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Regulatory Matters
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Regulatory Matters
NIPSCO change in accounting estimate
As part of the NIPSCO Gas Settlement and Stipulation Agreement filed on March 2, 2022, NIPSCO Gas agreed to change the depreciation methodology for its calculation of depreciation rates, which reduces depreciation expense and subsequent revenues and cash flows. An order was received on July 27, 2022 approving the rate case and rates were effective as of September 1, 2022. NIPSCO has proposed a similar change in depreciation methodology in its pending electric base rate case, and this proposed change is included in the settlement that has been filed for approval. An order is expected in the electric rate case in August of 2023.
Columbia of Ohio regulatory filing update
Columbia of Ohio's base rate case was filed on June 21, 2021, requesting a net rate increase of approximately 21.3% or $221.4 million increase in revenue per year. The case was filed in conjunction with applications for an alternative rate plan, approval of certain deferral authority, and updates to certain riders. On October 31, 2022, Columbia of Ohio filed a joint stipulation and recommendation with certain parties to settle the base rate case. On January 26, 2023, the PUCO modified and approved the joint stipulation and recommendation, and Columbia of Ohio placed rates into effect on March 1, 2023. Applications for Rehearing were filed by the three parties who opposed certain rate design and energy efficiency assistance components of the joint stipulation and recommendation, which was granted for further consideration by the PUCO on March 22, 2023.
Regulatory deferral related to renewable energy investments
In accordance with the accounting principles of ASC 980, we recognize a regulatory liability or asset for amounts representing the timing difference between the profit earned from the JVs and the amount included in regulated rates to recover our approved investments in consolidated JVs. The amounts recorded in income will ultimately reflect the amount allowed in regulated rates to recover our investments over the useful life of the projects. The offset to the regulatory liability or asset associated with our renewable investments included in regulated rates is recorded in "Depreciation expense" on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited). NiSource recorded a decrease to depreciation expense of $4.4 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Refer to Note 12, "Variable Interest Entities," for additional information.