XML 25 R14.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.5.0.2
Asset Retirement Obligations
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]  
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations

Changes in NiSource’s liability for asset retirement obligations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented in the table below:
 
(in millions)
2016
 
2015
 
Balance as of January 1,
$
254.0

 
$
136.2

 
Accretion recorded as a regulatory asset/liability
7.7

 
5.9

 
Additions
—

 
6.4

 
Settlements
(2.2
)
 
(4.3
)
 
Change in estimated cash flows
12.8

(1) 
37.0

(2) 
Balance as of September 30,
$
272.3

 
$
181.2

 

(1) The change in estimated cash flows for 2016 is primarily attributed to changes in estimated costs for retirement of gas mains.
(2) The change in estimated cash flows for 2015 primarily represents estimated costs associated with the EPA's final rule for regulation of CCRs and changes to cost estimates for certain solid waste management units. See Note 17, "Other Commitments and Contingencies," for additional information on CCRs.