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


Form 10-Q


[X]       QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022
OR
[  ]       TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to____________
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NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANYNORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Commission file number1-38681Commission file number1-15973
Oregon82-4710680Oregon93-0256722
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
250 SW Taylor Street250 SW Taylor Street
 PortlandOregon97204 PortlandOregon97204
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(503)226-4211Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(503)226-4211
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
RegistrantTitle of each classTrading Symbol
Name of each exchange
on which registered
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANYCommon StockNWNNew York Stock Exchange
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANYNone
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.  
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANYYesNoNORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANYYesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 registrant was required to submit such files).   
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANYYesNoNORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANYYesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANYNORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
Large Accelerated FilerLarge Accelerated Filer
Accelerated FilerAccelerated Filer
Non-accelerated FilerNon-accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting CompanySmaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth CompanyEmerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has 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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANYYesNoNORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANYYesNo
Commission file number 1-15973Commission file number 1-38681
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NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANYNORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Oregon93-0256722Oregon82-4710680
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
220 N.W. Second Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number:  (503) 226-4211

220 N.W. Second Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number:  (503) 226-4211

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.  
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY Yes[ X ]  No[   ]NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY Yes[ X ]  No[   ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 registrant was required to submit such files).   
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY Yes[ X ]  No[   ]NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY Yes[ X ]  No[   ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANYNORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
Large Accelerated Filer [    ]Large Accelerated Filer [ X ]
Accelerated Filer [    ]Accelerated Filer [    ]
Non-accelerated Filer [ X ]Non-accelerated Filer [    ]   
Smaller Reporting Company [    ]Smaller Reporting Company [    ]
Emerging Growth Company [    ]Emerging Growth Company [    ]
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has 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. [   ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY Yes[   ]  No[ X ]NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY Yes[   ]  No[ X ]
At October 26, 2018, 28,844,682April 27, 2022, 34,255,926 shares of Northwest Natural Holding Company's Common Stock (the only class of Common Stock) were outstanding, and 28,844,190outstanding. All shares of Northwest Natural Gas Company's Common Stock (the only class of Common Stock) were outstanding all of which were held by Northwest Natural Holding Company.
This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by Northwest Natural Holding Company and Northwest Natural Gas Company. Information contained in this document relating to Northwest Natural Gas Company is filed by Northwest Natural Holding Company and separately by Northwest Natural Gas Company. Northwest Natural Gas Company makes no representation as to information relating to Northwest Natural Holding Company or its subsidiaries, except as it may relate to Northwest Natural Gas Company and its subsidiaries.




NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1.FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage
PART 1.FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage
Unaudited Financial Statements:
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION






PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to the safe harbors created by such Act. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as anticipates, assumes, may, intends, plans, seeks, believes, estimates, expects, will, and similar references (including the negatives thereof) to future periods.periods, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the following:
plans, projections and predictions;
objectives, goals, visions or strategies;
assumptions, generalizations and estimates;
ongoing continuation of past practices or patterns;
future events or performance;
trends;
risks;
uncertainties;
timing and cyclicality;
economic conditions, including impacts of inflation and interest rates;
earnings and dividends;
capital expenditures and allocation;
capital markets or access to capital;
capital or organizational structure, including restructuring as a holding company;structure;
matters related to climate change and our role in decarbonization or a low-carbon future;
growth;renewable natural gas, environmental attributes related thereto, and hydrogen;
our strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the efficacy of communicating that strategy to stakeholders and communities;
the policies and priorities of the current presidential administration and U.S. Congress;
growth;
customer rates;
pandemic and related illness or quarantine, including COVID-19 and related variants, economic conditions related thereto, the resumption of normal business operations, availability and acceptance of vaccinations, and potential future shutdowns;
labor relations and workforce succession;
commodity costs;
desirability and cost competitiveness of natural gas;
gas reserves;
operational and financial performance and costs;
energy policy, infrastructure and preferences;
public policy approach and involvement;
efficacy of derivatives and hedges;
liquidity, financial positions, and planned securities issuances;
valuations;
project and program development, expansion, or investment;
business development efforts, including new business lines such as unregulated renewable natural gas, and acquisitions and integration thereof;
asset dispositionsimplementation and outcomes thereof;execution of our water strategy;
pipeline capacity, demand, location, and reliability;
adequacy of property rights and headquarteroperations center development;
technology implementation and cybersecurity practices;
competition;
procurement and development of gas (including renewable natural gas) and water supplies;
estimated expenditures;expenditures, supply chain and third party availability and impairment;
costs of compliance;compliance, and our ability to include those costs in rates;
customers bypassing our infrastructure;
credit exposures;
seasonality of gas utility earnings;uncollectible account amounts;
rate or regulatory outcomes, recovery or refunds;refunds, and the availability of public utility commissions to take action;
impacts or changes of executive orders, laws, rules and regulations;regulations, or legal challenges related thereto;
tax liabilities or refunds, including effects of tax reform and related timing variances;legislation;
levels and pricing of gas storage contracts and gas storage markets;
outcomes, timing and effects of potential claims, litigation, regulatory actions, and other administrative matters;
projected obligations, expectations and treatment with respect to, and the impact of new legislation on, retirement plans;
international, federal, state, and local efforts to regulate, in a variety of ways, greenhouse gas emissions, and the effects of those efforts;
geopolitical factors, such as the Russia/Ukraine conflict;
3



disruptions caused by social unrest, including related protests or disturbances;
availability, adequacy, and shift in mix, of gas and water supplies;
effects of new or anticipated changes in critical accounting policies or estimates;
approval and adequacy of regulatory deferrals;
effects and efficacy of regulatory mechanisms; and
environmental, regulatory, litigation and insurance costs and recoveries, and timing thereof.


Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We therefore caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future operational or financial performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are discussed in NW Holdings' and NW Natural's 20172021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors”Risk Factors and Part II, Item 7 and Item 7A, “Management’sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations and “QuantitativeQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, respectively, and in Part I of this report, Items 2 and 3, “Management’sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations and “QuantitativeQuantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”Risk, respectively of Part II of this report.respectively.


3


Table of Contents





Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.


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ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands, except per share data 2018 2017 2018 2017
         
Operating revenues $91,239
 $86,213
 $479,441
 $516,413
         
Operating expenses:        
Cost of gas 25,538
 27,239
 175,697
 223,855
Operations and maintenance 37,569
 34,267
 115,120
 106,710
Environmental remediation 1,022
 1,355
 7,528
 10,920
General taxes 7,589
 7,540
 24,792
 23,423
Revenue taxes 3,522
 
 20,731
 
Depreciation and amortization 21,485
 20,352
 63,507
 60,529
Other operating expenses 625
 
 2,157
 
Total operating expenses 97,350
 90,753
 409,532
 425,437
Income (loss) from operations (6,111) (4,540) 69,909
 90,976
Other income (expense), net (312) 139
 (1,139) (624)
Interest expense, net 9,006
 9,208
 27,051
 28,311
Income (loss) before income taxes (15,429) (13,609) 41,719
 62,041
Income tax (benefit) expense (4,285) (5,722) 11,191
 24,456
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (11,144) (7,887) 30,528
 37,585
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (650) (608) (1,783) (3,041)
Net income (loss) (11,794) (8,495) 28,745
 34,544
Other comprehensive income:        
Amortization of non-qualified employee benefit plan liability, net of taxes of $55 and $98 for the three months ended and $166 and $275 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively 154
 150
 461
 423
Comprehensive income (loss) $(11,640) $(8,345) $29,206
 $34,967
Average common shares outstanding:        
Basic 28,815
 28,678
 28,787
 28,653
Diluted 28,815
 28,678
 28,846
 28,734
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share of common stock:        
Basic $(0.39) $(0.28) $1.06
 $1.32
Diluted (0.39) (0.28) 1.06
 1.31
Loss from discontinued operations per share of common stock:        
Basic $(0.02) $(0.02) $(0.06) $(0.11)
Diluted (0.02) (0.02) (0.06) (0.11)
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:        
Basic $(0.41) $(0.30) $1.00
 $1.21
Diluted (0.41) (0.30) 1.00
 1.20
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands, except per share data20222021
Operating revenues$350,301 $315,946 
Operating expenses:
Cost of gas145,588 112,210 
Operations and maintenance57,485 52,191 
Environmental remediation4,703 3,777 
General taxes12,104 11,369 
Revenue taxes13,360 12,664 
Depreciation28,429 28,097 
Other operating expenses994 932 
Total operating expenses262,663 221,240 
Income from operations87,638 94,706 
Other income (expense), net(954)(3,542)
Interest expense, net11,522 11,126 
Income before income taxes75,162 80,038 
Income tax expense18,923 20,521 
Net income56,239 59,517 
Other comprehensive income:
Amortization of non-qualified employee benefit plan liability, net of taxes of $71 and $80 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively197 221 
Comprehensive income$56,436 $59,738 
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic31,187 30,614 
Diluted31,212 30,633 
Earnings per share of common stock:
Basic$1.80 $1.94 
Diluted1.80 1.94 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents





NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

  September 30, September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
       
Assets:      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $29,965
 $15,780
 $3,472
Accounts receivable 25,125
 21,930
 66,236
Accrued unbilled revenue 16,351
 15,974
 62,381
Allowance for uncollectible accounts (394) (459) (956)
Regulatory assets 41,241
 49,504
 45,781
Derivative instruments 2,871
 2,073
 1,735
Inventories 53,064
 59,135
 47,577
Gas reserves 16,916
 16,218
 15,704
Other current assets 20,376
 17,285
 24,949
Discontinued operations current assets (Note 16) 12,644
 2,106
 3,057
Total current assets 218,159
 199,546
 269,936
Non-current assets:      
Property, plant, and equipment 3,370,388
 3,148,545
 3,204,635
Less: Accumulated depreciation 996,994
 954,782
 960,477
Total property, plant, and equipment, net 2,373,394
 2,193,763
 2,244,158
Gas reserves 70,556

87,876
 84,053
Regulatory assets 333,917
 345,352
 356,608
Derivative instruments 861
 1,555
 1,306
Other investments 65,113
 69,245
 66,363
Goodwill 6,563
 
 
Other non-current assets 12,844
 4,192
 6,505
Discontinued operations non-current assets (Note 16) 
 204,078
 10,817
Total non-current assets 2,863,248
 2,906,061
 2,769,810
Total assets $3,081,407
 $3,105,607
 $3,039,746
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

March 31,March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$24,325 $17,907 $18,559 
Accounts receivable103,131 105,226 101,495 
Accrued unbilled revenue41,772 41,907 82,169 
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2,488)(3,503)(2,018)
Regulatory assets64,481 47,789 72,391 
Derivative instruments84,438 19,914 48,130 
Inventories33,377 26,237 57,262 
Income taxes receivable— 6,000 — 
Other current assets42,329 41,315 59,288 
Total current assets391,365 302,792 437,276 
Non-current assets:
Property, plant, and equipment4,041,894 3,788,283 3,997,243 
Less: Accumulated depreciation1,137,138 1,091,903 1,125,873 
Total property, plant, and equipment, net2,904,756 2,696,380 2,871,370 
Regulatory assets297,546 338,692 314,579 
Derivative instruments6,955 3,087 10,730 
Other investments96,266 79,034 89,278 
Operating lease right of use asset, net74,416 76,957 75,049 
Assets under sales-type leases137,837 142,586 138,995 
Goodwill70,570 69,330 70,570 
Other non-current assets74,923 49,767 56,757 
Total non-current assets3,663,269 3,455,833 3,627,328 
Total assets$4,054,634 $3,758,625 $4,064,604 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements



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Table of Contents






NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

  September 30, September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
       
Liabilities and equity:      
Current liabilities:      
Short-term debt $100,500
 $
 $54,200
Current maturities of long-term debt 84,940
 21,995
 96,703
Accounts payable 80,143
 87,123
 111,021
Taxes accrued 13,074
 11,933
 18,883
Interest accrued 9,453
 9,854
 6,773
Regulatory liabilities 37,504
 34,659
 34,013
Derivative instruments 8,828
 8,968
 18,722
Other current liabilities 35,497
 27,218
 39,942
Discontinued operations current liabilities (Note 16) 13,003
 1,201
 1,593
Total current liabilities 382,942
 202,951
 381,850
Long-term debt 724,654
 757,429
 683,184
Deferred credits and other non-current liabilities:      
Deferred tax liabilities 274,315
 572,293
 270,526
Regulatory liabilities 606,175
 363,838
 586,093
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities 212,249
 212,259
 223,333
Derivative instruments 3,016
 3,926
 4,649
Other non-current liabilities 140,475
 134,123
 135,292
Discontinued operations - non-current liabilities (Note 16) 
 12,106
 12,043
Total deferred credits and other non-current liabilities 1,236,230
 1,298,545
 1,231,936
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) 

 

 

Equity:      
Common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 28,844, 28,713, and 28,736 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, and December 31, 2017, respectively 455,499
 447,129
 448,865
Retained earnings 290,059
 406,081
 302,349
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7,977) (6,528) (8,438)
Total equity 737,581
 846,682
 742,776
Total liabilities and equity $3,081,407
 $3,105,607
 $3,039,746
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

March 31,March 31,December 31,
In thousands, including share information202220212021
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt$332,500 $236,225 $389,500 
Current maturities of long-term debt339 95,265 345 
Accounts payable130,557 88,591 133,486 
Taxes accrued14,258 23,550 15,520 
Interest accrued10,886 9,491 7,503 
Regulatory liabilities111,791 81,314 112,281 
Derivative instruments3,855 1,038 10,402 
Operating lease liabilities1,303 1,213 1,296 
Other current liabilities52,778 48,978 54,432 
Total current liabilities658,267 585,665 724,765 
Long-term debt1,044,667 860,654 1,044,587 
Deferred credits and other non-current liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities353,746 328,112 340,231 
Regulatory liabilities652,977 636,384 658,332 
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities164,530 210,811 166,684 
Derivative instruments592 1,272 412 
Operating lease liabilities79,162 80,414 79,468 
Other non-current liabilities112,749 118,989 114,979 
Total deferred credits and other non-current liabilities1,363,756 1,375,982 1,360,106 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)000
Equity: 
Common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding 31,380, 30,655, and 31,129 at March 31, 2022 and 2021, and December 31, 2021, respectively602,382 568,066 590,771 
Retained earnings396,769 380,939 355,779 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(11,207)(12,681)(11,404)
Total equity987,944 936,324 935,146 
Total liabilities and equity$4,054,634 $3,758,625 $4,064,604 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements





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NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands 2018 2017
     
Operating activities:    
Net income $28,745
 $34,544
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:    
Depreciation and amortization 63,507
 60,529
Regulatory amortization of gas reserves 12,056
 12,036
Deferred income taxes 3,954
 17,287
Qualified defined benefit pension plan expense 4,450
 3,923
Contributions to qualified defined benefit pension plans (11,690) (15,400)
Deferred environmental expenditures, net (10,547) (10,468)
Amortization of environmental remediation 7,528
 10,920
Regulatory revenue deferral from the TCJA 6,983
 
Other 1,541
 2,522
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Receivables, net 83,194
 90,311
Inventories (5,134) (5,372)
Income taxes (5,809) (216)
Accounts payable (22,929) (29,282)
Interest accrued 2,680
 3,888
Deferred gas costs 2,372
 13,419
Other, net (3,588) 28
Discontinued operations 1,216
 4,187
Cash provided by operating activities 158,529
 192,856
Investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (158,795) (145,274)
Other (1,661) (1,131)
Discontinued operations (619) (167)
Cash used in investing activities (161,075) (146,572)
Financing activities:    
Repurchases related to stock-based compensation 
 (2,034)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,368
 3,711
Long-term debt issued 50,000
 100,000
Long-term debt retired (22,000) (40,000)
Change in short-term debt 46,300
 (53,300)
Cash dividend payments on common stock (38,387) (40,390)
Stock purchases related to acquisitions (7,951) 
Other (291) (2,012)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities 29,039
 (34,025)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 26,493
 12,259
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 3,472
 3,521
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $29,965
 $15,780
     
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:    
Interest paid, net of capitalization $22,821
 $22,859
Income taxes paid, net of refunds 22,047
 11,581
In thousands, except per share amountsThree Months Ended March 31,
20222021
Total shareholders' equity, beginning balances$935,146 $888,733 
Common stock:
Beginning balances590,771 565,112 
Stock-based compensation1,774 2,030 
Shares issued pursuant to equity based plans, net of shares withheld for taxes(76)924 
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs9,913 — 
Ending balances602,382 568,066 
Retained earnings:
Beginning balances355,779 336,523 
Net income56,239 59,517 
Dividends on common stock(15,249)(15,101)
Ending balances396,769 380,939 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balances(11,404)(12,902)
Other comprehensive income197 221 
Ending balances(11,207)(12,681)
Total shareholders' equity, ending balances$987,944 $936,324 
Dividends per share of common stock$0.4825 $0.4800 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


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NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)

  September 30,
In thousands, except share amounts 2018
   
Assets:  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents $20,000
Total current assets 20,000
Total assets $20,000
   
Equity:  
Common stock - no par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; 100 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 $20,000
Total equity $20,000
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
Operating activities:
Net income$56,239 $59,517 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
Depreciation28,429 28,097 
Regulatory amortization of gas reserves1,481 3,634 
Deferred income taxes8,780 3,145 
Qualified defined benefit pension plan expense1,441 3,937 
Contributions to qualified defined benefit pension plans— (4,540)
Deferred environmental expenditures, net(4,345)(4,270)
Environmental remediation expense4,703 3,777 
Asset optimization revenue sharing bill credits(41,102)(9,053)
Other6,325 6,134 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net38,664 1,044 
Inventories23,885 16,454 
Income and other taxes14,436 22,975 
Accounts payable(16,487)(2,329)
Deferred gas costs11,728 (28,912)
Asset optimization revenue sharing(646)34,633 
Decoupling mechanism4,434 656 
Other, net3,072 2,166 
Cash provided by operating activities141,037 137,065 
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures(68,514)(65,702)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired— (42)
Proceeds from the sale of assets195 1,960 
Other(1,431)(91)
Cash used in investing activities(69,750)(63,875)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from common stock issued, net9,938 — 
Repayment of commercial paper, maturities greater than three months— (100,000)
Changes in other short-term debt, net(57,000)31,700 
Cash dividend payments on common stock(14,452)(13,858)
Other(1,250)(974)
Cash used in financing activities(62,764)(83,132)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash8,523 (9,942)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period27,120 35,454 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period$35,643 $25,512 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalization$7,977 $8,976 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds773 800 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements


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NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
In thousands Inception through September 30, 2018
   
Financing activities:  
Capital contributions $20,000
Cash provided by financing activities 20,000
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 20,000
Cash and cash equivalents, at inception 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $20,000
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
Operating revenues$346,624 $312,350 
Operating expenses:
Cost of gas145,644 112,266 
Operations and maintenance53,877 49,187 
Environmental remediation4,703 3,777 
General taxes11,989 11,259 
Revenue taxes13,324 12,655 
Depreciation27,637 27,169 
Other operating expenses899 919 
Total operating expenses258,073 217,232 
Income from operations88,551 95,118 
Other income (expense), net(981)(3,665)
Interest expense, net10,831 10,790 
Income before income taxes76,739 80,663 
Income tax expense19,323 20,552 
Net income57,416 60,111 
Other comprehensive income:
Amortization of non-qualified employee benefit plan liability, net of taxes of $71 and $80 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively197 221 
Comprehensive income$57,613 $60,332 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements



10





NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
March 31,March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$10,165 $10,418 $12,271 
Accounts receivable101,551 96,878 99,780 
Accrued unbilled revenue41,651 41,817 82,028 
Receivables from affiliates1,850 1,669 261 
Allowance for uncollectible accounts(2,432)(3,460)(1,962)
Regulatory assets64,481 47,789 72,391 
Derivative instruments84,438 19,914 48,130 
Inventories32,757 25,737 56,752 
Other current assets39,507 40,745 47,378 
Total current assets373,968 281,507 417,029 
Non-current assets:
Property, plant, and equipment3,971,050 3,736,431 3,931,640 
Less: Accumulated depreciation1,129,837 1,087,391 1,119,361 
Total property, plant, and equipment, net2,841,213 2,649,040 2,812,279 
Regulatory assets297,482 338,652 314,539 
Derivative instruments6,955 3,087 10,730 
Other investments81,797 79,011 74,786 
Operating lease right of use asset, net74,361 76,857 74,987 
Assets under sales-type leases137,837 142,586 138,995 
Other non-current assets73,207 48,828 55,027 
Total non-current assets3,512,852 3,338,061 3,481,343 
Total assets$3,886,820 $3,619,568 $3,898,372 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
11



NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
March 31,March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt$188,500 $175,225 $245,500 
Current maturities of long-term debt— 59,971 — 
Accounts payable127,569 87,823 131,475 
Payables to affiliates9,619 29,744 1,248 
Taxes accrued14,224 13,865 15,476 
Interest accrued10,708 9,460 7,296 
Regulatory liabilities111,791 81,314 112,281 
Derivative instruments3,855 1,038 10,402 
Operating lease liabilities1,286 1,167 1,273 
Other current liabilities52,053 48,488 53,591 
Total current liabilities519,605 508,095 578,542 
Long-term debt986,627 857,365 986,495 
Deferred credits and other non-current liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities351,191 326,301 337,717 
Regulatory liabilities651,995 635,515 657,350 
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities164,530 210,811 166,684 
Derivative instruments592 1,272 412 
Operating lease liabilities79,125 80,358 79,431 
Other non-current liabilities111,546 118,286 113,934 
Total deferred credits and other non-current liabilities1,358,979 1,372,543 1,355,528 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)000
Equity: 
Common stock436,042 319,506 435,515 
Retained earnings596,774 574,740 553,696 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(11,207)(12,681)(11,404)
Total equity1,021,609 881,565 977,807 
Total liabilities and equity$3,886,820 $3,619,568 $3,898,372 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

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NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
In thousandsThree Months Ended March 31,
20222021
Total shareholder's equity, beginning balances$977,807 $835,184 
Common stock:
Beginning balances435,515 319,506 
Capital contributions from parent527 — 
Ending balances436,042 319,506 
Retained earnings:
Beginning balances553,696 528,580 
Net income57,416 60,111 
Dividends on common stock(14,338)(13,951)
Ending balances596,774 574,740 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balances(11,404)(12,902)
Other comprehensive income197 221 
Ending balances(11,207)(12,681)
Total shareholder's equity, ending balances$1,021,609 $881,565 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

13




NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
Operating activities:
Net income$57,416 $60,111 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations:
Depreciation27,637 27,169 
Regulatory amortization of gas reserves1,481 3,634 
Deferred income taxes8,744 2,592 
Qualified defined benefit pension plan expense1,441 3,937 
Contributions to qualified defined benefit pension plans— (4,540)
Deferred environmental expenditures, net(4,345)(4,270)
Environmental remediation expense4,703 3,777 
Asset optimization revenue sharing bill credits(41,102)(9,053)
Other5,786 5,454 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net36,920 421 
Inventories23,995 16,588 
Income and other taxes12,383 21,488 
Accounts payable(15,525)(711)
Deferred gas costs11,728 (28,912)
Asset optimization revenue sharing(646)34,633 
Decoupling mechanism4,434 656 
Other, net3,180 3,299 
Cash provided by operating activities138,230 136,273 
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures(64,317)(64,098)
Proceeds from the sale of assets195 1,960 
Other(1,431)(91)
Cash used in investing activities(65,553)(62,229)
Financing activities:
Cash contributions received from parent527 — 
Repayment of commercial paper, maturities greater than three months— (100,000)
Changes in other short-term debt, net(57,000)43,700 
Cash dividend payments on common stock(14,338)(13,951)
Other(1,215)(1,509)
Cash used in financing activities(72,026)(71,760)
Increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash651 2,284 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period20,832 15,739 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period$21,483 $18,023 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of capitalization$7,288 $8,585 
Income taxes paid, net of refunds3,300 2,880 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
14



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)


1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

On October 1, 2018, Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural) and Northwest Natural Holding Company (NW Holdings) completed the reorganization into a holding company structure. NW Holdings is now the parent holding company of NW Natural, NW Natural Water Company, LLC (NWN Water) and other subsidiaries previously held by NW Natural. For further discussion, see Note 17. These financial statements and accompanying notes are for the period ending September 30, 2018 and reflect the organizational structure prior to the reorganization.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the respective, consolidated financial results of NWNorthwest Natural Holding Company (NW Holdings) and Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural) and all respective companies NW Naturalthat each registrant directly or indirectly controlled,controls, either through majority ownership or otherwise asotherwise. This is a combined report of September 30, 2018. NW Holdings and NW Natural, which includes separate consolidated financial statements for each registrant.

NW Natural's regulated localnatural gas distribution business, referred to asactivities are reported in the utilitynatural gas distribution (NGD) segment. The NGD segment is NW Natural's core operating business and serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Oregon and southwest Washington. The NGD segment is the only reportable segment for NW Holdings and NW Natural. All other category primarily includes the non-utility portion of the Mist gas storage facility that provides storage services for utilities, gas marketers, electric generators,activities, water businesses, and large industrial users from facilities located in Oregon. In addition, prior to the reorganizationother investments are aggregated and reported as other at their respective registrant.

NW Holdings and NW Natural held regulated water services, other investments, and other non-utility activities reported as other.

NW Natural's direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries as of September 30, 2018 include:

NW Natural Energy, LLC (NWN Energy);
NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC (NWN Gas Storage);
Gill Ranch Storage, LLC (Gill Ranch), which is presented as a discontinued operation;
Northwest Energy Corporation (Energy Corp);
NWN Gas Reserves LLC (NWN Gas Reserves);
NNG Financial Corporation (NNG Financial);
NW Natural Water Company, LLC (NWN Water);
Falls Water Co., Inc. (Falls Water);
Cascadia Water, LLC (Cascadia);
Northwest Natural Holding Company (NW Holdings); and
NWN Merger Sub, Inc. (NWN Holdco Sub).

NW Holdings' direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries as of the filing date of this report include:

Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural);
Northwest Energy Corporation (Energy Corp);
NWN Gas Reserves LLC (NWN Gas Reserves);
NW Natural Energy, LLC (NWN Energy);
NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC (NWN Gas Storage);
Gill Ranch Storage, LLC (Gill Ranch), which is presented as a discontinued operation;
NNG Financial Corporation (NNG Financial);
NW Natural Water Company, LLC (NWN Water);
Falls Water Co., Inc. (Falls Water);
Salmon Valley Water Company;
Cascadia Water, LLC (Cascadia);
NW Natural Water of Oregon, LLC (NWN Water of Oregon);
NW Natural Water of Washington, LLC; and
NW Natural Water of Idaho, LLC.

consolidate all entities in which they have a controlling financial interest. Investments in corporate joint ventures and partnerships that the registrantNW Holdings does not directly or indirectly control, and for which it is not the primary beneficiary, include NWN Energy'sNNG Financial's investment in Trail West Holdings, LLC (TWH)Kelso-Beaver Pipeline and NWN Water's investment in Avion Water Company, Inc., which isare accounted for under the equity method, and NNG Financial'smethod. NW Natural RNG Holding Company, LLC holds an investment in Kelso-Beaver Pipeline.Lexington Renewable Energy, LLC, which is also accounted for under the equity method. See Note 13 for activity related to equity method investments. NW Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as NW Holdings, and NW Natural and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as NW Natural. The consolidated financial statements of NW Holdings and NW Natural are presented after elimination of all intercompany balances and transactions. In this report, the term “utility” is used to describe NW Natural's regulated gas distribution business, and the term “non-utility” is used to describe the non-utility portion of the Mist gas storage facility and other non-utility investments and business activities.


Information presented in these interim consolidated financial statements is unaudited, but includes all material adjustments management considers necessary for a fair statement of the results for each period reported including normal recurring accruals. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in NW Holdings' and NW Natural's 2017combined 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K (2017(2021 Form 10-K), taking into consideration the changes mentioned below in this Note 1 and in Notes 4 and 15, as reflected in Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (Form 8-K) filed on September 24, 2018.. A significant part of NW Holdings' and NW Natural's business is of a seasonal nature; therefore, NW Holdings and NW Natural results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of full year results.

During Seasonality affects the second quartercomparability of 2018, we moved forward with NW Natural's long-term strategic plans, which include a shift away from the California gas storage business. In June 2018, NWN Gas Storage, a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement that provides for the sale of all of the membership interests in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gill Ranch, subject to various regulatory approvals and closing conditions. We have concluded that the pending sale of Gill Ranch qualifies as assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations. As such, for all periods presented, the results of Gill Ranch have been presented as a discontinued operation on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and cash flows, and the assets and liabilities associated with Gill Ranch have been classified as discontinuedother operations assets and liabilities on theacross quarters but not across years.

11






consolidated balance sheets. See Note 16 for additional information. Additionally, we reevaluated reportable segments and concluded that the remaining gas storage activities no longer meet the requirements to be separately reported as a segment. The non-utility portion of the Mist gas storage facility is now reported as other, and all prior periods reflect this change. See Note 4, which provides segment information. These reclassifications had no effect on the prior year's consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

NW Holdings was formed on March 7, 2018. The accompanying financial statements for NW Holdings are provided in accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-13 and 15d-13. There was no income statement activity for NW Holdings during the period ended September 30, 2018 and thus no income statement is provided for NW Holdings. Prior to completing the reorganization, NW Holdings received a $20.0 million capital contribution.


Notes to the consolidated financial statements reflect the activity of continuing operationsfor both NW Holdings and NW Natural for all periods presented, unless otherwise noted. Note 16 providesCertain reclassifications have been made to conform prior period information regarding discontinued operations.to the current presentation. The reclassifications did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the 20172021 Form 10-K. There were no material changes to those accounting policies during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 other than those incorporatedset forth in this Note 5, Note 13, and Note 16 relating to revenue, business combinations and goodwill, and discontinued operations, respectively.2. The following are current updates to certain critical accounting policy estimates and new accounting standards.
  
Industry Regulation
In applying regulatory accounting principles, NW Holdings and NW Natural capitalizescapitalize or defersdefer certain costs and revenues as regulatory assets and liabilities pursuant to orders of the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC), Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) or, Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) or Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), as applicable, which provide for the recovery of revenues or expenses from, or refunds to, utility customers in future periods, including a return or a carrying charge in certain cases.



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Table of Contents




Amounts deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities for NW Holdings and NW Natural were as follows:
Regulatory Assets
March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
NW Natural:
Current:
Unrealized loss on derivatives(1)
$3,855 $1,038 $10,402 
Gas costs33,215 21,851 35,641 
Environmental costs(2)
7,082 5,396 6,694 
Decoupling(3)
469 969 
Pension balancing(4)
7,131 7,131 7,131 
Income taxes2,299 2,273 2,568 
Other(5)
10,430 10,096 8,986 
Total current$64,481 $47,789 $72,391 
Non-current:
Unrealized loss on derivatives(1)
$592 $1,272 $412 
Pension balancing(4)
35,974 41,111 38,302 
Income taxes11,129 13,895 12,609 
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities113,494 165,598 116,440 
Environmental costs(2)
87,566 84,977 94,636 
Gas costs10,054 11,242 15,477 
Decoupling(3)
— — 
Other(5)
38,673 20,555 36,663 
Total non-current$297,482 $338,652 $314,539 
Other (NW Holdings)64 40 40 
Total non-current - NW Holdings$297,546 $338,692 $314,579 
Regulatory Liabilities
March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
NW Natural:
Current:
Gas costs$1,922 $2,575 $70 
Unrealized gain on derivatives(1)
84,438 19,914 48,130 
Decoupling(3)
8,236 10,134 4,475 
Income taxes7,318 8,217 8,192 
Asset optimization revenue sharing5,186 35,878 45,124 
Other(5)
4,691 4,596 6,290 
Total current$111,791 $81,314 $112,281 
Non-current:
Gas costs$532 $634 $250 
Unrealized gain on derivatives(1)
6,955 3,087 10,730 
Decoupling(3)
3,585 2,652 3,412 
Income taxes(6)
176,138 182,511 181,404 
Accrued asset removal costs(7)
450,973 434,489 445,952 
Asset optimization revenue sharing— — 1,810 
Other(5)
13,812 12,142 13,792 
Total non-current - NW Natural$651,995 $635,515 $657,350 
Other (NW Holdings)982 869 982 
Total non-current - NW Holdings$652,977 $636,384 $658,332 
(1)Unrealized gains or losses on derivatives are non-cash items and therefore do not earn a rate of return or a carrying charge. These amounts are recoverable through NGD rates as part of the annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) mechanism when realized at settlement.
(2)Refer to the Environmental Cost Deferral and Recovery table in Note 16 for a description of environmental costs.
(3)This deferral represents the margin adjustment resulting from differences between actual and expected volumes. 
(4)Balance represents deferred net periodic benefit costs as approved by the OPUC.
16





Regulatory Assets
  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Current:      
Unrealized loss on derivatives(1)
 $8,828
 $8,887
 $18,712
Gas costs 461
 1,851
 154
Environmental costs(2)
 5,633
 6,362
 6,198
Decoupling(3)
 11,990
 15,663
 11,227
Income taxes 2,217
 4,378
 2,218
Other(4)
 12,112
 12,363
 7,272
Total current $41,241
 $49,504
 $45,781
Non-current:      
Unrealized loss on derivatives(1)
 $3,016
 $3,926
 $4,649
Pension balancing(5)
 72,291
 57,599
 60,383
Income taxes 19,267
 36,591
 19,991
Pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities 165,741
 172,687
 179,824
Environmental costs(2)
 63,464
 63,339
 72,128
Gas costs 14
 48
 84
Decoupling(3)
 829
 1,025
 3,970
Other(4)
 9,295
 10,137
 15,579
Total non-current $333,917
 $345,352
 $356,608
(5)Balances consist of deferrals and amortizations under approved regulatory mechanisms and typically earn a rate of return or carrying charge.
(6)Balance represents excess deferred income tax benefits subject to regulatory flow-through.
  Regulatory Liabilities
  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Current:      
Gas costs $20,716
 $16,459
 $14,886
Unrealized gain on derivatives(1)
 2,862
 2,020
 1,674
Decoupling(3)
 1,697
 314
 322
Other(4)
 12,229
 15,866
 17,131
Total current $37,504
 $34,659
 $34,013
Non-current:      
Gas costs $1,409
 $1,015
 $4,630
Unrealized gain on derivatives(1)
 861
 1,555
 1,306
Decoupling(3)
 119
 
 957
Income taxes(6)
 223,841
 
 213,306
Accrued asset removal costs(7)
 375,257
 356,106
 360,929
Other(4)
 4,688
 5,162
 4,965
Total non-current $606,175
 $363,838
 $586,093
(7)Estimated costs of removal on certain regulated properties are collected through rates.
(1)
Unrealized gains or losses on derivatives are non-cash items and therefore, do not earn a rate of return or a carrying charge. These amounts are recoverable through utility rates as part of the annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) mechanism when realized at settlement.
(2)
Refer to footnote (3) per the Deferred Regulatory Asset table in Note 15 for a description of environmental costs.
(3)
This deferral represents the margin adjustment resulting from differences between actual and expected volumes. 
(4)
Balances consist of deferrals and amortizations under approved regulatory mechanisms and typically earn a rate of return or carrying charge.
(5)
Refer to footnote (1) of the Net Periodic Benefit Cost table in Note 8 for information regarding the deferral of pension expenses.
(6)
This balance represents estimated amounts associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. See Note 9.
(7)
Estimated costs of removal on certain regulated properties are collected through rates.


We believe all costs incurred and deferred at September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 are prudent. All regulatory assets and liabilities are reviewed annually for recoverability, or more often if circumstances warrant. If we should determine that all or a portion of these regulatory assets or liabilities no longer meet the criteria for continued application of regulatory accounting, then NW Holdings and NW Natural would be required to write-off the net unrecoverable balances in the period such determination is made.



Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Restricted cash is primarily comprised of funds from public purpose charges for programs that assist low-income customers with bill payments or energy efficiency.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances at NW Holdings as of March 31, 2022 and 2021 and December 31, 2021:
March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
Cash and cash equivalents$24,325 $17,907 $18,559 
Restricted cash included in other current assets11,3187,6058,561
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$35,643 $25,512 $27,120 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balances at NW Natural as of March 31, 2022 and 2021 and December 31, 2021:
March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
Cash and cash equivalents$10,165 $10,418 $12,271 
Restricted cash included in other current assets11,3187,6058,561
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$21,483 $18,023 $20,832 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due for natural gas sales and transportation services to NGD customers, plus amounts due for gas storage services. NW Holdings and NW Natural establish allowances for uncollectible accounts (allowance) for trade receivables, including accrued unbilled revenue, based on the aging of receivables, collection experience of past due account balances including payment plans, and historical trends of write-offs as a percent of revenues. A specific allowance is established and recorded for large individual customer receivables when amounts are identified as unlikely to be partially or fully recovered. Inactive accounts are written-off against the allowance after they are 120 days past due or when deemed uncollectible. Differences between the estimated allowance and actual write-offs will occur based on a number of factors, including changes in economic conditions, customer creditworthiness, and natural gas prices. The allowance for uncollectible accounts is adjusted quarterly, as necessary, based on information currently available.

Allowance for Trade Receivables
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due for natural gas sales and transportation services to NGD customers and amounts due for gas storage services. The payment term of these receivables is generally 15 days. For these short-term receivables, it is not expected that forecasted economic conditions would significantly affect the loss estimates under stable economic conditions. For extreme situations like a financial crisis, natural disaster, and the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we enhance our review and analysis.

During 2020 and 2021, we considered the significant exposure to COVID-19 related job losses in Oregon and Washington state, and expanded our standard review procedures for our allowance for uncollectible accounts at NW Holdings and NW Natural, including analyzing the unemployment rate and comparing it to historic economic data during the 2007-2009 time period when the country experienced an economic recession. We also considered other qualitative information including recent customer interactions related to payment plans and credit issues, statistics from our website related to credit inquiries, and bill assistance programs including the arrearage management program. For the residential allowance calculation, we continue to consider the funds applied or granted to customers through a variety of assistance programs including the COVID-19 arrearage management programs in Oregon and Washington. During the third quarter of 2021, the normal collection process for residential accounts resumed. For residential and commercial accounts, we have resumed normal collection processes and our provision is based on historical write-off trends and current information on delinquent accounts. For industrial accounts, we continue to analyze those accounts on an account-by-account basis with specific reserves taken as necessary. We’ll continue to closely monitor and evaluate our accounts receivable and provision for uncollectible accounts.


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17



Table
The following table presents the activity related to the NW Holdings provision for uncollectible accounts by pool, substantially all of Contentswhich is related to NW Natural's accounts receivable:

As ofAs of
December 31, 2021Three Months Ended March 31, 2022March 31, 2022
In thousandsBeginning BalanceProvision recorded, net of adjustmentsWrite-offs recognized, net of recoveriesEnding Balance
Allowance for uncollectible accounts:
Residential$1,460 $479 $(22)$1,917 
Commercial178 137 (11)304 
Industrial67 (26)50 
Accrued unbilled and other313 (9)(87)217 
Total$2,018 $616 $(146)$2,488 



Allowance for Net Investments in Sales-Type Leases

NW Natural currently holds 2 net investments in sales-type leases, with substantially all of the net investment balance related to the North Mist natural gas storage agreement with Portland General Electric (PGE) which is billed under an OPUC-approved rate schedule. See Note 7 for more information on the North Mist lease. Due to the nature of this service, PGE may recover the costs of the lease through general rate cases. Therefore, we expect the risk of loss due to the credit of this lessee to be remote. As such, no allowance for uncollectibility was recorded for our sales-type lease receivables. NW Natural will continue monitoring the credit health of the lessees and the overall economic environment, including the economic factors closely tied to the financial health of our current and future lessees.

COVID-19 Impact
During 2020, our regulated utilities received approval in their respective jurisdictions to defer certain financial impacts associated with COVID-19 such as bad debt expense, financing costs to secure liquidity, lost revenues related to late fees and reconnection fees, and other COVID-19 related costs, net of offsetting direct expense reductions associated with COVID-19. As of March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had a regulatory asset of approximately $11.2 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for incurred costs associated with COVID-19 that we believe are recoverable.

Cloud Computing Arrangements (CCA)
Implementation costs associated with its CCA are capitalized consistent with costs capitalized for internal-use software. Capitalized CCA implementation costs are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The CCA implementation costs are amortized over the term of the related hosting agreement, including renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised. Amortization expense of CCA implementation costs are recorded as operations and maintenance expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The CCA implementation costs are included within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

New Accounting Standards
WeNW Natural and NW Holdings consider the applicability and impact of all accounting standards updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on NW Natural's consolidated financial position or results of operations.


Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
STOCK COMPENSATION. On May 10, 2017,LEASES. In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "Stock Compensation2021-05, "Leases (Topic 842), Lessors - Scope of Modification Accounting.Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments." The purpose of the amendment is to provide clarity, reduce diversity in practice, and reduce the cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, relatedrequire lessors to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification.account for certain lease transactions that contain variable lease payments as operating leases. The amendments in this update wereASU are intended to eliminate the recognition of any day-one loss associated with certain sales-type and direct-financing lease transactions. The changes do not impact lessee accounting. The new guidance was effective for NW Natural beginningon January 1, 2018,2022 and will be applied prospectively to any award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption did not have a material impact to financial statements or disclosures.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS. On March 10, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post Retirement Benefit Cost." The ASU requires entities to disaggregate current service cost from the other components of net periodic benefit cost and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement. Additionally, the other components of net periodic benefit costs are to be presented elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations, if that subtotal is presented. Only the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. The amendments in this update were effective for us beginning January 1, 2018.

Upon adoption, the ASU required that changes to the income statement presentation of net periodic benefit cost be applied retrospectively, while changes to amounts capitalized must be applied prospectively. As such, the interest cost, expected return on assets, amortization of prior service costs, and other costs have been reclassified from operations and maintenance expense to other income (expense), net on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. NW Natural did not elect the practical expedient which would have allowed us to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the pension and other postretirement benefits footnote disclosure as the basis for applying retrospective presentation. As mentioned above, onadopted using a prospective basis, the other components of net periodic benefit cost will not be eligible for capitalization, however, they will continue to be included in the pension regulatory balancing mechanism.

The retrospective presentation requirement related to the other components of net periodic benefit cost affected the operations and maintenance expense and other income (expense), net lines on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $1.4 million and $4.0 million of expense was reclassified from operations and maintenance expense and included in other income (expense), net, respectively.

GOODWILL. On January 26, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment." The ASU removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and under the amended guidance an entity should perform its annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount in which the carrying amounts exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. The amendments in this standard are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. NW Natural early adopted ASU 2017-04 in the third quarter ended September 30, 2018.approach. The adoption of this ASU did not materially affect the financial statements and disclosures.disclosures of NW Holdings or NW Natural. 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS. On August 26, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." The ASU adds guidance pertaining to the classification of certain cash receipts and payments on the statement of cash flows. The purpose of the amendment is to clarify issues that have been creating diversity in practice. The amendments in this standard were effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not have a material impact to financial statements or disclosures as NW Natural's historical practices and presentation were consistent with the directives of this ASU.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The ASU enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure. The new standard was effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, and the adoption did not materially impact financial statements or disclosures.

REVENUE RECOGNITION. On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue From Contracts with Customers." The underlying principle of the guidance requires entities to recognize revenue depicting the transfer of goods or services to customers at amounts the entity is expected to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also prescribes a five-step approach to revenue recognition: (1) identify the contract(s) with the customer; (2) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract(s); (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied. The guidance also requires additional disclosures, both qualitative and quantitative, regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows.



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The new accounting standard and all related amendments were effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. NW Natural applied the accounting standard to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The new standard is primarily reflected in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and Note 5. The implementation of the new revenue standard did not result in changes to how NW Natural currently recognizes revenue, and therefore, no cumulative effect or adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings was required. The implementation did result in changes to the disclosures and presentation of revenue and expenses. The comparative information for prior years has not been restated. There is no material impact to financial results and no significant changes to NW Natural's control environment due to the adoption of the new revenue standard on an ongoing basis.

As previously discussed, the adoption of the new revenue standard did not impact the consolidated balance sheet or statement of cash flows but did result in changes to the presentation of the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Had the adoption of the new revenue standard not occurred, operating revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 would have been $87.7 million and $458.7 million, compared to the reported amounts of $91.2 million and $479.4 million under the new revenue standard, respectively. Similarly, absent the impact of the new revenue standard, operating expenses would have been $93.9 million and $388.8 million, compared to the reported amounts of $97.4 million and $409.5 million under the new revenue standard for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The effect of the change was an increase in both operating revenues and operating expenses of $3.5 million and $20.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, due to the change in presentation of revenue taxes. As part of the adoption of the new revenue standard, we evaluated the presentation of revenue taxes under the new guidance and across NW Natural's peer group and concluded that the gross presentation of revenue taxes provides the greatest level of consistency and transparency. Prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard, a portion of revenue taxes was presented net in operating revenues and a portion was recorded directly on the balance sheet. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, NW Natural recognized $3.5 million and $20.7 million in revenue taxes in operating revenues and operating expenses, respectively. In comparison, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, NW Natural recognized $3.7 million and $23.0 million in revenue taxes, of which $2.3 million and $13.3 million were recorded in operating revenues and $1.4 million and $9.7 million were recorded on the balance sheet, respectively. The change in presentation of revenue taxes had no impact on utility margin, net income or earnings per share.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
CLOUD COMPUTING. On August 29, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, "Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract." The purpose of the amendment is to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The amended guidance can be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on financial statements and disclosures.

RETIREMENT BENEFITS. On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, "Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans." The purpose of the amendment is to modify the disclosure requirements for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance should be applied retrospectively. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on disclosures.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT. On August 28, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, "Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement." The purpose of the amendment is to modify the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on disclosures.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This update was issued in response to concerns from certain stakeholders regarding the current requirements under U.S. GAAP that deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for a change in tax laws or rates, and the effect is to be included in income from continuing operations in the period of the enactment date. This requirement is also applicable to items in accumulated other comprehensive income where the related tax effects were originally recognized in other comprehensive income. The adjustment of deferred taxes due to the new corporate income tax rate enacted through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on December 22, 2017 recognized in income from continuing operations causes the tax effects of items within accumulated other comprehensive income (referred to as stranded tax effects) to not reflect the appropriate tax rate. The amendments in this update allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the TCJA and require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2019, and should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate in the TCJA is recognized. The

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reclassification allowed in this update is elective, and we are currently assessing whether NW Natural will make the reclassification. This update is not expected to have a material impact on financial condition.

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING. On August 28, 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The purpose of the amendment is to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies. The ASU amends the accounting for risk component hedging, the hedged item in fair value hedges of interest rate risk, and amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The guidance also amends the recognition and presentation of the effect of hedging instruments and includes other simplifications of hedge accounting. The amendments in this update are effective for us beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required prospectively. We are currently assessing the effect of this standard on financial statements and disclosures.

LEASES. On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which revises the existing lease accounting guidance. Pursuant to the new standard, lessees will be required to recognize all leases, including operating leases that are greater than 12 months at lease commencement, on the balance sheet and record corresponding right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Lessor accounting will remain substantially the same under the new standard. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures are also required for users of the financial statements to have a clear understanding of the nature of NW Natural's leasing activities. On November 29, 2017, the FASB proposed an additional practical expedient that would allow entities to apply the transition requirements on the effective date of the standard. Additionally, on January 25, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, "Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842", to address the costs and complexity of applying the transition provisions of the new lease standard to land easements. This ASU provides an optional practical expedient to not evaluate existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under the current lease guidance. The standard and associated ASUs are effective for us beginning January 1, 2019. We are currently assessing NW Natural's lease population and material contracts to determine the effect of this standard on financial statements and disclosures. Refer to Note 14 of the 2017 Form 10-K for NW Natural's current lease commitments.

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed using NW Holdings' net income and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted earnings per share are computed in the same manner, except using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effects of the assumed exercise of stock options and the payment of estimated stock awards from other stock-based compensation plans that are outstanding at the end of each period presented. AntidilutiveAnti-dilutive stock awards are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share.


DilutedNW Holdings' diluted earnings (loss) from continuing operationsor loss per share are calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands, except per share data20222021
Net income56,239 59,517 
Average common shares outstanding - basic31,187 30,614 
Additional shares for stock-based compensation plans (See Note 8)25 19 
Average common shares outstanding - diluted31,212 30,633 
Earnings per share of common stock:
Basic$1.80 $1.94 
Diluted$1.80 $1.94 
Additional information:
Anti-dilutive shares12 
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands, except per share data 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $(11,144) $(7,887) $30,528
 $37,585
Average common shares outstanding - basic 28,815
 28,678
 28,787
 28,653
Additional shares for stock-based compensation plans (See Note 6) 
 
 59
 81
Average common shares outstanding - diluted 28,815
 28,678
 28,846
 28,734
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share of common stock - basic $(0.39) $(0.28) $1.06
 $1.32
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations per share of common stock - diluted $(0.39) $(0.28) $1.06
 $1.31
Additional information:        
Antidilutive shares 73
 96
 4
 15

4. SEGMENT INFORMATION

We primarily operate in one1 reportable business segment, which is NW Natural's local gas distribution business and is referred to as the utilityNGD segment. During the second quarter of 2018, we moved forward with long-term strategic plans, which include a shift away from the California gas storage business, by entering into a Purchase and Sale Agreement that provides for the sale of all of the membership interests in Gill Ranch, subject to various regulatory approvals and closing conditions. As such, we reevaluated reportable segments and concluded that the gas storage activities no longer meet the requirements of a reportable segment. Ongoing, non-utility gas storage activities, which include interstate storage and asset management activities at the Mist gas storage facility, are now reported as other. NW Natural and NW Holdings also has regulated water operations, otherhave investments and

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business activities not specifically related to the utility segment,NGD, which are aggregated and reported as other. We refer to NW Natural's local gas distribution business as the utilityother and all other activities as non-utility.described below for each entity.


LocalNatural Gas Distribution
NW Natural's local gas distribution segment is a regulated utility principally engaged in the purchase, sale, and delivery of natural gas and related services to customers in Oregon and southwest Washington. As a regulated utility, NW Natural is responsible for building and maintaining a safe and reliable pipeline distribution system, purchasing sufficient gas supplies from producers and marketers, contracting for firm and interruptible transportation of gas over interstate pipelines to bring gas from the supply basins into its service territory, and re-selling the gas to customers subject to rates, terms, and conditions approved by the OPUC or WUTC. Gas distribution also includes taking customer-owned gas and transporting it from interstate pipeline connections, or city gates, to the customers’ end-use facilities for a fee, which is approved by the OPUC or WUTC. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 89% of NW Natural's customers are located in Oregon and 11% in Washington. On an annual basis, residential and commercial customers typically account for around 60% of utility total volumes delivered and 90% of utility margin. Industrial customers largely account for the remaining volumes and utility margin. A small amount of utility margin is also derived from miscellaneous services, gains or losses from an incentive gas cost sharing mechanism, and other service fees.
Industrial sectors served by NW Natural include: pulp, paper, and other forest products; the manufacture of electronic, electrochemical and electrometallurgical products; the processing of farm and food products; the production of various mineral products; metal fabrication and casting; the production of machine tools, machinery, and textiles; the manufacture of asphalt, concrete, and rubber; printing and publishing; nurseries; government and educational institutions; and electric generation.
In addition to NW Natural's local gas distribution business, the utilityNGD segment also includes the utility portion of the Mist underground storage facility used to serve NGD customers, the North Mist gas storage expansion, in Oregon, and NWN Gas Reserves, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Corp.Corp, and NW Natural RNG Holding Company, LLC, a holding company established to invest in the development and procurement of renewable natural gas.


OtherNW Natural
Regulated water operations, non-utility investments, and other businessNW Natural's activities are aggregated and reported as other.in Other includes NWN Gasinclude Interstate Storage a wholly-owned subsidiary of NWN Energy, and the non-utility portion of the Mist facility in OregonServices and third-party asset management services. service for NW Natural’s contracted interstate pipeline and storage capacity, appliance retail center operations, and corporate operating and non-operating revenues and expenses that cannot be allocated to NGD operations.

Earnings from non-utility assets at the Mist facility are primarily related to firm storage capacity revenues. Earningsthird party asset management include earnings from the Mist facility also include revenue, net of amounts shared with utility customers, from management of utility assets at Mistupstream interstate pipeline and upstream pipelinestorage capacity when not needed to serve utilityNGD customers. Under the Oregon sharing mechanism, NW Natural retains 80% of the pre-tax income from these services when the costs of the capacity havewere not been included in utilityNGD rates, or 33%10% of the pre-tax income when the costs have been included in utilitythese rates. The remaining 20% and 67%90%, respectively, are recorded toin a deferred regulatory account for crediting back to utility customers.prospective NGD customer billing credits.


NW Holdings
NW Holdings' activities in Other also includes NNG Financial, non-utility appliance retail center operations,include all remaining activities not associated with NW Natural, specifically: NWN Water, which consolidates the regulated water and wastewater utility operations and is pursuing other investments in the water sector through itself and through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Falls Water and Cascadia,subsidiaries; NWN Energy'sWater's equity investment in TWH, which is pursuing developmentAvion Water Company, Inc.; NWN Gas Storage, a wholly-owned subsidiary of a cross-Cascades transmissionNWN Energy; other pipeline projectassets in NNG Financial; and NW Holdings, which was used in effecting the holding company reorganization of NW Natural throughRenewables Holdings, LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiary NWN Holdco Sub. See Note 1 for information regarding changesnon-regulated renewable natural gas activities. Other also includes corporate revenues and expenses that cannot be allocated to NW Natural's organizational structure subsequent to September 30, 2018.other operations, including certain business development activities.


All prior period amounts have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the change in reportable segments and the designation of Gill Ranch as a discontinued operation.



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Segment Information Summary
Inter-segment transactions were immaterial for the periods presented. The following table presents summary financial information concerning the reportable segments of continuing operations. See Note 16 for information regarding the discontinued operation, Gill Ranch.segment and other.

 Three Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands Utility Other TotalIn thousandsNGDOther
(NW Natural)
NW NaturalOther
(NW Holdings)
NW Holdings
2018      
20222022
Operating revenues $85,077
 $6,162
 $91,239
Operating revenues$341,398 $5,226 $346,624 $3,677 $350,301 
Depreciation and amortization 21,127
 358
 21,485
DepreciationDepreciation27,373 264 27,637 792 28,429 
Income (loss) from operations (9,780) 3,669
 (6,111)Income (loss) from operations85,663 2,888 88,551 (913)87,638 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (11,983) 839
 (11,144)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)55,390 2,026 57,416 (1,177)56,239 
Capital expenditures 55,914
 511
 56,425
Capital expenditures64,280 37 64,317 4,197 68,514 
2017      
Total assets at March 31, 2022Total assets at March 31, 20223,835,222 51,598 3,886,820 167,814 4,054,634 
20212021
Operating revenues $81,126
 $5,087
 $86,213
Operating revenues$301,338 $11,012 $312,350 $3,596 $315,946 
Depreciation and amortization 20,023
 329
 20,352
DepreciationDepreciation26,913 256 27,169 928 28,097 
Income (loss) from operations (8,624) 4,084
 (4,540)Income (loss) from operations86,487 8,631 95,118 (412)94,706 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (10,349) 2,462
 (7,887)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)53,925 6,186 60,111 (594)59,517 
Capital expenditures 50,009
 932
 50,941
Capital expenditures63,992 106 64,098 1,604 65,702 
Total assets at March 31, 2021Total assets at March 31, 20213,570,153 49,415 3,619,568 139,057 3,758,625 
Total assets at December 31, 2021Total assets at December 31, 20213,846,112 52,260 3,898,372 166,232 4,064,604 


  Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands Utility Other Total
2018      
Operating revenues $461,525
 $17,916
 $479,441
Depreciation and amortization 62,436
 1,071
 63,507
Income from operations 59,521
 10,388
 69,909
Net income from continuing operations 24,930
 5,598
 30,528
Capital expenditures
156,609

2,186

158,795
Total assets at September 30, 2018(1)
 2,972,066
 96,697
 3,068,763
2017     

Operating revenues $503,947
 $12,466
 $516,413
Depreciation and amortization 59,541
 988
 60,529
Income from operations 81,661
 9,315
 90,976
Net income from continuing operations 31,980
 5,605
 37,585
Capital expenditures 143,128
 2,146
 145,274
Total assets at September 30, 2017(1)
 2,835,860
 63,563
 2,899,423
Total assets at December 31, 2017(1)
 2,961,326
 64,546
 3,025,872
(1)
Total assets exclude assets related to discontinued operations of $12.6 million, $206.2 million, and $13.9 million as of September 30, 2018, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, respectively.

UtilityNatural Gas Distribution Margin
UtilityNGD margin is athe primary financial measure used by the chief operating decision makerChief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), consisting of utilityNGD operating revenues, reduced by the associated cost of gas, environmental recovery revenues,remediation expense, and revenue taxes. The cost of gas purchased for utilityNGD customers is generally a pass-through cost in the amount of revenues billed to regulated utilityNGD customers. Environmental recovery revenues representremediation expense represents collections received from customers through the environmental recovery mechanism in Oregon. These collections areOregon as well as adjustments for the environmental earnings test when applicable. This is offset by the amortization of environmental liabilities, which is presented as environmental remediation expense presented in operating expenses. Revenue taxes are collected from utilityNGD customers and remitted to taxing authorities. The collections from customers are offset by the expense recognition of the obligation to the taxing authority. By subtracting cost of gas, environmental remediation expense, and revenue taxes from utilityNGD operating revenues, utilityNGD margin provides a key metric used by the CODM in assessing the performance of the utilityNGD segment.


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The following table presents additional segment information concerning utilityNGD margin:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
NGD margin calculation:
NGD distribution revenues$336,487 $296,553 
Other regulated services4,911 4,785 
Total NGD operating revenues341,398 301,338 
Less: NGD cost of gas145,644 112,266 
          Environmental remediation4,698 3,777 
 Revenue taxes13,324 12,655 
NGD margin$177,732 $172,640 
5. COMMON STOCK
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017
Utility margin calculation:        
Utility operating revenues $85,077
 $81,126
 $461,525
 $503,947
Less: Utility cost of gas 25,593
 27,239
 175,864
 223,855
          Environmental remediation expense 1,022
 1,355
 7,528
 10,920
Revenue taxes(1)
 3,522
 
 20,731
 
Utility margin $54,940
 $52,532
 $257,402
 $269,172
(1)
The change in presentation of revenue taxes was a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 "Revenue From Contracts with Customers" and all related amendments on January 1, 2018. This change had no impact on utility margin results as revenue taxes were previously presented net in utility operating revenue. For additional information, see Note 2.

In August 2021, NW Holdings initiated an at-the-market (ATM) equity program by entering into an equity distribution agreement under which NW Holdings may issue and sell from time to time shares of common stock, no par value, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $200 million. NW Holdings is under no obligation to offer and sell common stock under the ATM equity program, which expires in August 2024. Any shares of common stock offered under the ATM equity program are registered on NW Holdings’ universal shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, NW Holdings issued and sold 195,901 shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM equity program resulting in cash proceeds of $10.1 million, net of fees and commissions paid to agents of $0.3 million. As of March 31, 2022, NW Holdings had issued and sold 571,621 shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM equity program resulting in cash proceeds of $27.6 million, net of fees and commissions paid to agents of $0.7 million. The ATM equity program was initiated to raise funds for general corporate purposes, including for NW Holdings’ subsidiaries, that are reflected as equity transfers on occurrence. Contributions received by NW Natural may also be used, in part, to repay short-term indebtedness.
5.
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6. REVENUE

The following table presentstables present disaggregated revenue:

Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousandsNGDOther
(NW Natural)
NW NaturalOther
(NW Holdings)
NW Holdings
2022
Natural gas sales$337,296 $— $337,296 $— $337,296 
Gas storage revenue, net— 2,757 2,757 — 2,757 
Asset management revenue, net— 752 752 — 752 
Appliance retail center revenue— 1,717 1,717 — 1,717 
Other revenue630 — 630 3,677 4,307 
    Revenue from contracts with customers337,926 5,226 343,152 3,677 346,829 
Alternative revenue(827)— (827)— (827)
Leasing revenue4,299 — 4,299 — 4,299 
    Total operating revenues$341,398 $5,226 $346,624 $3,677 $350,301 
2021
Natural gas sales$296,083 $— $296,083 $— $296,083 
Gas storage revenue, net— 2,495 2,495 — 2,495 
Asset management revenue, net— 6,928 6,928 — 6,928 
Appliance retail center revenue— 1,589 1,589 — 1,589 
Other revenue415 — 415 3,596 4,011 
    Revenue from contracts with customers296,498 11,012 307,510 3,596 311,106 
Alternative revenue453 — 453 — 453 
Leasing revenue4,387 — 4,387 — 4,387 
    Total operating revenues$301,338 $11,012 $312,350 $3,596 $315,946 

NW Natural's revenue from continuing operations:
  Three months ended September 30, 2018
In thousands Utility Other Total
Local gas distribution revenue $82,358
 $
 $82,358
Gas storage revenue, net 
 2,415
 2,415
Asset management revenue, net 
 2,714
 2,714
Appliance retail center revenue 
 1,033
 1,033
    Revenue from contracts with customers 82,358
 6,162
 88,520
       
Alternative revenue 1,994
 
 1,994
Leasing revenue 725
 
 725
    Total operating revenues $85,077
 $6,162
 $91,239
  Nine months ended September 30, 2018
In thousands Utility Other Total
Local gas distribution revenue $455,312
 $
 $455,312
Gas storage revenue, net 
 7,189
 7,189
Asset management revenue, net 
 6,974
 6,974
Appliance retail center revenue 
 3,753
 3,753
    Revenue from contracts with customers 455,312
 17,916
 473,228
       
Alternative revenue 5,285
 
 5,285
Leasing revenue 928
 
 928
    Total operating revenues $461,525
 $17,916
 $479,441

Revenuerepresents substantially all of NW Holdings' revenue and is recognized for both registrants when the obligation to customers is satisfied and in the amount we expectexpected to receivebe received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Revenue from contracts with customers containcontains one performance obligation that is generally satisfied over time, using the output method based on time elapsed, due to the continuous nature of the service provided. The transaction price is determined perby a set price agreed upon in the contract or dependent on regulatory tariffs. Customer accounts are settled on a monthly basis or paid at time of sale and based on historical experience. It is probable that NW Naturalwe will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it is entitled to receive.we are entitled. We evaluated the probability of collection in accordance with the current expected credit losses standard.


NW Holdings and NW Natural doesdo not have any material contract assets, as net accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenue balances are unconditional and only involve the passage of time until such balances are billed and collected. NW Holdings and NW Natural doesdo not have any material contract liabilities.


Revenue-based taxes are primarily franchise taxes, which are collected from utility customers and remitted to taxing authorities. Beginning January 1, 2018, revenueRevenue taxes are included in operating revenues with an equal and offsetting expense recognized in operating expenses in the consolidated statementstatements of comprehensive income. Revenue-based taxes are primarily franchise taxes, which are collected from NGD customers and remitted to taxing authorities.



Natural Gas Distribution
19Natural Gas Sales


Table of Contents




Utility Segment
Local gas distribution revenue. NW Natural's primary source of revenue is providing natural gas to customers in itsthe NGD service territory, which includeincludes residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers. Gas distributionNGD revenue is generally recognized over time upon delivery of the gas commodity or service to the customer, and the amount of consideration received and recognized as revenue is dependent on the Oregon and Washington tariffs. Customer accounts are to be paid in full each month, and there is no right of return or warranty for services provided. Revenues include firm and interruptible sales and transportation services, franchise taxes recovered from the customer, late payment fees, service fees, and accruals for gas delivered but not yet billed (accrued unbilled revenue). The accrued unbilled revenue balance is based on estimates of deliveries during the period from the last meter reading and management judgment is required for a number of factors used in this calculation, including customer use and weather factors.


NW Natural
21



We applied the significant financing practical expedient and hashave not adjusted the consideration itNW Natural expects to receive from utilityNGD customers for the effects of a significant financing component as all payment arrangements are settled annually. Due to the election of the right to invoice practical expedient, NW Natural doeswe do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations as of September 30, 2018.obligations.


Alternative revenue. Revenue
Weather normalization (WARM) and decoupling mechanisms are considered to be alternative revenue programs. Alternative revenue programs are considered to be contracts between NW Natural and its regulator and are excluded from revenue from contracts with customers.


Leasing revenue. Revenue
Leasing revenue primarily consists of revenues from NW Natural's North Mist Storage contract with Portland General Electric (PGE) in support of PGE's gas-fired electric power generation facilities under an initial 30-year contract with options to extend, totaling up to an additional 50 years upon mutual agreement of the parties. The facility is accounted for as a sales-type lease with regulatory accounting deferral treatment. The investment is included in rate base under an established cost-of-service tariff schedule, with revenues recognized according to the tariff schedule and as such, profit upon commencement was deferred and will be amortized over the lease term. Leasing revenue also contains rental revenue forfrom small leases of utility-owned property owned by NW Natural to third parties. The majority of these transactions are accounted for as operating leases and the revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement. Lease revenue is excluded from revenue from contracts with customers. See Note 7 for additional information.


NW Natural Other
Gas storage revenue. Storage Revenue
NW Natural's other revenue includes gas storage activity, which includes the non-utility portion of the Mist facility, which isInterstate Storage Services used to store natural gas for customers. Gas storage revenue is generally recognized over time as the gas storage service is provided to the customer and the amount of consideration received and recognized as revenue is dependent on set rates defined per the storage agreements. Noncash consideration in the form of dekatherms of natural gas is received as consideration for providing gas injection services to gas storage customers. This noncash consideration is measured at fair value using the average spot rate. Customer accounts are generally paid in full each month, and there is no right of return or warranty for services provided. Revenues include firm and interruptible storage services, net of the profit sharing amount refunded to utilityNGD customers.


Asset Management Revenue
Revenues include the optimization of third-party storage assets and pipeline capacity and are provided net of the profit sharing amount refunded to NGD customers. Certain asset management revenue. Asset management revenue is generallyrevenues received are recognized over time using a straight-line approach over the term of each contract, and the amount of consideration received and recognized as revenue is dependent on a variable pricing model. Variable revenues earned above guaranteed amounts are estimated and recognized at the end of each period using the most likely amount approach. Revenues include the optimization of the storage assets and pipeline capacity provided, net of the profit sharing amount refunded to utility customers. AssetAdditionally, other asset management revenues may be based on a fixed rate. Generally, asset management accounts are settled on a monthly basis.


As of September 30, 2018, unrecognizedMarch 31, 2022, unrecognized revenue for the fixed component of the transaction price related to gas storage and asset management revenue was approximately $43.8$93.5 million. Of this amount, approximately $5.1$14.9 million will be recognized during the remainder of 2018, $11.92022, $18.1 million in 2019, $9.22023, $15.6 million in 2020, $8.32024, $13.5 million in 2021, $4.62025, $9.4 million in 20222026 and $4.7$22.0 million thereafter. The amounts presented here are calculated using current contracted rates. On October 12, 2018, NW Natural filed a rate petition with FERC for revised maximum cost-based rates, which incorporated the new federal corporate income tax rate as well as an updated depreciation study. NW Natural does not expect the new FERC rates to have a significant financial impact.


Appliance retail center revenue. Retail Center Revenue
NW Natural owns and operates an appliance store that is open to the public, where customers can purchase natural gas home appliances. Revenue from the sale of appliances is recognized at the point in time in which the appliance is transferred to the third party responsible for delivery and installation services and when the customer has legal title to the appliance. It is required that the sale be paid for in full prior to transfer of legal title. The amount of consideration received and recognized as revenue varies with changes in marketing incentives and discounts offered to customers.


NW Holdings Other
6. NW Holdings' primary source of other revenue is providing water and wastewater services to customers. Water and wastewater service revenue is generally recognized over time upon delivery of the water commodity or service to the customer, and the amount of consideration received and recognized as revenue is dependent on the tariffs established in the state we operate. Customer accounts are to be paid in full each month, and there is no right of return or warranty for services provided.

We applied the significant financing practical expedient and have not adjusted the consideration we expect to receive from water distribution and wastewater collection customers for the effects of a significant financing component as all payment arrangements are settled annually. Due to the election of the right to invoice practical expedient, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations.

22



7. LEASES
Lease Revenue
Leasing revenue primarily consists of NW Natural's North Mist natural gas storage agreement with Portland General Electric (PGE), which is billed under an OPUC-approved rate schedule and includes an initial 30-year term with options to extend, totaling up to an additional 50 years upon mutual agreement of the parties. Under U.S. GAAP, this agreement is classified as a sales-type lease and qualifies for regulatory accounting deferral treatment. The investment in the storage facility is included in rate base under a separately established cost-of-service tariff, with revenues recognized according to the tariff schedule. As such, the selling profit that was calculated upon commencement as part of the sale-type lease recognition was deferred and will be amortized over the lease term. Billing rates under the cost-of-service tariff will be updated annually to reflect current information including depreciable asset levels, forecasted operating expenses, and the results of regulatory proceedings, as applicable, and revenue received under this agreement is recognized as operating revenue on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. There are no variable payments or residual value guarantees. The lease does not contain an option to purchase the underlying assets.

NW Natural also maintains a sales-type lease for specialized compressor facilities to provide high pressure compressed natural gas (CNG) services. Lease payments are outlined in an OPUC-approved rate schedule over a 10-year term. There are no variable payments or residual value guarantees. The selling profit computed upon lease commencement was not significant.

Our lessor portfolio also contains small leases of property owned by NW Natural and NW Holdings to third parties. These transactions are accounted for as operating leases and the revenue is recognized over the term of the lease agreement.

The components of lease revenue at NW Natural were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
Lease revenue
Operating leases$18 $18 
Sales-type leases4,281 4,369 
Total lease revenue$4,299 $4,387 

Additionally, lease revenue of $0.1 million was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 related to operating leases associated with non-utility property rentals. Lease revenue related to these leases was presented in other income (expense), net on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as it is non-operating income.

Total future minimum lease payments to be received under non-cancellable leases at March 31, 2022 are as follows:
In thousandsOperatingSales-TypeTotal
NW Natural:
Remainder of 2022$433 $12,728 $13,161 
202374 16,557 16,631 
202474 15,867 15,941 
202566 15,306 15,372 
202636 14,901 14,937 
Thereafter22 236,820 236,842 
Total minimum lease payments$705 $312,179 $312,884 
Less: imputed interest174,122 
Total leases receivable$138,057 
Other (NW Holdings):
Remainder of 2022$38 $— $38 
202351 — 51 
202452 — 52 
202553 — 53 
202656 — 56 
Thereafter914 — 914 
Total minimum lease payments$1,164 $— $1,164 
23



NW Holdings:
Remainder of 2022$471 $12,728 $13,199 
2023125 16,557 16,682 
2024126 15,867 15,993 
2025119 15,306 15,425 
202692 14,901 14,993 
Thereafter936 236,820 237,756 
Total minimum lease payments$1,869 $312,179 $314,048 
Less: imputed interest174,122 
Total leases receivable$138,057 

The total leases receivable above is reported under the NGD segment and the short- and long-term portions are included within other current assets and assets under sales-type leases on the consolidated balance sheets, respectively. The total amount of unguaranteed residual assets was $4.8 million, $4.4 million and $4.7 million at March 31, 2022 and 2021 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and is included in assets under sales-type leases on the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, under regulatory accounting, the revenues and expenses associated with these agreements are presented on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income such that their presentation aligns with similar regulated activities at NW Natural.

Lease Expense
Operating Leases
We have operating leases for land, buildings and equipment. Our primary lease is for NW Natural's corporate operations center. Our leases have remaining lease terms of three months to 18 years. Many of our lease agreements include options to extend the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised. Short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate and are entered into by NW Natural, we use an estimated discount rate representing the rate we would have incurred to finance the funds necessary to purchase the leased asset and is based on information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

The components of lease expense, a portion of which is capitalized, were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
NW Natural:
Operating lease expense$1,727 $1,678 
Short-term lease expense$163 $220 
Other (NW Holdings):
Operating lease expense$$18 
NW Holdings:
Operating lease expense$1,734 $1,696 
Short-term lease expense$163 $220 

Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases as of March 31, 2022 is as follows:
In thousandsMarch 31,December 31,
202220212021
NW Natural:
Operating lease right of use asset$74,361 $76,857 $74,987 
Operating lease liabilities - current liabilities$1,286 $1,167 $1,273 
Operating lease liabilities - non-current liabilities79,125 80,358 79,431 
Total operating lease liabilities$80,411 $81,525 $80,704 
Other (NW Holdings):
Operating lease right of use asset$55 $100 $62 
24



Operating lease liabilities - current liabilities$17 $46 $23 
Operating lease liabilities - non-current liabilities37 56 37 
Total operating lease liabilities$54 $102 $60 
NW Holdings:
Operating lease right of use asset$74,416 $76,957 $75,049 
Operating lease liabilities - current liabilities$1,303 $1,213 $1,296 
Operating lease liabilities - non-current liabilities79,162 80,414 79,468 
Total operating lease liabilities$80,465 $81,627 $80,764 

The weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rates for the operating leases at NW Natural were as follows:
In thousandsMarch 31,December 31,
202220212021
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)18.018.918.2
Weighted-average discount rate7.2 %7.2 %7.2 %

Headquarters and Operations Center Lease
NW Natural commenced a 20-year operating lease agreement in March 2020 for a new headquarters and operations center in Portland, Oregon. There is an option to extend the term of the lease for two additional periods of seven years. There is a material timing difference between the minimum lease payments and expense recognition as calculated under operating lease accounting rules. OPUC issued an order allowing us to align our expense recognition with cash payments for ratemaking purposes. We recorded the difference between the minimum lease payments and the aggregate of the imputed interest on the finance lease obligation and amortization of the right-of-use asset as a deferred regulatory asset on our balance sheet. The balance of the regulatory asset was $6.0 million, $4.6 million and $5.7 million as of March 31, 2022 and 2021 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Maturities of operating lease liabilities at March 31, 2022 were as follows:
In thousandsNW NaturalOther
(NW Holdings)
NW Holdings
Remainder of 2022$5,235 $18 $5,253 
20237,013 7,019 
20247,150 7,156 
20257,185 7,191 
20267,353 7,359 
Thereafter116,432 17 116,449 
Total lease payments150,368 59 150,427 
Less: imputed interest69,957 69,962 
Total lease obligations80,411 54 80,465 
Less: current obligations1,286 17 1,303 
Long-term lease obligations$79,125 $37 $79,162 

As of March 31, 2022, finance lease liabilities with maturities of less than one year were $0.3 million at NW Natural.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
NW Natural:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases$1,733 $1,669 
Finance cash flows from finance leases$75 $544 
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases$14 $154 
Finance leases$100 $74 
25



Other (NW Holdings):
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases$$16 
NW Holdings:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases$1,739 $1,685 
Finance cash flows from finance leases$75 $544 
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations
Operating leases$14 $154 
Finance leases$100 $74 

Finance Leases
NW Natural also leases building storage spaces for use as a gas meter room in order to provide natural gas to multifamily or mixed use developments. These contracts are accounted for as finance leases and typically involve a one-time upfront payment with no remaining liability. The right of use assets for finance leases were $2.2 million, $1.9 million and $2.1 million at March 31, 2022 and 2021 and at December 31, 2021, respectively.

8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock-based compensation plans are designed to promote stock ownership in NW Natural, and after October 1, 2018, NW Holdings by employees and officers of NW Natural and certain approved affiliates.officers. These compensation plans include a Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and a Restated Stock Option Plan.. For additional information on stock-based compensation plans, see Note 68 in the 20172021 Form 10-K and the updates provided below.


20


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Long Term Incentive Plan
Performance Shares
LTIP performance shares incorporate a combination of market, performance, and service-based factors. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018, noMarch 31, 2022, the final performance factor under the 2020 LTIP was approved and 31,830 performance-based shares were granted under the 2020 LTIP for accounting purposes. As such, NW Natural and other subsidiaries began recognizing compensation expense. In February 2018, the 20182021 and 2022, LTIP wasshares were awarded to participants; however, the agreement allowsagreements allow for one of the performance factors to remain variable until the first quarter of the third year of the award period. As the performance factor will not be approved until the first quarterquarters of 2020,2023 and 2024, respectively, there is not a mutual understanding of the award’sawards' key terms and conditions between NW NaturalHoldings and the participants as of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, and therefore, no expense was recognized for the 2018 award.2021 and 2022 awards. NW NaturalHoldings will calculate the grant date fair value and NW Natural will recognize expense over the remaining service period for each award once the final performance factor has been approved.


For the 20182021 and 2022 LTIP awardawards, share payouts range from a threshold of 0% to a maximum of 200% based on achievement of pre-established goals. The performance criteria for the 20182021 and 2022 performance shares consists of a three-year Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) threshold that must be satisfied and a cumulative EPS factor, which can be modified by a total shareholder return factor (TSR modifier) relative to the performance of the Russell 2500 Utilities Indexpeer group companies over the three-year performance period.period of three years for each respective award. If the target wastargets were achieved for the 2018 award,2021 and 2022 awards, NW Holdings would grant 34,702for accounting purposes 56,335 and 56,885 shares in the first quarterquarters of 2020.2023 and 2024, respectively.


As of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, there was $1.3$0.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost associated with the 2016 and 20172020 LTIP grants, which is expected to be recognized through 2019.2022.


Restricted Stock Units
During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018, 31,490March 31, 2022, 46,812 RSUs were granted under the LTIP with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $57.37$46.60 per share. Generally, the RSUs awarded are forfeitable and include a performance-based threshold as well as a vesting period of four years from the grant date. Generally, anThe majority of our RSU obligates us,grants obligate NW Holdings, upon vesting, to issue the RSU holder one share of common stock plusstock. The grant may also include a cash payment equal to the total amount of dividends paid per share between the grant date and vesting date of that portion of the RSU.RSU depending on the structure of the award agreement. The fair value of an RSU is equal to the closing market price of common stock on the grant date. As of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, there was $3.4$4.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost from grants of RSUs, which is expected to be recognized by NW Natural and other subsidiaries over a period extending through 2023.2026.


7.
26



9. DEBT

Short-Term Debt
At September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, NW Holdings and NW Natural had short-term debt outstanding of $100.5$332.5 million which was comprised entirelyand $188.5 million, respectively. NW Holdings' short-term debt consisted of commercial paper. The carrying cost$144.0 million in revolving credit agreement loans at NW Holdings and $188.5 million of commercial paper approximates fair value using Level 2 inputs. See Note 2 inoutstanding at NW Natural. The weighted average interest rate on the 2017 Form 10-K for a descriptionrevolving credit agreement at March 31, 2022 was 1.5% at NW Holdings. The weighted average interest rate of the fair value hierarchy.commercial paper at March 31, 2022 was 0.8% at NW Natural. At September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, NW Natural's commercial paper had a maximum remaining maturity of 1239 days and an average remaining maturity of 717 days.


In June 2021, NW Natural entered into a $100.0 million 364-Day Term Loan Credit Agreement (Term Loan) and borrowed the full amount. All principal and interest under the Term Loan was repaid in December 2021.

Long-Term Debt
At September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, NW Holdings and NW Natural had long-term debt outstanding of $809.6$1,045.0 million and $986.6 million, respectively, which included $5.9$8.2 million and $8.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. Utilitycosts at NW Holdings and NW Natural, respectively. NW Natural's long-term debt consists of first mortgage bonds (FMBs) with maturity dates ranging from 20182023 through 2048,2051, interest rates ranging from 1.545%2.8% to 9.05%7.9%, and a weighted average couponinterest rate of 4.690%4.4%.

No long-term debt is scheduled to mature over the next twelve months following March 31, 2022 at NW Natural.

In March 2018,June 2019, NW Natural retired $22.0Water, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NW Holdings, entered into a two-year term loan agreement for $35.0 million. The loan was repaid in June 2021 upon its maturity date.

In June 2021, NW Natural Water entered into a five-year term loan credit agreement for $55.0 million and borrowed the full amount. The loan carried an interest rate of FMBs1.2% at March 31, 2022, which is based upon the one-month LIBOR rate. The loan is guaranteed by NW Holdings and requires NW Holdings to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 70% or less. Failure to comply with this covenant would entitle the lenders to terminate their lending commitments and accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding. NW Holdings was in compliance with this covenant at March 31, 2022, with a coupon rateconsolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 6.60%, and in September 2018, NW Natural issued $50.0 million of FMBs with a coupon rate of 4.110%, due in 2048.58.2%.


Fair Value of Long-Term Debt
NW Holdings' and NW Natural's outstanding debt does not trade in active markets. NW Natural estimates theThe fair value of long-term debt is estimated using utilitythe value of outstanding debt at natural gas distribution companies with similar credit ratings, terms, and remaining maturities to NW Holdings' and NW Natural's long-term debt that actively trade in public markets. Substantially all outstanding debt at NW Holdings is comprised of NW Natural debt. These valuations are based on Level 2 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 2 in the 20172021 Form 10-K for a description of the fair value hierarchy.


The following table provides an estimate of the fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities of long-term debt, using market prices in effect on the valuation date:
March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
NW Natural:
Gross long-term debt$994,700 $924,700 $994,700 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(8,073)(7,364)(8,205)
Carrying amount$986,627 $917,336 $986,495 
Estimated fair value(1)
$997,196 $1,014,527 $1,110,741 
NW Holdings:
Gross long-term debt$1,053,177 $963,283 $1,053,241 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(8,171)(7,364)(8,309)
Carrying amount$1,045,006 $955,919 $1,044,932 
Estimated fair value(1)
$1,059,629 $1,053,036 $1,174,500 
  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Gross long-term debt $815,534
 $786,700
 $786,700
Unamortized debt issuance costs (5,940) (7,276) (6,813)
Carrying amount $809,594
 $779,424
 $779,887
Estimated fair value(1)
 $833,962
 $847,068
 $853,339
(1) Estimated fair value does not include unamortized debt issuance costs.



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8.10. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT COSTS

NW Natural recognizes themaintains a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (Pension Plan), non-qualified supplemental pension plans for eligible executive officers and other key employees, and other postretirement employee benefit plans. NW Natural also has a qualified defined contribution plan (Retirement K Savings Plan) for all eligible employees. The Pension Plan and Retirement K Savings Plan have plan assets, which are held in qualified trusts to fund retirement benefits.

The service cost component of net periodic benefit cost for theNW Natural pension and other postretirement benefit plans is recognized in operations and maintenance expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The other non-service cost components are recognized in other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
Pension BenefitsOther
Postretirement Benefits
In thousands2022202120222021
Service cost$1,530 $1,714 $47 $55 
Interest cost3,659 3,343 180 165 
Expected return on plan assets(6,427)(6,099)— — 
Amortization of prior service credit— — (83)(117)
Amortization of net actuarial loss3,198 5,501 99 131 
Net periodic benefit cost1,960 4,459 243 234 
Amount allocated to construction(664)(726)(18)(21)
Net periodic benefit cost charged to expense1,296 3,733 225 213 
Amortization of regulatory balancing account2,801 2,801 — — 
Net amount charged to expense$4,097 $6,534 $225 $213 
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  Pension Benefits 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
 Pension Benefits 
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Service cost $1,757
 $1,881
 $80
 $98
 $5,371
 $5,621
 $239
 $295
Interest cost 4,336
 4,484
 241
 274
 12,702
 13,428
 723
 822
Expected return on plan assets (5,143) (5,112) 
 
 (15,444) (15,337) 
 
Amortization of prior service costs 11
 32
 (117) (117) 32
 95
 (351) (351)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 5,650
 3,656
 110
 138
 14,697
 10,899
 332
 415
Net periodic benefit cost 6,611
 4,941
 314
 393
 17,358
 14,706
 943
 1,181
Amount allocated to construction (659) (1,581) (27) (136) (2,026) (4,660) (82) (403)
Amount deferred to regulatory balancing account(1)
 (3,878) (1,484) 
 
 (9,381) (4,519) 
 ���
Net amount charged to expense $2,074
 $1,876
 $287
 $257
 $5,951
 $5,527
 $861
 $778

(1)
The deferral of defined benefit pension plan expenses above or below the amount set in rates was approved by the OPUC, with recovery of these deferred amounts through the implementation of a balancing account. On October 26, 2018 the OPUC ordered that the balancing account be frozen as of October 31, 2018, with recovery subject to future proceedings. Effective November 1, 2018 the OPUC authorized an additional $8.1 million to be included in rates for defined benefit pension plan expenses. Deferred pension expense balances include accrued interest at the utility’s authorized rate of return, with the equity portion of the interest recognized when amounts are collected in rates. See Note 2 in the 2017 Form 10-K.

Net periodic benefit costs are reduced by amounts capitalized to NGD plant. In addition, net periodic benefit costs were recorded to a regulatory balancing account as approved by the OPUC and amortized accordingly.

The following table presents amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) and the changes in AOCL related to non-qualified employee benefit plans:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021
Beginning balance$(11,404)$(12,902)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL:
Amortization of actuarial losses268 301 
Total reclassifications before tax268 301 
Tax benefit(71)(80)
Total reclassifications for the period197 221 
Ending balance$(11,207)$(12,681)
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017
Beginning balance $(8,131) $(6,678) $(8,438) $(6,951)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL:        
Amortization of actuarial losses 209
 248
 627
 698
Total reclassifications before tax 209
 248
 627
 698
Tax (benefit) expense (55) (98) (166) (275)
Total reclassifications for the period 154
 150
 461
 423
Ending balance $(7,977) $(6,528) $(7,977) $(6,528)


Employer Contributions to Company-Sponsored Defined Benefit Pension Plans
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, NW Natural made no cash contributions totaling $11.7 million to its qualified defined benefit pension plans.plans during the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $4.5 million for the same period in 2021. NW Natural expects furtherdoes not expect to make any plan contributions of $3.9 million during the remainder of 2018.2022.


Defined Contribution Plan
The Retirement K Savings Plan is a qualified defined contribution plan under Internal Revenue Code Sections 401(a) and 401(k). Employer contributions totaled $5.0$2.9 million and $4.1$2.6 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 and 2017,2021, respectively.


See Note 810 in the 20172021 Form 10-K for more information concerning these retirement and other postretirement benefit plans.


9.
28



11. INCOME TAX

An estimate of annual income tax expense is made each interim period using estimates for annual pre-tax income, regulatory flow-through adjustments, tax credits, and other items. The estimated annual effective tax rate is applied to year-to-date, pre-tax income to determine income tax expense for the interim period consistent with the annual estimate. Discrete events are recorded in the interim period in which they occur or become known.


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The effective income tax rate varied from the combined federal and state statutory tax ratesrate due to the following:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Dollars in thousands 2018 2017 2018
2017
Income taxes at statutory rates (federal and state) $(4,136) $(5,440) $11,097
 $24,472
Increase (decrease):        
Differences required to be flowed-through by regulatory commissions (266) (302) 569
 1,282
Other, net 117
 20
 (475) (1,298)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes on continuing operations $(4,285) $(5,722) $11,191
 $24,456
Effective tax rate for continuing operations 27.8% 42.0% 26.8% 39.4%


Three Months Ended March 31,
NW HoldingsNW Natural
In thousands2022202120222021
Income tax at statutory rate (federal)$15,783 $16,808 $16,115 $16,939 
State income tax6,513 7,308 6,584 7,325 
Increase (decrease): 
Differences required to be flowed-through by regulatory commissions(3,173)(3,605)(3,173)(3,605)
Other, net(200)10 (203)(107)
Total provision for income taxes$18,923 $20,521 $19,323 $20,552 
Effective income tax rate25.2 %25.6 %25.2 %25.5 %

The NW Holdings and NW Natural effective income tax raterates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 compared to the same periodsperiod in 2017 decreased2021 changed primarily as a result of the TCJA and lowerchanges in pre-tax income. See "U.S. Federal TCJA Matters" below and Note 911 in the 20172021 Form 10-K for more detail on income taxes and effective tax rates.


The IRS Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) examination of the 20162020 tax year was completed during the first quarter of 2018.2022. There were no material changes to the return as filed. The 20172021 and 2022 tax year isyears are subject to examination under CAP and the 2018 tax year CAP application has been accepted by the IRS.CAP.

U.S. Federal TCJA Matters
On December 22, 2017, the TCJA was enacted and permanently lowered the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% from the previous maximum rate of 35%, effective for the tax year beginning January 1, 2018. The TCJA includes specific provisions related to regulated public utilities that provide for the continued deductibility of interest expense and the elimination of bonus depreciation on a prospective basis.

Under pre-TCJA law, business interest expense was generally deductible in the determination of taxable income. The TCJA imposes a new limitation on the deductibility of net business interest expense in excess of approximately 30% of adjusted taxable income beginning January 1, 2018. Taxpayers operating in the trade or business of public regulated utilities are excluded from these new interest expense limitations. There is ongoing uncertainty with regards to the application of the new interest expense limitation to non-regulated operations, primarily with respect to the allocation of interest between regulated and non-regulated trades or businesses. See Note 9 in the 2017 Form 10-K.

The TCJA generally provides for immediate full expensing for qualified property acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023. This would generally provide for accelerated cost recovery for capital investments. However, the definition of qualified property excludes property used in the trade or business of a public regulated utility. The definition of utility trade or business is the same as that used by the TCJA with respect to the imposition of the net interest expense limitation discussed above. As a result, ongoing uncertainty exists with respect to the application of full expensing to non-regulated activities. See Note 9 in the 2017 Form 10-K.

NW Natural had an estimated regulatory liability of $216.6 million and $213.3 million for the change in regulated utility deferred taxes as a result of the TCJA as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. These balances included a gross-up for income taxes of $57.4 million and $56.5 million, respectively. It is possible that this estimated balance may increase or decrease in the future as additional authoritative interpretation of the TCJA becomes available, or as a result of regulatory guidance from the OPUC or WUTC. NW Natural anticipates that until such time that customers receive the direct benefit of this regulatory liability, the balance, net of the additional gross-up for income taxes, will continue to provide an indirect benefit to customers by reducing the utility rate base which is a component of customer rates. It is not yet certain when the final resolution of these regulatory proceedings will occur, and as result, this regulatory liability is classified as long-term.

As noted in the 2017 Form 10-K, Note 9, the determination to exclude all assets placed in service after September 27, 2017 from bonus depreciation was provisional as provided for under Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118. During the third quarter, the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury issued Proposed Regulations addressing additional first year tax depreciation under the TCJA. These Proposed Regulations, while not definitive, indicate the IRS' initial interpretation that additional first year bonus depreciation was available for regulated utility assets placed in service after September 27, 2017 but before January 1, 2018. On the basis of these proposed regulations, NW Natural revised the provisional estimate of deferred taxes and income taxes payable. NW Natural recognized increases to prepaid income tax of $7.3 million, deferred income tax liability of $4.0 million, and regulatory liability of $3.3 million during the third quarter of 2018.

Utility rates in effect include an allowance to provide for the recovery of the anticipated provision for income taxes incurred as a result of providing regulated services. As a result of the newly enacted 21% federal corporate income tax rate, NW Natural recorded an additional regulatory liability in 2018 reflecting the estimated net reduction in the provision for income taxes. This revenue deferral is based on the estimated net benefit to customers using forecasted regulated utility earnings, considering

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average weather and associated volumes, and includes a gross-up for income taxes. As of September 30, 2018, a regulatory liability of $7.2 million, including accrued interest, was recorded to reflect this estimated revenue deferral.

10.12. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

The following table sets forth the major classifications of property, plant, and equipment and accumulated depreciation of continuing operations:depreciation:

March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
NW Natural:
NGD plant in service$3,740,105 $3,594,226 $3,721,939 
NGD work in progress156,575 70,766 135,398 
Less: Accumulated depreciation1,108,930 1,067,502 1,098,715 
NGD plant, net2,787,750 2,597,490 2,758,622 
Other plant in service69,333 66,314 69,332 
Other construction work in progress5,037 5,125 4,971 
Less: Accumulated depreciation20,907 19,889 20,646 
Other plant, net53,463 51,550 53,657 
Total property, plant, and equipment, net$2,841,213 $2,649,040 $2,812,279 
Other (NW Holdings):
Other plant in service$70,844 $51,852 $65,603 
Less: Accumulated depreciation7,301 4,512 6,512 
Other plant, net$63,543 $47,340 $59,091 
NW Holdings:
Total property, plant, and equipment, net$2,904,756 $2,696,380 $2,871,370 
NW Natural:
Capital expenditures in accrued liabilities$45,964 $20,969 $37,537 
NW Holdings:
Capital expenditures in accrued liabilities$47,797 $21,118 $38,333 

29



  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Utility plant in service $3,068,234
 $2,934,424
 $2,975,217
Utility construction work in progress 227,200
 145,148
 159,924
Less: Accumulated depreciation 978,446
 937,498
 942,879
Utility plant, net 2,316,988
 2,142,074
 2,192,262
Other plant in service 69,449
 64,929
 65,372
Other construction work in progress 5,505
 4,044
 4,122
Less: Accumulated depreciation 18,548
 17,284
 17,598
Other plant, net (1)
 56,406
 51,689
 51,896
Total property, plant, and equipment $2,373,394
 $2,193,763
 $2,244,158
       
Capital expenditures in accrued liabilities (2)
 $27,692
 $41,675
 $34,761
NW Natural
(1)
Previously reported non-utility balances were restated due to the assets and liabilities associated with Gill Ranch now being classified as discontinued operations assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 16 for further discussion.
(2)
Previously reported capital expenditures in accrued liabilities were restated due to the assets and liabilities associated with Gill Ranch now being classified as discontinued operations assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Capital expenditures in accrued liabilities related to Gill Ranch were approximately $0.3 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million as of September 30, 2018, September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Other plant balances include non-utility gas storage assets at the Mist facility and other long-lived assets not related to NGD.

NW Holdings
Other plant balances include long-lived assets associated with water and wastewater operations and non-regulated activities.

Build-to-suit Assets
In October 2017,activities not held by NW Natural entered into a 20-year operating lease agreement commencing in 2020 for the new headquarters location in Portland, Oregon. NW Natural's existing headquarters lease expires in 2020. The search and evaluation process focused on seismic preparedness, safety, reliability, least cost to customers, and a continued commitment to employees and the communities we serve. The lease was analyzed in consideration of build-to-suit lease accounting guidance, and we concluded that NW Natural is the accounting owner of the asset during construction. As a result, NW Natural recognized $16.0 million and $0.5 million in property, plant and equipment and an obligation in other non-current liabilities for the same amount in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. In 2019, pursuant to the new lease standard issued by the FASB, NW Natural expects to de-recognize the associated build-to-suit asset and liability. See Note 14 in the 2017 Form 10-K.or its subsidiaries.

13. INVESTMENTS
11. GAS RESERVES

NW Natural has invested approximately $188 million through the gas reserves program in the Jonah Field located in Wyoming as of September 30, 2018. Gas reserves are stated at cost, net of regulatory amortization, with the associated deferred tax benefits recorded as liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The investment in gas reserves provides long-term price protection for utility customers through the original agreement with Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. under which NW Natural invested approximately $178 million and the amended agreement with Jonah Energy LLC under which an approximate additional $10 million was invested.

The cost of gas, including a carrying cost for the rate base investment, is included in the annual Oregon PGA filing, which allows NW Natural to recover these costs through customer rates. The investment under the original agreement, less accumulated amortization and deferred taxes, earns a rate of return.

Gas produced from the additional wells is included in the Oregon PGA at a fixed rate of $0.4725 per therm, which approximates the 10-year hedge rate plus financing costs at the inception of the investment.


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The following table outlines net gas reserves investment:
  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Gas reserves, current $16,916
 $16,218
 $15,704
Gas reserves, non-current 170,391
 171,318
 171,832
Less: Accumulated amortization 99,835
 83,442
 87,779
Total gas reserves(1)
 87,472
 104,094
 99,757
Less: Deferred taxes on gas reserves 19,377
 29,298
 22,712
Net investment in gas reserves $68,095
 $74,796
 $77,045
(1)
The net investment in additional wells included in total gas reserves was $5.0 million, $6.0 million and $5.8 million at September 30, 2018 and 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

The investment is included in the consolidated balance sheets underInvestments include gas reserves, with a maximum loss exposure limited to the investment balance.

12. INVESTMENTS

Investmentsfinancial investments in Gas Pipeline
Trail West Pipeline, LLC (TWP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TWH, is pursuing the development of a new gas transmission pipeline that would provide an interconnection with NW Natural's utility distribution system. NWN Energy, then a wholly-owned subsidiary of NW Natural, owns 50% of TWH,life insurance policies, and 50% is owned by TransCanada American Investments Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation.

Variable Interest Entity (VIE) Analysis
TWH is a VIE, with NW Natural's investment in TWP reported under equity method accounting. We have determined that NW Natural is not the primary beneficiary of TWH’s activities as it only has a 50% share of the entity, and there are no stipulations that allow a disproportionate influence over it. Investmentsinvestments. The following table summarizes other investments:

NW HoldingsNW Natural
March 31,December 31,March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021202220212021
Investments in life insurance policies$48,486 $47,411 $48,178 $48,486 $47,411 $48,178 
Investments in gas reserves, non-current25,364 31,600 26,608 25,364 31,600 26,608 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates22,416 23 14,492 7,947 — — 
Total other investments$96,266 $79,034 $89,278 $81,797 $79,011 $74,786 

Investment in TWH and TWP are included in other investments in the balance sheet. If we do not develop this investment, the maximum loss exposure related to TWH is limited to the equity investment balance, less its share of any cash or other assets available as a 50% owner. The investment balance in TWH was $13.4 million at September 30, 2018 and 2017 and December 31, 2017. See Note 12 in the 2017 Form 10-K.

Other InvestmentsLife Insurance Policies
Other investments include financial investments in life insurance policies, which are accounted for at cash surrender value, net of policy loans. See Note 1213 in the 20172021 Form 10-K.


NW Natural Gas Reserves
13.NW Natural has invested $188 million through the gas reserves program in the Jonah Field located in Wyoming as of March 31, 2022. Gas reserves are stated at cost, net of regulatory amortization, with the associated deferred tax benefits of $11.0 million $9.8 million and $6.9 million, which are recorded as liabilities in the March 31, 2022, March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2021 consolidated balance sheets, respectively. NW Natural's investment is included in NW Holdings' and NW Natural's consolidated balance sheets under other current assets and other investments (non-current portion) with the maximum loss exposure limited to the investment balance. The amount of gas reserves included in other current assets was $5.2 million, $10.7 million, and $5.4 million as of March 31, 2022, March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2021, respectively. See Note 13 in the 2021 Form 10-K.

Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
On December 17, 2021, NW Natural Water purchased a 37.3% ownership stake in Avion Water Company, Inc. (Avion Water), an investor-owned water utility for $14.5 million. Avion Water operates in Bend, Oregon and the surrounding communities, serving approximately 15,000 customer connections and employing 35 people. The carrying value of the equity method investment is $10.4 million higher than the underlying equity in the net assets of the investee at March 31, 2022 due to equity method goodwill. Equity in earnings of Avion Water is included in other income (expense), net.

In 2020, NW Natural began a partnership with BioCarbN to invest in up to 4 separate RNG development projects that will access biogas derived from water treatment at Tyson Foods’ processing plants, subject to approval by all parties. During the construction phase of the projects, NW Natural determined it is the primary beneficiary and fully consolidates each entity.

In 2022, commissioning of the first project, Lexington Renewable Energy LLC (Lexington), was completed and NW Natural determined it was no longer the primary beneficiary and deconsolidated the variable interest entity and recorded the investment in Lexington as an equity method investment. NW Natural accounts for its interest in Lexington using the equity method of accounting because NW Natural does not control but has the ability to exercise significant influence over Lexington's operations after commissioning. There was no gain or loss recognized upon deconsolidation. NW Natural determined the fair value of the investment approximated the carrying value which was primarily comprised of cash and property, plant and equipment. As of March 31, 2022, NW Natural had an investment balance in Lexington of $7.9 million.
30



14. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On September 13, 2018, NWN Water, then a wholly-owned subsidiary of NW Natural, completed2022 Business Combinations
During the acquisition of Falls Water Co., Inc., a privately-owned water utility in the Pacific Northwest for preliminary non-cash consideration of $8.5 million, subject to closing adjustments, in the form of 125,000 shares of NW Natural common stock. Falls Water became a wholly-owned subsidiary ofthree months ended March 31, 2022, there were no acquisitions qualifying as business combinations.

2021 Business Combinations
During 2021, NWN Water and marked its first acquisition in the regulated water utility sector. This acquisition aligns with our water sector strategysubsidiaries completed 4 acquisitions qualifying as the acquisition provides NWN Water entry into Idaho, expands service area, and opens further opportunity for growth. Falls Water is based in Idaho Falls, Idaho and serves approximately 5,300 connections.

Through the purchase of allbusiness combinations. The aggregate fair value of the outstanding shares of Falls Water, NWN Water acquired the net assetspreliminary consideration transferred for these acquisitions were not material and 100% control of Falls Water. We determined that the Falls Water acquisition met the criteria of a business combination, and as such performed a preliminary allocation of the considerationare not significant to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based on their fair value as of the acquisition date, the majority of which was allocated to goodwill. The allocation is considered preliminary as we continue to evaluate working capital adjustments, certain tax positions, and goodwill. We do not expect any subsequent adjustments to be significant, and expect any such adjustments to be completed within the one-year measurement period. The acquisition costs were insignificant and were expensed as incurred. TheNW Holdings' results of Falls Water are not material to the consolidated financial results.operations.


Preliminary goodwill of $6.6 million was recognized from this acquisition and is attributable to Falls Water's regulated service territory and experienced workforce as well as the strategic benefits expected from this high-growth service territory. Goodwill
NW Natural has included this goodwill in other for segment reporting purposes, and it is not deductible for income tax purposes. No intangible assets aside from goodwill were acquired.

We allocateHoldings allocates goodwill to reporting units based on the expected benefit from the business combination. We perform an annual impairment assessment of goodwill at the reporting unit level, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its fair value.


25


TableAs a result of Contents





An impairment analysis has not been performedall acquisitions completed, total goodwill was $70.6 million, $69.3 million, and $70.6 million as of March 31, 2022, March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2021, respectively. All of our goodwill is related to water and wastewater acquisitions and is included in the current year, since all goodwill was acquired in the Falls Water acquisition, which closed in the third quarter of 2018. We anticipate that another category for segment reporting purposes. The annual impairment assessment of goodwill will occuroccurs in the fourth quarter of each year, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018.year. There have been no impairments recognized to date.

14.15. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

NW Natural enters into financial derivative contracts to hedge a portion of the utility’sNGD segment's natural gas sales requirements. These contracts include swaps, options, and combinations of option contracts. These derivative financial instruments are primarily used to manage commodity price variability. A small portion of theNW Natural's derivative hedging strategy involves foreign currency exchangeforward contracts.


NW Natural enters into these financial derivatives, up to prescribed limits, primarily to hedge price variability related to physical gas supply contracts as well as to hedge spot purchases of natural gas. The foreign currency forward contracts are used to hedge the fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates for pipeline demand charges paid in Canadian dollars.


In the normal course of business, NW Natural also enters into indexed-price physical forward natural gas commodity purchase contracts and options to meet the requirements of utilityNGD customers. These contracts qualify for regulatory deferral accounting treatment.


NW Natural also enters into exchange contracts related to the third-party asset management of its gas portfolio, some of which are derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting or only partial regulatory deferral, but are subject to NW Natural's regulatory sharing agreement. These derivatives are recognized in operating revenues, net of amounts shared with utilityNGD customers.


Notional Amounts
The following table presents the absolute notional amounts related to open positions on NW Natural derivative instruments:
March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
Natural gas (in therms):
Financial449,710 597,495 618,815 
Physical317,840 187,595 431,628 
Foreign exchange$5,216 $5,954 $6,268 
  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Natural gas (in therms):      
Financial 513,850
 521,080
 429,100
Physical 760,925
 750,650
 520,268
Foreign exchange $7,184
 $6,933
 $7,669


Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)
DerivativesUnder the PGA mechanism in Oregon, derivatives entered into by the utilityNW Natural for the procurement or hedging of natural gas for future gas years generally receive regulatory deferral accounting treatment. In general, commodity hedging for the current gas year is completed prior to the start of the gas year, and hedge prices are reflected in the weighted-average cost of gas in the PGA filing. Hedge contracts entered into prior to the PGA filing were included in the PGA for the 2021-22 gas year. Hedge contracts entered into after the start of the PGA period are subject to the PGA incentive sharing mechanism in Oregon. Under the PGA mechanism in Washington, NW Natural incorporates risk-responsive hedging strategies and receives regulatory deferral accounting treatment for its Washington gas supplies.

NW Natural entered the 2017-18 and 2016-17 2021-22 gas year with its forecasted sales volumes hedged at 49% and 48%approximately79% in total. The total hedged for Oregon was approximately 82%, including 62% in financial swaphedges and option contracts, and 26% and 27%19% in physical gas supplies, respectively. Hedge contracts entered into prior to the PGA filing,supplies. The total hedged for Washington was approximately 57%, including 44% in September 2017, were includedfinancial hedges and 13% in the PGA for the 2017-18physical gas year. Hedge contracts entered into after the PGA filing, and related to subsequent gas years, may be included in future PGA filings and qualify for regulatory deferral.supplies.


31



Unrealized and Realized Gain/Loss
The following table reflects the income statement presentation for the unrealized gains and losses from derivative instruments:
  Three Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017
In thousands Natural gas commodity Foreign exchange Natural gas commodity Foreign exchange
Benefit (expense) to cost of gas $4,473
 $210
 $(2,566) $51
Operating revenues (286) 
 28
 
 Amounts deferred to regulatory accounts on balance sheet
 (4,285) (210) 2,548
 (51)
Total gain (loss) in pre-tax earnings $(98) $
 $10
 $

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  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017
In thousands Natural gas commodity Foreign exchange Natural gas commodity Foreign exchange
Benefit (expense) to cost of gas $1,384
 $
 $(19,081) $275
Operating revenues (122) 
 (1,249) 
 Amounts deferred to regulatory accounts on balance sheet
 (1,305) 
 19,895
 (275)
Total gain (loss) in pre-tax earnings $(43) $
 $(435) $

UNREALIZED GAIN/LOSS.NW Natural's outstandingderivative instruments, which also represents all derivative instruments at NW Holdings:
Three Months Ended March 31,
20222021
In thousandsNatural gas commodityForeign exchangeNatural gas commodityForeign exchange
Benefit (expense) to cost of gas$73,785 $80 $20,482 $77 
Operating revenues (expense)— — (27)— 
Amounts deferred to regulatory accounts on balance sheet(73,785)(80)(20,459)(77)
Total gain (loss) in pre-tax earnings$— $— $(4)$— 

Unrealized Gain/Loss
Outstanding derivative instruments related to regulated utilityNGD operations are deferred in accordance with regulatory accounting standards. The cost of foreign currency forward and natural gas derivative contracts are recognized immediately in the cost of gas; however, costs above or below the amount embedded in the current year PGA are subject to a regulatory deferral tariff and therefore, are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability.


REALIZED GAIN/LOSS. Realized Gain/Loss
NW Natural realized net lossesgains of $1.9$36.0 million and $15.6$5.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, from the settlement of natural gas financial derivative contracts. Whereas, net gains of $1.0 million were realized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. Realized gains and losses are recorded inoffset the higher or lower cost of gas deferred through regulatory accounts, and amortized through customer ratespurchased, resulting in the following year.no incremental amounts to collect or refund to customers.


Credit Risk Management of Financial Derivatives Instruments
No collateral was posted with or by NW Natural counterparties as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 or 2017.2021. NW Natural attempts to minimize the potential exposure to collateral calls by diversifying counterparties and using credit limits to manage liquidity risk. Counterparties generally allow a certain credit limit threshold before requiring usNW Natural to post collateral against unrealized loss positions. Given NW Natural's credit ratings, counterparty credit limits and portfolio diversification, it was not subject to collateral calls in 20182022 or 2017.2021. The collateral call exposure is set forth under credit support agreements, which generally contain credit limits. NW Natural could also be subject to collateral call exposure where it has agreed to provide adequate assurance, which is not specific as to the amount of credit limit allowed, but could potentially require additional collateral in the event of a material adverse change.

Based upon current commodity financial swap and option contracts outstanding, which reflect unrealized losses of $9.7 million at September 30, 2018, we have estimated the level of collateral demands, with and without potential adequate assurance calls, using current gas prices and various credit downgrade rating scenarios for NW Natural as follows:
    Credit Rating Downgrade Scenarios
In thousands (Current Ratings) A+/A3 BBB+/Baa1 BBB/Baa2 BBB-/Baa3 Speculative
With Adequate Assurance Calls $
 $
 $
 $(2,587) $(7,023)
Without Adequate Assurance Calls 
 
 
 (2,587) (4,730)


NW Natural's financial derivative instruments are subject to master netting arrangements; however, they are presented on a gross basis in the consolidated balance sheets. NW Natural and its counterparties have the ability to set-off obligations to each other under specified circumstances. Such circumstances may include a defaulting party, a credit change due to a merger affecting either party, or any other termination event.


NW Natural's current commodity financial swap and option contracts outstanding reflect unrealized gains of $88.6 million and $21.3 million at March 31, 2022 and 2021. If netted by counterparty, NW Natural's physical and financial derivative position would result in an asset of $1.9$89.3 million and a liability of $10.1$2.4 million as of September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, an asset of $3.3$21.2 million and a liability of $12.6$0.5 million as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2021, and an asset of $2.9$51.8 million and a liability of $23.3$3.8 million as of December 31, 2017.2021.


NW Natural is exposed to derivative credit and liquidity risk primarily through securing fixed price natural gas commodity swaps with financial counterparties. NW Natural utilizes master netting arrangements through International Swaps and Derivatives Association contracts to hedge theminimize this risk along with collateral support agreements with counterparties based on their credit ratings. In certain cases, NW Natural may require guarantees or letters of price increases for natural gas purchases made on behalf of customers.credit from counterparties to meet its minimum credit requirement standards. See Note 1315 in the 20172021 Form 10-K for additional information.


Fair Value
In accordance with fair value accounting, NW Natural includes non-performance risk in calculating fair value adjustments. This includes a credit risk adjustment based on the credit spreads of NW Natural counterparties when in an unrealized gain position, or on NW Natural's own credit spread when it is in an unrealized loss position. The inputs in our valuation models include natural gas futures, volatility, credit default swap spreads and interest rates. Additionally, the assessment of non-performance risk is generally derived from the credit default swap market and from bond market credit spreads. The impact of the credit risk adjustments for all outstanding derivatives was immaterial to the fair value calculation at September 30, 2018. Using significant other observable or Level 2 inputs, theMarch 31, 2022. The net fair value was a liabilityan asset of $8.1$86.9 million, $9.3$20.7 million, and $20.3$48.0 million as of September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 and 2017,2021, and December 31, 2017,2021, respectively. No Level 3 inputs were used in our derivative valuations and there

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were no transfers between Level 1 or Level 2 during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 and 2017.2021. See Note 2 in the 20172021 Form 10-K.


15.
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16. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

NW Natural owns, or previously owned, properties that may require environmental remediation or action. NW Natural estimates theThe range of loss for environmental liabilities is estimated based on current remediation technology, enacted laws and regulations, industry experience gained at similar sites, and an assessment of the probable level of involvement and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties (PRPs). When amounts are prudently expended related to site remediation of those sites described herein, NW Natural has a recovery mechanismmechanisms in place to collect 96.68%96.7% of remediation costs fromallocable to Oregon customers and is allowed3.3% of costs allocable to defer environmental remediation costs allocated to customers in Washington annually until they are reviewed for prudence at a subsequent proceeding.customers.


These sites are subject to the remediation process prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). The process begins with a remedial investigation (RI) to determine the nature and extent of contamination and then a risk assessment (RA) to establish whether the contamination at the site poses unacceptable risks to humans and the environment. Next, a feasibility study (FS) or an engineering evaluation/cost analysis (EE/CA) evaluates various remedial alternatives. It is at this point in the process when NW Natural is able to estimate a range of remediation costs and record a reasonable potential remediation liability, or make an adjustment to the existing liability. From this study, the regulatory agency selects a remedy and issues a Record of Decision (ROD). After a ROD is issued, NW Natural would seek to negotiate a consent decree or consent judgment for designing and implementing the remedy. NW Natural would have the ability to further refine estimates of remediation liabilities at that time.


Remediation may include treatment of contaminated media such as sediment, soil and groundwater, removal and disposal of media, institutional controls such as legal restrictions on future property use, or natural recovery. Following construction of the remedy, the EPA and ODEQ also have requirements for ongoing maintenance, monitoring and other post-remediation care that may continue for many years. Where appropriate and reasonably known, NW Natural will provide for these costs in the remediation liabilities described below.


Due to the numerous uncertainties surrounding the course of environmental remediation and the preliminary nature of several site investigations, in some cases, NW Natural may not be able to reasonably estimate the high end of the range of possible loss. In those cases, the nature of the possible loss has been disclosed, as has the fact that the high end of the range cannot be reasonably estimated where a range of potential loss is available. Unless there is an estimate within the range of possible losses that is more likely than other cost estimates within that range, NW Natural records the liability at the low end of this range. It is likely changes in these estimates and ranges will occur throughout the remediation process for each of these sites due to the continued evaluation and clarification concerning responsibility, the complexity of environmental laws and regulations and the determination by regulators of remediation alternatives. In addition to remediation costs, NW Natural could also be subject to Natural Resource Damages (NRD) claims. NW Natural will assess the likelihood and probability of each claim and recognize a liability if deemed appropriate. Refer to "Other Portland Harbor" below.


Environmental Sites
The following table summarizes information regarding liabilities related to environmental sites, which are recorded in other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in theNW Natural's balance sheet:
Current LiabilitiesNon-Current Liabilities
March 31,December 31,March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021202220212021
Portland Harbor site:
Gasco/Siltronic Sediments$6,086 $7,026 $7,582 $41,408 $42,374 $42,076 
Other Portland Harbor2,198 2,175 2,592 9,092 6,954 9,570 
Gasco/Siltronic Upland site13,203 13,135 15,711 35,283 39,302 36,215 
Front Street site799 1,258 1,100 868 1,132 811 
Oregon Steel Mills— — — 179 179 179 
Total$22,286 $23,594 $26,985 $86,830 $89,941 $88,851 
  Current Liabilities Non-Current Liabilities
  September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017 2018 2017 2017
Portland Harbor site:            
Gasco/Siltronic Sediments $2,471
 $860
 $2,683
 $44,410
 $43,796
 $45,346
Other Portland Harbor 1,392
 1,379
 1,949
 3,540
 3,618
 4,163
Gasco/Siltronic Upland site 8,847
 7,537
 13,422
 44,310
 48,758
 47,835
Central Service Center site 25
 31
 25
 
 
 
Front Street site 6,011
 846
 1,009
 5,342
 10,788
 10,757
Oregon Steel Mills 
 
 
 179
 179
 179
Total $18,746

$10,653
 $19,088
 $97,781
 $107,139
 $108,280


Portland Harbor Site
PORTLAND HARBOR SITE.The Portland Harbor is an EPA listed Superfund site that is approximately 10 miles long on the Willamette River and is adjacent to NW Natural's Gasco uplands site. NW Natural is one of over one hundred100 PRPs, toeach jointly and severally liable, at the Superfund site. In January 2017, the EPA issued its Record of Decision, which selects the remedy for the clean-up of the

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Portland Harbor site (Portland Harbor ROD). The Portland Harbor ROD estimates the present value total cost at approximately $1.05 billion with an accuracy between -30% and +50% of actual costs.

TheNW Natural's potential liability is a portion of the costs of the remedy for the entire Portland Harbor Superfund site. The cost of that remedy is expected to be allocated among more than 100 PRPs. In addition, NW Natural is actively pursuing clarification and flexibility under the ROD in order to better understand its obligation under the clean-up. NW Natural is also participating in a non-binding allocation process with the other PRPs in an effort to resolve its potential liability. The Portland Harbor ROD does not provide any additional clarification around allocation of costs among PRPs and, as a result of issuance of the Portland Harbor ROD,PRPs; accordingly, NW Natural has not modified any of the recorded liabilities at this time.time as a result of the issuance of the Portland Harbor ROD.

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NW Natural manages theits liability related to the Superfund site as two2 distinct remediation projects,projects: the Gasco/SiltronicGasco Sediments Site and Other Portland Harbor projects.


Gasco/Siltronic Sediments.GASCO SEDIMENTS. In 2009, NW Natural and Siltronic Corporation entered into a separate Administrative Order on Consent with the EPA to evaluate and design specific remedies for sediments adjacent to the Gasco uplands and Siltronic uplands sites. NW Natural submitted a draft EE/CA to the EPA in May 2012 to provide the estimated cost of potential remedial alternatives for this site. AtIn March 2020, NW Natural and the EPA amended the Administrative Order on Consent to include additional remedial design activities downstream of the Gasco sediments site and in the navigation channel. Siltronic Corporation is not a party to the amended order. In the second quarter of 2021, NW Natural began preliminary design discussions with the EPA for the Gasco sediments site. These preliminary design discussions did not include a cost estimate for cleanup. No design alternatives are more likely than the EE/CA alternatives at this time, and NW Natural expects further design discussion and iteration with the EPA.

The estimated costs for the various sediment remedy alternatives in the draft EE/CA, for the additional studies and design work needed before the cleanup can occur, and for regulatory oversight throughout the clean-upcleanup range from $46.9$47.5 million to $350 million. NW Natural has recorded a liability of $46.9$47.5 million for the Gasco sediment clean-up, which reflects the low end of the range. At this time, NW Natural believeswe believe sediments at thisthe Gasco sediments site represent the largest portion of itsNW Natural's liability related to the Portland Harbor site discussed above.


Other Portland Harbor.OTHER PORTLAND HARBOR.While NW Natural still believeswe believe liabilities associated with the Gasco/SiltronicGasco sediments site represent itsNW Natural's largest exposure, it does havethere are other potential exposures associated with the Portland Harbor ROD, including NRD costs and harborwide clean-upremedial design and cleanup costs (including downstream petroleum contamination), for which allocations among the PRPs have not yet been determined. 


NW Natural and other parties have signed a cooperative agreement with the Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee council to participate in a phased NRD assessment to estimate liabilities to support an early restoration-based settlement of NRD claims. OneNaN member of this Trustee council, the Yakama Nation, withdrew from the council in 2009, and in 2017, filed suit against NW Natural and 29 other parties seeking remedial costs and NRD assessment costs associated with the Portland Harbor site, set forth in the complaint. The complaint seeks recovery of alleged costs totaling $0.3 million in connection with the selection of a remedial action for the Portland Harbor site as well as declaratory judgment for unspecified future remedial action costs and for costs to assess the injury, loss or destruction of natural resources resulting from the release of hazardous substances at and from the Portland Harbor site. The Yakama Nation has filed two2 amended complaints addressing certain pleading defects and dismissing the State of Oregon. On the motion of NW Natural and certain other defendants, the federal court has stayed the case pending the outcome of the non-binding allocation proceeding discussed above. NW Natural has recorded a liability for NRD claims which is at the low end of the range of the potential liability; the high end of the range cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The NRD liability is not included in the aforementioned range of costs provided in the Portland Harbor ROD.


GASCO UPLANDS SITE.Gasco Uplands Site
A predecessor of NW Natural, Portland Gas and Coke Company, owned a former gas manufacturing plant that was closed in 1958 (Gasco site) and is adjacent to the Portland Harbor site described above. The Gasco site has been under investigation by NW Natural for environmental contamination under the ODEQ Voluntary Clean-UpCleanup Program (VCP). It is not included in the range of remedial costs for the Portland Harbor site noted above. The Gasco site is managed in two2 parts, the uplands portion and the groundwater source control action.


NW Natural submitted a revised Remedial Investigation Report for the uplands to ODEQ in May 2007. In March 2015, ODEQ approved the RA,Risk Assessment (RA) for this site, enabling commencement of work on the FS in 2016. NW Natural has recognized a liability for the remediation of the uplands portion of the site which is at the low end of the range of potential liability; the high end of the range cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.


In October 2016, ODEQ and NW Natural agreed to amend their VCP agreement for the Gasco uplands to incorporate a portion of the Siltronic property formerly owned by Portland Gas & Coke between 1939 and 1960 into the Gasco RA and FS. Previously, NW Natural was conducting an investigation of manufactured gas plant constituents on the entire Siltronic uplands for ODEQ. Siltronic will be working with ODEQ directly on environmental impacts to the remainder of its property.

In September 2013, NW Natural completed construction of a groundwater source control system, including a water treatment station, at the Gasco site. NW Natural has estimated the cost associated with the ongoing operation of the system and has recognized a liability which is at the low end of the range of potential cost. NW Natural cannot estimate the high end of the range at this time due to the uncertainty associated with the duration of running the water treatment station, which is highly dependent on the remedy determined for both the upland portion as well as the final remedy for the Gasco sediment exposure.sediments site.


OTHER SITES. Other Sites
In addition to those sites above, NW Natural has environmental exposures at three other sites: Central Service Center, Front Street and Oregon Steel Mills. NW Natural may have exposure at other sites that have not been identified at this time. Due to the uncertainty of the design of remediation, regulation, timing of the remediation and in the case of the Oregon Steel Mills site,
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pending litigation, liabilities for each of these sites have been recognized at their respective low end of the range of potential liability; the high end of the range could not be reasonably estimated at this time.


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Central Service Center site.NW Natural is currently performing an environmental investigation of the property under ODEQ's Independent Cleanup Pathway. This site is on ODEQ's list of sites with confirmed releases of hazardous substances, and cleanup is necessary. 
Front Street site.FRONT STREET SITE.The Front Street site was the former location of a gas manufacturing plant NW Natural operated (the former Portland Gas Manufacturing site, or PGM). At ODEQ’s request, itNW Natural conducted a sediment and source control investigation and provided findings to ODEQ. In December 2015, an FS on the former Portland Gas Manufacturing site was completed. 


In July 2017, ODEQ issued the PGM ROD. The ROD specifies the selected remedy, which requires a combination of dredging, capping, treatment, and natural recovery. In addition, the selected remedy also requires institutional controls and long-term inspection and maintenance. NW Natural revisedConstruction of the liabilityremedy began in July 2020 and was completed in October 2020. The first year of post-construction monitoring was completed in 2021 and demonstrated that the second quarter of 2017 to incorporate the estimated undiscounted cost of approximately $10.5 million for the selected remedy. Further,cap was intact and performing as designed. NW Natural has recognized an additional liability of $0.9$1.7 million for additional studiesmunitions and design costs, as well as regulatory oversight throughout the clean-up. and permitting issues, and post-construction work.

OREGON STEEL MILLS SITE. Refer to "Legal Proceedings" below.

Environmental Cost Deferral and Recovery
NW Natural planshas authorizations in Oregon and Washington to complete the remedial design in 2018defer costs related to remediation of properties that are owned or early 2019 and expects to construct the remedy during 2019.

were previously owned by NW Natural. In Oregon, Steel Mills site. Refer to the “Legal Proceedings,” below.
a Site Remediation and Recovery Mechanism (SRRM)
NW Natural has an SRRM through which it tracks and has the ability is currently in place to recover past deferred and future prudently incurred environmental remediation costs allocable to Oregon customers, subject to an earnings test,test. On October 21, 2019, the WUTC authorized an Environmental Cost Recovery Mechanism (ECRM) for those sites identified therein.recovery of prudently incurred costs allocable to Washington customers beginning November 1, 2019. See Note 1517 in the 20172021 Form 10-K for a description of the SRRM and ECRM collection process.processes.


The following table presents information regarding the total regulatory asset deferred:
March 31,December 31,
In thousands202220212021
Deferred costs and interest (1)
$45,482 $46,409 $45,122 
Accrued site liabilities (2)
109,061 113,456 115,773 
Insurance proceeds and interest(59,895)(69,492)(59,564)
Total regulatory asset deferral(1)
$94,648 $90,373 $101,331 
Current regulatory assets(3)
7,082 5,396 6,694 
Long-term regulatory assets(3)
87,566 84,977 94,636 
  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Deferred costs and interest (1)
 $40,578
 $52,888
 $45,546
Accrued site liabilities (2)
 116,150
 117,388
 126,950
Insurance proceeds and interest (87,631) (100,575) (94,170)
Total regulatory asset deferral(1)
 $69,097
 $69,701
 $78,326
Current regulatory assets(3)
 5,633
 6,362
 6,198
Long-term regulatory assets(3)
 63,464
 63,339
 72,128
(1)
Includes pre-review and post-review deferred costs, amounts currently in amortization, and interest, net of amounts collected from customers.
(2)
Excludes 3.32% of the Front Street site liability, or $0.4 million in 2018 and $0.3 million in 2017, as the OPUC only allows recovery of 96.68% of costs for those sites allocable to Oregon, including those that historically served only Oregon customers.
(3)
Environmental costs relate to specific sites approved for regulatory deferral by the OPUC and WUTC. In Oregon, NW Natural earns a carrying charge on cash amounts paid, whereas amounts accrued but not yet paid do not earn a carrying charge until expended. It also accrues a carrying charge on insurance proceeds for amounts owed to customers. In Washington, a carrying charge related to deferred amounts will be determined in a future proceeding. Current environmental costs represent remediation costs management expects to collect from customers in the next 12 months. Amounts included in this estimate are still subject to a prudence and earnings test review by the OPUC and do not include the $5.0 million tariff rider. The amounts allocable to Oregon are recoverable through utility rates, subject to an earnings test.

(1)     Includes pre-review and post-review deferred costs, amounts currently in amortization, and interest, net of amounts collected from customers.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARNINGS TEST. (2)    Excludes 3.3% of the Front Street site liability as the OPUC only allows recovery of 96.7% of costs for those sites allocable to Oregon, including those that historically served only Oregon customers. Amounts excluded from regulatory assets were $0.1 million at March 31, 2022, $0.1 million at March 31, 2021, and $0.1 million at December 31, 2021.
(3)    Environmental costs relate to specific sites approved for regulatory deferral by the OPUC and WUTC. In Oregon, NW Natural earns a carrying charge on cash amounts paid, whereas amounts accrued but not yet paid do not earn a carrying charge until expended. It also accrues a carrying charge on insurance proceeds for amounts owed to customers. In Washington, neither the cash paid for insurance proceeds received accrue a carrying charge. Current environmental costs represent remediation costs management expects to collect from customers in the next 12 months. Amounts included in this estimate are still subject to a prudence and earnings test review by the OPUC and do not include the $5.0 million tariff rider. The amounts allocable to Oregon are recoverable through NGD rates, subject to an earnings test.

Environmental Earnings Test
To the extent the utilityNW Natural earns at or below its authorized Return on Equity (ROE), as defined by the SRRM, remediation expenses and interest in excess of the $5.0 million tariff rider and $5.0 million insurance proceeds are recoverable through the SRRM. To the extent the utilityNW Natural earns more than its authorized ROE in a year, the utilityit is required to cover environmental expenses and interest on expenses greater than the $10.0 million with those earnings that exceed its authorized ROE.

Under the 2015 Order, the OPUC stated they would revisit the deferral and amortization of future remediation expenses, as well as the treatment of remaining insurance proceeds three years from the original Order, or earlier if NW Natural gains greater certainty about future remediation costs, to consider whether adjustments to the mechanism may be appropriate. NW Natural filed an update with the OPUC in March 2018 and recommended no changes.

WASHINGTON DEFERRAL. In Washington, cost recovery and carrying charges on amounts deferred for costs associated with services provided to Washington customers will be determined in a future proceeding.


Legal Proceedings
NW Holdings is not currently party to any direct claims or litigation, though in the future it may be subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.

NW Natural is subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.business including the matters discussed above. Although the final outcome of any of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, including the matter relating to the Oregon Steel Mills site described below, NW Natural doesand NW Holdings do not expect that the ultimate disposition of any of these matters will have a material effect on their financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See also Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings".



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Oregon Steel Mills Site

OREGON STEEL MILLS SITE.See Note 1517 in the 20172021 Form 10-K.


For additional information regarding other commitments and contingencies, see Note 1416 in the 20172021 Form 10-K.


16. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On June 20, 2018, NWN Gas Storage, then a wholly owned subsidiary of NW Natural, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the Agreement) that provides for the sale by NWN Gas Storage of all of the membership interests in Gill Ranch. Gill Ranch owns a 75% interest in the natural gas storage facility located near Fresno, California known as the Gill Ranch Gas Storage Facility. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) owns the remaining 25% interest in the Gill Ranch Gas Storage Facility.

The Agreement provides for an initial cash purchase price of $25.0 million (subject to a working capital adjustment), plus potential additional payments to NWN Gas Storage of up to $26.5 million in the aggregate if Gill Ranch achieves certain economic performance levels for the first three full gas storage years (April 1 of one year through March 31 of the following year) occurring after the closing and the remaining portion of the gas storage year during which the closing occurs.

NW Natural expects the transaction to close within 12 months of signing and in 2019. The closing of the transaction is subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other customary closing conditions. In July 2018, Gill Ranch filed an application with the CPUC for approval of this transaction.

As a result of NW Natural's strategic shift away from the California gas storage market and the significance of Gill Ranch's financial results in 2017, NW Natural has concluded that the pending sale of Gill Ranch qualifies as assets and liabilities held for sale and discontinued operations. As such, the assets and liabilities associated with Gill Ranch have been classified as discontinued operations assets and discontinued operations liabilities, respectively, and, the results of Gill Ranch are presented separately, net of tax, as discontinued operations from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented. The expenses included in the results of discontinued operations are the direct operating expenses incurred by Gill Ranch that may be reasonably segregated from the costs of continuing operations.

The following table presents the carrying amounts of the major components of Gill Ranch that are classified as discontinued operations assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets:
  September 30, December 31,
In thousands 2018 2017 2017
Assets:      
Accounts receivable $395
 $1,520
 $2,126
Inventories 661
 415
 396
Other current assets 107
 171
 535
Property, plant, and equipment 11,241
 235,578
 10,816
Less: Accumulated depreciation 7
 31,551
 
Other non-current assets 247
 51
 1
Discontinued operations - current assets (1)
 12,644
 2,106
 3,057
Discontinued operations - non-current assets (1)
 
 204,078
 10,817
Total discontinued operations assets $12,644
 $206,184
 $13,874
       
Liabilities:      
Accounts payable $751
 $353
 $1,287
Other current liabilities 405
 848
 306
Other non-current liabilities 11,847
 12,106
 12,043
Discontinued operations - current liabilities (1)
 13,003
 1,201
 1,593
Discontinued operations - non-current liabilities (1)
 
 12,106
 12,043
Total discontinued operations liabilities $13,003
 $13,307
 $13,636
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
(1)
The total assets and liabilities of Gill Ranch are classified as current as of September 30, 2018 because it is probable that the sale will be completed within one year.

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The following table presents the operating results of Gill Ranch, which was reported within the gas storage segment historically, and is presented net of tax on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
In thousands, except per share data 2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenues $748
 $1,977
 $2,831
 $5,338
Expenses:        
Operations and maintenance 1,549
 1,248
 4,139
 5,169
Depreciation and amortization 106
 1,131
 324
 3,394
Other expenses and interest (24) 603
 790
 1,799
Total expenses 1,631
 2,982
 5,253
 10,362
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes (883) (1,005) (2,422) (5,024)
Income tax benefit 233
 397
 639
 1,983
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax $(650) $(608) $(1,783) $(3,041)
  

 

    
Loss from discontinued operations per share of common stock:        
Basic $(0.02) $(0.02) $(0.06) $(0.11)
Diluted $(0.02) $(0.02) $(0.06) $(0.11)


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17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Holding Company
On October0On April 1, 2018,2022, NW Holdings issued and sold 2,875,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 and related prospectus settlement. NW Holdings received net offering proceeds, after deducting the underwriter's discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by NW Holdings, of approximately $138.6 million. The proceeds are to be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of its short-term indebtedness and/or making equity contributions to NW Holdings' subsidiaries, NW Natural, NW Natural Water and NW Natural completed a reorganization into a holding company structure. NW Holdings is now the parent holding company ofRenewables. Contributions to NW Natural, NWN Water, NWN Gas Storage and other subsidiaries previously held by NW Natural.

This reorganization was approved by NW Holdings’ and NW Natural’s boards of directors, the Oregon, Washington and California public utility commissions, and NW Natural’s shareholders prior to the reorganization.

As part of this reorganization, NW Natural shareholders automatically become shareholders of NW Holdings on a one-for-one share basis with the same number of shares and same relative ownership percentage as shareholders held immediately prior to the reorganization.

Credit Agreements
On October 2, 2018, NW Holdings entered into a $100.0 million credit agreement, with a feature that allows NW Holdings to request increases in the total commitment amount, up to a maximum of $150.0 million. The maturity date of the agreement is October 2, 2023. The credit agreement permits the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $40.0 million.

On October 2, 2018, NW Natural entered into a new multi-year credit agreement for unsecured revolving loans totaling $300.0 million, up to a maximum of $450.0 million, with a maturity date of October 2, 2023 and an available extension of commitments for two additional one-year periods, subject to lender approval (New Credit Agreement). The prior credit agreement was terminated upon the closing of this new agreement. The New Credit Agreement permits the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $60.0 million.

The principal amount of borrowings under the credit agreements are due and payable on the maturity date. The credit agreements require NW HoldingsWater and NW Natural Renewables are to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 70% or less. Failure to comply with this covenant would entitlebe used for general corporate purposes. Of the lenders to terminate their lending commitments and accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding.

The agreements also require NW Holdings andcontributions received by NW Natural, $130.0 million was used to maintain credit ratings with Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) and notify the lenders of any change in the respective companies' senior unsecured debt ratings or senior secured debt ratings, as applicable, by such rating agencies, provided, however that in the event NW Holdings does not have a credit rating,repay its debt rating will be determined by a formula using NW Natural's credit rating. A change in debt ratings by S&P or Moody’s is not an event of default, nor is the maintenance of a specific minimum level of debt rating a condition of drawing upon the credit agreement. Rather, interest rates on any loans outstanding under the credit agreements are tied to debt ratings and therefore, a change in the debt rating would increase or decrease the cost of any loans under the credit agreements when ratings are changed.

Sunriver Agreement
On October 12, 2018, NWN Water of Oregon entered into, and NW Holdings guaranteed, an agreement with Sunriver Resort LP to acquire Sunriver Water, LLC and Sunriver Environmental, LLC (Sunriver Acquisition), which are a water utility and wastewater treatment company providing a current combined 9,400 connections at the Sunriver Resort community in Central Oregon.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2019. The closing of the transaction is subject to approval by the Public Utility Commission of Oregon and other customary closing conditions.

short-term indebtedness.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following is management’s assessment of Northwest Natural Gas Company’s (NW Natural)NW Holdings' and NW Natural's financial condition, including the principal factors that affect results of operations. The discussion refers to NW Natural'sthe consolidated results from continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 and 2017.2021 of NW Holdings, the substantial majority of which consist of the operating results of NW Natural. When significant activity exists at NW Holdings that does not exist at NW Natural, additional disclosure has been provided. References in this discussion to "Notes" are to the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. A significant portion of the business results are seasonal in nature, and, as such, the results of operations for the three month periods areperiod is not necessarily indicative of expected fiscal year results. Therefore, this discussion should be read in conjunction with NW Holdings' and NW Natural's 20172021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, (2017as applicable (2021 Form 10-K), taking into consideration the changes mentioned in Notes 1, 4 and 15, as reflected in Exhibit 99.1 to .

NW Natural's Current Report on Form 8-K (Form 8-K) filed on September 24, 2018.
As of September 30, 2018, the consolidated financial statements included NW Natural and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries including:
NW Natural Energy, LLC (NWN Energy);
NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC (NWN Gas Storage);
Gill Ranch Storage, LLC (Gill Ranch), which is presented as a discontinued operation;
Northwest Energy Corporation (Energy Corp);
NWN Gas Reserves LLC (NWN Gas Reserves);
NNG Financial Corporation (NNG Financial);
NW Natural Water Company, LLC (NWN Water);
Falls Water Co., Inc. (Falls Water);
Cascadia Water, LLC (Cascadia);
Northwest Natural Holding Company (NW Holdings); and
NWN Merger Sub, Inc. (NWN Holdco Sub).
On October 1, 2018, we completed our holding company restructuring. NW Holdings and its subsidiaries, considered together, now hold all of the assets and have all of the liabilities that NW Natural and its subsidiaries had immediately prior to the restructuring. Each of NW Holdings' subsidiaries is a separate legal entity with its own assets and liabilities. NW Natural continues to hold all of the assets and liabilities it had immediately prior to the restructuring except that, as described herein, certain subsidiaries of NW Natural have been transferred to NW Holdings andnatural gas distribution activities are no longer subsidiaries of NW Natural and NW Natural's obligations under certain stock compensation plans have been assumed by NW Holdings.

The completion of the holding company restructuring has resultedreported in the following:

former holders of outstanding shares of NW Natural common stock hold shares of NW Holdings common stock;
NW Holdings owns all of the outstanding shares of NW Natural common stock, and NW Natural continues to own NWN Energy and its wholly owned subsidiary,natural gas distribution (NGD) segment. The NGD segment also includes NWN Gas Reserves, which comprise partis a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Corp, the NGD-portion of NW Natural's regulated gas utility business (Utility Subsidiaries);
all of the subsidiaries formerly owned by NW Natural, except the Utility Subsidiaries, are owned by NW Holdings;
the outstanding first mortgage bonds of NW Natural will continue to be obligations of NW Natural and will not be direct obligations of, or guaranteed by, NW Holdings; and
stock options, restricted stock units and similar securities issued under executive compensation and other employee benefit plans will be satisfied with an equal number of shares of NW Holdings common stock and the plans were modified to relate to NW Holdings common stock.

On October 10, 2018, NW Holdings formed three additional subsidiaries of NWN Water: NW Natural Water ofMist storage facility in Oregon, LLC., NW Natural Water of Washington, LLC., and NW Natural Water of Idaho,RNG Holding Company, LLC. For additional information, see "Holding Company" below.

As of the filing date of this report, the company structure included NW Holdings and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries including:
Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural);
Northwest Energy Corporation (Energy Corp);
NWN Gas Reserves LLC (NWN Gas Reserves);
NW Natural RNG Holding Company, LLC holds an investment in Lexington Renewable Energy, LLC, (NWN Energy);
NW Natural Gas Storage, LLC (NWN Gas Storage);
Gill Ranch Storage, LLC (Gill Ranch), which is presented as a discontinued operation;

NNG Financial Corporation (NNG Financial);
NW Natural Water Company, LLC (NWN Water);
Falls Water Co., Inc. (Falls Water);
Salmon Valley Water Company;
Cascadia Water, LLC (Cascadia);
NW Natural Water of Oregon, LLC (NWN Water of Oregon);
NW Natural Water of Washington, LLC; and
NW Natural Water of Idaho, LLC.
We primarily operate in one reportable business segment, which is NW Natural's local gas distribution business and which is referred to asaccounted for under the utility segment. During the second quarter of 2018, we moved forward with long-term strategic plans, which include a shift away from the California gas storage business, by entering into a Purchase and Sale Agreement that provides for the sale of all of the membership interests in Gill Ranch, subject to various regulatory approvals and closing conditions. As such, we reevaluated our reportable segments and concluded that the gas storageequity method. Other activities no longer meet the requirements of a

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reportable segment. NW Natural's ongoing, non-utility gas storage activities, which include the interstate storage and asset management activities at our Mist gas storage facility, are now reported as other. We also have our regulated water operations, other investments, and business activities not specifically related to our utility segment, which are aggregated and reported as other. We referother at NW Natural include the non-NGD storage activity at Mist as well as asset management services and the appliance retail center operations. Other activities aggregated and reported as other at NW Holdings include NNG Financial's investment in Kelso-Beaver Pipeline (KB Pipeline) and NWN Water's investment in Avion Water Company, Inc., which are accounted for under the equity method, NW Natural Renewables Holdings, LLC and its non-regulated renewable natural gas activities; and NWN Water, which through itself or its subsidiaries, owns and continues to NW Natural's local gas distribution business aspursue investments in the utility and all other activities as non-utility.water sector. See Note 4 for further discussion of our business segment and other, as well as our direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries.


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES. In addition to presenting the results of operations and earnings amounts in total, certain financial measures are expressed in cents per share, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP financial measures are expressed in cents per share as these amounts reflect factors that directly impact earnings, including income taxes. All references in this section to EPSearnings per share (EPS) are on the basis of diluted shares (see Note 3).shares. We use such non-GAAP financial measures to analyze our financial performance because we believe they provide useful information to our investors and creditors in evaluating our financial condition and results of operations. Our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Moreover, these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all the items associated with the operations of the business as determined in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures differently than how such measures are calculated in this report, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes. A reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided below.

Three Months Ended March 31,
20222021
Earnings per share of common stock (diluted) - Total$1.80 $1.94 
Diluted EPS - NGD segment(1)
1.77 1.76 
Diluted EPS - NW Holdings - other(1)
0.03 0.18 
(1) Non-GAAP financial measure

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We manage our business
Current financial results and strategic initiatives with a long-term viewhighlights include:
Reported net income of providing natural gas service safely and reliably$1.80 per share (diluted) for the first quarter of 2022, compared to customers, working with regulators on key policy initiatives, and remaining focused on growing our business. See "2018 Outlook"net income of $1.94 per share (diluted) in the 2017 Form 10-K forprior year;
Added more information. Current operational highlights include:
added over 12,500 customersthan 10,800 meters during the past twelve months for a growth rate of 1.7%1.4% at September 30, 2018;March 31, 2022;
invested $158.8Invested nearly $70 million in the distribution system and facilities for growth, safety, and reliability;
resolved the majority of itemsour utility systems in the first three months of 2022 for greater reliability and resiliency;
Commenced operations at the first renewable natural gas (RNG) facility under the landmark Oregon general rate case with a revenue requirement increaselegislation Senate Bill 98, which is producing RNG on behalf of $23.4 million or 3.72% effective November 1, 2018;our gas utility customers;
Construction began on the first RNG facility in which our competitive renewables business is investing; and
advancedContinued executing our water strategy with plans to acquire water and wastewater businesses at the Sunriver Resortinvestment strategy, announcing acquisitions near our existing service territory in Oregon, completed the acquisition of Falls Water Company in Idaho Falls, Idaho in the third quarter of 2018, and closed three other water acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2018.Texas.

Key year-to-date financial highlights for NW Holdings include:
Three Months Ended March 31,
20222021YTD
In thousands, except per share dataAmountPer ShareAmountPer ShareChange
Consolidated net income$56,239 $1.80 $59,517 $1.94 $(3,278)
  Three Months Ended September 30,  
  2018 2017 $
In thousands, except per share data AmountPer Share AmountPer Share Change
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $(11,144)$(0.39) $(7,887)$(0.28) $(3,257)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (650)(0.02) (608)(0.02) (42)
Consolidated net income (loss) $(11,794)$(0.41) $(8,495)$(0.30) $(3,299)
Utility margin $54,940
  $52,532
  $2,408


Key year-to-date financial highlights for NW Natural include:
Three Months Ended March 31,
20222021YTD
In thousandsAmountAmountChange
Consolidated net income$57,416 $60,111 $(2,695)
Natural gas distribution margin$177,732 $172,640 $5,092 
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Net loss from continuing operations increased $3.3MARCH 31, 2021.
Consolidated net income decreased $2.7 million at NW Natural primarily due to the following factors:
a $3.3$5.9 million decrease in asset management revenue primarily due to the February 2021 cold weather event discussed below that did not recur in the current year; and
$4.7 million increase in operations and maintenance expense largely from payroll and benefitsexpenses due to additional headcounthigher contract labor, compensation costs, information technology expenses and general salary increases;
a $1.4 million decrease in income tax benefit dueamortization expense related to the decline of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% in 2018 from 35% in the prior period. See additional discussion regarding "TCJA Timing Variance" below;cloud computing arrangements; partially offset by
a $2.4$5.1 million increase in utilityNGD segment margin driven by the 2021 Washington rate case, customer growth and a change inbenefit from the revenue deferral associated with the decrease in the federal tax rate and customer growth.gas cost incentive sharing mechanism;

  Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2018 2017 $
In thousands, except per share data AmountPer Share AmountPer Share Change
Net income from continuing operations $30,528
$1.06
 $37,585
$1.31
 $(7,057)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (1,783)(0.06) (3,041)(0.11) 1,258
Consolidated net income $28,745
$1.00
 $34,544
$1.20
 $(5,799)
Utility margin $257,402
  $269,172
  $(11,770)

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Net income from continuing operations decreased $7.1 million primarily due to the following factors:
a $11.8 milliondecrease in utility margin due to the regulatory revenue deferral of $7.0 million for the decline in tax rates during the interim period in 2018 before customer rates could be reset, as well as warmer than average weather in the current period compared to the prior period, partially offset by customer growth; and
a $8.4$2.7 million increase in operationsother income (expense), net driven by lower pension non-service costs; and maintenance expense largely from payroll and benefits due to additional headcount and general salary increases as well as higher professional service costs; partially offset by
a $13.3$1.2 million decrease in income tax expense primarily due to lower pre-taxa decrease in pretax income.

Consolidated net income decreased $3.3 million at NW Holdings primarily due to the following factors:
$2.7 million decrease in consolidated net income at NW Natural as discussed above; and
$0.6 million decrease in other net income primarily reflecting higher business development costs at the holding company related to water and wastewater utilities.

2021 COLD WEATHER EVENT.In February 2021, Portland, Oregon and the declinesurrounding region, like much of the U.S. federal corporate income tax ratecountry, experienced a severe winter storm with several days of colder temperatures resulting in elevated natural gas demand and significantly higher spot prices. Additional market gas purchases and other expenses resulted in approximately $29 million of higher commodity costs, of which approximately $27 million was deferred to 21%a regulatory asset for recovery in 2018 from 35%future rates. The result was approximately $2 million of lower natural gas utility margin in the prior period. See additional discussion regarding "TCJA Timing Variance" below.

TCJA Timing Variance
As previously reported, results during 2018 have been affected by a timing difference between the revenue deferral associated with tax reform and the effect on tax expense from the lower federal tax rate. For the first ninethree months of 2018,2021. The higher commodity costs were offset by approximately $39 million of asset management revenue, of which approximately $33 million was deferred to a regulatory liability for the deferralbenefit of customers.

CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS. We are evaluating and tax benefit largely offset; however, theremonitoring current economic conditions, which include but are not limited to: inflation, rising interest rates and commodity costs, heightened cybersecurity awareness, and supply chain disruptions. We have been timing variances each quarter. Inenhanced cybersecurity monitoring in response to reports that cybersecurity attacks have and will continue to increase. We have not experienced material disruptions in our supply chain for goods and services to date. Our suppliers may be subject to lack of personnel or disruption in their own supply chain for materials, which could disrupt supplier performance or deliveries, and negatively impact our business. We are continuing to actively monitor, and have formulated and continue to evaluate contingency plans as necessary.

See the discussion in "Results of Operations", "Regulatory Matters" and "Financial Condition" below for additional detail regarding all significant activity that occurred during the first quarter of 2018, the utility segment benefited from this timing and that benefit reversed in the second and third quarters. As of November 1, 2018, Oregon rates have been reset and a revenue deferral for tax savings is no longer necessary. Therefore, we do not anticipate significant timing variances going forward.2022.



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HOLDING COMPANY
On October 1, 2018, NW Natural completed the formation of a holding company structure to best position itself to be able to respond to opportunities and risks in a manner that serves the best interests of its shareholders and customers. The structure involves placing a non-operating corporate entity over the existing consolidated structure, and “ring-fencing” NW Natural to insulate the gas utility from the operations of the holding company and its other direct and indirect subsidiaries. At the completion of the reorganization, NW Natural became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NW Holdings, with the NW Holdings common stock being listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. NW Natural common stock was converted into the same relative percentages of NW Holdings that each shareholder owned of NW Natural immediately prior to the reorganization. Our management continuously looks for growth opportunities that would build on core competencies and match the risk profile that NW Natural has and our shareholders seek. We believe a holding company structure is a more agile and efficient platform from which to pursue, finance and oversee new business growth opportunities, such as in the water sector. Following the formation of the holding company, NW Natural will continue to operate as a gas utility subject to the jurisdiction of the OPUC and the WUTC. The regulatory approvals for the formation of a holding company require NW Natural and NW Holdings to enter into and file an agreement with the OPUC and the WUTC, which includes a number of “ring-fencing” conditions. The ring-fencing conditions are designed to operate the gas utility conservatively and insulate the gas utility from risks associated with the operations of NW Holdings and its other direct and indirect subsidiaries that are not subsidiaries of NW Natural. For more information regarding the holding company structure and ring-fencing provisions, see Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" and Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Holding Company” in NW Natural's 2017 Form 10-K.
DIVIDENDS

Dividend highlights include:  
Three Months Ended March 31, YTD Change
Per common share20222021
Dividends paid$0.4825 $0.4800 $0.0025 
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    
Per common share 2018 2017 2018 2017 QTR Change YTD Change
Dividends paid $0.4725
 $0.4700
 $1.4175
 $1.4100
 $0.0025
 $0.0075


In October 2018,April 2022, the Board of Directors of NW Holdings declared a quarterly dividend on NW Holdings common stock of $0.4750$0.4825 per share, an increase from the prior quarter's NW Natural dividend.share. The dividend is payable on November 15, 2018,May 13, 2022 to shareholders of record on October 31, 2018,April 29, 2022, reflecting an annual indicated dividend rate of $1.90$1.93 per share.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Regulatory Matters
Business Segment - Natural Gas Distribution (NGD)
NGD margin results are primarily affected by customer growth, revenues from rate-base additions, and, to a certain extent, by changes in delivered volumes due to weather and customers’ gas usage patterns. In Oregon, NW Natural has a conservation tariff (also called the decoupling mechanism), which adjusts margin up or down each month through a deferred regulatory accounting adjustment designed to offset changes resulting from increases or decreases in average use by residential and commercial customers. NW Natural also has a weather normalization tariff in Oregon, WARM, which adjusts customer bills up or down to offset changes in margin resulting from above- or below-average temperatures during the winter heating season. Both mechanisms are designed to reduce, but not eliminate, the volatility of customer bills and natural gas distribution earnings. For additional information, see Part II, Item 7 "Results of Operations—Regulatory Matters" Matters—Rate Mechanisms" in NW Natural's 20172021 Form 10-K.

In addition to NW Natural's local gas distribution business, the NGD segment also includes the portion of the Mist underground storage facility used to serve NGD customers, the North Mist gas storage expansion, NWN Gas Reserves, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Corp., and NW Natural RNG Holding Company, LLC.

The NGD business is primarily seasonal in nature due to higher gas usage by residential and commercial customers during the cold winter heating months. Other categories of customers experience seasonality in their usage but to a lesser extent. Seasonality affects the comparability of the results of operations of the NGD business across quarters but not across years.

NGD segment highlights include:  
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD Change
In thousands, except EPS data20222021
NGD net income$55,390 $53,925 $1,465 
Diluted EPS - NGD segment$1.77 $1.76 $0.01 
Gas sold and delivered (in therms)428,386 431,120 (2,734)
NGD margin(1)
$177,732 $172,640 $5,092 
(1) See Natural Gas Distribution Margin Table below for additional detail.
THREE MONTHS ENDEDMARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021. The primary factors contributing to the $1.5 million, or $0.01 per share, increase in NGD net income were as follows:
$5.1 millionincrease in NGD margin due to:
$1.6 million increase due to new customer rates, primarily from the 2021 Washington rate case that went into effect on November 1, 2021;
$2.0 million increase due to customer growth; and
$2.3 million increase driven by the gas cost incentive sharing mechanism as the prior year included the effect of purchasing higher priced gas for the February 2021 cold weather event.

In addition to the increase in margin, NGD net income for 2022 reflects:
$4.7 million increase in NGD operations and maintenance expenses due to higher contract labor, compensation costs, information technology expenses and amortization expense related to cloud computing arrangements; and
$2.5 million increase in other income (expense), net driven by lower pension non-service costs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, total NGD volumes sold and delivered decreased 1% over the same period in 2021 primarily due to 8% warmer than average weather in the first three months of 2022 compared to 5% warmer than average weather in the prior period.

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NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION MARGIN TABLE. The following table summarizes the composition of NGD gas volumes, revenues, and cost of sales:
Three Months Ended March 31,Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
In thousands, except degree day and customer data20222021YTD Change
NGD volumes (therms)
Residential and commercial sales293,927 297,822 (3,895)
Industrial sales and transportation134,459 133,298 1,161 
Total NGD volumes sold and delivered428,386 431,120 (2,734)
Operating Revenues
Residential and commercial sales$314,607 $278,584 $36,023 
Industrial sales and transportation21,273 17,379 3,894 
Other distribution revenues607 590 17 
Other regulated services4,911 4,785 126 
Total operating revenues341,398 301,338 40,060 
Less: Cost of gas145,644 112,266 (33,378)
Less: Environmental remediation expense4,698 3,777 (921)
Less: Revenue taxes13,324 12,655 (669)
NGD margin$177,732 $172,640 $5,092 
Margin(1)
Residential and commercial sales$163,128 $160,772 $2,356 
Industrial sales and transportation8,926 8,754 172 
Gain (loss) from gas cost incentive sharing70 (2,263)2,333 
Other margin698 595 103 
Other regulated services4,910 4,782 128 
NGD Margin$177,732 $172,640 $5,092 
Degree days(2)
Average(3)
1,326 1,326 — 
Actual1,217 1,261 (3)%
Percent warmer than average weather(8)%(5)%

As of March 31,
20222021ChangeGrowth
NGD Meters - end of period:
Residential meters718,820 708,041 10,779 1.5%
Commercial meters68,878 68,938 (60)(0.1)%
Industrial meters1,074 987 87 8.8%
Total number of meters788,772 777,966 10,806 1.4%

(1)    Amounts reported as margin for each category of meters are operating revenues, which are net of revenue taxes, less cost of gas and environmental remediation expense, subject to earnings test considerations, as applicable.
(2)    Heating degree days are units of measure reflecting temperature-sensitive consumption of natural gas, calculated by subtracting the average of a day's high and low temperatures from 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
(3)    Average weather represents the 25-year average of heating degree days. Beginning November 1, 2020, average weather is calculated over the period June 1, 1994 through May 31, 2019, as determined in NW Natural’s 2020 Oregon general rate case. From November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2020, average weather was calculated over the period May 31, 1992 through May 30, 2017, as determined in NW Natural's 2018 Oregon general rate case.
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Residential and Commercial Sales
Residential and commercial sales highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD Change
In thousands20222021
Volumes (therms)
Residential sales186,329 194,491 (8,162)
Commercial sales107,598 103,331 4,267 
Total volumes293,927 297,822 (3,895)
Operating revenues
Residential sales$217,183 $195,802 $21,381 
Commercial sales97,424 82,782 14,642 
Total operating revenues$314,607 $278,584 $36,023 
NGD margin
Residential NGD margin$119,832 $117,883 $1,949 
Commercial NGD margin43,296 42,889 407 
Total NGD margin$163,128 $160,772 $2,356 

THREE MONTHS ENDEDMARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021. Residential and commercial margin increased $2.4 million compared to the prior period. The increase was primarily driven by new customer rates in Washington that took effect on November 1, 2021 and 1.5% growth in residential meters. Volumes decreased by 3.9 million therms due to lower usage from residential customers driven by warmer weather. The decrease was partially offset by higher usage from commercial customers as COVID-19 restrictions and closures were lifted.

Industrial Sales and Transportation
Industrial sales and transportation highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD Change
In thousands20222021
Volumes (therms)
Firm and interruptible sales28,860 26,243 2,617 
Firm and interruptible transportation105,599 107,055 (1,456)
Total volumes - sales and transportation134,459 133,298 1,161 
NGD margin
Firm and interruptible sales$3,699 $3,557 $142 
Firm and interruptible transportation5,227 5,197 30 
Total margin - sales and transportation$8,926 $8,754 $172 

THREE MONTHS ENDEDMARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021.Industrial sales and transportation margin increased by $0.2 million compared to the prior period. Volumes increased by 1.2 million therms primarily due to higher usage from multiple customers, most notably in the high-tech and electric manufacturing industries, partially offset by lower usage from customers in the pulp and paper industries.

Cost of Gas
Cost of gas highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD Change
In thousands20222021
Cost of gas$145,644 $112,266 $33,378 
Volumes sold (therms)(1)
322,787 324,065 (1,278)
Average cost of gas (cents per therm)$0.45 $0.35 $0.10 
Gain (loss) from gas cost incentive sharing(2)
$70 $(2,263)$2,333 
(1)This calculation excludes volumes delivered to industrial transportation customers.
(2)    For additional information regarding NW Natural's gas cost incentive sharing mechanism, see Part II, Item 7 "Results of Operations—Regulatory Matters—Rate Mechanisms—Gas Reserves" in NW Natural's 2021 Form 10-K.
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THREE MONTHS ENDEDMARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021. Cost of gas increased $33.4 million, or 30%, primarily due to a 29% increase in average cost of gas with the majority of these higher gas costs embedded in the PGA and customer growth. Volumes sold decreased 1.3 million therms driven by 8% warmer than average weather.

Other Regulated Services Margin
Other regulated services margin highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD Change
In thousands20222021
North Mist storage services$4,858 $4,716 $142 
Other services52 66 (14)
Total other regulated services$4,910 $4,782 $128 

THREE MONTHS ENDEDMARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021. Other regulated services margin was relatively flat when compared to the prior period. The North Mist expansion facility did not experience any significant fluctuations in storage service revenue.

Other
Other activities aggregated and reported as other at NW Natural include the non-NGD storage activity at Mist as well as asset management services and the appliance retail center operations. Other activities aggregated and reported as other at NW Holdings include NNG Financial's investment in Kelso-Beaver Pipeline (KB Pipeline); NW Natural Renewables Holdings, LLC and its non-regulated renewable natural gas activities; NWN Water, which owns and continues to pursue investments in the water sector; and NWN Water's investment in Avion Water Company, Inc. (Avion Water). See Note 4 for further discussion of our business segment and other, as well as our direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. See Note 13 for information on our Avion Water investment.

The following table presents the results of activities aggregated and reported as other for both NW Holdings and NW Natural:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD Change
In thousands, except EPS data20222021
NW Natural other - net income$2,026 $6,186 $(4,160)
Other NW Holdings activity(1,177)(594)(583)
NW Holdings other - net income$849 $5,592 $(4,743)
Diluted EPS - NW Holdings - other$0.03 $0.18 $(0.15)

THREE MONTHS ENDEDMARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021.Other net income decreased $4.2 million at NW Natural and $4.7 million at NW Holdings. The decrease at NW Natural was primarily due to $5.9 million of lower asset management revenue mainly related to the 2021 cold weather event, partially offset by $1.6 million lower income tax expense associated with the lower revenue that did not recur in the current year. The decrease at NW Holdings was driven by the decrease at NW Natural and higher business development costs at the holding company related to water and wastewater utilities.

Consolidated Operations
Operations and Maintenance
Operations and maintenance highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD
In thousands20222021Change
NW Natural$53,877 $49,187 $4,690 
Other NW Holdings operations and maintenance3,608 3,004 604 
NW Holdings$57,485 $52,191 $5,294 

THREE MONTHS ENDEDMARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021.Operations and maintenance expense increased$5.3 million at NW Holdings and $4.7 million at NW Natural. The increase at NW Natural was driven by the following:
$2.2 million increase in contract labor for safety and reliability and contracted support for information technology and corporate projects;
$0.9 million increase in compensation costs due to higher headcount and wage increases;
$0.7 million increase in information technology maintenance and support; and
$0.7 million increase in amortization expense related to cloud computing arrangements.

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The $0.6 million increase in other NW Holdings operations and maintenance expense primarily reflects higher business development costs at the holding company and higher operating expenses at our water and wastewater subsidiaries.

Depreciation
Depreciation highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD
In thousands20222021Change
NW Natural$27,637 $27,169 $468 
Other NW Holdings depreciation792 928 (136)
NW Holdings$28,429 $28,097 $332 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021. Depreciation expense increased $0.3 million and $0.5 million at NW Holdings and NW Natural, respectively, primarily due to additional capital investments in the distribution system, Mist storage, and information technology systems, as well as renovation and construction of resource and operations service centers.

Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD
In thousands20222021Change
NW Natural other income (expense), net$(981)$(3,665)$2,684 
Other NW Holdings activity27 123 (96)
NW Holdings other income (expense), net$(954)$(3,542)$2,588 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021.Other income (expense), net changed $2.6 million and $2.7 million at NW Holdings and NW Natural, respectively, primarily due to lower pension non-service costs. Costs related to our defined benefit pension plan for 2022 are expected to decrease compared to the prior year due to changes in assumptions and gains on plan assets. The change at other NW Holdings was driven by the change at NW Natural.

Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD
In thousands20222021Change
NW Natural$10,831 $10,790 $41 
Other NW Holdings interest expense, net691 336 355 
NW Holdings$11,522 $11,126 $396 

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021. Interest expense, net was relatively flat at NW Natural and increased $0.4 million at NW Holdings. Interest expense, net at NW Natural decreased $0.4 million due to higher Allowance for Funds Used During Construction or AFUDC debt interest income, offset by $0.4 million of higher interest expense on short and long-term debt. The increase at NW Holdings is primarily due to higher interest expense on the credit facility at NW Holdings.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,YTD
In thousands20222021Change
NW Natural income tax expense$19,323 $20,552 $(1,229)
NW Holdings income tax expense$18,923 $20,521 $(1,598)

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO MARCH 31, 2021. Income tax expense decreased $1.2 million at NW Natural and $1.6 million at NW Holdings. The decrease in income tax expense is primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income.


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Regulatory Matters
For additional information, see Part II, Item 7 "Results of Operations—Regulatory Matters" in the 2021 Form 10-K.
Regulation and Rates
UTILITY.NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION.NW Natural's utilitynatural gas distribution business is subject to regulation by the OPUC WUTC, and FERCWUTC with respect to, among other matters, rates and terms of service. The OPUC and WUTC also regulate the systemservice, systems of accounts, and issuanceissuances of securities by NW Natural. In 2017,At March 31, 2022, approximately 89%88% of NW Natural's utility gasNGD customers were located in Oregon, with the remaining 11%12% in Washington. Earnings and cash flows from utilitynatural gas distribution operations are largely determined by rates set in general rate cases and other proceedings in Oregon and Washington. They are also affected by weather, the local economies in Oregon and Washington, the pace of customer growth in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets, customer preferences and NW Natural's ability to remain price competitive, control expenses, and obtain reasonable and timely regulatory recovery of its utility-relatednatural gas distribution-related costs, including operating expenses and investment costs in utility plant and other regulatory assets. See "Most Recent Completed General Rate Cases" below.


MIST INTERSTATE GAS STORAGE. NW Natural's interstate storage activity at Mist is subject to regulation by the OPUC, WUTC, and FERCthe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with respect to, among other matters, rates and terms of service. The OPUC also regulates the issuance of securities, system of accounts, and regulates intrastate storage services. Theservices at Mist, while FERC regulates the interstate storage services.services at Mist. The FERC uses a maximum cost of service model which allows for gas storage prices to be set at or below the cost of service as approved by each agency in their last regulatory filing. The OPUC Schedule 80 rates are tied to the FERC rates, and are updated whenever we modify ourNW Natural modifies FERC maximum rates.


In 2017, approximately 70%OTHER. The wholly owned regulated water businesses of storage revenues were derived from FERC, Oregon, and Washington regulated operations and approximately 30% from California operations.

OTHER. In June 2018,NWN Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of NW Natural entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the sale of all of its ownership interests in Gill Ranch, a natural gas storage facility located near Fresno, California, which isHoldings, are subject to approvalregulation by the CPUCutility commissions in the states in which they are located, which currently includes Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and other customary closing conditions. See Note 16 for more information.Texas.



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Most Recent Completed General Rate Cases
OREGON.Effective November 1, 2012,On October 16, 2020, the OPUC authorized rates toissued an order concluding NW Natural customersNatural's general rate case filed in December 2019 (OPUC Order). The OPUC Order provides for a total revenue requirement increase of approximately $45 million over revenues from existing rates. The revenue requirement is based on an ROE of 9.5%, an overall rate of return of 7.78%, and a capitalthe following assumptions:
Capital structure of 50% common equity and 50% long-term debt.debt;

Return on equity of 9.4%;
EffectiveCost of capital of 6.965%; and
Average rate base of $1.44 billion or an increase of $242.1 million since the last rate case.

Under the terms of the OPUC Order, NW Natural was authorized to begin to recover the expense associated with the Oregon Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) as a component of base rates. See "Corporate Activity Tax" below.

In NW Natural's previous Oregon rate case in March 2019, the OPUC ordered specific terms by which excess deferred income taxes (EDIT) associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) would be provided to customers directly or applied for the benefit of customers. The Order in the most recent Oregon rate case directs NW Natural to include a true-up credit to customers of approximately $1.0 million as a temporary rate adjustment to be amortized over the 2020-21 PGA year.

In addition, the OPUC Order approved the application of NW Natural’s decoupling calculation for the months of November and May to the month of April. The decoupling mechanism is intended to encourage customers to conserve energy without adversely affecting earnings due to reductions in sales volumes.

New rates authorized by the OPUC Order were effective November 1, 2018,2020.

WASHINGTON.On October 21, 2021, the OPUC authorized ratesWUTC issued an order concluding NW Natural's general rate case filed in December 2020 (WUTC Order). The WUTC Order provides for an annual revenue requirement increase over two years, consisting of a 6.4% or $5.0 million increase in the first year beginning November 1, 2021 (Year One), and up to customersa 3.5% or $3.0 million increase in the second year beginning November 1, 2022 (Year Two). The increase is based on the following assumptions:
Cost of capital of 6.814%; and
Average rate base of $194.7 million, an ROEincrease of 9.4%,$20.9 million since the last rate case for capital expenditures already expended at the time of filing, with an overall rateadditional expected $31.2 million increase in Year One, and an additional expected $21.4 million increase in Year Two, with the increases in Year One and Year Two relating to expected capital expenditures in those years.

The WUTC Order does not specify the underlying inputs to the cost of return of 7.317%, and acapital, including capital structure of 50% common equity and 50% long-term debt. For additional information, see "Regulatory Proceeding Updates" below.

return on equity. New rates authorized by the WUTC Order were effective November 1, 2021.
WASHINGTON. Effective January
From November 1, 2009,2019 through October 31, 2021, the WUTC authorized rates to customers based on an ROE of 10.1%9.4% and an overall rate of return of 8.4%7.161% with a capital structure of 51% common equity, 5%50.0% long-term debt, 1.0% short-term debt, and 44% long-term debt.49.0% common equity. The WUTC also authorized the recovery of environmental remediation expenses allocable to Washington customers

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through an Environmental Cost Recovery Mechanism (ECRM) and directed NW Natural to provide federal tax reform benefits to customers. See "Rate Mechanisms - Environmental Cost Deferral and Recovery - Washington ECRM" below.

FERC.NW Natural is required under its Mist interstate storage certificate authority and rate approval orders to file every five years either a petition for rate approval or a cost and revenue study to change or justify maintaining the existing rates for its interstate storage services. In December 2013, NW Natural filed a rate petition, which was approved in 2014, and allows for the maximum cost-based rates for its interstate gas storage services. These rates were effective January 1, 2014. In January 2018, various state parties filed a request with the FERC to adjust the revenue requirements of public utilities to reflect the recent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate and other impacts resulting from the TCJA. In July 2018, the FERC issued an order finalizing its regulations regarding the effect of the TCJA. The new regulations required NW Natural to file a petition for rate approval or a cost and revenue study to reflect the new federal corporate income tax rate within thirty days of the rate effective date of our Oregon rate case. This is approximately the same timeframe when a new cost and revenue study would be required under FERC's pre-existing requirements. On October 12, 2018, NW Natural filed a rate petition with FERC for revised cost-based maximum cost-based rates, which incorporated the new federal corporate income tax rate. We expect minimal impact to our earnings from this filing.The revised rates were effective beginning November 1, 2018.


NW Natural continuously monitors the utility and evaluates the need for rate cases in its jurisdictions.

Regulatory Proceeding Updates
2022 OREGON GENERAL RATE CASE. On December 17, 2021, NW Natural is currently evaluating the needfiled a request for a Washingtongeneral rate increase with the OPUC. The filing includes a requested $73.5 million annual revenue requirement increase based upon the following assumptions or requests:
Capital structure of 50% long-term debt and 50% equity;
Return on equity of 9.5%;
Cost of capital of 6.886%; and
Average rate base of $1.73 billion.

The filing includes an increase in average rate base of $294 million compared to the last rate case due to several long-planned investments by NW Natural including the following:
Upgrading technology including our enterprise resource planning system, cybersecurity and other critical technology systems;
Supporting distribution system reinforcement and expansion as well as enhancing the resilience of our operating facilities and systems; and
Investing in components of our Mist storage facility, which provides service during peak winter heating months.

The filing requests an additional incremental revenue amount of $8.4 million primarily related to a renewable natural gas investment and technology upgrades and expenses, including cybersecurity items, that are not considered in late 2018 or early 2019.NW Natural's annual revenue requirement.


NW Natural’s filing will be reviewed by the OPUC and other stakeholders. The process is anticipated to take up to 10 months with new rates expected to take effect November 1, 2022.

Rate Mechanisms
During 2018,2022 and 2021, NW Natural's key approved rates and recovery mechanisms for each service area included:
OregonWashington
2020 Rate Case (effective 11/1/2020)
2019 Rate Case
(effective 11/1/2019)
2021 Rate Case
(effective 11/1/2021)
Authorized Rate Structure:
Return on Equity9.4%9.4%**
Rate of Return7.0%7.2%6.8%
Debt/Equity Ratio50%/50%51%/49%**
Key Regulatory Mechanisms:
Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)XXX
Gas Cost Incentive SharingX
DecouplingX
Weather Normalization (WARM)X
Environmental Cost RecoveryXXX
Interstate Storage and Asset Management SharingXXX
 Oregon Washington
 2012 Rate Case
2018 Rate Case
(effective 11/1/2018)
 2009 Rate Case
Authorized Rate Structure:    
ROE9.5%9.4% 10.1%
ROR7.8%7.3% 8.4%
Debt/Equity Ratio50%/50%50%/50% 49%/51%
     
Key Regulatory Mechanisms:    
PGAXX X
Gas Cost Incentive SharingXX  
DecouplingXX  
WARMXX  
Environmental Cost DeferralXX X
SRRMXX  
Pension BalancingX   
Interstate Storage and Asset Management SharingXX X
** The WUTC Order does not specify the underlying inputs to the cost of capital, including capital structure and return on equity.


PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT. Rate changes are established for NW Natural each year under PGA mechanisms in Oregon and Washington to reflect changes in the expected cost of natural gas commodity purchases. This includesThe PGA filings include gas costs under spot purchases as well as contract supplies, gas costs hedged with financial derivatives,cost hedges, gas costs from the withdrawal of storage inventories, the production of gas reserves, interstate pipeline demand costs, temporary rate adjustments, which amortize balances of deferred regulatory accounts, and the removal of temporary rate adjustments effective for the previous year.


Each
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Each year, NW Natural typically hedges gas prices on a portion of NW Natural's annual sales requirement based on normal weather, including both physical and financial hedges. NW Natural entered the 2017-18 2021-22 gas year with its forecasted sales volumes hedged at 49%approximately79% in total. The total hedged for Oregon was approximately 82%, including 62% in financial swaphedges and option contracts and 26%19% in physical gas supplies.

As of September 30, 2018, The total hedged for Washington was approximately 57%, including 44% in financial hedges and 13% in physical gas supplies. During 2021, there was increased volatility and pricing in the current and forward gas markets. In response to higher than normal volatility in forward gas markets in 2021, NW Natural increased its hedging level for the 2021-22 PGA year in Oregon to 82% compared to 74% in the 2020-2021 PGA year.

NW Natural is also hedged in future gas years at approximately 66% for the 2018-19 gas yearbetween 3% and between 2% and 17%30% for annual requirements over the subsequent fivethree gas years.years, which consists of between 4% and 27% in Oregon and between 0% and 50% in Washington. Hedge levels are subject to change based

38






on actual load volumes, which depend to a certain extent on weather, economic conditions, and estimated gas reserve production. Also, gas storage inventory levels may increase or decrease with storage expansion, changes in storage contracts with third parties, variations in the heat content of the gas, and/or storage recall by NW Natural. As the utility.Company plans for the 2022-23 gas year, gas price volatility has remained high with current and forward gas prices increasing substantially in April 2022. We will continue to monitor gas prices as we begin to fill storage and look at hedging plans for future gas years. Gas purchases and hedges entered into for the coming winter are included in the Company’s PGA filings in OR and WA which we anticipate filing later this year in September 2022.


In September 2018,2021, NW Natural filed its annual PGA and received OPUC and WUTC approval in October 2018.2021. PGA rate changes arewere effective November 1, 2018.2021. Rates may vary between states can vary due to different rate structures, rate mechanisms and mechanisms. In addition, as required with the Washington PGA filing, NW Natural provided the WUTC with a full strategy implementation plan to incorporate risk-responsive hedging strategies in its natural gas procurement process. NW Natural expects to begin implementing risk-responsive hedging strategies for the 2019-20 PGA. Also effective November 1 are a number of conditions under the agreement with the OPUC and the WUTC related to the formation of a holding company structure. One of the conditions is that, for three years, NW Natural will be required to provide an annual $500,000 credit to Oregon customers and a $55,000 credit to Washington customers. The first-year credit to both Oregon and Washington customers will be given in conjunction with the PGA filings, with the rate adjustments commencing on November 1, 2018.policies.


Under the current PGA mechanism in Oregon, there is an incentive sharing provision whereby NW Natural is required to select each year an 80% deferral or a 90% deferral of higher or lower actual gas costs compared to estimated PGA prices, such that the impact on NW Natural's current earnings from the incentive sharing is either 20% or 10% of the difference between actual and estimated gas costs, respectively. For the 2018-192021-22 and 2017-182020-21 gas year,years, NW Natural selected the 90% deferral option. Under the Washington PGA mechanism, NW Natural defers 100% of the higher or lower actual gas costs, and those gas cost differences are passed on to customers through the annual PGA rate adjustment.


EARNINGS TEST REVIEW. NW Natural is subject to an annual earnings review in Oregon to determine if the utilityNGD business is earning above its authorized ROE threshold. If utilityNGD business earnings exceed a specific ROE level, then 33% of the amount above that level is required to be deferred or refunded to customers. Under this provision, if NW Natural selects the 80% deferral gas cost option, then itNW Natural retains all of its earnings up to 150 basis points above the currently authorized ROE. If NW Natural selects the 90% deferral option, then it retains all of its earnings up to 100 basis points above the currently authorized ROE. For the 2016-172020-21 and 2017-182021-22 gas years, NW Natural selected the 90% deferral option. The ROE threshold is subject to adjustment annually based on movements in long-term interest rates. For calendar year 2017,2021, the ROE threshold was 10.66%10.40%. NW Natural filed the 20172021 earnings test in May 2018, and it was approved by the Commission in July 2018. As a result,April 2022, indicating no customer refund adjustment. NW Natural wasdoes not subject toexpect a customer
refund adjustment for 2017.2022 based on results.


GAS RESERVES. In 2011, the OPUC approved the Encana gas reserves transaction to provide long-term gas price protection for utilityNGD business customers and determined the costs under the agreement would be recovered on an ongoing basis through NW Natural'sthe annual PGA mechanism. Gas produced from NW Natural's interests is sold at then prevailing market prices, and revenues from such sales, net of associated operating and production costs and amortization, are included in NW Natural's cost of gas. The cost of gas, including a carrying cost for the rate base investment made under the original agreement, is included in NW Natural's annual Oregon PGA filing, which allows NW Natural to recover these costs through customer rates. NW Natural'sThe net investment under the original agreement earns a rate of return.


In 2014, NW Natural amended the original gas reserves agreement in response to Encana's sale of its interest in the Jonah field located in Wyoming to Jonah Energy. Under the amended agreement with Jonah Energy, NW Natural has the option to invest in additional wells on a well-by-well basis with drilling costs and resulting gas volumes shared at NW Natural'sthe amended proportionate working interest for each well in which itNW Natural invests. Volumes produced from the additional wells drilled after the amended agreement are included in NW Natural's Oregon PGA at a fixed rate of $0.4725 per therm. NW Natural didhas not participateparticipated in additional wells during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.since 2014.


DECOUPLING. In Oregon, NW Natural has a decoupling mechanism covering all residential, small commercial and mid-size commercial sales customers.mechanism. Decoupling is intended to break the link between utility earnings and the quantity of gas consumed by customers, removing any financial incentive by the utility to discourage customers’ efforts to conserve energy. The Oregon decoupling mechanism was reauthorized and the baseline expected usage per customer was setreset in the 20182020 Oregon general rate case. The Order in the 2020 Oregon general rate case also approved extending NW Natural’s decoupling calculation for the months of November and May to the month of April. This mechanism employs a use-per-customer decoupling calculation, which adjusts margin revenues to account for the difference between actual and expected customer volumes. The margin adjustment resulting from differences between actual and expected volumes under the decoupling component is recorded to a deferral account, which is included in the annual PGA filing. In Washington, customer use is not covered by such a tariff.


WARM.In Oregon, NW Natural has an approved weather normalization mechanism (WARM), which is applied to residential and small commercial customer bills. This mechanism is designed to help stabilize the collection of fixed costs by adjusting
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residential and small commercial customer billings based on temperature variances from average weather, with rate decreases when the weather is colder than average and rate increases when the weather is warmer than average. The mechanism is applied to bills from December through Maymid-May of each heating season. The mechanism adjusts the margin component of customers’ rates to reflect average weather, which uses the 25-year average temperature for each day of the billing period. Daily average temperatures and 25-year average temperatures are based on a set point temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit for residential customers and 58 degrees Fahrenheit for commercial customers. The collections of any unbilled WARM amounts due to tariff caps and floors are deferred and earn a carrying charge until collected, or returned, in the PGA the following year. This weather normalization mechanism was reauthorized in the 2018 Oregon general rate case without an expiration date. Residential and small commercial customers in

39






Oregon are allowed to opt out of the weather normalization mechanism, and as of September 30, 2018, 8%March 31, 2022, 7% of total eligible customers had opted out. NW Natural does not have a weather normalization mechanism approved for residential and commercial Washington customers,customers, which account for about 11%about 12% of total customers. See "Business SegmentsSegmentLocalNatural Gas Distribution Utility Operations"Distribution" below.

INDUSTRIAL TARIFFS. The OPUC and WUTC have approved tariffs covering utilityNGD service to NW Natural's major industrial customers, which are intended to give NW Natural certainty in the level of gas supplies it needs to acquireneeded to serve this customer group. The approved terms include, among other things, an annual election period, special pricing provisions for out-of-cycle changes, and a requirement that industrial customers complete the term of their service election under NW Natural's annual PGA tariff.

ENVIRONMENTAL COST DEFERRAL AND SRRM. RECOVERY. NW Natural has an SRRM through which it tracksauthorizations in Oregon and has the abilityWashington to defer costs related to remediation of properties that are owned or were previously owned by NW Natural. In Oregon, a Site Remediation and Recovery Mechanism (SRRM) is currently in place to recover past deferred and future prudently incurred environmental remediation costs allocable to Oregon customers, subject to an earnings test. Effective beginning November 1, 2019, the WUTC authorized an Environmental Cost Recovery Mechanism (ECRM) for recovery of prudently incurred costs allocable to Washington customers.


Oregon SRRM
Under the Oregon SRRM collection process there are three types of deferred environmental remediation expense:
Pre-review - This class of costs represents remediation spend that has not yet been deemed prudent by the OPUC. Carrying costs on these remediation expenses are recorded at NW Natural's authorized cost of capital. NW Natural anticipates the prudence review for annual costs and approval of the earnings test prescribed by the OPUC to occur by the third quarter of the following year.
Post-review - This class of costs represents remediation spend that has been deemed prudent and allowed after applying the earnings test, but is not yet included in amortization. NW Natural earns a carrying cost on these amounts at a rate equal to the five-year treasury rate plus 100 basis points.
Amortization - This class of costs represents amounts included in current customer rates for collection and is generally calculated as one-fifth of the post-review deferred balance. NW Natural earns a carrying cost equal to the amortization rate determined annually by the OPUC, which approximates a short-term borrowing rate. NW Natural included $6.1 million, $7.4$6.3 million and $10.0$4.2 million of deferred remediation expense approved by the OPUC for collection during the 2018-19, 2017-182021-22 and 2016-172020-21 PGA years, respectively.


In addition, the SRRM also provides for the annual collection of $5.0 million from Oregon customers through a tariff rider. As NW Naturalit collects amounts from customers, itNW Natural recognizes these collections as revenue net of any earnings test adjustments and separately amortizes an equal and offsetting amount of itsthe deferred regulatory asset balance through the environmental remediation operating expense line shown separately in the operating expenseexpenses section of the Consolidated StatementStatements of Comprehensive Income.Income (Loss). For additional information, see Note 1517 in NW Natural's 2017the 2021 Form 10-K.


The SRRM earnings test is an annual review of NW Natural's adjusted utilityNGD ROE compared to its authorized utilityNGD ROE. For 2018, the first ten months will be weighted at 9.5% and the last two months 9.4%, reflecting the ROE change from NW Natural's most recent rate case effective November 1, 2018. To apply the earnings test first NW Natural must first determine what if any costs are subject to the test through the following calculation:
Annual spend
Annual spend
Less: $5.0 million base rate rider
          Prior year carry-over(1)
          $5.0 million insurance + interest on insurance
Total deferred annual spend subject to earnings test
Less: over-earnings adjustment, if any
Add: deferred interest on annual spend(2)
Total amount transferred to post-review
(1)
Prior year carry-over results when the prior year amount transferred to post-review is negative. The negative amount is carried over to offset annual spend in the following year.
(2)
Deferred interest is added to annual spend to the extent the spend is recoverable.

(1)     Prior year carry-over results when the prior year amount transferred to post-review is negative. The negative amount is carried over to offset annual spend in the following year.
(2)     Deferred interest is added to annual spend to the extent the spend is recoverable.

To the extent the utilityNGD business earns at or below NW Natural'sits authorized ROE as defined in the SRRM, the total amount transferred to post-review is recoverable through the SRRM. To the extent the utility earns more than its authorized ROE is earned in a year, the amount transferred to post-review would be reduced by those earnings that exceed its authorized ROE.


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NW Natural concluded there was no earnings test adjustment for 20172021 based on the environmental earnings test that was
submitted in May 2018 and approvedApril 2022.

Washington ECRM
The ECRM established by the Commission in July 2018.

The WUTC has also previously authorized the deferralorder effective November 1, 2019 permits NW Natural’s recovery of environmental costs, if any, that are appropriately allocatedremediation expenses allocable to Washington customers. This Order was effective in January 2011 with cost recovery and carrying charges on the amount deferred forThese expenses represent 3.32% of costs associated with services providedremediation of sites that historically served both Oregon and Washington customers. The order allows for recovery of past deferred and future prudently incurred remediation costs allocable to Washington customersthrough application of insurance proceeds and collections from customers. Prudently incurred costs that were deferred from the initial deferral authorization in February 2011 through June 2019 are to be determinedfully offset with insurance proceeds, with any remaining insurance proceeds to be amortized over a 10.5 year period. On an annual basis NW Natural will file for a prudence determination and a request to recover remediation expenditures in excess of insurance amortizations in the following year's customer rates. After insurance proceeds are fully amortized, if in a future proceeding. Annually, or more often if circumstances warrant, NW Natural reviews all regulatory assets for recoverability. If NW Natural should

40






determine all or a portion of these regulatory assets no longer meetparticular year the criteria for continued application of regulatory accounting, then it would be requiredrequest to write-off the net unrecoverable balances against earnings in the period such a determination was made.
PENSION COST DEFERRAL AND PENSION BALANCING ACCOUNT. Prior to November 1, 2018, the OPUC permitted NW Natural to defer annual pension expenses above the amount set in rates, with recovery of thesecollect deferred amounts through a balancing account, which includedexceeds one percent of Washington normalized revenues, then the expectation of higher and lower pension expenses in future years. The recovery of these deferred balances included accrued interest on the account balance at the utility’s authorized rate of return.excess will be collected over three years with interest.


On October 26, 2018, the OPUC issued an order in NW Natural's Oregon general rate case. This order freezes NW Natural's pension balancing account as of October 31, 2018 and beginning on November 1, 2018, permits NW Natural to recover the test year FAS 87 pension expense in base rates, resulting in an expected increase of approximately $8.1 million to NW Natural’s revenue requirement. NW Natural has implemented this order. The order directs NW Natural and other parties to the rate case to engage in further regulatory proceedings extending the Oregon general rate case to resolve open issues with respect to the recovery of the pension balancing account. The OPUC has ordered the parties to conclude these additional proceedings by February 1, 2019. For additional information, see "Regulatory Proceeding Updates—Oregon General Rate Case" below.

Pension expense deferrals, excluding interest, were $9.4 million and $4.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

INTERSTATE STORAGE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SHARING.On an annual basis, NW Natural credits amounts to Oregon and Washington utility customers as part of itsa regulatory incentive sharing mechanism related to net revenues earned from Mist gas storage and asset management activities. Generally,Previously, amounts arewere credited to Oregon customers in June, while creditsJune. Starting in 2021, Oregon customers received this credit in February per the 2020 Oregon rate case order. Credits are given to customers in Washington throughas reductions in rates through the annual PGA filing in November.


In 2018,During the first quarter of 2022, NW Natural received regulatory approval to refundrefunded an interstate storage and asset management sharing credit of $11.7approximately $41.1 million to its Oregon utility customers. Ofcustomers over three equal installments in January, February and March. This includes revenue generated for the November 2020 through October 2021 PGA year. A majority of this amount, $10.2revenue is from the cold weather event in February 2021 disclosed above. Credits are given to customers in Washington as reductions in rates through the annual PGA filing in November. Credits to Oregon and Washington customers in 2021 were approximately $9.1 million was reflected in customers' June bills with the remainder to be credited to their bills in the third quarter. The 2017 interstate storage credit was approximately $11.7 million.and $3.1 million, respectively.


Regulatory Proceeding Updates
During 2018,2022, NW Natural was involved in the regulatory activities discussed below. For additional information, see Part II, Item 7 "Results of Operations—Regulatory Matters" in the 2021 Form 10-K.

COVID-19 DEFERRAL DOCKETS.During 2020, Oregon and Washington approved our applications to defer certain COVID-19 related costs. Costs that may be recoverable include, but are not limited to, the following: personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies and services, bad debt expense, financing costs to secure liquidity, and certain lost revenue, net of offsetting direct expense reductions associated with COVID-19. As of March 31, 2022, we believe that approximately $14.3 million of the financial effects related to COVID-19 are recoverable and deferred to a regulatory asset approximately $11.2 million for incurred costs. In addition, we expect to recognize revenue in a future period for an additional $3.1 million related to forgone late fee revenue.

The following table outlines some of the key items approved by the respective Commissions:

OregonWashington
Reinstituting Disconnections for Nonpayment:
ResidentialAugust 1, 2021September 30, 2021
Small CommercialDecember 1, 2020September 30, 2021
Large Commercial/IndustrialNovember 3, 2020October 20, 2020
Resuming Residential Reconnection Fee ChargesOctober 1, 2022***
Reinstituting Late Fees for Nonpayment:
ResidentialOctober 1, 2022***
Small CommercialDecember 1, 2020**
Large Commercial/IndustrialNovember 3, 2020October 20, 2020
Extended Time Payment Arrangements:
ResidentialUp to 24 monthsUp to 18 months
Small CommercialUp to 6 monthsUp to 12 months
Arrearage Management Program1.5% of Retail Revenues1% of Retail Revenues
* Jurisdiction retains discretion to re-evaluate date based on ongoing pandemic and economic conditions.
** Date is pending a Commission review of its existing credit and collection practices that is expected to be completed over the next year.

ARREARAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.As part of the approved term sheets, NW Natural established programs in Oregon and Washington to identify and mitigate residential customer arrearages associated with COVID-19. Under the Washington program,
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income-eligible customers may receive up to $2,500 per year. In March 2022, the Oregon program was expanded to include additional funding and a low-income focus. Under the Oregon program, NW Natural can provide a one-time grant of up to $1,600 per eligible residential customer. AMP is funded by NW Natural with recovery facilitated through the COVID deferral dockets. As of March 31, 2022, the amount granted and deferred to a regulatory asset related to the AMP was $6.1 million of the total funds available of $9.9 million.

RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS.On June 19, 2019, the Oregon legislature passed Senate Bill 98 (SB 98), which enables natural gas utilities to procure or develop RNG on behalf of their Oregon customers. The bill was signed into law by the governor in July 2019, and subsequently, the OPUC opened a docket in August 2019 regarding the rules for the bill. After working with parties, the OPUC adopted final rules in July 2020.

SB 98 and the rules outline the following parameters for the RNG program including: setting voluntary goals for adding as much as 30% renewable natural gas into the state’s pipeline system by 2050; enabling gas utilities to invest in and own the cleaning and conditioning equipment required to bring raw biogas and landfill gas up to pipeline quality, as well as the facilities to connect to the local gas distribution system; and allowing up to 5% of a utility’s revenue requirement to be used to cover the incremental cost or investment in renewable natural gas infrastructure.

Further, the new law supports all forms of renewable natural gas including renewable hydrogen, which is made from excess wind, solar and hydro power. Renewable hydrogen can be used for the transportation system, industrial use or blended into the natural gas pipeline system.

CORPORATE ACTIVITY TAX.In 2019, the State of Oregon enacted a Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) that is applicable to all businesses with annual Oregon gross revenue in excess of $1 million. The CAT is in addition to the state's corporate income tax and imposes a 0.57% tax on certain Oregon gross receipts less a reduction for a portion of cost of goods sold or labor. The CAT legislation became effective September 29, 2019 and applied to calendar years beginning January 1, 2020. Under the terms of the Order in NW Natural's 2017 Form 10-K.

INTERSTATE STORAGE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT SHARING. NW Natural received an Order from the OPUC in March 2015 on their review of the current revenue sharing arrangement that allocates a portion of the net revenues generated from non-utility Mist storage services and third-party asset management services to utility customers. The Order required a third-party cost study to be performed. In 2017, a third-party consultant completed a cost study and their final report was filed with the OPUC in February 2018. The OPUC concluded on this matter in the2020 Oregon general rate case, proceeding. For additional information, see "Oregon General Rate Case" below.

HOLDING COMPANY APPLICATION. In February 2017, NW Natural filed applications with the OPUC, WUTC, and CPUC for approval to reorganize under a holding company structure. In 2017, the OPUC and WUTC approved NW Natural's applications subject to certain restrictions or "ring-fencing" provisions applicable to NW Natural, the entity that currently, and would continue to, house our utility operations. During the second quarter of 2018, NW Natural received approval from the CPUC. On October 1, 2018 we completed the reorganization to a holding company structure.

TAX REFORM DEFERRAL. In December 2017, NW Natural filed applications with the OPUC and WUTC to defer the overall net benefit associated with the TCJA that was enacted on December 22, 2017 with a January 1, 2018 effective date. Through the Oregon general rate case, the OPUC issued an order directing NW Natural and the other parties to the rate case to engage in further regulatory proceedings, including the extended general rate case, to resolve open issues with respect to the treatment of the 10-month deferral period of benefits associated with the TCJA. The OPUC has ordered the parties to conclude these additional proceedings by February 1, 2019. NW Natural expects these proceedings to also determine the appropriateness of NW Natural's remeasurement of the regulated utility historical excess deferred income taxes pursuant to TCJA and the return of those excess historical deferred income taxes to customers directly or by using them for the customers' benefit. NW Natural expects to work with the WUTC regarding the Washington deferral for the TCJA in a future regulatory or rate case filing and is currently deferring all amounts for the benefit of Washington customers.

WATER BUSINESS. Since we initiated our water strategy in December 2017, we have entered into the following agreements:
Salmon Valley Water Company — based in Welches, Oregon, NWN Water signed an agreement with this privately-owned water utility in December 2017 and received regulatory approval for the acquisition in September 2018. The transaction closed on November 1, 2018.
Falls Water Company — based in Idaho Falls, Idaho, NWN Water signed an agreement with this privately-owned water utility in December 2017. We received regulatory approval in July 2018 from the Idaho Commission and closed the transaction in September 2018.

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Lehman Enterprises, Inc. and Sea View Water LLC — both based on Whidbey Island near Seattle, Washington, NWN Water signed an agreement with these two privately-owned water utilities in May 2018 and received regulatory approval from the WUTC in October 2018. These transactions closed on November 2, 2018.
Sunriver Water, LLC and Sunriver Environmental, LLC — both based in Central Oregon, Sunriver Water, LLC is a water utility and Sunriver Environmental, LLC is a wastewater treatment company. On October 12, 2018, NWN Water of Oregon entered into, and NW Holdings guaranteed, an agreement with Sunriver Resort LP to acquire these two entities, providing a current combined 9,400 connections at the Sunriver Resort community in Central Oregon. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2019. In October 2018, NWN Water of Oregon filed its application with the OPUC for these acquisitions and continues to work with the OPUC and anticipates receiving approvals in 2019. The closing of the transaction is subject to approval by the OPUC and other customary closing conditions.

These acquisitions described above will, upon the closing of the Sunriver transaction, represent approximately $67 million of aggregate investment.

OREGON GENERAL RATE CASE.On October 26, 2018, the OPUC issued an order regarding NW Natural's general rate case originally filed in December 2017 and approved the following items effective beginning November 1, 2018:
Annual revenue requirement increase of $23.4 million or 3.72% over NW Natural's revenue from existing rates, which includes approximately $12.1 million that would otherwise be recovered under the conservation tariff deferral;
Capital structure of 50% debt and 50% equity;
Return on equity of 9.4%;
Cost of capital of 7.317%;
Rate base of $1.186 billion, or an increase of $300 million since the last rate case in 2012;
Pension expenses will be recovered through rates with an increase of $8.1 million to revenue requirement; and
The sharing of asset management revenues related to utility pipeline and storage assets will be 90%/10% with 90% being credited to customers. Previously customers received 67% of these revenues.

The rate changes lowered residential customer rates by 2.1% in Oregon and 7.2% in Washington for the upcoming winter heating season from the combined effect of the PGA mechanism and the Oregon general rate case. The Order adopted two components of the Second Settlement and rejected the remainder. First, the Order freezes NW Natural’s pension balancing account as of October 31, 2018. Second, beginning on November 1, 2018, NW Natural is authorized to increasebegin to recover the expense associated with the CAT as a component of base rates. NW Natural is also directed to adjust the amount recovered for the CAT in each annual PGA to reflect changes in gross revenue and cost of FAS 87 pension expense included in base rates by $8.1 million.goods sold that occur as a result of the PGA.


The Order directsalso provides for certain adjustments if there are legislative, rulemaking, judicial, or policy decisions that would cause the calculation methodology used by NW Natural for the CAT to vary in a fundamental way. Additionally, the CAT deferred from January 2020 through June 2020 was added to and amortized over the 2020-21 PGA gas year, and the other parties toCAT amounts deferred from July 2020 through the effective date of the rate case will be amortized over the 2021-22 PGA year.

WATER UTILITIES.In the first three months of 2022, NWN Water signed two purchase agreements for water utilities in Texas, representing approximately 900 connections. The acquisitions are subject to engagecustomary closing conditions, including approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and are expected to close in further regulatory proceedings extending2022. In December 2021, NWN Water agreed to purchase the water and wastewater utilities of Far West Water & Sewer, Inc. located in Arizona. In March 2022, we filed our acquisition application with the Arizona Corporation Commission and a decision is expected toward the end of 2022.

For our acquired water utilities, we have been executing general rate cases. In February 2022, the OPUC adopted a comprehensive stipulation in Sunriver Water's rate case with new rates effective May 2022. In January 2022, we filed a general rate case docket to resolve open issues with respect to the recovery of the pension balancing account, and treatment of the 10-month deferral period benefits associated with the TCJA. The OPUC has ordered the parties to conclude these additional proceedings by February 1, 2019. NW Natural expects these proceedings to also determine the appropriateness of NW Natural’s remeasurement of the regulated utility historical excess deferred income taxes pursuant to TCJAfor Suncadia Water and the returnWUTC has allowed rates to go into effect in May 2022 by operation of these excess historical deferred income taxes to customers directly or by using them for the customers’ benefit.law.


All the rate case changes were effective and implemented beginning November 1, 2018.

INTEGRATED RESOURCE PLAN (IRP). NW Natural generally files a full IRP biennially for Oregon and Washington with the OPUC and WUTC, respectively. NW Natural jointly filed its 2018 IRP for both Oregon and Washington IRPs onin August 24, 2018, and anticipates acknowledgment from the OPUC and noticereceived both a letter of compliance from the WUTC ofand acknowledgment by the filings during the first quarter ofOPUC in February 2019. The IRPs2018 IRP included analysis of different growth scenarios, examining several potential future states and the corresponding least cost, least risk resource acquisition strategies. This analysisIn addition to these strategies, the 2018 IRP published an emissions forecast for each of these potential futures. NW Natural filed an update to the 2018 IRP in March 2021 and received acknowledgement of the requested capital projects by the OPUC in September 2021.

The development of an IRP filing is neededan extensive and complex process that engages multiple stakeholders in an effort to develop supplybuild a robust and demandcommonly understood analysis. The final product is intended to provide a long-term outlook of the supply-side and demand-side resource and compliance requirements consider uncertainties in the planning process, and to establish a plan for providing reliable and low cost natural gas service. The IRP examines and analyses uncertainties in the planning process, including potential changes in governmental and regulatory policies. As a result of the executive order (EO) issued by the governor of Oregon, new regulations and requirements have been developed resulting in a new program known as the Climate Protection Plan. The Washington Department of Ecology is currently undergoing rule-making for the Climate Commitment Act. Both of these policies have the potential to impact long-term resource decisions. In order to reflect the outcomes of the EO proceedings, the time to file NW Natural's next full IRP was extended to July 2022 as approved by the OPUC and WUTC.


DEPRECIATION STUDY. Under OPUC regulations,PIPELINE SECURITY. In May and July 2021, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released two security directives applicable to certain notified owners and operators of natural gas pipeline facilities (including local distribution companies) that TSA has determined to be critical. The first security directive required notified
49



owners/operators to implement cybersecurity incident reporting to the DHS, designate a cybersecurity coordinator, and perform a gap assessment of current entity cybersecurity practices against certain voluntary TSA security guidelines and report relevant results and proposed mitigation to applicable DHS agencies. The second security directive requires notified entities to implement a significant number of specified cyber security controls and processes. NW Natural is requiredcurrently in the process of evaluating and implementing the security directives while ensuring safe and reliable operations. NW Natural is providing frequent updates to file a depreciation study every five years to update or justify maintaining the existing depreciation rates. In December 2016,TSA on NW Natural's progress on achieving the security directives. NW Natural filed the required depreciation studyrequests with the Commission. In September 2017,OPUC and WUTC to defer the parties to the docket filed a settlementcosts associated with complying with the Commission requesting approvalsecond security directive and plans to seek recovery of updated depreciation rates negotiatedthese costs in future ratemaking proceedings. As of March 31, 2022, NW Natural has deferred to a regulatory asset $1.6 million of costs incurred and $18.6 million was invested in information technology to date. NW Natural continues to evaluate the potential effect of these directives on our operations and facilities, as well as the potential total cost of implementation, and will continue to monitor for any clarifications or amendments to these directives.

ERP UPGRADE DEFERRALS. In the fourth quarter of 2020, NW Natural filed requests to defer expenses pertaining to a project to upgrade the existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system with the parties. In January 2018, OPUC issued an order adoptingand WUTC. A stipulation supported by all parties in the stipulation. A correspondingOregon docket was filed and approved in Washington forby the same depreciation rates. The new depreciation rates were effective and implemented as of November 1, 2018 for both Oregon and Washington customers. The depreciation rates includedOPUC in the stipulation do not materially change NW Natural's current depreciation rates, and their incorporation into NW Natural's rate recovery mechanisms remove any material impact to financial results.

Business Segments - Local Gas Distribution Utility Operations
Utility margin results are primarily affected by customer growth, revenues from rate-base additions, and, to a certain extent, by changes in delivered volumes due to weather and customers’ gas usage patterns because a significant portionthird quarter of utility margin is derived from natural gas sales to residential and commercial customers. In Oregon,2021. Under the settlement agreement, NW Natural has a conservation tariff (also calledcan recover 100% of costs incurred up to the decoupling mechanism), which adjusts utility margin$8.55 million estimate of Oregon-allocated costs provided in the docket. For costs that exceed $8.55 million up or down each month through a deferred regulatory accounting adjustment designed to offset changes resulting$12 million, 80% may be recovered from increases or decreases in average use by residential and commercial customers. For costs that exceed $12 million, 50% may be recovered. As of March 31, 2022, NW Natural also has a weather normalization tariff in Oregon, WARM, which adjusts customer bills up or down to

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offset changes in utility margin resulting from above- or below-average temperatures during the winter heating season. Both mechanisms are designed to reduce, but not eliminate, the volatility of customer bills and NW Natural's utility’s earnings. For additional information, see Part II, Item 7 "Results of Operations—Regulatory MattersRate Mechanisms" in NW Natural's 2017 Form 10-K.

Utility segment highlights include:  
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, QTR Change YTD Change
Dollars and therms in thousands, except EPS data 2018 2017 2018 2017  
Utility net income (loss) $(11,983) $(10,349) $24,930
 $31,980
 $(1,634) $(7,050)
EPS - utility segment $(0.42) $(0.36) $0.86
 $1.11
 $(0.06) $(0.25)
Gas sold and delivered (in therms) 162,098
 163,621
 786,444
 865,903
 (1,523) (79,459)
Utility margin(1)
 $54,940
 $52,532
 $257,402
 $269,172
 $2,408
 $(11,770)
(1) See Utility Margin Table below for a reconciliation and additional detail.

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. The primary factors contributing to the $1.6 million, or $0.06 per share, increase in utility net loss were as follows:
a $2.4 million increase in operations and maintenance expense largely from payroll and benefits due to additional headcount and general salary increases;
a $1.1 million increase in depreciation expense as a result of higher utility plant balances; partially offset by
a $2.4 million increase in utility margin primarily due to:
a $2.2 million increase due to a change in the revenue deferral associated with the decrease in the federal tax rate; and
a $0.8 million increase from customer growth.
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, total utility volumes sold and delivered decreased 1% over the same period in 2017.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. The primary factors contributing to the $7.1 million, or $0.25 per share, decrease in utility net income were as follows:
a $11.8 milliondecrease in utility margin due to:
a $7.0 million decrease duedeferred to a regulatory revenue deferral associated with the declineasset $7.3 million of expenses incurred to date. Approval of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% in 2018 from 35% in the prior period until customer rates can be reset to reflect the lower tax rate; partially offset by
a $3.2 million increase from customer growth.
The majorityWashington deferral was resolved as part of the remaining decrease was duemost recent general rate case.

Environmental, Legislation and Regulation Matters
There is a growing international and domestic focus on climate change and the contribution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, most notably methane and carbon dioxide, to 24% colder than average weather inclimate change. In response, there are increasing efforts at the prior period comparedinternational, federal, state, and local level to regulate GHG emissions. Legislation or other forms of regulation could take a variety of forms including, but not limited to, GHG emissions limits, reporting requirements, carbon taxes, requirements to purchase carbon credits, building codes, increased efficiency standards, additional charges to fund energy efficiency activities or other regulatory actions, incentives or mandates to conserve energy, or use renewable energy sources, tax advantages and other subsidies to support alternative energy sources, mandates for the current period.
a $6.1 millionuse of specific fuels or technologies, or promotion of research into new technologies to reduce the cost and increase in operationsthe scalability of alternative energy sources. These efforts could include legislation, legislative proposals, or new regulations at the federal, state, and maintenance expense largely from payroll and benefits due to additional headcount and general salary increaseslocal level, as well as higher professional service costs; and
a $1.8 million net increase in other expenses and income primarilyprivate party litigation related to GHG emissions. We recognize certain of our businesses, including our natural gas business, are likely to be affected by current or future regulation seeking to limit GHG emissions.

International
In early 2021, the U.S. rejoined the Paris Agreement on Climate, which establishes non-binding targets to reduce GHG emissions from both developed and developing nations. Under the Paris Agreement, signatory countries are expected to submit their nationally determined contributions to curb GHG emissions and meet the agreed temperature objectives every five years. On April 22, 2021, the United States federal administration announced the U.S. nationally determined contribution to achieve a fifty to fifty-two percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net GHG emissions by 2030.

Federal
President Biden’s administration has issued executive orders directing agencies to conduct a general review of regulations and executive actions related to the environment and reestablished a framework for considering the social cost of carbon as part of certain agency cost-benefit analyses for new regulations. President Biden’s administration continues to consider a wide range of additional policies, executive orders, rules, legislation, and other initiatives to address climate change. Some of these initiatives may include repeal of policies, executive orders or rules implemented by the prior administration.

The U.S. Congress has not yet passed any federal climate change legislation and we cannot predict when or if Congress will pass such legislation and in what form. In the absence of such legislation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates GHG emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. In September 2009, the EPA issued a final rule requiring the annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from certain industries, specified large GHG emission sources, and facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of CO2 equivalents per year. NW Natural began reporting emission information in 2011. Under this reporting rule, local natural gas distribution companies like NW Natural are required to report system throughput to the EPA on an annual basis. The EPA also has required additional GHG reporting regulations to which NW Natural is subject, requiring the annual reporting of fugitive emissions from operations. Additionally, other federal regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, are beginning to address greenhouse gas emissions through changes in their regulatory oversight approach and policies.

Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently proposed new rules relating to the disclosure of a range of climate-related matters. These include corporate governance and risk management, disaggregated financial disclosure in the notes to audited financial statements, and detailed disclosure concerning GHG emissions. We are currently assessing these proposed rules. We cannot predict what any final rules adopted by the SEC may require, nor can we predict the time periods for compliance, the costs of implementation, or any potential impacts resulting from any final climate-related rules that may be adopted. To the extent these rules are finalized as proposed or in modified form, we or our customers could incur increased costs
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related to the assessment and disclosure of climate-related risks. These could include internal costs as well as external costs such as the cost of independent experts to provide attestation reports on our GHG emissions data and increased audit costs.

Washington State
In 2021, Washington comprised approximately 11% of NW Natural’s revenues, as well as 1.5% and 25.5% of new meters from commercial and residential customers, respectively. Effective February 1, 2021, building codes in Washington state require new residential homes to achieve higher depreciationlevels of energy efficiency based on specified carbon emissions assumptions, which calculate electric appliances to have lower on-site GHG emissions than comparable gas appliances. This increases the cost of new home construction incorporating natural gas depending on a number of factors including home size, equipment configurations, and property taxes; partially offsetbuilding envelope measures. Additionally, the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) voted in April 2022 to include updates in the state commercial building energy code that, if final action is taken in November 2022 are expected to restrict or eliminate the use of gas space and water heating in new commercial construction beginning in July 2023. In May 2022, the SBCC is expected to begin reviewing building energy code updates for new residential construction that may include similar requirements. Utilities and other organizations, including NW Natural, are reviewing the proposed building energy code updates, the process by
a $12.6 million decrease in income tax expense due to lower pre-tax income which the updates have been considered, and the declinelegality of the U.S. federal corporate income tax ratebuilding code updates. We currently expect that the building code changes will be subject to 21%legal challenge if they become final.

NW Natural continues to work with policymakers and a coalition of utilities, labor groups and business coalitions in 2018 comparedWashington to 35%communicate the role of direct use natural gas, and in the prior period.coming years renewable natural gas and hydrogen, can play in pursuing more effective policies to reduce GHGs while preserving reliability, resiliency, energy choice, equity, and energy affordability.


ForWashington has also enacted the nine months ended September 30, 2018, totalClimate Commitment Act (CCA), which establishes a comprehensive program that includes an overall limit for GHG emissions from major sources in the state that declines yearly beginning on January 1, 2023, resulting in an overall reduction of GHG emissions to 95% below 1990 levels by 2050. The Washington Department of Ecology has been directed to develop rules to create a cap-and-invest program, under which entities, including natural gas and electric utilities, and transportation and other fuel providers, which are subject to the CCA must either reduce their emissions or obtain allowances to cover any remaining emissions. These rules are expected by the end of 2022. NW Natural is subject to the CCA and intends to pursue inclusion of CCA compliance costs in rates.

Oregon
On March 10, 2020, the governor of Oregon issued an executive order (EO) establishing GHG emissions reduction goals of at least 45% below 1990 emission levels by 2035 and at least 80% below 1990 emission levels by 2050 and directed state agencies and commissions to facilitate such GHG emission goals targeting a variety of sources and industries. Although the EO does not specifically direct actions of natural gas distribution businesses, the OPUC is directed to prioritize proceedings and activities that advance decarbonization in the utility volumes soldsector, mitigate the energy burden experienced by utility customers and delivered decreased 9% overensure system reliability and resource adequacy. The EO also directs other state agencies, including the sameOregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and OPUC, to cap and reduce GHG emissions from transportation fuels and all other liquid and gaseous fuels, including natural gas, adopt building energy efficiency goals for new building construction, reduce methane gas emissions from landfills and food waste, and submit a proposal for adoption of state goals for carbon sequestration and storage by Oregon’s forest, wetlands and agricultural lands.

In December 2021, the ODEQ concluded its rulemaking process and issued final cap and reduce rules for its Climate Protection Program (CPP), which became effective in January of 2022. The CPP outlines GHG emissions reduction goals of 50% by 2035 and 90% by 2050 from a 1990 baseline. The first three-year compliance period is 2022 through 2024. NW Natural is subject to the CPP, and pursuant to this rule, is required to make its first compliance filing in 2017 due2025. We intend to 11% warmer than average weather in 2018, compared to 24% colder than average weather in 2017.

Overall, the TCJA increased utility net incomepursue inclusion of compliance costs for the first nine monthsCPP in rates. The CPP has been subject to legal challenge by a number of 2018utilities, companies and organizations, including NW Natural.

NW Natural is also engaged in an OPUC Fact-Finding (“Fact-Finding Docket”), opened in response to the EO for the purpose of analyzing the potential natural gas utility bill impacts that may result from the ODEQ’s CPP and to identify appropriate regulatory tools to mitigate potential customer impacts. The OPUC Staff has indicated that the ultimate goal of the Fact-Finding Docket is to inform future policy decisions and other key analyses to be considered in 2022, or thereafter, after the CPP is in place. We expect the Oregon Commission to issue a final report in the last half of 2022.

NW Natural is working with policymakers and a coalition of utilities in Oregon to help stakeholders understand the role direct use natural gas, and in the coming years renewable natural gas and hydrogen, can play in pursuing more effective policies to reduce greenhouse gases while preserving reliability, resiliency, energy choice, equity, and energy affordability.

Local Jurisdictions and Other Advocacy
In addition to legislative activities at the state level, ballot measures may be proposed by approximately $0.1 million as a result of a $5.2 million tax expense benefit substantially offset byadvocacy groups. Some local and county governments in the $5.1 million revenue deferral on an after-tax basis. Results during 2018United States also have been affected by a timing difference betweenproposing or passing renewable energy resolutions, restrictions, taxes, or fees with advocates seeking to accelerate climate action goals. A number of cities across the revenue deferral associated with tax reformcountry, and the tax expense benefit from the lower federal tax rate. For the first nine months of 2018, the deferral and tax benefit largely offset; however, there have been timing variances each quarter.

See "Regulatory Matters - Tax Reform Deferral and Oregon General Rate Case" above. The revenue deferral is primarily basedseveral in our service territory are currently considering actions such as limitations or bans on the estimated net benefituse of the TCJA to customers for the year using forecasted regulated utility earnings, considering average weathernatural gas in new construction or otherwise. NW Natural is actively engaged with such cities, local governments, and associated volumes. Additionally, during 2018, we expectother advocates, including, among others the lower tax rate will increase the seasonality of gas utility earnings as the lower rate improves earnings in the heating season and reduces the tax benefit associated with losses in the non-heating periods.

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Table
city of ContentsEugene, Oregon, in our service territory and is working with these communities to help them understand the ways in which the natural gas system, and renewable fuels, can help them meet their decarbonization goals.



NW Natural Decarbonization Initiatives & Actions


UTILITY MARGIN TABLE. The following table summarizesOur customers are currently paying less for their natural gas today than they did 15 years ago. We expect that compliance with any form of regulation of GHG emissions, including the composition of utility gas volumes, revenues, and cost of sales:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Favorable/
(Unfavorable)
In thousands, except degree day and customer data 2018 2017 2018 2017 QTR Change YTD Change
Utility volumes (therms):            
Residential and commercial sales 57,368
 54,557
 439,024
 495,949
 2,811
 (56,925)
Industrial sales and transportation 104,730
 109,064
 347,420
 369,954
 (4,334) (22,534)
Total utility volumes sold and delivered 162,098
 163,621
 786,444
 865,903
 (1,523) (79,459)
Utility operating revenues:      
Residential and commercial sales $68,768
 $69,294
 $420,878
 $466,867
 $(526) $(45,989)
Industrial sales and transportation 12,780
 13,488
 43,572
 47,182
 (708) (3,610)
Other revenues 3,529
 606
 (2,925) 3,149
 2,923
 (6,074)
Less: Revenue taxes(1)
 
 2,262
 
 13,251
 2,262
 13,251
Total utility operating revenues 85,077
 81,126
 461,525
 503,947
 3,951
 (42,422)
Less: Cost of gas 25,593
 27,239
 175,864
 223,855
 1,646
 47,991
Less: Environmental remediation expense 1,022
 1,355
 7,528
 10,920
 333
 3,392
Less: Revenue taxes(1)
 3,522
 
 20,731
 
 (3,522) (20,731)
Utility margin $54,940
 $52,532
 $257,402
 $269,172
 $2,408
 $(11,770)
Utility margin:(2)
            
Residential and commercial sales $44,069
 $44,612
 $236,559
 $241,617
 $(543) $(5,058)
Industrial sales and transportation 7,283
 7,272
 22,625
 23,529
 11
 (904)
Miscellaneous revenues 1,167
 606
 3,604
 3,144
 561
 460
Gain (loss) from gas cost incentive sharing 80
 102
 1,088
 940
 (22) 148
Other margin adjustments(5)
 2,341
 (60) (6,474) (58) 2,401
 (6,416)
Utility margin $54,940
 $52,532
 $257,402
 $269,172
 $2,408
 $(11,770)
Degree days(3)
            
Average(4)
 10
 10
 1,637
 1,637
 
 
Actual(6)
 
 14
 1,449
 2,037
 NM
 (29)%
Percent colder (warmer) than average weather(6)
 NM
 NM
 (11)% 24%    
             
  As of September 30,        
Customers - end of period: 2018 2017 Change Growth    
Residential customers 674,167
 662,555
 11,612
 1.8%    
Commercial customers 68,192
 67,248
 944
 1.4%    
Industrial customers 1,027
 1,021
 6
 0.6%    
Total number of customers 743,386
 730,824
 12,562
 1.7%    
(1)
The change in presentation of revenue taxes was a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 "Revenue From Contracts with Customers" and all related amendments on January 1, 2018. This change had no impact on utility margin results. For additional information, see Note 2.
(2)
Amounts reported as margin for each category of customers are total operating revenues less cost of gas, environmental remediation expense, and revenue tax expense.
(3)
Heating degree days are units of measure reflecting temperature-sensitive consumption of natural gas, calculated by subtracting the average of a day's high and low temperatures from 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
(4)
Average weather represents the 25-year average of heating degree days, over the period 1986 - 2010, as determined in NW Natural's 2012 Oregon general rate case.
(5)
Other margin adjustments include the net reduction of the revenue deferral of $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $7.0 million regulatory revenue deferral for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 associated with the decline of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate.
(6)
NM indicates that the calculated value is not meaningful.

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Residential and Commercial Sales
Residential and commercial sales highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, QTR Change YTD Change
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017  
Volumes (therms):            
Residential sales 30,758
 29,308
 269,643
 307,655
 1,450
 (38,012)
Commercial sales 26,610
 25,249
 169,381
 188,294
 1,361
 (18,913)
Total volumes 57,368
 54,557
 439,024
 495,949
 2,811
 (56,925)
Operating revenues:            
Residential sales $43,119
 $43,290
 $279,350
 $308,416
 $(171) $(29,066)
Commercial sales 25,649
 26,004
 141,528
 158,451
 (355) (16,923)
Total operating revenues $68,768
 $69,294
 $420,878
 $466,867
 $(526) $(45,989)
Utility margin:            
Residential:            
Sales $28,563
 $28,628
 $160,699
 $178,998
 $(65) $(18,299)
Alternative revenue:            
Weather normalization 
 1
 2,985
 (11,779) (1) 14,764
Decoupling 824
 1,187
 (326) 54
 (363) (380)
Amortization of alternative revenue 133
 
 1,184
 
 133
 1,184
Total residential utility margin 29,520
 29,816
 164,542
 167,273
 (296) (2,731)
Commercial:            
Sales 13,512
 12,593
 70,575
 70,824
 919
 (249)
Alternative revenue:            
Weather normalization 
 
 1,004
 (4,511) 
 5,515
Decoupling 1,982
 2,203
 6,699
 8,031
 (221) (1,332)
Amortization of alternative revenue (945) 
 (6,261) 
 (945) (6,261)
Total commercial utility margin 14,549
 14,796
 72,017
 74,344

(247) (2,327)
Total utility margin $44,069
 $44,612
 $236,559
 $241,617
 $(543) $(5,058)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Residential and commercial utility margin decreased slightly reflecting lower contributions from NW Natural's gas reserve investments, which decreased due to regular amortization, partially offset by customer growth in both the residential and commercial sectors.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. The primary factor contributing to the $5.1 million decrease in residential and commercial utility margin is a decline in usage from colder than average weather in the prior period, and the effect on customers that opt out of NW Natural's weather normalization mechanismCPP in Oregon and customersCCA in Washington as well as voluntary actions under SB 98, will require additional resources and compliance tools. The developing and changing carbon credit markets and other compliance tool options, decades-long timeframes for compliance, likely changing and evolving laws and energy policy, and evolving technological advancements, all make it difficult to accurately predict long-term tools for and costs of compliance. Given that do not have this mechanism. Partially offsetting this decline was higher customer growth.


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Industrial Sales and Transportation
Industrial sales and transportation highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, QTR Change YTD Change
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017  
Volumes (therms):            
Industrial - firm sales 8,203
 7,870
 26,069
 25,883
 333
 186
Industrial - firm transportation 34,846
 33,826
 118,590
 121,452
 1,020
 (2,862)
Industrial - interruptible sales 9,871
 10,207
 37,851
 40,388
 (336) (2,537)
Industrial - interruptible transportation 51,810
 57,161
 164,910
 182,231
 (5,351) (17,321)
Total volumes 104,730
 109,064
 347,420
 369,954
 (4,334) (22,534)
Utility margin:            
Industrial - firm and interruptible sales $2,921
 $2,755
 $8,626
 $8,870
 $166
 $(244)
Industrial - firm and interruptible transportation 4,362
 4,517
 13,999
 14,659
 (155) (660)
Industrial - sales and transportation $7,283
 $7,272
 $22,625
 $23,529
 $11
 $(904)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Sales and transportation volumes decreased by 4.3 million therms, or 4%, with minimal impact to industrial margin as the volume of lower margin therms decreased.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Sales and transportation volumes decreased by 22.5 million therms, or 6%, and industrial utility margin decreased by $0.9 million due to warmer than average weatherCCA rules are in 2018 compared to colder than average weather in 2017.

Cost of Gas
Cost of gas highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, QTR Change YTD Change
Dollars and therms in thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017  
Cost of gas $25,593
 $27,239
 $175,864
 $223,855
 $(1,646) $(47,991)
Volumes sold (therms)(1)
 75,442
 72,634
 502,944
 562,220
 2,808
 (59,276)
Average cost of gas (cents per therm) $0.34
 $0.38
 $0.35
 $0.40
 $(0.04) $(0.05)
Gain (loss) from gas cost incentive sharing(2)
 $80
 $102
 $1,088
 $940
 $(22) $148
(1)
This calculation excludes volumes delivered to industrial transportation customers.
(2)
For additional information regarding NW Natural's gas cost incentive sharing mechanism, see Part II, Item 7 "Results of Operations—Regulatory Matters—Rate Mechanisms—Gas Reserves" in NW Natural's 2017 Form 10-K.

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Cost of gas decreased $1.6 million, or 6%, primarily due to an 11% decrease in average cost of gas due to lower natural gas prices, slightly offset by a 4% increase in volumes sold associated with customer growth.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Cost of gas decreased $48.0 million, or 21%, primarily due to a 13% decrease in average cost of gas from lower natural gas prices and an 11% decrease in volumes sold, partially offset by customer growth.

Other
During the second quarter of 2018, we reevaluated our reportable segments and concluded that the remaining gas storage activities no longer meet the requirements to be reported as a segment. The ongoing non-utility gas storage activity at Mist is now reported as other, and all prior periods presented reflect this changedevelopment and the removalrecency of the adoption of the final CPP rules, we have not completed our discontinued operation, Gill Ranch Storage.

Other primarily consists offull integrated resources planning process to identify our non-utility gas storage operations at Mist; asset management services usingcompliance obligations and expected costs. Even as we develop these compliance and cost projections, they will be uncertain and subject to significant change over the nearly 30-year time horizon. It is our utility and non-utility storage and transportation capacity; our appliance retail center operations; NNG Financial's investment in KB Pipeline; an equity investment in TWH, which has invested in the Trail West pipeline project;current expectation that costs associated with our water sector strategycompliance generally would be recovered in rates and holding company activities; our regulated water operations; and other non-utility investments and business development activities.


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Other highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, QTR Change YTD Change
In thousands, except EPS data 2018 2017 2018 2017  
Other net income $839
 $2,462
 $5,598
 $5,605
 $(1,623) $(7)
EPS - other $0.03
 $0.09
 $0.19
 $0.20
 $(0.06) $(0.01)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Other net income decreased $1.6 million primarily due to an increasewould result in costs associated with business development activities, partially offset by increased income from our non-utility gas storage operations at Mist.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Other net income remained flat due to several offsetting factors including increased income from our non-utility gas storage operations at Mist offset by an increase in costs associated with business development activities.

See Note 4 and Note 12 for further details on other activities and the investment in TWH, respectively.

Consolidated Operations

Operations and Maintenance
Operations and maintenance highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017 QTR Change YTD Change
Operations and maintenance $37,569
 $34,267
 $115,120
 $106,710
 $3,302
 $8,410

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Operations and maintenance expense increased $3.3 millionreflecting higher utility payroll and benefits due to additional headcount and general salary increases, as well as higher professional services.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Operations and maintenance expense increased$8.4 millionreflecting higher utility payroll and benefits due to additional headcount and general salary increases, as well as higher professional services.

Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017 QTR Change YTD Change
Depreciation and amortization $21,485
 $20,352
 $63,507
 $60,529
 $1,133
 $2,978

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.1 million due to utility plant additions that included investments in NW Natural's natural gas transmission and distribution system, facility upgrades, and enhanced technology.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.0 million due to utility plant additions that included investments in NW Natural's natural gas transmission and distribution system, facility upgrades, and enhanced technology.

Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017 QTR Change YTD Change
Other income (expense), net $(312) $139
 $(1,139) $(624) $(451) $(515)


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THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. NW Natural's net income position in 2017 in Other income (expense), net switched to a net expense position in 2018 by $0.5 million primarily due to slightly higher overall expense activity and adecrease in regulatory interest income, partially offset by an increase in the equity portion of AFUDC.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. NW Natural's net expense position increased $0.5 million primarily dueprices charged to an increasecustomers. The CPP in higher overall expense activity and a $0.4 million decrease in regulatory interest income, partially offset by a $1.4 millionincrease in the equity portion of AFUDC.

Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017 QTR Change YTD Change
Interest expense, net $9,006
 $9,208
 $27,051
 $28,311
 $(202) $(1,260)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Interest expense, net decreased $0.2 million due to a $0.6 million increase in the debt portion of AFUDC, partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in interest expense from higher long-term debt balances as of September 30, 2018 comparedOregon is largely tied to the prior period.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Interest expense, net decreased $1.3 million primarily due to a $1.9 million increase involume of natural gas consumed and as such, we currently expect that CPP cost impacts will be the debt portionlowest among residential customers because they generally consume less and highest among industrial customers that use significantly higher volumes of AFUDC, partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in interest expense from higher long-term debt balances as of September 30, 2018 compared to the prior period.

Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense highlights include:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    
In thousands 2018 2017 2018 2017 QTR Change YTD Change
Income tax expense (benefit) $(4,285) $(5,722) $11,191
 $24,456
 $1,437
 $(13,265)

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Income tax benefits decreased $1.4 million due to the lower tax benefit in loss periods from the declinenatural gas, with cost increases for commercial customers falling between residential and industrial customers. The projected customer bill impact of the U.S. federal corporate income taxCPP varies significantly based on forecasting assumptions related to permitted levels of rate to 21% in 2018 from 35% in the prior periodrecovery, available technologies and changes in pre-tax loss.

NINE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. Income tax expense decreased $13.3 million due to the benefit from the declineequipment, weather patterns and gas usage, customer growth or attrition, allocation of the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% in 2018 from 35% in the prior period, as well as lower pre-tax income.

Pending salefixed costs among classes of Gill Ranch Storage
On June 20, 2018, NWN Gas Storage, a wholly owned subsidiarycustomers, energy efficiency levels, availability, use and cost of NW Holdings since October 1, 2018, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the Agreement) that provides for the sale by NWN Gas Storagerenewables, feasibility of all of the membership interests in Gill Ranch. Gill Ranch owns a 75% interestbroad-scale hydrogen in the natural gas storage facility located near Fresno, California known as the Gill Ranch Gas Storage Facility. Pacific Gassystem, and Electric Company (PG&E) owns the remaining 25% interesta number of other assumptions used in the Gill Ranch Gas Storage Facility. NW Holdings expectscomplex analysis of integrated resource planning.

It is difficult to assess whether building code changes that could make the transactionuse of natural gas more expensive for home builders or higher customer bills as compliance costs are included in rates will affect the competitiveness of our business or result in a decline in demand for natural gas. Both developments could negatively affect our gas utility customer growth. At the same time natural gas utilities will be subject to close within 12 months of signingGHG emissions regulation, we expect that other energy source providers will be subject to similar, or in some cases stricter or more rapid, compliance requirements that are likely to affect their cost and in 2019. The closingcompetitiveness relative to natural gas as well. For example, President Biden has announced his intention to have a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035, 15 years before the target date of the transactionCCA or CCP. In June 2021, the State of Oregon enacted HB 2021, a clean electricity bill that requires the state’s two largest investor-owned electric utilities and retail electricity service suppliers to reduce GHG emissions associated with electricity sold to Oregon customers to 100 percent below baseline levels by 2040 with interim steps, including an 80 percent reduction by 2030 and 90 percent reduction by 2035. This bill does not replace the separate renewable portfolio standards previously established in Oregon, which sets requirements for how much of the electricity used in Oregon must come from renewable resources. In Washington, SB 5116, the Clean Energy Transformation Act, requires all electric utilities in Washington to transition to carbon-neutral electricity by 2030 and to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045. We expect that compliance with these and other laws will substantially increase the cost of energy for electric customers in our service territory. We are not able to determine at this time whether increased electricity costs will make natural gas use more or less competitive on a relative basis.

We expect these and other trends to drive innovation of, and demand for, technological developments and innovative new products that reduce GHG emissions. Research and development are occurring across the energy sector, including in the gas sector with work being conducted on gas-fired heat pumps, higher efficiency water and space heating appliances including hybrid systems, carbon capture utilization and storage developments, continued development of technologies related to RNG, and various forms of hydrogen for different applications, among others.

NW Natural continues to take proactive steps in seeking to reduce GHG emissions in our region and is proactively communicating with local, state, and federal governments and communities about those steps. NW Natural has been a leader among gas utilities in innovative programs. Notable programs have included a decoupling rate structure designed to weaken the link between earnings and gas consumption by customer adopted in 2007, and establishment of a voluntary Smart Energy carbon offset program for customers established in 2007, and removal of all known cast iron and bare steel to create one of the tightest and most modern distribution systems in the country. We continue to believe that NW Natural has an important role in providing affordable and equitable energy to the communities we serve. NW Natural is an important provider of energy to families and businesses in Oregon and southwest Washington. Yet, the sales of natural gas to our residential and commercial customers account for approximately 6% of Oregon’s GHG emissions according to data for recent years from the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality In-Boundary GHG Inventory. We intend to continue to provide this necessary energy to our communities with the goal of using our modern pipeline system to help the Pacific Northwest transition to a clean energy future.

In 2016, NW Natural initiated a multi-pronged, multi-year strategy to accelerate and deliver greater GHG emission reductions in the communities we serve. Key components of this strategy include customer energy efficiency, continued adoption of NW Natural's voluntary Smart Energy carbon offset program, and seeking to incorporate RNG and hydrogen into our gas supply. RNG is produced from organic materials including food, agricultural and forestry waste, wastewater, or landfills. We believe RNG has powerful potential to reduce net GHG emissions. Methane that would otherwise be released to the atmosphere is captured from these organic materials as they decompose and is conditioned to pipeline quality, so it can be added into the existing natural gas system. In 2019, Oregon Senate Bill 98 (SB 98) was signed into law enabling NW Natural to procure RNG on behalf
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of customers and provided voluntary targets that would allow us to make qualified investments and purchase RNG from third parties.

Under SB 98,NW Natural is actively working to procure RNG supply for customers and is engaging in longer-term efforts to increase the amount of RNG on our system and explore the development of renewable hydrogen through power to gas. To that end, in 2020 and 2021, NW Natural announced several agreements and investments to procure RNG for its customers. In addition, NW Natural began a partnership with BioCarbN to invest up to an estimated $38 million in four separate RNG development projects that will access biogas derived from water treatment at Tyson Foods’ processing plants, subject to approval by the CPUCall parties. The first project was commissioned in early 2022 with a second underway and other customary closing conditions. In July 2018, Gill Ranch filed an application with the CPUC for approval of this transaction.

The results of Gill Ranch Storage have been determinedplanned to be discontinued operations and are presented separately, netcommissioned in early 2023. To date, NW Natural has signed agreements with options to purchase or develop RNG for utility customers totaling about 3% of tax, from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented. See Note 16 for more information on the Agreement and the results of discontinued operations.NW Natural’s annual sales volume in Oregon.

The CPUC regulates Gill Ranch under a market-based rate model which allows for the price of storage services to be set by the marketplace. The CPUC also regulates the issuance of securities, system of accounts, and regulates intrastate storage services. The California Department of Oil Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) regulations for gas storage wells were finalized in June 2018, and the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed new federal regulations for underground natural gas storage facilities, which are expected to be finalized during 2019 and increase costs for all storage providers. We will continue to monitor and assess the new regulations until the sale is complete, which is expected in 2019.


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Short-term liquidity for Gill Ranch is supported by cash balances, internal cash flow from operations, equity contributions from its parent company, and, if necessary, additional external financing.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Capital Structure
One of ourNW Holdings' long-term goalsgoal is to maintain a strong and balanced consolidated capital structure withstructure. NW Natural targets a long-term target utilityregulatory capital structure of 50% common stockequity and 50% long-term debt, at NW Natural. which is consistent with approved regulatory allocations in Oregon, which has an allocation of 50% common equity and 50% long-term debt without recognition of short-term debt, and Washington, which has an allocation of 50% long-term debt, 1% short-term debt, and 49% common equity.

When additional capital is required, debt or equity securities are issued depending on both the target capital structure and market conditions. These sources of capital are also used to fund long-term debt retirements and short-term commercial paper maturities. See "Liquidity"Liquidity and Capital Resources" below and Note 7.
9. Achieving theour target capital structure and maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet operating requirements areis necessary to maintain attractive credit ratings and provide access to the capital markets at reasonable costs.


NW Holdings' consolidated capital structure, excluding short-term debt, was as follows:
March 31,December 31,
202220212021
Common equity48.6 %49.5 %47.2 %
Long-term debt (including current maturities)51.4 50.5 52.8 
Total100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %

NW Natural's consolidated capital structure, excluding short-term debt, was as follows:
March 31,December 31,
202220212021
Common equity50.9 %49.0 %49.8 %
Long-term debt (including current maturities)49.1 51.0 50.2 
Total100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %

Including short-term debt balances, as of March 31, 2022 and 2021, and December 31, 2021, NW Holdings' consolidated capital structure included common equity of 41.8%, 44.0% and 39.5%; long-term debt of 44.1%, 40.4% and 44.0%; and short-term debt including current maturities of long-term debt of 14.1%, 15.6% and 16.5%, respectively. As of March 31, 2022 and 2021, and December 31, 2021, NW Natural's consolidated capital structure included common equity of 46.5%, 44.7%, and 44.2%; long-term debt of 44.9%, 43.4% and 44.7%; and short-term debt including current maturities of long-term debt of 8.6%, 11.9%, and 11.1%, respectively.

  September 30, December 31,
  2018 2017 2017
Common stock equity 44.8% 52.1% 47.1%
Long-term debt 44.0
 46.6
 43.3
Short-term debt, including current maturities of long-term debt 11.2
 1.3
 9.6
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Liquidity and Capital Resources
At September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022 and 2021, NW Holdings had approximately $24.3 million and $17.9 million, and NW Natural had $30.0approximately $10.2 million and $10.4 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to $15.8 million at September 30, 2017.respectively. In order to maintain sufficient liquidity during periods when capital markets are volatile, NW Holdings and NW Natural may elect to maintain higher cash balances and add short-term borrowing capacity. In addition, itNW Holdings and NW Natural may also pre-fund utilitytheir respective capital expenditures when long-term fixed rate environments are attractive. NW Holdings and NW Natural expect to have ample liquidity in the form of cash on hand and from operations and available credit capacity under credit facilities to support funding needs.

NW Natural Holdings and NW Natural continue to monitor interest rates and financing options for all of its businesses. Interest rates have increased in 2022 resulting from actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve to increase short-term rates as inflation rates rise. NW Natural recovers interest expense on its long-term debt through its authorized cost of capital and capital.

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Equity Issuance
On April 1, 2022, NW Holdings issued and sold 2,875,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 and related prospectus supplement. NW Holdings received net offering proceeds, after deducting the underwriter's discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by NW Holdings of approximately $138.6 million. The proceeds are to be used for general corporate purposes, including repayment of its short-term indebtedness and/or making equity contributions to NW Holdings' subsidiaries, NW Natural, NW Natural Water and NW Natural Renewables. Contributions to NW Natural, NW Natural Water and NW Natural Renewables are to be used for general corporate purposes. Of the contributions received by NW Natural, $130.0 million was used to repay its short-term indebtedness.

ATM Equity Program
In August 2021, NW Holdings initiated an at-the-market (ATM) equity program by entering into an equity distribution agreement under which NW Holdings may issue and sell from time to time shares of common stock, no par value, having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $200 million. NW Holdings is under no obligation to offer and sell common stock under the ATM equity program, which expires in August 2024. Any shares of common stock offered under the ATM equity program are registered on NW Holdings’ universal shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, NW Holdings issued and sold 195,901 shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM equity program resulting in cash proceeds of $10.1 million, net of fees and commissions paid to agents of $0.3 million. As of March 31, 2022, NW Holdings had issued and sold 571,621 shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM equity program resulting in cash proceeds of $27.6 million, net of fees and commissions paid to agents of $0.7 million.

NW Holdings
For NW Holdings, short-term liquidity is primarily provided by cash balances, dividends from its operating subsidiaries, in particular NW Natural, available cash from a regulated entity,multi-year credit facility, and short-term credit facilities. NW Holdings also has a universal shelf registration statement filed with the SEC for the issuance of debt and equity securities. NW Holdings long-term debt, if any, and equity issuances are primarily used to provide equity contributions to NW Holdings’ operating subsidiaries for operating and capital expenditures and other corporate purposes. From 2022 through 2024, we estimate NW Holdings’ and NW Natural's combined incremental capital needs to be in the range of $600 million to $700 million. Through April 2022, NW Holdings issued approximately $150 million of equity. NW Holdings intends to use raised capital to support NW Natural, NW Natural Water, and NW Natural Renewables operating and capital expenditure programs. NW Holdings' issuance of equity securities and most forms of debt securities are subject to approval by the OPUC and WUTC. However, its use of retained earnings is not subject to those same restrictions, andregulation by state public utility commissions, but the dividends from NW Natural to NW Holdings is notare subject to eitherregulatory ring-fencing provisions. NW Holdings guarantees the debt of these restrictions. Effective October 1, 2018, underits wholly-owned subsidiary, NWN Water. See "Long-Term Debt" below for more information regarding NWN Water debt.

As part of the ring-fencing conditions agreed upon with the OPUC and WUTC in connection with the holding company reorganization, NW Natural's ring-fencing provisions,Natural may not pay dividends or make distributions to NW Holdings if NW Natural’s credit ratings and common equity ratio, defined as the ratio of equity to long-term debt, fall below specified levels. If NW Natural’s long-term secured credit ratings are below A- for S&P and A3 for Moody’s, dividends may be issued so long as NW Natural’s common equity ratio is 45% or more. If NW Natural’s long term secured credit ratings are below BBB for S&P and Baa2 for Moody’s, dividends may be issued so long as NW Natural’s common equity ratio is 46% or more. Dividends may not be issued if NW Natural’s long-term secured credit ratings are BB+ or below for S&P or Ba1 or below for Moody’s, or if NW Natural’s common equity ratio is below 44%, where the ratio is measured using common equity and long-term debt excluding imputed debt or debt-like lease obligations. In each case, common equity ratios are determined based on a preceding or projected 13-month average. In addition, there are certain OPUC notice requirements for dividends in excess of 5% of NW Natural’s retained earnings.

Additionally, if NW Natural’s common equity (excluding goodwill and equity associated with non-regulated assets), on a preceding or projected 13-month average basis, is less than 46% of NW Natural’s capital structure, NW Natural is subjectrequired to certain dividend restrictions based on its credit ratingnotify the OPUC, and if the common equity levels.ratio falls below 44%, file a plan with the OPUC to restore its equity ratio to 44%. This condition is designed to ensure NW Natural continues to be adequately capitalized under the holding company structure. Under the WUTC order, the average common equity ratio must not exceed 56%.

At March 31, 2022, NW Natural satisfied the ring-fencing provisions described above.

Based on several factors, including current cash reserves, committed credit facilities, its ability to receive dividends from its operating subsidiaries, in particular NW Natural, and an expected ability to issue long-term debt and equity securities in the capital markets, NW Holdings believes its liquidity is sufficient to meet anticipated near-term cash requirements, including all contractual obligations, investing, and financing activities as discussed in "Cash Flows" below.

NW HOLDINGS DIVIDENDS. Quarterly dividends have been paid on common stock each year since NW Holdings’ predecessor’s stock was first issued to the public in 1951. Annual common stock dividend payments per share, adjusted for stock splits, have increased each year since 1956. The declarations and amount of future dividends to shareholders will depend upon earnings, cash flows, financial condition, NW Natural’s ability to pay dividends to NW Holdings and other factors. The amount and timing of dividends payable on common stock is at the sole discretion of the NW Holdings Board of Directors.


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NW Natural
For the utilityNGD business segment, the short-term borrowing requirements typically peak during colder winter months when the utilityNGD business borrows money to cover the lag between natural gas purchases and bill collections from customers. Short-term liquidity for the utilityNGD business is primarily provided by cash balances, internal cash flow from operations, proceeds from the sale of commercial paper notes, as well as available cash from multi-year credit facilities, short-term credit facilities, Company-ownedcompany-owned life insurance policies, the sale of long-term debt, and equity contributions from NW Natural's parent companyHoldings. NW Natural Holdings as of October 1, 2018. UtilityNatural's long-term debt proceeds and equity contributions from NW Holdings are primarily used to finance utilityNGD capital expenditures, refinance maturing debt, of the utility, and provide temporary funding for other general corporate purposes of the utility. NGD business.
Based on its current debt ratings (see "Credit Ratings" below), NW Natural has been able to issue commercial paper and long-term debt at attractive rates and has not needed to borrow or issue letters of credit from its back-up credit facility. See "Credit Ratings" below.rates. In the event NW Natural is not able to issue new long-term debt due to adverse market conditions or other reasons, itNW Natural expects that near-term liquidity needs can be met using internal cash flows, issuing commercial paper, receiving equity contributions from NW Holdings, or for the utility segment, drawing upon itsa committed credit facility. NW Natural also has a universal shelf registration statement filed with the SEC for the issuance of secured and unsecured debt subject to market conditions and certain regulatory approvals, and for secured debt, the provisions of its mortgage.securities.


In the event NW Natural's senior unsecured long-term debt ratings are downgraded, or its outstanding derivative position exceedspositions exceed a certain credit threshold, counterparties under derivative contracts could require NW Natural to post cash, a letter of credit, or other forms of collateral, which could result in exposureexpose NW Natural to additional cash requirements and may trigger increases in short-term borrowings while in a net loss position. NW Natural was not required to post collateral at September 30, 2018. However, ifMarch 31, 2022. If the credit risk-related contingent features underlying these contracts were triggered on September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, assuming NW Natural's long-term debt ratings dropped to non-investment grade levels, it could have beenwe would not be required to post $7.0 million in collateral with counterparties.counterparties, including estimates for adequate assurance. See "Credit Ratings" below and Note 14.15.


In October 2017, NW Natural entered into a 20-year operating lease agreement for the new headquarters location in Portland, Oregon. The existing headquarters lease expires in 2020, and payments under the new lease are expected to commence in 2020. Total estimated base rent payments over the life of the lease are approximately $160.0 million. NW Natural has the option to extend the term of the lease for two additional seven-year periods. See Note 10.


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Other items that may have a significant impact on NW Natural's liquidity and capital resources include NW Natural's pension contribution requirements bonus depreciation,and environmental expenditures, dividend policy, and off-balance sheet arrangements.expenditures. For additional information, see Part II, Item 7 "Financial Condition""Financial Condition"in NW Natural's 2017the 2021 Form 10-K.


Based on several factors, including
Short-Term Debt
The primary source of short-term liquidity for NW Natural's currentHoldings is cash balances, dividends from its operating subsidiaries, in particular NW Natural, available cash from a multi-year credit ratings, the commercial paper program, current cash reserves, committedfacility, and short-term credit facilities and expected abilityit may enter into from time to issue anticipated amountstime.

The primary source of long-term debt in the capital markets,short-term liquidity for NW Natural believes its liquidity is sufficient to meet anticipated near-term cash requirements, including all contractual obligations, investing, and financing activities discussed below.

SHORT-TERM DEBT. The primary sources of NW Natural short-term liquidity arefrom the sale of commercial paper, available cash from a multi-year credit facility, and short-term credit facilities. NW Holdings and NW Natural have separate bank loans.facilities, and NW Natural has a commercial paper program. In addition to issuing commercial paper or bank loans to meet working capital requirements, including seasonal requirements to finance gas purchases and accounts receivable, short-term debt may also be used to temporarily fund utility capital requirements. CommercialFor NW Natural, commercial paper and bank loans are periodically refinanced through the sale of long-term debt or equity securities. Whencontributions from NW Natural hasHoldings. Commercial paper, when outstanding, commercial paper, which is sold through two commercial banks under an issuing and paying agency agreement itand is supported by one or more unsecured revolving credit facilities. See “Credit Agreements” below.


In June 2021, NW Natural entered into a $100.0 million 364-Day Term Loan Credit Agreement (Term Loan) and borrowed the full amount. All principal and interest under the Term Loan was repaid in December 2021.

At September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022 and 2021, NW Holdings had short-term debt outstanding of $332.5 million and $236.2 million, respectively. At March 31, 2022 and 2021, NW Natural had $100.5 million short-term debt outstanding due to the saleof $188.5 million and $175.2 million, respectively. NW Holdings' short-term debt at March 31, 2022 consisted of $144.0 million in revolving credit agreement loans at NW Holdings and $188.5 million of commercial paper compared to none outstanding at September 30, 2017.NW Natural. The weighted average interest rate on short-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2018 was 2.3%.

CREDIT AGREEMENTS. As of September 30, 2018, NW Natural had a $300.0 millionthe revolving credit agreement (Prior Credit Agreement), with a feature that allowedat March 31, 2022 was 1.5% at NW Natural to request increases in the total commitment amount, up to a maximumHoldings. The weighted average interest rate of $450.0 million. The maturity date of the agreement was December 20, 2019.

All lenders under the Prior Credit Agreement were major financial institutions with committed balances and investment grade credit ratings as of September 30, 2018 as follows:
In millions 
Lender rating, by categoryLoan Commitment
AA/Aa$201
A/A199
Total$300

In October 2018, NW Natural entered into a new multi-year credit agreement for unsecured revolving loans totaling $300.0 million, with a feature that allows NW Natural to request increases in the total commitment amount, up to a maximum of $450.0 million, and with a maturity date of October 2, 2023 with an available extension of commitments for two additional one-year periods, subject to lender approval (New Credit Agreement). The Prior Credit Agreement was terminated upon the closing of the New Credit Agreement.
All lenders under the New Credit Agreement are major financial institutions with committed balances and investment grade credit as follows:
In millions 
Lender rating, by categoryLoan Commitment
AA/Aa$300
A/A1
Total$300

Based on credit market conditions, it is possible one or more lending commitments could be unavailable to NW Natural if the lender defaulted due to lack of funds or insolvency; however, we do not believe this risk to be imminent due to the lenders' strong investment-grade credit ratings.

The New Credit Agreement permits the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $60.0 million. The principal amount of borrowings under the New Credit Agreement is due and payable on the maturity date. There were no outstanding balances under the Prior Credit Agreement at September 30, 2018 or 2017. The Prior Credit Agreement and New Credit Agreement require NW Natural to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 70% or less. Failure to comply with this covenant would entitle the lenders to terminate their lending commitments and accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding. NW Natural was in compliance with this covenant at September 30, 2018 and 2017, with consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratios of 55.2% and 47.9%, respectively.

The Prior Credit Agreement and New Credit Agreement also require NW Natural to maintain credit ratings with Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) and notify the lenders of any change in NW Natural's senior

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unsecured debt ratings or senior secured debt ratings, as applicable, by such rating agencies. A change in NW Natural's debt ratings by S&P or Moody’s is not an event of default, nor is the maintenance of a specific minimum level of debt rating a condition of drawing upon the credit agreement. Rather, interest rates on any loans outstanding under the New Credit Agreement are tied to debt ratings and therefore, a change in the debt rating would increase or decrease the cost of any loans under the credit agreements when ratings are changed. See "Credit Ratings" below.

CREDIT RATINGS. NW Natural's credit ratings are a factor of its liquidity, potentially affecting access to the capital markets including the commercial paper market.at March 31, 2022 was 0.8% at NW Natural's credit ratings also have an impact on the cost of funds and the need to post collateral under derivative contracts. The following table summarizes NW Natural's current credit ratings:Natural.

S&PMoody's
Commercial paper (short-term debt)A-1P-2
Senior secured (long-term debt)AA-A1
Senior unsecured (long-term debt)n/aA3
Corporate credit ratingA+n/a
Ratings outlookStableNegative

In January 2018, Moody's revised NW Natural's ratings outlook from "stable" to "negative". This revision was a result of their view of the potential negative impact that the TCJA could have on NW Natural's regulated utility cash flow metrics. An increase in cash taxes in the near term as a result of the elimination of bonus depreciation on regulated utilities is expected. However, NW Natural expects to see a net increase in cash flows as a result of the TCJA over the longer term, as taxes are a pass through to customers and lower deferred tax liabilities are expected to increase regulatory returns.

The above credit ratings are dependent upon a number of factors, both qualitative and quantitative, and are subject to change at any time. The disclosure of or reference to these credit ratings is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold NW Natural securities. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

LONG-TERM DEBT. NW Natural retired $22.0 million of FMBs with a coupon rate of 6.60% in March 2018 and issued $50.0 million of FMBs with a coupon rate of 4.11% in September 2018. No other debt was retired or issued in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Over the next twelve months, $75.0 million of FMBs with a coupon rate of 1.545% will mature in December 2018 and $10.0 million of FMBs with a coupon rate of 8.310% will mature in September 2019.

See Part II, Item 7, "Financial Condition—Contractual Obligations" in NW Natural's 2017 Form 10-K for long-term debt maturing over the next five years.

Credit Agreements
NW Holdings
CREDIT AGREEMENTS. On October 2, 2018,At March 31, 2022, NW Holdings entered intohad a $100.0$200 million sustainability-linked credit agreement, with a feature that allows it to request increases in the total commitment amount, up to a maximum of $150.0$300 million. The maturity date of the agreement is October 2, 2023.November 3, 2026, with available extensions of commitments for two additional one-year periods, subject to lender approval.


All lenders under the NW Holdings credit agreement are major financial institutions with committed balances and investment grade credit ratings as of March 31, 2022 as follows:
In millions
Lender rating, by categoryLoan Commitment
AA/Aa$200 
Total$200 

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Based on credit market conditions, it is possible one or more lending commitments could be unavailable to NW Holdings if the lender defaulted due to lack of funds or insolvency; however, NW Holdings does not believe this risk to be imminent due to the lenders' strong investment-grade credit ratings. At March 31, 2022, March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2021, $144.0 million, $61.0 million and $144.0 million were drawn under the NW Holdings Credit Agreement, respectively.

The NW Holdings credit agreement permits the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $40.0$40 million. The principal amount of borrowings under the credit agreement is due and payable on the maturity date. The credit agreement requires NW Holdings to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 70% or less. Failure to comply with this covenant would entitle the lenders to terminate their lending commitments and accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding. NW Holdings was in compliance with this covenant at March 31, 2022 and 2021, with consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratios of 58.2% and 56.0%, respectively.


The NW Holdings credit agreement also requires NW Holdings to maintain debt ratings (which are defined by a formula using NW Natural's credit ratings in the event NW Holdings does not have a credit rating) with Standard & Poor's (S&P) and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) and notify the lenders of any change in its senior unsecured debt ratings or senior secured debt ratings, as applicable, by such rating agencies. A change in NW Holdings' debt ratings by S&P or Moody’s is not an event of default, nor is the maintenance of a specific minimum level of debt rating a condition of drawing upon the credit agreement. Rather, interest rates on any loans outstanding under the credit agreements are tied to debt ratings and therefore, a change in the debt rating would increase or decrease the cost of any loans under the credit agreements when ratings are changed. NW Holdings does not currently maintain ratings with S&P or Moody's.


The NW Holdings credit agreement also includes a mechanism that can increase or decrease the undrawn interest rate by up to 1 basis point and undrawn interest rate by up to 5 basis points in accordance with NW Holdings’ independently verified achievement of quantifiable metrics related to two goals—one related to carbon savings and one related to in-line inspections of NW Natural’s transmission pipeline. Performance against these metrics is designed to be assessed annually with pricing adjustments, if any, resetting off of primary pricing annually and not cumulatively.

Interest charges on the NW Holdings credit agreement are indexed to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The agreement contains provisions addressing the end of the use of LIBOR as a benchmark rate of interest and a mechanism for determining an alternative benchmark rate of interest without an amendment to the credit agreement. If the provisions are triggered, LIBOR would be replaced by a secured overnight financing rate (SOFR)-based rate, if one can be determined, or, if not, LIBOR may be replaced by a rate selected by NW Holdings and the administrative agent under the agreement. The replacement rate is also subject to a spread adjustment which may be positive, negative or zero.

NW Holdings had no letters of credit issued and outstanding at March 31, 2022 and 2021.

NW Natural
At March 31, 2022, NW Natural had a sustainability-linked multi-year credit agreement for unsecured revolving loans totaling $400 million, with a feature that allows NW Natural to request increases in the total commitment amount, up to a maximum of $600 million. The maturity date of the agreement is November 3, 2026 with an available extension of commitments for two additional one-year periods, subject to lender approval.

All lenders under the NW Natural credit agreement are major financial institutions with committed balances and investment grade credit ratings as of March 31, 2022 as follows:
In millions
Lender rating, by categoryLoan Commitment
AA/Aa$400 
Total$400 

Based on credit market conditions, it is possible one or more lending commitments could be unavailable to NW Natural if the lender defaulted due to lack of funds or insolvency; however, NW Natural does not believe this risk to be imminent due to the lenders' strong investment-grade credit ratings. NW Natural did not have any outstanding balances drawn under this credit facility at March 31, 2022, March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2021.

The NW Natural credit agreement permits the issuance of letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $60 million. The principal amount of borrowings under the credit agreement is due and payable on the maturity date. There were no outstanding balances under this credit agreement at March 31, 2022 or 2021. The credit agreement requires NW Natural to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 70% or less. Failure to comply with this covenant would entitle the lenders to terminate their lending commitments and accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding. NW Natural was in compliance with this covenant at March 31, 2022 and 2021, with consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratios of 53.5% and 55.3%, respectively.

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The NW Natural credit agreement also requires NW Natural to maintain credit ratings with S&P and Moody’s and notify the lenders of any change in NW Natural's senior unsecured debt ratings or senior secured debt ratings, as applicable, by such rating agencies. A change in NW Natural's debt ratings by S&P or Moody’s is not an event of default, nor is the maintenance of a specific minimum level of debt rating a condition of drawing upon the credit agreement. Rather, interest rates on any loans outstanding under the credit agreement are tied to debt ratings and therefore, a change in the debt rating would increase or decrease the cost of any loans under the credit agreement when ratings are changed. See "Credit Ratings" below.

The NW Natural credit agreement also includes a mechanism that can increase or decrease the undrawn interest rate by up to 1 basis point and undrawn interest rate by up to 5 basis points in accordance with NW Natural’s independently verified achievement of quantifiable metrics related to two goals—one related to carbon savings and one related to in-line inspections of NW Natural’s transmission pipeline. Performance against these metrics is designed to be assessed annually with pricing adjustments, if any, resetting off of primary pricing annually and not cumulatively.

Interest charges on the NW Natural credit agreement are indexed to LIBOR. The agreement contains provisions addressing the end of the use of LIBOR as a benchmark rate of interest and a mechanism for determining an alternative benchmark rate of interest without an amendment to the credit agreement. If the provisions are triggered, LIBOR would be replaced by a secured overnight financing rate (SOFR)-based rate, if one can be determined, or, if not, LIBOR may be replaced by a rate selected by NW Natural and the administrative agent under the agreement. The replacement rate is also subject to a spread adjustment which may be positive, negative or zero.

Credit Ratings
NW Holdings does not currently maintain credit ratings with S&P or Moody's. NW Natural's credit ratings are a factor of liquidity, potentially affecting access to the capital markets including the commercial paper market. NW Natural's credit ratings also have an impact on the cost of funds and the need to post collateral under derivative contracts. The following table summarizes NW Natural's current credit ratings:

S&PMoody's
Commercial paper (short-term debt)A-1P-2
Senior secured (long-term debt)AA-A2
Senior unsecured (long-term debt)n/aBaa1
Corporate credit ratingA+n/a
Ratings outlookStableStable


The above credit ratings and ratings outlook are dependent upon a number of factors, both qualitative and quantitative, and are subject to change at any time. The disclosure of or reference to these credit ratings is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold NW Holdings or NW Natural securities. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

As part of the ring-fencing conditions agreed upon with the OPUC and WUTC in connection with the holding company reorganization, NW Holdings and NW Natural are required to maintain separate credit ratings, long-term debt ratings, and preferred stock ratings, if any.

Long-Term Debt
In November 2021, NW Natural issued $130.0 million of First Mortgage Bonds (FMBs) with an interest rate of 3.08% due in 2051. Issued as a sustainability bond, net proceeds from the sale of the FMBs were added to the general funds of NW Natural and used for general corporate purposes, while an amount equivalent to the net proceeds from the sale of the bonds was or will be allocated to finance and/or refinance, in whole or in part, investments in one or more new or existing projects of NW Natural deemed to be an eligible project in the bond offering. Projects deemed eligible for the FMB offering included expenditures related to RNG and hydrogen generation and infrastructure, programs related to energy efficiency, expenditures related to operations or service centers that have or are expected to receive LEED Gold or Platinum certification, and expenditures and program investments related to enabling opportunities for diverse business enterprises.

In June 2021, NW Natural Water entered into a five-year term loan credit agreement for $55.0 million and borrowed the full amount. The loan carried an interest rate of 1.2% at March 31, 2022, which is based upon the one-month LIBOR rate. The loan is guaranteed by NW Holdings and requires NW Holdings to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 70% or less. Failure to comply with this covenant would entitle the lenders to terminate their lending commitments and accelerate the maturity of all amounts outstanding. NW Holdings was in compliance with this covenant at March 31, 2022, with a consolidated indebtedness to total capitalization ratio of 58.2%.

At March 31, 2022, NW Holdings and NW Natural had long-term debt outstanding of $1,045.0 million and $986.6 million, respectively, which included $8.2 million and $8.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs at NW Holdings and NW Natural, respectively. NW Natural's long-term debt consists of first mortgage bonds (FMBs) with maturity dates ranging from 2023 through 2051, interest rates ranging from 2.8% to 7.9%, and a weighted average interest rate of 4.4%.

No long-term debt is scheduled to mature over the next twelve months as of March 31, 2022 at NW Natural.
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See Part II, Item 7, "Financial Condition—Long-Term Debt" in the 2021 Form 10-K for long-term debt maturing over the next five years.

Bankruptcy Ring-fencing Restrictions
As part of the ring-fencing conditions agreed upon with the OPUC and WUTC in connection with the holding company reorganization, NW Natural is required to have one director who is independent from NW Natural management and from NW Holdings and to issue one share of NW Natural preferred stock to an independent third party. NW Natural was in compliance with both of these ring-fencing provisions as of March 31, 2022. NW Natural may file a voluntary petition for bankruptcy only if approved unanimously by the Board of Directors of NW Natural, including the independent director, and by the holder of the preferred share.

Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Changes in operating cash flows are primarily affected by net income or loss, changeschanges in working capital requirements, and other cash and non-cash adjustments to operating results.

Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021YTD Change
NW Natural cash provided by operating activities$138,230 $136,273 $1,957 
NW Holdings cash provided by operating activities$141,037 $137,065 $3,972 
Operating activity highlights include:
  Nine Months Ended September 30,  
In thousands 2018 2017 YTD Change
Cash provided by operating activities $158,529
 $192,856
 $(34,327)

NINETHREE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. MARCH 31, 2021.Cash provided by operating activities increased $4.0 million at NW Holdings and increased $2.0 million at NW Natural. The significant factors contributing to the $34.3increase at NW Holdings were as follows:
$40.6 million decrease in cash flows provided by operating activities were as follows:
a net decrease of $0.5 million from changes in working capital related to receivables, inventories, and accounts payable reflecting warmer than average weather in 2018 compared to the prior period;
a decrease of $11.0 million in cash flow benefits from changes in deferred gas cost balancescosts as the actual costs for the three months ended March 31, 2022 were 5% above the PGA estimates as opposed to gas costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 that were 33% above the PGA estimates primarily due to lower volumesthe 2021 cold weather event; and
$37.6 million decrease in accounts receivable and accrued unbilled revenue resulting from warmer weather in 2018higher balances at March 31, 2022 compared to the prior year;March 31, 2021; and
an increase of $10.4$7.4 million of cash outflow due to $22.0decrease in inventories; partially offset by
$35.3 million of income taxes paid in 2018 compared to $11.6 milliondecrease in the prior period;regulatory incentive sharing mechanism related to revenues earned from Mist gas storage and asset management activities primarily related to the 2021 cold weather event;

$32.0 million increase in asset optimization revenue sharing bill credits to customers; and
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, $14.2 million decrease in accounts payable.

NW Natural contributed $11.7 milliondid not make any cash contributions to its utility's qualified defined benefit pension plan,plans during the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to $15.4$4.5 million for the same period in 2017.2021. NW Natural does not expect to make any plan contributions during the remainder of 2022. The amount and timing of future contributions will depend on market interest rates and investment returns on the plans' assets. For additional information, see Note 8.10.


Bonus depreciation of 50% was available for federal and Oregon purposes for most of 2017, which reduced taxable income andThe increase in cash provided cash flow benefits. As a result of the TCJA, bonus depreciation was eliminated for property acquired after September 27, 2017. Accordingly, we do not anticipate similar cash flow benefits related to bonus depreciation in the future.

by operating activities at NW Natural haswas primarily driven by the increase discussed above.

NW Holdings and NW Natural have lease and purchase commitments relating to itstheir operating activities that are financed with cash flows from operations.operations. For additional information on cash flow requirements related to leases and other purchase commitments, see Part II, ItemNote 7 "Financial Condition—Contractual Obligations" and Note 1416 in NW Natural's 2017the 2021 Form 10-K.


Investing Activities
Investing activity highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021YTD Change
NW Natural cash used in investing activities$(65,553)$(62,229)$(3,324)
NW Holdings cash used in investing activities$(69,750)$(63,875)$(5,875)

  Nine Months Ended September 30,  
In thousands 2018 2017 YTD Change
Total cash used in investing activities $(161,075) $(146,572) $(14,503)
Capital expenditures supporting continuing operations (158,795) (145,274) (13,521)

NINETHREE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. MARCH 31, 2021. Cash used in investing activities increased $5.9 million at NW Holdings and increased $3.3 million at NW Natural. The $14.5increase at NW Natural is primarily due to a decrease of $1.8 million in proceeds from the sale of assets. NW Holdings' increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily due to higheran increase of $2.8 million of capital expenditures primarily relatedat NW Natural Water.

NW Natural capital expenditures in 2022 (including cloud-based software classified as other assets) are anticipated to system reinforcementbe in the range of $310 million to $350 million and customer growth.

Overfor the five-year period 2018 throughfrom 2022 to 2026 are expected to range from $1.3 billionto $1.5 billion. NW Natural Water is expected to invest approximately $15 million in 2022 related to maintenance capital expenditures for water and wastewater utilities currently owned as of December 31, 2021, and for the five-year period from 2022 to 2026, capital expenditures are estimatedexpected to be between $750 and $850 million. The estimated capital expenditures in this range include, but are not limited to, the following items:
$650 to $700approximately $60 million of core utility capital expenditures that will support continued customer growth, distribution system maintenance and improvements, technology investments, and utility gas storage facility maintenance;
$60 to $70 million related to planned upgrades million. Investments in our infrastructure during
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and refurbishments to utility storage facilitiesafter 2022 will depend largely on additional regulations, growth, and resource centers; and
$20 to $30 million of additional investments in 2018expansion opportunities. Required funds for the North Mist gas storage facility expansion, with a total estimated cost of $144 million for the project and a target in-service date of March 31, 2019.

Most of the required funds for these investments are expected to be internally generated over the five-year period,or financed with short-term and long-term debt andor equity, providing liquidity.as appropriate.

NW Natural's 2018 utility capital expenditures are estimated to be between $190 and $220 million. This range includes $20 to $30 million for the construction of the North Mist gas storage facility expansion. NW Natural expects to invest less than $5 million in non-utility capital investments for gas storage and other activities in 2018. Additional spend for gas storage and other investments during or after 2018 are expected to be paid from working capital and additional equity contributions from NW Natural as needed.


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Financing Activities
Financing activity highlights include:
Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands20222021YTD Change
NW Natural cash used in financing activities$(72,026)$(71,760)$(266)
NW Holdings cash used in financing activities$(62,764)$(83,132)$20,368 

  Nine Months Ended September 30,  
In thousands 2018 2017 YTD Change
Total cash provided by (used in) financing activities $29,039
 $(34,025) $63,064
Change in short-term debt 46,300
 (53,300) 99,600
Change in long-term debt 28,000
 60,000
 (32,000)

NINETHREE MONTHS ENDEDSEPTEMBER 30, 2018MARCH 31, 2022 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2017. The $63.1 million increaseMARCH 31, 2021. Cash used in cash provided by financing activities was primarilydecreased $20.4 million and increased $0.3 million at NW Holdings and NW Natural, respectively. The cash used in financing activities decreased at NW Holdings due to lower repayments of $99.6 million of short-term debt compared to the prior period, as well as lower repayments of $18.0 million of long-term debt compared to the prior period, partially offset by a $50.0 million decrease indebt and cash proceeds from long-term debt compared to the prior period.ATM equity program.


Contingent Liabilities
Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable in accordance with accounting standards for contingencies. See “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in NW Natural's 2017the 2021 Form 10-K. At September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, NW Natural's total estimated liability related to environmental sites is $116.5$109.1 million. See "Results of Operations—Regulatory Matters—Rate Mechanisms—Environmental Costs" in NW Natural's 2017the 2021 Form 10-K and Note 15.16.

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APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

In preparing the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, management exercises judgment to assess the potential outcomes and related accounting impacts in the selection and application of accounting principles, including making estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures in the financial statements. Management considers critical accounting policies to be those which are most important to the representation of financial condition and results of operations and which require management’s most difficult and subjective or complex judgments, including accounting estimates that could result in materially different amounts if we reported under different conditions or if they used different assumptions. NW Natural'sOur most critical estimates and judgments for both NW Holdings and NW Natural include accounting for:


regulatory accounting;
revenue recognition;
derivative instruments and hedging activities;
pensions and postretirement benefits;
income taxes;
environmental contingencies; and
business combinations; and
impairment of long-lived assets.assets and goodwill.


There have been no material changes to the information provided in the 20172021 Form 10-K with respect to the application of critical accounting policies and estimates other than those incorporated in Note 5, Note 13, and Note 16 relating to revenue, business combinations and goodwill, and discontinued operations, respectively.estimates. See Part II, Item 7, "Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates," in the 20172021 Form 10-K.


Management has discussed its current estimates and judgments used in the application of critical accounting policies with the Audit CommitteeCommittees of the Board.Boards of NW Holdings and NW Natural. Within the context of critical accounting policies and estimates, management is not aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different amounts being reported. For a description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have an impact on financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, see Note 2.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
  
NW Holdings and NW Natural isare exposed to various forms of market risk including commodity supply risk, commodity price risk, interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and weather risk. This section describes NW Holdings' and NW Natural's exposure to these risks, as applicable. Management monitors and manages these financial exposures as an integral part of ourNW Holdings' and NW Natural's overall risk management program. No material changes have occurred related to our disclosures about market risk for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2018.March 31, 2022. For additional information, see Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this report and Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in the 20172021 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The management of
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NW Holdings and NW Natural and NW Holdings,management, under the supervision and with the participation of theirthe Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has completed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)). Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of NW Natural and NW Holdingseach registrant have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the disclosure controls and procedures of NW Natural and NW Holdings were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by themeach such registrant and included in their reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management of each registrant, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of NW Natural and NW Holdings, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
The management ofNW Holdings and NW Natural and NW Holdings ismanagement are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).
 
There have been no changes in NW Natural's or NW Holdings' internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, their internal control over financial reporting.reporting for NW Holdings and NW Natural. The statements contained in Exhibit 31.1, Exhibit 31.2, Exhibit 31.3, and Exhibit 31.231.4 should be considered in light of, and read together with, the information set forth in this Item 4(b).


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


Other than the proceedings disclosed in Note 1516 and those proceedings disclosed and incorporated by reference in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” in the 20172021 Form 10-K, we have only routine nonmaterial litigation, or litigation that occurs in the ordinary course of our business.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There were no material changes from the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors"Risk Factors” in the 20172021 Form 10-K. In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider those risk factors, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.


ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The following table provides information about purchases of NW Natural'sHoldings' equity securities that are registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the quarter ended September 30, 2018:March 31, 2022:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
(1)
Average
Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
(2)
Maximum Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
(2)
Balance forward 2,124,528 $16,732,648 
01/01/22-01/31/22— — — — 
02/01/22-02/28/22— — — — 
03/01/22-03/31/229,963 $55.76 — — 
Total9,963 $55.76 2,124,528 $16,732,648 
(1)During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, no shares of common stock were purchased on the open market to meet the requirements of NW Holdings' Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan. However, 9,963 shares of NW Holdings common stock were purchased on the open market to meet the requirements of share-based compensation programs. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, no shares of NW Holdings common stock were accepted as payment for stock option exercises pursuant to the NW Natural Restated Stock Option Plan.
(2)During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, no shares of NW Holdings common stock were repurchased pursuant to the Board-approved share repurchase program. In May 2019, we received NW Holdings Board approval to extend the repurchase program through May 2022. For more information on this program, refer to Note 5 in the 2021 Form 10-K.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period 
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
(1)
 Average
Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
(2)
 
Maximum Dollar Value of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
(2)
Balance forward     2,124,528
 $16,732,648
07/01/18-07/31/18 
 $
 
 
08/01/18-08/31/18 126,225
 63.62
 
 
09/01/18-09/30/18 
 
 
 
Total 126,225
 63.62
 2,124,528
 $16,732,648
(1)
During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, no shares of NW Natural's common stock were purchased on the open market to meet the requirements of NW Natural's Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan. However, 1,225 shares of NW Natural's common stock were purchased on the open market to meet the requirements of NW Natural's share-based programs. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, no shares of NW Natural's common stock were accepted as payment for stock option exercises pursuant to NW Natural's Restated Stock Option Plan. An additional 125,000 shares were purchased on the open market to complete the acquisition of Falls Water Co., Inc.
(2)
During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, no shares of NW Natural's common stock were repurchased pursuant to NW Natural's Board-Approved share repurchase program. In May 2018, we received Board Approval to extend the repurchase program, however this program terminated as to NW Natural, but was approved as to NW Holdings as of October 1, 2018. NW Holdings' Board extended this repurchase program through May 31, 2019. For more information on this program, refer to Note 5 in NW Natural's 2017 Form 10-K.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


See the Exhibit Index below, which is incorporated by reference herein.


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NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
Exhibit Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2018March 31, 2022
 
Exhibit Index
Exhibit Number
Document
Exhibit Index
Exhibit Number
Document
101.101
The following materials formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (Inline XBRL):
(i) Consolidated Statements of Income;
(ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets;
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and
(iv) Related notes.
The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
104The cover page from Northwest Natural Gasthe Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018,March 31, 2022, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL):
(i) Consolidated Statements of Income;
(ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets;
(iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and
(iv) Related notes.
Inline XBRL.

* Incorporated by reference as indicated

**    Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K, this certification is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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SIGNATURES
SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature for each undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and its subsidiaries.
 
NORTHWEST NATURAL GAS COMPANY
(Registrant)
Dated:May 4, 2022
Dated:November 6, 2018
/s/ Brody J. Wilson
Brody J. Wilson
Principal Accounting Officer

Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller


NORTHWEST NATURAL HOLDING COMPANY
(Registrant)
Dated:May 4, 2022
Dated:November 6, 2018
/s/ Brody J. Wilson
Brody J. Wilson
Principal Accounting Officer

Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller


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