Cover Page
Cover Page - shares | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Apr. 29, 2021 | |
Cover [Abstract] | ||
Entity Registrant Name | SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC SERVICE CO | |
Entity Central Index Key | 0000092521 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --03-31 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2021 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q1 | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Document Quarterly Report | true | |
Document Period End Date | Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Document Transition Report | false | |
Entity Tax Identification Number | 75-0575400 | |
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NM | |
Entity Address, Address Line One | 790 South Buchanan Street | |
Entity Address, City or Town | Amarillo | |
Entity Address, State or Province | TX | |
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 79101 | |
City Area Code | 303 | |
Local Phone Number | 571-7511 | |
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | |
Entity Interactive Data Current | Yes | |
Entity Filer Category | Non-accelerated Filer | |
Entity Small Business | false | |
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
Entity Shell Company | false | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 100 | |
Entity File Number | 001-03789 |
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | |
Operating revenues | ||
Operating revenues | $ 934 | $ 395 |
Operating expenses | ||
Electric fuel and purchased power | 693 | 188 |
Operating and maintenance expenses | 71 | 70 |
Demand side management expenses | 4 | 4 |
Depreciation and amortization | 78 | 59 |
Taxes (other than income taxes) | 21 | 21 |
Total operating expenses | 867 | 342 |
Operating income | 67 | 53 |
Other income (expense), net | 1 | (2) |
Allowance for funds used during construction — equity | 1 | 6 |
Interest charges and financing costs | ||
Interest Expense | 30 | 24 |
Allowance for funds used during construction — debt | 0 | (3) |
Total interest charges and financing costs | 30 | 21 |
Income before income taxes | 39 | 36 |
Income tax benefit | (19) | (7) |
Net income | $ 58 | $ 43 |
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDIT_2
STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | |
Interest charges and financing costs | ||
Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs | $ 1 | $ 1 |
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUD
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | |
Operating activities | ||
Net income | $ 58 | $ 43 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | ||
Depreciation and amortization | 79 | 60 |
Deferred income taxes | (19) | 1 |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | (1) | (6) |
Provision for bad debts | 2 | 1 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||
Accounts receivable | (1) | (3) |
Accrued unbilled revenues | (3) | (12) |
Inventories | (17) | (7) |
Prepayments and other | 21 | (5) |
Accounts payable | 56 | (2) |
Net regulatory assets and liabilities | (95) | 18 |
Other current liabilities | (3) | (15) |
Pension and other employee benefit obligations | (15) | (15) |
Other, net | (2) | 0 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 66 | 82 |
Investing activities | ||
Utility capital/construction expenditures | (172) | (193) |
Investments in utility money pool arrangement | 83 | 4 |
Repayments from utility money pool arrangement | 83 | 4 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (172) | (193) |
Financing activities | ||
Repayments of short-term borrowings, net | (250) | 40 |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net | 247 | 0 |
Borrowings under utility money pool arrangement | 213 | 239 |
Repayments under utility money pool arrangement | (213) | (139) |
Capital contributions from parent | 304 | 31 |
Dividends paid to parent | (54) | (74) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 247 | 97 |
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 141 | (14) |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 6 | 16 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | 147 | 2 |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized) | (19) | (18) |
Cash received (paid) for income taxes, net | 14 | (2) |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions: | ||
Accrued property, plant and equipment additions | 54 | 57 |
Inventory transfers to property, plant and equipment | 7 | 6 |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | 1 | 6 |
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents | $ 147 | $ 2 |
BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Current assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 147 | $ 6 |
Accounts receivable, net | 101 | 94 |
Accounts receivable from affiliates | 2 | 9 |
Accrued unbilled revenues | 112 | 114 |
Inventories | 45 | 36 |
Regulatory assets | 157 | 76 |
Derivative instruments | 13 | 10 |
Prepayments and other | 17 | 38 |
Total current assets | 594 | 383 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 7,697 | 7,603 |
Other assets | ||
Regulatory assets | 346 | 357 |
Derivative instruments | 11 | 9 |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 485 | 492 |
Other | 14 | 15 |
Total other assets | 856 | 873 |
Total assets | 9,147 | 8,859 |
Current liabilities | ||
Borrowings Payable Under Utility Money Pool Arrangement | 0 | 250 |
Accounts payable | 224 | 198 |
Accounts payable to affiliates | 33 | 17 |
Regulatory liabilities | 32 | 57 |
Taxes accrued | 43 | 54 |
Accrued interest | 38 | 29 |
Dividends payable to parent | 52 | 54 |
Derivative instruments | 4 | 4 |
Operating lease liabilities | 28 | 28 |
Other | 23 | 25 |
Liabilities, Current, Total | 477 | 716 |
Deferred credits and other liabilities | ||
Deferred income taxes | 712 | 725 |
Regulatory liabilities | 723 | 718 |
Asset retirement obligations | 113 | 112 |
Derivative instruments | 8 | 9 |
Pension and employee benefit obligations | 27 | 42 |
Operating lease liabilities | 457 | 463 |
Other | 11 | 12 |
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 2,051 | 2,081 |
Capitalization | ||
Long-term debt | 3,011 | 2,764 |
Common stock — 200 shares authorized of $1.00 par value; 100 shares outstanding at March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020, respectively | 0 | 0 |
Additional paid in capital | 3,094 | 2,790 |
Retained earnings | 515 | 509 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1) | (1) |
Total common stockholder's equity | 3,608 | 3,298 |
Total liabilities and equity | $ 9,147 | $ 8,859 |
BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Par
BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] | ||
Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 200 | 200 |
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ 1 | $ 1 |
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding | 100 | 100 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMM
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Total | Common Stock | Additional Paid In Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 | 100 | ||||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019 | $ 2,885 | $ 0 | $ 2,351 | $ 535 | $ (1) |
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | |||||
Net income | 43 | 43 | |||
Dividends declared to parent | (76) | (76) | |||
Contributions of capital by parent | 32 | 32 | |||
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020 | 100 | ||||
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2020 | $ 2,884 | $ 0 | 2,383 | 502 | (1) |
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020 | 100 | 100 | |||
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020 | $ 3,298 | $ 0 | 2,790 | 509 | (1) |
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | |||||
Net income | 58 | 58 | |||
Dividends declared to parent | (52) | (52) | |||
Contributions of capital by parent | $ 304 | 304 | |||
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021 | 100 | 100 | |||
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2021 | $ 3,608 | $ 0 | $ 3,094 | $ 515 | $ (1) |
Management's Opinion
Management's Opinion | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Management's Opinion | In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP, the financial position of SPS as of March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020; the results of its operations, including the components of net income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholder’s equity for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed. Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after March 31, 2021 up to the date of issuance of these financial statements. These statements contain all necessary adjustments and disclosures resulting from that evaluation. The Dec. 31, 2020 balance sheet information has been derived from the audited 2020 financial statements included in the SPS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020. These notes to the financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP on an annual basis have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. For further information, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto, included in the SPS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on Feb. 17, 2021. Due to the seasonality of SPS’ electric sales, interim results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results. |
Summary of Significant Accounti
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | The significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the financial statements in the SPS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies and are incorporated herein by reference. |
Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract] | |
Accounting Pronouncements | Recently Adopted Credit Losses — In 2016, the FASB issued Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 326 (ASC Topic 326), which changes how entities account for losses on receivables and certain other assets. The guidance requires use of a current expected credit loss model, which may result in earlier recognition of credit losses than under previous accounting standards. |
Selected Balance Sheet Data
Selected Balance Sheet Data | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Selected Balance Sheet Data | (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable $ 110 $ 102 Less allowance for bad debts (9) (8) Accounts receivable, net $ 101 $ 94 (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Inventories Materials and supplies $ 27 $ 27 Fuel 18 9 Total inventories $ 45 $ 36 (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Property, plant and equipment, net Electric plant $ 9,293 $ 9,229 Plant to be retired (a) 313 316 CWIP 235 146 Total property, plant and equipment 9,841 9,691 Less accumulated depreciation (2,144) (2,088) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 7,697 $ 7,603 |
Borrowings and Other Financing
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | Short-Term Borrowings SPS meets its short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper and borrowings under its credit facility and the money pool. Money Pool — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries have established a money pool arrangement that allows for short-term investments in and borrowings between the utility subsidiaries. Xcel Energy Inc. may make investments in the utility subsidiaries at market-based interest rates; however, the money pool arrangement does not allow the utility subsidiaries to make investments in Xcel Energy Inc. Money pool borrowings for SPS were as follows: (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2020 Borrowing limit $ 100 $ 100 Amount outstanding at period end — — Average amount outstanding 17 43 Maximum amount outstanding 100 100 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 0.07 % 0.54 % Weighted average interest rate at period end N/A N/A Commercial Paper — Commercial paper outstanding for SPS was as follows: (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2020 Borrowing limit $ 500 $ 500 Amount outstanding at period end — 250 Average amount outstanding 184 44 Maximum amount outstanding 342 250 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 0.22 % 1.11 % Weighted average interest rate at period end N/A 0.29 Letters of Credit — SPS uses letters of credit, generally with terms of one year, to provide financial guarantees for certain obligations. At both March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020, there were $2 million of letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. Amounts approximate their fair value and are subject to fees. Revolving Credit Facility — In order to issue its commercial paper, SPS must have a revolving credit facility in place at least equal to the amount of its commercial paper borrowing limit and cannot issue commercial paper exceeding available capacity under this credit facility. The line of credit provides short-term financing in the form of notes payable to banks, letters of credit and back-up support for commercial paper borrowings. SPS has the right to request an extension of the revolving credit facility termination date for two additional one-year periods. All extension requests are subject to majority bank group approval. As of March 31, 2021, SPS had the following committed revolving credit facility available (in millions of dollars): Credit Facility (a) Drawn (b) Available $ 500 $ 2 $ 498 (a) Expires in June 2024. (b) Includes outstanding letters of credit. All credit facility bank borrowings, outstanding letters of credit and outstanding commercial paper reduce the available capacity under the credit facility. SPS had no direct advances on the credit facility outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020. Long-Term Borrowings During the three months ended March 31, 2021, SPS issued $250 million of 3.15% first mortgage bonds due 2050. |
Revenues
Revenues | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Revenue | Revenue is classified by the type of goods/services rendered and market/customer type. SPS’ operating revenues consisted of the following: Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2021 2020 Major revenue types Revenue from contracts with customers: Residential $ 91 $ 73 C&I 189 169 Other 9 8 Total retail 289 250 Wholesale 558 73 Transmission 71 63 Other 2 — Total revenue from contracts with customers 920 386 Alternative revenue and other 14 9 Total revenues $ 934 $ 395 |
Income Taxes
Income Taxes | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | 6. Income Taxes Note 7 to the financial statements included in SPS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020 represents, in all material respects, the current status of other income tax matters except to the extent noted below, and are incorporated herein by reference. The following table reconciles the difference between the statutory rate and the ETR: Three Months Ended March 31 2021 2020 (a) Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % State tax (net of federal tax effect) 2.6 2.4 Decreases in tax from: Wind PTCs (65.5) (35.7) Plant regulatory differences (b) (4.7) (6.1) Amortization of excess nonplant deferred taxes (1.2) (1.1) Other (net) (0.9) 0.1 Effective income tax rate (48.7) % (19.4) % (a) Prior periods have been restated to conform to current year presentation. (b) Regulatory differences for income tax primarily relate to the credit of excess deferred taxes to customers through the average rate assumption method. Income tax benefits associated with the credit of excess deferred credits are offset by corresponding revenue reductions. Federal Audits — SPS is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files a consolidated federal income tax return. Statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s federal income tax returns expire as follows: Tax Years Expiration 2014 — 2016 January 2022 2017 September 2021 Additionally, the statute of limitations related to the federal tax loss carryback claim filed in 2020 has been extended. Xcel Energy has recognized its best estimate of income tax expense that will result from a final resolution of this issue; however, the outcome and timing of a resolution is unknown . State Audits — SPS is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files consolidated state income tax returns. As of March 31, 2021, SPS’ earliest open tax year subject to examination by state taxing authorities under applicable statutes of limitations is 2012. As of March 31, 2021, there are no state income tax audits in progress. Unrecognized Benefits — The unrecognized tax benefit balance includes permanent tax positions, which if recognized would affect the annual ETR. In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance includes temporary tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. A change in the period of deductibility would not affect the ETR but would accelerate the payment to the taxing authority to an earlier period. Unrecognized tax benefits — permanent vs temporary: (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Unrecognized tax benefit — Permanent tax positions $ 3 $ 3 Unrecognized tax benefit — Temporary tax positions 4 4 Total unrecognized tax benefit $ 7 $ 7 Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards: (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 NOL and tax credit carryforwards $ (7) $ (6) As the IRS and state audits resume, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could decrease up to approximately $5 million in the next 12 months. Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is partially offset by the interest benefit associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards . Interest payable related to unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 (Payable) receivable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period $ (1) $ 1 Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits — (2) Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at end of period $ (1) $ (1) No amounts were accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020, respectively. |
Fair Value of Financial Assets
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities | Fair Value Measurements Accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance. • Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices. • Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with models using highly observable inputs. • Level 3 — Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those valued with models requiring significant management judgment or estimation. Specific valuation methods include: Cash equivalents — The fair values of cash equivalents are generally based on cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted net asset value. Interest rate derivatives — The fair values of interest rate derivatives are based on broker quotes that utilize current market interest rate forecasts. Commodity derivatives — The methods used to measure the fair value of commodity derivative forwards and options utilize forward prices and volatilities, as well as pricing adjustments for specific delivery locations and are generally assigned a Level 2 classification. When contractual settlements relate to inactive delivery locations or extend to periods beyond those readily observable on active exchanges or quoted by brokers, the significance of the use of less observable forecasts of forward prices and volatilities on a valuation is evaluated, and may result in Level 3 classification. Electric commodity derivatives held by SPS include transmission congestion instruments, generally referred to as FTRs, purchased from SPP. FTRs purchased from an RTO are financial instruments that entitle or obligate the holder to monthly revenues or charges based on transmission congestion across a given transmission path. The value of an FTR is derived from and designed to offset, the cost of transmission congestion. In addition to overall transmission load, congestion is also influenced by the operating schedules of power plants and the consumption of electricity pertinent to a given transmission path. Unplanned plant outages, scheduled plant maintenance, changes in the relative costs of fuels used in generation, weather and overall changes in demand for electricity can each impact the operating schedules of the power plants on the transmission grid and the value of an FTR. If forecasted costs of electric transmission congestion increase or decrease for a given FTR path, the value of that particular FTR instrument will likewise increase or decrease. Given the limited observability of important inputs to the value of FTRs between auction processes, including expected plant operating schedules and retail and wholesale demand, fair value measurements for FTRs have been assigned a Level 3. Non-trading monthly FTR settlements are expected to be recovered through fuel and purchased energy cost recovery mechanisms, and therefore changes in the fair value of the yet to be settled portions of FTRs are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. Given this regulatory treatment and the limited magnitude of FTRs relative to the electric utility operations of SPS, the numerous unobservable quantitative inputs pertinent to the value of FTRs are insignificant to the financial statements of SPS. Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements SPS enters into derivative instruments, including forward contracts, for trading purposes and to manage risk in connection with changes in interest rates and electric utility commodity prices. Interest Rate Derivatives — SPS may enter into various instruments that effectively fix the interest payments on certain floating rate debt obligations or effectively fix the yield or price on a specified benchmark interest rate for an anticipated debt issuance for a specific period. These derivative instruments are generally designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. As of March 31, 2021, accumulated other comprehensive loss related to interest rate derivatives included immaterial net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the related hedged interest rate transactions impact earnings, including forecasted amounts for unsettled hedges, as applicable. Wholesale and Commodity Trading Risk — SPS conducts various wholesale and commodity trading activities, including the purchase and sale of electric capacity, energy and energy-related instruments, including derivatives. SPS is allowed to conduct these activities within guidelines and limitations as approved by its risk management committee, comprised of management personnel not directly involved in the activities governed by this policy. Sharing of any margins is determined through state regulatory proceedings as well as the operation of the FERC approved joint operating agreement. Commodity Derivatives — SPS enters into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices in its electric utility operations. This could include the purchase or sale of energy or energy-related products and FTRs. Amounts in Millions (a) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Megawatt hours of electricity 8 5 (a) Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities. Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations — SPS continuously monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to its interest rate derivatives and commodity derivative contracts prior to settlement, and assesses each counterparty’s ability to perform on the transactions set forth in the contracts. Impact of credit risk was immaterial to the fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives presented on the balance sheets. SPS’ most significant concentrations of credit risk with particular entities or industries are contracts with counterparties to its wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities. At March 31, 2021, two of the eight most significant counterparties for these activities, comprising $17 million, or 38%, of this credit exposure, had investment grade ratings from S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services or Fitch Ratings. Five of the eight most significant counterparties, comprising $27 million, or 61%, of this credit exposure, were not rated by external rating agencies, but based on SPS’ internal analysis, had credit quality consistent with investment grade. One of these significant counterparties, comprising an immaterial amount of this credit exposure, had credit quality less than investment grade, based on internal analysis. Eight of these significant counterparties are municipal or cooperative electric entities, RTOs or other utilities. Impact of Derivative Activities on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss — There were no gains or losses related to interest rate derivatives reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Changes in the fair value of FTRs resulting in pre-tax net gains of $2 million and immaterial gains recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively, which were reclassified as regulatory assets and liabilities. The classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on expected recovery of FTR settlements through fuel and purchased energy cost recovery mechanisms. FTR settlement losses of $4 million and gains of $3 million were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and were recorded to electric fuel and purchased power. These derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with electric customers through fuel and purchased energy cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate. SPS had no derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Recurring Fair Value Measurements — SPS’ derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Current derivative assets Other derivative instruments: Electric commodity $ — $ — $ 10 $ 10 $ — $ 10 $ — $ — $ 7 $ 7 $ — $ 7 Total current derivative assets $ — $ — $ 10 $ 10 $ — 10 $ — $ — $ 7 $ 7 $ — 7 PPAs (b) 3 3 Current derivative instruments $ 13 $ 10 Noncurrent derivative assets Electric commodity $ — $ — $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — PPAs (b) 9 9 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 11 $ 9 March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Current derivative liabilities PPAs (b) $ 4 $ 4 Current derivative instruments $ 4 $ 4 Noncurrent derivative liabilities PPAs (b) $ 8 $ 9 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 8 $ 9 (a) SPS nets derivative instruments and related collateral on its balance sheets when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements at March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020, derivative assets and liabilities include no obligations to return cash collateral or rights to reclaim cash collateral. The counterparty netting excludes settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements. (b) During 2006, SPS qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities. Changes in Level 3 commodity derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2021 2020 Balance at Jan. 1 $ 7 $ 12 Purchases — 12 Settlements (9) (5) Net transactions recorded during the period: Net gains (losses) recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities 14 (2) Balance at March 31 $ 12 $ 17 SPS recognizes transfers between levels as of the beginning of each period. There were no transfers of amounts between levels for derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. Fair Value of Long-Term Debt Other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value: March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 (Millions of Dollars) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term debt $ 3,011 $ 3,286 $ 2,764 $ 3,381 Fair value of SPS’ long-term debt is estimated based on recent trades and observable spreads from benchmark interest rates for similar securities. Fair value estimates are based on information available to management as of March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020 and given the observability of the inputs, fair values presented for long-term debt were assigned as Level 2. |
Benefit Plans and Other Postret
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Retirement Benefits [Abstract] | |
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits | Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Three Months Ended March 31 2021 2020 (Millions of Dollars) Pension Benefits Service cost $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost (a) 4 5 Expected return on plan assets (a) (7) (7) Amortization of net loss (a) 4 3 Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting $ 3 $ 3 (a) The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “Other income (expense), net” in the statements of income or capitalized on the balance sheets as a regulatory asset. |
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies | The following includes commitments, contingencies and unresolved contingencies that are material to SPS’s financial position. Legal SPS is involved in various litigation matters in the ordinary course of business. The assessment of whether a loss is probable or is a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves a series of complex judgments about future events. Management maintains accruals for losses probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. Management is sometimes unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss in certain situations, including but not limited to, when (1) the damages sought are indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages or (3) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss. For current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, would have a material effect on SPS’ financial statements. Unless otherwise required by GAAP, legal fees are expensed as incurred. Rate Matters and Other SPP OATT Upgrade Costs — Costs of transmission upgrades may be recovered from other SPP customers whose transmission service depends on capacity enabled by the upgrade under the SPP OATT. SPP had not been charging its customers for these upgrades, even though the SPP OATT had allowed SPP to do so since 2008. In 2016, the FERC granted SPP’s request to recover these previously unbilled charges and SPP subsequently billed SPS approximately $13 million. In July 2018, SPS’ appeal to the D.C. Circuit over the FERC rulings granting SPP the right to recover previously unbilled charges was remanded to the FERC. In February 2019, the FERC reversed its 2016 decision and ordered SPP to refund charges retroactively collected from its transmission customers, including SPS, related to periods before September 2015. In March 2020, SPP and Oklahoma Gas & Electric separately filed petitions for review of the FERC’s orders at the D.C. Circuit. SPS has intervened in both appeals in support of the FERC. Any refunds received by SPS are expected to be given back to SPS customers through future rates. In October 2017, SPS filed a separate related complaint asserting SPP assessed upgrade charges to SPS in violation of the SPP OATT. In March 2018, the FERC issued an order denying the SPS complaint. SPS filed a request for rehearing in April 2018. The FERC issued a tolling order granting a rehearing for further consideration in May 2018. If SPS’ complaint results in additional charges or refunds, SPS will seek to recover or refund the amount through future SPS customer rates . In October 2020, SPS filed a petition for review of the FERC’s March 2018 order and May 2018 tolling order at the D.C. Circuit. This appeal is stayed pending the outcome of the separate appeal initiated in 2020 by Oklahoma Gas & Electric and SPP. SPP Filing to Assign GridLiance Facilities to SPS Rate Zone — In August 2018, SPP filed a request with the FERC to amend its OATT to include the costs of the GridLiance High Plains, LLC facilities in the SPS rate zone. In a previous filing, the FERC determined that some of these facilities did not qualify as transmission facilities under the SPP OATT. SPP’s proposed tariff changes resulted in an increase in the annual transmission revenue requirement of $10 million per year, with $6 million allocated to SPS’ retail customers. The remaining $4 million would be paid by other wholesale loads in the SPS rate zone. On March 16, 2020, GridLiance also filed additional rate increases for 2020 which would raise their annual revenue requirement to $14 million, with approximately $9 million allocated to SPS’ retail customers. The hearing portion of this proceeding was concluded on Sept. 11, 2020. The initial post-hearing brief was filed on Oct. 27, 2020 and the Administrative Law Judge’s decision on this case is expected on May 3, 2021. The FERC will then rule on the judge’s decision and either sustain it, overturn it, or order further proceedings. SPS has incurred approximately $17 million in associated charges as of March 31, 2021. In August 2020, FERC issued an order on a question certified by the hearing judge for the FERC’s review, in which FERC made certain findings in SPS’ favor regarding the legal standard that applies to the ongoing hearing proceeding. In November 2020, FERC denied GridLiance’s request for rehearing of the August 2020 order. In December 2020, GridLiance filed a petition for review at the D.C. Circuit of the August 2020 and November 2020 orders on the certified question. Contract Termination — SPS and Lubbock Power & Light are parties to a 25-year, 170 MW partial requirements contract. In October 2020, Lubbock Power & Light initiated discussions with SPS concerning the interpretation of contractual terms related to early termination and default. If the parties are unable to reach resolution, the contract calls for the matter to proceed to arbitration. The amount of any damages depends on multiple factors and is currently unknown. FERC NOPR on ROE Incentive Adders — In April 2021, the FERC issued a NOPR proposing to limit collection of ROE incentive adders for RTO membership to the first three years after an entity begins participation in an RTO. If adopted as a final rule, following a comment period expected to be complete by the end of 2021 or 2022, NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin and SPS would prospectively discontinue charging their current 0.5% ROE incentive adders. Amounts related to a discontinuance of the adder would ultimately be offset by an increase in retail rates. Environmental Manufactured Gas Plant, Landfill and Disposal Sites — SPS is currently remediating a former disposal site. SPS has recognized its best estimate of costs/liabilities that will result from final resolution of these issues, however, the outcome and timing is unknown. In addition, there may be insurance recovery and/or recovery from other potentially responsible parties, offsetting a portion of costs incurred. Leases SPS evaluates contracts that may contain leases, including PPAs and arrangements for the use of office space and other facilities, vehicles and equipment. A contract contains a lease if it conveys the exclusive right to control the use of a specific asset. Components of lease expense: Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2021 2020 Operating leases PPA capacity payments $ 13 $ 11 Other operating leases (a) 1 1 Total operating lease expense (b) $ 14 $ 12 (a) Includes immaterial short-term lease expense for 2021 and 2020. (b) PPA capacity payments are included in electric fuel and purchased power on the statements of income. Expense for other operating leases is included in O&M expense and electric fuel and purchased power. Commitments under operating leases as of March 31, 2021: (Millions of Dollars) PPA Operating Leases Other Operating Leases Total Operating Leases Total minimum obligation $ 578 $ 58 $ 636 Interest component of obligation (134) (17) (151) Present value of minimum obligation $ 444 $ 41 485 Less current portion (28) Noncurrent operating and finance lease liabilities $ 457 VIEs Under certain PPAs, SPS purchases power from IPPs for which SPS is required to reimburse fuel costs, or to participate in tolling arrangements under which SPS procures the natural gas required to produce the energy that it purchases. These specific PPAs create a variable interest in the IPP. SPS had approximately 1,197 MW of capacity under long-term PPAs at both March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020 with entities that have been determined to be VIEs. SPS concluded that these entities are not required to be consolidated in its financial statements because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance. The PPAs have expiration dates through 2041. |
Selected Balance Sheet Data (Ta
Selected Balance Sheet Data (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Accounts Receivable, Net | (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable $ 110 $ 102 Less allowance for bad debts (9) (8) Accounts receivable, net $ 101 $ 94 |
Inventories | (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Inventories Materials and supplies $ 27 $ 27 Fuel 18 9 Total inventories $ 45 $ 36 |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Property, plant and equipment, net Electric plant $ 9,293 $ 9,229 Plant to be retired (a) 313 316 CWIP 235 146 Total property, plant and equipment 9,841 9,691 Less accumulated depreciation (2,144) (2,088) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 7,697 $ 7,603 |
Borrowings and Other Financin_2
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments [Abstract] | |
Credit Facilities | As of March 31, 2021, SPS had the following committed revolving credit facility available (in millions of dollars): Credit Facility (a) Drawn (b) Available $ 500 $ 2 $ 498 (a) Expires in June 2024. (b) Includes outstanding letters of credit. |
Money Pool | |
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments [Abstract] | |
Short-Term Borrowings | Money pool borrowings for SPS were as follows: (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2020 Borrowing limit $ 100 $ 100 Amount outstanding at period end — — Average amount outstanding 17 43 Maximum amount outstanding 100 100 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 0.07 % 0.54 % Weighted average interest rate at period end N/A N/A |
Commercial Paper | |
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments [Abstract] | |
Short-Term Borrowings | Commercial paper outstanding for SPS was as follows: (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2020 Borrowing limit $ 500 $ 500 Amount outstanding at period end — 250 Average amount outstanding 184 44 Maximum amount outstanding 342 250 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 0.22 % 1.11 % Weighted average interest rate at period end N/A 0.29 |
Revenues (Tables)
Revenues (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Disaggregation of Revenue | SPS’ operating revenues consisted of the following: Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2021 2020 Major revenue types Revenue from contracts with customers: Residential $ 91 $ 73 C&I 189 169 Other 9 8 Total retail 289 250 Wholesale 558 73 Transmission 71 63 Other 2 — Total revenue from contracts with customers 920 386 Alternative revenue and other 14 9 Total revenues $ 934 $ 395 |
Income Taxes (Tables)
Income Taxes (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] | The following table reconciles the difference between the statutory rate and the ETR: Three Months Ended March 31 2021 2020 (a) Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % State tax (net of federal tax effect) 2.6 2.4 Decreases in tax from: Wind PTCs (65.5) (35.7) Plant regulatory differences (b) (4.7) (6.1) Amortization of excess nonplant deferred taxes (1.2) (1.1) Other (net) (0.9) 0.1 Effective income tax rate (48.7) % (19.4) % (a) Prior periods have been restated to conform to current year presentation. |
Summary of Statute of Limitations Applicable to Open Tax Years [Table Text Block] | Federal Audits — SPS is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files a consolidated federal income tax return. Statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s federal income tax returns expire as follows: Tax Years Expiration 2014 — 2016 January 2022 2017 September 2021 |
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits | Unrecognized tax benefits — permanent vs temporary: (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Unrecognized tax benefit — Permanent tax positions $ 3 $ 3 Unrecognized tax benefit — Temporary tax positions 4 4 Total unrecognized tax benefit $ 7 $ 7 |
Tax Benefits Associated with NOL and Tax Credit Carryforwards | Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards: (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 NOL and tax credit carryforwards $ (7) $ (6) |
Interest Payable related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits | Interest payable related to unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions of Dollars) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 (Payable) receivable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period $ (1) $ 1 Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits — (2) Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at end of period $ (1) $ (1) |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_2
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Gross Notional Amounts of Commodity FTRs | Amounts in Millions (a) March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Megawatt hours of electricity 8 5 (a) Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities. |
Derivative Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis by Hierarchy Level | Recurring Fair Value Measurements — SPS’ derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Current derivative assets Other derivative instruments: Electric commodity $ — $ — $ 10 $ 10 $ — $ 10 $ — $ — $ 7 $ 7 $ — $ 7 Total current derivative assets $ — $ — $ 10 $ 10 $ — 10 $ — $ — $ 7 $ 7 $ — 7 PPAs (b) 3 3 Current derivative instruments $ 13 $ 10 Noncurrent derivative assets Electric commodity $ — $ — $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — PPAs (b) 9 9 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 11 $ 9 March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Total (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Current derivative liabilities PPAs (b) $ 4 $ 4 Current derivative instruments $ 4 $ 4 Noncurrent derivative liabilities PPAs (b) $ 8 $ 9 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 8 $ 9 (a) SPS nets derivative instruments and related collateral on its balance sheets when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements at March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020, derivative assets and liabilities include no obligations to return cash collateral or rights to reclaim cash collateral. The counterparty netting excludes settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements. (b) During 2006, SPS qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities. |
Changes in Level 3 Commodity Derivatives | Changes in Level 3 commodity derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2021 2020 Balance at Jan. 1 $ 7 $ 12 Purchases — 12 Settlements (9) (5) Net transactions recorded during the period: Net gains (losses) recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities 14 (2) Balance at March 31 $ 12 $ 17 |
Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Long-term Debt | Other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value: March 31, 2021 Dec. 31, 2020 (Millions of Dollars) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term debt $ 3,011 $ 3,286 $ 2,764 $ 3,381 |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_2
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables) | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | ||
Retirement Benefits [Abstract] | ||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) | Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Three Months Ended March 31 2021 2020 (Millions of Dollars) Pension Benefits Service cost $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost (a) 4 5 Expected return on plan assets (a) (7) (7) Amortization of net loss (a) 4 3 Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting $ 3 $ 3 (a) The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “Other income (expense), net” in the statements of income or capitalized on the balance sheets as a regulatory asset. | [1] |
[1] | The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “Other income (expense), net” in the statements of income or capitalized on the balance sheets as a regulatory asset. |
Commitments and Contingencies (
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Lease, Cost | Components of lease expense: Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2021 2020 Operating leases PPA capacity payments $ 13 $ 11 Other operating leases (a) 1 1 Total operating lease expense (b) $ 14 $ 12 (a) Includes immaterial short-term lease expense for 2021 and 2020. |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity | Commitments under operating leases as of March 31, 2021: (Millions of Dollars) PPA Operating Leases Other Operating Leases Total Operating Leases Total minimum obligation $ 578 $ 58 $ 636 Interest component of obligation (134) (17) (151) Present value of minimum obligation $ 444 $ 41 485 Less current portion (28) Noncurrent operating and finance lease liabilities $ 457 |
Selected Balance Sheet Data Acc
Selected Balance Sheet Data Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Accounts receivable, net | ||
Accounts receivable | $ 110 | $ 102 |
Less allowance for bad debts | (9) | (8) |
Accounts receivable, net | $ 101 | $ 94 |
Selected Balance Sheet Data Sel
Selected Balance Sheet Data Selected Balance Sheet Data Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Inventories | $ 45 | $ 36 |
Inventory, Net | 45 | 36 |
Materials and supplies | ||
Inventories | 27 | 27 |
Fuel | ||
Inventories | $ 18 | $ 9 |
Selected Balance Sheet Data Bal
Selected Balance Sheet Data Balance Sheet Related Disclosures, Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 9,841 | $ 9,691 | |
Accumulated depreciation | (2,144) | (2,088) | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 7,697 | 7,603 | |
Electric plant | |||
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | 9,293 | 9,229 | |
Plant to be Retired | |||
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | [1] | 313 | 316 |
Construction work in progress | |||
Public Utility, Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 235 | $ 146 | |
[1] | Includes expected retirement of Tolk and conversion of Harrington to natural gas. |
Borrowings and Other Financin_3
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments - Money Pool (Details) - Money Pool - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||
Borrowing limit | $ 100,000,000 | $ 100,000,000 |
Amount outstanding at period end | 0 | 0 |
Average amount outstanding | 17,000,000 | 43,000,000 |
Maximum amount outstanding | $ 100,000,000 | $ 100,000,000 |
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis | 0.07% | 0.54% |
Borrowings and Other Financin_4
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments - Commercial Paper (Details) - Commercial Paper - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||
Borrowing limit | $ 500,000,000 | $ 500,000,000 |
Amount outstanding at period end | 0 | 250,000,000 |
Average amount outstanding | 184,000,000 | 44,000,000 |
Maximum amount outstanding | $ 342,000,000 | $ 250,000,000 |
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis | 0.22% | 1.11% |
Weighted average interest rate at period end | 0.29% |
Borrowings and Other Financin_5
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments - Letters of Credit (Details) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Letter of Credit | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Amount outstanding at period end | $ 2,000,000 | $ 2,000,000 |
Debt Instrument, Term | 1 year | |
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Direct advances on the credit facility outstanding | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Borrowings and Other Financin_6
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments - Credit Facility (Details) - Credit Facility - USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Credit Facility | [1] | $ 500,000,000 | |
Outstanding | [2] | 2,000,000 | |
Available | 498,000,000 | ||
Direct advances on the credit facility outstanding | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
[1] | Expires in June 2024 | ||
[2] | Includes outstanding letters of credit. |
Borrowings and Other Financin_7
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments - Long-Term Borrowings (Details) - Series due 2050 [Domain] - Bonds [Member] - SPS | Mar. 02, 2021USD ($) |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Debt Instrument, Face Amount | $ 250,000,000 |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.15% |
Revenues (Details)
Revenues (Details) - Regulated Electric - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | |
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | $ 920 | $ 386 |
Total revenues | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Total revenues | 934 | 395 |
Retail | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 289 | 250 |
Retail | Residential | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 91 | 73 |
Retail | C&I | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 189 | 169 |
Retail | Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 9 | 8 |
Wholesale | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 558 | 73 |
Transmission | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 71 | 63 |
Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Revenue from contracts with customers | 2 | 0 |
Alternative and Other | ||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Alternative revenue and other | $ 14 | $ 9 |
Income Taxes (Details)
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | |||
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Federal statutory rate, percent | 21.00% | 21.00% | [1] | |
State tax (net of federal tax effect), percent | 2.60% | 2.40% | [1] | |
Wind PTCs, percent | (65.50%) | (35.70%) | [1] | |
Plant regulatory differences, percent | [2] | (4.70%) | (6.10%) | [1] |
Other tax credits, percent | (1.20%) | (1.10%) | [1] | |
Other (net), percent | (0.90%) | 0.10% | [1] | |
Effective income tax rate, percent | (48.70%) | (19.40%) | ||
State income tax adjustment | $ 0 | |||
[1] | Prior periods have been restated to conform to current year presentation. | |||
[2] | Regulatory differences for income tax primarily relate to the credit of excess deferred taxes to customers through the average rate assumption method. Income tax benefits associated with the credit of excess deferred credits are offset by corresponding revenue reductions. |
Income Taxes Unrecognized Benef
Income Taxes Unrecognized Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Unrecognized tax benefit - Permanent tax positions | $ 3 | $ 3 | |
Unrecognized tax benefit - Temporary tax positions | 4 | 4 | |
Total unrecognized tax benefit | 7 | 7 | |
NOL and tax credit carryforwards | 7 | 6 | |
Reasonably possible decrease in unrecognized tax benefits | 5 | ||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued | (1) | (1) | $ 1 |
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense | 0 | (2) | |
Penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_3
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Commodity Derivatives (Details) - MWh MWh in Millions | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
Electric Commodity [Member] | |||
Derivative [Line Items] | |||
Mwh of electricity | [1] | 8 | 5 |
[1] | Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_4
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Consideration of Credit Risk Concentrations (Details) - Credit Concentration Risk $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2021USD ($)Counterparty |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Significant counterparties | 8 |
Municipal or cooperative electric entities or other utilities | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Significant counterparties | 8 |
External credit rating, investment grade | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Significant counterparties | 2 |
Credit exposure | $ | $ 17 |
Credit exposure, percentage | 38.00% |
Internal investment grade | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Significant counterparties | 5 |
Credit exposure | $ | $ 27 |
Credit exposure, percentage | 61.00% |
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Significant counterparties | 1 |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_5
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Impact of Derivative Activities on Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | |
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||
Derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||
Changes in fair value of FTRs pre-tax gains | 2 | |
FTR settlement gains | 4 | (3) |
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | ||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_6
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Return Cash Collateral | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Reclaim Cash Collateral | 0 | 0 | ||
Commodity Contract [Member] | ||||
Changes in Level 3 Commodity Derivatives | ||||
Balance at beginning of period | 7 | $ 12 | ||
Purchases | 0 | 12 | ||
Settlements | (9) | (5) | ||
Net gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities | 14 | (2) | ||
Balance at end of period | 12 | 17 | ||
Transfers Level 3, Net | 0 | $ 0 | ||
Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, net | 13 | 10 | ||
Other Noncurrent Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, net | 11 | 9 | ||
Other Current Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative liability, net | 4 | 4 | ||
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative liability, net | 8 | 9 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 10 | 7 | ||
Asset, netting | [1] | 0 | 0 | |
Derivative asset, net | 10 | 7 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Level 1 | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Level 2 | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Level 3 | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 10 | 7 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 10 | 7 | ||
Asset, netting | [1] | 0 | 0 | |
Derivative asset, net | 10 | 7 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Level 1 | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Level 2 | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Level 3 | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 10 | 7 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 2 | 0 | ||
Asset, netting | [1] | 0 | 0 | |
Derivative asset, net | 2 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Level 1 | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Level 2 | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Level 3 | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, gross | 2 | 0 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Current Assets | PPAs | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, net | [2] | 3 | 3 | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Noncurrent Assets | PPAs | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative asset, net | [2] | 9 | 9 | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Current Liabilities | PPAs | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative liability, net | [2] | 4 | 4 | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | PPAs | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value | ||||
Derivative liability, net | [2] | $ 8 | $ 9 | |
[1] | SPS nets derivative instruments and related collateral on its balance sheets when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements at March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021 and Dec. 31, 2020, derivative assets and liabilities include no obligations to return cash collateral or rights to reclaim cash collateral. The counterparty netting excludes settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements. | |||
[2] | During 2006, SPS qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_7
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities - Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Long-term Debt, Carrying Amount | $ 3,011 | $ 2,764 |
Level 2 | ||
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] | ||
Long-term Debt, Fair Value | $ 3,286 | $ 3,381 |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_3
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | ||
Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)Plan | Mar. 31, 2021USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2020USD ($) | ||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] | ||||
Service cost | $ 2 | $ 2 | ||
Interest cost (a) | [1] | 4 | 5 | |
Expected return on plan assets (a) | [1] | (7) | (7) | |
Amortization of net loss (gain) (a) | [1] | 4 | 3 | |
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) | $ 3 | $ 3 | ||
Contributions to pension plans | $ 14 | |||
Xcel Energy Inc. | ||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] | ||||
Contributions to pension plans | $ 125 | |||
Number of pension plans to which contributions were made | Plan | 4 | |||
[1] | The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item “Other income (expense), net” in the statements of income or capitalized on the balance sheets as a regulatory asset. |
Commitments and Contingencies -
Commitments and Contingencies - SPP OATT Upgrade Costs (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2017USD ($) | |
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) | SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff Upgrade Costs | |
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] | |
Charges For Transmission Service Upgrades | $ 13 |
Commitments and Contingencies_2
Commitments and Contingencies - SPP Filing to Assign GridLiance Facilities to SPS Rate Zone (Details) - Southwest Power Pool (SPP) - SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff Upgrade Costs - USD ($) $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | |
Aug. 31, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 16, 2020 | |
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] | |||
Annual Transmission Revenue Requirement Increase | $ 10 | $ 14 | |
Annual Transmission Revenue Requirement Increase (SPS) | 6 | $ 17 | $ 9 |
Annual Transmission Revenue Requirement (Other Utilities) | $ 4 |
Contract Termination (Details)
Contract Termination (Details) | 3 Months Ended |
Mar. 31, 2021MW | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Megawatts, Lubbock Power and Light contract | 170 |
Lubbock Power and Light contract length | 25 years |
FERC NOPR on ROE Incentive Adde
FERC NOPR on ROE Incentive Adders (Details) | Mar. 31, 2021 |
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) | NSP Minnesota, NSP Wisconsin and SPS | |
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] | |
ROE incentive adders related to FERC NOPR | 0.50% |
Leases (Details)
Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |||
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2020 | ||
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] | ||||
Operating Lease, Cost | [1] | $ 14 | $ 12 | |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid | 636 | |||
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount | (151) | |||
Operating Lease, Liability | 485 | |||
Operating Lease, Liability, Current | (28) | $ (28) | ||
Operating lease liabilities | 457 | $ 463 | ||
PPAs | ||||
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] | ||||
Operating Lease, Cost | 13 | 11 | ||
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid | 578 | |||
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount | (134) | |||
Operating Lease, Liability | 444 | |||
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types | ||||
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] | ||||
Operating Lease, Cost | [2] | 1 | $ 1 | |
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid | 58 | |||
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount | (17) | |||
Operating Lease, Liability | $ 41 | |||
[1] | PPA capacity payments are included in electric fuel and purchased power on the statements of income. Expense for other operating leases is included in O&M expense and electric fuel and purchased power. | |||
[2] | Includes immaterial short-term lease expense for 2021 and 2020. |
Commitments and Contingencies_3
Commitments and Contingencies - Variable Interest Entities (Details) - MW | Mar. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees [Member] | ||
Purchased Power Agreements [Abstract] | ||
Generating capacity (in MW) | 1,197 | 1,197 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Det
Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | |
Mar. 31, 2021 | Mar. 31, 2020 | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ (19) | $ (7) |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of period | 3,298 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period | $ 3,608 |