Fair Value

A.Fair Value Measurements

Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:



Recurring Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2018 (in millions)	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance as of December 31, 2018
Assets
Risk management assets	$	—	$	24.0	$	—	$	24.0
Available-for-sale securities	—		138.3		—		138.3
Total	$	—	$	162.3	$	—	$	162.3
Liabilities
Risk management liabilities	$	—	$	51.7	$	—	$	51.7
Total	$	—	$	51.7	$	—	$	51.7



Recurring Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2017 (in millions)	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance as of December 31, 2017
Assets
Risk management assets	$	—	$	21.1	$	—	$	21.1
Available-for-sale securities	—		133.9		—		133.9
Total	$	—	$	155.0	$	—	$	155.0
Liabilities
Risk management liabilities	$	—	$	71.4	$	0.3	$	71.7
Total	$	—	$	71.4	$	0.3	$	71.7

Risk management assets and liabilities include interest rate swaps, exchange-traded NYMEX futures and NYMEX options and non-exchange-based forward purchase contracts. When utilized, exchange-traded derivative contracts are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. These financial assets and liabilities are secured with cash on deposit with the exchange; therefore, nonperformance risk has not been incorporated into these valuations. Certain non-exchange-traded derivatives are valued using broker or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges. In such cases, these non-exchange-traded derivatives are classified within Level 2. Non-exchange-based derivative instruments include swaps, forwards, options and treasury lock agreements. In certain instances, these instruments may utilize models to measure fair value. We use a similar model to value similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs, (i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means). Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized within Level 2. Certain derivatives trade in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information and models may be utilized in the valuation. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized within Level 3. Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of derivative instruments that are not exchange-traded. Credit exposures are adjusted to reflect collateral agreements which reduce exposures. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no material transfers between fair value hierarchies. Additionally, there were no changes in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments.

We have entered into forward-starting interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk on coupon payments of forecasted issuances of long-term debt. These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of each agreement. As they are based on observable data and valuations of similar instruments, the hedges are categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There was no exchange of premium at the initial date of the swaps and we can settle the contracts at any time. For additional information, see Note 9, "Risk Management Activities."

NIPSCO has entered into long-term forward natural gas purchase instruments that range from five to ten years to lock in a fixed price for its natural gas customers. We value these contracts using a pricing model that incorporates market-based information when available, as these instruments trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For additional information see Note 9, “Risk Management Activities.”

Available-for-sale securities are investments pledged as collateral for trust accounts related to our wholly-owned insurance company. Available-for-sale securities are included within “Other investments” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We value U.S. Treasury, corporate debt and mortgage-backed securities using a matrix pricing model that incorporates market-based information. These securities trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2. Total unrealized gains and losses from available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income. The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were:



December 31, 2018 (in millions)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities
U.S. Treasury debt securities	$	23.6	$	0.1	$	(0.1	)	$	23.6
Corporate/Other debt securities	117.7		0.4		(3.4		)	114.7
Total	$	141.3	$	0.5	$	(3.5	)	$	138.3

December 31, 2017 (in millions)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Available-for-sale securities
U.S. Treasury debt securities	$	26.9	$	—	$	(0.1	)	$	26.8
Corporate/Other debt securities	106.8		0.9		(0.6		)	107.1
Total	$	133.7	$	0.9	$	(0.7	)	$	133.9

Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were immaterial for the year-ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The cost of maturities sold is based upon specific identification. At December 31, 2018, approximately $2.9 million of U.S. Treasury debt securities and approximately $2.7 million of Corporate/Other debt securities have maturities of less than a year.

There are no material items in the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements. There were no significant non-recurring fair value measurements recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

B. Other Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Instruments. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, notes receivable, customer deposits and short-term borrowings is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Our long-term borrowings are recorded at historical amounts.

The following method and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.

Long-term debt. The fair value of outstanding long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar securities. Certain premium costs associated with the early settlement of long-term debt are not taken into consideration in determining fair value. These fair value measurements are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, there was no change in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt.

The carrying amount and estimated fair values of these financial instruments were as follows:



At December 31, (in millions)	Carrying Amount 2018		Estimated Fair Value 2018		Carrying Amount 2017		Estimated Fair Value 2017
Long-term debt (including current portion)	$	7,155.4	$	7,228.3	$	7,796.5	$	8,603.4