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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 3 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and GAAP. The September 30, 2022 Balance Sheet data is derived from the audited financial statements of the Company. These Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of NJR and its subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods presented. These adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. Because of the seasonal nature of the Company's utility and wholesale energy services operations, in addition to other factors, the financial results for the interim periods presented are not indicative of the results that are to be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingencies during the reporting period. On a quarterly basis or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a need, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to the calculation of the fair value of derivative instruments, debt, equity method investments, unbilled revenues, allowance for doubtful accounts, provisions for depreciation and amortization, long-lived assets, regulatory assets and liabilities, income taxes, pensions and other postemployment benefits, contingencies related to environmental matters and litigation. Asset retirement obligations are evaluated periodically as required. The Company’s estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Company has legal, regulatory and environmental proceedings during the normal course of business that can result in loss contingencies. When evaluating the potential for a loss, the Company will establish a reserve if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, in which case it is the Company’s policy to accrue the full amount of such estimates. Where the information is sufficient only to establish a range of probable liability, and no point within the range is more likely than any other, it is the Company’s policy to accrue the lower end of the range. In the normal course of business, estimated amounts are subsequently adjusted to actual results that may differ from estimates. In March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has spread globally, including throughout the U.S. The Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect estimates and assumptions made by management that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods presented. The Company considered the impacts of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used and determined that there have been no material adverse impacts on the Company’s results of operations as of December 31, 2022. The Company continues to closely monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and has, when appropriate, taken steps to ensure business continuity in the safe operation of its business. These steps include working from home for office-based employees utilizing a hybrid schedule and limiting direct contact with customers. While the Company and many businesses generally have returned to normal operating practices, this remains an evolving situation. The timing for recovery of businesses and local economies, resurgences or mutations of the virus, and any potential future shutdowns remains unknown. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has continued to provide essential services to our customers. Both the Company and NJNG continue to have sufficient liquidity to meet their current obligations and business operations remain fundamentally unchanged at this time. The Company will continue to monitor developments affecting its employees, customers, and operations and take additional steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, as necessary. The Company considered the impacts of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used and determined that there have been no material adverse impacts on the Company’s results of operations as of December 31, 2022. Revenues Revenues from the sale of natural gas to NJNG customers are recognized in the period that natural gas is delivered and consumed by customers, including an estimate for unbilled revenue. NJNG records unbilled revenue for natural gas services. Natural gas sales to individual customers are based on meter readings, which are performed on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, the amount of natural gas delivered to each customer after the last meter reading through the end of the respective accounting period is estimated, and recognizes unbilled revenues related to these amounts. The unbilled revenue estimates are based on estimated customer usage by customer type, weather effects, unaccounted-for natural gas and the most current tariff rates. Clean Energy Ventures recognizes revenue when SRECs are transferred to counterparties. SRECs are physically delivered through the transfer of certificates as per contractual settlement schedules. The Clean Energy Act of 2018 established guidelines for the closure of the SREC registration program to new applicants in New Jersey. The SREC program officially closed to new qualified solar projects on April 30, 2020. In December 2019, the BPU established the TREC as the successor to the SREC program. TRECs provide a fixed compensation base multiplied by an assigned project factor in order to determine their value. The project factor is determined by the type and location of the project, as defined. In July 2021, the BPU established a new successor solar incentive program. This Administratively Determined Incentive Program, which we refer to as SREC IIs, provides administratively set incentives for net metered residential projects and net metered non-residential projects of 5 MW or less. TREC & SREC IIs generated are required to be purchased monthly by a REC program administrator as appointed by the BPU. Revenue is recognized when RECs are generated and are transferred monthly based upon metered solar electricity activity. Revenues for Energy Services are recognized when the natural gas is physically delivered to the customer. In addition, changes in the fair value of derivatives that economically hedge the forecasted sales of the natural gas are recognized in operating revenues as they occur. Energy Services also recognizes changes in the fair value of SREC derivative contracts as a component of operating revenues. During December 2020, Energy Services entered into a series of AMAs with an investment grade public utility to release pipeline capacity associated with certain natural gas transportation contracts, which commenced on November 1, 2021. The AMAs include a series of temporary and permanent releases and revenue under these agreements is recognized as the performance obligations are satisfied. For temporary releases of pipeline capacity, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the agreed upon term. For permanent releases of pipeline capacity, which represent a transfer of contractual rights for such capacity, revenue is recognized upon the transfer of the underlying contractual rights. Energy Services recognized $20.0 million and $22.1 million of operating revenue on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations during the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amounts received in excess of revenue totaling $87.2 million and $33.8 million are included in deferred revenue on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively. Storage and Transportation generates revenues from firm storage contracts and transportation contracts, related usage fees and hub services for the use of storage space, injections and withdrawals from their natural gas storage facility and the delivery of natural gas to customers. Demand fees are recognized as revenue over the term of the related agreement while usage fees and hub services revenues are recognized as services are performed. Revenues from all other activities are recorded in the period during which products or services are delivered and accepted by customers, or over the related contractual term. See Note 3. Revenue for further information. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit and temporary investments with maturities of three months or less, and excludes restricted cash related to escrow balances for utility plant projects at NJNG, which are recorded in other noncurrent assets on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total amounts in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as follows:
(Thousands) | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 |
Balance Sheet |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,407 |  | $ | 1,107 |  | $ | 1,259 |  |
Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets | $ | 461 |  | $ | 345 |  | $ | 1,294 |  |
Statements of Cash Flow |  |  |  |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 2,868 |  | $ | 1,452 |  | $ | 2,553 |  |
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company segregates financial assets, primarily trade receivables and unbilled revenues due in one year or less, into portfolio segments based on shared risk characteristics, such as geographical location and regulatory environment, for evaluation of expected credit losses. Historical and current information, such as average write-offs, are applied to each portfolio segment to estimate the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables. Additionally, the allowance for losses on uncollectible receivables is adjusted for reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, which can include changing weather, commodity prices, regulations, and macroeconomic factors, such as unemployment rates among others, including the estimated impact of the ongoing pandemic on the outstanding balances. Loans Receivable NJNG currently provides loans, with terms ranging from two to 10 years, to customers that elect to purchase and install certain energy-efficient equipment in accordance with its BPU-approved SAVEGREEN program. The loans are recognized at fair value on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has $14.8 million and $14.5 million recorded in other current assets as of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively, and $34.7 million in other noncurrent assets as of both December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, related to the loans. The Company regularly evaluates the credit quality and collection profile of its customers. If NJNG determines a loan is impaired, the basis of the loan would be subject to regulatory review for recovery. As of December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, the Company has not recorded any impairments for SAVEGREEN loans. Natural Gas in Storage The following table summarizes natural gas in storage, at average cost by segment as of:
| December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022
($ in thousands) | Natural Gas in Storage | Bcf | Natural Gas in Storage | Bcf
Natural Gas Distribution |  | $ | 152,010 |  | 22.0 |  |  | $ | 191,175 |  | 29.0 |
Energy Services |  | 102,350 |  | 18.1 |  |  | 82,469 |  | 10.8 |
Total |  | $ | 254,360 |  | 40.1 |  |  | $ | 273,644 |  | 39.8 |
Software Costs The Company capitalizes certain costs, such as software design and configuration, coding, testing and installation, that are incurred to purchase or create and implement computer software for internal use. Capitalized costs include external costs of materials and services utilized in developing or obtaining internal-use software and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and devote time to the internal-use software project. Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that such expenditures will result in additional functionality. Amortization is recorded on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. The following tables present the software costs included in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
(Thousands) | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022
Balance Sheets |  |
Utility plant, at cost | $ | 46,066 |  | $ | 40,437 |
Construction work in progress | $ | 22,619 |  | $ | 14,381 |
Nonutility plant and equipment, at cost | $ | 344 |  | $ | 344 |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, utility plant | $ | (4,229) |  | $ | (3,361) |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, nonutility plant and equipment | $ | (28) |  | $ | (25) |
Software costs | $ | 6,649 |  | $ | 6,120 |
|  | Three Months Ended
|  | December 31,
Statements of Operations |  |  | 2022 | 2021
Operation and maintenance (1) |  |  | $ | 3,753 |  | $ | 2,523 |
Depreciation and amortization |  |  | $ | 871 |  | $ | 299 |
(1)During the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, approximately $114,000 and $113,000, respectively, was amortized from software costs into O&M. Sale Leasebacks NJNG utilizes sale leaseback arrangements as a financing mechanism to fund certain of its capital expenditures related to natural gas meters, whereby the physical asset is sold concurrent with an agreement to lease the asset back. These agreements include options to renew the lease or repurchase the asset at the end of the term. Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions are accounted for as financing arrangements and are included in long-term debt on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. NJNG received $8.4 million and $17.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in connection with the sale leaseback of its natural gas meters. In addition, for certain of its commercial solar energy projects, the Company enters into lease agreements that provide for the sale of commercial solar energy assets to third parties and the concurrent leaseback of the assets. For sale leaseback transactions where the Company has concluded that the arrangement does not qualify as a sale as the Company retains control of the underlying assets, the Company uses the financing method to account for the transaction. Under the financing method, the Company recognizes the proceeds received from the buyer-lessor that constitute a payment to acquire the solar energy asset as a financing arrangement, which is recorded as a component of debt on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Clean Energy Ventures received proceeds of $33.2 million and $3.3 million during the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, in connection with sale leasebacks of commercial solar assets. The proceeds received were recognized as a financing obligation on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Clean Energy Ventures simultaneously entered into agreements to lease the assets back over a term of five to 15 years. The Company continues to operate the solar assets and is responsible for related expenses and entitled to retain the revenue generated from SRECs, TRECs, SREC IIs and energy sales. The ITCs and other tax benefits associated with these solar projects transfer to the buyer; however, the payments are structured so that Clean Energy Ventures is compensated for the transfer of the related tax attributes. Accordingly, Clean Energy Ventures recognizes the equivalent value of the tax attributes in other income on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations over the respective five-year ITC recapture periods, starting with the second year of the lease. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax effects during the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
(Thousands) | Cash Flow Hedges | Postemployment Benefit Obligation | Total
Balance at September 30, 2022 | $ | (8,322) |  |  | $ | 3,496 |  |  | $ | (4,826) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $(79), $(12) and $(91), respectively | 263 |  |  | 41 |  | (1) | 304 |
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | (8,059) |  |  | $ | 3,537 |  |  | $ | (4,522) |
Balance at September 30, 2021 | $ | (9,376) |  |  | $ | (25,152) |  |  | $ | (34,528) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $(79), $(233) and $(312), respectively | 264 |  |  | 766 |  | (1) | 1,030 |
Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | (9,112) |  |  | $ | (24,386) |  |  | $ | (33,498) |
(1)Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost, a component of operations and maintenance expense on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Recently Adopted Updates to the Accounting Standards Codification Debt and Other In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, an amendment to ASC 470, Debt, and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which changes the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of acceptable accounting models to three models including, the embedded derivative, substantial premium, and traditional no proceeds allocated models. The Company adopted this guidance on October 1, 2022, and as the Company does not currently have convertible debt instruments, there was no impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-04, an amendment to ASC 470, Debt, ASC 260, Earnings per Share, ASC 718, Stock Compensation, and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The update impacts equity-classified written call options that remain equity-classified after a modification or exchange. The Company adopted this guidance on October 1, 2022, on a prospective basis. As the Company does not currently have equity-classified written call options, there was no impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. Leases In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-05, an amendment to ASC 842, Leases, which requires a lessor to classify a lease with entirely or partially variable payments that do not depend on an index or rate as an operating lease if another classification, including sales-type or direct financing would trigger a loss at the lease commencement date. The Company adopted this guidance on October 1, 2022, on a prospective basis. The Company currently does not have any leases that meet this criteria, so there was no material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. Other Recent Updates to the Accounting Standards Codification Business Combinations In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, an amendment to ASC 805, Business Combinations, which requires that an acquirer recognize, and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2023, and will be applied on a prospective basis to new acquisitions following the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the amendment to understand the impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. Derivatives and Hedging In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-01, an amendment to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which addresses fair value hedge accounting of interest rate risk for portfolios of financial assets. This update further clarifies guidance previously released in ASU 2017-12 which established the "last-of-layer" method and this update renames that method as the “portfolio layer” method. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2023, and the transition method can be on a prospective basis for a multiple-layer hedging strategy or a modified retrospective basis for a portfolio layer method. As the Company does not currently apply hedge accounting to any of its risk management activities, it does not expect the amendment to have an impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. Financial Instruments In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, an amendment to ASC 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, which eliminates the accounting guidance for creditors in troubled debt restructuring. It also aligns conflicting disclosure requirement guidance in ASC 326 by requiring disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination. The amendment also adds new disclosures for creditors with loan refinancing and restructuring for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2023, and the Company can elect to apply it either on a modified retrospective or prospective basis. At this time, the Company has not experienced a troubled debt restructuring and does not expect the amendments to have an impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows upon adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the amendment to understand the impact on its disclosures upon adoption. Fair Value Measurement In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, an amendment to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, The amendment clarifies the fair value principles when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction. The guidance is effective for the Company on October 1, 2024, and will be applied on a prospective basis. At this time, the Company does not have equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions, and therefore this amendment would only impact the Company upon adoption if, in the future, it entered into such transactions.

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