456
 503
 624
 626
 685
Northern Powergrid579
 579
 566
 577
 521
 466
BHE Pipeline Group226
 286
 427
 537
 366
 457
BHE Transmission466
 334
 270
 236
 201
 264
BHE Renewables719
 323
 817
 92
 79
 74
HomeServices20
 37
 47
 50
 37
 34
BHE and Other11
 11
 22
 11
 12
 5
Total$5,090
 $4,571
 $6,241
 $6,964
 $5,540
 $3,920

 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Wind generation$1,712
 $1,291
 $2,740
 $2,534
 $1,864
 $592
Electric transmission448
 343
 219
 666
 242
 174
Other growth483
 689
 715
 737
 370
 600
Operating2,447
 2,248
 2,567
 3,027
 3,064
 2,554
Total$5,090
 $4,571
 $6,241
 $6,964
 $5,540
 $3,920


The Company's historical and forecast capital expenditures consisted mainly of the following:
Wind generation includes the following:
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at MidAmerican Energy totaling $1,261 million for 2018, $657 million for 2017 and $943 million for 2016. MidAmerican Energy placed in-service 817 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2018, 334 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2017 and 600 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2016. In August 2016, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 2,000 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities, including the additions in 2017 and 2018 and facilities expected to be placed in-service in 2019. MidAmerican Energy expects to spend $1,378 million in 2019, $479 million in 2020 and $7 million in 2021 for these additional wind-powered generating facilities. The ratemaking principles establish a cost cap of $3.6 billion, including AFUDC, and a fixed rate of return on equity of 11.0% over the proposed 40-year useful lives of those facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. The cost cap ensures that as long as total costs are below the cap, the investment will be deemed prudent in any future Iowa rate proceeding. Additionally, the ratemaking principles modify the revenue sharing mechanism currently in effect. The revised sharing mechanism was effective in 2018 and will be triggered each year by actual equity returns exceeding a weighted average return on equity for MidAmerican Energy calculated annually. Pursuant to the change in revenue sharing, MidAmerican Energy will share 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger with customers. Such revenue sharing will reduce coal and nuclear generation rate base, which is intended to mitigate future base rate increases. MidAmerican Energy expects all of these wind-powered generating facilities to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available.
Repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities at MidAmerican Energy totaling $422 million for 2018, $514 million for 2017 and $67 million for 2016. The repowering projects entail the replacement of significant components of older turbines. Planned spending for the repowered generating facilities totals $168 million in 2019, $236 million in 2020 and $576 million in 2021. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for federal production tax credits available for ten years following each facility's return to service.
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaling $9 million for 2018 and $5 million for 2017. The new wind-powered generating facilities are expected to be placed in-service in 2020. Planned spending for the new wind-powered generating facilities totals $420 million in 2019, $991 million in 2020 and $9 million in 2021. The energy production from the new wind-powered generating facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available.
Repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaling $332 million for 2018, $6 million for 2017 and $80 million for 2016. The repowering projects entail the replacement of significant components of older turbines. Planned spending for the repowered generating facilities totals $567 million in 2019, $159 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for federal production tax credits available for ten years following each facility's return to service.
Construction of wind-powered generating facilities at BHE Renewables totaling $717 million for 2018, $109 million for 2017 and $602 million for 2016. BHE Renewables placed in-service 512 MWs during 2018 and 472 MWs during 2016.
Electric transmission includes PacifiCorp's costs associated with main grid reinforcement and the Energy Gateway Transmission Expansion Program, MidAmerican Energy's Multi-Value Projects approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. for the construction of approximately 250 miles of 345-kV transmission line located in Iowa and Illinois and AltaLink's directly assigned projects from the AESO.
Other growth includes investments in solar generation for the construction of the community solar gardens project in Minnesota comprised of 28 locations with a nominal facilities capacity of 98 MWs, projects to deliver power and services to new markets, new customer connections and enhancements to existing customer connections.
Operating includes ongoing distribution systems infrastructure needed at the Utilities and Northern Powergrid, investments in routine expenditures for generation, transmission, distribution and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand and environmental spending relating to emissions control equipment and the management of coal combustion residuals.


Contractual Obligations
The Company has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes the Company's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
  Payments Due By Periods
    2020- 2022- 2024 and  
  2019 2021 2023 After Total
           
BHE senior debt $
 $800
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures 
 
 
 100
 100
Subsidiary debt 2,106
 2,749
 3,401
 20,007
 28,263
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 1,704
 3,135
 2,864
 18,163
 25,866
Short-term debt 2,516
 
 
 
 2,516
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments(1)
 2,215
 3,039
 2,221
 11,155
 18,630
Construction commitments(1)
 2,330
 639
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements(1)
 197
 337
 250
 1,738
 2,522
Other(1)
 349
 728
 603
 1,443
 3,123
Total contractual cash obligations $11,417
 $11,427
 $10,239
 $59,557
 $92,640

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 8), uncertain tax positions (Note 11) and asset retirement obligations (Note 13), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Additionally, the Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $698 million, $403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and has commitments as of December 31, 2018, subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions of $1.4 billion in 2019 and 2020 pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.

Regulatory Matters

The Company is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of non-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in full the December invoices for both Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Quad Cities Generating Station Operating Status

Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("Exelon Generation"), the operator of Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station") of which MidAmerican Energy has a 25% ownership interest, announced on June 2, 2016, its intention to shut down Quad Cities Station on June 1, 2018, as a result of Illinois not passing adequate legislation and Quad Cities Station not clearing the 2019-2020 PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. capacity auction. MidAmerican Energy expressed to Exelon Generation its desire for the continued operation of the facility through the end of its operating license in 2032 and worked with Exelon Generation on solutions to that end. In December 2016, Illinois passed legislation creating a zero emission standard, which went into effect June 1, 2017. The zero emission standard requires the Illinois Power Agency to purchase zero emission credits ("ZEC's") and recover the costs from certain ratepayers in Illinois, subject to certain limitations. The proceeds from the zero emission credits will provide Exelon Generation additional revenue through 2027 as an incentive for continued operation of Quad Cities Station. For the nuclear assets already in rate base, MidAmerican Energy's customers will not be charged for the subsidy, and MidAmerican Energy will not receive additional revenue from the subsidy.

On February 14, 2017, two lawsuits were filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ("Northern District of Illinois") against the Illinois Power Agency alleging that the state's zero emission credit program violates certain provisions of the United States Constitution. Both complaints argue that the Illinois zero emission credit program will distort the FERC's energy and capacity market auction system of setting wholesale prices. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation intervened and filed motions to dismiss in both lawsuits. On July 14, 2017, the Northern District of Illinois granted the motions to dismiss. On July 17, 2017, the plaintiffs filed appeals with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ("Seventh Circuit"). On May 29, 2018, the United States Department of Justice and the FERC filed an amicus brief arguing federal rules do not preempt Illinois' ZEC program. On September 13, 2018, the Seventh Circuit upheld the Northern District of Illinois' ruling concluding that Illinois' ZEC program does not violate the Federal Power Act, and is thus, constitutional. On January 7, 2019, plaintiffs filed a petition seeking review of the case by the United States Supreme Court.

On January 9, 2017, the Electric Power Supply Association filed two requests with the FERC seeking to expand Minimum Offer Price Rule ("MOPR") provisions to apply to existing resources receiving zero emission credit compensation. If successful, an expanded MOPR could result in an increased risk of Quad Cities Station not clearing in future capacity auctions and Exelon Generation no longer receiving capacity revenues for the facility. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation has filed protests at the FERC in response to each filing. The timing of the FERC's decision with respect to both proceedings is currently unknown and the outcome of these matters is currently uncertain.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact its current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations and capital expenditure requirements, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of BHE and debt and preferred securities of certain of its subsidiaries are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of the rated company's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

BHE and its subsidiaries have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. The Company's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2018, the applicable entities' credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2018, the Company would have been required to post $469 million of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where BHE's subsidiaries operate have not had a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. In the United States and Canada, the Regulated Businesses operate under cost-of-service based rate structures administered by various state and provincial commissions and the FERC. Under these rate structures, the Regulated Businesses are allowed to include prudent costs in their rates, including the impact of inflation. The price control formula used by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies incorporates the rate of inflation in determining rates charged to customers. BHE's subsidiaries attempt to minimize the potential impact of inflation on their operations through the use of fuel, energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has certain investments that are accounted for under the equity method in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, an amount is recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as an equity investment and is increased or decreased for the Company's pro-rata share of earnings or losses, respectively, less any dividends from such investments. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of investment tax credits.


As of December 31, 2018, the Company's investments that are accounted for under the equity method had short- and long-term debt of $2.4 billion, unused revolving credit facilities of $129 million and letters of credit outstanding of $88 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's pro-rata share of such short- and long-term debt was $1.2 billion, unused revolving credit facilities was $65 million and outstanding letters of credit was $43 million. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding short- and long-term debt and unused revolving credit facilities is non-recourse to the Company. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding letters of credit is recourse to the Company. Although the Company is generally not required to support debt service obligations of its equity investees, default with respect to this non-recourse short- and long-term debt could result in a loss of invested equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting the Company, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by the Company's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

The Regulated Businesses prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Total regulatory assets were $3.1 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $7.5 billion as of December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Regulated Businesses' regulatory assets and liabilities.

Classification and Recognition Methodology

The majority of the Company's commodity derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in the rates of its rate-regulated subsidiaries, and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as net regulatory assets or liabilities. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $110 million recorded as net regulatory assets related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $9.6 billion. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. Additionally, no indicators of impairment were identified as of December 31, 2018. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. Estimated future cash flows are impacted by, among other factors, growth rates, changes in regulations and rates, ability to renew contracts and estimates of future commodity prices. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. Refer to Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's goodwill.

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

The estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what the Company would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect the Company's results of operations.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Certain of the Company's subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of employees. The Company recognizes the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a net liability totaling $174 million for the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets totaled $764 million and in AOCI totaled $497 million.

The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and healthcare cost trend rates. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the expected asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. The Company regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.


The Company chooses a healthcare cost trend rate that reflects the near and long-term expectations of increases in medical costs and corresponds to the expected benefit payment periods. The healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to gradually decline to 5.00% by 2025, at which point the rate of increase is assumed to remain constant. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for healthcare cost trend rate sensitivity disclosures.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (dollars in millions):
 Domestic Plans  
     Other Postretirement United Kingdom
 Pension Plans Benefit Plans Pension Plan
 +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
            
Effect on December 31, 2018           
Benefit Obligations:           
Discount rate$(133) $146
 $(27) $30
 $(172) $147
            
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:           
Discount rate$(1) $1
 $1
 $(1) $(22) $21
Expected rate of return on plan assets(12) 12
 (4) 4
 (11) 11

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and the Company's funding policy for each plan.

Income Taxes

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's income taxes.

It is probable the Company's regulated businesses will pass income tax benefits and expense related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property-related basis differences and other various differences on to their customers in certain state and provincial jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $3.7 billion and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

The Company has not established deferred income taxes on its undistributed foreign earnings that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of the Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends may be subject to taxation in the United States but the tax is not expected to be material.


Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. The determination of customer invoices is based on a systematic reading of meters, fixed reservation charges based on contractual quantities and rates or, in the case of the Great Britain distribution businesses, when information is received from the national settlement system. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $554 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Unbilled revenue is reversed in the following month and billed revenue is recorded based on the subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. The Company's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which the Company transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with the Company's business activities. Each of the Company's business platforms has established guidelines for credit risk management.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through BHE's ownership of the Utilities as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. The Company also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage and transmission and transportation constraints. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To manage a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. The Company's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

The table that follows summarizes the Company's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $59 million and $76 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices with the contracted or expected volumes. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Not designated as hedging contracts$5
 $34
 $(12)
Designated as hedging contracts5
 37
 (21)
Total commodity derivative contracts$10
 $71
 $(33)
      
As of December 31, 2017     
Not designated as hedging contracts$(32) $(18) $(46)
Designated as hedging contracts(1) 35
 (37)
Total commodity derivative contracts$(33) $17
 $(83)

The settled cost of certain of the Company's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts is included in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose the Company to earnings volatility. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, wholesale natural gas or fuel are higher than what is included in regulated rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a net regulatory asset of $110 million and $119 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $5 million and the net derivative liability of $32 million, respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables. For the Company's commodity derivative contracts designated as hedging contracts, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts, to the extent the hedge is considered effective, generally do not expose the Company to earnings volatility.


Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, the Company's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose the Company to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if the Company were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of the Company's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 8, 9, 10, and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of the Company's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $4.3 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, that expose the Company to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, forward sale commitments or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. Changes in fair value of agreements designated as cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the hedge is effective until the forecasted transaction occurs. Changes in fair value of agreements not designated as hedging contracts are recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $637 million and $679 million, respectively, and £161 million and £136 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had mortgage commitments, net, with notional amounts of $326 million and $422 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. The fair value of the Company's interest rate derivative contracts was a net derivative liability of $8 million as of December 31, 2018 and a net derivative asset of $16 million as of December 31, 2017. A hypothetical 20 basis point increase and a 20 basis point decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on the Company.

Equity Price Risk

Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation and consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock represented approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, of the total fair value of the Company's equity securities. The majority of the Company's remaining equity securities are held in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets and the realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. The following table summarizes the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the effects of a hypothetical 30% increase and a 30% decrease in market price as of those dates. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
     Estimated Hypothetical
   Hypothetical Fair Value after Percentage Increase
 Fair Price Hypothetical (Decrease) in BHE
 Value Change Change in Prices Shareholders' Equity
        
As of December 31, 2018$1,435
 30% increase $1,866
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,005
 (1)
        
As of December 31, 2017$1,961
 30% increase $2,549
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,373
 (1)


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

BHE's business operations and investments outside of the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates primarily in relation to the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from BHE's foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact.

Northern Powergrid's functional currency is the British pound. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the British pound to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $460 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for Northern Powergrid of $24 million in 2018.

AltaLink's functional currency is the Canadian dollar. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $302 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for AltaLink of $17 million in 2018.

Credit Risk

Domestic Regulated Operations

The Utilities are exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent the Utilities' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, the Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit exposure from wholesale activities totaled $719 million, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, compared to $127 million as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2018, $552 million of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to long-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation by contractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.

Substantially all of MidAmerican Energy's electric wholesale sales revenue results from participation in RTOs, including the MISO and the PJM. MidAmerican Energy's share of historical losses from defaults by other RTO market participants has not been material. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate direct credit exposure from electric wholesale marketing counterparties was not material.

As of December 31, 2018, NV Energy's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.

Northern Natural Gas' primary customers include utilities in the upper Midwest. Kern River's primary customers are electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As a general policy, collateral is not required for receivables from creditworthy customers. Customers' financial condition and creditworthiness, as defined by the tariff, are regularly evaluated and historical losses have been minimal. In order to provide protection against credit risk, and as permitted by the separate terms of each of Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariffs, the companies have required customers that lack creditworthiness to provide cash deposits, letters of credit or other security until they meet the creditworthiness requirements of the respective tariff.


Northern Powergrid

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to supply companies. The supply companies purchase electricity from generators and traders, sell the electricity to end-use customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to the multilateral "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses. During 2018, RWE Npower PLC and certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented approximately 19% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies. The industry operates in accordance with a framework which sets credit limits for each supply business based on its credit rating or payment history and requires them to provide credit cover if their value at risk (measured as being equivalent to 45 days usage) exceeds the credit limit. Acceptable credit typically is provided in the form of a parent company guarantee, letter of credit or an escrow account. Ofgem has indicated that, provided the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies have implemented credit control, billing and collection in line with best practice guidelines and can demonstrate compliance with the guidelines or are able to satisfactorily explain departure from the guidelines, any bad debt losses arising from supplier default will be recovered through an increase in future allowed income. Losses incurred to date have not been material.

AltaLink

AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO, an entity rated AA- by Standard and Poor's. Because of the dependence on a single customer, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair AltaLink's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. Total operating revenue for AltaLink was $710 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables owns independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines that generally have separate project financing agreements. These projects source of operating revenue is derived primarily from long-term power purchase agreements with single customers, primarily utilities, which expire between 2019 and 2043. Because of the dependence generally from a single customer at each project, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair that project's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. On January 29, 2019, a customer of certain BHE Renewables' solar projects filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. See BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for additional information. Total operating revenue for BHE Renewables was $908 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Other Energy Business

MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES") is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent that MES' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, MES analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, MES enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, MES exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2018, MES' aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (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, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) in 2018 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities".

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

Des Moines, Iowa
February 22, 2019

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1991.



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Trade receivables, net2,038
 2,014
Income tax receivable90
 334
Inventories844
 888
Mortgage loans held for sale468
 465
Other current assets853
 815
Total current assets5,147
 5,778
    
Property, plant and equipment, net68,595
 65,871
Goodwill9,595
 9,678
Regulatory assets2,896
 2,761
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments4,903
 4,872
Other assets1,053
 1,248
    
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$1,809
 $1,519
Accrued interest469
 488
Accrued property, income and other taxes599
 354
Accrued employee expenses275
 274
Short-term debt2,516
 4,488
Current portion of long-term debt2,106
 3,431
Other current liabilities996
 1,049
Total current liabilities8,770
 11,603
    
BHE senior debt8,577
 5,452
BHE junior subordinated debentures100
 100
Subsidiary debt25,991
 26,210
Regulatory liabilities7,346
 7,309
Deferred income taxes9,047
 8,242
Other long-term liabilities2,635
 2,984
Total liabilities62,466
 61,900
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
    
Equity:   
BHE shareholders' equity:   
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding
 
Additional paid-in capital6,371
 6,368
Long-term income tax receivable(457) 
Retained earnings25,624
 22,206
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(1,945) (398)
Total BHE shareholders' equity29,593
 28,176
Noncontrolling interests130
 132
Total equity29,723
 28,308
    
Total liabilities and equity$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
Energy$15,573
 $15,171
 $14,621
Real estate4,214
 3,443
 2,801
Total operating revenue19,787
 18,614
 17,422
      
Operating expenses:     
Energy:     
Cost of sales4,769
 4,518
 4,315
Operations and maintenance3,440
 3,210
 3,176
Depreciation and amortization2,933
 2,580
 2,560
Property and other taxes573
 555
 535
Real estate4,000
 3,229
 2,589
Total operating expenses15,715
 14,092
 13,175
    
  
Operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total other income (expense)(2,107) (2,015) (1,397)
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)1,965
 2,507
 2,850
Income tax (benefit) expense(583) (554) 403
Equity income (loss)43
 (151) 123
Net income2,591
 2,910
 2,570
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,568
 $2,870
 $2,542

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of
$8, $9 and $11
25
 64
 (9)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(494) 546
 (583)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax of
 $-, $270 and $(19)

 500
 (30)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of
 $1, $(7) and $13
7
 3
 19
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(462) 1,113
 (603)
      
Comprehensive income2,129
 4,023
 1,967
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,106
 $3,983
 $1,939

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

 BHE Shareholders' Equity    
       Long-term   Accumulated    
     Additional Income   Other    
 Common Paid-in Tax Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling Total
 Shares Stock Capital Receivable Earnings Loss, Net Interests Equity
                
Balance, December 31, 201577
 $
 $6,403
 $
 $16,906
 $(908) $134
 $22,535
Net income
 
 
 
 2,542
 
 14
 2,556
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (603) 
 (603)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (20) (20)
Other equity transactions
 
 (13) 
 
 
 8
 (5)
Balance, December 31, 201677
 
 6,390
 
 19,448
 (1,511) 136
 24,463
Net income
 
 
 
 2,870
 
 22
 2,892
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 1,113
 
 1,113
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (22) (22)
Common stock purchases
 
 (1) 
 (18) 
 
 (19)
Common stock exchange
 
 (6) 
 (94) 
 
 (100)
Other equity transactions
 
 (15) 
 
 
 (4) (19)
Balance, December 31, 201777
 
 6,368
 
 22,206
 (398) 132
 28,308
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
 
 
 1,085
 (1,085) 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 2,568
 
 20
 2,588
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 (462) 
 (462)
Reclassification of long-term
income tax receivable

 
 
 (609) 
 
 
 (609)
Long-term income tax
receivable adjustments

 
 
 152
 (135) 
 
 17
Common stock purchases
 
 (6) 
 (101) 
 
 (107)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (23) (23)
Other equity transactions
 
 9
 
 1
 
 1
 11
Balance, December 31, 201877
 $
 $6,371
 $(457) $25,624
 $(1,945) $130
 $29,723

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:     
Losses (gains) on marketable securities, net538
 (14) (10)
Losses (gains) on other items, net56
 455
 62
Depreciation and amortization2,984
 2,646
 2,591
Allowance for equity funds(104) (76) (158)
Equity loss (income), net of distributions45
 260
 (67)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities196
 31
 (34)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits8
 19
 1,090
Other, net67
 12
 (132)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:     
Trade receivables and other assets72
 (74) (110)
Derivative collateral, net27
 (22) 32
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans(54) (91) (79)
Accrued property, income and other taxes199
 (28) 377
Accounts payable and other liabilities145
 50
 (28)
Net cash flows from operating activities6,770
 6,078
 6,104
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(6,241) (4,571) (5,090)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(106) (1,113) (66)
Purchases of marketable securities(329) (190) (141)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities287
 202
 191
Equity method investments(683) (395) (596)
Other, net83
 (12) (34)
Net cash flows from investing activities(6,989) (6,079) (5,736)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from BHE senior debt3,166
 
 
Repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures(1,045) (2,323) (2,000)
Common stock purchases(107) (19) 
Proceeds from subsidiary debt2,352
 1,763
 2,327
Repayments of subsidiary debt(2,422) (1,000) (1,831)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt(1,946) 2,361
 879
Tender offer premium paid
 (435) 
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest(131) 
 
Other, net(41) (73) (65)
Net cash flows from financing activities(174) 274
 (690)
      
Effect of exchange rate changes(7) 7
 (7)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(400) 280
 (329)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,283
 1,003
 1,332
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$883
 $1,283
 $1,003

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Organization and Operations

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") is a holding company that owns a highly diversified portfolio of locally managed businesses principally engaged in the energy industry (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company") and is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The Company's operations are organized as eight business segments: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which consists of Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas") and Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River")), BHE Transmission (which consists of BHE Canada Holdings Corporation ("AltaLink") (which primarily consists of AltaLink, L.P. ("ALP")) and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC), BHE Renewables and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). The Company, through these locally managed and operated businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business primarily investing in wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BHE and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. The Consolidated Statements of Operations include the revenue and expenses of any acquired entities from the date of acquisition. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; impairment of goodwill; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas, Kern River and ALP (the "Regulated Businesses") prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.


The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Alternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. Restricted amounts are included in restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company's management determines the appropriate classification of investments in fixed maturity securities at the acquisition date and reevaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments that management does not intend to use or is restricted from using in current operations are presented as noncurrent on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. Trading investments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. The difference between the original cost and maturity value of a fixed maturity security is amortized to earnings using the interest method.

Investment gains and losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other-than-temporarily impaired with respect to securities classified as available-for-sale. If the value of a fixed maturity investment declines to below amortized cost and the decline is deemed other than temporary, the amortized cost of the investment is reduced to fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. Any resulting impairment loss is recognized in earnings if the Company intends to sell, or expects to be required to sell, the debt security before its amortized cost is recovered. If the Company does not expect to ultimately recover the amortized cost basis even if it does not intend to sell the security, the credit loss component is recognized in earnings and any difference between fair value and the amortized cost basis, net of the credit loss, is reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). For regulated fixed maturity investments, any impairment charge is offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset to the extent recovery in regulated rates is probable.


Equity Securities

Beginning January 1, 2018, investments in equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as a component of gains (losses) on marketable securities, net. Prior to January 1, 2018, substantially all of the Company's equity security investments were classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recognized in OCI, net of income taxes. All changes in fair value of equity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates.

Equity Method Investments

The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when the investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, the Company records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by the Company's share of the net earnings or losses and OCI of the investee. The Company records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of related investment tax credits.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to the Company by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $42 million and $40 million, respectively, and is included in trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives

The Company employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price, interest rate, and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements. Cash collateral received from or paid to counterparties to secure derivative contract assets or liabilities in excess of amounts offset is included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts and for which changes in fair value are not recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as operating revenue for sales contracts; cost of sales and operating expense for purchase contracts and electricity, natural gas and fuel swap contracts; and other, net for interest rate swap derivatives.

For the Company's derivatives designated as hedging contracts, the Company formally assesses, at inception and thereafter, whether the hedging contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. The Company formally documents hedging activity by transaction type and risk management strategy.


Changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative contract designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to the extent effective, are included on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity as AOCI, net of tax, until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it has determined that a derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, or when it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, future changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative contract are charged to earnings. Gains and losses related to discontinued hedges that were previously recorded in AOCI will remain in AOCI until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings, unless it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur at which time associated deferred amounts in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of fuel, which includes coal stocks, stored gas and fuel oil, totaling $273 million and $352 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and materials and supplies totaling $571 million and $536 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The cost of materials and supplies, coal stocks and fuel oil is determined primarily using the average cost method. The cost of stored gas is determined using either the last-in-first-out ("LIFO") method or the lower of average cost or market. With respect to inventories carried at LIFO cost, the replacement cost would be $14 million and $22 million higher as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes all construction-related materials, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include capitalized interest, including debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable to the Regulated Businesses. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has regulatory arrangements in Iowa in which the carrying cost of certain utility plant has been reduced for amounts associated with electric returns on equity exceeding specified thresholds.
Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by the Company's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by the Regulated Businesses to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when the Company retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, is capitalized by the Regulated Businesses as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") and the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC"). After construction is completed, the Company is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.


Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. The Company's AROs are primarily related to the decommissioning of nuclear generating facilities and obligations associated with its other generating facilities and offshore natural gas pipelines. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. For the Regulated Businesses, the difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Impairment

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then the identifiable assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. As such, the determination of fair value incorporates significant unobservable inputs. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not record any material goodwill impairments.

The Company records goodwill adjustments for (a) the tax benefit associated with the excess of tax-deductible goodwill over the reported amount of goodwill and (b) changes to the purchase price allocation prior to the end of the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date.

Revenue Recognition

Customer Revenue

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, the Company would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between the Company's performance and the customer's payment.


Energy Products and Services

A majority of the Company's energy revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. The Company's energy revenue that is nonregulated primarily relates to the Company's renewable energy business.

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $554 million and $665 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Real Estate Services

The Company's HomeServices reportable segment consists of separate brokerage, mortgage and franchise businesses. Rates charged for brokerage, mortgage and franchise real estate services are established through contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price and the allocation of the price amongst the separate performance obligations.

The full-service residential real estate brokerage business has performance obligations to deliver integrated real estate services including brokerage services, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, relocation services, and other home-related services to customers. All performance obligations related to the full-service residential real estate brokerage business are satisfied in less than one year at the point in time when a real estate transaction is closed or when services are provided. Commission revenue from real estate brokerage transactions and related amounts due to agents are recognized when a real estate transaction is closed. Title and escrow closing fee revenue from real estate transactions and related amounts due to the title insurer are recognized at closing. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer at closing.

The franchise business operates a network that has performance obligations to provide the right to use certain brand names and other related service marks as well as to provide orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services to its franchisees. The performance obligations related to the franchise business are satisfied over time or when the services are provided. Franchise royalty fees are sales-based variable consideration and are based on a percentage of commissions earned by franchisees on real estate sales, which are recognized when the sale closes. Meetings and training revenue, referral fees, late fees, service fees and franchise termination fees are earned when services have been completed. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the franchisee within 30 days of billing.

Other Revenue

Energy Products and Services

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to power purchase agreements not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" and ASC 840, "Leases" and certain non tariff-based revenue approved by the regulator that is not considered Customer Revenue within ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers."

Real Estate Service

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to the mortgage business. Mortgage fee revenue consists of amounts earned related to application and underwriting fees, and fees on canceled loans. Fees associated with the origination and acquisition of mortgage loans are recognized as earned. These amounts are not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," ASC 825, "Financial Instruments" and ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing."

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Debt Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing using the effective interest method.

Foreign Currency

The accounts of foreign-based subsidiaries are measured in most instances using the local currency of the subsidiary as the functional currency. Revenue and expenses of these businesses are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Gains or losses from translating the financial statements of foreign-based operations are included in equity as a component of AOCI. Gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity that is party to the transaction are included in earnings.

Income Taxes

The Company's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis. Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its consolidated United States federal and Iowa state income tax returns and substantially all of the Company's United States federal income tax is remitted to or received from Berkshire Hathaway. The Company records the deferred income tax assets associated with the state of Iowa net operating loss carryforward as a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity due to the long-term related-party nature of the income tax receivable.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that the Company's regulated businesses deems probable to be passed on to their customers in most state and provincial jurisdictions are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory commissions.

The Company has not established deferred income taxes on its undistributed foreign earnings that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of the Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends may be subject to taxation in the United States but the tax is not expected to be material.

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. The Company's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in accrued property, income and other taxes and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-14 effective December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, which amends FASB ASC Topic 815, "Derivatives and Hedging." The amendments in this guidance update the hedge accounting model to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements, expands an entity's ability to hedge non-financial and financial risk components and reduces complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item and also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2019 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The Company adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $(8) million and $4 million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, "Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in a decrease to operating cash flows of $15 million and an increase in investing cash flows of $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and an increase in operating cash flows and investing cash flows of $22 million and $36 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in the reclassification of certain cash distributions received from equity method investees of $27 million and $26 million previously recognized within investing cash flows to operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in-effect. The Company is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $550 million based on the contracts currently in effect and reclassify approximately $525 million of finance lease right of use assets and lease liabilities previously recognized in property, plant and equipment, net and subsidiary debt to other assets and other liabilities, respectively. The Company currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10, "Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments in this guidance addressed certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including a requirement that all investments in equity securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting or result in consolidation of the investee be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 with a cumulative-effect increase to retained earnings of $1,085 million and a corresponding decrease to AOCI.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which created FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and superseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaced industry-specific guidance and established a single five-step model to identify and recognize Customer Revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Following the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but did not change the core principle of the guidance. The Company adopted this guidance for all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a cumulative effect impact at the date of initial adoption.

(3)    Business Acquisitions

In 2018, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $106 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $39 million, assumed liabilities of $12 million and recognized goodwill of $79 million. Additionally, in April 2018, HomeServices acquired the remaining 33.3% interest in a real estate brokerage franchise business from the noncontrolling interest member at a contractually determined option exercise price totaling $131 million.

In 2017, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $1.1 billion, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses, development and construction costs for the 110-megawatt ("MW") Alamo 6 and the 50-MW Pearl solar projects, and the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generation facility at Nevada Power. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $1.1 billion, assumed liabilities of $487 million and recognized goodwill of $508 million.

In 2016, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $66 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The assets acquired consisted of property, plant and equipment, development and construction costs for renewable projects, other working capital items, goodwill of $50 million and other identifiable intangible assets. The liabilities assumed totaled $54 million.


(4)Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Depreciable    
 Life 2018 2017
Regulated assets:     
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems5-80 years $77,288
 $74,660
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets3-80 years 7,524
 7,176
   84,812
 81,836
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (26,010) (24,478)
Regulated assets, net  58,802
 57,358
      
Nonregulated assets:     
Independent power plants5-30 years 6,826
 6,010
Other assets3-30 years 1,498
 1,489
   8,324
 7,499
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (1,641) (1,542)
Nonregulated assets, net  6,683
 5,957
      
Net operating assets  65,485
 63,315
Construction work-in-progress  3,110
 2,556
Property, plant and equipment, net  $68,595
 $65,871

Construction work-in-progress includes $2.9 billion and $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the construction of regulated assets.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, MidAmerican Energy revised its electric and gas depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study, the most significant impact of which was longer estimated useful lives for certain wind-powered generating facilities. The effect of this change was to reduce depreciation and amortization expense by $3 million in 2016 and $34 million annually based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.

(5)
Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, the Domestic Regulated Businesses, as tenants in common, have undivided interests in jointly owned generation, transmission, distribution and pipeline common facilities. The Company accounts for its proportionate share of each facility and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include the Company's share of the expenses of these facilities.


The amounts shown in the table below represent the Company's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in millions):
     Accumulated Construction
 Company Facility In Depreciation and Work-in-
 Share Service Amortization Progress
PacifiCorp:       
Jim Bridger Nos. 1-467% $1,458
 $647
 $11
Hunter No. 194
 484
 182
 
Hunter No. 260
 298
 121
 5
Wyodak80
 471
 229
 
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 410
 248
 137
 6
Hermiston50
 180
 87
 1
Craig Nos. 1 and 219
 367
 241
 
Hayden No. 125
 74
 37
 
Hayden No. 213
 43
 22
 
Foote Creek79
 40
 27
 1
Transmission and distribution facilitiesVarious 808
 246
 76
Total PacifiCorp  4,471
 1,976
 100
MidAmerican Energy:       
Louisa No. 188% 822
 443
 8
Quad Cities Nos. 1 and 2(1)
25
 723
 407
 10
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 379
 641
 304
 2
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 4(2)
60
 454
 167
 1
George Neal No. 441
 310
 164
 2
Ottumwa No. 152
 630
 209
 6
George Neal No. 372
 442
 196
 3
Transmission facilitiesVarious 257
 92
 
Total MidAmerican Energy  4,279
 1,982
 32
NV Energy:       
Navajo11% 223
 176
 
Valmy50
 389
 252
 1
Transmission facilitiesVarious 226
 49
 1
Total NV Energy  838
 477
 2
BHE Pipeline Group - common facilities
Various 286
 173
 
Total  $9,874
 $4,608
 $134
(1)Includes amounts related to nuclear fuel.
(2)Facility in-service and accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are net of credits applied under Iowa revenue sharing arrangements totaling $319 million and $88 million, respectively.


(6)Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future regulated rates. The Company's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Employee benefit plans(1)
16 years
 $773
 $675
Asset retirement obligations17 years
 375
 334
Asset disposition costsVarious 358
 387
Deferred income taxes(2)
Various 196
 143
Deferred operating costs10 years
 141
 147
Abandoned projects2 years
 134
 156
Unrealized loss on regulated derivative contracts2 years
 120
 122
Deferred net power costs2 years
 103
 58
Unamortized contract values5 years
 79
 89
OtherVarious 788
 839
Total regulatory assets  $3,067
 $2,950
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $171
 $189
Noncurrent assets  2,896
 2,761
Total regulatory assets  $3,067
 $2,950
(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.
(2)Amounts primarily represent income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

The Company had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Regulatory Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. The Company's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Deferred income taxes(1)
Various $3,923
 $4,143
Cost of removal(2)
28 years
 2,426
 2,349
Levelized depreciation30 years
 329
 332
Asset retirement obligations34 years
 163
 177
Impact fees4 years
 88
 89
OtherVarious 577
 421
Total regulatory liabilities  $7,506
 $7,511
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $160
 $202
Noncurrent liabilities  7,346
 7,309
Total regulatory liabilities  $7,506
 $7,511

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. See Note 11 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.
(2)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

ALP General Tariff Application ("GTA")

In 2014, ALP filed a GTA requesting the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC") to approve revenue requirements of C$811 million for 2015 and C$1.0 billion for 2016, primarily due to continued investment in capital projects as directed by the Alberta Electric System Operator. ALP amended the GTA in June 2015 to propose transmission tariff relief measures for customers and modifications to its capital structure. ALP also amended and updated the GTA in October 2015, reducing the requested revenue requirements to C$672 million for 2015 and C$704 million for 2016. In May 2016, the AUC issued its decision pertaining to the 2015-2016 GTA. ALP filed its 2015-2016 GTA compliance filing in July 2016 to comply with the AUC's decision.

The compliance filing requested the AUC to approve revenue requirements of C$599 million for 2015 and C$685 million for 2016. The decreased revenue requirements requested in the compliance filing, as compared to the 2015-2016 GTA filing updated in October 2015, were primarily due to the AUC approval of ALP's proposed immediate tariff relief of C$415 million for customers for 2015 and 2016, through (i) the discontinuance of construction work-in-progress ("CWIP") in rate base and the return to allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") accounting effective January 1, 2015, resulting in a C$82 million reduction of revenue requirement and the refund of C$277 million previously collected as CWIP in rate base as part of ALP's transmission tariffs during 2011-2014 less related returns of C$12 million and (ii) a change to the flow through method for calculating income taxes for 2016, resulting in further tariff relief of C$68 million.

Operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, included a one-time reduction of $200 million from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at ALP. The 2015-2016 GTA decision required ALP to refund $200 million to customers in 2016 through reduced monthly billings for the change from receiving cash during construction for the return on CWIP in rate base to recording allowance for borrowed and equity funds used during construction related to construction expenditures during the 2011 to 2014 time period. This amount is offset with higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the decision required ALP to change to the flow through method of recognizing income tax expense effective January 1, 2016. This change reduced operating revenue by $45 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, with offsetting impacts to income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


(7)Investments and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Investments:   
BYD Company Limited common stock$1,435
 $1,961
Rabbi trusts371
 441
Other168
 124
Total investments1,974
 2,526
    
Equity method investments:   
BHE Renewables tax equity investments1,661
 1,025
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC527
 524
Bridger Coal Company99
 137
Other153
 148
Total equity method investments2,440
 1,834
    
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments:   
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds504
 515
Restricted cash and cash equivalents256
 348
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments760
 863
    
Total investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments$5,174
 $5,223
    
Reflected as:   
Other current assets$271
 $351
Noncurrent assets4,903
 4,872
Total investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments$5,174
 $5,223

Investments

BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock is accounted for as a marketable security with changes in fair value recognized in net income.

Rabbi trusts primarily hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain current and former key executives and directors. The Rabbi trusts were established to hold investments used to fund the obligations of various nonqualified executive and director compensation plans and to pay the costs of the trusts. The amount represents the cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value.

The portion of unrealized losses related to marketable securities still held as of December 31, 2018 is calculated as follows (in millions):
 Year Ended
 December 31,
 2018
Losses on marketable securities recognized during the period$(538)
Less: Net gains recognized during the period on marketable securities sold during the period2
Unrealized losses recognized during the period on marketable securities still held at the reporting date$(540)


Equity Method Investments

The Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $698 million, $403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.

BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 50% of Electric Transmission Texas, LLC, which owns and operates electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 66.67% of Bridger Coal Company ("Bridger Coal"), which is a coal mining joint venture that supplies coal to the Jim Bridger Nos. 1-4 generating facility. Bridger Coal is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bridger Coal's economic performance are shared with the joint venture partner. See Note 11 for discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts to equity earnings recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Restricted Investments

MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds for decommissioning the Quad Cities Nuclear Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station"). These investments in debt and equity securities are reported at fair value. Funds are invested in the trust in accordance with applicable federal and state investment guidelines and are restricted for use as reimbursement for costs of decommissioning the Quad Cities Station, which are currently licensed for operation until December 2032.

(8)Short-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

The following table summarizes BHE's and its subsidiaries' availability under their credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):
     MidAmerican NV Northern      
 BHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other 
Total(1)
2018:               
Credit facilities(2)
$3,500
 $1,200
 $1,309
 $650
 $231
 $639
 $1,585
 $9,114
Less:               
Short-term debt(983) (30) (240) 
 (77) (345) (841) (2,516)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit
 (89) (370) (80) 
 (4) 
 (543)
Net credit facilities$2,517
 $1,081
 $699
 $570
 $154
 $290
 $744
 $6,055
                
2017:               
Credit facilities$3,600
 $1,000
 $909
 $650
 $203
 $1,054
 $1,635
 $9,051
Less:               
Short-term debt(3,331) (80) 
 
 
 (345) (732) (4,488)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit(7) (130) (370) (80) 
 (7) 
 (594)
Net credit facilities$262
 $790
 $539
 $570
 $203
 $702
 $903
 $3,969
(1)The table does not include unused credit facilities and letters of credit for investments that are accounted for under the equity method.
(2)    Includes the drawn uncommitted credit facilities totaling $39 million at Northern Powergrid.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of its credit facilities and letter of credit arrangements.

BHE

BHE has a $3.5 billion unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. This credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and also supports BHE's commercial paper program and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at BHE's option, plus a spread that varies based on BHE's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.


As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.76% and 1.74%, respectively. This credit facility requires that BHE's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.70 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE had $115 million and $96 million, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding, of which $- million and $7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were issued under the credit facility. These letters of credit primarily support power purchase agreements and debt service requirements at certain subsidiaries of BHE Renewables, LLC expiring through January 2020 and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent and a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which support PacifiCorp's commercial paper program, certain series of its tax-exempt bond obligations and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have variable interest rates based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at PacifiCorp's option, plus a spread that varies based on PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.85% and 1.83%, respectively. These credit facilities require that PacifiCorp's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had $184 million and $230 million, respectively, of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, $170 million and $216 million, respectively, of these letters of credit support PacifiCorp's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and expire in March 2019 and $14 million support certain transactions required by third parties and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.

MidAmerican Funding

MidAmerican Energy has a $900 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which supports MidAmerican Energy's commercial paper program and its variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at MidAmerican Energy's option, plus a spread that varies based on MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings for senior unsecured long-term debt securities. As of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy had a $400 million unsecured credit facility expiring November 2019, which it terminated in January 2019.

As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.49%. The credit facility requires that MidAmerican Energy's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

NV Energy

Nevada Power has a $400 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 and Sierra Pacific has a $250 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 each with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which are for general corporate purposes and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at each of the Nevada Utilities' option, plus a spread that varies based on each of the Nevada Utilities' credit ratings for its senior secured long‑term debt securities. Amounts due under each credit facility are collateralized by each of the Nevada Utilities' general and refunding mortgage bonds. These credit facilities require that each of the Nevada Utilities' ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

Northern Powergrid

Northern Powergrid has a £150 million unsecured credit facility expiring in April 2020. The credit facility has a variable interest rate based on sterling London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread that varies based on its credit ratings. The credit facility requires that the ratio of consolidated senior total net debt, including current maturities, to regulated asset value not exceed 0.8 to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid and 0.65 to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc as of June 30 and December 31. Northern Powergrid's interest coverage ratio shall not be less than 2.5 to 1.0.


AltaLink

ALP has a C$750500 million secured revolving credit facility expiring in December 20182023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to banklender consent. The credit facility, which provides support for borrowings under the unsecured commercial paper program and may also be used for general corporate purposes, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at ALP's option, based on ALP's credit ratings for its senior secured long-term debt securities. In addition, ALP has a C$75 million secured revolving credit facility expiring in December 20182023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to banklender consent. The credit facility, which may be used for general corporate purposes capital expenditures and letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate, United States base rate, a spread above the United States LIBOR loan rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at ALP's option, based on ALP's credit ratings for its senior secured long-term debt securities. At the renewal date,

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, ALP has the option to converthad $281 million and $121 million outstanding under these facilities to one-year term facilities.at a weighted average interest rate of 2.26% and 1.42%, respectively. The credit facilities require the consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization not exceed 0.75 to 1.0 measured as of the last day of each quarter. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, ALP had $26 million and $324 million outstanding under these facilities at a weighted average interest rate of 0.99% and 0.94%, respectively.


AltaLink Investments, L.P. has a C$300 million unsecured revolving term credit facility expiring in December 2021 and2023 with a C$200 million unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in December 2017 each with arecurring one-year extension option subject to banklender consent. The credit facilities,facility, which may be used for operating expenses, capital expenditures, working capital needsgeneral corporate purposes and letters of credit to a maximum of C$10 million, havehas a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate, United States base rate, a spread above the United States LIBOR loan rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at AltaLink Investments, L.P.'s option, based on AltaLink Investments, L.P.'s credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities. 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, AltaLink Investments, L.P. had $64 million and $224 million outstanding under this facility at a weighted average interest rate of 3.25% and 2.40%, respectively. The credit facilities requirefacility requires the consolidated total debt to capitalization to not exceed 0.8 to 1.0 and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense for the four fiscal quarters ended to not be less than 2.25 to 1.0 measured as of the last day of each quarter. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, AltaLink Investments, L.P. had $263 million and $77 million outstanding under these facilities at a weighted average interest rate of 1.74% and 2.09%, respectively.

HomeServices

HomeServices has a $350$600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in July 2018.September 2022. The credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the prime lendingLIBOR or a base rate, or the LIBOR, at HomeServices' option, plus a spread that varies based on HomeServices' Total Leverage Ratiototal net leverage ratio as defined inof the agreement.last day of each quarter. As of December 31, 2016,2018 and 2017, HomeServices had $50$404 million and $292 million, respectively, outstanding under its credit facility with a weighted average interest rate of 1.77%.3.94% and 2.75%, respectively.

Through its subsidiaries, HomeServices maintains mortgage lines of credit totaling $565$985 million and $578 million$1.0 billion as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively, used for mortgage banking activities that expire beginning in February 2017January 2019 through December 20172019 or are due on demand. The mortgage lines of credit have variable rates based on LIBOR plus a spread. Collateral for these credit facilities is comprised of residential property being financed and is equal to the loans funded with the facilities. As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, HomeServices had $327$436 million and $300$440 million, respectively, outstanding under these mortgage lines of credit at a weighted average interest rate of 2.77%4.42% and 2.42%3.60%, respectively.

BHE Renewables Letters of Credit

In connection with their bond offerings, Topaz and Solar Star entered intohave separate letter of credit and reimbursement facilities totaling $627 million. Letters of credit issued under the letter of credit facilities will be used to (a) provide security under the power purchase agreement and large generator interconnection agreements, (b) fund the debt service reserve requirement and the operation and maintenance debt service reserve requirement and (c) provide security for remediation and mitigation liabilities. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, $5992018, Topaz had $127 million and $600 million, respectively, of letters of credit had been issued under these facilities.its $134 million facility and Solar Star had $92 million of letters of credit issued under its $105 million facility. As of December 31, 2017, Topaz had $75 million of letters of credit issued under its $134 million facility and Solar Star had $282 million of letters of credit issued under its $301 million facility.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, certain other renewable projects collectively have letters of credit outstanding of $106$103 million and $65$118 million, respectively, primarily in support of the power purchase agreements associated with the projects.


(9)
BHE Debt

Senior Debt

BHE senior debt represents unsecured senior obligations of BHE that are redeemable in whole or in part at any time generally with make-whole premiums. BHE senior debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
          
1.10% Senior Notes, due 2017$400
 $400
 $399
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2018650
 649
 648

 
 650
2.00% Senior Notes, due 2018350
 349
 348

 
 350
2.40% Senior Notes, due 2020350
 349
 348
350
 349
 349
2.375% Senior Notes, due 2021450
 448
 
2.80% Senior Notes, due 2023400
 398
 
3.75% Senior Notes, due 2023500
 497
 497
500
 498
 498
3.50% Senior Notes, due 2025400
 397
 397
400
 398
 398
3.250% Senior Notes, due 2028600
 594
 
8.48% Senior Notes, due 2028475
 477
 477
256
 257
 302
6.125% Senior Bonds, due 20361,700
 1,690
 1,690
1,670
 1,661
 1,660
5.95% Senior Bonds, due 2037550
 547
 547
550
 547
 547
6.50% Senior Bonds, due 20371,000
 987
 987
225
 222
 222
5.15% Senior Notes, due 2043750
 739
 739
750
 740
 739
4.50% Senior Notes, due 2045750
 737
 737
750
 738
 737
3.80% Senior Notes, due 2048750
 737
 
4.45% Senior Notes, due 20491,000
 990
 
Total BHE Senior Debt$7,875
 $7,818
 $7,814
$8,651
 $8,577
 $6,452
          
Reflected as:          
Current liabilities  $400
 $
  $
 $1,000
Noncurrent liabilities  7,418
 7,814
  8,577
 5,452
Total BHE Senior Debt  $7,818
 $7,814
  $8,577
 $6,452

Junior Subordinated Debentures

BHE junior subordinated debentures consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Par Value 2016 2015
      
Junior subordinated debentures, due 2043$
 $
 $1,444
Junior subordinated debentures, due 2044944
 944
 1,500
Total BHE junior subordinated debentures - noncurrent
$944
 $944
 $2,944
 Par Value 2018 2017
      
Junior subordinated debentures, due 2057100
 100
 100
Total BHE junior subordinated debentures - noncurrent
$100
 $100
 $100

In June 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures to certain subsidiariesdue June 2057 in exchange for 181,819 shares of Berkshire Hathaway pursuant to an indenture,BHE no par value common stock held by and between BHE and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of December 19, 2013 and November 12, 2014.a minority shareholder. The junior subordinated debentures are unsecured and junior in right of payment to BHE's senior debt. The junior subordinated debentures (i) have a 30 year maturity; (ii) bear interest at a floating rate equal to (a) the greater of 1% and the LIBOR (the greater of such two rates, the "Base Rate") plus 200 basis points through the date prior to the third anniversary of the issuance date; (b) the Base Rate plus 300 basis points (or, if at least 50% of principal is repaid prior to the third anniversary of the issuance date, the Base Rate plus 200 basis points) from the third anniversary of the issuance date through the date prior to the seventh anniversary of the issuance date; and (c) the Base Rate plus 375 basis points from the seventh anniversary of the issuance date until the maturity of the junior subordinated debentures; and (iii) are redeemable at BHE's option at any time from time to timeand after June 15, 2037, at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders are restricted from transferring the junior subordinated debentures except to Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the interest rate was 3.0%. Interest expense to Berkshire Hathawaythe minority shareholder for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2016, 20152018 and 20142017 was $65 million, $104$5 million and $78$3 million, respectively.

In February 2017, BHE provided notice of redemption for $200 million of the junior subordinated debentures due 2044 at par value to occur in March 2017.


(10)    Subsidiary Debt

BHE's direct and indirect subsidiaries are organized as legal entities separate and apart from BHE and its other subsidiaries. Pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties; the equity interest of MidAmerican Funding's subsidiary; MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa; substantially all of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada; the long-term customer contracts of Kern River; AltaLink's transmission properties; and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of solar and wind generation projects are pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise provide the security for their related subsidiary debt. It should not be assumed that the assets of any subsidiary will be available to satisfy BHE's obligations or the obligations of its other subsidiaries. However, unrestricted cash or other assets which are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law, regulatory commitments and the terms of financing and ring-fencing arrangements for such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to BHE or affiliates thereof. The long-term debt of BHE's subsidiaries may include provisions that allow BHE's subsidiaries to redeem itsuch debt in whole or in part at any time. These provisions generally include make-whole premiums.

Distributions at these separate legal entities are limited by various covenants including, among others, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2016,2018, all subsidiaries were in compliance with their long-term debt covenants. On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. As a result, the Company does not expect to receive distributions from Topaz Solar Farms LLC ("Topaz") or Agua Caliente Solar, LLC ("Agua Caliente") in the near term.

Long-term debt of subsidiaries consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
          
PacifiCorp$7,120
 $7,079
 $7,159
$7,076
 $7,036
 $7,025
MidAmerican Funding4,657
 4,592
 4,560
5,668
 5,599
 5,259
NV Energy4,569
 4,582
 4,860
4,321
 4,318
 4,581
Northern Powergrid2,351
 2,379
 2,772
2,621
 2,626
 2,805
BHE Pipeline Group995
 990
 1,040
1,050
 1,042
 796
BHE Transmission4,068
 4,058
 3,467
3,856
 3,842
 4,334
BHE Renewables3,716
 3,674
 3,356
3,438
 3,401
 3,594
HomeServices233
 233
 247
Total subsidiary debt$27,476
 $27,354
 $27,214
$28,263
 $28,097
 $28,641
          
Reflected as:          
Current liabilities  $606
 $1,148
  $2,106
 $2,431
Noncurrent liabilities  26,748
 26,066
  25,991
 26,210
Total subsidiary debt  $27,354
 $27,214
  $28,097
 $28,641


PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
First mortgage bonds:          
3.85% to 8.53%, due through 2021$1,272
 $1,269
 $1,271
2.95% to 8.27%, due 2022 to 20261,829
 1,820
 1,819
2.95% to 8.53%, due through 2023$1,824
 $1,821
 $2,320
3.35% to 6.71%, due 2024 to 2026775
 771
 771
7.70% due 2031300
 298
 298
300
 298
 298
5.25% to 6.10%, due 2034 to 2036850
 843
 843
5.75% to 6.35%, due 2037 to 20392,150
 2,134
 2,133
4.10% due 2042300
 297
 297
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2016-0.69% to 0.86%; 2015-0.01% to 0.22%):     
Due 2017 to 201891
 91
 91
5.25% to 6.35%, due 2034 to 20382,350
 2,338
 2,337
4.10% to 6.00%, due 2039 to 2042950
 939
 938
4.125%, due 2049600
 593
 
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2018-1.67% to 1.85%; 2017-1.60% to 1.87%):     
Due 2018 to 202038
 38
 79
Due 2018 to 2025(1)
108
 108
 107
25
 25
 70
Due 2024(1)(2)
143
 142
 196
143
 142
 142
Due 2024 to 2025(2)
50
 50
 59
50
 50
 50
Capital lease obligations - 8.75% to 14.61%, due through 203527
 27
 45
21
 21
 20
Total PacifiCorp$7,120
 $7,079
 $7,159
$7,076
 $7,036
 $7,025

(1)Supported by $255$170 million and $310$216 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed bank arrangements as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.
(2)Secured by pledged first mortgage bonds registered to and held by the tax-exempt bond trustee generally with the same interest rates, maturity dates and redemption provisions as the tax-exempt bond obligations.

The issuance of PacifiCorp's first mortgage bonds is limited by available property, earnings tests and other provisions of PacifiCorp's mortgage. Approximately $26$28 billion of PacifiCorp's eligible property (based on original cost) was subject to the lien of the mortgage as of December 31, 20162018.


MidAmerican Funding

MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
MidAmerican Funding:          
6.927% Senior Bonds, due 2029$325
 $291
 $289
$240
 $217
 $216
          
MidAmerican Energy:          
Tax-exempt bond obligations -          
Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligation series: (2016-0.76%, 2015-0.03%), due 2023-2046220
 219
 194
Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligation series: (2018-1.74%, 2017-1.91%), due 2023-2047370
 368
 368
First Mortgage Bonds:          
2.40%, due 2019500
 499
 499
500
 500
 499
3.70%, due 2023250
 248
 248
250
 249
 248
3.50%, due 2024500
 501
 502
500
 501
 501
3.10%, due 2027375
 372
 372
4.80%, due 2043350
 345
 345
350
 346
 346
4.40%, due 2044400
 394
 394
400
 394
 394
4.25%, due 2046450
 445
 444
450
 445
 445
3.95%, due 2047475
 470
 470
3.65%, due 2048700
 688
 
Notes:          
5.95% Series, due 2017250
 250
 250
5.3% Series, due 2018350
 350
 349
5.30% Series, due 2018
 
 350
6.75% Series, due 2031400
 396
 395
400
 396
 396
5.75% Series, due 2035300
 298
 298
300
 298
 298
5.8% Series, due 2036350
 347
 347
5.80% Series, due 2036350
 348
 348
Transmission upgrade obligation, 4.45% and 3.42% due through 2035 and 2036, respectively
10
 7
 4
7
 5
 6
Capital lease obligations - 4.16%, due through 20202
 2
 2
1
 2
 2
Total MidAmerican Energy4,332
 4,301
 4,271
5,428
 5,382
 5,043
Total MidAmerican Funding$4,657
 $4,592
 $4,560
$5,668
 $5,599
 $5,259

In February 2017,January 2019, MidAmerican Energy issued $375$600 million of its 3.10%3.65% First Mortgage Bonds due May 2027April 2029 and $475$900 million of its 3.95%4.25% First Mortgage Bonds due August 2047. An amount equal to the net proceeds will be used to finance capital expenditures, disbursed during the period fromJuly 2049. In February 2, 2016 to February 1, 2017, with respect to investments in MidAmerican Energy's 551-megawatt Wind X and 2,000-megawatt Wind XI projects, which were previously financed with MidAmerican Energy's general funds.

In January 2017,2019, MidAmerican Energy provided notice to holdersredeemed $500 million of its $250 million2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due in March 2019 at a redemption price of 5.95% Senior Notes due July 2017 that MidAmerican Energy would redeem such notes in full through optional redemption on February 27, 2017.100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

Pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 19, 2013, MidAmerican Energy's first mortgage bonds, currently and from time to time outstanding, are secured by a first mortgage lien on substantially all of its electric generating, transmission and distribution property within the state of Iowa, subject to certain exceptions and permitted encumbrances. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy's eligible property subject to the lien of the mortgage totaled approximately $15$18 billion based on original cost. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy's senior notes outstanding are equally and ratably secured with the first mortgage bonds as required by the indentures under which the senior notes were issued.

MidAmerican Energy's variable-rate tax-exempt obligations bear interest at rates that are periodically established through remarketing of the bonds in the short-term tax-exempt market. MidAmerican Energy, at its option, may change the mode of interest calculation for these bonds by selecting from among several floating or fixed rate alternatives. The interest rates shown in the table above are the weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. MidAmerican Energy maintains revolving credit facility agreements to provide liquidity for holders of these issues and $180 million of the variable rate, tax-exempt bonds are secured by an equal amount of first mortgage bonds pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, as supplemented and amended.


NV Energy

NV Energy's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
NV Energy -          
6.250% Senior Notes, due 2020$315
 $363
 $373
$315
 $330
 $337
          
Nevada Power:          
General and refunding mortgage securities:          
5.950% Series M, due 2016
 
 210
6.500% Series O, due 2018324
 324
 323

 
 324
6.500% Series S, due 2018499
 498
 498

 
 499
7.125% Series V, due 2019500
 499
 499
500
 500
 499
2.750%, Series BB, due 2020575
 574
 
6.650% Series N, due 2036367
 357
 356
367
 360
 359
6.750% Series R, due 2037349
 345
 345
349
 348
 348
5.375% Series X, due 2040250
 247
 247
250
 248
 248
5.450% Series Y, due 2041250
 236
 235
250
 244
 244
Variable-rate series (2016-1.890% to 1.928%, 2015-0.672% to 1.055%):     
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006A, due 203238
 38
 38
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006, due 203638
 37
 37
Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.800% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017A, due 2032(1)
40
 40
 40
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017, due 2036(1)
40
 39
 39
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017B, due 2039(1)
13
 13
 13
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.750% to 11.600%, due through 2054485
 485
 497
463
 463
 475
Total Nevada Power3,100
 3,066
 3,285
2,847
 2,829
 3,088
          
Sierra Pacific:          
General and refunding mortgage securities:          
6.000% Series M, due 2016
 
 450
3.375% Series T, due 2023250
 248
 248
250
 249
 249
2.600% Series U, due 2026400
 395
 
400
 396
 396
6.750% Series P, due 2037252
 255
 255
252
 256
 256
Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:          
Fixed-rate series:          
1.250% Pollution Control Series 2016A, due 202920
 20
 
1.500% Gas Facilities Series 2016A, due 203158
 58
 
3.000% Gas and Water Series 2016B, due 203660
 64
 
Variable-rate series (2016-0.788% to 0.800%, 2015-0.733% to 1.054%):     
Pollution Control Series 2006A, due 2031
 
 58
Pollution Control Series 2006B, due 2036
 
 74
Pollution Control Series 2006C, due 2036
 
 80
1.250% Pollution Control Series 2016A, due 2029(2)
20
 20
 20
1.500% Gas Facilities Series 2016A, due 2031(2)
59
 58
 58
3.000% Gas and Water Series 2016B, due 2036(3)
60
 62
 63
Variable-rate series (2018 - 1.750% to 1.820%, 2017 - 1.690% to 1.840%):     
Water Facilities Series 2016C, due 203630
 29
 
30
 30
 30
Water Facilities Series 2016D, due 203625
 25
 
25
 25
 25
Water Facilities Series 2016E, due 203625
 25
 
25
 25
 25
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.700% to 10.130%, due through 205434
 34
 37
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.700% to 10.297%, due through 205438
 38
 34
Total Sierra Pacific1,154
 1,153
 1,202
1,159
 1,159
 1,156
Total NV Energy$4,569
 $4,582
 $4,860
$4,321
 $4,318
 $4,581

(1)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Nevada Power in May 2020 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.
(2)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2019 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.
(3)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2022 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.

The issuance of General and Refunding Mortgage Securities by the Nevada Utilities isare subject to PUCN approval and isare limited by available property and other provisions of the mortgage indentures for each of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. As of December 31, 2016,2018, approximately $8.9$8.5 billion of Nevada Power's and $3.8$4.1 billion of Sierra Pacific's (based on original cost) property was subject to the liens of the mortgages.

Northern Powergrid

Northern Powergrid and its subsidiaries' long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value(1)
 2016 2015
Par Value(1)
 2018 2017
          
8.875% Bonds, due 2020$123
 $136
 $162
$128
 $133
 $144
9.25% Bonds, due 2020247
 259
 315
255
 260
 279
3.901% to 4.586% European Investment Bank loans, due 2018 to 2022333
 333
 398
294
 293
 366
7.25% Bonds, due 2022247
 257
 306
255
 262
 279
2.50% Bonds due 2025185
 182
 217
191
 189
 200
2.073% European Investment Bank loan, due 202562
 62
 
64
 65
 69
2.564% European Investment Bank loans, due 2027308
 308
 368
319
 318
 336
7.25% Bonds, due 2028229
 234
 280
237
 241
 256
4.375% Bonds, due 2032185
 182
 217
191
 188
 199
5.125% Bonds, due 2035247
 243
 291
255
 252
 267
5.125% Bonds, due 2035185
 183
 218
191
 189
 200
Variable-rate bond, due 2026(2)
241
 236
 210
Total Northern Powergrid$2,351
 $2,379
 $2,772
$2,621
 $2,626
 $2,805

(1)The par values for these debt instruments are denominated in sterling.
(2)Amortizes semiannually and the Company has entered into an interest rate swap that fixes the interest rate on 85% of the outstanding debt. The variable interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was 2.66% while the fixed interest rate was 2.82%.

BHE Pipeline Group

BHE Pipeline Group'Group's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2016 2015
Northern Natural Gas:     
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2018$200
 $199
 $199
4.25% Senior Notes, due 2021200
 199
 199
5.8% Senior Bonds, due 2037150
 149
 149
4.1% Senior Bonds, due 2042250
 248
 248
Total Northern Natural Gas800
 795
 795
      
Kern River:     
4.893% Senior Notes, due 2018195
 195
 245
      
Total BHE Pipeline Group$995
 $990
 $1,040

Kern River's long-term debt amortizes monthly. Kern River redeemed the remaining amount of its 6.676% Senior Notes due 2016 at a redemption price determined in accordance with the terms of the indenture. Kern River provides a debt service reserve letter of credit to cover the next six months of principal and interest payments due on the loans, which were equal to $35 million and $33 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 Par Value 2018 2017
Northern Natural Gas:     
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2018$
 $
 $200
4.25% Senior Notes, due 2021200
 199
 199
5.80% Senior Bonds, due 2037150
 149
 149
4.10% Senior Bonds, due 2042250
 248
 248
4.30% Senior Bonds, due 2049450
 446
 
Total BHE Pipeline Group$1,050
 $1,042
 $796


BHE Transmission

BHE Transmission's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value(1)
 2016 2015
Par Value(1)
 2018 2017
AltaLink Investments, L.P.:          
Series 09-1 Senior Bonds, 5.207%, due 2016$
 $
 $112
Series 12-1 Senior Bonds, 3.674%, due 2019149
 153
 151
$147
 $148
 $162
Series 13-1 Senior Bonds, 3.265%, due 2020149
 152
 149
147
 148
 161
Series 15-1 Senior Bonds, 2.244%, due 2022149
 148
 144
147
 146
 158
Total AltaLink Investments, L.P.447
 453
 556
441
 442
 481
          
AltaLink, L.P.:          
Series 2008-1 Notes, 5.243%, due 2018149
 148
 145

 
 159
Series 2013-2 Notes, 3.621%, due 202093
 93
 90
92
 92
 99
Series 2012-2 Notes, 2.978%, due 2022204
 204
 198
202
 201
 218
Series 2013-4 Notes, 3.668%, due 2023372
 371
 360
366
 366
 397
Series 2014-1 Notes, 3.399%, due 2024260
 260
 252
256
 256
 278
Series 2016-1 Notes, 2.747%, due 2026260
 259
 
256
 255
 277
Series 2006-1 Notes, 5.249%, due 2036112
 111
 108
110
 109
 119
Series 2010-1 Notes, 5.381%, due 204093
 93
 90
92
 91
 99
Series 2010-2 Notes, 4.872%, due 2040112
 111
 108
110
 109
 119
Series 2011-1 Notes, 4.462%, due 2041205
 204
 198
202
 201
 218
Series 2012-1 Notes, 3.99%, due 2042391
 385
 374
Series 2012-1 Notes, 3.990%, due 2042385
 380
 412
Series 2013-3 Notes, 4.922%, due 2043260
 260
 252
256
 256
 278
Series 2014-3 Notes, 4.054%, due 2044219
 218
 212
216
 215
 233
Series 2015-1 Notes, 4.090%, due 2045260
 259
 251
256
 255
 277
Series 2016-2 Notes, 3.717%, due 2046335
 333
 
330
 328
 356
Series 2013-1 Notes, 4.446%, due 2053186
 186
 180
183
 183
 198
Series 2014-2 Notes, 4.274%, due 206497
 97
 93
95
 95
 103
Total AltaLink, L.P.3,608
 3,592
 2,911
3,407
 3,392
 3,840
          
Other:          
Construction Loan, 4.950%, due 2021
13
 13
 
Construction Loan, 5.660%, due 20208
 8
 13
          
Total BHE Transmission$4,068
 $4,058
 $3,467
$3,856
 $3,842
 $4,334

(1)The par values for these debt instruments are denominated in Canadian dollars.


BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables' long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustmentsunamortized premiums, discounts and unamortized debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
Fixed-rate(1):
          
CE Generation Bonds, 7.416%, due 2018$67
 $67
 $97
Salton Sea Funding Corporation Bonds, 7.475%, due 201830
 31
 51
Cordova Funding Corporation Bonds, 8.48% to 9.07%, due 201996
 97
 113
Bishop Hill Holdings Senior Notes, 5.125%, due 2032100
 99
 102
85
 84
 93
Solar Star Funding Senior Notes, 3.950%, due 2035316
 311
 321
295
 292
 310
Solar Star Funding Senior Notes, 5.375%, due 2035977
 966
 988
924
 915
 965
Grande Prairie Wind Senior Notes, 3.860%, due 2037419
 414
 
396
 392
 404
Topaz Solar Farms Senior Notes, 5.750%, due 2039791
 780
 815
718
 709
 745
Topaz Solar Farms Senior Notes, 4.875%, due 2039230
 229
 239
207
 205
 217
Alamo 6 Senior Notes, 4.170%, due 2042224
 221
 229
Other22
 22
 25
16
 16
 19
Variable-rate(1):
          
Pinyon Pines I and II Term Loans, due 2019(2)
356
 355
 378
310
 310
 333
Wailuku Special Purpose Revenue Bonds, 0.90%, due 20217
 7
 8
TX Jumbo Road Term Loan, due 2025(2)
212
 206
 219
180
 176
 193
Marshall Wind Term Loan, due 2026(2)
93
 90
 
83
 81
 86
Total BHE Renewables$3,716
 $3,674
 $3,356
$3,438
 $3,401
 $3,594

(1)Amortizes quarterly or semiannually.
(2)
The term loans have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a margin that varies during the terms of the agreements. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps that fix the interest rate on 75% of the Pinyon Pines outstanding debt and 100% of the TX Jumbo Road and Marshall Wind outstanding debt. The variable interest rate as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 was 2.62%4.55% and 2.23%3.32%, respectively, while the fixed interest rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 ranged from 3.21% to 3.63% as of December 31, 2016, and 3.55% to 3.63% as of December 31, 2015..

HomeServices

HomeServices' long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
Variable-rate(1):
     
Variable-rate term loan (2018 - 4.022%, 2017 - 2.819%), due 2022$233
 $233
 $247

(1)Amortizes quarterly.


Annual Repayments of Long-Term Debt

The annual repayments of BHE and subsidiary debt for the years beginning January 1, 20172019 and thereafter, excluding fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, are as follows (in millions):
          2022 and            2024 and  
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
                          
BHE senior notes$400
 $1,000
 $
 $350
 $
 $6,125
 $7,875
$
 $350
 $450
 $
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures
 
 
 
 
 944
 944

 
 
 
 
 100
 100
PacifiCorp58
 588
 352
 40
 425
 5,657
 7,120
352
 40
 425
 606
 450
 5,203
 7,076
MidAmerican Funding251
 351
 500
 2
 1
 3,552
 4,657
500
 2
 
 1
 315
 4,850
 5,668
NV Energy18
 840
 519
 336
 27
 2,829
 4,569
523
 913
 28
 29
 271
 2,557
 4,321
Northern Powergrid
 49
 49
 418
 
 1,835
 2,351
80
 462
 31
 479
 33
 1,536
 2,621
BHE Pipeline Group66
 329
 
 
 200
 400
 995

 
 200
 
 
 850
 1,050
BHE Transmission
 151
 151
 245
 3
 3,518
 4,068
148
 245
 
 348
 367
 2,748
 3,856
BHE Renewables213
 236
 528
 161
 167
 2,411
 3,716
483
 168
 175
 172
 177
 2,263
 3,438
HomeServices20
 27
 33
 153
 
 
 233
Totals$1,006
 $3,544
 $2,099
 $1,552
 $823
 $27,271
 $36,295
$2,106
 $2,207
 $1,342
 $1,788
 $2,513
 $27,058
 $37,014


(11)    Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacted many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, the one-time repatriation tax of foreign earnings and profits and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, in December 2017, the Company reduced deferred income tax liabilities $7,115 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for the Company's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, the Company increased net regulatory liabilities by $5,950 million. The reduction in deferred income tax liabilities also resulted in a decrease in deferred income tax expense of $1,150 million, mostly driven by the Company's non-regulated businesses, primarily BHE Renewables, BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited and HomeServices.

As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, BHE's consolidated net income in 2017 increased by $516 million primarily due to benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities of $1,150 million, partially offset by an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits totaling $419 million and equity earnings charges totaling $228 million mainly for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. The Company recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform in December 2017 and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of the repatriation tax on foreign earnings and interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. The Company determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to these two items to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. The Company believed the estimates for the repatriation tax to be reasonable, however, additional time was required to validate the inputs to the foreign earnings and profits calculation, the basis on which the repatriation tax is determined and additional guidance was required to determine state income tax implications. The Company also believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, the Company finalized its provisional amounts resulting in a $134 million reduction to the repatriation tax liability estimate, based on further analysis of the earnings and profits completed during 2018 and additional guidance from certain states. In addition, the Company recorded a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $68 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and the nature of the Company's regulated businesses, the Company reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $27 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Iowa Senate File 2417

In May 2018, Iowa Senate File 2417 was signed into law, which, among other items, reduces the state of Iowa corporate tax rate from 12% to 9.8% and eliminates corporate federal deductibility, both for tax years starting in 2021. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of Iowa Senate File 2417, the Company reduced deferred income tax liabilities $61 million and decreased deferred income tax expense by $2 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for the Company's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, the Company increased net regulatory liabilities by $59 million. In connection with Iowa Senate File 2417, the Company determined it was more appropriate to present the deferred income tax assets of $609 million associated with the state of Iowa net operating loss carryforward as a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity. As the Company does not currently expect to receive the majority of the income tax amounts from Berkshire Hathaway related to the state of Iowa prior to the 2021 effective date, the Company remeasured the long-term income tax receivable with Berkshire Hathaway at the enactment date and recorded a decrease to the long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway of $115 million. Subsequent to the remeasurement date, the Company amended the tax sharing agreement with Berkshire Hathaway and received $90 million in 2019 related to previously used state of Iowa net operating loss carryforwards thereby increasing the current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway and decreasing the long-term income tax receivable by the same amount. Additionally, during the year the Company generated $53 million of state of Iowa net operating losses which will be carried forward and will increase the long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway.

Income tax (benefit) expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Current:          
Federal$(743) $(929) $(1,872)$(686) $(653) $(743)
State1
 29
 (3)(9) (3) 1
Foreign55
 84
 129
104
 83
 55
(687) (816) (1,746)(591) (573) (687)
Deferred:          
Federal1,164
 1,310
 2,296
165
 (76) 1,164
State(59) (53) 37
(131) 100
 (59)
Foreign(7) 17
 11
(20) 2
 (7)
1,098
 1,274
 2,344
14
 26
 1,098
          
Investment tax credits(8) (8) (9)(6) (7) (8)
Total$403
 $450
 $589
$(583) $(554) $403

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax (benefit) expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Federal statutory income tax rate35 % 35 % 35 %21 % 35 % 35 %
Income tax credits(14) (11) (10)(30) (20) (14)
Effects of ratemaking(8) (1) 
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit(1) (1) 1
(6) 3
 (1)
Effects of tax rate change and repatriation tax(4) (31) 
Income tax effect of foreign income(6) (7) (3)(3) (5) (6)
Equity income2
 2
 2
1
 (2) 2
Other, net(2) (2) (2)(1) (1) (2)
Effective income tax rate14 % 16 % 23 %(30)% (22)% 14 %

Effects of 2017 Tax Reform have been included in state income tax, net of federal income tax benefit, effects of tax rate change and repatriation tax and equity income.


Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits from wind-powered generating facilities owned by MidAmerican Energy, PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service.

Income tax effect of foreign income includes, among other items, deferred income tax benefits of $16 million in 2016 and $39 million in 2015 related to the enactment of reductions in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate. In September 2016, the corporate income tax rate was reduced from 18% to 17% effective April 1, 2020. In November 2015, the corporate income tax rate was reduced from 20% to 19% effective April 1, 2017, with a further reduction to 18% effective April 1, 2020.

The Company's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis. Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its consolidated United States federal and Iowa state income tax returns and substantially all of the Company's United States federal income tax return.is remitted to or received from Berkshire Hathaway. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the Company had a current income taxes payable to Berkshire Hathaway of $27 million. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had current income taxestax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway of $286$90 million and a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway, reflected as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity, of $457 million for Iowa state income tax. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway for federal income tax of $334 million.


The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:      
Regulatory liabilities$1,674
 $1,707
Federal, state and foreign carryforwards$987
 $865
596
 1,118
Regulatory liabilities909
 834
AROs326
 317
232
 223
Employee benefits209
 190
68
 45
Derivative contracts29
 83
Other707
 815
459
 450
Total deferred income tax assets3,167
 3,104
3,029
 3,543
Valuation allowances(64) (35)(137) (126)
Total deferred income tax assets, net3,103
 3,069
2,892
 3,417
      
Deferred income tax liabilities:      
Property-related items(14,237) (13,157)(10,185) (9,950)
Investments(876) (843)
Regulatory assets(1,449) (1,446)(656) (651)
Investments(962) (852)
Other(334) (299)(222) (215)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(16,982) (15,754)(11,939) (11,659)
Net deferred income tax liability$(13,879) $(12,685)$(9,047) $(8,242)

The following table provides the Company's net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 20162018 (in millions):
Federal State Foreign TotalFederal State Foreign Total
Net operating loss carryforwards(1)
$179
 $11,549
 $352
 $12,080
$284
 $5,577
 $562
 $6,423
Deferred income taxes on net operating loss carryforwards$65
 $674
 $95
 $834
$60
 $312
 $151
 $523
Expiration dates2023-2025 2017-2036 2035-2036 

2023-2026 2019-2038 2035-2038 

              
Tax credits(2)
$128
 $25
 $
 $153
$45
 $28
 $
 $73
Expiration dates2023- indefinite 2017- indefinite 
 
2023- indefinite 2019- indefinite 
 

(1)The federal net operating loss carry forwardscarryforwards relate principally to net operating loss carry forwardscarryforwards of subsidiaries that are tax residents in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The federal net operating loss carry forwardscarryforwards were generated prior to Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s ownership and will begin to expire in 2023.
(2)Includes $97 million of deferred foreign tax credits associated with the federal income tax on unremitted tax earnings and profit pools that will begin to be creditable and expire 10 years after the date the foreign earnings are repatriated through actual or deemed dividends. As of December 31, 2016 the statute of limitation had not begun on the foreign tax credit carryforwards.


The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of the Company's income tax returns through December 31, 2009. Most state tax agencies have closed their examinations of the Company's income tax returns through February 9, 2006, except for (i) Iowa, which is closed through December 31, 2012, (ii) Illinois, which is closed through December 31, 2008 and (iii) the2011. The statute of limitations for PacifiCorp's statethe Company's income tax returns have expired through December 31, 2009, with the exception offor California, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon and Utah, and through December 31, 2014, except for the impact of any federal audit adjustments, for Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. The closure of examinations, or the expiration of the statute of limitations, for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations have expired through March 31, 2006. Examinations have been closed in the United Kingdom through December 31, 2014, in Canada through December 31, 2008 and in the Philippines through December 31, 2012.

is not closed.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company's net unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$198
 $220
$181
 $128
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year7
 3
4
 6
Additions for tax positions of prior years6
 46
38
 70
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(11) (58)(38) (18)
Statute of limitations(1) (6)2
 (4)
Settlements(67) (6)(2) (1)
Interest and penalties(4) (1)
Ending balance$128
 $198
$185
 $181

As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $104154 million and $163158 million, respectively, that if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect the Company's effective income tax rate.

(12)    Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans

Domestic Operations

The UtilitiesPacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover a majority of all employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries. These pension plans include noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERP") and a restoration plan for certain executives of NV Energy. The UtilitiesPacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy also provide certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits through various plans to eligible retirees.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.


Net periodic benefit cost for the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                      
Service cost$29
 $33
 $36
 $9
 $11
 $14
$21
 $24
 $29
 $9
 $9
 $9
Interest cost126
 121
 131
 31
 31
 46
105
 116
 126
 24
 29
 31
Expected return on plan assets(160) (169) (164) (41) (45) (53)(164) (160) (160) (41) (40) (41)
Settlement21
 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization46
 53
 44
 (12) (11) (3)28
 25
 46
 (13) (14) (12)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$41
 $38
 $47
 $(13) $(14) $4
$11
 $5
 $41
 $(21) $(16) $(13)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,489
 $2,718
 $662
 $858
$2,761
 $2,525
 $736
 $666
Employer contributions78
 13
 2
 2
38
 64
 8
 5
Participant contributions
 
 10
 9

 
 8
 10
Actual return on plan assets163
 (17) 41
 
(147) 390
 (38) 106
Settlement(11) (23) 
 (150)(119) (15) 
 
Benefits paid(194) (202) (49) (57)(137) (203) (50) (51)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,525
 $2,489
 $666
 $662
$2,396
 $2,761
 $664
 $736

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2016 2015 2016 2015
        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$2,934
 $3,119
 $740
 $936
Service cost29
 33
 9
 11
Interest cost126
 121
 31
 31
Participant contributions
 
 10
 9
Actuarial loss (gain)67
 (110) (7) (43)
Amendment1
 (4) 
 3
Settlement(11) (23) 
 (150)
Benefits paid(194) (202) (49) (57)
Benefit obligation, end of year$2,952
 $2,934
 $734
 $740
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$2,929
 $2,906
    

In December 2014, PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, reached a labor settlement with the UMWA covering union employees at PacifiCorp's Deer Creek mining operations. As a result of the labor settlement, the UMWA agreed to assume PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit obligation associated with UMWA plan participants in exchange for PacifiCorp transferring $150 million to a fund managed by the UMWA. Transfer of the assets and settlement of this obligation occurred in May 2015 and resulted in a remeasurement of the other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligation. As a result of the remeasurement, PacifiCorp recognized a $9 million settlement loss, with the portion that is probable of recovery deferred as a regulatory asset. No curtailment accounting was triggered as a result of the settlement due to an insignificant impact to the average remaining service lives in the plan.
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$3,006
 $2,952
 $721
 $734
Service cost21
 24
 9
 9
Interest cost105
 116
 24
 29
Participant contributions
 
 8
 10
Actuarial (gain) loss(160) 132
 (40) (10)
Amendment2
 
 
 
Settlement(119) (15) 
 
Benefits paid(137) (203) (50) (51)
Benefit obligation, end of year$2,718
 $3,006
 $672
 $721
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$2,709
 $2,988
    


The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,525
 $2,489
 $666
 $662
$2,396
 $2,761
 $664
 $736
Benefit obligation, end of year2,952
 2,934
 734
 740
2,718
 3,006
 672
 721
Funded status$(427) $(445) $(68) $(78)$(322) $(245) $(8) $15
              
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:              
Other assets$26
 $7
 $19
 $15
$20
 $66
 $5
 $32
Other current liabilities(15) (15) 
 
(13) (14) 
 
Other long-term liabilities(438) (437) (87) (93)(329) (297) (13) (17)
Amounts recognized$(427) $(445) $(68) $(78)$(322) $(245) $(8) $15

The SERPs and restoration plan have no plan assets; however, the Company has Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERPs and restoration plan. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $242$256 million and $228$272 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The fair value of plan assets, projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for (1) pension and other postretirement benefit plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets and (2) pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Fair value of plan assets$1,841
 $1,811
 $413
 $413
$1,752
 $2,016
 $417
 $126
              
Projected benefit obligation$2,294
 $2,263
 $500
 $505
$2,091
 $2,327
 $429
 $143
              
Accumulated benefit obligation$2,278
 $2,244
    $2,085
 $2,316
    

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Net loss$775
 $768
 $88
 $97
$747
 $649
 $50
 $14
Prior service credit(7) (25) (52) (68)
 (3) (22) (37)
Regulatory deferrals(7) (2) 7
 8
(1) (4) 7
 7
Total$761
 $741
 $43
 $37
$746
 $642
 $35
 $(16)


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 is as follows (in millions):
    Accumulated      Accumulated  
    Other      Other  
Regulatory Regulatory Comprehensive  Regulatory Regulatory Comprehensive  
Asset Liability Loss TotalAsset Liability Loss Total
Pension              
Balance, December 31, 2014$710
 $(6) $19
 $723
Net loss (gain) arising during the year76
 5
 (6) 75
Net prior service credit arising during the year(4) 
 
 (4)
Balance, December 31, 2016$761
 $(13) $13
 $761
Net (gain) loss arising during the year(68) (29) 3
 (94)
Net amortization(53) 
 
 (53)(28) (1) 4
 (25)
Total19
 5
 (6) 18
(96) (30) 7
 (119)
Balance, December 31, 2015729
 (1) 13
 741
Net loss arising during the year76
 (11) 
 65
Balance, December 31, 2017665
 (43) 20
 642
Net loss (gain) arising during the year114
 43
 (6) 151
Net prior service cost arising during the year1
 
 
 1

 
 2
 2
Settlement(21) 
 
 (21)
Net amortization(45) (1) 
 (46)(28) 
 
 (28)
Total32
 (12) 
 20
65
 43
 (4) 104
Balance, December 31, 2016$761
 $(13) $13
 $761
Balance, December 31, 2018$730
 $
 $16
 $746

 Regulatory Regulatory  
 Asset Liability Total
Other Postretirement     
Balance, December 31, 2014$37
 $(14) $23
Net (gain) loss arising during the year(1) 1
 
Net prior service cost arising during the year3
 
 3
Net amortization10
 1
 11
Total12
 2
 14
Balance, December 31, 201549
 (12) 37
Net gain arising during the year(5) (1) (6)
Net amortization11
 1
 12
Total6
 
 6
Balance, December 31, 2016$55
 $(12) $43

The net loss, prior service credit and regulatory deferrals that will be amortized in 2017 into net periodic benefit cost are estimated to be as follows (in millions):
 Net Prior Service Regulatory  
 Loss Credit Deferrals Total
        
Pension$33
 $(3) $(2) $28
Other postretirement2
 (16) 1
 (13)
Total$35
 $(19) $(1) $15
     Accumulated  
     Other  
 Regulatory Regulatory Comprehensive  
 Asset Liability Loss Total
Other Postretirement       
Balance, December 31, 2016$55
 $(12) $
 $43
Net gain arising during the year(52) (21) 
 (73)
Net amortization7
 7
 
 14
Total(45) (14) 
 (59)
Balance, December 31, 201710
 (26) 
 (16)
Net gain arising during the year23
 14
 1
 38
Net amortization11
 2
 
 13
Total34
 16
 1
 51
Balance, December 31, 2018$44
 $(10) $1
 $35


Plan Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                      
Benefit obligations as of December 31:                      
Discount rate4.06% 4.43% 4.00% 4.01% 4.33% 3.88%4.25% 3.60% 4.06% 4.21% 3.57% 4.01%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 2.75% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
2.75% 2.75% 2.75% NA
 NA
 NA
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan      

 

 

2016NA
 NA
 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
2017NA
 2.49% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
20183.38% 3.06% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
20193.54% 3.06% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
20203.54% 2.72% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
20213.56% 2.72% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
                      
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:                      
Discount rate4.43% 4.00% 4.81% 4.33% 3.93% 4.82%3.60% 4.06% 4.43% 3.57% 4.01% 4.33%
Expected return on plan assets6.78% 6.88% 6.86% 7.03% 7.00% 7.34%6.36% 6.55% 6.78% 6.44% 6.73% 7.03%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 3.00% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
2.75% 2.75% 2.75% NA
 NA
 NA
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plan3.38% 2.49% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA

In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.
 2016 2015
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:   
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year7.40% 7.70%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to5.00% 5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at2025 2025

A one percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):
 One Percentage-Point
 Increase Decrease
Increase (decrease) in:   
Total service and interest cost for the year ended December 31, 2016$1
 $
Other postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 20164
 (4)
 2018 2017
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:   
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.80% 7.10%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to5.00% 5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at2025 2025

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $14$13 million and $4$1 million, respectively, during 20172019. Funding to the established pension trusts is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plans and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company's funding policy for its other postretirement benefit plans is to generally contribute an amount equal to the net periodic benefit cost.


The expected benefit payments to participants in the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 20172019 through 20212023 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):

Projected BenefitProjected Benefit
PaymentsPayments
  Other  Other
Pension PostretirementPension Postretirement
      
2017$219
 $56
2018226
 57
2019224
 57
$221
 $53
2020221
 60
224
 57
2021214
 57
221
 55
2022-20261,002
 259
2022212
 54
2023212
 53
2024-2028958
 243

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The Company's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters outlined by each plan's Pension and Employee Benefits Plans Administrative Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 20162018:
   Other
 Pension Postretirement
 % %
PacifiCorp:   
Debt securities(1)
33-3730-43 33-37
Equity securities(1)
53-5748-65 61-6562-66
Limited partnership interests8-126-12 1-3
Other0-10-1
    
MidAmerican Energy:   
Debt securities(1)
20-4020-50 25-45
Equity securities(1)
60-80 50-8045-80
Real estate funds2-8 
Other0-50-3 0-5
    
NV Energy:   
Debt securities(1)
53-77 40
Equity securities(1)
23-47 60

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.


Fair Value Measurements

The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent)" effective January 1, 2016 under a retrospective method.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Total
As of December 31, 2016:       
As of December 31, 2018:     
Cash equivalents$4
 $54
 $
 $58
$8
 $41
 $49
Debt securities:            
United States government obligations161
 
 
 161
160
 
 160
International government obligations
 2
 
 2

 5
 5
Corporate obligations
 295
 
 295

 373
 373
Municipal obligations
 20
 
 20

 29
 29
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 112
 
 112

 123
 123
Equity securities:            
United States companies583
 
 
 583
492
 1
 493
International companies117
 
 
 117
108
 
 108
Investment funds(2)
146
 
 
 146
119
 
 119
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$1,011
 $483
 $
 1,494
$887
 $572
 1,459
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      920
    792
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
      61
    104
Real estate funds measured at net asset value      50
    41
Total assets measured at fair value      $2,525
    $2,396
            
As of December 31, 2015:       
As of December 31, 2017:     
Cash equivalents$
 $26
 $
 $26
$10
 $76
 $86
Debt securities:            
United States government obligations155
 
 
 155
218
 
 218
International government obligations
 4
 
 4
Corporate obligations
 335
 
 335

 350
 350
Municipal obligations
 25
 
 25

 16
 16
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 154
 
 154

 110
 110
Equity securities:            
United States companies586
 
 
 586
622
 
 622
International companies122
 
 
 122
136
 
 136
Investment funds(2)
144
 
 
 144
83
 20
 103
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$1,007
 $544
 $
 1,551
$1,069
 $572
 1,641
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      823
    1,019
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
      65
    63
Real estate funds measured at net asset value      50
    38
Total assets measured at fair value      $2,489
    $2,761

(1)Refer to Note 1514 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 62%59% and 38%41%, respectively, for 20162018 and 66%62% and 34%38%, respectively, for 20152017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 60%73% and 40%27%, respectively, for 20162018 and 58%68% and 42%32%, respectively, for 20152017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit other postretirement plans (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Total
As of December 31, 2016:       
As of December 31, 2018:     
Cash equivalents$10
 $2
 $12
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations13
 
 13
Corporate obligations
 42
 42
Municipal obligations
 45
 45
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 30
 30
Equity securities:     
United States companies158
 
 158
International companies6
 
 6
Investment funds202
 1
 203
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$389
 $120
 509
Investment funds measured at net asset value    149
Limited partnership interests measured at net asset value    6
Total assets measured at fair value    $664
     
As of December 31, 2017:     
Cash equivalents$18
 $2
 $
 $20
$11
 $3
 $14
Debt securities:            
United States government obligations19
 
 
 19
20
 
 20
Corporate obligations
 29
 
 29

 36
 36
Municipal obligations
 39
 
 39

 46
 46
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 25
 
 25

 29
 29
Equity securities:            
United States companies217
 
 
 217
185
 
 185
International companies5
 
 
 5
8
 
 8
Investment funds(2)
152
 
 
 152
219
 1
 220
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$411
 $95
 $
 506
$443
 $115
 558
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      156
    174
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
      4
    4
Total assets measured at fair value      $666
    $736
       
As of December 31, 2015:       
Cash equivalents$12
 $1
 $
 $13
Debt securities:       
United States government obligations18
 
 
 18
Corporate obligations
 33
 
 33
Municipal obligations
 41
 
 41
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 28
 
 28
Equity securities:       
United States companies216
 
 
 216
International companies6
 
 
 6
Investment funds(2)
149
 
 
 149
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$401
 $103
 $
 504
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      154
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
      4
Total assets measured at fair value      $662

(1)Refer to Note 1514 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 63%65% and 37%35%, respectively, for both 20162018 and 2015.68% and 32%, respectively, for 2017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 72%79% and 28%21%, respectively, for 20162018 and 70%73% and 30%27%, respectively, for 20152017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund’sfund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.


Foreign Operations

Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Northern Powergrid participate in the Northern Powergrid group of the United Kingdom industry-wide Electricity Supply Pension Scheme (the "UK Plan"), which provides pension and other related defined benefits, based on final pensionable pay, to the majority of the employees of Northern Powergrid. The UK Plan is closed to employees hired after July 23, 1997. Employees hired after that date are covered by a defined contribution plan sponsored by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Powergrid.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on pension plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit cost for the UK Plan included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Service cost$20
 $24
 $24
$19
 $23
 $20
Interest cost72
 79
 95
56
 58
 72
Expected return on plan assets(110) (116) (124)(101) (100) (110)
Settlement44
 31
 
Net amortization44
 62
 51
45
 63
 44
Net periodic benefit cost$26
 $49
 $46
$63
 $75
 $26
    
Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,276
 $2,368
$2,368
 $2,169
Employer contributions55
 77
60
 58
Participant contributions1
 2
1
 1
Actual return on plan assets349
 48
(44) 145
Settlement(205) (144)
Benefits paid(115) (91)(71) (68)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(397) (128)(120) 207
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,169
 $2,276
$1,989
 $2,368


The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$2,142
 $2,279
$2,201
 $2,125
Service cost20
 24
19
 23
Interest cost72
 79
56
 58
Participant contributions1
 2
1
 1
Actuarial loss (gain)387
 (30)
Actuarial gain(87) (4)
Settlement(182) (131)
Amendment8
 
Benefits paid(115) (91)(71) (68)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(382) (121)(112) 197
Benefit obligation, end of year$2,125
 $2,142
$1,833
 $2,201
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$1,858
 $1,891
$1,637
 $1,933

The funded status of the UK Plan and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,169
 $2,276
$1,989
 $2,368
Benefit obligation, end of year2,125
 2,142
1,833
 2,201
Funded status$44
 $134
$156
 $167
      
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:      
Other assets$44
 $134
$156
 $167

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the UK Plan not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2016 2015
    
Net loss$590
 $592
 2018 2017
    
Net loss$472
 $510
Prior service cost8
 
Total$480
 $510


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2016 2015
    
Balance, beginning of year$592
 $655
Net loss arising during the year148
 38
Net amortization(44) (62)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(106) (39)
Total(2) (63)
Balance, end of year$590
 $592

The net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss in 2017 into net periodic benefit cost is estimated to be $65 million.
 2018 2017
    
Balance, beginning of year$510
 $590
Net (gain) loss arising during the year59
 (50)
Net prior service cost arising during the year8
 
Settlement(22) (17)
Net amortization(45) (63)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(30) 50
Total(30) (80)
Balance, end of year$480
 $510

Plan Assumptions
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Benefit obligations as of December 31:          
Discount rate2.70% 3.70% 3.60%2.90% 2.60% 2.70%
Rate of compensation increase3.00% 2.90% 2.80%3.55% 3.45% 3.00%
Rate of future price inflation3.00% 2.90% 2.80%3.05% 2.95% 3.00%
          
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:          
Discount rate3.70% 3.60% 4.40%2.60% 2.70% 3.70%
Expected return on plan assets5.60% 5.60% 6.10%4.90% 5.00% 5.60%
Rate of compensation increase2.90% 2.80% 3.15%3.45% 3.00% 2.90%
Rate of future price inflation2.90% 2.80% 3.15%2.95% 3.00% 2.90%
    

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the UK Plan are expected to be £37£43 million during 20172019. The expected benefit payments to participants in the UK Plan for 20172019 through 20212023 and for the five years thereafter excluding lump sum settlement elections, using the foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 20162018, are summarized below (in millions):
2017$75
201877
201979
$70
202081
71
202183
73
2022-2026448
202275
202377
2024-2028416
    

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The investment policy for the UK Plan is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities, real estate and real estate.other asset classes. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The UK Plan retains outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters set by the trustees of the UK Plan in consultation with Northern Powergrid. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments. The return on assets assumption is based on a weighted-average of the expected historical performance for the types of assets in which the UK Plan invests.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the UK Plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 20162018:
 %
Debt securities(1)
50-55
Equity securities(1)
35-40
Real estate funds and other5-15

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds have been allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.


Fair Value Measurements

The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent)" effective January 1, 2016 under a retrospective method.

The following table presents the fair value of the UK Plan assets, by major category (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2016:       
As of December 31, 2018:       
Cash equivalents$4
 $83
 $
 $87
$3
 $59
 $
 $62
Debt securities:              
United Kingdom government obligations718
 
 
 718
891
 
 
 891
Equity securities:              
Investment funds(2)

 1,095
 
 1,095

 697
 
 697
Real estate funds
 
 105
 105

 
 239
 239
Total$722
 $1,178
 $105
 2,005
$894
 $756
 $239
 1,889
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      164
      100
Total assets measured at fair value      $2,169
      $1,989
              
As of December 31, 2015:       
As of December 31, 2017:       
Cash equivalents$46
 $
 $
 $46
$4
 $30
 $
 $34
Debt securities:              
United Kingdom government obligations424
 
 
 424
870
 
 
 870
Other international government obligations
 13
 
 13
Corporate obligations
 186
 
 186
Equity securities:              
Investment funds(2)
24
 1,189
 
 1,213

 1,027
 
 1,027
Real estate funds
 
 204
 204

 
 230
 230
Total$494
 $1,388
 $204
 2,086
$874
 $1,057
 $230
 2,161
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      190
      207
Total assets measured at fair value      $2,276
      $2,368

(1)Refer to Note 1514 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 44%36% and 56%64%, respectively, for both 20162018 and 21% and 79%, respectively, for 20152017.


The fair value of the UK Plan's assets are determined similar to the plan assets of the domestic plans as previously discussed.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the UK Plan assets measured at fair value using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Real Estate FundsReal Estate Funds
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
    
    
Beginning balance$204
 $199
 $179
$230
 $105
 $204
Actual return on plan assets still held at period end10
 18
 33
23
 6
 10
Sales(80) 
 
Purchases (sales)
 104
 (80)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(29) (13) (13)(14) 15
 (29)
Ending balance$105
 $204
 $199
$239
 $230
 $105

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors various defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. The Company's contributions vary depending on the plan, but matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution, and certain participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. The Company's contributions to these plans were $102112 million, $90103 million and $83102 million for the years ended December 31, 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016, respectively.

(13)
Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

The Company does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $2.22.4 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively.

The following table presents the Company's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Fossil fuel facilities$404
 $443
$371
 $380
Quad Cities Station343
 289
345
 342
Wind generating facilities124
 104
174
 138
Offshore pipeline facilities33
 31
33
 32
Solar generating facilities12
 12
20
 19
Other38
 42
42
 43
Total asset retirement obligations$954
 $921
$985
 $954
      
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds$460
 $429
$504
 $515


The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$921
 $753
$954
 $954
Change in estimated costs33
 104
10
 (18)
Additions25
 59
28
 21
Retirements(63) (32)(45) (45)
Accretion38
 37
38
 42
Ending balance$954
 $921
$985
 $954
      
Reflected as:      
Other current liabilities$98
 $92
$43
 $60
Other long-term liabilities856
 829
942
 894
Total ARO liability$954
 $921
$985
 $954

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, which includes the planning and funding for the decommissioning. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay for its share of the Quad Cities Station decommissioning.

Certain of the Company's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly owned facilities and mine sites, and as such, each subsidiary is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. The Company's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities.

The 2016 changechanges in estimated costs wasrelate primarily to the result ofQuad Cities Station due to a change in the inflation rate and, for 2017, a new decommissioning study conducted by the operator of the Quad Cities Station that changed the estimated amount and timing of cash flows.

In January 2018, MidAmerican Energy completed groundwater testing at its coal combustion residuals ("CCR") surface impoundments. Based on this information, MidAmerican Energy discontinued sending CCR to surface impoundments effective April 2018 and will remove all CCR material located below the water table in such facilities, the latter of which is a more extensive closure activity than previously assumed. The 2015 change in estimated costs was primarily dueincremental cost and timing of such actions is not currently reasonably determinable, but an evaluation of such estimates is expected to changesbe completed in the expected timing and amountfirst quarter of cash flows related2019, with any necessary adjustments to the implementation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's final rule regulating the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts resulting from the operation of coal-fueled generating facilities, including requirements for the operation and closure of surface impoundment and ash landfill facilities, which was effective in October 2015. In addition to substantially impacting existing AROs, the final rule also resulted in the recognition of additional AROs.related asset retirement obligations recognized at that time.

(14)Risk Management and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through BHE's ownership of the Utilities as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. The Company also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold, and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate short- and long-term debt, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. Additionally, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk from its business operations and investments in Great Britain and Canada. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities.

Each of the Company's business platforms has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, manage, mitigate, monitor and report each of the various types of risk involved in its business. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, the Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, forward sale commitments, or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices.

There have been no significant changes in the Company's accounting policies related to derivatives. Refer to Notes 2, 6 and 15 for additional information on derivative contracts.


The following table, which reflects master netting arrangements and excludes contracts that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of the Company's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amounts to the amounts presented on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 Other   Other Other  
 Current Other Current Long-term  
 Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities Total
As of December 31, 2016:         
Not designated as hedging contracts:         
Commodity assets(1)
$42
 $86
 $5
 $2
 $135
Commodity liabilities(1)
(10) 
 (46) (150) (206)
Interest rate assets15
 
 
 
 15
Interest rate liabilities
 
 (4) (6) (10)
Total47
 86
 (45) (154) (66)
          
Designated as hedging contracts:         
Commodity assets1
 
 2
 3
 6
Commodity liabilities
 
 (14) (8) (22)
Interest rate assets
 8
 
 
 8
Interest rate liabilities
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Total1
 8
 (15) (5) (11)
          
Total derivatives48
 94
 (60) (159) (77)
Cash collateral receivable
 
 13
 61
 74
Total derivatives - net basis$48
 $94
 $(47) $(98) $(3)

As of December 31, 2015:         
Not designated as hedging contracts:         
Commodity assets(1)
$25
 $72
 $7
 $2
 $106
Commodity liabilities(1)
(4) 
 (113) (175) (292)
Interest rate assets7
 
 
 
 7
Interest rate liabilities
 
 (3) (6) (9)
Total28
 72
 (109) (179) (188)
          
Designated as hedging contracts:         
Commodity assets
 
 1
 2
 3
Commodity liabilities
 
 (33) (17) (50)
Interest rate assets
 3
 
 
 3
Interest rate liabilities
 
 (4) (1) (5)
Total
 3
 (36) (16) (49)
          
Total derivatives28
 75
 (145) (195) (237)
Cash collateral receivable
 
 40
 63
 103
Total derivatives - net basis$28
 $75
 $(105) $(132) $(134)

(1)
The Company's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates, and as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, a net regulatory asset of $148 million and $250 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $71 million and $186 million, respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables.


Not Designated as Hedging Contracts

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's net regulatory assets and summarizes the pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts recognized in net regulatory assets, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Commodity Derivatives
 2016 2015 2014
      
Beginning balance$250
 $223
 $182
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets(30) 128
 96
Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue(5) 1
 (32)
Net losses reclassified to cost of sales(67) (102) (23)
Ending balance$148
 $250
 $223

Designated as Hedging Contracts

The Company uses commodity derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges to hedge electricity and natural gas commodity prices for delivery to nonregulated customers, spring operational sales, natural gas storage and other transactions. Certain commodity derivative contracts have settled and the fair value at the date of settlement remains in AOCI and is recognized in earnings when the forecasted transactions impact earnings. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's AOCI (pre-tax) and summarizes pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recognized in OCI, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Commodity Derivatives
 2016 2015 2014
      
Beginning balance$46
 $32
 $12
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI26
 52
 (6)
Net gains reclassified to operating revenue1
 9
 
Net (losses) gains reclassified to cost of sales(57) (47) 26
Ending balance$16
 $46
 $32

Realized gains and losses on hedges and hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in income as operating revenue, cost of sales, operating expense or interest expense depending upon the nature of the item being hedged. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, hedge ineffectiveness was insignificant. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had cash flow hedges with expiration dates extending through June 2026 and $14 million of pre-tax unrealized losses are forecasted to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next twelve months as contracts settle.

Derivative Contract Volumes

The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of December 31 (in millions):
 Unit of    
 Measure 2016 2015
Electricity purchasesMegawatt hours 5
 10
Natural gas purchasesDecatherms 271
 317
Fuel purchasesGallons 11
 11
Interest rate swapsUS$ 714
 653
Mortgage commitments, netUS$ (309) (312)


Credit Risk

The Utilities are exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent the Utilities' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, the Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

Collateral and Contingent Features

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale derivative contracts contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These derivative contracts may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2016, the applicable credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade.

The aggregate fair value of the Company's derivative contracts in liability positions with specific credit-risk-related contingent features totaled $190 million and $288 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for which the Company had posted collateral of $69 million and $75 million, respectively, in the form of cash deposits. If all credit-risk-related contingent features for derivative contracts in liability positions had been triggered as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company would have been required to post $110 million and $198 million, respectively, of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.

(15)    Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of the Company's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Financial Statements using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.


The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements    Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements    
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2016:         
As of December 31, 2018:         
Assets:                  
Commodity derivatives$5
 $49
 $87
 $(22) $119
$1
 $91
 $108
 $(52) $148
Interest rate derivatives
 16
 7
 
 23
1
 13
 10
 
 24
Mortgage loans held for sale
 359
 
 
 359

 468
 
 
 468
Money market mutual funds(2)
586
 
 
 
 586
409
 
 
 
 409
Debt securities:                  
United States government obligations161
 
 
 
 161
187
 
 
 
 187
International government obligations
 3
 
 
 3

 4
 
 
 4
Corporate obligations
 36
 
 
 36

 46
 
 
 46
Municipal obligations
 2
 
 
 2

 2
 
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 2
 
 
 2

 1
 
 
 1
Equity securities:                  
United States companies250
 
 
 
 250
256
 
 
 
 256
International companies1,190
 
 
 
 1,190
1,441
 
 
 
 1,441
Investment funds147
 
 
 
 147
128
 
 
 
 128
$2,339
 $467
 $94
 $(22) $2,878
$2,423
 $625
 $118
 $(52) $3,114
Liabilities:                  
Commodity derivatives$(2) $(199) $(27) $96
 $(132)$(1) $(180) $(9) $111
 $(79)
Interest rate derivatives(1) (11) (1) 
 (13)
 (32) 
 
 (32)
$(3) $(210) $(28) $96
 $(145)$(1) $(212) $(9) $111
 $(111)

As of December 31, 2015:         
As of December 31, 2017:         
Assets:                  
Commodity derivatives$
 $16
 $93
 $(16) $93
$1
 $42
 $104
 $(29) $118
Interest rate derivatives
 5
 5
 
 10

 15
 9
 
 24
Mortgage loans held for sale
 327
 
 
 327

 465
 
 
 465
Money market mutual funds(2)
421
 
 
 
 421
685
 
 
 
 685
Debt securities:                  
United States government obligations133
 
 
 
 133
176
 
 
 
 176
International government obligations
 2
 
 
 2

 5
 
 
 5
Corporate obligations
 39
 
 
 39

 36
 
 
 36
Municipal obligations
 1
 
 
 1

 2
 
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 3
 
 
 3
Auction rate securities
 
 44
 
 44
Equity securities:                  
United States companies239
 
 
 
 239
288
 
 
 
 288
International companies1,244
 
 
 
 1,244
1,968
 
 
 
 1,968
Investment funds136
 
 
 
 136
178
 
 
 
 178
$2,173
 $393
 $142
 $(16) $2,692
$3,296
 $565
 $113
 $(29) $3,945
Liabilities:                  
Commodity derivatives$(13) $(283) $(46) $119
 $(223)$(3) $(167) $(10) $105
 $(75)
Interest rate derivatives
 (13) (1) 
 (14)
 (8) 
 
 (8)
$(13) $(296) $(47) $119
 $(237)$(3) $(175) $(10) $105
 $(83)

(1)
Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $7459 million and $10376 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively.
(2)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents; other current assets; and noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which the Company transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, the Company uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent the Company's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. The Company bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by the Company. Market price quotations are generally readily obtainable for the applicable term of the Company's outstanding derivative contracts; therefore, the Company's forward price curves reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to the length of the contract. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, the Company uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. Refer to Note 14 for further discussion regarding the Company's risk management and hedging activities.

The Company's mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on independent quoted market prices, where available, or the prices of other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As necessary, these prices are adjusted for typical securitization activities, including servicing value, portfolio composition, market conditions and liquidity.

The Company's investments in money market mutual funds and debt and equity securities are stated at fair value and are primarily accounted for as available-for-sale securities.value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputs and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics. The fair value of the Company's investments in auction rate securities was determined using pricing models based on available observable market data and the Company's judgment about the assumptions, including liquidity and nonperformance risks, which market participants would use when pricing the asset.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Commodity Derivatives Interest Rate Derivatives Auction Rate Securities
Commodity
Derivatives
 Interest Rate Derivatives 
Auction Rate
Securities
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                                  
Beginning balance$47
 $51
 $60
 $4
 $
 $
 $44
 $45
 $44
$94
 $60
 $47
 $9
 $6
 $4
 $
 $
 $44
Changes included in earnings8
 19
 19
 121
 87
 
 5
 
 
1
 23
 8
 181
 147
 121
 
 
 5
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI(2) (7) 
 
 
 
 8
 (1) 1
2
 (3) (2) 
 
 
 
 
 8
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets(11) (19) 5
 
 
 
 
 
 
3
 (1) (11) 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases1
 1
 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
3
 1
 1
 
 4
 
 
 
 
Redemptions
 
 
 
 
 
 (57) 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (57)
Settlements17
 2
 1
 (119) (86) 
 
 
 
(4) 14
 17
 (180) (148) (119) 
 
 
Transfers from Level 2
 
 (35) 
 3
 
 
 
 
Ending balance$60
 $47
 $51
 $6
 $4
 $
 $
 $44
 $45
$99
 $94
 $60
 $10
 $9
 $6
 $
 $
 $


The Company's long-term debt is carried at cost, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs as applicable, on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of the Company's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$36,116
 $40,718
 $37,972
 $41,785
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$36,774
 $39,398
 $35,193
 $40,522

(16)(15)    Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company has the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 20162018 are as follows (in millions):
           2022 and             2024 and  
 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
Contract type:                            
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments $2,370
 $1,606
 $1,389
 $1,208
 $1,010
 $10,053
 $17,636
 $2,215
 $1,659
 $1,380
 $1,174
 $1,047
 $11,155
 $18,630
Construction commitments 852
 49
 66
 1
 1
 4
 973
 2,330
 587
 52
 
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements 141
 122
 101
 87
 73
 1,085
 1,609
 197
 177
 160
 139
 111
 1,738
 2,522
Maintenance, service and other contracts 303
 220
 212
 186
 180
 723
 1,824
 306
 344
 303
 277
 241
 1,358
 2,829
 $3,666
 $1,997
 $1,768
 $1,482
 $1,264
 $11,865
 $22,042
 $5,048
 $2,767
 $1,895
 $1,590
 $1,399
 $14,251
 $26,950

Fuel, Capacity and Transmission Contract Commitments

The Utilities have fuel supply and related transportation and lime contracts for their coal- and natural gas-fueled generating facilities. The Utilities expect to supplement these contracts with additional contracts and spot market purchases to fulfill their future fossil fuel needs. The Utilities acquire a portion of their electricity through long-term purchases and exchange agreements. The Utilities have several power purchase agreements with wind-poweredrenewable generating facilities that are not included in the table above as the payments are based on the amount of energy generated and there are no minimum payments. The Utilities also have contracts for the right to transmit electricity over other entities' transmission lines to facilitate delivery to their customers.

MidAmerican Energy has long-term rail transportation contracts with BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF"), an affiliate company, and Union Pacific Railroad Company for the transportation of coal to all of the MidAmerican Energy-operated coal-fueled generating facilities. For the years ended December 31, 20162018, 20152017 and 2014, $1372016, $111 million, $185$109 million and $159$137 million, respectively, were incurred for coal transportation services, the majority of which was related to the BNSF agreement.

Construction Commitments

The Company's firm construction commitments reflected in the table above include the following major construction projects:
MidAmerican Energy's construction of wind-powered generating facilities in 2017 and twothe last of the four Multi-Value Projects approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. for high voltage transmission lines in Iowa and Illinois in 2017.2018.
ALP's investments in directly assigned transmission projects from the AESO.
PacifiCorp's costs associated with investments in emissions control equipment and certain generating plant, transmission and distribution projects.


Operating Leases and Easements

The Company has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office equipment, office space, certain operating facilities, land and rail cars. These leases generally require the Company to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices. The Company also has non-cancelable easements for land on which certain of its assets, primarily wind-powered generating facilities, are located. Rent expense on non-cancelable operating leases and easements totaled $156191 million for 2016, $161 million for 20152018 and $156 million for both $146 million2017 for 2014.and 2016.

Maintenance, Service and Other Contracts

The Company has entered into service agreements related to its nonregulated solar and wind-powered projects with third parties to operate and maintain the projects under fixed-fee operating and maintenance agreements. Additionally, the Company has various non-cancelable maintenance, service and other contracts primarily related to turbine and equipment maintenance and various other service agreements.

BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of non-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in full the December invoices for both Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Legal Matters

The Company is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. The Company does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, renewable portfolio standards, air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact itsthe Company's current and future operations. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Hydroelectric Relicensing

PacifiCorp's Klamath hydroelectric system is currently operating under annual licenses with the FERC. In February 2010, PacifiCorp, the United States Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Commerce, the state of California, the state of Oregon and various other governmental and non-governmental settlement parties signed the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement ("KHSA"). Among other things, the KHSA provided that the United States Department of the Interior would conduct scientific and engineering studies to assess whether removal of the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams was in the public interest and would advance restoration of the Klamath Basin's salmonid fisheries. If it wasis determined that dam removal should proceed, dam removal would begin no earlier than 2020.


Congress failed to pass legislation needed to implement the original KHSA. In FebruaryApril 2016, the principal parties to the KHSA (PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon, and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce) executed an agreement in principle committing to explore potential amendment of the KHSA to facilitate removal of the Klamath dams through a FERC process without the need for federal legislation. On April 6, 2016, PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon, and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce and other stakeholders executed an amendment to the KHSA. Consistent with the terms of the amended KHSA, onin September 23, 2016, PacifiCorp and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation ("KRRC")", a private, independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed by certain signatories of the amended KSHA, jointly filed an application with the FERC to transfer the license for the four mainstem Klamath River hydroelectric generating facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC. Also onin September 23, 2016, the KRRC filed an application with the FERC to surrender the license and decommission the same four facilities. The KRRC's license surrender application included a request for the FERC to refrain from acting on the surrender application until after the transfer of the license to the KRRC is effective.

In March 2018, the FERC issued an order splitting the existing license for the Klamath Project into two licenses: the Klamath Project (P‑2082) contains East Side, West Side, Keno and Fall Creek developments; the new Lower Klamath Project (P‑14803) contains J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2 and Iron Gate developments. In the same order, the FERC deferred consideration of the transfer of the license for the Lower Klamath facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC until some point in the future. PacifiCorp is currently the licensee for both the Klamath Project and Lower Klamath Project facilities and will retain ownership of the Klamath Project facilities after the approval and transfer of the Lower Klamath Project facilities. In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a motion to stay the effective date of the license amendment until transfer is approved. In June 2018, the FERC granted PacifiCorp's motion to stay the effective date of the Lower Klamath Project license and all related compliance obligations, pending a FERC order on the license transfer. Meanwhile, the FERC continues to assess the KRRC's capacity to become a project licensee for purposes of dam removal. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision in the
Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC litigation, on January 25, 2019, finding that the states of California and Oregon have waived their Clean Water Act, Section 401, water quality certification authority over the Klamath hydroelectric project relicensing. PacifiCorp is evaluating the impact of this decision.

Under the amended KHSA, PacifiCorp and its customers continue to beare protected from uncapped dam removal costs and liabilities. The KRRC must indemnify PacifiCorp from liabilities associated with dam removal. The amended KHSA also limits PacifiCorp's contribution to facilities removal costs to no more than $200 million, of which up to $184 million would be collected from PacifiCorp's Oregon customers with the remainder to be collected from PacifiCorp's California customers. California voters approved a water bond measure in November 2014 from which the state of California's contribution towardstoward facilities removal costs will beare being drawn. In accordance with this bond measure, additional funding of up to $250 million for facilities removal costs was included in the California state budget in 2016, with the funding effective for at least five years. If facilities removal costs exceed the combined funding that will be available from PacifiCorp's Oregon and California customers and the state of California, sufficient funds would need to be provided by the KRRC or an entity other than PacifiCorp in order for removal to proceed.

If certain conditions in the amended KHSA are not satisfied and the license does not transfer to the KRRC, PacifiCorp will resume relicensing with the FERC.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's assets included $68$44 million of costs associated with the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams and the associated relicensing and settlement costs, which are being depreciated and amortized in accordance with state regulatory approvals through either December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2022, depending upon the state jurisdiction.

Hydroelectric Commitments

Certain of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric licenses contain requirements for PacifiCorp to make certain capital and operating expenditures related to its hydroelectric facilities. PacifiCorp estimates it is obligated to make capital expenditures of approximately $227$155 million over the next 10 years related to these licenses.

Guarantees

The Company has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results.

(17)(16)
BHE Shareholders' Equity

Common Stock

On March 14, 2000, and as amended on December 7, 2005, BHE's shareholders entered into a Shareholder Agreement that provides specific rights to certain shareholders. One of these rights allows certain shareholders the ability to put their common shares back to BHE at the then currentthen-current fair value dependent on certain circumstances controlled by BHE.

On February 17,
For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE repurchased from certain family interests177,381 shares of Mr. Walter Scott, Jr.its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million. Onmillion, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures due June 2057 in exchange for 181,819 shares of its common stock.

In February 17, 2015,2019, BHE repurchased from certain family interests of Mr. Walter Scott, Jr. 75,000447,712 shares of its common stock for $36$293 million.

Restricted Net Assets

BHE has maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentage restrictions imposed by its senior unsecured credit facilities expiring in June 20192021 which, in certain circumstances, limit BHE's ability to make cash dividends or distributions. As a result of this restriction, BHE has restricted net assets of $15.1$16.5 billion as of December 31, 2016.2018.

Certain of BHE's subsidiaries have restrictions on their ability to dividend, loan or advance funds to BHE due to specific legal or regulatory restrictions, including, but not limited to, maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentages and commitments made to state commissions or federal agencies in connection with past acquisitions. As a result of these restrictions, BHE's subsidiaries had restricted net assets of $17.6$20.7 billion as of December 31, 2016.2018.


(18)(17)    Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

The following table shows the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
         Accumulated          
     Unrealized   Other          
 Unrecognized Foreign Gains on Unrealized Comprehensive Unrecognized Foreign Unrealized Unrealized AOCI
 Amounts on Currency Available- Gains on Loss Attributable Amounts on Currency Gains on Gains on Attributable
 Retirement Translation For-Sale Cash Flow To BHE Retirement Translation Marketable Cash Flow To BHE
 Benefits Adjustment Securities Hedges Shareholders, Net Benefits Adjustment Securities Hedges Shareholders, Net
                    
Balance, December 31, 2013 $(559) $(98) $524
 $36
 $(97)
Balance, December 31, 2015 $(438) $(1,092) $615
 $7
 $(908)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (9) (583) (30) 19
 (603)
Balance, December 31, 2016 (447) (1,675) 585
 26
 (1,511)
Other comprehensive income 69
 (314) (134) (18) (397) 64
 546
 500
 3
 1,113
Balance, December 31, 2014 (490) (412) 390
 18
 (494)
Balance, December 31, 2017 (383) (1,129) 1,085
 29
 (398)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 
 
 (1,085) 
 (1,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 52
 (680) 225
 (11) (414) 25
 (494) 
 7
 (462)
Balance, December 31, 2015 (438) (1,092) 615
 7
 (908)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (9) (583) (30) 19
 (603)
Balance, December 31, 2016 $(447) $(1,675) $585
 $26
 $(1,511)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $(358) $(1,623) $
 $36
 $(1,945)

Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the years ended December 31, 20162018, 20152017 and 20142016 were insignificant. For information regarding cash flow hedge reclassifications from AOCI to net income in their entirety, refer to Note 14. Additionally, refer to the "Foreign Operations" discussion in Note 12 for information about unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits reclassifications from AOCI that do not impact net income in their entirety.

(19)(18)
Noncontrolling Interests

Included in noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are preferred securities of subsidiaries of $58 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, consisting of $56 million of 8.061% cumulative preferred securities of Northern Electric plc., a subsidiary of Northern Powergrid, which are redeemable in the event of the revocation of Northern Electric plc.'s electricity distribution license by the Secretary of State, and $2 million of nonredeemable preferred stock of PacifiCorp.


(19)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following table summarizes the Company's energy products and services revenue by regulated energy and nonregulated energy, with further disaggregation of regulated energy by customer class and line of business, including a reconciliation to the Company's reportable segment information included in Note 21 (in millions):
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
  PacifiCorp MidAmerican Funding NV Energy Northern Powergrid BHE Pipeline Group BHE Transmission BHE Renewables 
BHE and
Other(1)
 Total
Customer Revenue:                  
Regulated:                  
Retail Electric $4,732
 $1,915
 $2,773
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(1) $9,419
Retail Gas 
 636
 101
 
 
 
 
 
 737
Wholesale 55
 411
 39
 
 
 
 
 (4) 501
Transmission and
distribution
 103
 56
 96
 892
 
 700
 
 (1) 1,846
Interstate pipeline 
 
 
 
 1,232
 
 
 (125) 1,107
Other 
 
 2
 
 
 
 
 
 2
Total Regulated 4,890
 3,018
 3,011
 892
 1,232
 700
 
 (131) 13,612
Nonregulated 
 14
 
 39
 
 10
 673
 624
 1,360
Total Customer Revenue 4,890
 3,032
 3,011
 931
 1,232
 710
 673
 493
 14,972
Other revenue(2)
 136
 21
 28
 89
 (29) 
 235
 121
 601
Total $5,026
 $3,053
 $3,039
 $1,020
 $1,203
 $710
 $908
 $614
 $15,573
(1)The BHE and Other reportable segment represents amounts related principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.
(2)Includes net payments to counterparties for the financial settlement of certain derivative contracts at BHE Pipeline Group.

Real Estate Services

The following table summarizes the Company's real estate services revenue by line of business (in millions):
 HomeServices
 Year Ended
 Ended December 31,
 2018
Customer Revenue: 
Brokerage$3,882
Franchise67
Total Customer Revenue3,949
Other revenue265
Total$4,214
Contract Assets and Liabilities

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no material contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no material revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period or from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.


Remaining Performance Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company's revenue it expects to recognize in future periods related to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations for fixed contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018, by reportable segment (in millions):
 Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:  
 Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total
BHE Pipeline Group$842
 $5,678
 $6,520

(20)    Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments29
 21
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$883
 $1,283

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:          
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$1,673
 $1,764
 $1,585
$1,713
 $1,715
 $1,673
Income taxes received, net(1)
$1,016
 $1,666
 $635
$780
 $540
 $1,016
          
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:          
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$547
 $718
 $1,143
$823
 $653
 $547
Common stock exchanged for junior subordinated debentures$
 $100
 $

(1)Includes $884 million, $636 million and $1.1 billion $1.8 billion and $764 million of income taxes received from Berkshire Hathaway in 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively.



(21)    Segment Information

The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid, whose business is principally in the United Kingdom, BHE Transmission, whose business includes operations in Canada, and BHE Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Effective January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy transferred the assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC, a subsidiary of BHE. Prior period amounts have been changed to reflect this activity in BHE and Other. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
PacifiCorp$5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
MidAmerican Funding2,631
 2,515
 2,844
3,053
 2,846
 2,631
NV Energy2,895
 3,351
 3,241
3,039
 3,015
 2,895
Northern Powergrid995
 1,140
 1,283
1,020
 949
 995
BHE Pipeline Group978
 1,016
 1,078
1,203
 993
 978
BHE Transmission502
 592
 62
710
 699
 502
BHE Renewables743
 728
 623
908
 838
 743
HomeServices2,801
 2,526
 2,144
4,214
 3,443
 2,801
BHE and Other(1)
676
 780
 799
614
 594
 676
Total operating revenue$17,422
 $17,880
 $17,326
$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
          
Depreciation and amortization:          
PacifiCorp$783
 $780
 $745
$979
 $796
 $783
MidAmerican Funding479
 407
 351
609
 500
 479
NV Energy421
 410
 379
456
 422
 421
Northern Powergrid200
 202
 198
250
 214
 200
BHE Pipeline Group206
 204
 196
126
 159
 206
BHE Transmission241
 185
 13
247
 239
 241
BHE Renewables230
 216
 152
268
 251
 230
HomeServices31
 29
 29
51
 66
 31
BHE and Other(1)

 (5) (6)(2) (1) 
Total depreciation and amortization$2,591
 $2,428
 $2,057
$2,984
 $2,646
 $2,591
          
Operating income:          
PacifiCorp$1,427
 $1,344
 $1,308
$1,051
 $1,440
 $1,429
MidAmerican Funding566
 451
 395
550
 544
 551
NV Energy770
 812
 791
607
 766
 774
Northern Powergrid494
 593
 674
486
 488
 500
BHE Pipeline Group455
 464
 439
525
 473
 455
BHE Transmission92
 260
 16
313
 322
 92
BHE Renewables256
 255
 314
325
 316
 256
HomeServices212
 184
 125
214
 214
 212
BHE and Other(1)
(21) (35) (16)1
 (41) (22)
Total operating income4,251
 4,328
 4,046
4,072
 4,522
 4,247
Interest expense(1,854) (1,904) (1,711)(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest139
 74
 89
61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds158
 91
 98
104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income120
 107
 38
113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net36
 39
 42
(9) (420) 30
Total income before income tax expense and equity income (loss)$2,850
 $2,735
 $2,602
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Interest expense:          
PacifiCorp$381
 $383
 $386
$384
 $381
 $381
MidAmerican Funding218
 206
 197
247
 237
 218
NV Energy250
 262
 283
224
 233
 250
Northern Powergrid136
 145
 151
141
 133
 136
BHE Pipeline Group50
 66
 76
43
 43
 50
BHE Transmission153
 146
 14
167
 169
 153
BHE Renewables198
 193
 175
201
 204
 198
HomeServices2
 3
 4
23
 7
 2
BHE and Other(1)
466
 500
 425
408
 434
 466
Total interest expense$1,854
 $1,904
 $1,711
$1,838
 $1,841
 $1,854
          
Income tax expense (benefit):     
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
PacifiCorp$341
 $328
 $310
$5
 $362
 $341
MidAmerican Funding(139) (150) (122)(262) (202) (139)
NV Energy200
 207
 195
100
 221
 200
Northern Powergrid22
 35
 110
61
 57
 22
BHE Pipeline Group163
 158
 149
119
 170
 163
BHE Transmission26
 63
 28
7
 (124) 26
BHE Renewables(32) 41
 65
BHE Renewables(2)
(158) (795) (32)
HomeServices81
 72
 44
52
 49
 81
BHE and Other(1)
(259) (304) (190)(507) (292) (259)
Total income tax expense (benefit)$403
 $450
 $589
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(583) $(554) $403
          
Capital expenditures:          
PacifiCorp$903
 $916
 $1,066
$1,257
 $769
 $903
MidAmerican Funding1,637
 1,448
 1,527
2,332
 1,776
 1,637
NV Energy529
 571
 558
503
 456
 529
Northern Powergrid579
 674
 675
566
 579
 579
BHE Pipeline Group226
 240
 257
427
 286
 226
BHE Transmission466
 966
 222
270
 334
 466
BHE Renewables719
 1,034
 2,221
817
 323
 719
HomeServices20
 16
 17
47
 37
 20
BHE and Other11
 10
 12
22
 11
 11
Total capital expenditures$5,090
 $5,875
 $6,555
$6,241
 $4,571
 $5,090


As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net:          
PacifiCorp$19,162
 $19,039
 $18,755
$19,591
 $19,203
 $19,162
MidAmerican Funding12,835
 11,737
 10,535
16,171
 14,221
 12,835
NV Energy9,825
 9,767
 9,648
9,852
 9,770
 9,825
Northern Powergrid5,148
 5,790
 5,599
6,007
 6,075
 5,148
BHE Pipeline Group4,423
 4,345
 4,286
4,904
 4,587
 4,423
BHE Transmission5,810
 5,301
 5,567
5,824
 6,330
 5,810
BHE Renewables5,302
 4,805
 4,897
6,155
 5,637
 5,302
HomeServices78
 70
 68
141
 117
 78
BHE and Other(74) (85) (107)(50) (69) (74)
Total property, plant and equipment, net$62,509
 $60,769
 $59,248
$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509
          
Total assets:          
PacifiCorp$23,563
 $23,550
 $23,404
$23,478
 $23,086
 $23,563
MidAmerican Funding17,571
 16,315
 15,164
20,029
 18,444
 17,571
NV Energy14,320
 14,656
 14,256
14,119
 13,903
 14,320
Northern Powergrid6,433
 7,317
 7,059
7,427
 7,565
 6,433
BHE Pipeline Group5,144
 4,953
 4,951
5,511
 5,134
 5,144
BHE Transmission8,378
 7,553
 7,979
8,424
 9,009
 8,378
BHE Renewables7,010
 5,892
 6,082
8,666
 7,687
 7,010
HomeServices1,776
 1,705
 1,622
2,797
 2,722
 1,776
BHE and Other1,245
 1,677
 1,299
1,738
 2,658
 1,245
Total assets$85,440
 $83,618
 $81,816
$92,189
 $90,208
 $85,440
          
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue by country:          
United States$15,895
 $16,121
 $15,857
$18,014
 $16,916
 $15,895
United Kingdom995
 1,140
 1,281
1,017
 948
 995
Canada506
 600
 78
710
 699
 506
Philippines and other26
 19
 110
46
 51
 26
Total operating revenue by country$17,422
 $17,880
 $17,326
$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
          
Income before income tax expense and equity income by country:    
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss) by country:Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss) by country:    
United States$2,264
 $2,034
 $2,001
$1,425
 $1,927
 $2,264
United Kingdom382
 472
 557
307
 313
 382
Canada135
 165
 4
155
 167
 135
Philippines and other69
 64
 40
78
 100
 69
Total income before income tax expense and equity income by country:$2,850
 $2,735
 $2,602
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity (loss) income by country:$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net by country:          
United States$51,671
 $49,680
 $47,918
$56,870
 $53,579
 $51,671
United Kingdom5,020
 5,757
 5,563
5,895
 5,953
 5,020
Canada5,803
 5,298
 5,570
5,817
 6,323
 5,803
Philippines and other15
 34
 197
13
 16
 15
Total property, plant and equipment, net by country$62,509
 $60,769
 $59,248
$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509

(1)The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate to other corporate entities, including MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.

(2)Income tax (benefit) expense includes the tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and the earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 (in millions):
        BHE       BHE          BHE       BHE  
  MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- and    MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- and  
PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other TotalPacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other Total
                                      
December 31, 2014$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $1,100
 $127
 $1,657
 $95
 $761
 $3
 $9,343
December 31, 2016$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $930
 $75
 $1,470
 $95
 $840
 $
 $9,010
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 44
 
 33
 
 77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 508
 
 508
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 (44) 
 (273) 
 
 (1) (318)
 
 
 61
 
 101
 
 
 
 162
Other
 
 
 
 (26) 
 
 
 
 (26)
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
December 31, 20151,129
 2,102
 2,369
 1,056
 101
 1,428
 95
 794
 2
 9,076
December 31, 20171,129
 2,102
 2,369
 991
 73
 1,571
 95
 1,348
 
 9,678
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 4
 
 46
 
 50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 79
 
 79
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 (126) 
 42
 
 
 (2) (86)
 
 
 (39) 
 (123) 
 
 
 (162)
Other
 
 
 
 (26) (4) 
 
 
 (30)
December 31, 2016$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $930
 $75
 $1,470
 $95
 $840
 $
 $9,010
December 31, 2018$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $952
 $73
 $1,448
 $95
 $1,427
 $
 $9,595


PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section


Item 6.Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth PacifiCorp's selected consolidated historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the information in Item 7 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated historical financial data has been derived from PacifiCorp's audited historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto (in millions).

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 2014 2013 20122018 2017 2016 2015 2014
                  
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:                  
Operating revenue$5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
 $5,147
 $4,882
$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
Operating income(1)1,426
 1,340
 1,300
 1,264
 1,021
1,051
 1,440
 1,428
 1,347
 1,309
Net income763
 695
 698
 682
 537
738
 768
 763
 695
 698

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 2015 2014 2013 20122018 2017 2016 2015 2014
                  
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:                  
Total assets(2)(3)
$22,394
 $22,367
 $22,205
 $21,559
 $21,581
$22,313
 $21,920
 $22,394
 $22,367
 $22,205
Short-term debt270
 20
 20
 
 
30
 80
 270
 20
 20
Current portion of long-term debt and                  
capital lease obligations58
 68
 134
 238
 267
352
 588
 58
 68
 134
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations,                  
excluding current portion(2)(3)
7,021
 7,078
 6,885
 6,605
 6,559
6,684
 6,437
 7,021
 7,078
 6,885
Total shareholders' equity7,390
 7,503
 7,756
 7,787
 7,644
7,845
 7,555
 7,390
 7,503
 7,756

(1)In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans to Other, net of a $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, a $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016, a $7 million cost as of December 31, 2015, and a $9 million cost as of December 31, 2014, with a corresponding increase or reduction to operating expenses.

(2)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of current deferred income tax assets in the amountsamount of $28 million, $66 million, and $112 million as of December 31, 2014 2013 and 2012, respectively, as reductionsa reduction in noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities.

(2)(3)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, which resulted in the reclassification of certain deferred debt issuance costs previously recognized within other assets in the amountsamount of $34 million, $34 million, and $35 million as of December 31, 2014 2013, and 2012, respectively, as reductionsa reduction in long-term debt.


Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of PacifiCorp during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 6 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. PacifiCorp's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for the year ended December 31, 20162018, was $763$738 million, an increasea decrease of $68$30 million, or 10%4%, compared to 2015. Net income increased2017, primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher marginsdepreciation and amortization expense of $86$183 million, due to accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million ($170 million offset in income tax expense and $4 million offset in revenue), higher plant in-service, and higher pension and other postretirement expense of $13 million, primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $355 million andhigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower operationsaverage retail rates, including the impact of the lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes, lower average wholesale prices, higher purchased electricity from higher prices, and maintenance expenses of $18 million,lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher depreciationnet deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms, lower natural gas prices, higher wholesale volumes and amortization of $13 million, lower AFUDC of $9 million and higher property taxes of $5 million. Margins increasedcoal-fueled generation volumes. Income tax expense decreased primarily due to lower purchased electricity costs, higher retail revenue, lower coal-fueled generation and lower natural gas costs, partially offset by lower wholesale electricity revenue. The increase in retail revenue was primarilyfederal tax rate due to higher retail rates.the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, and amortization of a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.6%0.2% due to lowerimpacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial customer usage primarily in UtahOregon, Washington and Oregon,Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and Oregon, an increasehigher industrial usage in the average number of commercial customers in UtahWyoming and the impacts of weather on residential customer volumes.Idaho. Energy generated decreased 5%increased 2% for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to lower coal-fueledhigher natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by higherlower hydroelectric gas-fueled and wind-poweredcoal-fueled generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes decreased 25%increased 15% and purchased electricity volumes decreased 2%4%.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 20152017, was $695$768 million, an increase of $5 million, or 1%, compared to 2016, which includes $6 million of income from the 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $762 million, a decrease of $3$1 million compared to 2014.2016. Net income decreased primarily due to recognition of insurance recoveries for a fire claim in 2014, higher depreciation and amortization of $31$26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $25$11 million, higher property and other taxes of $7 million and higher property taxes,operations and maintenance expenses of $3 million, excluding the impact of DSM program expense of $55 million (offset in operating revenue), partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million, excluding the impact of DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense) of $55 million. Utility margins of $109 million. Margins increased primarily due to higher retail revenue, lower purchased electricity prices,customer volumes, lower natural gasgas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue from higher volumes and costs, Utah Mine Disposition costs in 2014short-term market prices, and lower coal generation,higher wheeling revenues, partially offset by higher purchased electricity volumes,costs, lower wholesale electricity revenue from lower volumesaverage retail rates, and prices and lower retail customer volumes. The increase in retail revenue was primarily due to higher retail rates.coal costs. Retail customer volumes decreased 0.7%increased 1.7% due to lower industrial customer usage in Utah and Wyoming and lower residential customer usageimpacts of weather across the service territory, partially offset byhigher commercial usage, and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, an increase in the average number of commercial customerspartially offset by lower residential customers' usage in Utah and the impacts of weather on residential, commercialOregon, and lower irrigation customer volumes.usage. Energy generated decreased 6%2% for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to lower availability and dispatch of natural gas-fueled generation and lower hydroelectric and wind-poweredwind-power generation, partially offset by the addition of Lake Side 2.higher coal-fueled, and hydroelectric generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes decreased 13%increased 9% and purchased electricity volumes increased 19%23%.

Operating
Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Management utilizes various key financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, utility margin, to help evaluate results of operations. Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy, costswhich are captions presented on the key driversConsolidated Statements of Operations.

PacifiCorp's resultscost of operationsfuel and energy is generally recovered from its customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms and as they encompass retaila result, changes in PacifiCorp's expenses result in comparable changes to revenue. As such, management believes utility margin more appropriately and wholesale electricity revenue and the direct costs associated with providing electricity to customers. PacifiCorp believes thatconcisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of grossrevenue and cost of fuel and energy separately. Management believes the presentation of utility margin representingprovides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.
Utility margin is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating revenue less energy costs,income which is therefore meaningful.the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to operating income (in millions) for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Utility margin:             
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211)(4)% $5,237
 5,201
 $36
1 %
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 (13)(1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
1
Utility margin3,269
 3,467
 (198)(6) 3,467
 3,450
 17

Operations and maintenance1,038
 1,034
 4

 1,034
 1,062
 (28)(3)
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 183
23
 796
 770
 26
3
Property and other taxes201
 197
 4
2
 197
 190
 7
4
Operating income$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389)(27) $1,440
 $1,428
 $12
1


A comparison of PacifiCorp's key operating results is as follows for the years ended December 31:

 2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
                                
Gross margin (in millions):                
Utility margin (in millions):                
Operating revenue $5,201
 $5,232
 $(31) (1)% $5,232
 $5,252
 $(20)  % $5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
Energy costs 1,751
 1,868
 (117) (6) 1,868
 1,997
 (129) (6)
Gross margin $3,450
 $3,364
 $86
 3
 $3,364
 $3,255
 $109
 3
Cost of fuel and energy 1,757
 1,770
 (13) (1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
 1
Utility margin $3,269
 $3,467
 $(198) (6) $3,467
 $3,450
 $17
 
                                
Sales (GWh):                
Sales (GWhs):                
Residential 16,058
 15,566
 492
 3 % 15,566
 15,568
 (2)  % 16,227
 16,625
 (398) (2)% 16,625
 16,058
 567
 4 %
Commercial(1) 16,857
 17,262
 (405) (2) 17,262
 17,073
 189
 1
 18,078
 17,726
 352
 2
 17,726
 16,857
 869
 5
Industrial and irrigation 20,924
 21,403
 (479) (2) 21,403
 21,934
 (531) (2)
Other 479
 410
 69
 17
 410
 424
 (14) (3)
Industrial, irrigation and other(1)
 20,810
 20,899
 (89) 
 20,899
 21,403
 (504) (2)
Total retail 54,318
 54,641
 (323) (1) 54,641
 54,999
 (358) (1) 55,115
 55,250
 (135) 
 55,250
 54,318
 932
 2
Wholesale 6,641
 8,889
 (2,248) (25) 8,889
 10,270
 (1,381) (13) 8,309
 7,218
 1,091
 15
 7,218
 6,641
 577
 9
Total sales 60,959
 63,530
 (2,571) (4) 63,530
 65,269
 (1,739) (3) 63,424
 62,468
 956
 2
 62,468
 60,959
 1,509
 2
                                
Average number of retail customers                                
(in thousands) 1,841
 1,813
 28
 2 % 1,813
 1,783
 30
 2 % 1,900
 1,867
 33
 2 % 1,867
 1,841
 26
 1 %
                                
Average revenue per MWh:                                
Retail $89.55
 $87.99
 $1.56
 2 % $87.99
 $85.73
 $2.26
 3 % $84.43
 $87.78
 $(3.35) (4)% $87.78
 $89.55
 $(1.77) (2)%
Wholesale $26.46
 $29.92
 $(3.46) (12)% $29.92
 $33.94
 $(4.02) (12)% $22.56
 $28.56
 $(6.00) (21)% $28.56
 $26.46
 $2.10
 8 %
                                
Sources of energy (GWh)(1):
                
Sources of energy (GWhs)(1):
                
Coal 36,578
 41,298
 (4,720) (11)% 41,298
 42,218
 (920) (2)% 36,481
 37,362
 (881) (2)% 37,362
 36,578
 784
 2 %
Natural gas 9,884
 9,222
 662
 7
 9,222
 10,881
 (1,659) (15) 10,555
 7,447
 3,108
 42
 7,447
 9,884
 (2,437) (25)
Hydroelectric(2)
 3,843
 2,914
 929
 32
 2,914
 3,782
 (868) (23) 3,263
 4,731
 (1,468) (31) 4,731
 3,843
 888
 23
Wind and other(2)
 3,253
 2,892
 361
 12
 2,892
 3,318
 (426) (13)
Wind and other 3,205
 2,890
 315
 11
 2,890
 3,253
 (363) (11)
Total energy generated 53,558
 56,326
 (2,768) (5) 56,326
 60,199
 (3,873) (6) 53,504
 52,430
 1,074
 2
 52,430
 53,558
 (1,128) (2)
Energy purchased 11,429
 11,646
 (217) (2) 11,646
 9,817
 1,829
 19
 13,579
 14,076
 (497) (4) 14,076
 11,429
 2,647
 23
Total 64,987
 67,972
 (2,985) (4) 67,972
 70,016
 (2,044) (3) 67,083
 66,506
 577
 1
 66,506
 64,987
 1,519
 2
                                
Average cost of energy per MWh:                                
Energy generated(3)
 $19.27
 $19.38
 $(0.11) (1)% $19.38
 $20.71
 $(1.33) (6)% $18.91
 $19.14
 $(0.23) (1)% $19.14
 $19.27
 $(0.13) (1)%
Energy purchased $44.64
 $49.92
 $(5.28) (11)% $49.92
 $58.56
 $(8.64) (15)% $48.23
 $43.25
 $4.98
 12 % $43.25
 $44.64
 $(1.39) (3)%

(1)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.
(2)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of RECs or other environmental commodities.
(3)The average cost per MWh of energy generated includes only the cost of fuel associated with the generating facilities.



Year Ended December 31, 20162018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20152017

GrossUtility margin increased $86decreased $198 million, or 3%, for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to:

$71180 million of lower purchased electricity costsretail revenue primarily due to lower average market prices;

retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million;
$5759 million of higher retail revenues primarilynatural gas-fueled generation volumes;
$42 million of lower average wholesale prices;
$41 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher retail rates;

prices; and
$3717 million of lower coal costs primarilyretail revenue from lower retail customer volumes. Retail volumes decreased 0.2% due to decreased generationthe unfavorable impacts of $95 million,weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah, and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher average unit costs of $31 millioncommercial and charges related to damaged longwall mining equipment of $20 million;residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.

The decreases above were partially offset by:
$2270 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$33 million of lower natural gas costs from lower average prices;
$23 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes; and
$20 million of lower coal costs due to lower market prices, partially offset by increased generation.

The increases above were partially offset by:

$90 million of lower wholesale electricity revenue due to lower volumes and prices.volumes.

Operations and maintenance decreased $18increased $4 million, or 2%, for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to lower plantreserves accrued for 2018 insurance deductibles for third-party property damage and expenses of $7 million and increased maintenance costs associated with reduced generation and lower labor and benefit costs due to lower headcount, partially offset by a Washington rate case decision disallowing returns on recent selective catalytic reduction projects.favorable labor costs.

Depreciation and amortization increased $13$183 million, or 2%23%, for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to $174 million of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC in the tax reform docket to offset excess deferred income taxes benefits owed to customers, and higher plant-in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $5$4 million, or 3%2%, for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to higher property taxes primarily from higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds decreased $9increased $22 million, or 18%71%, for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to lowera prior year true-up that reduced AFUDC rates by $13 million and higher qualified construction work-in-progress balances.

Other, net decreased $15 million, or 39% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a pension settlement charge of $22 million, partially offset by lower non-service cost components of pension and other postretirement expenses of $9 million.

Income tax expense increased $12decreased $355 million, or 4%99%, for 20162018 compared to 20152017 and the effective tax rate was 31%1% and 32% for 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is duedecreased primarily as a result of the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to higher production tax credits associated with PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities.21%, effective January 1, 2018, and the amortization of $127 million of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred incomes taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.


Year Ended December 31, 20152017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20142016

GrossUtility margin increased $109$17 million or 3%, for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to:

$131105 million of lower natural gas costshigher retail revenues due to decreased generation,increased customer volumes of 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily as a result of lower availabilityin Utah and dispatch, and lower average unit costs,Oregon, partially offset by increased generation from the addition of Lake Side 2;

lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage;
$10954 million of increases mainly from higher retail rates; and

$25 million of lower coal costs primarily due to decreased generation, including the idling of the Carbon Facility in April 2015 and Utah Mine Disposition costs in 2014.

The increases above were partially offset by:

$83 million of lower wholesale electricity revenue due to lower volumes and prices;

$31 million of lower REC revenue primarily due to the effects of established adjustment mechanisms;

$21 million of lower net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;

$1640 million of lower retail revenues from a 0.7% decrease in retail customer volumesnatural gas costs primarily due to 1.8% lower customer usagevolumes and prices in 2017;
$30 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes and short-term market prices;
$20 million of lower coal costs due to prior year charges related to damaged longwall mining equipment; and
$12 million of higher wheeling revenue, primarily by industrial customers in Utahdue to increased volumes and Wyoming and residential customers across the service territory,short-term prices.
The increases above were partially offset by a 0.8% increase in the average number of residential customers in Utah and Oregon and commercial customers in Utah and a 0.3% increase due to the impacts of weather on residential, commercial and irrigation customer volumes; and


by:
$699 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher volumes substantially offset byvolumes;
$64 million of lower average marketretail rates, primarily due to product mix;
$55 million of lower DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense), primarily driven by the recently implemented Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan ("STEP") program; and
$31 million of higher coal costs due to higher volumes and prices.

Operations and maintenance increased $25decreased $28 million, or 2%3%, for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to recognitiona decrease in 2014DSM program expense (offset in revenues) of insurance recoveries expected from$55 million driven by the Sanpete County,establishment of the Utah rangeland fireSTEP program and higher chemical costs from mercury control equipment installedlower pension expense due to plan changes effective in early 2015,2017, partially offset by lowerhigher injury and damage expenses, primarily due to prior year accrual for insurance proceeds and current year settlements, and higher labor costs for storm damage restoration. In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of non-service cost amounts for pension and other postretirement benefit costs.plans from Operations and Maintenance expense to Other, net of $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, and $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016.

Depreciation and amortization increased $31$26 million, or 4%3%, for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to higher plant in-service, including Lake Side 2.in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $13$7 million, or 8%4%, for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to higher property taxes primarily from higher assessed property values and higher plant in-service.values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds decreased $25$11 million, or 33%26%, for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to lower qualified construction work-in-progress balances and lowera true-up of AFUDC rates.

Income tax expense increased $19$20 million, or 6%, for 20152017 compared to 20142016 and the effective tax rate was 32% and 31% for 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate wasincreased primarily due to lower production tax credits associated with PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities.facilities as a result of the expiration of the 10-year production tax credit periods for certain wind-powered generating facilities, of which 243 MWs and 100 MWs of net owned capacity expired in 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's total net liquidity was as follows (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents $17
 $77
    
Credit facilities(1)
 1,000
 1,200
Less:    
Short-term debt (270) (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (142) (89)
Net credit facilities 588
 1,081
    
Total net liquidity $605
 $1,158
    
Credit facilities:    
Maturity dates 2018, 2019
 2021

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's credit facilities.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $1.6$1.8 billion and $1.7$1.6 billion, respectively. The change wasincrease is primarily due to higher cash paidcurrent year lower payments for income taxes, payment for USA Power final judgmenta prior year pension contribution and postjudgment interest and lowerhigher current year receipts from wholesale electricity sales,customers, partially offset by lower purchased electricity payments, lower fuel payments, highercurrent year receipts from retail customers and lower cash collateral postedhigher payments for derivative contracts.purchased power.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were $1.7$1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The change was primarily due to lower cash paidPositive variances from the 2016 payment for income taxes, lower fuel and purchased electricity payments and partial insurance recovery for Sanpete County, Utah rangeland fire costs incurred, partially offset by lowerUSA Power litigation, higher receipts from wholesale electricity sales and increases inretail customers and lower fuel payments, were fully offset by current year higher cash collateral postedpayments for derivative contracts.purchased power, income taxes and pension contributions.

The timing of PacifiCorp's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.


In December 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 ("PATH") was signed into law, extending bonus depreciation for qualifying property acquired and placed in-service before January 1, 2020 (bonus depreciation rates will be 50% in 2015-2017, 40% in 2018, and 30% in 2019), with an additional year for certain longer lived assets. As a result of PATH, PacifiCorp's cash flows from operations are expected to benefit due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service through 2019.

In December 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the "Act") was signed into law, extending the 50% bonus depreciation for qualifying property purchased and placed in-service before January 1, 2015 and before January 1, 2016 for certain longer-lived assets. As a result of the Act, PacifiCorp's cash flows from operations benefited in 2015 due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $(869)$(1,252) million and $(918)$(757) million, respectively. The change primarilymainly reflects a current year net distribution from an affiliate of $26 million, a prior year service territory acquisition of $23 million, and a decreaseincrease in capital expenditures of $13 million, partially offset by a prior year equipment sale to an affiliate of $13$488 million. Refer to "Future Uses of Cash" for discussion of capital expenditures.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were $(918)$(757) million and $(1.079) billion,$(895) million, respectively. The change was primarily due tomainly reflects a decrease in capital expenditures of $150$134 million.

Financing Activities

Short-term DebtContractual Obligations
The Company has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes the Company's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
  Payments Due By Periods
    2020- 2022- 2024 and  
  2019 2021 2023 After Total
           
BHE senior debt $
 $800
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures 
 
 
 100
 100
Subsidiary debt 2,106
 2,749
 3,401
 20,007
 28,263
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 1,704
 3,135
 2,864
 18,163
 25,866
Short-term debt 2,516
 
 
 
 2,516
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments(1)
 2,215
 3,039
 2,221
 11,155
 18,630
Construction commitments(1)
 2,330
 639
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements(1)
 197
 337
 250
 1,738
 2,522
Other(1)
 349
 728
 603
 1,443
 3,123
Total contractual cash obligations $11,417
 $11,427
 $10,239
 $59,557
 $92,640

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and Credit Facilitiesother development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 8), uncertain tax positions (Note 11) and asset retirement obligations (Note 13), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Additionally, the Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $698 million, $403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and has commitments as of December 31, 2018, subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions of $1.4 billion in 2019 and 2020 pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.

Regulatory authorities limit PacifiCorpMatters

The Company is subject to $1.5 billioncomprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of short-term debt.this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of non-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in full the December invoices for both Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Quad Cities Generating Station Operating Status

Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("Exelon Generation"), the operator of Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station") of which MidAmerican Energy has a 25% ownership interest, announced on June 2, 2016, PacifiCorpits intention to shut down Quad Cities Station on June 1, 2018, as a result of Illinois not passing adequate legislation and Quad Cities Station not clearing the 2019-2020 PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. capacity auction. MidAmerican Energy expressed to Exelon Generation its desire for the continued operation of the facility through the end of its operating license in 2032 and worked with Exelon Generation on solutions to that end. In December 2016, Illinois passed legislation creating a zero emission standard, which went into effect June 1, 2017. The zero emission standard requires the Illinois Power Agency to purchase zero emission credits ("ZEC's") and recover the costs from certain ratepayers in Illinois, subject to certain limitations. The proceeds from the zero emission credits will provide Exelon Generation additional revenue through 2027 as an incentive for continued operation of Quad Cities Station. For the nuclear assets already in rate base, MidAmerican Energy's customers will not be charged for the subsidy, and MidAmerican Energy will not receive additional revenue from the subsidy.

On February 14, 2017, two lawsuits were filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ("Northern District of Illinois") against the Illinois Power Agency alleging that the state's zero emission credit program violates certain provisions of the United States Constitution. Both complaints argue that the Illinois zero emission credit program will distort the FERC's energy and capacity market auction system of setting wholesale prices. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation intervened and filed motions to dismiss in both lawsuits. On July 14, 2017, the Northern District of Illinois granted the motions to dismiss. On July 17, 2017, the plaintiffs filed appeals with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ("Seventh Circuit"). On May 29, 2018, the United States Department of Justice and the FERC filed an amicus brief arguing federal rules do not preempt Illinois' ZEC program. On September 13, 2018, the Seventh Circuit upheld the Northern District of Illinois' ruling concluding that Illinois' ZEC program does not violate the Federal Power Act, and is thus, constitutional. On January 7, 2019, plaintiffs filed a petition seeking review of the case by the United States Supreme Court.

On January 9, 2017, the Electric Power Supply Association filed two requests with the FERC seeking to expand Minimum Offer Price Rule ("MOPR") provisions to apply to existing resources receiving zero emission credit compensation. If successful, an expanded MOPR could result in an increased risk of Quad Cities Station not clearing in future capacity auctions and Exelon Generation no longer receiving capacity revenues for the facility. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation has filed protests at the FERC in response to each filing. The timing of the FERC's decision with respect to both proceedings is currently unknown and the outcome of these matters is currently uncertain.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact its current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations and capital expenditure requirements, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of BHE and debt and preferred securities of certain of its subsidiaries are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of the rated company's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

BHE and its subsidiaries have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. The Company's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2018, the applicable entities' credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had $270been triggered as of December 31, 2018, the Company would have been required to post $469 million of short-term debt outstanding atadditional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where BHE's subsidiaries operate have not had a weighted average interestsignificant impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. In the United States and Canada, the Regulated Businesses operate under cost-of-service based rate structures administered by various state and provincial commissions and the FERC. Under these rate structures, the Regulated Businesses are allowed to include prudent costs in their rates, including the impact of inflation. The price control formula used by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies incorporates the rate of 0.96%inflation in determining rates charged to customers. BHE's subsidiaries attempt to minimize the potential impact of inflation on their operations through the use of fuel, energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has certain investments that are accounted for under the equity method in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, an amount is recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as an equity investment and is increased or decreased for the Company's pro-rata share of earnings or losses, respectively, less any dividends from such investments. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of investment tax credits.


As of December 31, 2018, the Company's investments that are accounted for under the equity method had short- and long-term debt of $2.4 billion, unused revolving credit facilities of $129 million and letters of credit outstanding of $88 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's pro-rata share of such short- and long-term debt was $1.2 billion, unused revolving credit facilities was $65 million and outstanding letters of credit was $43 million. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding short- and long-term debt and unused revolving credit facilities is non-recourse to the Company. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding letters of credit is recourse to the Company. Although the Company is generally not required to support debt service obligations of its equity investees, default with respect to this non-recourse short- and long-term debt could result in a loss of invested equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting the Company, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by the Company's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

The Regulated Businesses prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Total regulatory assets were $3.1 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $7.5 billion as of December 31, 2015, had $20 million of short-term debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 0.65%2018. For further discussion, referRefer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.10-K for additional information regarding the Regulated Businesses' regulatory assets and liabilities.

Long-term DebtClassification and Recognition Methodology

PacifiCorp currentlyThe majority of the Company's commodity derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in the rates of its rate-regulated subsidiaries, and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as net regulatory assets or liabilities. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $110 million recorded as net regulatory authorityassets related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $9.6 billion. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. Additionally, no indicators of impairment were identified as of December 31, 2018. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. Estimated future cash flows are impacted by, among other factors, growth rates, changes in regulations and rates, ability to renew contracts and estimates of future commodity prices. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. Refer to Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's goodwill.

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the OPUCuse of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the IPUC to issue an additional $1.325 billionConsolidated Statements of long-term debt. PacifiCorp must make a notice filing withOperations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the WUTC prior to any future issuance. PacifiCorp currently has an effective shelf registration statement withimpacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the SEC to issue up to $1.325 billion additional first mortgage bonds through January 2019.carrying value of regulated assets.

PacifiCorp made repaymentsThe estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what the Company would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect the Company's results of operations.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Certain of the Company's subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of employees. The Company recognizes the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a net liability totaling $174 million for the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets totaled $764 million and in AOCI totaled $497 million.

The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term debt totaling $66 millionrate of return on plan assets and $122 million duringhealthcare cost trend rates. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. The Company believes that the yearsassumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 20162018.

The Company chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and 2015,other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the expected asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. The Company regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.


The Company chooses a healthcare cost trend rate that reflects the near and long-term expectations of increases in medical costs and corresponds to the expected benefit payment periods. The healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to gradually decline to 5.00% by 2025, at which point the rate of increase is assumed to remain constant. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for healthcare cost trend rate sensitivity disclosures.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (dollars in millions):
 Domestic Plans  
     Other Postretirement United Kingdom
 Pension Plans Benefit Plans Pension Plan
 +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
            
Effect on December 31, 2018           
Benefit Obligations:           
Discount rate$(133) $146
 $(27) $30
 $(172) $147
            
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:           
Discount rate$(1) $1
 $1
 $(1) $(22) $21
Expected rate of return on plan assets(12) 12
 (4) 4
 (11) 11

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and the Company's funding policy for each plan.

Income Taxes

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's income taxes.

It is probable the Company's regulated businesses will pass income tax benefits and expense related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property-related basis differences and other various differences on to their customers in certain state and provincial jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $3.7 billion and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

The Company has not established deferred income taxes on its undistributed foreign earnings that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of the Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends may be subject to taxation in the United States but the tax is not expected to be material.


Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. The determination of customer invoices is based on a systematic reading of meters, fixed reservation charges based on contractual quantities and rates or, in the case of the Great Britain distribution businesses, when information is received from the national settlement system. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $554 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Unbilled revenue is reversed in the following month and billed revenue is recorded based on the subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. The Company's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which the Company transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with the Company's business activities. Each of the Company's business platforms has established guidelines for credit risk management.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through BHE's ownership of the Utilities as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. The Company also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage and transmission and transportation constraints. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To manage a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. The Company's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

The table that follows summarizes the Company's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $59 million and $76 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices with the contracted or expected volumes. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Not designated as hedging contracts$5
 $34
 $(12)
Designated as hedging contracts5
 37
 (21)
Total commodity derivative contracts$10
 $71
 $(33)
      
As of December 31, 2017     
Not designated as hedging contracts$(32) $(18) $(46)
Designated as hedging contracts(1) 35
 (37)
Total commodity derivative contracts$(33) $17
 $(83)

The settled cost of certain of the Company's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts is included in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose the Company to earnings volatility. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, wholesale natural gas or fuel are higher than what is included in regulated rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a net regulatory asset of $110 million and $119 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $5 million and the net derivative liability of $32 million, respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables. For the Company's commodity derivative contracts designated as hedging contracts, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts, to the extent the hedge is considered effective, generally do not expose the Company to earnings volatility.


Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, the Company's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose the Company to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if the Company were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of the Company's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 8, 9, 10, and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of the Company's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $4.3 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, that expose the Company to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, forward sale commitments or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. Changes in fair value of agreements designated as cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the hedge is effective until the forecasted transaction occurs. Changes in fair value of agreements not designated as hedging contracts are recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $637 million and $679 million, respectively, and £161 million and £136 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had mortgage commitments, net, with notional amounts of $326 million and $422 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. The fair value of the Company's interest rate derivative contracts was a net derivative liability of $8 million as of December 31, 2018 and a net derivative asset of $16 million as of December 31, 2017. A hypothetical 20 basis point increase and a 20 basis point decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on the Company.

Equity Price Risk

Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation and consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock represented approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, of the total fair value of the Company's equity securities. The majority of the Company's remaining equity securities are held in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets and the realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. The following table summarizes the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the effects of a hypothetical 30% increase and a 30% decrease in market price as of those dates. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
     Estimated Hypothetical
   Hypothetical Fair Value after Percentage Increase
 Fair Price Hypothetical (Decrease) in BHE
 Value Change Change in Prices Shareholders' Equity
        
As of December 31, 2018$1,435
 30% increase $1,866
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,005
 (1)
        
As of December 31, 2017$1,961
 30% increase $2,549
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,373
 (1)


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

BHE's business operations and investments outside of the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates primarily in relation to the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from BHE's foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact.

Northern Powergrid's functional currency is the British pound. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the British pound to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $460 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for Northern Powergrid of $24 million in 2018.

AltaLink's functional currency is the Canadian dollar. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $302 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for AltaLink of $17 million in 2018.

Credit Risk

Domestic Regulated Operations

The Utilities are exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent the Utilities' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, the Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2016, PacifiCorp had $2552018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit exposure from wholesale activities totaled $719 million, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of letters of credit providing credit enhancement and liquidity support for variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations totaling $251collateral, compared to $127 million plus interest. These letters of credit were fully available as of December 31, 2016 and expire periodically through March 2019.

PacifiCorp's Mortgage and Deed of Trust creates a lien on most of PacifiCorp's electric utility property, allowing the issuance of bonds based on a percentage of utility property additions, bond credits arising from retirement of previously outstanding bonds or deposits of cash. The amount of bonds that PacifiCorp may issue generally is also subject to a net earnings test.2017. As of December 31, 2016,2018, $552 million of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to long-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation by contractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp estimated it would be ablehas no obligation to issue up to $9.7 billion of new first mortgage bonds under the most restrictive issuance test in the mortgage. Any issuances are subject to market conditions and amounts may be further limited by regulatory authorizations or commitments or by covenants and tests contained in other financing agreements. PacifiCorp also has the ability to release property from the lien of the mortgage on the basis of property additions, bond credits or deposits of cash.counterparty.

Preferred StockSubstantially all of MidAmerican Energy's electric wholesale sales revenue results from participation in RTOs, including the MISO and the PJM. MidAmerican Energy's share of historical losses from defaults by other RTO market participants has not been material. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate direct credit exposure from electric wholesale marketing counterparties was not material.

As of December 31, 2018, NV Energy's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.

Northern Natural Gas' primary customers include utilities in the upper Midwest. Kern River's primary customers are electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As a general policy, collateral is not required for receivables from creditworthy customers. Customers' financial condition and creditworthiness, as defined by the tariff, are regularly evaluated and historical losses have been minimal. In order to provide protection against credit risk, and as permitted by the separate terms of each of Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariffs, the companies have required customers that lack creditworthiness to provide cash deposits, letters of credit or other security until they meet the creditworthiness requirements of the respective tariff.


Northern Powergrid

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to supply companies. The supply companies purchase electricity from generators and traders, sell the electricity to end-use customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to the multilateral "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses. During 2018, RWE Npower PLC and certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented approximately 19% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies. The industry operates in accordance with a framework which sets credit limits for each supply business based on its credit rating or payment history and requires them to provide credit cover if their value at risk (measured as being equivalent to 45 days usage) exceeds the credit limit. Acceptable credit typically is provided in the form of a parent company guarantee, letter of credit or an escrow account. Ofgem has indicated that, provided the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies have implemented credit control, billing and collection in line with best practice guidelines and can demonstrate compliance with the guidelines or are able to satisfactorily explain departure from the guidelines, any bad debt losses arising from supplier default will be recovered through an increase in future allowed income. Losses incurred to date have not been material.

AltaLink

AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO, an entity rated AA- by Standard and Poor's. Because of the dependence on a single customer, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair AltaLink's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. Total operating revenue for AltaLink was $710 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables owns independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines that generally have separate project financing agreements. These projects source of operating revenue is derived primarily from long-term power purchase agreements with single customers, primarily utilities, which expire between 2019 and 2043. Because of the dependence generally from a single customer at each project, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair that project's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. On January 29, 2019, a customer of certain BHE Renewables' solar projects filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. See BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for additional information. Total operating revenue for BHE Renewables was $908 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Other Energy Business

MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES") is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent that MES' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, MES analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, MES enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, MES exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 20162018, MES' aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and 2015, PacifiCorp had non-redeemable preferred stock outstanding with an aggregate stated valuemark-to-market exposures, net of $2 million.collateral, was not material.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Common Shareholder's To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (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, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) in 2018 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities".

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

Des Moines, Iowa
February 22, 2019

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1991.



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Trade receivables, net2,038
 2,014
Income tax receivable90
 334
Inventories844
 888
Mortgage loans held for sale468
 465
Other current assets853
 815
Total current assets5,147
 5,778
    
Property, plant and equipment, net68,595
 65,871
Goodwill9,595
 9,678
Regulatory assets2,896
 2,761
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments4,903
 4,872
Other assets1,053
 1,248
    
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$1,809
 $1,519
Accrued interest469
 488
Accrued property, income and other taxes599
 354
Accrued employee expenses275
 274
Short-term debt2,516
 4,488
Current portion of long-term debt2,106
 3,431
Other current liabilities996
 1,049
Total current liabilities8,770
 11,603
    
BHE senior debt8,577
 5,452
BHE junior subordinated debentures100
 100
Subsidiary debt25,991
 26,210
Regulatory liabilities7,346
 7,309
Deferred income taxes9,047
 8,242
Other long-term liabilities2,635
 2,984
Total liabilities62,466
 61,900
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
    
Equity:   
BHE shareholders' equity:   
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding
 
Additional paid-in capital6,371
 6,368
Long-term income tax receivable(457) 
Retained earnings25,624
 22,206
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(1,945) (398)
Total BHE shareholders' equity29,593
 28,176
Noncontrolling interests130
 132
Total equity29,723
 28,308
    
Total liabilities and equity$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
Energy$15,573
 $15,171
 $14,621
Real estate4,214
 3,443
 2,801
Total operating revenue19,787
 18,614
 17,422
      
Operating expenses:     
Energy:     
Cost of sales4,769
 4,518
 4,315
Operations and maintenance3,440
 3,210
 3,176
Depreciation and amortization2,933
 2,580
 2,560
Property and other taxes573
 555
 535
Real estate4,000
 3,229
 2,589
Total operating expenses15,715
 14,092
 13,175
    
  
Operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total other income (expense)(2,107) (2,015) (1,397)
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)1,965
 2,507
 2,850
Income tax (benefit) expense(583) (554) 403
Equity income (loss)43
 (151) 123
Net income2,591
 2,910
 2,570
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,568
 $2,870
 $2,542

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of
$8, $9 and $11
25
 64
 (9)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(494) 546
 (583)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax of
 $-, $270 and $(19)

 500
 (30)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of
 $1, $(7) and $13
7
 3
 19
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(462) 1,113
 (603)
      
Comprehensive income2,129
 4,023
 1,967
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,106
 $3,983
 $1,939

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

 BHE Shareholders' Equity    
       Long-term   Accumulated    
     Additional Income   Other    
 Common Paid-in Tax Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling Total
 Shares Stock Capital Receivable Earnings Loss, Net Interests Equity
                
Balance, December 31, 201577
 $
 $6,403
 $
 $16,906
 $(908) $134
 $22,535
Net income
 
 
 
 2,542
 
 14
 2,556
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (603) 
 (603)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (20) (20)
Other equity transactions
 
 (13) 
 
 
 8
 (5)
Balance, December 31, 201677
 
 6,390
 
 19,448
 (1,511) 136
 24,463
Net income
 
 
 
 2,870
 
 22
 2,892
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 1,113
 
 1,113
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (22) (22)
Common stock purchases
 
 (1) 
 (18) 
 
 (19)
Common stock exchange
 
 (6) 
 (94) 
 
 (100)
Other equity transactions
 
 (15) 
 
 
 (4) (19)
Balance, December 31, 201777
 
 6,368
 
 22,206
 (398) 132
 28,308
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
 
 
 1,085
 (1,085) 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 2,568
 
 20
 2,588
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 (462) 
 (462)
Reclassification of long-term
income tax receivable

 
 
 (609) 
 
 
 (609)
Long-term income tax
receivable adjustments

 
 
 152
 (135) 
 
 17
Common stock purchases
 
 (6) 
 (101) 
 
 (107)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (23) (23)
Other equity transactions
 
 9
 
 1
 
 1
 11
Balance, December 31, 201877
 $
 $6,371
 $(457) $25,624
 $(1,945) $130
 $29,723

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:     
Losses (gains) on marketable securities, net538
 (14) (10)
Losses (gains) on other items, net56
 455
 62
Depreciation and amortization2,984
 2,646
 2,591
Allowance for equity funds(104) (76) (158)
Equity loss (income), net of distributions45
 260
 (67)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities196
 31
 (34)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits8
 19
 1,090
Other, net67
 12
 (132)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:     
Trade receivables and other assets72
 (74) (110)
Derivative collateral, net27
 (22) 32
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans(54) (91) (79)
Accrued property, income and other taxes199
 (28) 377
Accounts payable and other liabilities145
 50
 (28)
Net cash flows from operating activities6,770
 6,078
 6,104
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(6,241) (4,571) (5,090)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(106) (1,113) (66)
Purchases of marketable securities(329) (190) (141)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities287
 202
 191
Equity method investments(683) (395) (596)
Other, net83
 (12) (34)
Net cash flows from investing activities(6,989) (6,079) (5,736)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from BHE senior debt3,166
 
 
Repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures(1,045) (2,323) (2,000)
Common stock purchases(107) (19) 
Proceeds from subsidiary debt2,352
 1,763
 2,327
Repayments of subsidiary debt(2,422) (1,000) (1,831)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt(1,946) 2,361
 879
Tender offer premium paid
 (435) 
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest(131) 
 
Other, net(41) (73) (65)
Net cash flows from financing activities(174) 274
 (690)
      
Effect of exchange rate changes(7) 7
 (7)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(400) 280
 (329)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,283
 1,003
 1,332
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$883
 $1,283
 $1,003

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Organization and Operations

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") is a holding company that owns a highly diversified portfolio of locally managed businesses principally engaged in the energy industry (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company") and is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The Company's operations are organized as eight business segments: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which consists of Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas") and Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River")), BHE Transmission (which consists of BHE Canada Holdings Corporation ("AltaLink") (which primarily consists of AltaLink, L.P. ("ALP")) and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC), BHE Renewables and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). The Company, through these locally managed and operated businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business primarily investing in wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BHE and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. The Consolidated Statements of Operations include the revenue and expenses of any acquired entities from the date of acquisition. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; impairment of goodwill; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas, Kern River and ALP (the "Regulated Businesses") prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.


The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Alternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. Restricted amounts are included in restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company's management determines the appropriate classification of investments in fixed maturity securities at the acquisition date and reevaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments that management does not intend to use or is restricted from using in current operations are presented as noncurrent on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. Trading investments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. The difference between the original cost and maturity value of a fixed maturity security is amortized to earnings using the interest method.

Investment gains and losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other-than-temporarily impaired with respect to securities classified as available-for-sale. If the value of a fixed maturity investment declines to below amortized cost and the decline is deemed other than temporary, the amortized cost of the investment is reduced to fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. Any resulting impairment loss is recognized in earnings if the Company intends to sell, or expects to be required to sell, the debt security before its amortized cost is recovered. If the Company does not expect to ultimately recover the amortized cost basis even if it does not intend to sell the security, the credit loss component is recognized in earnings and any difference between fair value and the amortized cost basis, net of the credit loss, is reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). For regulated fixed maturity investments, any impairment charge is offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset to the extent recovery in regulated rates is probable.


Equity Securities

Beginning January 1, 2018, investments in equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as a component of gains (losses) on marketable securities, net. Prior to January 1, 2018, substantially all of the Company's equity security investments were classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recognized in OCI, net of income taxes. All changes in fair value of equity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates.

Equity Method Investments

The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when the investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, the Company records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by the Company's share of the net earnings or losses and OCI of the investee. The Company records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of related investment tax credits.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to the Company by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $42 million and $40 million, respectively, and is included in trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives

The Company employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price, interest rate, and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements. Cash collateral received from or paid to counterparties to secure derivative contract assets or liabilities in excess of amounts offset is included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts and for which changes in fair value are not recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as operating revenue for sales contracts; cost of sales and operating expense for purchase contracts and electricity, natural gas and fuel swap contracts; and other, net for interest rate swap derivatives.

For the Company's derivatives designated as hedging contracts, the Company formally assesses, at inception and thereafter, whether the hedging contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. The Company formally documents hedging activity by transaction type and risk management strategy.


Changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative contract designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to the extent effective, are included on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity as AOCI, net of tax, until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it has determined that a derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, or when it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, future changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative contract are charged to earnings. Gains and losses related to discontinued hedges that were previously recorded in AOCI will remain in AOCI until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings, unless it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur at which time associated deferred amounts in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of fuel, which includes coal stocks, stored gas and fuel oil, totaling $273 million and $352 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and materials and supplies totaling $571 million and $536 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The cost of materials and supplies, coal stocks and fuel oil is determined primarily using the average cost method. The cost of stored gas is determined using either the last-in-first-out ("LIFO") method or the lower of average cost or market. With respect to inventories carried at LIFO cost, the replacement cost would be $14 million and $22 million higher as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes all construction-related materials, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include capitalized interest, including debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable to the Regulated Businesses. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has regulatory arrangements in Iowa in which the carrying cost of certain utility plant has been reduced for amounts associated with electric returns on equity exceeding specified thresholds.
Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by the Company's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by the Regulated Businesses to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when the Company retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, is capitalized by the Regulated Businesses as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") and the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC"). After construction is completed, the Company is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.


Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. The Company's AROs are primarily related to the decommissioning of nuclear generating facilities and obligations associated with its other generating facilities and offshore natural gas pipelines. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. For the Regulated Businesses, the difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Impairment

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then the identifiable assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. As such, the determination of fair value incorporates significant unobservable inputs. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not record any material goodwill impairments.

The Company records goodwill adjustments for (a) the tax benefit associated with the excess of tax-deductible goodwill over the reported amount of goodwill and (b) changes to the purchase price allocation prior to the end of the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date.

Revenue Recognition

Customer Revenue

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, the Company would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between the Company's performance and the customer's payment.


Energy Products and Services

A majority of the Company's energy revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. The Company's energy revenue that is nonregulated primarily relates to the Company's renewable energy business.

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $554 million and $665 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Real Estate Services

The Company's HomeServices reportable segment consists of separate brokerage, mortgage and franchise businesses. Rates charged for brokerage, mortgage and franchise real estate services are established through contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price and the allocation of the price amongst the separate performance obligations.

The full-service residential real estate brokerage business has performance obligations to deliver integrated real estate services including brokerage services, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, relocation services, and other home-related services to customers. All performance obligations related to the full-service residential real estate brokerage business are satisfied in less than one year at the point in time when a real estate transaction is closed or when services are provided. Commission revenue from real estate brokerage transactions and related amounts due to agents are recognized when a real estate transaction is closed. Title and escrow closing fee revenue from real estate transactions and related amounts due to the title insurer are recognized at closing. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer at closing.

The franchise business operates a network that has performance obligations to provide the right to use certain brand names and other related service marks as well as to provide orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services to its franchisees. The performance obligations related to the franchise business are satisfied over time or when the services are provided. Franchise royalty fees are sales-based variable consideration and are based on a percentage of commissions earned by franchisees on real estate sales, which are recognized when the sale closes. Meetings and training revenue, referral fees, late fees, service fees and franchise termination fees are earned when services have been completed. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the franchisee within 30 days of billing.

Other Revenue

Energy Products and Services

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to power purchase agreements not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" and ASC 840, "Leases" and certain non tariff-based revenue approved by the regulator that is not considered Customer Revenue within ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers."

Real Estate Service

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to the mortgage business. Mortgage fee revenue consists of amounts earned related to application and underwriting fees, and fees on canceled loans. Fees associated with the origination and acquisition of mortgage loans are recognized as earned. These amounts are not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," ASC 825, "Financial Instruments" and ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing."

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Debt Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing using the effective interest method.

Foreign Currency

The accounts of foreign-based subsidiaries are measured in most instances using the local currency of the subsidiary as the functional currency. Revenue and expenses of these businesses are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Gains or losses from translating the financial statements of foreign-based operations are included in equity as a component of AOCI. Gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity that is party to the transaction are included in earnings.

Income Taxes

The Company's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis. Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its consolidated United States federal and Iowa state income tax returns and substantially all of the Company's United States federal income tax is remitted to or received from Berkshire Hathaway. The Company records the deferred income tax assets associated with the state of Iowa net operating loss carryforward as a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity due to the long-term related-party nature of the income tax receivable.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that the Company's regulated businesses deems probable to be passed on to their customers in most state and provincial jurisdictions are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory commissions.

The Company has not established deferred income taxes on its undistributed foreign earnings that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of the Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends may be subject to taxation in the United States but the tax is not expected to be material.

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. The Company's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in accrued property, income and other taxes and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-14 effective December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, which amends FASB ASC Topic 815, "Derivatives and Hedging." The amendments in this guidance update the hedge accounting model to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements, expands an entity's ability to hedge non-financial and financial risk components and reduces complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item and also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2019 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The Company adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $(8) million and $4 million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, "Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in a decrease to operating cash flows of $15 million and an increase in investing cash flows of $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and an increase in operating cash flows and investing cash flows of $22 million and $36 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in the reclassification of certain cash distributions received from equity method investees of $27 million and $26 million previously recognized within investing cash flows to operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in-effect. The Company is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $550 million based on the contracts currently in effect and reclassify approximately $525 million of finance lease right of use assets and lease liabilities previously recognized in property, plant and equipment, net and subsidiary debt to other assets and other liabilities, respectively. The Company currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10, "Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments in this guidance addressed certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including a requirement that all investments in equity securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting or result in consolidation of the investee be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 with a cumulative-effect increase to retained earnings of $1,085 million and a corresponding decrease to AOCI.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which created FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and superseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaced industry-specific guidance and established a single five-step model to identify and recognize Customer Revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Following the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but did not change the core principle of the guidance. The Company adopted this guidance for all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a cumulative effect impact at the date of initial adoption.

(3)    Business Acquisitions

In 2018, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $106 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $39 million, assumed liabilities of $12 million and recognized goodwill of $79 million. Additionally, in April 2018, HomeServices acquired the remaining 33.3% interest in a real estate brokerage franchise business from the noncontrolling interest member at a contractually determined option exercise price totaling $131 million.

In 2017, PacifiCorp declaredthe Company completed various acquisitions totaling $1.1 billion, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses, development and construction costs for the 110-megawatt ("MW") Alamo 6 and the 50-MW Pearl solar projects, and the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generation facility at Nevada Power. As a dividendresult of $100the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $1.1 billion, assumed liabilities of $487 million payable to PPW Holdings LLC in March 2017.and recognized goodwill of $508 million.

In 2016, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $66 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and 2015, PacifiCorp declaredliabilities assumed. The assets acquired consisted of property, plant and paid dividendsequipment, development and construction costs for renewable projects, other working capital items, goodwill of $875$50 million and $950other identifiable intangible assets. The liabilities assumed totaled $54 million.


(4)Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Depreciable    
 Life 2018 2017
Regulated assets:     
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems5-80 years $77,288
 $74,660
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets3-80 years 7,524
 7,176
   84,812
 81,836
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (26,010) (24,478)
Regulated assets, net  58,802
 57,358
      
Nonregulated assets:     
Independent power plants5-30 years 6,826
 6,010
Other assets3-30 years 1,498
 1,489
   8,324
 7,499
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (1,641) (1,542)
Nonregulated assets, net  6,683
 5,957
      
Net operating assets  65,485
 63,315
Construction work-in-progress  3,110
 2,556
Property, plant and equipment, net  $68,595
 $65,871

Construction work-in-progress includes $2.9 billion and $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the construction of regulated assets.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, MidAmerican Energy revised its electric and gas depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study, the most significant impact of which was longer estimated useful lives for certain wind-powered generating facilities. The effect of this change was to reduce depreciation and amortization expense by $3 million in 2016 and $34 million annually based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.

(5)
Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, the Domestic Regulated Businesses, as tenants in common, have undivided interests in jointly owned generation, transmission, distribution and pipeline common facilities. The Company accounts for its proportionate share of each facility and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include the Company's share of the expenses of these facilities.


The amounts shown in the table below represent the Company's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in millions):
     Accumulated Construction
 Company Facility In Depreciation and Work-in-
 Share Service Amortization Progress
PacifiCorp:       
Jim Bridger Nos. 1-467% $1,458
 $647
 $11
Hunter No. 194
 484
 182
 
Hunter No. 260
 298
 121
 5
Wyodak80
 471
 229
 
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 410
 248
 137
 6
Hermiston50
 180
 87
 1
Craig Nos. 1 and 219
 367
 241
 
Hayden No. 125
 74
 37
 
Hayden No. 213
 43
 22
 
Foote Creek79
 40
 27
 1
Transmission and distribution facilitiesVarious 808
 246
 76
Total PacifiCorp  4,471
 1,976
 100
MidAmerican Energy:       
Louisa No. 188% 822
 443
 8
Quad Cities Nos. 1 and 2(1)
25
 723
 407
 10
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 379
 641
 304
 2
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 4(2)
60
 454
 167
 1
George Neal No. 441
 310
 164
 2
Ottumwa No. 152
 630
 209
 6
George Neal No. 372
 442
 196
 3
Transmission facilitiesVarious 257
 92
 
Total MidAmerican Energy  4,279
 1,982
 32
NV Energy:       
Navajo11% 223
 176
 
Valmy50
 389
 252
 1
Transmission facilitiesVarious 226
 49
 1
Total NV Energy  838
 477
 2
BHE Pipeline Group - common facilities
Various 286
 173
 
Total  $9,874
 $4,608
 $134
(1)Includes amounts related to nuclear fuel.
(2)Facility in-service and accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are net of credits applied under Iowa revenue sharing arrangements totaling $319 million and $88 million, respectively.


(6)Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future regulated rates. The Company's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Employee benefit plans(1)
16 years
 $773
 $675
Asset retirement obligations17 years
 375
 334
Asset disposition costsVarious 358
 387
Deferred income taxes(2)
Various 196
 143
Deferred operating costs10 years
 141
 147
Abandoned projects2 years
 134
 156
Unrealized loss on regulated derivative contracts2 years
 120
 122
Deferred net power costs2 years
 103
 58
Unamortized contract values5 years
 79
 89
OtherVarious 788
 839
Total regulatory assets  $3,067
 $2,950
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $171
 $189
Noncurrent assets  2,896
 2,761
Total regulatory assets  $3,067
 $2,950
(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.
(2)Amounts primarily represent income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

The Company had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Regulatory Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. The Company's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Deferred income taxes(1)
Various $3,923
 $4,143
Cost of removal(2)
28 years
 2,426
 2,349
Levelized depreciation30 years
 329
 332
Asset retirement obligations34 years
 163
 177
Impact fees4 years
 88
 89
OtherVarious 577
 421
Total regulatory liabilities  $7,506
 $7,511
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $160
 $202
Noncurrent liabilities  7,346
 7,309
Total regulatory liabilities  $7,506
 $7,511

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. See Note 11 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.
(2)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

ALP General Tariff Application ("GTA")

In 2014, ALP filed a GTA requesting the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC") to approve revenue requirements of C$811 million for 2015 and C$1.0 billion for 2016, primarily due to continued investment in capital projects as directed by the Alberta Electric System Operator. ALP amended the GTA in June 2015 to propose transmission tariff relief measures for customers and modifications to its capital structure. ALP also amended and updated the GTA in October 2015, reducing the requested revenue requirements to C$672 million for 2015 and C$704 million for 2016. In May 2016, the AUC issued its decision pertaining to the 2015-2016 GTA. ALP filed its 2015-2016 GTA compliance filing in July 2016 to comply with the AUC's decision.

The compliance filing requested the AUC to approve revenue requirements of C$599 million for 2015 and C$685 million for 2016. The decreased revenue requirements requested in the compliance filing, as compared to the 2015-2016 GTA filing updated in October 2015, were primarily due to the AUC approval of ALP's proposed immediate tariff relief of C$415 million for customers for 2015 and 2016, through (i) the discontinuance of construction work-in-progress ("CWIP") in rate base and the return to allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") accounting effective January 1, 2015, resulting in a C$82 million reduction of revenue requirement and the refund of C$277 million previously collected as CWIP in rate base as part of ALP's transmission tariffs during 2011-2014 less related returns of C$12 million and (ii) a change to the flow through method for calculating income taxes for 2016, resulting in further tariff relief of C$68 million.

Operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, included a one-time reduction of $200 million from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at ALP. The 2015-2016 GTA decision required ALP to refund $200 million to customers in 2016 through reduced monthly billings for the change from receiving cash during construction for the return on CWIP in rate base to recording allowance for borrowed and equity funds used during construction related to construction expenditures during the 2011 to 2014 time period. This amount is offset with higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the decision required ALP to change to the flow through method of recognizing income tax expense effective January 1, 2016. This change reduced operating revenue by $45 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, with offsetting impacts to income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


(7)Investments and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Investments:   
BYD Company Limited common stock$1,435
 $1,961
Rabbi trusts371
 441
Other168
 124
Total investments1,974
 2,526
    
Equity method investments:   
BHE Renewables tax equity investments1,661
 1,025
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC527
 524
Bridger Coal Company99
 137
Other153
 148
Total equity method investments2,440
 1,834
    
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments:   
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds504
 515
Restricted cash and cash equivalents256
 348
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments760
 863
    
Total investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments$5,174
 $5,223
    
Reflected as:   
Other current assets$271
 $351
Noncurrent assets4,903
 4,872
Total investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments$5,174
 $5,223

Investments

BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock is accounted for as a marketable security with changes in fair value recognized in net income.

Rabbi trusts primarily hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain current and former key executives and directors. The Rabbi trusts were established to hold investments used to fund the obligations of various nonqualified executive and director compensation plans and to pay the costs of the trusts. The amount represents the cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value.

The portion of unrealized losses related to marketable securities still held as of December 31, 2018 is calculated as follows (in millions):
 Year Ended
 December 31,
 2018
Losses on marketable securities recognized during the period$(538)
Less: Net gains recognized during the period on marketable securities sold during the period2
Unrealized losses recognized during the period on marketable securities still held at the reporting date$(540)


Equity Method Investments

The Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $698 million, $403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.

BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 50% of Electric Transmission Texas, LLC, which owns and operates electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 66.67% of Bridger Coal Company ("Bridger Coal"), which is a coal mining joint venture that supplies coal to the Jim Bridger Nos. 1-4 generating facility. Bridger Coal is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bridger Coal's economic performance are shared with the joint venture partner. See Note 11 for discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts to equity earnings recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Restricted Investments

MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds for decommissioning the Quad Cities Nuclear Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station"). These investments in debt and equity securities are reported at fair value. Funds are invested in the trust in accordance with applicable federal and state investment guidelines and are restricted for use as reimbursement for costs of decommissioning the Quad Cities Station, which are currently licensed for operation until December 2032.

(8)Short-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

The following table summarizes BHE's and its subsidiaries' availability under their credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):
     MidAmerican NV Northern      
 BHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other 
Total(1)
2018:               
Credit facilities(2)
$3,500
 $1,200
 $1,309
 $650
 $231
 $639
 $1,585
 $9,114
Less:               
Short-term debt(983) (30) (240) 
 (77) (345) (841) (2,516)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit
 (89) (370) (80) 
 (4) 
 (543)
Net credit facilities$2,517
 $1,081
 $699
 $570
 $154
 $290
 $744
 $6,055
                
2017:               
Credit facilities$3,600
 $1,000
 $909
 $650
 $203
 $1,054
 $1,635
 $9,051
Less:               
Short-term debt(3,331) (80) 
 
 
 (345) (732) (4,488)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit(7) (130) (370) (80) 
 (7) 
 (594)
Net credit facilities$262
 $790
 $539
 $570
 $203
 $702
 $903
 $3,969
(1)The table does not include unused credit facilities and letters of credit for investments that are accounted for under the equity method.
(2)    Includes the drawn uncommitted credit facilities totaling $39 million at Northern Powergrid.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of its credit facilities and letter of credit arrangements.

BHE

BHE has a $3.5 billion unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. This credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and also supports BHE's commercial paper program and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at BHE's option, plus a spread that varies based on BHE's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.


As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.76% and 1.74%, respectively. This credit facility requires that BHE's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.70 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE had $115 million and $96 million, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding, of which $- million and $7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were issued under the credit facility. These letters of credit primarily support power purchase agreements and debt service requirements at certain subsidiaries of BHE Renewables, LLC expiring through January 2020 and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to PPW Holdings LLC.

Capitalizationrenew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.

PacifiCorp manages its capitalization and liquidity position to maintain a prudent capital structure with an objective of retaining strong investment grade credit ratings, which is expected to facilitate continuing access to flexible borrowing arrangements at favorable costs and rates. This objective, subject to periodic review and revision, attempts to balance the interests of all shareholders, customers and creditors and provide a competitive cost of capital and predictable capital market access.

Under existing or prospective authoritative accounting guidance, such as guidance pertaining to consolidations and leases, it is possible that new purchase power and gas agreements, transmission arrangements or amendments to existing arrangements may be accounted for as capital lease obligations or debt on PacifiCorp's financial statements. While PacifiCorp has successfully amended covenants in financing arrangements that may be impacted, it may be more difficult for PacifiCorp to comply with its capitalization targets or regulatory commitments concerning minimum levels of common equity as a percentage of capitalization. This may lead PacifiCorp to seek amendments or waivers under financing agreements and from regulators, delay or reduce dividends or spending programs, seek additional new equity contributions from its indirect parent company, BHE, or take other actions.

Future Uses of Cash

PacifiCorp has available a variety$600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent and a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which support PacifiCorp's commercial paper program, certain series of sources of liquidityits tax-exempt bond obligations and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings,provide for the issuance of commercial paper,letters of credit, have variable interest rates based on the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, capital contributions and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which PacifiCorp has access to external financing dependsEurodollar rate or a base rate, at PacifiCorp's option, plus a spread that varies based on a variety of factors, including PacifiCorp's credit ratings investors' judgmentfor its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.

As of riskDecember 31, 2018 and conditions2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.85% and 1.83%, respectively. These credit facilities require that PacifiCorp's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had $184 million and $230 million, respectively, of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, $170 million and $216 million, respectively, of these letters of credit support PacifiCorp's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and expire in March 2019 and $14 million support certain transactions required by third parties and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.

MidAmerican Funding

MidAmerican Energy has a $900 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which supports MidAmerican Energy's commercial paper program and its variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at MidAmerican Energy's option, plus a spread that varies based on MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings for senior unsecured long-term debt securities. As of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy had a $400 million unsecured credit facility expiring November 2019, which it terminated in January 2019.

As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.49%. The credit facility requires that MidAmerican Energy's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

NV Energy

Nevada Power has a $400 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 and Sierra Pacific has a $250 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 each with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which are for general corporate purposes and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at each of the Nevada Utilities' option, plus a spread that varies based on each of the Nevada Utilities' credit ratings for its senior secured long‑term debt securities. Amounts due under each credit facility are collateralized by each of the Nevada Utilities' general and refunding mortgage bonds. These credit facilities require that each of the Nevada Utilities' ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

Northern Powergrid

Northern Powergrid has a £150 million unsecured credit facility expiring in April 2020. The credit facility has a variable interest rate based on sterling London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread that varies based on its credit ratings. The credit facility requires that the ratio of consolidated senior total net debt, including current maturities, to regulated asset value not exceed 0.8 to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid and 0.65 to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc as of June 30 and December 31. Northern Powergrid's interest coverage ratio shall not be less than 2.5 to 1.0.


AltaLink

ALP has a C$500 million secured revolving credit facility expiring in December 2023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which provides support for borrowings under the unsecured commercial paper program and may also be used for general corporate purposes, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at ALP's option, based on ALP's credit ratings for its senior secured long-term debt securities. In addition, ALP has a C$75 million secured revolving credit facility expiring in December 2023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which may be used for general corporate purposes and letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate, United States base rate, a spread above the United States LIBOR loan rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at ALP's option, based on ALP's credit ratings for its senior secured long-term debt securities.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, ALP had $281 million and $121 million outstanding under these facilities at a weighted average interest rate of 2.26% and 1.42%, respectively. The credit facilities require the consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization not exceed 0.75 to 1.0 measured as of the last day of each quarter.

AltaLink Investments, L.P. has a C$300 million unsecured revolving term credit facility expiring in December 2023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which may be used for general corporate purposes and letters of credit to a maximum of C$10 million, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate, United States base rate, a spread above the United States LIBOR loan rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at AltaLink Investments, L.P.'s option, based on AltaLink Investments, L.P.'s credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities. 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, AltaLink Investments, L.P. had $64 million and $224 million outstanding under this facility at a weighted average interest rate of 3.25% and 2.40%, respectively. The credit facility requires the consolidated total debt to capitalization to not exceed 0.8 to 1.0 and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense for the four fiscal quarters ended to not be less than 2.25 to 1.0 measured as of the last day of each quarter.

HomeServices

HomeServices has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in September 2022. The credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the LIBOR or a base rate, at HomeServices' option, plus a spread that varies based on HomeServices' total net leverage ratio as of the last day of each quarter. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, HomeServices had $404 million and $292 million, respectively, outstanding under its credit facility with a weighted average interest rate of 3.94% and 2.75%, respectively.

Through its subsidiaries, HomeServices maintains mortgage lines of credit totaling $985 million and $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, used for mortgage banking activities that expire beginning in January 2019 through December 2019 or are due on demand. The mortgage lines of credit have variable rates based on LIBOR plus a spread. Collateral for these credit facilities is comprised of residential property being financed and is equal to the loans funded with the facilities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, HomeServices had $436 million and $440 million, respectively, outstanding under these mortgage lines of credit at a weighted average interest rate of 4.42% and 3.60%, respectively.

BHE Renewables Letters of Credit

Topaz and Solar Star have separate letter of credit and reimbursement facilities used to (a) provide security under the power purchase agreement and large generator interconnection agreements, (b) fund the debt service reserve requirement and the operation and maintenance debt service reserve requirement and (c) provide security for remediation and mitigation liabilities. As of December 31, 2018, Topaz had $127 million of letters of credit issued under its $134 million facility and Solar Star had $92 million of letters of credit issued under its $105 million facility. As of December 31, 2017, Topaz had $75 million of letters of credit issued under its $134 million facility and Solar Star had $282 million of letters of credit issued under its $301 million facility.

As of December 31, 2018and 2017, certain other renewable projects collectively have letters of credit outstanding of $103 million and $118 million, respectively, primarily in support of the power purchase agreements associated with the projects.


(9)
BHE Debt

Senior Debt

BHE senior debt represents unsecured senior obligations of BHE that are redeemable in whole or in part at any time generally with make-whole premiums. BHE senior debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
      
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2018
 
 650
2.00% Senior Notes, due 2018
 
 350
2.40% Senior Notes, due 2020350
 349
 349
2.375% Senior Notes, due 2021450
 448
 
2.80% Senior Notes, due 2023400
 398
 
3.75% Senior Notes, due 2023500
 498
 498
3.50% Senior Notes, due 2025400
 398
 398
3.250% Senior Notes, due 2028600
 594
 
8.48% Senior Notes, due 2028256
 257
 302
6.125% Senior Bonds, due 20361,670
 1,661
 1,660
5.95% Senior Bonds, due 2037550
 547
 547
6.50% Senior Bonds, due 2037225
 222
 222
5.15% Senior Notes, due 2043750
 740
 739
4.50% Senior Notes, due 2045750
 738
 737
3.80% Senior Notes, due 2048750
 737
 
4.45% Senior Notes, due 20491,000
 990
 
Total BHE Senior Debt$8,651
 $8,577
 $6,452
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $
 $1,000
Noncurrent liabilities  8,577
 5,452
Total BHE Senior Debt  $8,577
 $6,452

Junior Subordinated Debentures

BHE junior subordinated debentures consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
      
Junior subordinated debentures, due 2057100
 100
 100
Total BHE junior subordinated debentures - noncurrent
$100
 $100
 $100

In June 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures due June 2057 in exchange for 181,819 shares of BHE no par value common stock held by a minority shareholder. The junior subordinated debentures are redeemable at BHE's option at any time from and after June 15, 2037, at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. Interest expense to the minority shareholder for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $5 million and $3 million, respectively.


(10)Subsidiary Debt

BHE's direct and indirect subsidiaries are organized as legal entities separate and apart from BHE and its other subsidiaries. Pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties; the equity interest of MidAmerican Funding's subsidiary; MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the overall capital markets, includingstate of Iowa; substantially all of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the conditionstate of Nevada; AltaLink's transmission properties; and substantially all of the utility industry.assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of solar and wind generation projects are pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise provide the security for their related subsidiary debt. It should not be assumed that the assets of any subsidiary will be available to satisfy BHE's obligations or the obligations of its other subsidiaries. However, unrestricted cash or other assets which are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law, regulatory commitments and the terms of financing and ring-fencing arrangements for such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to BHE or affiliates thereof. The long-term debt of BHE's subsidiaries may include provisions that allow BHE's subsidiaries to redeem such debt in whole or in part at any time. These provisions generally include make-whole premiums.

Capital ExpendituresDistributions at these separate legal entities are limited by various covenants including, among others, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2018, all subsidiaries were in compliance with their long-term debt covenants. On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. As a result, the Company does not expect to receive distributions from Topaz Solar Farms LLC ("Topaz") or Agua Caliente Solar, LLC ("Agua Caliente") in the near term.

Long-term debt of subsidiaries consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
      
PacifiCorp$7,076
 $7,036
 $7,025
MidAmerican Funding5,668
 5,599
 5,259
NV Energy4,321
 4,318
 4,581
Northern Powergrid2,621
 2,626
 2,805
BHE Pipeline Group1,050
 1,042
 796
BHE Transmission3,856
 3,842
 4,334
BHE Renewables3,438
 3,401
 3,594
HomeServices233
 233
 247
Total subsidiary debt$28,263
 $28,097
 $28,641
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $2,106
 $2,431
Noncurrent liabilities  25,991
 26,210
Total subsidiary debt  $28,097
 $28,641


PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
First mortgage bonds:     
2.95% to 8.53%, due through 2023$1,824
 $1,821
 $2,320
3.35% to 6.71%, due 2024 to 2026775
 771
 771
7.70% due 2031300
 298
 298
5.25% to 6.35%, due 2034 to 20382,350
 2,338
 2,337
4.10% to 6.00%, due 2039 to 2042950
 939
 938
4.125%, due 2049600
 593
 
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2018-1.67% to 1.85%; 2017-1.60% to 1.87%):     
Due 2018 to 202038
 38
 79
Due 2018 to 2025(1)
25
 25
 70
Due 2024(1)(2)
143
 142
 142
Due 2024 to 2025(2)
50
 50
 50
Capital lease obligations - 8.75% to 14.61%, due through 203521
 21
 20
Total PacifiCorp$7,076
 $7,036
 $7,025

(1)Supported by $170 million and $216 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed bank arrangements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)Secured by pledged first mortgage bonds registered to and held by the tax-exempt bond trustee generally with the same interest rates, maturity dates and redemption provisions as the tax-exempt bond obligations.

The issuance of PacifiCorp's first mortgage bonds is limited by available property, earnings tests and other provisions of PacifiCorp's mortgage. Approximately $28 billion of PacifiCorp's eligible property (based on original cost) was subject to the lien of the mortgage as of December 31, 2018.


MidAmerican Funding

MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
MidAmerican Funding:     
6.927% Senior Bonds, due 2029$240
 $217
 $216
      
MidAmerican Energy:     
Tax-exempt bond obligations -     
Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligation series: (2018-1.74%, 2017-1.91%), due 2023-2047370
 368
 368
First Mortgage Bonds:     
2.40%, due 2019500
 500
 499
3.70%, due 2023250
 249
 248
3.50%, due 2024500
 501
 501
3.10%, due 2027375
 372
 372
4.80%, due 2043350
 346
 346
4.40%, due 2044400
 394
 394
4.25%, due 2046450
 445
 445
3.95%, due 2047475
 470
 470
3.65%, due 2048700
 688
 
Notes:     
5.30% Series, due 2018
 
 350
6.75% Series, due 2031400
 396
 396
5.75% Series, due 2035300
 298
 298
5.80% Series, due 2036350
 348
 348
Transmission upgrade obligation, 4.45% and 3.42% due through 2035 and 2036, respectively7
 5
 6
Capital lease obligations - 4.16%, due through 20201
 2
 2
Total MidAmerican Energy5,428
 5,382
 5,043
Total MidAmerican Funding$5,668
 $5,599
 $5,259

In January 2019, MidAmerican Energy issued $600 million of its 3.65% First Mortgage Bonds due April 2029 and $900 million of its 4.25% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2049. In February 2019, MidAmerican Energy redeemed $500 million of its 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due in March 2019 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

Pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 19, 2013, MidAmerican Energy's first mortgage bonds, currently and from time to time outstanding, are secured by a first mortgage lien on substantially all of its electric generating, transmission and distribution property within the state of Iowa, subject to certain exceptions and permitted encumbrances. As of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy's eligible property subject to the lien of the mortgage totaled approximately $18 billion based on original cost. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy's senior notes outstanding are equally and ratably secured with the first mortgage bonds as required by the indentures under which the senior notes were issued.

MidAmerican Energy's variable-rate tax-exempt obligations bear interest at rates that are periodically established through remarketing of the bonds in the short-term tax-exempt market. MidAmerican Energy, at its option, may change the mode of interest calculation for these bonds by selecting from among several floating or fixed rate alternatives. The interest rates shown in the table above are the weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. MidAmerican Energy maintains revolving credit facility agreements to provide liquidity for holders of these issues and $180 million of the variable rate, tax-exempt bonds are secured by an equal amount of first mortgage bonds pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, as supplemented and amended.


NV Energy

NV Energy's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
NV Energy -     
6.250% Senior Notes, due 2020$315
 $330
 $337
      
Nevada Power:     
General and refunding mortgage securities:     
6.500% Series O, due 2018
 
 324
6.500% Series S, due 2018
 
 499
7.125% Series V, due 2019500
 500
 499
2.750%, Series BB, due 2020575
 574
 
6.650% Series N, due 2036367
 360
 359
6.750% Series R, due 2037349
 348
 348
5.375% Series X, due 2040250
 248
 248
5.450% Series Y, due 2041250
 244
 244
Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.800% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017A, due 2032(1)
40
 40
 40
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017, due 2036(1)
40
 39
 39
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017B, due 2039(1)
13
 13
 13
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.750% to 11.600%, due through 2054463
 463
 475
Total Nevada Power2,847
 2,829
 3,088
      
Sierra Pacific:     
General and refunding mortgage securities:     
3.375% Series T, due 2023250
 249
 249
2.600% Series U, due 2026400
 396
 396
6.750% Series P, due 2037252
 256
 256
Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.250% Pollution Control Series 2016A, due 2029(2)
20
 20
 20
1.500% Gas Facilities Series 2016A, due 2031(2)
59
 58
 58
3.000% Gas and Water Series 2016B, due 2036(3)
60
 62
 63
Variable-rate series (2018 - 1.750% to 1.820%, 2017 - 1.690% to 1.840%):     
Water Facilities Series 2016C, due 203630
 30
 30
Water Facilities Series 2016D, due 203625
 25
 25
Water Facilities Series 2016E, due 203625
 25
 25
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.700% to 10.297%, due through 205438
 38
 34
Total Sierra Pacific1,159
 1,159
 1,156
Total NV Energy$4,321
 $4,318
 $4,581

(1)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Nevada Power in May 2020 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.
(2)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2019 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.
(3)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2022 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.

The issuance of General and Refunding Mortgage Securities by the Nevada Utilities are subject to PUCN approval and are limited by available property and other provisions of the mortgage indentures for each of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $8.5 billion of Nevada Power's and $4.1 billion of Sierra Pacific's (based on original cost) property was subject to the liens of the mortgages.

Northern Powergrid

Northern Powergrid and its subsidiaries' long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 
Par Value(1)
 2018 2017
      
8.875% Bonds, due 2020$128
 $133
 $144
9.25% Bonds, due 2020255
 260
 279
3.901% to 4.586% European Investment Bank loans, due 2018 to 2022294
 293
 366
7.25% Bonds, due 2022255
 262
 279
2.50% Bonds due 2025191
 189
 200
2.073% European Investment Bank loan, due 202564
 65
 69
2.564% European Investment Bank loans, due 2027319
 318
 336
7.25% Bonds, due 2028237
 241
 256
4.375% Bonds, due 2032191
 188
 199
5.125% Bonds, due 2035255
 252
 267
5.125% Bonds, due 2035191
 189
 200
Variable-rate bond, due 2026(2)
241
 236
 210
Total Northern Powergrid$2,621
 $2,626
 $2,805

(1)The par values for these debt instruments are denominated in sterling.
(2)Amortizes semiannually and the Company has entered into an interest rate swap that fixes the interest rate on 85% of the outstanding debt. The variable interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was 2.66% while the fixed interest rate was 2.82%.

BHE Pipeline Group

BHE Pipeline Group's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
Northern Natural Gas:     
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2018$
 $
 $200
4.25% Senior Notes, due 2021200
 199
 199
5.80% Senior Bonds, due 2037150
 149
 149
4.10% Senior Bonds, due 2042250
 248
 248
4.30% Senior Bonds, due 2049450
 446
 
Total BHE Pipeline Group$1,050
 $1,042
 $796


BHE Transmission

BHE Transmission's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 
Par Value(1)
 2018 2017
AltaLink Investments, L.P.:     
Series 12-1 Senior Bonds, 3.674%, due 2019$147
 $148
 $162
Series 13-1 Senior Bonds, 3.265%, due 2020147
 148
 161
Series 15-1 Senior Bonds, 2.244%, due 2022147
 146
 158
Total AltaLink Investments, L.P.441
 442
 481
      
AltaLink, L.P.:     
Series 2008-1 Notes, 5.243%, due 2018
 
 159
Series 2013-2 Notes, 3.621%, due 202092
 92
 99
Series 2012-2 Notes, 2.978%, due 2022202
 201
 218
Series 2013-4 Notes, 3.668%, due 2023366
 366
 397
Series 2014-1 Notes, 3.399%, due 2024256
 256
 278
Series 2016-1 Notes, 2.747%, due 2026256
 255
 277
Series 2006-1 Notes, 5.249%, due 2036110
 109
 119
Series 2010-1 Notes, 5.381%, due 204092
 91
 99
Series 2010-2 Notes, 4.872%, due 2040110
 109
 119
Series 2011-1 Notes, 4.462%, due 2041202
 201
 218
Series 2012-1 Notes, 3.990%, due 2042385
 380
 412
Series 2013-3 Notes, 4.922%, due 2043256
 256
 278
Series 2014-3 Notes, 4.054%, due 2044216
 215
 233
Series 2015-1 Notes, 4.090%, due 2045256
 255
 277
Series 2016-2 Notes, 3.717%, due 2046330
 328
 356
Series 2013-1 Notes, 4.446%, due 2053183
 183
 198
Series 2014-2 Notes, 4.274%, due 206495
 95
 103
Total AltaLink, L.P.3,407
 3,392
 3,840
      
Other:     
Construction Loan, 5.660%, due 20208
 8
 13
      
Total BHE Transmission$3,856
 $3,842
 $4,334

(1)The par values for these debt instruments are denominated in Canadian dollars.


BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables' long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
Fixed-rate(1):
     
Bishop Hill Holdings Senior Notes, 5.125%, due 203285
 84
 93
Solar Star Funding Senior Notes, 3.950%, due 2035295
 292
 310
Solar Star Funding Senior Notes, 5.375%, due 2035924
 915
 965
Grande Prairie Wind Senior Notes, 3.860%, due 2037396
 392
 404
Topaz Solar Farms Senior Notes, 5.750%, due 2039718
 709
 745
Topaz Solar Farms Senior Notes, 4.875%, due 2039207
 205
 217
Alamo 6 Senior Notes, 4.170%, due 2042224
 221
 229
Other16
 16
 19
Variable-rate(1):
     
Pinyon Pines I and II Term Loans, due 2019(2)
310
 310
 333
TX Jumbo Road Term Loan, due 2025(2)
180
 176
 193
Marshall Wind Term Loan, due 2026(2)
83
 81
 86
Total BHE Renewables$3,438
 $3,401
 $3,594

(1)Amortizes quarterly or semiannually.
(2)
The term loans have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a margin that varies during the terms of the agreements. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps that fix the interest rate on 75% of the Pinyon Pines outstanding debt and 100% of the TX Jumbo Road and Marshall Wind outstanding debt. The variable interest rate as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 4.55% and 3.32%, respectively, while the fixed interest rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 ranged from 3.21% to 3.63%.

HomeServices

HomeServices' long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
Variable-rate(1):
     
Variable-rate term loan (2018 - 4.022%, 2017 - 2.819%), due 2022$233
 $233
 $247

(1)Amortizes quarterly.


Annual Repayments of Long-Term Debt

The annual repayments of BHE and subsidiary debt for the years beginning January 1, 2019 and thereafter, excluding fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, are as follows (in millions):
           2024 and  
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
              
BHE senior notes$
 $350
 $450
 $
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures
 
 
 
 
 100
 100
PacifiCorp352
 40
 425
 606
 450
 5,203
 7,076
MidAmerican Funding500
 2
 
 1
 315
 4,850
 5,668
NV Energy523
 913
 28
 29
 271
 2,557
 4,321
Northern Powergrid80
 462
 31
 479
 33
 1,536
 2,621
BHE Pipeline Group
 
 200
 
 
 850
 1,050
BHE Transmission148
 245
 
 348
 367
 2,748
 3,856
BHE Renewables483
 168
 175
 172
 177
 2,263
 3,438
HomeServices20
 27
 33
 153
 
 
 233
Totals$2,106
 $2,207
 $1,342
 $1,788
 $2,513
 $27,058
 $37,014

(11)Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacted many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, the one-time repatriation tax of foreign earnings and profits and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, in December 2017, the Company reduced deferred income tax liabilities $7,115 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for the Company's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, the Company increased net regulatory liabilities by $5,950 million. The reduction in deferred income tax liabilities also resulted in a decrease in deferred income tax expense of $1,150 million, mostly driven by the Company's non-regulated businesses, primarily BHE Renewables, BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited and HomeServices.

As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, BHE's consolidated net income in 2017 increased by $516 million primarily due to benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities of $1,150 million, partially offset by an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits totaling $419 million and equity earnings charges totaling $228 million mainly for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. The Company recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform in December 2017 and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of the repatriation tax on foreign earnings and interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. The Company determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to these two items to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. The Company believed the estimates for the repatriation tax to be reasonable, however, additional time was required to validate the inputs to the foreign earnings and profits calculation, the basis on which the repatriation tax is determined and additional guidance was required to determine state income tax implications. The Company also believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, the Company finalized its provisional amounts resulting in a $134 million reduction to the repatriation tax liability estimate, based on further analysis of the earnings and profits completed during 2018 and additional guidance from certain states. In addition, the Company recorded a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $68 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and the nature of the Company's regulated businesses, the Company reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $27 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Iowa Senate File 2417

In May 2018, Iowa Senate File 2417 was signed into law, which, among other items, reduces the state of Iowa corporate tax rate from 12% to 9.8% and eliminates corporate federal deductibility, both for tax years starting in 2021. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of Iowa Senate File 2417, the Company reduced deferred income tax liabilities $61 million and decreased deferred income tax expense by $2 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for the Company's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, the Company increased net regulatory liabilities by $59 million. In connection with Iowa Senate File 2417, the Company determined it was more appropriate to present the deferred income tax assets of $609 million associated with the state of Iowa net operating loss carryforward as a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity. As the Company does not currently expect to receive the majority of the income tax amounts from Berkshire Hathaway related to the state of Iowa prior to the 2021 effective date, the Company remeasured the long-term income tax receivable with Berkshire Hathaway at the enactment date and recorded a decrease to the long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway of $115 million. Subsequent to the remeasurement date, the Company amended the tax sharing agreement with Berkshire Hathaway and received $90 million in 2019 related to previously used state of Iowa net operating loss carryforwards thereby increasing the current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway and decreasing the long-term income tax receivable by the same amount. Additionally, during the year the Company generated $53 million of state of Iowa net operating losses which will be carried forward and will increase the long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway.

Income tax (benefit) expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Current:     
Federal$(686) $(653) $(743)
State(9) (3) 1
Foreign104
 83
 55
 (591) (573) (687)
Deferred:     
Federal165
 (76) 1,164
State(131) 100
 (59)
Foreign(20) 2
 (7)
 14
 26
 1,098
      
Investment tax credits(6) (7) (8)
Total$(583) $(554) $403

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax (benefit) expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Federal statutory income tax rate21 % 35 % 35 %
Income tax credits(30) (20) (14)
Effects of ratemaking(8) (1) 
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit(6) 3
 (1)
Effects of tax rate change and repatriation tax(4) (31) 
Income tax effect of foreign income(3) (5) (6)
Equity income1
 (2) 2
Other, net(1) (1) (2)
Effective income tax rate(30)% (22)% 14 %

Effects of 2017 Tax Reform have been included in state income tax, net of federal income tax benefit, effects of tax rate change and repatriation tax and equity income.


Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits from wind-powered generating facilities owned by MidAmerican Energy, PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service.

Income tax effect of foreign income includes, among other items, deferred income tax benefits of $16 million in 2016 related to the enactment of reductions in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate. In September 2016, the corporate income tax rate was reduced from 18% to 17% effective April 1, 2020.

The Company's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis. Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its consolidated United States federal and Iowa state income tax returns and substantially all of the Company's United States federal income tax is remitted to or received from Berkshire Hathaway. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway of $90 million and a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway, reflected as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity, of $457 million for Iowa state income tax. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway for federal income tax of $334 million.

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$1,674
 $1,707
Federal, state and foreign carryforwards596
 1,118
AROs232
 223
Employee benefits68
 45
Other459
 450
Total deferred income tax assets3,029
 3,543
Valuation allowances(137) (126)
Total deferred income tax assets, net2,892
 3,417
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property-related items(10,185) (9,950)
Investments(876) (843)
Regulatory assets(656) (651)
Other(222) (215)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(11,939) (11,659)
Net deferred income tax liability$(9,047) $(8,242)

The following table provides the Company's net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
 Federal State Foreign Total
Net operating loss carryforwards(1)
$284
 $5,577
 $562
 $6,423
Deferred income taxes on net operating loss carryforwards$60
 $312
 $151
 $523
Expiration dates2023-2026 2019-2038 2035-2038 

        
Tax credits$45
 $28
 $
 $73
Expiration dates2023- indefinite 2019- indefinite 
 

(1)The federal net operating loss carryforwards relate principally to net operating loss carryforwards of subsidiaries that are tax residents in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The federal net operating loss carryforwards were generated prior to Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s ownership and will begin to expire in 2023.


The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of the Company's income tax returns through December 31, 2011. The statute of limitations for the Company's income tax returns have expired through December 31, 2009, for California, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon and Utah, and through December 31, 2014, except for the impact of any federal audit adjustments, for Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. The closure of examinations, or the expiration of the statute of limitations, for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company's net unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Beginning balance$181
 $128
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year4
 6
Additions for tax positions of prior years38
 70
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(38) (18)
Statute of limitations2
 (4)
Settlements(2) (1)
Ending balance$185
 $181

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $154 million and $158 million, respectively, that if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect the Company's effective income tax rate.

(12)Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans

Domestic Operations

PacifiCorp, has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by managementMidAmerican Energy and may change significantly asNV Energy sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover a resultmajority of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmentalall employees of BHE and other rulesits domestic energy subsidiaries. These pension plans include noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERP") and regulations; impactsa restoration plan for certain executives of NV Energy. PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy also provide certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits through various plans to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital.eligible retirees.

HistoricalNet Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and forecast capital expenditures, each ofactual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which exclude amountsthey occur.


Net periodic benefit cost for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items,the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Service cost$21
 $24
 $29
 $9
 $9
 $9
Interest cost105
 116
 126
 24
 29
 31
Expected return on plan assets(164) (160) (160) (41) (40) (41)
Settlement21
 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization28
 25
 46
 (13) (14) (12)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$11
 $5
 $41
 $(21) $(16) $(13)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,761
 $2,525
 $736
 $666
Employer contributions38
 64
 8
 5
Participant contributions
 
 8
 10
Actual return on plan assets(147) 390
 (38) 106
Settlement(119) (15) 
 
Benefits paid(137) (203) (50) (51)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,396
 $2,761
 $664
 $736

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$3,006
 $2,952
 $721
 $734
Service cost21
 24
 9
 9
Interest cost105
 116
 24
 29
Participant contributions
 
 8
 10
Actuarial (gain) loss(160) 132
 (40) (10)
Amendment2
 
 
 
Settlement(119) (15) 
 
Benefits paid(137) (203) (50) (51)
Benefit obligation, end of year$2,718
 $3,006
 $672
 $721
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$2,709
 $2,988
    


The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,396
 $2,761
 $664
 $736
Benefit obligation, end of year2,718
 3,006
 672
 721
Funded status$(322) $(245) $(8) $15
        
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:       
Other assets$20
 $66
 $5
 $32
Other current liabilities(13) (14) 
 
Other long-term liabilities(329) (297) (13) (17)
Amounts recognized$(322) $(245) $(8) $15

The SERPs and restoration plan have no plan assets; however, the Company has Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERPs and restoration plan. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $256 million and $272 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The fair value of plan assets, projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for (1) pension and other postretirement benefit plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets and (2) pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Historical Forecast
 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
            
Transmission system investment$262
 $137
 $94
 $119
 $108
 $85
Environmental158
 114
 58
 32
 21
 14
Wind investment
 
 110
 31
 181
 740
Operating and other646
 665
 641
 668
 675
 781
Total$1,066
 $916
 $903
 $850
 $985
 $1,620
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Fair value of plan assets$1,752
 $2,016
 $417
 $126
        
Projected benefit obligation$2,091
 $2,327
 $429
 $143
        
Accumulated benefit obligation$2,085
 $2,316
    

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Net loss$747
 $649
 $50
 $14
Prior service credit
 (3) (22) (37)
Regulatory deferrals(1) (4) 7
 7
Total$746
 $642
 $35
 $(16)


PacifiCorp's historicalA reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018 and forecast capital expenditures include the following:2017 is as follows (in millions):
     Accumulated  
     Other  
 Regulatory Regulatory Comprehensive  
 Asset Liability Loss Total
Pension       
Balance, December 31, 2016$761
 $(13) $13
 $761
Net (gain) loss arising during the year(68) (29) 3
 (94)
Net amortization(28) (1) 4
 (25)
Total(96) (30) 7
 (119)
Balance, December 31, 2017665
 (43) 20
 642
Net loss (gain) arising during the year114
 43
 (6) 151
Net prior service cost arising during the year
 
 2
 2
Settlement(21) 
 
 (21)
Net amortization(28) 
 
 (28)
Total65
 43
 (4) 104
Balance, December 31, 2018$730
 $
 $16
 $746

Transmission system investment includes main grid reinforcement
     Accumulated  
     Other  
 Regulatory Regulatory Comprehensive  
 Asset Liability Loss Total
Other Postretirement       
Balance, December 31, 2016$55
 $(12) $
 $43
Net gain arising during the year(52) (21) 
 (73)
Net amortization7
 7
 
 14
Total(45) (14) 
 (59)
Balance, December 31, 201710
 (26) 
 (16)
Net gain arising during the year23
 14
 1
 38
Net amortization11
 2
 
 13
Total34
 16
 1
 51
Balance, December 31, 2018$44
 $(10) $1
 $35


Plan Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Benefit obligations as of December 31:           
Discount rate4.25% 3.60% 4.06% 4.21% 3.57% 4.01%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 2.75% NA
 NA
 NA
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan      

 

 

2016NA
 NA
 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
2017NA
 2.49% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
20183.38% 3.06% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
20193.54% 3.06% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
20203.54% 2.72% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
20213.56% 2.72% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
            
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:           
Discount rate3.60% 4.06% 4.43% 3.57% 4.01% 4.33%
Expected return on plan assets6.36% 6.55% 6.78% 6.44% 6.73% 7.03%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 2.75% NA
 NA
 NA
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plan3.38% 2.49% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA

In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.
 2018 2017
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:   
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.80% 7.10%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to5.00% 5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at2025 2025

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $13 million and $1 million, respectively, during 2019. Funding to the established pension trusts is based upon the actuarially determined costs construction costsof the plans and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company's funding policy for its other postretirement benefit plans is to generally contribute an amount equal to the net periodic benefit cost.

The expected benefit payments to participants in the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 2019 through 2023 and for the 170-mile single-circuit 345-kV Sigurd-Red Butte transmission line that was placed in-service in May 2015 and initial development costs for several other long-term projects.five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):

Environmental
 Projected Benefit
 Payments
   Other
 Pension Postretirement
    
2019$221
 $53
2020224
 57
2021221
 55
2022212
 54
2023212
 53
2024-2028958
 243

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The Company's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters outlined by each plan's Pension and Employee Benefits Plans Administrative Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2018:
Other
PensionPostretirement
%%
PacifiCorp:
Debt securities(1)
30-4333-37
Equity securities(1)
48-6562-66
Limited partnership interests6-121-3
MidAmerican Energy:
Debt securities(1)
20-5025-45
Equity securities(1)
60-8045-80
Real estate funds2-8
Other0-30-5
NV Energy:
Debt securities(1)
53-7740
Equity securities(1)
23-4760

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.


Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in millions):
 
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
 Level 1 Level 2 Total
As of December 31, 2018:     
Cash equivalents$8
 $41
 $49
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations160
 
 160
International government obligations
 5
 5
Corporate obligations
 373
 373
Municipal obligations
 29
 29
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 123
 123
Equity securities:     
United States companies492
 1
 493
International companies108
 
 108
Investment funds(2)
119
 
 119
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$887
 $572
 1,459
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
    792
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
    104
Real estate funds measured at net asset value    41
Total assets measured at fair value    $2,396
      
As of December 31, 2017:     
Cash equivalents$10
 $76
 $86
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations218
 
 218
Corporate obligations
 350
 350
Municipal obligations
 16
 16
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 110
 110
Equity securities:     
United States companies622
 
 622
International companies136
 
 136
Investment funds(2)
83
 20
 103
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$1,069
 $572
 1,641
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
    1,019
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
    63
Real estate funds measured at net asset value    38
Total assets measured at fair value    $2,761

(1)Refer to Note 14 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 59% and 41%, respectively, for 2018 and 62% and 38%, respectively, for 2017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 73% and 27%, respectively, for 2018 and 68% and 32%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit other postretirement plans (in millions):
 
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
 Level 1 Level 2 Total
As of December 31, 2018:     
Cash equivalents$10
 $2
 $12
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations13
 
 13
Corporate obligations
 42
 42
Municipal obligations
 45
 45
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 30
 30
Equity securities:     
United States companies158
 
 158
International companies6
 
 6
Investment funds202
 1
 203
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$389
 $120
 509
Investment funds measured at net asset value    149
Limited partnership interests measured at net asset value    6
Total assets measured at fair value    $664
      
As of December 31, 2017:     
Cash equivalents$11
 $3
 $14
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations20
 
 20
Corporate obligations
 36
 36
Municipal obligations
 46
 46
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 29
 29
Equity securities:     
United States companies185
 
 185
International companies8
 
 8
Investment funds(2)
219
 1
 220
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$443
 $115
 558
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
    174
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
    4
Total assets measured at fair value    $736

(1)Refer to Note 14 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 65% and 35%, respectively, for 2018 and 68% and 32%, respectively, for 2017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 79% and 21%, respectively, for 2018 and 73% and 27%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.


Foreign Operations

Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Northern Powergrid participate in the Northern Powergrid group of the United Kingdom industry-wide Electricity Supply Pension Scheme (the "UK Plan"), which provides pension and other related defined benefits, based on final pensionable pay, to the majority of the employees of Northern Powergrid. The UK Plan is closed to employees hired after July 23, 1997. Employees hired after that date are covered by a defined contribution plan sponsored by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Powergrid.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on pension plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit cost for the UK Plan included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Service cost$19
 $23
 $20
Interest cost56
 58
 72
Expected return on plan assets(101) (100) (110)
Settlement44
 31
 
Net amortization45
 63
 44
Net periodic benefit cost$63
 $75
 $26
Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,368
 $2,169
Employer contributions60
 58
Participant contributions1
 1
Actual return on plan assets(44) 145
Settlement(205) (144)
Benefits paid(71) (68)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(120) 207
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,989
 $2,368


The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$2,201
 $2,125
Service cost19
 23
Interest cost56
 58
Participant contributions1
 1
Actuarial gain(87) (4)
Settlement(182) (131)
Amendment8
 
Benefits paid(71) (68)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(112) 197
Benefit obligation, end of year$1,833
 $2,201
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$1,637
 $1,933

The funded status of the UK Plan and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,989
 $2,368
Benefit obligation, end of year1,833
 2,201
Funded status$156
 $167
    
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:   
Other assets$156
 $167

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the UK Plan not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Net loss$472
 $510
Prior service cost8
 
Total$480
 $510


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Balance, beginning of year$510
 $590
Net (gain) loss arising during the year59
 (50)
Net prior service cost arising during the year8
 
Settlement(22) (17)
Net amortization(45) (63)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(30) 50
Total(30) (80)
Balance, end of year$480
 $510

Plan Assumptions
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Benefit obligations as of December 31:     
Discount rate2.90% 2.60% 2.70%
Rate of compensation increase3.55% 3.45% 3.00%
Rate of future price inflation3.05% 2.95% 3.00%
      
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:     
Discount rate2.60% 2.70% 3.70%
Expected return on plan assets4.90% 5.00% 5.60%
Rate of compensation increase3.45% 3.00% 2.90%
Rate of future price inflation2.95% 3.00% 2.90%
Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the UK Plan are expected to be £43 million during 2019. The expected benefit payments to participants in the UK Plan for 2019 through 2023 and for the five years thereafter excluding lump sum settlement elections, using the foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 2018, are summarized below (in millions):
2019$70
202071
202173
202275
202377
2024-2028416

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The investment policy for the UK Plan is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities, real estate and other asset classes. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The UK Plan retains outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters set by the trustees of the UK Plan in consultation with Northern Powergrid. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments. The return on assets assumption is based on a weighted-average of the expected historical performance for the types of assets in which the UK Plan invests.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the UK Plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2018:
%
Debt securities(1)
50-55
Equity securities(1)
35-40
Real estate funds and other5-15

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds have been allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.

Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of the UK Plan assets, by major category (in millions):
 
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2018:       
Cash equivalents$3
 $59
 $
 $62
Debt securities:       
United Kingdom government obligations891
 
 
 891
Equity securities:       
Investment funds(2)

 697
 
 697
Real estate funds
 
 239
 239
Total$894
 $756
 $239
 1,889
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      100
Total assets measured at fair value      $1,989
        
As of December 31, 2017:       
Cash equivalents$4
 $30
 $
 $34
Debt securities:       
United Kingdom government obligations870
 
 
 870
Equity securities:       
Investment funds(2)

 1,027
 
 1,027
Real estate funds
 
 230
 230
Total$874
 $1,057
 $230
 2,161
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      207
Total assets measured at fair value      $2,368

(1)Refer to Note 14 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 36% and 64%, respectively, for 2018 and 21% and 79%, respectively, for 2017.


The fair value of the UK Plan's assets are determined similar to the plan assets of the domestic plans as previously discussed.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the UK Plan assets measured at fair valueusing significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Real Estate Funds
 2018 2017 2016
     
Beginning balance$230
 $105
 $204
Actual return on plan assets still held at period end23
 6
 10
Purchases (sales)
 104
 (80)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(14) 15
 (29)
Ending balance$239
 $230
 $105

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors various defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. The Company's contributions vary depending on the plan, but matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution, and certain participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. The Company's contributions to these plans were $112 million, $103 million and $102 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(13)
Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

The Company does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table presents the Company's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Fossil fuel facilities$371
 $380
Quad Cities Station345
 342
Wind generating facilities174
 138
Offshore pipeline facilities33
 32
Solar generating facilities20
 19
Other42
 43
Total asset retirement obligations$985
 $954
    
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds$504
 $515


The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Beginning balance$954
 $954
Change in estimated costs10
 (18)
Additions28
 21
Retirements(45) (45)
Accretion38
 42
Ending balance$985
 $954
    
Reflected as:   
Other current liabilities$43
 $60
Other long-term liabilities942
 894
Total ARO liability$985
 $954

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, which includes the installationplanning and funding for the decommissioning. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay for its share of the Quad Cities Station decommissioning.

Certain of the Company's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly owned facilities and mine sites, and as such, each subsidiary is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. The Company's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities.

The changes in estimated costs relate primarily to the Quad Cities Station due to a change in the inflation rate and, for 2017, a new decommissioning study conducted by the operator of Quad Cities Station that changed the estimated amount and timing of cash flows.

In January 2018, MidAmerican Energy completed groundwater testing at its coal combustion residuals ("CCR") surface impoundments. Based on this information, MidAmerican Energy discontinued sending CCR to surface impoundments effective April 2018 and will remove all CCR material located below the water table in such facilities, the latter of which is a more extensive closure activity than previously assumed. The incremental cost and timing of such actions is not currently reasonably determinable, but an evaluation of such estimates is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019, with any necessary adjustments to the related asset retirement obligations recognized at that time.

(14)Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of the Company's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Financial Statements using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the replacementhierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements    
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2018:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$1
 $91
 $108
 $(52) $148
Interest rate derivatives1
 13
 10
 
 24
Mortgage loans held for sale
 468
 
 
 468
Money market mutual funds(2)
409
 
 
 
 409
Debt securities:         
United States government obligations187
 
 
 
 187
International government obligations
 4
 
 
 4
Corporate obligations
 46
 
 
 46
Municipal obligations
 2
 
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 1
 
 
 1
Equity securities:         
United States companies256
 
 
 
 256
International companies1,441
 
 
 
 1,441
Investment funds128
 
 
 
 128
 $2,423
 $625
 $118
 $(52) $3,114
Liabilities:         
Commodity derivatives$(1) $(180) $(9) $111
 $(79)
Interest rate derivatives
 (32) 
 
 (32)
 $(1) $(212) $(9) $111
 $(111)

As of December 31, 2017:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$1
 $42
 $104
 $(29) $118
Interest rate derivatives
 15
 9
 
 24
Mortgage loans held for sale
 465
 
 
 465
Money market mutual funds(2)
685
 
 
 
 685
Debt securities:         
United States government obligations176
 
 
 
 176
International government obligations
 5
 
 
 5
Corporate obligations
 36
 
 
 36
Municipal obligations
 2
 
 
 2
Equity securities:         
United States companies288
 
 
 
 288
International companies1,968
 
 
 
 1,968
Investment funds178
 
 
 
 178
 $3,296
 $565
 $113
 $(29) $3,945
Liabilities:         
Commodity derivatives$(3) $(167) $(10) $105
 $(75)
Interest rate derivatives
 (8) 
 
 (8)
 $(3) $(175) $(10) $105
 $(83)

(1)
Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $59 million and $76 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents; other current assets; and noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of existing emissions control equipmentderivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which the Company transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, the Company uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent the Company's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. The Company bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by the Company. Market price quotations are generally readily obtainable for the applicable term of the Company's outstanding derivative contracts; therefore, the Company's forward price curves reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for certain generating facilities, including installation or upgradeelectricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to the length of selective catalytic reduction control systems and low nitrogen oxide burners to reduce nitrogen oxides, particulate matter control systems, sulfur dioxide emissions controls systems and mercury emissions control systems,the contract. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as expendituresfor those contracts that are not actively traded, the Company uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts.

The Company's mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on independent quoted market prices, where available, or the prices of other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As necessary, these prices are adjusted for typical securitization activities, including servicing value, portfolio composition, market conditions and liquidity.

The Company's investments in money market mutual funds and debt and equity securities are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputs and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs for the managementyears ended December 31 (in millions):
 
Commodity
Derivatives
 Interest Rate Derivatives 
Auction Rate
Securities
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                  
Beginning balance$94
 $60
 $47
 $9
 $6
 $4
 $
 $
 $44
Changes included in earnings1
 23
 8
 181
 147
 121
 
 
 5
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI2
 (3) (2) 
 
 
 
 
 8
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets3
 (1) (11) 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases3
 1
 1
 
 4
 
 
 
 
Redemptions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (57)
Settlements(4) 14
 17
 (180) (148) (119) 
 
 
Ending balance$99
 $94
 $60
 $10
 $9
 $6
 $
 $
 $


The Company's long-term debt is carried at cost, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs as applicable, on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of the Company's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$36,774
 $39,398
 $35,193
 $40,522

(15)Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company has the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows (in millions):
            2024 and  
  2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
Contract type:              
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments $2,215
 $1,659
 $1,380
 $1,174
 $1,047
 $11,155
 $18,630
Construction commitments 2,330
 587
 52
 
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements 197
 177
 160
 139
 111
 1,738
 2,522
Maintenance, service and other contracts 306
 344
 303
 277
 241
 1,358
 2,829
  $5,048
 $2,767
 $1,895
 $1,590
 $1,399
 $14,251
 $26,950

Fuel, Capacity and Transmission Contract Commitments

The Utilities have fuel supply and related transportation and lime contracts for their coal- and natural gas-fueled generating facilities. The Utilities expect to supplement these contracts with additional contracts and spot market purchases to fulfill their future fossil fuel needs. The Utilities acquire a portion of their electricity through long-term purchases and exchange agreements. The Utilities have several power purchase agreements with renewable generating facilities that are not included in the table above as the payments are based on the amount of energy generated and there are no minimum payments. The Utilities also have contracts for the right to transmit electricity over other entities' transmission lines to facilitate delivery to their customers.

MidAmerican Energy has long-term rail transportation contracts with BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF"), an affiliate company, and Union Pacific Railroad Company for the transportation of coal combustion residuals.to all of the MidAmerican Energy-operated coal-fueled generating facilities. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, $111 million, $109 million and $137 million, respectively, were incurred for coal transportation services, the majority of which was related to the BNSF agreement.

Construction Commitments
Wind investment includes initial costs for new wind plant
The Company's firm construction projects and repoweringcommitments reflected in the table above include the following major construction projects:
MidAmerican Energy's construction of existing wind plants.
Wind investments totaling $110 million in 2016 for the purposes of repowering certain existing wind-powered generating facilities and the constructionlast of a new wind-poweredthe four Multi-Value Projects approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. for high voltage transmission lines in Iowa and Illinois in 2018.
ALP's investments in directly assigned transmission projects from the AESO.
PacifiCorp's costs associated with certain generating facility. plant, transmission and distribution projects.


Operating Leases and Easements

The repowering projects entailCompany has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office equipment, office space, certain operating facilities, land and rail cars. These leases generally require the replacementCompany to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices. The Company also has non-cancelable easements for land on which certain of significant components of older turbines. Planned spending for the repowering and newits assets, primarily wind-powered generating facilities, are located. Rent expense on non-cancelable operating leases and easements totaled $191 million for 2018 and $156 million for both 2017 and 2016.

Maintenance, Service and Other Contracts

The Company has entered into service agreements related to its nonregulated solar and wind-powered projects with third parties to operate and maintain the projects under fixed-fee operating and maintenance agreements. Additionally, the Company has various non-cancelable maintenance, service and other contracts primarily related to turbine and equipment maintenance and various other service agreements.

BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $31$44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of non-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in 2017, $181full the December invoices for both Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Legal Matters

The Company is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. The Company does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, renewable portfolio standards, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact the Company's current and future operations. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Hydroelectric Relicensing

PacifiCorp's Klamath hydroelectric system is currently operating under annual licenses with the FERC. In February 2010, PacifiCorp, the United States Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Commerce, the state of California, the state of Oregon and various other governmental and non-governmental settlement parties signed the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement ("KHSA"). Among other things, the KHSA provided that the United States Department of the Interior would conduct scientific and engineering studies to assess whether removal of the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams was in the public interest and would advance restoration of the Klamath Basin's salmonid fisheries. If it is determined dam removal should proceed, dam removal would begin no earlier than 2020.


Congress failed to pass legislation needed to implement the original KHSA. In April 2016, the principal parties to the KHSA (PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon, and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce) executed an amendment to the KHSA. Consistent with the terms of the amended KHSA, in September 2016, PacifiCorp and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation ("KRRC"), a private, independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed by certain signatories of the amended KSHA, jointly filed an application with the FERC to transfer the license for the four mainstem Klamath River hydroelectric generating facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC. Also in September 2016, the KRRC filed an application with the FERC to surrender the license and decommission the same four facilities. The KRRC's license surrender application included a request for the FERC to refrain from acting on the surrender application until after the transfer of the license to the KRRC is effective. In March 2018, the FERC issued an order splitting the existing license for the Klamath Project into two licenses: the Klamath Project (P‑2082) contains East Side, West Side, Keno and Fall Creek developments; the new Lower Klamath Project (P‑14803) contains J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2 and Iron Gate developments. In the same order, the FERC deferred consideration of the transfer of the license for the Lower Klamath facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC until some point in the future. PacifiCorp is currently the licensee for both the Klamath Project and Lower Klamath Project facilities and will retain ownership of the Klamath Project facilities after the approval and transfer of the Lower Klamath Project facilities. In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a motion to stay the effective date of the license amendment until transfer is approved. In June 2018, the FERC granted PacifiCorp's motion to stay the effective date of the Lower Klamath Project license and all related compliance obligations, pending a FERC order on the license transfer. Meanwhile, the FERC continues to assess the KRRC's capacity to become a project licensee for purposes of dam removal. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision in the Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC litigation, on January 25, 2019, finding that the states of California and Oregon have waived their Clean Water Act, Section 401, water quality certification authority over the Klamath hydroelectric project relicensing. PacifiCorp is evaluating the impact of this decision.

Under the amended KHSA, PacifiCorp and its customers are protected from uncapped dam removal costs and liabilities. The KRRC must indemnify PacifiCorp from liabilities associated with dam removal. The amended KHSA also limits PacifiCorp's contribution to facilities removal costs to no more than $200 million, of which up to $184 million would be collected from PacifiCorp's Oregon customers with the remainder to be collected from PacifiCorp's California customers. California voters approved a water bond measure in November 2014 from which the state of California's contribution toward facilities removal costs are being drawn. In accordance with this bond measure, additional funding of up to $250 million for facilities removal costs was included in the California state budget in 2016, with the funding effective for at least five years. If facilities removal costs exceed the combined funding that will be available from PacifiCorp's Oregon and California customers and the state of California, sufficient funds would need to be provided by the KRRC or an entity other than PacifiCorp for removal to proceed.

If certain conditions in the amended KHSA are not satisfied and the license does not transfer to the KRRC, PacifiCorp will resume relicensing with the FERC.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's assets included $44 million of costs associated with the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams and the associated relicensing and settlement costs, which are being depreciated and amortized in accordance with state regulatory approvals through either December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2022, depending upon the state jurisdiction.

Hydroelectric Commitments

Certain of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric licenses contain requirements for PacifiCorp to make certain capital and operating expenditures related to its hydroelectric facilities. PacifiCorp estimates it is obligated to make capital expenditures of approximately $155 million over the next 10 years related to these licenses.

Guarantees

The Company has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results.

(16)
BHE Shareholders' Equity

Common Stock

On March 14, 2000, and as amended on December 7, 2005, BHE's shareholders entered into a Shareholder Agreement that provides specific rights to certain shareholders. One of these rights allows certain shareholders the ability to put their common shares to BHE at the then-current fair value dependent on certain circumstances controlled by BHE.


For the years ended December 31, 2018 and $7402017, BHE repurchased 177,381 shares of its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures due June 2057 in 2019. exchange for 181,819 shares of its common stock.

In February 2019, BHE repurchased 447,712 shares of its common stock for $293 million.

Restricted Net Assets

BHE has maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentage restrictions imposed by its senior unsecured credit facilities expiring in June 2021 which, in certain circumstances, limit BHE's ability to make cash dividends or distributions. As a result of this restriction, BHE has restricted net assets of $16.5 billion as of December 31, 2018.

Certain of BHE's subsidiaries have restrictions on their ability to dividend, loan or advance funds to BHE due to specific legal or regulatory restrictions, including, but not limited to, maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentages and commitments made to state commissions or federal agencies in connection with past acquisitions. As a result of these restrictions, BHE's subsidiaries had restricted net assets of $20.7 billion as of December 31, 2018.

(17)Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

The energy productionfollowing table shows the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
           
           
  Unrecognized Foreign Unrealized Unrealized AOCI
  Amounts on Currency Gains on Gains on Attributable
  Retirement Translation Marketable Cash Flow To BHE
  Benefits Adjustment Securities Hedges Shareholders, Net
           
Balance, December 31, 2015 $(438) $(1,092) $615
 $7
 $(908)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (9) (583) (30) 19
 (603)
Balance, December 31, 2016 (447) (1,675) 585
 26
 (1,511)
Other comprehensive income 64
 546
 500
 3
 1,113
Balance, December 31, 2017 (383) (1,129) 1,085
 29
 (398)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 
 
 (1,085) 
 (1,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 25
 (494) 
 7
 (462)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $(358) $(1,623) $
 $36
 $(1,945)

Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the repoweredyears ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and new wind-powered generating facilities is expected2016 were insignificant. Additionally, refer to qualifythe "Foreign Operations" discussion in Note 12 for 100%information about unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits reclassifications from AOCI that do not impact net income in their entirety.

(18)
Noncontrolling Interests

Included in noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are preferred securities of subsidiaries of $58 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, consisting of $56 million of 8.061% cumulative preferred securities of Northern Electric plc., a subsidiary of Northern Powergrid, which are redeemable in the event of the federal renewablerevocation of Northern Electric plc.'s electricity production tax credit available for 10 years oncedistribution license by the equipment is placed in-service.

Remaining investments relate to operating projects that consistSecretary of routine expenditures for generation, transmission, distributionState, and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand, including upgrades to customer meters in Oregon and Idaho.$2 million of nonredeemable preferred stock of PacifiCorp.


Obligations and Commitments(19)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following table summarizes the Company's energy products and services revenue by regulated energy and nonregulated energy, with further disaggregation of regulated energy by customer class and line of business, including a reconciliation to the Company's reportable segment information included in Note 21 (in millions):
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
  PacifiCorp MidAmerican Funding NV Energy Northern Powergrid BHE Pipeline Group BHE Transmission BHE Renewables 
BHE and
Other(1)
 Total
Customer Revenue:                  
Regulated:                  
Retail Electric $4,732
 $1,915
 $2,773
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(1) $9,419
Retail Gas 
 636
 101
 
 
 
 
 
 737
Wholesale 55
 411
 39
 
 
 
 
 (4) 501
Transmission and
distribution
 103
 56
 96
 892
 
 700
 
 (1) 1,846
Interstate pipeline 
 
 
 
 1,232
 
 
 (125) 1,107
Other 
 
 2
 
 
 
 
 
 2
Total Regulated 4,890
 3,018
 3,011
 892
 1,232
 700
 
 (131) 13,612
Nonregulated 
 14
 
 39
 
 10
 673
 624
 1,360
Total Customer Revenue 4,890
 3,032
 3,011
 931
 1,232
 710
 673
 493
 14,972
Other revenue(2)
 136
 21
 28
 89
 (29) 
 235
 121
 601
Total $5,026
 $3,053
 $3,039
 $1,020
 $1,203
 $710
 $908
 $614
 $15,573
(1)The BHE and Other reportable segment represents amounts related principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.
(2)Includes net payments to counterparties for the financial settlement of certain derivative contracts at BHE Pipeline Group.

Real Estate Services

The following table summarizes the Company's real estate services revenue by line of business (in millions):
 HomeServices
 Year Ended
 Ended December 31,
 2018
Customer Revenue: 
Brokerage$3,882
Franchise67
Total Customer Revenue3,949
Other revenue265
Total$4,214
Contract Assets and Liabilities

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no material contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no material revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period or from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.


Remaining Performance Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company's revenue it expects to recognize in future periods related to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations for fixed contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018, by reportable segment (in millions):
 Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:  
 Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total
BHE Pipeline Group$842
 $5,678
 $6,520

(20)Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments29
 21
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$883
 $1,283

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:     
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$1,713
 $1,715
 $1,673
Income taxes received, net(1)
$780
 $540
 $1,016
      
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:     
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$823
 $653
 $547
Common stock exchanged for junior subordinated debentures$
 $100
 $

(1)Includes $884 million, $636 million and $1.1 billion of income taxes received from Berkshire Hathaway in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


(21)Segment Information

The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid, whose business is principally in the United Kingdom, BHE Transmission, whose business includes operations in Canada, and BHE Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
PacifiCorp$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
MidAmerican Funding3,053
 2,846
 2,631
NV Energy3,039
 3,015
 2,895
Northern Powergrid1,020
 949
 995
BHE Pipeline Group1,203
 993
 978
BHE Transmission710
 699
 502
BHE Renewables908
 838
 743
HomeServices4,214
 3,443
 2,801
BHE and Other(1)
614
 594
 676
Total operating revenue$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Depreciation and amortization:     
PacifiCorp$979
 $796
 $783
MidAmerican Funding609
 500
 479
NV Energy456
 422
 421
Northern Powergrid250
 214
 200
BHE Pipeline Group126
 159
 206
BHE Transmission247
 239
 241
BHE Renewables268
 251
 230
HomeServices51
 66
 31
BHE and Other(1)
(2) (1) 
Total depreciation and amortization$2,984
 $2,646
 $2,591
      
Operating income:     
PacifiCorp$1,051
 $1,440
 $1,429
MidAmerican Funding550
 544
 551
NV Energy607
 766
 774
Northern Powergrid486
 488
 500
BHE Pipeline Group525
 473
 455
BHE Transmission313
 322
 92
BHE Renewables325
 316
 256
HomeServices214
 214
 212
BHE and Other(1)
1
 (41) (22)
Total operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Interest expense:     
PacifiCorp$384
 $381
 $381
MidAmerican Funding247
 237
 218
NV Energy224
 233
 250
Northern Powergrid141
 133
 136
BHE Pipeline Group43
 43
 50
BHE Transmission167
 169
 153
BHE Renewables201
 204
 198
HomeServices23
 7
 2
BHE and Other(1)
408
 434
 466
Total interest expense$1,838
 $1,841
 $1,854
      
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
PacifiCorp$5
 $362
 $341
MidAmerican Funding(262) (202) (139)
NV Energy100
 221
 200
Northern Powergrid61
 57
 22
BHE Pipeline Group119
 170
 163
BHE Transmission7
 (124) 26
BHE Renewables(2)
(158) (795) (32)
HomeServices52
 49
 81
BHE and Other(1)
(507) (292) (259)
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(583) $(554) $403
      
Capital expenditures:     
PacifiCorp$1,257
 $769
 $903
MidAmerican Funding2,332
 1,776
 1,637
NV Energy503
 456
 529
Northern Powergrid566
 579
 579
BHE Pipeline Group427
 286
 226
BHE Transmission270
 334
 466
BHE Renewables817
 323
 719
HomeServices47
 37
 20
BHE and Other22
 11
 11
Total capital expenditures$6,241
 $4,571
 $5,090


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net:     
PacifiCorp$19,591
 $19,203
 $19,162
MidAmerican Funding16,171
 14,221
 12,835
NV Energy9,852
 9,770
 9,825
Northern Powergrid6,007
 6,075
 5,148
BHE Pipeline Group4,904
 4,587
 4,423
BHE Transmission5,824
 6,330
 5,810
BHE Renewables6,155
 5,637
 5,302
HomeServices141
 117
 78
BHE and Other(50) (69) (74)
Total property, plant and equipment, net$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509
      
Total assets:     
PacifiCorp$23,478
 $23,086
 $23,563
MidAmerican Funding20,029
 18,444
 17,571
NV Energy14,119
 13,903
 14,320
Northern Powergrid7,427
 7,565
 6,433
BHE Pipeline Group5,511
 5,134
 5,144
BHE Transmission8,424
 9,009
 8,378
BHE Renewables8,666
 7,687
 7,010
HomeServices2,797
 2,722
 1,776
BHE and Other1,738
 2,658
 1,245
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208
 $85,440
      
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue by country:     
United States$18,014
 $16,916
 $15,895
United Kingdom1,017
 948
 995
Canada710
 699
 506
Philippines and other46
 51
 26
Total operating revenue by country$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss) by country:    
United States$1,425
 $1,927
 $2,264
United Kingdom307
 313
 382
Canada155
 167
 135
Philippines and other78
 100
 69
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity (loss) income by country:$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net by country:     
United States$56,870
 $53,579
 $51,671
United Kingdom5,895
 5,953
 5,020
Canada5,817
 6,323
 5,803
Philippines and other13
 16
 15
Total property, plant and equipment, net by country$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509

(1)The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate to other corporate entities, including MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.

(2)Income tax (benefit) expense includes the tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and the earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
         BHE       BHE  
   MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- and  
 PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other Total
                    
December 31, 2016$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $930
 $75
 $1,470
 $95
 $840
 $
 $9,010
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 508
 
 508
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 61
 
 101
 
 
 
 162
Other
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
December 31, 20171,129
 2,102
 2,369
 991
 73
 1,571
 95
 1,348
 
 9,678
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 79
 
 79
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 (39) 
 (123) 
 
 
 (162)
December 31, 2018$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $952
 $73
 $1,448
 $95
 $1,427
 $
 $9,595


PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section


Item 6.Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth PacifiCorp's selected consolidated historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the information in Item 7 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated historical financial data has been derived from PacifiCorp's audited historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto (in millions).

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:         
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
Operating income(1)
1,051
 1,440
 1,428
 1,347
 1,309
Net income738
 768
 763
 695
 698

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:         
Total assets(2)(3)
$22,313
 $21,920
 $22,394
 $22,367
 $22,205
Short-term debt30
 80
 270
 20
 20
Current portion of long-term debt and         
capital lease obligations352
 588
 58
 68
 134
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations,         
excluding current portion(3)
6,684
 6,437
 7,021
 7,078
 6,885
Total shareholders' equity7,845
 7,555
 7,390
 7,503
 7,756

(1)In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans to Other, net of a $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, a $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016, a $7 million cost as of December 31, 2015, and a $9 million cost as of December 31, 2014, with a corresponding increase or reduction to operating expenses.

(2)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of current deferred income tax assets in the amount of $28 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities.

(3)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, which resulted in the reclassification of certain deferred debt issuance costs previously recognized within other assets in the amount of $34 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in long-term debt.


Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of PacifiCorp during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 6 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. PacifiCorp's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $738 million, a decrease of $30 million, or 4%, compared to 2017, primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher depreciation and amortization expense of $183 million, due to accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million ($170 million offset in income tax expense and $4 million offset in revenue), higher plant in-service, and higher pension and other postretirement expense of $13 million, primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $355 million andhigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of the lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes, lower average wholesale prices, higher purchased electricity from higher prices, and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms, lower natural gas prices, higher wholesale volumes and lower coal-fueled generation volumes. Income tax expense decreased primarily due to lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, and amortization of a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho. Energy generated increased 2% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by lower hydroelectric and coal-fueled generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 15% and purchased electricity volumes decreased 4%.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $768 million, an increase of $5 million, or 1%, compared to 2016, which includes $6 million of income from the 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $762 million, a decrease of $1 million compared to 2016. Net income decreased primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $11 million, higher property and other taxes of $7 million and higher operations and maintenance expenses of $3 million, excluding the impact of DSM program expense of $55 million (offset in operating revenue), partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million, excluding the impact of DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense) of $55 million. Utility margins increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue from higher volumes and short-term market prices, and higher wheeling revenues, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates, and higher coal costs. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential customers' usage in Utah and Oregon, and lower irrigation usage. Energy generated decreased 2% for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by higher coal-fueled, and hydroelectric generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 9% and purchased electricity volumes increased 23%.


Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Management utilizes various key financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, utility margin, to help evaluate results of operations. Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy, which are captions presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

PacifiCorp's cost of fuel and energy is generally recovered from its customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms and as a result, changes in PacifiCorp's expenses result in comparable changes to revenue. As such, management believes utility margin more appropriately and concisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of revenue and cost of fuel and energy separately. Management believes the presentation of utility margin provides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.
Utility margin is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to operating income (in millions) for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Utility margin:             
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211)(4)% $5,237
 5,201
 $36
1 %
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 (13)(1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
1
Utility margin3,269
 3,467
 (198)(6) 3,467
 3,450
 17

Operations and maintenance1,038
 1,034
 4

 1,034
 1,062
 (28)(3)
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 183
23
 796
 770
 26
3
Property and other taxes201
 197
 4
2
 197
 190
 7
4
Operating income$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389)(27) $1,440
 $1,428
 $12
1


A comparison of PacifiCorp's key operating results is as follows for the years ended December 31:

  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
                 
Utility margin (in millions):                
Operating revenue $5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
Cost of fuel and energy 1,757
 1,770
 (13) (1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
 1
Utility margin $3,269
 $3,467
 $(198) (6) $3,467
 $3,450
 $17
 
                 
Sales (GWhs):                
Residential 16,227
 16,625
 (398) (2)% 16,625
 16,058
 567
 4 %
Commercial(1)
 18,078
 17,726
 352
 2
 17,726
 16,857
 869
 5
Industrial, irrigation and other(1)
 20,810
 20,899
 (89) 
 20,899
 21,403
 (504) (2)
Total retail 55,115
 55,250
 (135) 
 55,250
 54,318
 932
 2
Wholesale 8,309
 7,218
 1,091
 15
 7,218
 6,641
 577
 9
Total sales 63,424
 62,468
 956
 2
 62,468
 60,959
 1,509
 2
                 
Average number of retail customers                
(in thousands) 1,900
 1,867
 33
 2 % 1,867
 1,841
 26
 1 %
                 
Average revenue per MWh:                
Retail $84.43
 $87.78
 $(3.35) (4)% $87.78
 $89.55
 $(1.77) (2)%
Wholesale $22.56
 $28.56
 $(6.00) (21)% $28.56
 $26.46
 $2.10
 8 %
                 
Sources of energy (GWhs)(1):
                
Coal 36,481
 37,362
 (881) (2)% 37,362
 36,578
 784
 2 %
Natural gas 10,555
 7,447
 3,108
 42
 7,447
 9,884
 (2,437) (25)
Hydroelectric(2)
 3,263
 4,731
 (1,468) (31) 4,731
 3,843
 888
 23
Wind and other 3,205
 2,890
 315
 11
 2,890
 3,253
 (363) (11)
Total energy generated 53,504
 52,430
 1,074
 2
 52,430
 53,558
 (1,128) (2)
Energy purchased 13,579
 14,076
 (497) (4) 14,076
 11,429
 2,647
 23
Total 67,083
 66,506
 577
 1
 66,506
 64,987
 1,519
 2
                 
Average cost of energy per MWh:                
Energy generated(3)
 $18.91
 $19.14
 $(0.23) (1)% $19.14
 $19.27
 $(0.13) (1)%
Energy purchased $48.23
 $43.25
 $4.98
 12 % $43.25
 $44.64
 $(1.39) (3)%

(1)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.
(2)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of RECs or other environmental commodities.
(3)The average cost per MWh of energy generated includes only the cost of fuel associated with the generating facilities.



Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017

Utility margin decreased $198 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to:
$180 million of lower retail revenue primarily due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million;
$59 million of higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes;
$42 million of lower average wholesale prices;
$41 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher prices; and
$17 million of lower retail revenue from lower retail customer volumes. Retail volumes decreased 0.2% due to the unfavorable impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah, and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.
The decreases above were partially offset by:
$70 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$33 million of lower natural gas costs from lower average prices;
$23 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes; and
$20 million of lower coal costs due to lower volumes.

Operations and maintenance increased $4 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to reserves accrued for 2018 insurance deductibles for third-party property damage and expenses of $7 million and increased maintenance costs partially offset by favorable labor costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased $183 million, or 23%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to $174 million of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC in the tax reform docket to offset excess deferred income taxes benefits owed to customers, and higher plant-in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $4 million, or 2%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds increased $22 million, or 71%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a prior year true-up that reduced AFUDC rates by $13 million and higher qualified construction work-in-progress balances.

Other, net decreased $15 million, or 39% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a pension settlement charge of $22 million, partially offset by lower non-service cost components of pension and other postretirement expenses of $9 million.

Income tax expense decreased $355 million, or 99%, for 2018 compared to 2017 and the effective tax rate was 1% and 32% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The effective tax rate decreased primarily as a result of the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and the amortization of $127 million of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred incomes taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.


Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Utility margin increased $17 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to:
$105 million of higher retail revenues due to increased customer volumes of 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage;
$54 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$40 million of lower natural gas costs primarily due to lower volumes and prices in 2017;
$30 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes and short-term market prices;
$20 million of lower coal costs due to prior year charges related to damaged longwall mining equipment; and
$12 million of higher wheeling revenue, primarily due to increased volumes and short-term prices.
The increases above were partially offset by:
$99 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher volumes;
$64 million of lower average retail rates, primarily due to product mix;
$55 million of lower DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense), primarily driven by the recently implemented Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan ("STEP") program; and
$31 million of higher coal costs due to higher volumes and prices.

Operations and maintenance decreased $28 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a decrease in DSM program expense (offset in revenues) of $55 million driven by the establishment of the Utah STEP program and lower pension expense due to plan changes effective in 2017, partially offset by higher injury and damage expenses, primarily due to prior year accrual for insurance proceeds and current year settlements, and higher labor costs for storm damage restoration. In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of non-service cost amounts for pension and other postretirement benefit plans from Operations and Maintenance expense to Other, net of $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, and $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016.

Depreciation and amortization increased $26 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher plant in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $7 million, or 4%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds decreased $11 million, or 26%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a true-up of AFUDC rates.

Income tax expense increased $20 million, or 6%, for 2017 compared to 2016 and the effective tax rate was 32% and 31% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate increased primarily due to lower production tax credits associated with PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities as a result of the expiration of the 10-year production tax credit periods for certain wind-powered generating facilities, of which 243 MWs and 100 MWs of net owned capacity expired in 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's total net liquidity was as follows (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents $77
   
Credit facilities(1)
 1,200
Less:  
Short-term debt (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (89)
Net credit facilities 1,081
   
Total net liquidity $1,158
   
Credit facilities:  
Maturity dates 2021

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's credit facilities.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The increase is primarily due to current year lower payments for income taxes, a prior year pension contribution and higher current year receipts from wholesale customers, partially offset by lower current year receipts from retail customers and higher payments for purchased power.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Positive variances from the 2016 payment for USA Power litigation, higher receipts from wholesale and retail customers and lower fuel payments, were fully offset by current year higher cash payments for purchased power, income taxes and pension contributions.

The timing of PacifiCorp's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(1,252) million and $(757) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects an increase in capital expenditures of $488 million.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(757) million and $(895) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects a decrease in capital expenditures of $134 million.

Financing Activities

Contractual Obligations
The Company has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes the Company's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
  Payments Due By Periods
    2020- 2022- 2024 and  
  2019 2021 2023 After Total
           
BHE senior debt $
 $800
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures 
 
 
 100
 100
Subsidiary debt 2,106
 2,749
 3,401
 20,007
 28,263
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 1,704
 3,135
 2,864
 18,163
 25,866
Short-term debt 2,516
 
 
 
 2,516
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments(1)
 2,215
 3,039
 2,221
 11,155
 18,630
Construction commitments(1)
 2,330
 639
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements(1)
 197
 337
 250
 1,738
 2,522
Other(1)
 349
 728
 603
 1,443
 3,123
Total contractual cash obligations $11,417
 $11,427
 $10,239
 $59,557
 $92,640

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 8), uncertain tax positions (Note 11) and asset retirement obligations (Note 13), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Additionally, the Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $698 million, $403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and has commitments as of December 31, 2018, subject to satisfaction of certain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions of $1.4 billion in 2019 and 2020 pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.

Regulatory Matters

The Company is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the Company's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of non-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in full the December invoices for both Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Quad Cities Generating Station Operating Status

Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("Exelon Generation"), the operator of Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station") of which MidAmerican Energy has a 25% ownership interest, announced on June 2, 2016, its intention to shut down Quad Cities Station on June 1, 2018, as a result of Illinois not passing adequate legislation and Quad Cities Station not clearing the 2019-2020 PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. capacity auction. MidAmerican Energy expressed to Exelon Generation its desire for the continued operation of the facility through the end of its operating license in 2032 and worked with Exelon Generation on solutions to that end. In December 2016, Illinois passed legislation creating a zero emission standard, which went into effect June 1, 2017. The zero emission standard requires the Illinois Power Agency to purchase zero emission credits ("ZEC's") and recover the costs from certain ratepayers in Illinois, subject to certain limitations. The proceeds from the zero emission credits will provide Exelon Generation additional revenue through 2027 as an incentive for continued operation of Quad Cities Station. For the nuclear assets already in rate base, MidAmerican Energy's customers will not be charged for the subsidy, and MidAmerican Energy will not receive additional revenue from the subsidy.

On February 14, 2017, two lawsuits were filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ("Northern District of Illinois") against the Illinois Power Agency alleging that the state's zero emission credit program violates certain provisions of the United States Constitution. Both complaints argue that the Illinois zero emission credit program will distort the FERC's energy and capacity market auction system of setting wholesale prices. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation intervened and filed motions to dismiss in both lawsuits. On July 14, 2017, the Northern District of Illinois granted the motions to dismiss. On July 17, 2017, the plaintiffs filed appeals with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ("Seventh Circuit"). On May 29, 2018, the United States Department of Justice and the FERC filed an amicus brief arguing federal rules do not preempt Illinois' ZEC program. On September 13, 2018, the Seventh Circuit upheld the Northern District of Illinois' ruling concluding that Illinois' ZEC program does not violate the Federal Power Act, and is thus, constitutional. On January 7, 2019, plaintiffs filed a petition seeking review of the case by the United States Supreme Court.

On January 9, 2017, the Electric Power Supply Association filed two requests with the FERC seeking to expand Minimum Offer Price Rule ("MOPR") provisions to apply to existing resources receiving zero emission credit compensation. If successful, an expanded MOPR could result in an increased risk of Quad Cities Station not clearing in future capacity auctions and Exelon Generation no longer receiving capacity revenues for the facility. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation has filed protests at the FERC in response to each filing. The timing of the FERC's decision with respect to both proceedings is currently unknown and the outcome of these matters is currently uncertain.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact its current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations and capital expenditure requirements, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many laws and regulations are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of BHE and debt and preferred securities of certain of its subsidiaries are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of the rated company's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

BHE and its subsidiaries have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. The Company's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2018, the applicable entities' credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2018, the Company would have been required to post $469 million of additional collateral. The Company's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where BHE's subsidiaries operate have not had a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. In the United States and Canada, the Regulated Businesses operate under cost-of-service based rate structures administered by various state and provincial commissions and the FERC. Under these rate structures, the Regulated Businesses are allowed to include prudent costs in their rates, including the impact of inflation. The price control formula used by the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies incorporates the rate of inflation in determining rates charged to customers. BHE's subsidiaries attempt to minimize the potential impact of inflation on their operations through the use of fuel, energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has certain investments that are accounted for under the equity method in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, an amount is recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as an equity investment and is increased or decreased for the Company's pro-rata share of earnings or losses, respectively, less any dividends from such investments. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of investment tax credits.


As of December 31, 2018, the Company's investments that are accounted for under the equity method had short- and long-term debt of $2.4 billion, unused revolving credit facilities of $129 million and letters of credit outstanding of $88 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's pro-rata share of such short- and long-term debt was $1.2 billion, unused revolving credit facilities was $65 million and outstanding letters of credit was $43 million. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding short- and long-term debt and unused revolving credit facilities is non-recourse to the Company. The entire amount of the Company's pro-rata share of the outstanding letters of credit is recourse to the Company. Although the Company is generally not required to support debt service obligations of its equity investees, default with respect to this non-recourse short- and long-term debt could result in a loss of invested equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting the Company, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by the Company's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

The Regulated Businesses prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Total regulatory assets were $3.1 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $7.5 billion as of December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Regulated Businesses' regulatory assets and liabilities.

Classification and Recognition Methodology

The majority of the Company's commodity derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in the rates of its rate-regulated subsidiaries, and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as net regulatory assets or liabilities. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $110 million recorded as net regulatory assets related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Impairment of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $9.6 billion. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. Additionally, no indicators of impairment were identified as of December 31, 2018. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. Estimated future cash flows are impacted by, among other factors, growth rates, changes in regulations and rates, ability to renew contracts and estimates of future commodity prices. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. Refer to Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's goodwill.

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

The estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what the Company would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect the Company's results of operations.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Certain of the Company's subsidiaries sponsor defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of employees. The Company recognizes the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2018, the Company recognized a net liability totaling $174 million for the funded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets totaled $764 million and in AOCI totaled $497 million.

The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and healthcare cost trend rates. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. The Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the expected asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. The Company regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.


The Company chooses a healthcare cost trend rate that reflects the near and long-term expectations of increases in medical costs and corresponds to the expected benefit payment periods. The healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to gradually decline to 5.00% by 2025, at which point the rate of increase is assumed to remain constant. Refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for healthcare cost trend rate sensitivity disclosures.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (dollars in millions):
 Domestic Plans  
     Other Postretirement United Kingdom
 Pension Plans Benefit Plans Pension Plan
 +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
            
Effect on December 31, 2018           
Benefit Obligations:           
Discount rate$(133) $146
 $(27) $30
 $(172) $147
            
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:           
Discount rate$(1) $1
 $1
 $(1) $(22) $21
Expected rate of return on plan assets(12) 12
 (4) 4
 (11) 11

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and the Company's funding policy for each plan.

Income Taxes

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company's income taxes.

It is probable the Company's regulated businesses will pass income tax benefits and expense related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property-related basis differences and other various differences on to their customers in certain state and provincial jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $3.7 billion and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

The Company has not established deferred income taxes on its undistributed foreign earnings that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of the Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends may be subject to taxation in the United States but the tax is not expected to be material.


Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. The determination of customer invoices is based on a systematic reading of meters, fixed reservation charges based on contractual quantities and rates or, in the case of the Great Britain distribution businesses, when information is received from the national settlement system. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $554 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Unbilled revenue is reversed in the following month and billed revenue is recorded based on the subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. The Company's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates, equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which the Company transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with the Company's business activities. Each of the Company's business platforms has established guidelines for credit risk management.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk primarily through BHE's ownership of the Utilities as they have an obligation to serve retail customer load in their regulated service territories. The Company also provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets. The Utilities' load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage and transmission and transportation constraints. The Company does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To manage a portion of its commodity price risk, the Company uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. The Company does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. The Company's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

The table that follows summarizes the Company's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $59 million and $76 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices with the contracted or expected volumes. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Not designated as hedging contracts$5
 $34
 $(12)
Designated as hedging contracts5
 37
 (21)
Total commodity derivative contracts$10
 $71
 $(33)
      
As of December 31, 2017     
Not designated as hedging contracts$(32) $(18) $(46)
Designated as hedging contracts(1) 35
 (37)
Total commodity derivative contracts$(33) $17
 $(83)

The settled cost of certain of the Company's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts is included in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose the Company to earnings volatility. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, wholesale natural gas or fuel are higher than what is included in regulated rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a net regulatory asset of $110 million and $119 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $5 million and the net derivative liability of $32 million, respectively. The difference between the net regulatory asset and the net derivative liability relates primarily to a power purchase agreement derivative at BHE Renewables. For the Company's commodity derivative contracts designated as hedging contracts, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts, to the extent the hedge is considered effective, generally do not expose the Company to earnings volatility.


Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt, future debt issuances and mortgage commitments. The Company manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, the Company's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose the Company to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if the Company were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of the Company's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 8, 9, 10, and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of the Company's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $4.3 billion and $6.4 billion, respectively, that expose the Company to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The Company may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, forward sale commitments or mortgage interest rate lock commitments, to mitigate the Company's exposure to interest rate risk. Changes in fair value of agreements designated as cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the hedge is effective until the forecasted transaction occurs. Changes in fair value of agreements not designated as hedging contracts are recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $637 million and $679 million, respectively, and £161 million and £136 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had mortgage commitments, net, with notional amounts of $326 million and $422 million, respectively, to protect the Company against an increase in interest rates. The fair value of the Company's interest rate derivative contracts was a net derivative liability of $8 million as of December 31, 2018 and a net derivative asset of $16 million as of December 31, 2017. A hypothetical 20 basis point increase and a 20 basis point decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on the Company.

Equity Price Risk

Market prices for equity securities are subject to fluctuation and consequently the amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of the investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market conditions.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock represented approximately 79% and 81%, respectively, of the total fair value of the Company's equity securities. The majority of the Company's remaining equity securities are held in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets and the realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. The following table summarizes the Company's investment in BYD Company Limited as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the effects of a hypothetical 30% increase and a 30% decrease in market price as of those dates. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).
     Estimated Hypothetical
   Hypothetical Fair Value after Percentage Increase
 Fair Price Hypothetical (Decrease) in BHE
 Value Change Change in Prices Shareholders' Equity
        
As of December 31, 2018$1,435
 30% increase $1,866
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,005
 (1)
        
As of December 31, 2017$1,961
 30% increase $2,549
 1 %
   30% decrease 1,373
 (1)


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

BHE's business operations and investments outside of the United States increase its risk related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates primarily in relation to the British pound and the Canadian dollar. BHE's reporting currency is the United States dollar, and the value of the assets and liabilities, earnings, cash flows and potential distributions from BHE's foreign operations changes with the fluctuations of the currency in which they transact.

Northern Powergrid's functional currency is the British pound. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the British pound to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $460 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for Northern Powergrid of $24 million in 2018.

AltaLink's functional currency is the Canadian dollar. As of December 31, 2018, a 10% devaluation in the Canadian dollar to the United States dollar would result in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet being negatively impacted by a $302 million cumulative translation adjustment in AOCI. A 10% devaluation in the average currency exchange rate would have resulted in lower reported earnings for AltaLink of $17 million in 2018.

Credit Risk

Domestic Regulated Operations

The Utilities are exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent the Utilities' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, the Utilities analyze the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, the Utilities enter into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, the Utilities exercise rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit exposure from wholesale activities totaled $719 million, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, compared to $127 million as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2018, $552 million of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to long-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation by contractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.

Substantially all of MidAmerican Energy's electric wholesale sales revenue results from participation in RTOs, including the MISO and the PJM. MidAmerican Energy's share of historical losses from defaults by other RTO market participants has not been material. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate direct credit exposure from electric wholesale marketing counterparties was not material.

As of December 31, 2018, NV Energy's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.

Northern Natural Gas' primary customers include utilities in the upper Midwest. Kern River's primary customers are electric and natural gas distribution utilities, major oil and natural gas companies or affiliates of such companies, electric generating companies, energy marketing and trading companies and financial institutions. As a general policy, collateral is not required for receivables from creditworthy customers. Customers' financial condition and creditworthiness, as defined by the tariff, are regularly evaluated and historical losses have been minimal. In order to provide protection against credit risk, and as permitted by the separate terms of each of Northern Natural Gas' and Kern River's tariffs, the companies have required customers that lack creditworthiness to provide cash deposits, letters of credit or other security until they meet the creditworthiness requirements of the respective tariff.


Northern Powergrid

The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies charge fees for the use of their distribution systems to supply companies. The supply companies purchase electricity from generators and traders, sell the electricity to end-use customers and use the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' distribution networks pursuant to the multilateral "Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement." The Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies' customers are concentrated in a small number of electricity supply businesses. During 2018, RWE Npower PLC and certain of its affiliates and British Gas Trading Limited represented approximately 19% and 13%, respectively, of the total combined distribution revenue of the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies. The industry operates in accordance with a framework which sets credit limits for each supply business based on its credit rating or payment history and requires them to provide credit cover if their value at risk (measured as being equivalent to 45 days usage) exceeds the credit limit. Acceptable credit typically is provided in the form of a parent company guarantee, letter of credit or an escrow account. Ofgem has indicated that, provided the Northern Powergrid Distribution Companies have implemented credit control, billing and collection in line with best practice guidelines and can demonstrate compliance with the guidelines or are able to satisfactorily explain departure from the guidelines, any bad debt losses arising from supplier default will be recovered through an increase in future allowed income. Losses incurred to date have not been material.

AltaLink

AltaLink's primary source of operating revenue is the AESO, an entity rated AA- by Standard and Poor's. Because of the dependence on a single customer, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair AltaLink's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. Total operating revenue for AltaLink was $710 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables owns independent power projects in the United States and the Philippines that generally have separate project financing agreements. These projects source of operating revenue is derived primarily from long-term power purchase agreements with single customers, primarily utilities, which expire between 2019 and 2043. Because of the dependence generally from a single customer at each project, any material failure of the customer to fulfill its obligations would significantly impair that project's ability to meet its existing and future obligations. On January 29, 2019, a customer of certain BHE Renewables' solar projects filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. See BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk in Item 7 of this Form 10-K for additional information. Total operating revenue for BHE Renewables was $908 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Other Energy Business

MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC ("MES") is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent that MES' counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, MES analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, MES enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, MES exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2018, MES' aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, was not material.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) (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, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) in 2018 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 "Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities".

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

Des Moines, Iowa
February 22, 2019

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1991.



BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Trade receivables, net2,038
 2,014
Income tax receivable90
 334
Inventories844
 888
Mortgage loans held for sale468
 465
Other current assets853
 815
Total current assets5,147
 5,778
    
Property, plant and equipment, net68,595
 65,871
Goodwill9,595
 9,678
Regulatory assets2,896
 2,761
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments4,903
 4,872
Other assets1,053
 1,248
    
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$1,809
 $1,519
Accrued interest469
 488
Accrued property, income and other taxes599
 354
Accrued employee expenses275
 274
Short-term debt2,516
 4,488
Current portion of long-term debt2,106
 3,431
Other current liabilities996
 1,049
Total current liabilities8,770
 11,603
    
BHE senior debt8,577
 5,452
BHE junior subordinated debentures100
 100
Subsidiary debt25,991
 26,210
Regulatory liabilities7,346
 7,309
Deferred income taxes9,047
 8,242
Other long-term liabilities2,635
 2,984
Total liabilities62,466
 61,900
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
    
Equity:   
BHE shareholders' equity:   
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding
 
Additional paid-in capital6,371
 6,368
Long-term income tax receivable(457) 
Retained earnings25,624
 22,206
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(1,945) (398)
Total BHE shareholders' equity29,593
 28,176
Noncontrolling interests130
 132
Total equity29,723
 28,308
    
Total liabilities and equity$92,189
 $90,208

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
Energy$15,573
 $15,171
 $14,621
Real estate4,214
 3,443
 2,801
Total operating revenue19,787
 18,614
 17,422
      
Operating expenses:     
Energy:     
Cost of sales4,769
 4,518
 4,315
Operations and maintenance3,440
 3,210
 3,176
Depreciation and amortization2,933
 2,580
 2,560
Property and other taxes573
 555
 535
Real estate4,000
 3,229
 2,589
Total operating expenses15,715
 14,092
 13,175
    
  
Operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total other income (expense)(2,107) (2,015) (1,397)
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)1,965
 2,507
 2,850
Income tax (benefit) expense(583) (554) 403
Equity income (loss)43
 (151) 123
Net income2,591
 2,910
 2,570
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,568
 $2,870
 $2,542

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of
$8, $9 and $11
25
 64
 (9)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(494) 546
 (583)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax of
 $-, $270 and $(19)

 500
 (30)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of tax of
 $1, $(7) and $13
7
 3
 19
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(462) 1,113
 (603)
      
Comprehensive income2,129
 4,023
 1,967
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests23
 40
 28
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,106
 $3,983
 $1,939

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

 BHE Shareholders' Equity    
       Long-term   Accumulated    
     Additional Income   Other    
 Common Paid-in Tax Retained Comprehensive Noncontrolling Total
 Shares Stock Capital Receivable Earnings Loss, Net Interests Equity
                
Balance, December 31, 201577
 $
 $6,403
 $
 $16,906
 $(908) $134
 $22,535
Net income
 
 
 
 2,542
 
 14
 2,556
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (603) 
 (603)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (20) (20)
Other equity transactions
 
 (13) 
 
 
 8
 (5)
Balance, December 31, 201677
 
 6,390
 
 19,448
 (1,511) 136
 24,463
Net income
 
 
 
 2,870
 
 22
 2,892
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 1,113
 
 1,113
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (22) (22)
Common stock purchases
 
 (1) 
 (18) 
 
 (19)
Common stock exchange
 
 (6) 
 (94) 
 
 (100)
Other equity transactions
 
 (15) 
 
 
 (4) (19)
Balance, December 31, 201777
 
 6,368
 
 22,206
 (398) 132
 28,308
Adoption of ASU 2016-01
 
 
 
 1,085
 (1,085) 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 2,568
 
 20
 2,588
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 (462) 
 (462)
Reclassification of long-term
income tax receivable

 
 
 (609) 
 
 
 (609)
Long-term income tax
receivable adjustments

 
 
 152
 (135) 
 
 17
Common stock purchases
 
 (6) 
 (101) 
 
 (107)
Distributions
 
 
 
 
 
 (23) (23)
Other equity transactions
 
 9
 
 1
 
 1
 11
Balance, December 31, 201877
 $
 $6,371
 $(457) $25,624
 $(1,945) $130
 $29,723

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$2,591
 $2,910
 $2,570
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:     
Losses (gains) on marketable securities, net538
 (14) (10)
Losses (gains) on other items, net56
 455
 62
Depreciation and amortization2,984
 2,646
 2,591
Allowance for equity funds(104) (76) (158)
Equity loss (income), net of distributions45
 260
 (67)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities196
 31
 (34)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits8
 19
 1,090
Other, net67
 12
 (132)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:     
Trade receivables and other assets72
 (74) (110)
Derivative collateral, net27
 (22) 32
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans(54) (91) (79)
Accrued property, income and other taxes199
 (28) 377
Accounts payable and other liabilities145
 50
 (28)
Net cash flows from operating activities6,770
 6,078
 6,104
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(6,241) (4,571) (5,090)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(106) (1,113) (66)
Purchases of marketable securities(329) (190) (141)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities287
 202
 191
Equity method investments(683) (395) (596)
Other, net83
 (12) (34)
Net cash flows from investing activities(6,989) (6,079) (5,736)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from BHE senior debt3,166
 
 
Repayments of BHE senior debt and junior subordinated debentures(1,045) (2,323) (2,000)
Common stock purchases(107) (19) 
Proceeds from subsidiary debt2,352
 1,763
 2,327
Repayments of subsidiary debt(2,422) (1,000) (1,831)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt(1,946) 2,361
 879
Tender offer premium paid
 (435) 
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest(131) 
 
Other, net(41) (73) (65)
Net cash flows from financing activities(174) 274
 (690)
      
Effect of exchange rate changes(7) 7
 (7)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(400) 280
 (329)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,283
 1,003
 1,332
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$883
 $1,283
 $1,003

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Organization and Operations

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") is a holding company that owns a highly diversified portfolio of locally managed businesses principally engaged in the energy industry (collectively with its subsidiaries, the "Company") and is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

The Company's operations are organized as eight business segments: PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") (which primarily consists of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy")), NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy") (which primarily consists of Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific")), Northern Powergrid Holdings Company ("Northern Powergrid") (which primarily consists of Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc), BHE Pipeline Group (which consists of Northern Natural Gas Company ("Northern Natural Gas") and Kern River Gas Transmission Company ("Kern River")), BHE Transmission (which consists of BHE Canada Holdings Corporation ("AltaLink") (which primarily consists of AltaLink, L.P. ("ALP")) and BHE U.S. Transmission, LLC), BHE Renewables and HomeServices of America, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, "HomeServices"). The Company, through these locally managed and operated businesses, owns four utility companies in the United States serving customers in 11 states, two electricity distribution companies in Great Britain, two interstate natural gas pipeline companies in the United States, an electric transmission business in Canada, interests in electric transmission businesses in the United States, a renewable energy business primarily investing in wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects, the second largest residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States and one of the largest residential real estate brokerage franchise networks in the United States.

(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BHE and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. The Consolidated Statements of Operations include the revenue and expenses of any acquired entities from the date of acquisition. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; impairment of goodwill; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy, Nevada Power, Sierra Pacific, Northern Natural Gas, Kern River and ALP (the "Regulated Businesses") prepare their financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, the Regulated Businesses defer the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.


The Company continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit the Regulated Businesses' ability to recover their costs. The Company believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at the federal, state and provincial levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be recognized in net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Alternative valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. Restricted amounts are included in restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

The Company's management determines the appropriate classification of investments in fixed maturity securities at the acquisition date and reevaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments that management does not intend to use or is restricted from using in current operations are presented as noncurrent on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. Trading investments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. The difference between the original cost and maturity value of a fixed maturity security is amortized to earnings using the interest method.

Investment gains and losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other-than-temporarily impaired with respect to securities classified as available-for-sale. If the value of a fixed maturity investment declines to below amortized cost and the decline is deemed other than temporary, the amortized cost of the investment is reduced to fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. Any resulting impairment loss is recognized in earnings if the Company intends to sell, or expects to be required to sell, the debt security before its amortized cost is recovered. If the Company does not expect to ultimately recover the amortized cost basis even if it does not intend to sell the security, the credit loss component is recognized in earnings and any difference between fair value and the amortized cost basis, net of the credit loss, is reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). For regulated fixed maturity investments, any impairment charge is offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset to the extent recovery in regulated rates is probable.


Equity Securities

Beginning January 1, 2018, investments in equity securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as a component of gains (losses) on marketable securities, net. Prior to January 1, 2018, substantially all of the Company's equity security investments were classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recognized in OCI, net of income taxes. All changes in fair value of equity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since the Company expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates.

Equity Method Investments

The Company utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when the investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, the Company records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by the Company's share of the net earnings or losses and OCI of the investee. The Company records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. Certain equity investments are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets net of related investment tax credits.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade receivables are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to the Company by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $42 million and $40 million, respectively, and is included in trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives

The Company employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price, interest rate, and foreign currency exchange rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements. Cash collateral received from or paid to counterparties to secure derivative contract assets or liabilities in excess of amounts offset is included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For the Company's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts and for which changes in fair value are not recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as operating revenue for sales contracts; cost of sales and operating expense for purchase contracts and electricity, natural gas and fuel swap contracts; and other, net for interest rate swap derivatives.

For the Company's derivatives designated as hedging contracts, the Company formally assesses, at inception and thereafter, whether the hedging contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. The Company formally documents hedging activity by transaction type and risk management strategy.


Changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative contract designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to the extent effective, are included on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity as AOCI, net of tax, until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it has determined that a derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, or when it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur. When hedge accounting is discontinued because the derivative contract no longer qualifies as an effective hedge, future changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative contract are charged to earnings. Gains and losses related to discontinued hedges that were previously recorded in AOCI will remain in AOCI until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings, unless it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur at which time associated deferred amounts in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of fuel, which includes coal stocks, stored gas and fuel oil, totaling $273 million and $352 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and materials and supplies totaling $571 million and $536 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The cost of materials and supplies, coal stocks and fuel oil is determined primarily using the average cost method. The cost of stored gas is determined using either the last-in-first-out ("LIFO") method or the lower of average cost or market. With respect to inventories carried at LIFO cost, the replacement cost would be $14 million and $22 million higher as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company capitalizes all construction-related materials, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include capitalized interest, including debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable to the Regulated Businesses. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has regulatory arrangements in Iowa in which the carrying cost of certain utility plant has been reduced for amounts associated with electric returns on equity exceeding specified thresholds.
Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by the Company's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by the Regulated Businesses to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when the Company retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, is capitalized by the Regulated Businesses as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") and the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC"). After construction is completed, the Company is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.


Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. The Company's AROs are primarily related to the decommissioning of nuclear generating facilities and obligations associated with its other generating facilities and offshore natural gas pipelines. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. For the Regulated Businesses, the difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Impairment

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then the identifiable assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. The Company uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. In estimating future cash flows, the Company incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. As such, the determination of fair value incorporates significant unobservable inputs. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not record any material goodwill impairments.

The Company records goodwill adjustments for (a) the tax benefit associated with the excess of tax-deductible goodwill over the reported amount of goodwill and (b) changes to the purchase price allocation prior to the end of the measurement period, which is not to exceed one year from the acquisition date.

Revenue Recognition

Customer Revenue

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, the Company would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between the Company's performance and the customer's payment.


Energy Products and Services

A majority of the Company's energy revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. The Company's energy revenue that is nonregulated primarily relates to the Company's renewable energy business.

Revenue recognized is equal to what the Company has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $554 million and $665 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Real Estate Services

The Company's HomeServices reportable segment consists of separate brokerage, mortgage and franchise businesses. Rates charged for brokerage, mortgage and franchise real estate services are established through contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price and the allocation of the price amongst the separate performance obligations.

The full-service residential real estate brokerage business has performance obligations to deliver integrated real estate services including brokerage services, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, relocation services, and other home-related services to customers. All performance obligations related to the full-service residential real estate brokerage business are satisfied in less than one year at the point in time when a real estate transaction is closed or when services are provided. Commission revenue from real estate brokerage transactions and related amounts due to agents are recognized when a real estate transaction is closed. Title and escrow closing fee revenue from real estate transactions and related amounts due to the title insurer are recognized at closing. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer at closing.

The franchise business operates a network that has performance obligations to provide the right to use certain brand names and other related service marks as well as to provide orientation programs, training and consultation services, advertising programs and other services to its franchisees. The performance obligations related to the franchise business are satisfied over time or when the services are provided. Franchise royalty fees are sales-based variable consideration and are based on a percentage of commissions earned by franchisees on real estate sales, which are recognized when the sale closes. Meetings and training revenue, referral fees, late fees, service fees and franchise termination fees are earned when services have been completed. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the franchisee within 30 days of billing.

Other Revenue

Energy Products and Services

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to power purchase agreements not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" and ASC 840, "Leases" and certain non tariff-based revenue approved by the regulator that is not considered Customer Revenue within ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers."

Real Estate Service

Other revenue consists primarily of revenue related to the mortgage business. Mortgage fee revenue consists of amounts earned related to application and underwriting fees, and fees on canceled loans. Fees associated with the origination and acquisition of mortgage loans are recognized as earned. These amounts are not considered Customer Revenue as they are recognized in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging," ASC 825, "Financial Instruments" and ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing."

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Debt Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing using the effective interest method.

Foreign Currency

The accounts of foreign-based subsidiaries are measured in most instances using the local currency of the subsidiary as the functional currency. Revenue and expenses of these businesses are translated into United States dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Gains or losses from translating the financial statements of foreign-based operations are included in equity as a component of AOCI. Gains or losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity that is party to the transaction are included in earnings.

Income Taxes

The Company's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis. Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its consolidated United States federal and Iowa state income tax returns and substantially all of the Company's United States federal income tax is remitted to or received from Berkshire Hathaway. The Company records the deferred income tax assets associated with the state of Iowa net operating loss carryforward as a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity due to the long-term related-party nature of the income tax receivable.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that the Company's regulated businesses deems probable to be passed on to their customers in most state and provincial jurisdictions are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory commissions.

The Company has not established deferred income taxes on its undistributed foreign earnings that have been determined by management to be reinvested indefinitely; however, the Company periodically evaluates its capital requirements. If circumstances change in the future and a portion of the Company's undistributed foreign earnings were repatriated, the dividends may be subject to taxation in the United States but the tax is not expected to be material.

In determining the Company's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by the Company's various regulatory commissions. The Company's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state, local and foreign income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of the Company's federal, state, local and foreign income tax examinations is uncertain, the Company believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results. The Company's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in accrued property, income and other taxes and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. The Company elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-14 effective December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, which amends FASB ASC Topic 815, "Derivatives and Hedging." The amendments in this guidance update the hedge accounting model to enable entities to better portray the economics of their risk management activities in the financial statements, expands an entity's ability to hedge non-financial and financial risk components and reduces complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item and also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2019 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The Company adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $(8) million and $4 million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, "Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in a decrease to operating cash flows of $15 million and an increase in investing cash flows of $81 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and an increase in operating cash flows and investing cash flows of $22 million and $36 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in the reclassification of certain cash distributions received from equity method investees of $27 million and $26 million previously recognized within investing cash flows to operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in-effect. The Company is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $550 million based on the contracts currently in effect and reclassify approximately $525 million of finance lease right of use assets and lease liabilities previously recognized in property, plant and equipment, net and subsidiary debt to other assets and other liabilities, respectively. The Company currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10, "Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments in this guidance addressed certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including a requirement that all investments in equity securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting or result in consolidation of the investee be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 with a cumulative-effect increase to retained earnings of $1,085 million and a corresponding decrease to AOCI.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which created FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and superseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaced industry-specific guidance and established a single five-step model to identify and recognize Customer Revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Following the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but did not change the core principle of the guidance. The Company adopted this guidance for all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a cumulative effect impact at the date of initial adoption.

(3)    Business Acquisitions

In 2018, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $106 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $39 million, assumed liabilities of $12 million and recognized goodwill of $79 million. Additionally, in April 2018, HomeServices acquired the remaining 33.3% interest in a real estate brokerage franchise business from the noncontrolling interest member at a contractually determined option exercise price totaling $131 million.

In 2017, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $1.1 billion, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which primarily related to residential real estate brokerage businesses, development and construction costs for the 110-megawatt ("MW") Alamo 6 and the 50-MW Pearl solar projects, and the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generation facility at Nevada Power. As a result of the various acquisitions, the Company acquired assets of $1.1 billion, assumed liabilities of $487 million and recognized goodwill of $508 million.

In 2016, the Company completed various acquisitions totaling $66 million, net of cash acquired. The purchase price for each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The assets acquired consisted of property, plant and equipment, development and construction costs for renewable projects, other working capital items, goodwill of $50 million and other identifiable intangible assets. The liabilities assumed totaled $54 million.


(4)Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Depreciable    
 Life 2018 2017
Regulated assets:     
Utility generation, transmission and distribution systems5-80 years $77,288
 $74,660
Interstate natural gas pipeline assets3-80 years 7,524
 7,176
   84,812
 81,836
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (26,010) (24,478)
Regulated assets, net  58,802
 57,358
      
Nonregulated assets:     
Independent power plants5-30 years 6,826
 6,010
Other assets3-30 years 1,498
 1,489
   8,324
 7,499
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (1,641) (1,542)
Nonregulated assets, net  6,683
 5,957
      
Net operating assets  65,485
 63,315
Construction work-in-progress  3,110
 2,556
Property, plant and equipment, net  $68,595
 $65,871

Construction work-in-progress includes $2.9 billion and $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to the construction of regulated assets.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, MidAmerican Energy revised its electric and gas depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study, the most significant impact of which was longer estimated useful lives for certain wind-powered generating facilities. The effect of this change was to reduce depreciation and amortization expense by $3 million in 2016 and $34 million annually based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.

(5)
Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, the Domestic Regulated Businesses, as tenants in common, have undivided interests in jointly owned generation, transmission, distribution and pipeline common facilities. The Company accounts for its proportionate share of each facility and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include the Company's share of the expenses of these facilities.


The amounts shown in the table below represent the Company's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in millions):
     Accumulated Construction
 Company Facility In Depreciation and Work-in-
 Share Service Amortization Progress
PacifiCorp:       
Jim Bridger Nos. 1-467% $1,458
 $647
 $11
Hunter No. 194
 484
 182
 
Hunter No. 260
 298
 121
 5
Wyodak80
 471
 229
 
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 410
 248
 137
 6
Hermiston50
 180
 87
 1
Craig Nos. 1 and 219
 367
 241
 
Hayden No. 125
 74
 37
 
Hayden No. 213
 43
 22
 
Foote Creek79
 40
 27
 1
Transmission and distribution facilitiesVarious 808
 246
 76
Total PacifiCorp  4,471
 1,976
 100
MidAmerican Energy:       
Louisa No. 188% 822
 443
 8
Quad Cities Nos. 1 and 2(1)
25
 723
 407
 10
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 379
 641
 304
 2
Walter Scott, Jr. No. 4(2)
60
 454
 167
 1
George Neal No. 441
 310
 164
 2
Ottumwa No. 152
 630
 209
 6
George Neal No. 372
 442
 196
 3
Transmission facilitiesVarious 257
 92
 
Total MidAmerican Energy  4,279
 1,982
 32
NV Energy:       
Navajo11% 223
 176
 
Valmy50
 389
 252
 1
Transmission facilitiesVarious 226
 49
 1
Total NV Energy  838
 477
 2
BHE Pipeline Group - common facilities
Various 286
 173
 
Total  $9,874
 $4,608
 $134
(1)Includes amounts related to nuclear fuel.
(2)Facility in-service and accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are net of credits applied under Iowa revenue sharing arrangements totaling $319 million and $88 million, respectively.


(6)Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future regulated rates. The Company's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Employee benefit plans(1)
16 years
 $773
 $675
Asset retirement obligations17 years
 375
 334
Asset disposition costsVarious 358
 387
Deferred income taxes(2)
Various 196
 143
Deferred operating costs10 years
 141
 147
Abandoned projects2 years
 134
 156
Unrealized loss on regulated derivative contracts2 years
 120
 122
Deferred net power costs2 years
 103
 58
Unamortized contract values5 years
 79
 89
OtherVarious 788
 839
Total regulatory assets  $3,067
 $2,950
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $171
 $189
Noncurrent assets  2,896
 2,761
Total regulatory assets  $3,067
 $2,950
(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.
(2)Amounts primarily represent income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

The Company had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Regulatory Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. The Company's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Deferred income taxes(1)
Various $3,923
 $4,143
Cost of removal(2)
28 years
 2,426
 2,349
Levelized depreciation30 years
 329
 332
Asset retirement obligations34 years
 163
 177
Impact fees4 years
 88
 89
OtherVarious 577
 421
Total regulatory liabilities  $7,506
 $7,511
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $160
 $202
Noncurrent liabilities  7,346
 7,309
Total regulatory liabilities  $7,506
 $7,511

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. See Note 11 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.
(2)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

ALP General Tariff Application ("GTA")

In 2014, ALP filed a GTA requesting the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC") to approve revenue requirements of C$811 million for 2015 and C$1.0 billion for 2016, primarily due to continued investment in capital projects as directed by the Alberta Electric System Operator. ALP amended the GTA in June 2015 to propose transmission tariff relief measures for customers and modifications to its capital structure. ALP also amended and updated the GTA in October 2015, reducing the requested revenue requirements to C$672 million for 2015 and C$704 million for 2016. In May 2016, the AUC issued its decision pertaining to the 2015-2016 GTA. ALP filed its 2015-2016 GTA compliance filing in July 2016 to comply with the AUC's decision.

The compliance filing requested the AUC to approve revenue requirements of C$599 million for 2015 and C$685 million for 2016. The decreased revenue requirements requested in the compliance filing, as compared to the 2015-2016 GTA filing updated in October 2015, were primarily due to the AUC approval of ALP's proposed immediate tariff relief of C$415 million for customers for 2015 and 2016, through (i) the discontinuance of construction work-in-progress ("CWIP") in rate base and the return to allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") accounting effective January 1, 2015, resulting in a C$82 million reduction of revenue requirement and the refund of C$277 million previously collected as CWIP in rate base as part of ALP's transmission tariffs during 2011-2014 less related returns of C$12 million and (ii) a change to the flow through method for calculating income taxes for 2016, resulting in further tariff relief of C$68 million.

Operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016, included a one-time reduction of $200 million from the 2015-2016 GTA decision received in May 2016 at ALP. The 2015-2016 GTA decision required ALP to refund $200 million to customers in 2016 through reduced monthly billings for the change from receiving cash during construction for the return on CWIP in rate base to recording allowance for borrowed and equity funds used during construction related to construction expenditures during the 2011 to 2014 time period. This amount is offset with higher capitalized interest and allowance for equity funds in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the decision required ALP to change to the flow through method of recognizing income tax expense effective January 1, 2016. This change reduced operating revenue by $45 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, with offsetting impacts to income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


(7)Investments and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Investments:   
BYD Company Limited common stock$1,435
 $1,961
Rabbi trusts371
 441
Other168
 124
Total investments1,974
 2,526
    
Equity method investments:   
BHE Renewables tax equity investments1,661
 1,025
Electric Transmission Texas, LLC527
 524
Bridger Coal Company99
 137
Other153
 148
Total equity method investments2,440
 1,834
    
Restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments:   
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds504
 515
Restricted cash and cash equivalents256
 348
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments760
 863
    
Total investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments$5,174
 $5,223
    
Reflected as:   
Other current assets$271
 $351
Noncurrent assets4,903
 4,872
Total investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments$5,174
 $5,223

Investments

BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited common stock is accounted for as a marketable security with changes in fair value recognized in net income.

Rabbi trusts primarily hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain current and former key executives and directors. The Rabbi trusts were established to hold investments used to fund the obligations of various nonqualified executive and director compensation plans and to pay the costs of the trusts. The amount represents the cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value.

The portion of unrealized losses related to marketable securities still held as of December 31, 2018 is calculated as follows (in millions):
 Year Ended
 December 31,
 2018
Losses on marketable securities recognized during the period$(538)
Less: Net gains recognized during the period on marketable securities sold during the period2
Unrealized losses recognized during the period on marketable securities still held at the reporting date$(540)


Equity Method Investments

The Company has invested in projects sponsored by third parties, commonly referred to as tax equity investments. Under the terms of these tax equity investments, the Company has entered into equity capital contribution agreements with the project sponsors that require contributions. The Company has made contributions of $698 million, $403 million and $584 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, pursuant to these equity capital contribution agreements as the various projects achieve commercial operation. Once a project achieves commercial operation, the Company enters into a partnership agreement with the project sponsor that directs and allocates the operating profits and tax benefits from the project.

BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 50% of Electric Transmission Texas, LLC, which owns and operates electric transmission assets in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas footprint. BHE, through a subsidiary, owns 66.67% of Bridger Coal Company ("Bridger Coal"), which is a coal mining joint venture that supplies coal to the Jim Bridger Nos. 1-4 generating facility. Bridger Coal is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bridger Coal's economic performance are shared with the joint venture partner. See Note 11 for discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts to equity earnings recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Restricted Investments

MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds for decommissioning the Quad Cities Nuclear Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station"). These investments in debt and equity securities are reported at fair value. Funds are invested in the trust in accordance with applicable federal and state investment guidelines and are restricted for use as reimbursement for costs of decommissioning the Quad Cities Station, which are currently licensed for operation until December 2032.

(8)Short-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

The following table summarizes BHE's and its subsidiaries' availability under their credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):
     MidAmerican NV Northern      
 BHE PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid AltaLink Other 
Total(1)
2018:               
Credit facilities(2)
$3,500
 $1,200
 $1,309
 $650
 $231
 $639
 $1,585
 $9,114
Less:               
Short-term debt(983) (30) (240) 
 (77) (345) (841) (2,516)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit
 (89) (370) (80) 
 (4) 
 (543)
Net credit facilities$2,517
 $1,081
 $699
 $570
 $154
 $290
 $744
 $6,055
                
2017:               
Credit facilities$3,600
 $1,000
 $909
 $650
 $203
 $1,054
 $1,635
 $9,051
Less:               
Short-term debt(3,331) (80) 
 
 
 (345) (732) (4,488)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit(7) (130) (370) (80) 
 (7) 
 (594)
Net credit facilities$262
 $790
 $539
 $570
 $203
 $702
 $903
 $3,969
(1)The table does not include unused credit facilities and letters of credit for investments that are accounted for under the equity method.
(2)    Includes the drawn uncommitted credit facilities totaling $39 million at Northern Powergrid.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenants of its credit facilities and letter of credit arrangements.

BHE

BHE has a $3.5 billion unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. This credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and also supports BHE's commercial paper program and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at BHE's option, plus a spread that varies based on BHE's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.


As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.76% and 1.74%, respectively. This credit facility requires that BHE's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.70 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE had $115 million and $96 million, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding, of which $- million and $7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were issued under the credit facility. These letters of credit primarily support power purchase agreements and debt service requirements at certain subsidiaries of BHE Renewables, LLC expiring through January 2020 and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.

PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent and a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which support PacifiCorp's commercial paper program, certain series of its tax-exempt bond obligations and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have variable interest rates based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at PacifiCorp's option, plus a spread that varies based on PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.85% and 1.83%, respectively. These credit facilities require that PacifiCorp's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had $184 million and $230 million, respectively, of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, $170 million and $216 million, respectively, of these letters of credit support PacifiCorp's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and expire in March 2019 and $14 million support certain transactions required by third parties and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.

MidAmerican Funding

MidAmerican Energy has a $900 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which supports MidAmerican Energy's commercial paper program and its variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at MidAmerican Energy's option, plus a spread that varies based on MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings for senior unsecured long-term debt securities. As of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy had a $400 million unsecured credit facility expiring November 2019, which it terminated in January 2019.

As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.49%. The credit facility requires that MidAmerican Energy's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

NV Energy

Nevada Power has a $400 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 and Sierra Pacific has a $250 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 each with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which are for general corporate purposes and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at each of the Nevada Utilities' option, plus a spread that varies based on each of the Nevada Utilities' credit ratings for its senior secured long‑term debt securities. Amounts due under each credit facility are collateralized by each of the Nevada Utilities' general and refunding mortgage bonds. These credit facilities require that each of the Nevada Utilities' ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

Northern Powergrid

Northern Powergrid has a £150 million unsecured credit facility expiring in April 2020. The credit facility has a variable interest rate based on sterling London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread that varies based on its credit ratings. The credit facility requires that the ratio of consolidated senior total net debt, including current maturities, to regulated asset value not exceed 0.8 to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid and 0.65 to 1.0 at Northern Powergrid (Northeast) Limited and Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) plc as of June 30 and December 31. Northern Powergrid's interest coverage ratio shall not be less than 2.5 to 1.0.


AltaLink

ALP has a C$500 million secured revolving credit facility expiring in December 2023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which provides support for borrowings under the unsecured commercial paper program and may also be used for general corporate purposes, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at ALP's option, based on ALP's credit ratings for its senior secured long-term debt securities. In addition, ALP has a C$75 million secured revolving credit facility expiring in December 2023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which may be used for general corporate purposes and letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate, United States base rate, a spread above the United States LIBOR loan rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at ALP's option, based on ALP's credit ratings for its senior secured long-term debt securities.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, ALP had $281 million and $121 million outstanding under these facilities at a weighted average interest rate of 2.26% and 1.42%, respectively. The credit facilities require the consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization not exceed 0.75 to 1.0 measured as of the last day of each quarter.

AltaLink Investments, L.P. has a C$300 million unsecured revolving term credit facility expiring in December 2023 with a recurring one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which may be used for general corporate purposes and letters of credit to a maximum of C$10 million, has a variable interest rate based on the Canadian bank prime lending rate, United States base rate, a spread above the United States LIBOR loan rate or a spread above the Bankers' Acceptance rate, at AltaLink Investments, L.P.'s option, based on AltaLink Investments, L.P.'s credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities. 

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, AltaLink Investments, L.P. had $64 million and $224 million outstanding under this facility at a weighted average interest rate of 3.25% and 2.40%, respectively. The credit facility requires the consolidated total debt to capitalization to not exceed 0.8 to 1.0 and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense for the four fiscal quarters ended to not be less than 2.25 to 1.0 measured as of the last day of each quarter.

HomeServices

HomeServices has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in September 2022. The credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the LIBOR or a base rate, at HomeServices' option, plus a spread that varies based on HomeServices' total net leverage ratio as of the last day of each quarter. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, HomeServices had $404 million and $292 million, respectively, outstanding under its credit facility with a weighted average interest rate of 3.94% and 2.75%, respectively.

Through its subsidiaries, HomeServices maintains mortgage lines of credit totaling $985 million and $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, used for mortgage banking activities that expire beginning in January 2019 through December 2019 or are due on demand. The mortgage lines of credit have variable rates based on LIBOR plus a spread. Collateral for these credit facilities is comprised of residential property being financed and is equal to the loans funded with the facilities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, HomeServices had $436 million and $440 million, respectively, outstanding under these mortgage lines of credit at a weighted average interest rate of 4.42% and 3.60%, respectively.

BHE Renewables Letters of Credit

Topaz and Solar Star have separate letter of credit and reimbursement facilities used to (a) provide security under the power purchase agreement and large generator interconnection agreements, (b) fund the debt service reserve requirement and the operation and maintenance debt service reserve requirement and (c) provide security for remediation and mitigation liabilities. As of December 31, 2018, Topaz had $127 million of letters of credit issued under its $134 million facility and Solar Star had $92 million of letters of credit issued under its $105 million facility. As of December 31, 2017, Topaz had $75 million of letters of credit issued under its $134 million facility and Solar Star had $282 million of letters of credit issued under its $301 million facility.

As of December 31, 2018and 2017, certain other renewable projects collectively have letters of credit outstanding of $103 million and $118 million, respectively, primarily in support of the power purchase agreements associated with the projects.


(9)
BHE Debt

Senior Debt

BHE senior debt represents unsecured senior obligations of BHE that are redeemable in whole or in part at any time generally with make-whole premiums. BHE senior debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
      
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2018
 
 650
2.00% Senior Notes, due 2018
 
 350
2.40% Senior Notes, due 2020350
 349
 349
2.375% Senior Notes, due 2021450
 448
 
2.80% Senior Notes, due 2023400
 398
 
3.75% Senior Notes, due 2023500
 498
 498
3.50% Senior Notes, due 2025400
 398
 398
3.250% Senior Notes, due 2028600
 594
 
8.48% Senior Notes, due 2028256
 257
 302
6.125% Senior Bonds, due 20361,670
 1,661
 1,660
5.95% Senior Bonds, due 2037550
 547
 547
6.50% Senior Bonds, due 2037225
 222
 222
5.15% Senior Notes, due 2043750
 740
 739
4.50% Senior Notes, due 2045750
 738
 737
3.80% Senior Notes, due 2048750
 737
 
4.45% Senior Notes, due 20491,000
 990
 
Total BHE Senior Debt$8,651
 $8,577
 $6,452
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $
 $1,000
Noncurrent liabilities  8,577
 5,452
Total BHE Senior Debt  $8,577
 $6,452

Junior Subordinated Debentures

BHE junior subordinated debentures consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
      
Junior subordinated debentures, due 2057100
 100
 100
Total BHE junior subordinated debentures - noncurrent
$100
 $100
 $100

In June 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures due June 2057 in exchange for 181,819 shares of BHE no par value common stock held by a minority shareholder. The junior subordinated debentures are redeemable at BHE's option at any time from and after June 15, 2037, at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. Interest expense to the minority shareholder for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $5 million and $3 million, respectively.


(10)Subsidiary Debt

BHE's direct and indirect subsidiaries are organized as legal entities separate and apart from BHE and its other subsidiaries. Pursuant to separate financing agreements, substantially all of PacifiCorp's electric utility properties; the equity interest of MidAmerican Funding's subsidiary; MidAmerican Energy's electric utility properties in the state of Iowa; substantially all of Nevada Power's and Sierra Pacific's properties in the state of Nevada; AltaLink's transmission properties; and substantially all of the assets of the subsidiaries of BHE Renewables that are direct or indirect owners of solar and wind generation projects are pledged or encumbered to support or otherwise provide the security for their related subsidiary debt. It should not be assumed that the assets of any subsidiary will be available to satisfy BHE's obligations or the obligations of its other subsidiaries. However, unrestricted cash or other assets which are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law, regulatory commitments and the terms of financing and ring-fencing arrangements for such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to BHE or affiliates thereof. The long-term debt of BHE's subsidiaries may include provisions that allow BHE's subsidiaries to redeem such debt in whole or in part at any time. These provisions generally include make-whole premiums.

Distributions at these separate legal entities are limited by various covenants including, among others, leverage ratios, interest coverage ratios and debt service coverage ratios. As of December 31, 2018, all subsidiaries were in compliance with their long-term debt covenants. On January 29, 2019, PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (the "PG&E Utility") (together "PG&E") filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. As a result, the Company does not expect to receive distributions from Topaz Solar Farms LLC ("Topaz") or Agua Caliente Solar, LLC ("Agua Caliente") in the near term.

Long-term debt of subsidiaries consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
      
PacifiCorp$7,076
 $7,036
 $7,025
MidAmerican Funding5,668
 5,599
 5,259
NV Energy4,321
 4,318
 4,581
Northern Powergrid2,621
 2,626
 2,805
BHE Pipeline Group1,050
 1,042
 796
BHE Transmission3,856
 3,842
 4,334
BHE Renewables3,438
 3,401
 3,594
HomeServices233
 233
 247
Total subsidiary debt$28,263
 $28,097
 $28,641
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $2,106
 $2,431
Noncurrent liabilities  25,991
 26,210
Total subsidiary debt  $28,097
 $28,641


PacifiCorp

PacifiCorp's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
First mortgage bonds:     
2.95% to 8.53%, due through 2023$1,824
 $1,821
 $2,320
3.35% to 6.71%, due 2024 to 2026775
 771
 771
7.70% due 2031300
 298
 298
5.25% to 6.35%, due 2034 to 20382,350
 2,338
 2,337
4.10% to 6.00%, due 2039 to 2042950
 939
 938
4.125%, due 2049600
 593
 
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2018-1.67% to 1.85%; 2017-1.60% to 1.87%):     
Due 2018 to 202038
 38
 79
Due 2018 to 2025(1)
25
 25
 70
Due 2024(1)(2)
143
 142
 142
Due 2024 to 2025(2)
50
 50
 50
Capital lease obligations - 8.75% to 14.61%, due through 203521
 21
 20
Total PacifiCorp$7,076
 $7,036
 $7,025

(1)Supported by $170 million and $216 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed bank arrangements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)Secured by pledged first mortgage bonds registered to and held by the tax-exempt bond trustee generally with the same interest rates, maturity dates and redemption provisions as the tax-exempt bond obligations.

The issuance of PacifiCorp's first mortgage bonds is limited by available property, earnings tests and other provisions of PacifiCorp's mortgage. Approximately $28 billion of PacifiCorp's eligible property (based on original cost) was subject to the lien of the mortgage as of December 31, 2018.


MidAmerican Funding

MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
MidAmerican Funding:     
6.927% Senior Bonds, due 2029$240
 $217
 $216
      
MidAmerican Energy:     
Tax-exempt bond obligations -     
Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligation series: (2018-1.74%, 2017-1.91%), due 2023-2047370
 368
 368
First Mortgage Bonds:     
2.40%, due 2019500
 500
 499
3.70%, due 2023250
 249
 248
3.50%, due 2024500
 501
 501
3.10%, due 2027375
 372
 372
4.80%, due 2043350
 346
 346
4.40%, due 2044400
 394
 394
4.25%, due 2046450
 445
 445
3.95%, due 2047475
 470
 470
3.65%, due 2048700
 688
 
Notes:     
5.30% Series, due 2018
 
 350
6.75% Series, due 2031400
 396
 396
5.75% Series, due 2035300
 298
 298
5.80% Series, due 2036350
 348
 348
Transmission upgrade obligation, 4.45% and 3.42% due through 2035 and 2036, respectively7
 5
 6
Capital lease obligations - 4.16%, due through 20201
 2
 2
Total MidAmerican Energy5,428
 5,382
 5,043
Total MidAmerican Funding$5,668
 $5,599
 $5,259

In January 2019, MidAmerican Energy issued $600 million of its 3.65% First Mortgage Bonds due April 2029 and $900 million of its 4.25% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2049. In February 2019, MidAmerican Energy redeemed $500 million of its 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due in March 2019 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

Pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, as amended by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 19, 2013, MidAmerican Energy's first mortgage bonds, currently and from time to time outstanding, are secured by a first mortgage lien on substantially all of its electric generating, transmission and distribution property within the state of Iowa, subject to certain exceptions and permitted encumbrances. As of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy's eligible property subject to the lien of the mortgage totaled approximately $18 billion based on original cost. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy's senior notes outstanding are equally and ratably secured with the first mortgage bonds as required by the indentures under which the senior notes were issued.

MidAmerican Energy's variable-rate tax-exempt obligations bear interest at rates that are periodically established through remarketing of the bonds in the short-term tax-exempt market. MidAmerican Energy, at its option, may change the mode of interest calculation for these bonds by selecting from among several floating or fixed rate alternatives. The interest rates shown in the table above are the weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. MidAmerican Energy maintains revolving credit facility agreements to provide liquidity for holders of these issues and $180 million of the variable rate, tax-exempt bonds are secured by an equal amount of first mortgage bonds pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, as supplemented and amended.


NV Energy

NV Energy's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
NV Energy -     
6.250% Senior Notes, due 2020$315
 $330
 $337
      
Nevada Power:     
General and refunding mortgage securities:     
6.500% Series O, due 2018
 
 324
6.500% Series S, due 2018
 
 499
7.125% Series V, due 2019500
 500
 499
2.750%, Series BB, due 2020575
 574
 
6.650% Series N, due 2036367
 360
 359
6.750% Series R, due 2037349
 348
 348
5.375% Series X, due 2040250
 248
 248
5.450% Series Y, due 2041250
 244
 244
Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.800% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017A, due 2032(1)
40
 40
 40
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017, due 2036(1)
40
 39
 39
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017B, due 2039(1)
13
 13
 13
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.750% to 11.600%, due through 2054463
 463
 475
Total Nevada Power2,847
 2,829
 3,088
      
Sierra Pacific:     
General and refunding mortgage securities:     
3.375% Series T, due 2023250
 249
 249
2.600% Series U, due 2026400
 396
 396
6.750% Series P, due 2037252
 256
 256
Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.250% Pollution Control Series 2016A, due 2029(2)
20
 20
 20
1.500% Gas Facilities Series 2016A, due 2031(2)
59
 58
 58
3.000% Gas and Water Series 2016B, due 2036(3)
60
 62
 63
Variable-rate series (2018 - 1.750% to 1.820%, 2017 - 1.690% to 1.840%):     
Water Facilities Series 2016C, due 203630
 30
 30
Water Facilities Series 2016D, due 203625
 25
 25
Water Facilities Series 2016E, due 203625
 25
 25
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.700% to 10.297%, due through 205438
 38
 34
Total Sierra Pacific1,159
 1,159
 1,156
Total NV Energy$4,321
 $4,318
 $4,581

(1)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Nevada Power in May 2020 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.
(2)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2019 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.
(3)    Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2022 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.

The issuance of General and Refunding Mortgage Securities by the Nevada Utilities are subject to PUCN approval and are limited by available property and other provisions of the mortgage indentures for each of Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $8.5 billion of Nevada Power's and $4.1 billion of Sierra Pacific's (based on original cost) property was subject to the liens of the mortgages.

Northern Powergrid

Northern Powergrid and its subsidiaries' long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 
Par Value(1)
 2018 2017
      
8.875% Bonds, due 2020$128
 $133
 $144
9.25% Bonds, due 2020255
 260
 279
3.901% to 4.586% European Investment Bank loans, due 2018 to 2022294
 293
 366
7.25% Bonds, due 2022255
 262
 279
2.50% Bonds due 2025191
 189
 200
2.073% European Investment Bank loan, due 202564
 65
 69
2.564% European Investment Bank loans, due 2027319
 318
 336
7.25% Bonds, due 2028237
 241
 256
4.375% Bonds, due 2032191
 188
 199
5.125% Bonds, due 2035255
 252
 267
5.125% Bonds, due 2035191
 189
 200
Variable-rate bond, due 2026(2)
241
 236
 210
Total Northern Powergrid$2,621
 $2,626
 $2,805

(1)The par values for these debt instruments are denominated in sterling.
(2)Amortizes semiannually and the Company has entered into an interest rate swap that fixes the interest rate on 85% of the outstanding debt. The variable interest rate as of December 31, 2018 was 2.66% while the fixed interest rate was 2.82%.

BHE Pipeline Group

BHE Pipeline Group's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
Northern Natural Gas:     
5.75% Senior Notes, due 2018$
 $
 $200
4.25% Senior Notes, due 2021200
 199
 199
5.80% Senior Bonds, due 2037150
 149
 149
4.10% Senior Bonds, due 2042250
 248
 248
4.30% Senior Bonds, due 2049450
 446
 
Total BHE Pipeline Group$1,050
 $1,042
 $796


BHE Transmission

BHE Transmission's long-term debt consists of the following, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 
Par Value(1)
 2018 2017
AltaLink Investments, L.P.:     
Series 12-1 Senior Bonds, 3.674%, due 2019$147
 $148
 $162
Series 13-1 Senior Bonds, 3.265%, due 2020147
 148
 161
Series 15-1 Senior Bonds, 2.244%, due 2022147
 146
 158
Total AltaLink Investments, L.P.441
 442
 481
      
AltaLink, L.P.:     
Series 2008-1 Notes, 5.243%, due 2018
 
 159
Series 2013-2 Notes, 3.621%, due 202092
 92
 99
Series 2012-2 Notes, 2.978%, due 2022202
 201
 218
Series 2013-4 Notes, 3.668%, due 2023366
 366
 397
Series 2014-1 Notes, 3.399%, due 2024256
 256
 278
Series 2016-1 Notes, 2.747%, due 2026256
 255
 277
Series 2006-1 Notes, 5.249%, due 2036110
 109
 119
Series 2010-1 Notes, 5.381%, due 204092
 91
 99
Series 2010-2 Notes, 4.872%, due 2040110
 109
 119
Series 2011-1 Notes, 4.462%, due 2041202
 201
 218
Series 2012-1 Notes, 3.990%, due 2042385
 380
 412
Series 2013-3 Notes, 4.922%, due 2043256
 256
 278
Series 2014-3 Notes, 4.054%, due 2044216
 215
 233
Series 2015-1 Notes, 4.090%, due 2045256
 255
 277
Series 2016-2 Notes, 3.717%, due 2046330
 328
 356
Series 2013-1 Notes, 4.446%, due 2053183
 183
 198
Series 2014-2 Notes, 4.274%, due 206495
 95
 103
Total AltaLink, L.P.3,407
 3,392
 3,840
      
Other:     
Construction Loan, 5.660%, due 20208
 8
 13
      
Total BHE Transmission$3,856
 $3,842
 $4,334

(1)The par values for these debt instruments are denominated in Canadian dollars.


BHE Renewables

BHE Renewables' long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
Fixed-rate(1):
     
Bishop Hill Holdings Senior Notes, 5.125%, due 203285
 84
 93
Solar Star Funding Senior Notes, 3.950%, due 2035295
 292
 310
Solar Star Funding Senior Notes, 5.375%, due 2035924
 915
 965
Grande Prairie Wind Senior Notes, 3.860%, due 2037396
 392
 404
Topaz Solar Farms Senior Notes, 5.750%, due 2039718
 709
 745
Topaz Solar Farms Senior Notes, 4.875%, due 2039207
 205
 217
Alamo 6 Senior Notes, 4.170%, due 2042224
 221
 229
Other16
 16
 19
Variable-rate(1):
     
Pinyon Pines I and II Term Loans, due 2019(2)
310
 310
 333
TX Jumbo Road Term Loan, due 2025(2)
180
 176
 193
Marshall Wind Term Loan, due 2026(2)
83
 81
 86
Total BHE Renewables$3,438
 $3,401
 $3,594

(1)Amortizes quarterly or semiannually.
(2)
The term loans have variable interest rates based on LIBOR plus a margin that varies during the terms of the agreements. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps that fix the interest rate on 75% of the Pinyon Pines outstanding debt and 100% of the TX Jumbo Road and Marshall Wind outstanding debt. The variable interest rate as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 4.55% and 3.32%, respectively, while the fixed interest rates as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 ranged from 3.21% to 3.63%.

HomeServices

HomeServices' long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
Variable-rate(1):
     
Variable-rate term loan (2018 - 4.022%, 2017 - 2.819%), due 2022$233
 $233
 $247

(1)Amortizes quarterly.


Annual Repayments of Long-Term Debt

The annual repayments of BHE and subsidiary debt for the years beginning January 1, 2019 and thereafter, excluding fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, are as follows (in millions):
           2024 and  
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
              
BHE senior notes$
 $350
 $450
 $
 $900
 $6,951
 $8,651
BHE junior subordinated debentures
 
 
 
 
 100
 100
PacifiCorp352
 40
 425
 606
 450
 5,203
 7,076
MidAmerican Funding500
 2
 
 1
 315
 4,850
 5,668
NV Energy523
 913
 28
 29
 271
 2,557
 4,321
Northern Powergrid80
 462
 31
 479
 33
 1,536
 2,621
BHE Pipeline Group
 
 200
 
 
 850
 1,050
BHE Transmission148
 245
 
 348
 367
 2,748
 3,856
BHE Renewables483
 168
 175
 172
 177
 2,263
 3,438
HomeServices20
 27
 33
 153
 
 
 233
Totals$2,106
 $2,207
 $1,342
 $1,788
 $2,513
 $27,058
 $37,014

(11)Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacted many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, the one-time repatriation tax of foreign earnings and profits and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, in December 2017, the Company reduced deferred income tax liabilities $7,115 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for the Company's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, the Company increased net regulatory liabilities by $5,950 million. The reduction in deferred income tax liabilities also resulted in a decrease in deferred income tax expense of $1,150 million, mostly driven by the Company's non-regulated businesses, primarily BHE Renewables, BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited and HomeServices.

As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, BHE's consolidated net income in 2017 increased by $516 million primarily due to benefits from reductions in deferred income tax liabilities of $1,150 million, partially offset by an accrual for the deemed repatriation of undistributed foreign earnings and profits totaling $419 million and equity earnings charges totaling $228 million mainly for amounts to be returned to the customers of equity investments in regulated entities.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. The Company recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform in December 2017 and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of the repatriation tax on foreign earnings and interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. The Company determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to these two items to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. The Company believed the estimates for the repatriation tax to be reasonable, however, additional time was required to validate the inputs to the foreign earnings and profits calculation, the basis on which the repatriation tax is determined and additional guidance was required to determine state income tax implications. The Company also believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, the Company finalized its provisional amounts resulting in a $134 million reduction to the repatriation tax liability estimate, based on further analysis of the earnings and profits completed during 2018 and additional guidance from certain states. In addition, the Company recorded a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $68 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and the nature of the Company's regulated businesses, the Company reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $27 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Iowa Senate File 2417

In May 2018, Iowa Senate File 2417 was signed into law, which, among other items, reduces the state of Iowa corporate tax rate from 12% to 9.8% and eliminates corporate federal deductibility, both for tax years starting in 2021. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of Iowa Senate File 2417, the Company reduced deferred income tax liabilities $61 million and decreased deferred income tax expense by $2 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for the Company's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, the Company increased net regulatory liabilities by $59 million. In connection with Iowa Senate File 2417, the Company determined it was more appropriate to present the deferred income tax assets of $609 million associated with the state of Iowa net operating loss carryforward as a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity. As the Company does not currently expect to receive the majority of the income tax amounts from Berkshire Hathaway related to the state of Iowa prior to the 2021 effective date, the Company remeasured the long-term income tax receivable with Berkshire Hathaway at the enactment date and recorded a decrease to the long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway of $115 million. Subsequent to the remeasurement date, the Company amended the tax sharing agreement with Berkshire Hathaway and received $90 million in 2019 related to previously used state of Iowa net operating loss carryforwards thereby increasing the current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway and decreasing the long-term income tax receivable by the same amount. Additionally, during the year the Company generated $53 million of state of Iowa net operating losses which will be carried forward and will increase the long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway.

Income tax (benefit) expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Current:     
Federal$(686) $(653) $(743)
State(9) (3) 1
Foreign104
 83
 55
 (591) (573) (687)
Deferred:     
Federal165
 (76) 1,164
State(131) 100
 (59)
Foreign(20) 2
 (7)
 14
 26
 1,098
      
Investment tax credits(6) (7) (8)
Total$(583) $(554) $403

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax (benefit) expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Federal statutory income tax rate21 % 35 % 35 %
Income tax credits(30) (20) (14)
Effects of ratemaking(8) (1) 
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit(6) 3
 (1)
Effects of tax rate change and repatriation tax(4) (31) 
Income tax effect of foreign income(3) (5) (6)
Equity income1
 (2) 2
Other, net(1) (1) (2)
Effective income tax rate(30)% (22)% 14 %

Effects of 2017 Tax Reform have been included in state income tax, net of federal income tax benefit, effects of tax rate change and repatriation tax and equity income.


Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits from wind-powered generating facilities owned by MidAmerican Energy, PacifiCorp and BHE Renewables. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service.

Income tax effect of foreign income includes, among other items, deferred income tax benefits of $16 million in 2016 related to the enactment of reductions in the United Kingdom corporate income tax rate. In September 2016, the corporate income tax rate was reduced from 18% to 17% effective April 1, 2020.

The Company's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis. Berkshire Hathaway includes the Company in its consolidated United States federal and Iowa state income tax returns and substantially all of the Company's United States federal income tax is remitted to or received from Berkshire Hathaway. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway of $90 million and a long-term income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway, reflected as a component of BHE's shareholders' equity, of $457 million for Iowa state income tax. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a current income tax receivable from Berkshire Hathaway for federal income tax of $334 million.

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$1,674
 $1,707
Federal, state and foreign carryforwards596
 1,118
AROs232
 223
Employee benefits68
 45
Other459
 450
Total deferred income tax assets3,029
 3,543
Valuation allowances(137) (126)
Total deferred income tax assets, net2,892
 3,417
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property-related items(10,185) (9,950)
Investments(876) (843)
Regulatory assets(656) (651)
Other(222) (215)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(11,939) (11,659)
Net deferred income tax liability$(9,047) $(8,242)

The following table provides the Company's net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
 Federal State Foreign Total
Net operating loss carryforwards(1)
$284
 $5,577
 $562
 $6,423
Deferred income taxes on net operating loss carryforwards$60
 $312
 $151
 $523
Expiration dates2023-2026 2019-2038 2035-2038 

        
Tax credits$45
 $28
 $
 $73
Expiration dates2023- indefinite 2019- indefinite 
 

(1)The federal net operating loss carryforwards relate principally to net operating loss carryforwards of subsidiaries that are tax residents in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The federal net operating loss carryforwards were generated prior to Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s ownership and will begin to expire in 2023.


The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of the Company's income tax returns through December 31, 2011. The statute of limitations for the Company's income tax returns have expired through December 31, 2009, for California, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon and Utah, and through December 31, 2014, except for the impact of any federal audit adjustments, for Idaho, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. The closure of examinations, or the expiration of the statute of limitations, for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company's net unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Beginning balance$181
 $128
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year4
 6
Additions for tax positions of prior years38
 70
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(38) (18)
Statute of limitations2
 (4)
Settlements(2) (1)
Ending balance$185
 $181

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $154 million and $158 million, respectively, that if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect the Company's effective income tax rate.

(12)Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans

Domestic Operations

PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy sponsor defined benefit pension plans that cover a majority of all employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries. These pension plans include noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERP") and a restoration plan for certain executives of NV Energy. PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Energy and NV Energy also provide certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits through various plans to eligible retirees.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.


Net periodic benefit cost for the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Service cost$21
 $24
 $29
 $9
 $9
 $9
Interest cost105
 116
 126
 24
 29
 31
Expected return on plan assets(164) (160) (160) (41) (40) (41)
Settlement21
 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization28
 25
 46
 (13) (14) (12)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$11
 $5
 $41
 $(21) $(16) $(13)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,761
 $2,525
 $736
 $666
Employer contributions38
 64
 8
 5
Participant contributions
 
 8
 10
Actual return on plan assets(147) 390
 (38) 106
Settlement(119) (15) 
 
Benefits paid(137) (203) (50) (51)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,396
 $2,761
 $664
 $736

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$3,006
 $2,952
 $721
 $734
Service cost21
 24
 9
 9
Interest cost105
 116
 24
 29
Participant contributions
 
 8
 10
Actuarial (gain) loss(160) 132
 (40) (10)
Amendment2
 
 
 
Settlement(119) (15) 
 
Benefits paid(137) (203) (50) (51)
Benefit obligation, end of year$2,718
 $3,006
 $672
 $721
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$2,709
 $2,988
    


The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$2,396
 $2,761
 $664
 $736
Benefit obligation, end of year2,718
 3,006
 672
 721
Funded status$(322) $(245) $(8) $15
        
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:       
Other assets$20
 $66
 $5
 $32
Other current liabilities(13) (14) 
 
Other long-term liabilities(329) (297) (13) (17)
Amounts recognized$(322) $(245) $(8) $15

The SERPs and restoration plan have no plan assets; however, the Company has Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERPs and restoration plan. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $256 million and $272 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The fair value of plan assets, projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation for (1) pension and other postretirement benefit plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets and (2) pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of the fair value of plan assets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Fair value of plan assets$1,752
 $2,016
 $417
 $126
        
Projected benefit obligation$2,091
 $2,327
 $429
 $143
        
Accumulated benefit obligation$2,085
 $2,316
    

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Net loss$747
 $649
 $50
 $14
Prior service credit
 (3) (22) (37)
Regulatory deferrals(1) (4) 7
 7
Total$746
 $642
 $35
 $(16)


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows (in millions):
     Accumulated  
     Other  
 Regulatory Regulatory Comprehensive  
 Asset Liability Loss Total
Pension       
Balance, December 31, 2016$761
 $(13) $13
 $761
Net (gain) loss arising during the year(68) (29) 3
 (94)
Net amortization(28) (1) 4
 (25)
Total(96) (30) 7
 (119)
Balance, December 31, 2017665
 (43) 20
 642
Net loss (gain) arising during the year114
 43
 (6) 151
Net prior service cost arising during the year
 
 2
 2
Settlement(21) 
 
 (21)
Net amortization(28) 
 
 (28)
Total65
 43
 (4) 104
Balance, December 31, 2018$730
 $
 $16
 $746

     Accumulated  
     Other  
 Regulatory Regulatory Comprehensive  
 Asset Liability Loss Total
Other Postretirement       
Balance, December 31, 2016$55
 $(12) $
 $43
Net gain arising during the year(52) (21) 
 (73)
Net amortization7
 7
 
 14
Total(45) (14) 
 (59)
Balance, December 31, 201710
 (26) 
 (16)
Net gain arising during the year23
 14
 1
 38
Net amortization11
 2
 
 13
Total34
 16
 1
 51
Balance, December 31, 2018$44
 $(10) $1
 $35


Plan Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Benefit obligations as of December 31:           
Discount rate4.25% 3.60% 4.06% 4.21% 3.57% 4.01%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 2.75% NA
 NA
 NA
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan      

 

 

2016NA
 NA
 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
2017NA
 2.49% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
20183.38% 3.06% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA
20193.54% 3.06% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
20203.54% 2.72% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
20213.56% 2.72% 3.01% NA
 NA
 NA
            
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:           
Discount rate3.60% 4.06% 4.43% 3.57% 4.01% 4.33%
Expected return on plan assets6.36% 6.55% 6.78% 6.44% 6.73% 7.03%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 2.75% NA
 NA
 NA
Interest crediting rate for cash balance plan3.38% 2.49% 2.57% NA
 NA
 NA

In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, the Company utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.
 2018 2017
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:   
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.80% 7.10%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to5.00% 5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at2025 2025

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $13 million and $1 million, respectively, during 2019. Funding to the established pension trusts is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plans and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. The Company's funding policy for its other postretirement benefit plans is to generally contribute an amount equal to the net periodic benefit cost.

The expected benefit payments to participants in the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 2019 through 2023 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):

 Projected Benefit
 Payments
   Other
 Pension Postretirement
    
2019$221
 $53
2020224
 57
2021221
 55
2022212
 54
2023212
 53
2024-2028958
 243

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The Company's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters outlined by each plan's Pension and Employee Benefits Plans Administrative Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the Company's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2018:
Other
PensionPostretirement
%%
PacifiCorp:
Debt securities(1)
30-4333-37
Equity securities(1)
48-6562-66
Limited partnership interests6-121-3
MidAmerican Energy:
Debt securities(1)
20-5025-45
Equity securities(1)
60-8045-80
Real estate funds2-8
Other0-30-5
NV Energy:
Debt securities(1)
53-7740
Equity securities(1)
23-4760

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.


Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in millions):
 
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
 Level 1 Level 2 Total
As of December 31, 2018:     
Cash equivalents$8
 $41
 $49
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations160
 
 160
International government obligations
 5
 5
Corporate obligations
 373
 373
Municipal obligations
 29
 29
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 123
 123
Equity securities:     
United States companies492
 1
 493
International companies108
 
 108
Investment funds(2)
119
 
 119
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$887
 $572
 1,459
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
    792
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
    104
Real estate funds measured at net asset value    41
Total assets measured at fair value    $2,396
      
As of December 31, 2017:     
Cash equivalents$10
 $76
 $86
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations218
 
 218
Corporate obligations
 350
 350
Municipal obligations
 16
 16
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 110
 110
Equity securities:     
United States companies622
 
 622
International companies136
 
 136
Investment funds(2)
83
 20
 103
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$1,069
 $572
 1,641
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
    1,019
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
    63
Real estate funds measured at net asset value    38
Total assets measured at fair value    $2,761

(1)Refer to Note 14 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 59% and 41%, respectively, for 2018 and 62% and 38%, respectively, for 2017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 73% and 27%, respectively, for 2018 and 68% and 32%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for the Company's defined benefit other postretirement plans (in millions):
 
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
 Level 1 Level 2 Total
As of December 31, 2018:     
Cash equivalents$10
 $2
 $12
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations13
 
 13
Corporate obligations
 42
 42
Municipal obligations
 45
 45
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 30
 30
Equity securities:     
United States companies158
 
 158
International companies6
 
 6
Investment funds202
 1
 203
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$389
 $120
 509
Investment funds measured at net asset value    149
Limited partnership interests measured at net asset value    6
Total assets measured at fair value    $664
      
As of December 31, 2017:     
Cash equivalents$11
 $3
 $14
Debt securities:     
United States government obligations20
 
 20
Corporate obligations
 36
 36
Municipal obligations
 46
 46
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 29
 29
Equity securities:     
United States companies185
 
 185
International companies8
 
 8
Investment funds(2)
219
 1
 220
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy$443
 $115
 558
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
    174
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
    4
Total assets measured at fair value    $736

(1)Refer to Note 14 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 65% and 35%, respectively, for 2018 and 68% and 32%, respectively, for 2017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 79% and 21%, respectively, for 2018 and 73% and 27%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.


Foreign Operations

Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Northern Powergrid participate in the Northern Powergrid group of the United Kingdom industry-wide Electricity Supply Pension Scheme (the "UK Plan"), which provides pension and other related defined benefits, based on final pensionable pay, to the majority of the employees of Northern Powergrid. The UK Plan is closed to employees hired after July 23, 1997. Employees hired after that date are covered by a defined contribution plan sponsored by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Powergrid.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on pension plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit cost for the UK Plan included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Service cost$19
 $23
 $20
Interest cost56
 58
 72
Expected return on plan assets(101) (100) (110)
Settlement44
 31
 
Net amortization45
 63
 44
Net periodic benefit cost$63
 $75
 $26
Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$2,368
 $2,169
Employer contributions60
 58
Participant contributions1
 1
Actual return on plan assets(44) 145
Settlement(205) (144)
Benefits paid(71) (68)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(120) 207
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,989
 $2,368


The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$2,201
 $2,125
Service cost19
 23
Interest cost56
 58
Participant contributions1
 1
Actuarial gain(87) (4)
Settlement(182) (131)
Amendment8
 
Benefits paid(71) (68)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(112) 197
Benefit obligation, end of year$1,833
 $2,201
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$1,637
 $1,933

The funded status of the UK Plan and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$1,989
 $2,368
Benefit obligation, end of year1,833
 2,201
Funded status$156
 $167
    
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:   
Other assets$156
 $167

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the UK Plan not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Net loss$472
 $510
Prior service cost8
 
Total$480
 $510


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Balance, beginning of year$510
 $590
Net (gain) loss arising during the year59
 (50)
Net prior service cost arising during the year8
 
Settlement(22) (17)
Net amortization(45) (63)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(30) 50
Total(30) (80)
Balance, end of year$480
 $510

Plan Assumptions
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Benefit obligations as of December 31:     
Discount rate2.90% 2.60% 2.70%
Rate of compensation increase3.55% 3.45% 3.00%
Rate of future price inflation3.05% 2.95% 3.00%
      
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:     
Discount rate2.60% 2.70% 3.70%
Expected return on plan assets4.90% 5.00% 5.60%
Rate of compensation increase3.45% 3.00% 2.90%
Rate of future price inflation2.95% 3.00% 2.90%
Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the UK Plan are expected to be £43 million during 2019. The expected benefit payments to participants in the UK Plan for 2019 through 2023 and for the five years thereafter excluding lump sum settlement elections, using the foreign currency exchange rate as of December 31, 2018, are summarized below (in millions):
2019$70
202071
202173
202275
202377
2024-2028416

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

The investment policy for the UK Plan is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities, real estate and other asset classes. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The UK Plan retains outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters set by the trustees of the UK Plan in consultation with Northern Powergrid. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments. The return on assets assumption is based on a weighted-average of the expected historical performance for the types of assets in which the UK Plan invests.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for the UK Plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2018:
%
Debt securities(1)
50-55
Equity securities(1)
35-40
Real estate funds and other5-15

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds have been allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.

Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents the fair value of the UK Plan assets, by major category (in millions):
 
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2018:       
Cash equivalents$3
 $59
 $
 $62
Debt securities:       
United Kingdom government obligations891
 
 
 891
Equity securities:       
Investment funds(2)

 697
 
 697
Real estate funds
 
 239
 239
Total$894
 $756
 $239
 1,889
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      100
Total assets measured at fair value      $1,989
        
As of December 31, 2017:       
Cash equivalents$4
 $30
 $
 $34
Debt securities:       
United Kingdom government obligations870
 
 
 870
Equity securities:       
Investment funds(2)

 1,027
 
 1,027
Real estate funds
 
 230
 230
Total$874
 $1,057
 $230
 2,161
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      207
Total assets measured at fair value      $2,368

(1)Refer to Note 14 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 36% and 64%, respectively, for 2018 and 21% and 79%, respectively, for 2017.


The fair value of the UK Plan's assets are determined similar to the plan assets of the domestic plans as previously discussed.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the UK Plan assets measured at fair valueusing significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Real Estate Funds
 2018 2017 2016
     
Beginning balance$230
 $105
 $204
Actual return on plan assets still held at period end23
 6
 10
Purchases (sales)
 104
 (80)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes(14) 15
 (29)
Ending balance$239
 $230
 $105

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors various defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. The Company's contributions vary depending on the plan, but matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution, and certain participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. The Company's contributions to these plans were $112 million, $103 million and $102 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(13)
Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

The Company does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table presents the Company's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Fossil fuel facilities$371
 $380
Quad Cities Station345
 342
Wind generating facilities174
 138
Offshore pipeline facilities33
 32
Solar generating facilities20
 19
Other42
 43
Total asset retirement obligations$985
 $954
    
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds$504
 $515


The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Beginning balance$954
 $954
Change in estimated costs10
 (18)
Additions28
 21
Retirements(45) (45)
Accretion38
 42
Ending balance$985
 $954
    
Reflected as:   
Other current liabilities$43
 $60
Other long-term liabilities942
 894
Total ARO liability$985
 $954

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the decommissioning of nuclear power plants, which includes the planning and funding for the decommissioning. In accordance with these regulations, MidAmerican Energy submits a biennial report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission providing reasonable assurance that funds will be available to pay for its share of the Quad Cities Station decommissioning.

Certain of the Company's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly owned facilities and mine sites, and as such, each subsidiary is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. The Company's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities.

The changes in estimated costs relate primarily to the Quad Cities Station due to a change in the inflation rate and, for 2017, a new decommissioning study conducted by the operator of Quad Cities Station that changed the estimated amount and timing of cash flows.

In January 2018, MidAmerican Energy completed groundwater testing at its coal combustion residuals ("CCR") surface impoundments. Based on this information, MidAmerican Energy discontinued sending CCR to surface impoundments effective April 2018 and will remove all CCR material located below the water table in such facilities, the latter of which is a more extensive closure activity than previously assumed. The incremental cost and timing of such actions is not currently reasonably determinable, but an evaluation of such estimates is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019, with any necessary adjustments to the related asset retirement obligations recognized at that time.

(14)Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of the Company's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The Company has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Financial Statements using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect the Company's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. The Company develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents the Company's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements    
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2018:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$1
 $91
 $108
 $(52) $148
Interest rate derivatives1
 13
 10
 
 24
Mortgage loans held for sale
 468
 
 
 468
Money market mutual funds(2)
409
 
 
 
 409
Debt securities:         
United States government obligations187
 
 
 
 187
International government obligations
 4
 
 
 4
Corporate obligations
 46
 
 
 46
Municipal obligations
 2
 
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 1
 
 
 1
Equity securities:         
United States companies256
 
 
 
 256
International companies1,441
 
 
 
 1,441
Investment funds128
 
 
 
 128
 $2,423
 $625
 $118
 $(52) $3,114
Liabilities:         
Commodity derivatives$(1) $(180) $(9) $111
 $(79)
Interest rate derivatives
 (32) 
 
 (32)
 $(1) $(212) $(9) $111
 $(111)

As of December 31, 2017:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$1
 $42
 $104
 $(29) $118
Interest rate derivatives
 15
 9
 
 24
Mortgage loans held for sale
 465
 
 
 465
Money market mutual funds(2)
685
 
 
 
 685
Debt securities:         
United States government obligations176
 
 
 
 176
International government obligations
 5
 
 
 5
Corporate obligations
 36
 
 
 36
Municipal obligations
 2
 
 
 2
Equity securities:         
United States companies288
 
 
 
 288
International companies1,968
 
 
 
 1,968
Investment funds178
 
 
 
 178
 $3,296
 $565
 $113
 $(29) $3,945
Liabilities:         
Commodity derivatives$(3) $(167) $(10) $105
 $(75)
Interest rate derivatives
 (8) 
 
 (8)
 $(3) $(175) $(10) $105
 $(83)

(1)
Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $59 million and $76 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents; other current assets; and noncurrent investments and restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which the Company transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, the Company uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent the Company's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. The Company bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by the Company. Market price quotations are generally readily obtainable for the applicable term of the Company's outstanding derivative contracts; therefore, the Company's forward price curves reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to the length of the contract. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, the Company uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts.

The Company's mortgage loans held for sale are valued based on independent quoted market prices, where available, or the prices of other mortgage whole loans with similar characteristics. As necessary, these prices are adjusted for typical securitization activities, including servicing value, portfolio composition, market conditions and liquidity.

The Company's investments in money market mutual funds and debt and equity securities are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputs and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 
Commodity
Derivatives
 Interest Rate Derivatives 
Auction Rate
Securities
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                  
Beginning balance$94
 $60
 $47
 $9
 $6
 $4
 $
 $
 $44
Changes included in earnings1
 23
 8
 181
 147
 121
 
 
 5
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI2
 (3) (2) 
 
 
 
 
 8
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets3
 (1) (11) 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases3
 1
 1
 
 4
 
 
 
 
Redemptions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (57)
Settlements(4) 14
 17
 (180) (148) (119) 
 
 
Ending balance$99
 $94
 $60
 $10
 $9
 $6
 $
 $
 $


The Company's long-term debt is carried at cost, including fair value adjustments and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs as applicable, on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of the Company's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$36,774
 $39,398
 $35,193
 $40,522

(15)Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company has the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows (in millions):
            2024 and  
  2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
Contract type:              
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments $2,215
 $1,659
 $1,380
 $1,174
 $1,047
 $11,155
 $18,630
Construction commitments 2,330
 587
 52
 
 
 
 2,969
Operating leases and easements 197
 177
 160
 139
 111
 1,738
 2,522
Maintenance, service and other contracts 306
 344
 303
 277
 241
 1,358
 2,829
  $5,048
 $2,767
 $1,895
 $1,590
 $1,399
 $14,251
 $26,950

Fuel, Capacity and Transmission Contract Commitments

The Utilities have fuel supply and related transportation and lime contracts for their coal- and natural gas-fueled generating facilities. The Utilities expect to supplement these contracts with additional contracts and spot market purchases to fulfill their future fossil fuel needs. The Utilities acquire a portion of their electricity through long-term purchases and exchange agreements. The Utilities have several power purchase agreements with renewable generating facilities that are not included in the table above as the payments are based on the amount of energy generated and there are no minimum payments. The Utilities also have contracts for the right to transmit electricity over other entities' transmission lines to facilitate delivery to their customers.

MidAmerican Energy has long-term rail transportation contracts with BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF"), an affiliate company, and Union Pacific Railroad Company for the transportation of coal to all of the MidAmerican Energy-operated coal-fueled generating facilities. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, $111 million, $109 million and $137 million, respectively, were incurred for coal transportation services, the majority of which was related to the BNSF agreement.

Construction Commitments

The Company's firm construction commitments reflected in the table above include the following major construction projects:
MidAmerican Energy's construction of wind-powered generating facilities and the last of the four Multi-Value Projects approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. for high voltage transmission lines in Iowa and Illinois in 2018.
ALP's investments in directly assigned transmission projects from the AESO.
PacifiCorp's costs associated with certain generating plant, transmission and distribution projects.


Operating Leases and Easements

The Company has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office equipment, office space, certain operating facilities, land and rail cars. These leases generally require the Company to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices. The Company also has non-cancelable easements for land on which certain of its assets, primarily wind-powered generating facilities, are located. Rent expense on non-cancelable operating leases and easements totaled $191 million for 2018 and $156 million for both 2017 and 2016.

Maintenance, Service and Other Contracts

The Company has entered into service agreements related to its nonregulated solar and wind-powered projects with third parties to operate and maintain the projects under fixed-fee operating and maintenance agreements. Additionally, the Company has various non-cancelable maintenance, service and other contracts primarily related to turbine and equipment maintenance and various other service agreements.

BHE Renewables' Counterparty Risk

On January 29, 2019, PG&E filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. The Company owns 100% of Topaz and owns a 49% interest in Agua Caliente. Topaz is a 550-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in California. Topaz sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until October 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's consolidated balance sheet includes $1.1 billion of property, plant and equipment, net and $0.9 billion of non-recourse project debt related to Topaz. Agua Caliente is a 290-MW solar photovoltaic electric power generating facility located in Arizona. Agua Caliente sells 100% of its energy, capacity and renewable energy credits generated from the facility to PG&E Utility under a 25-year wholesale power purchase agreement that is in effect until June 2039. As of December 31, 2018, the Company's equity investment in Agua Caliente totals $44 million and the project has $0.8 billion of non-recourse project debt owed to the United States Department of Energy. PG&E paid in full the December invoices for both Topaz and Agua Caliente, which were payable January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company continues to perform on its obligations and deliver renewable energy to the PG&E Utility, and PG&E has publicly stated it will pay suppliers in full under normal terms for post-petition goods and services received. The Company believes it is more likely than not that no impairment exists as post-petition contractual revenue payments are expected to be paid by PG&E Utility to the Topaz and Agua Caliente projects. The Company will continue to monitor the situation.

Legal Matters

The Company is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. The Company does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, renewable portfolio standards, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact the Company's current and future operations. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Hydroelectric Relicensing

PacifiCorp's Klamath hydroelectric system is currently operating under annual licenses with the FERC. In February 2010, PacifiCorp, the United States Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Commerce, the state of California, the state of Oregon and various other governmental and non-governmental settlement parties signed the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement ("KHSA"). Among other things, the KHSA provided that the United States Department of the Interior would conduct scientific and engineering studies to assess whether removal of the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams was in the public interest and would advance restoration of the Klamath Basin's salmonid fisheries. If it is determined dam removal should proceed, dam removal would begin no earlier than 2020.


Congress failed to pass legislation needed to implement the original KHSA. In April 2016, the principal parties to the KHSA (PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon, and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce) executed an amendment to the KHSA. Consistent with the terms of the amended KHSA, in September 2016, PacifiCorp and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation ("KRRC"), a private, independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed by certain signatories of the amended KSHA, jointly filed an application with the FERC to transfer the license for the four mainstem Klamath River hydroelectric generating facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC. Also in September 2016, the KRRC filed an application with the FERC to surrender the license and decommission the same four facilities. The KRRC's license surrender application included a request for the FERC to refrain from acting on the surrender application until after the transfer of the license to the KRRC is effective. In March 2018, the FERC issued an order splitting the existing license for the Klamath Project into two licenses: the Klamath Project (P‑2082) contains East Side, West Side, Keno and Fall Creek developments; the new Lower Klamath Project (P‑14803) contains J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2 and Iron Gate developments. In the same order, the FERC deferred consideration of the transfer of the license for the Lower Klamath facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC until some point in the future. PacifiCorp is currently the licensee for both the Klamath Project and Lower Klamath Project facilities and will retain ownership of the Klamath Project facilities after the approval and transfer of the Lower Klamath Project facilities. In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a motion to stay the effective date of the license amendment until transfer is approved. In June 2018, the FERC granted PacifiCorp's motion to stay the effective date of the Lower Klamath Project license and all related compliance obligations, pending a FERC order on the license transfer. Meanwhile, the FERC continues to assess the KRRC's capacity to become a project licensee for purposes of dam removal. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision in the Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC litigation, on January 25, 2019, finding that the states of California and Oregon have waived their Clean Water Act, Section 401, water quality certification authority over the Klamath hydroelectric project relicensing. PacifiCorp is evaluating the impact of this decision.

Under the amended KHSA, PacifiCorp and its customers are protected from uncapped dam removal costs and liabilities. The KRRC must indemnify PacifiCorp from liabilities associated with dam removal. The amended KHSA also limits PacifiCorp's contribution to facilities removal costs to no more than $200 million, of which up to $184 million would be collected from PacifiCorp's Oregon customers with the remainder to be collected from PacifiCorp's California customers. California voters approved a water bond measure in November 2014 from which the state of California's contribution toward facilities removal costs are being drawn. In accordance with this bond measure, additional funding of up to $250 million for facilities removal costs was included in the California state budget in 2016, with the funding effective for at least five years. If facilities removal costs exceed the combined funding that will be available from PacifiCorp's Oregon and California customers and the state of California, sufficient funds would need to be provided by the KRRC or an entity other than PacifiCorp for removal to proceed.

If certain conditions in the amended KHSA are not satisfied and the license does not transfer to the KRRC, PacifiCorp will resume relicensing with the FERC.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's assets included $44 million of costs associated with the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams and the associated relicensing and settlement costs, which are being depreciated and amortized in accordance with state regulatory approvals through either December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2022, depending upon the state jurisdiction.

Hydroelectric Commitments

Certain of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric licenses contain requirements for PacifiCorp to make certain capital and operating expenditures related to its hydroelectric facilities. PacifiCorp estimates it is obligated to make capital expenditures of approximately $155 million over the next 10 years related to these licenses.

Guarantees

The Company has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results.

(16)
BHE Shareholders' Equity

Common Stock

On March 14, 2000, and as amended on December 7, 2005, BHE's shareholders entered into a Shareholder Agreement that provides specific rights to certain shareholders. One of these rights allows certain shareholders the ability to put their common shares to BHE at the then-current fair value dependent on certain circumstances controlled by BHE.


For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE repurchased 177,381 shares of its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures due June 2057 in exchange for 181,819 shares of its common stock.

In February 2019, BHE repurchased 447,712 shares of its common stock for $293 million.

Restricted Net Assets

BHE has maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentage restrictions imposed by its senior unsecured credit facilities expiring in June 2021 which, in certain circumstances, limit BHE's ability to make cash dividends or distributions. As a result of this restriction, BHE has restricted net assets of $16.5 billion as of December 31, 2018.

Certain of BHE's subsidiaries have restrictions on their ability to dividend, loan or advance funds to BHE due to specific legal or regulatory restrictions, including, but not limited to, maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentages and commitments made to state commissions or federal agencies in connection with past acquisitions. As a result of these restrictions, BHE's subsidiaries had restricted net assets of $20.7 billion as of December 31, 2018.

(17)Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

The following table shows the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
           
           
  Unrecognized Foreign Unrealized Unrealized AOCI
  Amounts on Currency Gains on Gains on Attributable
  Retirement Translation Marketable Cash Flow To BHE
  Benefits Adjustment Securities Hedges Shareholders, Net
           
Balance, December 31, 2015 $(438) $(1,092) $615
 $7
 $(908)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (9) (583) (30) 19
 (603)
Balance, December 31, 2016 (447) (1,675) 585
 26
 (1,511)
Other comprehensive income 64
 546
 500
 3
 1,113
Balance, December 31, 2017 (383) (1,129) 1,085
 29
 (398)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 
 
 (1,085) 
 (1,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 25
 (494) 
 7
 (462)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $(358) $(1,623) $
 $36
 $(1,945)

Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were insignificant. Additionally, refer to the "Foreign Operations" discussion in Note 12 for information about unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits reclassifications from AOCI that do not impact net income in their entirety.

(18)
Noncontrolling Interests

Included in noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are preferred securities of subsidiaries of $58 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, consisting of $56 million of 8.061% cumulative preferred securities of Northern Electric plc., a subsidiary of Northern Powergrid, which are redeemable in the event of the revocation of Northern Electric plc.'s electricity distribution license by the Secretary of State, and $2 million of nonredeemable preferred stock of PacifiCorp.


(19)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following table summarizes the Company's energy products and services revenue by regulated energy and nonregulated energy, with further disaggregation of regulated energy by customer class and line of business, including a reconciliation to the Company's reportable segment information included in Note 21 (in millions):
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
  PacifiCorp MidAmerican Funding NV Energy Northern Powergrid BHE Pipeline Group BHE Transmission BHE Renewables 
BHE and
Other(1)
 Total
Customer Revenue:                  
Regulated:                  
Retail Electric $4,732
 $1,915
 $2,773
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(1) $9,419
Retail Gas 
 636
 101
 
 
 
 
 
 737
Wholesale 55
 411
 39
 
 
 
 
 (4) 501
Transmission and
distribution
 103
 56
 96
 892
 
 700
 
 (1) 1,846
Interstate pipeline 
 
 
 
 1,232
 
 
 (125) 1,107
Other 
 
 2
 
 
 
 
 
 2
Total Regulated 4,890
 3,018
 3,011
 892
 1,232
 700
 
 (131) 13,612
Nonregulated 
 14
 
 39
 
 10
 673
 624
 1,360
Total Customer Revenue 4,890
 3,032
 3,011
 931
 1,232
 710
 673
 493
 14,972
Other revenue(2)
 136
 21
 28
 89
 (29) 
 235
 121
 601
Total $5,026
 $3,053
 $3,039
 $1,020
 $1,203
 $710
 $908
 $614
 $15,573
(1)The BHE and Other reportable segment represents amounts related principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.
(2)Includes net payments to counterparties for the financial settlement of certain derivative contracts at BHE Pipeline Group.

Real Estate Services

The following table summarizes the Company's real estate services revenue by line of business (in millions):
 HomeServices
 Year Ended
 Ended December 31,
 2018
Customer Revenue: 
Brokerage$3,882
Franchise67
Total Customer Revenue3,949
Other revenue265
Total$4,214
Contract Assets and Liabilities

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no material contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no material revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period or from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.


Remaining Performance Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company's revenue it expects to recognize in future periods related to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations for fixed contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018, by reportable segment (in millions):
 Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:  
 Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total
BHE Pipeline Group$842
 $5,678
 $6,520

(20)Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments29
 21
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$883
 $1,283

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:     
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$1,713
 $1,715
 $1,673
Income taxes received, net(1)
$780
 $540
 $1,016
      
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:     
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$823
 $653
 $547
Common stock exchanged for junior subordinated debentures$
 $100
 $

(1)Includes $884 million, $636 million and $1.1 billion of income taxes received from Berkshire Hathaway in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


(21)Segment Information

The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid, whose business is principally in the United Kingdom, BHE Transmission, whose business includes operations in Canada, and BHE Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
PacifiCorp$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
MidAmerican Funding3,053
 2,846
 2,631
NV Energy3,039
 3,015
 2,895
Northern Powergrid1,020
 949
 995
BHE Pipeline Group1,203
 993
 978
BHE Transmission710
 699
 502
BHE Renewables908
 838
 743
HomeServices4,214
 3,443
 2,801
BHE and Other(1)
614
 594
 676
Total operating revenue$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Depreciation and amortization:     
PacifiCorp$979
 $796
 $783
MidAmerican Funding609
 500
 479
NV Energy456
 422
 421
Northern Powergrid250
 214
 200
BHE Pipeline Group126
 159
 206
BHE Transmission247
 239
 241
BHE Renewables268
 251
 230
HomeServices51
 66
 31
BHE and Other(1)
(2) (1) 
Total depreciation and amortization$2,984
 $2,646
 $2,591
      
Operating income:     
PacifiCorp$1,051
 $1,440
 $1,429
MidAmerican Funding550
 544
 551
NV Energy607
 766
 774
Northern Powergrid486
 488
 500
BHE Pipeline Group525
 473
 455
BHE Transmission313
 322
 92
BHE Renewables325
 316
 256
HomeServices214
 214
 212
BHE and Other(1)
1
 (41) (22)
Total operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Interest expense:     
PacifiCorp$384
 $381
 $381
MidAmerican Funding247
 237
 218
NV Energy224
 233
 250
Northern Powergrid141
 133
 136
BHE Pipeline Group43
 43
 50
BHE Transmission167
 169
 153
BHE Renewables201
 204
 198
HomeServices23
 7
 2
BHE and Other(1)
408
 434
 466
Total interest expense$1,838
 $1,841
 $1,854
      
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
PacifiCorp$5
 $362
 $341
MidAmerican Funding(262) (202) (139)
NV Energy100
 221
 200
Northern Powergrid61
 57
 22
BHE Pipeline Group119
 170
 163
BHE Transmission7
 (124) 26
BHE Renewables(2)
(158) (795) (32)
HomeServices52
 49
 81
BHE and Other(1)
(507) (292) (259)
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(583) $(554) $403
      
Capital expenditures:     
PacifiCorp$1,257
 $769
 $903
MidAmerican Funding2,332
 1,776
 1,637
NV Energy503
 456
 529
Northern Powergrid566
 579
 579
BHE Pipeline Group427
 286
 226
BHE Transmission270
 334
 466
BHE Renewables817
 323
 719
HomeServices47
 37
 20
BHE and Other22
 11
 11
Total capital expenditures$6,241
 $4,571
 $5,090


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net:     
PacifiCorp$19,591
 $19,203
 $19,162
MidAmerican Funding16,171
 14,221
 12,835
NV Energy9,852
 9,770
 9,825
Northern Powergrid6,007
 6,075
 5,148
BHE Pipeline Group4,904
 4,587
 4,423
BHE Transmission5,824
 6,330
 5,810
BHE Renewables6,155
 5,637
 5,302
HomeServices141
 117
 78
BHE and Other(50) (69) (74)
Total property, plant and equipment, net$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509
      
Total assets:     
PacifiCorp$23,478
 $23,086
 $23,563
MidAmerican Funding20,029
 18,444
 17,571
NV Energy14,119
 13,903
 14,320
Northern Powergrid7,427
 7,565
 6,433
BHE Pipeline Group5,511
 5,134
 5,144
BHE Transmission8,424
 9,009
 8,378
BHE Renewables8,666
 7,687
 7,010
HomeServices2,797
 2,722
 1,776
BHE and Other1,738
 2,658
 1,245
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208
 $85,440
      
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue by country:     
United States$18,014
 $16,916
 $15,895
United Kingdom1,017
 948
 995
Canada710
 699
 506
Philippines and other46
 51
 26
Total operating revenue by country$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss) by country:    
United States$1,425
 $1,927
 $2,264
United Kingdom307
 313
 382
Canada155
 167
 135
Philippines and other78
 100
 69
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity (loss) income by country:$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net by country:     
United States$56,870
 $53,579
 $51,671
United Kingdom5,895
 5,953
 5,020
Canada5,817
 6,323
 5,803
Philippines and other13
 16
 15
Total property, plant and equipment, net by country$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509

(1)The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate to other corporate entities, including MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.

(2)Income tax (benefit) expense includes the tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and the earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
         BHE       BHE  
   MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- and  
 PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other Total
                    
December 31, 2016$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $930
 $75
 $1,470
 $95
 $840
 $
 $9,010
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 508
 
 508
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 61
 
 101
 
 
 
 162
Other
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
December 31, 20171,129
 2,102
 2,369
 991
 73
 1,571
 95
 1,348
 
 9,678
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 79
 
 79
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 (39) 
 (123) 
 
 
 (162)
December 31, 2018$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $952
 $73
 $1,448
 $95
 $1,427
 $
 $9,595


PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section


Item 6.Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth PacifiCorp's selected consolidated historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the information in Item 7 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated historical financial data has been derived from PacifiCorp's audited historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto (in millions).

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:         
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
Operating income(1)
1,051
 1,440
 1,428
 1,347
 1,309
Net income738
 768
 763
 695
 698

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:         
Total assets(2)(3)
$22,313
 $21,920
 $22,394
 $22,367
 $22,205
Short-term debt30
 80
 270
 20
 20
Current portion of long-term debt and         
capital lease obligations352
 588
 58
 68
 134
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations,         
excluding current portion(3)
6,684
 6,437
 7,021
 7,078
 6,885
Total shareholders' equity7,845
 7,555
 7,390
 7,503
 7,756

(1)In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans to Other, net of a $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, a $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016, a $7 million cost as of December 31, 2015, and a $9 million cost as of December 31, 2014, with a corresponding increase or reduction to operating expenses.

(2)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of current deferred income tax assets in the amount of $28 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities.

(3)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, which resulted in the reclassification of certain deferred debt issuance costs previously recognized within other assets in the amount of $34 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in long-term debt.


Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of PacifiCorp during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 6 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. PacifiCorp's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $738 million, a decrease of $30 million, or 4%, compared to 2017, primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher depreciation and amortization expense of $183 million, due to accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million ($170 million offset in income tax expense and $4 million offset in revenue), higher plant in-service, and higher pension and other postretirement expense of $13 million, primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $355 million andhigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of the lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes, lower average wholesale prices, higher purchased electricity from higher prices, and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms, lower natural gas prices, higher wholesale volumes and lower coal-fueled generation volumes. Income tax expense decreased primarily due to lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, and amortization of a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho. Energy generated increased 2% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by lower hydroelectric and coal-fueled generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 15% and purchased electricity volumes decreased 4%.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $768 million, an increase of $5 million, or 1%, compared to 2016, which includes $6 million of income from the 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $762 million, a decrease of $1 million compared to 2016. Net income decreased primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $11 million, higher property and other taxes of $7 million and higher operations and maintenance expenses of $3 million, excluding the impact of DSM program expense of $55 million (offset in operating revenue), partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million, excluding the impact of DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense) of $55 million. Utility margins increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue from higher volumes and short-term market prices, and higher wheeling revenues, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates, and higher coal costs. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential customers' usage in Utah and Oregon, and lower irrigation usage. Energy generated decreased 2% for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by higher coal-fueled, and hydroelectric generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 9% and purchased electricity volumes increased 23%.


Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Management utilizes various key financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, utility margin, to help evaluate results of operations. Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy, which are captions presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

PacifiCorp's cost of fuel and energy is generally recovered from its customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms and as a result, changes in PacifiCorp's expenses result in comparable changes to revenue. As such, management believes utility margin more appropriately and concisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of revenue and cost of fuel and energy separately. Management believes the presentation of utility margin provides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.
Utility margin is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to operating income (in millions) for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Utility margin:             
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211)(4)% $5,237
 5,201
 $36
1 %
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 (13)(1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
1
Utility margin3,269
 3,467
 (198)(6) 3,467
 3,450
 17

Operations and maintenance1,038
 1,034
 4

 1,034
 1,062
 (28)(3)
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 183
23
 796
 770
 26
3
Property and other taxes201
 197
 4
2
 197
 190
 7
4
Operating income$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389)(27) $1,440
 $1,428
 $12
1


A comparison of PacifiCorp's key operating results is as follows for the years ended December 31:

  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
                 
Utility margin (in millions):                
Operating revenue $5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
Cost of fuel and energy 1,757
 1,770
 (13) (1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
 1
Utility margin $3,269
 $3,467
 $(198) (6) $3,467
 $3,450
 $17
 
                 
Sales (GWhs):                
Residential 16,227
 16,625
 (398) (2)% 16,625
 16,058
 567
 4 %
Commercial(1)
 18,078
 17,726
 352
 2
 17,726
 16,857
 869
 5
Industrial, irrigation and other(1)
 20,810
 20,899
 (89) 
 20,899
 21,403
 (504) (2)
Total retail 55,115
 55,250
 (135) 
 55,250
 54,318
 932
 2
Wholesale 8,309
 7,218
 1,091
 15
 7,218
 6,641
 577
 9
Total sales 63,424
 62,468
 956
 2
 62,468
 60,959
 1,509
 2
                 
Average number of retail customers                
(in thousands) 1,900
 1,867
 33
 2 % 1,867
 1,841
 26
 1 %
                 
Average revenue per MWh:                
Retail $84.43
 $87.78
 $(3.35) (4)% $87.78
 $89.55
 $(1.77) (2)%
Wholesale $22.56
 $28.56
 $(6.00) (21)% $28.56
 $26.46
 $2.10
 8 %
                 
Sources of energy (GWhs)(1):
                
Coal 36,481
 37,362
 (881) (2)% 37,362
 36,578
 784
 2 %
Natural gas 10,555
 7,447
 3,108
 42
 7,447
 9,884
 (2,437) (25)
Hydroelectric(2)
 3,263
 4,731
 (1,468) (31) 4,731
 3,843
 888
 23
Wind and other 3,205
 2,890
 315
 11
 2,890
 3,253
 (363) (11)
Total energy generated 53,504
 52,430
 1,074
 2
 52,430
 53,558
 (1,128) (2)
Energy purchased 13,579
 14,076
 (497) (4) 14,076
 11,429
 2,647
 23
Total 67,083
 66,506
 577
 1
 66,506
 64,987
 1,519
 2
                 
Average cost of energy per MWh:                
Energy generated(3)
 $18.91
 $19.14
 $(0.23) (1)% $19.14
 $19.27
 $(0.13) (1)%
Energy purchased $48.23
 $43.25
 $4.98
 12 % $43.25
 $44.64
 $(1.39) (3)%

(1)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.
(2)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of RECs or other environmental commodities.
(3)The average cost per MWh of energy generated includes only the cost of fuel associated with the generating facilities.



Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017

Utility margin decreased $198 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to:
$180 million of lower retail revenue primarily due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million;
$59 million of higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes;
$42 million of lower average wholesale prices;
$41 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher prices; and
$17 million of lower retail revenue from lower retail customer volumes. Retail volumes decreased 0.2% due to the unfavorable impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah, and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.
The decreases above were partially offset by:
$70 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$33 million of lower natural gas costs from lower average prices;
$23 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes; and
$20 million of lower coal costs due to lower volumes.

Operations and maintenance increased $4 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to reserves accrued for 2018 insurance deductibles for third-party property damage and expenses of $7 million and increased maintenance costs partially offset by favorable labor costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased $183 million, or 23%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to $174 million of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC in the tax reform docket to offset excess deferred income taxes benefits owed to customers, and higher plant-in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $4 million, or 2%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds increased $22 million, or 71%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a prior year true-up that reduced AFUDC rates by $13 million and higher qualified construction work-in-progress balances.

Other, net decreased $15 million, or 39% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a pension settlement charge of $22 million, partially offset by lower non-service cost components of pension and other postretirement expenses of $9 million.

Income tax expense decreased $355 million, or 99%, for 2018 compared to 2017 and the effective tax rate was 1% and 32% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The effective tax rate decreased primarily as a result of the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and the amortization of $127 million of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred incomes taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.


Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Utility margin increased $17 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to:
$105 million of higher retail revenues due to increased customer volumes of 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage;
$54 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$40 million of lower natural gas costs primarily due to lower volumes and prices in 2017;
$30 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes and short-term market prices;
$20 million of lower coal costs due to prior year charges related to damaged longwall mining equipment; and
$12 million of higher wheeling revenue, primarily due to increased volumes and short-term prices.
The increases above were partially offset by:
$99 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher volumes;
$64 million of lower average retail rates, primarily due to product mix;
$55 million of lower DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense), primarily driven by the recently implemented Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan ("STEP") program; and
$31 million of higher coal costs due to higher volumes and prices.

Operations and maintenance decreased $28 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a decrease in DSM program expense (offset in revenues) of $55 million driven by the establishment of the Utah STEP program and lower pension expense due to plan changes effective in 2017, partially offset by higher injury and damage expenses, primarily due to prior year accrual for insurance proceeds and current year settlements, and higher labor costs for storm damage restoration. In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of non-service cost amounts for pension and other postretirement benefit plans from Operations and Maintenance expense to Other, net of $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, and $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016.

Depreciation and amortization increased $26 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher plant in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $7 million, or 4%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds decreased $11 million, or 26%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a true-up of AFUDC rates.

Income tax expense increased $20 million, or 6%, for 2017 compared to 2016 and the effective tax rate was 32% and 31% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate increased primarily due to lower production tax credits associated with PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities as a result of the expiration of the 10-year production tax credit periods for certain wind-powered generating facilities, of which 243 MWs and 100 MWs of net owned capacity expired in 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's total net liquidity was as follows (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents $77
   
Credit facilities(1)
 1,200
Less:  
Short-term debt (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (89)
Net credit facilities 1,081
   
Total net liquidity $1,158
   
Credit facilities:  
Maturity dates 2021

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's credit facilities.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The increase is primarily due to current year lower payments for income taxes, a prior year pension contribution and higher current year receipts from wholesale customers, partially offset by lower current year receipts from retail customers and higher payments for purchased power.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Positive variances from the 2016 payment for USA Power litigation, higher receipts from wholesale and retail customers and lower fuel payments, were fully offset by current year higher cash payments for purchased power, income taxes and pension contributions.

The timing of PacifiCorp's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(1,252) million and $(757) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects an increase in capital expenditures of $488 million.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(757) million and $(895) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects a decrease in capital expenditures of $134 million.

Financing Activities

Short-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Regulatory authorities limit PacifiCorp to $1.5 billion of short-term debt. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $30 million of short-term debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.85%. As of December 31, 2017, PacifiCorp had $80 million of short-term debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 1.83%. For further discussion, refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Long-term Debt

In July 2018, PacifiCorp issued $600 million of its 4.125% First Mortgage Bonds due January 2049. PacifiCorp used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of PacifiCorp's $500 million 5.65% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2018 and intends to use the remaining net proceeds to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

PacifiCorp currently has regulatory authority from the OPUC and the IPUC to issue an additional $2 billion of long-term debt. PacifiCorp must make a notice filing with the WUTC prior to any future issuance. PacifiCorp currently has an effective shelf registration statement with the SEC to issue up to $2 billion additional first mortgage bonds through October 2021.

PacifiCorp made repayments on long-term debt, excluding repayments for lease obligations, totaling $586 million and $52 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $170 million of letters of credit providing credit enhancement and liquidity support for variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations totaling $168 million plus interest. These letters of credit were fully available as of December 31, 2018 and expire in March 2019.

PacifiCorp's Mortgage and Deed of Trust creates a lien on most of PacifiCorp's electric utility property, allowing the issuance of bonds based on a percentage of utility property additions, bond credits arising from retirement of previously outstanding bonds or deposits of cash. The amount of bonds that PacifiCorp may issue generally is also subject to a net earnings test. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp estimated it would be able to issue up to $10.3 billion of new first mortgage bonds under the most restrictive issuance test in the mortgage. Any issuances are subject to market conditions and amounts may be further limited by regulatory authorizations or commitments or by covenants and tests contained in other financing agreements. PacifiCorp also has the ability to release property from the lien of the mortgage on the basis of property additions, bond credits or deposits of cash.

Preferred Stock

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had non-redeemable preferred stock outstanding with an aggregate stated value of $2 million.

Common Shareholder's Equity

In 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp declared and paid dividends of $450 million and $600 million, respectively, to PPW Holdings LLC.

Capitalization

PacifiCorp manages its capitalization and liquidity position to maintain a prudent capital structure with an objective of retaining strong investment grade credit ratings, which is expected to facilitate continuing access to flexible borrowing arrangements at favorable costs and rates. This objective, subject to periodic review and revision, attempts to balance the interests of all shareholders, customers and creditors and provide a competitive cost of capital and predictable capital market access.

Under existing or prospective authoritative accounting guidance, such as guidance pertaining to consolidations and leases, it is possible that new purchase power and gas agreements, transmission arrangements or amendments to existing arrangements may be accounted for as capital lease obligations or debt on PacifiCorp's financial statements. While PacifiCorp has successfully amended covenants in financing arrangements that may be impacted, it may be more difficult for PacifiCorp to comply with its capitalization targets or regulatory commitments concerning minimum levels of common equity as a percentage of capitalization. This may lead PacifiCorp to seek amendments or waivers under financing agreements and from regulators, delay or reduce dividends or spending programs, seek additional new equity contributions from its indirect parent company, BHE, or take other actions.

Future Uses of Cash

PacifiCorp has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, capital contributions and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which PacifiCorp has access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including PacifiCorp's credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry.


Capital Expenditures

PacifiCorp has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, impacts to customers' rates; changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital.

Historical and forecast capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):

 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Transmission system investment$94
 $115
 $75
 $484
 $182
 $33
Wind investment110
 11
 341
 987
 1,150
 10
Operating and other699
 643
 841
 822
 929
 834
Total$903
 $769
 $1,257
 $2,293
 $2,261
 $877

PacifiCorp's historical and forecast capital expenditures include the following:

Transmission system investment primarily reflects initial costs for the 140-mile 500-kV Aeolus-Bridger/Anticline transmission line, a major segment of PacifiCorp's Energy Gateway Transmission expansion program expected to be placed in-service in 2020. Planned spending for the Aeolus-Bridger/Anticline line totals $436 million in 2019, $112 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021.
Wind investment includes the following:
The new wind-powered generating facilities are expected to be placed in-service in 2020. The energy production from the new wind-powered generating facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available for 10 years once the equipment is placed in-service. Planned spending for the wind-powered generating facilities totals $420 million in 2019, $991 million in 2020 and $9 million in 2021.
Repowering existing wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaled $332 million in 2018 and $6 million in 2017. The repowering projects are expected to be placed in-service at various dates in 2019 and 2020. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal renewable electricity production tax credits available for 10 years following each facility's return to service. Planned spending for certain existing wind-powered generating facilities totals $567 million in 2019, $159 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021.
Remaining investments relate to operating projects that consist of advanced meter infrastructure costs, routine expenditures for generation, transmission, distribution and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.


Contractual Obligations

PacifiCorp has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes PacifiCorp's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 20162018 (in millions):

Payments Due By PeriodsPayments Due By Periods
2017 2018-2019 2020-2021 2022 and Thereafter Total2019 2020-2021 2022-2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
                  
Long-term debt, including interest:                  
Fixed-rate obligations$357
 $1,522
 $1,027
 $8,894
 $11,800
$692
 $1,077
 $1,645
 $8,529
 $11,943
Variable-rate obligations(1)
53
 90
 42
 223
 408
4
 47
 8
 222
 281
Short-term debt, including interest30
 
 
 
 30
Capital leases, including interest9
 8
 9
 20
 46
4
 10
 5
 16
 35
Operating leases and easements5
 10
 9
 39
 63
7
 13
 11
 90
 121
Asset retirement obligations21
 23
 38
 351
 433
21
 18
 23
 388
 450
Power purchase agreements - commercially operable(2):
                  
Electricity commodity contracts207
 231
 225
 903
 1,566
274
 269
 222
 841
 1,606
Electricity capacity contracts37
 70
 62
 665
 834
35
 65
 61
 633
 794
Electricity mixed contracts9
 16
 15
 62
 102
8
 15
 14
 48
 85
Power purchase agreements - non-commercially operable(2)
10
 30
 35
 390
 465
13
 69
 98
 797
 977
Transmission109
 196
 108
 467
 880
108
 175
 132
 427
 842
Fuel purchase agreements(2):
                  
Natural gas supply and transportation62
 56
 55
 260
 433
57
 54
 53
 207
 371
Coal supply and transportation734
 1,156
 798
 1,147
 3,835
675
 1,115
 541
 769
 3,100
Other purchase obligations115
 132
 42
 72
 361
940
 612
 24
 81
 1,657
Other long-term liabilities(3)
14
 9
 13
 52
 88
17
 19
 15
 60
 111
Total contractual cash obligations$1,742
 $3,549
 $2,478
 $13,545
 $21,314
$2,885
 $3,558
 $2,852
 $13,108
 $22,403

(1)Consists of principal and interest for tax-exempt bond obligations with interest rates scheduled to reset periodically prior to maturity. Future variable interest rates are assumed to equal December 31, 20162018 rates. Refer to "Interest Rate Risk" in Item 7A of this Form 10-K for additional discussion related to variable-rate liabilities.
(2)Commodity contracts are agreements for the delivery of energy. Capacity contracts are agreements that provide rights to energy output, generally of a specified generating facility. Forecasted or other applicable estimated prices were used to determine total dollar value of the commitments. PacifiCorp has several contracts for purchases of electricity from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.
(3)Includes environmental and hydroelectric relicensing commitments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that are contractually or legally binding. Excludes regulatory liabilities and employee benefit plan obligations that are not legally or contractually fixed as to timing and amount. Deferred income taxes are excluded since cash payments are based primarily on taxable income for each year. Uncertain tax positions are also excluded because the amounts and timing of cash payments are not certain.

Regulatory Matters

PacifiCorp is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

PacifiCorp is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, RPS, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact PacifiCorp's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by the EPA and various federal, state, local and international agencies. PacifiCorp believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and PacifiCorp is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for PacifiCorp's forecast environmental-related capital expenditures.regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt and preferred securities of PacifiCorp are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of PacifiCorp's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior secured debt and its issuer credit ratings for senior unsecured debt from the three recognized credit rating agenciesby Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's Rating Services were investment grade.

PacifiCorp has no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. PacifiCorp's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities. Certain authorizations or exemptions by regulatory commissions for the issuance of securities are valid as long as PacifiCorp maintains investment grade ratings on senior secured debt. A downgrade below that level would necessitate new regulatory applications and approvals.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance" if there is a material adverse change in PacifiCorp's creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp would have been required to post $221$289 million of additional collateral. PacifiCorp's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of PacifiCorp's collateral requirements specific to PacifiCorp's derivative contracts.

Limitations

In addition to PacifiCorp's capital structure objectives, its debt capacity is also governed by its contractual and regulatory commitments.

PacifiCorp's revolving credit and other financing agreements contain customary covenants and default provisions, including a covenant not to exceed a specified debt-to-capitalization ratio of 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. Management believes that PacifiCorp could have borrowed an additional $6.4 billion as of December 31, 2016 without exceeding this threshold. Any additional borrowings would be subject to market conditions, and amounts may be further limited by regulatory authorizations or by covenants and tests contained in other financing agreements.


The state regulatory orders that authorized BHE's acquisition of PacifiCorp contain restrictions on PacifiCorp's ability to pay dividends to the extent that they would reduce PacifiCorp's common equity below specified percentages of defined capitalization. As of December 31, 2016, the most restrictive of these commitments prohibits PacifiCorp from making any distribution to PPW Holdings LLC or BHE without prior state regulatory approval to the extent that it would reduce PacifiCorp's common stock equity below 44% of its total capitalization, excluding short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt. The terms of this commitment treat 50% of PacifiCorp's remaining balance of preferred stock in existence prior to the acquisition of PacifiCorp by BHE as common equity. As of December 31, 2016, PacifiCorp's actual common stock equity percentage, as calculated under this measure, was 51%, and management believes that PacifiCorp could have declared a dividend of $1.9 billion under this commitment.

These commitments also restrict PacifiCorp from making any distributions to either PPW Holdings LLC or BHE if PacifiCorp's senior unsecured debt is rated BBB- or lower by Standard & Poor's Rating Services or Fitch Ratings or Baa3 or lower by Moody's Investor Service, as indicated by two of the three rating services. As of December 31, 2016, PacifiCorp met the minimum required senior unsecured debt ratings for making distributions.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where PacifiCorp operates have not had a significant impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. PacifiCorp operates under a cost-of-service based rate structure administered by various state commissions and the FERC. Under this rate structure, PacifiCorp is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation. PacifiCorp attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

PacifiCorp from time to time enters into arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties that involve guarantees or similar arrangements. PacifiCorp currently has indemnification obligations in connection with the sale of certain assets. In addition, PacifiCorp evaluates potential obligations that arise out of variable interests in unconsolidated entities, determined in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance. PacifiCorp believes that the likelihood that it would be required to perform or otherwise incur any significant losses associated with any of these obligations is remote. Refer to Notes 10 and 1718 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on these obligations and arrangements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting PacifiCorp, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by PacifiCorp's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with PacifiCorp's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, PacifiCorp defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in rates occur.


PacifiCorp continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit PacifiCorp's ability to recover its costs. PacifiCorp believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Total regulatory assets were $1.543$1.112 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $1.032$3.055 billion as of December 31, 2016.2018. Refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's regulatory assets and liabilities.


Derivatives

PacifiCorp is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. PacifiCorp is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as it has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its service territories. PacifiCorp's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. PacifiCorp has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in its business. PacifiCorp employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and, at times, interest rate risk. PacifiCorp does not hedge all of its commodity price and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices and interest rates. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp had no derivative contracts outstanding related to interest rate risk. Refer to Notes 11 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's derivative contracts.

Measurement Principles

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which PacifiCorp transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent PacifiCorp's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. PacifiCorp bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent energy brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by PacifiCorp. Market price quotations for certain major electricity and natural gas trading hubs are generally readily obtainable for the first sixthree years; therefore, PacifiCorp's forward price curves for those locations and periods reflect observable market quotes. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp had a net derivative liability of $77$97 million related to contracts valued using either quoted prices or forward price curves based upon observable market quotes. Market price quotations for other electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable for the first sixthree years. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. The assumptions used in these models are critical because any changes in assumptions could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the contracts. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp had a net derivative asset of $- million related to contracts where PacifiCorp uses internal models with significant unobservable inputs.

Classification and Recognition Methodology

PacifiCorp's derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in rates and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as regulatory assets. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp had $73$96 million recorded as a regulatory asset related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

PacifiCorp sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of its employees. In addition, PacifiCorp contributes to a joint trustee pension plan for benefits offered to certain bargaining units. PacifiCorp recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp recognized a net liability totaling $333$164 million for the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2016,2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets and accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $525$448 million and $20$17 million, respectively.


The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount ratesrate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. PacifiCorp believes that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about PacifiCorp's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

PacifiCorp chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, PacifiCorp utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on forward-looking views of the financial markets and historical performance. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. PacifiCorp regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (in millions):

  Other Postretirement  Other Postretirement
Pension Plans Benefit PlanPension Plans Benefit Plan
+0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%+0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
              
Effect on December 31, 2016 Benefit Obligations:       
Effect on December 31, 2018 Benefit Obligations:       
Discount rate$(64) $71
 $(15) $17
$(55) $60
 $(12) $13
              
Effect on 2016 Periodic Cost:       
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:       
Discount rate$(4) $4
 $
 $
$1
 $(1) $1
 $(1)
Expected rate of return on plan assets(5) 5
 (1) 1
(5) 5
 (2) 2

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and PacifiCorp's funding policy for each plan.


Income Taxes

In determining PacifiCorp's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. PacifiCorp's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. PacifiCorp recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of PacifiCorp's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, PacifiCorp believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's income taxes.

PacifiCorp is required to pass income tax benefits and expense related to certain property-related basis differences, excess deferred income taxes resulting from 2017 Tax Reform and other various differences on to its customers. As of December 31, 2016,2018, these amounts were recognized as a regulatory asset of $421 million and anet regulatory liability of $9 million$1.8 billion and will be included in rates when the temporary differences reverse.reverse, or as otherwise specifically ordered by regulatory commissions.

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue is recognized as electricity is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $275$229 million as of December 31, 2016.2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Estimates are reversed in the following month and actual revenue is recorded based on subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

PacifiCorp's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. PacifiCorp's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which PacifiCorp transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with PacifiCorp's business activities. PacifiCorp has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to Notes 2 and 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Risk Management

PacifiCorp has a risk management committee that is responsible for the oversight of market and credit risk relating to the commodity transactions of PacifiCorp. To limit PacifiCorp's exposure to market and credit risk, the risk management committee recommends, and executive management establishes, policies, limits and approved products, which are reviewed frequently to respond to changing market conditions.

Risk is an inherent part of PacifiCorp's business and activities. PacifiCorp has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in PacifiCorp's business. The risk management policy governs energy transactions and is designed for hedging PacifiCorp's existing energy and asset exposures, and to a limited extent, the policy permits arbitrage and trading activities to take advantage of market inefficiencies. The policy also governs the types of transactions authorized for use and establishes guidelines for credit risk management and management information systems required to effectively monitor such transactions. PacifiCorp's risk management policy provides for the use of only those contracts that have a similar volume or price relationship to its portfolio of assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions.


Commodity Price Risk

PacifiCorp is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as PacifiCorp has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its service territories. PacifiCorp's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. PacifiCorp does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, PacifiCorp uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. PacifiCorp does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. PacifiCorp's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

PacifiCorp measures the market risk in its electricity and natural gas portfolio daily, utilizing a historical Value-at-Risk ("VaR") approach and other measurements of net position. PacifiCorp also monitors its portfolio exposure to market risk in comparison to established thresholds and measures its open positions subject to price risk in terms of quantity at each delivery location for each forward time period. VaR computations for the electricity and natural gas commodity portfolio are based on a historical simulation technique, utilizing historical price changes over a specified (holding) period to simulate potential forward energy market price curve movements to estimate the potential unfavorable impact of such price changes on the portfolio positions. The quantification of market risk using VaR provides a consistent measure of risk across PacifiCorp's continually changing portfolio. VaR represents an estimate of possible changes at a given level of confidence in fair value that would be measured on its portfolio assuming hypothetical movements in forward market prices and is not necessarily indicative of actual results that may occur.


PacifiCorp's VaR computations utilize several key assumptions. The calculation includes short-term commodity contracts, the expected resource and demand obligations from PacifiCorp's long-term contracts, the expected generation levels from PacifiCorp's generation assets and the expected retail and wholesale load levels. The portfolio reflects flexibility contained in contracts and assets, which accommodate the normal variability in PacifiCorp's demand obligations and generation availability. These contracts and assets are valued to reflect the variability PacifiCorp experiences as a load-serving entity. Contracts or assets that contain flexible elements are often referred to as having embedded options or option characteristics. These options provide for energy volume changes that are sensitive to market price changes. Therefore, changes in the option values affect the energy position of the portfolio with respect to market prices, and this effect is calculated daily. When measuring portfolio exposure through VaR, these position changes that result from the option sensitivity are held constant through the historical simulation. PacifiCorp's VaR methodology is based on a 36-month forward position, 95% confidence interval and one-day holding period.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's estimated potential one-day unfavorable impact on fair value of the electricity and natural gas commodity portfolio over the next 36 months was $7$10 million, as measured by the VaR computations described above. The minimum, average and maximum daily VaR (one-day holding periods) were as follows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):

20162018
Minimum VaR (measured)$6
$7
Average VaR (calculated)8
9
Maximum VaR (measured)12
13

PacifiCorp maintained compliance with its VaR limit procedures during the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. Changes in markets inconsistent with historical trends or assumptions used could cause actual results to exceed estimated VaR levels.


Fair Value of Derivatives

The table that follows summarizes PacifiCorp's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $69$59 million and $75$74 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices by the expected volumes for these contracts as of that date. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions):

Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value afterFair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
(Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease(Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2016:     
As of December 31, 2018:     
Total commodity derivative contracts$(77) $(59) $(95)$(97) $(92) $(102)
          
As of December 31, 2015     
As of December 31, 2017     
Total commodity derivative contracts$(136) $(103) $(169)$(104) $(102) $(106)

PacifiCorp's commodity derivative contracts are generally recoverable from customers in rates; therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose PacifiCorp to earnings volatility. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, a regulatory asset of $73$96 million and $133$101 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $77$97 million and $136$104 million, respectively. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, natural gas or fuel are higher or the level of wholesale electricity sales are lower than what is included in rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms.


Interest Rate Risk

PacifiCorp is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. PacifiCorp manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, PacifiCorp's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose PacifiCorp to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if PacifiCorp were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. PacifiCorp may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate PacifiCorp's exposure to interest rate risk. The nature and amount of PacifiCorp's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 6, 7 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of PacifiCorp's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, PacifiCorp had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $662$285 million and $475$442 million, respectively that expose PacifiCorp to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. The market risk related to PacifiCorp's variable-rate debt as of December 31, 20162018 is not hedged. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on PacifiCorp's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.

2017.

Credit Risk

PacifiCorp is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent PacifiCorp's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, PacifiCorp analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, PacifiCorp enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, PacifiCorp exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.


As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit exposure from wholesale activities totaled $136$719 million, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral.collateral, compared to $127 million as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, $1352018, $552 million or 99.6%, of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to long-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with counterparties having investment grade credit ratingsinternal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation by either Moody's Investor Service or Standard & Poor's Rating Services. As of December 31, 2016, two counterparties comprised $87 million, or 64%, ofcontractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the aggregate credit exposure. The two counterparties are rated investment grade by Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's Rating Services, and PacifiCorp is not aware of any factors that would likely result in a downgrade of the counterparties' credit ratings to below investment grade over the remaining term of transactions outstanding as of December 31, 2016.counterparty.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
PacifiCorp
Portland, Oregon

Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PacifiCorp and subsidiaries ("PacifiCorp") as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. 2018, 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 PacifiCorp as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of PacifiCorp'sPacifiCorp’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesePacifiCorp’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 PacifiCorp 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. PacifiCorp is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding 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 PacifiCorp'sPacifiCorp’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes

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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PacifiCorp and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Portland, Oregon
February 24, 201722, 2019

We have served as PacifiCorp's auditor since 2006.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
ASSETS
      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$17
 $12
$77
 $14
Accounts receivable, net728
 740
Income taxes receivable17
 17
Inventories:   
Materials and supplies228
 233
Fuel215
 192
Regulatory assets53
 102
Trade receivables, net640
 631
Other receivables, net92
 53
Inventories417
 433
Prepaid expenses47
 73
Other current assets96
 81
86
 111
Total current assets1,354
 1,377
1,359
 1,315
      
Property, plant and equipment, net19,162
 19,026
19,591
 19,203
Regulatory assets1,490
 1,583
1,076
 1,030
Other assets388
 381
287
 372
      
Total assets$22,394
 $22,367
$22,313
 $21,920

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
      
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$408
 $473
$597
 $453
Accrued interest114
 115
Accrued property, income and other taxes75
 66
Accrued employee expenses67
 70
79
 70
Accrued interest115
 115
Accrued property and other taxes63
 62
Short-term debt270
 20
30
 80
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations58
 68
352
 588
Regulatory liabilities54
 34
77
 75
Other current liabilities164
 229
191
 170
Total current liabilities1,199
 1,071
1,515
 1,617
      
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations6,684
 6,437
Regulatory liabilities978
 938
2,978
 2,996
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations7,021
 7,078
Deferred income taxes4,880
 4,750
2,543
 2,582
Other long-term liabilities926
 1,027
748
 733
Total liabilities15,004
 14,864
14,468
 14,365
      
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
 

 
      
Shareholders' equity:      
Preferred stock2
 2
2
 2
Common stock - 750 shares authorized, no par value, 357 shares issued and outstanding
 

 
Additional paid-in capital4,479
 4,479
4,479
 4,479
Retained earnings2,921
 3,033
3,377
 3,089
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(12) (11)(13) (15)
Total shareholders' equity7,390
 7,503
7,845
 7,555
      
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$22,394
 $22,367
$22,313
 $21,920

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Operating revenue$5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
          
Operating costs and expenses:     
Energy costs1,751
 1,868
 1,997
Operating expenses:     
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 1,751
Operations and maintenance1,064
 1,082
 1,057
1,038
 1,034
 1,062
Depreciation and amortization770
 757
 726
979
 796
 770
Taxes, other than income taxes190
 185
 172
201
 197
 190
Total operating costs and expenses3,775
 3,892
 3,952
Total operating expenses3,975
 3,797
 3,773
          
Operating income1,426
 1,340
 1,300
1,051
 1,440
 1,428
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense(380) (379) (379)(384) (381) (380)
Allowance for borrowed funds15
 18
 25
18
 11
 15
Allowance for equity funds27
 33
 51
35
 20
 27
Other, net15
 11
 10
23
 38
 13
Total other income (expense)(323) (317) (293)(308) (312) (325)
          
Income before income tax expense1,103
 1,023
 1,007
743
 1,128
 1,103
Income tax expense340
 328
 309
5
 360
 340
Net income$763
 $695
 $698
$738
 $768
 $763

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Net income$763
 $695
 $698
$738
 $768
 $763
          
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax —     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $-, $1 and $(3)(1) 2
 (4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax —     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $1, $3 and $-2
 (3) (1)
          
Comprehensive income$762
 $697
 $694
$740
 $765
 $762

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

        Accumulated          Accumulated  
    Additional   Other Total    Additional   Other Total
Preferred Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholders'Preferred Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholders'
Stock Stock Capital Earnings Loss, Net EquityStock Stock Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013$2
 $
 $4,479
 $3,315
 $(9) $7,787
Balance, December 31, 2015$2
 $
 $4,479
 $3,033
 $(11) $7,503
Net income
 
 
 763
 
 763
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (875) 
 (875)
Balance, December 31, 20162
 
 4,479
 2,921
 (12) 7,390
Net income
 
 
 698
 
 698

 
 
 768
 
 768
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (4) (4)
 
 
 
 (3) (3)
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (725) 
 (725)
 
 
 (600) 
 (600)
Balance, December 31, 20142
 
 4,479
 3,288
 (13) 7,756
Net income
 
 
 695
 
 695
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 2
 2
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (950) 
 (950)
Balance, December 31, 20152
 
 4,479
 3,033
 (11) 7,503
Balance, December 31, 20172
 
 4,479
 3,089
 (15) 7,555
Net income
 
 
 763
 
 763

 
 
 738
 
 738
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
 
 
 
 2
 2
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (875) 
 (875)
 
 
 (450) 
 (450)
Balance, December 31, 2016$2
 $
 $4,479
 $2,921
 $(12) $7,390
Balance, December 31, 2018$2
 $
 $4,479
 $3,377
 $(13) $7,845

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$763
 $695
 $698
$738
 $768
 $763
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating          
activities:
 
 

 
 
Depreciation and amortization770
 757
 726
979
 796
 770
Allowance for equity funds(27) (33) (51)(35) (20) (27)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities87
 18
 122
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits139
 172
 297
(199) 70
 139
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities122
 63
 (112)
Other, net4
 6
 22
5
 9
 4
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable and other assets(25) 5
 5
Trade receivables and other assets31
 75
 6
Inventories16
 10
 (21)
Derivative collateral, net6
 (47) (16)15
 (6) 6
Inventories(21) (7) 37
Income taxes
 116
 (155)
Prepaid expenses31
 (8) (5)
Accrued property, income and other taxes, net60
 (48) 
Accounts payable and other liabilities(163) 7
 119
83
 (62) (163)
Net cash flows from operating activities1,568
 1,734
 1,570
1,811
 1,602
 1,594
          
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Capital expenditures(903) (916) (1,066)(1,257) (769) (903)
Other, net34
 (2) (13)5
 12
 8
Net cash flows from investing activities(869) (918) (1,079)(1,252) (757) (895)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from long-term debt
 248
 422
593
 
 
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations(68) (124) (238)(588) (58) (68)
Net proceeds from short-term debt250
 
 20
Common stock dividends(875) (950) (725)
Net (repayments) proceeds from short-term debt(50) (190) 250
Dividends paid(450) (600) (875)
Other, net(1) (1) 
(1) (1) (1)
Net cash flows from financing activities(694) (827) (521)(496) (849) (694)
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents5
 (11) (30)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period12
 23
 53
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$17
 $12
 $23
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents63
 (4) 5
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period29
 33
 28
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$92
 $29
 $33

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)    Organization and Operations

PacifiCorp, which includes PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries, is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, irrigation and other customers in portions of Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho and California. PacifiCorp owns, or has interests in, a number of thermal, hydroelectric, wind-powered and geothermal generating facilities, as well as electric transmission and distribution assets. PacifiCorp also buys and sells electricity on the wholesale market with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. PacifiCorp is subject to comprehensive state and federal regulation. PacifiCorp's subsidiaries support its electric utility operations by providing coal mining services. PacifiCorp is an indirect subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"), a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, PacifiCorp defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in rates occur.

PacifiCorp continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit PacifiCorp's ability to recover its costs. PacifiCorp believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds representing escrow accounts for disputes, vendor retention, custodial and nuclear decommissioning funds. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, PacifiCorp had no unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings.

Equity Method Investments

PacifiCorp utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, PacifiCorp records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by PacifiCorp's proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") of the investee. PacifiCorp records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on PacifiCorp's assessment of the collectibilitycollectability of amounts owed to PacifiCorp by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. The change in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Beginning balance$7
 $7
 $8
$10
 $7
 $7
Charged to operating costs and expenses, net12
 10
 11
12
 15
 12
Write-offs, net(12) (10) (12)(14) (12) (12)
Ending balance$7
 $7
 $7
$8
 $10
 $7

Derivatives

PacifiCorp employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage price risk for electricity, natural gas and other commodities and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or energy costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For PacifiCorp's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in rates are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.




Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of materials, and supplies coal stocks, natural gas and fuel oil, whichstocks and are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. PacifiCorp capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs, which include debt and equity allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"). The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed on the straight-line method based on composite asset class lives prescribed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory authorities or over the assets' estimated useful lives. Depreciation studies are completed periodically to determine the appropriate composite asset class lives, net salvage and depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the various regulatory authorities. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when PacifiCorp retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment, is capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, PacifiCorp is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.

Asset Retirement Obligations

PacifiCorp recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. PacifiCorp's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Impairment

The CompanyPacifiCorp evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized as electricity is deliveredPacifiCorp uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services are provided. Revenue recognized includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unbilled revenue was $275 million and $245 million, respectively, and is included in accounts receivable, net onan amount that reflects the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rates charged are established by regulatorsconsideration to which PacifiCorp expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or contractual arrangements.


The determination of sales to individual customers is based on the reading of the customer's meter, which is performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. The estimate is reversed in the following month and actual revenue is recorded based on subsequent meter readings.

The monthly unbilled revenues of PacifiCorp are determined by the estimation of unbilled energy provided during the period, the assignment of unbilled energy provided to customer classes and the average rate per customer class. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes.

services. PacifiCorp records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Substantially all of PacifiCorp's Customer Revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission and distribution and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging."

Revenue recognized is equal to what PacifiCorp has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of PacifiCorp's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $229 million and $255 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes PacifiCorp in its consolidated United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, PacifiCorp's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that PacifiCorp is requireddeems probable to passbe passed on to its customers in most state jurisdictions are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability. These amounts were recognized as regulatory assets of $421 million and $437 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and regulatory liabilities of $9 million and $12 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively,liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.reverse or as otherwise approved by PacifiCorp's various regulatory commissions. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized.

Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. Investment tax credits are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $18$13 million and $23$16 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

In determining PacifiCorp's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. PacifiCorp's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. PacifiCorp recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of PacifiCorp's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, PacifiCorp believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. PacifiCorp's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Segment Information

PacifiCorp currently has one segment, which includes its regulated electric utility operations.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2016,August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-18,2018-14, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The updated disclosure requirements make a number of changes to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. PacifiCorp elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-14 effective December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on PacifiCorp's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations utilizing the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the year-ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $22 million of benefit and $2 million of cost, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, “Statement"Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash orand restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to bePacifiCorp adopted retrospectively. PacifiCorp is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.retrospectively January 1, 2018.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to bePacifiCorp adopted retrospectively. PacifiCorp is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in the reclassification of certain cash distributions received from equity method investees of $27 million and $25 million previously recognized within investing cash flows to operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases" and ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. PacifiCorp is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance, electing all practical expedients, effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in-effect. PacifiCorp is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $15 million based on the contracts currently in-effect. PacifiCorp currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10, "Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments in this guidance address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including a requirement that all investments in equity securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting or result in consolidation of the investee be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption not permitted, and is required to be adopted prospectively by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The impact of this update is immaterial to PacifiCorp's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which createscreated FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606") and supersedessuperseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replacesreplaced industry-specific guidance and establishesestablished a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue.revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally,Following the guidance requires the entity to disclose further quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature and amount of revenues arising from contracts with customers, as well as other information about the significant judgments and estimates used in recognizing revenues from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which defers the effective dateissuance of ASU No. 2014-09, one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. During 2016, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarifyclarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but dodid not change the core principle of the guidance. ThisPacifiCorp adopted this guidance may be adopted retrospectively orfor all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method where themethod. The adoption did not have a cumulative effect is recognizedimpact at the date of initial application. PacifiCorp is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. PacifiCorp currently does not expect the timing and amount of revenue currently recognized to be materially different after adoption of the new guidance as a majority of revenue is recognized equal to what PacifiCorp has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of PacifiCorp’s performance to date. PacifiCorp’s current plan is to quantitatively disaggregate revenue in the required financial statement footnote by customer class and jurisdiction.adoption.


(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):

Depreciable Life 2016 2015Depreciable Life 2018 2017
Property, plant and equipment:    
Utility Plant:    
Generation14 - 67 years $12,371
 $12,164
14 - 67 years $12,606
 $12,490
Transmission58 - 75 years 6,055
 5,914
58 - 75 years 6,357
 6,226
Distribution20 - 70 years 6,590
 6,408
20 - 70 years 7,030
 6,792
Intangible plant(1)
5 - 62 years 884
 875
5 - 75 years 970
 937
Other5 - 60 years 1,398
 1,396
5 - 60 years 1,483
 1,435
Property, plant and equipment in-service 27,298
 26,757
Utility plant in service 28,446
 27,880
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (8,793) (8,360) (10,060) (9,366)
Net property, plant and equipment in-service 18,505
 18,397
Utility plant in service, net 18,386
 18,514
Other non-regulated, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization47 years 10
 11
Plant, net 18,396
 18,525
Construction work-in-progress 657
 629
 1,195
 678
Total property, plant and equipment, net $19,162
 $19,026
Property, plant and equipment, net $19,591
 $19,203

(1)Computer software costs included in intangible plant are initially assigned a depreciable life of 5 to 10 years.

The average depreciation and amortization rate applied to depreciable property, plant and equipment was 2.9%, 2.9%3.5% for the year ended December 31, 2018, including the impact of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units, and 3.0%2.9% for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

Unallocated Acquisition Adjustments

PacifiCorp has unallocated acquisition adjustments that represent the excess of costs of the acquired interests in property, plant and equipment purchased from the entity that first devoted the assets to utility service over their net book value in those assets. These unallocated acquisition adjustments included in other property, plant and equipment had an original cost of $156 million as of December 31, 2018 and $1552017, respectively, and accumulated depreciation of $127 million and $122 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively, and accumulated depreciation of $117 million and $112 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015,2017, respectively.


(4)    Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements with other utilities, PacifiCorp, as a tenant in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation, transmission and distribution facilities. PacifiCorp accounts for its proportionate share of each facility, and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include PacifiCorp's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent PacifiCorp's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 (dollars in millions):
  Facility Accumulated Construction  Facility Accumulated Construction
PacifiCorp in Depreciation and Work-in-PacifiCorp in Depreciation and Work-in-
Share Service Amortization ProgressShare Service Amortization Progress
              
Jim Bridger Nos. 1 - 467% $1,420
 $583
 $10
67% $1,458
 $647
 $11
Hunter No. 194
 473
 161
 1
94
 484
 182
 
Hunter No. 260
 296
 98
 
60
 298
 121
 5
Wyodak80
 467
 203
 1
80
 471
 229
 
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 410
 244
 130
 5
10
 248
 137
 6
Hermiston50
 178
 76
 2
50
 180
 87
 1
Craig Nos. 1 and 219
 325
 223
 32
19
 367
 241
 
Hayden No. 125
 74
 32
 
25
 74
 37
 
Hayden No. 213
 43
 20
 
13
 43
 22
 
Foote Creek79
 39
 25
 
79
 40
 27
 1
Transmission and distribution facilitiesVarious 777
 228
 61
Various 808
 246
 76
Total  $4,336
 $1,779
 $112
  $4,471
 $1,976
 $100


(5)    Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. PacifiCorp's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Weighted    Weighted    
Average    Average    
Remaining    Remaining    
Life 2016 2015Life 2018 2017
        
Deferred income taxes(1)
26 years $421
 $437
Employee benefit plans(2)
21 years 525
 499
Utah mine disposition(3)
Various 166
 186
Employee benefit plans(1)
20 years $448
 $418
Utah mine disposition(2)
Various 136
 156
Unamortized contract values7 years 98
 110
5 years 79
 89
Deferred net power costs1 year 33
 86
3 year 62
 21
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts5 years 73
 133
2 years 96
 101
Asset retirement obligation20 years 82
 65
31 years 119
 100
OtherVarious 145
 169
Various 172
 176
Total regulatory assets $1,543
 $1,685
 $1,112
 $1,061
        
Reflected as:        
Current assets $53
 $102
 $36
 $31
Noncurrent assets 1,490
 1,583
 1,076
 1,030
Total regulatory assets $1,543
 $1,685
 $1,112
 $1,061

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax benefits and expense related to certain property-related basis differences and other various items that PacifiCorp is required to pass on to its customers.
(2)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in rates when recognized.

(3)(2)Amounts represent regulatory assets established as a result of the Utah mine disposition discussed belowin 2015 for the net property, plant and equipment not considered probable of disallowance and for the portion of losses associated with the assets held for sale, UMWA 1974 Pension Plan withdrawal and closure costs incurred to date considered probable of recovery.

PacifiCorp had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $1.019 billion$636 million and $1.102 billion$589 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.


Regulatory Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. PacifiCorp's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Weighted    Weighted    
Average    Average    
Remaining    Remaining    
Life 2016 2015Life 2018 2017
        
Cost of removal(1)
26 years $917
 $894
26 years $994
 $955
Deferred income taxes(2)Various 9
 12
Various 1,803
 1,960
OtherVarious 106
 66
Various 258
 156
Total regulatory liabilities $1,032
 $972
 $3,055
 $3,071
        
Reflected as:        
Current liabilities $54
 $34
 $77
 $75
Noncurrent liabilities 978
 938
 2,978
 2,996
Total regulatory liabilities $1,032
 $972
 $3,055
 $3,071

(1)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

Utah Mine Disposition
(2)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. See Note 8 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform.

In December 2014, PacifiCorp filed applications with the Utah Public Service Commission ("UPSC"), the Oregon Public Utility Commission ("OPUC"), the Wyoming Public Service Commission ("WPSC") and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("IPUC") seeking certain approvals, prudence determinations and accounting orders to close its Deer Creek mining operations, sell certain Utah mining assets, enter into a replacement coal supply agreement, amend an existing coal supply agreement, withdraw from the United Mine Workers of America ("UMWA") 1974 Pension Plan and settle PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit obligation for UMWA participants (collectively, the "Utah Mine Disposition"). In 2015, PacifiCorp received approval from the commissions.

In December 2014, PacifiCorp filed an advice letter with the California Public Utility Commission ("CPUC") to request approval to sell certain Utah mining assets and to establish memorandum accounts to track the costs associated with the Utah Mine Disposition for future recovery. In July 2015, the CPUC Energy Division issued a letter requiring PacifiCorp to file a formal application for approval of the sale of certain Utah mining assets. Accordingly, in September 2015, PacifiCorp filed an application with the CPUC. On February 6, 2017, a joint motion was filed with the CPUC seeking approval of a settlement agreement reached by PacifiCorp and all other parties. The agreement states, among other things, that the decision to sell certain Utah mining assets is in the public interest. Parties also reserve their rights to additional testimony, briefs, and hearings to the extent the CPUC determines that additional California Environmental Quality Act proceedings are necessary. A CPUC decision on the joint motion and settlement agreement is expected in 2017.


(6)    Short-term Debt and Other Financing AgreementsCredit Facilities

The following table summarizes PacifiCorp's availability under its credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):

2016:  
2018:  
Credit facilities $1,000
 $1,200
Less:    
Short-term debt (270) (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (142) (89)
Net credit facilities $588
 $1,081
    
2015:  
2017:  
Credit facilities $1,200
 $1,000
Less:    
Short-term debt (20) (80)
Tax-exempt bond support and letters of credit (160)
Tax-exempt bond support (130)
Net credit facilities $1,020
 $790

PacifiCorp has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in March 2018June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent and a $400$600 million unsecured credit facility with a stated maturity ofexpiring in June 2019 and which has2021 with two one-year extension options subject to banklender consent. These credit facilities, which support PacifiCorp's commercial paper program, certain series of its tax-exempt bond obligations and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have a variable interest raterates based on the London Interbank Offered RateEurodollar rate or a base rate, at PacifiCorp's option, plus a spread that varies based on PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 0.96%2.85% and 0.65%1.83%, respectively. These credit facilities require that PacifiCorp's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter. As of December 31, 2016, PacifiCorp was in compliance with the covenants of its credit facilities.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, PacifiCorp had $255$184 million and $310$230 million, respectively, of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements, of which $10 million asarrangements. As of December 31, 2015 were issued under the credit facilities. These2018 and 2017, $170 million and $216 million, respectively, of these letters of credit, support PacifiCorp's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and expire throughin March 2019.

As of December 31, 2016, PacifiCorp had approximately2019 and $14 million of additional letters of credit issued on its behalf to provide credit support for certain transactions as required by third parties. These letters of credit were all undrawn as of December 31, 2016parties and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.


(7)    Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

PacifiCorp's long-term debt and capital lease obligations were as follows as of December 31 (dollars in millions):

 2018 2017
     Average   Average
 Principal Carrying Interest Carrying Interest
 Amount Value Rate Value Rate
          
First mortgage bonds:         
2.95% to 8.53%, due through 2023$1,824
 $1,821
 4.48% $2,320
 4.73%
3.35% to 6.71%, due 2024 to 2026775
 771
 3.92
 771
 3.92
7.70% due 2031300
 298
 7.70
 298
 7.70
5.25% to 6.35%, due 2034 to 20382,350
 2,338
 5.96
 2,337
 5.96
4.10% to 6.00%, due 2039 to 2042950
 939
 5.40
 938
 5.40
4.125%, due 2049600
 593 4.13
 
 
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2018-1.67% to 1.85%; 2017-1.60% to 1.87%):         
Due 2018 to 202038
 38
 1.85
 79
 1.77
Due 2018 to 2025(1)
25
 25
 1.75
 70
 1.81
Due 2024(1)(2)
143
 142
 1.68
 142
 1.73
Due 2024 to 2025(2)
50
 50
 1.75
 50
 1.72
Total long-term debt7,055
 7,015
   7,005
  
Capital lease obligations:         
8.75% to 14.61%, due through 203521
 21
 10.55
 20
 11.46
Total long-term debt and capital lease         
obligations$7,076
 $7,036
   $7,025
  
 2016 2015
     Average   Average
 Principal Carrying Interest Carrying Interest
 Amount Value Rate Value Rate
          
First mortgage bonds:         
3.85% to 8.53%, due through 2021$1,272
 $1,269
 5.10% $1,271
 5.10%
2.95% to 8.27%, due 2022 to 20261,829
 1,820
 4.10
 1,819
 4.10
7.70% due 2031300
 298
 7.70
 298
 7.70
5.25% to 6.10%, due 2034 to 2036850
 843
 5.80
 843
 5.80
5.75% to 6.35%, due 2037 to 20392,150
 2,134
 6.00
 2,133
 6.00
4.10% due 2042300
 297
 4.10
 297
 4.10
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2016-0.69% to 0.86%; 2015-0.01% to 0.22%):         
Due 2017 to 201891
 91
 0.85
 91
 0.22
Due 2018 to 2025(1)
108
 108
 0.74
 107
 0.01
Due 2024(1)(2)
143
 142
 0.70
 196
 0.02
Due 2024 to 2025 (2)
50
 50
 0.80
 59
 0.21
Total long-term debt7,093
 7,052
   7,114
  
Capital lease obligations:         
8.75% to 14.61%, due through 203527
 27
 11.09
 32
 11.25
Total long-term debt and capital lease         
obligations$7,120
 $7,079
   $7,146
  
Reflected as:      
2016 20152018 2017
      
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations$58
 $68
$352
 $588
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations7,021
 7,078
6,684
 6,437
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations$7,079
 $7,146
$7,036
 $7,025

1)Supported by $255$170 million and $310$216 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed bank arrangements as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.
2)Secured by pledged first mortgage bonds registered to and held by the tax-exempt bond trustee generally with the same interest rates, maturity dates and redemption provisions as the tax-exempt bond obligations.
PacifiCorp's long-term debt generally includes provisions that allow PacifiCorp to redeem the first mortgage bonds in whole or in part at any time through the payment of a make-whole premium. Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations are generally redeemable at par value.

PacifiCorp currently has regulatory authority from the OPUCOregon Public Utility Commission and the IPUCIdaho Public Utilities Commission to issue an additional $1.325$2.0 billion of long-term debt. PacifiCorp must make a notice filing with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission prior to any future issuance. PacifiCorp currently has an effective shelf registration statement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue up to $1.325$2.0 billion additional first mortgage bonds through January 2019.October 2021.

The issuance of PacifiCorp's first mortgage bonds is limited by available property, earnings tests and other provisions of PacifiCorp's mortgage. Approximately $26$28 billion of PacifiCorp's eligible property (based on original cost) was subject to the lien of the mortgage as of December 31, 2016.2018.


PacifiCorp has entered into long-term agreements that qualify as capital leases and expire at various dates through March 2035 for transportation services, a power purchase agreement and real estate. The transportation services agreements included as capital leases are for the right to use pipeline facilities to provide natural gas to two of PacifiCorp's generating facilities. Net capital lease assets of $27$21 million and $32$20 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, were included in property, plant and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, the annual principal maturities of long-term debt and total capital lease obligations for 20172019 and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

Long-term Capital Lease  Long-term Capital Lease  
Debt Obligations TotalDebt Obligations Total
          
2017$52
 $9
 $61
2018586
 4
 590
2019350
 4
 354
$350
 $4
 $354
202038
 3
 41
38
 3
 41
2021420
 6
 426
420
 7
 427
2022605
 3
 608
2023449
 2
 451
Thereafter5,647
 20
 5,667
5,193
 16
 5,209
Total7,093
 46
 7,139
7,055
 35
 7,090
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(41) 
 (41)(40) 
 (40)
Amounts representing interest
 (19) (19)
 (14) (14)
Total$7,052
 $27
 $7,079
$7,015
 $21
 $7,036

(8)    Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 ("2017 Tax Reform") impacted many areas of income tax law. The most material items included the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property.

In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. On December 31, 2017, PacifiCorp recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. PacifiCorp determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. PacifiCorp believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, PacifiCorp finalized its provisional amounts recording a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $21 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and PacifiCorp's regulatory nature, PacifiCorp reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $8 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Current:          
Federal$169
 $130
 $2
$164
 $249
 $169
State32
 26
 10
40
 41
 32
Total201
 156
 12
204
 290
 201
          
Deferred:          
Federal123
 148
 260
(187) 59
 123
State21
 29
 43
(9) 15
 21
Total144
 177
 303
(196) 74
 144
          
Investment tax credits(5) (5) (6)(3) (4) (5)
Total income tax expense$340
 $328
 $309
$5
 $360
 $340

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Federal statutory income tax rate35 % 35 % 35 %21 % 35 % 35 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit3
 3
 3
4
 3
 3
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes(17) 
 
Federal income tax credits(6) (6) (7)(7) (5) (6)
Other(1) 
 

 (1) (1)
Effective income tax rate31 % 32 % 31 %1 % 32 % 31 %

Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service. Amortization of excess deferred income taxes is primarily attributable to the amortization of $127 million of Utah allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah allocated excess deferred income taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Deferred income tax assets:      
Regulatory liabilities$393
 $374
$752
 $756
Employee benefits202
 189
91
 84
Derivative contracts and unamortized contract values67
 94
45
 48
State carryforwards69
 68
77
 83
Loss contingencies12
 67
Asset retirement obligations78
 81
53
 50
Other82
 88
56
 50
903
 961
1,074
 1,071
Deferred income tax liabilities:      
Property, plant and equipment(5,161) (5,030)(3,335) (3,381)
Regulatory assets(586) (639)(273) (261)
Other(36) (42)(9) (11)
(5,783) (5,711)(3,617) (3,653)
Net deferred income tax liability$(4,880) $(4,750)$(2,543) $(2,582)

The following table provides PacifiCorp's net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 20162018 (in millions):
 State State
    
Net operating loss carryforwards $1,415
 $1,230
Deferred income taxes on net operating loss carryforwards $52
 $58
Expiration dates 2017 - 2032
 2019 - 2032
    
Tax credit carryforwards $17
 $19
Expiration dates 2017 - indefinite
 2019 - indefinite

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of PacifiCorp's income tax returns through December 31, 2009.2011. The statute of limitations for PacifiCorp's state income tax returns have expired through December 31, 2009, with the exception of California, Oregon and Utah,Idaho, for which the statute of limitations havehas expired through MarchDecember 31, 2006.2014, except for the impact of any federal audit adjustments. The statute of limitations expiring for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, PacifiCorp had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $12$1 million and $13$10 million, respectively, related to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect PacifiCorp's effective income tax rate.


(9)
Employee Benefit Plans

PacifiCorp sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of its employees, as well as a defined contribution 401(k) employee savings plan ("401(k) Plan"). In addition, PacifiCorp contributes to a joint trustee pension plan and a subsidiary previously contributed to a multiemployer pension plan for benefits offered to certain bargaining units.

Pension and Other PostretirementDefined Benefit Plans

PacifiCorp's pension plans include non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, collectively the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan ("Retirement Plan"), and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The Retirement Plan is closed to all non-union employees hired after January 1, 2008. All non-union Retirement Plan participants hired prior to January 1, 2008 that did not elect to receive equivalent fixed contributions to the 401(k) Plan effective January 1, 2009 earned benefits based on a cash balance formula through December 31, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, non-union employee participants with a cash balance benefit in the Retirement Plan are no longer eligible to receive pay credits in their cash balance formula. In general for union employees, benefits under the Retirement Plan were frozen at various dates from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2011 as they are now being provided with enhanced 401(k) Plan benefits. However, certain limited union Retirement Plan participants continue to earn benefits under the Retirement Plan based on the employee's years of service and a final average pay formula. The SERP was closed to new participants as of March 21, 2006 and froze future accruals for active participants as of December 31, 2014.

During 2018, the Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018.

PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit plan provides healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees.

Utah Mine Disposition and Labor Agreement

In conjunction with the Utah Mine Disposition described in Note 5, in December 2014, PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, reached a labor settlement with the UMWA covering union employees at PacifiCorp's Deer Creek mining operations. As a result of the labor settlement, the UMWA agreed to assume PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit obligation associated with UMWA plan participants in exchange for PacifiCorp transferring $150 million to a fund managed by the UMWA. Transfer of the assets and settlement of this obligation occurred in May 2015 and resulted in a remeasurement of the other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligation. As a result of the remeasurement, PacifiCorp recognized a $9 million settlement loss, with the portion that is probable of recovery deferred as a regulatory asset. No curtailment accounting was triggered as a result of the settlement due to an insignificant impact to the average remaining service lives in the plan.

As a result of the closure of the Deer Creek mining operations, withdrawal from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan was involuntarily triggered in June 2015 when UMWA employees ceased performing work for the subsidiary. Refer to "Multiemployer and Joint Trustee Pension Plans" for further information regarding the withdrawal.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit cost for the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                      
Service cost$4
 $4
 $5
 $2
 $3
 $6
$
 $
 $4
 $2
 $2
 $2
Interest cost54
 53
 57
 15
 16
 28
43
 49
 54
 11
 14
 15
Expected return on plan assets(75) (77) (76) (21) (23) (31)(72) (72) (75) (21) (21) (21)
Settlement22
 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization34
 42
 29
 (5) (4) 2
13
 14
 34
 (6) (6) (5)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$17
 $22
 $15
 $(9) $(8) $5
$6
 $(9) $17
 $(14) $(11) $(9)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$1,043
 $1,146
 $305
 $482
$1,111
 $999
 $332
 $302
Employer contributions5
 4
 1
 1
4
 54
 1
 1
Participant contributions
 
 6
 6

 
 5
 7
Actual return on plan assets51
 
 17
 1
(52) 166
 (16) 49
Settlement
 
 
 (150)(52) 
 
 
Benefits paid(100) (107) (27) (35)(69) (108) (25) (27)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$999
 $1,043
 $302
 $305
$942
 $1,111
 $297
 $332

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$1,289
 $1,378
 $362
 $539
$1,251
 $1,276
 $331
 $358
Service cost4
 4
 2
 3

 
 2
 2
Interest cost54
 53
 15
 16
43
 49
 11
 14
Participant contributions
 
 6
 6

 
 5
 7
Actuarial (gain) loss29
 (39) 
 (17)(68) 34
 (26) (23)
Settlement
 
 
 (150)(52) 
   
Benefits paid(100) (107) (27) (35)(69) (108) (25) (27)
Benefit obligation, end of year$1,276
 $1,289
 $358
 $362
$1,105
 $1,251
 $298
 $331
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$1,276
 $1,289
    $1,105
 $1,251
    

The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$999
 $1,043
 $302
 $305
$942
 $1,111
 $297
 $332
Less - Benefit obligation, end of year1,276
 1,289
 358
 362
1,105
 1,251
 298
 331
Funded status$(277) $(246) $(56) $(57)$(163) $(140) $(1) $1
              
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:              
Other assets$3
 $5
 $
 $1
Other current liabilities$(5) $(4) $
 $
(4) (4) 
 
Other long-term liabilities(272) (242) (56) (57)(162) (141) (1) 
Amounts recognized$(277) $(246) $(56) $(57)$(163) $(140) $(1) $1

The SERP has no plan assets; however, PacifiCorp has a Rabbi trust that holds corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERP. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trust, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $55$52 million and $52$60 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in cash and cash equivalents, totaling $1 million and $9 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and noncurrent other assets, totaling $51 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.




The projected benefit obligation for the pension and other postretirement plans were in excess of the fair value of their respective plans assets as of December 31, 2018. The accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was in excess of the fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2018.

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Net loss$518
 $508
 $39
 $36
Net loss (gain)$461
 $442
 $(2) $(12)
Prior service credit
 (13) (13) (19)
 
 
 (6)
Regulatory deferrals(7) (3) 8
 9
(1) (4) 7
 7
Total$511
 $492
 $34
 $26
$460
 $438
 $5
 $(11)


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 is as follows (in millions):
  Accumulated    Accumulated  
  Other    Other  
Regulatory Comprehensive  Regulatory Comprehensive  
Asset Loss TotalAsset Loss Total
Pension          
Balance, December 31, 2014$474
 $22
 $496
Balance, December 31, 2016$491
 $20
 $511
Net (gain) loss arising during the year(60) 1
 (59)
Net amortization(13) (1) (14)
Total(73) 
 (73)
Balance, December 31, 2017418
 20
 438
Net loss (gain) arising during the year40
 (2) 38
59
 (2) 57
Net amortization(41) (1) (42)(12) (1) (13)
Settlement(22) 
 (22)
Total(1) (3) (4)25
 (3) 22
Balance, December 31, 2015473
 19
 492
Net loss arising during the year51
 2
 53
Net amortization(33) (1) (34)
Total18
 1
 19
Balance, December 31, 2016$491
 $20
 $511
Balance, December 31, 2018$443
 $17
 $460

RegulatoryRegulatory
AssetAsset (Liability)
Other Postretirement  
Balance, December 31, 2014$17
Balance, December 31, 2016$34
Net gain arising during the year(51)
Net amortization6
Total(45)
Balance, December 31, 2017(11)
Net loss arising during the year5
10
Net amortization4
6
Total9
16
Balance, December 31, 201526
Net loss arising during the year3
Net amortization5
Total8
Balance, December 31, 2016$34
Balance, December 31, 2018$5










The net loss, prior service credit and regulatory deferrals that will be amortized in 2017 into net periodic benefit cost are estimated to be as follows (in millions):
  Net Prior Service Regulatory  
  Loss Credit Deferrals Total
         
Pension $16
 $
 $(2) $14
Other postretirement 
 (7) 1
 (6)
Total $16
 $(7) $(1) $8

Plan Assumptions

AssumptionsWeighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                      
Benefit obligations as of December 31:                      
Discount rate4.05% 4.40% 4.00% 4.05% 4.35% 3.90%4.25% 3.60% 4.05% 4.25% 3.60% 4.05%
Rate of compensation increaseN/A
 2.75
 2.75
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
                      
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan (1)(2)(3)
3.40% 1.61% 2.06% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
           
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:          Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:          
Discount rate4.40% 4.00% 4.80% 4.35% 3.99% 4.90%3.60% 4.05% 4.40% 3.60% 4.05% 4.35%
Expected return on plan assets7.50
 7.50
 7.50
 7.50
 7.08
 7.50
7.00
 7.25
 7.50
 6.86
 7.25
 7.50
Rate of compensation increase2.75
 2.75
 3.00
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
N/A
 N/A
 2.75
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A

(1)2018 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption is 3.40% for 2019 and all future years for nonunion participants and 3.15% for 2019-2020 and 3.25% for 2021+ for union participants.
(2)2017 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption was 2.26% for 2018-2019 and 1.60% for 2020+ for nonunion participants and 2.78% for 2018-2019 and 2.60% for 2020+ for union participants.
(3)2016 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption was 1.44% for 2017-2018 and 2.05% for 2019+ for nonunion participants and 2.35% for 2017-2018 and 3.05% for 2019+ for union participants.
In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, PacifiCorp utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets. As discussed above in "Utah Mine Disposition and Labor Agreement," PacifiCorp remeasured the other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligation as of May 31, 2015. The other postretirement assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2015 presented above reflect a weighted average calculation that considered the assumptions used in the periods preceding and subsequent to the remeasurement.

As a result of a plan amendment effective on January 1, 2017, the benefit obligation for the Retirement Plan is no longer affected by future increases in compensation. As a result of thea labor settlement discussed abovereached with UMWA in "Utah Mine Disposition and Labor Agreement,"December 2014, the benefit obligation for the other postretirement plan is no longer affected by healthcare cost trends.

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $5$4 million and $-$0 million, respectively, during 2017.2019. Funding to PacifiCorp's Retirement Plan trust is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plan and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended ("PPA"). PacifiCorp considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the PPA. PacifiCorp's funding policy forof its other postretirement benefit plan is to generally contribute an amount equal to the net periodic benefit cost, subject to tax deductibility limitationsand subordination limits and other considerations.


The expected benefit payments to participants in PacifiCorp's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 20172019 through 20212023 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):
Projected Benefit PaymentsProjected Benefit Payments
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
      
2017$105
 $28
2018109
 28
2019108
 27
$105
 $24
2020104
 30
102
 26
202197
 26
98
 23
2022-2026426
 116
202292
 22
202388
 21
2024-2028369
 95


Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

PacifiCorp's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters outlined by the PacifiCorp Pension Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for PacifiCorp's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2016:2018:
 
Pension(1)
 
Other Postretirement(1)
 % %
Debt securities(2)
3330 - 3743 33 - 37
Equity securities(2)
5348 - 5765 6162 - 6566
Limited partnership interests86 - 12 1 - 3
Other0 - 10 - 1

(1)PacifiCorp's Retirement Plan trust includes a separate account that is used to fund benefits for the other postretirement benefit plan. In addition to this separate account, the assets for the other postretirement benefit plan are held in Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association ("VEBA") trusts, each of which has its own investment allocation strategies. Target allocations for the other postretirement benefit plan include the separate account of the Retirement Plan trust and the VEBA trusts.
(2)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.






Fair Value Measurements
PacifiCorp adopted ASU No. 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent)" effective January 1, 2016 under a retrospective method.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for PacifiCorp's defined benefit pension plan (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements   Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(1)
 
Level 3(1)
 Total 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(1)
 
Level 3(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2016:        
As of December 31, 2018:        
Cash equivalents $
 $10
 $
 $10
 $
 $11
 $
 $11
Debt securities:                
United States government obligations 25
 
 
 25
 4
 
 
 4
International government obligations 
 1
 
 1
Corporate obligations 
 36
 
 36
 
 88
 
 88
Municipal obligations 
 6
 
 6
 
 10
 
 10
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 37
 
 37
 
 43
 
 43
Equity securities:                
United States companies 389
 
 
 389
 327
 
 
 327
International companies 15
 
 
 15
 15
 
 
 15
Investment funds(2)
 83
 
 
 83
 54
 
 
 54
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $512
 $89
 $
 601
 $400
 $153
 $
 553
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       337
       285
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       61
       104
Investments at fair value       $999
       $942
                
As of December 31, 2015:        
As of December 31, 2017:        
Cash equivalents $
 $10
 $
 $10
 $
 $43
 $
 $43
Debt securities:                
United States government obligations 19
 
 
 19
 45
 
 
 45
Corporate obligations 
 42
 
 42
 
 60
 
 60
Municipal obligations 
 5
 
 5
 
 9
 
 9
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 43
 
 43
 
 37
 
 37
Equity securities:                
United States companies 408
 
 
 408
 416
 
 
 416
International companies 17
 
 
 17
 22
 
 
 22
Investment funds(2)
 83
 
 
 83
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $527
 $100
 $
 627
 $483
 $149
 $
 632
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       351
       416
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       65
       63
Investments at fair value       $1,043
       $1,111

(1)
Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 54%55% and 46%45% respectively, for 20162018 and 53%60% and 47%40%, respectively, for 20152017, and are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 39%68% and 61%32%, respectively, for 20162018 and 40%57% and 60%43%, respectively, for 2015.2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.




The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for PacifiCorp's defined benefit other postretirement plan (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements   Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
 
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(1)
 
Level 3(1)
 Total Level 1(1) Level 2(1) Level 3(1) Total
As of December 31, 2016:        
As of December 31, 2018:        
Cash and cash equivalents $4
 $1
 $
 $5
 $4
 $1
 $
 $5
Debt securities:                
United States government obligations 11
 
 
 11
 3
 
 
 3
Corporate obligations 
 13
 
 13
 
 23
 
 23
Municipal obligations 
 2
 
 2
 
 2
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 13
 
 13
 
 17
 
 17
Equity securities:                
United States companies 93
 
 
 93
 83
 
 
 83
International companies 4
 
 
 4
 4
 
 
 4
Investment funds(2)
 32
 
 
 32
 38
 
 
 38
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $144
 $29
 $
 173
 132
 43
 
 175
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       125
       116
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       4
       6
Investments at fair value       $302
       $297
                
As of December 31, 2015:        
As of December 31, 2017:        
Cash and cash equivalents $4
 $1
 $
 $5
 $4
 $3
 $
 $7
Debt securities:                
United States government obligations 9
 
 
 9
 11
 
 
 11
Corporate obligations 
 15
 
 15
 
 16
 
 16
Municipal obligations 
 1
 
 1
 
 2
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 14
 
 14
 
 16
 
 16
Equity securities:                
United States companies 95
 
 
 95
 98
 
 
 98
International companies 4
 
 
 4
 6
 
 
 6
Investment funds(2)
 32
 
 
 32
 32
 
 
 32
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $144
 $31
 $
 175
 151
 37
 
 188
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       126
       140
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       4
       4
Investments at fair value       $305
       $332

(1)
Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 62%59% and 38%41%, respectively, for 20162018 and 61%63% and 39%37%, respectively, for 2015,2017, and are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 71%90% and 29%10%, respectively, for 20162018 and 67%77% and 33%23%, respectively, for 2015.2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.
For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund’sfund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.


Multiemployer and Joint Trustee Pension PlansHydroelectric Relicensing

PacifiCorp's Klamath hydroelectric system is currently operating under annual licenses with the FERC. In February 2010, PacifiCorp, contributesthe United States Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Commerce, the state of California, the state of Oregon and various other governmental and non-governmental settlement parties signed the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement ("KHSA"). Among other things, the KHSA provided that the United States Department of the Interior would conduct scientific and engineering studies to assess whether removal of the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams was in the public interest and would advance restoration of the Klamath Basin's salmonid fisheries. If it is determined dam removal should proceed, dam removal would begin no earlier than 2020.


Congress failed to pass legislation needed to implement the original KHSA. In April 2016, the principal parties to the PacifiCorp/IBEW Local 57 Retirement Trust Fund ("Local 57 Trust Fund") (plan number 001)KHSA (PacifiCorp, the states of California and its subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, previously contributedOregon, and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce) executed an amendment to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan (plan number 002). Contributions to these pension plans are based onKHSA. Consistent with the terms of collective bargaining agreements.the amended KHSA, in September 2016, PacifiCorp and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation ("KRRC"), a private, independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed by certain signatories of the amended KSHA, jointly filed an application with the FERC to transfer the license for the four mainstem Klamath River hydroelectric generating facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC. Also in September 2016, the KRRC filed an application with the FERC to surrender the license and decommission the same four facilities. The KRRC's license surrender application included a request for the FERC to refrain from acting on the surrender application until after the transfer of the license to the KRRC is effective. In March 2018, the FERC issued an order splitting the existing license for the Klamath Project into two licenses: the Klamath Project (P‑2082) contains East Side, West Side, Keno and Fall Creek developments; the new Lower Klamath Project (P‑14803) contains J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2 and Iron Gate developments. In the same order, the FERC deferred consideration of the transfer of the license for the Lower Klamath facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC until some point in the future. PacifiCorp is currently the licensee for both the Klamath Project and Lower Klamath Project facilities and will retain ownership of the Klamath Project facilities after the approval and transfer of the Lower Klamath Project facilities. In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a motion to stay the effective date of the license amendment until transfer is approved. In June 2018, the FERC granted PacifiCorp's motion to stay the effective date of the Lower Klamath Project license and all related compliance obligations, pending a FERC order on the license transfer. Meanwhile, the FERC continues to assess the KRRC's capacity to become a project licensee for purposes of dam removal. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision in the Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC litigation, on January 25, 2019, finding that the states of California and Oregon have waived their Clean Water Act, Section 401, water quality certification authority over the Klamath hydroelectric project relicensing. PacifiCorp is evaluating the impact of this decision.

Under the amended KHSA, PacifiCorp and its customers are protected from uncapped dam removal costs and liabilities. The KRRC must indemnify PacifiCorp from liabilities associated with dam removal. The amended KHSA also limits PacifiCorp's contribution to facilities removal costs to no more than $200 million, of which up to $184 million would be collected from PacifiCorp's Oregon customers with the remainder to be collected from PacifiCorp's California customers. California voters approved a water bond measure in November 2014 from which the state of California's contribution toward facilities removal costs are being drawn. In accordance with this bond measure, additional funding of up to $250 million for facilities removal costs was included in the California state budget in 2016, with the funding effective for at least five years. If facilities removal costs exceed the combined funding that will be available from PacifiCorp's Oregon and California customers and the state of California, sufficient funds would need to be provided by the KRRC or an entity other than PacifiCorp for removal to proceed.

If certain conditions in the amended KHSA are not satisfied and the license does not transfer to the KRRC, PacifiCorp will resume relicensing with the FERC.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's assets included $44 million of costs associated with the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams and the associated relicensing and settlement costs, which are being depreciated and amortized in accordance with state regulatory approvals through either December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2022, depending upon the state jurisdiction.

Hydroelectric Commitments

Certain of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric licenses contain requirements for PacifiCorp to make certain capital and operating expenditures related to its hydroelectric facilities. PacifiCorp estimates it is obligated to make capital expenditures of approximately $155 million over the next 10 years related to these licenses.

Guarantees

The Company has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results.

(16)
BHE Shareholders' Equity

Common Stock

On March 14, 2000, and as amended on December 7, 2005, BHE's shareholders entered into a Shareholder Agreement that provides specific rights to certain shareholders. One of these rights allows certain shareholders the ability to put their common shares to BHE at the then-current fair value dependent on certain circumstances controlled by BHE.


For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE repurchased 177,381 shares of its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures due June 2057 in exchange for 181,819 shares of its common stock.

In February 2019, BHE repurchased 447,712 shares of its common stock for $293 million.

Restricted Net Assets

BHE has maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentage restrictions imposed by its senior unsecured credit facilities expiring in June 2021 which, in certain circumstances, limit BHE's ability to make cash dividends or distributions. As a result of the Utah Mine Disposition and UMWA labor settlement, PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, triggered involuntary withdrawal from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan in June 2015 when the UMWA employees ceased performing work for the subsidiary. PacifiCorp recorded its estimatethis restriction, BHE has restricted net assets of the withdrawal obligation in$16.5 billion as of December 2014 when withdrawal was considered probable and deferred the portion31, 2018.

Certain of the obligation considered probable of recoveryBHE's subsidiaries have restrictions on their ability to a regulatory asset. PacifiCorp has subsequently revised its estimatedividend, loan or advance funds to BHE due to changesspecific legal or regulatory restrictions, including, but not limited to, maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentages and commitments made to state commissions or federal agencies in facts and circumstances for a withdrawal occurring by July 2015.connection with past acquisitions. As communicated in a letter received in August 2016, the plan trustees have determined a withdrawal liability of $115 million. Energy West Mining Company began making installment payments in November 2016 and has the option to elect a lump sum payment to settle the withdrawal obligation. The ultimate amount paid by Energy West Mining Company to settle the obligation is dependent on a variety of factors, including the results of ongoing negotiations with the plan trustees.

The Local 57 Trust Fund is a joint trustee plan such that the board of trustees is represented by an equal number of trustees from PacifiCorp and the union. The Local 57 Trust Fund was established pursuant to the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act and although formed with the ability for other employers to participate in the plan, there are no other employers that participate in this plan.

The risk of participating in multiemployer pension plans generally differs from single-employer plans in that assets are pooled such that contributions by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers and plan assets cannot revert back to employers. If an employer ceases participation in the plan, the employer may be obligated to pay a withdrawal liability based on the participants' unfunded, vested benefits in the plan. This occurred as a result of Energy West Mining Company's withdrawal from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan. If participating employers withdraw from a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligationsthese restrictions, BHE's subsidiaries had restricted net assets of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, including any employers that withdrew during the three years prior to a mass withdrawal.$20.7 billion as of December 31, 2018.

(17)Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

The following table presents PacifiCorp's and Energy West Mining Company's participationshows the change in individually significant joint trustee and multiemployer pension plansaccumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
           
           
  Unrecognized Foreign Unrealized Unrealized AOCI
  Amounts on Currency Gains on Gains on Attributable
  Retirement Translation Marketable Cash Flow To BHE
  Benefits Adjustment Securities Hedges Shareholders, Net
           
Balance, December 31, 2015 $(438) $(1,092) $615
 $7
 $(908)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (9) (583) (30) 19
 (603)
Balance, December 31, 2016 (447) (1,675) 585
 26
 (1,511)
Other comprehensive income 64
 546
 500
 3
 1,113
Balance, December 31, 2017 (383) (1,129) 1,085
 29
 (398)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 
 
 (1,085) 
 (1,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 25
 (494) 
 7
 (462)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $(358) $(1,623) $
 $36
 $(1,945)

Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the years ended December 31, (dollars2018, 2017 and 2016 were insignificant. Additionally, refer to the "Foreign Operations" discussion in millions):Note 12 for information about unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits reclassifications from AOCI that do not impact net income in their entirety.

(18)
Noncontrolling Interests

Included in noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are preferred securities of subsidiaries of $58 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, consisting of $56 million of 8.061% cumulative preferred securities of Northern Electric plc., a subsidiary of Northern Powergrid, which are redeemable in the event of the revocation of Northern Electric plc.'s electricity distribution license by the Secretary of State, and $2 million of nonredeemable preferred stock of PacifiCorp.


(19)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following table summarizes the Company's energy products and services revenue by regulated energy and nonregulated energy, with further disaggregation of regulated energy by customer class and line of business, including a reconciliation to the Company's reportable segment information included in Note 21 (in millions):
    PPA zone status or            
    plan funded status percentage for            
    plan years beginning July 1,     
Contributions(1)
  
Plan name Employer Identification Number 2016 2015 2014 Funding improvement plan 
Surcharge imposed under PPA(1)
 2016 2015 2014 
Year contributions to plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions(2)
UMWA 1974 Pension Plan 52-1050282 Critical and Declining Critical and Declining Critical Implemented Yes $
 $1
 $2
 None
Local 57 Trust Fund 87-0640888 At least 80% At least 80% At least 80% None None $8
 $8
 $9
 2015, 2014, 2013
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
  PacifiCorp MidAmerican Funding NV Energy Northern Powergrid BHE Pipeline Group BHE Transmission BHE Renewables 
BHE and
Other(1)
 Total
Customer Revenue:                  
Regulated:                  
Retail Electric $4,732
 $1,915
 $2,773
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(1) $9,419
Retail Gas 
 636
 101
 
 
 
 
 
 737
Wholesale 55
 411
 39
 
 
 
 
 (4) 501
Transmission and
distribution
 103
 56
 96
 892
 
 700
 
 (1) 1,846
Interstate pipeline 
 
 
 
 1,232
 
 
 (125) 1,107
Other 
 
 2
 
 
 
 
 
 2
Total Regulated 4,890
 3,018
 3,011
 892
 1,232
 700
 
 (131) 13,612
Nonregulated 
 14
 
 39
 
 10
 673
 624
 1,360
Total Customer Revenue 4,890
 3,032
 3,011
 931
 1,232
 710
 673
 493
 14,972
Other revenue(2)
 136
 21
 28
 89
 (29) 
 235
 121
 601
Total $5,026
 $3,053
 $3,039
 $1,020
 $1,203
 $710
 $908
 $614
 $15,573
(1)The BHE and Other reportable segment represents amounts related principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.
(2)Includes net payments to counterparties for the financial settlement of certain derivative contracts at BHE Pipeline Group.

Real Estate Services

The following table summarizes the Company's real estate services revenue by line of business (in millions):
 HomeServices
 Year Ended
 Ended December 31,
 2018
Customer Revenue: 
Brokerage$3,882
Franchise67
Total Customer Revenue3,949
Other revenue265
Total$4,214
Contract Assets and Liabilities

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no material contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no material revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period or from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.


Remaining Performance Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company's revenue it expects to recognize in future periods related to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations for fixed contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018, by reportable segment (in millions):
 Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:  
 Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total
BHE Pipeline Group$842
 $5,678
 $6,520

(20)Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments29
 21
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$883
 $1,283

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:     
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$1,713
 $1,715
 $1,673
Income taxes received, net(1)
$780
 $540
 $1,016
      
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:     
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$823
 $653
 $547
Common stock exchanged for junior subordinated debentures$
 $100
 $

(1)PacifiCorp'sIncludes $884 million, $636 million and Energy West Mining Company's minimum contributions$1.1 billion of income taxes received from Berkshire Hathaway in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


(21)Segment Information

The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid, whose business is principally in the United Kingdom, BHE Transmission, whose business includes operations in Canada, and BHE Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
PacifiCorp$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
MidAmerican Funding3,053
 2,846
 2,631
NV Energy3,039
 3,015
 2,895
Northern Powergrid1,020
 949
 995
BHE Pipeline Group1,203
 993
 978
BHE Transmission710
 699
 502
BHE Renewables908
 838
 743
HomeServices4,214
 3,443
 2,801
BHE and Other(1)
614
 594
 676
Total operating revenue$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Depreciation and amortization:     
PacifiCorp$979
 $796
 $783
MidAmerican Funding609
 500
 479
NV Energy456
 422
 421
Northern Powergrid250
 214
 200
BHE Pipeline Group126
 159
 206
BHE Transmission247
 239
 241
BHE Renewables268
 251
 230
HomeServices51
 66
 31
BHE and Other(1)
(2) (1) 
Total depreciation and amortization$2,984
 $2,646
 $2,591
      
Operating income:     
PacifiCorp$1,051
 $1,440
 $1,429
MidAmerican Funding550
 544
 551
NV Energy607
 766
 774
Northern Powergrid486
 488
 500
BHE Pipeline Group525
 473
 455
BHE Transmission313
 322
 92
BHE Renewables325
 316
 256
HomeServices214
 214
 212
BHE and Other(1)
1
 (41) (22)
Total operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Interest expense:     
PacifiCorp$384
 $381
 $381
MidAmerican Funding247
 237
 218
NV Energy224
 233
 250
Northern Powergrid141
 133
 136
BHE Pipeline Group43
 43
 50
BHE Transmission167
 169
 153
BHE Renewables201
 204
 198
HomeServices23
 7
 2
BHE and Other(1)
408
 434
 466
Total interest expense$1,838
 $1,841
 $1,854
      
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
PacifiCorp$5
 $362
 $341
MidAmerican Funding(262) (202) (139)
NV Energy100
 221
 200
Northern Powergrid61
 57
 22
BHE Pipeline Group119
 170
 163
BHE Transmission7
 (124) 26
BHE Renewables(2)
(158) (795) (32)
HomeServices52
 49
 81
BHE and Other(1)
(507) (292) (259)
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(583) $(554) $403
      
Capital expenditures:     
PacifiCorp$1,257
 $769
 $903
MidAmerican Funding2,332
 1,776
 1,637
NV Energy503
 456
 529
Northern Powergrid566
 579
 579
BHE Pipeline Group427
 286
 226
BHE Transmission270
 334
 466
BHE Renewables817
 323
 719
HomeServices47
 37
 20
BHE and Other22
 11
 11
Total capital expenditures$6,241
 $4,571
 $5,090


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net:     
PacifiCorp$19,591
 $19,203
 $19,162
MidAmerican Funding16,171
 14,221
 12,835
NV Energy9,852
 9,770
 9,825
Northern Powergrid6,007
 6,075
 5,148
BHE Pipeline Group4,904
 4,587
 4,423
BHE Transmission5,824
 6,330
 5,810
BHE Renewables6,155
 5,637
 5,302
HomeServices141
 117
 78
BHE and Other(50) (69) (74)
Total property, plant and equipment, net$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509
      
Total assets:     
PacifiCorp$23,478
 $23,086
 $23,563
MidAmerican Funding20,029
 18,444
 17,571
NV Energy14,119
 13,903
 14,320
Northern Powergrid7,427
 7,565
 6,433
BHE Pipeline Group5,511
 5,134
 5,144
BHE Transmission8,424
 9,009
 8,378
BHE Renewables8,666
 7,687
 7,010
HomeServices2,797
 2,722
 1,776
BHE and Other1,738
 2,658
 1,245
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208
 $85,440
      
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue by country:     
United States$18,014
 $16,916
 $15,895
United Kingdom1,017
 948
 995
Canada710
 699
 506
Philippines and other46
 51
 26
Total operating revenue by country$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss) by country:    
United States$1,425
 $1,927
 $2,264
United Kingdom307
 313
 382
Canada155
 167
 135
Philippines and other78
 100
 69
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity (loss) income by country:$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net by country:     
United States$56,870
 $53,579
 $51,671
United Kingdom5,895
 5,953
 5,020
Canada5,817
 6,323
 5,803
Philippines and other13
 16
 15
Total property, plant and equipment, net by country$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509

(1)The differences between the plans are based on the amount of wages paid to employees covered by the Local 57 Trust Fund collective bargaining agreementsreportable segment amounts and the number of mining hours worked for the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan, respectively, subjectconsolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate to ERISA minimum funding requirements. As a result of the plan's critical status,other corporate entities, including MidAmerican Energy West Mining Company was required to begin paying a surcharge for hours worked onServices, LLC, corporate functions and after December 1, 2014.intersegment eliminations.

(2)ForIncome tax (benefit) expense includes the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan, information is for plan years beginning July 1, 2014, 2013tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and 2012. Information for the plan year beginning July 1, 2015 is not yet available. For the Local 57 Trust Fund, information is for plan years beginning July 1, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Information for the plan year beginning July 1, 2015 is not yet available.earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

The current collective bargaining agreements governingfollowing table shows the Local 57 Trust Fund expirechange in 2020.


Defined Contribution Plan

PacifiCorp's 401(k) plan covers substantially all employees. PacifiCorp's matching contributions are based on each participant's levelthe carrying amount of contribution and, as of January 1, 2017, all participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. PacifiCorp's contributions to the 401(k) plan were $34 million, $35 million and $34 milliongoodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018 and 2014, respectively.2017 (in millions):
         BHE       BHE  
   MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- and  
 PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other Total
                    
December 31, 2016$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $930
 $75
 $1,470
 $95
 $840
 $
 $9,010
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 508
 
 508
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 61
 
 101
 
 
 
 162
Other
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
December 31, 20171,129
 2,102
 2,369
 991
 73
 1,571
 95
 1,348
 
 9,678
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 79
 
 79
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 (39) 
 (123) 
 
 
 (162)
December 31, 2018$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $952
 $73
 $1,448
 $95
 $1,427
 $
 $9,595


PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section


Item 6.Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth PacifiCorp's selected consolidated historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the information in Item 7 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated historical financial data has been derived from PacifiCorp's audited historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto (in millions).

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:         
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
Operating income(1)
1,051
 1,440
 1,428
 1,347
 1,309
Net income738
 768
 763
 695
 698

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:         
Total assets(2)(3)
$22,313
 $21,920
 $22,394
 $22,367
 $22,205
Short-term debt30
 80
 270
 20
 20
Current portion of long-term debt and         
capital lease obligations352
 588
 58
 68
 134
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations,         
excluding current portion(3)
6,684
 6,437
 7,021
 7,078
 6,885
Total shareholders' equity7,845
 7,555
 7,390
 7,503
 7,756

(1)In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans to Other, net of a $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, a $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016, a $7 million cost as of December 31, 2015, and a $9 million cost as of December 31, 2014, with a corresponding increase or reduction to operating expenses.

(2)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of current deferred income tax assets in the amount of $28 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities.

(3)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, which resulted in the reclassification of certain deferred debt issuance costs previously recognized within other assets in the amount of $34 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in long-term debt.


Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of PacifiCorp during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 6 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. PacifiCorp's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Overview

(10)Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $738 million, a decrease of $30 million, or 4%, compared to 2017, primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher depreciation and amortization expense of $183 million, due to accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million ($170 million offset in income tax expense and $4 million offset in revenue), higher plant in-service, and higher pension and other postretirement expense of $13 million, primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $355 million and Asset Retirement Obligationshigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of the lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes, lower average wholesale prices, higher purchased electricity from higher prices, and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms, lower natural gas prices, higher wholesale volumes and lower coal-fueled generation volumes. Income tax expense decreased primarily due to lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, and amortization of a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho. Energy generated increased 2% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by lower hydroelectric and coal-fueled generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 15% and purchased electricity volumes decreased 4%.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $768 million, an increase of $5 million, or 1%, compared to 2016, which includes $6 million of income from the 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $762 million, a decrease of $1 million compared to 2016. Net income decreased primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $11 million, higher property and other taxes of $7 million and higher operations and maintenance expenses of $3 million, excluding the impact of DSM program expense of $55 million (offset in operating revenue), partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million, excluding the impact of DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense) of $55 million. Utility margins increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue from higher volumes and short-term market prices, and higher wheeling revenues, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates, and higher coal costs. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential customers' usage in Utah and Oregon, and lower irrigation usage. Energy generated decreased 2% for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by higher coal-fueled, and hydroelectric generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 9% and purchased electricity volumes increased 23%.


Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Management utilizes various key financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, utility margin, to help evaluate results of operations. Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy, which are captions presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

PacifiCorp's cost of fuel and energy is generally recovered from its customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms and as a result, changes in PacifiCorp's expenses result in comparable changes to revenue. As such, management believes utility margin more appropriately and concisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of revenue and cost of fuel and energy separately. Management believes the presentation of utility margin provides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.
Utility margin is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to operating income (in millions) for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Utility margin:             
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211)(4)% $5,237
 5,201
 $36
1 %
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 (13)(1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
1
Utility margin3,269
 3,467
 (198)(6) 3,467
 3,450
 17

Operations and maintenance1,038
 1,034
 4

 1,034
 1,062
 (28)(3)
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 183
23
 796
 770
 26
3
Property and other taxes201
 197
 4
2
 197
 190
 7
4
Operating income$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389)(27) $1,440
 $1,428
 $12
1


A comparison of PacifiCorp's key operating results is as follows for the years ended December 31:

  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
                 
Utility margin (in millions):                
Operating revenue $5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
Cost of fuel and energy 1,757
 1,770
 (13) (1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
 1
Utility margin $3,269
 $3,467
 $(198) (6) $3,467
 $3,450
 $17
 
                 
Sales (GWhs):                
Residential 16,227
 16,625
 (398) (2)% 16,625
 16,058
 567
 4 %
Commercial(1)
 18,078
 17,726
 352
 2
 17,726
 16,857
 869
 5
Industrial, irrigation and other(1)
 20,810
 20,899
 (89) 
 20,899
 21,403
 (504) (2)
Total retail 55,115
 55,250
 (135) 
 55,250
 54,318
 932
 2
Wholesale 8,309
 7,218
 1,091
 15
 7,218
 6,641
 577
 9
Total sales 63,424
 62,468
 956
 2
 62,468
 60,959
 1,509
 2
                 
Average number of retail customers                
(in thousands) 1,900
 1,867
 33
 2 % 1,867
 1,841
 26
 1 %
                 
Average revenue per MWh:                
Retail $84.43
 $87.78
 $(3.35) (4)% $87.78
 $89.55
 $(1.77) (2)%
Wholesale $22.56
 $28.56
 $(6.00) (21)% $28.56
 $26.46
 $2.10
 8 %
                 
Sources of energy (GWhs)(1):
                
Coal 36,481
 37,362
 (881) (2)% 37,362
 36,578
 784
 2 %
Natural gas 10,555
 7,447
 3,108
 42
 7,447
 9,884
 (2,437) (25)
Hydroelectric(2)
 3,263
 4,731
 (1,468) (31) 4,731
 3,843
 888
 23
Wind and other 3,205
 2,890
 315
 11
 2,890
 3,253
 (363) (11)
Total energy generated 53,504
 52,430
 1,074
 2
 52,430
 53,558
 (1,128) (2)
Energy purchased 13,579
 14,076
 (497) (4) 14,076
 11,429
 2,647
 23
Total 67,083
 66,506
 577
 1
 66,506
 64,987
 1,519
 2
                 
Average cost of energy per MWh:                
Energy generated(3)
 $18.91
 $19.14
 $(0.23) (1)% $19.14
 $19.27
 $(0.13) (1)%
Energy purchased $48.23
 $43.25
 $4.98
 12 % $43.25
 $44.64
 $(1.39) (3)%

(1)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.
(2)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of RECs or other environmental commodities.
(3)The average cost per MWh of energy generated includes only the cost of fuel associated with the generating facilities.



Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017

Utility margin decreased $198 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to:
$180 million of lower retail revenue primarily due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million;
$59 million of higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes;
$42 million of lower average wholesale prices;
$41 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher prices; and
$17 million of lower retail revenue from lower retail customer volumes. Retail volumes decreased 0.2% due to the unfavorable impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah, and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.
The decreases above were partially offset by:
$70 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$33 million of lower natural gas costs from lower average prices;
$23 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes; and
$20 million of lower coal costs due to lower volumes.

Operations and maintenance increased $4 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to reserves accrued for 2018 insurance deductibles for third-party property damage and expenses of $7 million and increased maintenance costs partially offset by favorable labor costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased $183 million, or 23%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to $174 million of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC in the tax reform docket to offset excess deferred income taxes benefits owed to customers, and higher plant-in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $4 million, or 2%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds increased $22 million, or 71%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a prior year true-up that reduced AFUDC rates by $13 million and higher qualified construction work-in-progress balances.

Other, net decreased $15 million, or 39% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a pension settlement charge of $22 million, partially offset by lower non-service cost components of pension and other postretirement expenses of $9 million.

Income tax expense decreased $355 million, or 99%, for 2018 compared to 2017 and the effective tax rate was 1% and 32% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The effective tax rate decreased primarily as a result of the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and the amortization of $127 million of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred incomes taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.


Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Utility margin increased $17 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to:
$105 million of higher retail revenues due to increased customer volumes of 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage;
$54 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$40 million of lower natural gas costs primarily due to lower volumes and prices in 2017;
$30 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes and short-term market prices;
$20 million of lower coal costs due to prior year charges related to damaged longwall mining equipment; and
$12 million of higher wheeling revenue, primarily due to increased volumes and short-term prices.
The increases above were partially offset by:
$99 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher volumes;
$64 million of lower average retail rates, primarily due to product mix;
$55 million of lower DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense), primarily driven by the recently implemented Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan ("STEP") program; and
$31 million of higher coal costs due to higher volumes and prices.

Operations and maintenance decreased $28 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a decrease in DSM program expense (offset in revenues) of $55 million driven by the establishment of the Utah STEP program and lower pension expense due to plan changes effective in 2017, partially offset by higher injury and damage expenses, primarily due to prior year accrual for insurance proceeds and current year settlements, and higher labor costs for storm damage restoration. In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of non-service cost amounts for pension and other postretirement benefit plans from Operations and Maintenance expense to Other, net of $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, and $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016.

Depreciation and amortization increased $26 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher plant in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $7 million, or 4%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds decreased $11 million, or 26%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a true-up of AFUDC rates.

Income tax expense increased $20 million, or 6%, for 2017 compared to 2016 and the effective tax rate was 32% and 31% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate increased primarily due to lower production tax credits associated with PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities as a result of the expiration of the 10-year production tax credit periods for certain wind-powered generating facilities, of which 243 MWs and 100 MWs of net owned capacity expired in 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's total net liquidity was as follows (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents $77
   
Credit facilities(1)
 1,200
Less:  
Short-term debt (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (89)
Net credit facilities 1,081
   
Total net liquidity $1,158
   
Credit facilities:  
Maturity dates 2021

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's credit facilities.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The increase is primarily due to current year lower payments for income taxes, a prior year pension contribution and higher current year receipts from wholesale customers, partially offset by lower current year receipts from retail customers and higher payments for purchased power.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Positive variances from the 2016 payment for USA Power litigation, higher receipts from wholesale and retail customers and lower fuel payments, were fully offset by current year higher cash payments for purchased power, income taxes and pension contributions.

The timing of PacifiCorp's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(1,252) million and $(757) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects an increase in capital expenditures of $488 million.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(757) million and $(895) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects a decrease in capital expenditures of $134 million.

Financing Activities

Short-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Regulatory authorities limit PacifiCorp to $1.5 billion of short-term debt. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $30 million of short-term debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.85%. As of December 31, 2017, PacifiCorp had $80 million of short-term debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 1.83%. For further discussion, refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Long-term Debt

In July 2018, PacifiCorp issued $600 million of its 4.125% First Mortgage Bonds due January 2049. PacifiCorp used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of PacifiCorp's $500 million 5.65% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2018 and intends to use the remaining net proceeds to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

PacifiCorp estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculationscurrently has regulatory authority from the OPUC and the IPUC to issue an additional $2 billion of long-term debt. PacifiCorp must make a notice filing with the amount and timing ofWUTC prior to any future issuance. PacifiCorp currently has an effective shelf registration statement with the future cash spending for a third partySEC to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.issue up to $2 billion additional first mortgage bonds through October 2021.

PacifiCorp does not recognize liabilitiesmade repayments on long-term debt, excluding repayments for AROslease obligations, totaling $586 million and $52 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $170 million of letters of credit providing credit enhancement and liquidity support for whichvariable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations totaling $168 million plus interest. These letters of credit were fully available as of December 31, 2018 and expire in March 2019.

PacifiCorp's Mortgage and Deed of Trust creates a lien on most of PacifiCorp's electric utility property, allowing the fair value cannotissuance of bonds based on a percentage of utility property additions, bond credits arising from retirement of previously outstanding bonds or deposits of cash. The amount of bonds that PacifiCorp may issue generally is also subject to a net earnings test. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp estimated it would be reasonably estimated. Dueable to issue up to $10.3 billion of new first mortgage bonds under the indeterminate removal date,most restrictive issuance test in the fairmortgage. Any issuances are subject to market conditions and amounts may be further limited by regulatory authorizations or commitments or by covenants and tests contained in other financing agreements. PacifiCorp also has the ability to release property from the lien of the mortgage on the basis of property additions, bond credits or deposits of cash.

Preferred Stock

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had non-redeemable preferred stock outstanding with an aggregate stated value of $2 million.

Common Shareholder's Equity

In 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp declared and paid dividends of $450 million and $600 million, respectively, to PPW Holdings LLC.

Capitalization

PacifiCorp manages its capitalization and liquidity position to maintain a prudent capital structure with an objective of retaining strong investment grade credit ratings, which is expected to facilitate continuing access to flexible borrowing arrangements at favorable costs and rates. This objective, subject to periodic review and revision, attempts to balance the associated liabilitiesinterests of all shareholders, customers and creditors and provide a competitive cost of capital and predictable capital market access.

Under existing or prospective authoritative accounting guidance, such as guidance pertaining to consolidations and leases, it is possible that new purchase power and gas agreements, transmission arrangements or amendments to existing arrangements may be accounted for as capital lease obligations or debt on PacifiCorp's financial statements. While PacifiCorp has successfully amended covenants in financing arrangements that may be impacted, it may be more difficult for PacifiCorp to comply with its capitalization targets or regulatory commitments concerning minimum levels of common equity as a percentage of capitalization. This may lead PacifiCorp to seek amendments or waivers under financing agreements and from regulators, delay or reduce dividends or spending programs, seek additional new equity contributions from its indirect parent company, BHE, or take other actions.

Future Uses of Cash

PacifiCorp has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, capital contributions and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which PacifiCorp has access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including PacifiCorp's credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry.


Capital Expenditures

PacifiCorp has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, impacts to customers' rates; changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital.

Historical and forecast capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):

 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Transmission system investment$94
 $115
 $75
 $484
 $182
 $33
Wind investment110
 11
 341
 987
 1,150
 10
Operating and other699
 643
 841
 822
 929
 834
Total$903
 $769
 $1,257
 $2,293
 $2,261
 $877

PacifiCorp's historical and forecast capital expenditures include the following:

Transmission system investment primarily reflects initial costs for the 140-mile 500-kV Aeolus-Bridger/Anticline transmission line, a major segment of PacifiCorp's Energy Gateway Transmission expansion program expected to be placed in-service in 2020. Planned spending for the Aeolus-Bridger/Anticline line totals $436 million in 2019, $112 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021.
Wind investment includes the following:
The new wind-powered generating facilities are expected to be placed in-service in 2020. The energy production from the new wind-powered generating facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available for 10 years once the equipment is placed in-service. Planned spending for the wind-powered generating facilities totals $420 million in 2019, $991 million in 2020 and $9 million in 2021.
Repowering existing wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaled $332 million in 2018 and $6 million in 2017. The repowering projects are expected to be placed in-service at various dates in 2019 and 2020. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal renewable electricity production tax credits available for 10 years following each facility's return to service. Planned spending for certain existing wind-powered generating facilities totals $567 million in 2019, $159 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021.
Remaining investments relate to operating projects that consist of advanced meter infrastructure costs, routine expenditures for generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannotinfrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.


Contractual Obligations

PacifiCorp has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes PacifiCorp's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):

 Payments Due By Periods
 2019 2020-2021 2022-2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
          
Long-term debt, including interest:         
Fixed-rate obligations$692
 $1,077
 $1,645
 $8,529
 $11,943
Variable-rate obligations(1)
4
 47
 8
 222
 281
Short-term debt, including interest30
 
 
 
 30
Capital leases, including interest4
 10
 5
 16
 35
Operating leases and easements7
 13
 11
 90
 121
Asset retirement obligations21
 18
 23
 388
 450
Power purchase agreements - commercially operable(2):
         
Electricity commodity contracts274
 269
 222
 841
 1,606
Electricity capacity contracts35
 65
 61
 633
 794
Electricity mixed contracts8
 15
 14
 48
 85
Power purchase agreements - non-commercially operable(2)
13
 69
 98
 797
 977
Transmission108
 175
 132
 427
 842
Fuel purchase agreements(2):
         
Natural gas supply and transportation57
 54
 53
 207
 371
Coal supply and transportation675
 1,115
 541
 769
 3,100
Other purchase obligations940
 612
 24
 81
 1,657
Other long-term liabilities(3)
17
 19
 15
 60
 111
Total contractual cash obligations$2,885
 $3,558
 $2,852
 $13,108
 $22,403

(1)Consists of principal and interest for tax-exempt bond obligations with interest rates scheduled to reset periodically prior to maturity. Future variable interest rates are assumed to equal December 31, 2018 rates. Refer to "Interest Rate Risk" in Item 7A of this Form 10-K for additional discussion related to variable-rate liabilities.
(2)Commodity contracts are agreements for the delivery of energy. Capacity contracts are agreements that provide rights to energy output, generally of a specified generating facility. Forecasted or other applicable estimated prices were used to determine total dollar value of the commitments. PacifiCorp has several contracts for purchases of electricity from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.
(3)Includes environmental and hydroelectric relicensing commitments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that are contractually or legally binding. Excludes regulatory liabilities and employee benefit plan obligations that are not legally or contractually fixed as to timing and amount. Deferred income taxes are excluded since cash payments are based primarily on taxable income for each year. Uncertain tax positions are also excluded because the amounts and timing of cash payments are not certain.

Regulatory Matters

PacifiCorp is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

PacifiCorp is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact PacifiCorp's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. PacifiCorp believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and PacifiCorp is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt and preferred securities of PacifiCorp are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of PacifiCorp's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior secured debt and its issuer credit ratings for senior unsecured debt by Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's Rating Services were investment grade.

PacifiCorp has no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. PacifiCorp's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities. Certain authorizations or exemptions by regulatory commissions for the issuance of securities are valid as long as PacifiCorp maintains investment grade ratings on senior secured debt. A downgrade below that level would necessitate new regulatory applications and approvals.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance" if there is a material adverse change in PacifiCorp's creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp would have been required to post $289 million of additional collateral. PacifiCorp's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of PacifiCorp's collateral requirements specific to PacifiCorp's derivative contracts.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where PacifiCorp operates have not had a significant impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. PacifiCorp operates under a cost-of-service based rate structure administered by various state commissions and the FERC. Under this rate structure, PacifiCorp is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation. PacifiCorp attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

PacifiCorp from time to time enters into arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties that involve guarantees or similar arrangements. PacifiCorp currently has indemnification obligations in connection with the sale of certain assets. In addition, PacifiCorp evaluates potential obligations that arise out of variable interests in unconsolidated entities, determined in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance. PacifiCorp believes that the likelihood that it would be estimated,required to perform or otherwise incur any significant losses associated with any of these obligations is remote. Refer to Notes 10 and no amounts are18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on these obligations and arrangements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting PacifiCorp, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than thosebased on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by PacifiCorp's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with PacifiCorp's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the costEffects of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation ratesCertain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp prepares its financial statements in accordance with acceptedauthoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, PacifiCorp defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in rates occur.

PacifiCorp continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory practices. Costassets and liabilities are probable of removalinclusion in future rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit PacifiCorp's ability to recover its costs. PacifiCorp believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Total regulatory assets were $1.112 billion and total regulatory liabilities totaled $917 million and $894 millionwere $3.055 billion as of December 31, 20162018. Refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's regulatory assets and 2015, respectively.liabilities.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of PacifiCorp's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 2016 2015
    
Beginning balance$224
 $135
Change in estimated costs2
 62
Additions
 30
Retirements(19) (10)
Accretion8
 7
Ending balance$215
 $224
    
Reflected as:   
Other current liabilities$21
 $35
Other long-term liabilities194
 189
 $215
 $224

Certain of PacifiCorp's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly owned facilities and mine sites. PacifiCorp is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, PacifiCorp may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. PacifiCorp's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities.

In December 2014, the United States Environmental Protection Agency released its final rule regulating the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts resulting from the operation of coal-fueled generating facilities, including requirements for the operation and closure of surface impoundment and ash landfill facilities. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in April 2015 and was effective in October 2015. The final rule substantially impacted existing AROs reflected in the December 31, 2015 change in estimated costs above and also resulted in the recognition of additional AROs.


(11)Risk Management and Hedging ActivitiesDerivatives

PacifiCorp is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. PacifiCorp is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as it has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its service territories. PacifiCorp's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. PacifiCorp has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in its business. PacifiCorp employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and, at times, interest rate risk. PacifiCorp does not engagehedge all of its commodity price and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in a material amountmarket prices and interest rates. As of proprietary trading activities.December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had no derivative contracts outstanding related to interest rate risk. Refer to Notes 11 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's derivative contracts.

Measurement Principles

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which PacifiCorp transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent PacifiCorp's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. PacifiCorp bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent energy brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by PacifiCorp. Market price quotations for certain major electricity and natural gas trading hubs are generally readily obtainable for the first three years; therefore, PacifiCorp's forward price curves for those locations and periods reflect observable market quotes. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had a net derivative liability of $97 million related to contracts valued using either quoted prices or forward price curves based upon observable market quotes. Market price quotations for other electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable for the first three years. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. The assumptions used in these models are critical because any changes in assumptions could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the contracts. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had a net derivative asset of $- million related to contracts where PacifiCorp uses internal models with significant unobservable inputs.

Classification and Recognition Methodology

PacifiCorp's derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in rates and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as regulatory assets. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $96 million recorded as a regulatory asset related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

PacifiCorp sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of its employees. In addition, PacifiCorp contributes to a joint trustee pension plan for benefits offered to certain bargaining units. PacifiCorp recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp recognized a net liability totaling $164 million for the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets and accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $448 million and $17 million, respectively.


The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. PacifiCorp believes that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about PacifiCorp's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

PacifiCorp chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, PacifiCorp utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on forward-looking views of the financial markets and historical performance. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. PacifiCorp regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (in millions):

   Other Postretirement
 Pension Plans Benefit Plan
 +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
        
Effect on December 31, 2018 Benefit Obligations:       
Discount rate$(55) $60
 $(12) $13
        
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:       
Discount rate$1
 $(1) $1
 $(1)
Expected rate of return on plan assets(5) 5
 (2) 2

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and PacifiCorp's funding policy for each plan.

Income Taxes

In determining PacifiCorp's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory commissions. PacifiCorp's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. PacifiCorp recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of PacifiCorp's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, PacifiCorp believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's income taxes.

PacifiCorp is required to pass income tax benefits and expense related to certain property-related basis differences, excess deferred income taxes resulting from 2017 Tax Reform and other various differences on to its customers. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $1.8 billion and will be included in rates when the temporary differences reverse, or as otherwise specifically ordered by regulatory commissions.

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue is recognized as electricity is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $229 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Estimates are reversed in the following month and actual revenue is recorded based on subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

PacifiCorp's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. PacifiCorp's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which PacifiCorp transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with PacifiCorp's business activities. PacifiCorp has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to Notes 2 and 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Risk Management

PacifiCorp has a risk management committee that is responsible for the oversight of market and credit risk relating to the commodity transactions of PacifiCorp. To limit PacifiCorp's exposure to market and credit risk, the risk management committee recommends, and executive management establishes, policies, limits and approved products, which are reviewed frequently to respond to changing market conditions.

Risk is an inherent part of PacifiCorp's business and activities. PacifiCorp has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage mitigate, monitor and report,mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in PacifiCorp's business. The risk management policy governs energy transactions and is designed for hedging PacifiCorp's existing energy and asset exposures, and to a limited extent, the policy permits arbitrage and trading activities to take advantage of market inefficiencies. The policy also governs the types of transactions authorized for use and establishes guidelines for credit risk management and management information systems required to effectively monitor such transactions. PacifiCorp's risk management policy provides for the use of only those contracts that have a similar volume or price relationship to its business.portfolio of assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions.

Commodity Price Risk

PacifiCorp is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as PacifiCorp has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its service territories. PacifiCorp's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. PacifiCorp does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, PacifiCorp uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. PacifiCorp does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. PacifiCorp's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

PacifiCorp measures the market risk in its electricity and natural gas portfolio daily, utilizing a historical Value-at-Risk ("VaR") approach and other measurements of net position. PacifiCorp also monitors its portfolio exposure to market risk in comparison to established thresholds and measures its open positions subject to price risk in terms of quantity at each delivery location for each forward time period. VaR computations for the electricity and natural gas commodity portfolio are based on a historical simulation technique, utilizing historical price changes over a specified (holding) period to simulate potential forward energy market price curve movements to estimate the potential unfavorable impact of such price changes on the portfolio positions. The quantification of market risk using VaR provides a consistent measure of risk across PacifiCorp's continually changing portfolio. VaR represents an estimate of possible changes at a given level of confidence in fair value that would be measured on its portfolio assuming hypothetical movements in forward market prices and is not necessarily indicative of actual results that may occur.


PacifiCorp's VaR computations utilize several key assumptions. The calculation includes short-term commodity contracts, the expected resource and demand obligations from PacifiCorp's long-term contracts, the expected generation levels from PacifiCorp's generation assets and the expected retail and wholesale load levels. The portfolio reflects flexibility contained in contracts and assets, which accommodate the normal variability in PacifiCorp's demand obligations and generation availability. These contracts and assets are valued to reflect the variability PacifiCorp experiences as a load-serving entity. Contracts or assets that contain flexible elements are often referred to as having embedded options or option characteristics. These options provide for energy volume changes that are sensitive to market price changes. Therefore, changes in the option values affect the energy position of the portfolio with respect to market prices, and this effect is calculated daily. When measuring portfolio exposure through VaR, these position changes that result from the option sensitivity are held constant through the historical simulation. PacifiCorp's VaR methodology is based on a 36-month forward position, 95% confidence interval and one-day holding period.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's estimated potential one-day unfavorable impact on fair value of the electricity and natural gas commodity portfolio over the next 36 months was $10 million, as measured by the VaR computations described above. The minimum, average and maximum daily VaR (one-day holding periods) were as follows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):

 2018
Minimum VaR (measured)$7
Average VaR (calculated)9
Maximum VaR (measured)13

PacifiCorp maintained compliance with its VaR limit procedures during the year ended December 31, 2018. Changes in markets inconsistent with historical trends or assumptions used could cause actual results to exceed estimated VaR levels.

Fair Value of Derivatives

The table that follows summarizes PacifiCorp's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $59 million and $74 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices by the expected volumes for these contracts as of that date. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions):

 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
  Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Total commodity derivative contracts$(97) $(92) $(102)
      
As of December 31, 2017     
Total commodity derivative contracts$(104) $(102) $(106)

PacifiCorp's commodity derivative contracts are generally recoverable from customers in rates; therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose PacifiCorp to earnings volatility. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a regulatory asset of $96 million and $101 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $97 million and $104 million, respectively. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, natural gas or fuel are higher or the level of wholesale electricity sales are lower than what is included in rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms.


Interest Rate Risk

PacifiCorp is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. PacifiCorp manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, PacifiCorp's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose PacifiCorp to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if PacifiCorp were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. PacifiCorp may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate PacifiCorp's exposure to interest rate risk. No interest rate derivatives were in place during the periods presented. PacifiCorp does not hedge allThe nature and amount of its commodity pricePacifiCorp's short- and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portionlong-term debt can be expected to changes invary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market prices.

There have been no significant changes in PacifiCorp's accounting policies related to derivatives.conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 26, 7 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on derivative contracts.discussion of PacifiCorp's short- and long-term debt.

The following table, which reflects master netting arrangementsAs of December 31, 2018 and excludes contracts2017, PacifiCorp had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $285 million and $442 million, respectively that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of PacifiCorp's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amountsexpose PacifiCorp to the amounts presented on a net basis onrisk of increased interest expense in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):

 Other   Other Other  
 Current Other Current Long-term  
 Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities Total
          
As of December 31, 2016:         
Not designated as hedging contracts(1):
         
Commodity assets$24
 $2
 $1
 $
 $27
Commodity liabilities(6) 
 (14) (84) (104)
Total18
 2
 (13) (84) (77)
          
Total derivatives18
 2
 (13) (84) (77)
Cash collateral receivable
 
 10
 59
 69
Total derivatives - net basis$18
 $2
 $(3) $(25) $(8)
          
As of December 31, 2015:         
Not designated as hedging contracts(1):
         
Commodity assets$10
 $
 $2
 $
 $12
Commodity liabilities(1) 
 (58) (89) (148)
Total9
 
 (56) (89) (136)
          
Total derivatives9
 
 (56) (89) (136)
Cash collateral receivable
 
 18
 57
 75
Total derivatives - net basis$9
 $
 $(38) $(32) $(61)

(1)PacifiCorp's commodity derivatives are generally included in rates and as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, a regulatory asset of $73 million and $133 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $77 million and $136 million, respectively.

event of increases in short-term interest rates. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances ofmarket risk related to PacifiCorp's regulatory assets and summarizes the pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts recognized in regulatory assets, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014
      
Beginning balance$133
 $85
 $55
Changes in fair value recognized in regulatory assets(27) 82
 45
Net gains reclassified to operating revenue10
 40
 (4)
Net losses reclassified to energy costs(43) (74) (11)
Ending balance$73
 $133
 $85

Derivative Contract Volumes

The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding commodity derivative contracts with fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market valuesvariable-rate debt as of December 31, (in millions):
 Unit of    
 Measure 2016 2015
      
Electricity (sales) purchasesMegawatt hours (3) 1
Natural gas purchasesDecatherms 84
 111
Fuel oil purchasesGallons 11
 11
2018 is not hedged. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on PacifiCorp's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Credit Risk

PacifiCorp is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent PacifiCorp's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, PacifiCorp analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, PacifiCorp enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, PacifiCorp exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

Collateral and Contingent Features

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale derivative contracts contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These derivative contracts may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance" in the event of a material adverse change in PacifiCorp's creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit ratingsexposure from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade.

The aggregate fair valuewholesale activities totaled $719 million, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of PacifiCorp's derivative contracts in liability positions with specific credit-risk-related contingent features totaled $97 million and $142collateral, compared to $127 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for which PacifiCorp had posted collateral of $69 million and $75 million, respectively, in the form of cash deposits. If all credit-risk-related contingent features for derivative contracts in liability positions had been triggered as2017. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, PacifiCorp would have been required2018, $552 million of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to post $22 million and $64 million, respectively, of additional collateral. PacifiCorp's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably duelong-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislationquotations, when available, or regulation or other factors.internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation by contractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.


(12)Item 8.
Fair Value Measurements
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The carrying value


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of PacifiCorp'sDirectors and Shareholders of PacifiCorp
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PacifiCorp and subsidiaries ("PacifiCorp") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value becauseflows for each of the short-term maturitythree years in the period ended December 31, 2018, 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 PacifiCorp as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of PacifiCorp’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on PacifiCorp’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 PacifiCorp 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. PacifiCorp 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 PacifiCorp’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

Portland, Oregon
February 22, 2019

We have served as PacifiCorp's auditor since 2006.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
    
ASSETS
    
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$77
 $14
Trade receivables, net640
 631
Other receivables, net92
 53
Inventories417
 433
Prepaid expenses47
 73
Other current assets86
 111
Total current assets1,359
 1,315
    
Property, plant and equipment, net19,591
 19,203
Regulatory assets1,076
 1,030
Other assets287
 372
    
Total assets$22,313
 $21,920

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these instruments. consolidated financial statements.



PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$597
 $453
Accrued interest114
 115
Accrued property, income and other taxes75
 66
Accrued employee expenses79
 70
Short-term debt30
 80
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations352
 588
Regulatory liabilities77
 75
Other current liabilities191
 170
Total current liabilities1,515
 1,617
    
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations6,684
 6,437
Regulatory liabilities2,978
 2,996
Deferred income taxes2,543
 2,582
Other long-term liabilities748
 733
Total liabilities14,468
 14,365
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
 
    
Shareholders' equity:   
Preferred stock2
 2
Common stock - 750 shares authorized, no par value, 357 shares issued and outstanding
 
Additional paid-in capital4,479
 4,479
Retained earnings3,377
 3,089
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(13) (15)
Total shareholders' equity7,845
 7,555
    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$22,313
 $21,920

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
      
Operating expenses:     
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 1,751
Operations and maintenance1,038
 1,034
 1,062
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 770
Taxes, other than income taxes201
 197
 190
Total operating expenses3,975
 3,797
 3,773
      
Operating income1,051
 1,440
 1,428
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(384) (381) (380)
Allowance for borrowed funds18
 11
 15
Allowance for equity funds35
 20
 27
Other, net23
 38
 13
Total other income (expense)(308) (312) (325)
      
Income before income tax expense743
 1,128
 1,103
Income tax expense5
 360
 340
Net income$738
 $768
 $763

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$738
 $768
 $763
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax —     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $1, $3 and $-2
 (3) (1)
      
Comprehensive income$740
 $765
 $762

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

         Accumulated  
     Additional   Other Total
 Preferred Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholders'
 Stock Stock Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
Balance, December 31, 2015$2
 $
 $4,479
 $3,033
 $(11) $7,503
Net income
 
 
 763
 
 763
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (875) 
 (875)
Balance, December 31, 20162
 
 4,479
 2,921
 (12) 7,390
Net income
 
 
 768
 
 768
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (3) (3)
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (600) 
 (600)
Balance, December 31, 20172
 
 4,479
 3,089
 (15) 7,555
Net income
 
 
 738
 
 738
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 2
 2
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (450) 
 (450)
Balance, December 31, 2018$2
 $
 $4,479
 $3,377
 $(13) $7,845

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$738
 $768
 $763
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating     
activities:
 
 
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 770
Allowance for equity funds(35) (20) (27)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities87
 18
 122
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits(199) 70
 139
Other, net5
 9
 4
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:     
Trade receivables and other assets31
 75
 6
Inventories16
 10
 (21)
Derivative collateral, net15
 (6) 6
Prepaid expenses31
 (8) (5)
Accrued property, income and other taxes, net60
 (48) 
Accounts payable and other liabilities83
 (62) (163)
Net cash flows from operating activities1,811
 1,602
 1,594
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(1,257) (769) (903)
Other, net5
 12
 8
Net cash flows from investing activities(1,252) (757) (895)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from long-term debt593
 
 
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations(588) (58) (68)
Net (repayments) proceeds from short-term debt(50) (190) 250
Dividends paid(450) (600) (875)
Other, net(1) (1) (1)
Net cash flows from financing activities(496) (849) (694)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents63
 (4) 5
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period29
 33
 28
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$92
 $29
 $33

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)Organization and Operations

PacifiCorp, which includes PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries, is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, irrigation and other customers in portions of Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho and California. PacifiCorp owns, or has variousinterests in, a number of thermal, hydroelectric, wind-powered and geothermal generating facilities, as well as electric transmission and distribution assets. PacifiCorp also buys and sells electricity on the wholesale market with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. PacifiCorp is subject to comprehensive state and federal regulation. PacifiCorp's subsidiaries support its electric utility operations by providing coal mining services. PacifiCorp is an indirect subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"), a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, PacifiCorp defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are measuredestablished to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in rates occur.

PacifiCorp continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit PacifiCorp's ability to recover its costs. PacifiCorp believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds representing escrow accounts for disputes, vendor retention, custodial and nuclear decommissioning funds. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on the Consolidated Financial Statements using inputs from the three levelsa specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of thetax. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had no unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings.

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Equity Method Investments

PacifiCorp hasutilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to accessexercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, PacifiCorp records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by PacifiCorp's proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") of the investee. PacifiCorp records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the measurement date.

Level 2 - Inputs include quoted pricesoutstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted pricesdoubtful accounts. The allowance for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect PacifiCorp's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. PacifiCorp develops these inputsdoubtful accounts is based on PacifiCorp's assessment of the best information available, includingcollectability of amounts owed to PacifiCorp by its own data.

customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. The following table presents PacifiCorp's assets and liabilities recognizedchange in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and measured at fair value on a recurring basisis summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements    
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2016:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$
 $27
 $
 $(7) $20
Money market mutual funds(2)
13
 
 
 
 13
Investment funds17
 
 
 
 17
 $30
 $27
 $
 $(7) $50
          
Liabilities - Commodity derivatives$
 $(104) $
 $76
 $(28)
          
As of December 31, 2015:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$
 $9
 $3
 $(3) $9
Money market mutual funds (2)
13
 
 
 
 13
Investment funds15
 
 
 
 15
 $28
 $9
 $3
 $(3) $37
          
Liabilities - Commodity derivatives$
 $(148) $
 $78
 $(70)
 2018 2017 2016
      
Beginning balance$10
 $7
 $7
Charged to operating costs and expenses, net12
 15
 12
Write-offs, net(14) (12) (12)
Ending balance$8
 $10
 $7

(1)Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $69 million and $75 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(2)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents, other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.
Derivatives

PacifiCorp employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage price risk for electricity, natural gas and other commodities and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or energy costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For PacifiCorp's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in rates are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of materials, supplies and fuel stocks and are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. PacifiCorp capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs, which include debt and equity allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"). The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed on the straight-line method based on composite asset class lives prescribed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory authorities or over the assets' estimated useful lives. Depreciation studies are completed periodically to determine the appropriate composite asset class lives, net salvage and depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the various regulatory authorities. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when PacifiCorp retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment, is capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, PacifiCorp is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.

Asset Retirement Obligations

PacifiCorp recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. PacifiCorp's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Impairment

PacifiCorp evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Revenue Recognition

PacifiCorp uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which PacifiCorp expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. PacifiCorp records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Substantially all of PacifiCorp's Customer Revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission and distribution and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging."

Revenue recognized is equal to what PacifiCorp has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of PacifiCorp's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $229 million and $255 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes PacifiCorp in its consolidated United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, PacifiCorp's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that PacifiCorp deems probable to be passed on to its customers in most state jurisdictions are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse or as otherwise approved by PacifiCorp's various regulatory commissions. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized.

Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory commissions. Investment tax credits are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $13 million and $16 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In determining PacifiCorp's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory commissions. PacifiCorp's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. PacifiCorp recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of PacifiCorp's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, PacifiCorp believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. PacifiCorp's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Segment Information

PacifiCorp currently has one segment, which includes its regulated electric utility operations.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The updated disclosure requirements make a number of changes to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. PacifiCorp elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-14 effective December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on PacifiCorp's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations utilizing the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the year-ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $22 million of benefit and $2 million of cost, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, "Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance retrospectively January 1, 2018.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in the reclassification of certain cash distributions received from equity method investees of $27 million and $25 million previously recognized within investing cash flows to operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases" and ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance, electing all practical expedients, effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in-effect. PacifiCorp is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $15 million based on the contracts currently in-effect. PacifiCorp currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which created FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606") and superseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaced industry-specific guidance and established a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Following the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but did not change the core principle of the guidance. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance for all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method. The adoption did not have a cumulative effect impact at the date of initial adoption.

(3)Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):

 Depreciable Life 2018 2017
Utility Plant:     
Generation14 - 67 years $12,606
 $12,490
Transmission58 - 75 years 6,357
 6,226
Distribution20 - 70 years 7,030
 6,792
Intangible plant(1)
5 - 75 years 970
 937
Other5 - 60 years 1,483
 1,435
Utility plant in service  28,446
 27,880
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (10,060) (9,366)
Utility plant in service, net  18,386
 18,514
Other non-regulated, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization47 years 10
 11
Plant, net  18,396
 18,525
Construction work-in-progress  1,195
 678
Property, plant and equipment, net  $19,591
 $19,203

(1)Computer software costs included in intangible plant are initially assigned a depreciable life of 5 to 10 years.

The average depreciation and amortization rate applied to depreciable property, plant and equipment was 3.5% for the year ended December 31, 2018, including the impact of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units, and 2.9% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Unallocated Acquisition Adjustments

PacifiCorp has unallocated acquisition adjustments that represent the excess of costs of the acquired interests in property, plant and equipment purchased from the entity that first devoted the assets to utility service over their net book value in those assets. These unallocated acquisition adjustments included in other property, plant and equipment had an original cost of $156 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and accumulated depreciation of $127 million and $122 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


(4)Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements with other utilities, PacifiCorp, as a tenant in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation, transmission and distribution facilities. PacifiCorp accounts for its proportionate share of each facility, and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include PacifiCorp's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent PacifiCorp's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in millions):
   Facility Accumulated Construction
 PacifiCorp in Depreciation and Work-in-
 Share Service Amortization Progress
        
Jim Bridger Nos. 1 - 467% $1,458
 $647
 $11
Hunter No. 194
 484
 182
 
Hunter No. 260
 298
 121
 5
Wyodak80
 471
 229
 
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 410
 248
 137
 6
Hermiston50
 180
 87
 1
Craig Nos. 1 and 219
 367
 241
 
Hayden No. 125
 74
 37
 
Hayden No. 213
 43
 22
 
Foote Creek79
 40
 27
 1
Transmission and distribution facilitiesVarious 808
 246
 76
Total  $4,471
 $1,976
 $100


(5)Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. PacifiCorp's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining    
 Life 2018 2017
      
Employee benefit plans(1)
20 years $448
 $418
Utah mine disposition(2)
Various 136
 156
Unamortized contract values5 years 79
 89
Deferred net power costs3 year 62
 21
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts2 years 96
 101
Asset retirement obligation31 years 119
 100
OtherVarious 172
 176
Total regulatory assets  $1,112
 $1,061
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $36
 $31
Noncurrent assets  1,076
 1,030
Total regulatory assets  $1,112
 $1,061

(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in rates when recognized.

(2)Amounts represent regulatory assets established as a result of the Utah mine disposition in 2015 for the net property, plant and equipment not considered probable of disallowance and for the portion of losses associated with the assets held for sale, UMWA 1974 Pension Plan withdrawal and closure costs incurred to date considered probable of recovery.

PacifiCorp had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $636 million and $589 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Regulatory Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. PacifiCorp's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining    
 Life 2018 2017
      
Cost of removal(1)
26 years $994
 $955
Deferred income taxes(2)
Various 1,803
 1,960
OtherVarious 258
 156
Total regulatory liabilities  $3,055
 $3,071
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $77
 $75
Noncurrent liabilities  2,978
 2,996
Total regulatory liabilities  $3,055
 $3,071

(1)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

(2)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. See Note 8 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform.



(6)Short-term Debt and Credit Facilities

The following table summarizes PacifiCorp's availability under its credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):
2018:  
Credit facilities $1,200
Less:  
Short-term debt (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (89)
Net credit facilities $1,081
   
2017:  
Credit facilities $1,000
Less:  
Short-term debt (80)
Tax-exempt bond support (130)
Net credit facilities $790

PacifiCorp has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent and a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which support PacifiCorp's commercial paper program, certain series of its tax-exempt bond obligations and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have variable interest rates based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at PacifiCorp's option, plus a spread that varies based on PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.85% and 1.83%, respectively. These credit facilities require that PacifiCorp's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had $184 million and $230 million, respectively, of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, $170 million and $216 million, respectively, of these letters of credit, support PacifiCorp's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and expire in March 2019 and $14 million support certain transactions required by third parties and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.


(7)Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

PacifiCorp's long-term debt and capital lease obligations were as follows as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 2018 2017
     Average   Average
 Principal Carrying Interest Carrying Interest
 Amount Value Rate Value Rate
          
First mortgage bonds:         
2.95% to 8.53%, due through 2023$1,824
 $1,821
 4.48% $2,320
 4.73%
3.35% to 6.71%, due 2024 to 2026775
 771
 3.92
 771
 3.92
7.70% due 2031300
 298
 7.70
 298
 7.70
5.25% to 6.35%, due 2034 to 20382,350
 2,338
 5.96
 2,337
 5.96
4.10% to 6.00%, due 2039 to 2042950
 939
 5.40
 938
 5.40
4.125%, due 2049600
 593 4.13
 
 
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2018-1.67% to 1.85%; 2017-1.60% to 1.87%):         
Due 2018 to 202038
 38
 1.85
 79
 1.77
Due 2018 to 2025(1)
25
 25
 1.75
 70
 1.81
Due 2024(1)(2)
143
 142
 1.68
 142
 1.73
Due 2024 to 2025(2)
50
 50
 1.75
 50
 1.72
Total long-term debt7,055
 7,015
   7,005
  
Capital lease obligations:         
8.75% to 14.61%, due through 203521
 21
 10.55
 20
 11.46
Total long-term debt and capital lease         
obligations$7,076
 $7,036
   $7,025
  
Reflected as:   
 2018 2017
    
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations$352
 $588
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations6,684
 6,437
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations$7,036
 $7,025

1)Supported by $170 million and $216 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed bank arrangements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
2)Secured by pledged first mortgage bonds registered to and held by the tax-exempt bond trustee generally with the same interest rates, maturity dates and redemption provisions as the tax-exempt bond obligations.
PacifiCorp's long-term debt generally includes provisions that allow PacifiCorp to redeem the first mortgage bonds in whole or in part at any time through the payment of a make-whole premium. Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations are generally redeemable at par value.

PacifiCorp currently has regulatory authority from the Oregon Public Utility Commission and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to issue an additional $2.0 billion of long-term debt. PacifiCorp must make a notice filing with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission prior to any future issuance. PacifiCorp currently has an effective shelf registration statement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue up to $2.0 billion additional first mortgage bonds through October 2021.

The issuance of PacifiCorp's first mortgage bonds is limited by available property, earnings tests and other provisions of PacifiCorp's mortgage. Approximately $28 billion of PacifiCorp's eligible property (based on original cost) was subject to the lien of the mortgage as of December 31, 2018.


PacifiCorp has entered into long-term agreements that qualify as capital leases and expire at various dates through March 2035 for transportation services, a power purchase agreement and real estate. The transportation services agreements included as capital leases are for the right to use pipeline facilities to provide natural gas to two of PacifiCorp's generating facilities. Net capital lease assets of $21 million and $20 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were included in property, plant and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2018, the annual principal maturities of long-term debt and total capital lease obligations for 2019 and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

 Long-term Capital Lease  
 Debt Obligations Total
      
2019$350
 $4
 $354
202038
 3
 41
2021420
 7
 427
2022605
 3
 608
2023449
 2
 451
Thereafter5,193
 16
 5,209
Total7,055
 35
 7,090
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(40) 
 (40)
Amounts representing interest
 (14) (14)
Total$7,015
 $21
 $7,036

(8)Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 ("2017 Tax Reform") impacted many areas of income tax law. The most material items included the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property.

In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. On December 31, 2017, PacifiCorp recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. PacifiCorp determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. PacifiCorp believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, PacifiCorp finalized its provisional amounts recording a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $21 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and PacifiCorp's regulatory nature, PacifiCorp reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $8 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Current:     
Federal$164
 $249
 $169
State40
 41
 32
Total204
 290
 201
      
Deferred:     
Federal(187) 59
 123
State(9) 15
 21
Total(196) 74
 144
      
Investment tax credits(3) (4) (5)
Total income tax expense$5
 $360
 $340

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Federal statutory income tax rate21 % 35 % 35 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit4
 3
 3
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes(17) 
 
Federal income tax credits(7) (5) (6)
Other
 (1) (1)
Effective income tax rate1 % 32 % 31 %

Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service. Amortization of excess deferred income taxes is primarily attributable to the amortization of $127 million of Utah allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah allocated excess deferred income taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$752
 $756
Employee benefits91
 84
Derivative contracts and unamortized contract values45
 48
State carryforwards77
 83
Asset retirement obligations53
 50
Other56
 50
 1,074
 1,071
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property, plant and equipment(3,335) (3,381)
Regulatory assets(273) (261)
Other(9) (11)
 (3,617) (3,653)
Net deferred income tax liability$(2,543) $(2,582)

The following table provides PacifiCorp's net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
  State
   
Net operating loss carryforwards $1,230
Deferred income taxes on net operating loss carryforwards $58
Expiration dates 2019 - 2032
   
Tax credit carryforwards $19
Expiration dates 2019 - indefinite

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of PacifiCorp's income tax returns through December 31, 2011. The statute of limitations for PacifiCorp's state income tax returns have expired through December 31, 2009, with the exception of Idaho, for which the statute of limitations has expired through December 31, 2014, except for the impact of any federal audit adjustments. The statute of limitations expiring for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $1 million and $10 million, respectively, related to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect PacifiCorp's effective income tax rate.

(9)
Employee Benefit Plans

PacifiCorp sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of its employees, as well as a defined contribution 401(k) employee savings plan ("401(k) Plan"). In addition, PacifiCorp contributes to a joint trustee pension plan and a subsidiary previously contributed to a multiemployer pension plan for benefits offered to certain bargaining units.

Defined Benefit Plans

PacifiCorp's pension plans include non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, collectively the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan ("Retirement Plan"), and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The Retirement Plan is closed to all non-union employees hired after January 1, 2008. All non-union Retirement Plan participants hired prior to January 1, 2008 that did not elect to receive equivalent fixed contributions to the 401(k) Plan effective January 1, 2009 earned benefits based on a cash balance formula through December 31, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, non-union employee participants with a cash balance benefit in the Retirement Plan are no longer eligible to receive pay credits in their cash balance formula. In general for union employees, benefits under the Retirement Plan were frozen at various dates from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2011 as they are now being provided with enhanced 401(k) Plan benefits. However, certain limited union Retirement Plan participants continue to earn benefits under the Retirement Plan based on the employee's years of service and a final average pay formula. The SERP was closed to new participants as of March 21, 2006 and froze future accruals for active participants as of December 31, 2014.

During 2018, the Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018.

PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit plan provides healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees.


Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit cost for the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Service cost$
 $
 $4
 $2
 $2
 $2
Interest cost43
 49
 54
 11
 14
 15
Expected return on plan assets(72) (72) (75) (21) (21) (21)
Settlement22
 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization13
 14
 34
 (6) (6) (5)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$6
 $(9) $17
 $(14) $(11) $(9)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of derivative contractsplan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$1,111
 $999
 $332
 $302
Employer contributions4
 54
 1
 1
Participant contributions
 
 5
 7
Actual return on plan assets(52) 166
 (16) 49
Settlement(52) 
 
 
Benefits paid(69) (108) (25) (27)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$942
 $1,111
 $297
 $332

The following table is estimated using unadjusted quoted pricesa reconciliation of the benefit obligations for identical contractsthe years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$1,251
 $1,276
 $331
 $358
Service cost
 
 2
 2
Interest cost43
 49
 11
 14
Participant contributions
 
 5
 7
Actuarial (gain) loss(68) 34
 (26) (23)
Settlement(52) 
   
Benefits paid(69) (108) (25) (27)
Benefit obligation, end of year$1,105
 $1,251
 $298
 $331
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$1,105
 $1,251
    

The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$942
 $1,111
 $297
 $332
Less - Benefit obligation, end of year1,105
 1,251
 298
 331
Funded status$(163) $(140) $(1) $1
        
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:       
Other assets$3
 $5
 $
 $1
Other current liabilities(4) (4) 
 
Other long-term liabilities(162) (141) (1) 
Amounts recognized$(163) $(140) $(1) $1

The SERP has no plan assets; however, PacifiCorp has a Rabbi trust that holds corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERP. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trust, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market in which PacifiCorp transacts. When quoted prices for identical contractsvalue of other Rabbi trust investments, was $52 million and $60 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These assets are not available, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent PacifiCorp's estimatesincluded in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in cash and cash equivalents, totaling $1 million and $9 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and noncurrent other assets, totaling $51 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 on the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. PacifiCorp bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent energy brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by PacifiCorp. Market price quotations for certain major electricity and natural gas trading hubs are generally readily obtainableConsolidated Balance Sheets.

The projected benefit obligation for the first six years; therefore, PacifiCorp's forward price curves for those locationspension and periods reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for other electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable forpostretirement plans were in excess of the first six years. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contractstheir respective plans assets as of December 31, 2018. The accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was in excess of the fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2018.

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Net loss (gain)$461
 $442
 $(2) $(12)
Prior service credit
 
 
 (6)
Regulatory deferrals(1) (4) 7
 7
Total$460
 $438
 $5
 $(11)


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows (in millions):
   Accumulated  
   Other  
 Regulatory Comprehensive  
 Asset Loss Total
Pension     
Balance, December 31, 2016$491
 $20
 $511
Net (gain) loss arising during the year(60) 1
 (59)
Net amortization(13) (1) (14)
Total(73) 
 (73)
Balance, December 31, 2017418
 20
 438
Net loss (gain) arising during the year59
 (2) 57
Net amortization(12) (1) (13)
Settlement(22) 
 (22)
Total25
 (3) 22
Balance, December 31, 2018$443
 $17
 $460

 Regulatory
 Asset (Liability)
Other Postretirement 
Balance, December 31, 2016$34
Net gain arising during the year(51)
Net amortization6
Total(45)
Balance, December 31, 2017(11)
Net loss arising during the year10
Net amortization6
Total16
Balance, December 31, 2018$5


Plan Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Benefit obligations as of December 31:           
Discount rate4.25% 3.60% 4.05% 4.25% 3.60% 4.05%
Rate of compensation increaseN/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
            
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan (1)(2)(3)
3.40% 1.61% 2.06% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
            
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:          
Discount rate3.60% 4.05% 4.40% 3.60% 4.05% 4.35%
Expected return on plan assets7.00
 7.25
 7.50
 6.86
 7.25
 7.50
Rate of compensation increaseN/A
 N/A
 2.75
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A

(1)2018 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption is 3.40% for 2019 and all future years for nonunion participants and 3.15% for 2019-2020 and 3.25% for 2021+ for union participants.
(2)2017 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption was 2.26% for 2018-2019 and 1.60% for 2020+ for nonunion participants and 2.78% for 2018-2019 and 2.60% for 2020+ for union participants.
(3)2016 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption was 1.44% for 2017-2018 and 2.05% for 2019+ for nonunion participants and 2.35% for 2017-2018 and 3.05% for 2019+ for union participants.
In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, PacifiCorp utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.

As a functionresult of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthinessa plan amendment effective on January 1, 2017, the benefit obligation for the Retirement Plan is no longer affected by future increases in compensation. As a result of a labor settlement reached with UMWA in December 2014, the benefit obligation for the other postretirement plan is no longer affected by healthcare cost trends.

Contributions and durationBenefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $4 million and $0 million, respectively, during 2019. Funding to PacifiCorp's Retirement Plan trust is based upon the actuarially determined costs of contracts. Referthe plan and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended ("PPA"). PacifiCorp considers contributing additional amounts from time to Note 11time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the PPA. PacifiCorp's funding of its other postretirement benefit plan is subject to tax deductibility and subordination limits and other considerations.

The expected benefit payments to participants in PacifiCorp's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's risk management2019 through 2023 and hedging activities.for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):
 Projected Benefit Payments
 Pension Other Postretirement
    
2019$105
 $24
2020102
 26
202198
 23
202292
 22
202388
 21
2024-2028369
 95


Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

PacifiCorp's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters outlined by the PacifiCorp Pension Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in money market mutual fundsline with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for PacifiCorp's pension and investment fundsother postretirement benefit plan assets are stated atas follows as of December 31, 2018:
Pension(1)
Other Postretirement(1)
%%
Debt securities(2)
30 - 4333 - 37
Equity securities(2)
48 - 6562 - 66
Limited partnership interests6 - 121 - 3

(1)PacifiCorp's Retirement Plan trust includes a separate account that is used to fund benefits for the other postretirement benefit plan. In addition to this separate account, the assets for the other postretirement benefit plan are held in Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association ("VEBA") trusts, each of which has its own investment allocation strategies. Target allocations for the other postretirement benefit plan include the separate account of the Retirement Plan trust and the VEBA trusts.
(2)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.

Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the fair value and are primarily accountedof plan assets, by major category, for as available-for-sale securities. When available, PacifiCorp usesPacifiCorp's defined benefit pension plan (in millions):
  Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
  
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(1)
 
Level 3(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2018:        
Cash equivalents $
 $11
 $
 $11
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 4
 
 
 4
International government obligations 
 1
 
 1
Corporate obligations 
 88
 
 88
Municipal obligations 
 10
 
 10
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 43
 
 43
Equity securities:        
United States companies 327
 
 
 327
International companies 15
 
 
 15
Investment funds(2)
 54
 
 
 54
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $400
 $153
 $
 553
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       285
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       104
Investments at fair value       $942
         
As of December 31, 2017:        
Cash equivalents $
 $43
 $
 $43
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 45
 
 
 45
Corporate obligations 
 60
 
 60
Municipal obligations 
 9
 
 9
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 37
 
 37
Equity securities:        
United States companies 416
 
 
 416
International companies 22
 
 
 22
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $483
 $149
 $
 632
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       416
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       63
Investments at fair value       $1,111

(1)
Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 55% and 45% respectively, for 2018 and 60% and 40%, respectively, for 2017, and are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 68% and 32%, respectively, for 2018 and 57% and 43%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for PacifiCorp's defined benefit other postretirement plan (in millions):
  Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
  Level 1(1) Level 2(1) Level 3(1) Total
As of December 31, 2018:        
Cash and cash equivalents $4
 $1
 $
 $5
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 3
 
 
 3
Corporate obligations 
 23
 
 23
Municipal obligations 
 2
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 17
 
 17
Equity securities:        
United States companies 83
 
 
 83
International companies 4
 
 
 4
Investment funds(2)
 38
 
 
 38
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 132
 43
 
 175
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       116
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       6
Investments at fair value       $297
         
As of December 31, 2017:        
Cash and cash equivalents $4
 $3
 $
 $7
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 11
 
 
 11
Corporate obligations 
 16
 
 16
Municipal obligations 
 2
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 16
 
 16
Equity securities:        
United States companies 98
 
 
 98
International companies 6
 
 
 6
Investment funds(2)
 32
 
 
 32
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 151
 37
 
 188
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       140
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       4
Investments at fair value       $332

(1)
Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 59% and 41%, respectively, for 2018 and 63% and 37%, respectively, for 2017, and are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 90% and 10%, respectively, for 2018 and 77% and 23%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.
For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security,For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputsinputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics.

PacifiCorp's long-term debt is carriedcommingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at costfair value based on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Thenet asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund's net asset value is based on the fair value of PacifiCorp's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of PacifiCorp's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because ofunderlying assets held by the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of PacifiCorp's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):

 2016 2015
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$7,052
 $8,204
 $7,114
 $8,210

(13)Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

PacifiCorp is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. PacifiCorp does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact onfund less its consolidated financial results.
Environmental Laws and Regulations

PacifiCorp is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact PacifiCorp's current and future operations. PacifiCorp believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.liabilities.


Hydroelectric Relicensing

PacifiCorp's Klamath hydroelectric system is currently operating under annual licenses with the FERC. In February 2010, PacifiCorp, the United States Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Commerce, the state of California, the state of Oregon and various other governmental and non-governmental settlement parties signed the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement ("KHSA"). Among other things, the KHSA provided that the United States Department of the Interior would conduct scientific and engineering studies to assess whether removal of the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams was in the public interest and would advance restoration of the Klamath Basin's salmonid fisheries. If it wasis determined that dam removal should proceed, dam removal would begin no earlier than 2020.


Congress failed to pass legislation needed to implement the original KHSA. Hence, in FebruaryIn April 2016, the principal parties to the KHSA (PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon, and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce) executed an agreement in principle committing to explore potential amendment of the KHSA to facilitate removal of the Klamath dams through a FERC process without the need for federal legislation. On April 6, 2016, PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon, and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce and other stakeholders executed an amendment to the KHSA. Consistent with the terms of the amended KHSA, onin September 23, 2016, PacifiCorp and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation ("KRRC"), a private, independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed by certain signatories of the amended KSHA, jointly filed an application with the FERC to transfer the license for the four mainstem Klamath River hydroelectric generating facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC. Also onin September 23, 2016, the KRRC filed an application with the FERC to surrender the license and decommission the same four facilities. The KRRC's license surrender application included a request for the FERC to refrain from acting on the surrender application until after the transfer of the license to the KRRC is effective. In March 2018, the FERC issued an order splitting the existing license for the Klamath Project into two licenses: the Klamath Project (P‑2082) contains East Side, West Side, Keno and Fall Creek developments; the new Lower Klamath Project (P‑14803) contains J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2 and Iron Gate developments. In the same order, the FERC deferred consideration of the transfer of the license for the Lower Klamath facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC until some point in the future. PacifiCorp is currently the licensee for both the Klamath Project and Lower Klamath Project facilities and will retain ownership of the Klamath Project facilities after the approval and transfer of the Lower Klamath Project facilities. In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a motion to stay the effective date of the license amendment until transfer is approved. In June 2018, the FERC granted PacifiCorp's motion to stay the effective date of the Lower Klamath Project license and all related compliance obligations, pending a FERC order on the license transfer. Meanwhile, the FERC continues to assess the KRRC's capacity to become a project licensee for purposes of dam removal. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision in the Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC litigation, on January 25, 2019, finding that the states of California and Oregon have waived their Clean Water Act, Section 401, water quality certification authority over the Klamath hydroelectric project relicensing. PacifiCorp is evaluating the impact of this decision.

Under the amended KHSA, PacifiCorp and its customers are protected from uncapped dam removal costs and liabilities. The KRRC must indemnify PacifiCorp from liabilities associated with dam removal. The amended KHSA also limits PacifiCorp's contribution to facilities removal costs to no more than $200 million, of which up to $184 million would be collected from PacifiCorp's Oregon customers with the remainder to be collected from PacifiCorp's California customers. California voters approved a water bond measure in November 2014 from which the state of California's contribution toward facilities removal costs are being drawn. In accordance with this bond measure, additional funding of up to $250 million for facilities removal costs was included in the California state budget in 2016, with the funding effective for at least five years. If facilities removal costs exceed the combined funding that will be available from PacifiCorp's Oregon and California customers and the state of California, sufficient funds would need to be provided by the KRRC or an entity other than PacifiCorp for removal to proceed.

If certain conditions in the amended KHSA are not satisfied and the license does not transfer to the KRRC, PacifiCorp will resume relicensing with the FERC.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's assets included $44 million of costs associated with the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams and the associated relicensing and settlement costs, which are being depreciated and amortized in accordance with state regulatory approvals through either December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2022, depending upon the state jurisdiction.

Hydroelectric Commitments

Certain of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric licenses contain requirements for PacifiCorp to make certain capital and operating expenditures related to its hydroelectric facilities. PacifiCorp estimates it is obligated to make capital expenditures of approximately $155 million over the next 10 years related to these licenses.

Guarantees

The Company has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial results.

(16)
BHE Shareholders' Equity

Common Stock

On March 14, 2000, and as amended on December 7, 2005, BHE's shareholders entered into a Shareholder Agreement that provides specific rights to certain shareholders. One of these rights allows certain shareholders the ability to put their common shares to BHE at the then-current fair value dependent on certain circumstances controlled by BHE.


For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, BHE repurchased 177,381 shares of its common stock for $107 million and 35,000 shares of its common stock for $19 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, BHE issued $100 million of its 5.00% junior subordinated debentures due June 2057 in exchange for 181,819 shares of its common stock.

In February 2019, BHE repurchased 447,712 shares of its common stock for $293 million.

Restricted Net Assets

BHE has maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentage restrictions imposed by its senior unsecured credit facilities expiring in June 2021 which, in certain circumstances, limit BHE's ability to make cash dividends or distributions. As a result of this restriction, BHE has restricted net assets of $16.5 billion as of December 31, 2018.

Certain of BHE's subsidiaries have restrictions on their ability to dividend, loan or advance funds to BHE due to specific legal or regulatory restrictions, including, but not limited to, maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentages and commitments made to state commissions or federal agencies in connection with past acquisitions. As a result of these restrictions, BHE's subsidiaries had restricted net assets of $20.7 billion as of December 31, 2018.

(17)Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

The following table shows the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to BHE shareholders by each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
           
           
  Unrecognized Foreign Unrealized Unrealized AOCI
  Amounts on Currency Gains on Gains on Attributable
  Retirement Translation Marketable Cash Flow To BHE
  Benefits Adjustment Securities Hedges Shareholders, Net
           
Balance, December 31, 2015 $(438) $(1,092) $615
 $7
 $(908)
Other comprehensive (loss) income (9) (583) (30) 19
 (603)
Balance, December 31, 2016 (447) (1,675) 585
 26
 (1,511)
Other comprehensive income 64
 546
 500
 3
 1,113
Balance, December 31, 2017 (383) (1,129) 1,085
 29
 (398)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 
 
 (1,085) 
 (1,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 25
 (494) 
 7
 (462)
Balance, December 31, 2018 $(358) $(1,623) $
 $36
 $(1,945)

Reclassifications from AOCI to net income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were insignificant. Additionally, refer to the "Foreign Operations" discussion in Note 12 for information about unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits reclassifications from AOCI that do not impact net income in their entirety.

(18)
Noncontrolling Interests

Included in noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are preferred securities of subsidiaries of $58 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, consisting of $56 million of 8.061% cumulative preferred securities of Northern Electric plc., a subsidiary of Northern Powergrid, which are redeemable in the event of the revocation of Northern Electric plc.'s electricity distribution license by the Secretary of State, and $2 million of nonredeemable preferred stock of PacifiCorp.


(19)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Company uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following table summarizes the Company's energy products and services revenue by regulated energy and nonregulated energy, with further disaggregation of regulated energy by customer class and line of business, including a reconciliation to the Company's reportable segment information included in Note 21 (in millions):
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
  PacifiCorp MidAmerican Funding NV Energy Northern Powergrid BHE Pipeline Group BHE Transmission BHE Renewables 
BHE and
Other(1)
 Total
Customer Revenue:                  
Regulated:                  
Retail Electric $4,732
 $1,915
 $2,773
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(1) $9,419
Retail Gas 
 636
 101
 
 
 
 
 
 737
Wholesale 55
 411
 39
 
 
 
 
 (4) 501
Transmission and
distribution
 103
 56
 96
 892
 
 700
 
 (1) 1,846
Interstate pipeline 
 
 
 
 1,232
 
 
 (125) 1,107
Other 
 
 2
 
 
 
 
 
 2
Total Regulated 4,890
 3,018
 3,011
 892
 1,232
 700
 
 (131) 13,612
Nonregulated 
 14
 
 39
 
 10
 673
 624
 1,360
Total Customer Revenue 4,890
 3,032
 3,011
 931
 1,232
 710
 673
 493
 14,972
Other revenue(2)
 136
 21
 28
 89
 (29) 
 235
 121
 601
Total $5,026
 $3,053
 $3,039
 $1,020
 $1,203
 $710
 $908
 $614
 $15,573
(1)The BHE and Other reportable segment represents amounts related principally to other entities, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.
(2)Includes net payments to counterparties for the financial settlement of certain derivative contracts at BHE Pipeline Group.

Real Estate Services

The following table summarizes the Company's real estate services revenue by line of business (in millions):
 HomeServices
 Year Ended
 Ended December 31,
 2018
Customer Revenue: 
Brokerage$3,882
Franchise67
Total Customer Revenue3,949
Other revenue265
Total$4,214
Contract Assets and Liabilities

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no material contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there was no material revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period or from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.


Remaining Performance Obligations

The following table summarizes the Company's revenue it expects to recognize in future periods related to significant unsatisfied remaining performance obligations for fixed contracts with expected durations in excess of one year as of December 31, 2018, by reportable segment (in millions):
 Performance obligations expected to be satisfied:  
 Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total
BHE Pipeline Group$842
 $5,678
 $6,520

(20)Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements and debt service obligations for certain of the Company's nonregulated renewable energy projects. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$627
 $935
Restricted cash and cash equivalents227
 327
Investments and restricted cash and cash equivalents and investments29
 21
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$883
 $1,283

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:     
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$1,713
 $1,715
 $1,673
Income taxes received, net(1)
$780
 $540
 $1,016
      
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:     
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$823
 $653
 $547
Common stock exchanged for junior subordinated debentures$
 $100
 $

(1)Includes $884 million, $636 million and $1.1 billion of income taxes received from Berkshire Hathaway in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


(21)Segment Information

The Company's reportable segments with foreign operations include Northern Powergrid, whose business is principally in the United Kingdom, BHE Transmission, whose business includes operations in Canada, and BHE Renewables, whose business includes operations in the Philippines. Intersegment eliminations and adjustments, including the allocation of goodwill, have been made. Information related to the Company's reportable segments is shown below (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
PacifiCorp$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
MidAmerican Funding3,053
 2,846
 2,631
NV Energy3,039
 3,015
 2,895
Northern Powergrid1,020
 949
 995
BHE Pipeline Group1,203
 993
 978
BHE Transmission710
 699
 502
BHE Renewables908
 838
 743
HomeServices4,214
 3,443
 2,801
BHE and Other(1)
614
 594
 676
Total operating revenue$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Depreciation and amortization:     
PacifiCorp$979
 $796
 $783
MidAmerican Funding609
 500
 479
NV Energy456
 422
 421
Northern Powergrid250
 214
 200
BHE Pipeline Group126
 159
 206
BHE Transmission247
 239
 241
BHE Renewables268
 251
 230
HomeServices51
 66
 31
BHE and Other(1)
(2) (1) 
Total depreciation and amortization$2,984
 $2,646
 $2,591
      
Operating income:     
PacifiCorp$1,051
 $1,440
 $1,429
MidAmerican Funding550
 544
 551
NV Energy607
 766
 774
Northern Powergrid486
 488
 500
BHE Pipeline Group525
 473
 455
BHE Transmission313
 322
 92
BHE Renewables325
 316
 256
HomeServices214
 214
 212
BHE and Other(1)
1
 (41) (22)
Total operating income4,072
 4,522
 4,247
Interest expense(1,838) (1,841) (1,854)
Capitalized interest61
 45
 139
Allowance for equity funds104
 76
 158
Interest and dividend income113
 111
 120
(Losses) gains on marketable securities, net(538) 14
 10
Other, net(9) (420) 30
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss)$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Interest expense:     
PacifiCorp$384
 $381
 $381
MidAmerican Funding247
 237
 218
NV Energy224
 233
 250
Northern Powergrid141
 133
 136
BHE Pipeline Group43
 43
 50
BHE Transmission167
 169
 153
BHE Renewables201
 204
 198
HomeServices23
 7
 2
BHE and Other(1)
408
 434
 466
Total interest expense$1,838
 $1,841
 $1,854
      
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
PacifiCorp$5
 $362
 $341
MidAmerican Funding(262) (202) (139)
NV Energy100
 221
 200
Northern Powergrid61
 57
 22
BHE Pipeline Group119
 170
 163
BHE Transmission7
 (124) 26
BHE Renewables(2)
(158) (795) (32)
HomeServices52
 49
 81
BHE and Other(1)
(507) (292) (259)
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(583) $(554) $403
      
Capital expenditures:     
PacifiCorp$1,257
 $769
 $903
MidAmerican Funding2,332
 1,776
 1,637
NV Energy503
 456
 529
Northern Powergrid566
 579
 579
BHE Pipeline Group427
 286
 226
BHE Transmission270
 334
 466
BHE Renewables817
 323
 719
HomeServices47
 37
 20
BHE and Other22
 11
 11
Total capital expenditures$6,241
 $4,571
 $5,090


 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net:     
PacifiCorp$19,591
 $19,203
 $19,162
MidAmerican Funding16,171
 14,221
 12,835
NV Energy9,852
 9,770
 9,825
Northern Powergrid6,007
 6,075
 5,148
BHE Pipeline Group4,904
 4,587
 4,423
BHE Transmission5,824
 6,330
 5,810
BHE Renewables6,155
 5,637
 5,302
HomeServices141
 117
 78
BHE and Other(50) (69) (74)
Total property, plant and equipment, net$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509
      
Total assets:     
PacifiCorp$23,478
 $23,086
 $23,563
MidAmerican Funding20,029
 18,444
 17,571
NV Energy14,119
 13,903
 14,320
Northern Powergrid7,427
 7,565
 6,433
BHE Pipeline Group5,511
 5,134
 5,144
BHE Transmission8,424
 9,009
 8,378
BHE Renewables8,666
 7,687
 7,010
HomeServices2,797
 2,722
 1,776
BHE and Other1,738
 2,658
 1,245
Total assets$92,189
 $90,208
 $85,440
      
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue by country:     
United States$18,014
 $16,916
 $15,895
United Kingdom1,017
 948
 995
Canada710
 699
 506
Philippines and other46
 51
 26
Total operating revenue by country$19,787
 $18,614
 $17,422
      
Income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity income (loss) by country:    
United States$1,425
 $1,927
 $2,264
United Kingdom307
 313
 382
Canada155
 167
 135
Philippines and other78
 100
 69
Total income before income tax (benefit) expense and equity (loss) income by country:$1,965
 $2,507
 $2,850

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net by country:     
United States$56,870
 $53,579
 $51,671
United Kingdom5,895
 5,953
 5,020
Canada5,817
 6,323
 5,803
Philippines and other13
 16
 15
Total property, plant and equipment, net by country$68,595
 $65,871
 $62,509

(1)The differences between the reportable segment amounts and the consolidated amounts, described as BHE and Other, relate to other corporate entities, including MidAmerican Energy Services, LLC, corporate functions and intersegment eliminations.

(2)Income tax (benefit) expense includes the tax attributes of disregarded entities that are not required to pay income taxes and the earnings of which are taxable directly to BHE.

The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
         BHE       BHE  
   MidAmerican NV Northern Pipeline BHE BHE Home- and  
 PacifiCorp Funding Energy Powergrid Group Transmission Renewables Services Other Total
                    
December 31, 2016$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $930
 $75
 $1,470
 $95
 $840
 $
 $9,010
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 508
 
 508
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 61
 
 101
 
 
 
 162
Other
 
 
 
 (2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
December 31, 20171,129
 2,102
 2,369
 991
 73
 1,571
 95
 1,348
 
 9,678
Acquisitions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 79
 
 79
Foreign currency translation
 
 
 (39) 
 (123) 
 
 
 (162)
December 31, 2018$1,129
 $2,102
 $2,369
 $952
 $73
 $1,448
 $95
 $1,427
 $
 $9,595


PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section


Item 6.Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth PacifiCorp's selected consolidated historical financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the information in Item 7 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated historical financial data has been derived from PacifiCorp's audited historical Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto (in millions).

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:         
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
 $5,232
 $5,252
Operating income(1)
1,051
 1,440
 1,428
 1,347
 1,309
Net income738
 768
 763
 695
 698

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
          
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:         
Total assets(2)(3)
$22,313
 $21,920
 $22,394
 $22,367
 $22,205
Short-term debt30
 80
 270
 20
 20
Current portion of long-term debt and         
capital lease obligations352
 588
 58
 68
 134
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations,         
excluding current portion(3)
6,684
 6,437
 7,021
 7,078
 6,885
Total shareholders' equity7,845
 7,555
 7,390
 7,503
 7,756

(1)In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans to Other, net of a $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, a $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016, a $7 million cost as of December 31, 2015, and a $9 million cost as of December 31, 2014, with a corresponding increase or reduction to operating expenses.

(2)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, which resulted in the reclassification of current deferred income tax assets in the amount of $28 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities.

(3)In December 2015, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, which resulted in the reclassification of certain deferred debt issuance costs previously recognized within other assets in the amount of $34 million as of December 31, 2014 as a reduction in long-term debt.


Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of PacifiCorp during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Item 6 of this Form 10-K and with PacifiCorp's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. PacifiCorp's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Overview

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $738 million, a decrease of $30 million, or 4%, compared to 2017, primarily due to lower utility margin of $198 million, higher depreciation and amortization expense of $183 million, due to accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units of $174 million ($170 million offset in income tax expense and $4 million offset in revenue), higher plant in-service, and higher pension and other postretirement expense of $13 million, primarily due to a pension settlement charge, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $355 million andhigher allowance for funds used during construction of $22 million. Utility margin decreased due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of the lower federal tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million, higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes, lower average wholesale prices, higher purchased electricity from higher prices, and lower retail customer volumes, partially offset by higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms, lower natural gas prices, higher wholesale volumes and lower coal-fueled generation volumes. Income tax expense decreased primarily due to lower federal tax rate due to the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, and amortization of a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes used to accelerate depreciation of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC. Retail customer volumes decreased by 0.2% due to impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho. Energy generated increased 2% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by lower hydroelectric and coal-fueled generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 15% and purchased electricity volumes decreased 4%.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $768 million, an increase of $5 million, or 1%, compared to 2016, which includes $6 million of income from the 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2017, was $762 million, a decrease of $1 million compared to 2016. Net income decreased primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization of $26 million from additional plant placed in-service, lower AFUDC of $11 million, higher property and other taxes of $7 million and higher operations and maintenance expenses of $3 million, excluding the impact of DSM program expense of $55 million (offset in operating revenue), partially offset by higher utility margin of $72 million, excluding the impact of DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense) of $55 million. Utility margins increased due to higher retail customer volumes, lower natural gas-fueled generation, higher wholesale revenue from higher volumes and short-term market prices, and higher wheeling revenues, partially offset by higher purchased electricity costs, lower average retail rates, and higher coal costs. Retail customer volumes increased 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, and an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential customers' usage in Utah and Oregon, and lower irrigation usage. Energy generated decreased 2% for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower natural gas-fueled and wind-power generation, partially offset by higher coal-fueled, and hydroelectric generation. Wholesale electricity sales volumes increased 9% and purchased electricity volumes increased 23%.


Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Management utilizes various key financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, utility margin, to help evaluate results of operations. Utility margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy, which are captions presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

PacifiCorp's cost of fuel and energy is generally recovered from its customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms and as a result, changes in PacifiCorp's expenses result in comparable changes to revenue. As such, management believes utility margin more appropriately and concisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of revenue and cost of fuel and energy separately. Management believes the presentation of utility margin provides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.
Utility margin is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to operating income (in millions) for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Utility margin:             
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $(211)(4)% $5,237
 5,201
 $36
1 %
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 (13)(1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
1
Utility margin3,269
 3,467
 (198)(6) 3,467
 3,450
 17

Operations and maintenance1,038
 1,034
 4

 1,034
 1,062
 (28)(3)
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 183
23
 796
 770
 26
3
Property and other taxes201
 197
 4
2
 197
 190
 7
4
Operating income$1,051
 $1,440
 $(389)(27) $1,440
 $1,428
 $12
1


A comparison of PacifiCorp's key operating results is as follows for the years ended December 31:

  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
                 
Utility margin (in millions):                
Operating revenue $5,026
 $5,237
 $(211) (4)% $5,237
 $5,201
 $36
 1 %
Cost of fuel and energy 1,757
 1,770
 (13) (1) 1,770
 1,751
 19
 1
Utility margin $3,269
 $3,467
 $(198) (6) $3,467
 $3,450
 $17
 
                 
Sales (GWhs):                
Residential 16,227
 16,625
 (398) (2)% 16,625
 16,058
 567
 4 %
Commercial(1)
 18,078
 17,726
 352
 2
 17,726
 16,857
 869
 5
Industrial, irrigation and other(1)
 20,810
 20,899
 (89) 
 20,899
 21,403
 (504) (2)
Total retail 55,115
 55,250
 (135) 
 55,250
 54,318
 932
 2
Wholesale 8,309
 7,218
 1,091
 15
 7,218
 6,641
 577
 9
Total sales 63,424
 62,468
 956
 2
 62,468
 60,959
 1,509
 2
                 
Average number of retail customers                
(in thousands) 1,900
 1,867
 33
 2 % 1,867
 1,841
 26
 1 %
                 
Average revenue per MWh:                
Retail $84.43
 $87.78
 $(3.35) (4)% $87.78
 $89.55
 $(1.77) (2)%
Wholesale $22.56
 $28.56
 $(6.00) (21)% $28.56
 $26.46
 $2.10
 8 %
                 
Sources of energy (GWhs)(1):
                
Coal 36,481
 37,362
 (881) (2)% 37,362
 36,578
 784
 2 %
Natural gas 10,555
 7,447
 3,108
 42
 7,447
 9,884
 (2,437) (25)
Hydroelectric(2)
 3,263
 4,731
 (1,468) (31) 4,731
 3,843
 888
 23
Wind and other 3,205
 2,890
 315
 11
 2,890
 3,253
 (363) (11)
Total energy generated 53,504
 52,430
 1,074
 2
 52,430
 53,558
 (1,128) (2)
Energy purchased 13,579
 14,076
 (497) (4) 14,076
 11,429
 2,647
 23
Total 67,083
 66,506
 577
 1
 66,506
 64,987
 1,519
 2
                 
Average cost of energy per MWh:                
Energy generated(3)
 $18.91
 $19.14
 $(0.23) (1)% $19.14
 $19.27
 $(0.13) (1)%
Energy purchased $48.23
 $43.25
 $4.98
 12 % $43.25
 $44.64
 $(1.39) (3)%

(1)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.
(2)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities may be: (a) used in future years to comply with RPS or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of RECs or other environmental commodities.
(3)The average cost per MWh of energy generated includes only the cost of fuel associated with the generating facilities.



Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017

Utility margin decreased $198 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to:
$180 million of lower retail revenue primarily due to lower average retail rates, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform of $152 million;
$59 million of higher natural gas-fueled generation volumes;
$42 million of lower average wholesale prices;
$41 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher prices; and
$17 million of lower retail revenue from lower retail customer volumes. Retail volumes decreased 0.2% due to the unfavorable impacts of weather on the residential and commercial customer volumes, lower residential usage in all states except Utah, and lower industrial usage in Oregon, Washington and Utah, partially offset by an increase in the average number of commercial and residential customers across the service territory, higher commercial and residential usage in Utah, higher irrigation usage, and higher industrial usage in Wyoming and Idaho.
The decreases above were partially offset by:
$70 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$33 million of lower natural gas costs from lower average prices;
$23 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes; and
$20 million of lower coal costs due to lower volumes.

Operations and maintenance increased $4 million, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to reserves accrued for 2018 insurance deductibles for third-party property damage and expenses of $7 million and increased maintenance costs partially offset by favorable labor costs.
Depreciation and amortization increased $183 million, or 23%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to $174 million of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units as ordered by the UPSC in the tax reform docket to offset excess deferred income taxes benefits owed to customers, and higher plant-in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $4 million, or 2%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds increased $22 million, or 71%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a prior year true-up that reduced AFUDC rates by $13 million and higher qualified construction work-in-progress balances.

Other, net decreased $15 million, or 39% for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to a pension settlement charge of $22 million, partially offset by lower non-service cost components of pension and other postretirement expenses of $9 million.

Income tax expense decreased $355 million, or 99%, for 2018 compared to 2017 and the effective tax rate was 1% and 32% for 2018 and 2017, respectively. The effective tax rate decreased primarily as a result of the reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, and the amortization of $127 million of Utah's allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah's allocated excess deferred incomes taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.


Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Utility margin increased $17 million for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to:
$105 million of higher retail revenues due to increased customer volumes of 1.7% due to impacts of weather across the service territory, higher commercial usage, an increase in the average number of residential and commercial customers primarily in Utah and Oregon, partially offset by lower residential usage in Utah and Oregon and lower irrigation usage;
$54 million of higher net deferrals of incurred net power costs in accordance with established adjustment mechanisms;
$40 million of lower natural gas costs primarily due to lower volumes and prices in 2017;
$30 million of higher wholesale revenue due to higher volumes and short-term market prices;
$20 million of lower coal costs due to prior year charges related to damaged longwall mining equipment; and
$12 million of higher wheeling revenue, primarily due to increased volumes and short-term prices.
The increases above were partially offset by:
$99 million of higher purchased electricity costs due to higher volumes;
$64 million of lower average retail rates, primarily due to product mix;
$55 million of lower DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense), primarily driven by the recently implemented Utah Sustainable Transportation and Energy Plan ("STEP") program; and
$31 million of higher coal costs due to higher volumes and prices.

Operations and maintenance decreased $28 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a decrease in DSM program expense (offset in revenues) of $55 million driven by the establishment of the Utah STEP program and lower pension expense due to plan changes effective in 2017, partially offset by higher injury and damage expenses, primarily due to prior year accrual for insurance proceeds and current year settlements, and higher labor costs for storm damage restoration. In January 2018, PacifiCorp retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, which resulted in the reclassification of non-service cost amounts for pension and other postretirement benefit plans from Operations and Maintenance expense to Other, net of $22 million benefit as of December 31, 2017, and $2 million cost as of December 31, 2016.

Depreciation and amortization increased $26 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher plant in-service.

Taxes, other than income taxes increased $7 million, or 4%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher assessed property values.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds decreased $11 million, or 26%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a true-up of AFUDC rates.

Income tax expense increased $20 million, or 6%, for 2017 compared to 2016 and the effective tax rate was 32% and 31% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective tax rate increased primarily due to lower production tax credits associated with PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities as a result of the expiration of the 10-year production tax credit periods for certain wind-powered generating facilities, of which 243 MWs and 100 MWs of net owned capacity expired in 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's total net liquidity was as follows (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents $77
   
Credit facilities(1)
 1,200
Less:  
Short-term debt (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (89)
Net credit facilities 1,081
   
Total net liquidity $1,158
   
Credit facilities:  
Maturity dates 2021

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's credit facilities.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $1.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The increase is primarily due to current year lower payments for income taxes, a prior year pension contribution and higher current year receipts from wholesale customers, partially offset by lower current year receipts from retail customers and higher payments for purchased power.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. Positive variances from the 2016 payment for USA Power litigation, higher receipts from wholesale and retail customers and lower fuel payments, were fully offset by current year higher cash payments for purchased power, income taxes and pension contributions.

The timing of PacifiCorp's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(1,252) million and $(757) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects an increase in capital expenditures of $488 million.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(757) million and $(895) million, respectively. The change mainly reflects a decrease in capital expenditures of $134 million.

Financing Activities

Short-term Debt and Credit Facilities

Regulatory authorities limit PacifiCorp to $1.5 billion of short-term debt. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $30 million of short-term debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 2.85%. As of December 31, 2017, PacifiCorp had $80 million of short-term debt outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 1.83%. For further discussion, refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Long-term Debt

In July 2018, PacifiCorp issued $600 million of its 4.125% First Mortgage Bonds due January 2049. PacifiCorp used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of PacifiCorp's $500 million 5.65% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2018 and intends to use the remaining net proceeds to fund capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

PacifiCorp currently has regulatory authority from the OPUC and the IPUC to issue an additional $2 billion of long-term debt. PacifiCorp must make a notice filing with the WUTC prior to any future issuance. PacifiCorp currently has an effective shelf registration statement with the SEC to issue up to $2 billion additional first mortgage bonds through October 2021.

PacifiCorp made repayments on long-term debt, excluding repayments for lease obligations, totaling $586 million and $52 million during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $170 million of letters of credit providing credit enhancement and liquidity support for variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations totaling $168 million plus interest. These letters of credit were fully available as of December 31, 2018 and expire in March 2019.

PacifiCorp's Mortgage and Deed of Trust creates a lien on most of PacifiCorp's electric utility property, allowing the issuance of bonds based on a percentage of utility property additions, bond credits arising from retirement of previously outstanding bonds or deposits of cash. The amount of bonds that PacifiCorp may issue generally is also subject to a net earnings test. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp estimated it would be able to issue up to $10.3 billion of new first mortgage bonds under the most restrictive issuance test in the mortgage. Any issuances are subject to market conditions and amounts may be further limited by regulatory authorizations or commitments or by covenants and tests contained in other financing agreements. PacifiCorp also has the ability to release property from the lien of the mortgage on the basis of property additions, bond credits or deposits of cash.

Preferred Stock

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had non-redeemable preferred stock outstanding with an aggregate stated value of $2 million.

Common Shareholder's Equity

In 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp declared and paid dividends of $450 million and $600 million, respectively, to PPW Holdings LLC.

Capitalization

PacifiCorp manages its capitalization and liquidity position to maintain a prudent capital structure with an objective of retaining strong investment grade credit ratings, which is expected to facilitate continuing access to flexible borrowing arrangements at favorable costs and rates. This objective, subject to periodic review and revision, attempts to balance the interests of all shareholders, customers and creditors and provide a competitive cost of capital and predictable capital market access.

Under existing or prospective authoritative accounting guidance, such as guidance pertaining to consolidations and leases, it is possible that new purchase power and gas agreements, transmission arrangements or amendments to existing arrangements may be accounted for as capital lease obligations or debt on PacifiCorp's financial statements. While PacifiCorp has successfully amended covenants in financing arrangements that may be impacted, it may be more difficult for PacifiCorp to comply with its capitalization targets or regulatory commitments concerning minimum levels of common equity as a percentage of capitalization. This may lead PacifiCorp to seek amendments or waivers under financing agreements and from regulators, delay or reduce dividends or spending programs, seek additional new equity contributions from its indirect parent company, BHE, or take other actions.

Future Uses of Cash

PacifiCorp has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, capital contributions and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which PacifiCorp has access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including PacifiCorp's credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry.


Capital Expenditures

PacifiCorp has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, impacts to customers' rates; changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital.

Historical and forecast capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):

 Historical Forecast
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Transmission system investment$94
 $115
 $75
 $484
 $182
 $33
Wind investment110
 11
 341
 987
 1,150
 10
Operating and other699
 643
 841
 822
 929
 834
Total$903
 $769
 $1,257
 $2,293
 $2,261
 $877

PacifiCorp's historical and forecast capital expenditures include the following:

Transmission system investment primarily reflects initial costs for the 140-mile 500-kV Aeolus-Bridger/Anticline transmission line, a major segment of PacifiCorp's Energy Gateway Transmission expansion program expected to be placed in-service in 2020. Planned spending for the Aeolus-Bridger/Anticline line totals $436 million in 2019, $112 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021.
Wind investment includes the following:
The new wind-powered generating facilities are expected to be placed in-service in 2020. The energy production from the new wind-powered generating facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available for 10 years once the equipment is placed in-service. Planned spending for the wind-powered generating facilities totals $420 million in 2019, $991 million in 2020 and $9 million in 2021.
Repowering existing wind-powered generating facilities at PacifiCorp totaled $332 million in 2018 and $6 million in 2017. The repowering projects are expected to be placed in-service at various dates in 2019 and 2020. The energy production from such repowered facilities is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal renewable electricity production tax credits available for 10 years following each facility's return to service. Planned spending for certain existing wind-powered generating facilities totals $567 million in 2019, $159 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021.
Remaining investments relate to operating projects that consist of advanced meter infrastructure costs, routine expenditures for generation, transmission, distribution and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.


Contractual Obligations

PacifiCorp has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes PacifiCorp's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):

 Payments Due By Periods
 2019 2020-2021 2022-2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
          
Long-term debt, including interest:         
Fixed-rate obligations$692
 $1,077
 $1,645
 $8,529
 $11,943
Variable-rate obligations(1)
4
 47
 8
 222
 281
Short-term debt, including interest30
 
 
 
 30
Capital leases, including interest4
 10
 5
 16
 35
Operating leases and easements7
 13
 11
 90
 121
Asset retirement obligations21
 18
 23
 388
 450
Power purchase agreements - commercially operable(2):
         
Electricity commodity contracts274
 269
 222
 841
 1,606
Electricity capacity contracts35
 65
 61
 633
 794
Electricity mixed contracts8
 15
 14
 48
 85
Power purchase agreements - non-commercially operable(2)
13
 69
 98
 797
 977
Transmission108
 175
 132
 427
 842
Fuel purchase agreements(2):
         
Natural gas supply and transportation57
 54
 53
 207
 371
Coal supply and transportation675
 1,115
 541
 769
 3,100
Other purchase obligations940
 612
 24
 81
 1,657
Other long-term liabilities(3)
17
 19
 15
 60
 111
Total contractual cash obligations$2,885
 $3,558
 $2,852
 $13,108
 $22,403

(1)Consists of principal and interest for tax-exempt bond obligations with interest rates scheduled to reset periodically prior to maturity. Future variable interest rates are assumed to equal December 31, 2018 rates. Refer to "Interest Rate Risk" in Item 7A of this Form 10-K for additional discussion related to variable-rate liabilities.
(2)Commodity contracts are agreements for the delivery of energy. Capacity contracts are agreements that provide rights to energy output, generally of a specified generating facility. Forecasted or other applicable estimated prices were used to determine total dollar value of the commitments. PacifiCorp has several contracts for purchases of electricity from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.
(3)Includes environmental and hydroelectric relicensing commitments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets that are contractually or legally binding. Excludes regulatory liabilities and employee benefit plan obligations that are not legally or contractually fixed as to timing and amount. Deferred income taxes are excluded since cash payments are based primarily on taxable income for each year. Uncertain tax positions are also excluded because the amounts and timing of cash payments are not certain.

Regulatory Matters

PacifiCorp is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

PacifiCorp is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact PacifiCorp's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state, local and international agencies. PacifiCorp believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and PacifiCorp is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt and preferred securities of PacifiCorp are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of PacifiCorp's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt or preferred securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior secured debt and its issuer credit ratings for senior unsecured debt by Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's Rating Services were investment grade.

PacifiCorp has no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. PacifiCorp's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities. Certain authorizations or exemptions by regulatory commissions for the issuance of securities are valid as long as PacifiCorp maintains investment grade ratings on senior secured debt. A downgrade below that level would necessitate new regulatory applications and approvals.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance" if there is a material adverse change in PacifiCorp's creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp would have been required to post $289 million of additional collateral. PacifiCorp's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. Refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of PacifiCorp's collateral requirements specific to PacifiCorp's derivative contracts.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where PacifiCorp operates have not had a significant impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. PacifiCorp operates under a cost-of-service based rate structure administered by various state commissions and the FERC. Under this rate structure, PacifiCorp is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation. PacifiCorp attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

PacifiCorp from time to time enters into arrangements in the normal course of business to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties that involve guarantees or similar arrangements. PacifiCorp currently has indemnification obligations in connection with the sale of certain assets. In addition, PacifiCorp evaluates potential obligations that arise out of variable interests in unconsolidated entities, determined in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance. PacifiCorp believes that the likelihood that it would be required to perform or otherwise incur any significant losses associated with any of these obligations is remote. Refer to Notes 10 and 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information on these obligations and arrangements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting PacifiCorp, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by PacifiCorp's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with PacifiCorp's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, PacifiCorp defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in rates occur.

PacifiCorp continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit PacifiCorp's ability to recover its costs. PacifiCorp believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Total regulatory assets were $1.112 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $3.055 billion as of December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's regulatory assets and liabilities.


Derivatives

PacifiCorp is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. PacifiCorp is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as it has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its service territories. PacifiCorp's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. PacifiCorp has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in its business. PacifiCorp employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and, at times, interest rate risk. PacifiCorp does not hedge all of its commodity price and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices and interest rates. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had no derivative contracts outstanding related to interest rate risk. Refer to Notes 11 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's derivative contracts.

Measurement Principles

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which PacifiCorp transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent PacifiCorp's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. PacifiCorp bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent energy brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by PacifiCorp. Market price quotations for certain major electricity and natural gas trading hubs are generally readily obtainable for the first three years; therefore, PacifiCorp's forward price curves for those locations and periods reflect observable market quotes. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had a net derivative liability of $97 million related to contracts valued using either quoted prices or forward price curves based upon observable market quotes. Market price quotations for other electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable for the first three years. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. The assumptions used in these models are critical because any changes in assumptions could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the contracts. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had a net derivative asset of $- million related to contracts where PacifiCorp uses internal models with significant unobservable inputs.

Classification and Recognition Methodology

PacifiCorp's derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in rates and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are generally recorded as regulatory assets. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the forecasted transaction has occurred. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp had $96 million recorded as a regulatory asset related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

PacifiCorp sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of its employees. In addition, PacifiCorp contributes to a joint trustee pension plan for benefits offered to certain bargaining units. PacifiCorp recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp recognized a net liability totaling $164 million for the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in net regulatory assets and accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $448 million and $17 million, respectively.


The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. PacifiCorp believes that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about PacifiCorp's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018.

PacifiCorp chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, PacifiCorp utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on forward-looking views of the financial markets and historical performance. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. PacifiCorp regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements would be as follows (in millions):

   Other Postretirement
 Pension Plans Benefit Plan
 +0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
        
Effect on December 31, 2018 Benefit Obligations:       
Discount rate$(55) $60
 $(12) $13
        
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:       
Discount rate$1
 $(1) $1
 $(1)
Expected rate of return on plan assets(5) 5
 (2) 2

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, mortality assumptions, plan changes and PacifiCorp's funding policy for each plan.

Income Taxes

In determining PacifiCorp's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory commissions. PacifiCorp's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. PacifiCorp recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of PacifiCorp's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, PacifiCorp believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's income taxes.

PacifiCorp is required to pass income tax benefits and expense related to certain property-related basis differences, excess deferred income taxes resulting from 2017 Tax Reform and other various differences on to its customers. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $1.8 billion and will be included in rates when the temporary differences reverse, or as otherwise specifically ordered by regulatory commissions.

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue is recognized as electricity is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $229 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Estimates are reversed in the following month and actual revenue is recorded based on subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

PacifiCorp's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. PacifiCorp's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which PacifiCorp transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with PacifiCorp's business activities. PacifiCorp has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to Notes 2 and 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding PacifiCorp's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Risk Management

PacifiCorp has a risk management committee that is responsible for the oversight of market and credit risk relating to the commodity transactions of PacifiCorp. To limit PacifiCorp's exposure to market and credit risk, the risk management committee recommends, and executive management establishes, policies, limits and approved products, which are reviewed frequently to respond to changing market conditions.

Risk is an inherent part of PacifiCorp's business and activities. PacifiCorp has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in PacifiCorp's business. The risk management policy governs energy transactions and is designed for hedging PacifiCorp's existing energy and asset exposures, and to a limited extent, the policy permits arbitrage and trading activities to take advantage of market inefficiencies. The policy also governs the types of transactions authorized for use and establishes guidelines for credit risk management and management information systems required to effectively monitor such transactions. PacifiCorp's risk management policy provides for the use of only those contracts that have a similar volume or price relationship to its portfolio of assets, liabilities or anticipated transactions.

Commodity Price Risk

PacifiCorp is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as PacifiCorp has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its service territories. PacifiCorp's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. PacifiCorp does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, PacifiCorp uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. PacifiCorp does not hedge all of its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. PacifiCorp's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in rates, which is subject to regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

PacifiCorp measures the market risk in its electricity and natural gas portfolio daily, utilizing a historical Value-at-Risk ("VaR") approach and other measurements of net position. PacifiCorp also monitors its portfolio exposure to market risk in comparison to established thresholds and measures its open positions subject to price risk in terms of quantity at each delivery location for each forward time period. VaR computations for the electricity and natural gas commodity portfolio are based on a historical simulation technique, utilizing historical price changes over a specified (holding) period to simulate potential forward energy market price curve movements to estimate the potential unfavorable impact of such price changes on the portfolio positions. The quantification of market risk using VaR provides a consistent measure of risk across PacifiCorp's continually changing portfolio. VaR represents an estimate of possible changes at a given level of confidence in fair value that would be measured on its portfolio assuming hypothetical movements in forward market prices and is not necessarily indicative of actual results that may occur.


PacifiCorp's VaR computations utilize several key assumptions. The calculation includes short-term commodity contracts, the expected resource and demand obligations from PacifiCorp's long-term contracts, the expected generation levels from PacifiCorp's generation assets and the expected retail and wholesale load levels. The portfolio reflects flexibility contained in contracts and assets, which accommodate the normal variability in PacifiCorp's demand obligations and generation availability. These contracts and assets are valued to reflect the variability PacifiCorp experiences as a load-serving entity. Contracts or assets that contain flexible elements are often referred to as having embedded options or option characteristics. These options provide for energy volume changes that are sensitive to market price changes. Therefore, changes in the option values affect the energy position of the portfolio with respect to market prices, and this effect is calculated daily. When measuring portfolio exposure through VaR, these position changes that result from the option sensitivity are held constant through the historical simulation. PacifiCorp's VaR methodology is based on a 36-month forward position, 95% confidence interval and one-day holding period.

As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's estimated potential one-day unfavorable impact on fair value of the electricity and natural gas commodity portfolio over the next 36 months was $10 million, as measured by the VaR computations described above. The minimum, average and maximum daily VaR (one-day holding periods) were as follows for the year ended December 31 (in millions):

 2018
Minimum VaR (measured)$7
Average VaR (calculated)9
Maximum VaR (measured)13

PacifiCorp maintained compliance with its VaR limit procedures during the year ended December 31, 2018. Changes in markets inconsistent with historical trends or assumptions used could cause actual results to exceed estimated VaR levels.

Fair Value of Derivatives

The table that follows summarizes PacifiCorp's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, excluding collateral netting of $59 million and $74 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices by the expected volumes for these contracts as of that date. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions):

 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
  Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Total commodity derivative contracts$(97) $(92) $(102)
      
As of December 31, 2017     
Total commodity derivative contracts$(104) $(102) $(106)

PacifiCorp's commodity derivative contracts are generally recoverable from customers in rates; therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose PacifiCorp to earnings volatility. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a regulatory asset of $96 million and $101 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $97 million and $104 million, respectively. Consolidated financial results would be negatively impacted if the costs of wholesale electricity, natural gas or fuel are higher or the level of wholesale electricity sales are lower than what is included in rates, including the impacts of adjustment mechanisms.


Interest Rate Risk

PacifiCorp is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. PacifiCorp manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, PacifiCorp's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose PacifiCorp to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if PacifiCorp were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. PacifiCorp may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate PacifiCorp's exposure to interest rate risk. The nature and amount of PacifiCorp's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 6, 7 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of PacifiCorp's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $285 million and $442 million, respectively that expose PacifiCorp to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. The market risk related to PacifiCorp's variable-rate debt as of December 31, 2018 is not hedged. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on PacifiCorp's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Credit Risk

PacifiCorp is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent PacifiCorp's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, PacifiCorp analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, PacifiCorp enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, PacifiCorp exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.


As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's aggregate credit exposure from wholesale activities totaled $719 million, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral, compared to $127 million as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2018, $552 million of PacifiCorp's total credit exposure relates to long-duration solar power purchase agreements entered into to meet customer requests for renewable energy. The credit exposure for these long-duration solar power purchase agreements was estimated using forward price curves derived from market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. The power purchase agreements are from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation by contractually agreed upon dates, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of PacifiCorp
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PacifiCorp and subsidiaries ("PacifiCorp") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, 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 PacifiCorp as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of PacifiCorp’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on PacifiCorp’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 PacifiCorp 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. PacifiCorp 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 PacifiCorp’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

Portland, Oregon
February 22, 2019

We have served as PacifiCorp's auditor since 2006.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
    
ASSETS
    
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$77
 $14
Trade receivables, net640
 631
Other receivables, net92
 53
Inventories417
 433
Prepaid expenses47
 73
Other current assets86
 111
Total current assets1,359
 1,315
    
Property, plant and equipment, net19,591
 19,203
Regulatory assets1,076
 1,030
Other assets287
 372
    
Total assets$22,313
 $21,920

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
    
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$597
 $453
Accrued interest114
 115
Accrued property, income and other taxes75
 66
Accrued employee expenses79
 70
Short-term debt30
 80
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations352
 588
Regulatory liabilities77
 75
Other current liabilities191
 170
Total current liabilities1,515
 1,617
    
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations6,684
 6,437
Regulatory liabilities2,978
 2,996
Deferred income taxes2,543
 2,582
Other long-term liabilities748
 733
Total liabilities14,468
 14,365
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
 
    
Shareholders' equity:   
Preferred stock2
 2
Common stock - 750 shares authorized, no par value, 357 shares issued and outstanding
 
Additional paid-in capital4,479
 4,479
Retained earnings3,377
 3,089
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(13) (15)
Total shareholders' equity7,845
 7,555
    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$22,313
 $21,920

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Operating revenue$5,026
 $5,237
 $5,201
      
Operating expenses:     
Cost of fuel and energy1,757
 1,770
 1,751
Operations and maintenance1,038
 1,034
 1,062
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 770
Taxes, other than income taxes201
 197
 190
Total operating expenses3,975
 3,797
 3,773
      
Operating income1,051
 1,440
 1,428
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(384) (381) (380)
Allowance for borrowed funds18
 11
 15
Allowance for equity funds35
 20
 27
Other, net23
 38
 13
Total other income (expense)(308) (312) (325)
      
Income before income tax expense743
 1,128
 1,103
Income tax expense5
 360
 340
Net income$738
 $768
 $763

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$738
 $768
 $763
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax —     
Unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax of $1, $3 and $-2
 (3) (1)
      
Comprehensive income$740
 $765
 $762

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

         Accumulated  
     Additional   Other Total
 Preferred Common Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholders'
 Stock Stock Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
Balance, December 31, 2015$2
 $
 $4,479
 $3,033
 $(11) $7,503
Net income
 
 
 763
 
 763
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (875) 
 (875)
Balance, December 31, 20162
 
 4,479
 2,921
 (12) 7,390
Net income
 
 
 768
 
 768
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 (3) (3)
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (600) 
 (600)
Balance, December 31, 20172
 
 4,479
 3,089
 (15) 7,555
Net income
 
 
 738
 
 738
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 2
 2
Common stock dividends declared
 
 
 (450) 
 (450)
Balance, December 31, 2018$2
 $
 $4,479
 $3,377
 $(13) $7,845

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$738
 $768
 $763
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating     
activities:
 
 
Depreciation and amortization979
 796
 770
Allowance for equity funds(35) (20) (27)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities87
 18
 122
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits(199) 70
 139
Other, net5
 9
 4
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:     
Trade receivables and other assets31
 75
 6
Inventories16
 10
 (21)
Derivative collateral, net15
 (6) 6
Prepaid expenses31
 (8) (5)
Accrued property, income and other taxes, net60
 (48) 
Accounts payable and other liabilities83
 (62) (163)
Net cash flows from operating activities1,811
 1,602
 1,594
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(1,257) (769) (903)
Other, net5
 12
 8
Net cash flows from investing activities(1,252) (757) (895)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from long-term debt593
 
 
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations(588) (58) (68)
Net (repayments) proceeds from short-term debt(50) (190) 250
Dividends paid(450) (600) (875)
Other, net(1) (1) (1)
Net cash flows from financing activities(496) (849) (694)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents63
 (4) 5
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period29
 33
 28
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$92
 $29
 $33

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


PACIFICORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)Organization and Operations

PacifiCorp, which includes PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries, is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, irrigation and other customers in portions of Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, Washington, Idaho and California. PacifiCorp owns, or has interests in, a number of thermal, hydroelectric, wind-powered and geothermal generating facilities, as well as electric transmission and distribution assets. PacifiCorp also buys and sells electricity on the wholesale market with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. PacifiCorp is subject to comprehensive state and federal regulation. PacifiCorp's subsidiaries support its electric utility operations by providing coal mining services. PacifiCorp is an indirect subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"), a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PacifiCorp and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

PacifiCorp prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, PacifiCorp defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in rates occur.

PacifiCorp continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit PacifiCorp's ability to recover its costs. PacifiCorp believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents consist substantially of funds representing escrow accounts for disputes, vendor retention, custodial and nuclear decommissioning funds. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments

Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had no unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings.

Equity Method Investments

PacifiCorp utilizes the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when it possesses the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. In applying the equity method, PacifiCorp records the investment at cost and subsequently increases or decreases the carrying value of the investment by PacifiCorp's proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") of the investee. PacifiCorp records dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on PacifiCorp's assessment of the collectability of amounts owed to PacifiCorp by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. The change in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 2018 2017 2016
      
Beginning balance$10
 $7
 $7
Charged to operating costs and expenses, net12
 15
 12
Write-offs, net(14) (12) (12)
Ending balance$8
 $10
 $7

Derivatives

PacifiCorp employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage price risk for electricity, natural gas and other commodities and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked-to-market and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or energy costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For PacifiCorp's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in rates are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of materials, supplies and fuel stocks and are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. PacifiCorp capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs, which include debt and equity allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"). The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed on the straight-line method based on composite asset class lives prescribed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory authorities or over the assets' estimated useful lives. Depreciation studies are completed periodically to determine the appropriate composite asset class lives, net salvage and depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the various regulatory authorities. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when PacifiCorp retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment, is capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, PacifiCorp is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.

Asset Retirement Obligations

PacifiCorp recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. PacifiCorp's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.

Impairment

PacifiCorp evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Revenue Recognition

PacifiCorp uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which PacifiCorp expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. PacifiCorp records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Substantially all of PacifiCorp's Customer Revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission and distribution and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging."

Revenue recognized is equal to what PacifiCorp has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of PacifiCorp's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, trade receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $229 million and $255 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes PacifiCorp in its consolidated United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, PacifiCorp's provision for income taxes has been computed on a stand-alone basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that PacifiCorp deems probable to be passed on to its customers in most state jurisdictions are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse or as otherwise approved by PacifiCorp's various regulatory commissions. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized.

Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory commissions. Investment tax credits are included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were $13 million and $16 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In determining PacifiCorp's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by PacifiCorp's various regulatory commissions. PacifiCorp's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. PacifiCorp recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of PacifiCorp's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, PacifiCorp believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results. PacifiCorp's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Segment Information

PacifiCorp currently has one segment, which includes its regulated electric utility operations.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-14, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The updated disclosure requirements make a number of changes to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. PacifiCorp elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-14 effective December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on PacifiCorp's Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations utilizing the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the year-ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $22 million of benefit and $2 million of cost, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, "Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance retrospectively January 1, 2018.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which resulted in the reclassification of certain cash distributions received from equity method investees of $27 million and $25 million previously recognized within investing cash flows to operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases" and ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance, electing all practical expedients, effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in-effect. PacifiCorp is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $15 million based on the contracts currently in-effect. PacifiCorp currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which created FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606") and superseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaced industry-specific guidance and established a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Following the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but did not change the core principle of the guidance. PacifiCorp adopted this guidance for all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method. The adoption did not have a cumulative effect impact at the date of initial adoption.

(3)Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):

 Depreciable Life 2018 2017
Utility Plant:     
Generation14 - 67 years $12,606
 $12,490
Transmission58 - 75 years 6,357
 6,226
Distribution20 - 70 years 7,030
 6,792
Intangible plant(1)
5 - 75 years 970
 937
Other5 - 60 years 1,483
 1,435
Utility plant in service  28,446
 27,880
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (10,060) (9,366)
Utility plant in service, net  18,386
 18,514
Other non-regulated, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization47 years 10
 11
Plant, net  18,396
 18,525
Construction work-in-progress  1,195
 678
Property, plant and equipment, net  $19,591
 $19,203

(1)Computer software costs included in intangible plant are initially assigned a depreciable life of 5 to 10 years.

The average depreciation and amortization rate applied to depreciable property, plant and equipment was 3.5% for the year ended December 31, 2018, including the impact of accelerated depreciation for Utah's share of certain thermal plant units, and 2.9% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Unallocated Acquisition Adjustments

PacifiCorp has unallocated acquisition adjustments that represent the excess of costs of the acquired interests in property, plant and equipment purchased from the entity that first devoted the assets to utility service over their net book value in those assets. These unallocated acquisition adjustments included in other property, plant and equipment had an original cost of $156 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and accumulated depreciation of $127 million and $122 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


(4)Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements with other utilities, PacifiCorp, as a tenant in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation, transmission and distribution facilities. PacifiCorp accounts for its proportionate share of each facility, and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include PacifiCorp's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent PacifiCorp's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in millions):
   Facility Accumulated Construction
 PacifiCorp in Depreciation and Work-in-
 Share Service Amortization Progress
        
Jim Bridger Nos. 1 - 467% $1,458
 $647
 $11
Hunter No. 194
 484
 182
 
Hunter No. 260
 298
 121
 5
Wyodak80
 471
 229
 
Colstrip Nos. 3 and 410
 248
 137
 6
Hermiston50
 180
 87
 1
Craig Nos. 1 and 219
 367
 241
 
Hayden No. 125
 74
 37
 
Hayden No. 213
 43
 22
 
Foote Creek79
 40
 27
 1
Transmission and distribution facilitiesVarious 808
 246
 76
Total  $4,471
 $1,976
 $100


(5)Regulatory Matters

Regulatory Assets

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. PacifiCorp's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining    
 Life 2018 2017
      
Employee benefit plans(1)
20 years $448
 $418
Utah mine disposition(2)
Various 136
 156
Unamortized contract values5 years 79
 89
Deferred net power costs3 year 62
 21
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts2 years 96
 101
Asset retirement obligation31 years 119
 100
OtherVarious 172
 176
Total regulatory assets  $1,112
 $1,061
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $36
 $31
Noncurrent assets  1,076
 1,030
Total regulatory assets  $1,112
 $1,061

(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in rates when recognized.

(2)Amounts represent regulatory assets established as a result of the Utah mine disposition in 2015 for the net property, plant and equipment not considered probable of disallowance and for the portion of losses associated with the assets held for sale, UMWA 1974 Pension Plan withdrawal and closure costs incurred to date considered probable of recovery.

PacifiCorp had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $636 million and $589 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Regulatory Liabilities

Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. PacifiCorp's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining    
 Life 2018 2017
      
Cost of removal(1)
26 years $994
 $955
Deferred income taxes(2)
Various 1,803
 1,960
OtherVarious 258
 156
Total regulatory liabilities  $3,055
 $3,071
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $77
 $75
Noncurrent liabilities  2,978
 2,996
Total regulatory liabilities  $3,055
 $3,071

(1)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

(2)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. See Note 8 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform.



(6)Short-term Debt and Credit Facilities

The following table summarizes PacifiCorp's availability under its credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):
2018:  
Credit facilities $1,200
Less:  
Short-term debt (30)
Tax-exempt bond support (89)
Net credit facilities $1,081
   
2017:  
Credit facilities $1,000
Less:  
Short-term debt (80)
Tax-exempt bond support (130)
Net credit facilities $790

PacifiCorp has a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent and a $600 million unsecured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with two one-year extension options subject to lender consent. These credit facilities, which support PacifiCorp's commercial paper program, certain series of its tax-exempt bond obligations and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, have variable interest rates based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at PacifiCorp's option, plus a spread that varies based on PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior unsecured long-term debt securities.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 2.85% and 1.83%, respectively. These credit facilities require that PacifiCorp's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had $184 million and $230 million, respectively, of fully available letters of credit issued under committed arrangements. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, $170 million and $216 million, respectively, of these letters of credit, support PacifiCorp's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and expire in March 2019 and $14 million support certain transactions required by third parties and have provisions that automatically extend the annual expiration dates for an additional year unless the issuing bank elects not to renew a letter of credit prior to the expiration date.


(7)Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

PacifiCorp's long-term debt and capital lease obligations were as follows as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 2018 2017
     Average   Average
 Principal Carrying Interest Carrying Interest
 Amount Value Rate Value Rate
          
First mortgage bonds:         
2.95% to 8.53%, due through 2023$1,824
 $1,821
 4.48% $2,320
 4.73%
3.35% to 6.71%, due 2024 to 2026775
 771
 3.92
 771
 3.92
7.70% due 2031300
 298
 7.70
 298
 7.70
5.25% to 6.35%, due 2034 to 20382,350
 2,338
 5.96
 2,337
 5.96
4.10% to 6.00%, due 2039 to 2042950
 939
 5.40
 938
 5.40
4.125%, due 2049600
 593 4.13
 
 
Variable-rate series, tax-exempt bond obligations (2018-1.67% to 1.85%; 2017-1.60% to 1.87%):         
Due 2018 to 202038
 38
 1.85
 79
 1.77
Due 2018 to 2025(1)
25
 25
 1.75
 70
 1.81
Due 2024(1)(2)
143
 142
 1.68
 142
 1.73
Due 2024 to 2025(2)
50
 50
 1.75
 50
 1.72
Total long-term debt7,055
 7,015
   7,005
  
Capital lease obligations:         
8.75% to 14.61%, due through 203521
 21
 10.55
 20
 11.46
Total long-term debt and capital lease         
obligations$7,076
 $7,036
   $7,025
  
Reflected as:   
 2018 2017
    
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations$352
 $588
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations6,684
 6,437
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations$7,036
 $7,025

1)Supported by $170 million and $216 million of fully available letters of credit issued under committed bank arrangements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
2)Secured by pledged first mortgage bonds registered to and held by the tax-exempt bond trustee generally with the same interest rates, maturity dates and redemption provisions as the tax-exempt bond obligations.
PacifiCorp's long-term debt generally includes provisions that allow PacifiCorp to redeem the first mortgage bonds in whole or in part at any time through the payment of a make-whole premium. Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations are generally redeemable at par value.

PacifiCorp currently has regulatory authority from the Oregon Public Utility Commission and the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to issue an additional $2.0 billion of long-term debt. PacifiCorp must make a notice filing with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission prior to any future issuance. PacifiCorp currently has an effective shelf registration statement filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue up to $2.0 billion additional first mortgage bonds through October 2021.

The issuance of PacifiCorp's first mortgage bonds is limited by available property, earnings tests and other provisions of PacifiCorp's mortgage. Approximately $28 billion of PacifiCorp's eligible property (based on original cost) was subject to the lien of the mortgage as of December 31, 2018.


PacifiCorp has entered into long-term agreements that qualify as capital leases and expire at various dates through March 2035 for transportation services, a power purchase agreement and real estate. The transportation services agreements included as capital leases are for the right to use pipeline facilities to provide natural gas to two of PacifiCorp's generating facilities. Net capital lease assets of $21 million and $20 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were included in property, plant and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2018, the annual principal maturities of long-term debt and total capital lease obligations for 2019 and thereafter are as follows (in millions):

 Long-term Capital Lease  
 Debt Obligations Total
      
2019$350
 $4
 $354
202038
 3
 41
2021420
 7
 427
2022605
 3
 608
2023449
 2
 451
Thereafter5,193
 16
 5,209
Total7,055
 35
 7,090
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs(40) 
 (40)
Amounts representing interest
 (14) (14)
Total$7,015
 $21
 $7,036

(8)Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 ("2017 Tax Reform") impacted many areas of income tax law. The most material items included the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property.

In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. On December 31, 2017, PacifiCorp recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. PacifiCorp determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. PacifiCorp believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, PacifiCorp finalized its provisional amounts recording a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $21 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and PacifiCorp's regulatory nature, PacifiCorp reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $8 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Current:     
Federal$164
 $249
 $169
State40
 41
 32
Total204
 290
 201
      
Deferred:     
Federal(187) 59
 123
State(9) 15
 21
Total(196) 74
 144
      
Investment tax credits(3) (4) (5)
Total income tax expense$5
 $360
 $340

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Federal statutory income tax rate21 % 35 % 35 %
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit4
 3
 3
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes(17) 
 
Federal income tax credits(7) (5) (6)
Other
 (1) (1)
Effective income tax rate1 % 32 % 31 %

Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by PacifiCorp's wind-powered generating facilities. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service. Amortization of excess deferred income taxes is primarily attributable to the amortization of $127 million of Utah allocated excess deferred income taxes pursuant to a 2017 Tax Reform settlement approved by the UPSC, whereby a portion of Utah allocated excess deferred income taxes was used to accelerate depreciation on Utah's share of certain thermal plant units.

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$752
 $756
Employee benefits91
 84
Derivative contracts and unamortized contract values45
 48
State carryforwards77
 83
Asset retirement obligations53
 50
Other56
 50
 1,074
 1,071
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property, plant and equipment(3,335) (3,381)
Regulatory assets(273) (261)
Other(9) (11)
 (3,617) (3,653)
Net deferred income tax liability$(2,543) $(2,582)

The following table provides PacifiCorp's net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
  State
   
Net operating loss carryforwards $1,230
Deferred income taxes on net operating loss carryforwards $58
Expiration dates 2019 - 2032
   
Tax credit carryforwards $19
Expiration dates 2019 - indefinite

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of PacifiCorp's income tax returns through December 31, 2011. The statute of limitations for PacifiCorp's state income tax returns have expired through December 31, 2009, with the exception of Idaho, for which the statute of limitations has expired through December 31, 2014, except for the impact of any federal audit adjustments. The statute of limitations expiring for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $1 million and $10 million, respectively, related to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect PacifiCorp's effective income tax rate.

(9)
Employee Benefit Plans

PacifiCorp sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of its employees, as well as a defined contribution 401(k) employee savings plan ("401(k) Plan"). In addition, PacifiCorp contributes to a joint trustee pension plan and a subsidiary previously contributed to a multiemployer pension plan for benefits offered to certain bargaining units.

Defined Benefit Plans

PacifiCorp's pension plans include non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, collectively the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan ("Retirement Plan"), and the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). The Retirement Plan is closed to all non-union employees hired after January 1, 2008. All non-union Retirement Plan participants hired prior to January 1, 2008 that did not elect to receive equivalent fixed contributions to the 401(k) Plan effective January 1, 2009 earned benefits based on a cash balance formula through December 31, 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, non-union employee participants with a cash balance benefit in the Retirement Plan are no longer eligible to receive pay credits in their cash balance formula. In general for union employees, benefits under the Retirement Plan were frozen at various dates from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2011 as they are now being provided with enhanced 401(k) Plan benefits. However, certain limited union Retirement Plan participants continue to earn benefits under the Retirement Plan based on the employee's years of service and a final average pay formula. The SERP was closed to new participants as of March 21, 2006 and froze future accruals for active participants as of December 31, 2014.

During 2018, the Retirement Plan incurred a settlement charge of $22 million as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018.

PacifiCorp's other postretirement benefit plan provides healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible retirees.


Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

Net periodic benefit cost for the plans included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Service cost$
 $
 $4
 $2
 $2
 $2
Interest cost43
 49
 54
 11
 14
 15
Expected return on plan assets(72) (72) (75) (21) (21) (21)
Settlement22
 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization13
 14
 34
 (6) (6) (5)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$6
 $(9) $17
 $(14) $(11) $(9)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$1,111
 $999
 $332
 $302
Employer contributions4
 54
 1
 1
Participant contributions
 
 5
 7
Actual return on plan assets(52) 166
 (16) 49
Settlement(52) 
 
 
Benefits paid(69) (108) (25) (27)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$942
 $1,111
 $297
 $332

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$1,251
 $1,276
 $331
 $358
Service cost
 
 2
 2
Interest cost43
 49
 11
 14
Participant contributions
 
 5
 7
Actuarial (gain) loss(68) 34
 (26) (23)
Settlement(52) 
   
Benefits paid(69) (108) (25) (27)
Benefit obligation, end of year$1,105
 $1,251
 $298
 $331
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$1,105
 $1,251
    

The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$942
 $1,111
 $297
 $332
Less - Benefit obligation, end of year1,105
 1,251
 298
 331
Funded status$(163) $(140) $(1) $1
        
Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:       
Other assets$3
 $5
 $
 $1
Other current liabilities(4) (4) 
 
Other long-term liabilities(162) (141) (1) 
Amounts recognized$(163) $(140) $(1) $1

The SERP has no plan assets; however, PacifiCorp has a Rabbi trust that holds corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERP. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trust, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $52 million and $60 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in cash and cash equivalents, totaling $1 million and $9 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and noncurrent other assets, totaling $51 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The projected benefit obligation for the pension and other postretirement plans were in excess of the fair value of their respective plans assets as of December 31, 2018. The accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plans was in excess of the fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2018.

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Net loss (gain)$461
 $442
 $(2) $(12)
Prior service credit
 
 
 (6)
Regulatory deferrals(1) (4) 7
 7
Total$460
 $438
 $5
 $(11)


A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows (in millions):
   Accumulated  
   Other  
 Regulatory Comprehensive  
 Asset Loss Total
Pension     
Balance, December 31, 2016$491
 $20
 $511
Net (gain) loss arising during the year(60) 1
 (59)
Net amortization(13) (1) (14)
Total(73) 
 (73)
Balance, December 31, 2017418
 20
 438
Net loss (gain) arising during the year59
 (2) 57
Net amortization(12) (1) (13)
Settlement(22) 
 (22)
Total25
 (3) 22
Balance, December 31, 2018$443
 $17
 $460

 Regulatory
 Asset (Liability)
Other Postretirement 
Balance, December 31, 2016$34
Net gain arising during the year(51)
Net amortization6
Total(45)
Balance, December 31, 2017(11)
Net loss arising during the year10
Net amortization6
Total16
Balance, December 31, 2018$5


Plan Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
 Pension Other Postretirement
 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
            
Benefit obligations as of December 31:           
Discount rate4.25% 3.60% 4.05% 4.25% 3.60% 4.05%
Rate of compensation increaseN/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
            
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan (1)(2)(3)
3.40% 1.61% 2.06% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
            
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:          
Discount rate3.60% 4.05% 4.40% 3.60% 4.05% 4.35%
Expected return on plan assets7.00
 7.25
 7.50
 6.86
 7.25
 7.50
Rate of compensation increaseN/A
 N/A
 2.75
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A

(1)2018 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption is 3.40% for 2019 and all future years for nonunion participants and 3.15% for 2019-2020 and 3.25% for 2021+ for union participants.
(2)2017 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption was 2.26% for 2018-2019 and 1.60% for 2020+ for nonunion participants and 2.78% for 2018-2019 and 2.60% for 2020+ for union participants.
(3)2016 Cash Balance Interest Crediting Rate assumption was 1.44% for 2017-2018 and 2.05% for 2019+ for nonunion participants and 2.35% for 2017-2018 and 3.05% for 2019+ for union participants.
In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, PacifiCorp utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.

As a result of a plan amendment effective on January 1, 2017, the benefit obligation for the Retirement Plan is no longer affected by future increases in compensation. As a result of a labor settlement reached with UMWA in December 2014, the benefit obligation for the other postretirement plan is no longer affected by healthcare cost trends.

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $4 million and $0 million, respectively, during 2019. Funding to PacifiCorp's Retirement Plan trust is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plan and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended ("PPA"). PacifiCorp considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the PPA. PacifiCorp's funding of its other postretirement benefit plan is subject to tax deductibility and subordination limits and other considerations.

The expected benefit payments to participants in PacifiCorp's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 2019 through 2023 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):
 Projected Benefit Payments
 Pension Other Postretirement
    
2019$105
 $24
2020102
 26
202198
 23
202292
 22
202388
 21
2024-2028369
 95


Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

PacifiCorp's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters outlined by the PacifiCorp Pension Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for PacifiCorp's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2018:
Pension(1)
Other Postretirement(1)
%%
Debt securities(2)
30 - 4333 - 37
Equity securities(2)
48 - 6562 - 66
Limited partnership interests6 - 121 - 3

(1)PacifiCorp's Retirement Plan trust includes a separate account that is used to fund benefits for the other postretirement benefit plan. In addition to this separate account, the assets for the other postretirement benefit plan are held in Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association ("VEBA") trusts, each of which has its own investment allocation strategies. Target allocations for the other postretirement benefit plan include the separate account of the Retirement Plan trust and the VEBA trusts.
(2)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.

Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for PacifiCorp's defined benefit pension plan (in millions):
  Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
  
Level 1(1)
 
Level 2(1)
 
Level 3(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2018:        
Cash equivalents $
 $11
 $
 $11
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 4
 
 
 4
International government obligations 
 1
 
 1
Corporate obligations 
 88
 
 88
Municipal obligations 
 10
 
 10
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 43
 
 43
Equity securities:        
United States companies 327
 
 
 327
International companies 15
 
 
 15
Investment funds(2)
 54
 
 
 54
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $400
 $153
 $
 553
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       285
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       104
Investments at fair value       $942
         
As of December 31, 2017:        
Cash equivalents $
 $43
 $
 $43
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 45
 
 
 45
Corporate obligations 
 60
 
 60
Municipal obligations 
 9
 
 9
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 37
 
 37
Equity securities:        
United States companies 416
 
 
 416
International companies 22
 
 
 22
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy $483
 $149
 $
 632
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       416
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       63
Investments at fair value       $1,111

(1)
Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 55% and 45% respectively, for 2018 and 60% and 40%, respectively, for 2017, and are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 68% and 32%, respectively, for 2018 and 57% and 43%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for PacifiCorp's defined benefit other postretirement plan (in millions):
  Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
  Level 1(1) Level 2(1) Level 3(1) Total
As of December 31, 2018:        
Cash and cash equivalents $4
 $1
 $
 $5
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 3
 
 
 3
Corporate obligations 
 23
 
 23
Municipal obligations 
 2
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 17
 
 17
Equity securities:        
United States companies 83
 
 
 83
International companies 4
 
 
 4
Investment funds(2)
 38
 
 
 38
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 132
 43
 
 175
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       116
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       6
Investments at fair value       $297
         
As of December 31, 2017:        
Cash and cash equivalents $4
 $3
 $
 $7
Debt securities:        
United States government obligations 11
 
 
 11
Corporate obligations 
 16
 
 16
Municipal obligations 
 2
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 16
 
 16
Equity securities:        
United States companies 98
 
 
 98
International companies 6
 
 
 6
Investment funds(2)
 32
 
 
 32
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy 151
 37
 
 188
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
       140
Limited partnership interests(3) measured at net asset value
       4
Investments at fair value       $332

(1)
Refer to Note 12 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are substantially comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 59% and 41%, respectively, for 2018 and 63% and 37%, respectively, for 2017, and are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 90% and 10%, respectively, for 2018 and 77% and 23%, respectively, for 2017.
(3)Limited partnership interests include several funds that invest primarily in real estate, buyout, growth equity and venture capital.
For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.


Multiemployer and Joint Trustee Pension Plans

PacifiCorp contributes to the PacifiCorp/IBEW Local 57 Retirement Trust Fund ("Local 57 Trust Fund") (plan number 001) and its subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, previously contributed to the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan (plan number 002). Contributions to these pension plans are based on the terms of collective bargaining agreements.

As a result of the Utah Mine Disposition and United Mine Workers of America ("UMWA") labor settlement, PacifiCorp's subsidiary, Energy West Mining Company, triggered involuntary withdrawal from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan in June 2015 when the UMWA employees ceased performing work for the subsidiary. PacifiCorp recorded its estimate of the withdrawal obligation in December 2014 when withdrawal was considered probable and deferred the portion of the obligation considered probable of recovery to a regulatory asset. PacifiCorp has subsequently revised its estimate due to changes in facts and circumstances for a withdrawal occurring by July 2015. As communicated in a letter received in August 2016, the plan trustees have determined a withdrawal liability of $115 million. Energy West Mining Company began making installment payments in November 2016 and has the option to elect a lump sum payment to settle the withdrawal obligation. The ultimate amount paid by Energy West Mining Company to settle the obligation is dependent on a variety of factors, including the results of ongoing negotiations with the plan trustees.

The Local 57 Trust Fund is a joint trustee plan such that the board of trustees is represented by an equal number of trustees from PacifiCorp and the union. The Local 57 Trust Fund was established pursuant to the provisions of the Taft-Hartley Act and although formed with the ability for other employers to participate in the plan, there are no other employers that participate in this plan.

The risk of participating in multiemployer pension plans generally differs from single-employer plans in that assets are pooled such that contributions by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers and plan assets cannot revert back to employers. If an employer ceases participation in the plan, the employer may be obligated to pay a withdrawal liability based on the participants' unfunded, vested benefits in the plan. This occurred as a result of Energy West Mining Company's withdrawal from the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan. If participating employers withdraw from a multiemployer plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers, including any employers that withdrew during the three years prior to a mass withdrawal.

The following table presents PacifiCorp's participation in individually significant joint trustee and multiemployer pension plans for the years ended December 31 (dollars in millions):

    PPA zone status or            
    plan funded status percentage for            
    plan years beginning July 1,     
Contributions(1)
  
Plan name Employer Identification Number 2018 2017 2016 Funding improvement plan 
Surcharge imposed under PPA(1)
 2018 2017 2016 
Year contributions to plan exceeded more than 5% of total contributions(2)
Local 57 Trust Fund 87-0640888 At least 80% At least 80% At least 80% None None $7
 $7
 $8
 2016, 2015, 2014

(1)PacifiCorp's minimum contributions to the plan are based on the amount of wages paid to employees covered by the Local 57 Trust Fund collective bargaining agreements, subject to ERISA minimum funding requirements.

(2)For the Local 57 Trust Fund, information is for plan years beginning July 1, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Information for the plan year beginning July 1, 2017 is not yet available.

The current collective bargaining agreements governing the Local 57 Trust Fund expire in 2023.

Defined Contribution Plan

PacifiCorp's 401(k) plan covers substantially all employees. PacifiCorp's matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution and, as of January 1, 2018, all participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. PacifiCorp's contributions to the 401(k) plan were $39 million, $39 million and $34 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


(10)Asset Retirement Obligations

PacifiCorp estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

PacifiCorp does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Cost of removal regulatory liabilities totaled $994 million and $955 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of PacifiCorp's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Beginning balance$215
 $215
Change in estimated costs9
 (8)
Additions
 6
Retirements(5) (6)
Accretion8
 8
Ending balance$227
 $215
    
Reflected as:   
Other current liabilities$21
 $25
Other long-term liabilities206
 190
 $227
 $215

Certain of PacifiCorp's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly owned facilities and mine sites. PacifiCorp is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, PacifiCorp may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. PacifiCorp's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities.


(11)Risk Management and Hedging Activities

PacifiCorp is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. PacifiCorp is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as it has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its service territories. PacifiCorp's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. PacifiCorp does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities.

PacifiCorp has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, manage, mitigate, monitor and report, each of the various types of risk involved in its business. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, PacifiCorp uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. PacifiCorp manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, PacifiCorp may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate PacifiCorp's exposure to interest rate risk. No interest rate derivatives were in place during the periods presented. PacifiCorp does not hedge all of its commodity price and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices.

There have been no significant changes in PacifiCorp's accounting policies related to derivatives. Refer to Notes 2 and 12 for additional information on derivative contracts.

The following table, which reflects master netting arrangements and excludes contracts that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of PacifiCorp's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amounts to the amounts presented on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):

 Other   Other Other  
 Current Other Current Long-term  
 Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities Total
          
As of December 31, 2018:         
Not designated as hedging contracts(1):
         
Commodity assets$36
 $4
 $10
 $1
 $51
Commodity liabilities(9) (1) (67) (71) (148)
Total27
 3
 (57) (70) (97)
          
Total derivatives27
 3
 (57) (70) (97)
Cash collateral (payable) receivable(2) 
 16
 45
 59
Total derivatives - net basis$25
 $3
 $(41) $(25) $(38)
          
As of December 31, 2017:         
Not designated as hedging contracts(1):
         
Commodity assets$11
 $1
 $1
 $
 $13
Commodity liabilities(3) 
 (32) (82) (117)
Total8
 1
 (31) (82) (104)
          
Total derivatives8
 1
 (31) (82) (104)
Cash collateral receivable
 
 17
 57
 74
Total derivatives - net basis$8
 $1
 $(14) $(25) $(30)
(1)PacifiCorp's commodity derivatives are generally included in rates and as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, a regulatory asset of $96 million and $101 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $97 million and $104 million, respectively.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of PacifiCorp's regulatory assets and summarizes the pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts recognized in regulatory assets, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Beginning balance$101
 $73
 $133
Changes in fair value recognized in regulatory assets12
 47
 (27)
Net (losses) gains reclassified to operating revenue(68) 9
 10
Net gains (losses) reclassified to energy costs51
 (28) (43)
Ending balance$96
 $101
 $73

Derivative Contract Volumes

The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding commodity derivative contracts with fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of December 31 (in millions):
 Unit of    
 Measure 2018 2017
      
Electricity salesMegawatt hours (6) (9)
Natural gas purchasesDecatherms 117
 113
Fuel oil purchasesGallons 
 

Credit Risk

PacifiCorp is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent PacifiCorp's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, PacifiCorp analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, PacifiCorp enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, PacifiCorp exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

Collateral and Contingent Features

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale derivative contracts contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These derivative contracts may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance" in the event of a material adverse change in PacifiCorp's creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2018, PacifiCorp's credit ratings for its senior secured debt and its issuer credit ratings for senior unsecured debt by Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's Rating Services were investment grade.

The aggregate fair value of PacifiCorp's derivative contracts in liability positions with specific credit-risk-related contingent features totaled $113 million and $110 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, for which PacifiCorp had posted collateral of $61 million and $74 million, respectively, in the form of cash deposits. If all credit-risk-related contingent features for derivative contracts in liability positions had been triggered as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, PacifiCorp would have been required to post $35 million and $34 million, respectively, of additional collateral. PacifiCorp's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation or other factors.


(12)
Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of PacifiCorp's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. PacifiCorp has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Financial Statements using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that PacifiCorp has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect PacifiCorp's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. PacifiCorp develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents PacifiCorp's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements    
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2018:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$
 $51
 $
 $(23) $28
Money market mutual funds(2)
69
 
 
 
 69
Investment funds24
 
 
 
 24
 $93
 $51
 $
 $(23) $121
          
Liabilities - Commodity derivatives$
 $(148) $
 $82
 $(66)
          
As of December 31, 2017:         
Assets:         
Commodity derivatives$
 $13
 $
 $(4) $9
Money market mutual funds (2)
21
 
 
 
 21
Investment funds21
 
 
 
 21
 $42
 $13
 $
 $(4) $51
          
Liabilities - Commodity derivatives$
 $(117) $
 $78
 $(39)

(1)Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $59 million and $74 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents, other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which PacifiCorp transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent PacifiCorp's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. PacifiCorp bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent energy brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by PacifiCorp. Market price quotations for certain major electricity and natural gas trading hubs are generally readily obtainable for the first three years; therefore, PacifiCorp's forward price curves for those locations and periods reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for other electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable for the first three years. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, PacifiCorp uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. Refer to Note 11 for further discussion regarding PacifiCorp's risk management and hedging activities.

PacifiCorp's investments in money market mutual funds and investment funds are stated at fair value and are primarily accounted for as available-for-sale securities. When available, PacifiCorp uses a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputs and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics.

PacifiCorp's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of PacifiCorp's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of PacifiCorp's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of PacifiCorp's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$7,015
 $7,833
 $7,005
 $8,370

(13)Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

PacifiCorp is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. PacifiCorp does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.
Environmental Laws and Regulations

PacifiCorp is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact PacifiCorp's current and future operations. PacifiCorp believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Hydroelectric Relicensing

PacifiCorp's Klamath hydroelectric system is currently operating under annual licenses with the FERC. In February 2010, PacifiCorp, the United States Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Commerce, the state of California, the state of Oregon and various other governmental and non-governmental settlement parties signed the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement ("KHSA"). Among other things, the KHSA provided that the United States Department of the Interior would conduct scientific and engineering studies to assess whether removal of the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams was in the public interest and would advance restoration of the Klamath Basin's salmonid fisheries. If it is determined dam removal should proceed, dam removal would begin no earlier than 2020.

Congress failed to pass legislation needed to implement the original KHSA. In April 2016, the principal parties to the KHSA (PacifiCorp, the states of California and Oregon and the United States Departments of the Interior and Commerce) executed an amendment to the KHSA. Consistent with the terms of the amended KHSA, in September 2016, PacifiCorp and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation ("KRRC"), a private, independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed by certain signatories of the amended KSHA, jointly filed an application with the FERC to transfer the license for the four mainstem Klamath River hydroelectric generating facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC. Also in September 2016, the KRRC filed an application with the FERC to surrender the license and decommission the same four facilities. The KRRC's license surrender application included a request for the FERC to refrain from acting on the surrender application until after the transfer of the license to the KRRC is effective. In March 2018, the FERC issued an order splitting the existing license for the Klamath Project into two licenses: the Klamath Project (P‑2082) contains East Side, West Side, Keno and Fall Creek developments; the new Lower Klamath Project (P‑14803) contains J.C. Boyle, Copco No. 1, Copco No. 2 and Iron Gate developments. In the same order, the FERC deferred consideration of the transfer of the license for the Lower Klamath facilities from PacifiCorp to the KRRC until some point in the future. PacifiCorp is currently the licensee for both the Klamath Project and Lower Klamath Project facilities and will retain ownership of the Klamath Project facilities after the approval and transfer of the Lower Klamath Project facilities. In April 2018, PacifiCorp filed a motion to stay the effective date of the license amendment until transfer is approved. In June 2018, the FERC granted PacifiCorp's motion to stay the effective date of the Lower Klamath Project license and all related compliance obligations, pending a FERC order on the license transfer. Meanwhile, the FERC continues to assess the KRRC's capacity to become a project licensee for purposes of dam removal. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision in the Hoopa Valley Tribe v. FERC litigation, on January 25, 2019, finding that the states of California and Oregon have waived their Clean Water Act, Section 401, water quality certification authority over the Klamath hydroelectric project relicensing. PacifiCorp is evaluating the impact of this decision.

Under the amended KHSA, PacifiCorp and its customers continue to beare protected from uncapped dam removal costs and liabilities. The KRRC must indemnify PacifiCorp from liabilities associated with dam removal. The amended KHSA also limits PacifiCorp's contribution to facilities removal costs to no more than $200 million, of which up to $184 million would be collected from PacifiCorp's Oregon customers with the remainder to be collected from PacifiCorp's California customers. California voters approved a water bond measure in November 2014 from which the state of California's contribution towardstoward facilities removal costs will beare being drawn. In accordance with this bond measure, additional funding of up to $250 million for facilities removal costs was included in the California state budget in 2016, with the funding effective for at least five years. If facilities removal costs exceed the combined funding that will be available from PacifiCorp's Oregon and California customers and the state of California, sufficient funds would need to be provided by the KRRC or an entity other than PacifiCorp in order for removal to proceed.

If certain conditions in the amended KHSA are not satisfied and the license does not transfer to the KRRC, PacifiCorp will resume relicensing with the FERC.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's assets included $68$44 million of costs associated with the Klamath hydroelectric system's mainstem dams and the associated relicensing and settlement costs, which are being depreciated and amortized in accordance with state regulatory approvals through either December 31, 2019, or December 31, 2022, depending upon the state jurisdiction.

Hydroelectric Commitments

Certain of PacifiCorp's hydroelectric licenses contain requirements for PacifiCorp to make certain capital and operating expenditures related to its hydroelectric facilities. PacifiCorp estimates it is obligated to make capital expenditures of approximately $227$155 million over the next 10 years related to these licenses.


Commitments

PacifiCorp has the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 20162018 are as follows (in millions):

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and Thereafter Total2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Contract type:                          
Purchased electricity contracts -                          
commercially operable$253
 $160
 $157
 $157
 $145
 $1,630
 $2,502
$317
 $194
 $155
 $152
 $145
 $1,522
 $2,485
Purchased electricity contracts -                          
non-commercially operable10
 13
 17
 17
 18
 390
 465
13
 21
 48
 49
 49
 797
 977
Fuel contracts796
 616
 596
 507
 346
 1,407
 4,268
732
 648
 521
 326
 268
 976
 3,471
Construction commitments62
 46
 26
 4
 1
 4
 143
888
 559
 2
 
 
 
 1,449
Transmission109
 106
 90
 61
 47
 467
 880
108
 95
 80
 69
 63
 427
 842
Operating leases and easements5
 5
 5
 5
 4
 39
 63
7
 6
 7
 6
 5
 90
 121
Maintenance, service and                          
other contracts53
 29
 31
 17
 20
 68
 218
52
 25
 26
 16
 8
 81
 208
Total commitments$1,288
 $975
 $922
 $768
 $581
 $4,005
 $8,539
$2,117
 $1,548
 $839
 $618
 $538
 $3,893
 $9,553
    
Purchased Electricity Contracts - Commercially Operable

As part of its energy resource portfolio, PacifiCorp acquires a portion of its electricity through long-term purchases and exchange agreements. PacifiCorp has several power purchase agreements with wind-powered generating facilities that are not included in the table above as the payments are based on the amount of energy generated and there are no minimum payments. Included in the purchased electricity payments are any power purchase agreements that meet the definition of a lease. Rent expense related to those power purchase agreements that meet the definition of a lease totaled $26 million for 2018 and $14 million for 2016, $13 million for 20152017 and $15 million for 2014.2016.

Included in the minimum fixed annual payments for purchased electricity above are commitments to purchase electricity from several hydroelectric systems under long-term arrangements with public utility districts. These purchases are made on a "cost-of-service" basis for a stated percentage of system output and for a like percentage of system operating expenses and debt service. These costs are included in energy costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. PacifiCorp is required to pay its portion of operating costs and its portion of the debt service, whether or not any electricity is produced. These arrangements accounted for less than 5% of PacifiCorp's 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 20142016 energy sources.

Purchased Electricity Contracts - Non-commercially Operable

PacifiCorp has several contracts for purchases of electricity from facilities that have not yet achieved commercial operation. To the extent any of these facilities do not achieve commercial operation, PacifiCorp has no obligation to the counterparty.

Fuel Contracts

PacifiCorp has "take or pay" coal and natural gas contracts that require minimum payments.

Construction Commitments

PacifiCorp's construction commitments included in the table above relate to firm commitments and include costs associated with investments in emissions control equipment and certain generating plant, transmission, and distribution projects.

Transmission

PacifiCorp has contracts for the right to transmit electricity over other entities' transmission lines to facilitate delivery to PacifiCorp's customers.

    

Operating Leases and Easements

PacifiCorp has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for certain operating facilities, office space, land and equipment that expire at various dates through the year ending December 31, 2092.2096. These leases generally require PacifiCorp to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices. PacifiCorp also has non-cancelable easements for land on which certain of its assets, primarily wind-powered generating facilities, are located. Rent expense totaled $15 million for the years ended December 31, 20162018, 2017 and 2015, and $16 million for 2014.2016.

Guarantees

PacifiCorp has entered into guarantees as part of the normal course of business and the sale of certain assets. These guarantees are not expected to have a material impact on PacifiCorp's consolidated financial results.

(14)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The following table summarizes PacifiCorp's revenue by regulated energy, with further disaggregation of regulated energy by customer class, for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018
Customer Revenue: 
Retail: 
Residential$1,737
Commercial1,513
Industrial1,172
Other retail234
Total retail4,656
Wholesale55
Transmission103
Other Customer Revenue76
Total Customer Revenue4,890
Other revenue136
Total operating revenue$5,026

Contract Assets and Liabilities

In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, PacifiCorp would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between PacifiCorp's performance and the customer's payment. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no material contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no material revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period or from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.

(15)Preferred Stock

PacifiCorp has 3,500 thousand shares of Serial Preferred Stock authorized at the stated value of $100 per share. PacifiCorp had 24 thousand shares of Serial Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017. The outstanding preferred stock series are non-redeemable and have annual dividend rates of 6.00% and 7.00%.

In the event of voluntary liquidation, all preferred stock is entitled to stated value or a specified preference amount per share plus accrued dividends. Upon involuntary liquidation, all preferred stock is entitled to stated value plus accrued dividends. Dividends on all preferred stock are cumulative. Holders also have the right to elect members to the PacifiCorp Board of Directors in the event dividends payable are in default in an amount equal to four full quarterly payments.

PacifiCorp also has 16 million shares of No Par Serial Preferred Stock and 127 thousand shares of 5% Preferred Stock authorized, but no shares were issued or outstanding as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017.


(15)(16)    Common Shareholder's Equity

In February 2017, PacifiCorp declared a dividend of $100 million payable to PPW Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHE and PacifiCorp's direct parent company ("PPW Holdings") in March 2017.

Through PPW Holdings, BHE is the sole shareholder of PacifiCorp's common stock. The state regulatory orders that authorized BHE's acquisition of PacifiCorp contain restrictions on PacifiCorp's ability to pay dividends to the extent that they would reduce PacifiCorp's common equity below specified percentages of defined capitalization. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the most restrictive of these commitments prohibits PacifiCorp from making any distribution to PPW Holdings or BHE without prior state regulatory approval to the extent that it would reduce PacifiCorp's common equity below 44% of its total capitalization, excluding short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt. The terms of this commitment treat 50% of PacifiCorp's remaining balance of preferred stock in existence prior to the acquisition of PacifiCorp by BHE as common equity. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp's actual common equity percentage, as calculated under this measure, was 51%54%, and PacifiCorp would have been permitted to dividend $1.9$2.6 billion under this commitment.

These commitments also restrict PacifiCorp from making any distributions to either PPW Holdings or BHE if PacifiCorp's senior unsecured debt rating is BBB- or lower by Standard & Poor's Rating Services or Fitch Ratings, or Baa3 or lower by Moody's Investor Service, as indicated by two of the three rating services. As of December 31, 2016,2018, PacifiCorp met the minimum required senior unsecured debt ratings for making distributions.

PacifiCorp is also subject to a maximum debt-to-total capitalization percentage under various financing agreements as further discussed in Note 6.

(16)(17)    Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net consists of unrecognized amounts on retirement benefits, net of tax, of $12$13 million and $11$15 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.


(17)(18)    Variable-Interest Entities

PacifiCorp holds an undivided interest in 50% of the Hermiston generating facility (refer to Note 4). Prior to the expiration of a power purchase agreement in July 2016, PacifiCorp dictated when the generating facility operated, procured 100% of the natural gas for the generating facility and subsequently received 100% of the generated electricity, 50% of which was acquired through a power purchase agreement that expired. As a result, PacifiCorp held a variable interest in the joint owner of the remaining 50% of the facility and was the primary beneficiary. With the expiration of the power purchase agreement, PacifiCorp no longer holds a variable interest in the joint owner. PacifiCorp was unable to obtain the information necessary to previously consolidate the entity because the entity did not supply the information due to the lack of a contractual obligation to do so. Cost of the electricity purchased from the joint owner was $20 million, $39 million and $38 million during each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The entity is operated by the equity owners and PacifiCorp has no risk of loss in relation to the entity in the event of a disaster.

PacifiCorp holds a two-thirds interest in Bridger Coal Company ("Bridger Coal"), which supplies coal to the Jim Bridger generating facility that is owned two-thirds by PacifiCorp and one-third by PacifiCorp's joint venture partner in Bridger Coal. PacifiCorp purchases two-thirds of the coal produced by Bridger Coal, while the remaining coal is purchased by the joint venture partner. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Bridger Coal's economic performance are shared with the joint venture partner. Each joint venture partner is jointly and severally liable for the obligations of Bridger Coal. Bridger Coal's necessary working capital to carry out its mining operations is financed by contributions from PacifiCorp and its joint venture partner. PacifiCorp's equity investment in Bridger Coal was $165$100 million and $190$137 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. Refer to Note 1819 for information regarding related-party transactions with Bridger Coal.

(18)(19)    Related-Party Transactions

PacifiCorp has an intercompany administrative services agreement with BHE and its subsidiaries. Amounts charged to PacifiCorp by BHE and its subsidiaries under this agreement totaled $12 million, $11 million and $10 million during each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 2015 2014, respectively. Payables associated with these administrative services were $2 millionimmaterial as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. Amounts charged by PacifiCorp to BHE and its subsidiaries under this agreement, totaled $4 million, $7 million and $10 millionas well as receivables associated with these administrative services, were immaterial during the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014, respectively. Receivables associated with these administrative services were $1 million as of December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

PacifiCorp also engages in various transactions with several subsidiaries of BHE in the ordinary course of business. Services provided by these subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and charged to PacifiCorp primarily relate to wholesale electricity purchases and transmission of electricity, transportation of natural gas and employee relocation services. These expenses totaled $7$8 million, $8$6 million and $7 million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. Payables associated with these services were $1 millionimmaterial as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. Amounts charged by PacifiCorp to subsidiaries of BHE for wholesale electricity sales in the ordinary course of business totaled $1 million, $2 million and $5 millionwere immaterial during the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

PacifiCorp has long-term transportation contracts with BNSF Railway Company ("BNSF"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, PacifiCorp's ultimate parent company. Transportation costs under these contracts were $37$33 million, during the year ended December 31, 2016$35 million and $39$37 million during the years ended December 31, 20152018, 2017 and 2014.2016, respectively. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, PacifiCorp had $1 million, respectively,immaterial amounts of accounts payable to BNSF outstanding under these contracts, including indirect payables related to a jointly owned facility.

PacifiCorp participated in a captive insurance program provided by MEHC Insurance Services Ltd. ("MEISL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of BHE. MEISL covered all or significant portions of the property damage and liability insurance deductibles in many of PacifiCorp's policies, as well as overhead distribution and transmission line property damage. The policy coverage period expired on March 20, 2011 and was not renewed. Proceeds from claims were $- million, $2 million and $- million during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

PacifiCorp is party to a tax-sharing agreement and is part of the Berkshire Hathaway consolidated United States federal income tax return. FederalAs of December 31, 2018, federal and state income taxes payable to BHE were $10 million, and as of December 31, 2017, federal and state income taxes receivable from BHE were $17 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.$59 million. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, cash paid for federal and state income taxes to BHE totaled $144 million, $340 million and $201 million, $40 million and $161 million, respectively.


PacifiCorp transacts with its equity investees, Bridger Coal and Trapper Mining Inc. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, PacifiCorp charged Bridger Coal $2 million, $19 million and $3 million, respectively,immaterial amounts, primarily for the sale of mining equipment in 2015, administrative support and management services, as well as materials, provided by PacifiCorp to Bridger Coal. Receivables for these services, as well as for certain expenses paid by PacifiCorp and reimbursed by Bridger Coal, were $5 million and $4 millionimmaterial as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. Services provided by equity investees to PacifiCorp primarily relate to coal purchases. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, coal purchases from PacifiCorp's equity investees totaled $174$163 million, $181$170 million and $146$174 million, respectively. Payables to PacifiCorp's equity investees were $17$13 million and $16$18 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

(19)(20)    Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$77
 14
Restricted cash included in other current assets13
 13
Restricted cash included in other assets2
 2
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$92
 $29

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014 2018 2017 2016
            
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $350
 $342
 $340
 $347
 $350
 $350
Income taxes paid, net $201
 $40
 $161
 $144
 $340
 $201
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accounts payable related to property, plant and equipment additions $101
 $147
 $140
 $184
 $147
 $101
Accounts receivable related to property, plant and equipment sales $
 $40
 $

MidAmerican Funding, LLC and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy Company
Consolidated Financial Section

Item 6.Selected Financial Data

Information required by Item 6 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) to Form 10-K.

Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

MidAmerican Funding is an Iowa limited liability company whose sole member is BHE. MidAmerican Funding owns all of the outstanding common stock of MHC, which owns all of the common stock of MidAmerican Energy, Midwest Capital and MEC Construction. MHC, MidAmerican Funding and BHE are headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of MidAmerican Funding and its subsidiaries and MidAmerican Energy as presented in this joint filing. Information in Management's Discussion and Analysis related to MidAmerican Energy, whether or not segregated, also relates to MidAmerican Funding. Information related to other subsidiaries of MidAmerican Funding pertains only to the discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of MidAmerican Funding. Where necessary, discussions have been segregated under the heading "MidAmerican Funding" to allow the reader to identify information applicable only to MidAmerican Funding. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. MidAmerican Energy's and MidAmerican Funding's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.


Results of Operations

Overview

MidAmerican Energy -

MidAmerican Energy's net income from continuing operations for 20162018 was $542$682 million, an increase of $96$77 million, or 22%13%, compared to 20152017 primarily due to higher electric marginsutility margin of $172$122 million, a higher income tax benefit of $72 million, primarily due to a $21 million increase in production tax credits, a lower federal tax rate and a 2017 charge of $39$10 million from the Tax Cuts and lower fossil-fueled generation operationsJobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 (the "2017 Tax Reform"), and maintenancehigher allowance for borrowed and equity funds of $35$17 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $72 million from wind-powered generation and other plant placed in service and an accrual related to an Iowa revenue sharing arrangement, higher operations costs recovered through bill riders of $20 million, higher interest expense of $13 million primarily due to the issuance of first mortgage bonds in October 2015 and a lower income tax benefit due to higher pre-tax income and the effects of ratemaking. Electric margins reflect higher retail rates in Iowa, higher retail sales volumes, lower energy costs, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue.

MidAmerican Energy's income from continuing operations for 2015 was $446 million, an increase of $45 million, or 11%, compared to 2014 due to higher regulated electric margins of $119 million, higher production tax credits of $27 million and lower fossil-fueled generation maintenance of $10 million, partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization of $56$109 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service lower AFUDC of $27 million, lower regulated natural gas marginsand increases for Iowa revenue sharing, higher operations and maintenance expense of $12 million due to warmer temperatures in 2015 and higher interest expense of $9$13 million. Electric utility margin increased due to higher recoveries through bill riders of $127 million (substantially offset in cost of fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax benefit), higher retail customer volumes of 5.6%, largely due to industrial growth and the favorable impact of weather and higher wholesale revenue, partially offset by lower average retail rates of $126 million, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform, and higher generation and purchased power costs.

MidAmerican Energy's net income for 2017 was $605 million, an increase of $63 million, or 12%, compared to 2016, including $7 million of net expense as a result of the 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the net effect of the 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income for 2017 was $612 million, an increase of $70 million, or 13%, compared to 2016. The increase was due to a higher income tax benefit from additional production tax credits of $38 million, the effects of ratemaking and lower pre-tax income, and higher electric utility margin of $76 million, excluding the impact of an increase in electric DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense) of $22 million, partially offset by higher maintenance expense of $52 million due to additional wind-powered generating facilities and the issuancetiming of first mortgage bondsfossil-fueled generation maintenance, higher depreciation and amortization of $21 million due to wind-powered generation and other plant placed in-service and accruals for Iowa regulatory arrangements, partially offset by a December 2016 reduction in April 2014depreciation rates, and October 2015, nethigher property and other taxes of the effect of a related redemption of senior notes in May 2014. Regulated electric margins$7 million. Electric utility margin increased primarily due to higher recoveries through bill riders, higher retail rates in Iowa and changes in rate structure related to seasonal pricing, lower purchased power costs, a lower average cost of fuel for generationcustomer volumes, higher wholesale revenue and higher transmission revenue, partially offset by higher coal and purchased power costs. Retail customer volumes increased 2.4% due to industrial growth net of lower wholesale revenue.residential and commercial volumes from milder temperatures.

MidAmerican Funding -

MidAmerican Funding's net income from continuing operations for 20162018 was $532$669 million, an increase of $90$95 million, or 20%17%, compared to $442 million for 2015.2017. In addition to the MidAmerican Energy impacts, MidAmerican Funding's net income from continuing operations for 20152017 reflects after-tax charges of $17 million related to the tender offer of a portion of its 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029. MidAmerican Funding's net income for 2017 was $442$574 million, an increase of $49$42 million, or 12%8%, compared to $3932016, including after-tax charges of $17 million for 2014. In additionrelated to the tender offer and $10 million of net expense as a result of the 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the net effect of the 2017 Tax Reform and the tender offer, MidAmerican Funding's adjusted net income for 2017 was $601 million, an increase of $69 million, or 13%, compared to 2016.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Management utilizes various key financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin, to help evaluate results of operations. Electric utility margin is calculated as regulated electric operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy, which are captions presented on the Statements of Operations. Natural gas utility margin is calculated as regulated natural gas operating revenue less regulated cost of natural gas purchased for resale, which are included in regulated natural gas and other and cost of natural gas purchased for resale and other, respectively, on the Statements of Operations.

MidAmerican Energy's cost of fuel and energy and regulated cost of natural gas purchased for resale are generally recovered from its retail customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms, and as a result, changes in MidAmerican Energy's earnings discussed above,expenses result in comparable changes to revenue from the related recovery mechanisms. As such, management believes electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin more appropriately and concisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of revenue and cost of sales separately. Management believes the presentation of electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin provides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.


Electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income, which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to MidAmerican Funding recognized an $8 million after-tax gain onEnergy's operating income for the sale of an investment in a generating facility lease in 2015.years ended December 31 (in millions):
  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
               
Electric utility margin:              
Regulated electric operating revenue $2,283
 $2,108
 $175
8% $2,108
 1,985
 $123
6 %
Cost of fuel and energy 487
 434
 53
12
 434
 409
 25
6
Electric utility margin 1,796
 1,674
 122
7
 1,674
 1,576
 98
6
               
Natural gas utility margin:              
Regulated natural gas operating revenue 754
 719
 35
5% 719
 637
 82
13 %
Cost of natural gas purchased for resale 465
 441
 24
5
 441
 367
 74
20
Natural gas utility margin 289
 278
 11
4
 278
 270
 8
3
               
Utility margin 2,085
 1,952
 133
7% 1,952
 1,846
 106
6 %
               
Other operating revenue 12
 10
 2
20% 10
 3
 7
*
Other cost of sales 1
 1
 

 1
 
 1
*
Operations and maintenance 811
 799
 12
2
 799
 708
 91
13
Depreciation and amortization 609
 500
 109
22
 500
 479
 21
4
Property and other taxes 125
 119
 6
5
 119
 112
 7
6
Operating income $551
 $543
 $8
1% $543
 $550
 $(7)(1)%

*Not meaningful.


Regulated Electric GrossUtility Margin

A comparison of key operating results related to regulated electric grossutility margin is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Gross margin (in millions):               
Electric utility margin (in millions):               
Operating revenue$1,985
 $1,837
 $148
 8 % $1,837
 $1,817
 $20
 1 %$2,283
 $2,108
 $175
 8% $2,108
 $1,985
 $123
 6 %
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity(1)
409
 433
 (24) (6) 433
 532
 (99) (19)
Gross margin$1,576
 $1,404
 $172
 12
 $1,404
 $1,285
 $119
 9
Cost of fuel and energy(1)
487
 434
 53
 12
 434
 409
 25
 6
Electric utility margin$1,796
 $1,674
 $122
 7
 $1,674
 $1,576
 $98
 6
                              
Sales (GWh):               
Electricity Sales (GWhs):               
Residential6,408
 6,166
 242
 4 % 6,166
 6,429
 (263) (4)%6,763
 6,207
 556
 9% 6,207
 6,408
 (201) (3)%
Commercial3,812
 3,806
 6
 
 3,806
 4,084
 (278) (7)3,897
 3,761
 136
 4
 3,761
 3,812
 (51) (1)
Industrial12,115
 11,487
 628
 5
 11,487
 10,642
 845
 8
13,587
 12,957
 630
 5
 12,957
 12,115
 842
 7
Other1,589
 1,583
 6
 
 1,583
 1,622
 (39) (2)1,604
 1,567
 37
 2
 1,567
 1,589
 (22) (1)
Total retail23,924
 23,042
 882
 4
 23,042
 22,777
 265
 1
25,851
 24,492
 1,359
 6
 24,492
 23,924
 568
 2
Wholesale8,489
 8,741
 (252) (3) 8,741
 9,716
 (975) (10)11,181
 9,165
 2,016
 22
 9,165
 8,489
 676
 8
Total sales32,413
 31,783
 630
 2
 31,783
 32,493
 (710) (2)37,032
 33,657
 3,375
 10
 33,657
 32,413
 1,244
 4
                              
Average number of retail customers (in thousands)760
 752
 8
 1 % 752
 746
 6
 1 %780
 770
 10
 1% 770
 760
 10
 1 %
                              
Average revenue per MWh:                              
Retail$71.86
 $69.68
 $2.18
 3 % $69.68
 $66.92
 $2.76
 4 %$74.12
 $73.88
 $0.24
 % $73.88
 $71.86
 $2.02
 3 %
Wholesale$22.95
 $20.09
 $2.86
 14 % $20.09
 $26.48
 $(6.39) (24)%$25.63
 $23.42
 $2.21
 9% $23.42
 $22.95
 $0.47
 2 %
                              
Heating degree days5,321
 5,654
 (333) (6)% 5,654
 6,899
 (1,245) (18)%6,627
 5,492
 1,135
 21% 5,492
 5,321
 171
 3 %
Cooling degree days1,314
 1,067
 247
 23 % 1,067
 933
 134
 14 %1,307
 1,117
 190
 17% 1,117
 1,314
 (197) (15)%
                              
Sources of energy (GWh)(2):
               
Sources of energy (GWhs)(1):
               
Coal13,179
 15,525
 (2,346) (15)% 15,525
 18,234
 (2,709) (15)%15,811
 13,598
 2,213
 16% 13,598
 13,179
 419
 3 %
Wind and other(2)
13,627
 12,932
 695
 5
 12,932
 11,684
 1,248
 11
Nuclear3,912
 3,885
 27
 1
 3,885
 3,842
 43
 1
3,869
 3,850
 19
 
 3,850
 3,912
 (62) (2)
Natural gas556
 199
 357
 * 199
 114
 85
 75
661
 360
 301
 84
 360
 556
 (196) (35)
Wind and other(3)
11,684
 9,606
 2,078
 22
 9,606
 7,965
 1,641
 21
Total energy generated29,331
 29,215
 116
 
 29,215
 30,155
 (940) (3)33,968
 30,740
 3,228
 11
 30,740
 29,331
 1,409
 5
Energy purchased3,882
 3,194
 688
 22
 3,194
 3,029
 165
 5
3,837
 3,603
 234
 6
 3,603
 3,882
 (279) (7)
Total33,213
 32,409
 804
 2
 32,409
 33,184
 (775) (2)37,805
 34,343
 3,462
 10
 34,343
 33,213
 1,130
 3


*Not meaningful.

(1)Effective in August 2014, MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover fluctuations in electric energy costs for its Iowa retail electric generation through an energy adjustment mechanism.

(2)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.

(3)(2)All or some of the renewable energy attributes associated with generation from these generating facilities may be: (a) used in future years to comply with renewable portfolio standards or other regulatory requirements or (b) sold to third parties in the form of renewable energy credits or other environmental commodities.



For 20162018 compared to 2015,2017, regulated electric grossutility margin increased $172$122 million primarily due to:
(1)Higher retail grossutility margin of $118$73 million due to -
an increase of $47$127 million from higher electric ratesrecoveries through bill riders, (substantially offset in Iowa effective January 1, 2016, for the third stepcost of a 2014 Iowa rate increase;fuel and energy, operations and maintenance expense and income tax benefit);
an increase of $33$58 million primarily from non-weather-related usage factors, including higher industrial sales volumes;
an increase of $27$33 million from the impact of temperatures;weather;
an increase of $13$4 million from lower retail energy costs due to a lower average cost of fuel for generation and lower coal-fueled generation;various other revenue; partially offset by
a decrease of $2$126 million in averages rates, predominantly from the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform; and
a decrease of $23 million from lower recoveries through bill riders;higher retail energy costs due to higher generation and purchased power costs;
(2)Higher wholesale grossutility margin of $37$52 million due to higher margins per unit from higher market prices and lower fuel costs on higher sales volumes; partially offset by
(3)Lower Multi-Value Projects ("MVP") transmission revenue of $3 million due to refund accruals.

For 2017 compared to 2016, regulated electric utility margin increased $98 million primarily due to:
(1)Higher retail utility margin of $51 million due to -
an increase of $73 million from higher recoveries through bill riders, including $22 million of electric DSM program revenue (offset in operating expense);
an increase of $32 million from non-weather-related usage factors, including higher industrial sales volumes; partially offset by
a decrease of $33 million from higher retail energy costs primarily due to higher coal-fueled generation and higher purchased power costs; and
a decrease of $21 million from the impact of milder temperatures;
(2)Higher wholesale utility margin of $32 million due to higher margins per unit from higher market prices, greater availability of lower cost generation for wholesale purposes partially offset by lowerand higher sales volumes attributable to lower coal-fueled generation;volumes; and
(3)Higher MVP transmission revenue of $17$13 million which is expecteddue to increase as projects are constructed.continued capital additions.

For 2015 compared to 2014, regulated electric gross margin increased $119 million as follows:
(1)Higher retail gross margin of $109 million due to -
an increase of $70 million from higher electric rates, reflecting higher rates of $45 million annually, effective January 2015, for the second step of a 2014 Iowa rate increase, $16 million annually in Illinois, effective December 2014, and an increase from the full-year impact of changes in Iowa rate structure related to seasonal pricing, which were effective with the implementation of final Iowa base rates in August 2014 that resulted in a greater differential between summer rates from June to September and rates in the remaining months;
an increase of $32 million from lower retail energy costs primarily due to a lower average cost of fuel for generation and lower purchased power costs;
an increase of $11 million from non-weather-related usage factors;
an increase of $8 million principally from higher recoveries through bill riders; and
a decrease of $8 million from the impact of temperatures;
(2)Higher MVP transmission revenue of $25 million, which is expected to increase as projects are constructed; partially offset by
(3)Lower wholesale gross margin of $15 million due to decreases of -
$9 million from lower sales volumes; and
$6 million from lower average prices.



Regulated Natural Gas GrossUtility Margin

A comparison of key operating results related to regulated natural gas grossutility margin is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Gross margin (in millions):               
Operating revenue$637
 $661
 $(24) (4)% $661
 $996
 $(335) (34)%
Cost of gas sold367
 397
 (30) (8) 397
 720
 (323) (45)
Gross margin$270
 $264
 $6
 2
 $264
 $276
 $(12) (4)
                
Natural gas throughput (000's Dths):               
Residential46,020
 46,519
 (499) (1)% 46,519
 56,224
 (9,705) (17)%
Commercial23,345
 23,466
 (121) (1) 23,466
 28,256
 (4,790) (17)
Industrial5,079
 4,833
 246
 5
 4,833
 5,335
 (502) (9)
Other37
 37
 
 
 37
 48
 (11) (23)
Total retail sales74,481
 74,855
 (374) 
 74,855
 89,863
 (15,008) (17)
Wholesale sales38,813
 35,250
 3,563
 10
 35,250
 25,346
 9,904
 39
Total sales113,294
 110,105
 3,189
 3
 110,105
 115,209
 (5,104) (4)
Gas transportation service83,610
 80,001
 3,609
 5
 80,001
 82,314
 (2,313) (3)
Total gas throughput196,904
 190,106
 6,798
 4
 190,106
 197,523
 (7,417) (4)
                
Average number of retail customers (in thousands)742
 733
 9
 1 % 733
 726
 7
 1 %
Average revenue per retail Dth sold$6.85
 $7.12
 $(0.27) (4)% $7.12
 $9.24
 $(2.12) (23)%
Average cost of natural gas per retail Dth sold$3.70
 $4.03
 $(0.33) (8)% $4.03
 $6.54
 $(2.51) (38)%
                
Combined retail and wholesale average cost of natural gas per Dth sold$3.24
 $3.61
 $(0.37) (10)% $3.61
 $6.25
 $(2.64) (42)%
                
Heating degree days5,616
 5,913
 (297) (5)% 5,913
 7,209
 (1,296) (18)%

Regulated gas revenue includes PGAs through which MidAmerican Energy is allowed to recover the cost of gas sold from its retail gas utility customers. Consequently, fluctuations in the cost of gas sold do not directly affect gross margin or net income because regulated gas revenue reflects comparable fluctuations through the PGAs. For 2016, MidAmerican Energy's combined retail and wholesale average per-unit cost of gas sold decreased 10%, resulting in a decrease of $42 million in gas revenue and cost of gas sold compared to 2015. For 2015, MidAmerican Energy's combined retail and wholesale average per-unit cost of gas sold decreased 42%, resulting in a decrease of $290 million in gas revenue and cost of gas sold compared to 2014. Additionally, fluctuations in gas wholesale sales impact gas revenue and cost of gas sold but do not affect regulated gas gross margin.
 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Natural gas utility margin (in millions):               
Operating revenue$754
 $719
 $35
 5 % $719
 $637
 $82
 13 %
Cost of natural gas purchased for resale465
 441
 24
 5
 441
 367
 74
 20
Natural gas utility margin$289
 $278
 $11
 4
 $278
 $270
 $8
 3
                
Natural gas throughput (000's Dths):               
Residential54,798
 46,366
 8,432
 18 % 46,366
 46,020
 346
 1 %
Commercial26,382
 23,434
 2,948
 13
 23,434
 23,345
 89
 
Industrial5,777
 4,725
 1,052
 22
 4,725
 5,079
 (354) (7)
Other48
 38
 10
 26
 38
 37
 1
 3
Total retail sales87,005
 74,563
 12,442
 17
 74,563
 74,481
 82
 
Wholesale sales39,267
 39,735
 (468) (1) 39,735
 38,813
 922
 2
Total sales126,272
 114,298
 11,974
 10
 114,298
 113,294
 1,004
 1
Gas transportation service102,198
 92,136
 10,062
 11
 92,136
 83,610
 8,526
 10
Total natural gas throughput228,470
 206,434
 22,036
 11
 206,434
 196,904
 9,530
 5
                
Average number of retail customers (in thousands)759
 751
 8
 1 % 751
 742
 9
 1 %
Average revenue per retail Dth sold$6.89
 $7.64
 $(0.75) (10)% $7.64
 $6.85
 $0.79
 12 %
Average cost of natural gas per retail Dth sold$4.02
 $4.41
 $(0.39) (9)% $4.41
 $3.70
 $0.71
 19 %
                
Combined retail and wholesale average cost of natural gas per Dth sold$3.69
 $3.86
 $(0.17) (4)% $3.86
 $3.24
 $0.62
 19 %
                
Heating degree days6,843
 5,788
 1,055
 18 % 5,788
 5,616
 172
 3 %

For 20162018 compared to 2015,2017, regulated natural gas grossutility margin increased $6$11 million primarily due to higher DSM recoveries. Lower retail sales volumes due to warmer winter temperatures in 2016 reduced gas gross margin by $3 million but was substantially offset by higher sales volumes from non-weather-related usage factors and higher transportation revenue.to:
(1)An increase of $16 million from higher retail sales volumes due primarily to the impact of colder winter temperatures;
(2)An increase of $2 million from higher natural gas transportation services; partially offset by
(3)A decrease of $9 million from rate and non-weather-related usage factors, including the impact of a lower federal tax rate due to 2017 Tax Reform.

For 20152017 compared to 2014,2016, regulated natural gas grossutility margin decreased $12increased $8 million primarily due to $20 million from lower retail sales volumes reflecting warmer winter temperatures in 2015; partially offset by $7 million from an increase due to non-weather-related usage factors.to:
(1)higher DSM program revenue (offset in operations and maintenance expense) of $3 million;
(2)higher retail sales volumes of $2 million from colder winter temperatures;
(3)higher gas transportation throughput of $2 million and
(4)higher average per-unit margin of $2 million.

Operating Expenses




Regulated Operating Costs and ExpensesMidAmerican Energy -

Operations and maintenance decreasedincreased $12 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to $24 million of lower fossil-fueledhigher wind-powered generation maintenance of $23 million from the timing of planned outages, $7 million of lower generation operations, $7 million of lower health care, information technology and other administrative costs and $6 million of lower electric and gas distribution costs, partially offset by $11 million ofadditional wind turbines, higher DSM program costsexpense of $6 million and $9 million of higher transmission operations costs from MISO of $4 million, both of which are recoverable in bill riders and matchedoffset in operating revenue, partially offset by increases in revenue,lower electric distribution and transmission maintenance of $13 million of higher wind-poweredprimarily from tree-trimming and emergency outage work and lower fossil-fueled and nuclear generation maintenance due to the additionexpense of wind turbines.$8 million.

Operations and maintenance decreased $12increased $91 million for 20152017 compared to 2014 substantially2016 due to $10higher DSM program expense of $25 million of lower fossil-fueled generation maintenance costs from planned outages in 2014, $9 million of lower electric distribution costs due to less inclement weather and emergency storm restoration, $8 million for lower expense resulting from a one-time refund in June 2014 to MidAmerican Energy's customers for insurance recoveries related to environmental matters, $4 million of lower pension and postretirement costs and $3 million of lower healthcare benefit costs, partially offset by $10 million of higher wind-powered generation costs due to the addition of facilities and increases in transmission operations costs from MISO and DSM program costs of $7$6 million, and $5 million, respectively, both of which are recoverable in bill riders and matched by increasesoffset in revenue.operating revenue, higher coal-fueled and nuclear generation maintenance of $22 million substantially due to the timing of coal-fueled generation outages, higher wind-powered generation maintenance of $18 million from additional wind turbines and higher electric distribution and transmission maintenance of $12 million due to tree trimming costs.

Depreciation and amortization increased $72$109 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to additionalhigher accruals for Iowa revenue sharing of $44 million and $67 million related to wind-powered generating facilities and other plant placed in service in the second half of 2015 and the fourth quarter of 2016 and $34 million for accruals for regulatory arrangements in Iowa that reduce electric utility net plant.in-service.

Depreciation and amortization increased $56$21 million for 20152017 compared to 2014 primarily2016 due to additionalutility plant additions, including wind-powered generating facilities placed in servicein-service in the second half of 20142016 and the second halfaccruals for Iowa regulatory arrangements of 2015.$15 million, partially offset by $31 million from lower depreciation rates implemented in December 2016.

Property and other taxes increased $6 million for 2018 compared to 2017 due to higher wind turbine property taxes and other real estate taxes.

Property and other taxes increased $7 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher Iowa replacement taxes from higher sales volumes and higher wind turbine property taxes.

Other Income and (Expense)

MidAmerican Energy -

Interest expense increased $13 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to higher interest expense from the issuance of $650$700 million of first mortgage bonds in October 2015,February 2018 and $150 million of variable rate, tax-exempt bonds in December 2017, partially offset by the paymentredemption of a $426$350 million turbine purchase obligationof senior notes in March 2018.

Interest expense increased $18 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to higher interest expense from the issuance of $850 million of first mortgage bonds in February 2017 and $30 million of variable rate tax-exempt bonds in December 2015.2016, partially offset by the redemption of $250 million of 5.95% Senior Notes in February 2017. Refer to Note 98 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion of first mortgage bonds.

Interest expenseAllowance for borrowed and equity funds increased $9$17 million for 20152018 compared to 20142017 primarily due to higher interest expense fromconstruction work-in-progress balances related to the issuanceconstruction of first mortgage bonds totaling $850 million in April 2014wind-powered generating facilities and $650 million in October 2015, net of lower interest expense from the redemption of $350 million of 4.65% senior notes in May 2014.wind turbine repowering projects.

Allowance for borrowed and equity funds decreased $27increased $29 million for 20152017 compared to 20142016 primarily due to lowerhigher construction work-in-progress balances related to the installationconstruction of emissions control equipment at a number of MidAmerican Energy's jointly ownedwind-powered generating facilities and the construction of wind-powered generating facilities.wind turbine repowering project.


Other, net decreased $7 million for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to lower returns on corporate-owned life insurance policies.

Other, net increased $9$8 million for 20162017 compared to 20152016 due to higher returns from corporate-owned life insurance policies and higher interest income from favorable cash positions, partially offset by a gain of $5 million in 2016 on the redemption of MidAmerican Energy's investments in auction rate securities and higher returns from corporate-owned life insurance policies. Other, net decreased $5 million for 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower returns from corporate-owned life insurance policies.securities.

MidAmerican Funding -

In addition to the fluctuations discussed above for MidAmerican Energy, MidAmerican Funding's other, net for 2017 reflects a pre-tax charge of $29 million from the early redemption of a portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029 and for 2016 reflects income of $2 million from a partnership's sale of a real estate investment, for 2015 reflects a $13 million pre-tax gain on the sale of an investment in a generating facility lease and, for 2014, reflects income related to the investment in a generating lease.investment.

Income Tax Benefit

MidAmerican Energy -

MidAmerican Energy's income tax benefit on continuing operations decreased $15increased $72 million for 20162018 compared to 2015,2017, and the effective tax rate was (32)(60)% for 20162018 and (49)(43)% for 2015.2017. The change in the effective tax rate was substantially due to higher pre-taxthe reduction in the United States federal corporate income partially offset bytax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, an increase of $39 million in production tax credits.


MidAmerican Energy's income tax benefit on continuing operations increased $31 million compared to 2014, and the effective tax rate was (49)% for 2015 and (41)% for 2014. The change in the effective tax rate was due to an increase of $27$21 million in production tax credits and the effects of ratemaking.

State utility rate regulation in Iowa requires that the tax effect of certain temporary differences be flowed through immediately to customers. Therefore, certain deferred tax amounts that would otherwise have been recognized inMidAmerican Energy's income tax expense have been included as changesbenefit increased $51 million for 2017 compared to 2016, and the effective tax rate was (43)% for 2017 and (32)% for 2016. The change in regulatory assetsthe effective tax rate was substantially due to an increase of $38 million in recognitionproduction tax credits and the effects of MidAmerican Energy's ability to recover increased tax expense when such temporary differences reverse. This treatmentratemaking, partially offset by the impact of such temporary differences impacts income tax expensethe 2017 Tax Reform and effective income tax rates from year to year.higher pre-tax income.

Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold based on a prescribed per-kilowatt rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law and are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in service. Beginning in late 2014, some of MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities surpassed the 10-year eligibility period and are no longer earning the credits. A credit of $0.023 per kilowatt hour of $0.024 for 2018 and 2017 and $0.023 for 2016 was applied to 2016, 2015 and 2014annual production, which resulted in $249$308 million, $210$287 million and $183$249 million, respectively, in production tax credits.

MidAmerican Funding -

MidAmerican Funding's income tax benefit on continuing operations decreased $11increased $60 million for 20162018 compared to 2015,2017, and the effective tax rate was (35)(64)% for 20162018 and (51)(54)% for 2015.2017. MidAmerican Funding's income tax benefit on continuing operations increased $28$63 million for 20152017 compared to 2014,2016, and the effective tax rate was (51)(54)% for 20152017 and (45)(35)% for 2014.2016. The change in effective tax rates was due principally to the factors discussed for MidAmerican Energy. Additionally, 20152017 reflects an income taxes ontax benefit from a $13charge of $29 million gain fromfor the saleearly redemption of an investment in a generating facility lease.portion of MidAmerican Funding's 6.927% Senior Bonds due 2029.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy's total net liquidity was $300 million consisting of $14 million of cash and cash equivalents and $605 million of credit facilities reduced by $220 million of the credit facilities reserved to support MidAmerican Energy's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and $99 million of short-term debt outstanding. As of December 31, 2016, MidAmerican Funding's total net liquidity was $305 million, including MHC's $4 million credit facility.were as follows (in millions):
MidAmerican Energy:  
Cash and cash equivalents $
   
Credit facilities, maturing 2019 and 2021(1)
 1,305
Less:  
Short-term debt (240)
Tax-exempt bond support (370)
Net credit facilities 695
MidAmerican Energy total net liquidity $695
   
MidAmerican Funding:  
MidAmerican Energy total net liquidity $695
Cash and cash equivalents 1
MHC, Inc. credit facility, maturing 2019 4
MidAmerican Funding total net liquidity $700
(1)As of December 31, 2018, MidAmerican Energy had a $400 million unsecured credit facility expiring November 2019, which it terminated in January 2019.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

MidAmerican Energy's net cash flows from operating activities were $1.40 billion, $1.35 billion$1,508 million, $1,396 million and $823$1,403 million for 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. MidAmerican Funding's net cash flows from operating activities were $1.39 billion, $1.34 billion$1,516 million, $1,380 million and $820$1,393 million for 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. Cash flows from operating activities increased for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to higher grosscash margins for MidAmerican Energy's regulated electric and natural gas businesses, higher income tax receipts and higher DSM cost recovery cash inflows. Cash flows from operating activities decreased for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to lower income tax receipts and higher interest payments, partially offset by higher cash margins for MidAmerican Energy's regulated electric business, partially offset byincluding a growthreduction in receivables net of payables, lower derivative collateral cash flows, higher payments for asset retirement obligation settlements, and the timing of DSM cost recovery cash flows. The increase in net cash flows from operating activities for 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the timing of MidAmerican Energy's income tax cash flows with BHE, which totaled net cash receipts from BHE of $629 million and $149 million for 2015 and 2014, respectively. Income tax cash flows for 2015 reflect the receipt of $255 million of income tax benefits generated in 2014. fuel inventories.

The timing of MidAmerican Energy's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date. Additionally, cash flows from operations for 2015 improved due to higher gross margins for MidAmerican Energy's regulated electric business and lower derivative collateral requirements, partially offset by an increase in coal inventories and lower gross margins for the regulated gas business.

MidAmerican Energy's income tax cash flows benefited in 2015 and 2016 from bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in service and from production tax credits earned on qualifying projects as a result of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the "Act"), which was signed into law in December 2014. The Act extended to 2015 the 50% bonus depreciation for qualifying property purchased and placed in service before January 1, 2015 and before January 1, 2016 for certain longer-lived assets. Production tax credits were extended for wind power and other forms of non-solar renewable energy projects that began construction before the end of 2014.


In December 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 ("PATH") was signed into law, extending bonus depreciation for qualifying property acquired and placed in service before January 1, 2020 (bonus depreciation rates will be 50% for 2015-2017, 40% in 2018, and 30% in 2019), with an additional year for certain longer lived assets. Production tax credits were extended and phased out for wind power and other forms of non-solar renewable energy projects that begin construction before the end of 2019. Production tax credits are maintained at the following levels for projects for which construction begins before the end of the respective year as follows: at full value for 2016, at 80% of present value for 2017, at 60% of present value for 2018, and 40% of present value for 2019. As a result of PATH, MidAmerican Energy's cash flows from operations are expected to benefit due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in service through 2019 and production tax credits earned on qualifying wind projects through 2029.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

MidAmerican Energy's net cash flows from investing activities were $(1.62) billion, $(1.45) billion$(2,310) million, $(1,776) million and $(1.52) billion$(1,605) million for 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. MidAmerican Funding's net cash flows from investing activities were $(1.61) billion, $(1.44) billion$(2,310) million, $(1,779) million and $(1.52) billion$(1,604) million for 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. Net cash flows from investing activities consist almost entirely of utility construction expenditures, which increasedcapital expenditures. Refer to "Future Uses of Cash" for 2016 compared to 2015 due to higher expenditures for wind-powered generation construction, including a project for the repoweringfurther discussion of certain wind-powered generating facilities, partially offset by lower expenditures for MidAmerican Energy's transmission Multi-Value Projects ("MVP") investments. Utility construction expenditures decreased for 2015 compared to 2014 due to lower expenditures for environmental and other generation, partially offset by higher expenditures for wind-powered generation construction and MidAmerican Energy's transmission MVP investments. MidAmerican Energy placed in service 600 MW, 608 MW and 511 MW of wind-powered generating facilities during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.capital expenditures. Purchases and proceeds related to available-for-salemarketable securities primarily consist of activity within the Quad Cities Generating Station nuclear decommissioning trust and, in 2016, proceeds from the redemption of MidAmerican Energy's investments in auction rate securities. MidAmerican Funding received $13In 2018, proceeds from sales of other investments includes $15 million in 2015 relatedfor the transfer of corporate aircraft to the sale of anBHE, and other investment in a generating facility lease.proceeds relates primarily to company-owned life insurance policies.

Cash Flows From
Financing Activities

MidAmerican Energy's net cash flows from financing activities were $576 million, $636 million and $123 million $173 millionfor 2018, 2017 and $533 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. MidAmerican Funding's net cash flows from financing activities were $569 million, $654 million and $133 million $176for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In February 2018, MidAmerican Energy issued $700 million of its 3.65% First Mortgage Bonds due 2048. In March 2018, MidAmerican Energy repaid $350 million of its 5.30% Senior Notes due March 2018. In December 2017, the Iowa Finance Authority issued $150 million of its variable-rate, tax-exempt Solid Waste Facilities Revenue Bonds due December 2047, the restricted proceeds of which were loaned to MidAmerican Energy for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities. In February 2017, MidAmerican Energy issued $375 million of its 3.10% First Mortgage Bonds due May 2027 and $535$475 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.of its 3.95% First Mortgage Bonds due August 2047. In February 2017, MidAmerican Energy redeemed in full through optional redemption its $250 million of 5.95% Senior Notes due July 2017. In December 2016, the Iowa Finance Authority issued $30 million of its variable-rate, tax-exempt Solid Waste Facilities Revenue Bonds due December 2046, the proceeds of which were loaned to MidAmerican Energy for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities. In September 2016, the Iowa Finance Authority issued $33 million of variable-rate, tax-exempt Pollution Control Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds due September 2036, the proceeds of which were loaned to MidAmerican Energy to refinance, in September 2016, variable-rate tax-exempt pollution control refunding revenue bonds totaling $29 million due September 2016 and $4 million due March 2017, which were optionally redeemed in full. In October 2015, MidAmerican Energy issued $200 million of 3.50% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2024 and $450 million of 4.25% First Mortgage Bonds due May 2046. The net proceeds were used for the payment of a $426 million turbine purchase obligation due December 2015 and for general corporate purposes. In April 2014, MidAmerican Energy issued $150 million of 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due March 2019, $300 million of 3.50% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2024 and $400 million of 4.40% First Mortgage Bonds due October 2044. The net proceeds were used for the optional redemption in May 2014 of $350 million of MidAmerican Energy's 4.65% Senior Notes due October 2014 and for general corporate purposes. Through its commercial paper program, MidAmerican Energy received $240 million in 2018, made repayments totaling $99 million in 2016, made repayments totaling $502017 and received $99 million in 20152016.

In December 2017, MidAmerican Funding redeemed through a tender offer a portion of its 6.927% Senior Bonds. MidAmerican Funding made payments totaling $8 million in 2018 and received $50$133 million in 2014. MidAmerican Funding receivedand $9 million in 2017 and 2016, paid $3 million in 2015 and received $1 million in 2014respectively, through its note payable with BHE.

In January 2019, MidAmerican Energy issued $600 million of its 3.65% First Mortgage Bonds due April 2029 and $900 million of its 4.25% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2049. In February 2019, MidAmerican Energy redeemed $500 million of its 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due in March 2019 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.

Debt Authorizations and Related Matters

MidAmerican Energy has authority from the FERC to issue through July 31, 2020, commercial paper and bank notes aggregating $605 million through February 28, 2017, and $905 million from March 1, 2017, through February 28, 2019,$1.3 billion at interest rates not to exceed the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread of 400 basis points. MidAmerican Energy has a $600$900 million unsecured credit facility expiring in March 2018. MidAmerican Energy may request that the banks extend the credit facility upJune 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to two years.lender consent. The credit facility, which supports MidAmerican Energy's commercial paper program and its variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on LIBORthe Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at MidAmerican Energy's option, plus a spread that varies based on MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings for senior unsecured long-term debt securities. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has a $5 million unsecured credit facility for general corporate purposes.


MidAmerican Energy currently has an effective registration statement with the SEC to issue an indeterminate amount of long-term debt securities through September 16, 2018.June 26, 2021. Additionally, following the February 2017 issuance of $850 million of first mortgage bonds, MidAmerican Energy has authorization from the FERC to issue, through MarchAugust 31, 2017, long-term securities totaling up to $137 million at interest rates not to exceed the applicable United States Treasury rate plus a spread of 175 basis points and from the ICC to issue2019, preferred stock up to an aggregate of $500 million of additional long-term debt securities, of which $350 million expires March 15, 2018, and $150 million expires September 22, 2018.

In conjunction withfrom the March 1999 merger, MidAmerican Energy committed to the IUB to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain an investment grade rating on its long-term debt and to maintain its common equity level above 42% of total capitalization unless circumstances beyond its control result in the common equity level decreasing to below 39% of total capitalization. MidAmerican Energy must seek the approval of the IUB of a reasonable utility capital structure if MidAmerican Energy's common equity level decreases below 42% of total capitalization, unless the decrease is beyond the control of MidAmerican Energy. MidAmerican Energy is also required to seek the approval of the IUB if MidAmerican Energy's equity level decreases to below 39%, even if the decrease is due to circumstances beyond the control of MidAmerican Energy. If MidAmerican Energy's common equity level were to drop below the required thresholds, MidAmerican Energy's abilityICC to issue debt could be restricted. Aspreferred stock up to an aggregate of December 31, 2016, MidAmerican Energy's common equity ratio was 53% computed on a basis consistent with its commitment. As a result of MidAmerican Energy's regulatory commitment to maintain its common equity above certain thresholds, MidAmerican Energy could dividend $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2016, without falling below 42%, and MidAmerican Funding had restricted net assets of $3.1 billion.$500 million through November 1, 2020.

MidAmerican Funding or one of its subsidiaries, including MidAmerican Energy, may from time to time seek to acquire its outstanding debt securities through cash purchases in the open market, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Any debt securities repurchased by MidAmerican Funding or one of its subsidiaries may be reissued or resold by MidAmerican Funding or one of its subsidiaries from time to time and will depend on prevailing market conditions, the issuing company's liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Future Uses of Cash

MidAmerican Energy and MidAmerican Funding have available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external, including net cash flows from operating activities, public and private debt offerings, the issuance of commercial paper, the use of unsecured revolving credit facilities, and other sources. These sources are expected to provide funds required for current operations, capital expenditures, debt retirements and other capital requirements. The availability and terms under which MidAmerican Energy and MidAmerican Funding have access to external financing depends on a variety of factors, including their credit ratings, investors' judgment of risk and conditions in the overall capital markets, including the condition of the utility industry.


Capital Expenditures

MidAmerican Energy's primary need forEnergy has significant future capital is utility construction expenditures.requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, impacts to customers' rates; changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital.

MidAmerican Energy's historical and forecast capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Historical ForecastHistorical Forecast
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 20192016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
                      
Wind-powered generation development$767
 $931
 $943
 $843
 $880
 $1,438
$943
 $657
 $1,261
 $1,378
 $479
 $7
Wind-powered generation repowering
 
 67
 292
 132
 
67
 514
 422
 168
 236
 576
Transmission Multi-Value Projects144
 156
 119
 38
 37
 
119
 21
 50
 2
 
 
Other615
 359
 507
 678
 475
 341
507
 581
 599
 996
 722
 475
Total$1,526
 $1,446
 $1,636
 $1,851
 $1,524
 $1,779
$1,636
 $1,773
 $2,332
 $2,544
 $1,437
 $1,058

MidAmerican Energy's historical and forecast capital expenditures include the following:
The construction of wind-powered generating facilities in Iowa. As of December 31, 2016, MidAmerican Energy had 4,048 MWplaced in-service 817 MWs (nominal ratings) placedduring 2018, 334 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2017 and 600 MWs (nominal ratings) during 2016. MidAmerican Energy currently has two wind-powered generation construction projects in service. progress under ratemaking principles approved by the IUB.
In August 2016, the IUB issued an order approving ratemaking principles related to MidAmerican Energy's construction of up to 2,000 MWMWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities ("Wind XI"), including the additions in 2017 and 2018 and facilities expected to be placed in-service in service in 2017 through 2019. TheWind XI ratemaking principles establishestablished a cost cap of $3.6 billion, including AFUDC, and a fixed rate of return on equity of 11.0% over the proposed 40-year useful lives of those facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding. Additionally, the ratemaking principles modified the revenue sharing mechanism in effect prior to 2018. The revised sharing mechanism, which was effective for 2018, was triggered by MidAmerican Energy's actual equity return exceeding a weighted average return on equity of 10.7% for 2018. Pursuant to revenue sharing approved in the Wind XI order, MidAmerican Energy will share with customers 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger, or $70 million for 2018. Such revenue sharing will reduce generation rate base, which is intended to mitigate future base rate increases.
In May 2018, MidAmerican Energy filed with the IUB an application for ratemaking principles related to the construction of up to 591 MWs (nominal ratings) of additional wind-powered generating facilities ("Wind XII") expected to be placed in-service by the end of 2020. The filing requested a cost cap of $922 million, including AFUDC, a fixed rate of return on equity of 11.25% over the proposed 40-year useful lives of those facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding, and no change to the Wind XI revenue sharing mechanism. In September 2018, MidAmerican Energy filed with the IUB a settlement agreement signed by a majority of the parties to the ratemaking principles proceeding for Wind XII. The settlement agreement, which was approved by the IUB in December 2018, retains the $922 million cost cap, establishes a fixed rate of return on equity of 11.0% over the proposed 40-year useful lives of those facilities in any future Iowa rate proceeding and provides that all Iowa retail energy benefits from Wind XII will reduce rate base and be excluded from the Iowa energy adjustment clause. Additionally, the settlement agreement modifies the Wind XI revenue sharing mechanism, effective January 1, 2019, such that revenue sharing will be triggered each year by actual equity returns above a threshold calculated annually or 11%, whichever is less, and MidAmerican Energy will share with customers 90% of the revenue in excess of the trigger, instead of 100% sharing. The threshold will be calculated each year-end and will be the weighted average of equity returns authorized via ratemaking principles for certain rate base and, for remaining rate base, interest rates on 30-year single A-rated utility bond yields plus 400 basis points, with a minimum return of 9.5%.
The cost cap ensurescaps established by the Wind XI and Wind XII ratemaking principles ensure that as long as total costs for each project are below the cap, the investment will be deemed prudent in any future Iowa rate proceeding. Additionally, the ratemaking principles modify the revenue sharing mechanism currently in effect. The revised sharing mechanism will be effective in 2018 and will be triggered each year by actual equity returns exceeding the weighted average return on equity for MidAmerican Energy calculated annually. Pursuant to the change in revenue sharing, MidAmerican Energy will share 100% of the revenue in excess of this trigger with customers. Such revenue sharing will reduce coal and nuclear generation rate base, which is intended to mitigate future base rate increases. MidAmerican Energy expects all of these wind-powered generating facilities to qualify for 100% of federal production tax credits available.

The repowering of certain existingthe oldest of MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities in Iowa. This project entailsInternal Revenue Service ("IRS") rules provide for re-establishment of the production tax credit for an existing wind-powered generating facility upon the replacement of a significant componentsportion of its components. If the oldest turbinesdegree of component replacement meets IRS guidelines, production tax credits are re-established for ten years at rates that depend upon the date in which construction begins. Repowered facilities placed in-service totaled 222 MWs and $203 million in 2018 and 414 MWs and $465 million in 2017. Under MidAmerican Energy’s fleet.Energy's Iowa electric tariff, federal production tax credits related to facilities that were in-service prior to 2013 must be included in its Iowa energy adjustment clause. In August 2017, the IUB approved a tariff change that excludes from MidAmerican Energy's Iowa energy adjustment clause any future federal production tax credits related to these repowered facilities. The energy production from suchthe repowered facilities placed in-service as of December 31, 2018, is expected to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available for ten years following completion.each facility's return to service. Of the 1,615 MWs of current repowering projects not in-service as of December 31, 2018, 439 MWs are currently expected to qualify for 100% of the federal production tax credits available for ten years following each facility's return to service, 769 MWs are expected to qualify for 80% of such credits and 407 MWs are expected to qualify for 60% of such credits.
Transmission MVP investments. In 2012, MidAmerican Energy has approval from the MISO forstarted the construction of four MISO-approved MVPs located in Iowa and Illinois totaling approximately $520 million in capital expenditures, excluding non-cash equity AFUDC.Illinois. When complete, the four MVPs will have added approximately 250 miles of 345 kV345-kV transmission line to MidAmerican Energy's transmission system and will be owned and operated by MidAmerican Energy. As of December 31, 2016, MidAmerican Energy has invested $445 million since 2012, excluding non-cash equity AFUDC.2018, 224 miles of these MVP transmission lines have been placed in-service.
Remaining expenditures primarily relate to routine operating projects for distribution, generation, transmission and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.

Contractual Obligations

MidAmerican Energy and MidAmerican Funding have contractual cash obligations that may affect their financial condition. The following table summarizes the material contractual cash obligations of MidAmerican Energy and MidAmerican Funding as of December 31, 20162018 (in millions):
Payments Due By Periods  Payments Due By Periods  
  2018- 2020- 2022 and    2020- 2022- 2024 and  
2017 2019 2021 After Total2019 2021 2023 After Total
MidAmerican Energy:                  
Long-term debt$251
 $851
 $3
 $3,227
 $4,332
$500
 $2
 $315
 $4,611
 $5,428
Interest payments on long-term debt(1) (2)
192
 321
 293
 2,150
 2,956
213
 415
 414
 3,070
 4,112
Coal, electricity and natural gas contract commitments(1)
315
 218
 75
 82
 690
270
 227
 108
 66
 671
Construction commitments(1)
347
 7
 
 
 354
1,299
 28
 50
 
 1,377
Easements and operating leases(1)
20
 40
 38
 624
 722
27
 58
 60
 1,078
 1,223
Other commitments(1)
72
 181
 178
 210
 641
118
 343
 277
 224
 962
1,197
 1,618
 587
 6,293
 9,695
2,427
 1,073
 1,224
 9,049
 13,773
                  
MidAmerican Funding parent:                  
Long-term debt
 
 
 325
 325

 
 
 239
 239
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
22
 45
 45
 169
 281
17
 33
 33
 91
 174
22
 45
 45
 494
 606
17
 33
 33
 330
 413
Total contractual cash obligations$1,219
 $1,663
 $632
 $6,787
 $10,301
$2,444
 $1,106
 $1,257
 $9,379
 $14,186
(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)Includes interest payments for tax-exempt bond obligations with interest rates scheduled to reset periodically prior to maturity. Future variable interest rates are assumed to equal December 31, 20162018 rates.


MidAmerican Energy has other types of commitments that relate primarily to construction expenditures (in "Utility Construction"Capital Expenditures" section above) and asset retirement obligations beyond 20172018 (Note 12)11), which have not been included in the above table because the amount or timing of the cash payments is not certain. Refer to Notes 9, 128, 11 and 1513 in Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Regulatory Matters

MidAmerican Energy is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding MidAmerican Energy's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.

Quad Cities Generating Station Operating Status

Exelon Generation Company, LLC ("Exelon Generation"), the operator of Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station") of which MidAmerican Energy has a 25% ownership interest, announced on June 2, 2016, its intention to shut down Quad Cities Station on June 1, 2018, as a result of Illinois not passing adequate legislation and Quad Cities Station not clearing the 2019-2020 PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. capacity auction. MidAmerican Energy expressed to Exelon Generation its desire for the continued operation of the facility through the end of its operating license in 2032 and worked with Exelon Generation on solutions to that end. In December 2016, Illinois passed legislation creating a zero emission standard.standard, which went into effect June 1, 2017. The zero emission standard requires the Illinois Power Agency to purchase zero emission credits ("ZEC's") and recover the costs from certain ratepayers in Illinois, subject to certain limitations. The proceeds from the zero emission credits will provide Exelon Generation additional revenue through 2027 as an incentive for continued operation of Quad Cities Station. For the nuclear assets already in rate base, MidAmerican Energy's customers will not be charged for the subsidy, and MidAmerican Energy will not receive additional revenue from the subsidy.


On February 14, 2017, two lawsuits were filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ("Northern District of Illinois") against the Illinois Power Agency alleging that the state's zero emission credit program violates certain provisions of the United States Constitution. Both complaints argue that the Illinois zero emission credit program will distort the FERC's energy and capacity market auction system of setting wholesale prices. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation intervened and filed motions to dismiss in both lawsuits. On July 14, 2017, the Northern District of Illinois granted the motions to dismiss. On July 17, 2017, the plaintiffs filed appeals with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ("Seventh Circuit"). On May 29, 2018, the United States Department of Justice and the FERC filed an amicus brief arguing federal rules do not preempt Illinois' ZEC program. On September 13, 2018, the Seventh Circuit upheld the Northern District of Illinois' ruling concluding that Illinois' ZEC program does not violate the Federal Power Act, and is thus, constitutional. On January 7, 2019, plaintiffs filed a petition seeking review of the case by the United States Supreme Court.

On January 9, 2017, the Electric Power Supply Association filed two requests with the FERC seeking to expand Minimum Offer Price Rule ("MOPR") provisions to apply to existing resources receiving zero emission credit compensation. If successful, an expanded MOPR could result in an increased risk of Quad Cities Station not clearing in future capacity auctions and Exelon Generation no longer receiving capacity revenues for the facility. As majority owner and operator of Quad Cities Station, Exelon Generation has filed protests at the FERC in response to each filing. The timing of the FERC's decision with respect to both proceedings is currently unknown and the outcome of these matters is currently uncertain.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

MidAmerican Energy is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact its current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by the EPA and various federal, state and local agencies. All such laws and regulations are subject to a range of interpretation, which may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and MidAmerican Energy is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results. MidAmerican Energy believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for MidAmerican Energy's forecast environmental-related capital expenditures.regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt securities of MidAmerican Energy are rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of MidAmerican Energy's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt securities. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings for its senior secured debt and its issuer credit ratings for senior unsecured debt from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. As a result of the issuance of first mortgage bonds by MidAmerican Energy in September 2013, its then outstanding senior unsecured debt was equally and ratably secured with such first mortgage bonds. Refer to Note 98 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of MidAmerican Energy's first mortgage bonds.

MidAmerican Funding and MidAmerican Energy have no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of its outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. MidAmerican Energy's unsecured revolving credit facilities do not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon their availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facilities are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.


In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base MidAmerican Energy's collateral requirements on its credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in MidAmerican Energy's creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy would have been required to post $106 million of additional collateral. MidAmerican Energy's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. Refer to Note 13 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of MidAmerican Energy's collateral requirements specific to its derivative contracts.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where MidAmerican Energy operates have not had a significant impact on its financial results. MidAmerican Energy operates under cost-of-service based rate structures administered by various state commissions and the FERC. Under these rate structures, MidAmerican Energy is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation. MidAmerican Energy attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of fuel, energy and other cost adjustment clauses and bill riders, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, inflation's impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs, and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting MidAmerican Energy and MidAmerican Funding, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by MidAmerican Energy's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with MidAmerican Energy's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

MidAmerican Energy prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, MidAmerican Energy defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

MidAmerican Energy continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition, that could limit MidAmerican Energy's ability to recover its costs. MidAmerican Energy believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate, and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"). Total regulatory assets were $1.2 billion$273 million and total regulatory liabilities were $883$1,620 million as of December 31, 2016.2018. Refer to Note 65 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding regulatory assets and liabilities.


Income Taxes

In determining MidAmerican Funding's and MidAmerican Energy's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by MidAmerican Energy's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. MidAmerican Funding's and MidAmerican Energy's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. MidAmerican Funding and MidAmerican Energy recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of their federal, state and local tax examinations is uncertain, each company believes it has made adequate provisions for its income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. Refer to Note 109 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding income taxes.

It is probable that MidAmerican Energy is required towill pass income tax benefits and expenses related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property-related basis differences and other various differences on to its customers in Iowa. Thesecustomers. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory asset totaling $985liability of $626 million as of December 31, 2016, and will be included in regulated rates when the associated temporary differences reverse.

Impairment of Goodwill

MidAmerican Funding's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016,2018, includes goodwill from the acquisition of MHC totaling $1.3 billion. Goodwill is allocated to each reporting unit. MidAmerican Funding evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. Additionally, no indicators of impairment were identified as of December 31, 2016.2018. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. MidAmerican Funding uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. Estimated future cash flows are impacted by, among other factors, growth rates, changes in regulations and rates, ability to renew contracts and estimates of future commodity prices. In estimating future cash flows, MidAmerican Funding incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

MidAmerican Energy sponsors defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans that cover the majority of the employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries other than PacifiCorp and NV Energy Inc. MidAmerican Energy recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the Balance Sheets. Funded status is the fair value of plan assets minus the benefit obligation as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy recognized a net liability totaling $70$87 million for the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. As of December 31, 2016,2018, amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that were included in regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities totaled $40 million and $12 million, respectively.$62 million.

The expense and benefit obligations relating to these defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and healthcare cost trend rates. These key assumptions are reviewed annually and modified as appropriate. MidAmerican Energy believes that the assumptions utilized in recording obligations under the plans are reasonable based on prior plan experience and current market and economic conditions. Refer to Note 1110 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures about MidAmerican Energy's defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including the key assumptions used to calculate the funded status and net periodic benefit cost for these plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.

MidAmerican Energy chooses a discount rate based upon high quality debt security investment yields in effect as of the measurement date that corresponds to the expected benefit period. The pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities increase as the discount rate is reduced.


In establishing its assumption as to the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, MidAmerican Energy utilizes the expected asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets. Pension and other postretirement benefits expense increases as the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets decreases. MidAmerican Energy regularly reviews its actual asset allocations and rebalances its investments to its targeted allocations when considered appropriate.

MidAmerican Energy chooses a healthcare cost trend rate that reflects the near and long-term expectations of increases in medical costs and corresponds to the expected benefit payment periods. The healthcare cost trend rate is assumed to gradually decline to 5% by 2025 at which point the rate of increase is assumed to remain constant. Refer to Note 1110 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for healthcare cost trend rate sensitivity disclosures.

The key assumptions used may differ materially from period to period due to changing market and economic conditions. These differences may result in a significant impact to pension and other postretirement benefits expense and the funded status. If changes were to occur for the following key assumptions, the approximate effect on the Financial Statements of the total plan before allocations to affiliates would be as follows (in millions):
  Other Postretirement  Other Postretirement
Pension Plans Benefit PlansPension Plans Benefit Plans
+0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%+0.5% -0.5% +0.5% -0.5%
Effect on December 31, 2016 Benefit Obligations:       
Effect on December 31, 2018 Benefit Obligations:       
Discount rate$(36) $40
 $(9) $10
$(34) $37
 $(9) $10
              
Effect on 2016 Periodic Cost:       
Effect on 2018 Periodic Cost:       
Discount rate1
 (1) 
 
2
 (2) 
 
Expected rate of return on plan assets(3) 3
 (1) 1
(3) 3
 (1) 1

A variety of factors affect the funded status of the plans, including asset returns, discount rates, plan changes and MidAmerican Energy's funding policy for each plan.

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue from electric and natural gas customers is recognized as electricity or natural gas is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters and rates. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $87$88 million as of December 31, 2016.2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Unbilled revenue is reversed in the following month, and billed revenue is recorded based on the subsequent meter readings.


Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

MidAmerican Energy's Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. MidAmerican Energy's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which it transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with MidAmerican Energy's business activities. MidAmerican Energy has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to NotesNote 2 and 13 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding MidAmerican Energy's contracts accounted for as derivatives.


Commodity Price Risk

MidAmerican Energy is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. MidAmerican Energy is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as it has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather; market liquidity; generating facility availability; customer usage; storage; and transmission and transportation constraints. Commodity price risk for MidAmerican Energy’sEnergy's regulated retail electricity and natural gas operations is significantly mitigated by the inclusion of energy costs in energy cost rider mechanisms, which permit the current recovery of such costs from its retail customers. MidAmerican Energy uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements to mitigate price volatility on behalf of its customers. MidAmerican Energy does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities, and following the January 1, 2016 transfer of MidAmerican Energy's unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of BHE, MidAmerican Energy no longer provides nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets.

Interest Rate Risk

MidAmerican Energy and MidAmerican Funding are exposed to interest rate risk on their outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. MidAmerican Energy and MidAmerican Funding manage interest rate risk by limiting their exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, the fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose MidAmerican Energy or MidAmerican Funding to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if MidAmerican Energy or MidAmerican Funding were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. MidAmerican Energy or MidAmerican Funding may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate their exposure to interest rate risk. The nature and amount of their short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 7, 8 9 and 1412 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of MidAmerican Energy's and MidAmerican Funding's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, MidAmerican Energy had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $319$610 million and $195$370 million, respectively, that expose MidAmerican Energy to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. The market risk related to MidAmerican Energy's variable-rate debt as of December 31, 2016,2018, is not hedged. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on MidAmerican Energy's annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017.

Credit Risk

MidAmerican Energy is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy participates in the regional transmission organization ("RTO") markets and has indirect credit exposure related to other participants, although RTO credit policies are designed to limit exposure to credit losses from individual participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent MidAmerican Energy's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, MidAmerican Energy analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty, and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, MidAmerican Energy enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, MidAmerican Energy exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.


Substantially all of MidAmerican Energy's electric wholesale sales revenue results from participation in RTOs, including the MISO and the PJM. MidAmerican Energy's share of historical losses from defaults by other RTO market participants has not been material. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy's aggregate direct credit exposure from electric wholesale marketing counterparties was not material.


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

MidAmerican Energy Company


MidAmerican Funding, LLC and Subsidiaries



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM




To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
MidAmerican Energy Company


MidAmerican Funding, LLC and Subsidiaries




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
MidAmerican Energy Company
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy") as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and2017, the related statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included MidAmerican Energy's financial statement2018, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(ii)(2) (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MidAmerican Energy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of MidAmerican Energy's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on theMidAmerican Energy's financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 MidAmerican Energy 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. MidAmerican Energy is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding 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 MidAmerican Energy's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes

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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MidAmerican Energy Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, MidAmerican Energy transferred its assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of its parent, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, on January 1, 2016.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
February 24, 201722, 2019

We have served as MidAmerican Energy's auditor since 1999.


MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)
As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$14
 $103
$
 $172
Receivables, net285
 342
Accounts receivable, net367
 344
Income taxes receivable9
 104

 51
Inventories264
 238
204
 245
Other current assets35
 58
90
 134
Total current assets607
 845
661
 946
      
Property, plant and equipment, net12,821
 11,723
16,159
 14,207
Regulatory assets1,161
 1,044
273
 204
Investments and restricted cash and investments653
 634
Investments and restricted investments708
 728
Other assets217
 139
119
 233
      
Total assets$15,459
 $14,385
$17,920
 $16,318

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$303
 $426
$575
 $452
Accrued interest45
 46
53
 48
Accrued property, income and other taxes137
 125
300
 132
Short-term debt99
 
240
 
Current portion of long-term debt250
 34
500
 350
Other current liabilities159
 166
122
 128
Total current liabilities993
 797
1,790
 1,110
      
Long-term debt4,051
 4,237
4,881
 4,692
Regulatory liabilities1,620
 1,661
Deferred income taxes3,572
 3,061
2,322
 2,237
Regulatory liabilities883
 831
Asset retirement obligations510
 488
552
 528
Other long-term liabilities290
 266
309
 326
Total liabilities10,299
 9,680
11,474
 10,554
      
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
 
      
Shareholder's equity:      
Common stock - 350 shares authorized, no par value, 71 shares issued and outstanding
 

 
Additional paid-in capital561
 561
561
 561
Retained earnings4,599
 4,174
5,885
 5,203
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 (30)
Total shareholder's equity5,160
 4,705
6,446
 5,764
      
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$15,459
 $14,385
$17,920
 $16,318

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
Regulated electric$1,985
 $1,837
 $1,817
$2,283
 $2,108
 $1,985
Regulated gas and other640
 665
 1,005
Regulated natural gas and other766
 729
 640
Total operating revenue2,625
 2,502
 2,822
3,049
 2,837
 2,625
          
Operating costs and expenses:     
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity409
 433
 532
Cost of gas sold and other367
 398
 720
Operating expenses:     
Cost of fuel and energy487
 434
 409
Cost of natural gas purchased for resale and other466
 442
 367
Operations and maintenance693
 705
 717
811
 799
 708
Depreciation and amortization479
 407
 351
609
 500
 479
Property and other taxes112
 110
 108
125
 119
 112
Total operating costs and expenses2,060
 2,053
 2,428
Total operating expenses2,498
 2,294
 2,075
          
Operating income565
 449
 394
551
 543
 550
          
Other income and (expense):     
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(196) (183) (174)(227) (214) (196)
Allowance for borrowed funds8
 8
 16
20
 15
 8
Allowance for equity funds19
 20
 39
53
 41
 19
Other, net14
 5
 10
30
 37
 29
Total other income and (expense)(155) (150) (109)
Total other income (expense)(124) (121) (140)
          
Income before income tax benefit410
 299
 285
427
 422
 410
Income tax benefit(132) (147) (116)(255) (183) (132)
          
Income from continuing operations542
 446
 401
     
Discontinued operations (Note 3):     
Income from discontinued operations
 22
 28
Income tax expense
 6
 12
Income on discontinued operations
 16
 16
     
Net income$542
 $462
 $417
$682
 $605
 $542

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
      
Net income$542
 $462
 $417
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $1, $- and $13
 
 1
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $-, $(4) and $(10)
 (7) (13)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax3
 (7) (12)
      
Comprehensive income$545
 $455
 $405
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$682
 $605
 $542
      
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:     
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax of $-, $- and $1
 
 3
      
Comprehensive income$682
 $605
 $545

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

    Accumulated        Accumulated  
    Other    Additional   Other Total
Common Retained Comprehensive TotalCommon Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholder's
Stock Earnings Loss, Net EquityStock Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
                
Balance, December 31, 2013$561
 $3,295
 $(11) $3,845
Balance, December 31, 2015$
 $561
 $4,174
 $(30) $4,705
Net income
 417
 
 417

 
 542
 
 542
Other comprehensive income
 
 (12) (12)
 
 
 3
 3
Balance, December 31, 2014561
 3,712
 (23) 4,250
Dividend of unregulated retail services business
 
 (117) 27
 (90)
Balance, December 31, 2016
 561
 4,599
 
 5,160
Net income
 462
 
 462

 
 605
 
 605
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (7) (7)
Balance, December 31, 2015561
 4,174
 (30) 4,705
Other equity transactions
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Balance, December 31, 2017
 561
 5,203
 
 5,764
Net income
 542
 
 542

 
 682
 
 682
Other comprehensive loss
 
 3
 3
Dividend (Note 3)
 (117) 27
 (90)
Balance, December 31, 2016$561
 $4,599
 $
 $5,160
Balance, December 31, 2018$
 $561
 $5,885
 $
 $6,446

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$542
 $462
 $417
$682
 $605
 $542
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization479
 407
 351
609
 500
 479
Amortization of utility plant to other operating expenses34
 34
 37
Allowance for equity funds(53) (41) (19)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits361
 275
 300
33
 332
 361
Changes in other assets and liabilities47
 49
 47
Other, net(91) (58) (57)13
 (15) (62)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:          
Receivables, net(61) 91
 (3)
Accounts receivable and other assets(25) (60) (60)
Inventories(27) (53) 44
41
 19
 (27)
Derivative collateral, net5
 33
 (53)(1) 2
 5
Contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net(6) (8) (2)(13) (11) (6)
Accounts payable39
 (76) 30
Accrued property, income and other taxes, net107
 217
 (252)218
 (41) 107
Other current assets and liabilities8
 12
 1
Accounts payable and other liabilities(30) 72
 46
Net cash flows from operating activities1,403
 1,351
 823
1,508
 1,396
 1,403
          
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Utility construction expenditures(1,636) (1,446) (1,526)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(138) (142) (88)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities158
 135
 80
Capital expenditures(2,332) (1,773) (1,636)
Purchases of marketable securities(263) (143) (138)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities223
 137
 158
Proceeds from sales of other investments
 
 8
17
 2
 
Other investment proceeds15
 1
 
Other, net1
 3
 5
30
 
 11
Net cash flows from investing activities(1,615) (1,450) (1,521)(2,310) (1,776) (1,605)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from long-term debt62
 649
 840
687
 990
 62
Repayments of long-term debt(38) (426) (356)(350) (255) (38)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt99
 (50) 50
240
 (99) 99
Other, net
 
 (1)(1) 
 
Net cash flows from financing activities123
 173
 533
576
 636
 123
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(89) 74
 (165)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year103
 29
 194
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$14
 $103
 $29
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(226) 256
 (79)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year282
 26
 105
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of year$56
 $282
 $26


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Company Organization and Operations

MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy") is a public utility with electric and natural gas operations and is the principal subsidiary of MHC Inc. ("MHC"). MHC is a holding company that conducts no business other than the ownership of its subsidiaries and related corporate services. MHC's nonregulated subsidiaries include Midwest Capital Group, Inc. and MEC Construction Services Co. MHC is the direct wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding, LLC, ("MidAmerican Funding"), which is an Iowa limited liability company with Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") as its sole member. BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

MidAmerican Energy's utility operations are subject to the regulation of the Iowa Utilities Board ("IUB"), the Illinois Commerce Commission ("ICC"), the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). MidAmerican Energy's accounting policies and the accompanying Financial Statements conform to GAAP applicable to rate-regulated enterprises and reflect the effects of the ratemaking process.

MidAmerican Energy prepares its financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, MidAmerican Energy defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

MidAmerican Energy continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition, that could limit MidAmerican Energy's ability to recover its costs. MidAmerican Energy believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate, and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.


Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents is comprised of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax exempt bond agreements. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and investments and restricted cash and investments on the Balance Sheets.

Investments

Fixed Maturity Securities

MidAmerican Energy's management determines the appropriate classification of investments in debt and equityfixed maturity securities at the acquisition date and reevaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Investments that management does not intend to use or is restricted from using in current operations are presented as noncurrent on the Balance Sheets.

Available-for-sale securitiesinvestments are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses, as determined on a specific identification basis, recognized in earnings and unrealized gains and losses recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of the Quad Cities Generating Station Units 1 and 2 ("Quad Cities Station") are recorded as a net regulatory liability because MidAmerican Energy expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates. Trading investments are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. The difference between the original cost and maturity value of a fixed maturity security is amortized to earnings using the interest method.

Investments gains and losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other-than-temporarily impaired.impaired with respect to securities classified as available-for-sale. If a decline inthe value of ana fixed maturity investment declines to below amortized cost and the decline is deemed other than temporary, the amortized cost of the investment is written downreduced to fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. Factors considered in judging whether an impairment is other than temporary include: the financial condition, business prospects and creditworthiness of the issuer; the relative amount of the decline; MidAmerican Energy's ability and intent to hold the investment until the fair value recovers; and the length of time that fair value has been less than cost. Impairment losses on equity securities are charged to earnings. With respect to an investment in a debt security, anyAny resulting impairment loss is recognized in earnings if MidAmerican Energy intends to sell, or expects to be required to sell, the debt security before its amortized cost is recovered. If MidAmerican Energy does not expect to ultimately recover the amortized cost basis even if it does not intend to sell the security, the credit loss component is recognized in earnings and any difference between fair value and the amortized cost basis, net of the credit loss, is reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). For regulated investments, any impairment charge is offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset to the extent recovery in regulated rates is probable.

Equity Securities

All changes in fair value of equity securities in a trust related to the decommissioning of nuclear generation assets are recorded as a net regulatory liability since MidAmerican Energy expects to recover costs for these activities through regulated rates.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Receivables are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on MidAmerican Energy's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to it by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $7 million and $6 million, respectively, and is included in receivables, net on the Balance Sheets.

Derivatives

MidAmerican Energy employs a number of different derivative contracts, including forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage price risk for electricity, natural gas and other commodities, and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements. Cash collateral received from or paid to counterparties to secure derivative contract assets or liabilities in excess of amounts offset is included in other current assets on the Balance Sheets.


Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked to market, and settled amounts are recognized as operating revenue or cost of sales on the Statements of Operations.


For MidAmerican Energy's derivatives not designated as hedging contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities.

For MidAmerican Energy's derivatives designated as hedging contracts, MidAmerican Energy formally assesses, at inception and thereafter, whether the hedging contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in the hedged item. MidAmerican Energy formally documents hedging activity by transaction type and risk management strategy. Changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative contract designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to the extent effective, are included on the Statements of Changes in Equity as AOCI, net of tax, until the contract settles and the hedged item is recognized in earnings. All of MidAmerican Energy's derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and the related AOCI were transferred to a subsidiary of BHE on January 1, 2016, as discussed in Note 3.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of coal stocks, totaling $137$51 million and $102$117 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, materials and supplies, totaling $99$124 million and $105$100 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, and natural gas in storage, totaling $24 million and $27 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively.2017. The cost of materials and supplies, coal stocks and fuel oil is determined using the average cost method. The cost of stored natural gas is determined using the last-in-first-out method. With respect to stored natural gas, the replacement cost would be $27$14 million and $8$22 million higher as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

Utility Plant, Net

General

Additions to utility plant are recorded at cost. MidAmerican Energy capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC") and equity AFUDC. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has regulatory arrangements in Iowa in which the carrying cost of certain utility plant has been reduced for amounts associated with electric returns on equity exceeding specified thresholds.thresholds and retail energy benefits associated with certain wind-powered generation. Amounts expensed under this arrangement are included as a component of depreciation and amortization.

Depreciation and amortization for MidAmerican Energy's utility operations are computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by its various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by MidAmerican Energy to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as either a cost of removal regulatory liability or an ARO liability on the Balance Sheets, depending on whether the obligation meets the requirements of an ARO. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally, when MidAmerican Energy retires or sells a component of utility plant, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of nonregulated assets is recorded through earnings.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of its regulated facilities, is capitalized by MidAmerican Energy as a component of utility plant, with offsetting credits to the Statements of Operations. AFUDC is computed based on guidelines set forth by the FERC. After construction is completed, MidAmerican Energy is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets.


Asset Retirement Obligations

MidAmerican Energy recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. MidAmerican Energy's AROs are primarily related to decommissioning of the Quad Cities Station and obligations associated with its other generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to utility plant) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in utility plant, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.


Impairment

MidAmerican Energy evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including utility plant, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value. The impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets. For all other assets, any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Statements of Operations.

Revenue Recognition

MidAmerican Energy uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which MidAmerican Energy expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. MidAmerican Energy records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Statements of Operations.

A majority of MidAmerican Energy's energy revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of revenue recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 840, "Leases" and amounts not considered Customer Revenue within ASC 606.

Revenue from electric and natural gas customers is recognized as electricity or natural gas is delivered or services are provided. Revenue recognized includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, unbilled revenue was $87$88 million and $138$89 million, respectively, and is included in receivables, net on the Balance Sheets.

The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of customer meters and applicable rates. At the end of each month, amounts of energy provided to customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of customer classes. Unbilled revenue is reversed in the following month and billed revenue is recorded based on the subsequent meter readings.

All of MidAmerican Energy's regulated retail electric and natural gas sales are subject to energy adjustment clauses. MidAmerican Energy also has costs that are recovered, at least in part, through bill riders, including demand-side management and certain transmission costs. The clauses and riders allow MidAmerican Energy to adjust the amounts charged for electric and natural gas service as the related costs change. The costs recovered in revenue through use of the adjustment clauses and bill riders are charged to expense in the same year the related revenue is recognized. At any given time, these costs may be over or under collected from customers. The total under collection included in receivables at December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, was $31$56 million and $17$72 million, respectively.

MidAmerican Energy collects from its customers sales and excise taxes assessed by governmental authorities on transactions with customers and later remits the collected taxes to the appropriate authority. If the obligation to pay a particular tax resides with the customer, MidAmerican Energy reports such taxes collected on a net basis and, accordingly, they do not affect the Statement of Operations. Taxes for which the obligation resides with MidAmerican Energy are reported on a gross basis in operating revenue and operating expenses. The amounts reported on a gross basis are not material.

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and issuance costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing using the effective interest method.


Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes MidAmerican Funding and MidAmerican Energy in its consolidated United States federal and Iowa state income tax return.returns. MidAmerican Funding's and MidAmerican Energy's provisions for income taxes have been computed on a stand-alone basis.


Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of OCI are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that MidAmerican Energy is requireddeems probable to passbe passed on to its customers in Iowamost state jurisdictions are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory asset totaling $985 million and $858 million, respectively,liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties or as prescribed by various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions.

In determining MidAmerican Funding's and MidAmerican Energy's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by MidAmerican Energy's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. MidAmerican Funding's and MidAmerican Energy's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. MidAmerican Funding and MidAmerican Energy recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of their federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, each company believes it has made adequate provisions for its income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. MidAmerican Funding's and MidAmerican Energy's unrecognized tax benefits are primarily included in taxes accrued and other long-term liabilities on their respective Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2016,August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-18,2018-14, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance modify the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments in this guidance remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The updated disclosure requirements make a number of changes to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. MidAmerican Energy elected to early adopt ASU No. 2018-14 for period ending December 31, 2018. The adoption did not have a material impact on MidAmerican Energy's Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. MidAmerican Energy adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans totaling $20 million and $15 million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Statements of Operations of participating subsidiaries, of which $18 million and $15 million, respectively, relates to MidAmerican Energy.


In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, “Statement"Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively, wherein the statement of cash flows of each period presented should be adjusted to reflect the new guidance. MidAmerican Energy is currently evaluatingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material impact of adopting this guidance on its Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. MidAmerican Energy is currently evaluatingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material impact of adopting this guidance on its Financial Statements.


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. MidAmerican Energy is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in-effect. MidAmerican Energy is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 825-10, "Financial Instruments - Overall." The amendments in this guidance address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments including a requirement that all investments in equity securities that do not qualify for equity method accounting or result in consolidation of the investee be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption not permitted, and is required to be adopted prospectively by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. MidAmerican Energy is currently evaluatingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material impact of adopting this guidance on its Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which createscreated FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606") and supersedessuperseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replacesreplaced industry-specific guidance and establishesestablished a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue.revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue"). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally,Following the guidance requires the entity to disclose further quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature and amount of revenues arising from contracts with customers, as well as other information about the significant judgments and estimates used in recognizing revenues from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No.2015-14, which defers the effective dateissuance of ASU No. 2014-09, one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. During 2016, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarifyclarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but dodid not change the core principle of the guidance. ThisMidAmerican Energy adopted this guidance may be adopted retrospectively orfor all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method whereand the adoption did not have a cumulative effect is recognizedimpact at the date of initial application. MidAmerican Energy is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Financial Statements. MidAmerican Energy currently does not expect the timing and amount of revenue currently recognized to be materially different after adoption of the new guidance as a majority of revenue is recognized equal to what MidAmerican Energy has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of MidAmerican Energy’s performance to date. MidAmerican Energy's current plan is to quantitatively disaggregate revenue in the required financial statement footnote by jurisdiction for each segment.adoption.

(3)
Discontinued Operations

On January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy transferred the assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of BHE. The transfer was made at MidAmerican Energy’s carrying value of the assets, liabilities and AOCI as of December 31, 2015, and was recorded by MidAmerican Energy as a noncash dividend. Financial results of the unregulated retail services business for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, have been reclassified to discontinued operations in the Statements of Operations.

Significant line items constituting pre-tax income from discontinued operations and total cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):
  2015 2014
     
Operating revenue $905
 $918
Cost of sales $854
 $863
     
Cash flows from operating activities $30
 $(22)


Assets, liabilities and equity of the unregulated retail services business reflected in the Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in millions):
Receivables $115
Derivative assets 41
Deferred income taxes 21
Accounts payable (49)
Derivative liabilities (42)
Other assets and liabilities, net 4
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net 27
Equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss, net (117)

(4)(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):

Depreciable Life 2016 2015Depreciable Life 2018 2017
        
Utility plant in service:        
Generation20-70 years $11,282
 $10,404
20-70 years $13,727
 $12,107
Transmission52-75 years 1,726
 1,305
52-75 years 1,934
 1,838
Electric distribution20-75 years 3,197
 3,059
20-75 years 3,672
 3,380
Gas distribution28-70 years 1,565
 1,507
Natural gas distribution29-75 years 1,726
 1,640
Utility plant in service 17,770
 16,275
 21,059
 18,965
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (5,448) (5,229) (5,941) (5,561)
Utility plant in service, net 12,322
 11,046
 15,118
 13,404
Nonregulated property, net:        
Nonregulated property gross20-50 years 7
 15
20-50 years 7
 7
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1) (5) (1) (1)
Nonregulated property, net 6
 10
 6
 6
 12,328
 11,056
 15,124
 13,410
Construction work-in-progress 493
 667
 1,035
 797
Property, plant and equipment, net $12,821
 $11,723
 $16,159
 $14,207

Nonregulated property includes land, computer software and other assets not recoverable for regulated utility purposes. Computer software reflected in nonregulated property for 2015 was transferred to a subsidiary of BHE on January 1, 2016.

The average depreciation and amortization rates applied to depreciable utility plant for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Electric2.8% 3.0% 2.8%2.9% 2.6% 2.8%
Gas2.9% 2.9% 2.8%
Natural gas2.8% 2.7% 2.9%

During the fourth quarter of 2016, MidAmerican Energy revised its electric and natural gas depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study, the most significant impact of which was longer estimated useful lives for certain wind-powered generating facilities. The effect of this change was to reduce depreciation and amortization expense by $3 million in 2016 and $34 million annually based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.


(5)(4)    Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements with other utilities, MidAmerican Energy, as a tenant in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation and transmission facilities. MidAmerican Energy accounts for its proportionate share of each facility, and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Statements of Operations include MidAmerican Energy's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent MidAmerican Energy's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 (dollars in millions):
    Accumulated Construction    Accumulated Construction
Company Plant in Depreciation and Work-in-Company Plant in Depreciation and Work-in-
Share Service Amortization ProgressShare Service Amortization Progress
              
Louisa Unit No. 188.0% $766
 $418
 $9
88% $822
 $443
 $8
Quad Cities Unit Nos. 1 & 2(1)
25.0
 689
 367
 7
25
 723
 407
 10
Walter Scott, Jr. Unit No. 379.1
 614
 303
 1
79
 641
 304
 2
Walter Scott, Jr. Unit No. 4(2)
59.7
 448
 101
 2
60
 454
 167
 1
George Neal Unit No. 440.6
 307
 154
 1
41
 310
 164
 2
Ottumwa Unit No. 152.0
 548
 191
 13
52
 630
 209
 6
George Neal Unit No. 372.0
 426
 174
 1
72
 442
 196
 3
Transmission facilities(3)
Various
 247
 86
 1
Various
 257
 92
 
Total  $4,045
 $1,794
 $35
  $4,279
 $1,982
 $32
(1)Includes amounts related to nuclear fuel.
(2)Plant in service and accumulated depreciation and amortization amounts are net of credits applied under Iowa revenue sharing arrangements totaling $319 million and $75$88 million, respectively.
(3)Includes 345 and 161 kilovolt transmission lines and substations.

(6)(5)Regulatory Matters

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future regulated rates. MidAmerican Energy's regulatory assets reflected on the Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Average    Average    
Remaining Life 2016 2015Remaining Life 2018 2017
        
Deferred income taxes, net(1)
29 years $985
 $858
Asset retirement obligations(2)
9 years 105
 94
Employee benefit plans(3)
11 years 40
 39
Asset retirement obligations(1)
12 years $160
 $133
Employee benefit plans(2)
14 years 62
 38
Unrealized loss on regulated derivative contracts1 year 2
 20
1 year 19
 6
OtherVarious 29
 33
Various 32
 27
Total $1,161
 $1,044
 $273
 $204
(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax benefits related to state accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously flowed through to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.
(2)Amount predominantly relates to asset retirement obligations for fossil-fueled and wind-powered generating facilities. Refer to Note 1211 for a discussion of asset retirement obligations.
(3)(2)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.

MidAmerican Energy had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $1.2 billion$269 million and $1.0 billion$200 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.


Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts to be returned to customers in future periods. MidAmerican Energy's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2016 2015
      
Cost of removal accrual(1)
29 years $665
 $653
Asset retirement obligations(2)
36 years 117
 140
Pre-funded AFUDC on transmission MVPs(3)
56 years 35
 19
Iowa electric revenue sharing accrual(4)
1 year 30
 
Employee benefit plans(5)
11 years 12
 
Unrealized gain on regulated derivative contracts1 year 6
 
OtherVarious 18
 19
Total  $883
 $831
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Cost of removal accrual(1)
29 years $708
 $688
Deferred income taxes(2)
29 years 626
 681
Asset retirement obligations(3)
34 years 160
 173
Employee benefit plans(4)
N/A 
 41
Pre-funded AFUDC on transmission MVPs(5)
54 years 36
 35
Iowa electric revenue sharing accrual(6)
1 year 70
 26
OtherVarious 20
 17
Total  $1,620
 $1,661
(1)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing utility plant in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.
(2)
Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities primarily related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to state accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. See Note 9 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.
(3)Amount predominantly represents the excess of nuclear decommission trust assets over the related asset retirement obligation. Refer to Note 1211 for a discussion of asset retirement obligations.
(3)(4)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are to be returned to customers in future periods when recognized.
(5)Represents AFUDC accrued on transmission MVPs that is deducted from rate base as a result of the inclusion of related construction work-in-progress in rate base.
(4)(6)Represents current-year accruals under a regulatory arrangement in Iowa in which equity returns exceeding specified thresholds reduce utility plant upon final determination.
(5)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are to be returned to customers in future periods when recognized.

(7)(6)Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments

Investments and restricted cash and investments consists of the following amounts as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Nuclear decommissioning trust$460
 $429
$504
 $515
Rabbi trusts184
 175
191
 198
Auction rate securities
 26
Other9
 4
13
 15
Total$653
 $634
$708
 $728

MidAmerican Energy has established a trust for the investment of funds for decommissioning the Quad Cities Station. These investments inThe debt and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale andin the trust are reported at fair value. Funds are invested in the trust in accordance with applicable federal and state investment guidelines and are restricted for use as reimbursement for costs of decommissioning the Quad Cities Station, which is currently licensed for operation until December 2032. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the fair value of the trust's funds was invested as follows: 54%51% and 56%, respectively, in domestic common equity securities, 35%37% and 31%34%, respectively, in United States government securities, 8%9% and 9%7%, respectively, in domestic corporate debt securities and 3% and 4%3%, respectively, in other securities.

Rabbi trusts primarily hold corporate-owned life insurance on certain current and former key executives and directors. The Rabbi trusts were established to hold investments used to fund the obligations of various nonqualified executive and director compensation plans and to pay the costs of the trusts. The amount represents the cash surrender value of all of the policies included in the Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value. Changes in the cash surrender value of the policies are reflected in other income and (expense) - other, net on the Statements of Operation.


MidAmerican Energy had investments in interest bearing auction rate securities with a par value of $35 million as of December 31, 2015. MidAmerican Energy considered the securities to be temporarily impaired, except for an other-than-temporary impairment of $3 million, after-tax, recorded in 2008, and had recorded unrealized losses on the securities of $3 million, after tax, in AOCI as of December 31, 2015. All of the securities were redeemed at par value during 2016, and MidAmerican Energy recorded a $3 million after-tax gain as a result of the previous other-than-temporary impairment.

(8)(7)    Short-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

Interim financing of working capital needs and the construction program is obtained from unaffiliated parties through the sale of commercial paper or short-term borrowing from banks. MidAmerican Energy has a $600$900 million unsecured credit facility expiring in March 2018.June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which supports MidAmerican Energy's commercial paper program and its variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR")Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at MidAmerican Energy's option, plus a spread that varies based on MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings for senior unsecured long-term debt securities. In addition, MidAmerican Energy has a $5 million unsecured credit facility, which expires in June 20172019 and has a variable interest rate based on LIBORthe Eurodollar rate plus a spread. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy had a $400 million unsecured credit facility expiring November 2019, which was terminated in January 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on commercial paper borrowings outstanding was 0.73%2.49%. The $600$900 million credit facility requires that MidAmerican Energy's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of any quarter. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy was in compliance with the covenants of its credit facilities. MidAmerican Energy has authority from the FERC to issue commercial paper and bank notes aggregating $605 million$1.3 billion through February 28, 2017, and $905 million from March 1, 2017, through February 28, 2019.July 31, 2020.

The following table summarizes MidAmerican Energy's availability under its two unsecured revolving credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Credit facilities$605
 $605
$1,305
 $905
Less:      
Short-term debt outstanding(99) 
(240) 
Variable-rate tax-exempt bond support(220) (195)(370) (370)
Net credit facilities$286
 $410
$695
 $535


(9)(8)Long-Term Debt

MidAmerican Energy's long-term debt consists of the following, including amounts maturing within one year and unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
          
First mortgage bonds:          
2.40%, due 2019$500
 $499
 $499
$500
 $500
 $499
3.70%, due 2023250
 248
 248
250
 249
 248
3.50%, due 2024500
 501
 502
500
 500
 501
3.10%, due 2027375
 372
 372
4.80%, due 2043350
 345
 345
350
 346
 346
4.40%, due 2044400
 394
 394
400
 395
 394
4.25%, due 2046450
 445
 444
450
 445
 445
3.95%, due 2047475
 470
 470
3.65%, due 2048700
 688
 
Notes:          
5.95% Series, due 2017250
 250
 250
5.3% Series, due 2018350
 350
 349

 
 350
6.75% Series, due 2031400
 396
 395
400
 396
 396
5.75% Series, due 2035300
 298
 298
300
 298
 298
5.8% Series, due 2036350
 347
 347
350
 347
 347
Transmission upgrade obligation, 4.45% and 3.42% due through 2035 and 2036, respectively10
 7
 4
6
 5
 6
Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligation series: (weighted average interest rate- 2016-0.76%, 2015-0.03%):     
Due 2016
 
 33
Due 2017
 
 4
Variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligation series: (weighted average interest rate- 2018-1.74%, 2017-1.91%):     
Due 2023, issued in 19937
 7
 7
7
 7
 7
Due 2023, issued in 200857
 57
 57
57
 57
 57
Due 202435
 35
 35
35
 35
 35
Due 202513
 13
 13
13
 13
 13
Due 203633
 33
 
33
 33
 33
Due 203845
 45
 45
45
 45
 45
Due 204630
 29
 
30
 29
 29
Due 2047150
 149
 149
Capital lease obligations - 4.16%, due through 20202
 2
 2
2
 2
 2
Total$4,332
 $4,301
 $4,271
$5,428
 $5,381
 $5,042

The annual repayments of MidAmerican Energy's long-term debt for the years beginning January 1, 2017,2019, and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, are as follows (in millions):
2017 $251
2018 351
2019 500
 $500
2020 2
 2
2021 1
 
2022 and thereafter 3,227
2022 
2023 315
2024 and thereafter 4,611

In January 2019, MidAmerican Energy issued $600 million of its 3.65% First Mortgage Bonds due April 2029 and $900 million of its 4.25% First Mortgage Bonds due July 2049. In February 2019, MidAmerican Energy redeemed $500 million of its 2.40% First Mortgage Bonds due in March 2019 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest.


Pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, MidAmerican Energy's first mortgage bonds, currently and from time to time outstanding, are secured by a first mortgage lien on substantially all of its electric generating, transmission and distribution property within the State of Iowa, subject to certain exceptions and permitted encumbrances. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy's eligible property subject to the lien of the mortgage totaled approximately $15$18 billion based on original cost. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy's senior notes outstanding are equally and ratably secured with the first mortgage bonds as required by the indentures under which the senior notes were issued.


MidAmerican Energy's variable-rate tax-exempt bond obligations including the tax-exempt bonds discussed above, bear interest at rates that are periodically established through remarketing of the bonds in the short-term tax-exempt market. MidAmerican Energy, at its option, may change the mode of interest calculation for these bonds by selecting from among several floating or fixed rate alternatives. The interest rates shown in the table above are the weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017. MidAmerican Energy maintains revolving credit facility agreements to provide liquidity for holders of these issues.

In September 2016, Additionally, MidAmerican Energy's obligations associated with the Iowa Finance Authority issued $33 million of variable-rate tax-exempt Pollution Control Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds due September 2036, the proceeds of which were loaned to MidAmerican Energy to refinance, in September 2016, variable-rate tax-exempt pollution control refunding revenue bonds totaling $29 million due September 2016 and $4 million due March 2017, which were optionally redeemed in full.

In December 2016, the Iowa Finance Authority issued $30 million of its variable-rate,and $150 million variable rate, tax-exempt Solid Waste Facilities Revenue Bondsbond obligations due December 2046 the proceeds of which were loaned to MidAmerican Energy for purpose of constructing solid waste facilities. The bondsand 2047, respectively, are secured by an equal amount of first mortgage bonds pursuant to MidAmerican Energy's mortgage dated September 9, 2013, as supplemented and amended. Proceeds of the $150 million of variable-rate, tax-exempt Solid Waste Facilities Revenue Bonds due December 2047 are restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities. As of December 31, 2018, $56 million of the restricted proceeds remain and are reflected in other current assets on the Balance Sheet.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy was in compliance with all of its applicable long-term debt covenants.

In March 1999, MidAmerican Energy committed to the IUB to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain an investment grade rating on its long-term debt and to maintain its common equity level above 42% of total capitalization unless circumstances beyond its control result in the common equity level decreasing to below 39% of total capitalization. MidAmerican Energy must seek the approval from the IUB of a reasonable utility capital structure if MidAmerican Energy's common equity level decreases below 42% of total capitalization, unless the decrease is beyond the control of MidAmerican Energy. MidAmerican Energy is also required to seek the approval of the IUB if MidAmerican Energy's equity level decreases to below 39%, even if the decrease is due to circumstances beyond the control of MidAmerican Energy. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy's common equity ratio was 53% computed on a basis consistent with its commitment. As a result of its regulatory commitment to maintain its common equity level above certain thresholds, MidAmerican Energy could dividend $2.0$2.5 billion as of December 31, 2016,2018, without falling below 42%.

(10)(9)Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacts many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, MidAmerican Energy reduced deferred income tax liabilities $1,824 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, MidAmerican Energy increased net regulatory liabilities by $1,845 million.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. On December 31, 2017, MidAmerican Energy recorded the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. MidAmerican Energy determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. MidAmerican Energy believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, MidAmerican Energy recorded a current tax benefit of $27 million and a deferred tax expense of $28 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform, MidAmerican Energy reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $12 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.



MidAmerican Energy's income tax benefit from continuing operations consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Current:          
Federal$(479) $(415) $(411)$(276) $(490) $(479)
State(14) (6) (4)(12) (25) (14)
(493) (421) (415)(288) (515) (493)
Deferred:          
Federal366
 281
 298
42
 335
 366
State(4) (6) 2
(8) (2) (4)
362
 275
 300
34
 333
 362
          
Investment tax credits(1) (1) (1)(1) (1) (1)
Total$(132) $(147) $(116)$(255) $(183) $(132)

Iowa Senate File 2417

In May 2018, Iowa Senate File 2417 was signed into law, which, among other items, reduces the state of Iowa corporate tax rate from 12% to 9.8% and eliminates corporate federal deductibility, both for tax years starting in 2021. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of Iowa Senate File 2417, MidAmerican Energy reduced net deferred income tax liabilities $54 million and decreased deferred income tax benefit by $2 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for MidAmerican Energy will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, MidAmerican Energy increased net regulatory liabilities by $56 million.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to MidAmerican Energy's effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax benefit from continuing operations is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Federal statutory income tax rate35 % 35 % 35 %21 % 35 % 35 %
Income tax credits(61) (71) (65)(73) (68) (61)
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit(3) (2) 
(4) (4) (3)
Effects of ratemaking(3) (12) (9)(5) (7) (3)
2017 Tax Reform1
 2
 
Other, net
 1
 (2)
 (1) 
Effective income tax rate(32)% (49)% (41)%(60)% (43)% (32)%

Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in service.in-service.


MidAmerican Energy's net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:      
Regulatory liabilities$333
 $327
$405
 $443
Asset retirement obligations230
 214
164
 160
Employee benefits66
 66
47
 45
Other74
 88
80
 57
Total deferred income tax assets703
 695
696
 705
      
Deferred income tax liabilities:      
Depreciable property(3,763) (3,321)(2,945) (2,865)
Regulatory assets(471) (418)(61) (42)
Other(41) (17)(12) (35)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(4,275) (3,756)(3,018) (2,942)
      
Net deferred income tax liability$(3,572) $(3,061)$(2,322) $(2,237)

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy has available $25$44 million of state tax carryforwards, principally related to $549$655 million of net operating losses, that expire at various intervals between 20172019 and 2035.2037.

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of BHE'sMidAmerican Energy's income tax returns through December 31, 2009, including components related to2011. The statute of limitations for MidAmerican Energy. In addition,Energy's state jurisdictions have closed their examinations of MidAmerican Energy's income tax returns for Iowahave expired through December 31, 2012,2009, with the exception of Iowa and Illinois, for Illinoiswhich the statute of limitations have expired through December 31, 2008, and2014, except for other jurisdictions through December 31, 2009.

the impact of any federal audit adjustments. The statute of limitations expiring for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of MidAmerican Energy's net unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$10
 $26
$12
 $10
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 3
4
 1
Additions for tax positions of prior years10
 47
47
 23
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year(2) (6)(4) (4)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(8) (46)(48) (19)
Statute of limitations
 (5)
Settlements
 (6)
Interest and penalties
 (3)(1) 1
Ending balance$10
 $10
$10
 $12

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Energy had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $29 million that, if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect MidAmerican Energy's effective income tax rate.


(11)(10)Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plan

MidAmerican Energy sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering a majority of all employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries other than PacifiCorp and NV Energy, Inc. Benefit obligations under the plan are based on a cash balance arrangement for salaried employees and most union employees and final average pay formulas for other union employees. MidAmerican Energy also maintains noncontributory, nonqualified defined benefit supplemental executive retirement plans ("SERP") for certain active and retired participants. In 2018, the defined benefit pension plan recorded a settlement gain of $1 million for previously unrecognized gains as a result of excess lump sum distributions over the defined threshold for the year ended December 31, 2018.

MidAmerican Energy also sponsors certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits covering substantially all retired employees of BHE and its domestic energy subsidiaries other than PacifiCorp and NV Energy, Inc. Under the plans, a majority of all employees of the participating companies may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age. New employees are not eligible for benefits under the plans. MidAmerican Energy has been allowed to recover accrued pension and other postretirement benefit costs in its electric and gas service rates.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

For purposes of calculating the expected return on pension plan assets, a market-related value is used. The market-related value of plan assets is calculated by spreading the difference between expected and actual investment returns on equity investments over a five-year period beginning after the first year in which they occur.

MidAmerican Energy bills to and is reimbursed currently for affiliates' share of the net periodic benefit costs from all plans in which such affiliates participate. In 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, MidAmerican Energy's share of the pension net periodic benefit (credit) cost (credit) was $(2)$(9) million, $(4)$(6) million and $1$(2) million, respectively. MidAmerican Energy's share of the other postretirement net periodic benefit (credit) cost (credit) in 2018, 2017 and 2016 2015 and 2014 totaled $(2) million, $(1) million $- million and $-$(1) million, respectively.

Net periodic benefit cost for the plans of MidAmerican Energy and the aforementioned affiliates included the following components for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                      
Service cost$10
 $12
 $14
 $5
 $7
 $6
$9
 $9
 $10
 $5
 $5
 $5
Interest cost34
 32
 35
 10
 9
 10
28
 31
 34
 8
 9
 10
Expected return on plan assets(44) (46) (45) (13) (15) (15)(44) (44) (44) (13) (14) (13)
Settlement(1) 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization2
 2
 1
 (4) (3) (3)2
 2
 2
 (4) (4) (4)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$2
 $
 $5
 $(2) $(2) $(2)
Net periodic benefit (credit) cost$(6) $(2) $2
 $(4) $(4) $(2)

Funded Status

The following table is a reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of year$678
 $730
 $249
 $259
$745
 $684
 $277
 $252
Employer contributions7
 7
 1
 1
7
 7
 1
 1
Participant contributions
 
 1
 1

 
 1
 1
Actual return on plan assets57
 4
 14
 
(39) 114
 (17) 36
Settlement(37) 
 
 
Benefits paid(58) (63) (13) (12)(32) (60) (15) (13)
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$684
 $678
 $252
 $249
$644
 $745
 $247
 $277

The following table is a reconciliation of the benefit obligations for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$785
 $840
 $234
 $249
$799
 $773
 $246
 $233
Service cost10
 12
 5
 7
9
 9
 5
 5
Interest cost34
 32
 10
 9
28
 31
 8
 9
Participant contributions
 
 1
 1

 
 1
 1
Actuarial loss (gain)2
 (36) (4) (20)
Actuarial (gain) loss(33) 46
 (3) 11
Plan amendments2
 
 
 
Settlement(37) 
 
 
Benefits paid(58) (63) (13) (12)(32) (60) (15) (13)
Benefit obligation, end of year$773
 $785
 $233
 $234
$736
 $799
 $242
 $246
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$764
 $773
    $733
 $790
    

The funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized on the Balance Sheets as of December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Plan assets at fair value, end of year$684
 $678
 $252
 $249
$644
 $745
 $247
 $277
Less - Benefit obligation, end of year773
 785
 233
 234
736
 799
 242
 246
Funded status$(89) $(107) $19
 $15
$(92) $(54) $5
 $31
              
Amounts recognized on the Balance Sheets:              
Other assets$26
 $7
 $19
 $15
$17
 $66
 $5
 $31
Other current liabilities(8) (8) 
 
(7) (8) 
 
Other liabilities(107) (106) 
 
(102) (112) 
 
Amounts recognized$(89) $(107) $19
 $15
$(92) $(54) $5
 $31

The SERP has no plan assets; however, MidAmerican Energy and BHE have Rabbi trusts that hold corporate-owned life insurance and other investments to provide funding for the future cash requirements of the SERP. The cash surrender value of all of the policies included in theMidAmerican Energy's Rabbi trusts, net of amounts borrowed against the cash surrender value, plus the fair market value of other Rabbi trust investments, was $166$116 million and $156$118 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively, of which $110 million and $104 million was held by MidAmerican Energy as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, with the remainder held by BHE.2017. These assets are not included in the plan assets in the above table, but are reflected in investments and nonregulated property, netrestricted investments on the Balance Sheets.

The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the SERP was $109 million and $109 million for 2018 and $118 million and $120 million for 2017, respectively.

Unrecognized Amounts

The portion of the funded status of the plans not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 is as follows (in millions):
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2016 20152018 2017 2018 2017
              
Net loss$15
 $26
 $36
 $42
Net loss (gain)$40
 $(11) $48
 $23
Prior service cost (credit)1
 2
 (31) (36)1
 1
 (20) (25)
Total$16
 $28
 $5
 $6
$41
 $(10) $28
 $(2)


MidAmerican Energy sponsors pension and other postretirement benefit plans on behalf of certain of its affiliates in addition to itself, and therefore, the portion of the funded status of the respective plans that has not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost is attributable to multiple entities. Additionally, substantially all of MidAmerican Energy's portion of such amounts is either refundable to or recoverable from its customers and is reflected as regulatory liabilities and regulatory assets.

A reconciliation of the amounts not yet recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 is as follows (in millions):
Regulatory
Asset
 
Regulatory
Liability
 
Receivables
(Payables)
with Affiliates
 Total
Regulatory
Asset
 
Regulatory
Liability
 
Receivables
(Payables)
with Affiliates
 Total
Pension              
Balance, December 31, 2014$22
 $(5) $7
 $24
Balance, December 31, 2016$22
 $(12) $6
 $16
Net loss (gain) arising during the year2
 5
 (1) 6
4
 (29) 1
 (24)
Net amortization(2) 
 
 (2)(2) 
 
 (2)
Total
 5
 (1) 4
2
 (29) 1
 (26)
Balance, December 31, 201522
 
 6
 28
Net gain arising during the year1
 (11) 
 (10)
Balance, December 31, 201724
 (41) 7
 (10)
Net loss arising during the year2
 41
 9
 52
Net amortization(1) (1) 
 (2)(2) 
 
 (2)
Settlement1
 
 
 1
Total
 (12) 
 (12)1
 41
 9
 51
Balance, December 31, 2016$22
 $(12) $6
 $16
Balance, December 31, 2018$25
 $
 $16
 $41

Regulatory
Asset
 
Regulatory
Liability
 
Receivables
(Payables)
with Affiliates
 Total
Regulatory
Asset
 
Receivables
(Payables)
with Affiliates
 Total
Other Postretirement            
Balance, December 31, 2014$20
 $
 $(13) $7
Balance, December 31, 2016$18
 $(13) $5
Net gain arising during the year(5) 
 
 (5)(7) (4) (11)
Net amortization2
 
 2
 4
3
 1
 4
Total(3) 
 2
 (1)(4) (3) (7)
Balance, December 31, 201517
 
 (11) 6
Net gain arising during the year(2) 
 (3) (5)
Balance, December 31, 201714
 (16) (2)
Net loss arising during the year20
 6
 26
Net amortization3
 
 1
 4
3
 1
 4
Total1
 
 (2) (1)23
 7
 30
Balance, December 31, 2016$18
 $
 $(13) $5
Balance, December 31, 2018$37
 $(9) $28

Actuarial losses for 2018 impacting the December 31, 2018 funded status for the pension and other postretirement plans are due to lower than assumed actual return on plan assets, offset by an increase in the discount rate assumptions from that assumed at December 31, 2017.


The net loss and prior service cost (credit) that will be amortized in 2017 into net periodic benefit cost are estimated to be as follows (in millions):
 
Net
Loss
 
Prior
Service
Cost (Credit)
 Total
      
Pension$1
 $1
 $2
Other postretirement2
 (6) (4)
Total$3
 $(5) $(2)

Plan Assumptions

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
Benefit obligations as of December 31:                      
Discount rate4.10% 4.50% 4.00% 3.90% 4.25% 3.75%4.25% 3.60% 4.10% 4.15% 3.50% 3.90%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 2.75% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
2.75% 2.75% 2.75% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan           
2016N/A
 N/A
 1.18% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
2017N/A
 1.44% 1.44% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
20182.26% 2.26% 1.44% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
20193.40% 2.26% 2.10% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
20203.40% 1.60% 2.10% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
2021 and beyond3.40% 1.60% 2.10% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
                      
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:                      
Discount rate4.50% 4.00% 4.75% 4.25% 3.75% 4.50%3.60% 4.10% 4.50% 3.50% 3.90% 4.25%
Expected return on plan assets(1)
7.00% 7.25% 7.50% 6.75% 7.00% 7.25%6.50% 6.75% 7.00% 6.25% 6.50% 6.75%
Rate of compensation increase2.75% 2.75% 3.00% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
2.75% 2.75% 2.75% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Interest crediting rates for cash balance plan2.26% 1.44% 1.18% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
(1)Amounts reflected are pre-tax values. Assumed after-tax returns for a taxable, non-union other postretirement plan were 4.13% for 2018, and 4.81% for 2017, and 5.00% for 2016, and 5.18% for 2015, and 5.37% for 2014.2016.

In establishing its assumption as to the expected return on plan assets, MidAmerican Energy utilizes the asset allocation and return assumptions for each asset class based on historical performance and forward-looking views of the financial markets.
 2016 2015
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:   
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year7.40% 7.70%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to5.00% 5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at2025 2025

A one percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects (in millions):
 One Percentage-Point
 Increase Decrease
Increase (decrease) in: 
Total service and interest cost for the year ended December 31, 2016$
 $
Other postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 20163
 (2)
 2018 2017
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates as of December 31:   
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year6.80% 7.10%
Rate that the cost trend rate gradually declines to5.00% 5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the rate it is assumed to remain at2025 2025

Contributions and Benefit Payments

Employer contributions to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans are expected to be $8$7 million and $1 million, respectively, during 2017.2019. Funding to MidAmerican Energy's pension benefit plan trust is based upon the actuarially determined costs of the plan and the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. MidAmerican Energy considers contributing additional amounts from time to time in order to achieve certain funding levels specified under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, as amended. MidAmerican Energy's funding policy for its other postretirement benefit plan is to generally contribute amounts consistent with its rate regulatory arrangements.


Net periodic benefit costs assigned to MidAmerican Energy affiliates are reimbursed currently in accordance with its intercompany administrative services agreement. The expected benefit payments to participants in MidAmerican Energy's pension and other postretirement benefit plans for 20172019 through 20212023 and for the five years thereafter are summarized below (in millions):
Projected Benefit PaymentsProjected Benefit Payments
Pension Other PostretirementPension Other Postretirement
      
2017$60
 $18
201860
 19
201962
 20
$61
 $19
202062
 21
62
 21
202160
 21
61
 22
2022-2026278
 97
202260
 22
202358
 22
2024-2028262
 102

Plan Assets

Investment Policy and Asset Allocations

MidAmerican Energy's investment policy for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans is to balance risk and return through a diversified portfolio of debt securities, equity securities and other alternative investments. Maturities for debt securities are managed to targets consistent with prudent risk tolerances. The plans retain outside investment advisors to manage plan investments within the parameters outlined by the MidAmerican Energy Pension and Employee Benefits Plans Administrative Committee. The investment portfolio is managed in line with the investment policy with sufficient liquidity to meet near-term benefit payments.

The target allocations (percentage of plan assets) for MidAmerican Energy's pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets are as follows as of December 31, 2016:2018:
 Pension 
Other
Postretirement
 % %
Debt securities(1)
20-4020-50 25-45
Equity securities(1)
60-80 50-8045-80
Real estate funds2-8 
Other0-50-3 0-5

(1)For purposes of target allocation percentages and consistent with the plans' investment policy, investment funds are allocated based on the underlying investments in debt and equity securities.


Fair Value Measurements

MidAmerican Energy adopted ASU No. 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or its Equivalent)" effective January 1, 2016 under a retrospective method.

The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for MidAmerican Energy's defined benefit pension plan (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2016:       
As of December 31, 2018:       
Cash equivalents$
 $17
 $
 $17
$
 $20
 $
 $20
Debt securities:              
United States government obligations9
 
 
 9
6
 
 
 6
Corporate obligations
 53
 
 53

 63
 
 63
Municipal obligations
 6
 
 6

 6
 
 6
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 22
 
 22

 37
 
 37
Equity securities:              
United States companies130
 
 
 130
111
 
 
 111
International equity securities39
 
 
 39
International companies35
 
 
 35
Investment funds(2)
63
 
 
 63
65
 
 
 65
Total assets in the hierarchy$241
 $98
 $
 339
$217
 $126
 $
 
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      295
      260
Real estate funds measured at net asset value      50
      41
Total assets measured at fair value      $684
      $644
              
As of December 31, 2015:       
As of December 31, 2017:       
Cash equivalents$
 $16
 $
 $16
$
 $17
 $
 $17
Debt securities:              
United States government obligations5
 
 
 5
21
 
 
 21
Corporate obligations
 57
 
 57

 59
 
 59
Municipal obligations
 6
 
 6

 7
 
 7
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 27
 
 27

 33
 
 33
Equity securities:              
United States companies130
 
 
 130
137
 
 
 137
International equity securities40
 
 
 40
International companies44
 
 
 44
Investment funds(2)
61
 
 
 61
74
 
 
 74
Total assets in the hierarchy$236
 $106
 $
 342
$276
 $116
 $
 392
Investment funds(2) measured at net asset value
      296
      315
Real estate funds measured at net asset value      40
      38
Total assets measured at fair value      $678
      $745
(1)
Refer to Note 1412 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 74%65% and 26%35%, respectively, for 20162018 and 72%69% and 28%31%, respectively, for 2015.2017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 71%74% and 29%26%, respectively, for 20162018 and 73%72% and 27%28%, respectively, for 2015.2017.


The following table presents the fair value of plan assets, by major category, for MidAmerican Energy's defined benefit other postretirement plans (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements(1)
  
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2016:       
As of December 31, 2018:       
Cash equivalents$10
 $
 $
 $10
$5
 $
 $
 $5
Debt securities:              
United States government obligations5
 
 
 5
6
 
 
 6
Corporate obligations
 11
 
 11

 12
 
 12
Municipal obligations
 37
 
 37

 43
 
 43
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 11
 
 11

 12
 
 12
Equity securities:              
United States companies122
 
 
 122
73
 
 
 73
Investment funds(2)
56
 
 
 56
96
 
 
 96
Total assets measured at fair value$193
 $59
 $
 $252
$180
 $67
 $
 $247
              
As of December 31, 2015:       
As of December 31, 2017:       
Cash equivalents$5
 $
 $
 $5
$6
 $
 $
 $6
Debt securities:              
United States government obligations5
 
 
 5
5
 
 
 5
Corporate obligations
 12
 
 12

 14
 
 14
Municipal obligations
 39
 
 39

 44
 
 44
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations
 12
 
 12

 12
 
 12
Equity securities:              
United States companies120
 
 
 120
84
 
 
 84
Investment funds(2)
56
 
 
 56
112
 
 
 112
Total assets measured at fair value$186
 $63
 $
 $249
$207
 $70
 $
 $277
(1)
Refer to Note 1412 for additional discussion regarding the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
(2)
Investment funds are comprised of mutual funds and collective trust funds. These funds consist of equity and debt securities of approximately 70%78% and 30%22%, respectively, for 20162018 and 68%81% and 32%19%, respectively, for 2015.2017. Additionally, these funds are invested in United States and international securities of approximately 30%41% and 70%59%, respectively, for 20162018 and 32%42% and 68%58%, respectively, for 2015.2017.

For level 1 investments, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. For level 2 investments, the fair value is determined using pricing models based on observable market inputs. Shares of mutual funds not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, private equity limited partnership interests, common and commingled trust funds and investment entities are reported at fair value based on the net asset value per unit, which is used for expedience purposes. A fund’sfund's net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying assets held by the fund less its liabilities.

Defined Contribution Plan

MidAmerican Energy sponsors a defined contribution plan ("401(k) plan") covering substantially all employees. MidAmerican Energy's matching contributions are based on each participant's level of contribution, and certain participants receive contributions based on eligible pre-tax annual compensation. Contributions cannot exceed the maximum allowable for tax purposes. Certain participants now receive enhanced benefits in the 401(k) plan and no longer accrue benefits in the noncontributory defined benefit pension plans. MidAmerican Energy's contributions to the plan were $20$22 million, $20 million, and $19$20 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively.


(12)(11)Asset Retirement Obligations

MidAmerican Energy estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

MidAmerican Energy does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $665$708 million and $653$688 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

The following table presents MidAmerican Energy's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Quad Cities Station$343
 $289
$345
 $342
Fossil-fueled generating facilities132
 160
93
 113
Wind-powered generating facilities91
 82
123
 103
Other1
 1
1
 1
Total asset retirement obligations$567
 $532
$562
 $559
      
Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds(1)
$460
 $429
$504
 $515
(1)Refer to Note 76 for a discussion of the Quad Cities Station nuclear decommissioning trust funds.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of MidAmerican Energy's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$532
 $460
$559
 $567
Change in estimated costs28
 36
(10) (14)
Additions14
 22
17
 8
Retirements(32) (9)(28) (26)
Accretion25
 23
24
 24
Ending balance$567
 $532
$562
 $559
      
Reflected as:      
Other current liabilities$57
 $44
$10
 $31
Asset retirement obligations510
 488
552
 528
$567
 $532
$562
 $559

The changechanges in estimated costs relate primarily to the Quad Cities Station due to a change in the inflation rate and, for 2016 was primarily the result of2017, a new decommissioning study conducted by the operator of Quad Cities Station that changed the estimated amount and timing of cash flows. The change in estimated costs for 2015 was primarily due to changes in the expected timing and amount of cash flows related to the implementation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's final rule regulating the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts resulting from the operation of coal-fueled generating facilities, including requirements for the operation and closure of surface impoundment and ash landfill facilities, which was effective in October 2015.

(13)Risk Management and Hedging Activities

MidAmerican Energy is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. MidAmerican Energy is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas, coal and fuel oil commodity price risk as it has an obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Prior to January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy also provided nonregulated retail electricity and natural gas services in competitive markets, which created contractual obligations to provide electric and natural gas services. MidAmerican Energy's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold, and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather; market liquidity; generating facility availability; customer usage; storage; and transmission and transportation constraints. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. MidAmerican Energy does not engage in a material amount of proprietary trading activities.

MidAmerican Energy has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, monitor, report, manage and mitigate each of the various types of risk involved in its business. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, MidAmerican Energy uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. MidAmerican Energy manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate its exposure to interest rate risk. MidAmerican Energy does not hedge all of its commodity price and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices.

There have been no significant changes in MidAmerican Energy's accounting policies related to derivatives. Refer to Notes 2 and 14 for additional information on derivative contracts and to Note 3 for a discussion of discontinued operations.


The following table, which reflects master netting arrangements and excludes contracts that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of MidAmerican Energy's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amounts to the amounts presented on a net basis on the Balance Sheets (in millions):
 Other   Other Other  
 Current Other Current Long-term  
 Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities Total
As of December 31, 2016:         
Not designated as hedging contracts(1)(2):
         
Commodity assets$8
 $2
 $
 $
 $10
Commodity liabilities(2) 
 (3) (1) (6)
Total6
 2
 (3) (1) 4
          
Designated as hedging contracts(2):
         
Commodity assets
 
 
 
 
Commodity liabilities
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
          
Total derivatives6
 2
 (3) (1) 4
Cash collateral receivable
 
 1
 
 1
Total derivatives - net basis$6
 $2
 $(2) $(1) $5
          
As of December 31, 2015:         
Not designated as hedging contracts(1):
         
Commodity assets$12
 $4
 $5
 $2
 $23
Commodity liabilities(3) 
 (36) (10) (49)
Total9
 4
 (31) (8) (26)
          
Designated as hedging contracts:         
Commodity assets
 
 1
 2
 3
Commodity liabilities
 
 (32) (17) (49)
Total
 
 (31) (15) (46)
          
Total derivatives9
 4
 (62) (23) (72)
Cash collateral receivable
 
 22
 6
 28
Total derivatives - net basis$9
 $4
 $(40) $(17) $(44)
(1)
MidAmerican Energy's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2016, a net regulatory liability of $4 million was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $4 million, and as of December 31, 2015, a net regulatory asset of $20 million was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $26 million.
(2)The changes in derivative values from December 31, 2015, are substantially due to the transfer of MidAmerican Energy's unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of BHE.


Not Designated as Hedging Contracts

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of MidAmerican Energy's net regulatory assets (liabilities) and summarizes the pre-tax gains and losses on commodity derivative contracts recognized in net regulatory assets (liabilities), as well as amounts reclassified to earnings for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014
      
Beginning balance$20
 $38
 $10
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets (liabilities)3
 40
 61
Net losses reclassified to operating revenue(15) (42) (28)
Net losses reclassified to cost of fuel, energy and capacity
 (1) (1)
Net losses reclassified to cost of gas sold(12) (15) (4)
Ending balance$(4) $20
 $38

The following table summarizes the pre-tax unrealized gains (losses) included on the Statements of Operations associated with MidAmerican Energy's derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts and not recorded as a net regulatory asset or liability for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014
      
Nonregulated operating revenue$
 $15
 $6
Regulated cost of fuel, energy and capacity
 2
 
Nonregulated cost of sales
 (21) 9
Total$
 $(4) $15

Designated as Hedging Contracts

MidAmerican Energy used derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges to hedge electricity and natural gas commodity prices related to its unregulated retail services business, which was transferred to a subsidiary of BHE. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of MidAmerican Energy's accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax) and summarizes pre-tax gains and losses on derivative contracts designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recognized in OCI, as well as amounts reclassified to earnings, for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014
      
Beginning balance$45
 $34
 $11
Transfer to affiliate(45) 
 
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI
 58
 (3)
Net (losses) gains reclassified to nonregulated cost of sales
 (47) 26
Ending balance$
 $45
 $34




Derivative Contract Volumes

The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of December 31 (in millions):
 Unit of    
 Measure 2016 2015
      
Electricity purchasesMegawatt hours 
 15
Natural gas purchasesDecatherms 18
 17

Credit Risk

MidAmerican Energy is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy participates in the regional transmission organization ("RTO") markets and has indirect credit exposure related to other participants, although RTO credit policies are designed to limit exposure to credit losses from individual participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent MidAmerican Energy's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct or indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, MidAmerican Energy analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty, and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, MidAmerican Energy enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtains third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, MidAmerican Energy exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

Collateral and Contingent Features

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale derivative contracts contain credit support provisions thatJanuary 2018, MidAmerican Energy completed groundwater testing at its coal combustion residuals ("CCR") surface impoundments. Based on this information, MidAmerican Energy discontinued sending CCR to surface impoundments effective April 2018 and will remove all CCR material located below the water table in part base MidAmerican Energy's collateral requirements on its credit ratings for senior unsecured debt as reported by one orsuch facilities, the latter of which is a more extensive closure activity than previously assumed. The incremental cost and timing of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These derivative contracts may either specifically provide bilateral rightssuch actions is not currently reasonably determinable, but an evaluation of such estimates is expected to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract,be completed in the eventfirst quarter of a material adverse change in MidAmerican Energy's creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2016, MidAmerican Energy's credit ratings from2019, with any necessary adjustments to the threerelated asset retirement obligations recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade.

The aggregate fair value of MidAmerican Energy's derivative contracts in liability positions with specific credit-risk-related contingent features totaled $3 million and $66 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for which MidAmerican Energy had posted collateral of $- million at each date. If all credit-risk-related contingent features for derivative contracts in liability positions had been triggered as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, MidAmerican Energy would have been required to post $2 million and $55 million, respectively, of additional collateral. MidAmerican Energy's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. MidAmerican Energy's exposure to contingent features declined significantly as a result of the transfer of its unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of BHE.that time.


(14)(12)Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of MidAmerican Energy's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. MidAmerican Energy has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Financial Statements using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that MidAmerican Energy has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect MidAmerican Energy's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. MidAmerican Energy develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents MidAmerican Energy's assets and liabilities recognized on the Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements     Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements    
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Other(1)
 Total
As of December 31, 2016:          
As of December 31, 2018:          
Assets:                    
Commodity derivatives $
 $9
 $1
 $(2) $8
 $
 $4
 $2
 $(3) $3
Money market mutual funds(2)
 1
 
 
 
 1
 2
 
 
 
 2
Debt securities:                    
United States government obligations 161
 
 
 
 161
 187
 
 
 
 187
International government obligations 
 3
 
 
 3
 
 4
 
 
 4
Corporate obligations 
 36
 
 
 36
 
 46
 
 
 46
Municipal obligations 
 2
 
 
 2
 
 2
 
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 2
 
 
 2
 
 1
 
 
 1
Equity securities:                    
United States companies 250
 
 
 
 250
 256
 
 
 
 256
International companies 5
 
 
 
 5
 6
 
 
 
 6
Investment funds 9
 
 
 
 9
 10
 
 
 
 10
 $426
 $52
 $1
 $(2) $477
 $461
 $57
 $2
 $(3) $517
Liabilities:          
Commodity derivatives $
 $(4) $(2) $3
 $(3)
Interest rate derivatives(3)
 
 (19) 
 
 (19)
           $
 $(23) $(2) $3
 $(22)
Liabilities - commodity derivatives $
 $(3) $(3) $3
 $(3)
                    
As of December 31, 2015          
As of December 31, 2017          
Assets:                    
Commodity derivatives $
 $8
 $18
 $(13) $13
 $
 $3
 $4
 $(2) $5
Money market mutual funds(2)
 56
 
 
 
 56
 133
 
 
 
 133
Debt securities:                    
United States government obligations 133
 
 
 
 133
 176
 
 
 
 176
International government obligations 
 2
 
 
 2
 
 5
 
 
 5
Corporate obligations 
 39
 
 
 39
 
 36
 
 
 36
Municipal obligations 
 1
 
 
 1
 
 2
 
 
 2
Agency, asset and mortgage-backed obligations 
 3
 
 
 3
Auction rate securities 
 
 26
 
 26
Equity securities:                    
United States companies 239
 
 
 
 239
 288
 
 
 
 288
International companies 6
 
 
 
 6
 7
 
 
 
 7
Investment funds 4
 
 
 
 4
 15
 
 
 
 15
 $438
 $53
 $44
 $(13) $522
 $619
 $46
 $4
 $(2) $667
                    
Liabilities - commodity derivatives $(13) $(61) $(24) $41
 $(57) $
 $(9) $(1) $2
 $(8)

(1)Represents netting under master netting arrangements and a net cash collateral receivable of $1 million and $28$- million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively.2017.
(2)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents and investments and restricted cash and investments on the Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.
(3)The interest rate derivatives are interest rate locks related to MidAmerican Energy's January 2019 issuance of first mortgage bonds, at which time the interest rate locks were settled for $22 million.


Derivative contracts are recorded on the Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which MidAmerican Energy transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, MidAmerican Energy uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent MidAmerican Energy's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. MidAmerican Energy bases its forward price curves upon market price quotations, when available, or internally developed and commercial models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent energy brokers, exchanges, direct communication with market participants and actual transactions executed by MidAmerican Energy. Market price quotations are generally readily obtainable for the applicable term of MidAmerican Energy's outstanding derivative contracts; therefore, MidAmerican Energy's forward price curves reflect observable market quotes. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to the length of the contract. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, as well as for those contracts that are not actively traded, MidAmerican Energy uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. Refer to Note 13 for further discussion regarding MidAmerican Energy's risk management and hedging activities.

MidAmerican Energy's investments in money market mutual funds and debt and equity securities are stated at fair value, and arewith debt securities primarily accounted for as available-for-sale securities. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value. In the absence of a quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security, the fair value is determined using pricing models or net asset values based on observable market inputs and quoted market prices of securities with similar characteristics. The fair value of MidAmerican Energy's investments in auction rate securities, where there is no current liquid market, is determined using pricing models based on available observable market data and MidAmerican Energy's judgment about the assumptions, including liquidity and nonperformance risks, which market participants would use when pricing the asset. The auction rate securities were fully redeemed at par value in 2016.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of MidAmerican Energy's assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Commodity Derivatives Auction Rate Securities Commodity Derivatives Auction Rate Securities
 2016 2015��2014 2016 2015 2014 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016
                        
Beginning balance $(6) $12
 $(3) $26
 $26
 $23
 $3
 $(2) $(6) $
 $
 $26
Transfer to affiliate(1) (4) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (4) 
 
 
Changes included in earnings(1)
 
 11
 12
 5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5
Changes in fair value recognized in OCI 
 (7) 
 4
 
 3
 
 
 
 
 
 4
Changes in fair value recognized in net regulatory assets (6) (25) 6
 
 
 
 (3) 2
 (6) 
 
 
Purchases 
 1
 1
 
 
 
Redemptions 
 
 
 (35) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (35)
Settlements 14
 2
 (4) 
 
 
 
 3
 14
 
 
 
Ending balance $(2) $(6) $12
 $
 $26
 $26
 $
 $3
 $(2) $
 $
 $
(1)Changes included in earnings related toOn January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy'sEnergy transferred the assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business that was transferred to an affiliatea subsidiary of BHE. Refer to Note 3 for a discussion of discontinued operations. Net unrealized (losses) gains included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, related to commodity derivatives held at December 31, 2015 and 2014, totaled $8 million and $16 million, respectively.
MidAmerican Energy's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Financial Statements. The fair value of MidAmerican Energy's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of MidAmerican Energy's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of MidAmerican Energy's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
        
Long-term debt$4,301
 $4,735
 $4,271
 $4,636
 2018 2017
 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
        
Long-term debt$5,381
 $5,646
 $5,042
 $5,686

(15)(13)Commitments and Contingencies    

Commitments

MidAmerican Energy had the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 2016,2018, are as follows (in millions):
           2022 and             2024 and  
 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
Contract type:                            
Coal and natural gas for generation $141
 $73
 $40
 $
 $
 $
 $254
 $96
 $21
 $17
 $13
 $5
 $
 $152
Electric capacity and transmission 37
 29
 29
 28
 25
 59
 207
 29
 28
 26
 15
 7
 36
 141
Natural gas contracts for gas operations 137
 34
 13
 12
 10
 23
 229
 145
 76
 59
 45
 23
 30
 378
Construction commitments 347
 2
 5
 
 
 
 354
 1,299
 28
 50
 
 
 
 1,377
Easements and operating leases 20
 20
 20
 19
 19
 624
 722
 27
 29
 29
 30
 30
 1,078
 1,223
Maintenance and services contracts 72
 90
 91
 92
 86
 210
 641
 118
 196
 147
 143
 134
 224
 962
 $754
 $248
 $198
 $151
 $140
 $916
 $2,407
 $1,714
 $378
 $328
 $246
 $199
 $1,368
 $4,233


Coal, Natural Gas, Electric Capacity and Transmission Commitments

MidAmerican Energy has coal supply and related transportation and lime contracts for its coal-fueled generating facilities. MidAmerican Energy expects to supplement the coal contracts with additional contracts and spot market purchases to fulfill its future coal supply needs. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy has a natural gas transportation contract for a natural gas-fueled generating facility. The contracts have minimum payment commitments ranging through 2019.2023.

MidAmerican Energy has various natural gas supply and transportation contracts for its regulated and nonregulatednatural gas operations that have minimum payment commitments ranging through 2025.2037.

MidAmerican Energy has contracts to purchase electric capacity to meet its electric system energy requirements that have minimum payment commitments ranging through 2028. MidAmerican Energy also has contracts for the right to transmit electricity over other entities' transmission lines with minimum payment commitments ranging through 2022.

Construction Commitments

MidAmerican Energy's firm construction commitments reflected in the table above consist primarily of contracts for the construction and repowering of wind-powered generating facilities in 2017, the settlement of asset retirement obligations for ash pond closures and the construction in 2017 of two Multi-Value Projects approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. for high voltage transmission lines in Iowa and Illinois.2019.

Easements and Operating Leases

MidAmerican Energy has non-cancelable easements with minimum payment commitments ranging through 2061 for land in Iowa on which certain of its assets, primarily wind-powered generating facilities, are located. MidAmerican Energy also has non-cancelable operating leases with minimum payment commitments ranging through 20202024 primarily for office and other building space, rail cars and computer equipment.space. These leases generally require MidAmerican Energy to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. CertainA number of the leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices.periods. Rent expense on non-cancelable operating leases totaled $4$3 million, $4$3 million and $4 million for 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

Maintenance, Services and ServicesOther Contracts

MidAmerican Energy has other non-cancelable contracts primarily related to maintenance and services contracts related tofor various generating facilities with minimum payment commitments ranging through 2027.

2028.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

MidAmerican Energy is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact its current and future operations. MidAmerican Energy believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Transmission Rates

MidAmerican Energy's wholesale transmission rates are set annually using FERC-approved formula rates subject to true-up for actual cost of service. Prior to September 2016, the rates in effect were based on a 12.38% return on equity ("ROE"). In November 2013 and February 2015, a coalition of intervenors filed successive complaints with the FERC requesting that the 12.38% ROE no longer be found just and reasonable and sought to reduce the base ROE to 9.15% and 8.67%, respectively. MidAmerican Energy is authorized by the FERC to include a 0.50% adder beyond the base ROE effective January 2015. In September 2016, the FERC issued an order for the first complaint, which reduces the base ROE to 10.32% and requires refunds, plus interest, for the period from November 2013 through February 2015. TheCustomer refunds relative to the first complaint occurred in February 2017. It is uncertain when the FERC is expected towill rule on the second complaint, by the second quarter of 2017, covering the period from February 2015 through May 2016. MidAmerican Energy believes it is probable that the FERC will order a base ROE lower than 12.38% in the second complaint and, as of December 31, 2016,2018, has accrued a $10 million liability for refunds under both complaints of amounts collected under the higher ROE from November 2013March 2015 through May 2016.

Legal Matters

MidAmerican Energy is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. MidAmerican Energy does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its financial results.

(16)(14)Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

The following table shows the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss by each component of other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes, for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in millions):
 Unrealized Unrealized Accumulated Unrealized Unrealized Accumulated
 Losses on Losses Other Losses on Losses Other
 Available-For-Sale on Cash Flow Comprehensive Available-For-Sale on Cash Flow Comprehensive
 Securities Hedges Loss, Net Securities Hedges Loss, Net
            
Balance, December 31, 2014 $(3) $(20) $(23)
Other comprehensive loss 
 (7) (7)
Balance, December 31, 2015 $(3) $(27) $(30) $(3) $(27) $(30)
Other comprehensive income 3
 
 3
 3
 
 3
Dividend (Note 3) 
 27
 27
Dividend of unregulated retail services business 
 27
 27
Balance, December 31, 2016 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $

For information regarding cash flow hedge reclassifications from AOCIOn January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy transferred the assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to net income in their entirety for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, refer to Note 13.a subsidiary of BHE.

(15)Revenue from Contracts with Customers

MidAmerican Energy uses a single five-step model to identify and recognizes revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following table summarizes MidAmerican Energy's revenue by line of business and customer class, including a reconciliation to MidAmerican Energy's reportable segment information included in Note 19, (in millions):
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2018
 Electric Natural Gas Other Total
Customer Revenue:       
Retail:       
Residential$696
 $421
 $
 $1,117
Commercial314
 153
 
 467
Industrial758
 22
 
 780
Natural gas transportation services
 39
 
 39
Other retail147
 1
 
 148
Total retail1,915
 636
 
 2,551
Wholesale295
 116
 
 411
Multi-value transmission projects55
 
 
 55
Other Customer Revenue
 
 11
 11
Total Customer Revenue2,265
 752
 11
 3,028
Other revenue18
 2
 1
 21
Total operating revenue$2,283
 $754
 $12
 $3,049

Contract Assets and Liabilities

In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, MidAmerican Energy would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between MidAmerican Energy's performance and the customer's payment. As of December 31, 2018, there were no contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Balance Sheets.


(17)(16)    Other Income and (Expense) - Other, Net

Other, net, as shown on the Statements of Operations, includes the following other income (expense) items for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Non-service cost components of postretirement employee benefit plans$21
 $18
 $15
Corporate-owned life insurance income$8
 $4
 $8
6
 13
 8
Gain on redemption of auction rate securities5
 
 

 
 5
Other, net1
 1
 2
Interest income and other, net3
 6
 1
Total$14
 $5
 $10
$30
 $37
 $29

(18)(17)    Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
    
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $172
Restricted cash and cash equivalents in other current assets56
 110
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$56
 $282

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$181
 $154
 $144
$198
 $193
 $181
Income taxes received, net$601
 $629
 $149
$494
 $465
 $601
          
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing transactions:          
Accounts payable related to utility plant additions$131
 $249
 $128
$371
 $224
 $131
Dividend of unregulated retail services business (Note 3)$90
 $
 $
Dividend of unregulated retail services business$
 $
 $90

(19)(18)Related Party Transactions

The companies identified as affiliates of MidAmerican Energy are Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries, including BHE and its subsidiaries. The basis for the following transactions is provided for in service agreements between MidAmerican Energy and the affiliates.

MidAmerican Energy is reimbursed for charges incurred on behalf of its affiliates. The majority of these reimbursed expenses are for general costs, such as insurance and building rent, and for employee wages, benefits and costs related to corporate functions such as information technology, human resources, treasury, legal and accounting. The amount of such reimbursements was $51 million, $53 million and $41 million $46for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, in 2018, MidAmerican Energy received $15 million and $58 millionfrom BHE for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.the transfer of corporate aircraft.


MidAmerican Energy reimbursed BHE in the amount of $11 million, $9 million and $6 million $7 millionin 2018, 2017 and $8 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for its share of corporate expenses.

MidAmerican Energy purchases natural gas transportation and storage capacity services from Northern Natural Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, and coal transportation services from BNSF Railway Company, a wholly-ownedan indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, in the normal course of business at either tariffed or market prices. These purchases totaled $127 million, $122 million and $135 million $165 millionin 2018, 2017 and $144 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

MidAmerican Energy had accounts receivable from affiliates of $5$8 million and $9 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, that are included in receivables on the Balance Sheets. MidAmerican Energy also had accounts payable to affiliates of $13$12 million and $16 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, that are included in accounts payable on the Balance Sheets.

MidAmerican Energy is party to a tax-sharing agreement and is part of the Berkshire Hathaway consolidated United States federal income tax return. For current federal and state income taxes, MidAmerican Energy had a payable to BHE of $6$156 million as of December 31, 2016,2018, and a receivable from BHE of $102$51 million as of December 31, 2015.2017. MidAmerican Energy received net cash receipts for federal and state income taxes from BHE totaling $601$494 million, $629$465 million and $149$601 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


MidAmerican Energy recognizes the full amount of the funded status for its pension and postretirement plans, and amounts attributable to MidAmerican Energy's affiliates that have not previously been recognized through income are recognized as an intercompany balance with such affiliates. MidAmerican Energy adjusts these balances when changes to the funded status of the respective plans are recognized and does not intend to settle the balances currently. Amounts receivable from affiliates attributable to the funded status of employee benefit plans totaled $12$20 million and $10$16 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, and similar amounts payable to affiliates totaled $36 million and $29$45 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. See Note 1110 for further information pertaining to pension and postretirement accounting.

(20)Segment Information
(19)Segment Information

MidAmerican Energy has identified two reportable operating segments: regulated electric and regulated natural gas. The previously reported nonregulated energy segment consisted substantially of MidAmerican Energy's unregulated retail services business, which was transferred to a subsidiary of BHE and is excluded from the information below related to the statements of operations for all periods presented. The regulated electric segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and from wholesale sales. The regulated natural gas segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and also obtains revenue by transporting gas owned by others through its distribution system. Pricing for regulated electric and regulated natural gas sales are established separately by regulatory agencies; therefore, management also reviews each segment separately to make decisions regarding allocation of resources and in evaluating performance. Common operating costs, interest income, interest expense and income tax expense are allocated to each segment based on certain factors, which primarily relate to the nature of the cost. Refer to Note 109 for a discussion of items affecting income tax (benefit) expense for the regulated electric and natural gas operating segments.

The following tables provide information on a reportable segment basis (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
Operating revenue:     
Regulated electric$1,985
 $1,837
 $1,817
Regulated gas637
 661
 996
Other3
 4
 9
Total operating revenue$2,625
 $2,502
 $2,822
      
Depreciation and amortization:     
Regulated electric$436
 $366
 $312
Regulated gas43
 41
 39
Total depreciation and amortization$479
 $407
 $351
      
Operating income:     
Regulated electric$497
 $385
 $319
Regulated gas68
 64
 75
Total operating income$565
 $449
 $394
      
Interest expense:     
Regulated electric$178
 $166
 $157
Regulated gas18
 17
 17
Total interest expense$196
 $183
 $174
      
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations:     
Regulated electric$(156) $(163) $(138)
Regulated gas22
 16
 22
Other2
 
 
Total income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$(132) $(147) $(116)
      
Net income:     
Regulated electric$512
 $413
 $361
Regulated gas32
 33
 40
Other(2) 
 
Income from continuing operations542
 446
 401
Income on discontinued operations
 16
 16
Net income$542
 $462
 $417


 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:     
Regulated electric$2,283
 $2,108
 $1,985
Regulated natural gas754
 719
 637
Other12
 10
 3
Total operating revenue$3,049
 $2,837
 $2,625
      
Depreciation and amortization:     
Regulated electric$565
 $458
 $436
Regulated natural gas44
 42
 43
Total depreciation and amortization$609
 $500
 $479
      

 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
Utility construction expenditures:     
Regulated electric$1,564
 $1,365
 $1,429
Regulated gas72
 81
 97
Total utility construction expenditures$1,636
 $1,446
 $1,526
      
 As of December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
Total assets:     
Regulated electric$14,113
 $12,970
 $11,850
Regulated gas1,345
 1,251
 1,217
Other1
 164
 167
Total assets$15,459
 $14,385
 $13,234
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Operating income:     
Regulated electric$469
 $472
 $486
Regulated natural gas81
 72
 64
Other1
 (1) 
Total operating income$551
 $543
 $550
      
Interest expense:     
Regulated electric$208
 $196
 $178
Regulated natural gas19
 18
 18
Total interest expense$227
 $214
 $196
      
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
Regulated electric$(273) $(212) $(156)
Regulated natural gas16
 29
 22
Other2
 
 2
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(255) $(183) $(132)
      
Net income:     
Regulated electric$628
 $570
 $512
Regulated natural gas54
 35
 32
Other
 
 (2)
Net income$682
 $605
 $542

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Capital expenditures:     
Regulated electric$2,223
 $1,686
 $1,564
Regulated natural gas109
 87
 72
Total capital expenditures$2,332
 $1,773
 $1,636
      
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Total assets:     
Regulated electric$16,511
 $14,914
 $14,113
Regulated natural gas1,406
 1,403
 1,345
Other3
 1
 1
Total assets$17,920
 $16,318
 $15,459
(21)
Subsequent Events

In February 2017, MidAmerican Energy issued $375 million of its 3.10% First Mortgage Bonds due May 2027 and $475 million of its 3.95% First Mortgage Bonds due August 2047. An amount equal to the net proceeds will be used to finance capital expenditures, disbursed during the period from February 2, 2016 to February 1, 2017, with respect to investments in MidAmerican Energy's 551-megawatt Wind X and 2,000-megawatt Wind XI projects, which were previously financed with MidAmerican Energy's general funds.

In January 2017, MidAmerican Energy provided notice to holders of its $250 million of 5.95% Senior Notes due July 2017 that MidAmerican Energy would redeem such notes in full through optional redemption on February 27, 2017.

(22)(20)    Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results (in millions)

Three-Month Periods Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
2018 2018 2018 2018
       
Operating revenue$746
 $717
 $832
 $754
Operating income79
 87
 278
 107
Net income (loss)106
 106
 483
 (13)
       
Three-Month Periods Ended
2016March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
2017 2017 2017 2017
(In millions)       
Operating revenue$625
 $584
 $795
 $621
$695
 $658
 $813
 $671
Operating income100
 139
 284
 42
102
 130
 284
 27
Net income76
 131
 320
 15
105
 134
 385
 (19)
       
2015
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
(In millions)
Operating revenue$722
 $572
 $680
 $528
Operating income100
 112
 208
 29
Income from continuing operations90
 126
 233
 (3)
Income on discontinued operations4
 5
 1
 6
Net income94
 131
 234
 3

Quarterly data reflectoperating results are affected by, among other things, MidAmerican Energy's seasonal variations commonretail electricity prices, the timing of recognition of federal renewable electricity production tax credits related to a Midwest utility.MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities and the seasonal impact of weather on electricity and natural gas sales.



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM




To the Board of Managers and Member of
MidAmerican Funding, LLC
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MidAmerican Funding, LLC and subsidiaries ("MidAmerican Funding") as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in member's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included MidAmerican Funding's financial statement2018, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(ii)(2) (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MidAmerican Funding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of MidAmerican Funding's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on theMidAmerican Funding's financial statements and financial statement schedules 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 MidAmerican Funding 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. MidAmerican Funding is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding 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 MidAmerican Funding's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes

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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MidAmerican Funding, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred its assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of its parent, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, on January 1, 2016.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
February 24, 201722, 2019

We have served as MidAmerican Funding's auditor since 1999.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$15
 $103
$1
 $172
Receivables, net287
 346
Accounts receivable, net365
 348
Income taxes receivable9
 104

 64
Inventories264
 238
204
 245
Other current assets35
 58
89
 134
Total current assets610
 849
659
 963
      
Property, plant and equipment, net12,835
 11,737
16,171
 14,221
Goodwill1,270
 1,270
1,270
 1,270
Regulatory assets1,161
 1,044
273
 204
Investments and restricted cash and investments655
 636
Investments and restricted investments710
 730
Other assets216
 138
119
 233
      
Total assets$16,747
 $15,674
$19,202
 $17,621

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$302
 $427
$575
 $451
Accrued interest52
 53
58
 53
Accrued property, income and other taxes138
 125
300
 133
Note payable to affiliate31
 139
156
 164
Short-term debt99
 
240
 
Current portion of long-term debt250
 34
500
 350
Other current liabilities160
 166
122
 128
Total current liabilities1,032
 944
1,951
 1,279
      
Long-term debt4,377
 4,563
5,121
 4,932
Regulatory liabilities1,620
 1,661
Deferred income taxes3,568
 3,056
2,319
 2,235
Regulatory liabilities883
 831
Asset retirement obligations510
 488
552
 528
Other long-term liabilities291
 267
310
 326
Total liabilities10,661
 10,149
11,873
 10,961
      
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
 
      
Member's equity:      
Paid-in capital1,679
 1,679
1,679
 1,679
Retained earnings4,407
 3,876
5,650
 4,981
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 (30)
Total member's equity6,086
 5,525
7,329
 6,660
      
Total liabilities and member's equity$16,747
 $15,674
$19,202
 $17,621

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
Regulated electric$1,985
 $1,837
 $1,817
$2,283
 $2,108
 $1,985
Regulated gas and other646
 678
 1,027
Regulated natural gas and other770
 738
 646
Total operating revenue2,631
 2,515
 2,844
3,053
 2,846
 2,631
          
Operating costs and expenses:     
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity409
 433
 532
Cost of gas sold and other371
 407
 738
Operating expenses:     
Cost of fuel and energy487
 434
 409
Cost of natural gas purchased for resale and other469
 447
 371
Operations and maintenance694
 707
 720
813
 802
 709
Depreciation and amortization479
 407
 351
609
 500
 479
Property and other taxes112
 110
 108
125
 119
 112
Total operating costs and expenses2,065
 2,064
 2,449
Total operating expenses2,503
 2,302
 2,080
          
Operating income566
 451
 395
550
 544
 551
          
Other income and (expense):     
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(219) (206) (197)(247) (237) (219)
Allowance for borrowed funds8
 8
 16
20
 15
 8
Allowance for equity funds19
 20
 39
53
 41
 19
Other, net19
 19
 18
31
 9
 34
Total other income and (expense)(173) (159) (124)
Total other income (expense)(143) (172) (158)
          
Income before income tax benefit393
 292
 271
407
 372
 393
Income tax benefit(139) (150) (122)(262) (202) (139)
          
Income from continuing operations532
 442
 393
     
Discontinued operations (Note 3):     
Income from discontinued operations
 22
 28
Income tax expense
 6
 12
Income on discontinued operations
 16
 16
     
Net income$532
 $458
 $409
$669
 $574
 $532

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
      
Net income$532
 $458
 $409
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $1, $- and $13
 
 1
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $-, $(4) and $(10)
 (7) (13)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax3
 (7) (12)
      
Comprehensive income$535
 $451
 $397
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$669
 $574
 $532
      
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:     
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax of $-, $- and $1
 
 3
      
Comprehensive income$669
 $574
 $535

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBER'S EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

    Accumulated      Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net  
    Other       
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Comprehensive
 Loss, Net
 Total Equity
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 Total Member's Equity
              
Balance, December 31, 2013$1,679
 $3,009
 $(11) $4,677
Net income
 409
 
 409
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (12) (12)
Other equity transactions
 (1) 
 (1)
Balance, December 31, 20141,679
 3,417
 (23) 5,073
Net income
 458
 
 458
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (7) (7)
Other equity transactions
 1
 
 1
Balance, December 31, 20151,679
 3,876
 (30) 5,525
$1,679
 $3,876
 $(30) $5,525
Net income
 532
 
 532

 532
 
 532
Other comprehensive income
 
 3
 3

 
 3
 3
Transfer to affiliate (Note 3)
 
 27
 27
Transfer unregulated retail services business to affiliate
 
 27
 27
Other equity transactions
 (1) 
 (1)
 (1) 
 (1)
Balance, December 31, 2016$1,679
 $4,407
 $
 $6,086
1,679
 4,407
 
 6,086
Net income
 574
 
 574
Balance, December 31, 20171,679
 4,981
 
 6,660
Net income
 669
 
 669
Balance, December 31, 2018$1,679
 $5,650
 $
 $7,329

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$532
 $458
 $409
$669
 $574
 $532
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:          
Loss on other items
 29
 
Depreciation and amortization479
 407
 351
609
 500
 479
Amortization of utility plant to other operating expenses34
 34
 37
Allowance for equity funds(53) (41) (19)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits362
 276
 298
32
 334
 362
Changes in other assets and liabilities47
 49
 47
Other, net(92) (69) (49)16
 (14) (63)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:          
Receivables, net(61) 93
 (2)
Accounts receivable and other assets(19) (62) (60)
Inventories(27) (53) 44
41
 19
 (27)
Derivative collateral, net5
 33
 (53)(1) 2
 5
Contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net(6) (8) (2)(13) (11) (6)
Accounts payable39
 (76) 30
Accrued property, income and other taxes, net107
 213
 (253)230
 (54) 107
Other current assets and liabilities8
 12
 
Accounts payable and other liabilities(29) 70
 46
Net cash flows from operating activities1,393
 1,335
 820
1,516
 1,380
 1,393
          
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Utility construction expenditures(1,636) (1,446) (1,526)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(138) (142) (88)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities158
 135
 80
Capital expenditures(2,332) (1,773) (1,636)
Purchases of marketable securities(263) (143) (138)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities223
 137
 158
Proceeds from sales of other investments2
 13
 10
17
 2
 2
Other investment proceeds15
 1
 
Other, net
 2
 5
30
 (3) 10
Net cash flows from investing activities(1,614) (1,438) (1,519)(2,310) (1,779) (1,604)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from long-term debt62
 649
 840
687
 990
 62
Repayments of long-term debt(38) (426) (356)(350) (341) (38)
Net change in note payable to affiliate9
 3
 1
(8) 133
 9
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt99
 (50) 50
240
 (99) 99
Tender offer premium paid
 (29) 
Other, net1
 
 

 
 1
Net cash flows from financing activities133
 176
 535
569
 654
 133
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(88) 73
 (164)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year103
 30
 194
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$15
 $103
 $30
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(225) 255
 (78)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year282
 27
 105
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of year$57
 $282
 $27

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Company Organization and Operations

MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") is an Iowa limited liability company with Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") as its sole member. BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway"). MidAmerican Funding's direct wholly owned subsidiary is MHC Inc. ("MHC"), which constitutes substantially all of MidAmerican Funding's assets, liabilities and business activities except those related to MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt securities. MHC conducts no business other than the ownership of its subsidiaries and related corporate services. MHC's principal subsidiary is MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy"), a public utility with electric and natural gas operations. Direct, wholly owned nonregulated subsidiaries of MHC are Midwest Capital Group, Inc. ("Midwest Capital Group") and MEC Construction Services Co.

(2)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In addition to the following significant accounting policies, refer to Note 2 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements for significant accounting policies of MidAmerican Funding.

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of MidAmerican Funding and its subsidiaries in which it held a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated, other than those between rate-regulated operations.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired when MidAmerican Funding purchased MHC. MidAmerican Funding evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, MidAmerican Funding estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then the identifiable assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. MidAmerican Funding uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings; and an appropriate discount rate. In estimating future cash flows, MidAmerican Funding incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. As such, the determination of fair value incorporates significant unobservable inputs. During 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, MidAmerican Funding did not record any goodwill impairments.

(3)Discontinued Operations

Refer to Note 3 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements. The transfer of MidAmerican Energy's unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of BHE repaid $117 million of MHC's note payable to BHE.

(4)(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Refer to Note 43 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements. In addition to MidAmerican Energy's property, plant and equipment, net, MidAmerican Funding had nonregulated property gross of $22$24 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of $9$12 million and $8$10 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, and construction work-in-progress of $1 million as of December 31, 2016, which consisted primarily of a corporate aircraft owned by MHC.

(5)(4)Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Refer to Note 4 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

(5)Regulatory Matters

Refer to Note 5 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.


(6)Regulatory MattersInvestments and Restricted Investments

Refer to Note 6 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

(7)Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments

Refer to Note 7 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. In addition to MidAmerican Energy's investments and restricted cash and investments, MHC had corporate-owned life insurance policies in a Rabbi trust owned by MHC with a total cash surrender value of $2 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017.

(8)(7)Short-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

Refer to Note 87 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements. In addition to MidAmerican Energy's credit facilities, MHC has a $4 million unsecured credit facility, which expires in June 20172019 and has a variable interest rate based on LIBORthe Eurodollar rate plus a spread. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MHC was in compliance with the covenants of its credit facility.

(9)(8)    Long-Term Debt

Refer to Note 98 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements for detail and a discussion of its long-term debt. In addition to MidAmerican Energy's annual repayments of long-term debt, MidAmerican Funding has $325$239 million of long-term debt6.927% Senior Bonds due in 2029, with a carrying value of $326$240 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017. In December 2017, MidAmerican Funding redeemed through a tender offer a portion of its 6.927% Senior Bonds. A charge of $29 million for the total premium is included in other income (expense) on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

MidAmerican Funding parent company long-term debt is secured by a pledge of the common stock of MHC. See Item 15(c) for the Consolidated Financial Statements of MHC Inc. and subsidiaries. The bonds are the direct senior secured obligations of MidAmerican Funding and effectively rank junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of the direct and indirect subsidiaries of MidAmerican Funding, to the extent of the assets of these subsidiaries. MidAmerican Funding may redeem the bonds in whole or in part at any time at a redemption price equal to the sum of any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption and the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the bonds or (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the bonds, discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis at the treasury yield plus 25 basis points.

Subsidiaries of MidAmerican Funding must make payments on their own indebtedness before making distributions to MidAmerican Funding. Refer to Note 98 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements for a discussion of utility regulatory restrictions affecting distributions from MidAmerican Energy. As a result of the utility regulatory restrictions agreed to by MidAmerican Energy in March 1999, MidAmerican Funding had restricted net assets of $3.1$3.9 billion as of December 31, 2016.2018.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Funding was in compliance with all of its applicable long-term debt covenants.

Each of MidAmerican Funding's direct or indirect subsidiaries is organized as a legal entity separate and apart from MidAmerican Funding and its other subsidiaries. It should not be assumed that any asset of any subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding will be available to satisfy the obligations of MidAmerican Funding or any of its other subsidiaries; provided, however, that unrestricted cash or other assets which are available for distribution may, subject to applicable law and the terms of financing arrangements of such parties, be advanced, loaned, paid as dividends or otherwise distributed or contributed to MidAmerican Funding, one of its subsidiaries or affiliates thereof.


(10)(9)    Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("2017 Tax Reform") was signed into law, which impacts many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") require the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, MidAmerican Funding reduced deferred income tax liabilities $1,822 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for the MidAmerican Funding's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, MidAmerican Funding increased net regulatory liabilities by $1,845 million.


In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. On December 31, 2017, MidAmerican Funding recorded the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. MidAmerican Funding determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. MidAmerican Funding believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, MidAmerican Funding recorded a current tax benefit of $27 million and a deferred tax expense of $28 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform, MidAmerican Funding reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $12 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.

MidAmerican Funding's income tax benefit from continuing operations consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Current:          
Federal$(485) $(418) $(414)$(280) $(505) $(485)
State(16) (8) (5)(14) (31) (16)
(501) (426) (419)(294) (536) (501)
Deferred:          
Federal367
 282
 296
42
 338
 367
State(4) (5) 2
(9) (3) (4)
363
 277
 298
33
 335
 363
          
Investment tax credits(1) (1) (1)(1) (1) (1)
Total$(139) $(150) $(122)$(262) $(202) $(139)

Iowa Senate File 2417

In May 2018, Iowa Senate File 2417 was signed into law, which, among other items, reduces the state of Iowa corporate tax rate from 12% to 9.8% and eliminates corporate federal deductibility, both for tax years starting in 2021. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of Iowa Senate File 2417, MidAmerican Funding reduced net deferred income tax liabilities $54 million and decreased deferred income tax benefit by $2 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for MidAmerican Energy will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, MidAmerican Funding increased net regulatory liabilities by $56 million.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate MidAmerican Funding's the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax benefit from continuing operations is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Federal statutory income tax rate35 % 35 % 35 %21 % 35 % 35 %
Income tax credits(64) (72) (68)(76) (77) (64)
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit(3) (3) (1)(4) (6) (3)
Effects of ratemaking(3) (12) (10)(6) (8) (3)
2017 Tax Reform1
 3
 
Other, net
 1
 (1)
 (1) 
Effective income tax rate(35)% (51)% (45)%(64)% (54)% (35)%

Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in service.in-service.


MidAmerican Funding's net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:      
Regulatory liabilities$333
 $327
$405
 $443
Asset retirement obligations164
 160
Employee benefits66
 66
47
 45
Asset retirement obligations230
 214
Other82
 97
85
 62
Total deferred income tax assets711
 704
701
 710
      
Deferred income tax liabilities:      
Depreciable property(3,767) (3,326)(2,947) (2,868)
Regulatory assets(471) (418)(62) (42)
Other(41) (16)(11) (35)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(4,279) (3,760)(3,020) (2,945)
      
Net deferred income tax liability$(3,568) $(3,056)$(2,319) $(2,235)

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Funding has available $25$44 million of state tax carryforwards, principally related to $549$655 million of net operating losses, that expire at various intervals between 20172019 and 2035.2037.

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of BHE'sMidAmerican Funding’s income tax returns through December 31, 2009, including components related to2011. The statute of limitations for MidAmerican Funding. In addition,Funding’s state jurisdictions have closed their examinations of MidAmerican Funding's income tax returns for Iowahave expired through December 31, 2012,2009, with the exception of Iowa and Illinois, for Illinoiswhich the statute of limitations have expired through December 31, 2008, and2014, except for other jurisdictions through December 31, 2009.the impact of any federal audit adjustments. The statute of limitations expiring for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of MidAmerican Funding's net unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$10
 $26
$12
 $10
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 4
4
 1
Additions for tax positions of prior years10
 46
47
 23
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year(2) (6)(4) (4)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(8) (46)(48) (19)
Statute of limitations
 (5)
Settlements
 (6)
Interest and penalties
 (3)(1) 1
Ending balance$10
 $10
$10
 $12

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MidAmerican Funding had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $30 million that, if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect MidAmerican Funding's effective income tax rate.


(11)Employee Benefit Plans
(10)Employee Benefit Plans

Refer to Note 1110 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements for additional information regarding MidAmerican Funding's pension, supplemental retirement and postretirement benefit plans.

Pension and postretirement costs allocated by MidAmerican Funding to its parent and other affiliates in each of the years ended December 31, were as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Pension costs$4
 $4
 $4
$3
 $4
 $4
Other postretirement costs(1) (2) (2)(2) (3) (1)

(12)(11)Asset Retirement Obligations

Refer to Note 12 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

(13)Risk Management and Hedging Activities

Refer to Note 1311 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

(14)(12)    Fair Value Measurements

Refer to Note 1412 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The fair value of MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of MidAmerican Funding's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
        
Long-term debt$4,627
 $5,164
 $4,597
 $5,051
 2018 2017
 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
        
Long-term debt$5,621
 $5,943
 $5,282
 $6,006

(15)(13)    Commitments and Contingencies

Refer to Note 1513 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

Legal Matters

MidAmerican Funding is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. MidAmerican Funding does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

(16)(14)Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

Refer to Note 1614 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

(15)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Refer to Note 15 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements. Additionally, MidAmerican Funding had $4 million of other revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(17)(16)    Other Income and (Expense) - Other, Net

Other, net, as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, includes the following other income (expense) items for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Non-service cost components of postretirement employee benefit plans$21
 $18
 $15
Corporate-owned life insurance income$8
 $4
 $8
6
 13
 8
Gain on redemption of auction rate securities5
 
 

 
 5
Gains on sales of assets and other investments3
 13
 
1
 1
 3
Leveraged leases
 1
 5
Other, net3
 1
 5
Loss on debt tender offer
 (29) 
Interest income and other, net3
 6
 3
Total$19
 $19
 $18
$31
 $9
 $34

MidAmerican Funding recognized a $13 million pre-tax gain onRefer to Note 8 for information regarding the sale of an investment in a generating facility lease in 2015.debt tender offer.

(18)(17)    Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 as presented in the Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
    
Cash and cash equivalents$1
 $172
Restricted cash and cash equivalents in other current assets56
 110
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$57
 $282

The summary of supplemental cash flow information as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$204
 $177
 $167
$218
 $218
 $204
Income taxes received, net$609
 $630
 $153
$511
 $472
 $609
          
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing transactions:          
Accounts payable related to utility plant additions$131
 $249
 $128
$371
 $224
 $131
Transfer of assets and liabilities to affiliate (Note 3)$90
 $
 $
Transfer of unregulated retail services business to affiliate$
 $
 $90

(19)(18)Related Party Transactions

The companies identified as affiliates of MidAmerican Funding are Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries, including BHE and its subsidiaries. The basis for the following transactions is provided for in service agreements between MidAmerican Funding and the affiliates.


MidAmerican Funding is reimbursed for charges incurred on behalf of its affiliates. The majority of these reimbursed expenses are for allocated general costs, such as insurance and building rent, and for employee wages, benefits and costs for corporate functions, such as information technology, human resources, treasury, legal and accounting. The amount of such reimbursements was $44 million, $46 million and $35 million $35for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, in 2018, MidAmerican Funding received $15 million and $37 millionfrom BHE for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.the transfer of corporate aircraft.

MidAmerican Funding reimbursed BHE in the amount of $11 million, $9 million and $6 million $7 millionin 2018, 2017 and $8 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for its share of corporate expenses.

MidAmerican Energy purchases natural gas transportation and storage capacity services from Northern Natural Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, and coal transportation services from BNSF Railway Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, in the normal course of business at either tariffed or market prices. These purchases totaled $127 million, $122 million and $135 million $165 millionin 2018, 2017 and $144 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

MHC has a $300 million revolving credit arrangement carrying interest at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus a spread to borrow from BHE. Outstanding balances are unsecured and due on demand. The outstanding balance was $31$156 million at an interest rate of 0.885%2.629% as of December 31, 2016,2018, and $139$164 million at an interest rate of 0.494%1.629% as of December 31, 2015,2017, and is reflected as note payable to affiliate on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

BHE has a $100 million revolving credit arrangement, carrying interest at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus a spread to borrow from MHC. Outstanding balances are unsecured and due on demand. There were no borrowings outstanding throughout 20162018 and 2015.2017.

MidAmerican Funding had accounts receivable from affiliates of $7$5 million and $9 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively, that are included in receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. MidAmerican Funding also had accounts payable to affiliates of $12 million and $14 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, that are included in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

MidAmerican Funding is party to a tax-sharing agreement and is part of the Berkshire Hathaway consolidated United States federal income tax return. For current federal and state income taxes, MidAmerican Funding had a payable to BHE of $7$156 million as of December 31, 2016,2018, and a receivable from BHE of $102$64 million as of December 31, 2015.2017. MidAmerican Funding received net cash receipts for federal and state income taxes from BHE totaling $609$511 million, $631$472 million and $154$609 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


MidAmerican Funding recognizes the full amount of the funded status for its pension and postretirement plans, and amounts attributable to MidAmerican Funding's affiliates that have not previously been recognized through income are recognized as an intercompany balance with such affiliates. MidAmerican Funding adjusts these balances when changes to the funded status of the respective plans are recognized and does not intend to settle the balances currently. Amounts receivable from affiliates attributable to the funded status of employee benefit plans totaled $12$20 million and $10$16 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, and similar amounts payable to affiliates totaled $36 million and $29$45 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. See Note 1110 for further information pertaining to pension and postretirement accounting.

The indenture pertaining to MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt restricts MidAmerican Funding from paying a distribution on its equity securities, unless after making such distribution either its debt to total capital ratio does not exceed 0.67:1 and its interest coverage ratio is not less than 2.2:1 or its senior secured long-term debt rating is at least BBB or its equivalent. MidAmerican Funding may seek a release from this restriction upon delivery to the indenture trustee of written confirmation from the ratings agencies that without this restriction MidAmerican Funding's senior secured long-term debt would be rated at least BBB+.


(20)(19)Segment Information

MidAmerican Funding has identified two reportable operating segments: regulated electric and regulated natural gas. The previously reported nonregulated energy segment consisted substantially of MidAmerican Energy's unregulated retail services business, which was transferred to a subsidiary of BHE and is excluded from the information below related to the statements of operations for all periods presented. The regulated electric segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and from wholesale sales. The regulated natural gas segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and also obtains revenue by transporting gas owned by others through its distribution system. Pricing for regulated electric and regulated natural gas sales are established separately by regulatory agencies; therefore, management also reviews each segment separately to make decisions regarding allocation of resources and in evaluating performance. Common operating costs, interest income, interest expense and income tax expense are allocated to each segment based on certain factors, which primarily relate to the nature of the cost. "Other" in the tables below consists of the nonregulated subsidiaries of MidAmerican Funding not engaged in the energy business and parent company interest expense. Refer to Note 109 for a discussion of items affecting income tax (benefit) expense for the regulated electric and natural gas operating segments.

The following tables provide information on a reportable segment basis (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
Regulated electric$1,985
 $1,837
 $1,817
$2,283
 $2,108
 $1,985
Regulated gas637
 661
 996
Regulated natural gas754
 719
 637
Other9
 17
 31
16
 19
 9
Total operating revenue$2,631
 $2,515
 $2,844
$3,053
 $2,846
 $2,631
          
Depreciation and amortization:          
Regulated electric$436
 $366
 $312
$565
 $458
 $436
Regulated gas43
 41
 39
Regulated natural gas44
 42
 43
Total depreciation and amortization$479
 $407
 $351
$609
 $500
 $479
          
Operating income:          
Regulated electric$497
 $385
 $319
$469
 $472
 $486
Regulated gas68
 64
 75
Regulated natural gas81
 72
 64
Other1
 2
 1

 
 1
Total operating income$566
 $451
 $395
$550
 $544
 $551
          
Interest expense:          
Regulated electric$178
 $166
 $157
$208
 $196
 $178
Regulated gas18
 17
 17
Regulated natural gas19
 18
 18
Other23
 23
 23
20
 23
 23
Total interest expense$219
 $206
 $197
$247
 $237
 $219
          
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations:     
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
Regulated electric$(156) $(163) $(138)$(273) $(212) $(156)
Regulated gas22
 16
 22
Regulated natural gas16
 29
 22
Other(5) (3) (6)(5) (19) (5)
Total income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$(139) $(150) $(122)
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(262) $(202) $(139)
          
Net income:          
Regulated electric$512
 $413
 $361
$628
 $570
 $512
Regulated gas32
 33
 40
Regulated natural gas54
 35
 32
Other(12) (4) (8)(13) (31) (12)
Income from continuing operations532
 442
 393
Income on discontinued operations
 16
 16
Net income$532
 $458
 $409
$669
 $574
 $532
          
Utility construction expenditures:     
Regulated electric$1,564
 $1,365
 $1,429
Regulated gas72
 81
 97
Total utility construction expenditures$1,636
 $1,446
 $1,526

 As of December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
Total assets:     
Regulated electric$15,304
 $14,161
 $13,041
Regulated gas1,424
 1,330
 1,296
Other19
 183
 185
Total assets$16,747
 $15,674
 $14,522
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Capital expenditures:     
Regulated electric$2,223
 $1,686
 $1,564
Regulated natural gas109
 87
 72
Total capital expenditures$2,332
 $1,773
 $1,636

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
Total assets:     
Regulated electric$17,702
 $16,105
 $15,304
Regulated natural gas1,485
 1,482
 1,424
Other15
 34
 19
Total assets$19,202
 $17,621
 $16,747

Goodwill by reportable segment as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, was as follows (in millions):
Regulated electric$1,191
$1,191
Regulated gas79
Regulated natural gas79
Total$1,270
$1,270


(21)Subsequent Events

Refer to Note 21 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements.

(22)(20)Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results (in millions)

Three-Month Periods Ended
2016March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
2018 2018 2018 2018
(In millions)       
Operating revenue$626
 $585
 $797
 $623
$747
 $718
 $832
 $756
Operating income100
 140
 284
 42
79
 87
 278
 106
Net income73
 127
 318
 14
Net income (loss)103
 103
 479
 (16)

Three-Month Periods Ended
2015March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
1st Quarter
 
2nd Quarter
 
3rd Quarter
 
4th Quarter
2017 2017 2017 2017
(In millions)       
Operating revenue$727
 $576
 $681
 $531
$696
 $659
 $815
 $676
Operating income101
 112
 209
 29
102
 131
 284
 27
Income from continuing operations95
 124
 230
 (7)
Income on discontinued operations4
 5
 1
 6
Net income99
 129
 231
 (1)102
 131
 383
 (42)

Quarterly data reflectoperating results are affected by, among other things, MidAmerican Energy's seasonal variations commonretail electricity prices, the timing of recognition of federal renewable electricity production tax credits related to a Midwest utility.MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities and the seasonal impact of weather on electricity and natural gas sales.


Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section


Item 6.        Selected Financial Data

Information required by Item 6 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) to Form 10-K.

Item 7.        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

General

Nevada Power's revenues and operating income are subject to fluctuations during the year due to impacts that seasonal weather, rate changes, and customer usage patterns have on demand for electric energy and resources. Nevada Power is a summer peaking utility experiencing its highest retail energy sales in response to the demand for air conditioning. The variations in energy usage due to varying weather, customer growth and other energy usage patterns, including energy efficiency and conservation measures, necessitates a continual balancing of loads and resources and purchases and sales of energy under short- and long-term energy supply contracts. As a result, the prudent management and optimization of available resources has a direct effect on the operating and financial performance of Nevada Power. Additionally, the timely recovery of purchased power, fuel costs and other costs and the ability to earn a fair return on investments through rates are essential to the operating and financial performance of Nevada Power.

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Nevada Power during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Nevada Power's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10‑K. Nevada Power's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Net income for the year ended December 31, 20162018 was $279$226 million, a decrease of $9$29 million, or 3%11%, compared to 2015. Net2017, primarily due to $52 million of higher operations and maintenance expense, mainly due to an accrual for earnings sharing established in 2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review and increased political activity expenses, $37 million of lower utility margin and higher depreciation and amortization, primarily due to various regulatory-directed amortizations established in the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review. These decreases were partially offset by lower income tax expense of $84 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Tax Reform") and $9 million of lower interest expense on long-term debt. Utility margins decreased due to lower average retail rates including rate impacts related to the tax rate reduction rider as a result of 2017 Tax Reform and lower margins from changes in usage patterns withcustomers purchasing energy from alternative providers and becoming distribution only service customers, partially offset by higher residential, commercial and industrial customers, lower customer usagevolumes.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $255 million, a decrease of $24 million, or 9%, compared to 2016, which includes $5 million of expense from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of the 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $260 million, a decrease of $19 million compared to 2017, due to customer demand andexpenses related to the impactsNevada Power regulatory rate review of weather, benefits from changes in contingent liabilities in 2015 and$28 million, higher depreciation and amortization, primarily due to higher plant placed in-service.in-service of $29 million. The decrease in net income was partially offset by higher customer growthutility margins of $11 million, excluding the impact of a decrease in energy efficiency program rate revenue of $22 million (offset in operations and lower interest expense from the redemption of $210 million Series M, 5.950% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes in 2016.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $288 million, an increase of $61 million, or 27%maintenance), compared to 2014. Net income increased primarily due to lower impairment costs resulting from the settlement of the 2014 regulatory rate review and certain assets not in rates of $31 million, higher electric margins from increased customer usage and growth and the impacts of weather of $28 million, lower other operating and maintenance of $35 million and lower interest expense of $18 million. The increase in net income was$9 million on lower deferred charges and lower rates on outstanding debt balances. Utility margins increased due to customer usage patterns and customer growth, partially offset by higher depreciationlower utility margins from customers purchasing energy from alternative providers and amortization of $23 million primarily due to higher regulatory amortizations.becoming distribution only service customers.

Operating revenue and cost of fuel, energy and capacity
Non-GAAP Financial Measure
Management utilizes various key financial measures that are key drivers of Nevada Power'sprepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, utility margin, to help evaluate results of operationsoperations. Utility margin is calculated as they encompass retail and wholesale electricity revenue and the direct costs associated with providing electricity to customers. Nevada Power believes that a discussion of gross margin, representingelectric operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy, which are captions presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Nevada Power's cost of fuel and capacity,energy are generally recovered from its customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms and as a result, changes in Nevada Power's expenses result in comparable changes to revenue. As such, management believes utility margin more appropriately and concisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of revenue and cost of sales separately. Management believes the presentation of utility margin provides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.
Utility margin is therefore meaningful.not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to operating income (in millions):
  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Utility margin:              
Operating revenue $2,184
 $2,206
 $(22)(1)% $2,206
 $2,083
 $123
6 %
Cost of fuel and energy 917
 902
 15
2
 902
 768
 134
17
Utility margin 1,267
 1,304
 (37)(3) 1,304
 1,315
 (11)(1)
Operations and maintenance 443
 391
 52
13
 391
 391
 

Depreciation and amortization 337
 308
 29
9
 308
 303
 5
2
Property and other taxes 41
 40
 1
3
 40
 38
 2
5
Operating income $446
 $565
 $(119)(21) $565
 $583
 $(18)(3)































A comparison of Nevada Power's key operating results related to gross margin for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

 2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change 2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Gross margin (in millions):              
Utility margin (in millions):              
Operating revenue $2,083
 $2,402
 $(319)(13)% $2,402
 $2,337
 $65
3 % $2,184
 $2,206
 $(22)(1)% $2,206
 $2,083
 $123
6 %
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity 768
 1,084
 (316)(29) 1,084
 1,076
 8
1
Gross margin $1,315
 $1,318
 $(3)
 $1,318
 $1,261
 $57
5
Cost of fuel and energy 917
 902
 15
2
 902
 768
 134
17
Utility margin $1,267
 $1,304
 $(37)(3) $1,304
 $1,315
 $(11)(1)
                            
GWh sold:              
GWhs sold:              
Residential 9,394
 9,246
 148
2 % 9,246
 8,923
 323
4 % 9,970
 9,501
 469
5 % 9,501
 9,394
 107
1 %
Commercial 4,663
 4,635
 28
1
 4,635
 4,489
 146
3
 4,778
 4,656
 122
3
 4,656
 4,663
 (7)
Industrial 7,313
 7,571
 (258)(3) 7,571
 7,486
 85
1
 5,534
 6,201
 (667)(11) 6,201
 7,313
 (1,112)(15)
Other 212
 214
 (2)(1) 214
 211
 3

 214
 212
 2
1
 212
 212
 

Total fully bundled(1)
 20,496
 20,570
 (74)
 20,570
 21,582
 (1,012)(5)
Distribution only service 2,521
 1,830
 691
38
 1,830
 662
 1,168
*
Total retail 21,582
 21,666
 (84)
 21,666
 21,109
 557
3
 23,017
 22,400
 617
3
 22,400
 22,244
 156
1
Wholesale 258
 353
 (95)(27) 353
 20
 333
  *
 274
 314
 (40)(13) 314
 258
 56
22
Total GWh sold 21,840
 22,019
 (179)(1) 22,019
 21,129
 890
4
Total GWhs sold 23,291
 22,714
 577
3
 22,714
 22,502
 212
1
                            
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):                            
Residential 796
 782
 14
2 % 782
 770
 12
2 % 825
 810
 15
2 % 810
 796
 14
2 %
Commercial 105
 104
 1
1
 104
 102
 2
2
 108
 106
 2
2
 106
 105
 1
1
Industrial 2
 2
 

 2
 2
 

 2
 2
 

 2
 2
 

Total 903
 888
 15
2
 888
 874
 14
2
 935
 918
 17
2
 918
 903
 15
2
                            
Average revenue per MWh -              
Retail $94.27
 $108.49
 $(14.22)(13)% $108.49
 $108.90
 $(0.41) %
Average per MWh:              
Revenue - fully bundled(1)
 $102.82
 $104.57
 $(1.75)(2)% $104.57
 $94.27
 $10.30
11 %
Total cost of energy(2)(3)
 $42.17
 $41.84
 $0.33
1 % $41.84
 $34.00
 $7.84
23 %
                            
Heating degree days 1,508
 1,491
 17
1 % 1,491
 1,306
 185
14 % 1,527
 1,265
 262
21 % 1,265
 1,508
 (243)(16)%
Cooling degree days 4,002
 4,069
 (67)(2)% 4,069
 3,970
 99
2 % 4,255
 4,044
 211
5 % 4,044
 4,002
 42
1 %
                            
Sources of energy (GWh)(1):
              
Sources of energy (GWhs)(3)(4):
              
Natural gas 13,848
 13,172
 676
5 % 13,172
 14,577
 (1,405)(10)%
Coal 1,480
 1,556
 (76)(5)% 1,556
 4,422
 (2,866)(65)% 1,231
 1,449
 (218)(15) 1,449
 1,480
 (31)(2)
Natural gas 14,577
 14,567
 10

 14,567
 12,590
 1,977
16
Other 61
 4
 57
  *
 4
 15
 (11)(73)
Renewables 69
 73
 (4)(5) 73
 61
 12
20
Total energy generated 16,118
 16,127
 (9)
 16,127
 17,027
 (900)(5) 15,148
 14,694
 454
3
 14,694
 16,118
 (1,424)(9)
Energy purchased 6,462
 6,431
 31

 6,431
 5,424
 1,007
19
 6,587
 6,858
 (271)(4) 6,858
 6,462
 396
6
Total 22,580
 22,558
 22

 22,558
 22,451
 107

 21,735
 21,552
 183
1
 21,552
 22,580
 (1,028)(5)
              
Average total cost of energy per MWh(2)
 $34.00
 $48.04
 $(14.04)(29)% $48.04
 $47.94
 $0.10
 %
*Not meaningful
(1)GWh amounts are net ofFully bundled includes sales to customers for combined energy, used by the related generating facilities.transmission and distribution services.
(2)The average total cost of energy per MWh includes the cost of fuel, purchased power and deferrals and does not include other costs.
(3)The average total cost of energy per MWh and sources of energy excludes 153, 296 and 194 GWhs of coal and 1,483, 2,373 and 2,215 GWhs of gas generated energy that is purchased at cost by related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(4)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.

Year Ended December 31, 20162018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20152017

GrossUtility margin decreased $3$37 million for 20162018 compared to 20152017 due to:
$951 million in usage patterns for commercial and industrial customers;lower retail rates due to the tax rate reduction rider as a result of 2017 Tax Reform;
$830 million due to lower customer usage, due toretail rates as a result of the impacts of weather;2017 regulatory rate review with rates effective February 2018; and
$220 million in transmission revenue.lower commercial and industrial retail revenue from customers purchasing energy from alternative providers and becoming distribution-only service customers.
The decrease in grossutility margin was partially offset by:
$1620 million in higher residential volumes primarily from the impacts of weather;
$20 million in higher commercial and industrial volumes;
$11 million in higher other revenue primarily from impact fees and revenue relating to customers becoming distribution-only service customers;
$9 million due to residential customer growth; and
$4 million in higher customer growth.energy efficiency program rate revenue, which is offset in operations and maintenance expense.

OperatingOperations and maintenanceincreased $22$52 million, or 6%13%, for 20162018 compared to 20152017 primarily due to benefits from changesan accrual for earnings sharing established in contingent liabilities2018 as part of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review and increased political activity expenses, partially offset by disallowances in 2015, higher generating costs and disallowances2017 resulting from regulatory rate reviews.

Depreciation and amortization increased $29 million, or 9%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to various regulatory-directed amortizations and increased depreciation expense as a result of the Nevada Power 2017 regulatory rate review.

Other income (expense) is favorable $6 million, or 4%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to lower interest expense on long-term debt, partially offset by an unfavorable clarification order from the 2017 regulatory rate review to record carrying charges on impact fees received from customers that elected to become distribution only service customers and losses on investments.

Income tax expense decreased $84 million, or 54%, for 2018 compared to 2017. The effective tax rate was 24% in 2018 and 38% in 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to 2017 Tax Reform, which reduced the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, partially offset by an increase in nondeductible expenses.

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Utility margin decreased $11 million for 2017 compared to 2016 due to:
$32 million in lower commercial and industrial retail revenue from customers purchasing energy from alternative providers and becoming distribution-only service customers; and
$22 million in lower energy efficiency program rate revenue, which is offset in operations and maintenance.
The decrease in utility margin was partially offset by:
$21 million in higher other retail revenue primarily from impact fees and revenue relating to customers becoming distribution only service customers;
$9 million from customer usage patterns;
$7 million due to customer growth; and
$6 million in higher transmission revenue primarily due to customers becoming distribution-only service customers.

Depreciation and amortization increased $5 million, or 2%, for 20162017 compared to 20152016 primarily due to higher plant placed in-service.

Property and other taxesincreased $2$2 million, or 6%5%, for 20162017 compared to 20152016 due to a reduction in property tax abatements, offset by lower assessed property values.abatements.


Other income (expense) is favorable $8$4 million, or 5%3%, for 20162017 compared to 2015 primarily2016 due to lower interest expense fromon deferred charges and the redemption of $210 million Series M, 5.950% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes in 2016.2016, partially offset by lower allowance for funds used during construction and expenses related to the regulatory rate review.

Income tax expense decreased $16increased $10 million, or 10%7%, for 20162017 compared to 2015.2016. The effective tax rate was 38% in 2017 and 34% in 2016 and 36% in 2015.2016. The decreaseincrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the effects of 2017 Tax Reform and the qualified production activities deduction.deduction in 2016.

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Gross margin increased $57 million, or 5%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to:
$26 million in higher energy efficiency program rate revenue, which is offset in operating and maintenance expense;
$14 million due to higher customer growth;
$14 million due to higher customer usage, primarily due to the impacts of weather; and
$3 million in transmission revenue primarily due to increased ON Line usage.

Operating and maintenance decreased $41 million, or 10%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to $31 million of lower impairment costs resulting from the settlement of the regulatory rate review in 2014 and certain assets not in rates, $18 million of decreased amortizations for demand side management program costs, benefits from changes in contingent liabilities in 2015, a decrease related to the retirement of Reid Gardner Generating Station Units 1-3 and lower compensation costs. The decrease was offset by $35 million in ON Line lease expense and $26 million in higher energy efficiency program costs, which are fully recovered in operating revenue.

Depreciation and amortization increased $23 million, or 8%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to higher regulatory amortizations as a result of the 2014 regulatory rate review effective January 2015 and the acquisition of Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit 4 in 2014.

Property and other taxes increased$3 million, or 9%, for 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a new state commerce tax.

Other income (expense) is favorable $21 million, or 11%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to redemption of $250 million Series L, 5.875% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes in January 2015, increased allowance for borrowed and equity funds and higher interest on deferred charges.

Income tax expense increased $32 million, or 25%, for 2015 compared to 2014. The effective tax rate was 36% in 2015 and 2014.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2016,2018, Nevada Power's total net liquidity was $679$511 million as follows (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents $279
 $111
Credit facilities(1)
 400
 400
Total net liquidity $679
 $511
Credit facilities:    
Maturity dates 2018
 2021

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding Nevada Power's credit facility.
In January 2017, Nevada Power (1) issued a notice to the bondholders for the repurchase of the remaining outstanding amounts of its $38 million Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006 and $38 million Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006A and (2) redeemed the Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006A aggregate principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest with the use of cash on hand. In February 2017, Nevada Power redeemed the Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006 aggregate principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest with the use of cash on hand.

Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $771$619 million and $892$665 million, respectively. The change was due to decreasedimpact fees received in 2017, higher contributions to the pension plan and higher payments for operating costs, partially offset by increased collections from customers due to lower retail rates as a result ofhigher deferred energy adjustment mechanisms, a 2016 contribution to the pension plan and increased operating costs. The decrease was offset by the receipt of impact fees from MGM Resorts International and Wynn Las Vegas, lower payments for fuel costs, settlement payments of contingent liabilities in 2015 and higher collections from customers for renewable energy programs.rates.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were $892$665 million and $704$771 million, respectively. The change was due to deferred energy from lower fuel costs, increased customer growthhigher intercompany tax payments and usage, higher collections of energy efficiency program costs and a paymentimpact fees received in 2014 of the bill credit to customers as a result of the BHE Merger. The increase was2016, partially offset by refundsa 2016 contribution to customers for renewable energy programs, timing of projects under long-term service agreements which are offset in investing activities, higher payments for asset retirement obligations and settlement payments of contingent liabilities.the pension plan.

The timing of Nevada Power's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

In December 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the "Act") was signed into law, extending the 50% bonus depreciation for qualifying property purchased and placed in-service before January 1, 2015 and before January 1, 2016 for certain longer-lived assets. As a result of the Act, Nevada Power's cash flows from operations benefited in 2015 due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service

In December 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 ("PATH") was signed into law, extending bonus depreciation for qualifying property acquired and placed in-service before January 1, 2020 (bonus depreciation rates will be 50% for 2015-2017, 40% in 2018, and 30% in 2019), with an additional year for certain longer lived assets. Investment tax credits were extended and phased-down for solar projects that are under construction before the end of 2021 (investment tax credit rates are 30% through 2019, 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021; they revert to the statutory rate of 10% thereafter). As a result of PATH, Nevada Power's cash flows from operations are expected to benefit due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service through 2019 and investment tax credits (once the net operating loss is fully utilized) earned on qualifying projects through 2021.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $(335)$(297) million and $(301)$(343) million, respectively. The change was primarily due to the acquisition of the remaining 25% in the Silverhawk generating station in 2017, partially offset by increased capital maintenance expenditures and proceeds received from the sale of assets and an equity investment in 2015.expenditures.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were $(301)$(343) million and $(371)$(335) million, respectively. The change was primarily due to the acquisition of the Las Vegas and Sun Peak Generating Stationsremaining 25% ownership in 2014,the Silverhawk generating station, partially offset by construction of the Nellis Solar Array in 2015, timing of projects under long-term service agreements which are offset in operating activities and proceeds received from the sale of assets and an equity investment.decreased capital expenditures.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 were $(693)$(267) million and $(275)$(546) million, respectively. The change was due to greater proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and higher dividends paid to NV Energy, Inc., in 2017, partially offset by lowerhigher repayments of long-term debt.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 20152017 and 20142016 were $(275)$(546) million and $(239)$(693) million, respectively. The change was due to lower repayments of long-termlong‑term debt and capital lease obligations,proceeds from issuance of long‑term debt, partially offset by lowerhigher dividends paid to NV Energy, Inc. in 2017.

Ability to Issue Debt

Nevada Power's ability to issue debt is primarily impacted by its financing authority from the PUCN. As of December 31, 2016,2018, Nevada Power has financing authority from the PUCN consisting of the ability to: (1) issue long-term debt securities of up to $1.3 billion; (2) refinancing authority up to $1.3 billion$656 million of long-term debt securities; and (3) maintain a revolving credit facility of up to $1.3 billion. Nevada Power's revolving credit facility contains a financial maintenance covenant which Nevada Power was in compliance with as of December 31, 2016.2018. In addition, certain financing agreements contain covenants which are currently suspended as Nevada Power's senior secured debt is rated investment grade. However, if Nevada Power's senior secured debt ratings fall below investment grade by either Moody's Investor Service or Standard & Poor's, Nevada Power would be subject to limitations under these covenants.

Ability to Issue General and Refunding Mortgage Securities

To the extent Nevada Power has the ability to issue debt under the most restrictive covenants in its financing agreements and has financing authority to do so from the PUCN, Nevada Power's ability to issue secured debt is limited by the amount of bondable property or retired bonds that can be used to issue debt under Nevada Power's indenture.

Nevada Power's indenture creates a lien on substantially all of Nevada Power's properties in Nevada. As of December 31, 2016, $8.92018, $8.5 billion of Nevada Power's assets were pledged. Nevada Power had the capacity to issue $3.2 billion of additional general and refunding mortgage securities as of December 31, 20162018 determined on the basis of 70% of net utility property additions. Property additions include plant-in-service and specific assets in construction work-in-progress. The amount of bond capacity listed above does not include eligible property in construction work-in-progress. Nevada Power also has the ability to release property from the lien of Nevada Power's indenture on the basis of net property additions, cash or retired bonds. To the extent Nevada Power releases property from the lien of Nevada Power's indenture, it will reduce the amount of securities issuable under the indenture.

Long-Term Debt

In April 2018, Nevada Power issued $575 million of its 2.75% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series BB, due April 2020. Nevada Power used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of Nevada Power's $325 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series O, maturing in May 2018. In August 2018, Nevada Power used the remaining net proceeds, together with available cash and $45m from its credit facility, to repay all of Nevada Power's $500 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series S, maturing in August 2018.

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.

Future Uses of Cash

Capital Expenditures

Nevada Power has significant future capital requirements. Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Prudently incurred expenditures for compliance-related items such as pollution control technologies, replacement generation and associated operating costs are generally incorporated into Nevada Power's regulated retail rates. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisition of existing assets.

Historical and forecasted capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Historical ForecastedHistorical Forecasted
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 20192016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
                      
Generation development$201
 $45
 $1
 $79
 $
 $2
$1
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Distribution107
 102
 144
 102
 119
 111
144
 110
 137
 182
 318
 130
Transmission system investment19
 63
 30
 12
 19
 35
30
 9
 9
 27
 4
 6
Other44
 110
 160
 105
 90
 84
160
 151
 150
 165
 100
 150
Total$371
 $320
 $335
 $298
 $228
 $232
$335
 $270
 $296
 $374
 $422
 $286

Nevada Power's approved forecast capital expenditures include the following:
Generation development investment includes the purchase of the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk generating facility in 2017. Nevada Power’s cost for the remaining interest will total $77 million. In December 2015, the PUCN approved the purchase of the facility in Nevada Power’s triennial IRP filing.
Remaining investments that relate to operating projects that consist of routine expenditures for transmission, distribution, generation and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.

Contractual Obligations

Nevada Power has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes Nevada Power's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 20162018 (in millions):
 Payments Due by Periods Payments Due by Periods
 2017 2018 - 2019 2020 - 2021 2022 and Thereafter Total 2019 2020 - 2021 2022 - 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
                    
Long-term debt $
 $1,323
 $
 $1,292
 $2,615
 $500
 $575
 $
 $1,309
 $2,384
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 165
 250
 153
 1,270
 1,838
 110
 162
 154
 1,118
 1,544
Capital leases, including interest(2),(3)
 12
 25
 30
 44
 111
 15
 32
 22
 24
 93
ON Line financial lease, including interest(2)
 44
 87
 89
 767
 987
 44
 88
 88
 685
 905
Fuel and capacity contract commitments(1)
 697
 797
 713
 5,310
 7,517
 612
 838
 769
 4,925
 7,144
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)(1)
 7
 43
 73
 683
 806
 
 7
 80
 982
 1,069
Operating leases and easements(1)
 9
 17
 14
 51
 91
 10
 14
 15
 59
 98
Asset retirement obligations 20
 18
 15
 43
 96
 13
 14
 20
 46
 93
Maintenance, service and other contracts(1)
 118
 76
 73
 75
 342
 46
 85
 60
 26
 217
Total contractual cash obligations $1,072
 $2,636
 $1,160
 $9,535
 $14,403
 $1,350
 $1,815
 $1,208
 $9,174
 $13,547

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)Interest is not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)Includes fuel and capacity contracts designated as a capital lease.

Nevada Power has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 6), uncertain tax positions (Note 10)9) and asset retirement obligations (Note 13)11), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.


Regulatory Matters

Nevada Power is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding Nevada Power's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

Nevada Power is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, RPS, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Nevada Power's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by the EPA and various federal, state and local agencies. Nevada Power believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and Nevada Power is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for discussion of Nevada Power's forecasted environmental-related capital expenditures.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for Nevada Power's forecasted environmental-related capital expenditures.regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of Nevada Power is rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of Nevada Power's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

Nevada Power has no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. Nevada Power's secured revolving credit facility does not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon its availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facility are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the applicable credit ratings obtained from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2016,2018, Nevada Power would have been required to post $70$10 million of additional collateral. Nevada Power's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors. Refer to Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a discussion of Nevada Power's collateral requirements specific to Nevada Power's derivative contracts.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where Nevada Power operates has not had a significant impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Nevada Power operates under a cost-of-service based rate structure administered by the PUCN and the FERC. Under this rate structure, Nevada Power is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation after Nevada Power experiences cost increases. Fuel and purchase power costs are recovered through a balancing account, minimizing the impact of inflation related to these costs. Nevada Power attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of periodic rate adjustments for fuel and energy costs, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.


New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting Nevada Power, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.


Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by Nevada Power's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with Nevada Power's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Nevada Power's Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Nevada Power prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Nevada Power defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

Nevada Power continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Nevada Power's ability to recover its costs. Nevada Power believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Total regulatory assets were $1.0$0.9 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $453 million$1.2 billion as of December 31, 2016.2018. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's regulatory assets and liabilities.

Derivatives

Nevada Power is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Nevada Power is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Nevada Power's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Nevada Power's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances.

Nevada Power has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, manage, mitigate, monitor and report each of the various types of risk involved in its business. Nevada Power employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and interest rate risk. Nevada Power manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed‑rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, Nevada Power may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate Nevada Power's exposure to interest rate risk. Nevada Power does not hedge all of its commodity price and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 8 and 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10‑K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's derivative contracts.


Measurement Principles

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which Nevada Power transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, Nevada Power uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent Nevada Power's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. Interest rate swaps are valued using a financial model which utilizes observable inputs for similar instruments based primarily on market price curves.

Nevada Power bases its forward price curves upon internally developed models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations for electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to markets that are not active. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, Nevada Power uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value of these derivative contracts is a function of underlying forward commodity prices, interest rates, currency rates, related volatility, counterparty creditworthiness and duration of contracts. The model incorporates a mid-market pricing convention (the mid‑point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient for valuing its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value. The determination of the fair value for derivative contracts not only includes counterparty risk, but also the impact of Nevada Power's nonperformance risk on its liabilities, which as of December 31, 2016, had an immaterial impact to the fair value of its derivative contracts. As such, Nevada Power considers its derivative contracts to be valued using Level 3 inputs. The assumptions used in these models are critical because any changes in assumptions could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the contracts. As of December 31, 2016, Nevada Power had a net derivative liability of $14 million related to contracts where Nevada Power uses internal models with significant unobservable inputs.

Classification and Recognition Methodology

Nevada Power's commodity derivative contracts are probable of inclusion in regulated rates, and changes in the estimated fair value of derivative contracts are recorded as regulatory assets. Accordingly, amounts are generally not recognized in earnings until the contracts are settled and the amounts are reflected in regulated rates. As of December 31, 2016, Nevada Power had $14 million recorded as a regulatory asset related to derivative contracts on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Nevada Power evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2016,2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

The estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what Nevada Power would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect Nevada Power's results of operations.

Income Taxes

In determining Nevada Power's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Nevada Power's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. Nevada Power's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Nevada Power recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.

Although the ultimate resolution of Nevada Power's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Nevada Power believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 109 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's income taxes.

Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated withNevada Power is probable to pass income tax benefits and expense forrelated to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property‑related basis differences and other various differences that Nevada Power is required to pass on to its customers are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability.customers. As of December 31, 2016,2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory assetsliability of $141 million and regulatory liabilities of $9$677 million and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue is recognized as electricity is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since their last billing is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $91$106 million as of December 31, 2016.2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Estimates are reversed in the following month when actual revenue is recorded.


Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. Nevada Power's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which Nevada Power transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with Nevada Power's business activities. Nevada Power has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to NotesNote 2 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Commodity Price Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Nevada Power is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Nevada Power's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Nevada Power's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power does not engage in proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, Nevada Power uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. Nevada Power does not hedge its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Nevada Power's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates through its deferred energy mechanism, which is subject to disallowance and regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.


The table that follows summarizes Nevada Power's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices by the expected volumes for these contracts as of that date. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).

Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value afterFair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Hypothetical Change in PriceNet Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
Liability 10% increase 10% decrease(Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2016:     
As of December 31, 2018:     
Commodity derivative contracts$(14) $(15) $(13)$3
 $7
 $(1)
          
As of December 31, 2015:     
As of December 31, 2017:     
Commodity derivative contracts$(18) $(20) $(16)$(3) $(3) $(3)

Nevada Power's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts are recoverable from customers in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose Nevada Power to earnings volatility. As of December 31, 2016 and2018, a net regulatory liability of $3 million was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $3 million. As of December 31, 20152017, a net regulatory asset of $14$3 million and $22 million, respectively, was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $14 million and $22 million, respectively.$3 million. The settled cost of these commodity derivative contracts is generally included in regulated rates.


Interest Rate Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, Nevada Power's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose Nevada Power to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if Nevada Power were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of Nevada Power's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 6 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of Nevada Power's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, Nevada Power had no short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $76 million that expose Nevada Power to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on Nevada Power's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Credit Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent Nevada Power's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct and indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, Nevada Power analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, Nevada Power enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, Nevada Power exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.
 
As of December 31, 2016,2018, Nevada Power's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions totaled $5 million,were not material, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral. The majority of the exposure is comprised of one counterparty that is not rated by nationally recognized credit rating agencies.


Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  
    
Consolidated Balance Sheets  
    
Consolidated Statements of Operations  
    
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity  
    
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
    
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Nevada Power Company
Las Vegas, Nevada

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nevada Power Company and subsidiaries ("Nevada Power") as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. 2018, 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 Nevada Power as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of Nevada Power's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on theNevada Power'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 Nevada Power 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Nevada Power is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding 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 Nevada Power's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nevada Power Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/Deloitte & Touche LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada
February 24, 201722, 2019
We have served as Nevada Power's auditor since 1987.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions, except share data)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
ASSETS
      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$279
 $536
$111
 $57
Accounts receivable, net243
 265
240
 238
Inventories73
 80
61
 59
Regulatory assets20
 
39
 28
Other current assets38
 46
68
 44
Total current assets653
 927
519
 426
      
Property, plant and equipment, net6,997
 6,996
6,868
 6,877
Regulatory assets1,000
 1,057
878
 941
Other assets39
 37
37
 35
      
Total assets$8,689
 $9,017
$8,302
 $8,279
      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$187
 $214
$187
 $156
Accrued interest50
 54
38
 50
Accrued property, income and other taxes93
 30
30
 63
Regulatory liabilities37
 173
49
 91
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations17
 225
520
 842
Customer deposits78
 58
67
 73
Other current liabilities39
 28
29
 16
Total current liabilities501
 782
920
 1,291
      
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations3,049
 3,060
2,296
 2,233
Regulatory liabilities416
 304
1,137
 1,030
Deferred income taxes1,474
 1,405
749
 767
Other long-term liabilities277
 303
296
 280
Total liabilities5,717
 5,854
5,398
 5,601
      
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)   
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)   
      
Shareholder's equity:      
Common stock - $1.00 stated value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
 

 
Other paid-in capital2,308
 2,308
2,308
 2,308
Retained earnings667
 858
600
 374
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(3) (3)(4) (4)
Total shareholder's equity2,972
 3,163
2,904
 2,678
      
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$8,689
 $9,017
$8,302
 $8,279
      
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Operating revenue$2,083
 $2,402
 $2,337
$2,184
 $2,206
 $2,083
          
Operating costs and expenses:          
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity768
 1,084
 1,076
917
 902
 768
Operating and maintenance394
 372
 413
Operations and maintenance443
 391
 391
Depreciation and amortization303
 297
 274
337
 308
 303
Property and other taxes38
 36
 33
41
 40
 38
Total operating costs and expenses1,503
 1,789
 1,796
1,738
 1,641
 1,500
          
Operating income580
 613
 541
446
 565
 583
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense(185) (190) (208)(170) (179) (185)
Allowance for borrowed funds
4
 3
 1
2
 1
 4
Allowance for equity funds2
 4
 1
3
 1
 2
Other, net24
 20
 22
17
 23
 21
Total other income (expense)(155) (163) (184)(148) (154) (158)
          
Income before income tax expense425
 450
 357
298
 411
 425
Income tax expense146
 162
 130
72
 156
 146
Net income$279
 $288
 $227
$226
 $255
 $279
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Amounts in millions, except shares)

         Accumulated           Accumulated  
     Other   Other Total     Other   Other Total
 Common Stock Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholder's Common Stock Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholder's
 Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $586
 $(4) $2,890
Net income 
 
 
 227
 
 227
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (230) 
 (230)
Other equity transactions

 
 
 
 
 1
 1
Balance, December 31, 2014 1,000
 
 2,308
 583
 (3) 2,888
Net income 
 
 
 288
 
 288
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (13) 
 (13)
Balance, December 31, 2015 1,000
 
 2,308
 858
 (3) 3,163
 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $858
 $(3) $3,163
Net income 
 
 
 279
 
 279
 
 
 
 279
 
 279
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (469) 
 (469) 
 
 
 (469) 
 (469)
Other equity transactions

 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1) 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Balance, December 31, 2016 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $667
 $(3) $2,972
 1,000
 
 2,308
 667
 (3) 2,972
Net income 
 
 
 255
 
 255
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (548) 
 (548)
Other equity transactions 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Balance, December 31, 2017 1,000
 
 2,308
 374
 (4) 2,678
Net income 
 
 
 226
 
 226
Balance, December 31, 2018 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $600
 $(4) $2,904
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$279
 $288
 $227
$226
 $255
 $279
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:          
(Gain) loss on nonrecurring items1
 (3) 15

 (1) 1
Depreciation and amortization303
 297
 274
337
 308
 303
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits78
 162
 130
(13) 94
 78
Allowance for equity funds(2) (4) (1)(3) (1) (2)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities131
 4
 2
83
 50
 131
Deferred energy(21) 176
 (44)(11) (16) (21)
Amortization of deferred energy(107) 36
 79
16
 16
 (107)
Other, net
 13
 68
14
 (3) 
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable and other assets26
 (40) (19)5
 6
 26
Inventories7
 9
 (15)(1) 6
 7
Accrued property, income and other taxes63
 
 1
(35) (26) 63
Accounts payable and other liabilities13
 (46) (13)1
 (23) 13
Net cash flows from operating activities771
 892
 704
619
 665
 771
          
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Capital expenditures(335) (320) (371)(298) (270) (335)
Acquisitions
 (77) 
Proceeds from sale of assets
 9
 
1
 4
 
Other, net
 10
 
Net cash flows from investing activities(335) (301) (371)(297) (343) (335)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt573
 91
 
Repayments of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations(224) (262) (9)(840) (89) (224)
Dividends paid(469) (13) (230)
 (548) (469)
Net cash flows from financing activities(693) (275) (239)(267) (546) (693)
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(257) 316
 94
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period536
 220
 126
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$279
 $536
 $220
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents55
 (224) (257)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period66
 290
 547
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$121
 $66
 $290
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)    Organization and Operations

Nevada Power Company, together with its subsidiaries ("Nevada Power"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), a holding company that also owns Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific") and certain other subsidiaries. Nevada Power is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers primarily in the Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and adjoining areas. NV Energy is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"). BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nevada Power Company and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income equals comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014. Certain amounts in the prior period Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications did not impact previously reported operating income, net income or retained earnings.2016.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Nevada Power prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Nevada Power defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

Nevada Power continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Nevada Power's ability to recover its costs. Nevada Power believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).


Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on Nevada Power's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to Nevada Power by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. Nevada Power also has the ability to assess deposits on customers who have delayed payments or who are deemed to be a credit risk. The change in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Beginning balance$13
 $14
 $8
$16
 $12
 $13
Charged to operating costs and expenses, net16
 16
 14
15
 15
 16
Write-offs, net(17) (17) (8)(15) (11) (17)
Ending balance$12
 $13
 $14
$16
 $16
 $12

Derivatives

Nevada Power employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked‑to‑market and settled amounts are recognized as cost of fuel, energy and capacity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For Nevada Power's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.


Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of materials and supplies totaling $60 million and $58$56 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively,2017, and fuel, which includes coal stock, stored natural gas and fuel oil, totaling $13$5 million and $22$3 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. The cost is determined using the average cost method. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and are expensed or capitalized to construction work in process, as appropriate, when used. Fuel costs are recovered from retail customers through the base tariff energy rates and deferred energy accounting adjustment charges approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN").


Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Nevada Power capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. The cost of repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred with the exception of costs for generation plant maintenance under certain long-term service agreements. Costs under these agreements are expensed straight-line over the term of the agreements as approved by the PUCN.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by Nevada Power's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by Nevada Power to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as a non-current regulatory liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when Nevada Power retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated using the composite method, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings with the exception of material gains or losses on regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis, which is then recorded to a regulatory asset or liability.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, are capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The rate applied to construction costs is the lower of the PUCN allowed rate of return and rates computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, Nevada Power is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets. Nevada Power's AFUDC rate used during 20162018 and 20152017 was 7.95% and 8.09%., respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Nevada Power recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. Nevada Power's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The costs are not recovered in rates until the work has been completed.


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Nevada Power evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2016,2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.


Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes Nevada Power in its consolidated United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, Nevada Power's provision for income taxes has been computed on a separate return basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income ("OCI") are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property‑related basis differences and other various differences that Nevada Power is requireddeems probable to passbe passed on to its customers are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, these amounts were recognized as regulatory assets of $141 million and $149 million, respectively, and regulatory liabilities of $9 million and $10 million, respectively,liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties.

In determining Nevada Power's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Nevada Power's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. Nevada Power's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Nevada Power recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of Nevada Power's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Nevada Power believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized as electricity is deliveredNevada Power uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services are provided. Revenue recognized includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, unbilled revenue was $91 million and $116 million, respectively, and is included in accounts receivable, net onan amount that reflects the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rates are established by regulators or contractual arrangements. When preliminary rates are permittedconsideration to which Nevada Power expects to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liabilityentitled in exchange for estimated refunds is accrued.those goods or services. Nevada Power records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Substantially all of Nevada Power's Customer Revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission and distribution and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of amounts not considered Customer Revenue within Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 840, "Leases".

Revenue recognized is equal to what Nevada Power primarily buys energy and natural gashas the right to satisfy its customer load requirements. Due to changes in retail customer load requirements, Nevada Power may not take physical delivery ofinvoice as it corresponds directly with the energy or natural gas. Nevada Power may sell the excess energy or natural gasvalue to the wholesale market. In such instances, it iscustomer of Nevada Power's policyperformance to record such salesdate and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, accounts receivables, net in coston the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of fuel,$106 million and $111 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and capacity.

services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and financing costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing on a straight-line basis.

Segment Information

Nevada Power currently has one segment, which includes its regulated electric utility operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2016,March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. Nevada Power adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $2 million and $3 million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")ASC Subtopic 230-10, “Statement"Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. Nevada Power is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. Nevada Power is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. Nevada Power is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in effect. Nevada Power is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $15 million based on the contracts currently in-effect. Nevada Power currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which createscreated FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and supersedessuperseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replacesreplaced industry-specific guidance and establishesestablished a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue.Customer Revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally,Following the guidance requires the entity to disclose further quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature and amount of revenues arising from contracts with customers, as well as other information about the significant judgments and estimates used in recognizing revenues from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which defers the effective dateissuance of ASU No. 2014-09, one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. During 2016, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarifyclarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but dodid not change the core principle of the guidance. ThisNevada Power adopted this guidance may be adopted retrospectively orfor all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method whereand the adoption did not have a cumulative effect is recognizedimpact at the date of initial application. Nevada Power is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Nevada Power currently does not expect the timing and amount of revenue currently recognized to be materially different after adoption of the new guidance as a majority of revenue is recognized equal to what Nevada Power has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of Nevada Power’s performance to date. Nevada Power's current plan is to quantitatively disaggregate revenue in the required financial statement footnote by customer class.adoption.


(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Depreciable Life 2016 2015Depreciable Life 2018 2017
Utility plant:        
Generation30 - 55 years $4,271
 $4,212
30 - 55 years $3,720
 $3,707
Distribution20 - 65 years 3,231
 3,118
20 - 65 years 3,411
 3,314
Transmission45 - 65 years 1,846
 1,788
45 - 70 years 1,867
 1,860
General and intangible plant5 - 65 years 738
 694
5 - 65 years 848
 793
Utility plant 10,086
 9,812
 9,846
 9,674
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (3,205) (2,971) (3,076) (2,871)
Utility plant, net 6,881
 6,841
 6,770
 6,803
Other non-regulated, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization45 years 2
 2
45 years 1
 1
Plant, net 6,883
 6,843
 6,771
 6,804
Construction work-in-progress 114
 153
 97
 73
Property, plant and equipment, net $6,997
 $6,996
 $6,868
 $6,877

Almost all of Nevada Power's plant is subject to the ratemaking jurisdiction of the PUCN and the FERC. Nevada Power's depreciation and amortization expense, as authorized by the PUCN, stated as a percentage of the depreciable property balances as of December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 20142016 was 3.2%, 3.0% and 3.3%, respectively.. Nevada Power is required to file a utility plant depreciation study every six years as a companion filing with the triennial general rate casereview filings.

Construction work-in-progress is related to the construction of regulated assets.

In January 2018, Nevada Power revised its electric depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study performed in 2017, the most significant impact of which was shorter estimated useful lives at the Navajo Generating Station and longer average service lives for various other utility plant groups. The net effect of these changes increased depreciation and amortization expense by $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.

Acquisitions

In April 2017, Nevada Power purchased the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generating facility for $77 million. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN") approved the purchase of the facility in Nevada Power's triennial Integrated Resource Plan filing in December 2015. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired, consisting primarily of generation utility plant, and no significant liabilities were assumed.


(4)    Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, Nevada Power, as tenants in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation and transmission facilities. Nevada Power accounts for its proportionate share of each facility and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include Nevada Power's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent Nevada Power's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 (dollars in millions):

Nevada     ConstructionNevada     Construction
Power's Utility Accumulated Work-in-Power's Utility Accumulated Work-in-
Share Plant Depreciation ProgressShare Plant Depreciation Progress
              
Silverhawk Generating Station75% $248
 $66
 $3
Navajo Generating Station11
 213
 145
 2
11% $223
 $176
 $
ON Line Transmission Line24
 145
 12
 
24
 147
 19
 1
Other Transmission FacilitiesVarious
 56
 26
 
Other transmission facilitiesVarious
 67
 27
 
Total  $662
 $249
 $5
  $437
 $222
 $1


(5)    Regulatory Matters

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. Nevada Power's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Weighted    Weighted    
Average    Average    
Remaining Life 2016 2015Remaining Life 2018 2017
        
Deferred income taxes(1)
27 years $141
 $149
Decommissioning costs(2)
5 years $222
 $231
Deferred operating costs10 years 152
 169
Merger costs from 1999 merger28 years 136
 143
26 years 125
 130
Deferred operating costs20 years 127
 87
Decommissioning costs7 years 114
 121
Employee benefit plans(2)
10 years 105
 98
Employee benefit plans(1)
8 years 105
 89
Asset retirement obligations7 years 68
 72
Abandoned projects3 years 75
 91
2 years 46
 58
Asset retirement obligations7 years 74
 79
Legacy meters16 years 60
 64
14 years 53
 56
Merrill Lynch deferred energy costs3 years 40
 56
ON Line deferrals35 years 46
 47
Deferred energy costs1 year 47
 46
OtherVarious 148
 169
Various 53
 71
Total regulatory assets $1,020
 $1,057
 $917
 $969
        
Reflected as:        
Current assets $20
 $
 $39
 $28
Other assets 1,000
 1,057
 878
 941
Total regulatory assets $1,020
 $1,057
 $917
 $969

(1)Amounts represent income tax benefits related to accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously flowed through to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.
(2)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.
(2)Amount includes regulatory assets with an indeterminate life of $81 million as of December 31, 2018.

Nevada Power had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $560$334 million and $572$363 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. The regulatory assets not earning a return on investment primarily consist of deferred income taxes, merger costs from the 1999 merger, asset retirement obligations, deferred operating costs, a portion of the employee benefit plans, deferred energy costs and losses on reacquired debt.debt and deferred energy costs.


Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts that are expected to be returned to customers in future periods. Nevada Power's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Weighted    Weighted    
Average    Average    
Remaining Life 2016 2015Remaining Life 2018 2017
        
Cost of removal(1)
33 years $294
 $273
Impact fees6 years 90
 
Deferred income taxes(1)
27 years $677
 $670
Cost of removal(2)
33 years 320
 307
Impact fees(3)
4 years 86
 89
Energy efficiency program1 year 37
 34
1 year 24
 27
Deferred energy costs1 year 
 139
OtherVarious 32
 31
Various 79
 28
Total regulatory liabilities $453
 $477
 $1,186
 $1,121
        
Reflected as:        
Current liabilities $37
 $173
 $49
 $91
Other long-term liabilities 416
 304
 1,137
 1,030
Total regulatory liabilities $453
 $477
 $1,186
 $1,121

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Amount includes regulatory liabilities with an indeterminate life of $82 million as of December 31, 2018. See Note 9 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.

(2)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices.

(3)Amounts are deducted fromreduce rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

Deferred Energy

Nevada statutes permit regulated utilities to adopt deferred energy accounting procedures. The intent of these procedures is to ease the effect on customers of fluctuations in the cost of purchased natural gas, fuel and electricity and are subject to annual prudency review by the PUCN. Under deferred energy accounting, to the extent actual fuel and purchased power costs exceed fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates that excess is not recorded as a current expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations but rather is deferred and recorded as a regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and would be included in the table above as deferred energy costs. Conversely, a regulatory liability is recorded to the extent fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates exceed actual fuel and purchased power costs and is included in the table above as deferred energy costs. These excess amounts are reflected in quarterly adjustments to rates and recorded as cost of fuel, energy and capacity in future time periods.

Regulatory Rate Review

In June 2017, Nevada Power filed an electric regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing supported an annual revenue increase of $29 million, or 2%, but requested no incremental annual revenue relief. In December 2017, the PUCN issued an order which reduced Nevada Power's revenue requirement by $26 million and requires Nevada Power to share 50% of regulatory earnings above 9.7%. In January 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for clarification of certain findings and directives in the order and intervening parties filed motions for reconsideration. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting petitions for clarification and reconsideration and modified the December 2017 order requiring Nevada Power to record additional expense for carrying charges on impact fees received but not yet included in rates. As a result of the order, Nevada Power recorded expense of $44 million in 2018, which consists of regulatory earnings sharing of $38 million and carrying charges of $6 million, and $28 million in December 2017, primarily due to the reduction of a regulatory asset to return to customers revenue collected for costs not incurred. The new rates were effective February 15, 2018.


2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. In February 2018, Nevada Power made filings with the PUCN proposing a tax rate reduction rider for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated to result from 2017 Tax Reform for 2018 and beyond. The filings supported an annual rate reduction of $59 million. In March 2018, the PUCN issued an order approving the rate reduction proposed by Nevada Power. The new rates were effective April 1, 2018. The order extended the procedural schedule to allow parties additional discovery relevant to 2017 Tax Reform and a hearing was held in July 2018. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order directing Nevada Power to record the amortization of any excess protected accumulated deferred income tax arising from the 2017 Tax Reform as a regulatory liability effective January 1, 2018. Subsequently, Nevada Power filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the amortization of protected excess accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the September 2018 order. In December 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for judicial review.

In March 2018, the FERC issued a Show Cause Order related to 2017 Tax Reform. In May 2018, in response to the Show Cause Order, Nevada Power proposed a reduction to transmission and certain ancillary service rates under the NV Energy OATT for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated from 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate reduction effective March 21, 2018 as filed and refunds to customers were made in December 2018 totaling $1 million for Nevada Power. In addition, FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on public utility transmission rate changes to address accumulated deferred income taxes.

Energy Efficiency Program Rates ("EEPR") and Energy Efficiency Implementation Rates ("EEIR")

EEPR was established to allow Nevada Power to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by Nevada Power and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent Nevada Power's earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, Nevada Power is required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year. In March 2016,2018, Nevada Power filed an application to reset the EEIR and EEPR and to refund the EEIR revenue received in 2015,2017, including carrying charges. In July 2016,September 2018, the PUCN issued an order accepting a stipulation requiring Nevada Power to refund the 20152017 revenue and reset the rates as filed effective October 1, 2016.2018. The EEIR liability for Nevada Power is $10$9 million and $18$10 million, which is included in current regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.


Chapter 704B Applications

In May 2015, threeChapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers including MGM Resorts Internationalwith an average annual load of one megawatt ("MGM"MW") and Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), filed applicationsor more to file with the PUCN an application to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become distribution onlydistribution-only service customers. In December 2015,On a case-by-case basis, the PUCN grantedwill assess the applicationsapplication and may deny or grant the application subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee, paying on-going charges and receiving approval for specific alternative energy providers and terms. The costs associated with the impact fee and on-going charges wereare assessed to alleviate the burden on other Nevada Power customers for the applicants'applicant's share of previously committed investments and long-term renewable contracts. The impact fee iscontracts and are set on a case-by-case basis by the PUCN and at a level designed such that the remaining customers are not subjected to increased costs. In December 2015, the applicants filed petitions for reconsideration. In January 2016, the PUCN granted reconsideration and updated some of the terms, including removing a limitation related to energy purchased indirectly from NV Energy. In June 2016, MGM and Wynn made the required compliance filings and the PUCN issued orders allowing the customers to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become distribution only service customers of Nevada Power. The third customer did not proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In September 2016, MGM and Wynn paid impact fees totaling $97 million.

In October 2016, MGM and Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), became distribution onlya distribution-only service customerscustomer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier. In December 2016, as contemplated inApril 2017, Wynn filed a motion with the PUCN seeking relief from the January 2016 order that established the impact fees were increasedfee that was paid in September 2016 and requested the PUCN adopt an alternative impact fee and revise on-going charges associated with retirement of assets and high cost renewable contracts. In September 2018, the PUCN granted relief requiring Nevada Power to credit $3 million as an offset against Wynn's remaining impact fee obligation. In October 2018, Wynn elected to pay the net present value lump sum of its Renewable Base Tariff Energy Rate ("R-BTER") obligation of $2 million, net of the $3 million credit. The PUCN ordered Nevada Power to reflect final energy costsestablish a regulatory liability of $5 million amortized in equal monthly installments through December 2022 and to establish a regulatory asset of $3 million for MGM and Wynn.the impact fee credit.


In SeptemberNovember 2016, Switch, Ltd.Caesars Enterprise Service ("Switch"Caesars"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution onlydistribution-only service customer of Nevada
Power. In March 2017, the PUCN approved the application allowing Caesars to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In March 2017, Caesars provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee monthly for six years and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In July 2017, Caesars made the required compliance filings and, in September 2017, the PUCN issued an order allowing Caesars to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. In December 2016,February 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer, started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Nevada Power service territory and began paying Nevada Power impact fees of $44 million in 72 equal monthly payments.

In June 2018, Station Casinos LLC ("Station"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. In October 2018, the PUCN approved a stipulation agreement that allowed Switchan order allowing Station to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee of $15 million. In November 2018, Station filed a petition for reconsideration with the PUCN to allow Station to pay its share of the R-BTER in a single lump sum, receive a credit for a portion of impact fees previously paid by past 704B applicants and receive a credit for a portion of incremental transmission revenue associated with expected sales to others. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the October 2018 order.

Emissions Reduction and Capacity Retirement Plan ("ERCR Plan")

In March 2017, Nevada Power service territory. Switch has provided notice that it intendsretired Reid Gardner Unit 4, a 257-MW coal-fueled generating facility. The early retirement was approved by the PUCN in December 2016 as a part of Nevada Power's second amendment to proceedthe ERCR Plan. The remaining net book value of $151 million was moved from property, plant and equipment, net to noncurrent regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in March 2017, in compliance with purchasing energy from alternative providers.the ERCR Plan. Refer to Note 12 for additional information on the ERCR Plan.

(6)    Credit Facility

Nevada Power has a $400 million secured credit facility expiring in March 2018.June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on London Interbank Offered Ratethe Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at Nevada Power's option, plus a spread that varies based on Nevada Power's credit ratings for its senior secured long‑term debt securities. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, Nevada Power had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. Amounts due under Nevada Power's credit facility are collateralized by Nevada Power's general and refunding mortgage bonds. The credit facility requires Nevada Power's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.680.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.


(7)    Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

Nevada Power's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
General and refunding mortgage securities:          
5.950% Series M, due 2016
 
 210
6.500% Series O, due 2018324
 324
 323
$
 $
 $324
6.500% Series S, due 2018499
 498
 498

 
 499
7.125% Series V, due 2019500
 499
 499
500
 500
 499
6.650% Series N, due 2036367
 357
 356
367
 358
 357
6.750% Series R, due 2037349
 345
 345
349
 346
 346
5.375% Series X, due 2040250
 247
 247
250
 247
 247
5.450% Series Y, due 2041250
 236
 235
250
 236
 236
Variable-rate series (2016-1.890% to 1.928%, 2015-0.672% to 1.055%):     
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006A, due 203238
 38
 38
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006, due 203638
 37
 37
2.750%, Series BB, due 2020575

574


Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.800% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017A, due 2032(1)
40
 40
 40
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017, due 2036(1)
40
 39
 39
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017B, due 2039(1)
13
 13
 13
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.750% to 11.600%, due through 2054485
 485
 497
463
 463
 475
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases$3,100
 $3,066
 $3,285
$2,847
 $2,816
 $3,075
          
Reflected as:          
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  $17
 $225
  $520
 $842
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  3,049
 3,060
  2,296
 2,233
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases  $3,066
 $3,285
  $2,816
 $3,075

In January 2017, Nevada Power (1) issued a notice to the bondholders for the repurchase of the remaining outstanding amounts of its $38 million Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006 and $38 million Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006A and (2) redeemed the Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006A aggregate principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest with the use of cash on hand. In February 2017, Nevada Power redeemed the Pollution Control Revenue Bonds Series 2006 aggregate principal amount outstanding plus accrued interest with the use of cash on hand.
(1)Subject to mandatory purchase by Nevada Power in May 2020 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.

Annual Payment on Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Leases

The annual repayments of long-term debt and capital and financial leases for the years beginning January 1, 20172019 and thereafter, are as follows (in millions):
 Long-term Capital and Financial   Long-term Capital and Financial  
 Debt Lease Obligations Total Debt Lease Obligations Total
            
2017 $
 $75
 $75
2018 823
 74
 897
2019 500
 76
 576
 $500
 $78
 $578
2020 
 75
 75
 575
 77
 652
2021 
 79
 79
 
 80
 80
2022 
 76
 76
2023 
 52
 52
Thereafter 1,292
 831
 2,123
 1,309
 709
 2,018
Total 2,615
 1,210
 3,825
 2,384
 1,072
 3,456
Unamortized premium, discount and debt issuance cost
 (34) 
 (34) (31) 
 (31)
Executory costs 
 (111) (111) 
 (74) (74)
Amounts representing interest 
 (614) (614) 
 (535) (535)
Total $2,581
 $485
 $3,066
 $2,353
 $463
 $2,816

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.


The issuance of General and Refunding Mortgage Securities by Nevada Power is subject to PUCN approval and is limited by available property and other provisions of the mortgage indentures. As of December 31, 2016,2018, approximately $8.9$8.5 billion (based on original cost) of Nevada Power’sPower's property was subject to the liens of the mortgages.


Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

In 1984, Nevada Power entered into a 30-year capital lease for the Pearson Building with five, five-year renewal options beginning in year 2015. In February 2010, Nevada Power amended this capital lease agreement to include the lease of the adjoining parking lot and to exercise three of the five-year renewal options beginning in year 2015. There remain two additional renewal options which could extend the lease an additional ten years. Capital assets of $25$23 million and $27$24 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.
In 2007, Nevada Power entered into a 20-year lease, with three 10-year renewal options, to occupy land and building for its Beltway Complex operations center in southern Nevada. Nevada Power accounts for the building portion of the lease as a capital lease and the land portion of the lease as an operating lease. Nevada Power transferred operations to the facilities in June 2009. Capital assets of $7$6 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017.
Nevada Power has long-term energy purchase contracts which qualify as capital leases. The leases were entered into between the years 1989 and 1990 and became commercially operable through 1993. The terms of the leases are for 30 years and expire between the years 2022-2023. Capital assets of $38$30 million and $40$34 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.
Nevada Power has master leasing agreements of which various pieces of equipment qualify as capital leases. The remaining equipment is treated as operating leases. Lease terms average seven years under the master lease agreement.agreement are typically five to seven years. Capital assets of $1$6 million and $3 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017, respectively.
ON Line was placed in-service on December 31, 2013. The Nevada Utilities entered into a long-term transmission use agreement, in which the Nevada Utilities have 25% interest and Great Basin Transmission South, LLC has 75% interest. Refer to Note 4 for additional information. The Nevada Utilities' share of the long-term transmission use agreement and ownership interest is split at 95% for Nevada Power and 5% for Sierra Pacific. The term is for 41 years with the agreement ending December 31, 2054. Payments began on January 31, 2014. ON Line assets of $402$387 million and $410$396 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

(8)    Risk Management and Hedging Activities

Nevada Power is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Nevada Power is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Nevada Power's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Nevada Power's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power does not engage in proprietary trading activities.

Nevada Power has established a risk management process that is designed to identify, assess, manage, mitigate, monitor and report each of the various types of risk involved in its business. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, Nevada Power uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. Nevada Power manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed‑rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. Additionally, Nevada Power may from time to time enter into interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps or locks, to mitigate Nevada Power's exposure to interest rate risk. Nevada Power does not hedge all of its commodity price and interest rate risks, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices.

There have been no significant changes in Nevada Power's accounting policies related to derivatives. Refer to Notes 2 and 9 for additional information on derivative contracts.


The following table, which excludes contracts that have been designated as normal under the normal purchases or normal sales exception afforded by GAAP, summarizes the fair value of Nevada Power's derivative contracts, on a gross basis, and reconciles those amounts to the amounts presented on a net basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
  Other Other  
  Current Long-term  
  Liabilities Liabilities Total
As of December 31, 2016:      
Commodity derivative liabilities(1)
 $(7) $(7) $(14)
       
As of December 31, 2015:      
Commodity derivative liabilities(1)
 $(8) $(14) $(22)

(1)Nevada Power's commodity derivatives not designated as hedging contracts are included in regulated rates and as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, a regulatory asset of $14 million and $22 million, respectively, was recorded related to the derivative liability of $14 million and $22 million, respectively.

Derivative Contract Volumes

The following table summarizes the net notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts with indexed and fixed price terms that comprise the mark-to-market values as of December 31 (in millions):
  Unit of    
  Measure 2016 2015
Electricity sales Megawatt hours (2) (2)
Natural gas purchases Decatherms 114
 126

Credit Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent Nevada Power's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct and indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, Nevada Power analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establish limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluate the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, Nevada Power enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, Nevada Power exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

Collateral and Contingent Features

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale derivative contracts contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These derivative contracts may either specifically provide rights to demand cash or other security in the event of a credit rating downgrade ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2016, credit ratings from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade.

The aggregate fair value of Nevada Power's derivative contracts in liability positions with specific credit-risk-related contingent features was $2 million and $3 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which represents the amount of collateral to be posted if all credit risk related contingent features for derivative contracts in liability positions had been triggered. Nevada Power's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation or other factors.


(9)(8)
Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of Nevada Power's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Nevada Power has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Nevada Power has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect Nevada Power's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. Nevada Power develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents Nevada Power's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2016:       
As of December 31, 2018:       
Assets:              
Commodity derivatives$
 $
 $7
 $7
Money market mutual funds(1)
$220
 $
 $
 $220
104
 
 
 104
Investment funds6
 
 
 6
1
 
 
 1
$226
 $
 $
 $226
$105
 $
 $7
 $112
              
Liabilities - commodity derivatives$
 $
 $(14) $(14)$
 $
 $(4) $(4)
              
As of December 31, 2015:       
As of December 31, 2017:       
Assets - investment funds$5
 $
 $
 $5
$2
 $
 $
 $2
              
Liabilities - commodity derivatives$
 $
 $(22) $(22)$
 $
 $(3) $(3)

(1)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which Nevada Power transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, Nevada Power uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent Nevada Power's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. Nevada Power bases its forward price curves upon internally developed models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to markets that are not active. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, Nevada Power uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The model incorporates a mid-market pricing convention (the mid‑point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient for valuing its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value. The determination of the fair value for derivative contracts not only includes counterparty risk, but also the impact of Nevada Power's nonperformance risk on its liabilities, which as of December 31, 2016,2018, had an immaterial impact to the fair value of its derivative contracts. As such, Nevada Power considers its derivative contracts to be valued using Level 3 inputs. Refer to Note 8 for further discussion regarding Nevada Power's risk management and hedging activities.

Nevada Power's investments in money market mutual funds and equity securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Nevada Power's net commodity derivative assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014 2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance $(22) $(30) $(47) $(3) $(14) $(22)
Changes in fair value recognized in regulatory assets (4) 
 9
Changes in fair value recognized in regulatory assets or liabilities 4
 (3) (4)
Settlements 12
 8
 8
 2
 14
 12
Ending balance $(14) $(22) $(30) $3
 $(3) $(14)

Nevada Power's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of Nevada Power's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of Nevada Power's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of Nevada Power's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$2,581
 $3,040
 $2,788
 $3,240
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$2,353
 $2,651
 $2,600
 $3,088

(10)(9)
Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacts many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property and the elimination of the deduction for production activities. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, Nevada Power reduced deferred income tax liabilities $787 million. As it was probable the change in deferred taxes would be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, Nevada Power increased net regulatory liabilities by $792 million.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. Nevada Power recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform in December 2017 and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of the interpretation of the bonus depreciation rules. Nevada Power determined the amounts recorded and the interpretation relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. Nevada Power believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, Nevada Power finalized its provisional amounts and recorded a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $12 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and Nevada Power's regulatory nature, Nevada Power reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $5 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Current – Federal$68
 $
 $
$84
 $62
 $68
Deferred – Federal79
 163
 131
(13) 95
 79
Uncertain tax positions2
 
 
Investment tax credits(1) (1) (1)(1) (1) (1)
Total income tax expense$146
 $162
 $130
$72
 $156
 $146

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Federal statutory income tax rate35 % 35% 35%21% 35% 35 %
Effects of ratemaking
 1
 1
Non-deductible expenses3
 
 
Effect of ratemaking
 1
 
Effect of tax rate change
 1
 
Other(1) 
 

 1
 (1)
Effective income tax rate34 % 36% 36%24% 38% 34 %

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
Deferred income tax assets:   
Capital and financial leases170
 174
Regulatory liabilities83
 47
Employee benefits29
 30
Customer advances23
 22
Federal net operating loss and credit carryforwards5
 15
Other16
 17
Total deferred income tax assets326
 305
Valuation allowance(5) (5)
Total deferred income tax assets, net321
 300
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property related items(1,293) (1,242)
Regulatory assets(321) (275)
Capital and financial leases(165) (169)
Other(16) (19)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(1,795) (1,705)
Net deferred income tax liability$(1,474) $(1,405)

The following table provides Nevada Power's tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 2016 (in millions):
Other tax credits$5
Expiration dates2017 - 2028
 2018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$209
 $201
Capital and financial leases97
 100
Employee benefits15
 18
Customer advances18
 14
Other9
 6
Total deferred income tax assets348
 339
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property related items(799) (796)
Regulatory assets(196) (206)
Capital and financial leases(94) (97)
Other(8) (7)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(1,097) (1,106)
Net deferred income tax liability$(749) $(767)

The United States federal jurisdiction is the only significant income tax jurisdiction for NV Energy. In July 2012, the United States Internal Revenue Service and the Joint Committee on Taxation concluded theirhas closed its examination of NV Energy with respect to its United States federalEnergy’s consolidated income tax returns for December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2008.2008, and the statute of limitations has expired for NV Energy’s consolidated income tax returns through the short year ended December 19, 2013. The statute of limitations expiring may not preclude the Internal Revenue Service from adjusting the federal net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the examination is not closed.

(11)
Related Party Transactions

Kern River Gas Transmission Company, an indirect subsidiary of BHE, provided natural gas transportation and other services to Nevada Power of $68 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets included amounts due to Kern River Gas Transmission Company of $5 million.

Nevada Power provided electricity and other services to PacifiCorp, an indirect subsidiary of BHE, of $2 million, $3 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no receivables associated with these services as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. PacifiCorp provided electricity and the sale of renewable energy credits to Nevada Power of $- million, $2 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no payables associated with these transactions as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Nevada Power provided electricity to Sierra Pacific of $78 million, $69 million and $33 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Receivables associated with these transactions were $45 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Nevada Power purchased electricity from Sierra Pacific of $17 million, $2 million and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Payables associated with these transactions were $12 million and $1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


Nevada Power incurs intercompany administrative and shared facility costs with NV Energy and Sierra Pacific. These transactions are governed by an intercompany service agreement and are priced at cost. Nevada Power provided services to NV Energy of $1 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. NV Energy provided services to Nevada Power of $10 million, $12 million and $19 million for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Nevada Power provided services to Sierra Pacific of $24 million, $22 million and $20 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sierra Pacific provided services to Nevada Power of $14 million, $16 million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets included amounts due to NV Energy of $32 million and $40 million, respectively. There were no receivables due from NV Energy as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets included receivables due from Sierra Pacific of $4 million and $6 million, respectively. There were no payables due to Sierra Pacific as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Nevada Power is party to a tax-sharing agreement with NV Energy and NV Energy is part of the Berkshire Hathaway United States federal income tax return. Federal income taxes payable to NV Energy were $68 million and $- million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. No cash payments were made for federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Certain disbursements for accounts payable and payroll are made by NV Energy on behalf of Nevada Power and reimbursed automatically when settled by the bank. These amounts are recorded as accounts payable at the time of disbursement.

(12)    Retirement Plan and Postretirement Benefits(10)    Employee Benefit Plans

Nevada Power is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by NV Energy. The NV Energy Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan ("Qualified Pension Plan") and a supplemental executive retirement plan and a restoration plan (collectively, "Non‑Qualified Pension Plans") that provide pension benefits for eligible employees. The NV Energy Comprehensive Welfare Benefit and Cafeteria Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees ("Other Postretirement Plans") on behalf of Nevada Power. Nevada Power contributed $36$19 million, $-$1 million and $-$36 million to the Qualified Pension Plan for the year ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. Nevada Power contributed $1 million, $1 million and $- million to the Non-Qualified Pension Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Nevada Power contributed $- million to the Other Postretirement Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 and did not make any contributions to the Non‑Qualified Pension Plans or Other Postretirement Plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152017 and 2014.2016. Amounts attributable to Nevada Power were allocated from NV Energy based upon the current, or in the case of retirees, previous, employment location. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates. Net periodic benefit costs not included in regulated rates are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.

Amounts receivable from (payable to) NV Energy are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
Qualified Pension Plan -      
Other long-term liabilities$(24) $(38)$(26) $(23)
      
Non-Qualified Pension Plans:      
Other current liabilities(1) (1)(1) (1)
Other long-term liabilities(9) (9)(9) (10)
      
Other Postretirement Plans -      
Other long-term liabilities(4) (5)(1) 1

(13)(11)    Asset Retirement Obligations

Nevada Power estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.


Nevada Power does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $294$320 million and $273$307 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

The following table presents Nevada Power's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Waste water remediation$38
 $42
$37
 $39
Evaporative ponds and dry ash landfills22
 27
12
 11
Asbestos4
 3
5
 3
Solar2
 2
2
 3
Other17
 11
27
 24
Total asset retirement obligations$83
 $85
$83
 $80


The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Nevada Power's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$85
 $86
$80
 $83
Change in estimated costs4
 3
11
 6
Additions
 3
Retirements(10) (11)(11) (13)
Accretion4
 4
3
 4
Ending balance$83
 $85
$83
 $80
      
Reflected as:      
Other current liabilities$20
 $13
$13
 $4
Other long-term liabilities63
 72
70
 76
$83
 $85
$83
 $80

In 2008, Nevada Power signed an administrative order of consent as owner and operator of Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit Nos. 1, 2 and 3 and as co-owner and operating agent of Unit No. 4. Based on the administrative order of consent, Nevada Power recorded estimated AROs and capital remediation costs. However, actual costs of work under the administrative order of consent may vary significantly once the scope of work is defined and additional site characterization has been completed. In connection with the termination of the co-ownership arrangement, effective October 22, 2013, between Nevada Power and California Department of Water Resources ("CDWR") for the Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit No. 4, Nevada Power and CDWR entered into a cost-sharing agreement that sets forth how the parties will jointly share in costs associated with all investigation, characterization and, if necessary, remedial activities as required under the administrative order of consent.

Certain of Nevada Power's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly-owned facilities, and as such, Nevada Power is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. Management has identified legal obligations to retire generation plant assets specified in land leases for Nevada Power's jointly-owned Navajo Generating Station and the Higgins Generating Station. Provisions of the lease require the lessees to remove the facilities upon request of the lessors at the expiration of the leases. Nevada Power's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


The 2015 change in estimated costs is primarily due to changes in the amount and timing of cash flows related to the implementation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA") final rule regulating the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts resulting from the operation of coal-fueled generating facilities, including requirements for the operation and closure of surface impoundment and ash landfill facilities. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in April 2015 and was effective in October 2015. In addition to impacting existing AROs, the final rule also resulted in the recognition of additional AROs.

(14)(12)
Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Nevada Power is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Nevada Power's current and future operations. Nevada Power believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Senate Bill 123

In June 2013, the Nevada State Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 123 ("SB 123"), which included the retirement of coal plants and replacing the capacity with renewable facilities and other generating facilities. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its Emissions Reduction Capacity ReplacementERCR Plan ("ERCR Plan") in compliance with SB 123. In July 2015, Nevada Power filed an amendment to its ERCR Plan with the PUCN which was approved in September 2015. In June 2015, the Nevada State Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 498, which modified the capacity replacement components of SB 123.

In compliance with Senate Bill No. 123, Nevada Power retired 557 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2017 and will retire an additional 255 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2019. Consistent with the Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan ("ERCR Plan"), between 2014 and 2016, Nevada Power acquired a 272-MW536 MWs of natural gas co-generating facility in 2014, acquired a 210-MW natural gas peaking facility in 2014,generating resources, executed long-term power purchase agreements for 200 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity and constructed a 15-MW solar photovoltaic facility in 2015 and contracted two renewable power purchase agreements with 100-MW solar photovoltaic generating facilities in 2015. In February 2016,facility. Nevada Power solicited proposalshas the option to acquire 35 MWMWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity to be owned by Nevada Power. Nevada Power did not enter into any agreements to acquire the 35 MW of nameplate renewable energy capacity; however, it has the option to acquire the 35 MW in the future under the ERCR Plan, subject to PUCN approval. In addition, Nevada Power was granted approval to purchase the remaining 130 MW of the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled combined cycle generating facility. In June 2016, Nevada Power executed a long-term power purchase agreement for 100 MW of nameplate renewable energy capacity in Nevada. In December 2016, the order was approved. In addition the order approved the early retirement of Reid Gardner Unit 4 in the first quarter of 2017. These transactions are related to Nevada Power's compliance with Senate Bill No. 123, resulting in the retirement of 812 MW of coal-fueled generation by 2019.

Reid Gardner Generation Station

In October 2011, Nevada Power received a request for information from the EPA Region 9 under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act requesting current and historical operations and capital project information for Nevada Power's Reid Gardner Generating Station located near Moapa, Nevada. The EPA's Section 114 information request does not allege any incidents of non-compliance at the plant, and there have been no other new enforcement-related proceedings that have been initiated by the EPA relating to the plant. Nevada Power completed its responses to the EPA during the first quarter of 2012 and will continue to monitor developments relating to this Section 114 request. At this time, Nevada Power cannot predict the impact, if any, associated with this information request.

Legal Matters

Nevada Power is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Nevada Power does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. The CompanyNevada Power is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts and are described below.


Switch, Ltd.

In July 2016, Switch filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada against various parties, including Nevada Power. In September 2016, Switch filed an amended complaint. The amended complaint alleges that actions by the former general counsel of the PUCN, as well as the PUCN and the PUCN Staff, violated state and federal laws and as a result of those actions Switch was prevented from being able to utilize an alternative energy provider. Switch also alleges that Nevada Power was aware of the wrong doing and either participated in the activities or failed to take action to stop the wrong doing, and as a result Nevada Power has been improperly enriched by these activities. In addition, Switch asserted antitrust claims against Nevada Power. Switch was seeking monetary damages and to invalidate the settlement agreement between Switch and Nevada Power relating to Switch utilizing an alternative energy provider. In December 2016, the PUCN issued an order resolving the matters in the complaint. The order approved a stipulation between Switch and the Operations Staff of the PUCN, which allows Switch to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution only service customer. In January 2017, Switch voluntarily dismissed the federal court case with prejudice.amounts.

Commitments

Nevada Power has the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 20162018 are as follows (in millions):
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and Thereafter Total2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Contract type:                          
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments$697
 $445
 $352
 $355
 $358
 $5,310
 $7,517
$612
 $459
 $379
 $383
 $386
 $4,925
 $7,144
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)7
 14
 29
 36
 37
 683
 806

 1
 6
 40
 40
 982
 1,069
Operating leases and easements9
 9
 8
 7
 7
 51
 91
10
 7
 7
 8
 7
 59
 98
Maintenance, service and other contracts118
 39
 37
 37
 36
 75
 342
46
 41
 44
 37
 23
 26
 217
Total commitments$831
 $507
 $426
 $435
 $438
 $6,119
 $8,756
$668
 $508
 $436
 $468
 $456
 $5,992
 $8,528

Fuel and Capacity Contract Commitments

Purchased Power

Nevada Power has several contracts for long-term purchase of electric energy which have been approved by the PUCN. The expiration of these contracts range from 20172019 to 2067. Purchased power includes contracts which meet the definition of a lease. Nevada Power's operatingoperations and maintenance expense for purchase power contracts which met the lease criteria for 2018, 2017 and 2016 2015 and 2014 were $302$271 million, $264$310 million and $245$302 million, respectively, and are recorded as cost of fuel, energy and capacity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

CoalAbility to Issue General and Natural GasRefunding Mortgage Securities

To the extent Nevada Power has the ability to issue debt under the most restrictive covenants in its financing agreements and has financing authority to do so from the PUCN, Nevada Power's ability to issue secured debt is limited by the amount of bondable property or retired bonds that can be used to issue debt under Nevada Power's indenture.

Nevada Power's indenture creates a lien on substantially all of Nevada Power's properties in Nevada. As of December 31, 2018, $8.5 billion of Nevada Power's assets were pledged. Nevada Power had the capacity to issue $3.2 billion of additional general and refunding mortgage securities as of December 31, 2018 determined on the basis of 70% of net utility property additions. Property additions include plant-in-service and specific assets in construction work-in-progress. The amount of bond capacity listed above does not include eligible property in construction work-in-progress. Nevada Power also has the ability to release property from the lien of Nevada Power's indenture on the basis of net property additions, cash or retired bonds. To the extent Nevada Power releases property from the lien of Nevada Power's indenture, it will reduce the amount of securities issuable under the indenture.

Long-Term Debt

In April 2018, Nevada Power issued $575 million of its 2.75% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series BB, due April 2020. Nevada Power used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of Nevada Power's $325 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series O, maturing in May 2018. In August 2018, Nevada Power used the remaining net proceeds, together with available cash and $45m from its credit facility, to repay all of Nevada Power's $500 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series S, maturing in August 2018.

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.

Future Uses of Cash

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Prudently incurred expenditures for compliance-related items such as pollution control technologies, replacement generation and associated operating costs are generally incorporated into Nevada Power's regulated retail rates. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisition of existing assets.

Historical and forecasted capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Historical Forecasted
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Generation development$1
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Distribution144
 110
 137
 182
 318
 130
Transmission system investment30
 9
 9
 27
 4
 6
Other160
 151
 150
 165
 100
 150
Total$335
 $270
 $296
 $374
 $422
 $286

Nevada Power's forecast capital expenditures include investments that relate to operating projects that consist of routine expenditures for transmission, distribution, generation and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.

Contractual Obligations

Nevada Power has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes Nevada Power's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
  Payments Due by Periods
  2019 2020 - 2021 2022 - 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
           
Long-term debt $500
 $575
 $
 $1,309
 $2,384
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 110
 162
 154
 1,118
 1,544
Capital leases, including interest(2),(3)
 15
 32
 22
 24
 93
ON Line financial lease, including interest(2)
 44
 88
 88
 685
 905
Fuel and capacity contract commitments(1)
 612
 838
 769
 4,925
 7,144
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)(1)
 
 7
 80
 982
 1,069
Operating leases and easements(1)
 10
 14
 15
 59
 98
Asset retirement obligations 13
 14
 20
 46
 93
Maintenance, service and other contracts(1)
 46
 85
 60
 26
 217
Total contractual cash obligations $1,350
 $1,815
 $1,208
 $9,174
 $13,547

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)Interest is not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)Includes fuel and capacity contracts designated as a capital lease.

Nevada Power has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 6), uncertain tax positions (Note 9) and asset retirement obligations (Note 11), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Regulatory Matters

Nevada Power is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding Nevada Power's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

Nevada Power is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Nevada Power's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state and local agencies. Nevada Power believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and Nevada Power is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for discussion of Nevada Power's forecasted environmental-related capital expenditures.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of Nevada Power is rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of Nevada Power's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

Nevada Power has no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. Nevada Power's secured revolving credit facility does not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon its availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facility are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2018, the applicable credit ratings obtained from recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2018, Nevada Power would have been required to post $10 million of additional collateral. Nevada Power's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.
Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where Nevada Power operates has not had a significant impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Nevada Power operates under a cost-of-service based rate structure administered by the PUCN and the FERC. Under this rate structure, Nevada Power is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation after Nevada Power experiences cost increases. Fuel and purchase power costs are recovered through a balancing account, minimizing the impact of inflation related to these costs. Nevada Power attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of periodic rate adjustments for fuel and energy costs, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting Nevada Power, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.


Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by Nevada Power's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with Nevada Power's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Nevada Power's Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Nevada Power prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Nevada Power defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

Nevada Power continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Nevada Power's ability to recover its costs. Nevada Power believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Total regulatory assets were $0.9 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2018. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's regulatory assets and liabilities.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Nevada Power evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

The estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what Nevada Power would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect Nevada Power's results of operations.

Income Taxes

In determining Nevada Power's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Nevada Power's various regulatory commissions. Nevada Power's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Nevada Power recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.

Although the ultimate resolution of Nevada Power's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Nevada Power believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's income taxes.

Nevada Power is probable to pass income tax benefits and expense related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property‑related basis differences and other various differences on to its customers. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $677 million and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue is recognized as electricity is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since their last billing is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $106 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Estimates are reversed in the following month when actual revenue is recorded.


Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. Nevada Power's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which Nevada Power transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with Nevada Power's business activities. Nevada Power has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Commodity Price Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Nevada Power is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Nevada Power's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Nevada Power's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power does not engage in proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, Nevada Power uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. Nevada Power does not hedge its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Nevada Power's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates through its deferred energy mechanism, which is subject to disallowance and regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

The table that follows summarizes Nevada Power's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices by the expected volumes for these contracts as of that date. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).

 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Commodity derivative contracts$3
 $7
 $(1)
      
As of December 31, 2017:     
Commodity derivative contracts$(3) $(3) $(3)

Nevada Power's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts are recoverable from customers in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose Nevada Power to earnings volatility. As of December 31, 2018, a net regulatory liability of $3 million was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $3 million. As of December 31, 2017, a net regulatory asset of $3 million was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $3 million. The settled cost of these commodity derivative contracts is generally included in regulated rates.


Interest Rate Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, Nevada Power's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose Nevada Power to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if Nevada Power were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of Nevada Power's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 6 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of Nevada Power's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Nevada Power had no short- and long-term variable-rate obligations that expose Nevada Power to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates.

Credit Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent Nevada Power's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct and indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, Nevada Power analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, Nevada Power enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, Nevada Power exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.
As of December 31, 2018, Nevada Power's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions were not material, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral.


Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Nevada Power Company


Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nevada Power Company and subsidiaries ("Nevada Power") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, 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 Nevada Power as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of Nevada Power's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Nevada Power'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 Nevada Power 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. Nevada Power 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 Nevada Power'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

Las Vegas, Nevada
February 22, 2019
We have served as Nevada Power's auditor since 1987.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions, except share data)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
ASSETS
    
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$111
 $57
Accounts receivable, net240
 238
Inventories61
 59
Regulatory assets39
 28
Other current assets68
 44
Total current assets519
 426
    
Property, plant and equipment, net6,868
 6,877
Regulatory assets878
 941
Other assets37
 35
    
Total assets$8,302
 $8,279
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$187
 $156
Accrued interest38
 50
Accrued property, income and other taxes30
 63
Regulatory liabilities49
 91
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations520
 842
Customer deposits67
 73
Other current liabilities29
 16
Total current liabilities920
 1,291
    
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations2,296
 2,233
Regulatory liabilities1,137
 1,030
Deferred income taxes749
 767
Other long-term liabilities296
 280
Total liabilities5,398
 5,601
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)   
    
Shareholder's equity:   
Common stock - $1.00 stated value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
 
Other paid-in capital2,308
 2,308
Retained earnings600
 374
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(4) (4)
Total shareholder's equity2,904
 2,678
    
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$8,302
 $8,279
    
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Operating revenue$2,184
 $2,206
 $2,083
      
Operating costs and expenses:     
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity917
 902
 768
Operations and maintenance443
 391
 391
Depreciation and amortization337
 308
 303
Property and other taxes41
 40
 38
Total operating costs and expenses1,738
 1,641
 1,500
      
Operating income446
 565
 583
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(170) (179) (185)
Allowance for borrowed funds2
 1
 4
Allowance for equity funds3
 1
 2
Other, net17
 23
 21
Total other income (expense)(148) (154) (158)
      
Income before income tax expense298
 411
 425
Income tax expense72
 156
 146
Net income$226
 $255
 $279
      
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Amounts in millions, except shares)

          Accumulated  
      Other   Other Total
  Common Stock Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholder's
  Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
Balance, December 31, 2015 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $858
 $(3) $3,163
Net income 
 
 
 279
 
 279
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (469) 
 (469)
Other equity transactions 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Balance, December 31, 2016 1,000
 
 2,308
 667
 (3) 2,972
Net income 
 
 
 255
 
 255
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (548) 
 (548)
Other equity transactions 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Balance, December 31, 2017 1,000
 
 2,308
 374
 (4) 2,678
Net income 
 
 
 226
 
 226
Balance, December 31, 2018 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $600
 $(4) $2,904
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$226
 $255
 $279
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:     
(Gain) loss on nonrecurring items
 (1) 1
Depreciation and amortization337
 308
 303
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits(13) 94
 78
Allowance for equity funds(3) (1) (2)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities83
 50
 131
Deferred energy(11) (16) (21)
Amortization of deferred energy16
 16
 (107)
Other, net14
 (3) 
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:     
Accounts receivable and other assets5
 6
 26
Inventories(1) 6
 7
Accrued property, income and other taxes(35) (26) 63
Accounts payable and other liabilities1
 (23) 13
Net cash flows from operating activities619
 665
 771
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(298) (270) (335)
Acquisitions
 (77) 
Proceeds from sale of assets1
 4
 
Net cash flows from investing activities(297) (343) (335)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt573
 91
 
Repayments of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations(840) (89) (224)
Dividends paid
 (548) (469)
Net cash flows from financing activities(267) (546) (693)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents55
 (224) (257)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period66
 290
 547
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$121
 $66
 $290
      
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)    Organization and Operations

Nevada Power Company, together with its subsidiaries ("Nevada Power"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), a holding company that also owns Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific") and certain other subsidiaries. Nevada Power is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers primarily in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and adjoining areas. NV Energy is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"). BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nevada Power and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income equals comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Nevada Power prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Nevada Power defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

Nevada Power continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Nevada Power's ability to recover its costs. Nevada Power believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on Nevada Power's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to Nevada Power by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. Nevada Power also has the ability to assess deposits on customers who have delayed payments or who are deemed to be a credit risk. The change in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance$16
 $12
 $13
Charged to operating costs and expenses, net15
 15
 16
Write-offs, net(15) (11) (17)
Ending balance$16
 $16
 $12

Derivatives

Nevada Power employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked‑to‑market and settled amounts are recognized as cost of fuel, energy and capacity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For Nevada Power's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of materials and supplies totaling $56 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and fuel, which includes coal stock, stored natural gas and fuel oil, totaling $5 million and $3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The cost is determined using the average cost method. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and are expensed or capitalized to construction work in process, as appropriate, when used. Fuel costs are recovered from retail customers through the base tariff energy rates and deferred energy accounting adjustment charges approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN").


Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Nevada Power capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. The cost of repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred with the exception of costs for generation plant maintenance under certain long-term service agreements. Costs under these agreements are expensed straight-line over the term of the agreements as approved by the PUCN.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by Nevada Power's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by Nevada Power to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as a non-current regulatory liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when Nevada Power retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated using the composite method, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings with the exception of material gains or losses on regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis, which is then recorded to a regulatory asset or liability.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, are capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The rate applied to construction costs is the lower of the PUCN allowed rate of return and rates computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, Nevada Power is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets. Nevada Power's AFUDC rate used during 2018 and 2017 was 7.95% and 8.09%, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Nevada Power recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. Nevada Power's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The costs are not recovered in rates until the work has been completed.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Nevada Power evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.


Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes Nevada Power in its consolidated United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, Nevada Power's provision for income taxes has been computed on a separate return basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income ("OCI") are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with certain property‑related basis differences and other various differences that Nevada Power deems probable to be passed on to its customers are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties.

In determining Nevada Power's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Nevada Power's various regulatory commissions. Nevada Power's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Nevada Power recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of Nevada Power's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Nevada Power believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revenue Recognition

Nevada Power uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which Nevada Power expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Nevada Power records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Substantially all of Nevada Power's Customer Revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission and distribution and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of amounts not considered Customer Revenue within Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 840, "Leases".

Revenue recognized is equal to what Nevada Power has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of Nevada Power's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, accounts receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $106 million and $111 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and financing costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing on a straight-line basis.

Segment Information

Nevada Power currently has one segment, which includes its regulated electric utility operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. Nevada Power adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $2 million and $3 million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, "Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. Nevada Power adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. Nevada Power adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. Nevada Power adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in effect. Nevada Power is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $15 million based on the contracts currently in-effect. Nevada Power currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which created FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and superseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaced industry-specific guidance and established a single five-step model to identify and recognize Customer Revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Following the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but did not change the core principle of the guidance. Nevada Power adopted this guidance for all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a cumulative effect impact at the date of initial adoption.

(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Depreciable Life 2018 2017
Utility plant:     
Generation30 - 55 years $3,720
 $3,707
Distribution20 - 65 years 3,411
 3,314
Transmission45 - 70 years 1,867
 1,860
General and intangible plant5 - 65 years 848
 793
Utility plant  9,846
 9,674
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (3,076) (2,871)
Utility plant, net  6,770
 6,803
Other non-regulated, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization45 years 1
 1
Plant, net  6,771
 6,804
Construction work-in-progress  97
 73
Property, plant and equipment, net  $6,868
 $6,877

Almost all of Nevada Power's plant is subject to the ratemaking jurisdiction of the PUCN and the FERC. Nevada Power's depreciation and amortization expense, as authorized by the PUCN, stated as a percentage of the depreciable property balances as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was 3.2%. Nevada Power is required to file a utility plant depreciation study every six years as a companion filing with the triennial general rate review filings.

Construction work-in-progress is related to the construction of regulated assets.

In January 2018, Nevada Power revised its electric depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study performed in 2017, the most significant impact of which was shorter estimated useful lives at the Navajo Generating Station and longer average service lives for various other utility plant groups. The net effect of these changes increased depreciation and amortization expense by $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.

Acquisitions

In April 2017, Nevada Power purchased the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generating facility for $77 million. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN") approved the purchase of the facility in Nevada Power's triennial Integrated Resource Plan filing in December 2015. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired, consisting primarily of generation utility plant, and no significant liabilities were assumed.


(4)    Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, Nevada Power, as tenants in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation and transmission facilities. Nevada Power accounts for its proportionate share of each facility and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include Nevada Power's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent Nevada Power's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in millions):

 Nevada     Construction
 Power's Utility Accumulated Work-in-
 Share Plant Depreciation Progress
        
Navajo Generating Station11% $223
 $176
 $
ON Line Transmission Line24
 147
 19
 1
Other transmission facilitiesVarious
 67
 27
 
Total  $437
 $222
 $1

(5)    Regulatory Matters

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. Nevada Power's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Decommissioning costs(2)
5 years $222
 $231
Deferred operating costs10 years 152
 169
Merger costs from 1999 merger26 years 125
 130
Employee benefit plans(1)
8 years 105
 89
Asset retirement obligations7 years 68
 72
Abandoned projects2 years 46
 58
Legacy meters14 years 53
 56
ON Line deferrals35 years 46
 47
Deferred energy costs1 year 47
 46
OtherVarious 53
 71
Total regulatory assets  $917
 $969
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $39
 $28
Other assets  878
 941
Total regulatory assets  $917
 $969

(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.
(2)Amount includes regulatory assets with an indeterminate life of $81 million as of December 31, 2018.

Nevada Power had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $334 million and $363 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The regulatory assets not earning a return on investment primarily consist of merger costs from the 1999 merger, asset retirement obligations, deferred operating costs, a portion of the employee benefit plans, losses on reacquired debt and deferred energy costs.


Regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be returned to customers in future periods. Nevada Power's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Deferred income taxes(1)
27 years $677
 $670
Cost of removal(2)
33 years 320
 307
Impact fees(3)
4 years 86
 89
Energy efficiency program1 year 24
 27
OtherVarious 79
 28
Total regulatory liabilities  $1,186
 $1,121
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $49
 $91
Other long-term liabilities  1,137
 1,030
Total regulatory liabilities  $1,186
 $1,121

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Amount includes regulatory liabilities with an indeterminate life of $82 million as of December 31, 2018. See Note 9 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.

(2)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices.

(3)Amounts reduce rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

Deferred Energy

Nevada statutes permit regulated utilities to adopt deferred energy accounting procedures. The intent of these procedures is to ease the effect on customers of fluctuations in the cost of purchased natural gas, fuel and electricity and are subject to annual prudency review by the PUCN. Under deferred energy accounting, to the extent actual fuel and purchased power costs exceed fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates that excess is not recorded as a current expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations but rather is deferred and recorded as a regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and would be included in the table above as deferred energy costs. Conversely, a regulatory liability is recorded to the extent fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates exceed actual fuel and purchased power costs and is included in the table above as deferred energy costs. These excess amounts are reflected in quarterly adjustments to rates and recorded as cost of fuel, energy and capacity in future time periods.

Regulatory Rate Review

In June 2017, Nevada Power filed an electric regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing supported an annual revenue increase of $29 million, or 2%, but requested no incremental annual revenue relief. In December 2017, the PUCN issued an order which reduced Nevada Power's revenue requirement by $26 million and requires Nevada Power to share 50% of regulatory earnings above 9.7%. In January 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for clarification of certain findings and directives in the order and intervening parties filed motions for reconsideration. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting petitions for clarification and reconsideration and modified the December 2017 order requiring Nevada Power to record additional expense for carrying charges on impact fees received but not yet included in rates. As a result of the order, Nevada Power recorded expense of $44 million in 2018, which consists of regulatory earnings sharing of $38 million and carrying charges of $6 million, and $28 million in December 2017, primarily due to the reduction of a regulatory asset to return to customers revenue collected for costs not incurred. The new rates were effective February 15, 2018.


2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. In February 2018, Nevada Power made filings with the PUCN proposing a tax rate reduction rider for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated to result from 2017 Tax Reform for 2018 and beyond. The filings supported an annual rate reduction of $59 million. In March 2018, the PUCN issued an order approving the rate reduction proposed by Nevada Power. The new rates were effective April 1, 2018. The order extended the procedural schedule to allow parties additional discovery relevant to 2017 Tax Reform and a hearing was held in July 2018. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order directing Nevada Power to record the amortization of any excess protected accumulated deferred income tax arising from the 2017 Tax Reform as a regulatory liability effective January 1, 2018. Subsequently, Nevada Power filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the amortization of protected excess accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the September 2018 order. In December 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for judicial review.

In March 2018, the FERC issued a Show Cause Order related to 2017 Tax Reform. In May 2018, in response to the Show Cause Order, Nevada Power proposed a reduction to transmission and certain ancillary service rates under the NV Energy OATT for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated from 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate reduction effective March 21, 2018 as filed and refunds to customers were made in December 2018 totaling $1 million for Nevada Power. In addition, FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on public utility transmission rate changes to address accumulated deferred income taxes.

Energy Efficiency Program Rates ("EEPR") and Energy Efficiency Implementation Rates ("EEIR")

EEPR was established to allow Nevada Power to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by Nevada Power and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent Nevada Power's earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, Nevada Power is required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year. In March 2018, Nevada Power filed an application to reset the EEIR and EEPR and to refund the EEIR revenue received in 2017, including carrying charges. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order accepting a stipulation requiring Nevada Power to refund the 2017 revenue and reset the rates as filed effective October 1, 2018. The EEIR liability for Nevada Power is $9 million and $10 million, which is included in current regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Chapter 704B Applications

Chapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one megawatt ("MW") or more to file with the PUCN an application to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become distribution-only service customers. On a case-by-case basis, the PUCN will assess the application and may deny or grant the application subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee, paying on-going charges and receiving approval for specific alternative energy providers and terms. The impact fee and on-going charges are assessed to alleviate the burden on other Nevada customers for the applicant's share of previously committed investments and long-term renewable contracts and are set at a level designed such that the remaining customers are not subjected to increased costs.

In October 2016, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier. In April 2017, Wynn filed a motion with the PUCN seeking relief from the January 2016 order that established the impact fee that was paid in September 2016 and requested the PUCN adopt an alternative impact fee and revise on-going charges associated with retirement of assets and high cost renewable contracts. In September 2018, the PUCN granted relief requiring Nevada Power to credit $3 million as an offset against Wynn's remaining impact fee obligation. In October 2018, Wynn elected to pay the net present value lump sum of its Renewable Base Tariff Energy Rate ("R-BTER") obligation of $2 million, net of the $3 million credit. The PUCN ordered Nevada Power to establish a regulatory liability of $5 million amortized in equal monthly installments through December 2022 and to establish a regulatory asset of $3 million for the impact fee credit.


In November 2016, Caesars Enterprise Service ("Caesars"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada
Power. In March 2017, the PUCN approved the application allowing Caesars to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In March 2017, Caesars provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee monthly for six years and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In July 2017, Caesars made the required compliance filings and, in September 2017, the PUCN issued an order allowing Caesars to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. In February 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer, started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Nevada Power service territory and began paying Nevada Power impact fees of $44 million in 72 equal monthly payments.

In June 2018, Station Casinos LLC ("Station"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. In October 2018, the PUCN approved an order allowing Station to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee of $15 million. In November 2018, Station filed a petition for reconsideration with the PUCN to allow Station to pay its share of the R-BTER in a single lump sum, receive a credit for a portion of impact fees previously paid by past 704B applicants and receive a credit for a portion of incremental transmission revenue associated with expected sales to others. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the October 2018 order.

Emissions Reduction and Capacity Retirement Plan ("ERCR Plan")

In March 2017, Nevada Power retired Reid Gardner Unit 4, a 257-MW coal-fueled generating facility. The early retirement was approved by the PUCN in December 2016 as a part of Nevada Power's second amendment to the ERCR Plan. The remaining net book value of $151 million was moved from property, plant and equipment, net to noncurrent regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in March 2017, in compliance with the ERCR Plan. Refer to Note 12 for additional information on the ERCR Plan.

(6)Credit Facility

Nevada Power has a contract$400 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and provide for the transportationissuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at Nevada Power's option, plus a spread that varies based on Nevada Power's credit ratings for its senior secured long‑term debt securities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Nevada Power had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. Amounts due under Nevada Power's credit facility are collateralized by Nevada Power's general and refunding mortgage bonds. The credit facility requires Nevada Power's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.


(7)    Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

Nevada Power's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
General and refunding mortgage securities:     
6.500% Series O, due 2018$
 $
 $324
6.500% Series S, due 2018
 
 499
7.125% Series V, due 2019500
 500
 499
6.650% Series N, due 2036367
 358
 357
6.750% Series R, due 2037349
 346
 346
5.375% Series X, due 2040250
 247
 247
5.450% Series Y, due 2041250
 236
 236
2.750%, Series BB, due 2020575

574


Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.800% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017A, due 2032(1)
40
 40
 40
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017, due 2036(1)
40
 39
 39
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017B, due 2039(1)
13
 13
 13
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.750% to 11.600%, due through 2054463
 463
 475
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases$2,847
 $2,816
 $3,075
      
Reflected as:     
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  $520
 $842
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  2,296
 2,233
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases  $2,816
 $3,075

(1)Subject to mandatory purchase by Nevada Power in May 2020 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.

Annual Payment on Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Leases

The annual repayments of long-term debt and capital and financial leases for the years beginning January 1, 2019 and thereafter, are as follows (in millions):
  Long-term Capital and Financial  
  Debt Lease Obligations Total
       
2019 $500
 $78
 $578
2020 575
 77
 652
2021 
 80
 80
2022 
 76
 76
2023 
 52
 52
Thereafter 1,309
 709
 2,018
Total 2,384
 1,072
 3,456
Unamortized premium, discount and debt issuance cost (31) 
 (31)
Executory costs 
 (74) (74)
Amounts representing interest 
 (535) (535)
Total $2,353
 $463
 $2,816

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.


The issuance of General and Refunding Mortgage Securities by Nevada Power is subject to PUCN approval and is limited by available property and other provisions of the mortgage indentures. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $8.5 billion (based on original cost) of Nevada Power's property was subject to the liens of the mortgages.

Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

In 1984, Nevada Power entered into a 30-year capital lease for the Pearson Building with five, five-year renewal options beginning in year 2015. In February 2010, Nevada Power amended this capital lease agreement to include the lease of the adjoining parking lot and to exercise three of the five-year renewal options beginning in year 2015. There remain two additional renewal options which could extend the lease an additional ten years. Capital assets of $23 million and $24 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In 2007, Nevada Power entered into a 20-year lease, with three 10-year renewal options, to occupy land and building for its Beltway Complex operations center in southern Nevada. Nevada Power accounts for the building portion of the lease as a capital lease and the land portion of the lease as an operating lease. Nevada Power transferred operations to the facilities in June 2009. Capital assets of $6 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Nevada Power has long-term energy purchase contracts which qualify as capital leases. The leases were entered into between the years 1989 and 1990 and became commercially operable through 1993. The terms of the leases are for 30 years and expire between the years 2022-2023. Capital assets of $30 million and $34 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Nevada Power has master leasing agreements of which various pieces of equipment qualify as capital leases. The remaining equipment is treated as operating leases. Lease terms under the master lease agreement are typically five to seven years. Capital assets of $6 million and $3 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
ON Line was placed in-service on December 31, 2013. The Nevada Utilities entered into a long-term transmission use agreement, in which the Nevada Utilities have 25% interest and Great Basin Transmission South, LLC has 75% interest. Refer to Note 4 for additional information. The Nevada Utilities' share of the long-term transmission use agreement and ownership interest is split at 95% for Nevada Power and 5% for Sierra Pacific. The term is for 41 years with the agreement ending December 31, 2054. Payments began on January 31, 2014. ON Line assets of $387 million and $396 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


(8)
Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of Nevada Power's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Nevada Power has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Nevada Power has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect Nevada Power's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. Nevada Power develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents Nevada Power's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2018:       
Assets:       
Commodity derivatives$
 $
 $7
 $7
Money market mutual funds(1)
104
 
 
 104
Investment funds1
 
 
 1
 $105
 $
 $7
 $112
        
Liabilities - commodity derivatives$
 $
 $(4) $(4)
        
As of December 31, 2017:       
Assets - investment funds$2
 $
 $
 $2
        
Liabilities - commodity derivatives$
 $
 $(3) $(3)

(1)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which Nevada Power transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, Nevada Power uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent Nevada Power's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. Nevada Power bases its forward price curves upon internally developed models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to markets that are not active. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, Nevada Power uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The model incorporates a mid-market pricing convention (the mid‑point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient for valuing its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value. The determination of the fair value for derivative contracts not only includes counterparty risk, but also the impact of Nevada Power's nonperformance risk on its liabilities, which as of December 31, 2018, had an immaterial impact to the fair value of its derivative contracts. As such, Nevada Power considers its derivative contracts to be valued using Level 3 inputs.

Nevada Power's investments in money market mutual funds and equity securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Nevada Power's net commodity derivative assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
  2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance $(3) $(14) $(22)
Changes in fair value recognized in regulatory assets or liabilities 4
 (3) (4)
Settlements 2
 14
 12
Ending balance $3
 $(3) $(14)

Nevada Power's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of Nevada Power's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of Nevada Power's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of Nevada Power's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$2,353
 $2,651
 $2,600
 $3,088

(9)
Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacts many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property and the elimination of the deduction for production activities. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, Nevada Power reduced deferred income tax liabilities $787 million. As it was probable the change in deferred taxes would be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, Nevada Power increased net regulatory liabilities by $792 million.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. Nevada Power recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform in December 2017 and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of the interpretation of the bonus depreciation rules. Nevada Power determined the amounts recorded and the interpretation relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. Nevada Power believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, Nevada Power finalized its provisional amounts and recorded a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $12 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and Nevada Power's regulatory nature, Nevada Power reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $5 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Current – Federal$84
 $62
 $68
Deferred – Federal(13) 95
 79
Uncertain tax positions2
 
 
Investment tax credits(1) (1) (1)
Total income tax expense$72
 $156
 $146

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Federal statutory income tax rate21% 35% 35 %
Non-deductible expenses3
 
 
Effect of ratemaking
 1
 
Effect of tax rate change
 1
 
Other
 1
 (1)
Effective income tax rate24% 38% 34 %

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$209
 $201
Capital and financial leases97
 100
Employee benefits15
 18
Customer advances18
 14
Other9
 6
Total deferred income tax assets348
 339
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property related items(799) (796)
Regulatory assets(196) (206)
Capital and financial leases(94) (97)
Other(8) (7)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(1,097) (1,106)
Net deferred income tax liability$(749) $(767)

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of NV Energy’s consolidated income tax returns through December 31, 2008, and the statute of limitations has expired for NV Energy’s consolidated income tax returns through the short year ended December 19, 2013. The statute of limitations expiring may not preclude the Internal Revenue Service from adjusting the federal net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the examination is not closed.


(10)    Employee Benefit Plans

Nevada Power is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by NV Energy. The NV Energy Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan ("Qualified Pension Plan") and a supplemental executive retirement plan and a restoration plan (collectively, "Non‑Qualified Pension Plans") that provide pension benefits for eligible employees. The NV Energy Comprehensive Welfare Benefit and Cafeteria Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees ("Other Postretirement Plans") on behalf of Nevada Power. Nevada Power contributed $19 million, $1 million and $36 million to the Qualified Pension Plan for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Nevada Power contributed $1 million, $1 million and $- million to the Non-Qualified Pension Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Nevada Power contributed $- million to the Other Postretirement Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 and did not make any contributions for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Amounts attributable to Nevada Power were allocated from NV Energy based upon the current, or in the case of retirees, previous, employment location. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates. Net periodic benefit costs not included in regulated rates are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.

Amounts receivable from (payable to) NV Energy are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Qualified Pension Plan -   
Other long-term liabilities$(26) $(23)
    
Non-Qualified Pension Plans:   
Other current liabilities(1) (1)
Other long-term liabilities(9) (10)
    
Other Postretirement Plans -   
Other long-term liabilities(1) 1

(11)    Asset Retirement Obligations

Nevada Power estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

Nevada Power does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $320 million and $307 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table presents Nevada Power's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Waste water remediation$37
 $39
Evaporative ponds and dry ash landfills12
 11
Asbestos5
 3
Solar2
 3
Other27
 24
Total asset retirement obligations$83
 $80


The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Nevada Power's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Beginning balance$80
 $83
Change in estimated costs11
 6
Retirements(11) (13)
Accretion3
 4
Ending balance$83
 $80
    
Reflected as:   
Other current liabilities$13
 $4
Other long-term liabilities70
 76
 $83
 $80

In 2008, Nevada Power signed an administrative order of consent as owner and operator of Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit Nos. 1, 2 and 3 and as co-owner and operating agent of Unit No. 4. Based on the administrative order of consent, Nevada Power recorded estimated AROs and capital remediation costs. However, actual costs of work under the administrative order of consent may vary significantly once the scope of work is defined and additional site characterization has been completed. In connection with the termination of the co-ownership arrangement, effective October 22, 2013, between Nevada Power and California Department of Water Resources ("CDWR") for the Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit No. 4, Nevada Power and CDWR entered into a cost-sharing agreement that sets forth how the parties will jointly share in costs associated with all investigation, characterization and, if necessary, remedial activities as required under the administrative order of consent.

Certain of Nevada Power's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly-owned facilities, and as such, Nevada Power is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. Management has identified legal obligations to retire generation plant assets specified in land leases for Nevada Power's jointly-owned Navajo Generating Station and the Higgins Generating Station. Provisions of the lease require the lessees to remove the facilities upon request of the lessors at the expiration of the leases. Nevada Power's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(12)
Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Nevada Power is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Nevada Power's current and future operations. Nevada Power believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Senate Bill 123

In June 2013, the Nevada State Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 123 ("SB 123"), which included the retirement of coal plants and replacing the capacity with renewable facilities and other generating facilities. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its ERCR Plan in compliance with SB 123. In July 2015, Nevada Power filed an amendment to its ERCR Plan with the PUCN which was approved in September 2015. In June 2015, the Nevada State Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 498, which modified the capacity replacement components of SB 123.

In compliance with Senate Bill No. 123, Nevada Power retired 557 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2017 and will retire an additional 255 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2019. Consistent with the Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan ("ERCR Plan"), between 2014 and 2016, Nevada Power acquired 536 MWs of natural gas generating resources, executed long-term power purchase agreements for 200 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity and constructed a 15-MW solar photovoltaic facility. Nevada Power has the option to acquire 35 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity in the future under the ERCR Plan, subject to PUCN approval.


Legal Matters

Nevada Power is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Nevada Power does not believe that extends through 2017. Additionally, gas transportation contracts expire from 2017such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. Nevada Power is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to 2032impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts.

Commitments

Nevada Power has the gas supply contract expires in 2018.following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows (in millions):
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Contract type:             
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments$612
 $459
 $379
 $383
 $386
 $4,925
 $7,144
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)
 1
 6
 40
 40
 982
 1,069
Operating leases and easements10
 7
 7
 8
 7
 59
 98
Maintenance, service and other contracts46
 41
 44
 37
 23
 26
 217
Total commitments$668
 $508
 $436
 $468
 $456
 $5,992
 $8,528

Fuel and Capacity Contract Commitments - Not Commercially Operable

Purchased Power

Nevada Power has several contracts for long-term purchase of electric energy in which the facility remains under development. Amounts represent the estimated payments under renewable energy power purchase contracts, which have been approved by the PUCN and are contingent uponPUCN. The expiration of these contracts range from 2019 to 2067. Purchased power includes contracts which meet the developers obtaining commercial operation and their ability to deliver power.

Operating Leases and Easements

definition of a lease. Nevada Power has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office equipment, office space, certain operating facilities, vehicles and land. These leases generally require Nevada Power to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices. Nevada Power also has non-cancelable easements for land. OperatingPower's operations and maintenance expense on non-cancelable operating leases totaled $13for purchase power contracts which met the lease criteria for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $271 million, $11$310 million and $10$302 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015respectively, and 2014, respectively.

Maintenance, Service and Other Contracts

Nevada Power has long-term service agreements for the performance of maintenance on generation units. Obligation amounts are based on estimated usage. The estimated expiration of these service agreements range from 2017 to 2026.

(15)    Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosuresrecorded as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014
      
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information -     
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$173
 $186
 $194
      
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:     
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$19
 $51
 $30
Capital and financial lease obligations incurred$(1) $(5) $7

(16)    Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results (in millions)
 Three-Month Periods Ended
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2016 2016 2016 2016
        
Operating revenues$399
 $525
 $766
 $393
Operating income46
 141
 324
 69
Net income3
 66
 188
 22
        
 Three-Month Periods Ended
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2015 2015 2015 2015
        
Operating revenues$459
 $607
 $878
 $458
Operating income74
 136
 329
 74
Net income24
 60
 187
 17


Sierra Pacific Power Company and its subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Section


Item 6.        Selected Financial Data

Information required by Item 6 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) to Form 10-K.

Item 7.        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

General

Sierra Pacific's revenues and operating income are subject to fluctuations during the year due to impacts that seasonal weather, rate changes, and customer usage patterns have on demand for electric energy, natural gas and resources. Sierra Pacific's electric segment is summer peaking experiencing its highest retail energy sales in response to the demand for air conditioning and its natural gas segment is winter peaking due to sales in response to the demand for heating. The variations in energy usage due to varying weather, customer growth and other energy usage patterns, including energy efficiency and conservation measures, necessitates a continual balancing of loads and resources and purchases and sales of energy under short- and long-term energy supply contracts. As a result, the prudent management and optimization of available resources has a direct effect on the operating and financial performance of Sierra Pacific. Additionally, the timely recovery of purchased power, fuel costs and other costs and the ability to earn a fair return on investments through rates are essential to the operating and financial performance of Sierra Pacific.

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Sierra Pacific during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Sierra Pacific's historical Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10‑K. Sierra Pacific's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $84 million, an increase of $1 million, or 1%, compared to 2015. Net income increased due to a decrease in interest expense from financing transactions in 2016 of $8 million, increased customer growth and usage primarily due to the impacts of weather of $7 million and lower planned maintenance costs. The increase in net income was partially offset by disallowances resulting from the settlement of the regulatory rate review in 2016 of $5 million, higher depreciation and amortization primarily due to higher plant placed in-service of $5 million, a settlement payment associated with terminated transmission service in 2015 of $4 million and lower margins from a decrease in wholesale demand charges and changes in usage patterns with commercial and industrial customers.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $83 million, a decrease of $4 million, or 5%, compared to 2014. Net income decreased due to higher planned maintenance costs of $10 million, higher depreciation and amortization of $8 million as a result of higher regulatory amortizations and lower interest and dividend income of $8 million. The decrease in net income is offset by an increase in margin from recovery of costs associated with advanced service delivery of $9 million, lower impairment costs resulting from the settlement of the companion filing made in conjunction with Nevada Power's regulatory rate review in 2014 of $8 million and a settlement payment associated with terminated transmission service of $4 million.

Operating revenue; cost of fuel, energy and capacity; and natural gas purchased for resale are key drivers of Sierra Pacific's results of operations as they encompass retail and wholesale electricity and natural gas revenue and the direct costs associated with providing electricity and natural gas to customers. Sierra Pacific believes that a discussion of gross margin, representing operating revenue less cost of fuel, energy and capacity and natural gas purchased for resale, is therefore meaningful.on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Electric Gross Margin

A comparison of Sierra Pacific's key operating results related to regulated electric gross margin for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
  2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Gross margin (in millions):              
Operating electric revenue $702
 $810
 $(108)(13)% $810
 $779
 $31
4 %
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity 265
 374
 (109)(29) 374
 361
 13
4
Gross margin $437
 $436
 $1

 $436
 $418
 $18
4
               
GWh sold:              
Residential 2,375
 2,315
 60
3 % 2,315
 2,268
 47
2 %
Commercial 2,933
 2,942
 (9)
 2,942
 2,944
 (2)
Industrial 3,014
 2,973
 41
1
 2,973
 2,869
 104
4
Other 16
 16
 

 16
 16
 

Total retail 8,338
 8,246
 92
1
 8,246
 8,097
 149
2
Wholesale 662
 664
 (2)
 664
 645
 19
3
Total GWh sold 9,000
 8,910
 90
1
 8,910
 8,742
 168
2
               
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):              
Residential 291
 288
 3
1 % 288
 285
 3
1 %
Commercial 47
 46
 1
2
 46
 46
 

Total 338
 334
 4
1
 334
 331
 3
1
               
Average revenue per MWh:              
Retail $78.08
 $90.85
 $(12.77)(14)% $90.85
 $88.78
 $2.07
2 %
Wholesale $52.05
 $61.37
 $(9.32)(15)% $61.37
 $68.34
 $(6.97)(10)%
               
Heating degree days 4,185
 4,122
 63
2 % 4,122
 3,910
 212
5 %
Cooling degree days 1,088
 1,194
 (106)(9)% 1,194
 1,211
 (17)(1)%
               
Sources of energy (GWh)(1):
              
Coal 751
 1,210
 (459)(38)% 1,210
 1,870
 (660)(35)%
Natural gas 4,290
 3,981
 309
8
 3,981
 4,169
 (188)(5)
Total energy generated 5,041
 5,191
 (150)(3) 5,191
 6,039
 (848)(14)
Energy purchased 4,383
 4,441
 (58)(1) 4,441
 2,943
 1,498
51
Total 9,424
 9,632
 (208)(2) 9,632
 8,982
 650
7
               
Average total cost of energy per MWh(2)
 $28.16
 $38.80
 $(10.64)(27)% $38.80
 $40.19
 $(1.39)(3)%

(1)    GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.
(2)    The average total cost of energy per MWh includes the cost of fuel, purchased power and deferrals and does not include other costs.

Natural Gas Gross Margin

A comparison of key results related to regulated natural gas gross margin for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
  2016 2015 Change 2015 2014 Change
Gross margin (in millions):              
Operating natural gas revenue $110
 $137
 $(27)(20)% $137
 $125
 $12
10%
Natural gas purchased for resale 55
 84
 (29)(35) 84
 76
 8
11
Gross margin $55
 $53
 $2
4
 $53
 $49
 $4
8
               
Dth sold:              
Residential 9,207
 8,649
 558
6 % 8,649
 7,921
 728
9%
Commercial 4,679
 4,198
 481
11
 4,198
 3,921
 277
7
Industrial 1,548
 1,470
 78
5
 1,470
 1,416
 54
4
Total retail 15,434
 14,317
 1,117
8
 14,317
 13,258
 1,059
8
               
Average number of retail customers (in thousands) 162
 159
 3
2 % 159
 156
 3
2%
Average revenue per retail Dth sold: $7.13
 $9.57
 $(2.44)(25)% $9.57
 $9.43
 $0.14
1%
Average cost of natural gas per retail Dth sold $3.56
 $5.87
 $(2.31)(39)% $5.87
 $5.73
 $0.14
2%
Heating degree days 4,185
 4,122
 63
2 % 4,122
 3,910
 212
5%

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015

Electric gross margin increased $1 million for 2016 compared to 2015 due to:
$4 million in higher energy efficiency program rate revenue, which is offset in operating and maintenance expense;
$3 million in higher customer growth; and
$2 million in higher customer usage primarily due to the impacts of weather.
The increase in gross margin was offset by:
$4 million related to a settlement payment associated with terminated transmission service in 2015;
$2 million decrease in wholesale demand charges; and
$2 million in usage patterns for commercial and industrial customers.

Natural gas gross margin increased $2 million, or 4%, for 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to higher customer usage from the impacts of weather.

Operating and maintenance increased $3 million, or 2%, for 2016 compared to 2015 due to disallowances resulting from the settlement of the regulatory rate review in 2016 of $5 million and higher energy efficiency program costs, which are fully recovered in operating revenue, partially offset by decreased planned maintenance costs.

Depreciation and amortization increased $5 million, or 4%, for 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to higher plant placed in-service.

Other income (expense) is favorable $7 million, or 13%, for 2016 compared to 2015 primarily due to a decrease in interest expense from financing transactions in 2016.

Income tax expense increased $2 million, or 4%, for 2016 compared to 2015. The effective tax rate was 37% for 2016 and 36% for 2015.


Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Electric gross margin increased $18 million, or 4%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to:
$9 million from recovery of costs associated with advanced service delivery;
$5 million in higher energy efficiency program rate revenue, which is offset in operating and maintenance expense; and
$4 million related to a settlement payment associated with terminated transmission service.

Natural gas gross margin increased $4 million, or 8%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to recovery of costs associated with advanced service delivery and an increase in customer usage in 2015, primarily due to the impacts of weather.

Operating and maintenance increased $5 million, or 3%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to increased planned maintenance costs, higher energy efficiency program costs, which are fully recovered in operating revenue, and higher ON Line lease expense. This increase was partially offset by lower impairment costs resulting from the settlement of the companion filing made in conjunction with Nevada Power's regulatory rate review in 2014, lower costs related to relinquishing an insurance claim in 2014 for a previously sold asset and decreased compensation costs.

Depreciation and amortization increased $8 million, or 8%, for 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to regulatory amortizations associated with advanced service delivery.

Property and other taxes increased $3 million, or 14%, for 2015 compared to 2014 due to an increase in assessed property values, higher franchise taxes and a new state commerce tax.

Other income (expense) is unfavorable $10 million, or 23%, for 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower carrying charges related to the recovery of costs associated with advanced service delivery approved in the companion filing of the 2014 Nevada Power general rate case effective January 2015.

Income tax expense remained constant, for 2015 compared to 2014. The effective tax rate was 36% for 2015 and 35% for 2014. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the effects of ratemaking.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2016, Sierra Pacific's total net liquidity was $225 million as follows (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents $55
   
Credit facilities(1)
 250
Less -  
Letters of credit and tax-exempt bond support (80)
Net credit facilities 170
   
Total net liquidity $225
Credit facilities:  
Maturity dates 2018

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding Sierra Pacific's credit facility.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $243 million and $342 million, respectively. The change was due to decreased collections from customers due to lower retail rates as a result of deferred energy adjustment mechanisms, contributions to the pension plan and lower customer advances, partially offset by lower payments for fuel costs.


Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $342 million and $246 million, respectively. The change was due to deferred energy from lower fuel costs and higher collections, lower purchased power payments, timing of projects under long-term service agreements which are offset in investing activities, a payment in 2014 of the bill credit to customers as a result of the BHE Merger and a settlement payment associated with terminated transmission service. The increase was offset by higher refunds to customers for renewable energy programs and lower collections from customers due to usage and weather.

The timing of Sierra Pacific's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

In December 2014, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the "Act") was signed into law, extending the 50% bonus depreciation for qualifying property purchased and placed in-service before January 1, 2015 and before January 1, 2016 for certain longer-lived assets. As a result of the Act, Sierra Pacific's cash flows from operations benefited in 2015 due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service.

In December 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 ("PATH") was signed into law, extending bonus depreciation for qualifying property acquired and placed in-service before January 1, 2020 (bonus depreciation rates will be 50% for 2015-2017, 40% in 2018, and 30% in 2019), with an additional year for certain longer lived assets. As a result of PATH, Sierra Pacific's cash flows from operations are expected to benefit due to bonus depreciation on qualifying assets placed in-service through 2019.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $(194) million and $(250) million, respectively. The change was primarily due to decreased capital expenditures.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $(250) million and $(186) million, respectively. The change was primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures relating to Tracy and Valmy Generating Stations including timing of projects under long-term service agreements which are offset in operating activities and the purchase of the general office building in Reno, Nevada.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $(100) million and $(8) million, respectively. The change was due to financing transactions in 2016 and higher dividends paid to NV Energy, Inc.

Net cash flows from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $(8) million and $(105) million, respectively. The change was due to lower dividends paid to NV Energy, Inc.

Ability to Issue Debt

Sierra Pacific's ability to issue debt is primarily impacted by its financing authority from the PUCN. As of December 31, 2016, Sierra Pacific has financing authority from the PUCN consisting of the ability to: (1) issue additional long-term debt securities of up to $350 million; (2) refinance up to $55 million of long-term debt securities; and (3) maintain a revolving credit facility of up to $600 million. Sierra Pacific's revolving credit facility contains a financial maintenance covenant which Sierra Pacific was in compliance with as of December 31, 2016. In addition, certain financing agreements contain covenants which are currently suspended as Sierra Pacific's senior secured debt is rated investment grade. However, if Sierra Pacific's senior secured debt ratings fall below investment grade by either Moody's Investor Service or Standard & Poor's, Sierra Pacific would be subject to limitations under these covenants.

Ability to Issue General and Refunding Mortgage Securities

To the extent Nevada Power has the ability to issue debt under the most restrictive covenants in its financing agreements and has financing authority to do so from the PUCN, Nevada Power's ability to issue secured debt is limited by the amount of bondable property or retired bonds that can be used to issue debt under Nevada Power's indenture.

Nevada Power's indenture creates a lien on substantially all of Nevada Power's properties in Nevada. As of December 31, 2018, $8.5 billion of Nevada Power's assets were pledged. Nevada Power had the capacity to issue $3.2 billion of additional general and refunding mortgage securities as of December 31, 2018 determined on the basis of 70% of net utility property additions. Property additions include plant-in-service and specific assets in construction work-in-progress. The amount of bond capacity listed above does not include eligible property in construction work-in-progress. Nevada Power also has the ability to release property from the lien of Nevada Power's indenture on the basis of net property additions, cash or retired bonds. To the extent Nevada Power releases property from the lien of Nevada Power's indenture, it will reduce the amount of securities issuable under the indenture.

Long-Term Debt

In April 2018, Nevada Power issued $575 million of its 2.75% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series BB, due April 2020. Nevada Power used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of Nevada Power's $325 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series O, maturing in May 2018. In August 2018, Nevada Power used the remaining net proceeds, together with available cash and $45m from its credit facility, to repay all of Nevada Power's $500 million 6.50% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series S, maturing in August 2018.

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.

Future Uses of Cash

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Prudently incurred expenditures for compliance-related items such as pollution control technologies, replacement generation and associated operating costs are generally incorporated into Nevada Power's regulated retail rates. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisition of existing assets.

Historical and forecasted capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in millions):
 Historical Forecasted
 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
            
Generation development$1
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Distribution144
 110
 137
 182
 318
 130
Transmission system investment30
 9
 9
 27
 4
 6
Other160
 151
 150
 165
 100
 150
Total$335
 $270
 $296
 $374
 $422
 $286

Nevada Power's forecast capital expenditures include investments that relate to operating projects that consist of routine expenditures for transmission, distribution, generation and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.

Contractual Obligations

Nevada Power has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes Nevada Power's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
  Payments Due by Periods
  2019 2020 - 2021 2022 - 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
           
Long-term debt $500
 $575
 $
 $1,309
 $2,384
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
 110
 162
 154
 1,118
 1,544
Capital leases, including interest(2),(3)
 15
 32
 22
 24
 93
ON Line financial lease, including interest(2)
 44
 88
 88
 685
 905
Fuel and capacity contract commitments(1)
 612
 838
 769
 4,925
 7,144
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)(1)
 
 7
 80
 982
 1,069
Operating leases and easements(1)
 10
 14
 15
 59
 98
Asset retirement obligations 13
 14
 20
 46
 93
Maintenance, service and other contracts(1)
 46
 85
 60
 26
 217
Total contractual cash obligations $1,350
 $1,815
 $1,208
 $9,174
 $13,547

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)Interest is not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)Includes fuel and capacity contracts designated as a capital lease.

Nevada Power has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 6), uncertain tax positions (Note 9) and asset retirement obligations (Note 11), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Regulatory Matters

Nevada Power is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding Nevada Power's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.


Environmental Laws and Regulations

Nevada Power is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, emissions performance standards, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Nevada Power's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by various federal, state and local agencies. Nevada Power believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and Nevada Power is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for discussion of Nevada Power's forecasted environmental-related capital expenditures.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations.

Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of Nevada Power is rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of Nevada Power's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

Nevada Power has no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. Nevada Power's secured revolving credit facility does not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon its availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facility are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2018, the applicable credit ratings obtained from recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2018, Nevada Power would have been required to post $10 million of additional collateral. Nevada Power's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.
Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where Nevada Power operates has not had a significant impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Nevada Power operates under a cost-of-service based rate structure administered by the PUCN and the FERC. Under this rate structure, Nevada Power is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation after Nevada Power experiences cost increases. Fuel and purchase power costs are recovered through a balancing account, minimizing the impact of inflation related to these costs. Nevada Power attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of periodic rate adjustments for fuel and energy costs, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting Nevada Power, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.


Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by Nevada Power's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with Nevada Power's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Nevada Power's Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Nevada Power prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Nevada Power defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

Nevada Power continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Nevada Power's ability to recover its costs. Nevada Power believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Total regulatory assets were $0.9 billion and total regulatory liabilities were $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2018. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's regulatory assets and liabilities.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Nevada Power evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

The estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what Nevada Power would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect Nevada Power's results of operations.

Income Taxes

In determining Nevada Power's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Nevada Power's various regulatory commissions. Nevada Power's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Nevada Power recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.

Although the ultimate resolution of Nevada Power's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Nevada Power believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Nevada Power's Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's income taxes.

Nevada Power is probable to pass income tax benefits and expense related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property‑related basis differences and other various differences on to its customers. As of December 31, 2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory liability of $677 million and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue is recognized as electricity is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since their last billing is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $106 million as of December 31, 2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Estimates are reversed in the following month when actual revenue is recorded.


Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. Nevada Power's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which Nevada Power transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with Nevada Power's business activities. Nevada Power has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Nevada Power's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Commodity Price Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Nevada Power is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Nevada Power's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Nevada Power's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity and wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power does not engage in proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, Nevada Power uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. Nevada Power does not hedge its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Nevada Power's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates through its deferred energy mechanism, which is subject to disallowance and regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

The table that follows summarizes Nevada Power's price risk on commodity contracts accounted for as derivatives, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase and 10% decrease in forward market prices by the expected volumes for these contracts as of that date. The selected hypothetical change does not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios (dollars in millions).

 Fair Value - Estimated Fair Value after
 Net Asset Hypothetical Change in Price
 (Liability) 10% increase 10% decrease
As of December 31, 2018:     
Commodity derivative contracts$3
 $7
 $(1)
      
As of December 31, 2017:     
Commodity derivative contracts$(3) $(3) $(3)

Nevada Power's commodity derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts are recoverable from customers in regulated rates and, therefore, net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on commodity derivative contracts do not expose Nevada Power to earnings volatility. As of December 31, 2018, a net regulatory liability of $3 million was recorded related to the net derivative asset of $3 million. As of December 31, 2017, a net regulatory asset of $3 million was recorded related to the net derivative liability of $3 million. The settled cost of these commodity derivative contracts is generally included in regulated rates.


Interest Rate Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. Nevada Power manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, Nevada Power's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose Nevada Power to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if Nevada Power were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of Nevada Power's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 6 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of Nevada Power's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Nevada Power had no short- and long-term variable-rate obligations that expose Nevada Power to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates.

Credit Risk

Nevada Power is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent Nevada Power's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct and indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, Nevada Power analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, Nevada Power enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, Nevada Power exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.
As of December 31, 2018, Nevada Power's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions were not material, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral.


Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Nevada Power Company


Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nevada Power Company and subsidiaries ("Nevada Power") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, 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 Nevada Power as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of Nevada Power's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Nevada Power'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 Nevada Power 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. Nevada Power 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 Nevada Power'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

Las Vegas, Nevada
February 22, 2019
We have served as Nevada Power's auditor since 1987.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions, except share data)

 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
ASSETS
    
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$111
 $57
Accounts receivable, net240
 238
Inventories61
 59
Regulatory assets39
 28
Other current assets68
 44
Total current assets519
 426
    
Property, plant and equipment, net6,868
 6,877
Regulatory assets878
 941
Other assets37
 35
    
Total assets$8,302
 $8,279
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$187
 $156
Accrued interest38
 50
Accrued property, income and other taxes30
 63
Regulatory liabilities49
 91
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations520
 842
Customer deposits67
 73
Other current liabilities29
 16
Total current liabilities920
 1,291
    
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations2,296
 2,233
Regulatory liabilities1,137
 1,030
Deferred income taxes749
 767
Other long-term liabilities296
 280
Total liabilities5,398
 5,601
    
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)   
    
Shareholder's equity:   
Common stock - $1.00 stated value, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
 
Other paid-in capital2,308
 2,308
Retained earnings600
 374
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(4) (4)
Total shareholder's equity2,904
 2,678
    
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$8,302
 $8,279
    
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Operating revenue$2,184
 $2,206
 $2,083
      
Operating costs and expenses:     
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity917
 902
 768
Operations and maintenance443
 391
 391
Depreciation and amortization337
 308
 303
Property and other taxes41
 40
 38
Total operating costs and expenses1,738
 1,641
 1,500
      
Operating income446
 565
 583
      
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(170) (179) (185)
Allowance for borrowed funds2
 1
 4
Allowance for equity funds3
 1
 2
Other, net17
 23
 21
Total other income (expense)(148) (154) (158)
      
Income before income tax expense298
 411
 425
Income tax expense72
 156
 146
Net income$226
 $255
 $279
      
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Amounts in millions, except shares)

          Accumulated  
      Other   Other Total
  Common Stock Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholder's
  Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
Balance, December 31, 2015 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $858
 $(3) $3,163
Net income 
 
 
 279
 
 279
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (469) 
 (469)
Other equity transactions 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Balance, December 31, 2016 1,000
 
 2,308
 667
 (3) 2,972
Net income 
 
 
 255
 
 255
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (548) 
 (548)
Other equity transactions 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Balance, December 31, 2017 1,000
 
 2,308
 374
 (4) 2,678
Net income 
 
 
 226
 
 226
Balance, December 31, 2018 1,000
 $
 $2,308
 $600
 $(4) $2,904
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Net income$226
 $255
 $279
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:     
(Gain) loss on nonrecurring items
 (1) 1
Depreciation and amortization337
 308
 303
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits(13) 94
 78
Allowance for equity funds(3) (1) (2)
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities83
 50
 131
Deferred energy(11) (16) (21)
Amortization of deferred energy16
 16
 (107)
Other, net14
 (3) 
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:     
Accounts receivable and other assets5
 6
 26
Inventories(1) 6
 7
Accrued property, income and other taxes(35) (26) 63
Accounts payable and other liabilities1
 (23) 13
Net cash flows from operating activities619
 665
 771
      
Cash flows from investing activities:     
Capital expenditures(298) (270) (335)
Acquisitions
 (77) 
Proceeds from sale of assets1
 4
 
Net cash flows from investing activities(297) (343) (335)
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt573
 91
 
Repayments of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations(840) (89) (224)
Dividends paid
 (548) (469)
Net cash flows from financing activities(267) (546) (693)
      
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents55
 (224) (257)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period66
 290
 547
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$121
 $66
 $290
      
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


NEVADA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)    Organization and Operations

Nevada Power Company, together with its subsidiaries ("Nevada Power"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), a holding company that also owns Sierra Pacific Power Company ("Sierra Pacific") and certain other subsidiaries. Nevada Power is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers primarily in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and adjoining areas. NV Energy is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"). BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nevada Power and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income equals comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Nevada Power prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Nevada Power defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

Nevada Power continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Nevada Power's ability to recover its costs. Nevada Power believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on Nevada Power's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to Nevada Power by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. Nevada Power also has the ability to assess deposits on customers who have delayed payments or who are deemed to be a credit risk. The change in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance$16
 $12
 $13
Charged to operating costs and expenses, net15
 15
 16
Write-offs, net(15) (11) (17)
Ending balance$16
 $16
 $12

Derivatives

Nevada Power employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked‑to‑market and settled amounts are recognized as cost of fuel, energy and capacity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For Nevada Power's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.

Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of materials and supplies totaling $56 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and fuel, which includes coal stock, stored natural gas and fuel oil, totaling $5 million and $3 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The cost is determined using the average cost method. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and are expensed or capitalized to construction work in process, as appropriate, when used. Fuel costs are recovered from retail customers through the base tariff energy rates and deferred energy accounting adjustment charges approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN").


Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Nevada Power capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. The cost of repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred with the exception of costs for generation plant maintenance under certain long-term service agreements. Costs under these agreements are expensed straight-line over the term of the agreements as approved by the PUCN.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by Nevada Power's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by Nevada Power to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as a non-current regulatory liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when Nevada Power retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated using the composite method, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings with the exception of material gains or losses on regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis, which is then recorded to a regulatory asset or liability.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, are capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The rate applied to construction costs is the lower of the PUCN allowed rate of return and rates computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, Nevada Power is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets. Nevada Power's AFUDC rate used during 2018 and 2017 was 7.95% and 8.09%, respectively.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Nevada Power recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. Nevada Power's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The costs are not recovered in rates until the work has been completed.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Nevada Power evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.


Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes Nevada Power in its consolidated United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, Nevada Power's provision for income taxes has been computed on a separate return basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income ("OCI") are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with certain property‑related basis differences and other various differences that Nevada Power deems probable to be passed on to its customers are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties.

In determining Nevada Power's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Nevada Power's various regulatory commissions. Nevada Power's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Nevada Power recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of Nevada Power's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Nevada Power believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Nevada Power's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revenue Recognition

Nevada Power uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which Nevada Power expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Nevada Power records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Substantially all of Nevada Power's Customer Revenue is derived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission and distribution and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as energy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of amounts not considered Customer Revenue within Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 840, "Leases".

Revenue recognized is equal to what Nevada Power has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of Nevada Power's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, accounts receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $106 million and $111 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.

Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and financing costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing on a straight-line basis.

Segment Information

Nevada Power currently has one segment, which includes its regulated electric utility operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. Nevada Power adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Consolidated Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $2 million and $3 million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 230-10, "Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. Nevada Power adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. Nevada Power adopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. Nevada Power adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in effect. Nevada Power is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $15 million based on the contracts currently in-effect. Nevada Power currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which created FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and superseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replaced industry-specific guidance and established a single five-step model to identify and recognize Customer Revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Following the issuance of ASU No. 2014-09, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but did not change the core principle of the guidance. Nevada Power adopted this guidance for all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method and the adoption did not have a cumulative effect impact at the date of initial adoption.

(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Depreciable Life 2018 2017
Utility plant:     
Generation30 - 55 years $3,720
 $3,707
Distribution20 - 65 years 3,411
 3,314
Transmission45 - 70 years 1,867
 1,860
General and intangible plant5 - 65 years 848
 793
Utility plant  9,846
 9,674
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (3,076) (2,871)
Utility plant, net  6,770
 6,803
Other non-regulated, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization45 years 1
 1
Plant, net  6,771
 6,804
Construction work-in-progress  97
 73
Property, plant and equipment, net  $6,868
 $6,877

Almost all of Nevada Power's plant is subject to the ratemaking jurisdiction of the PUCN and the FERC. Nevada Power's depreciation and amortization expense, as authorized by the PUCN, stated as a percentage of the depreciable property balances as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was 3.2%. Nevada Power is required to file a utility plant depreciation study every six years as a companion filing with the triennial general rate review filings.

Construction work-in-progress is related to the construction of regulated assets.

In January 2018, Nevada Power revised its electric depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study performed in 2017, the most significant impact of which was shorter estimated useful lives at the Navajo Generating Station and longer average service lives for various other utility plant groups. The net effect of these changes increased depreciation and amortization expense by $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.

Acquisitions

In April 2017, Nevada Power purchased the remaining 25% interest in the Silverhawk natural gas-fueled generating facility for $77 million. The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN") approved the purchase of the facility in Nevada Power's triennial Integrated Resource Plan filing in December 2015. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired, consisting primarily of generation utility plant, and no significant liabilities were assumed.


(4)    Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, Nevada Power, as tenants in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation and transmission facilities. Nevada Power accounts for its proportionate share of each facility and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include Nevada Power's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent Nevada Power's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in millions):

 Nevada     Construction
 Power's Utility Accumulated Work-in-
 Share Plant Depreciation Progress
        
Navajo Generating Station11% $223
 $176
 $
ON Line Transmission Line24
 147
 19
 1
Other transmission facilitiesVarious
 67
 27
 
Total  $437
 $222
 $1

(5)    Regulatory Matters

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. Nevada Power's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Decommissioning costs(2)
5 years $222
 $231
Deferred operating costs10 years 152
 169
Merger costs from 1999 merger26 years 125
 130
Employee benefit plans(1)
8 years 105
 89
Asset retirement obligations7 years 68
 72
Abandoned projects2 years 46
 58
Legacy meters14 years 53
 56
ON Line deferrals35 years 46
 47
Deferred energy costs1 year 47
 46
OtherVarious 53
 71
Total regulatory assets  $917
 $969
      
Reflected as:     
Current assets  $39
 $28
Other assets  878
 941
Total regulatory assets  $917
 $969

(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.
(2)Amount includes regulatory assets with an indeterminate life of $81 million as of December 31, 2018.

Nevada Power had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $334 million and $363 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The regulatory assets not earning a return on investment primarily consist of merger costs from the 1999 merger, asset retirement obligations, deferred operating costs, a portion of the employee benefit plans, losses on reacquired debt and deferred energy costs.


Regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be returned to customers in future periods. Nevada Power's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 Weighted    
 Average    
 Remaining Life 2018 2017
      
Deferred income taxes(1)
27 years $677
 $670
Cost of removal(2)
33 years 320
 307
Impact fees(3)
4 years 86
 89
Energy efficiency program1 year 24
 27
OtherVarious 79
 28
Total regulatory liabilities  $1,186
 $1,121
      
Reflected as:     
Current liabilities  $49
 $91
Other long-term liabilities  1,137
 1,030
Total regulatory liabilities  $1,186
 $1,121

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Amount includes regulatory liabilities with an indeterminate life of $82 million as of December 31, 2018. See Note 9 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.

(2)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices.

(3)Amounts reduce rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.

Deferred Energy

Nevada statutes permit regulated utilities to adopt deferred energy accounting procedures. The intent of these procedures is to ease the effect on customers of fluctuations in the cost of purchased natural gas, fuel and electricity and are subject to annual prudency review by the PUCN. Under deferred energy accounting, to the extent actual fuel and purchased power costs exceed fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates that excess is not recorded as a current expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations but rather is deferred and recorded as a regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and would be included in the table above as deferred energy costs. Conversely, a regulatory liability is recorded to the extent fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates exceed actual fuel and purchased power costs and is included in the table above as deferred energy costs. These excess amounts are reflected in quarterly adjustments to rates and recorded as cost of fuel, energy and capacity in future time periods.

Regulatory Rate Review

In June 2017, Nevada Power filed an electric regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing supported an annual revenue increase of $29 million, or 2%, but requested no incremental annual revenue relief. In December 2017, the PUCN issued an order which reduced Nevada Power's revenue requirement by $26 million and requires Nevada Power to share 50% of regulatory earnings above 9.7%. In January 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for clarification of certain findings and directives in the order and intervening parties filed motions for reconsideration. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting petitions for clarification and reconsideration and modified the December 2017 order requiring Nevada Power to record additional expense for carrying charges on impact fees received but not yet included in rates. As a result of the order, Nevada Power recorded expense of $44 million in 2018, which consists of regulatory earnings sharing of $38 million and carrying charges of $6 million, and $28 million in December 2017, primarily due to the reduction of a regulatory asset to return to customers revenue collected for costs not incurred. The new rates were effective February 15, 2018.


2017 Tax Reform enacted significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, among other things, a reduction in the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. In February 2018, Nevada Power made filings with the PUCN proposing a tax rate reduction rider for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated to result from 2017 Tax Reform for 2018 and beyond. The filings supported an annual rate reduction of $59 million. In March 2018, the PUCN issued an order approving the rate reduction proposed by Nevada Power. The new rates were effective April 1, 2018. The order extended the procedural schedule to allow parties additional discovery relevant to 2017 Tax Reform and a hearing was held in July 2018. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order directing Nevada Power to record the amortization of any excess protected accumulated deferred income tax arising from the 2017 Tax Reform as a regulatory liability effective January 1, 2018. Subsequently, Nevada Power filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the amortization of protected excess accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the September 2018 order. In December 2018, Nevada Power filed a petition for judicial review.

In March 2018, the FERC issued a Show Cause Order related to 2017 Tax Reform. In May 2018, in response to the Show Cause Order, Nevada Power proposed a reduction to transmission and certain ancillary service rates under the NV Energy OATT for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated from 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate reduction effective March 21, 2018 as filed and refunds to customers were made in December 2018 totaling $1 million for Nevada Power. In addition, FERC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on public utility transmission rate changes to address accumulated deferred income taxes.

Energy Efficiency Program Rates ("EEPR") and Energy Efficiency Implementation Rates ("EEIR")

EEPR was established to allow Nevada Power to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by Nevada Power and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent Nevada Power's earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, Nevada Power is required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year. In March 2018, Nevada Power filed an application to reset the EEIR and EEPR and to refund the EEIR revenue received in 2017, including carrying charges. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order accepting a stipulation requiring Nevada Power to refund the 2017 revenue and reset the rates as filed effective October 1, 2018. The EEIR liability for Nevada Power is $9 million and $10 million, which is included in current regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Chapter 704B Applications

Chapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one megawatt ("MW") or more to file with the PUCN an application to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become distribution-only service customers. On a case-by-case basis, the PUCN will assess the application and may deny or grant the application subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee, paying on-going charges and receiving approval for specific alternative energy providers and terms. The impact fee and on-going charges are assessed to alleviate the burden on other Nevada customers for the applicant's share of previously committed investments and long-term renewable contracts and are set at a level designed such that the remaining customers are not subjected to increased costs.

In October 2016, Wynn Las Vegas, LLC ("Wynn"), became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier. In April 2017, Wynn filed a motion with the PUCN seeking relief from the January 2016 order that established the impact fee that was paid in September 2016 and requested the PUCN adopt an alternative impact fee and revise on-going charges associated with retirement of assets and high cost renewable contracts. In September 2018, the PUCN granted relief requiring Nevada Power to credit $3 million as an offset against Wynn's remaining impact fee obligation. In October 2018, Wynn elected to pay the net present value lump sum of its Renewable Base Tariff Energy Rate ("R-BTER") obligation of $2 million, net of the $3 million credit. The PUCN ordered Nevada Power to establish a regulatory liability of $5 million amortized in equal monthly installments through December 2022 and to establish a regulatory asset of $3 million for the impact fee credit.


In November 2016, Caesars Enterprise Service ("Caesars"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada
Power. In March 2017, the PUCN approved the application allowing Caesars to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In March 2017, Caesars provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee monthly for six years and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In July 2017, Caesars made the required compliance filings and, in September 2017, the PUCN issued an order allowing Caesars to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. In February 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer, started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Nevada Power service territory and began paying Nevada Power impact fees of $44 million in 72 equal monthly payments.

In June 2018, Station Casinos LLC ("Station"), a customer of Nevada Power, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Nevada Power. In October 2018, the PUCN approved an order allowing Station to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee of $15 million. In November 2018, Station filed a petition for reconsideration with the PUCN to allow Station to pay its share of the R-BTER in a single lump sum, receive a credit for a portion of impact fees previously paid by past 704B applicants and receive a credit for a portion of incremental transmission revenue associated with expected sales to others. In December 2018, the PUCN issued an order granting reconsideration and reaffirming the October 2018 order.

Emissions Reduction and Capacity Retirement Plan ("ERCR Plan")

In March 2017, Nevada Power retired Reid Gardner Unit 4, a 257-MW coal-fueled generating facility. The early retirement was approved by the PUCN in December 2016 as a part of Nevada Power's second amendment to the ERCR Plan. The remaining net book value of $151 million was moved from property, plant and equipment, net to noncurrent regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in March 2017, in compliance with the ERCR Plan. Refer to Note 12 for additional information on the ERCR Plan.

(6)Credit Facility

Nevada Power has a $400 million secured credit facility expiring in June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and provide for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on the Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at Nevada Power's option, plus a spread that varies based on Nevada Power's credit ratings for its senior secured long‑term debt securities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Nevada Power had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. Amounts due under Nevada Power's credit facility are collateralized by Nevada Power's general and refunding mortgage bonds. The credit facility requires Nevada Power's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.


(7)    Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

Nevada Power's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
 Par Value 2018 2017
General and refunding mortgage securities:     
6.500% Series O, due 2018$
 $
 $324
6.500% Series S, due 2018
 
 499
7.125% Series V, due 2019500
 500
 499
6.650% Series N, due 2036367
 358
 357
6.750% Series R, due 2037349
 346
 346
5.375% Series X, due 2040250
 247
 247
5.450% Series Y, due 2041250
 236
 236
2.750%, Series BB, due 2020575

574


Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:     
Fixed-rate series:     
1.800% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017A, due 2032(1)
40
 40
 40
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017, due 2036(1)
40
 39
 39
1.600% Pollution Control Bonds Series 2017B, due 2039(1)
13
 13
 13
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.750% to 11.600%, due through 2054463
 463
 475
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases$2,847
 $2,816
 $3,075
      
Reflected as:     
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  $520
 $842
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  2,296
 2,233
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases  $2,816
 $3,075

(1)Subject to mandatory purchase by Nevada Power in May 2020 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.

Annual Payment on Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Leases

The annual repayments of long-term debt and capital and financial leases for the years beginning January 1, 2019 and thereafter, are as follows (in millions):
  Long-term Capital and Financial  
  Debt Lease Obligations Total
       
2019 $500
 $78
 $578
2020 575
 77
 652
2021 
 80
 80
2022 
 76
 76
2023 
 52
 52
Thereafter 1,309
 709
 2,018
Total 2,384
 1,072
 3,456
Unamortized premium, discount and debt issuance cost (31) 
 (31)
Executory costs 
 (74) (74)
Amounts representing interest 
 (535) (535)
Total $2,353
 $463
 $2,816

In January 2019, Nevada Power issued $500 million of its 3.70% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series CC, due May 2029.


The issuance of General and Refunding Mortgage Securities by Nevada Power is subject to PUCN approval and is limited by available property and other provisions of the mortgage indentures. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $8.5 billion (based on original cost) of Nevada Power's property was subject to the liens of the mortgages.

Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

In 1984, Nevada Power entered into a 30-year capital lease for the Pearson Building with five, five-year renewal options beginning in year 2015. In February 2010, Nevada Power amended this capital lease agreement to include the lease of the adjoining parking lot and to exercise three of the five-year renewal options beginning in year 2015. There remain two additional renewal options which could extend the lease an additional ten years. Capital assets of $23 million and $24 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In 2007, Nevada Power entered into a 20-year lease, with three 10-year renewal options, to occupy land and building for its Beltway Complex operations center in southern Nevada. Nevada Power accounts for the building portion of the lease as a capital lease and the land portion of the lease as an operating lease. Nevada Power transferred operations to the facilities in June 2009. Capital assets of $6 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Nevada Power has long-term energy purchase contracts which qualify as capital leases. The leases were entered into between the years 1989 and 1990 and became commercially operable through 1993. The terms of the leases are for 30 years and expire between the years 2022-2023. Capital assets of $30 million and $34 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Nevada Power has master leasing agreements of which various pieces of equipment qualify as capital leases. The remaining equipment is treated as operating leases. Lease terms under the master lease agreement are typically five to seven years. Capital assets of $6 million and $3 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
ON Line was placed in-service on December 31, 2013. The Nevada Utilities entered into a long-term transmission use agreement, in which the Nevada Utilities have 25% interest and Great Basin Transmission South, LLC has 75% interest. Refer to Note 4 for additional information. The Nevada Utilities' share of the long-term transmission use agreement and ownership interest is split at 95% for Nevada Power and 5% for Sierra Pacific. The term is for 41 years with the agreement ending December 31, 2054. Payments began on January 31, 2014. ON Line assets of $387 million and $396 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


(8)
Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of Nevada Power's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Nevada Power has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Nevada Power has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect Nevada Power's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. Nevada Power develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents Nevada Power's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2018:       
Assets:       
Commodity derivatives$
 $
 $7
 $7
Money market mutual funds(1)
104
 
 
 104
Investment funds1
 
 
 1
 $105
 $
 $7
 $112
        
Liabilities - commodity derivatives$
 $
 $(4) $(4)
        
As of December 31, 2017:       
Assets - investment funds$2
 $
 $
 $2
        
Liabilities - commodity derivatives$
 $
 $(3) $(3)

(1)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. When available, the fair value of derivative contracts is estimated using unadjusted quoted prices for identical contracts in the market in which Nevada Power transacts. When quoted prices for identical contracts are not available, Nevada Power uses forward price curves. Forward price curves represent Nevada Power's estimates of the prices at which a buyer or seller could contract today for delivery or settlement at future dates. Nevada Power bases its forward price curves upon internally developed models, with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations for certain electricity and natural gas trading hubs are not as readily obtainable due to markets that are not active. Given that limited market data exists for these contracts, Nevada Power uses forward price curves derived from internal models based on perceived pricing relationships to major trading hubs that are based on unobservable inputs. The model incorporates a mid-market pricing convention (the mid‑point price between bid and ask prices) as a practical expedient for valuing its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value. The determination of the fair value for derivative contracts not only includes counterparty risk, but also the impact of Nevada Power's nonperformance risk on its liabilities, which as of December 31, 2018, had an immaterial impact to the fair value of its derivative contracts. As such, Nevada Power considers its derivative contracts to be valued using Level 3 inputs.

Nevada Power's investments in money market mutual funds and equity securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Nevada Power's net commodity derivative assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
  2018 2017 2016
Beginning balance $(3) $(14) $(22)
Changes in fair value recognized in regulatory assets or liabilities 4
 (3) (4)
Settlements 2
 14
 12
Ending balance $3
 $(3) $(14)

Nevada Power's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of Nevada Power's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of Nevada Power's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of Nevada Power's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$2,353
 $2,651
 $2,600
 $3,088

(9)
Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacts many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property and the elimination of the deduction for production activities. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, Nevada Power reduced deferred income tax liabilities $787 million. As it was probable the change in deferred taxes would be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, Nevada Power increased net regulatory liabilities by $792 million.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. Nevada Power recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform in December 2017 and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of the interpretation of the bonus depreciation rules. Nevada Power determined the amounts recorded and the interpretation relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. Nevada Power believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, Nevada Power finalized its provisional amounts and recorded a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $12 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and Nevada Power's regulatory nature, Nevada Power reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $5 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.


Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Current – Federal$84
 $62
 $68
Deferred – Federal(13) 95
 79
Uncertain tax positions2
 
 
Investment tax credits(1) (1) (1)
Total income tax expense$72
 $156
 $146

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
 2018 2017 2016
      
Federal statutory income tax rate21% 35% 35 %
Non-deductible expenses3
 
 
Effect of ratemaking
 1
 
Effect of tax rate change
 1
 
Other
 1
 (1)
Effective income tax rate24% 38% 34 %

The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$209
 $201
Capital and financial leases97
 100
Employee benefits15
 18
Customer advances18
 14
Other9
 6
Total deferred income tax assets348
 339
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property related items(799) (796)
Regulatory assets(196) (206)
Capital and financial leases(94) (97)
Other(8) (7)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(1,097) (1,106)
Net deferred income tax liability$(749) $(767)

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of NV Energy’s consolidated income tax returns through December 31, 2008, and the statute of limitations has expired for NV Energy’s consolidated income tax returns through the short year ended December 19, 2013. The statute of limitations expiring may not preclude the Internal Revenue Service from adjusting the federal net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the examination is not closed.


(10)    Employee Benefit Plans

Nevada Power is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by NV Energy. The NV Energy Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan ("Qualified Pension Plan") and a supplemental executive retirement plan and a restoration plan (collectively, "Non‑Qualified Pension Plans") that provide pension benefits for eligible employees. The NV Energy Comprehensive Welfare Benefit and Cafeteria Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees ("Other Postretirement Plans") on behalf of Nevada Power. Nevada Power contributed $19 million, $1 million and $36 million to the Qualified Pension Plan for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Nevada Power contributed $1 million, $1 million and $- million to the Non-Qualified Pension Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Nevada Power contributed $- million to the Other Postretirement Plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 and did not make any contributions for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Amounts attributable to Nevada Power were allocated from NV Energy based upon the current, or in the case of retirees, previous, employment location. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates. Net periodic benefit costs not included in regulated rates are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.

Amounts receivable from (payable to) NV Energy are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
Qualified Pension Plan -   
Other long-term liabilities$(26) $(23)
    
Non-Qualified Pension Plans:   
Other current liabilities(1) (1)
Other long-term liabilities(9) (10)
    
Other Postretirement Plans -   
Other long-term liabilities(1) 1

(11)    Asset Retirement Obligations

Nevada Power estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

Nevada Power does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $320 million and $307 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table presents Nevada Power's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Waste water remediation$37
 $39
Evaporative ponds and dry ash landfills12
 11
Asbestos5
 3
Solar2
 3
Other27
 24
Total asset retirement obligations$83
 $80


The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Nevada Power's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018 2017
    
Beginning balance$80
 $83
Change in estimated costs11
 6
Retirements(11) (13)
Accretion3
 4
Ending balance$83
 $80
    
Reflected as:   
Other current liabilities$13
 $4
Other long-term liabilities70
 76
 $83
 $80

In 2008, Nevada Power signed an administrative order of consent as owner and operator of Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit Nos. 1, 2 and 3 and as co-owner and operating agent of Unit No. 4. Based on the administrative order of consent, Nevada Power recorded estimated AROs and capital remediation costs. However, actual costs of work under the administrative order of consent may vary significantly once the scope of work is defined and additional site characterization has been completed. In connection with the termination of the co-ownership arrangement, effective October 22, 2013, between Nevada Power and California Department of Water Resources ("CDWR") for the Reid Gardner Generating Station Unit No. 4, Nevada Power and CDWR entered into a cost-sharing agreement that sets forth how the parties will jointly share in costs associated with all investigation, characterization and, if necessary, remedial activities as required under the administrative order of consent.

Certain of Nevada Power's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly-owned facilities, and as such, Nevada Power is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. Management has identified legal obligations to retire generation plant assets specified in land leases for Nevada Power's jointly-owned Navajo Generating Station and the Higgins Generating Station. Provisions of the lease require the lessees to remove the facilities upon request of the lessors at the expiration of the leases. Nevada Power's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(12)
Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Nevada Power is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Nevada Power's current and future operations. Nevada Power believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Senate Bill 123

In June 2013, the Nevada State Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 123 ("SB 123"), which included the retirement of coal plants and replacing the capacity with renewable facilities and other generating facilities. In May 2014, Nevada Power filed its ERCR Plan in compliance with SB 123. In July 2015, Nevada Power filed an amendment to its ERCR Plan with the PUCN which was approved in September 2015. In June 2015, the Nevada State Legislature passed Assembly Bill No. 498, which modified the capacity replacement components of SB 123.

In compliance with Senate Bill No. 123, Nevada Power retired 557 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2017 and will retire an additional 255 MWs of coal-fueled generation in 2019. Consistent with the Emissions Reduction and Capacity Replacement Plan ("ERCR Plan"), between 2014 and 2016, Nevada Power acquired 536 MWs of natural gas generating resources, executed long-term power purchase agreements for 200 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity and constructed a 15-MW solar photovoltaic facility. Nevada Power has the option to acquire 35 MWs of nameplate renewable energy capacity in the future under the ERCR Plan, subject to PUCN approval.


Legal Matters

Nevada Power is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Nevada Power does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. Nevada Power is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts.

Commitments

Nevada Power has the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 2018 are as follows (in millions):
 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Contract type:             
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments$612
 $459
 $379
 $383
 $386
 $4,925
 $7,144
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)
 1
 6
 40
 40
 982
 1,069
Operating leases and easements10
 7
 7
 8
 7
 59
 98
Maintenance, service and other contracts46
 41
 44
 37
 23
 26
 217
Total commitments$668
 $508
 $436
 $468
 $456
 $5,992
 $8,528

Fuel and Capacity Contract Commitments

Purchased Power

Nevada Power has several contracts for long-term purchase of electric energy which have been approved by the PUCN. The expiration of these contracts range from 2019 to 2067. Purchased power includes contracts which meet the definition of a lease. Nevada Power's operations and maintenance expense for purchase power contracts which met the lease criteria for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $271 million, $310 million and $302 million, respectively, and are recorded as cost of fuel, energy and capacity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Coal and Natural Gas

Nevada Power has a contract for the transportation of coal that extends through 2019. Additionally, gas transportation contracts expire from 2022 to 2032 and the gas supply contracts expires from 2019 to 2020.

Fuel and Capacity Contract Commitments - Not Commercially Operable

Nevada Power has several contracts for long-term purchase of electric energy in which the facility remains under development. Amounts represent the estimated payments under renewable energy power purchase contracts, which have been approved by the PUCN and are contingent upon the developers obtaining commercial operation and their ability to deliver power.

Operating Leases and Easements

Nevada Power has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office equipment, office space, certain operating facilities, vehicles and land. These leases generally require Nevada Power to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices. Nevada Power also has non-cancelable easements for land. Operations and maintenance expense on non-cancelable operating leases and easements totaled $7 million, $9 million and $13 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Maintenance, Service and Other Contracts

Nevada Power has long-term service agreements for the performance of maintenance on generation units. Obligation amounts are based on estimated usage. The estimated expiration of these service agreements range from 2019 to 2026.

(13)    Revenues from Contracts with Customers

The following table summarizes Nevada Power's revenue by customer class for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018
Customer Revenue: 
Retail: 
Residential$1,195
Commercial433
Industrial425
Other24
Total fully bundled2,077
Distribution only service30
Total retail2,107
Wholesale, transmission and other53
Total Customer Revenue2,160
Other revenue24
Total revenue$2,184

Contract Assets and Liabilities

In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, Nevada Power would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between Nevada Power's performance and the customer's payment. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(14)
Related Party Transactions

Nevada Power has an intercompany administrative services agreement with BHE and its subsidiaries. Amounts charged to Nevada Power under this agreement totaled $2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Kern River Gas Transmission Company, an indirect subsidiary of BHE, provided natural gas transportation and other services to Nevada Power of $58 million, $66 million and $68 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets included amounts due to Kern River Gas Transmission Company of $4 million and $5 million, respectively.

Nevada Power provided electricity and other services to PacifiCorp, an indirect subsidiary of BHE, of $3 million, $3 million and $2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Receivables associated with these services were $- million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. PacifiCorp provided electricity and the sale of renewable energy credits to Nevada Power of $- million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Payables associated with these transactions were $- million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Nevada Power provided electricity to Sierra Pacific of $91 million, $104 million and $78 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Receivables associated with these transactions were $6 million and $10 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Nevada Power purchased electricity from Sierra Pacific of $28 million, $21 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Payables associated with these transactions were $1 million and $- million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.


Nevada Power incurs intercompany administrative and shared facility costs with NV Energy and Sierra Pacific. These transactions are governed by an intercompany service agreement and are priced at cost. Nevada Power provided services to NV Energy of $1 million, $- million and $1 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. NV Energy provided services to Nevada Power of $7 million, $10 million and $10 million for the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Nevada Power provided services to Sierra Pacific of $28 million, $27 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Sierra Pacific provided services to Nevada Power of $15 million, $17 million and $14 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets included amounts due to NV Energy of $26 million and $29 million, respectively. There were no receivables due from NV Energy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Nevada Power's Consolidated Balance Sheets included receivables due from Sierra Pacific of $5 million. There were no payables due to Sierra Pacific as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Nevada Power is party to a tax-sharing agreement with NV Energy and NV Energy is part of the Berkshire Hathaway consolidated United States federal income tax return. Federal income taxes payable to NV Energy were $4 million and $38 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Nevada Power made cash payments of $117 million, $89 million and $- million for federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Certain disbursements for accounts payable and payroll are made by NV Energy on behalf of Nevada Power and reimbursed automatically when settled by the bank. These amounts are recorded as accounts payable at the time of disbursement.

(15)    Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, consist of funds restricted by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN") for a certain renewable energy contract. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of
 December 31,
December 31,
 2018
2017
Cash and cash equivalents$111
 $57
Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other current assets10
 9
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$121
 $66

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
 2018 2017 2016
      
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information -     
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$166
 $167
 $173
Income taxes paid$117
 $89
 $
      
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:     
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$34
 $18
 $19
Capital and financial lease obligations incurred$1
 $
 $(1)


(16)    Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results (in millions)
 Three-Month Periods Ended
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2018 2018 2018 2018
        
Operating revenues$395
 $562
 $820
 $407
Operating income40
 122
 247
 37
Net income
 64
 164
 (2)
        
 Three-Month Periods Ended
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2017 2017 2017
        
Operating revenues$392
 $574
 $819
 $421
Operating income52
 157
 317
 37
Net income10
 77
 176
 (8)


Sierra Pacific Power Company
Financial Section


Item 6.        Selected Financial Data

Information required by Item 6 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(a) to Form 10-K.

Item 7.        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

General

Sierra Pacific's revenues and operating income are subject to fluctuations during the year due to impacts that seasonal weather, rate changes, and customer usage patterns have on demand for electric energy, natural gas and resources. Sierra Pacific's electric segment is summer peaking experiencing its highest retail energy sales in response to the demand for air conditioning and its natural gas segment is winter peaking due to sales in response to the demand for heating. The variations in energy usage due to varying weather, customer growth and other energy usage patterns, including energy efficiency and conservation measures, necessitates a continual balancing of loads and resources and purchases and sales of energy under short- and long-term energy supply contracts. As a result, the prudent management and optimization of available resources has a direct effect on the operating and financial performance of Sierra Pacific. Additionally, the timely recovery of purchased power, fuel costs and other costs and the ability to earn a fair return on investments through rates are essential to the operating and financial performance of Sierra Pacific.

The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected the financial condition and results of operations of Sierra Pacific during the periods included herein. Explanations include management's best estimate of the impact of weather, customer growth and other factors. This discussion should be read in conjunction with Sierra Pacific's historical Financial Statements and Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10‑K. Sierra Pacific's actual results in the future could differ significantly from the historical results.

Results of Operations

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $92 million, a decrease of $17 million, or 16%, compared to 2017, primarily due to $23 million of higher operations and maintenance expense, primarily due to increased political activity expenses and $15 million of lower electric utility margin, primarily due to lower average retail rates including rate impacts related to the tax rate reduction rider as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Tax Reform"). These decreases were partially offset by lower income tax expense of $25 million, primarily from a lower federal tax rate due to the impact of the 2017 Tax Reform.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $109 million, an increase of $25 million, or 30%, compared to 2016, which includes $1 million of tax benefit from 2017 Tax Reform. Excluding the impact of 2017 Tax Reform, adjusted net income was $108 million, an increase of $24 million compared to 2016, due to lower interest on deferred charges and long-term debt of $11 million, higher electric utility margins of $8 million, lower depreciation and amortization primarily due to regulatory amortizations of $4 million and lower operating costs of $4 million. The increase in electric utility margin was due to the impacts of weather, higher transmission revenue and customer usage patterns, partially offset by lower wholesale revenue due to lower volumes.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure
Management utilizes various key financial measures that are prepared in accordance with GAAP, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as, electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin, to help evaluate results of operations. Electric utility margin is calculated as electric operating revenue less cost of fuel and energy while natural gas utility margin is calculated as natural gas operating revenue less cost of natural gas purchased for resale, which are captions presented on the Statements of Operations.
Sierra Pacific's cost of fuel and energy and cost of natural gas purchased for resale are generally recovered from its customers through regulatory recovery mechanisms and as a result, changes in Sierra Pacific's expenses result in comparable to changes to revenue. As such, management believes electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin more appropriately and concisely explains profitability rather than a discussion of revenue and cost of sales separately. Management believes the presentation of electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin provides meaningful and valuable insight into the information management considers important to running the business and a measure of comparability to others in the industry.
Electric utility margin and natural gas utility margin are not measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, operating income which is the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table provides a reconciliation of utility margin to operating income (in millions):

  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Electric utility margin:              
Electric operating revenue $752
 $713
 $39
5 % $713
 $702
 $11
2 %
Cost of fuel and energy 322
 268
 54
20
 268
 265
 3
1
Electric utility margin 430
 445
 (15)(3) 445
 437
 8
2
               
Natural gas utility margin:              
Natural gas operating revenue 103
 99
 4
4 % 99
 110
 (11)(10)%
Cost of natural gas purchased for resale 49
 42
 7
17
 42
 55
 (13)(24)
Natural gas utility margin 54
 57
 (3)(5) 57
 55
 2
4
               
Utility margin 484
 502
 (18)(4)% 502
 492
 10
2 %
               
Operations and maintenance 190
 167
 23
14 % 167
 169
 (2)(1)%
Depreciation and amortization 119
 114
 5
4
 114
 118
 (4)(3)
Property and other taxes 23
 24
 (1)(4) 24
 24
 

Operating income $152
 $197
 $(45)(23) $197
 $181
 $16
9


A comparison of Sierra Pacific's key operating results is as follows:

Electric Utility Margin
  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Electric utility margin (in millions):              
Electric operating revenue $752
 $713
 $39
5 % $713
 $702
 $11
2 %
Cost of fuel and energy 322
 268
 54
20
 268
 265
 3
1
Electric utility margin $430
 $445
 $(15)(3) $445
 $437
 $8
2
               
GWhs sold:              
Residential 2,483
 2,492
 (9) % 2,492
 2,375
 117
5 %
Commercial 2,998
 2,954
 44
1
 2,954
 2,933
 21
1
Industrial 3,387
 3,176
 211
7
 3,176
 3,014
 162
5
Other 16
 16
 

 16
 16
 

Total fully bundled(1)
 8,884
 8,638
 246
3
 8,638
 8,338
 300
4
Distribution only service 1,516
 1,394
 122
9
 1,394
 1,360
 34
3
Total retail 10,400
 10,032
 368
4
 10,032
 9,698
 334
3
Wholesale 558
 561
 (3)(1) 561
 662
 (101)(15)
Total GWhs sold 10,958
 10,593
 365
3
 10,593
 10,360
 233
2
               
Average number of retail customers (in thousands):              
Residential 300
 295
 5
2 % 295
 291
 4
1 %
Commercial 47
 47
 

 47
 47
 

Total 347
 342
 5
1
 342
 338
 4
1
               
Average per MWh:              
Revenue - retail fully bundled(1)
 $78.32
 $76.90
 $1.42
2 % $76.90
 $78.08
 $(1.18)(2)%
Revenue - wholesale $50.11
 $50.29
 $(0.18) % $50.29
 $52.05
 $(1.76)(3)%
Total cost of energy(2)(3)
 $32.96
 $27.35
 $5.61
21 % $27.35
 $28.16
 $(0.81)(3)%
               
Heating degree days 4,450
 4,523
 (73)(2)% 4,523
 4,185
 338
8 %
Cooling degree days 1,290
 1,401
 (111)(8)% 1,401
 1,088
 313
29 %
               
Sources of energy (GWhs)(3)(4):
              
Natural gas 4,681
 4,280
 401
9 % 4,280
 4,290
 (10) %
Coal 834
 457
 377
82
 457
 751
 (294)(39)
Renewables(5)
 35
 36
 (1)(3) 36
 
 36

Total energy generated 5,550
 4,773
 777
16
 4,773
 5,041
 (268)(5)
Energy purchased 4,229
 5,017
 (788)(16) 5,017
 4,383
 634
14
Total 9,779
 9,790
 (11)
 9,790
 9,424
 366
4

(1)    Fully bundled includes sales to customers for combined energy, transmission and distribution services.
(2)The average total cost of energy per MWh includes the cost of fuel, purchased power and deferrals and does not include other costs.
(3)The average total cost of energy per MWh and sources of energy excludes 54 GWhs of coal and 183 GWhs of gas generated energy that is purchased at cost by related parties for the year ended December 31, 2018. There were no GWhs of coal or gas excluded for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
(4)GWh amounts are net of energy used by the related generating facilities.
(5)Includes the Fort Churchill Solar Array which is under lease by Sierra Pacific.

Natural Gas Utility Margin
  2018 2017 Change 2017 2016 Change
Natural gas utility margin (in millions):              
Natural gas operating revenue $103
 $99
 $4
4 % $99
 $110
 $(11)(10)%
Natural gas purchased for resale 49
 42
 7
17
 42
 55
 (13)(24)
Natural gas utility margin $54
 $57
 $(3)(5) $57
 $55
 $2
4
               
Dth sold:              
Residential 10,102
 10,291
 (189)(2)% 10,291
 9,207
 1,084
12 %
Commercial 5,128
 5,153
 (25)
 5,153
 4,679
 474
10
Industrial 1,927
 1,822
 105
6
 1,822
 1,548
 274
18
Total retail 17,157
 17,266
 (109)(1) 17,266
 15,434
 1,832
12
               
Average number of retail customers (in thousands) 167
 164
 3
2 % 164
 162
 2
1 %
Average revenue per retail Dth sold: $6.00
 $5.73
 $0.27
5 % $5.73
 $7.13
 $(1.40)(20)%
Average cost of natural gas per retail Dth sold $2.86
 $2.43
 $0.43
18 % $2.43
 $3.56
 $(1.13)(32)%
Heating degree days 4,450
 4,523
 (73)(2)% 4,523
 4,185
 338
8 %

Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017

Electric utility margin decreased $15 million, or 3%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to $18 million in lower retail rates from the tax rate reduction rider as a result of 2017 Tax Reform offset by $2 million of customer growth.

Natural gas utility margin decreased $3 million, or 5%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to lower retail rates from the tax rate reduction rider as a result of 2017 Tax Reform.

Operations and maintenance increased $23 million, or 14%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to increased political activity expenses.

Depreciation and amortization increased $5 million, or 4%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to higher plant placed in service.

Other income (expense) is favorable $3 million, or 9%, for 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to lower pension expense.

Income tax expense decreased $25 million, or 45%, for 2018 compared to 2017. The effective tax rate was 25% in 2018 and 34% in 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to 2017 Tax Reform, which reduced the United States federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, offset by an increase in nondeductible expenses.


Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Electric utility margin increased $8 million or 2% for 2017 compared to 2016 due to:
$8 million higher customer usage primarily from the impacts of weather;
$3 million in higher transmission revenue; and
$2 million from customer usage patterns.
The increase in gross margin was offset by:
$6 million in decreased wholesale revenue due to lower volumes.

Natural gas utility margin increased $2 million, or 4%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to higher customer usage from the impacts of weather.

Operations and maintenance decreased $2 million, or 1%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to disallowances resulting from the settlement of the regulatory rate review in 2016 of $5 million.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $4 million, or 3%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to the expiration of various regulatory amortizations.

Other income (expense) is favorable $15 million, or 31%, for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily due to a decrease in interest expense from lower rates on outstanding debt balances, lower interest expense on deferred charges and an increase in allowance for funds used during construction.

Income tax expense increased $6 million, or 12%, for 2017 compared to 2016. The effective tax rate was 34% for 2017 and 37% for 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the effects of 2017 Tax Reform.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2018, Sierra Pacific's total net liquidity was $241 million as follows (in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents $71
   
Credit facilities(1)
 250
Less -  
Letters of credit and tax-exempt bond support (80)
Net credit facilities 170
   
Total net liquidity $241
Credit facilities:  
Maturity dates 2021

(1)
Refer to Note 6 of Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding Sierra Pacific's credit facility.
Operating Activities

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $275 million and $181 million, respectively. The change was due to a decrease in fuel costs and an increase in collections from customers from higher deferred energy rates, partially offset by higher operating costs, higher federal tax payments and higher contributions to the pension plan.

Net cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $181 million and $243 million, respectively. The change was due to higher payments for fuel costs, partially offset by lower contributions to the pension plan.

The timing of Sierra Pacific's income tax cash flows from period to period can be significantly affected by the estimated federal income tax payment methods and assumptions for each payment date.

Investing Activities

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(205) million and $(186) million, respectively. The change was primarily due to increased capital expenditures.

Net cash flows from investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(186) million and $(194) million, respectively. The change was primarily due to decreased capital expenditures.

Financing Activities

Net cash flows from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $(2) million and $(47) million, respectively. The change was due to higher dividends paid to NV Energy, Inc. of $45 million in 2017.


Net cash flows from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $(47) million and $(100) million, respectively. The change was due to lower repayments of long-term debt and lower dividends paid to NV Energy, Inc. in 2017, offset by lower proceeds from issuance of long-term debt.

Ability to Issue Debt

Sierra Pacific's ability to issue debt is primarily impacted by its financing authority from the PUCN. As of December 31, 2018, Sierra Pacific has financing authority from the PUCN consisting of the ability to issue long-term and short-term debt securities so long as the total amount of debt outstanding (excluding borrowings under Sierra Pacific's $250 million secured credit facility) does not exceed $1.6 billion as measured at the end of each calendar quarter. Sierra Pacific's revolving credit facility contains a financial maintenance covenant which Sierra Pacific was in compliance with as of December 31, 2018. In addition, certain financing agreements contain covenants which are currently suspended as Sierra Pacific's senior secured debt is rated investment grade. However, if Sierra Pacific's senior secured debt ratings fall below investment grade by either Moody's Investor Service or Standard & Poor's, Sierra Pacific would be subject to limitations under these covenants.

Ability to Issue General and Refunding Mortgage Securities

To the extent Sierra Pacific has the ability to issue debt under the most restrictive covenants in its financing agreements and has financing authority to do so from the PUCN, Sierra Pacific's ability to issue secured debt is limited by the amount of bondable property or retired bonds that can be used to issue debt under Sierra Pacific's indenture.


Sierra Pacific's indenture creates a lien on substantially all of Sierra Pacific's properties in Nevada. As of December 31, 2016, $3.82018, $4.1 billion of Sierra Pacific's assets were pledged. Sierra Pacific had the capacity to issue $1.2$1.4 billion of additional general and refunding mortgage securities as of December 31, 20162018 determined on the basis of 70% of net utility property additions. Property additions include plant-in-service and specific assets in construction work-in-progress. The amount of bond capacity listed above does not include eligible property in construction work-in-progress. Sierra Pacific also has the ability to release property from the lien of Sierra Pacific's indenture on the basis of net property additions, cash or retired bonds. To the extent Sierra Pacific releases property from the lien of Sierra Pacific's indenture, it will reduce the amount of securities issuable under the indenture.

Future Uses of Cash

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditure needs are reviewed regularly by management and may change significantly as a result of these reviews, which may consider, among other factors, changes in environmental and other rules and regulations; impacts to customers' rates; outcomes of regulatory proceedings; changes in income tax laws; general business conditions; load projections; system reliability standards; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment and materials; commodity prices; and the cost and availability of capital. Prudently incurred expenditures for compliance-related items such as pollution-control technologies, replacement generation and associated operating costs are generally incorporated into Sierra Pacific's regulated retail rates. Expenditures for certain assets may ultimately include acquisition of existing assets.

Historical and forecasted capital expenditures, each of which exclude amounts for non-cash equity AFUDC and other non-cash items, for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in millions):
Historical ForecastedHistorical Forecasted
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 20192016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
                      
Generation development$51
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Distribution89
 86
 115
 101
 74
 73
$115
 $88
 $162
 $149
 $108
 101
Transmission system investment19
 38
 12
 20
 44
 24
12
 12
 5
 36
 19
 30
Other27
 128
 67
 43
 46
 53
67
 86
 34
 64
 39
 50
Total$186
 $252
 $194
 $164
 $164
 $150
$194
 $186
 $201
 $249
 $166
 $181

Sierra Pacific’sPacific's forecast capital expenditures include investments that relate to operating projects that consist of routine expenditures for transmission, distribution, generation and other infrastructure needed to serve existing and expected demand.


Contractual Obligations

Sierra Pacific has contractual cash obligations that may affect its consolidated financial condition. The following table summarizes Sierra Pacific's material contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 20162018 (in millions):
Payments Due by PeriodsPayments Due by Periods
2017 2018 - 2019 2020 - 2021 2022 and Thereafter Total2019 2020 - 2021 2022 - 2023 2024 and Thereafter Total
Long-term debt$
 $
 $
 $1,121
 $1,121
$
 $
 $250
 $871
 $1,121
Interest payments on long-term debt(1)
40
 79
 79
 379
 577
39
 81
 81
 311
 512
Capital leases, including interest(2)
2
 4
 2
 10
 18
4
 5
 4
 11
 24
ON Line financial lease, including interest(2)
2
 4
 5
 40
 51
2
 4
 4
 36
 46
Fuel and capacity contract commitments(1)
238
 259
 133
 375
 1,005
204
 271
 142
 502
 1,119
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)(1)
5
 20
 22
 215
 262
8
 44
 116
 1,394
 1,562
Operating leases and easements(1)
4
 7
 6
 46
 63
4
 8
 5
 56
 73
Asset retirement obligations
 
 
 14
 14

 
 
 14
 14
Maintenance, service and other contracts(1)
4
 9
 12
 17
 42
8
 13
 8
 1
 30
Total contractual cash obligations$295
 $382
 $259
 $2,217
 $3,153
$269
 $426
 $610
 $3,196
 $4,501

(1)Not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)Interest is not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sierra Pacific has other types of commitments that arise primarily from unused lines of credit, letters of credit or relate to construction and other development costs (Liquidity and Capital Resources included within this Item 7 and Note 6), uncertain tax positions (Note 9) and asset retirement obligations (Note 12)11), which have not been included in the above table because the amount and timing of the cash payments are not certain. Refer, where applicable, to the respective referenced note in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10‑K for additional information.

Regulatory Matters

Sierra Pacific is subject to comprehensive regulation. Refer to the discussion contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion regarding Sierra Pacific's general regulatory framework and current regulatory matters.

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Sierra Pacific is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding climate change, RPS, air and water quality, RPS, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Sierra Pacific's current and future operations. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations provide regulators with the authority to levy substantial penalties for noncompliance including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. These laws and regulations are administered by the EPA and various federal, state and local agencies. Sierra Pacific believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, although many are subject to interpretation that may ultimately be resolved by the courts. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and Sierra Pacific is unable to predict the impact of the changing laws and regulations on its operations and financial results. Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for discussion of Sierra Pacific's forecasted environmental-related capital expenditures.

Refer to "Environmental Laws and Regulations" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental laws and regulations and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for Sierra Pacific's forecasted environmental-related capital expenditures.regulations.


Collateral and Contingent Features

Debt of Sierra Pacific is rated by credit rating agencies. Assigned credit ratings are based on each rating agency's assessment of Sierra Pacific's ability to, in general, meet the obligations of its issued debt. The credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and there is no assurance that a particular credit rating will continue for any given period of time.

Sierra Pacific has no credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of outstanding debt, and a change in ratings is not an event of default under the applicable debt instruments. Sierra Pacific's secured revolving credit facility does not require the maintenance of a minimum credit rating level in order to draw upon its availability. However, commitment fees and interest rates under the credit facility are tied to credit ratings and increase or decrease when the ratings change. A ratings downgrade could also increase the future cost of commercial paper, short- and long-term debt issuances or new credit facilities.

In accordance with industry practice, certain wholesale agreements, including derivative contracts, contain credit support provisions that in part base certain collateral requirements on credit ratings for unsecured debt as reported by one or more of the three recognized credit rating agencies. These agreements may either specifically provide bilateral rights to demand cash or other security if credit exposures on a net basis exceed specified rating-dependent threshold levels ("credit-risk-related contingent features") or provide the right for counterparties to demand "adequate assurance," or in some cases terminate the contract, in the event of a material adverse change in creditworthiness. These rights can vary by contract and by counterparty. As of December 31, 2016,2018, the applicable credit ratings obtained from the three recognized credit rating agencies were investment grade. If all credit-risk-related contingent features or adequate assurance provisions for these agreements had been triggered as of December 31, 2016,2018, Sierra Pacific would have been required to post $15$14 million of additional collateral. Sierra Pacific's collateral requirements could fluctuate considerably due to market price volatility, changes in credit ratings, changes in legislation or regulation, or other factors.

Inflation

Historically, overall inflation and changing prices in the economies where Sierra Pacific operates has not had a significant impact on Sierra Pacific's consolidated financial results. Sierra Pacific operates under a cost-of-service based rate structure administered by the PUCN and the FERC. Under this rate structure, Sierra Pacific is allowed to include prudent costs in its rates, including the impact of inflation after Sierra Pacific experiences cost increases. Fuel and purchase power costs are recovered through a balancing account, minimizing the impact of inflation related to these costs. Sierra Pacific attempts to minimize the potential impact of inflation on its operations through the use of periodic rate adjustments for fuel and energy costs, by employing prudent risk management and hedging strategies and by considering, among other areas, its impact on purchases of energy, operating expenses, materials and equipment costs, contract negotiations, future capital spending programs and long-term debt issuances. There can be no assurance that such actions will be successful.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of new accounting pronouncements affecting Sierra Pacific, refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Certain accounting measurements require management to make estimates and judgments concerning transactions that will be settled several years in the future. Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements based on such estimates involve numerous assumptions subject to varying and potentially significant degrees of judgment and uncertainty and will likely change in the future as additional information becomes available. The following critical accounting estimates are impacted significantly by Sierra Pacific's methods, judgments and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with Sierra Pacific's Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Sierra Pacific's Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Sierra Pacific prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Sierra Pacific defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.


Sierra Pacific continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Sierra Pacific's ability to recover its costs. Sierra Pacific believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Total regulatory assets were $435$321 million and total regulatory liabilities were $290$509 million as of December 31, 2016.2018. Refer to Sierra Pacific's Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Sierra Pacific's regulatory assets and liabilities.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Sierra Pacific evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2016,2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

The estimate of cash flows arising from the future use of the asset that are used in the impairment analysis requires judgment regarding what Sierra Pacific would expect to recover from the future use of the asset. Changes in judgment that could significantly alter the calculation of the fair value or the recoverable amount of the asset may result from significant changes in the regulatory environment, the business climate, management's plans, legal factors, market price of the asset, the use of the asset or the physical condition of the asset, future market prices, load growth, competition and many other factors over the life of the asset. Any resulting impairment loss is highly dependent on the underlying assumptions and could significantly affect Sierra Pacific's results of operations.

Income Taxes

In determining Sierra Pacific's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Sierra Pacific's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. Sierra Pacific's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Sierra Pacific recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of Sierra Pacific's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Sierra Pacific believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Sierra Pacific's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Sierra Pacific's Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Sierra Pacific's income taxes.

Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated withSierra Pacific is probable to pass income tax benefits and expense forrelated to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% as a result of 2017 Tax Reform, certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that Sierra Pacific is required to pass on to its customers are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability.customers. As of December 31, 2016,2018, these amounts were recognized as a net regulatory assetsliability of $85 million and regulatory liabilities of $6$270 million and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.


Revenue Recognition - Unbilled Revenue

Revenue is recognized as electricity or natural gas is delivered or services are provided. The determination of customer billings is based on a systematic reading of meters. At the end of each month, energy provided to customers since their last billing is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. Unbilled revenue was $52$57 million as of December 31, 2016.2018. Factors that can impact the estimate of unbilled energy include, but are not limited to, seasonal weather patterns, total volumes supplied to the system, line losses, economic impacts and composition of sales among customer classes. Estimates are reversed in the following month when actual revenue is recorded.


Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Sierra Pacific's Consolidated Balance Sheets include assets and liabilities with fair values that are subject to market risks. Sierra Pacific's significant market risks are primarily associated with commodity prices, interest rates and the extension of credit to counterparties with which Sierra Pacific transacts. The following discussion addresses the significant market risks associated with Sierra Pacific's business activities. Sierra Pacific has established guidelines for credit risk management. Refer to Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding Sierra Pacific's contracts accounted for as derivatives.

Commodity Price Risk

Sierra Pacific is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in commodity prices and interest rates. Sierra Pacific is principally exposed to electricity, natural gas and coal market fluctuations primarily through Sierra Pacific's obligation to serve retail customer load in its regulated service territory. Sierra Pacific's load and generating facilities represent substantial underlying commodity positions. Exposures to commodity prices consist mainly of variations in the price of fuel required to generate electricity, wholesale electricity that is purchased and sold, and natural gas supply for retail customers. Commodity prices are subject to wide price swings as supply and demand are impacted by, among many other unpredictable items, weather, market liquidity, generating facility availability, customer usage, storage, and transmission and transportation constraints. The actual cost of fuel and purchased power is recoverable through the deferred energy mechanism. Interest rate risk exists on variable-rate debt and future debt issuances. Sierra Pacific does not engage in proprietary trading activities. To mitigate a portion of its commodity price risk, Sierra Pacific uses commodity derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to effectively secure future supply or sell future production generally at fixed prices. Sierra Pacific does not hedge its commodity price risk, thereby exposing the unhedged portion to changes in market prices. Sierra Pacific's exposure to commodity price risk is generally limited by its ability to include commodity costs in regulated rates through its deferred energy mechanism, which is subject to disallowance and regulatory lag that occurs between the time the costs are incurred and when the costs are included in regulated rates, as well as the impact of any customer sharing resulting from cost adjustment mechanisms.

Interest Rate Risk

Sierra Pacific is exposed to interest rate risk on its outstanding variable-rate short- and long-term debt and future debt issuances. Sierra Pacific manages its interest rate risk by limiting its exposure to variable interest rates primarily through the issuance of fixed-rate long-term debt and by monitoring market changes in interest rates. As a result of the fixed interest rates, Sierra Pacific's fixed-rate long-term debt does not expose Sierra Pacific to the risk of loss due to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, because fixed-rate long-term debt is not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, changes in fair value would impact earnings and cash flows only if Sierra Pacific were to reacquire all or a portion of these instruments prior to their maturity. The nature and amount of Sierra Pacific's short- and long-term debt can be expected to vary from period to period as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. Refer to Notes 6 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional discussion of Sierra Pacific's short- and long-term debt.

As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, Sierra Pacific had short- and long-term variable-rate obligations totaling $80 million and $214 million, respectively, that expose Sierra Pacific to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates. If variable interest rates were to increase by 10% from December 31 levels, it would not have a material effect on Sierra Pacific's consolidated annual interest expense. The carrying value of the variable-rate obligations approximates fair value as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.

2017.

Credit Risk

Sierra Pacific is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with wholesale energy supply and marketing activities with other utilities, energy marketing companies, financial institutions and other market participants. Credit risk may be concentrated to the extent Sierra Pacific's counterparties have similar economic, industry or other characteristics and due to direct and indirect relationships among the counterparties. Before entering into a transaction, Sierra Pacific analyzes the financial condition of each significant wholesale counterparty, establishes limits on the amount of unsecured credit to be extended to each counterparty and evaluates the appropriateness of unsecured credit limits on an ongoing basis. To further mitigate wholesale counterparty credit risk, Sierra Pacific enters into netting and collateral arrangements that may include margining and cross-product netting agreements and obtain third-party guarantees, letters of credit and cash deposits. If required, Sierra Pacific exercises rights under these arrangements, including calling on the counterparty's credit support arrangement.

As of December 31, 2016,2018, Sierra Pacific's aggregate credit exposure from energy related transactions were not material, based on settlement and mark-to-market exposures, net of collateral.


Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
Consolidated Statements of Operations
  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholder's Equity
  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
Sierra Pacific Power Company
Las Vegas, Nevada

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sierra Pacific Power Company and subsidiaries ("Sierra Pacific") as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. 2018, 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 Sierra Pacific as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of Sierra Pacific's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on theSierra Pacific'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 Sierra Pacific 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).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.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Sierra Pacific is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding 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 Sierra Pacific's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sierra Pacific Power Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/Deloitte & Touche LLP

Las Vegas, Nevada
February 24, 201722, 2019
We have served as Sierra Pacific's auditor since 1996.


SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions, except share data)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
ASSETS
      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$55
 $106
$71
 $4
Accounts receivable, net117
 124
109
 112
Inventories45
 39
52
 49
Regulatory assets25
 
7
 32
Other current assets13
 13
24
 17
Total current assets255
 282
263
 214
      
Property, plant and equipment, net2,822
 2,766
2,984
 2,892
Regulatory assets410
 432
314
 300
Other assets6
 7
8
 7
      
Total assets$3,493
 $3,487
$3,569
 $3,413
      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$146
 $127
$116
 $92
Accrued interest14
 15
13
 14
Accrued property, income and other taxes10
 13
14
 10
Regulatory liabilities69
 78
18
 19
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations1
 453
3
 2
Customer deposits
16
 17
18
 15
Other current liabilities12
 11
15
 12
Total current liabilities268
 714
197
 164
      
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations1,152
 749
1,155
 1,152
Regulatory liabilities221
 230
491
 481
Deferred income taxes617
 570
331
 330
Other long-term liabilities127
 148
131
 114
Total liabilities2,385
 2,411
2,305
 2,241
      
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)   
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)   
      
Shareholder's equity:      
Common stock - $3.75 stated value, 20,000,000 shares authorized and 1,000 issued and outstanding
 

 
Other paid-in capital1,111
 1,111
1,111
 1,111
Accumulated deficit(2) (35)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)153
 62
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(1) 

 (1)
Total shareholder's equity1,108
 1,076
1,264
 1,172
      
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$3,493
 $3,487
$3,569
 $3,413
      
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.




SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Operating revenue:          
Electric$702
 $810
 $779
$752
 $713
 $702
Natural gas110
 137
 125
103
 99
 110
Total operating revenue812
 947
 904
855
 812
 812
          
Operating costs and expenses:          
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity265
 374
 361
322
 268
 265
Natural gas purchased for resale55
 84
 76
49
 42
 55
Operating and maintenance170
 167
 162
Operations and maintenance190
 167
 169
Depreciation and amortization118
 113
 105
119
 114
 118
Property and other taxes24
 25
 22
23
 24
 24
Total operating costs and expenses632
 763
 726
703
 615
 631
          
Operating income180
 184
 178
152
 197
 181
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense(54) (61) (61)(44) (43) (54)
Allowance for borrowed funds4
 2
 2
1
 2
 4
Allowance for equity funds(1) 2
 3
4
 3
 (1)
Other, net4
 3
 12
9
 5
 3
Total other income (expense)(47) (54) (44)(30) (33) (48)
          
Income before income tax expense133
 130
 134
122
 164
 133
Income tax expense49
 47
 47
30
 55
 49
Net income$84
 $83
 $87
$92
 $109
 $84
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Amounts in millions, except shares)

         Accumulated         Retained Accumulated  
     Other   Other Total     Other Earnings Other Total
 Common Stock Paid-in Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholder's Common Stock Paid-in (Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholder's
 Shares Amount Capital Deficit Loss, Net Equity Shares Amount Capital Deficit) Loss, Net Equity
Balance, December 31, 2013 1,000
 $
 $1,111
 $(93) $(2) $1,016
Net income 
 
 
 87
 
 87
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (105) 
 (105)
Other equity transactions 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2014 1,000
 
 1,111
 (111) (2) 998
Net income 
 
 
 83
 
 83
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (7) 
 (7)
Other equity transactions

 
 
 
 
 2
 2
Balance, December 31, 2015 1,000
 
 1,111
 (35) 
 1,076
 1,000
 $
 $1,111
 $(35) $
 $1,076
Net income 
 
 
 84
 
 84
 
 
 
 84
 
 84
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (51) 
 (51) 
 
 
 (51) 
 (51)
Other equity transactions

 
 
 
 
 (1) (1) 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Balance, December 31, 2016 1,000
 $
 $1,111
 $(2) $(1) $1,108
 1,000
 
 1,111
 (2) (1) 1,108
Net income 
 
 
 109
 
 109
Dividends declared 
 
 
 (45) 
 (45)
Balance, December 31, 2017 1,000
 
 1,111
 62
 (1) 1,172
Net income 
 
 
 92
 
 92
Other equity transactions 
 
 
 (1) 1
 
Balance, December 31, 2018 1,000
 $
 $1,111
 $153
 $
 $1,264
                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$84
 $83
 $87
$92
 $109
 $84
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:          
Loss on nonrecurring items5
 
 14

 
 5
Depreciation and amortization118
 113
 105
119
 114
 118
Allowance for equity funds1
 (2) (3)(4) (4) 1
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits49
 47
 47
7
 55
 49
Changes in regulatory assets and liabilities(17) (21) (23)42
 17
 (17)
Deferred energy53
 81
 (30)9
 (20) 53
Amortization of deferred energy(54) 17
 19
(10) (47) (54)
Other, net
 (9) 20

 (4) 
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable and other assets7
 15
 28
3
 4
 7
Inventories(6) 1
 3
(4) (3) (6)
Accrued property, income and other taxes(3) 
 
3
 1
 (3)
Accounts payable and other liabilities6
 17
 (21)18
 (41) 6
Net cash flows from operating activities243
 342
 246
275
 181
 243
          
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Capital expenditures(194) (252) (186)(205) (186) (194)
Other, net
 2
 
Net cash flows from investing activities(194) (250) (186)(205) (186) (194)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt1,089
 
 

 
 1,089
Repayments of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations(1,138) (1) 1
(2) (2) (1,138)
Dividends paid(51) (7) (105)
 (45) (51)
Other, net
 
 (1)
Net cash flows from financing activities(100) (8) (105)(2) (47) (100)
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(51) 84
 (45)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period106
 22
 67
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$55
 $106
 $22
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents68
 (52) (51)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period8
 60
 111
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$76
 $8
 $60
          
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)    Organization and Operations

Sierra Pacific Power Company together with its subsidiaries ("Sierra Pacific"), is a wholly owned subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc. ("NV Energy"), a holding company that also owns Nevada Power Company ("Nevada Power") and certain other subsidiaries. Sierra Pacific is a United States regulated electric utility company serving retail customers, including residential, commercial and industrial customers and regulated retail natural gas customers primarily in northern Nevada. NV Energy is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"). BHE is a holding company based in Des Moines, Iowa that owns subsidiaries principally engaged in energy businesses. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway").

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sierra Pacific and its subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income have been omitted as net income equals comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014. Certain amounts in the prior period Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Such reclassifications did not impact previously reported operating income, net income or retained earnings.2016.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. These estimates include, but are not limited to, the effects of regulation; recovery of long-lived assets; certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and other postretirement benefits; asset retirement obligations ("AROs"); income taxes; unbilled revenue; valuation of certain financial assets and liabilities, including derivative contracts; and accounting for contingencies. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation

Sierra Pacific prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with authoritative guidance for regulated operations, which recognizes the economic effects of regulation. Accordingly, Sierra Pacific defers the recognition of certain costs or income if it is probable that, through the ratemaking process, there will be a corresponding increase or decrease in future regulated rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are established to reflect the impacts of these deferrals, which will be recognized in earnings in the periods the corresponding changes in regulated rates occur.

Sierra Pacific continually evaluates the applicability of the guidance for regulated operations and whether its regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates by considering factors such as a change in the regulator's approach to setting rates from cost-based ratemaking to another form of regulation, other regulatory actions or the impact of competition that could limit Sierra Pacific's ability to recover its costs. Sierra Pacific believes the application of the guidance for regulated operations is appropriate and its existing regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of inclusion in future regulated rates. The evaluation reflects the current political and regulatory climate at both the federal and state levels. If it becomes no longer probable that the deferred costs or income will be included in future regulated rates, the related regulatory assets and liabilities will be written off to net income, returned to customers or re-established as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).


Fair Value Measurements

As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining fair value. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.


Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Investments

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted amounts are included in other current assets and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are stated at the outstanding principal amount, net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on Sierra Pacific's assessment of the collectibility of amounts owed to Sierra Pacific by its customers. This assessment requires judgment regarding the ability of customers to pay or the outcome of any pending disputes. Sierra Pacific also has the ability to assess deposits on customers who have delayed payments or who are deemed to be a credit risk. The change in the balance of the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is included in accounts receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Beginning balance$1
 $2
 $1
$2
 $2
 $1
Charged to operating costs and expenses, net2
 1
 2
1
 2
 2
Write-offs, net(1) (2) (1)(1) (2) (1)
Ending balance$2
 $1
 $2
$2
 $2
 $2

Derivatives

Sierra Pacific employs a number of different derivative contracts, which may include forwards, futures, options, swaps and other agreements, to manage its commodity price and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities and are stated at estimated fair value unless they are designated as normal purchases or normal sales and qualify for the exception afforded by GAAP. Derivative balances reflect offsetting permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties and cash collateral paid or received under such agreements.

Commodity derivatives used in normal business operations that are settled by physical delivery, among other criteria, are eligible for and may be designated as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases or normal sales contracts are not marked‑to‑market and settled amounts are recognized as cost of fuel, energy and capacity or natural gas purchased for resale on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For Sierra Pacific's derivative contracts, the settled amount is generally included in regulated rates. Accordingly, the net unrealized gains and losses associated with interim price movements on contracts that are accounted for as derivatives and probable of inclusion in regulated rates are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities. For a derivative contract not probable of inclusion in rates, changes in the fair value are recognized in earnings.
 


Inventories

Inventories consist mainly of materials and supplies totaling $36$44 million and $34$42 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, and fuel, which includes coal stock, stored natural gas and fuel oil, totaling $9$8 million and $5$7 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. The cost is determined using the average cost method. Materials are charged to inventory when purchased and are expensed or capitalized to construction work in process, as appropriate, when used. Fuel costs are recovered from retail customers through the base tariff energy rates and deferred energy accounting adjustment charges approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN").


Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

General

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Sierra Pacific capitalizes all construction-related material, direct labor and contract services, as well as indirect construction costs. Indirect construction costs include debt allowance for funds used during construction ("AFUDC"), and equity AFUDC, as applicable. The cost of additions and betterments are capitalized, while costs incurred that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are generally expensed. The cost of repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred with the exception of costs for generation plant maintenance under certain long-term service agreements. Costs under these agreements are expensed straight-line over the term of the agreements as approved by the PUCN.

Depreciation and amortization are generally computed by applying the composite or straight-line method based on either estimated useful lives or mandated recovery periods as prescribed by Sierra Pacific's various regulatory authorities. Depreciation studies are completed by Sierra Pacific to determine the appropriate group lives, net salvage and group depreciation rates. These studies are reviewed and rates are ultimately approved by the applicable regulatory commission. Net salvage includes the estimated future residual values of the assets and any estimated removal costs recovered through approved depreciation rates. Estimated removal costs are recorded as a non-current regulatory liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As actual removal costs are incurred, the associated liability is reduced.

Generally when Sierra Pacific retires or sells a component of regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated using the composite method, it charges the original cost, net of any proceeds from the disposition, to accumulated depreciation. Any gain or loss on disposals of all other assets is recorded through earnings with the exception of material gains or losses on regulated property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis, which is then recorded to a regulatory asset or liability.

Debt and equity AFUDC, which represent the estimated costs of debt and equity funds necessary to finance the construction of regulated facilities, are capitalized as a component of property, plant and equipment, with offsetting credits to the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The rate applied to construction costs is the lower of the PUCN allowed rate of return and rates computed based on guidelines set forth by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). After construction is completed, Sierra Pacific is permitted to earn a return on these costs as a component of the related assets, as well as recover these costs through depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets. Sierra Pacific's AFUDC rate used during 20162018 and 20152017 was 7.62%6.65% for electric, 6.02%5.74% and 5.97%5.63% for natural gas, respectively, and 7.44%6.55% for common facilities.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Sierra Pacific recognizes AROs when it has a legal obligation to perform decommissioning, reclamation or removal activities upon retirement of an asset. Sierra Pacific's AROs are primarily associated with its generating facilities. The fair value of an ARO liability is recognized in the period in which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made, and is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset, which is then depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial recognition, the ARO liability is adjusted for any revisions to the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows (with corresponding adjustments to property, plant and equipment, net) and for accretion of the ARO liability due to the passage of time. The difference between the ARO liability, the corresponding ARO asset included in property, plant and equipment, net and amounts recovered in rates to satisfy such liabilities is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The costs are not recovered in rates until the work has been completed.


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Sierra Pacific evaluates long-lived assets for impairment, including property, plant and equipment, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the asset is reviewed to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus the residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, the asset is written down to the estimated fair value and any resulting impairment loss is reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As substantially all property, plant and equipment was used in regulated businesses as of December 31, 2016,2018, the impacts of regulation are considered when evaluating the carrying value of regulated assets.

Income Taxes

Berkshire Hathaway includes Sierra Pacific in its consolidated United States federal income tax return. Consistent with established regulatory practice, Sierra Pacific's provision for income taxes has been computed on a separate return basis.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using estimated income tax rates expected to be in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income ("OCI") are charged or credited directly to OCI. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with income tax benefits and expense for certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that Sierra Pacific is requireddeems probable to passbe passed on to its customers are charged or credited directly to a regulatory asset or liability. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, these amounts were recognized as regulatory assets of $85 million and $90 million, respectively, and regulatory liabilities of $6 million and $7 million, respectively,liability and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Other changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted income tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense or a regulatory asset or liability in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Investment tax credits are generally deferred and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related properties.

In determining Sierra Pacific's income taxes, management is required to interpret complex income tax laws and regulations, which includes consideration of regulatory implications imposed by Sierra Pacific's various regulatory jurisdictions.commissions. Sierra Pacific's income tax returns are subject to continuous examinations by federal, state and local income tax authorities that may give rise to different interpretations of these complex laws and regulations. Due to the nature of the examination process, it generally takes years before these examinations are completed and these matters are resolved. Sierra Pacific recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Although the ultimate resolution of Sierra Pacific's federal, state and local income tax examinations is uncertain, Sierra Pacific believes it has made adequate provisions for these income tax positions. The aggregate amount of any additional income tax liabilities that may result from these examinations, if any, is not expected to have a material impact on Sierra Pacific's consolidated financial results. Estimated interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions are included as a component of income tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revenue Recognition

Sierra Pacific uses a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue from contracts with customers ("Customer Revenue") upon transfer of control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration to which Sierra Pacific expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Sierra Pacific records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Statements of Operations.

Substantially all of Sierra Pacific's Customer Revenue is recognizedderived from tariff-based sales arrangements approved by various regulatory commissions. These tariff-based revenues are mainly comprised of energy, transmission, distribution and natural gas and have performance obligations to deliver energy products and services to customers which are satisfied over time as electricity or natural gasenergy is delivered or services are provided. Other revenue consists primarily of revenue recognized in accordance with ASC 840, "Leases" and amounts not considered Customer Revenue within Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers".

Revenue recognized is equal to what Sierra Pacific has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of Sierra Pacific's performance to date and includes billed and unbilled amounts. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, unbilled revenue was $52 million and $59 million, respectively, and is included inDecember 31, 2017, accounts receivable,receivables, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.Sheets relate substantially to Customer Revenue, including unbilled revenue of $57 million and $62 million, respectively. Payments for amounts billed are generally due from the customer within 30 days of billing. Rates charged for energy products and services are established by regulators or contractual arrangements.arrangements that establish the transaction price as well as the allocation of price amongst the separate performance obligations. When preliminary regulated rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued. Sierra Pacific records sales, franchise and excise taxes collected directly from customers and remitted directly to the taxing authorities on a net basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Sierra Pacific primarily buys energy and natural gas to satisfy its customer load requirements. Due to changes in retail customer load requirements, Sierra Pacific may not take physical delivery of the energy or natural gas. Sierra Pacific may sell the excess energy or natural gas to the wholesale market. In such instances, it is Sierra Pacific's policy to allocate the natural gas sales between generation and natural gas retail based on usage. The energy sales and natural gas sales allocated to generation are recorded net in cost of fuel, energy and capacity. The natural gas sales allocated to natural gas retail is recorded as wholesale revenue.


Unamortized Debt Premiums, Discounts and Issuance Costs

Premiums, discounts and financing costs incurred for the issuance of long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related financing on a straight-line basis.


New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2016,March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-07, which amends FASB ASC Topic 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this guidance require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and report the service cost component in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating income. Additionally, the guidance only allows the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. Sierra Pacific adopted this guidance January 1, 2018 prospectively for the capitalization of the service cost component in the Balance Sheets and retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the Statements of Operations applying the practical expedient to use the amounts previously disclosed in the Notes to Financial Statements as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirement. As a result, amounts other than the service cost for pension and other postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $1 million and $(1) million, respectively, have been reclassified to Other, net in the Statements of Operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC")ASC Subtopic 230-10, “Statement"Statement of Cash Flows - Overall." The amendments in this guidance require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. Sierra Pacific is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, which amends FASB ASC Topic 230, "Statement of Cash Flows." The amendments in this guidance address the classification of eight specific cash flow issues within the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted retrospectively. Sierra Pacific is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance retrospectively effective January 1, 2018 which did not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, which creates FASB ASC Topic 842, "Leases" and supersedes Topic 840 "Leases." This guidance increases transparency and comparability among entities by recording lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not significantly changed from previous guidance. During 2018, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarified the implementation guidance and provided optional transition practical expedients for ASU No. 2016-02 including ASU No. 2018-01 that allows companies to forgo evaluating existing land easements if they were not previously accounted for under ASC Topic 840, "Leases," ASU No. 2018-11 that allows companies to apply the new guidance at the adoption date with the cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings recognized in the period of adoption and ASU No. 2018-20 that provides targeted improvements to lessor accounting, such as the handling of sales and other similar taxes. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is required to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. Sierra Pacific is currently evaluating the impact of adoptingadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019, for all contracts currently in effect. Sierra Pacific is finalizing its implementation efforts relative to the new guidance and currently expects to recognize operating lease right of use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $20 million based on the contracts currently in-effect. Sierra Pacific currently does not believe the adoption of the new guidance will have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, which createscreated FASB ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and supersedessuperseded ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition." The guidance replacesreplaced industry-specific guidance and establishesestablished a single five-step model to identify and recognize revenue.Customer Revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally,Following the guidance requires the entity to disclose further quantitative and qualitative information regarding the nature and amount of revenues arising from contracts with customers, as well as other information about the significant judgments and estimates used in recognizing revenues from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which defers the effective dateissuance of ASU No. 2014-09, one year to interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. During 2016, the FASB issued several ASUs that clarifyclarified the implementation guidance for ASU No. 2014-09 but dodid not change the core principle of the guidance. ThisSierra Pacific adopted this guidance may be adopted retrospectively orfor all applicable contracts as of January 1, 2018 under a modified retrospective method whereand the adoption did not have a cumulative effect is recognizedimpact at the date of initial application. Sierra Pacific is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures included within Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Sierra Pacific currently does not expect the timing and amount of revenue currently recognized to be materially different after adoption of the new guidance as a majority of revenue is recognized equal to what Sierra Pacific has the right to invoice as it corresponds directly with the value to the customer of Sierra Pacific’s performance to date. Sierra Pacific's current plan is to quantitatively disaggregate revenue in the required financial statement footnote by segment and customer class.adoption.


(3)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Depreciable Life 2016 2015Depreciable Life 2018 2017
Utility plant:        
Electric generation30 - 60 years $1,137
 $1,134
25 - 60 years $1,144
 $1,144
Electric distribution20 - 70 years 1,417
 1,382
20 - 100 years 1,568
 1,459
Electric transmission50 - 70 years 771
 739
50 - 100 years 835
 786
Electric general and intangible plant5 - 65 years 164
 139
5 - 70 years 197
 181
Natural gas distribution40 - 70 years 381
 374
35 - 70 years 403
 390
Natural gas general and intangible plant5 - 60 years 15
 13
5 - 70 years 14
 14
Common general5 - 65 years 267
 265
5 - 70 years 321
 294
Utility plant 4,152
 4,046
 4,482
 4,268
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,442) (1,368) (1,593) (1,513)
Utility plant, net 2,710
��2,678
 2,889
 2,755
Other non-regulated, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization60 years 5
 
70 years 5
 5
Plant, net 2,715
 2,678
 2,894
 2,760
Construction work-in-progress 107
 88
 90
 132
Property, plant and equipment, net $2,822
 $2,766
 $2,984
 $2,892

All of Sierra Pacific's plant is subject to the ratemaking jurisdiction of the PUCN and the FERC. Sierra Pacific's depreciation and amortization expense, as authorized by the PUCN, stated as a percentage of the depreciable property balances as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 2015 and 2014 was 3.0%3.1%, 2.9%3.0% and 3.0%, respectively. Sierra Pacific is required to file a utility plant depreciation study every six years as a companion filing with the triennial general rate casereview filings.

Construction work-in-progress is related to the construction of regulated assets.

During 2016,In January 2017, Sierra Pacific revised its electric and gas depreciation rates based on the results of a new depreciation study performed in 2016, the most significant impact of which was shorter estimated useful lives at the Valmy Generating Station. The effect of this change will increaseincreased depreciation and amortization expense by $9 million annually based on depreciable plant balances at the time of the change.study. However, the PUCN ordered the change relating to the Valmy Generating Station of $7 million annually be deferred for future recovery through a regulatory asset.


(4)    Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Under joint facility ownership agreements, Sierra Pacific, as tenants in common, has undivided interests in jointly owned generation and transmission facilities. Sierra Pacific accounts for its proportionate share of each facility and each joint owner has provided financing for its share of each facility. Operating costs of each facility are assigned to joint owners based on their percentage of ownership or energy production, depending on the nature of the cost. Operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include Sierra Pacific's share of the expenses of these facilities.

The amounts shown in the table below represent Sierra Pacific's share in each jointly owned facility included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 (dollars in millions):
Sierra     ConstructionSierra     Construction
Pacific's Utility Accumulated Work-in-Pacific's Utility Accumulated Work-in-
Share Plant Depreciation ProgressShare Plant Depreciation Progress
              
Valmy Generating Station50% $389
 $216
 $1
50% $389
 $252
 $1
ON Line Transmission Line1
 8
 1
 
1
 8
 1
 
Valmy Transmission50
 4
 2
 
50
 4
 2
 
Total  $401
 $219
 $1
  $401
 $255
 $1


(5)    Regulatory Matters

Regulatory assets represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates. Sierra Pacific's regulatory assets reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Weighted    Weighted    
Average    Average    
Remaining Life 2016 2015Remaining Life 2018 2017
        
Employee benefit plans(1)
10 years $128
 $126
8 years $132
 $110
Deferred income taxes(2)
27 years 85
 90
Merger costs from 1999 merger30 years 80
 83
28 years 74
 77
Abandoned projects9 years 39
 44
7 years 29
 34
Renewable energy programs1 year 25
 
1 year 4
 23
Losses on reacquired debt17 years 22
 22
16 years 19
 21
OtherVarious 56
 67
Various 63
 67
Total regulatory assets $435
 $432
 $321
 $332
        
Reflected as:        
Current assets $25
 $
 $7
 $32
Other assets 410
 432
 314
 300
Total regulatory assets $435
 $432
 $321
 $332

(1)Represents amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost that are expected to be included in regulated rates when recognized.

(2)Amounts represent income tax benefits related to accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences that were previously flowed through to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse.

Sierra Pacific had regulatory assets not earning a return on investment of $305$190 million and $254$188 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. The regulatory assets not earning a return on investment primarily consist of deferred income taxes, merger costs from the 1999 merger, a portion of the employee benefit plans, losses on reacquired debt, legacy meters, a portion of abandoned projects and asset retirement obligations.obligations and legacy meters.


Regulatory liabilities represent income to be recognized or amounts that are expected to be returned to customers in future periods. Sierra Pacific's regulatory liabilities reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
Weighted    Weighted    
Average    Average    
Remaining Life 2016 2015Remaining Life 2018 2017
        
Cost of removal(1)
39 years $205
 $208
Deferred income taxes(1)
28 years $270
 $264
Cost of removal(2)
40 years 210
 211
Deferred energy costs1 year 64
 66
1 year 
 8
Renewable energy program1 year 
 8
OtherVarious 21
 26
Various 29
 17
Total regulatory liabilities $290
 $308
 $509
 $500
        
Reflected as:     ��   
Current liabilities $69
 $78
 $18
 $19
Other long-term liabilities 221
 230
 491
 481
Total regulatory liabilities $290
 $308
 $509
 $500

(1)Amounts primarily represent income tax liabilities related to the federal tax rate change from 35% to 21% that are probable to be passed on to customers, offset by income tax benefits related to accelerated tax depreciation and certain property-related basis differences and other various differences that were previously passed on to customers and will be included in regulated rates when the temporary differences reverse. Amount includes regulatory liabilities with an indeterminate life of $21 million and $- million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. See Note 9 for further discussion of 2017 Tax Reform impacts.

(2)Amounts represent estimated costs, as accrued through depreciation rates and exclusive of ARO liabilities, of removing regulated property, plant and equipment in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. Amounts are deducted from rate base or otherwise accrue a carrying cost.


Deferred Energy

Nevada statutes permit regulated utilities to adopt deferred energy accounting procedures. The intent of these procedures is to ease the effect on customers of fluctuations in the cost of purchased natural gas, fuel and electricity and are subject to annual prudency review by the PUCN. Under deferred energy accounting, to the extent actual fuel and purchased power costs exceed fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates that excess is not recorded as a current expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations but rather is deferred and recorded as a regulatory asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and would be included in the table above as deferred energy costs. Conversely, a regulatory liability is recorded to the extent fuel and purchased power costs recoverable through current rates exceed actual fuel and purchased power costs and is included in the table above as deferred energy costs. These excess amounts are reflected in quarterly adjustments to rates and recorded as cost of fuel, energy and capacity in future time periods.

GeneralRegulatory Rate CasesReview

In June 2016, Sierra Pacific filed an electric regulatory rate review with the PUCN. The filing requested no incremental annual revenue relief. In October 2016, Sierra Pacific filedmade filings with the PUCN proposing a settlement agreement resolving most, but not all, issues intax rate reduction rider for the proceedinglower annual income tax expense anticipated to result from 2017 Tax Reform for 2018 and reduced Sierra Pacific's electric revenue requirement by $3 million spread evenly to allbeyond. The filings supported an annual rate classes.reduction of $25 million. In December 2016,March 2018, the PUCN approvedissued an order approving the settlement agreement and established an additional six MW of net metering capacity under the grandfathered rates, which are those net metering rates that were in effect prior to January 2016; the order establishes cost-based rates and a value-based excess energy credit for customers who choose to install private generation after the six MW limitation is reached.rate reduction proposed by Sierra Pacific. The new rates were effective April 1, 2018. The order extended the procedural schedule to allow parties additional discovery relevant to 2017 Tax Reform and a hearing was held in July 2018. In September 2018, the PUCN issued an order directing Sierra Pacific to record the amortization of any excess protected accumulated deferred income tax arising from the 2017 Tax Reform as a regulatory liability effective January 1, 2017. In January 2017,2018. Subsequently, Sierra Pacific filed a petition for reconsideration relating to the creationamortization of protected excess accumulated deferred income tax balances resulting from the additional six MW of net metering at the grandfathered rates. Sierra Pacific believes the effects of2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, the PUCN decision result in additional cost shifting to non-net metering customersissued an order granting reconsideration and reducesreaffirming the stipulated rate reduction for other customer classes.

September 2018 order. In June 2016,December 2018, Sierra Pacific filed a gas regulatory rate review withpetition for judicial review.

In March 2018, the PUCN. The filing requestedFERC issued a slight decreaseShow Cause Order related to 2017 Tax Reform. In May 2018, in its incremental annual revenue requirement. In October 2016,response to the Show Cause Order, Sierra Pacific proposed a reduction to transmission and certain ancillary service rates under the NV Energy OATT for the lower annual income tax expense anticipated from 2017 Tax Reform. In November 2018, FERC issued an order accepting the proposed rate reduction effective March 21, 2018 as filed with the PUCNand refunds to customers were made in December 2018 totaling $1 million for Sierra Pacific. In addition, FERC issued a settlement agreement resolving all issues in the proceeding and reduced Sierra Pacific's gas revenue requirement by $2 million. In December 2016, the PUCN approved the settlement agreement. The new rates were effective January 1, 2017.notice of proposed rulemaking on public utility transmission rate changes to address accumulated deferred income taxes.


Energy Efficiency Program Rates ("EEPR") and Energy Efficiency Implementation Rates ("EEIR")

EEPR was established to allow Sierra Pacific to recover the costs of implementing energy efficiency programs and EEIR was established to offset the negative impacts on revenue associated with the successful implementation of energy efficiency programs. These rates change once a year in the utility's annual DEAA application based on energy efficiency program budgets prepared by Sierra Pacific and approved by the PUCN in integrated resource plan proceedings. To the extent Sierra Pacific's earned rate of return exceeds the rate of return used to set base general rates, Sierra Pacific is required to refund to customers EEIR revenue previously collected for that year. In March 2016,2018, Sierra Pacific filed an application to reset the EEIR and EEPR and to refund the EEIR revenue received in 2015,2017, including carrying charges. In July 2016,September 2018, the PUCN issued an order accepting a stipulation requiring Sierra Pacific to refund the 2015 revenue and reset the rates as filed effective October 1, 2016.2018. The EEIR liability for Sierra Pacific is $2 million and $3$1 million, which is included in current regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

Chapter 704B Applications

Chapter 704B of the Nevada Revised Statutes allows retail electric customers with an average annual load of one megawatt ("MW") or more to file with the PUCN an application to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become distribution-only service customers. On a case-by-case basis, the PUCN will assess the application and may deny or grant the application subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee, paying on-going charges and receiving approval for specific alternative energy providers and terms. The impact fee and on-going charges are assessed to alleviate the burden on other Nevada customers for the applicant's share of previously committed investments and long-term renewable contracts and are set at a level designed such that the remaining customers are not subjected to increased costs.

In SeptemberNovember 2016, Switch, Ltd.Caesars Enterprise Service ("Switch"Caesars"), a customer of Sierra Pacific, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution onlydistribution-only service customer of Sierra Pacific. In December 2016,March 2017, the PUCN approved a stipulation agreement that allowed Switchthe application allowing Caesars to purchase energy from alternative providers. Switch hasproviders subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In March 2017, Caesars provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee monthly for three years and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In July 2017, Caesars made the required compliance filings and, in September 2017, the PUCN issued an order allowing Caesars to acquire electric energy and ancillary services from another energy supplier and become a distribution-only service customer of Sierra Pacific. In January 2018, Caesars became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier for its eligible meters in the Sierra Pacific service territory. Following the PUCN's order from March 2017, Caesars' will pay Sierra Pacific impact fees of $4 million in 36 equal monthly payments.

In May 2017, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino ("Peppermill"), a customer of Sierra Pacific, filed an application with the PUCN to purchase energy from alternative providers of a new electric resource and become a distribution-only service customer of Sierra Pacific. In August 2017, the PUCN approved a stipulation allowing Peppermill to purchase energy from alternative providers subject to conditions, including paying an impact fee. In September 2017, Peppermill provided notice that it intends to pay the impact fee and proceed with purchasing energy from alternative providers. In April 2018, Peppermill paid a one-time impact fee of $3 million and became a distribution-only service customer and started procuring energy from another energy supplier.




(6)    Credit Facility

The following table summarizes Sierra Pacific's availability under its credit facilities as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015 2018 2017
Credit facilities $250
 $250
 $250
 $250
Less - Water Facilities Refunding Revenue Bond support

 (80) 
 (80) (80)
Net credit facilities $170
 $250
 $170
 $170

Sierra Pacific has a $250 million secured credit facility expiring in March 2018.June 2021 with a one-year extension option subject to lender consent. The credit facility, which is for general corporate purposes and provides for the issuance of letters of credit, has a variable interest rate based on London Interbank Offered Ratethe Eurodollar rate or a base rate, at Sierra Pacific's option, plus a spread that varies based on Sierra Pacific's credit ratings for its senior secured long‑term debt securities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Sierra Pacific had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. Amounts due under Sierra Pacific's credit facility are collateralized by Sierra Pacific's general and refunding mortgage bonds. The credit facility requires Sierra Pacific's ratio of consolidated debt, including current maturities, to total capitalization not exceed 0.680.65 to 1.0 as of the last day of each quarter.

(7)    Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

Sierra Pacific's long-term debt consists of the following, including unamortized premiums, discounts and debt issuance costs, as of December 31 (dollars in millions):
Par Value 2016 2015Par Value 2018 2017
General and refunding mortgage securities:          
6.000% Series M, due 2016$
 $
 $450
3.375% Series T, due 2023250
 248
 248
$250
 $249
 $248
2.600% Series U, due 2026400
 395
 
400
 396
 396
6.750% Series P, due 2037252
 255
 255
252
 255
 255
Tax-exempt refunding revenue bond obligations:          
Fixed-rate series:          
1.250% Pollution Control Series 2016A, due 2029(1)
20
 20
 
20
 20
 20
1.500% Gas Facilities Series 2016A, due 2031(1)
58
 58
 
59
 58
 58
3.000% Gas and Water Series 2016B, due 2036(2)
60
 64
 
60
 62
 63
Variable-rate series (2016-0.788% to 0.800%, 2015-0.733% to 1.054%):     
Pollution Control Series 2006A, due 2031
 
 58
Pollution Control Series 2006B, due 2036
 
 74
Pollution Control Series 2006C, due 2036
 
 80
Variable-rate series (2018 - 1.750% to 1.820%, 2017 - 1.690% to 1.840%):     
Water Facilities Series 2016C, due 203630
 29
 
30
 30
 30
Water Facilities Series 2016D, due 203625
 25
 
25
 25
 25
Water Facilities Series 2016E, due 203625
 25
 
25
 25
 25
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.700% to 10.130%, due through 205434
 34
 37
Capital and financial lease obligations - 2.700% to 10.297%, due through 205438
 38
 34
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases$1,154
 $1,153
 $1,202
$1,159
 $1,158
 $1,154
          
Reflected as:          
Current portion of long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  $1
 $453
  $3
 $2
Long-term debt and financial and capital lease obligations  1,152
 749
  1,155
 1,152
Total long-term debt and financial and capital leases  $1,153
 $1,202
  $1,158
 $1,154

(1)Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2019 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.
(2)Subject to mandatory purchase by Sierra Pacific in June 2022 at which date the interest rate may be adjusted from time to time.


Annual Payment on Long-Term Debt and Financial and Capital Leases

The annual repayments of long-term debt and capital and financial leases for the years beginning January 1, 20172019 and thereafter, are as follows (in millions):
 Long-term Capital and Financial   Long-term Capital and Financial  
 Debt Lease Obligations Total Debt Lease Obligations Total
            
2017 $
 $4
 $4
2018 
 4
 4
2019 
 4
 4
 $
 $6
 $6
2020 
 4
 4
 
 4
 4
2021 
 3
 3
 
 5
 5
2022 
 4
 4
2023 250
 4
 254
Thereafter 1,120
 50
 1,170
 871
 47
 918
Total 1,120
 69
 1,189
 1,121
 70
 1,191
Unamortized premium, discount and debt issuance cost
 (1) 
 (1) (1) 
 (1)
Amounts representing interest 
 (35) (35) 
 (32) (32)
Total $1,119
 $34
 $1,153
 $1,120
 $38
 $1,158

The issuance of General and Refunding Mortgage Securities by Sierra Pacific is subject to PUCN approval and is limited by available property and other provisions of the mortgage indentures. As of December 31, 2016,2018, approximately $3.8$4.1 billion (based on original cost) of Sierra Pacific’sPacific's property was subject to the liens of the mortgages.

Financial and Capital Lease Obligations

Sierra Pacific has master leasing agreements of which various pieces of equipment qualify as capital leases. The remaining equipment is treated as operating leases. Lease terms average seven years under the master lease agreement.agreement are typically five to seven years. Capital assets of $8 million and $3 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017.
ON Line was placed in-service on December 31, 2013. The Nevada Utilities entered into a long-term transmission use agreement, in which the Nevada Utilities have 25% interest and Great Basin Transmission South, LLC has 75% interest. Refer to Note 4 for additional information. The Nevada Utilities share of the long-term transmission use agreement and ownership interest is split at 5% for Sierra Pacific and 95% for Nevada Power. The term is for 41 years with the agreement ending December 31, 2054. Payments began on January 31, 2014. ON Line assets of $21$20 million and $22$21 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively.2017.
In 2015, Sierra Pacific entered into a 20-year capital lease for the Fort Churchill Solar Array. Capital assets of $10 million and $12$9 million were included in property, plant and equipment, net as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, respectively.2017.

(8)Fair Value Measurements

The carrying value of Sierra Pacific's cash, certain cash equivalents, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities and short-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Sierra Pacific has various financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy. A financial asset or liability classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that Sierra Pacific has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs).
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflect Sierra Pacific's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability since limited market data exists. Sierra Pacific develops these inputs based on the best information available, including its own data.

The following table presents Sierra Pacific's assets and liabilities recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):

 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2016:       
Assets:       
Money market mutual funds(1)
$35
 $
 $
 $35
Investment funds1
 
 
 1
 $36
 $
 $
 $36
        
As of December 31, 2015:       
Assets - investment funds$1
 $
 $
 $1
        
Liabilities - commodity derivatives$
 $
 $(1) $(1)
 Input Levels for Fair Value Measurements  
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
As of December 31, 2018:       
Assets:       
Commodity derivatives$
 $
 $2
 $2
Money market mutual funds(1)
45
 
 
 45
 $45
 $
 $2
 $47
        
As of December 31, 2017:       
Assets - investment funds$
 $
 $
 $
        

(1)Amounts are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of these money market mutual funds approximates cost.

Sierra Pacific's investments in money market mutual funds and equity securities are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are stated at fair value. When available, a readily observable quoted market price or net asset value of an identical security in an active market is used to record the fair value.

Sierra Pacific's long-term debt is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of Sierra Pacific's long-term debt is a Level 2 fair value measurement and has been estimated based upon quoted market prices, where available, or at the present value of future cash flows discounted at rates consistent with comparable maturities with similar credit risks. The carrying value of Sierra Pacific's variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because of the frequent repricing of these instruments at market rates. The following table presents the carrying value and estimated fair value of Sierra Pacific's long-term debt as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$1,119
 $1,191
 $1,165
 $1,248
 2018 2017
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 Value Value Value Value
        
Long-term debt$1,120
 $1,167
 $1,120
 $1,221

(9)Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The 2017 Tax Reform impacts many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property and the elimination of the deduction for production activities. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, Sierra Pacific reduced deferred income tax liabilities $342 million. As it was probable the change in deferred taxes would be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, Sierra Pacific increased net regulatory liabilities by $341 million.


In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. Sierra Pacific recorded the impacts of the 2017 Tax Reform in December 2017 and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of the interpretation of the bonus depreciation rules. Sierra Pacific determined the amounts recorded and the interpretation relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. Sierra Pacific believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, Sierra Pacific finalized its provisional amounts and recorded a current tax benefit and deferred tax expense of $4 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform and Sierra Pacific's regulatory nature, Sierra Pacific reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $2 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.

Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Deferred - Federal$50
 $48
 $48
Current – Federal$23
 $
 $
Deferred – Federal7
 56
 50
Uncertain tax positions1
 
 
Investment tax credits(1) (1) (1)(1) (1) (1)
Total income tax expense$49
 $47
 $47
$30
 $55
 $49

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income rate to the effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax expense is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Federal statutory income tax rate35% 35% 35 %21% 35 % 35%
Non-deductible expenses4
 
 
Effects of ratemaking1
 1
 1

 
 1
Effect of tax rate change
 (1) 
Other1
 
 (1)
 
 1
Effective income tax rate37% 36% 35 %25% 34 % 37%


The net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015
Deferred income tax assets:   
Federal net operating loss and credit carryforwards$25
 $39
Employee benefit plans22
 25
Regulatory liabilities16
 19
Capital and financial lease liabilities12
 13
Customer Advances9
 8
Commodity derivative contract5
 5
Other6
 7
Total deferred income tax assets$95
 $116
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property related items$(562) $(538)
Regulatory assets(124) (121)
Capital and financial leases(12) (13)
Other(14) (14)
Total deferred income tax liabilities$(712) $(686)
Net deferred income tax liability$(617) $(570)

The following table provides Sierra Pacific's federal net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and expiration dates as of December 31, 2016 (in millions):
Net operating loss carryforwards$55
Deferred income taxes on federal net operating loss carryforwards$19
Expiration dates2031 - 2033
  
Other tax credits$6
Expiration dates2021 - 2032
 2018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:   
Regulatory liabilities$70
 $67
Federal net operating loss and credit carryforwards
 10
Employee benefit plans10
 10
Capital and financial leases8
 7
Customer Advances8
 7
Other6
 6
Total deferred income tax assets102
 107
    
Deferred income tax liabilities:   
Property related items(346) (349)
Regulatory assets(73) (74)
Capital and financial leases(8) (7)
Other(6) (7)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(433) (437)
Net deferred income tax liability$(331) $(330)

The United States federal jurisdiction is the only significant income tax jurisdiction for NV Energy. In July 2012, the United States Internal Revenue Service and the Joint Committee on Taxation concluded theirhas closed its examination of NV Energy with respect to its United States federalEnergy’s consolidated income tax returns for December 31, 2005 through December 31, 2008.2008, and the statute of limitations has expired for NV Energy’s consolidated income tax returns through the short year ended December 19, 2013. The statute of limitations expiring may not preclude the Internal Revenue Service from adjusting the federal net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the examination is not closed.

(10)    Related Party Transactions

Sierra Pacific provided electricity to Nevada Power of $17 million, $2 million and $8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Receivables associated with these transactions were $12 million and $1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. Sierra Pacific purchased electricity from Nevada Power of $78 million, $69 million and $33 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Payables associated with these transactions were $45 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Sierra Pacific incurs intercompany administrative and shared facility costs with NV Energy and Nevada Power. These transactions are governed by an intercompany service agreement and are priced at cost. NV Energy provided services to Sierra Pacific of $5 million, $6 million and $9 million for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sierra Pacific provided services to Nevada Power of $14 million, $16 million, and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Nevada Power provided services to Sierra Pacific of $24 million, $22 million, and $20 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Sierra Pacific's Consolidated Balance Sheets included amounts due to NV Energy of $18 million and $21 million, respectively. There were no receivables due from NV Energy as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, Sierra Pacific's Consolidated Balance Sheets included payables due to Nevada Power of $4 million and $6 million, respectively. There were no receivables due from Nevada Power as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Certain disbursements for accounts payable and payroll are made by NV Energy on behalf of Sierra Pacific and reimbursed automatically when settled by the bank. These amounts are recorded as accounts payable at the time of disbursement.

(11)    Retirement Plan and Postretirement BenefitsEmployee Benefit Plans

Sierra Pacific is a participant in benefit plans sponsored by NV Energy. The NV Energy Retirement Plan includes a qualified pension plan ("Qualified Pension Plan") and a supplemental executive retirement plan and a restoration plan (collectively, "Non‑Qualified Pension Plans") that provide pension benefits for eligible employees. The NV Energy Comprehensive Welfare Benefit and Cafeteria Plan provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees ("Other Postretirement Plans") on behalf of Sierra Pacific. Sierra Pacific contributed $27$6 million, $-$1 million and $-$27 million to the Qualified Pension Plan for the year ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. For the Other Postretirement Plans, Sierra Pacific contributed $1$6 million, $-$4 million and $-$1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively. Sierra Pacific did not make any contributionscontributed $1 million, $1 million and $- million to the Non-Qualified Pension Plans for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 2015 and 2014.respectively. Amounts attributable to Sierra Pacific were allocated from NV Energy based upon the current, or in the case of retirees, previous, employment location. Offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities have been recorded related to the amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs that will be included in regulated rates. Net periodic benefit costs not included in regulated rates are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net.

Amounts payable to NV Energy are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and consist of the following as of December 31(in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
Qualified Pension Plan -      
Other long-term liabilities$(12) $(29)$(19) $(2)
      
Non-Qualified Pension Plans:      
Other current liabilities(1) (1)(1) (1)
Other long-term liabilities(9) (9)(7) (8)
      
Other Postretirement Plans -      
Other long-term liabilities(28) (32)(13) (20)


(12)(11)    Asset Retirement Obligations

Sierra Pacific estimates its ARO liabilities based upon detailed engineering calculations of the amount and timing of the future cash spending for a third party to perform the required work. Spending estimates are escalated for inflation and then discounted at a credit-adjusted, risk-free rate. Changes in estimates could occur for a number of reasons, including changes in laws and regulations, plan revisions, inflation and changes in the amount and timing of the expected work.

Sierra Pacific does not recognize liabilities for AROs for which the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated. Due to the indeterminate removal date, the fair value of the associated liabilities on certain generation, transmission, distribution and other assets cannot currently be estimated, and no amounts are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements other than those included in the cost of removal regulatory liability established via approved depreciation rates in accordance with accepted regulatory practices. These accruals totaled $205$210 million and $208$211 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively.

The following table presents Sierra Pacific's ARO liabilities by asset type as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Asbestos$4
 $4
$5
 $5
Evaporative ponds and dry ash landfills3
 3
2
 2
Other3
 3
3
 3
Total asset retirement obligations$10
 $10
$10
 $10

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of Sierra Pacific's ARO liabilities for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$10
 $11
$10
 $10
Retirements
 (1)
 
Ending balance$10
 $10
$10
 $10
      
Reflected as:      
Other current liabilities$
 $
$
 $
Other long-term liabilities10
 10
10
 10
$10
 $10
$10
 $10

Certain of Sierra Pacific's decommissioning and reclamation obligations relate to jointly-owned facilities, and as such, Sierra Pacific is committed to pay a proportionate share of the decommissioning or reclamation costs. In the event of a default by any of the other joint participants, the respective subsidiary may be obligated to absorb, directly or by paying additional sums to the entity, a proportionate share of the defaulting party's liability. Sierra Pacific's estimated share of the decommissioning and reclamation obligations are primarily recorded as ARO liabilities in other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In December 2014, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") released its final rule regulating the management and disposal of coal combustion byproducts resulting from the operation of coal-fueled generating facilities, including requirements for the operation and closure of surface impoundment and ash landfill facilities. The final rule was published in the Federal Register in April 2015 and was effective in October 2015. The effects of the new rule did not have a material impact on Sierra Pacific's ARO balance.

(13)(12)Commitments and Contingencies

Environmental Laws and Regulations

Sierra Pacific is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding air and water quality, renewable portfolio standards, emissions performance standards, climate change, coal combustion byproduct disposal, hazardous and solid waste disposal, protected species and other environmental matters that have the potential to impact Sierra Pacific's current and future operations. Sierra Pacific believes it is in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Valmy Generation Station

In June 2009, Sierra Pacific received a request for information from the EPA Region 9 under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act requesting current and historical operations and capital project information for Sierra Pacific's Valmy Generating Station located in Valmy, Nevada. Sierra Pacific co-owns and operates this coal-fueled generating facility. Idaho Power Company owns the remaining 50%. The EPA's Section 114 information request does not allege any incidents of non-compliance at the plant, and there have been no other new enforcement-related proceedings that have been initiated by the EPA relating to the plant. Sierra Pacific completed its responses to the EPA in December 2009 and will continue to monitor developments relating to this Section 114 request. At this time, Sierra Pacific cannot predict the impact, if any, associated with this information request.


Legal Matters

Sierra Pacific is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. Sierra Pacific does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results. Sierra Pacific is also involved in other kinds of legal actions, some of which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines, penalties and other costs in substantial amounts.

Commitments

Sierra Pacific has the following firm commitments that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Minimum payments as of December 31, 20162018 are as follows (in millions):
          2022 and            2024 and  
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total
Contract type:                          
Fuel, capacity and transmission contract commitments$238
 $156
 $103
 $71
 $62
 $375
 $1,005
$204
 $154
 $117
 $81
 $61
 $502
 $1,119
Fuel and capacity contract commitments (not commercially operable)5
 10
 10
 11
 11
 215
 262
8
 16
 28
 58
 58
 1,394
 1,562
Operating leases and easements4
 4
 3
 3
 3
 46
 63
4
 4
 4
 3
 2
 56
 73
Maintenance, service and other contracts4
 5
 4
 6
 6
 17
 42
8
 7
 6
 6
 2
 1
 30
Total commitments$251
 $175
 $120
 $91
 $82
 $653
 $1,372
$224
 $181
 $155
 $148
 $123
 $1,953
 $2,784

Fuel and Capacity Contract Commitments

Purchased Power

Sierra Pacific has several contracts for long-term purchase of electric energy which have been approved by the PUCN. The expiration of these contracts range from 20172019 to 2039.2045. Purchased power includes contracts which meet the definition of a lease. Sierra Pacific's operating and maintenance expense for purchase power contracts which met the lease criteria for 2018, 2017 and 2016 2015 and 2014 were $69$72 million, $65$74 million and $68$69 million, respectively, and are recorded as cost of fuel, energy and capacity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Coal and Natural Gas
    
Sierra Pacific has severala long-term contractscontract for the transport of coal that expire from 2017 to 2018.expires in 2019. Additionally, gas transportation contracts expire from 20182019 to 2046 and the gas supply contracts expire from 20172019 to 2018.2020.

Operating Leases and Easements

Sierra Pacific has non-cancelable operating leases primarily for office equipment, office space, certain operating facilities, vehicles and land. These leases generally require Sierra Pacific to pay for insurance, taxes and maintenance applicable to the leased property. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods and escalation clauses for adjusting rent to reflect changes in price indices. Sierra Pacific also has non-cancelable easements for land. Operating and maintenance expense on non-cancelable operating leases and easements totaled $6$4 million, $7$4 million and $6 million for the year-ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively.

Maintenance, Service and Other Contracts

Sierra Pacific has long-term service agreements for the performance of maintenance on generation units. Obligation amounts are based on estimated usage. The estimated expiration of these service agreements range from 20172019 to 2039.


(13)
Revenues from Contracts with Customers

The following table summarizes Sierra Pacific's revenue by customer class, including a reconciliation to Sierra Pacific's reportable segment information included in Note 16, for the year ended December 31 (in millions):
 2018
 Electric Gas Total
Customer Revenue:     
Retail:     
Residential$267
 $67
 $334
Commercial246
 25
 271
Industrial177
 8
 185
Other6
 1
 7
Total fully bundled696
 101
 797
Distribution only service4
 
 4
Total retail700
 101
 801
Wholesale, transmission and other48
 
 48
Total Customer Revenue748
 101
 849
Other revenue4
 2
 6
Total revenue$752
 $103
 $855

Contract Assets and Liabilities

In the event one of the parties to a contract has performed before the other, Sierra Pacific would recognize a contract asset or contract liability depending on the relationship between Sierra Pacific's performance and the customer's payment. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no contract assets or contract liabilities recorded on the Balance Sheets.

(14)    Related Party Transactions

Sierra Pacific has an intercompany administrative services agreement with BHE and its subsidiaries. Amounts charged to Sierra Pacific under this agreement totaled $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

Sierra Pacific provided electricity to Nevada Power of $28 million, $21 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Receivables associated with these transactions were $1 million and $- million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Sierra Pacific purchased electricity from Nevada Power of $91 million, $104 million and $78 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Payables associated with these transactions were $6 million and $10 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Sierra Pacific incurs intercompany administrative and shared facility costs with NV Energy and Nevada Power. These transactions are governed by an intercompany service agreement and are priced at cost. NV Energy provided services to Sierra Pacific of $4 million, $5 million and $5 million for the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Sierra Pacific provided services to Nevada Power of $15 million, $17 million, and $14 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Nevada Power provided services to Sierra Pacific of $28 million, $27 million, and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Sierra Pacific's Balance Sheets included amounts due to NV Energy of $15 million and $17 million, respectively. There were no receivables due from NV Energy as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, Sierra Pacific's Balance Sheets included payables due to Nevada Power of $5 million. There were no receivables due from Nevada Power as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Sierra Pacific is party to a tax-sharing agreement with NV Energy and NV Energy is part of the Berkshire Hathaway consolidated United States federal income tax return. Federal income taxes payable to NV Energy were $3 million and $- million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Sierra Pacific made cash payments of $19 million for federal income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2018. No cash payments were made for federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Certain disbursements for accounts payable and payroll are made by NV Energy on behalf of Sierra Pacific and reimbursed automatically when settled by the bank. These amounts are recorded as accounts payable at the time of disbursement.


(14)(15)    Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, consist of funds restricted by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada ("PUCN") for a certain renewable energy contract. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, as presented in the Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of
 December 31, December 31,
 2018 2017
Cash and cash equivalents$71
 $4
Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in other current assets5
 4
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$76
 $8

The summary of supplemental cash flow disclosures as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information -          
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$47
 $54
 $54
$41
 $40
 $47
Income taxes paid$19
 $
 $
          
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:          
Accruals related to property, plant and equipment additions$15
 $24
 $31
$15
 $10
 $15
Capital and financial lease obligations incurred$
 $13
 $1
$6
 $1
 $


(15)(16)    Segment Information

Sierra Pacific has identified two reportable operating segments: regulated electric and regulated natural gas. The regulated electric segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and from wholesale sales. The regulated natural gas segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and also obtains revenue by transporting natural gas owned by others through its distribution system. Pricing for regulated electric and regulated natural gas sales are established separately by the PUCN; therefore, management also reviews each segment separately to make decisions regarding allocation of resources and in evaluating performance.

Sierra Pacific believes presenting gross margin allows the reader to assess the impact of Sierra Pacific's regulatory treatment and its overall regulatory environment on a consistent basis and is meaningful. Gross margin is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel, energy and capacity and natural gas purchased for resale ("cost of sales").


The following tables provide information on a reportable segment basis for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 Years Ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014 2018
2017
2016
Operating revenue:            
Regulated electric $702
 $810
 $779
 $752
 $713
 $702
Regulated gas 110
 137
 125
 103
 99
 110
Total operating revenue $812
 $947
 $904
 $855
 $812
 $812
            
Cost of sales:      
Regulated electric $265
 $374
 $361
Regulated gas 55
 84
 76
Total cost of sales $320
 $458
 $437
      
Gross margin:      
Regulated electric $437
 $436
 $418
Regulated gas 55
 53
 49
Total gross margin $492
 $489
 $467
      
Operating and maintenance:      
Regulated electric $153
 $149
 $143
Regulated gas 17
 18
 19
Total operating and maintenance $170
 $167
 $162
      
Depreciation and amortization:      
Regulated electric $101
 $96
 $90
Regulated gas 17
 17
 15
Total depreciation and amortization $118
 $113
 $105
      
Operating income:            
Regulated electric $161
 $168
 $165
 $136
 $175
 $162
Regulated gas 19
 16
 13
 16
 22
 19
Total operating income $180
 $184
 $178
 152
 197
 181
      
Interest expense:      
Regulated electric $49
 $56
 $57
Regulated gas 5
 5
 4
Total interest expense $54
 $61
 $61
      
Income tax expense:      
Regulated electric $44
 $43
 $43
Regulated gas 5
 4
 4
Total income tax expense $49
 $47
 $47
Interest expense (44) (43) (54)
Allowance for borrowed funds 1
 2
 4
Allowance for equity funds 4
 3
 (1)
Other, net 9
 5
 3
Income before income tax expense $122
 $164
 $133
 Years Ended December 31, As of December 31,
 2016 2015 2014 2018 2017 2016
Capital expenditures:      
Regulated electric $176
 $229
 $168
Regulated gas 18
 23
 18
Total capital expenditures $194
 $252
 $186
      
 As of December 31,
Total assets: 2016 2015 2014
Assets      
Regulated electric $3,119
 $3,060
 $2,984
 $3,177
 $3,103
 $3,119
Regulated gas 314
 316
 322
 314
 300
 314
Regulated common assets(1)
 60
 111
 30
 78
 10
 60
Total assets $3,493
 $3,487
 $3,336
 $3,569
 $3,413
 $3,493

(1)Consists principally of cash and cash equivalents not included in either the regulated electric or regulated natural gas segments.


(16)(17)    Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results (in millions)

Three-Month Periods EndedThree-Month Periods Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
2016 2016 2016 20162018 2018 2018 2018
Regulated electric operating revenue$170
 $162
 $207
 $163
$181
 $169
 $225
 $177
Regulated natural gas operating revenue47
 19
 15
 29
41
 19
 14
 29
Operating income41
 28
 69
 42
47
 19
 56
 30
Net income17
 10
 38
 19
34
 7
 35
 16
              
Three-Month Periods EndedThree-Month Periods Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
2015 2015 2015 20152017 2017 2017 2017
Regulated electric operating revenue$196
 $201
 $228
 $185
$159
 $160
 $215
 $179
Regulated natural gas operating revenue50
 26
 18
 43
34
 17
 15
 33
Operating income43
 37
 66
 38
46
 36
 75
 41
Net income19
 16
 33
 15
24
 17
 44
 24


Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

At the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, each of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company carried out separate evaluations, under the supervision and with the participation of each such entity's management, including its Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and its Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), or persons performing similar functions, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon these evaluations, management of each such entity, including its Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and its Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), or persons performing similar functions, in each case, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures for such entity were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by such entity in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and its Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), or persons performing similar functions, in each case, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure by it. Each such entity hereby states that there has been no change in its internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 20162018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of each of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, PacifiCorp, MidAmerican Funding, LLC, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, respectively, is responsible for establishing and maintaining, for such entity, adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management for each such entity, including its Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and its Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), or persons performing similar functions, in each case, such management conducted an evaluation for the relevant entity of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20162018, as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(c). In making this assessment, management for each such respective entity used the criteria set forth in the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the evaluation conducted under the framework in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)," management for each such respective entity concluded that internal control over financial reporting for such entity was effective as of December 31, 20162018.

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company PacifiCorp MidAmerican Funding, LLC
February 24, 201722, 2019 February 24, 201722, 2019 February 24, 201722, 2019
     
MidAmerican Energy Company Nevada Power Company Sierra Pacific Power Company
February 24, 201722, 2019 February 24, 201722, 2019 February 24, 201722, 2019

Item 9B.Other Information

None.


PART III

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY, MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

BHEInformation required by Item 10 is a consolidatedomitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.

PACIFICORP

PacifiCorp is an indirect subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.BHE, and its directors consist of executive management from both BHE and PacifiCorp. Each director was elected based on individual responsibilities, experience in the energy industry and functional expertise. BHE's Board of Directors appoints executive officers annually. There are no family relationships among the executive officers, nor except as set forth in employment agreements, any arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the executive officer was appointed. Set forth below is certain information, as of February 17, 2017,21, 2019, with respect to the current directors and executive officers of BHE:PacifiCorp:

GREGORY E. ABELWILLIAM J. FEHRMAN, 54,58, Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2011,and Chief Executive Officer since January 2018. Mr. Fehrman has also been President, Chief Executive Officer and director of BHE since January 2018. Mr. Fehrman was Chief Executive Officer of MidAmerican Energy Company from 2008 director since 2000,to January 2018 and President since 1998.and director from 2007 to January 2018. Mr. AbelFehrman joined BHE in 19922006 and has extensive executive management experience in the energy industry with strong regulatory and operational skills,skills.

STEFAN A. BIRD, 52, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Power and director since 2015. Mr. Bird was Senior Vice President, Commercial and Trading, of PacifiCorp from 2007 to 2014. Mr. Bird joined BHE in 1998 and has significant operational, public policy and leadership experience in the energy industry, including international experience.expertise in energy supply management, resource acquisition and federal and state regulatory matters.

GARY W. HOOGEVEEN, 50, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rocky Mountain Power since November 2018. Prior to his current position Mr. Abel also servesHoogeveen served as a DirectorSenior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Rocky Mountain Power since November 2014 and President and CEO of Kern River Gas Transmission Company from 2010 to 2014. He joined Kern River after serving as Vice ChairmanPresident of Edison Electric Institute, an association of U.S. investor-owned electric companies,Customer Service and AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc.Business Development for Northern Natural Gas Company. Prior to joining Northern Natural Gas, he held various management positions at Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

NIKKI L. KOBLIHA, a mutual insurance company,46, Vice President and serves onChief Financial Officer since 2015 and Treasurer and director since 2017. Ms. Kobliha joined PacifiCorp in 1997 and has significant financial, accounting and leadership experience in the Board of Directors for PacifiCorp, The Kraft Heinz Companyenergy industry, including expertise in financial reporting to the SEC and Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, a mutual insurance company of nuclear power facilities.FERC.

PATRICK J. GOODMAN, 50,52, Director since 2006. Mr. Goodman has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BHE since 2012. Mr. Goodman2012 and was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BHE from 1999 to 2012. Mr. Goodman joined BHE in 1995.1995 and has significant financial experience, including expertise in mergers and acquisitions, accounting, treasury and tax functions. Mr. Goodman is a director of PacifiCorp andalso a manager of MidAmerican Funding, LLC.

NATALIE L. HOCKEN, 47,49, Director since 2007. Ms. Hocken has been Senior Vice President and General Counsel of BHE since 2015.2015 and Corporate Secretary since 2017. Ms. Hocken was Senior Vice President, Transmission and System Operations of PacifiCorp from 2012 to 2015 and Vice President and General Counsel of Pacific Power from 2007 to 2012. Ms. Hocken joined PacifiCorp in 2002.2002 and has significant experience in the utility industry, including expertise in transmission, legal matters and federal and state regulatory matters. Ms. Hocken is a director of PacifiCorp andalso a manager of MidAmerican Funding, LLC.

WARREN E. BUFFETT, 86, Director. Mr. Buffett has been a director of BHE since 2000 and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway for more than five years. Mr. Buffett is also a director of The Kraft Heinz Company and Precision Castparts Corp. Mr. Buffett previously served as a director of The Washington Post Company. Mr. Buffett has significant experience as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway.

WALTER SCOTT, JR., 85, Director. Mr. Scott has been a director of BHE since 1991. Mr. Scott is also a director of Peter Kiewit Sons' Inc., Berkshire Hathaway and Valmont Industries, Inc. Mr. Scott previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Level 3 Communications, Inc., a successor to certain businesses of Peter Kiewit Sons' Inc., until 2014. Mr. Scott has significant experience and financial expertise as a past chief executive officer and as a director of both public and private corporations and as chairman of a major charitable foundation.

MARC D. HAMBURG, 67, Director. Mr. Hamburg has been a director of BHE since 2000 and has been Chief Financial Officer of Berkshire Hathaway for more than five years. Mr. Hamburg has been Senior Vice President of Berkshire Hathaway since 2008 and was a Vice President of Berkshire Hathaway from 1992 to 2008. Mr. Hamburg was Berkshire Hathaway's Treasurer from 1987 to 2010. Mr. Hamburg is also a director of Precision Castparts Corp. Mr. Hamburg has significant financial experience, including expertise in mergers and acquisitions, accounting, treasury and tax functions.

Board's Role in the Risk Oversight Process

BHE'sPacifiCorp's Board of Directors is comprised of a combination of BHE senior management, Berkshire Hathaway senior executives and BHE ownersPacifiCorp senior management who have direct and indirect responsibility for the management and oversight of risk. BHE'sPacifiCorp's Board of Directors has not established a separate risk management and oversight committee.


Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The audit committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Mr. Marc D. Hamburg. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Hamburg qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert," as defined by SEC rules, based on his education, experience and background. Based on the standards of the New York Stock Exchange LLC, on which the common stock of BHE's majority owner, Berkshire Hathaway, is listed, BHE's Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Hamburg is not independent because of his employment by Berkshire Hathaway.


Code of Ethics

BHE has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, its principal financial and accounting officer, or persons acting in such capacities, and certain other covered officers. The code of ethics is incorporated by reference in the exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PACIFICORP

PacifiCorp is an indirect subsidiary of BHE, and its directors consist of executive management from both BHE and PacifiCorp. Each director was elected based on individual responsibilities, experience in the energy industry and functional expertise. There are no family relationships among the executive officers, nor any arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which the executive officer was appointed. Set forth below is certain information, as of February 17, 2017, with respect to the current directors and executive officers of PacifiCorp:

GREGORY E. ABEL, 54, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of PacifiCorp since 2006. Mr. Abel has been BHE's Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2011, Chief Executive Officer since 2008, director since 2000 and President since 1998. Mr. Abel joined BHE in 1992 and has extensive executive management experience in the energy industry with strong regulatory and operational skills, including international experience. Mr. Abel also serves as a Director and Vice Chairman of Edison Electric Institute, an association of U.S. investor-owned electric companies, and AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc., a mutual insurance company, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Kraft Heinz Company and Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, a mutual insurance company of nuclear power facilities.

STEFAN A. BIRD, 50, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Power and director of PacifiCorp since 2015. Mr. Bird was Senior Vice President, Commercial and Trading, of PacifiCorp Energy from 2007 to 2014. Mr. Bird joined BHE in 1998 and has significant operational, public policy and leadership experience in the energy industry, including expertise in energy supply management, resource acquisition and federal and state regulatory matters.

CINDY A. CRANE, 55, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rocky Mountain Power since 2014 and director of PacifiCorp since 2015. Ms. Crane was Vice President of Interwest Mining Company, a subsidiary of PacifiCorp, from 2009 to 2014. Ms. Crane joined PacifiCorp in 1990 and has significant strategy, operational and leadership experience in the energy industry, including complex commercial negotiations.

PATRICK J. GOODMAN, 50, Director. Mr. Goodman has been a director of PacifiCorp since 2006 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BHE since 2012. Mr. Goodman was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BHE from 1999 to 2012. Mr. Goodman joined BHE in 1995 and has significant financial experience, including expertise in mergers and acquisitions, accounting, treasury and tax functions. Mr. Goodman is also a manager of MidAmerican Funding, LLC.

NATALIE L. HOCKEN, 47, Director. Ms. Hocken has been a director of PacifiCorp since 2007 and Senior Vice President and General Counsel of BHE since 2015. Ms. Hocken was Senior Vice President, Transmission and System Operations of PacifiCorp from 2012 to 2015 and Vice President and General Counsel of Pacific Power from 2007 to 2012. Ms. Hocken joined PacifiCorp in 2002 and has significant experience in the utility industry, including expertise in transmission, legal matters and federal and state regulatory matters. Ms. Hocken is also a manager of MidAmerican Funding, LLC.

NIKKI L. KOBLIHA, 44, Director. Ms. Kobliha has been a director since 2017, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PacifiCorp since 2015 and Treasurer since 2017. Ms. Kobliha joined PacifiCorp in 1997 and has held various finance positions within PacifiCorp.

Board's Role in the Risk Oversight Process

PacifiCorp's Board of Directors is comprised of a combination of BHE senior executives and PacifiCorp senior management who have direct and indirect responsibility for the management and oversight of risk. PacifiCorp's Board of Directors has not established a separate risk management and oversight committee.

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

During the year ended December 31, 20162018, and as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, PacifiCorp's Board of Directors did not have an audit committee. PacifiCorp is not required to have an audit committee as its common stock is indirectly and wholly owned by BHE. However, the audit committee of BHE acts as the audit committee for PacifiCorp.

Code of Ethics

PacifiCorp has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, its principal financial and accounting officer, or persons acting in such capacities, and certain other covered officers. The code of ethics is incorporated by reference in the exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

Information required by Item 10 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.


Item 11.Executive Compensation

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY, MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

Information required by Item 11 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.

PACIFICORP

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Philosophy and Overall Objectives

On January 10, 2018, Mr. Gregory E. Abel resigned as PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. William J. Fehrman was elected as PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. William J. Fehrman, PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, or Chairman and CEO, received no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp reimbursed its indirect parent company, BHE, for the cost of Mr. Fehrman's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and its subsidiaries.

PacifiCorp believes that the compensation paid to each of its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, or Chairman and CEO, its Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, and its other most highly compensated executive officers, to whom BHEPacifiCorp refers collectively as its Named Executive Officers, or NEOs, should be closely aligned with BHE'sits overall performance, and each NEO's contribution to that performance, on both a short- and long-term basis, and that such compensation should be sufficient to attract and retain highly qualified leaders who can create significant value for the organization. BHE'sPacifiCorp's compensation programs are designed to provide its NEOs meaningful incentives for superior corporate and individual performance. Performance is evaluated on a subjective basis within the context of both financial and non-financial objectives, among which are customer service, employee commitment, environmental respect, regulatory integrity, operational excellence and financial strength, employee commitment and safety, environmental respect and regulatory integrity, which BHEPacifiCorp believes contribute to its long-term success.

How is Compensation Determined

PacifiCorp's compensation committee consists solely of the Chairman and CEO. On January 10, 2018, Mr. Fehrman replaced Mr. Abel as the sole member of PacifiCorp's compensation committee. Mr. Fehrman also serves as BHE's Compensation Committee is comprised of Messrs. Warren E. BuffettPresident and Walter Scott, Jr.Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation CommitteeChairman and CEO is responsible for the establishment and oversight of BHE'sPacifiCorp's compensation policy. Approval ofpolicy and for approving compensation decisions for BHE'sits NEOs is made by the Compensation Committee, unless specifically delegated. Although the Compensation Committee reviews each NEO's complete compensation package at least annually, it has delegated to the Chairmansuch as approving base pay increases, incentive and CEO authority to approveperformance awards, off-cycle pay changes, performance awards and participation in other employee benefit plans and programs for the other NEOs.programs.

BHE'sPacifiCorp's criteria for assessing executive performance and determining compensation in any year is inherently subjective and is not based upon specific formulas or weighting of factors. BHEPacifiCorp does not specifically use other companies as benchmarks when establishing its NEOs' compensation. However, the Compensation Committee reviews peer company data when making annual base salary and incentive recommendations for the Chairman and CEO. The peer companies for 2016 were American Electric Power Company, Inc., Consolidated Edison, Inc., Dominion Resources, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Edison International, Entergy Corporation, Exelon Corporation, FirstEnergy Corp., NextEra Energy, Inc., PG&E Corporation, PPL Corporation, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated, Sempra Energy, The Southern Company and Xcel Energy Inc.

BHE engages the compensation practice of Willis Towers Watson PLC, or Willis Towers Watson, to research and document the peer company data to be reviewed by the Compensation Committee when making annual base salary and incentive recommendations for the Chairman and CEO. The fee paid to Willis Towers Watson for this service was $4,434 in 2016. BHE also engages Willis Towers Watson to provide other services unrelated to executive compensation, including actuarial, administration and consulting services related to BHE's retirement plans. These services are approved by senior management and the aggregate fees paid to Willis Towers Watson for these services were $2,705,875 in 2016. BHE's Board of Directors is not involved in the selection or approval of Willis Towers Watson for these services.

Discussion and Analysis of Specific Compensation Elements

Base Salary

BHEPacifiCorp determines base salaries for all of its NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, by reviewing its overall performance, and each NEO's performance, the value each NEO brings to BHEPacifiCorp and general labor market conditions. While base salary provides a base level of compensation intended to be competitive with the external market, the annual base salary adjustment for each NEO, other than the Chairman and CEO, is determined on a subjective basis after consideration of these factors and is not based on target percentiles or other formal criteria.

The Chairman and CEO makes recommendations regarding the other NEOs' base salaries, and the Compensation Committee sets the Chairman and CEO's base salary. All merit increases are approved by the Compensation CommitteeChairman and CEO and take effect on January 1in the last payroll period of eachthe year. An increase or decrease in base salary may also result from a promotion or other significant change in a NEO's responsibilities during the year. BaseFor 2018, base salaries for all NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, increased on average by 1.56%2.45% effective January 1, 2016. There were no base salary changes for BHE's NEOs during the year after the January 1, 2016December 26, 2017, reflecting merit increase.

increases.

Short-Term Incentive Compensation

The objective of short-term incentive compensation is to reward the achievement of significant annual corporate and business unit goals while also providing NEOs with competitive total cash compensation.

PerformanceAnnual Incentive Plan

Under BHE's PerformancePacifiCorp's Annual Incentive Plan, or PIP,AIP, all NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, are eligible to earn an annual discretionary cash incentive award, which is determined on a subjective basis at the Chairman and CEO's sole discretion and is not based on a specific formula or cap. AThe Chairman and CEO considers a variety of factors are considered in determining each NEO's annual incentive award including the NEO's performance, BHE'sPacifiCorp's overall performance and each NEO's contribution to that overall performance. An individual NEO'sThe Chairman and CEO evaluates performance is evaluated using financial and non-financial principles,objectives, including customer service; operational excellence; financial strength;service, employee commitment, and safety; environmental respect; andrespect, regulatory integrity, operational excellence and financial strength, as well as the NEO's response to issues and opportunities that arise during the year. No factor was individually material to the Chairman and CEO's determination ofregarding the amounts paid to each NEO under the PIPAIP for 2016. The Chairman and CEO recommends annual incentive awards for the other NEOs to the Compensation Committee prior to the last committee meeting of each year, held in the fourth quarter. The Compensation Committee determines the Chairman and CEO's award, which is based on BHE's overall performance and direction and is not based on the performance of any specific subsidiary. If approved by the Compensation Committee,2018. Approved awards are paid prior to year-end.

Performance Awards

In addition to the annual awards under the PIP, BHEAIP, PacifiCorp may grant cash performance awards periodically during the year to one or more NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, to reward the accomplishment of significant non-recurring tasks or projects. These awards are discretionary and are approved by the Chairman and CEO, as delegated by the Compensation Committee.CEO. In December 2016, an2018, a cash performance award was granted to Mr. Goodman and Ms. HockenKobliha in recognition of theirher outstanding efforts. Although Mr. Abel is eligible for performance awards, he has not been granted an award in the past five years.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

The objective of long-term incentive compensation is to retain NEOs, reward their exceptional performance and motivate them to create long-term, sustainable value. BHE'sPacifiCorp's current long-term incentive compensation program is cash-based. BHE hasPacifiCorp does not issuedutilize stock options or other forms of equity-based awards since March 2000.awards.


Long-Term Incentive Partnership Plan

The Berkshire Hathaway Energy CompanyPacifiCorp Long-Term Incentive Partnership Plan, or LTIP, is designed to retain key employees and to align BHE'sPacifiCorp's interests and the interests of the participating employees. Mr. Goodman and Ms. Hocken participate in this plan, while BHE'sAll of PacifiCorp's NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, does not. BHE'sparticipate in the LTIP. The LTIP provides for annual discretionary awards based upon significant accomplishments by the individual participants and the achievement of the financial and non-financial objectives previously described. The goals are developed with the objective of being attainable with a sustained, focused and concerted effort and are determined and communicated by January of each plan year. The BHE Chairman and CEO approvesPacifiCorp's Presidents approve eligibility to participate in the planLTIP and the amount of the incentive award. Awards are capped at 1.0 times base salary and finalized in the first quarter of the following year. The BHE Chairman and CEOPacifiCorp's Presidents may grant a supplemental award to any participant for the award year separate from the incentive award, subject to the same terms and conditions as the incentive award. PacifiCorp's Presidents may participate in the LTIP but only the BHE Chairman shall make determinations regarding their participation and the value of their incentive award. These cash-based awards are subject to mandatory deferral and equal annual vesting over a four-year period starting in the performance year. Participants allocate the value of their deferral accounts among various investment alternatives. Gains or losses may be incurred based on investment performance. Participating NEOs may elect to defer all or a part of the award or receive payment in cash after the four-year mandatory deferral and vesting period. Vested balances (including any investment gains or losses thereon) of terminating participants are paid at the time of termination.


Other Employee Benefits

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

The MidAmerican Energy Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Designated Officers, or SERP, provides additional retirement benefits to participants. BHE includes the SERP as part of the participating NEO's overall compensation in order to provide a comprehensive, competitive package and as a key retention tool. Messrs. Abel and Goodman participate in the SERP, and BHE has no plans to add new participants in the future. The SERP provides the participating NEOs annual retirement benefits of up to 65% of the participating NEO's total cash compensation in effect immediately prior to retirement, subject to an annual $1 million maximum retirement benefit. Total cash compensation means (a) the highest amount payable to a participant as monthly base salary during the five years immediately prior to retirement multiplied by 12, plus (b) the average of the participant's annual awards under an annual incentive bonus program during the three years immediately prior to the year of retirement and (c) special, additional or non-recurring bonus awards, if any, that are required to be included in total cash compensation pursuant to a participant's employment agreement or approved for inclusion by the Board of Directors. All participating NEOs have met the five-year service requirement under the plan. Mr. Goodman's SERP benefit will be reduced by the amount of his regular retirement benefit under the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan, his actuarially equivalent benefit under the fixed 401(k) contribution option and ratably for retirement between ages 55 and 65.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Berkshire Hathaway Energy CompanyPacifiCorp's Executive Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan, or the DCP, provides a means for all NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, to make voluntary deferrals of up to 50% of base salary and 100% of short-term incentive compensation awards. BHEPacifiCorp includes the DCP as part of the participating NEO's overall compensation in order to provide a comprehensive, competitive package. The deferrals and any investment returns grow on a tax-deferred basis. Amounts deferred under the DCP receive a rate of return based on the returns of any combination of various investment optionsalternatives offered under the DCP and selected by the participant. The plan allows participants to choose from three forms of distribution. The plan permits BHEPacifiCorp to make discretionary contributions on behalf of participants; however, BHE has not made contributions to date.participants.

Financial Planning and Tax Preparation

BHE reimburses NEOs for financial planning and tax preparation services. The value of the benefit is included in the NEO's taxable income. It is offered both as a competitive benefit itself and also to help ensure BHE's NEOs best utilize the other forms of compensation BHE provides to them.

Executive Life Insurance

BHE provides universal life insurance to Messrs. Abel and Goodman having a death benefit of two times annual base salary during employment less $50,000, reducing to one times annual base salary in retirement. The value of the benefit is included in the NEO's taxable income. BHE includes the executive life insurance as part of the participating NEO's overall compensation in order to provide a comprehensive, competitive package.

Potential Payments Upon Termination

CertainPacifiCorp's NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, are not entitled to post-termination paymentsseverance or enhanced benefits upon termination of employment or change in control. However, upon any termination of employment, PacifiCorp's other NEOs would be entitled to the vested balances in the event their employment is terminated under certain circumstances. BHE believes these post-termination payments are an important component ofLTIP, DCP and PacifiCorp's non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, or the competitive compensation package BHE offers to these NEOs.Retirement Plan.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee, consistingMr. Fehrman, PacifiCorp's current Chairman and CEO and sole member of Messrs. Buffett and Scott,PacifiCorp's compensation committee, has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on this review, and discussion, has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Warren E. Buffett
Walter Scott, Jr.William J. Fehrman


Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by each of BHE'sPacifiCorp's NEOs during the years indicated:
          Change in    
          Pension    
          Value and    
        Non-Equity Nonqualified    
Name and       Incentive Deferred All  
Principal   Base   Plan Compensation Other  
Position Year Salary 
Bonus(1)
 Compensation 
Earnings(2)
 
Compensation(3)
 
Total(4)
               
Gregory E. Abel, Chairman, President 2016 $1,000,000
 $15,000,000
 $
 $1,377,000
 $141,227
 17,518,227
and Chief Executive Officer 2015 1,000,000
 11,500,000
 28,000,000
 
 267,944
 40,767,944
  2014 1,000,000
 11,500,000
 12,000,000
 2,625,000
 450,612
 27,575,612
               
Patrick J. Goodman, Executive Vice 2016 470,000
 2,076,308
 
 756,000
 47,035
 3,349,343
President and Chief Financial 2015 460,000
 1,672,101
 
 
 57,451
 2,189,552
Officer 2014 450,000
 1,717,600
 
 1,146,000
 46,413
 3,360,013
               
Natalie L. Hocken, Senior Vice 2016 410,000
 1,286,748
 
 7,000
 30,498
 1,734,246
President and General Counsel(5)
 2015 313,636
 810,090
 
 
 30,339
 1,154,065
        Change in    
        Pension    
        Value and    
        Nonqualified    
        Deferred    
        Compensation All Other  
Name and Principal Position Year Base Salary 
Bonus (1)
 
Earnings(2)
 
Compensation (3)
 
Total (4)
             
William J. Fehrman(6)(7)
 2018 $
 $
 $
 $
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 2017 
 
 
 
 
and Chief Executive Officer 2016 
 
 
 
 
             
Gregory E. Abel (5)(6)
 2018 
 
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 2017 
 
 
 
 
and Chief Executive Officer 2016 
 
 
 
 
             
Stefan A. Bird 2018 355,000
 1,058,696
 29,549
 31,633
 1,474,878
President and Chief Executive 2017 346,000
 1,116,105
 9,480
 30,965
 1,502,550
Officer, Pacific Power 2016 338,000
 738,784
 629
 13,958
 1,091,371
             
Cindy A. Crane(8)
 2018 355,000
 683,123
 
 32,873
 1,070,996
President and Chief Executive 2017 346,000
 1,252,241
 45,016
 31,938
 1,675,195
Officer, Rocky Mountain Power 2016 338,000
 758,248
 35,752
 15,841
 1,147,841
             
Gary W. Hoogeveen(8)
 2018 315,570
 898,733
 
 32,484
 1,246,787
President and Chief Executive 2017 
 
 
 
 
Officer, Rocky Mountain Power 2016 
 
 
 
 
             
Nikki L. Kobliha 2018 224,510
 190,045
 
 30,804
 445,359
Vice President, Chief Financial 2017 217,079
 122,400
 18,304
 30,415
 388,198
Officer and Treasurer 2016 203,900
 143,004
 9,728
 29,585
 386,217

(1)
Consists of annual cash incentive awards earned pursuant to the PIPAIP for BHE'sPacifiCorp's NEOs, performance awards earned relatedfor Ms. Kobliha in recognition of efforts to non-routine projects,support PacifiCorp's objectives and the vesting of LTIP awards and associated vested earnings. The breakout for 20162018 is as follows:
      LTIP
    Performance Vested Vested  
  PIP Award Awards Earnings Total
           
Gregory E. Abel $15,000,000
 $
 $
 $
 $
Patrick J. Goodman 500,000
 430,000
 945,000
 201,308
 1,146,308
Natalie L. Hocken 375,000
 215,000
 450,747
 246,001
 696,748
      LTIP
    Performance Vested Vested  
  AIP Award Awards Earnings Total
Stefan A. Bird $532,500
 $
 $591,250
 $(65,054) $526,196
Cindy A. Crane 
 
 741,625
 (58,502) 683,123
Gary W. Hoogeveen 406,250
 
 532,160
 (39,677) 492,483
Nikki L. Kobliha 90,478
 25,000
 81,625
 (7,058) 74,567

The ultimate payouts of LTIP awards are undeterminable as the amounts to be paid out may increase or decrease depending on investment performance. Net income,BHE's Chairman and PacifiCorp's Presidents establish the award categories for determining LTIP awards based on net income target goal and the matrix below were used in determining the gross amount of the LTIP award available to the participants. Net income for determining the award and the award itself are subject to discretionary adjustment by the Chairman and CEO and Compensation Committee.goals or other criteria. In 2016,2018, the gross award was subjectively determined at the discretion of the BHE Chairman and PacifiCorp Presidents based on the overall achievement of BHE'sPacifiCorp's financial and non-financial objectives.

Net IncomeAward
Less than or equal to net income target goalNone
Exceeds net income target goal33.33% of excess

objectives including customer service, employee commitment and safety, environmental respect, regulatory integrity, operational excellence and financial strength.
(2)
Amounts are based upon the aggregate increase in the actuarial present value of all qualified and nonqualified defined benefit plans, which include BHE's cash balance and SERP, as applicable. Amounts are computed usingincludes the Retirement Plan. Refer to the Pension Benefits table below for a discussion of the assumptions consistent with those used in preparing the related pension disclosures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and are as of December 31, 2016.calculating these amounts. No participant in BHE's DCPPacifiCorp's nonqualified deferred compensation plans earned "above-market""above market" or "preferential" earnings on amounts deferred.
Negative amounts for the change in pension value not reported in the Summary Compensation Table are as follows: Ms. Crane $(9,651), and Ms. Kobliha $(11,646).

(3)Amounts consist of PacifiCorp K Plus Employee Savings Plan, or 401(k) Plan, contributions BHEPacifiCorp paid on behalf of the NEOs, except for Mr. Bird, Ms. Crane and Mr. Hoogeveen for whom PacifiCorp also includes an amount paid to each of them as well as perquisites and other personal benefits relateda tax gross-up with respect to life insurance premiums, the personal use of corporate aircraft and financial planning and tax preparation that BHE paid on behalf of Messrs. Abel and Goodman. The personal use of corporate aircraft represents BHE's incremental cost of providing thisa personal benefit determined by applying the percentage of flight hours used for personal use to BHE's incremental expenses incurred from operating its corporate aircraft, partially offset by reimbursed costs by the NEO. All other compensation is based upon amounts paid by BHE.with a value less than $10,000.
Items required to be reported and quantified are as follows: Mr. Abel - personal use of corporate aircraft of $73,764, life insurance premiums paid of $44,490 and 401(k) contributions of $12,773; Mr. Goodman - 401(k) contributions of $29,998; and Ms. Hocken - 401(k) contributions of $29,998.

(4)Any amounts voluntarily deferred by the NEO, if applicable, are included in the appropriate column in the summary compensation table.Summary Compensation Table.

(5)Ms. HockenMr. Abel received no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp reimburses BHE for the cost of Mr. Abel's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and its subsidiaries. In 2018, PacifiCorp reimbursed BHE $0 for the cost of Mr. Abel's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp pursuant to the intercompany administrative services agreement.
(6)On January 10, 2018, Mr. Gregory E. Abel resigned as PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. William J. Fehrman was named Senior Vice Presidentelected as PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Counsel effective July 10, 2015. Ms. Hocken was previouslyChief Executive Officer.
(7)Mr. Fehrman receives no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp reimburses BHE for the Senior Vice President, Transmissioncost of Mr. Fehrman's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and System Operations atits subsidiaries. In 2018, PacifiCorp an indirect, wholly owned subsidiaryreimbursed BHE $215,435 for the cost of BHE's.Mr. Fehrman's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp pursuant to the intercompany administrative services agreement.
(8)On June 1, 2018, Gary W. Hoogeveen succeeded Cindy A. Crane as Rocky Mountain Power's president. On November 28, 2018, Gary W. Hoogeveen also succeeded Cindy A. Crane as Rocky Mountain Power's chief executive officer.

Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the defined benefit pension plan accounts held by each of BHE'sPacifiCorp's NEOs as of December 31, 2016:2018:

 Number of    
 years Present value Payments
 credited of accumulated during last Number of years of Present value of
Name Plan name 
service(1)
 
benefit(2)
 fiscal year Plan name credited service 
accumulated benefits (1)
      
William J. Fehrman  n/a n/a n/a
Gregory E. Abel SERP n/a $11,648,000
 $
 n/a n/a n/a
 MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan 18 years 326,000
 
    
Patrick J. Goodman SERP 22 years 4,055,000
 
 MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan 10 years 195,000
 
    
Natalie L. Hocken PacifiCorp Retirement Plan 7 years 102,000
 
Stefan A. Bird  Retirement 10 years $206,774
Cindy A. Crane  Retirement 21 years 468,923
Gary W. Hoogeveen n/a n/a n/a
Nikki L. Kobliha  Retirement 12 years 112,149


(1)Mr. Goodman's credited years of service, for purposes of the SERP only, includes 18 years of service with BHE and four additional years of imputed service from a predecessor company.
(2)
Amounts are computed using assumptions, other than the expected retirement age, consistent with those used in preparing the related pension disclosures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Berkshire Hathaway EnergyPacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and are as of December 31, 2016,2018, which is the measurement date for the plans. The expected retirement age assumption has been determined in accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 402(h)(2) of Regulation S-K. For the Retirement Plan calculations of the present value of accumulated benefits, for the SERP was calculated using the following form of payment assumptions: (1) Mr. Abel - a 100%assumptions were used: 60% lump sum payment; 40% joint and 100% survivor annuity if participant is married and (2) Mr. Goodman - a 66 2/3% joint and survivor annuity. The present value of accumulated benefits for the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan was calculated using a 90% lump sum payment and a 10%40% single life annuity.annuity if participant is single. The present value assumptions used in calculating the present value of accumulated benefits for both the SERP and the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan were as follows: a cash balance interest crediting rate of 1.44% in 2017 and 2018 and 2.10% thereafter; a cash balance conversion rate of 4.10% in 2016 and thereafter; a discount rate of 4.10%4.25%; an expected retirement age of 65; and postretirement mortality and cash balance conversion mortality based onusing the RP-2014 mortalitygender specific tables, adjusted for BHE credibility weighted experience, translated to 2011 using scale MP-2014MP-2014. 2012, 2013 and loaded 3%2014 rates were used for credibility-weighted experience,MP-2016, MP-2017 and MP-2018, respectively and generational mortality improvements from 2014 forward were based on the custom RPEC 2014 v2018 model; a lump sum interest rate of 4.25%; and lump sum mortality using the gender specific tables set forth in IRC 417(e)(3) for the upcoming fiscal year with custom RPEC-2016 generational improvements.
mortality improvements determined using MP-2017.

The present value of accumulated benefitsHistorically, PacifiCorp has adopted the Retirement Plan for the PacifiCorpmajority of its employees, other than employees subject to collective bargaining agreements that do not provide for coverage under the Retirement Plan was calculated using the following assumptions: 50% lump sum payment, 35% joint and 100% survivor annuity and 15% singlePlan. Through May 31, 2007, participants earned benefits at retirement payable for life annuity; a discount rate of 4.05%; an expected retirement age of 65; postretirement mortality and lump sum conversion mortality based on length of service through May 31, 2007 and average pay in the RP-2014 mortality tables, translated60 consecutive months of highest pay out of the 120 months prior to 2011 using scale MP-2014May 31, 2007. Pay for this purpose included base salary and loaded 3% for credibility-weighted experience, with custom RPEC-2014 generational improvements.annual incentive plan payments up to 10% of base salary, but was limited to the amounts specified in Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17). Benefits were based on 1.3% of final average pay plus 0.65% of final average pay in excess of covered compensation (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 401(1)(5)(E)) multiplied by years of service.


The SERP provides annual retirement benefits upRetirement Plan was restated effective June 1, 2007 to 65% ofchange from a participant's total cash compensation in effect immediately prior to retirement, subject to an annual $1 million maximum retirement benefit. Total cash compensation means (i) the highest amount payabletraditional final average pay formula as described above to a participantcash balance formula for non-union participants. Benefits under the final average pay formula were frozen as monthly base salary duringof May 31, 2007, and no future benefits will accrue under that formula for non-union participants. Under the cash balance formula, benefits are based on pay credits to each participant's account of 6.5% (5.0% for employees hired after June 30, 2006 and before January 1, 2008) of eligible compensation. Interest is also credited to each participant's account. Employees who were age 40 or older as of May 31, 2007 received certain additional transition pay credits for five years immediately prior to retirement multiplied by 12, plus (ii)from the averageeffective date of the participant's awards under an annual incentive bonus program during the three years immediately prior to the year of retirement and (iii) special, additional or non-recurring bonus awards, if any, that are required to be included in total cash compensation pursuant to a participant's employment agreement or approved for inclusion by the Board of Directors. Mr. Goodman's SERP benefit will be reduced by the amount of his regular retirement benefit under the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan his actuarially equivalent benefit under the fixed 401(k) contribution option and ratably for retirement between ages 55 and 65. A survivor benefit is payable to a surviving spouse under the SERP. Benefits from the SERP will be paid out of general corporate funds; however, through a Rabbi trust, BHE maintains life insurance on participants in amounts expected to be sufficient to fund the after-tax cost of the projected benefits. Deferred compensation is considered part of the salary covered by the SERP.restatement.

UnderParticipants in the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan each NEO (except Ms. Hocken, who participated in the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan through December 31, 2015) has an account, for record-keeping purposes only,are entitled to which creditsreceive full benefits upon retirement on or after age 65. Such participants are allocated annually basedalso entitled to receive reduced benefits upon a percentageearly retirement after age 55 with at least five years of the NEO's base salary and incentive paid in the plan year. In addition, all balances in the accountsservice or when age plus years of NEOs earn a fixed rate of interest that is credited annually. The interest rate for a particular year is based on the one-year constant maturity Treasury yield plus seven-tenths of one percentage point. Each NEO is vested in the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan. At retirement, or other termination of employment, an amount equal to the vested balance then credited to the account is payable to the NEO in the form of a lump sum or an annuity.service equals 75.

In 2008, non-union employee participants in the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan and the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan were offered the option to continue to receive pay credits in the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Plan and the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan or receive equivalent fixed contributions to the MidAmerican Energy Company Retirement Savings401(k) Plan and the PacifiCorp K Plus Employee Savings Plan, or 401(k) plans, with any such election becoming effective January 1, 2009. Ms. Kobliha and Mr. Goodman and Ms. HockenHoogeveen elected the equivalent fixed 401(k) contribution option and, therefore, no longer receive pay credits in the MidAmerican Energy CompanyRetirement Plan. In 2017, the Retirement Plan was frozen for the remainder of the non-union employees (which include Mr. Bird, and Ms. Crane) with pay credits equivalent to those received in the PacifiCorp Retirement Plan; however, they each continuePlan allocated into the K Plus Employee Savings Plan. Each NEO continues to receive interest credits.credits in the Retirement Plan.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the nonqualified deferred compensation plan accounts held by each of BHE'sPacifiCorp's NEOs as of December 31, 2016:2018:

         Aggregate
 Executive Registrant Aggregate Aggregate balance as of Executive Registrant Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate
 contributions contributions earnings withdrawals/ December 31, contributions contributions earnings/losses withdrawals/ balance as of
Name 
in 2016(1)
 in 2016 in 2016 distributions 2016 
in 2018(1)(2)(3)
 in 2018 in 2018 distributions December 31, 2018
                    
William J. Fehrman $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Gregory E. Abel $
 $
 $197,944
 $(374,059) $2,061,061
 
 
 
 
 
          
Patrick J. Goodman 
 
 142,535
 
 1,624,365
          
Natalie L. Hocken 
 
 115,240
 (71,828) 1,379,287
Stefan A. Bird 
 
 
 
 
Cindy A. Crane 747,616
   (153,453) 99,555
 4,276,405
Gary W. Hoogeveen 310,272
 
 (71,213) 142,984
 1,428,075
Nikki L. Kobliha 47,009
 
 
 
 47,009

(1)ExcludesThe executive contribution amount shown for Ms. Crane represents a deferral of $447,762 of her 2014 LTIP award and $299,854 of her 2015 LTIP which were deferred in 2018. $69,530 of the valuedeferred 2014 LTIP award and $46,563 of 10,041 sharesthe deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the total compensation reported for her in the Summary Compensation Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to 2018.
(2)The executive contribution amount shown for Mr. Hoogeveen represents a deferral of BHE common stock reserved$310,272 of his 2015 LTIP award which was deferred in 2018. $96,495 of the deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the 2018 total compensation reported for issuancehim in the Summary Compensation Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to Mr. Abel. Mr. Abel2018.
(3)The executive contribution amount shown for Ms. Kobliha represents a deferral of her 2015 LTIP award which was deferred in 2018. $7,759 of the rightdeferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the 2018 total compensation reported for her in the Summary Compensation Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to receive the value of these shares pursuant to a legacy nonqualified deferred compensation plan.2018.

Eligibility for BHE'sPacifiCorp's DCP is restricted to select management and highly compensated employees. The plan provides tax benefits to eligible participants by allowing them to defer compensation on a pretax basis, thus reducing their current taxable income. Deferrals and any investment returns grow on a tax-deferred basis, thus participants pay no income tax until they receive distributions. The DCP permits participants to make a voluntary deferral of up to 50% of base salary and 100% of short-term incentive compensation awards. All deferrals are net of social security taxes. Amounts deferred under the DCP receive a rate of return based on the returns of any combination of various investment alternatives offered by the plan and selected by the participant. Gains or losses are calculated daily, and returns are posted to accounts based on participants' fund allocation elections. Participants can change their fund allocations as of the end of any day on which the market is open.

The DCP allows participants to maintain three accounts based upon when they want to receive payments: retirement account, in-service account and education account. Both the retirement and in-service accounts can be distributed as lump sums or in up to 10 annual installments, except in the case of the four DCP transition accounts that allow for a grandfathered payout based on the previous deferred compensation plan distribution elections of lump sum, 5, 10 or 15 annual installments. Effective December 31, 2006, no new money may be deferred into the DCP transition accounts. The education account is distributed in four annual installments. If a participant leaves employment prior to retirement (age 55), all amounts in the participant's account will be paid out in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable. Participants are 100% vested in their deferrals and any investment gains or losses recorded in their accounts.

Participants in BHE'sPacifiCorp's LTIP also have the option of deferring all or a part of those awards after the four-year mandatory deferral and vesting period. The provisions governing the deferral of LTIP awards are similar to those described for the DCP above.

Potential Payments Upon Termination

BHE has entered into employment agreements with Messrs. AbelPacifiCorp's NEOs, other than the Chairman and Goodman that provide for payments followingCEO, are not generally entitled to severance or enhanced benefits upon termination of employment under various circumstances, which do not include change-in-control provisions. A termination of employment of either Messrs. Abel or Goodman will occur upon their respective resignation (with or without good reason), permanent disability, death, or termination by BHE with or without cause. The employment agreement forchange in control. Mr. Abel also includes provisions specific to the calculation ofresigned as PacifiCorp's Chairman and CEO on January 10, 2018 and received no severance or enhanced benefits in connection with his SERP benefit.resignation.


Ms. Hocken does not have an employment agreement. Where a NEO does not have an employment agreement, or in the event that the agreements for Messrs. Abel and Goodman do not address an issue, payments upon termination are determined by the applicable plan documents and BHE's general employment policies and practices as discussed below. The following discussion provides further detail on post-termination payments.

Gregory E. Abel

Mr. Abel's employment agreement entitles him to receive two years base salary continuation and payments in respect of average bonuses for the prior two years in the event BHE terminates his employment other than for cause. The payments are to be paid as a lump sum with no discount for present valuation.

In addition, if Mr. Abel's employment is terminated due to death, permanent disability or other than for cause, he is entitled to continuation of his senior executive employee benefits (or the economic equivalent thereof) for two years. If Mr. Abel resigns, BHE must pay him any accrued but unpaid base salary, unless he resigns for good reason, in which case he will receive the same benefits as if he were terminated other than for cause.

Payments made in accordance with the employment agreement are contingent on Mr. Abel complying with the confidentiality and post-employment restrictions described therein. The term of the agreement effectively expires on August 6, 2021, and is extended automatically for additional one year terms thereafter subject to Mr. Abel's election to decline renewal at least 365 days prior to the August 6 that is four years prior to the current expiration date (or by August 6, 2017, for the agreement not to extend to August 6, 2022).

The following table sets forth the estimated enhancements to paymentsincrease in the present value of benefits pursuant to the termination scenarios indicated.indicated for PacifiCorp's NEOs, other than Mr. Fehrman and Mr. Abel. Payments or benefits that are not enhanced in form or amount upon the occurrence of a particular termination scenario, includingwhich include 401(k) and nonqualified deferred compensation account balances and those portions of life insurance benefits and cash balance pension amountslong-term incentive payments that would have otherwise been paid, are not included herein. All estimated payments reflected in the table below assume termination on December 31, 2016,2018 and are payable as lump sums unless otherwise noted.
  Cash   Life   Benefits Excise and
Termination Scenario 
Severance(1)
 Incentive 
Insurance(2)
 
Pension(3)
 
Continuation(4)
 
Other Taxes(5)
             
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary $
 $
 $
 $8,452,000
 $
 $
With Cause            
             
Involuntary Without Cause, Disability and 28,500,000
 
 
 8,452,000
 85,491
 
Voluntary With Good Reason            
             
Death 28,500,000
 
 1,825,824
 7,733,000
 85,491
 

(1)The cash severance payments are determined in accordance with Mr. Abel's employment agreement.
(2)Life insurance benefits are equal to two times base salary, as of the preceding June 1, less the benefits otherwise payable in all other termination scenarios, which are equal to the total cash value of the policies less cumulative premiums paid by BHE.
(3)Pension values represent the excess of the present value of benefits payable under each termination scenario over the amount already reflected in the Pension Benefits Table. Mr. Abel's death scenario is based on a 100% joint and survivor with 15-year certain annuity commencing immediately. Mr. Abel's other termination scenarios are based on a 100% joint and survivor annuity commencing immediately.
(4)Includes health and welfare, life insurance and financial planning and tax preparation benefits for two years. The health and welfare benefit amounts are estimated using the rates BHE currently charges employees terminating employment but electing to continue their medical, dental and vision insurance after termination. These amounts are grossed-up for taxes and then reduced by the amount Mr. Abel would have paid if he had continued his employment. The life insurance benefit amounts are based on the cost of individual policies offering benefits equivalent to BHE's group coverage and are grossed-up for taxes. These amounts also assume benefit continuation for the entire two year period, with no offset by another employer. BHE will also continue to provide financial planning and tax preparation reimbursement, or the economic equivalent thereof, for two years or pay a lump sum cash amount to keep Mr. Abel in the same economic position on an after-tax basis. The amount included is based on an annual estimated cost using the most recent three-year average annual reimbursement. If it is determined that benefits paid with respect to the extension of medical and dental benefits to Mr. Abel would not be exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code, BHE shall pay to Mr. Abel a lump sum cash payment following separation from service to allow him to obtain equivalent medical and dental benefits and which would put him in the same after-tax economic position.
(5)As provided in Mr. Abel's employment agreement, should it be deemed under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code that termination payments constitute excess parachute payments subject to an excise tax, BHE will gross up such payments to cover the excise tax and any additional taxes associated with such gross-up. Based on computations prescribed under Section 280G and related regulations, BHE does not believe that any of the termination scenarios are subject to any excise tax.

Patrick J. Goodman
Mr. Goodman's employment agreement entitles him to receive two years base salary continuation and payments in respect of average bonuses for the prior two years in the event BHE terminates his employment other than for cause. The payments are to be paid as a lump sum with no discount for present valuation.

In addition, if Mr. Goodman's employment is terminated due to death, permanent disability or other than for cause, he is entitled to continuation of his senior executive employee benefits (or the economic equivalent thereof) for one year. If Mr. Goodman resigns, BHE must pay him any accrued but unpaid base salary, unless he resigns for good reason, in which case he will receive the same benefits as if he were terminated other than for cause.

Payments made in accordance with the employment agreement are contingent on Mr. Goodman complying with the confidentiality and post-employment restrictions described therein. The term of the agreement expires on April 21, 2018, but is extended automatically for additional one year terms thereafter subject to Mr. Goodman's election to decline renewal at least 365 days prior to the then current expiration date or termination.

The following table sets forth the estimated enhancements to payments pursuant to the termination scenarios indicated. Payments or benefits that are not enhanced in form or amount upon the occurrence of a particular termination scenario, including 401(k) and nonqualified deferred compensation account balances and those portions of long-term incentive payments, life insurance benefits and cash balance pension amounts that would have otherwise been paid, are not included herein. All estimated payments reflected in the table below assume termination on December 31, 2016, and are payable as lump sums unless otherwise noted.
  Cash   Life   Benefits Excise and
Termination Scenario 
Severance(1)
 
Incentive(2)
 
Insurance(3)
 
Pension(4)
 
Continuation(5)
 
Other Taxes(6)
             
Retirement and Voluntary $
 $
 $
 $2,077,000
 $
 $
             
Involuntary With Cause 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Involuntary Without Cause and Voluntary 4,360,000
 
 
 2,077,000
 24,239
 
With Good Reason            
             
Death 4,360,000
 1,747,885
 892,388
 2,892,000
 24,239
 
             
Disability 4,360,000
 1,747,885
 
 3,534,000
 24,239
 

(1)The cash severance payments are determined in accordance with Mr. Goodman's employment agreement.
(2)Amounts represent the unvested portion of Mr. Goodman's LTIP account, which becomes 100% vested upon his death or disability.
(3)Life insurance benefits are equal to two times base salary, as of the preceding June 1, less the benefits otherwise payable in all other termination scenarios, which are equal to the total cash value of the policies less cumulative premiums paid by BHE.
(4)Pension values represent the excess of the present value of benefits payable under each termination scenario over the amount already reflected in the Pension Benefits Table. Mr. Goodman's voluntary termination, retirement, involuntary without cause, and change in control termination scenarios are based on a 66 2/3% joint and survivor annuity commencing at age 55 (reductions for termination prior to age 55 and commencement prior to age 65). Mr. Goodman's disability scenario is based on a 66 2/3% joint and survivor annuity commencing at age 55 (no reduction for termination prior to age 55, reduced for commencement prior to age 65). Mr. Goodman's death scenario is based on a 15-year certain only annuity commencing immediately (no reduction for termination prior to age 55 and commencement prior to age 65).
(5)Includes health and welfare, life insurance and financial planning and tax preparation benefits for one year. The health and welfare benefit amounts are estimated using the rates BHE currently charges employees terminating employment but electing to continue their medical, dental and vision insurance after termination. These amounts are grossed-up for taxes and then reduced by the amount Mr. Goodman would have paid if he had continued his employment. The life insurance benefit amounts are based on the cost of individual policies offering benefits equivalent to BHE's group coverage and are grossed-up for taxes. These amounts also assume benefit continuation for the entire one year period, with no offset by another employer. BHE will also continue to provide financial planning and tax preparation reimbursement, or the economic equivalent thereof, for one year or pay a lump sum cash amount to keep Mr. Goodman in the same economic position on an after-tax basis. The amount included is based on an annual estimated cost using the most recent three-year average annual reimbursement.
(6)As provided in Mr. Goodman's employment agreement, should it be deemed under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code that termination payments constitute excess parachute payments subject to an excise tax, BHE will gross up such payments to cover the excise tax and any additional taxes associated with such gross-up. Based on computations prescribed under Section 280G and related regulations, BHE does not believe that any of the termination scenarios are subject to any excise tax.

Natalie L. Hocken

The following table sets forth the estimated enhancements to payments pursuant to the termination scenarios indicated. Payments or benefits that are not enhanced in form or amount upon the occurrence of a particular termination scenario, including 401(k) and nonqualified deferred compensation account balances and those portions of long-term incentive payments and cash balance pension amounts that would have otherwise been paid, are not included herein. All estimated payments reflected in the table below assume termination on December 31, 2016, and are payable as lump sums unless otherwise noted.
 Cash   Life   Benefits Excise and
Termination Scenario Severance 
Incentive(1)
 Insurance 
Pension(2)
 Continuation Other Taxes 
Incentive (1)
 
Pension (2)
                
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or $
 $
 $
 $6,000
 $
 $
Without Cause            
            
Stefan A. Bird:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 23,790
Death and Disability 
 1,055,675
 
 6,000
 
 
 1,021,409
 23,790
Cindy A. Crane(3):
    
Involuntary With Cause 
 30,545
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary Without Cause, Death and Disability 1,434,981
 30,545
Gary W. Hoogeveen:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 n/a
Death and Disability 769,760
 n/a
Nikki L. Kobliha:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 
Death and Disability 156,550
 

(1)Amounts represent the unvested portion of Ms. Hocken'seach NEO's LTIP account, which becomes 100% vested upon her death or disability.under certain circumstances.
(2)Pension values represent the excess of the present value of benefits payable under each termination scenario over the amount already reflected in the Pension Benefits Table.table.
(3)Ms. Crane has already met the retirement criteria, therefore her termination and death scenarios under the Retirement Plan are based on assuming 60% paid as a lump sum and 40% paid as a 100% joint and survivor annuity.
Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio

PacifiCorp's CEO receives no direct compensation from PacifiCorp, and no amounts are reported for the CEO in the Summary Compensation Table. Accordingly, PacifiCorp has determined that the CEO pay ratio is not calculable.


Director Compensation

BHE'sPacifiCorp's directors aredo not paid any feesreceive additional compensation for servingservice as directors. All directors are reimbursedof PacifiCorp. Compensation information for Messrs. Abel, Fehrman, Bird, Hoogeveen, and Ms. Kobliha for their expenses incurred in attending Boardservices as executive officers of Directors meetings.PacifiCorp is described above.

Potential Payments Upon Termination
PacifiCorp's NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, are not entitled to severance or enhanced benefits upon termination of employment or change in control. However, upon any termination of employment, PacifiCorp's other NEOs would be entitled to the vested balances in the LTIP, DCP and PacifiCorp's non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, or the Retirement Plan.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider ParticipationReport

Mr. Buffett isFehrman, PacifiCorp's current Chairman and CEO and sole member of PacifiCorp's compensation committee, has reviewed the Chairman ofCompensation Discussion and Analysis and, based on this review, has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway, BHE's majority owner. Mr. Scott is a former officer of BHE. Based on the standards of the New York Stock Exchange LLC, on which the common stock of BHE's majority owner, Berkshire Hathaway, is listed, BHE's Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Buffett and Scott are not independent because of their ownership of BHE common stock. None of BHE's executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any company that has an executive officer serving as a member of BHE's Board of Directors. None of BHE's executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors of any company that has an executive officer serving as a member of BHE's Compensation Committee. See also Berkshire Hathaway Energy's Item 13Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


PACIFICORP

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Philosophy and Overall Objectives

Mr. Gregory E. Abel, PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, or Chairman and CEO, receives no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp reimburses its indirect parent company, BHE, for the cost of Mr. Abel's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and its subsidiaries. Please refer to Berkshire Hathaway Energy's Item 11 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for executive compensation and post-termination payment information for Mr. Abel.

PacifiCorp believes that the compensation paid to each of its Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, and its other most highly compensated executive officers, to whom PacifiCorp refers collectively as its Named Executive Officers, or NEOs, should be closely aligned with its overall performance, and each NEO's contribution to that performance, on both a short- and long-term basis, and that such compensation should be sufficient to attract and retain highly qualified leaders who can create significant value for the organization. PacifiCorp's compensation programs are designed to provide its NEOs meaningful incentives for superior corporate and individual performance. Performance is evaluated on a subjective basis within the context of both financial and non-financial objectives, among which are customer service, operational excellence, financial strength, employee commitment and safety, environmental respect and regulatory integrity, which PacifiCorp believes contribute to its long-term success.

How is Compensation Determined

PacifiCorp's compensation committee consists solely of Mr. Abel. Mr. Abel also serves as BHE's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Abel is responsible for the establishment and oversight of PacifiCorp's compensation policy and for approving compensation decisions for its NEOs such as approving base pay increases, incentive and performance awards, off-cycle pay changes, and participation in other employee benefit plans and programs.

PacifiCorp's criteria for assessing executive performance and determining compensation in any year is inherently subjective and is not based upon specific formulas or weighting of factors. PacifiCorp does not specifically use other companies as benchmarks when establishing its NEOs' compensation.

Discussion and Analysis of Specific Compensation Elements

Base Salary

PacifiCorp determines base salaries for all of its NEOs, other than Mr. Abel, by reviewing its overall performance, and each NEO's performance, the value each NEO brings to PacifiCorp and general labor market conditions. While base salary provides a base level of compensation intended to be competitive with the external market, the annual base salary adjustment for each NEO, other than Mr. Abel, is determined on a subjective basis after consideration of these factors and is not based on target percentiles or other formal criteria. All merit increases are approved by Mr. Abel and take effect in the last payroll period of each year. An increase or decrease in base salary may also result from a promotion or other significant change in a NEO's responsibilities during the year. For 2016, base salaries for all NEOs, other than Mr. Abel, increased on average by 2.3% effective December 26, 2015, reflecting merit increases.

Short-Term Incentive Compensation

The objective of short-term incentive compensation is to reward the achievement of significant annual corporate and business unit goals while also providing NEOs with competitive total cash compensation.William J. Fehrman


Annual Incentive PlanSummary Compensation Table

UnderThe following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by each of PacifiCorp's Annual Incentive Plan,NEOs during the years indicated:
        Change in    
        Pension    
        Value and    
        Nonqualified    
        Deferred    
        Compensation All Other  
Name and Principal Position Year Base Salary 
Bonus (1)
 
Earnings(2)
 
Compensation (3)
 
Total (4)
             
William J. Fehrman(6)(7)
 2018 $
 $
 $
 $
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 2017 
 
 
 
 
and Chief Executive Officer 2016 
 
 
 
 
             
Gregory E. Abel (5)(6)
 2018 
 
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 2017 
 
 
 
 
and Chief Executive Officer 2016 
 
 
 
 
             
Stefan A. Bird 2018 355,000
 1,058,696
 29,549
 31,633
 1,474,878
President and Chief Executive 2017 346,000
 1,116,105
 9,480
 30,965
 1,502,550
Officer, Pacific Power 2016 338,000
 738,784
 629
 13,958
 1,091,371
             
Cindy A. Crane(8)
 2018 355,000
 683,123
 
 32,873
 1,070,996
President and Chief Executive 2017 346,000
 1,252,241
 45,016
 31,938
 1,675,195
Officer, Rocky Mountain Power 2016 338,000
 758,248
 35,752
 15,841
 1,147,841
             
Gary W. Hoogeveen(8)
 2018 315,570
 898,733
 
 32,484
 1,246,787
President and Chief Executive 2017 
 
 
 
 
Officer, Rocky Mountain Power 2016 
 
 
 
 
             
Nikki L. Kobliha 2018 224,510
 190,045
 
 30,804
 445,359
Vice President, Chief Financial 2017 217,079
 122,400
 18,304
 30,415
 388,198
Officer and Treasurer 2016 203,900
 143,004
 9,728
 29,585
 386,217

(1)Consists of annual cash incentive awards earned pursuant to the AIP for PacifiCorp's NEOs, performance awards for Ms. Kobliha in recognition of efforts to support PacifiCorp's objectives and the vesting of LTIP awards and associated vested earnings. The breakout for 2018 is as follows:
      LTIP
    Performance Vested Vested  
  AIP Award Awards Earnings Total
Stefan A. Bird $532,500
 $
 $591,250
 $(65,054) $526,196
Cindy A. Crane 
 
 741,625
 (58,502) 683,123
Gary W. Hoogeveen 406,250
 
 532,160
 (39,677) 492,483
Nikki L. Kobliha 90,478
 25,000
 81,625
 (7,058) 74,567

The ultimate payouts of LTIP awards are undeterminable as the amounts to be paid out may increase or AIP, all NEOs, other than Mr. Abel, are eligible to earn an annual discretionary cash incentivedecrease depending on investment performance. BHE's Chairman and PacifiCorp's Presidents establish the award which is determined on a subjective basis at Mr. Abel's sole discretion and is notcategories for determining LTIP awards based on a specific formulanet income target goals or cap. Mr. Abel considers a varietyother criteria. In 2018, the gross award was subjectively determined at the discretion of factors in determining each NEO's annual incentive award including the NEO's performance,BHE Chairman and PacifiCorp Presidents based on the overall achievement of PacifiCorp's overall performance and each NEO's contribution to that overall performance. Mr. Abel evaluates performance using financial and non-financial objectives including customer service, employee commitment and safety, environmental respect, regulatory integrity, operational excellence and financial strength, as well as the NEO's response to issues and opportunities that arise during the year. No factor was individually material to Mr. Abel's determinationstrength.
(2)Amounts are based upon the aggregate increase in the actuarial present value of all qualified and nonqualified defined benefit plans, which includes the Retirement Plan. Refer to the Pension Benefits table below for a discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these amounts. No participant in PacifiCorp's nonqualified deferred compensation plans earned "above market" or "preferential" earnings on amounts deferred. Negative amounts for the change in pension value not reported in the Summary Compensation Table are as follows: Ms. Crane $(9,651), and Ms. Kobliha $(11,646).

(3)Amounts consist of PacifiCorp K Plus Employee Savings Plan, or 401(k) Plan, contributions PacifiCorp paid on behalf of the NEOs, except for Mr. Bird, Ms. Crane and Mr. Hoogeveen for whom PacifiCorp also includes an amount paid to each of them as a tax gross-up with respect to a personal benefit with a value less than $10,000.
(4)Any amounts voluntarily deferred by the NEO, if applicable, are included in the appropriate column in the Summary Compensation Table.
(5)Mr. Abel received no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp reimburses BHE for the cost of Mr. Abel's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and its subsidiaries. In 2018, PacifiCorp reimbursed BHE $0 for the cost of Mr. Abel's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp pursuant to the intercompany administrative services agreement.
(6)On January 10, 2018, Mr. Gregory E. Abel resigned as PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. William J. Fehrman was elected as PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.
(7)Mr. Fehrman receives no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp reimburses BHE for the cost of Mr. Fehrman's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and its subsidiaries. In 2018, PacifiCorp reimbursed BHE $215,435 for the cost of Mr. Fehrman's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp pursuant to the intercompany administrative services agreement.
(8)On June 1, 2018, Gary W. Hoogeveen succeeded Cindy A. Crane as Rocky Mountain Power's president. On November 28, 2018, Gary W. Hoogeveen also succeeded Cindy A. Crane as Rocky Mountain Power's chief executive officer.

Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the defined benefit pension plan accounts held by each of PacifiCorp's NEOs as of December 31, 2018:

    Number of years of Present value of
Name Plan name credited service 
accumulated benefits (1)
       
William J. Fehrman  n/a n/a n/a
Gregory E. Abel n/a n/a n/a
Stefan A. Bird  Retirement 10 years $206,774
Cindy A. Crane  Retirement 21 years 468,923
Gary W. Hoogeveen n/a n/a n/a
Nikki L. Kobliha  Retirement 12 years 112,149


(1)Amounts are computed using assumptions, other than the expected retirement age, consistent with those used in preparing the related pension disclosures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and are as of December 31, 2018, which is the measurement date for the plans. The expected retirement age assumption has been determined in accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 402(h)(2) of Regulation S-K. For the Retirement Plan calculations of the present value of accumulated benefits, the following assumptions were used: 60% lump sum payment; 40% joint and 100% survivor annuity if participant is married and 40% single life annuity if participant is single. The present value assumptions used in calculating the present value of accumulated benefits for the Retirement Plan were as follows: a discount rate of 4.25%; an expected retirement age of 65; postretirement mortality using the RP-2014 gender specific tables, adjusted for BHE credibility weighted experience, translated to 2011 using MP-2014. 2012, 2013 and 2014 rates were used for MP-2016, MP-2017 and MP-2018, respectively and generational mortality improvements from 2014 forward were based on the custom RPEC 2014 v2018 model; a lump sum interest rate of 4.25%; and lump sum mortality using the gender specific tables set forth in IRC 417(e)(3) for the upcoming fiscal year with mortality improvements determined using MP-2017.
Historically, PacifiCorp has adopted the Retirement Plan for the majority of its employees, other than employees subject to collective bargaining agreements that do not provide for coverage under the Retirement Plan. Through May 31, 2007, participants earned benefits at retirement payable for life based on length of service through May 31, 2007 and average pay in the 60 consecutive months of highest pay out of the 120 months prior to May 31, 2007. Pay for this purpose included base salary and annual incentive plan payments up to 10% of base salary, but was limited to the amounts paidspecified in Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17). Benefits were based on 1.3% of final average pay plus 0.65% of final average pay in excess of covered compensation (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 401(1)(5)(E)) multiplied by years of service.


The Retirement Plan was restated effective June 1, 2007 to change from a traditional final average pay formula as described above to a cash balance formula for non-union participants. Benefits under the final average pay formula were frozen as of May 31, 2007, and no future benefits will accrue under that formula for non-union participants. Under the cash balance formula, benefits are based on pay credits to each NEO underparticipant's account of 6.5% (5.0% for employees hired after June 30, 2006 and before January 1, 2008) of eligible compensation. Interest is also credited to each participant's account. Employees who were age 40 or older as of May 31, 2007 received certain additional transition pay credits for five years from the AIP for 2016. Approved awards are paid prior to year-end.effective date of the Retirement Plan restatement.

Performance AwardsParticipants in the Retirement Plan are entitled to receive full benefits upon retirement on or after age 65. Such participants are also entitled to receive reduced benefits upon early retirement after age 55 with at least five years of service or when age plus years of service equals 75.

In addition2008, non-union employee participants in the Retirement Plan were offered the option to continue to receive pay credits in the Retirement Plan or receive equivalent fixed contributions to the annual awards under401(k) Plan with any such election becoming effective January 1, 2009. Ms. Kobliha and Mr. Hoogeveen elected the AIP, PacifiCorp may grant cash performance awards periodically duringequivalent fixed 401(k) contribution option and, therefore, no longer receive pay credits in the year to one or more NEOs, other thanRetirement Plan. In 2017, the Retirement Plan was frozen for the remainder of the non-union employees (which include Mr. Abel, to reward the accomplishment of significant non-recurring tasks or projects. These awards are discretionary and are approved by Mr. Abel. In December 2016, a cash performance award was granted to Messrs. Bird, and Reiten and Ms. CraneCrane) with pay credits equivalent to those received in recognition of their outstanding efforts.the Retirement Plan allocated into the K Plus Employee Savings Plan. Each NEO continues to receive interest credits in the Retirement Plan.

Long-Term IncentiveNonqualified Deferred Compensation

The objective of long-term incentivefollowing table sets forth certain information regarding the nonqualified deferred compensation is to retain NEOs, reward their exceptional performance and motivate them to create long-term, sustainable value. PacifiCorp's current long-term incentive compensation program is cash-based. PacifiCorp does not utilize stock options or other forms of equity-based awards.

Long-Term Incentive Partnership Plan

The PacifiCorp Long-Term Incentive Partnership Plan, or LTIP, is designed to retain key employees and to align PacifiCorp's interests and the interests of the participating employees. Allplan accounts held by each of PacifiCorp's NEOs other than Mr. Abel, participate in the LTIP.as of December 31, 2018:

  Executive Registrant Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate
  contributions contributions earnings/losses withdrawals/ balance as of
Name 
in 2018(1)(2)(3)
 in 2018 in 2018 distributions December 31, 2018
           
William J. Fehrman $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Gregory E. Abel 
 
 
 
 
Stefan A. Bird 
 
 
 
 
Cindy A. Crane 747,616
   (153,453) 99,555
 4,276,405
Gary W. Hoogeveen 310,272
 
 (71,213) 142,984
 1,428,075
Nikki L. Kobliha 47,009
 
 
 
 47,009

(1)The executive contribution amount shown for Ms. Crane represents a deferral of $447,762 of her 2014 LTIP award and $299,854 of her 2015 LTIP which were deferred in 2018. $69,530 of the deferred 2014 LTIP award and $46,563 of the deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the total compensation reported for her in the Summary Compensation Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to 2018.
(2)The executive contribution amount shown for Mr. Hoogeveen represents a deferral of $310,272 of his 2015 LTIP award which was deferred in 2018. $96,495 of the deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the 2018 total compensation reported for him in the Summary Compensation Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to 2018.
(3)The executive contribution amount shown for Ms. Kobliha represents a deferral of her 2015 LTIP award which was deferred in 2018. $7,759 of the deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the 2018 total compensation reported for her in the Summary Compensation Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to 2018.
Eligibility for PacifiCorp's DCP is restricted to select management and highly compensated employees. The LTIPplan provides for annual discretionary awards based upon significant accomplishmentstax benefits to eligible participants by the individual participants and the achievement of the financial and non-financial objectives previously described. The goals are developed with the objective of being attainable with a sustained, focused and concerted effort and are determined and communicated by January of each plan year. The BHE Chairman and PacifiCorp's Presidents approve eligibility to participate in the LTIP and the amount of the incentive award. Awards are capped at 1.0 times base salary and finalized in the first quarter of the following year. The BHE Chairman and PacifiCorp's Presidents may grant a supplemental award to any participant for the award year separate from the incentive award, subject to the same terms and conditions as the incentive award. PacifiCorp's Presidents may participate in the LTIP but only the BHE Chairman shall make determinations regarding their participation and the value of their incentive award. These cash-based awards are subject to mandatory deferral and equal annual vesting over a four-year period starting in the performance year. Participants allocate the value of their deferral accounts among various investment alternatives. Gains or losses may be incurred based on investment performance. Participating NEOs may electallowing them to defer all orcompensation on a part of the award or receive payment in cash after the four-year mandatory deferralpretax basis, thus reducing their current taxable income. Deferrals and vesting period. Vested balances (including any investment gains or losses thereon) of terminatingreturns grow on a tax-deferred basis, thus participants are paid at the time of termination.

Deferred Compensation Plan

PacifiCorp's Executive Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan, orpay no income tax until they receive distributions. The DCP provides a means for all NEOs, other than Mr. Abel,permits participants to make a voluntary deferralsdeferral of up to 50% of base salary and 100% of short-term incentive compensation awards. PacifiCorp includes the DCP as partAll deferrals are net of the participating NEO's overall compensation in order to provide a comprehensive, competitive package. The deferrals and any investment returns grow on a tax-deferred basis.social security taxes. Amounts deferred under the DCP receive a rate of return based on the returns of any combination of various investment alternatives offered underby the DCPplan and selected by the participant. Gains or losses are calculated daily, and returns are posted to accounts based on participants' fund allocation elections. Participants can change their fund allocations as of the end of any day on which the market is open.

The planDCP allows participants to choose frommaintain three formsaccounts based upon when they want to receive payments: retirement account, in-service account and education account. Both the retirement and in-service accounts can be distributed as lump sums or in up to 10 annual installments, except in the case of distribution.the four DCP transition accounts that allow for a grandfathered payout based on the previous deferred compensation plan distribution elections of lump sum, 5, 10 or 15 annual installments. Effective December 31, 2006, no new money may be deferred into the DCP transition accounts. The plan permits PacifiCorpeducation account is distributed in four annual installments. If a participant leaves employment prior to make discretionary contributions on behalf of participants.retirement (age 55), all amounts in the participant's account will be paid out in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable. Participants are 100% vested in their deferrals and any investment gains or losses recorded in their accounts.

Participants in PacifiCorp's LTIP also have the option of deferring all or a part of those awards after the four-year mandatory deferral and vesting period. The provisions governing the deferral of LTIP awards are similar to those described for the DCP above.

Potential Payments Upon Termination

PacifiCorp's NEOs, other than the Chairman and CEO, are not generally entitled to severance or enhanced benefits upon termination of employment or change in control. Mr. Abel resigned as PacifiCorp's Chairman and CEO on January 10, 2018 and received no severance or enhanced benefits in connection with his resignation.

The following table sets forth the estimated increase in the present value of benefits pursuant to the termination scenarios indicated for PacifiCorp's NEOs, other than Mr. Fehrman and Mr. Abel. Payments or benefits that are not enhanced in form or amount upon the occurrence of a particular termination scenario, which include 401(k) and nonqualified deferred compensation account balances and those portions of long-term incentive payments that would have otherwise been paid, are not included herein. All estimated payments reflected in the table below assume termination on December 31, 2018 and are payable as lump sums unless otherwise noted.
Termination Scenario 
Incentive (1)
 
Pension (2)
     
Stefan A. Bird:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 23,790
Death and Disability 1,021,409
 23,790
Cindy A. Crane(3):
    
Involuntary With Cause 
 30,545
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary Without Cause, Death and Disability 1,434,981
 30,545
Gary W. Hoogeveen:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 n/a
Death and Disability 769,760
 n/a
Nikki L. Kobliha:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 
Death and Disability 156,550
 

(1)Amounts represent the unvested portion of each NEO's LTIP account, which becomes 100% vested under certain circumstances.
(2)Pension values represent the excess of the present value of benefits payable under each termination scenario over the amount already reflected in the Pension Benefits table.
(3)Ms. Crane has already met the retirement criteria, therefore her termination and death scenarios under the Retirement Plan are based on assuming 60% paid as a lump sum and 40% paid as a 100% joint and survivor annuity.
Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio

PacifiCorp's CEO receives no direct compensation from PacifiCorp, and no amounts are reported for the CEO in the Summary Compensation Table. Accordingly, PacifiCorp has determined that the CEO pay ratio is not calculable.


Director Compensation

PacifiCorp's directors do not receive additional compensation for service as directors of PacifiCorp. Compensation information for Messrs. Abel, Fehrman, Bird, Hoogeveen, and Ms. Kobliha for their services as executive officers of PacifiCorp is described above.

Potential Payments Upon Termination
PacifiCorp's NEOs, other than Mr. Abel,the Chairman and CEO, are not entitled to severance or enhanced benefits upon termination of employment or change in control. However, upon any termination of employment, PacifiCorp's other NEOs would be entitled to the vested balances in the LTIP, DCP and PacifiCorp's non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, or the Retirement Plan.


Compensation Committee Report

Mr. Abel,Fehrman, PacifiCorp's current Chairman and CEO and sole member of PacifiCorp's compensation committee, has reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and, based on this review, has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Gregory E. AbelWilliam J. Fehrman


Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by each of PacifiCorp's NEOs during the years indicated:

     Change in         Change in    
     Pension         Pension    
     Value and         Value and    
     Nonqualified         Nonqualified    
     Deferred         Deferred    
     Compensation All Other       Compensation All Other  
Name and Principal Position Year Base Salary 
Bonus (1)
 
Earnings (2)
 
Compensation (3)
 
Total (4)
 Year Base Salary 
Bonus (1)
 
Earnings(2)
 
Compensation (3)
 
Total (4)
                    
Gregory E. Abel (5)
 2016 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Chairman and 2015 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer 2014 
 
 
 
 
William J. Fehrman(6)(7)
 2018 $
 $
 $
 $
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 2017 
 
 
 
 
and Chief Executive Officer 2016 
 
 
 
 
          
Gregory E. Abel (5)(6)
 2018 
 
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors 2017 
 
 
 
 
and Chief Executive Officer 2016 
 
 
 
 
                    
Stefan A. Bird 2016 338,000
 738,784
 629
 13,958
 1,091,371
 2018 355,000
 1,058,696
 29,549
 31,633
 1,474,878
President and Chief Executive 2015 313,275
 844,634
 13,201
 12,614
 1,183,724
 2017 346,000
 1,116,105
 9,480
 30,965
 1,502,550
Officer, Pacific Power 2014 
 
 
 
 
 2016 338,000
 738,784
 629
 13,958
 1,091,371
                    
Cindy A. Crane 2016 338,000
 758,248
 35,752
 15,841
 1,147,841
Cindy A. Crane(8)
 2018 355,000
 683,123
 
 32,873
 1,070,996
President and Chief Executive 2015 324,028
 758,656
 8,589
 13,429
 1,104,702
 2017 346,000
 1,252,241
 45,016
 31,938
 1,675,195
Officer, Rocky Mountain Power 2014 224,538
 580,950
 79,542
 73,838
 958,868
 2016 338,000
 758,248
 35,752
 15,841
 1,147,841
                    
R. Patrick Reiten 2016 344,007
 1,058,240
 
 26,809
 1,429,056
Gary W. Hoogeveen(8)
 2018 315,570
 898,733
 
 32,484
 1,246,787
President and Chief Executive 2015 330,000
 898,935
 
 25,864
 1,254,799
 2017 
 
 
 
 
Officer, PacifiCorp Transmission 2014 320,000
 1,167,125
 822
 25,980
 1,513,927
Officer, Rocky Mountain Power 2016 
 
 
 
 
                    
Nikki L. Kobliha 2016 203,900
 143,004
 9,728
 29,585
 386,217
 2018 224,510
 190,045
 
 30,804
 445,359
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer 2015 177,384
 91,758
 
 27,253
 296,395
 2014 
 
 
 
 
Vice President, Chief Financial 2017 217,079
 122,400
 18,304
 30,415
 388,198
Officer and Treasurer 2016 203,900
 143,004
 9,728
 29,585
 386,217

(1)Consists of annual cash incentive awards earned pursuant to the AIP for PacifiCorp's NEOs, performance awards for Messrs. Bird, Reiten and CraneMs. Kobliha in recognition of efforts to support PacifiCorp's objectives and the vesting of LTIP awards and associated vested earnings. The breakout for 20162018 is as follows:
     LTIP     LTIP
   Performance Vested Vested     Performance Vested Vested  
 AIP Award Awards Earnings Total AIP Award Awards Earnings Total
Stefan A. Bird $304,000
 $34,000
 $378,722
 $22,062
 $400,784
 $532,500
 $
 $591,250
 $(65,054) $526,196
Cindy A. Crane 304,000
 34,000
 318,484
 101,764
 420,248
 
 
 741,625
 (58,502) 683,123
R. Patrick Reiten 304,000
 16,000
 477,500
 260,739
 738,239
Gary W. Hoogeveen 406,250
 
 532,160
 (39,677) 492,483
Nikki L. Kobliha 121,100
 
 21,750
 154
 21,904
 90,478
 25,000
 81,625
 (7,058) 74,567

The ultimate payouts of LTIP awards are undeterminable as the amounts to be paid out may increase or decrease depending on investment performance. BHE's Chairman and PacifiCorp's Presidents establish the award categories for determining LTIP awards based on net income target goals or other criteria. In 2016,2018, the gross award was subjectively determined at the discretion of the BHE Chairman and PacifiCorp Presidents based on the overall achievement of PacifiCorp's financial and non-financial objectives including customer service, employee commitment and safety, environmental respect, regulatory integrity, operational excellence and financial strength.
(2)Amounts are based upon the aggregate increase in the actuarial present value of all qualified and nonqualified defined benefit plans, which includes the Retirement Plan. Refer to the Pension Benefits table below for a discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these amounts. No participant in PacifiCorp's nonqualified deferred compensation plans earned "above market" or "preferential" earnings on amounts deferred. Negative amounts for the change in pension value not reported in the Summary Compensation Table are as follows: Mr. Reiten $(651)Ms. Crane $(9,651), and Ms. Kobliha $(11,646).

(3)Amounts consist of PacifiCorp K Plus Employee Savings Plan, or 401(k) Plan, contributions PacifiCorp paid on behalf of the NEOs, except for Mr. Bird, and Ms. Crane and Mr. Hoogeveen for whom PacifiCorp also includes an amount paid to hereach of them as a tax gross-up with respect to a personal benefit with a value less than $10,000.
(4)Any amounts voluntarily deferred by the NEO, if applicable, are included in the appropriate column in the Summary Compensation Table.
(5)Mr. Abel receivesreceived no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp reimburses BHE for the cost of Mr. Abel's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and its subsidiaries. Please referIn 2018, PacifiCorp reimbursed BHE $0 for the cost of Mr. Abel's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp pursuant to Berkshire Hathaway Energy's Item 11 in this Annual Report on Form 10‑K for executive compensation information for Mr. Abel.the intercompany administrative services agreement.
(6)On January 10, 2018, Mr. ReitenGregory E. Abel resigned as a directorPacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and officerChief Executive Officer and Mr. William J. Fehrman was elected as PacifiCorp's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.
(7)Mr. Fehrman receives no direct compensation from PacifiCorp. PacifiCorp effective December 31, 2016.reimburses BHE for the cost of Mr. Fehrman's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp, including compensation paid to him by BHE, pursuant to an intercompany administrative services agreement among BHE and its subsidiaries. In 2018, PacifiCorp reimbursed BHE $215,435 for the cost of Mr. Fehrman's time spent on matters supporting PacifiCorp pursuant to the intercompany administrative services agreement.
(8)On June 1, 2018, Gary W. Hoogeveen succeeded Cindy A. Crane as Rocky Mountain Power's president. On November 28, 2018, Gary W. Hoogeveen also succeeded Cindy A. Crane as Rocky Mountain Power's chief executive officer.

Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the defined benefit pension plan accounts held by each of PacifiCorp's NEOs as of December 31, 2016:2018:

 Number of years of Present value of Number of years of Present value of
Name Plan name credited service 
accumulated benefits (1)
 Plan name credited service 
accumulated benefits (1)
    
William J. Fehrman  n/a n/a n/a
Gregory E. Abel  n/a n/a n/a
 n/a n/a n/a
Stefan A. Bird  Retirement 10 years $167,745
  Retirement 10 years $206,774
Cindy A. Crane  Retirement 21 years 433,558
  Retirement 21 years 468,923
R. Patrick Reiten  Retirement 2 years 16,124
Gary W. Hoogeveen n/a n/a n/a
Nikki L. Kobliha  Retirement 12 years 105,491
  Retirement 12 years 112,149


(1)Amounts are computed using assumptions, other than the expected retirement age, consistent with those used in preparing the related pension disclosures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K and are as of December 31, 2016,2018, which is the measurement date for the plans. The expected retirement age assumption has been determined in accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 402(h)(2) of Regulation S-K. For the Retirement Plan calculations of the present value of accumulated benefits, the following assumptions were used: 50%60% lump sum payment; 35%40% joint and 100% survivor annuity;annuity if participant is married and 15%40% single life annuity.annuity if participant is single. The present value assumptions used in calculating the present value of accumulated benefits for the Retirement Plan were as follows: a discount rate of 4.05%4.25%; an expected retirement age of 65; postretirement mortality using the RP-2014 gender specific tables, adjusted for BHE credibility weighted experience, translated to 2011 using MP-2014. 2012, 2013 and 2014 rates were used for MP-2016, MP-2017 and MP-2018, respectively and generational mortality improvements from 20122014 forward were based on the custom RPEC 20162014 v2018 model; a lump sum interest rate of 4.05%4.25%; and lump sum mortality same as postretirement mortality; blended 50% male and 50% female.using the gender specific tables set forth in IRC 417(e)(3) for the upcoming fiscal year with mortality improvements determined using MP-2017.

Historically, PacifiCorp has adopted the Retirement Plan for the majority of its employees, other than employees subject to collective bargaining agreements that do not provide for coverage under the Retirement Plan. Through May 31, 2007, participants earned benefits at retirement payable for life based on length of service through May 31, 2007 and average pay in the 60 consecutive months of highest pay out of the 120 months prior to May 31, 2007. Pay for this purpose included base salary and annual incentive plan payments up to 10% of base salary, but was limited to the amounts specified in Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17). Benefits were based on 1.3% of final average pay plus 0.65% of final average pay in excess of covered compensation (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 401(1)(5)(E)) multiplied by years of service.


The Retirement Plan was restated effective June 1, 2007 to change from a traditional final average pay formula as described above to a cash balance formula for non-union participants. Benefits under the final average pay formula were frozen as of May 31, 2007, and no future benefits will accrue under that formula for non-union participants. Under the cash balance formula, benefits are based on pay credits to each participant's account of 6.5% (5.0% for employees hired after June 30, 2006 and before January 1, 2008) of eligible compensation. Interest is also credited to each participant's account. Employees who were age 40 or older as of May 31, 2007 received certain additional transition pay credits for five years from the effective date of the Retirement Plan restatement.

Participants in the Retirement Plan are entitled to receive full benefits upon retirement on or after age 65. Such participants are also entitled to receive reduced benefits upon early retirement after age 55 with at least five years of service or when age plus years of service equals 75.

In 2008, non-union employee participants in the Retirement Plan were offered the option to continue to receive pay credits in the Retirement Plan or receive equivalent fixed contributions to the 401(k) Plan with any such election becoming effective January 1, 2009. Mr. Reiten and Ms. Kobliha and Mr. Hoogeveen elected the equivalent fixed 401(k) contribution option and, therefore, no longer receive pay credits in the Retirement Plan; however, they each continue to receive interest credits. Mr. Bird and Ms. Crane elected to continue to receive pay credits in the Retirement Plan.

In 2017, the Retirement Plan was frozen for the remainder of the non-union employees (which include Mr. Bird, and Ms. Crane). Pay with pay credits equivalent to those received in the Retirement Plan will be allocated into the K Plus Employee Savings Plan. Each NEO continues to receive interest credits in the Retirement Plan.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the nonqualified deferred compensation plan accounts held by each of PacifiCorp's NEOs as of December 31, 2016:2018:

 Executive Registrant Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate Executive Registrant Aggregate Aggregate Aggregate
 contributions contributions earnings withdrawals/ balance as of contributions contributions earnings/losses withdrawals/ balance as of
Name 
in 2016 (1)
 in 2016 in 2016 distributions 
December 31, 2016 (2)
 
in 2018(1)(2)(3)
 in 2018 in 2018 distributions December 31, 2018
                    
William J. Fehrman $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Gregory E. Abel $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 
 
 
 
 
Stefan A. Bird 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cindy A. Crane 579,864
 
 212,289
 
 2,584,801
 747,616
   (153,453) 99,555
 4,276,405
R. Patrick Reiten   
 125,416
 (493,537) 836,789
Gary W. Hoogeveen 310,272
 
 (71,213) 142,984
 1,428,075
Nikki L. Kobliha 
 
 
 
 
 47,009
 
 
 
 47,009

(1)The executive contribution amount shown for Ms. Crane represents a deferral of $338,000$447,762 of her 2016 compensation and her 20122014 LTIP award and $299,854 of her 2015 LTIP which waswere deferred in 2016. The $338,000 deferred compensation and $67,1072018. $69,530 of the deferred 2014 LTIP award areand $46,563 of the deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the 2016 total compensation reported for her in the Summary Compensation Table and areis not additional compensation. The remaining 2012 LTIP award was earned prior to 2016.2018.
(2)The aggregate balance as of December 31, 2016executive contribution amount shown for Ms. Crane includes $35,397Mr. Hoogeveen represents a deferral of $310,272 of his 2015 LTIP award which was deferred in 2018. $96,495 of the deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the 2018 total compensation previously reported in 2014for him in the Summary Compensation Table.Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to 2018.
(3)The executive contribution amount shown for Ms. Kobliha represents a deferral of her 2015 LTIP award which was deferred in 2018. $7,759 of the deferred 2015 LTIP award is included in the 2018 total compensation reported for her in the Summary Compensation Table and is not additional compensation. The remaining LTIP award was earned prior to 2018.
Eligibility for PacifiCorp's DCP is restricted to select management and highly compensated employees. The plan provides tax benefits to eligible participants by allowing them to defer compensation on a pretax basis, thus reducing their current taxable income. Deferrals and any investment returns grow on a tax-deferred basis, thus participants pay no income tax until they receive distributions. The DCP permits participants to make a voluntary deferral of up to 50% of base salary and 100% of short-term incentive compensation awards. All deferrals are net of social security taxes. Amounts deferred under the DCP receive a rate of return based on the returns of any combination of various investment alternatives offered by the plan and selected by the participant. Gains or losses are calculated daily, and returns are posted to accounts based on participants' fund allocation elections. Participants can change their fund allocations as of the end of any day on which the market is open.

The DCP allows participants to maintain three accounts based upon when they want to receive payments: retirement account, in-service account and education account. Both the retirement and in-service accounts can be distributed as lump sums or in up to 10 annual installments, except in the case of the four DCP transition accounts that allow for a grandfathered payout based on the previous deferred compensation plan distribution elections of lump sum, 5, 10 or 15 annual installments. Effective December 31, 2006, no new money may be deferred into the DCP transition accounts. The education account is distributed in four annual installments. If a participant leaves employment prior to retirement (age 55), all amounts in the participant's account will be paid out in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable. Participants are 100% vested in their deferrals and any investment gains or losses recorded in their accounts.

Participants in PacifiCorp's LTIP also have the option of deferring all or a part of those awards after the four-year mandatory deferral and vesting period. The provisions governing the deferral of LTIP awards are similar to those described for the DCP above.


Potential Payments Upon Termination

PacifiCorp's NEOs, other than Mr. Abel,the Chairman and CEO, are not generally entitled to severance or enhanced benefits upon termination of employment or change in control. Please refer to Berkshire Hathaway Energy's Item 11Mr. Abel resigned as PacifiCorp's Chairman and CEO on January 10, 2018 and received no severance or enhanced benefits in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information about potential post-termination payments to Mr. Abel.connection with his resignation.

The following table sets forth the estimated enhancements to paymentsincrease in the present value of benefits pursuant to the termination scenarios indicated for PacifiCorp's NEOs.NEOs, other than Mr. Fehrman and Mr. Abel. Payments or benefits that are not enhanced in form or amount upon the occurrence of a particular termination scenario, which include 401(k) and nonqualified deferred compensation account balances and those portions of long-term incentive payments that would have otherwise been paid, are not included herein. All estimated payments reflected in the table below assume termination on December 31, 20162018 and are payable as lump sums unless otherwise noted.

Termination Scenario 
Incentive (1)
 
Pension (2)
 
Incentive (1)
 
Pension (2)
        
Gregory E. Abel:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause $
 $
Death and Disability 
 
Stefan A. Bird:        
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 54,565
 
 23,790
Death and Disability 673,062
 54,565
 1,021,409
 23,790
Cindy A. Crane:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 24,904
Death and Disability 698,395
 24,904
R. Patrick Reiten:    
Cindy A. Crane(3):
    
Involuntary With Cause 
 30,545
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary Without Cause, Death and Disability 1,434,981
 30,545
Gary W. Hoogeveen:    
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 3,782
 
 n/a
Death and Disability 775,891
 3,782
 769,760
 n/a
Nikki L. Kobliha:        
Retirement, Voluntary and Involuntary With or Without Cause 
 3,359
 
 
Death and Disability 43,480
 3,359
 156,550
 

(1)Amounts represent the unvested portion of each NEO's LTIP account, which becomes 100% vested upon death or disability.under certain circumstances.
(2)Pension values represent the excess of the present value of benefits payable under each termination scenario over the amount already reflected in the Pension Benefits table.
(3)Ms. Crane has already met the retirement criteria, therefore her termination and death scenarios under the Retirement Plan are based on assuming 60% paid as a lump sum and 40% paid as a 100% joint and survivor annuity.
Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio

PacifiCorp's CEO receives no direct compensation from PacifiCorp, and no amounts are reported for the CEO in the Summary Compensation Table. Accordingly, PacifiCorp has determined that the CEO pay ratio is not calculable.


Director Compensation

PacifiCorp's directors do not receive additional compensation for service as directors of PacifiCorp. Compensation information for Messrs. Abel, Fehrman, Bird, and ReitenHoogeveen, and Ms. CraneKobliha for their services as executive officers of PacifiCorp is described above. Compensation information for Messrs. Anderson and Goodman and Ms. Hocken is described in Berkshire Hathaway Energy's Item 11 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Ms. Kelly is an executive officer at BHE, but not a named executive officer of BHE. Ms. Kelly resigned as a member of the board of directors of PacifiCorp effective December 31, 2016. Mr. Reiten resigned as a director and officer of PacifiCorp effective December 31, 2016. Mr. Douglas L. Anderson resigned as a member of the board of directors of PacifiCorp effective January 13, 2017.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Mr. AbelFehrman is PacifiCorp's Chairman and CEO and also the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BHE. None of PacifiCorp's executive officers serves as a member of the compensation committee of any company that has an executive officer serving as a member of PacifiCorp's Board of Directors. None of PacifiCorp's executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors of any company (other than BHE) that has an executive officer serving as a member of PacifiCorp's compensation committee. See also PacifiCorp's Item 13 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

Information required by Item 11 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.

Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY, MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

Beneficial Ownership

BHEInformation required by Item 12 is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The balance of BHE's common stock is owned by Mr. Scott (along with family members and related entities) and Mr. Abel. The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of BHE's shares of common stock held by each of its directors, executive officers and all of its directors and executive officers as a group as of February 17, 2017:
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(2)
 
Percentage Of Class(2)
     
Berkshire Hathaway(3)
 69,602,161
 90.0%
Walter Scott, Jr.(4)
 4,100,000
 5.3%
Gregory E. Abel 740,961
 1.0%
Natalie L. Hocken 
 
Warren E. Buffett(3)(5)
 
 
Patrick J. Goodman 
 
Marc D. Hamburg(3)(5)
 
 
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons) 4,840,961
 6.3%

(1)Unless otherwise indicated, each address is c/o Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company at 666 Grand Avenue, 29th Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
(2)Includes shares of which the listed beneficial owner is deemed to have the right to acquire beneficial ownership under Rule 13d-3(d) under the Securities Exchange Act, including, among other things, shares which the listed beneficial owner has the right to acquire within 60 days.
(3)Such beneficial owner's address is 1440 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.
(4)Excludes 2,913,022 shares held by family members and family trusts and corporations, or Scott Family Interests, as to which Mr. Scott disclaims beneficial ownership. Mr. Scott's address is 1000 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.
(5)Excludes 69,602,161 shares of common stock held by Berkshire Hathaway as to which Messrs. Buffett and Hamburg disclaim beneficial ownership.


The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of Class A and Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway's common stock held by each of BHE's directors, executive officers and all of its directors and executive officers as a group as of February 17, 2017:
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(2)
 
Percentage Of Class(2)
     
Walter Scott, Jr.(3)(4)
    
Class A 100
 *
Class B 
 
Gregory E. Abel(4)
    
Class A 5
 *
Class B 2,363
 *
Natalie L. Hocken    
Class A 
 
Class B 
 
Warren E. Buffett(5)
    
Class A 295,161
 38.1%
Class B 79,345
 *
Patrick J. Goodman    
Class A 5
 *
Class B 786
 *
Marc D. Hamburg(5)
    
Class A 
 
Class B 
 
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons)    
Class A 295,271
 38.1%
Class B 82,494
 *

*    Indicates beneficial ownership of less than one percent of all outstanding shares.
(1)Unless otherwise indicated, each address is c/o Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company at 666 Grand Avenue, 29th Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
(2)Includes shares of which the listed beneficial owner is deemed to have the right to acquire beneficial ownership under Rule 13d-3(d) under the Securities Exchange Act, including, among other things, shares which the listed beneficial owner has the right to acquire within 60 days.
(3)Does not include 10 Class A shares owned by Mr. Scott's wife. Mr. Scott's address is 1000 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.
(4)
In accordance with a shareholders' agreement, as amended on December 7, 2005, based on an assumed value for BHE's common stock and the closing price of Berkshire Hathaway common stock on February 17, 2017, Mr. Scott and the Scott Family Interests and Mr. Abel would be entitled to exchange their shares of BHE common stock for either 15,255 and 1,612, respectively, shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock or 22,881,664 and 2,417,563, respectively, shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock. Assuming an exchange of all available BHE shares into either Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares or Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares, Mr. Scott and the Scott Family Interests would beneficially own 1.9% of the outstanding shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock or 1.7% of the outstanding shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock, and Mr. Abel would beneficially own less than 1% of the outstanding shares of either class of stock.
(5)Such beneficial owner's address is 1440 Kiewit Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska 68131.

Other Matters

Pursuantomitted pursuant to a shareholders' agreement, as amended on December 7, 2005, Mr. Scott or any of the Scott Family Interests and Mr. Abel are ableGeneral Instruction I(2)(c) to require Berkshire Hathaway to exchange any or all of their respective shares of BHE common stock for shares of Berkshire Hathaway common stock. The number of shares of Berkshire Hathaway common stock to be exchanged is based on the fair market value of BHE's common stock divided by the closing price of the Berkshire Hathaway common stock on the day prior to the date of exchange.

Form 10-K.

PACIFICORP

Beneficial Ownership

PacifiCorp is a consolidated subsidiary of BHE. PacifiCorp's common stock is indirectly owned by BHE, 666 Grand Avenue, Suite 500, Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2580. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway that, as of February 17, 2017,21, 2019, owns 90.0%90.9% of BHE's common stock. The balance of BHE's common stock is beneficially owned by Walter Scott, Jr. (along with his family members and related or affiliated entities), a member of BHE's Board of Directors, and Gregory E. Abel, PacifiCorp's Chairman and ChiefBHE's Executive Officer.Chairman.

None of PacifiCorp's executive officers or directors owns shares of its preferred stock. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of BHE's common stock and the Class A and Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway common stock held by each of PacifiCorp's directors, executive officers and all of its directors and executive officers as a group as of February 17, 2017:21, 2019:

 BHE Berkshire Hathaway BHE Berkshire Hathaway
 Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock
Beneficial Owner 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Percentage of Class(1)
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Percentage of Class(1)
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Percentage of Class(1)
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Percentage of Class(1)
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Percentage of Class(1)
 
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Percentage of Class(1)
                        
Gregory E. Abel (2)
 740,961
 1.0% 5
 *
 2,363
 *
William J. Fehrman 
 
 
 
 50
 *
Stefan A. Bird 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cindy A. Crane 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Patrick J. Goodman 
 
 5
 *
 786
 *
 
 
 5
 *
 786
 *
Natalie L. Hocken 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nikki L. Kobliha 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All executive officers and directors as a group (6 persons) 740,961
 1.0% 10
 *
 3,149
 *
Gary W. Hoogeveen 
 
 
 
 1,073
 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (7 persons) 
 
 5
 *
 1,909
 *

*    Indicates beneficial ownership of less than one percent of all outstanding shares.
(1)Includes shares of which the listed beneficial owner is deemed to have the right to acquire beneficial ownership under Rule 13d-3(d) under the Securities Exchange Act, including, among other things, shares which the listed beneficial owner has the right to acquire within 60 days.
(2)In accordance with a shareholders' agreement, as amended on December 7, 2005, based on an assumed value for BHE's common stock and the closing price of Berkshire Hathaway common stock on February 17, 2017, Mr. Abel would be entitled to exchange his shares of BHE common stock for either 1,612 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock or 2,417,563 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock. Assuming an exchange of all available BHE shares into either Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares or Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares, Mr. Abel would beneficially own less than 1% of the outstanding shares of either class of stock.
Other Matters

Pursuant to a shareholders' agreement, as amended on December 7, 2005, Mr. Abel is able to require Berkshire Hathaway to exchange any or all of his shares of BHE common stock for shares of Berkshire Hathaway common stock. The number of shares of Berkshire Hathaway common stock to be exchanged is based on the fair market value of BHE's common stock divided by the closing price of the Berkshire Hathaway common stock on the day prior to the date of exchange.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

Information required by Item 12 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.


Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY,

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the BHE Code of Business Conduct, or the Codes, which apply to all of BHE's directors, officers and employees and those of its subsidiaries, generally govern the review, approval or ratification of any related-person transaction. A related-person transaction is one in which BHE or any of its subsidiaries participate and in which one or more of BHE's directors, executive officers, holders of more than five percent of its voting securities or any of such persons' immediate family members have a direct or indirect material interest.

Under the Codes, all of BHE's directors and executive officers (including those of its subsidiaries) must disclose to BHE's legal department any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict with its interests. No action may be taken with respect to such transaction or relationship until approved by the legal department. For BHE's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, prior approval for any such transaction or relationship must be given by Berkshire Hathaway's audit committee. In addition, prior legal department approval must be obtained before a director or executive officer can accept employment, offices or board positions in other for-profit businesses, or engage in his or her own business that raises a potential conflict or appearance of conflict with BHE's interests. Transactions with Berkshire Hathaway require the approval of BHE's Board of Directors.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, certain Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries held variable-rate junior subordinated debentures due from BHE totaling $0.9 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively. Principal repayments on these securities totaled $2.0 billion and $850 million during 2016 and 2015, respectively, and interest expense on these securities totaled $65 million and $104 million during 2016 and 2015, respectively. MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

Director Independence

Based on the standards of the New York Stock Exchange LLC, on which the common stock of BHE's majority owner, Berkshire Hathaway,Information required by Item 13 is listed, BHE's Board of Directors has determined that none of its directors are considered independent because of their employment by Berkshire Hathaway or BHE or their ownership of BHE's common stock.omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.

PACIFICORP

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the BHE Code of Business Conduct, or the Codes, which apply to all of PacifiCorp's directors, officers and employees and those of its subsidiaries, generally govern the review, approval or ratification of any related-person transaction. A related-person transaction is one in which PacifiCorp or any of its subsidiaries participate and in which one or more of PacifiCorp's directors, executive officers, holders of more than five percent of its voting securities or any of such persons' immediate family members have a direct or indirect material interest.

Under the Codes, all of PacifiCorp's directors and executive officers (including those of its subsidiaries) must disclose to PacifiCorp's legal department any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict with its interests. No action may be taken with respect to such transaction or relationship until approved by the legal department. For PacifiCorp's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, prior approval for any such transaction or relationship must be given by Berkshire Hathaway's audit committee. In addition, prior legal department approval must be obtained before a director or executive officer can accept employment, offices or board positions in other for-profit businesses, or engage in his or her own business that raises a potential conflict or appearance of conflict with PacifiCorp's interests.

Under an intercompany administrative services agreement PacifiCorp has entered into with BHE and its other subsidiaries, the costs of certain administrative services provided by BHE to PacifiCorp or by PacifiCorp to BHE, or shared with BHE and other subsidiaries, are directly charged or allocated to the entity receiving such services. This agreement has been filed with the regulatory commissions in the states where PacifiCorp serves retail customers. PacifiCorp also provides an annual report of all transactions with its affiliates to its state regulatory commissions, who have the authority to refuse recovery in rates for payments PacifiCorp makes to its affiliates deemed to have the effect of subsidizing the separate business activities of BHE or its other subsidiaries.

Refer to Note 1819 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of PacifiCorp in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding related-party transactions.

Director Independence

Because PacifiCorp's common stock is indirectly, wholly owned by BHE and its Board of Directors consists of BHE and PacifiCorp employees, PacifiCorp is not required to have independent directors or audit, nominating or compensation committees consisting of independent directors.

Based on the standards of the New York Stock Exchange LLC, on which the common stock of PacifiCorp's ultimate parent company, Berkshire Hathaway, is listed, PacifiCorp's Board of Directors has determined that none of its directors are considered independent because of their employment by BHE or PacifiCorp.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY, NEVADA POWER AND SIERRA PACIFIC

Information required by Item 13 is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) to Form 10-K.

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The following table shows the fees paid or accrued by each Registrant for audit and audit-related services and fees paid for tax and all other services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, and their respective affiliates (collectively, the "Deloitte Entities") for each of the last two years (in millions):

Berkshire          Berkshire          
Hathaway   MidAmerican MidAmerican Nevada SierraHathaway   MidAmerican MidAmerican Nevada Sierra
Energy PacifiCorp Funding Energy Power PacificEnergy PacifiCorp Funding Energy Power Pacific
2016           
2018           
Audit fees(1)
$9.1
 $1.5
 $1.2
 $1.1
 $0.9
 $1.1
$9.6
 $1.6
 $1.2
 $1.1
 $0.9
 $0.9
Audit-related fees(2)
0.8
 0.2
 0.2
 0.2
 
 
0.8
 0.3
 0.2
 0.2
 
 
Tax fees(3)
0.1
 
 
 
 
 
0.1
 
 
 
 
 
Total$10.0
 $1.7
 $1.4
 $1.3
 $0.9
 $1.1
$10.5
 $1.9
 $1.4
 $1.3
 $0.9
 $0.9
                      
2015           
2017           
Audit fees(1)
$9.3
 $1.7
 $1.2
 $1.1
 $0.9
 $0.9
$9.3
 $1.5
 $1.2
 $1.1
 $0.9
 $0.9
Audit-related fees(2)
0.9
 0.3
 0.2
 0.1
 
 
0.8
 0.2
 0.2
 0.2
 
 
Tax fees(3)
0.1
 
 
 
 
 
0.1
 
 
 
 
 
Total$10.3
 $2.0
 $1.4
 $1.2
 $0.9
 $0.9
$10.2
 $1.7
 $1.4
 $1.3
 $0.9
 $0.9

(1)Audit fees include fees for the audit of the consolidated financial statements and interim reviews of the quarterly financial statements for each Registrant, audit services provided in connection with required statutory audits of certain of BHE's subsidiaries and comfort letters, consents and other services related to SEC matters for each Registrant.
(2)Audit-related fees primarily include fees for assurance and related services for any other statutory or regulatory requirements, audits of certain employee benefit plans and consultations on various accounting and reporting matters.
(3)Tax fees include fees for services relating to tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. These services include assistance regarding federal, state and international tax compliance, tax return preparation and tax audits.

The audit committee has considered whether the non-audit services provided to the Registrants by the Deloitte Entities impaired the independence of the Deloitte Entities and concluded that they did not. All of the services performed by the Deloitte Entities were pre-approved in accordance with the pre-approval policy adopted by the audit committee. The policy provides guidelines for the audit, audit-related, tax and other non-audit services that may be provided by the Deloitte Entities to the Registrants. The policy (a) identifies the guiding principles that must be considered by the audit committee in approving services to ensure that the Deloitte Entities' independence is not impaired; (b) describes the audit, audit-related and tax services that may be provided and the non-audit services that are prohibited; and (c) sets forth pre-approval requirements for all permitted services. Under the policy, requests to provide services that require specific approval by the audit committee will be submitted to the audit committee by both the Registrants' independent auditor and BHE's Chief Financial Officer. All requests for services to be provided by the independent auditor that do not require specific approval by the audit committee will be submitted to BHE's Chief Financial Officer and must include a detailed description of the services to be rendered. BHE's Chief Financial Officer will determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the general pre-approval of the audit committee. The audit committee will be informed on a timely basis of any such services rendered by the independent auditor.

PART IV

Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)Financial Statements and Schedules 
      
 (1)Financial Statements 
      
  The financial statements of all Registrants are included in their respective Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
   
      
 (2)Financial Statement Schedules 
      
  
  
  
  
  
  
      
  Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are either not applicable, not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included on the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto. 
      
 (3)
   
      
(b)Exhibits
      
 
      
(c)Financial statements required by Regulation S-X, which are excluded from the Annual Report by Rule 14a-3(b). 
      
 


(a)Item 16.Financial Statements and Schedules
(i)Financial Statements
The financial statements of all Registrants are included in their respective Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(ii)Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are either not applicable, not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included on the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(b)Exhibits
(c)Financial statements required by Regulation S-X, which are excluded from the Annual Report by Rule 14a-3(b).
10-K Summary


None.


Schedule I

Berkshire Hathaway Energy CompanyBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
Parent Company OnlyPARENT COMPANY ONLY
Condensed Balance Sheets
As of December 31,CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$33
 $23
$9
 $346
Accounts receivable21
 16
Accounts receivable - affiliate100
 60
Notes receivable - affiliate105
 
156
 391
Income tax receivable
 167
103
 
Other current assets2
 2
15
 21
Total current assets161
 208
383
 818
      
Investments in subsidiaries33,400
 32,505
36,602
 34,019
Other investments1,338
 1,389
1,579
 2,117
Goodwill1,221
 1,221
1,221
 1,221
Other assets1,171
 1,340
546
 1,155
      
Total assets$37,291
 $36,663
$40,331
 $39,330
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable and other current liabilities$357
 $306
$183
 $268
Notes payable - affiliate194
 
328
 182
Short-term debt834
 253
983
 3,331
Current portion of BHE senior debt400
 

 1,000
Total current liabilities1,785
 559
1,494
 4,781
      
BHE senior debt7,418
 7,814
8,577
 5,452
BHE junior subordinated debentures944
 2,944
100
 100
Notes payable - affiliate1,859
 1,985
1
 1
Other long-term liabilities942
 946
543
 800
Total liabilities12,948
 14,248
10,715
 11,134
      
Equity:      
BHE shareholders' equity:      
Common stock - 115 shares authorized, no par value, 77 shares issued and outstanding
 

 
Additional paid-in capital6,390
 6,403
6,371
 6,368
Long-term income tax receivable(457) 
Retained earnings19,448
 16,906
25,624
 22,206
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(1,511) (908)(1,945) (398)
Total BHE shareholders' equity24,327
 22,401
29,593
 28,176
Noncontrolling interest16
 14
23
 20
Total equity24,343
 22,415
29,616
 28,196
      
Total liabilities and equity$37,291
 $36,663
$40,331
 $39,330

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.

Schedule I
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company    BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
Parent Company Only (continued)PARENT COMPANY ONLY
Condensed Statements of Operations
For the years ended December 31,CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

2016 2015 2014Years Ended December 31,
     2018 2017 2016
Operating costs and expenses:     
     
Operating expenses:     
General and administration$51
 $58
 $51
$21
 $55
 $51
Depreciation and amortization4
 3
 3
4
 4
 4
Total operating costs and expenses55
 61
 54
Total operating expenses25
 59
 55
          
Operating loss(55) (61) (54)(25) (59) (55)
          
Other income (expense):          
Interest expense(527) (556) (476)(438) (475) (527)
Other, net37
 14
 4
(537) (369) 37
Total other income (expense)(490) (542) (472)(975) (844) (490)
          
Loss before income tax benefit and equity income(545) (603) (526)(1,000) (903) (545)
Income tax benefit(285) (330) (221)(513) (335) (285)
Equity income2,805
 2,646
 2,402
3,058
 3,441
 2,805
Net income2,545
 2,373
 2,097
2,571
 2,873
 2,545
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest3
 3
 2
3
 3
 3
Net income attributable to BHE shareholders$2,542
 $2,370
 $2,095
$2,568
 $2,870
 $2,542

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.


401405


Schedule I
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company    BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
Parent Company Only (continued)PARENT COMPANY ONLY
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the years ended December 31,CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Net income$2,545
 $2,373
 $2,097
$2,571
 $2,873
 $2,545
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(603) (414) (397)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(462) 1,113
 (603)
Comprehensive income1,942
 1,959
 1,700
2,109
 3,986
 1,942
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests3
 3
 2
3
 3
 3
Comprehensive income attributable to BHE shareholders$1,939
 $1,956
 $1,698
$2,106
 $3,983
 $1,939

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.



Schedule I
Berkshire Hathaway Energy CompanyBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
Parent Company Only (continued)PARENT COMPANY ONLY
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31,CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts inIn millions)

Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Cash flows from operating activities$2,760
 $2,528
 $1,937
$1,885
 $2,450
 $2,760
          
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Investments in subsidiaries(1,080) (1,506) (4,937)(1,791) (1,566) (1,080)
Purchases of investments(24) (36) (56)(44) (71) (24)
Proceeds from sale of investments20
 47
 35
45
 68
 20
Notes receivable from affiliate, net(307) 19
 (55)(72) (305) (307)
Other, net(5) (7) (7)(22) (8) (5)
Net cash flows from investing activities(1,396) (1,483) (5,020)(1,884) (1,882) (1,396)
          
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from BHE senior debt
 
 1,478
3,166
 
 
Proceeds from BHE junior subordinated debentures
 
 1,500
Proceeds from issuance of BHE common stock
 
 
Repayments of BHE senior debt
 
 (250)(1,045) (1,379) 
Repayments of BHE subordinated debt(2,000) (850) (300)
 (944) (2,000)
Common stock purchases
 (36) 
(107) (19) 
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt581
 (142) 395
(2,348) 2,498
 581
Tender offer premium paid
 (406) 
Notes payable to affiliate, net69
 4
 (30)
 
 69
Other, net(4) (1) 1
(4) (5) (4)
Net cash flows from financing activities(1,354) (1,025) 2,794
(338) (255) (1,354)
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents10
 20
 (289)(337) 313
 10
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year23
 3
 292
346
 33
 23
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$33
 $23
 $3
$9
 $346
 $33

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.



403407


Schedule I
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Basis of Presentation - The condensed financial information of BHE investments in subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are not consolidated. The investments in subsidiaries are recorded in the Condensed Balance Sheets. The income from operations of subsidiaries is reported on a net basis as equity income in the Condensed Statements of Operations.

Other investments - BHE's investment in BYD Company Limited ("BYD") common stock is accounted for as an available-for-sale security with changes in fair value recognized in AOCI. As of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, the fair value of BHE's investment in BYD common stock was $1,1851,435 million and $1,238$1,961 million, respectively, which resulted in aan unrealized gain of $9531,203 million and $1,0061,729 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017, respectively.

Dividends and distributions from subsidiaries - Cash dividends paid to BHE by its subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 20142016 were $3.0$2.3 billion,, $3.0 $3.0 billion and $2.3$3.0 billion,, respectively. In January and February 2017,2019, BHE received cash dividends from its subsidiaries totaling $160194 million.

Guarantees and commitments - BHE has issued guarantees upand letters of credit in respect of subsidiary and equity method investments aggregating $297 million and commitments, subject to a maximumsatisfaction of $336 million in support of various obligations of consolidated subsidiaries and commitmentscertain specified conditions, to provide equity contributions in support of renewable tax equity investments totaling $288$1,383 million.

See the notes to the consolidated BHE financial statements in Part II, Item 8 for other disclosures regarding long-term obligations (Notes 8, 9 and 10) and shareholders' equity (Note 17)16).


Schedule II
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20162018
(Amounts in millions)

 Column B Column C  Column E Column B Column C  Column E
 Balance at Charged     Balance Balance at Charged     Balance
Column A Beginning to Acquisition Column D at End Beginning to Acquisition Column D at End
Description of Year Income Reserves Deductions of Year of Year Income Reserves Deductions of Year
                    
Reserves Deducted From Assets To Which They Apply:          Reserves Deducted From Assets To Which They Apply:        
                    
Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable:                    
Year ended 2018 $40
 $43
 $
 $(41) $42
Year ended 2017 33
 42
 
 (35) 40
Year ended 2016 $31
 $39
 $
 $(37) $33
 31
 39
 
 (37) 33
Year ended 2015 37
 33
 
 (39) 31
Year ended 2014 33
 37
 
 (33) 37
                    
Reserves Not Deducted From Assets(1):
                    
Year ended 2018 $13
 $6
 $
 $(6) $13
Year ended 2017 13
 7
 
 (7) 13
Year ended 2016 $13
 $5
 $
 $(5) $13
 13
 5
 
 (5) 13
Year ended 2015 11
 7
 
 (5) 13
Year ended 2014 9
 12
 
 (10) 11

The notes to the consolidated BHE financial statements are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.

(1)Reserves not deducted from assets relate primarily to estimated liabilities for losses retained by BHE for workers compensation, public liability and property damage claims.


SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 1 of 4

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Receivables from affiliates$2
 $2
$2
 $2
Income tax receivable
 13
Total current assets2
 15
      
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries6,718
 6,144
8,002
 7,322
      
Total assets$6,720
 $6,146
$8,004
 $7,337
      
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Interest accrued and other current liabilities$7
 $7
$6
 $6
      
Payable to affiliate301
 288
429
 431
Long-term debt326
 326
240
 240
Total liabilities634
 621
675
 677
      
Member's equity:      
Paid-in capital1,679
 1,679
1,679
 1,679
Retained earnings4,407
 3,876
5,650
 4,981
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 (30)
Total member's equity6,086
 5,525
7,329
 6,660
      
Total liabilities and member's equity$6,720
 $6,146
$8,004
 $7,337

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.

SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 2 of 4

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Other income and (expense):     
Interest expense$22
 $22
 $22
$(16) $(22) $(22)
Other, net
 (30) 
Loss before income taxes(22) (22) (22)(16) (52) (22)
Income tax benefit(9) (8) (9)(5) (22) (9)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries545
 472
 422
680
 604
 545
Net income$532
 $458
 $409
$669
 $574
 $532

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.




MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Net income$532
 $458
 $409
$669
 $574
 $532
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax3
 (7) (12)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 3
          
Comprehensive income$535
 $451
 $397
$669
 $574
 $535

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.



SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 3 of 4

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)


Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Net cash flows from operating activities$(13) $(13) $(13)$2
 $(15) $(13)
          
Net cash flows from investing activities
 
 

 
 
          
Net cash flows from financing activities:          
Repayment of long-term debt
 (86) 
Tender offer premium paid
 (29) 
Net change in amounts payable to subsidiary13
 13
 13
(2) 130
 13
Net cash flows from financing activities13
 13
 13
(2) 15
 13
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
 

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
 

 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$
 $
 $
$
 $
 $

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.

SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 4 of 4

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Incorporated by reference are MidAmerican Funding, LLC and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three years ended December 31, 20162018 in Part II, Item 8.

Basis of Presentation - The condensed financial information of MidAmerican Funding, LLC's ("MidAmerican Funding's") investments in subsidiaries is presented under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are not consolidated. The investments in and advances to subsidiaries are recorded on the Condensed Balance Sheets. The income from operations of the subsidiaries is reported on a net basis as equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary companies on the Condensed Statements of Operations.

Payable to Affiliate - MHC, Inc. ("MHC") settles all obligations of MidAmerican Funding including primarily interest costs on, and repayments of, MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt. Net amountsdebt and income taxes. MHC received $2 million in 2018 and paid by MHC on behalf of MidAmerican Funding totaled $13 million, $13$130 million and $13 million for the years 2017 and 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.respectively, on behalf of MidAmerican Funding.

See the notes to the consolidated MidAmerican Funding financial statements in Part II, Item 8 for other disclosures.



SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 1 of 4

MHC INC.
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$1
 $
$1
 $
Receivables from affiliates1
 1

 2
      
Receivable from parent301
 288
429
 431
Investments and nonregulated property, net12
 12
12
 14
Goodwill1,270
 1,270
1,270
 1,270
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries5,181
 4,724
6,465
 5,783
      
Total assets$6,766
 $6,295
$8,177
 $7,500
      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Payables to affiliates$44
 $146
$172
 $175
      
Deferred income taxes4
 5
3
 3
Total liabilities48
 151
175
 178
      
Shareholder's equity:      
Paid-in capital2,430
 2,430
2,430
 2,430
Retained earnings4,288
 3,744
5,572
 4,892
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 (30)
Total shareholder's equity6,718
 6,144
8,002
 7,322
      
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$6,766
 $6,295
$8,177
 $7,500

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.

SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 2 of 4

MHC INC.
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Other income$1
 $1
 $2
$1
 $1
 $1
Other interest expense4
 
 
Income before income taxes1
 1
 2
(3) 1
 1
Income tax expense
 
 1
(1) 
 
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries544
 471
 421
682
 603
 544
Net income$545
 $472
 $422
$680
 $604
 $545

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.




MHC INC.
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Net income$545
 $472
 $422
$680
 $604
 $545
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax3
 (7) (12)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 3
          
Comprehensive income$548
 $465
 $410
$680
 $604
 $548

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.


SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 3 of 4

MHC INC.
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Net cash flows from operating activities$1
 $1
 $
$5
 $(1) $1
          
Net cash flows from investing activities:          
Dividend from subsidiary
 16
 
Capital expenditures
 (2) (1)
Net change in amounts receivable from parent(13) (13) (13)2
 (130) (13)
Other
 (1) 3
Net cash flows from investing activities(13) 2
 (10)2
 (132) (14)
          
Net cash flows from financing activities:          
Capital expenditures(1) 
 
Net change in amounts payable to subsidiaries5
 (7) 10
2
 (1) 5
Net change in note payable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company9
 3
 1
(8) 133
 9
Net cash flows from financing activities13
 (4) 11
(6) 132
 14
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents1
 (1) 1
1
 (1) 1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 1
 

 1
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$1
 $
 $1
$1
 $
 $1

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement schedule.

SCHEDULESchedule I
Page 4 of 4

MHC INC.
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Incorporated by reference are MHC Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2016,2018, in Part IV, Item 15(c).

Basis of Presentation - The condensed financial information of MHC Inc.'s ("MHC's") investments in subsidiaries is presented under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are not consolidated. The investments in and advances to subsidiaries are recorded on the Condensed Balance Sheets. The income from operations of the subsidiaries is reported on a net basis as equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary companies on the Condensed Statements of Operations.

Receivable from Parent - MHC settles all obligations of MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") including primarily interest costs on, and repayments of, MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt. Net amountsdebt and income taxes. MHC received $2 million in 2018 and paid by MHC on behalf of MidAmerican Funding totaled $13 million, $13$130 million and $13 million for the years 2017 and 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.respectively, on behalf of MidAmerican Funding.

Note Payable to Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company - On January 1, 2016, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred the assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE"). The transfer repaid $117 million of MHC's note payable to BHE. See Note 3 of MidAmerican Energy Company's Notes to Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 for further discussion of the transfer.

See the notes to the consolidated MHC financial statements in Part IV, Item 15(c) for other disclosures.


SCHEDULESchedule II


MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20162018
(Amounts in millions)

 Column B Column C   Column E Column B Column C   Column E
 Balance at Additions   Balance Balance at Additions   Balance
Column A Beginning Charged Column D at End Beginning Charged Column D at End
Description of Year to Income Deductions of Year of Year to Income Deductions of Year
                
Reserves Deducted From Assets To Which They Apply:                
Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable:                
                
Year ended 2018 $7
 $8
 $(8) $7
        
Year ended 2017 $7
 $8
 $(8) $7
        
Year ended 2016 $6
 $7
 $(6) $7
 $6
 $7
 $(6) $7
        
Year ended 2015 $7
 $7
 $(8) $6
        
Year ended 2014 $10
 $7
 $(10) $7
                
                
Reserves Not Deducted From Assets(1):
                
                
Year ended 2018 $13
 $6
 $(6) $13
        
Year ended 2017 $13
 $7
 $(7) $13
        
Year ended 2016 $13
 $5
 $(5) $13
 $13
 $5
 $(5) $13
        
Year ended 2015 $11
 $7
 $(5) $13
        
Year ended 2014 $9
 $12
 $(10) $11
(1)Reserves not deducted from assets include estimated liabilities for losses retained by MidAmerican Energy for workers compensation, public liability and property damage claims.


SCHEDULESchedule II

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20162018
(Amounts in millions)

 Column B Column C   Column E Column B Column C   Column E
 Balance at Additions   Balance Balance at Additions   Balance
Column A Beginning Charged Column D at End Beginning Charged Column D at End
Description of Year to Income Deductions of Year of Year to Income Deductions of Year
                
Reserves Deducted From Assets To Which They Apply:                
Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable:                
                
Year ended 2018 $7
 $8
 $(8) $7
        
Year ended 2017 $7
 $8
 $(8) $7
        
Year ended 2016 $6
 $7
 $(6) $7
 $6
 $7
 $(6) $7
        
Year ended 2015 $7
 $7
 $(8) $6
        
Year ended 2014 $10
 $7
 $(10) $7
                
                
Reserves Not Deducted From Assets (1):
                
                
Year ended 2018 $13
 $6
 $(6) $13
        
Year ended 2017 $13
 $7
 $(7) $13
        
Year ended 2016 $13
 $5
 $(5) $13
 $13
 $5
 $(5) $13
        
Year ended 2015 $11
 $7
 $(5) $13
        
Year ended 2014 $9
 $12
 $(10) $11
(1)Reserves not deducted from assets include primarily estimated liabilities for losses retained by MidAmerican Funding and MHC for workers compensation, public liability and property damage claims.


Item 15(c)MHC Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of MHC Inc., the direct wholly owned subsidiary of MidAmerican Funding, are being provided pursuant to Rule 3-16 of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation S-X. The purpose of these financial statements is to provide information about the assets and equity interests that collateralize MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt and that, upon the occurrence of any triggering event under the collateral agreement, would be available to satisfy the applicable debt obligations.

MHC Inc. and Subsidiaries



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM




To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
MHC Inc.
Des Moines, Iowa

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MHC Inc. and subsidiaries ("MHC") as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. Our audits also included MHC's financial statement2018, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(ii)(2) (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MHC as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of MHC's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on theMHC'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 MHC 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. MHC is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits, included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding 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 MHC's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes

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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessingstatements. 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 statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MHC Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, MidAmerican Energy Company transferred its assets and liabilities of its unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of its parent, Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, on January 1, 2016.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
February 24, 201722, 2019

We have served as MHC's auditor since 1999.


MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
ASSETS
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$15
 $103
$1
 $172
Receivables, net284
 343
Accounts receivable, net363
 346
Income taxes receivable9
 104

 51
Inventories264
 238
204
 245
Other current assets35
 58
90
 135
Total current assets607
 846
658
 949
      
Property, plant and equipment, net12,835
 11,737
16,171
 14,221
Goodwill1,270
 1,270
1,270
 1,270
Regulatory assets1,161
 1,044
273
 204
Investments and restricted cash and investments655
 636
Investments and restricted investments710
 730
Receivable from affiliate301
 288
429
 431
Other assets216
 138
119
 233
      
Total assets$17,045
 $15,959
$19,630
 $18,038

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Amounts in millions)

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 20152018 2017
      
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:      
Accounts payable$302
 $426
$575
 $451
Accrued interest45
 46
53
 48
Accrued property, income and other taxes138
 125
300
 133
Note payable to affiliate31
 139
156
 164
Short-term debt99
 
240
 
Current portion of long-term debt250
 34
500
 350
Other current liabilities159
 166
122
 128
Total current liabilities1,024
 936
1,946
 1,274
      
Long-term debt4,051
 4,237
4,881
 4,692
Regulatory liabilities1,620
 1,661
Deferred income taxes3,568
 3,056
2,319
 2,235
Regulatory liabilities883
 831
Asset retirement obligations510
 488
552
 528
Other long-term liabilities291
 267
310
 326
Total liabilities10,327
 9,815
11,628
 10,716
      
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)   
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)   
      
Shareholder's equity:      
Common stock - no par value, 1,000 shares authorized, 1,000 shares issued and outstanding
 

 
Additional paid-in capital2,430
 2,430
2,430
 2,430
Retained earnings4,288
 3,744
5,572
 4,892
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 (30)
Total shareholder's equity6,718
 6,144
8,002
 7,322
      
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity$17,045
 $15,959
$19,630
 $18,038

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
Regulated electric$1,985
 $1,837
 $1,817
$2,283
 $2,108
 $1,985
Regulated gas and other646
 678
 1,027
Regulated natural gas and other770
 738
 646
Total operating revenue2,631
 2,515
 2,844
3,053
 2,846
 2,631
          
Operating costs and expenses:     
Cost of fuel, energy and capacity410
 433
 532
Cost of gas sold and other371
 407
 738
Operating expenses:     
Cost of fuel and energy487
 434
 410
Cost of natural gas purchased for resale and other469
 447
 371
Operations and maintenance693
 707
 720
813
 802
 708
Depreciation and amortization479
 407
 351
609
 500
 479
Property and other taxes112
 110
 108
125
 119
 112
Total operating costs and expenses2,065
 2,064
 2,449
Total operating expenses2,503
 2,302
 2,080
          
Operating income566
 451
 395
550
 544
 551
          
Other income and (expense):     
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense(196) (184) (175)(231) (215) (196)
Allowance for borrowed funds8
 8
 16
20
 15
 8
Allowance for equity funds19
 20
 39
53
 41
 19
Other, net18
 20
 18
31
 39
 33
Total other income and (expense)(151) (136) (102)
Total other income (expense)(127) (120) (136)
          
Income before income tax benefit415
 315
 293
423
 424
 415
Income tax benefit(130) (141) (113)(257) (180) (130)
          
Income from continuing operations545
 456
 406
     
Discontinued operations (Note 3):     
Income from discontinued operations
 22
 28
Income tax expense
 6
 12
Income on discontinued operations
 16
 16
     
Net income$545
 $472
 $422
$680
 $604
 $545

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in millions)

 Years Ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
      
Net income$545
 $472
 $422
      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:     
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $1, $- and $13
 
 1
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax of $-, $(4) and $(10)
 (7) (13)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax3
 (7) (12)
      
Comprehensive income$548
 $465
 $410
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
      
Net income$680
 $604
 $545
      
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:     
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax of $-, $- and $1
 
 3
      
Comprehensive income$680
 $604
 $548

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(Amounts in millions)

    Accumulated        Accumulated  
    Other        Other Total
Paid-in Retained Comprehensive TotalCommon Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Shareholder's
Capital Earnings Loss, Net EquityStock Capital Earnings Loss, Net Equity
                
Balance, December 31, 2013$2,430
 $2,850
 $(11) $5,269
Net income
 422
 
 422
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (12) (12)
Balance, December 31, 20142,430
 3,272
 (23) 5,679
Net income
 472
 
 472
Other comprehensive loss
 
 (7) (7)
Balance, December 31, 20152,430
 3,744
 (30) 6,144
$
 $2,430
 $3,744
 $(30) $6,144
Net income
 545
 
 545

 
 545
 
 545
Other comprehensive income
 
 3
 3

 
 
 3
 3
Transfer to affiliate (Note 3)
 
 27
 27
Transfer unregulated retail services business to affiliate
 
 
 27
 27
Other equity transactions
 (1) 
 (1)
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Balance, December 31, 2016$2,430
 $4,288
 $
 $6,718

 2,430
 4,288
 
 6,718
Net income
 
 604
 
 604
Balance, December 31, 2017
 2,430
 4,892
 
 7,322
Net income
 
 680
 
 680
Balance, December 31, 2018$
 $2,430
 $5,572
 $
 $8,002

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)

Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income$545
 $472
 $422
$680
 $604
 $545
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization479
 407
 351
609
 500
 479
Amortization of utility plant to other operating expenses34
 34
 37
Allowance for equity funds(53) (41) (19)
Deferred income taxes and amortization of investment tax credits362
 276
 298
32
 334
 362
Changes in other assets and liabilities47
 49
 47
Other, net(92) (70) (49)16
 (13) (63)
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:          
Receivables, net(61) 93
 (2)
Accounts receivable and other assets(19) (63) (60)
Inventories(27) (53) 44
41
 19
 (27)
Derivative collateral, net5
 33
 (53)(1) 2
 5
Contributions to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net(6) (8) (2)(13) (11) (6)
Accounts payable39
 (76) 30
Accrued property, income and other taxes, net107
 213
 (253)217
 (42) 107
Other current assets and liabilities8
 12
 
Accounts payable and other liabilities(29) 72
 46
Net cash flows from operating activities1,406
 1,348
 833
1,514
 1,395
 1,406
          
Net cash flows from investing activities:          
Utility construction expenditures(1,636) (1,446) (1,526)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(138) (142) (88)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities158
 135
 80
Capital expenditures(2,332) (1,773) (1,636)
Purchases of marketable securities(263) (143) (138)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities223
 137
 158
Proceeds from sales of other investments2
 13
 10
17
 2
 2
Other investment proceeds15
 1
 
Net change in amounts receivable from parent2
 (130) (13)
Other, net(13) (11) (8)30
 (3) 10
Net cash flows from investing activities(1,627) (1,451) (1,532)(2,308) (1,909) (1,617)
          
Net cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from long-term debt62
 649
 840
687
 990
 62
Repayments of long-term debt(38) (426) (356)(350) (255) (38)
Net change in amounts receivable from/payable to affiliates9
 3
 1
(8) 133
 9
Net proceeds from (repayments of) short-term debt99
 (50) 50
240
 (99) 99
Other, net1
 
 

 
 1
Net cash flows from financing activities133
 176
 535
569
 769
 133
          
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(88) 73
 (164)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year103
 30
 194
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$15
 $103
 $30
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents(225) 255
 (78)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year282
 27
 105
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of year$57
 $282
 $27

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


MHC INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)
Company Organization and Operations

MHC Inc. ("MHC") is an Iowa corporation with MidAmerican Funding, LLC ("MidAmerican Funding") as its sole shareholder. MidAmerican Funding is an Iowa limited liability company with Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company ("BHE") as its sole member. BHE is a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire Hathaway"). MHC constitutes substantially all of MidAmerican Funding's assets, liabilities and business activities except those related to MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt securities. MHC conducts no business other than the ownership of its subsidiaries and related corporate services. MHC's principal subsidiary is MidAmerican Energy Company ("MidAmerican Energy"), a public utility with electric and natural gas operations. Direct wholly owned nonregulated subsidiaries of MHC are Midwest Capital Group, Inc. and MEC Construction Services Co.

(2)
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

In addition to the following significant accounting policies, refer to Note 2 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for significant accounting policies of MHC.

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of MHC and its subsidiaries in which it held a controlling financial interest as of the date of the financial statement. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated, other than those between rate-regulated operations. MHC has evaluated subsequent events through February 24, 2017,22, 2019, which is the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were issued.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired when MidAmerican Funding purchased MHC. MHC evaluates goodwill for impairment at least annually and completed its annual review as of October 31. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, MHC estimates the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, then the identifiable assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. Significant judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests. MHC uses a variety of methods to estimate a reporting unit's fair value, principally discounted projected future net cash flows. Key assumptions used include, but are not limited to, the use of estimated future cash flows; multiples of earnings and regulatory asset value; and an appropriate discount rate. In estimating future cash flows, MHC incorporates current market information, as well as historical factors. As such, the determination of fair value incorporates significant unobservable inputs. During 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, MHC did not record any goodwill impairments.

(3)Discontinued Operations

Refer to Note 3 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The transfer of MidAmerican Energy's unregulated retail services business to a subsidiary of BHE repaid $117 million of MHC's note payable to BHE.

(4)    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Refer to Note 43 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. In addition to MidAmerican Energy's property, plant and equipment, net, MHC had gross nonregulated property of $22$24 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of $9$12 million and $8$10 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015, and construction work-in-progress of $1 million as of December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, which consisted primarily of a corporate aircraft owned by MHC.

(5)(4)    Jointly Owned Utility Facilities

Refer to Note 4 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(5)Regulatory Matters

Refer to Note 5 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(6)Regulatory Matters

Refer to Note 6 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(7)(6)Investments and Restricted Cash and Investments

Refer to Note 76 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. In addition to MidAmerican Energy's investments and restricted cash and investments, MHC had corporate-owned life insurance policies in a Rabbi trust owned by MHC with a total cash surrender value of $2 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015.2017.

(8)(7)    Short-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

Refer to Note 87 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. In addition to MidAmerican Energy's credit facilities, MHC has a $4 million unsecured credit facility, which expires in June 20172019 and has a variable interest rate based on LIBORthe Eurodollar rate plus a spread. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, there were no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility. As of December 31, 2016,2018, MHC was in compliance with the covenants of its credit facility.

(9)(8)Long-Term Debt

Refer to Note 98 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(10)(9)Income Taxes

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 (the "2017 Tax Reform") impacts many areas of income tax law. The most material items include the reduction of the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and limitations on bonus depreciation for utility property. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") require the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform, MHC reduced deferred income tax liabilities $1,822 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for MHC's regulated businesses will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, MHC increased net regulatory liabilities by $1,845 million.

In December 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 to assist in the implementation process of the 2017 Tax Reform by allowing for calculations to be classified as provisional and subject to remeasurement. There are three different classifications for the accounting: (1) completed, (2) not complete but reasonably estimable or (3) not complete and amounts are not reasonably estimable. On December 31, 2017, MHC recorded the impacts of 2017 Tax Reform and believed all the impacts to be complete with the exception of interpretations of the bonus depreciation rules. MHC determined the amounts recorded and the interpretations relating to this item to be provisional and subject to remeasurement during the measurement period upon obtaining the necessary additional information to complete the accounting. MHC believed its interpretations for bonus depreciation to be reasonable, however, clarifying guidance was needed. During 2018, MHC recorded a current tax benefit of $27 million and a deferred tax expense of $28 million following clarifying bonus depreciation guidance. As a result of 2017 Tax Reform, MHC reduced the associated deferred income tax liabilities $12 million and increased regulatory liabilities by the same amount.

MHC's income tax benefit from continuing operations consists of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Current:          
Federal$(478) $(411) $(407)$(277) $(489) $(478)
State(14) (6) (3)(12) (25) (14)
(492) (417) (410)(289) (514) (492)
Deferred:          
Federal367
 282
 296
42
 338
 367
State(4) (5) 2
(9) (3) (4)
363
 277
 298
33
 335
 363
          
Investment tax credits(1) (1) (1)(1) (1) (1)
Total$(130) $(141) $(113)$(257) $(180) $(130)


Iowa Senate File 2417

In May 2018, Iowa Senate File 2417 was signed into law, which, among other items, reduces the state of Iowa corporate tax rate from 12% to 9.8% and eliminates corporate federal deductibility, both for tax years starting in 2021. GAAP requires the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates be recognized in the period the tax rate change was enacted. As a result of Iowa Senate File 2417, MHC reduced net deferred income tax liabilities $54 million and decreased deferred income tax benefit by $2 million. As it is probable the change in deferred taxes for MidAmerican Energy will be passed back to customers through regulatory mechanisms, MHC increased net regulatory liabilities by $56 million.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to MHC's effective income tax rate applicable to income before income tax benefit from continuing operations is as follows for the years ended December 31:
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Federal statutory income tax rate35 % 35 % 35 %21 % 35 % 35 %
Income tax credits(60) (67) (63)(73) (68) (60)
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit(3) (2) 
(4) (4) (3)
Effects of ratemaking(3) (12) (9)(5) (7) (3)
2017 Tax Reform1
 2
 
Other, net
 1
 (2)(1) (1) 
Effective income tax rate(31)% (45)% (39)%(61)% (43)% (31)%

Income tax credits relate primarily to production tax credits earned by MidAmerican Energy's wind-powered generating facilities. Federal renewable electricity production tax credits are earned as energy from qualifying wind-powered generating facilities is produced and sold and are based on a per-kilowatt hour rate pursuant to the applicable federal income tax law. Wind-powered generating facilities are eligible for the credits for 10 years from the date the qualifying generating facilities are placed in-service.

MHC's net deferred income tax liability consists of the following as of December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
Deferred income tax assets:      
Regulatory liabilities$333
 $327
$405
 $443
Derivative contracts
 
Asset retirement obligations230
 214
164
 160
Employee benefits66
 66
47
 45
Other82
 97
85
 62
Total deferred income tax assets711
 704
701
 710
      
Deferred income tax liabilities:      
Depreciable property(3,767) (3,326)(2,947) (2,868)
Regulatory assets(471) (418)(62) (42)
Other(41) (16)(11) (35)
Total deferred income tax liabilities(4,279) (3,760)(3,020) (2,945)
      
Net deferred income tax liability$(3,568) $(3,056)$(2,319) $(2,235)

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MHC has available $25$44 million of state tax carryforwards, principally related to $549$655 million of net operating losses, that expire at various intervals between 20172019 and 2035.2037.

The United States Internal Revenue Service has closed its examination of BHE'sMHC's income tax returns through December 31, 2009, including components related to MHC. In addition,2011. The statute of limitations for MHC's state jurisdictions have closed their examinations of MidAmerican Energy's income tax returns for Iowahave expired through December 31, 2012,2009, with the exception of Iowa and Illinois, for Illinoiswhich the statute of limitations have expired through December 31, 2008, and2014, except for other jurisdictions through December 31, 2009.the impact of any federal audit adjustments. The statute of limitations expiring for state filings may not preclude the state from adjusting the state net operating loss carryforward utilized in a year for which the statute of limitations is not closed.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of MHC's net unrecognized tax benefits is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
2016 20152018 2017
      
Beginning balance$10
 $26
$12
 $10
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 4
4
 1
Additions for tax positions of prior years10
 46
47
 23
Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year(2) (6)(4) (4)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years(8) (46)(48) (19)
Statute of limitations
 (5)
Settlements
 (6)
Interest and penalties
 (3)(1) 1
Ending balance$10
 $10
$10
 $12

As of December 31, 2016,2018, MHC had unrecognized tax benefits totaling $30 million that, if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits relate to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty as to the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits, other than applicable interest and penalties, would not affect MHC's effective income tax rate.


(11)(10)Employee Benefit Plans

Refer to Note 1110 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding MHC's pension, supplemental retirement and postretirement benefit plans.

Pension and postretirement costs allocated by MHC to its parent and other affiliates in each of the years ended December 31, were as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
          
Pension costs$4
 $4
 $4
$3
 $4
 $4
Other postretirement costs(1) (2) (2)(2) (3) (1)

(11)Asset Retirement Obligations

Refer to Note 11 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(12)Asset Retirement ObligationsFair Value Measurements

Refer to Note 12 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(13)Risk Management and Hedging Activities

Refer to Note 13 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(14)Fair Value Measurements

Refer to Note 14 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(15)Commitments and Contingencies

Refer to Note 1513 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Legal Matters

MHC is party to a variety of legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. Plaintiffs occasionally seek punitive or exemplary damages. MHC does not believe that such normal and routine litigation will have a material impact on its consolidated financial results.

(16)(14)Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net

Refer to Note 1614 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.



(15)    Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Refer to Note 15 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements. Additionally, MHC had $4 million of other revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended December 31, 2018.

(17)(16)    Other Income and (Expense) - Other, Net

Other, net, as shown on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, includes the following other income (expense) items for the years ended December 31 (in millions):
 2016 2015 2014
      
Corporate-owned life insurance income$8
 $4
 $8
Gain on redemption of auction rate securities5
 
 
Gains on sales of assets and other investments3
 13
 
Leveraged leases
 1
 5
Other, net2
 2
 5
Total$18
 $20
 $18

MidAmerican Funding recognized a $13 million pre-tax gain on the sale of an investment in a generating facility lease in 2015.
 2018 2017 2016
      
Non-service cost components of postretirement employee benefit plans$21
 $18
 $15
Corporate-owned life insurance income6
 13
 8
Gain on redemption of auction rate securities
 
 5
Gains on sales of assets and other investments1
 1
 3
Interest income and other, net3
 7
 2
Total$31
 $39
 $33

(18)(17)    Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in money market mutual funds, United States Treasury Bills and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash and cash equivalents exclude amounts where availability is restricted by legal requirements, loan agreements or other contractual provisions. Restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, consist substantially of funds restricted for the purpose of constructing solid waste facilities under tax-exempt bond obligation agreements. A reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is outlined below and disaggregated by the line items in which they appear on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 As of December 31,
 2018 2017
    
Cash and cash equivalents$1
 $172
Restricted cash and cash equivalents in other current assets56
 110
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents$57
 $282

The summary of supplemental cash flow information as of and for the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized$181
 $154
 $144
$201
 $193
 $181
Income taxes received, net$600
 $621
 $143
$494
 $463
 $600
          
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:          
Accounts payable related to utility plant additions$131
 $249
 $128
$371
 $224
 $131
Transfer of assets and liabilities to affiliate (note 3)$90
 $
 $
Transfer of unregulated retail services business to affiliate$
 $
 $90


(19)(18)Related Party Transactions

The companies identified as affiliates of MHC are Berkshire Hathaway and its subsidiaries, including BHE and its subsidiaries. The basis for the following transactions is provided for in service agreements between MHC and the affiliates.

MHC is reimbursed for charges incurred on behalf of its affiliates. The majority of these reimbursed expenses are for allocated general costs, such as insurance and building rent, and for employee wages, benefits and costs for corporate functions, such as information technology, human resources, treasury, legal and accounting. The amount of such reimbursements was $44 million, $46 million and $35 million $35for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, in 2018, MHC received $15 million and $37 millionfrom BHE for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.the transfer of corporate aircraft.

MHC reimbursed BHE in the amount of $6$11 million, $7 million and $8$6 million in 2016, 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, respectively, for its share of corporate expenses.

MidAmerican Energy purchases natural gas transportation and storage capacity services from Northern Natural Gas Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHE, and coal transportation services from BNSF Railway Company, a wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, in the normal course of business at either tariffed or market prices. These purchases totaled $127 million, $122 million and $135 million $165 millionin 2018, 2017 and $144 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

MHC has a $300 million revolving credit arrangement carrying interest at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus a spread to borrow from BHE. Outstanding balances are unsecured and due on demand. The outstanding balance was $31$156 million at an interest rate of 0.885%2.629% as of December 31, 2016,2018, and $139$164 million at an interest rate of 0.494%1.629% as of December 31, 2015,2017, and is reflected as note payable to affiliate on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

BHE has a $100 million revolving credit arrangement carrying interest at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus a spread to borrow from MHC. Outstanding balances are unsecured and due on demand. There were no borrowings outstanding throughout 20162018 and 2015.2017.

MHC settlespays all obligations of and receives all payments to MidAmerican Funding, including primarily interest costs on MidAmerican Funding's long-term debt. Net amountsdebt and income taxes. Additionally, in 2017, MHC paid by MHC onfor MidAmerican Funding's redemption of a portion of its long-term debt through a tender offer. On behalf of MidAmerican Funding, totaledMHC received a net amount of $2 million in 2018 and paid net amounts of $130 million and $13 million for 2017 and 2016, 2015 and 2014.respectively.

MHC had accounts receivable from affiliates of $306$433 million and $292$438 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, that are reflected in receivables, net and receivable from affiliate on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. MHC also had accounts payable to affiliates of $12 million and $14 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, that are included in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

MHC is party to a tax-sharing agreement and is part of the Berkshire Hathaway consolidated United States federal income tax return. For current federal and state income taxes, MHC had a payable to BHE of $7$156 million as of December 31, 2016,2018, and a receivable from BHE of $102$51 million as of December 31, 2015.2017. MHC received net cash receipts for federal and state income taxes from BHE totaling $600$494 million, $621$463 million and $144$600 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


MHC recognizes the full amount of the funded status for its pension and postretirement plans, and amounts attributable to MHC's affiliates that have not previously been recognized through income are recognized as an intercompany balance with such affiliates. MHC adjusts these balances when changes to the funded status of the respective plans are recognized and does not intend to settle the balances currently. Amounts receivable from affiliates attributable to the funded status of employee benefit plans totaled $12$20 million and $10$16 million as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively, and similar amounts payable to affiliates totaled $36 million and $29$45 million, as of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, respectively. See Note 1110 for further information pertaining to pension and postretirement accounting.


(20)(19)Segment Information

MHC has identified two reportable operating segments: regulated electric and regulated natural gas. The previously reported nonregulated energy segment consisted substantially of MidAmerican Energy's unregulated retail services business, which was transferred to a subsidiary of BHE and is excluded from the information below related to the statements of operations for all periods presented. The regulated electric segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and from wholesale sales. The regulated natural gas segment derives most of its revenue from regulated retail sales of natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and also obtains revenue by transporting gas owned by others through its distribution system. Pricing for regulated electric and regulated natural gas sales are established separately by regulatory agencies; therefore, management also reviews each segment separately to make decisions regarding allocation of resources and in evaluating performance. Common operating costs, interest income, interest expense and income tax expense are allocated to each segment based on certain factors, which primarily relate to the nature of the cost. "Other" in the tables below consists principally of the nonregulated subsidiaries of MHC not engaged in the energy business. Refer to Note 109 for a discussion of items affecting income tax (benefit) expense for the regulated electric and natural gas operating segments.


The following tables provide information on a reportable segment basis (in millions):
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Operating revenue:          
Regulated electric$1,985
 $1,837
 $1,817
$2,283
 $2,108
 $1,985
Regulated gas637
 661
 996
Regulated natural gas754
 719
 637
Other9
 17
 31
16
 19
 9
Total operating revenue$2,631
 $2,515
 $2,844
$3,053
 $2,846
 $2,631
          
Depreciation and amortization:          
Regulated electric$436
 $366
 $312
$565
 $458
 $436
Regulated gas43
 41
 39
Regulated natural gas44
 42
 43
Total depreciation and amortization$479
 $407
 $351
$609
 $500
 $479
          
Operating income:          
Regulated electric$497
 $385
 $319
$469
 $472
 $486
Regulated gas68
 64
 75
Regulated natural gas81
 72
 64
Other1
 2
 1

 
 1
Total operating income$566
 $451
 $395
$550
 $544
 $551
          
Interest expense:          
Regulated electric$178
 $166
 $157
$208
 $196
 $178
Regulated gas18
 17
 17
Regulated natural gas19
 18
 18
Other
 1
 1
4
 1
 
Total interest expense$196
 $184
 $175
$231
 $215
 $196
          
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations:     
Income tax (benefit) expense:     
Regulated electric$(156) $(163) $(138)$(273) $(212) $(156)
Regulated gas22
 16
 22
Regulated natural gas16
 29
 22
Other4
 6
 3

 3
 4
Total income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations$(130) $(141) $(113)
Total income tax (benefit) expense$(257) $(180) $(130)
          
Net income:          
Regulated electric$512
 $413
 $361
$628
 $570
 $512
Regulated gas32
 33
 40
Regulated natural gas54
 35
 32
Other1
 10
 5
(2) (1) 1
Income from continuing operations545
 456
 406
Income on discontinued operations
 16
 16
Net income$545
 $472
 $422
$680
 $604
 $545
          
Utility construction expenditures:     
Capital expenditures:     
Regulated electric$1,564
 $1,365
 $1,429
$2,223
 $1,686
 $1,564
Regulated gas72
 81
 97
Total utility construction expenditures$1,636
 $1,446
 $1,526
Regulated natural gas109
 87
 72
Total capital expenditures$2,332
 $1,773
 $1,636

As of December 31,As of December 31,
2016 2015 20142018 2017 2016
Total assets:          
Regulated electric$15,304
 $14,161
 $13,041
$17,702
 $16,105
 $15,304
Regulated gas1,424
 1,330
 1,296
Regulated natural gas1,485
 1,482
 1,424
Other317
 468
 457
443
 451
 317
Total assets$17,045
 $15,959
 $14,794
$19,630
 $18,038
 $17,045

Goodwill by reportable segment as of December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 was as follows (in millions):
Regulated electric$1,191
Regulated gas79
Total$1,270

(21)Subsequent Events

Refer to Note 21 of MidAmerican Energy's Notes to Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Regulated electric$1,191
Regulated natural gas79
Total$1,270


SIGNATURES

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY

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 on this 24th day of February 2017.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
/s/ Gregory E. Abel*
Gregory E. Abel
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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 dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Gregory E. Abel*Chairman, President and ChiefFebruary 24, 2017
Gregory E. AbelExecutive Officer
(principal executive officer)
/s/ Patrick J. Goodman*Executive Vice President andFebruary 24, 2017
Patrick J. GoodmanChief Financial Officer
(principal financial and accounting
officer)
/s/ Walter Scott, Jr.*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Walter Scott, Jr.
/s/ Marc D. Hamburg*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Marc D. Hamburg
/s/ Warren E. Buffett*DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Warren E. Buffett
*By: /s/ Natalie L. Hocken
Attorney-in-FactFebruary 24, 2017
Natalie L. Hocken



SIGNATURES

PACIFICORP

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 on this 24th day of February 2017.

PACIFICORP
/s/ Nikki L. Kobliha
Nikki L. Kobliha
Director, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
(principal financial and accounting 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 dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Gregory E. AbelChairman of the Board of DirectorsFebruary 24, 2017
Gregory E. Abeland Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
/s/ Nikki L. KoblihaDirector, Vice President,February 24, 2017
Nikki L. KoblihaChief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Stefan A. BirdDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Stefan A. Bird
/s/ Cindy A. CraneDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Cindy A. Crane
/s/ Patrick J. GoodmanDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Patrick J. Goodman
/s/ Natalie L. HockenDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Natalie L. Hocken


SIGNATURES

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY

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 on this 24th day of February 2017.

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
/s/ William J. Fehrman
William J. Fehrman
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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:

SignaturesTitleDate
/s/William J. FehrmanPresident, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
William J. Fehrman(principal executive officer)
/s/Thomas B. SpecketerVice President, Chief Financial Officer and DirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Thomas B. Specketer(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/Robert B. BerntsenDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Robert B. Berntsen


SIGNATURES

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC

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 on this 24th day of February 2017.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC
/s/ William J. Fehrman
William J Fehrman
President
(principal 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:

SignaturesTitleDate
/s/William J. FehrmanPresident and ManagerFebruary 24, 2017
William J. Fehrman(principal executive officer)
/s/Thomas B. SpecketerVice President and ControllerFebruary 24, 2017
Thomas B. Specketer(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/Patrick J. GoodmanManagerFebruary 24, 2017
Patrick J. Goodman
/s/Sandra Hatfield ClubbManagerFebruary 24, 2017
Sandra Hatfield Clubb
/s/Natalie L. HockenManagerFebruary 24, 2017
Natalie L. Hocken


SIGNATURES

NEVADA POWER COMPANY

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 on this 24th day of February 2017.

NEVADA POWER COMPANY
/s/ Paul J. Caudill
Paul J. Caudill
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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:

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Paul J. CaudillPresident and Chief Executive OfficerFebruary 24, 2017
Paul J. Caudill(principal executive officer)
/s/ E. Kevin BethelSenior Vice President, Chief FinancialFebruary 24, 2017
E. Kevin BethelOfficer and Director
(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Douglas A. CannonDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Douglas A. Cannon
/s/ Patrick S. EganDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Patrick S. Egan
/s/ Kevin C. GeraghtyDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Kevin C. Geraghty
/s/ Francis P. GonzalesDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Francis P. Gonzales
/s/ John C. OwensDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
John C. Owens
/s/ Shawn M. EliceguiDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Shawn M. Elicegui



SIGNATURES

SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY

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 on this 24th day of February 2017.

SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY
/s/ Paul J. Caudill
Paul J. Caudill
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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:

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Paul J. CaudillPresident and Chief Executive OfficerFebruary 24, 2017
Paul J. Caudill(principal executive officer)
/s/ E. Kevin BethelSenior Vice President, Chief FinancialFebruary 24, 2017
E. Kevin BethelOfficer and Director
(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Douglas A. CannonDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Douglas A. Cannon
/s/ Patrick S. EganDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Patrick S. Egan
/s/ Kevin C. GeraghtyDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Kevin C. Geraghty
/s/ Francis P. GonzalesDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Francis P. Gonzales
/s/ John C. OwensDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
John C. Owens
/s/ Shawn M. EliceguiDirectorFebruary 24, 2017
Shawn M. Elicegui


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(D) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT

No annual report to security holders covering each respective Registrant's last fiscal year or proxy material has been sent to security holders.



EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3Indenture, dated as of November 12, 2014, by and between Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to the Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2044 (including form of junior subordinated debenture) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 1, 2014).
4.4
4.54.4
4.64.5
4.74.6
4.84.7
4.94.8
4.104.9
4.10

Exhibit No.
Description

4.11
4.12
4.13
4.124.14
4.134.15
4.144.16
4.154.17
4.164.18
4.174.19
4.184.20Trust Indenture, dated as of September 10, 1999, by and between Cordova Funding Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association, Trustee, relating to the $225,000,000 in principal amount of the 8.75% Senior Secured Bonds due 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.71 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).
4.19
4.204.21
4.214.22

4.22Exhibit No.
Description

4.23
4.234.24

Exhibit No.4.25
Description

4.24Master Trust Deed, dated as of October 16, 1995, by and between Northern Electric Finance plc, Northern Electric plc and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c., Trustee, relating to the £100,000,000 in principal amount of the 8.875% Guaranteed Bonds due 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.70 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
4.254.26
4.264.27
4.274.28
4.284.29
4.294.30
4.304.31
4.314.32
4.324.33
4.334.34
4.344.35

4.35Exhibit No.
Description

4.36
4.364.37
4.374.38

Exhibit No.4.39
Description

4.38Guarantee and Indemnity Agreement, dated December 8, 2015, by and between Northern Powergrid Holdings Company and the European Investment Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).
4.394.40
4.404.41
4.414.42
4.424.43
4.434.44
4.444.45
4.454.46
4.46Trust Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2001, among Kern River Funding Corporation, Kern River Gas Transmission Company and JP Morgan Chase Bank, Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).
4.47Third Supplemental Indenture,

Exhibit No.
Description

4.48
4.49

Exhibit No.
Description

4.50
4.51
4.52
4.53
4.54
4.55
4.56
4.57
4.58
4.59
4.60

Exhibit No.
Description

4.61
4.62

Exhibit No.
Description

4.63
4.64
4.65
4.654.66
4.664.67
4.674.68
4.68Indenture, dated as of March 2, 1999, by and between CE Generation, LLC and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the CE Generation, LLC Registration Statement No. 333-89521 dated October 22, 1999).
4.69First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 4, 2000, by and between CE Generation, LLC and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the CE Generation, LLC Registration Statement No. 333-89521 dated October 22, 1999).
4.70Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 6, 2000, by and between CE Generation, LLC and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.89 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014).
4.71Indenture, dated July 21, 1995, by and between Salton Sea Funding Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Salton Sea Funding Corporation Registration Statement No. 333-95538 dated January 10, 1996).
4.72Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated October 13, 1998, by and between Salton Sea Funding Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(e) to the Salton Sea Funding Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1998).
4.73Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated February 16, 1999, by and between Salton Sea Funding Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(f) to the Salton Sea Funding Corporation Registration Statement No. 333-79581 dated June 29, 1999).
4.74Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 29, 1999, by and between Salton Sea Funding Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust Company, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(g) to the Salton Sea Funding Corporation Registration Statement No. 333-79581 dated June 29, 1999).

Exhibit No.10.1
Description

10.1$2,000,000,0003,500,000,000 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of JuneApril 30, 2016,2018, among Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company, as Borrower, the Banks, Financial Institutions and Other Institutional Lenders, as Initial Lenders, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.,N.A, as Administrative Agent and the LC Issuing Banks (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016).March 31, 2018)
10.2
10.3
10.4

Exhibit No.
Description

10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.910.10
10.1010.11
10.1110.12
10.13
10.14
10.15

10.12Exhibit No.
Description

10.16
10.13*Summary of Key Terms of Compensation Arrangements with Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Named Executive Officers and Directors.

Exhibit No.
Description

10.14*Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated February 25, 2008, by and between MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and Gregory E. AbelLenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.310.12 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007)2016).
10.15*10.17
10.16*10.18CalEnergy Company, Inc. Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan, effective December 1, 1997, First Amendment,
10.17*10.19
10.20
10.18*10.21MidAmerican Energy Company First Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Plan for Designated Officers dated as of May 10, 1999 amended on February 25, 2008 to be effective as of January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).
10.19*
14.1
21.1
23.1
24.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2

PACIFICORP
3.4
3.5
10.20*10.22*
10.21*10.23*
10.22*10.24*

10.23*Exhibit No.
Description

10.25*

Exhibit No.10.26*
Description

10.24*Amendment No. 11 to PacifiCorp Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated June 2, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the PacifiCorp Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).
10.25*10.27*
10.26*10.28*
10.27*10.29*
12.110.30*Statements of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
12.2Statements of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges
14.2
23.2
31.3
31.4
32.3
32.4


Exhibit No.
Description

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY AND PACIFICORP
4.754.69Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of January 9, 1989, between PacifiCorp and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor Trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-E to the PacifiCorp Form 8-B, as supplemented and modified by 2829 Supplemental Indentures, each incorporated by reference, as follows:
Exhibit PacifiCorp  
Number File Type File Date
(4)(b)(a)
 SE November 2, 1989
(4)(a)(a)
 8-K January 9, 1990
4(a)
(4)(a)(a)
 8-K September 11, 1991
4(a)
(4)(a)(a)
 8-K January 7, 1992
4(a)
(4)(a)(a)
 10-Q Quarter ended March 31, 1992
4(a)
(4)(a)(a)
 10-Q Quarter ended September 30, 1992
4(a)
(4)(a)(a)
 8-K April 1, 1993
4(a)
(4)(a)(a)
 10-Q Quarter ended September 30, 1993
 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 1994
 10-K Year ended December 31, 1994
 10-K Year ended December 31, 1995
 10-K Year ended December 31, 1996
 10-K Year ended December 31, 1998
 8-K November 21, 2001
 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2003
 8-K September 8,9, 2003
 8-K August 24,26, 2004
 8-K June 13,14, 2005
 8-K August 14, 2006
 8-K March 14, 2007
 8-K October 3, 2007
 8-K July 17, 2008
 8-K January 8, 2009
 8-K May 12, 2011
 8-K January 6, 2012
 8-K June 6, 2013
 8-K March 13, 2014
 8-K June 19, 2015
8-KJuly 13, 2018

10.2810.31
10.2910.32
95


Exhibit No.
Description

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY
3.6
3.7
14.3
23.3
31.5
31.6
32.5
32.6

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING
3.8
3.9
3.10
14.4
31.7
31.8
32.7
32.8

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY AND MIDAMERICAN FUNDING
4.764.70
4.774.71
4.784.72
4.794.73

Exhibit No.
Description

4.804.74
4.814.75Second Supplemental Indenture, dated June 29, 2007, by and between MidAmerican Energy Company and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., Trustee relating to the 5.95% Notes due 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the MidAmerican Energy Company Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2007).
4.82
4.834.76
4.844.77
4.854.78
4.864.79
4.874.80
4.884.81
4.894.82
4.904.83
4.914.84
4.924.85
4.934.86
4.944.87
4.954.88

Exhibit No.4.89
Description

4.96Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 8, 2016, by and between MidAmerican Energy Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., to the Indenture dated as of September 9, 2013.2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.96 to the MidAmerican Energy Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016).

4.97Exhibit No.
Description

4.90
4.984.91
4.994.92
4.1004.93
4.94
4.95
4.96
4.97
4.98
4.99
4.1014.100
4.1024.101
4.1034.102
10.3010.33

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY AND MIDAMERICAN FUNDING
4.1044.103

Exhibit No.
Description


NEVADA POWER
3.11
3.12
10.314.104
4.105
10.34

Exhibit No.
Description

10.32Financing Agreement between Clark County, Nevada and Nevada Power Company, dated August 1, 2006 (relating to Clark County, Nevada $39,500,000 Pollution Control Refund Revenue Bonds Series 2006) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Nevada Power Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
10.33Financing Agreement between Coconino County, Arizona Pollution Control Corporation and Nevada Power Company, dated August 1, 2006 (relating to Coconino County, Arizona $13,000,000 Pollution Control Corporation Refunding Revenue Bonds Series 2006B) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Nevada Power Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
10.34Financing Agreement between Coconino County, Arizona Pollution Control Corporation and Nevada Power Company, dated August 1, 2006 (relating to Coconino County, Arizona $40,000,000 Pollution Control Corporation Refunding Revenue Bonds Series 2006A) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Nevada Power Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006).
12.3Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
14.5
23.4
31.9
31.10
32.9
32.10

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY AND NEVADA POWER
4.1054.106
4.1064.107
4.1074.108
4.1084.109
4.1094.110
4.1104.111

4.111Exhibit No.
Description

4.112
4.1124.113

Exhibit No.4.114
Description

4.113Officer's Certificate establishing the terms of Nevada Power Company d/b/a NV Energy's 5.375% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series X, due 2040 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Nevada Power Company Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 2010).
4.1144.115
4.116
4.117
4.118
10.35

SIERRA PACIFIC
3.13
3.14
10.36Transmission Use and Capacity Exchange Agreement between Nevada Power Company, Sierra Pacific Power Company and Great Basin Transmission, LLC dated August 20, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13.2 to the Sierra Pacific Power Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010).March 31, 2018)
10.374.119
10.384.120
10.394.121

12.4Exhibit No.Computation of Ratios of Earnings
Description

10.36
14.6
31.11
31.12
32.11
32.12


Exhibit No.
Description

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY AND SIERRA PACIFIC
4.1154.122
4.1164.123
4.1174.124
4.1184.125Officer’s
4.1194.126
4.1204.127Officer’s
10.4010.37


Exhibit No.
Description

ALL REGISTRANTS
101
The following financial information from each respective Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162018 is formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) and included herein: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and detail.

*    Management contract or compensatory plan.(a)    Not available electronically on the SEC website as it was filed in paper previous to the electronic system currently in place.

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K, each Registrant has not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K certain instruments with respect to long-term debt not registered in which the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the respective Registrant. Each Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.



SIGNATURES

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY

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 on this 22nd day of February 2019.

454
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ENERGY COMPANY
/s/ William J. Fehrman*
William J. Fehrman
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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 dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ William J. Fehrman*Director, President and Chief Executive OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
William J. Fehrman(principal executive officer)
/s/ Patrick J. Goodman*Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
Patrick J. Goodman(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Gregory E. Abel*Executive Chairman of the BoardFebruary 22, 2019
Gregory E. Abelof Directors
/s/ Warren E. Buffett*DirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Warren E. Buffett
/s/ Marc D. Hamburg*DirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Marc D. Hamburg
/s/ Walter Scott, Jr.*DirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Walter Scott, Jr.
*By: /s/ Natalie L. HockenAttorney-in-FactFebruary 22, 2019
Natalie L. Hocken



SIGNATURES

PACIFICORP

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 on this 22nd day of February 2019.

PACIFICORP
/s/ Nikki L. Kobliha
Nikki L. Kobliha
Director, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
(principal financial and accounting 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 dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ William J. FehrmanChairman of the Board of Directors and ChiefFebruary 22, 2019
William J. FehrmanExecutive Officer
(principal executive officer)
/s/ Nikki L. KoblihaDirector, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer andFebruary 22, 2019
Nikki L. KoblihaTreasurer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Stefan A. BirdDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Stefan A. Bird
/s/ Patrick J. GoodmanDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Patrick J. Goodman
/s/ Natalie L. HockenDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Natalie L. Hocken
/s/ Gary W. HoogeveenDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Gary W. Hoogeveen


SIGNATURES

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY

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 on this 22nd day of February 2019.

MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY
/s/ Adam L. Wright
Adam L. Wright
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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:

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Adam L. WrightDirector, President and Chief Executive OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
Adam L. Wright(principal executive officer)
/s/ Thomas B. SpecketerDirector, Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
Thomas B. Specketer(principal financial and accounting officer)

/s/ Robert B. BerntsenDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Robert B. Berntsen


SIGNATURES

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC

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 on this 22nd day of February 2019.

MIDAMERICAN FUNDING, LLC
/s/ Adam L. Wright
Adam L. Wright
Manager and President
(principal 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:

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Adam L. WrightManager and PresidentFebruary 22, 2019
Adam L. Wright(principal executive officer)
/s/ Thomas B. SpecketerVice President and ControllerFebruary 22, 2019
Thomas B. Specketer(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Daniel S. FickManagerFebruary 22, 2019
Daniel S. Fick
/s/ Patrick J. GoodmanManagerFebruary 22, 2019
Patrick J. Goodman
/s/ Natalie L. HockenManagerFebruary 22, 2019
Natalie L. Hocken


SIGNATURES

NEVADA POWER COMPANY

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 on this 22nd day of February 2019.

NEVADA POWER COMPANY
/s/ Douglas A. Cannon
Douglas A. Cannon
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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:

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Douglas A. CannonDirector, President and Chief Executive OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
Douglas A. Cannon(principal executive officer)
/s/ Michael E. ColeDirector, Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
Michael E. ColeFinancial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Shawn M. EliceguiDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Shawn M. Elicegui
/s/ Anthony F. Sanchez, IIIDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Anthony F. Sanchez, III
/s/ Kevin C. GeraghtyDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Kevin C. Geraghty
/s/ Jennifer L. OswaldDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Jennifer L. Oswald


SIGNATURES

SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY

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 on this 22nd day of February 2019.

SIERRA PACIFIC POWER COMPANY
/s/ Douglas A. Cannon
Douglas A. Cannon
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal 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:

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Douglas A. CannonDirector, President and Chief Executive OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
Douglas A. Cannon(principal executive officer)
/s/ Michael E. ColeDirector, Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerFebruary 22, 2019
Michael E. ColeFinancial Officer
(principal financial and accounting officer)
/s/ Shawn M. EliceguiDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Shawn M. Elicegui
/s/ Anthony F. Sanchez, IIIDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Anthony F. Sanchez, III
/s/ Kevin C. GeraghtyDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Kevin C. Geraghty
/s/ Jennifer L. OswaldDirectorFebruary 22, 2019
Jennifer L. Oswald


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(D) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT

No annual report to security holders covering each respective Registrant's last fiscal year or proxy material has been sent to security holders.



459