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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Other financial investments or contractual interests that lack the characteristics of a voting interest entity, which are commonly referred to as variable interest entities, are evaluated by the Company to determine if the entity has the power to direct business activities and, therefore, would be considered a controlling interest that the Company would have to consolidate. Based on those evaluations, NJR has determined that it does not have any investments in variable interest entities as of September 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Investments in entities over which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest are accounted for under the equity method. 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 equity method investments, lease liabilities, 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 and the fair value of derivative instruments and debt. AROs 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. 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. 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. CEV recognizes revenue when SRECs are transferred to counterparties. SRECs are physically delivered through the transfer of certificates as per contractual settlement schedules. The SREC program officially closed to new qualified solar projects in April 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, or SREC IIs. The ADI Program provides administratively set incentives for net metered projects of 5 MW or less. RECs generated through the production of electricity under this program are known as SREC IIs. TRECs and SREC IIs generated are required to be purchased monthly by a REC program administrator as appointed by the BPU. Revenue for TRECs and SREC IIs are recognized upon generation and are transferred monthly based upon metered solar electricity activity. Revenues for ES 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. ES also recognizes changes in the fair value of SREC derivative contracts as a component of operating revenues. During December 2020, ES 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 in November 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. ES recognized $137.2M and $48.5M of operating revenue related to the AMAs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. Amounts received in excess of revenue recognized totaling $22.3M and $58.7M are included in deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. S&T 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. Natural Gas Purchases NJNG’s tariff includes a component for BGSS, which is designed to allow it to recover the cost of natural gas through rates charged to its customers and is typically revised on an annual basis. As part of computing its BGSS rate, NJNG projects its cost of natural gas, net of supplier refunds, the impact of hedging activities and cost savings created by BGSS incentive programs. NJNG subsequently recovers or credits the difference, if any, of actual costs compared with those included in current rates. Any underrecoveries or overrecoveries are either credited to customers or deferred and, subject to BPU approval, reflected in the BGSS rates in subsequent years. Natural gas purchases at ES are composed of natural gas costs to be paid upon completion of a variety of transactions, as well as realized gains and losses from settled derivative instruments and unrealized gains and losses on the change in fair value of derivative instruments that have not yet settled. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that economically hedge the forecasted purchases of natural gas are recognized in natural gas purchases as they occur. Demand Fees For the purpose of securing storage and pipeline capacity in support of their respective businesses, ES and NJNG enter into storage and pipeline capacity contracts, which require the payment of associated demand fees and charges that allow them access to a high priority of service in order to maintain the ability to access storage or pipeline capacity during a fixed time period, which generally ranges from one to 10 years. Many of these demand fees and charges are based on tariff rates as established and regulated by FERC. These charges represent commitments to pay storage providers and pipeline companies for the priority right to transport and/or store natural gas utilizing their respective assets. The following table summarizes the demand charges, which are net of capacity releases, and are included as a component of natural gas purchases on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended September 30:
(Millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022
ES | $ | 72.6 |  | $ | 74.6 |  | $ | 95.4 |
NJNG | 200.4 |  | 183.4 |  | 170.3 |
Total | $ | 273.0 |  | $ | 258.0 |  | $ | 265.7 |
ES expenses demand charges over the term of the service being provided. NJNG’s costs associated with demand charges are included in its weighted average cost of natural gas. The demand charges are expensed based on NJNG’s BGSS sales and recovered as part of the natural gas commodity component of its BGSS tariff. Operations and Maintenance Expenses O&M includes salaries and benefits, materials and supplies, usage of vehicles, tools and equipment, payments to contractors, utility plant maintenance, amortization of software costs for unregulated entities, customer service, professional fees and other outside services, insurance expense, accretion of cost of removal for future retirements of utility assets and other administrative expenses, and are expensed as incurred. Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation represents costs related to stock-based awards granted to employees and members of NJR’s Board of Directors. NJR recognizes stock-based compensation based upon the estimated fair value of awards. The recognition period for these costs begins at either the applicable service inception date or grant date and continues throughout the requisite service period. The related compensation cost is recognized as O&M on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation for further information. Income Taxes The Company computes income taxes using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred income taxes are generally determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. See Note 12. Income Taxes. In addition, the Company evaluates its tax positions to determine the appropriate accounting and recognition of future obligations associated with unrecognized tax benefits. NJR evaluates its tax positions to determine the appropriate accounting and recognition of potential future obligations associated with unrecognized tax benefits. A tax benefit claimed, or expected to be claimed, on a tax return may be recognized if it is more likely than not that the position will be upheld upon examination by the applicable taxing authority. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, are recognized within income tax expense and accrued interest, and penalties are recognized within other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent that NJNG invests in property that qualifies for ITCs, the ITC is deferred and amortized to income over the life of the equipment in accordance with regulatory treatment. ITCs at the unregulated subsidiaries of NJR are recorded on the balance sheet as a reduction to property, plant and equipment when the property is placed in service, and recognized in earnings as a reduction of depreciation expense over the useful lives of the related assets. Investments in Equity Investees The Company accounts for its investment in Steckman Ridge using the equity method of accounting where it is not the primary beneficiary, as defined under ASC 810, Consolidation; its respective ownership interests are 50% or less and/or it has significant influence over operating and management decisions. The Company’s share of earnings is recognized as equity in earnings of affiliates on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity method investments are reviewed for impairment when changes in facts and circumstances indicate that the current fair value may be less than the asset’s carrying amount. If the Company determines the decline in the value of its equity method investment is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. See Note 7. Investments in Equity Investees for more information regarding impairments. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost. Costs include direct labor, materials and third-party construction contractor costs, capitalized interest and certain indirect costs related to equipment and employees engaged in construction. Utility plant and nonutility plant for Adelphia also includes AFUDC. Upon retirement, the cost of depreciable property, plus removal costs less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation with no gain or loss recorded. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the assets for the Company’s nonutility entities, and using rates based on the estimated average lives of the various classes of depreciable property for NJNG. The composite rate of depreciation used for NJNG was 2.69% of average depreciable property in fiscal 2024, 2.68% in fiscal 2023 and 2.66% in fiscal 2022. The Company recorded $166.6M, $152.9M and $129.2M in depreciation expense during fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following as of September 30:
(Thousands) | Estimated |  |  |
Property Classifications | Useful Lives |  | 2024 | 2023
Distribution facilities | 11 to 54 years |  | $ | 3,436,308 |  | $ | 3,063,111 |
Transmission facilities | 28 to 42 years |  | 656,098 |  | 650,817 |
Storage facilities | 27 to 86 years |  | 86,329 |  | 85,603 |
Solar property | 15 to 35 years |  | 885,518 |  | 864,838 |
Storage and transportation property | 5 to 50 years |  | 929,850 |  | 884,647 |
All other property | 5 to 40 years |  | 62,248 |  | 61,327 |
Construction work in progress |  |  | 440,164 |  | 380,196 |
Total property, plant and equipment |  |  | 6,496,515 |  | 5,990,539 |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization |  |  | (1,093,292) |  | (968,484) |
Property, plant and equipment, net |  |  | $ | 5,403,223 |  | $ | 5,022,055 |
Within storage and transportation property, base gas is required to maintain the necessary pressure and to allow for efficient operation of the Leaf River storage facility. The base gas is determined to be recoverable and is considered part of the facility and thus presented as a component in property, plant and equipment. This natural gas is not depreciated, as it is expected to be recovered and sold. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, the base gas had a cost basis of $21.4M and $20.9M, respectively. Capitalized and Deferred Interest NJNG’s base rates include the ability to recover AFUDC on its construction work in progress. For all NJNG construction projects, an incremental cost of equity is recoverable during periods when NJNG’s short-term debt balances are lower than its construction work in progress. For more information on AFUDC treatment with respect to certain accelerated infrastructure projects, see Note 4. Regulation - Infrastructure Programs. Capitalized amounts associated with the debt and equity components of NJNG’s AFUDC are recorded in utility plant on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Corresponding amounts for the debt component are recognized in interest expense and in other income for the equity component on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Adelphia’s base rates include the ability to recover AFUDC on its construction work in progress. Capitalized amounts associated with Adelphia’s AFUDC are recorded in nonutility plant on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Corresponding amounts for the debt component are recognized in interest expense and in other income for the equity component on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Capitalized and deferred interest include the following for the fiscal years ended September 30:
($ in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022
AFUDC: | NJNG | Adelphia | NJNG | Adelphia | NJNG | Adelphia
Debt | $ | 4,729 |  | $ | 64 |  | $ | 3,546 |  | $ | 90 |  | $ | 1,648 |  | $ | 4,019 |
Equity | 6,761 |  | 113 |  | 6,979 |  | 158 |  | 4,169 |  | 7,074 |
Total | $ | 11,490 |  | $ | 177 |  | $ | 10,525 |  | $ | 248 |  | $ | 5,817 |  | $ | 11,093 |
Weighted average interest rate | 6.48 | % | 8.28 | % | 6.41 | % | 8.28 | % | 4.91 | % | 8.28 | %
Pursuant to a BPU order, NJNG is permitted to recover carrying costs on uncollected balances related to SBC program costs, which include NJCEP, RAC and USF expenditures. The NJCEP and RAC interest rates change each September based on the August 31 seven-year constant maturity treasury rate plus 60 basis points. The SBC rate was 4.33%, 4.79% and 3.85% for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Accordingly, other income included $2.6M, $1.8M and $0.9M in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. CEV capitalizes interest on the allocation of the costs of debt borrowed for the financing of solar investments. Capitalized amounts are included in nonutility plant and equipment on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Corresponding amounts are recognized in interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as of September 30:
(Thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022
Balance Sheet |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,017 |  | $ | 954 |  | $ | 1,107 |
Restricted cash in other noncurrent assets | $ | 595 |  | $ | 563 |  | $ | 345 |
Statements of Cash Flow |  |  |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 1,612 |  | $ | 1,517 |  | $ | 1,452 |
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. Loans Receivable NJNG currently provides loans, with terms ranging from three 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has $18.1M and $15.1M recorded in other current assets and $53.6M and $39.0M in other noncurrent assets as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, related to the loans. The Company regularly evaluates the credit quality and collection profile of its customers. If NJNG determines a loan is impaired, the basis of the loan would be subject to regulatory review for recovery. As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company has not recorded any impairments for SAVEGREEN loans. Regulatory Assets & Liabilities Under cost-based regulation, regulated utility enterprises generally are permitted to recover their operating expenses and earn a reasonable rate of return on their utility investment. NJNG is subject to accounting requirements resulting from the effects of rate regulation by the BPU. Accordingly, NJNG capitalizes or defers certain costs that are expected to be recovered from its customers as regulatory assets and recognizes certain obligations representing probable future expenditures as regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4. Regulation for a more detailed description of NJNG’s regulatory assets and liabilities. Adelphia capitalizes or defers certain costs that are expected to be recovered from its customers as regulatory assets and recognizes certain obligations representing probable future expenditures as regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 4. Regulation for a more detailed description of Adelphia’s regulatory assets and liabilities. Natural Gas in Storage Natural gas in storage is reflected at average cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and represents natural gas and LNG that will be utilized in the ordinary course of business. The following table summarizes natural gas in storage, at average cost by company, as of September 30:
| 2024 | 2023
($ in thousands) | Natural Gas in Storage | Bcf | Natural Gas in Storage | Bcf
NJNG |  | $ | 177,655 |  | 30.8 |  |  | $ | 175,025 |  | 29.1 |
ES |  | 21,378 |  | 13.1 |  |  | 24,476 |  | 14.6 |
S&T |  | 92 |  | — |  |  | — |  | — |
Total |  | $ | 199,125 |  | 43.9 |  |  | $ | 199,501 |  | 43.7 |
Derivative Instruments The Company accounts for its financial instruments, such as futures, options and interest rate contracts, as well as its physical commodity contracts related to the purchase and sale of natural gas at ES, as derivatives, and therefore recognizes them at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s unregulated subsidiaries record changes in the fair value of their financial commodity derivatives in natural gas purchases and changes in the fair value of their physical forward contracts in natural gas purchases or operating revenues, as appropriate, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Ineffective portions of the cash flow hedges are recognized immediately in earnings. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are included in cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, also provides for a NPNS scope exception for qualifying physical commodity contracts for which physical delivery is probable and the quantities delivered are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. The Company prospectively applies this normal scope exception on a case-by-case basis to physical commodity contracts at NJNG and PPAs at CEV. When applied, it does not account for these contracts until the contract settles and the related underlying natural gas or power is delivered. Gains and/or losses on NJNG’s derivatives used to economically hedge its regulated natural gas supply obligations, as well as its exposure to interest rate variability, are recoverable through its BGSS, a component of its tariff. Accordingly, the offset to the change in fair value of these derivatives is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 5. Derivative Instruments for additional details regarding natural gas trading and hedging activities. Fair values of exchange-traded instruments, including futures and swaps, are based on unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets. The Company’s non-exchange-traded financial instruments, over-the-counter physical commodity contracts at ES and interest rate contracts are valued using observable, quoted prices for similar or identical assets when available. In establishing the fair value of contracts for which a quoted basis price is not available at the measurement date, management utilizes available market data and pricing models to estimate fair values. Fair values are subject to change in the near term and reflect management’s best estimate based on a variety of factors. Estimating fair values of instruments that do not have quoted market prices requires management’s judgment in determining amounts that could reasonably be expected to be received from, or paid to, a third party in settlement of the instruments. These amounts could be materially different from amounts that might be realized in an actual sale transaction. During fiscal 2020, the Company entered into treasury lock transactions to fix the benchmark treasury rate associated with debt issuances for NJNG and NJR that occurred during the fiscal year. Settlement of the NJNG treasury locks resulted in a loss, which was recorded as a component of regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be amortized in earnings over the term of the debt as a component of interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. NJR designated its treasury lock contracts as cash flow hedges; therefore, changes in fair value of the effective portion of the hedges were recorded in OCI. Settlement of the treasury locks resulted in a loss, which was recorded within OCI and is amortized into earnings over the term of the associated debt as a component of interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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 table presents the software costs included in the Consolidated Financial Statements, as of September 30:
(Thousands) | 2024 | 2023
Balance Sheets |  |
Utility plant, at cost | $ | 133,158 |  | $ | 51,282 |
Construction work in progress | $ | 26,659 |  | $ | 55,012 |
Nonutility plant and equipment, at cost | $ | 344 |  | $ | 344 |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, utility plant | $ | (13,632) |  | $ | (7,480) |
Accumulated depreciation and amortization, nonutility plant and equipment | $ | (48) |  | $ | (36) |
Software costs | $ | 10,522 |  | $ | 8,375 |
Statements of Operations |  |
Operation and maintenance | $ | 13,087 |  | $ | 14,299 |
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 6,164 |  | $ | 4,130 |
Long-lived Assets The Company reviews the recoverability of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, such as significant adverse changes in regulation, business climate or market conditions, including prolonged periods of adverse commodity and capacity prices. If there are changes indicating that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable, an undiscounted cash flows test is performed. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized by reducing the recorded value of the asset to its fair value. Factors that the Company analyzes in determining whether an impairment in its long-lived assets exists include: a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset; a significant adverse change in the extent in which a long-lived asset is being used in its physical condition; legal proceedings or other contributing factors; significant business climate changes; accumulations of costs in significant excess of the amounts expected; a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of such events; and current expectations that more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. During fiscal 2024 and 2023, there were no events or circumstances that indicated that the carrying value of long-lived assets or finite-lived intangibles was not recoverable. Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized as interest expense on a basis which approximates the effective interest method over the term of the related debt. Debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. See Note 9. Debt for the total unamortized debt issuance costs that are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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. As NJNG retains control of the natural gas meters, these arrangements do not qualify as a sale. Proceeds from sale leaseback transactions are accounted for as financing arrangements and are included in long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company continues to operate its solar assets and is responsible for related expenses and entitled to retain the revenue generated from RECs and energy sales. ITCs and other tax attributes associated with these solar projects transfer to the buyer; however, the payments are structured so that CEV is compensated for the transfer of the related tax attributes. Accordingly, CEV recognizes the equivalent value of the tax attributes in other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the respective five-year ITC recapture periods, starting with the second year of the lease. See Note 9. Debt for more details regarding sale leaseback transactions recorded as financing arrangements. Environmental Contingencies Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable in accordance with accounting standards for contingencies. Estimating probable losses requires an analysis of uncertainties that often depend upon judgments about potential actions by third parties. Accruals for loss contingencies are recorded based on an analysis of potential results. With respect to environmental liabilities and related costs, NJNG periodically, and at least annually, performs an environmental review of MGP sites, including a review of potential liability for investigation and remedial action. NJNG’s estimate of these liabilities is based upon known facts, existing technology and enacted laws and regulations in place when the review was completed. Where it is probable that costs will be incurred, and the information is sufficient to establish a range of possible liability, NJNG accrues the most likely amount in the range. If no point within the range is more likely than the other, it is NJNG’s policy to accrue the lower end of the range. The actual costs to be incurred by NJNG are dependent upon several factors, including final determination of remedial action, changing technologies and governmental regulations, the ultimate ability of other responsible parties to pay and any insurance recoveries. NJNG will continue to seek recovery of MGP-related costs through the RAC. If any future regulatory position indicates that the recovery of such costs is not probable, the related non-recoverable costs would be charged to income in the period of such determination. See Note 14. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for more details. Pension and Postemployment Plans The Company has two noncontributory defined pension plans covering eligible employees, including officers. Benefits are based on each employee’s years of service and compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute annually to these plans at least the minimum amount required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, as amended, and not more than can be deducted for federal income tax purposes. Plan assets consist of equity securities, fixed-income securities and short-term investments. The Company also provides two primarily noncontributory medical and life insurance plans for eligible retirees and dependents. Medical benefits, which make up the largest component of the plans, are based upon an age and years-of-service vesting schedule and other plan provisions. Funding of these benefits is made primarily into Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association trust funds. See Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans for a more detailed description of the Company’s pension and postemployment plans. Asset Retirement Obligations The Company recognizes AROs related to the costs associated with cutting and capping NJNG’s main and service natural gas distribution mains, which is required by New Jersey law when taking such natural gas distribution mains out of service. The Company also recognizes AROs associated with CEV’s solar assets when there are decommissioning provisions in lease agreements that require removal of the asset at the end of the lease term. AROs are initially recognized when the legal obligation to retire an asset has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The discounted fair value is recognized as an ARO liability with a corresponding amount capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the underlying asset. The obligation is subsequently accreted to the future value of the expected retirement cost, and the corresponding asset retirement cost is depreciated over the life of the related asset. Accretion expense associated with CEV’s AROs are recognized as a component of operations and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accretion amounts associated with NJNG’s AROs are recognized as part of its depreciation expense, and the corresponding regulatory asset and liability will be shown gross on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Estimating future removal costs requires management to make significant judgments because most of the removal obligations span long time frames and removal may be conditioned upon future events. Asset removal technologies are also constantly changing, which makes it difficult to estimate removal costs. Accordingly, inherent in the estimate of AROs are various assumptions including the ultimate settlement date, expected cash outflows, inflation rates, credit-adjusted risk-free rates and consideration of potential outcomes where settlement of the AROs can be conditioned upon events. In the latter case, the Company develops possible retirement scenarios and assigns probabilities based on management’s reasonable judgment and knowledge of industry practice. Accordingly, AROs are subject to change. The following is an analysis of the change in the Company’s ARO for the fiscal years ended September 30:
(Thousands) | Balance at October 1 | Accretion | Additions | Change in assumptions | Retirements | Balance at period end
2024 |  |  |  |  |  |
NJNG | $ | 55,285 |  | 3,039 |  | 152 |  | 2,925 |  | (1,727) |  | $ | 59,674 |
NJRCEV | $ | 6,708 |  | 236 |  | 79 |  | — |  | — |  | $ | 7,023 |
2023 |  |  |  |  |  |
NJNG | $ | 49,874 |  | 2,693 |  | 155 |  | 4,089 |  | (1,526) |  | $ | 55,285 |
NJRCEV | $ | 5,161 |  | 213 |  | 1,334 |  | — |  | — |  | $ | 6,708 |
Accretion for the next five years, for the fiscal years ended September 30, is estimated to be as follows:
(Thousands) | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | Total
Estimated Accretion | $ | 3,403 |  | 3,573 |  | 3,751 |  | 3,948 |  | 4,165 |  | $ | 18,840 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The following table presents the changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related tax effects:
(Thousands) | Cash Flow Hedges | Postemployment Benefit Obligation | Total
Balance as of September 30, 2022 | $ | (8,322) |  |  | $ | 3,496 |  |  | $ | (4,826) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive income, before reclassifications, net of tax of $0, $1,922 and $1,922, respectively | — |  |  | (6,350) |  |  | (6,350) |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $(317), $(49) and $(366), respectively | 1,053 |  |  | 164 |  | (1) | 1,217 |
Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of tax of $(317), $1,873 and $1,556, respectively | 1,053 |  |  | (6,186) |  |  | (5,133) |
Balance as of September 30, 2023 | $ | (7,269) |  |  | $ | (2,690) |  |  | $ | (9,959) |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive income, before reclassifications, net of tax of $0, $(1,002) and $(1,002), respectively | — |  |  | 3,360 |  |  | 3,360 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $(317), $296 and $(21), respectively | 1,054 |  |  | (976) |  | (1) | 78 |
Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of tax of $(317), $(706) and $(1,023), respectively | 1,054 |  |  | 2,384 |  |  | 3,438 |
Balance as of September 30, 2024 | $ | (6,215) |  |  | $ | (306) |  |  | $ | (6,521) |
(1)Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost, a component of operations and maintenance expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For more details, see Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans. Reclassification Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Intangible assets, net previously classified in its own category on the Consolidated Balance Sheets has been reclassified into other noncurrent assets. Other noncurrent assets and other noncurrent liabilities previously classified in their own categories on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow have been combined into one category. Recently Adopted 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 was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2023, and was applied on a prospective basis to new acquisitions following the date of adoption. As the Company has not executed a transaction that would qualify as a business combination, there was no 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 No. 2017-12, which established the ”last-of-layer” method, and this update renames that method as the “portfolio layer” method. The guidance was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2023. As the Company does not currently apply hedge accounting to any of its risk management activities, there was no 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 was effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2023. Since the Company has not experienced a troubled debt restructuring, there was no impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. Other Recent Updates to the Accounting Standards Codification 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 became effective for the Company on October 1, 2024, and the Company elected to apply it 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 if, in the future, it entered into such transactions. Leases In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-01, an amendment to ASC 842, Leases, which applies to arrangements between related parties under common control. This update requires that all entities with common control arrangements classify and account for these leases on the same basis as an arrangement with an unrelated party. If the lessee in these types of arrangements continues to control the use of the underlying asset through a lease, the leasehold improvements are to be amortized over the improvements’ useful life to the common control group, regardless of the lease term. The guidance became effective for the Company on October 1, 2024, and the Company elected to apply it on a prospective basis. At this time, the Company does not have leases that are impacted by this amendment, and therefore it would only impact the Company if, in the future, it entered into applicable transactions. Business Combinations In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-05, an amendment to ASC 805, Business Combinations, which addresses how a joint venture should recognize contributions received upon its formation. Joint ventures must account for initial assets and liabilities received at fair value on the date the joint venture is formed. The guidance is effective for the Company for joint ventures formed beginning January 1, 2025, and the Company can elect to apply it either prospectively or retrospectively back to a joint venture’s formation date provided adequate information is available. Early adoption is permitted. This amendment would only impact the Company upon adoption if, in the future, it entered into an applicable transaction. Segment Reporting In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, an amendment to ASC 280, Segment Reporting, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The update requires entities to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within segment profit and loss, and it enhances interim disclosure requirements to conform with annual requirements. This update became effective for the Company on October 1, 2024, for the first annual period and will become effective on October 1, 2025, for the interim periods. It will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented and the Company is currently evaluating the amendment to understand the impacts on its future disclosures. Income Taxes In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, an amendment to ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. It will provide investors more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. The guidance is effective for the Company on October 1, 2025, and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the amendment to understand the impacts on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures upon adoption. Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, an amendment to ASC 220, Income Statement Reporting, which requires more detailed information about specified categories of expenses included in certain captions presented on the face of the income statement. This update becomes effective for the Company on October 1, 2027, for the first annual period and on October 1, 2028, for the interim periods. The Company can elect to apply it either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the amendment to understand the impacts on its disclosures upon adoption.

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