XML 35 R18.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.26.1
Variable Interest Entities
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Variable Interest Entity Disclosures [Abstract]  
Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]
Note 2 – Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated VIEs
As of June 30, 2026, Williams consolidated the following VIEs:
Northeast JV
Williams owns a 65 percent interest in the Northeast JV, a subsidiary that is a VIE due to certain voting rights being disproportionate to the obligation to absorb losses and substantially all of the Northeast JV’s activities being performed on Williams’ behalf. Williams is the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Northeast JV’s economic performance. The Northeast JV provides midstream services for producers in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale regions. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from Williams and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
Cardinal
Williams owns a 66 percent interest in Cardinal, a subsidiary that provides gathering services for the Utica Shale region and is a VIE due to certain risks shared with customers. Williams is the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Cardinal’s economic performance. Future expansion activity is expected to be funded with capital contributions from Williams and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
Driftwood Pipeline
Williams owns an 80 percent interest in Driftwood Pipeline LLC (Driftwood Pipeline), a subsidiary that is a VIE because completion of the Driftwood Pipeline will require additional subordinated financial support from its equity holders in the form of capital contributions. Williams is the primary beneficiary because it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Driftwood Pipeline’s economic performance. Williams, as the operator of Driftwood Pipeline, is responsible for the construction of Line 200 which will supply gas to Louisiana LNG LLC’s (Louisiana LNG) export facility near Lake Charles, Louisiana. The total remaining cost of the project is expected to be funded with capital contributions from Williams and the other equity partner on a proportional basis.
The following table presents amounts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that are only for the use or obligation of the consolidated VIEs:
June 30,December 31,
20262025
(Millions)
Assets (liabilities):
Cash and cash equivalents$183 $53 
Trade accounts and other receivables
170 155 
Inventories
Other current assets and deferred charges
Property, plant, and equipment – net4,406 4,412 
Intangible assets – net
1,777 1,831 
Regulatory assets, deferred charges, and other21 23 
Accounts payable(61)(56)
Other current liabilities
(32)(19)
Regulatory liabilities, deferred income, and other(76)(78)
Nonconsolidated VIEs
Williams owns certain equity-method investments that are VIEs due primarily to its limited participating rights as a minority equity holder. Williams’ maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of these investments (included within Investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet), which totaled $617 million at June 30, 2026. Included in this total is Williams’ investment in Louisiana LNG and Cogentrix (discussed below).
Louisiana LNG
Williams owns a 10 percent interest in Louisiana LNG, which is a VIE because completion of the LNG facilities will require additional subordinated financial support from its equity holders in the form of capital contributions. At June 30, 2026, the carrying value of our investment in Louisiana LNG was $289 million. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment. The total remaining cost of the project is expected to be funded with capital contributions from Williams and the other equity partners on a proportional basis.
Cogentrix
The Cogentrix investment represents an approximate 10 percent indirect interest in 11 natural gas power plants. Williams’ investment is accounted for under the equity-method within the Gas & NGL Marketing Services segment, while the investee is considered an investment company, which requires accounting for its investments at fair value. Williams’ equity earnings from Cogentrix reflect its share of the operating expenses and fair value changes recorded by the investee. The current carrying value reflects the favorable impact to fair value of an announced agreement to sell a significant portion of the underlying power plant assets. The Cogentrix investment is a VIE due primarily to our limited participation rights to direct Cogentrix’s activities. At June 30, 2026, the carrying value of our investment in Cogentrix was $289 million. Our maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of our investment.