OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Financial Statement Preparation. References in this report to “we,” “us,” and “our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries, collectively. We prepare our financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These principles require management to make informed judgments, best estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Subsequent Events. The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the time of the financial statements issuance.

Principles of Consolidation. Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of ALLETE and all of our majority‑owned subsidiary companies. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business Segments. We present three reportable segments: Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services. Our segments were determined in accordance with the guidance on segment reporting. We measure performance of our operations through budgeting and monitoring of contributions to consolidated net income by each business segment.

Regulated Operations includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers. Minnesota Power also has 16 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated electric, natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility operations include retail and wholesale activities under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities.

ALLETE Clean Energy focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in four states, approximately 535 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that is contracted under PSAs of various durations. ALLETE Clean Energy also engages in the development of wind energy facilities to operate under long-term PSAs or for sale to others upon completion.

U.S. Water Services provides integrated water management for industry by combining chemical, equipment, engineering and service for customized solutions to reduce water and energy usage, and improve efficiency.

Corporate and Other is comprised of BNI Energy, ALLETE Properties, other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, approximately 5,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.

BNI Energy mines and sells lignite coal to two North Dakota mine-mouth generating units, one of which is Square Butte. In 2017, Square Butte supplied 50 percent (227.5 MW) of its output to Minnesota Power under long-term contracts. (See Note 11. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)

ALLETE Properties represents our legacy Florida real estate investment. Our strategy related to the real estate assets of ALLETE Properties is to sell individual parcels over time, but incorporates the possibility of a bulk sale of our entire real estate portfolio. Proceeds from a bulk sale would be strategically deployed to support growth in ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services, collectively our energy infrastructure and related services businesses. ALLETE Properties will continue to maintain key entitlements and infrastructure without making additional investments or acquisitions. (See Note 8. Investments.)

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Supplemental Statement of Cash Flow Information.



Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31	2017		2016		2015
Millions
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest – Net of Amounts Capitalized		$64.5		$68.2		$59.0
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes		$0.4		$0.5		$0.4
Remeasurement of Deferred Income Taxes Resulting from the TCJA
Increase in Regulatory Assets		$80.9	—		—
Decrease in Investment in ATC	$(27.9)		—		—
Decrease in Deferred Income Taxes	$(353.6)		—		—
Increase in Regulatory Liabilities		$393.6	—		—
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable for Capital Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	$67.2		$(22.0)		$(40.6)
Capitalized Asset Retirement Costs	$(15.6)			$3.7	$12.4
Camp Ripley Solar Financing	—		$15.0		—
AFUDC–Equity		$1.2		$2.1		$3.3
ALLETE Common Stock Contributed to Pension Plans		$13.5	—		—
Contingent Consideration	—		—			$35.7
ALLETE Common Stock Received for Land Inventory	—			$8.0	—
Long-Term Finance Receivable for Land Inventory	—			$12.0	—

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is based on our evaluation of the receivable portfolio under current conditions, overall portfolio quality, review of specific situations and such other factors that, in our judgment, deserve recognition in estimating losses.



Accounts Receivable
As of December 31	2017		2016
Millions
Trade Accounts Receivable
Billed		$112.6		$106.5
Unbilled	24.6		19.1
Less: Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	2.1		3.1
Total Accounts Receivable		$135.1		$122.5

Concentration of Credit Risk. We are subject to concentration of credit risk primarily as a result of accounts receivable. Minnesota Power sells electricity to nine Large Power Customers. Receivables from these customers totaled $13.8 million as of December 31, 2017 ($9.5 million as of December 31, 2016). Minnesota Power does not obtain collateral to support utility receivables, but monitors the credit standing of major customers. In addition, Minnesota Power, as permitted by the MPUC, requires its taconite-producing Large Power Customers to pay weekly for electric usage based on monthly energy usage estimates, which allows us to closely manage collection of amounts due. One of these customers accounted for 10 percent of consolidated operating revenue in 2017 (8 percent in 2016 and in 2015).

Long-Term Finance Receivables. Long-term finance receivables relating to our real estate operations are collateralized by property sold, accrue interest at market-based rates and are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We assess delinquent finance receivables by comparing the balance of such receivables to the estimated fair value of the collateralized property. If the fair value of the property is less than the finance receivable, we record a reserve for the difference. We estimate fair value based on recent property tax assessed values or current appraisals.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Available-for-Sale Securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Unrealized losses that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings. We use the specific identification method as the basis for determining the cost of securities sold. Our policy is to review available-for-sale securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis by assessing such factors as share price trends and the impact of overall market conditions. (See New Accounting Pronouncements and Note 8. Investments.)

Inventories – Net. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories in our Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy segments are carried at an average cost or first-in, first-out basis. Inventories in our U.S. Water Services segment and Corporate and Other operations are carried at an average cost, first-in, first-out or specific identification basis.



Inventories – Net
As of December 31	2017			2016
Millions
Fuel (a)		$34.8			$43.9
Materials and Supplies	46.5			48.7
Raw Materials	2.8			2.9
Work in Progress	4.2			1.0
Finished Goods	8.3			8.6
Reserve for Obsolescence	(0.7		)	(0.9		)
Total Inventories – Net		$95.9			$104.2


(a)	Fuel consists primarily of coal inventory at Minnesota Power.



Prepayments and Other Current Assets
As of December 31	2017		2016
Millions
Deferred Fuel Adjustment Clause (a)	—			$18.6
Restricted Cash (b)		$2.6	2.2
Other	35.0		19.5
Total Prepayments and Other Current Assets		$37.6		$40.3


(a)	At a hearing on January 18, 2018, the MPUC disallowed recovery of Minnesota Power’s regulatory asset for deferred fuel adjustment clause costs resulting in a $19.5 million pre-tax charge to Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility in 2017.


(b)	Restricted Cash includes collateral deposits required under an ALLETE Clean Energy loan agreement and collateral deposits required for U.S. Water Services’ standby letters of credit.

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at original cost and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet net of accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for additions, significant replacements, improvements and major plant overhauls are capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on property, plant and equipment in our U.S. Water Services segment and Corporate and Other operations are recognized when they are retired or otherwise disposed. When property, plant and equipment in our Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy segments are retired or otherwise disposed, no gain or loss is recognized in accordance with the accounting standards for component depreciation except for certain circumstances where the retirement is unforeseen or unexpected. Our Regulated Operations capitalize AFUDC, which includes both an interest and equity component. AFUDC represents the cost of both debt and equity funds used to finance utility plant additions during construction periods. AFUDC amounts capitalized are included in rate base and are recovered from customers as the related property is depreciated. Upon MPUC approval of cost recovery, the recognition of AFUDC ceases. (See Note 2. Property, Plant and Equipment.)

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment (Continued)

We believe that long-standing ratemaking practices approved by applicable state and federal regulatory commissions allow for the recovery of the remaining book value of retired plant assets. In 2015, Minnesota Power retired Taconite Harbor Unit 3 and converted Laskin to operate on natural gas which were actions included in Minnesota Power’s MPUC-approved 2013 IRP. In a July 2016 order, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s 2015 IRP with modifications. The 2015 IRP contains steps in Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward plan including the economic idling of Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2 in September 2016, and the ceasing of coal-fired operations at Taconite Harbor in 2020. (See Note 4. Regulatory Matters.) The MPUC order for the 2015 IRP also directed Minnesota Power to retire Boswell Units 1 and 2 no later than 2022. In October 2016, Minnesota Power announced that Boswell Units 1 and 2 will be retired in 2018. We do not expect to record any impairment charge as a result of the retirement of Taconite Harbor Unit 3, the ceasing of coal-fired operations at Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2, or the conversion of Laskin to operate on natural gas. In addition, we expect to be able to continue depreciating these assets for at least their established remaining useful lives; however, we are unable to predict the impact of regulatory outcomes resulting in changes to their established remaining useful lives.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. We review our long-lived assets, which include the legacy real estate assets of ALLETE Properties, for indicators of impairment in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment on a quarterly basis. Land inventory is accounted for as held for use and is recorded at cost, unless the carrying value is determined not to be recoverable in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment, in which case the land inventory is written down to estimated fair value.

In accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment, if indicators of impairment exist, we test our long‑lived assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Cash flows are assessed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. The undiscounted future net cash flows are impacted by trends and factors known to us at the time they are calculated and our expectations related to: management’s best estimate of future sales prices; holding period and timing of sales; method of disposition; and future expenditures necessary to maintain the operations.

Real Estate Assets. In recent years, market conditions for real estate in Florida have required us to review our land inventories for impairment. In 2015, the Company reevaluated its strategy related to the real estate assets of ALLETE Properties in response to market conditions and transaction activity. The revised strategy incorporated the possibility of a bulk sale of its entire portfolio. Proceeds from a bulk sale would be strategically deployed to support growth in ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services, collectively our Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses. ALLETE Properties also continues to pursue sales of individual parcels over time. ALLETE Properties will continue to maintain key entitlements and infrastructure without making additional investments or acquisitions.

In connection with implementing the revised strategy, management evaluated its impairment analysis for its real estate assets using updated assumptions to determine estimated future net cash flows on an undiscounted basis. Estimated fair values were based upon current market data and pricing for individual parcels. Our impairment analysis incorporates a probability-weighted approach considering the alternative courses of sales noted above.

Based on the results of the 2015 undiscounted cash flow analysis, the undiscounted future net cash flows were not adequate to recover the carrying value of the real estate assets leading to an adjustment of carrying value to estimated fair value. Estimated fair value was derived using Level 3 inputs, including current market interest in the property for a bulk sale of its entire portfolio, and discounted cash flow analysis of estimated selling price for sales over time. As a result, a non-cash impairment charge of $36.3 million was recorded in 2015 to reduce the carrying value of the real estate to its estimated fair value.

In 2017 and 2016, our qualitative assessments indicated that the cash flows were adequate to recover the carrying value of ALLETE Properties real estate assets. As a result, no impairment was recorded in 2017 or 2016.

Derivatives. ALLETE is exposed to certain risks relating to its business operations that can be managed through the use of derivative instruments. ALLETE may enter into derivative instruments to manage those risks including interest rate risk related to certain variable-rate borrowings.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. We apply the fair value recognition guidance for share-based payments. Under this guidance, we recognize stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payments granted, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. (See Note 16. Employee Stock and Incentive Plans.)

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

Goodwill. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair value of net assets of acquired businesses. In accordance with GAAP, goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is assessed annually in the fourth quarter for impairment and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment testing for goodwill is done at the reporting unit level.

As part of the 2016 annual impairment analysis, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $3.3 million for ALLETE Clean Energy’s goodwill primarily related to the acquisition of Storm Lake II in 2014. The charge, which is presented within Operating Expenses – Other in the Consolidated Statement of Income, eliminated all recognized goodwill for the ALLETE Clean Energy reporting unit.

As of the date of our annual goodwill impairment testing in 2017, the U.S. Water Services reporting unit had positive equity and the Company elected to bypass the qualitative assessment of goodwill for impairment, proceeding directly to the two-step impairment test. In performing Step 1 of the impairment test, we compared the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. If the carrying value including goodwill were to exceed the fair value of a reporting unit, Step 2 of the impairment test would be performed. Step 2 of the impairment test requires the carrying value of goodwill to be reduced to its fair value, if lower, as of the test date.

U.S. Water Services. For Step 1 of the impairment test, we estimated the reporting unit's fair value using standard valuation techniques, including techniques which use estimates of projected future results and cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. Such techniques generally include a terminal value that utilizes a growth rate on debt-free cash flows. These cash flow valuations involve a number of estimates that require broad assumptions and significant judgment by management regarding future performance. Our annual impairment test in 2017 indicated that the estimated fair value of U.S. Water Services exceeded its carrying value, and therefore no impairment existed (none in 2016 or in 2015). The fair value of the reporting unit was determined using a discounted cash flow model, using significant assumptions which included a discount rate of 10.75 percent, cash flow forecasts through 2022, annual revenue growth rates ranging from 7 percent to 9 percent, excluding 13 percent of revenue growth in 2018 related to the year over year impact of the acquisition of Tonka Water, and a terminal growth rate of 4.0 percent. Forecasted annual revenue growth assumes an increase in market share and growth in the industry.

Intangible Assets. Intangible assets include customer relationships, patents, non-compete agreements, land easements, trademarks and trade names. Intangible assets with definite lives consist of customer relationships, which are amortized using an attrition model, and patents, non-compete agreements, land easements and certain trade names, which are amortized on a straight-line basis with estimated remaining useful lives ranging from approximately 1 year to approximately 20 years. We review definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite‑lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and certain trade names, which are tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment is calculated as the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value. Fair value is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Our annual impairment test in 2017 indicated that the estimated fair value of trademarks and trade names exceeded the asset carrying values. As a result, no impairment existed in 2017 (none in 2016 or in 2015).

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)



Other Non-Current Assets
As of December 31	2017		2016
Millions
Contract Payment (a)		$27.5		$29.6
Finance Receivable (b)	11.0		11.5
Restricted Cash (c)	8.6		8.6
Other	60.6		56.8
Total Other Non-Current Assets		$107.7		$106.5


(a)	Contract Payment includes a payment made to Cliffs as part of a long-term PSA between Minnesota Power and Silver Bay Power. The contract payment is being amortized over the term of the PSA. (See Note 11. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)

(b)

In 2016, ALLETE Properties sold its Ormond Crossings project and Lake Swamp wetland mitigation bank for consideration of approximately $21 million. The consideration included a down payment in the form of 0.1 million shares of ALLETE common stock with a value of $8.0 million. The remaining purchase price will be paid under the terms of a finance receivable due over a five-year period which bears interest at market rates and is collateralized by the property sold.


(c)	Restricted Cash includes collateral deposits required under an ALLETE Clean Energy loan agreement and PSAs, and deposits from SWL&P customers in aid of future capital expenditures.



Other Current Liabilities
As of December 31	2017		2016
Millions
PSAs		$24.5		$24.6
Other	58.7		49.1
Total Other Current Liabilities		$83.2		$73.7



Other Non-Current Liabilities
As of December 31	2017		2016
Millions
Asset Retirement Obligation		$122.7		$136.6
PSAs	89.5		113.8
Contingent Consideration (a)	5.4		25.0
Other	49.5		47.3
Total Other Non-Current Liabilities		$267.1		$322.7


(a)	Contingent Consideration relates to the estimated fair value of the earnings-based payment resulting from the U.S. Water Services acquisition. (See Note 6. Acquisitions and Note 9. Fair Value.)

Environmental Liabilities. We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current law and existing technologies. Accruals are adjusted as assessment and remediation efforts progress, or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are expensed unless recoverable in rates from customers. (See Note 11. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.)

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Revenue Recognition.

Regulated Operations utility rates are under the jurisdiction of Minnesota, Wisconsin and federal regulatory authorities. Customers are billed on a cycle basis. Revenue is accrued for services provided but not yet billed. Regulated utility electric rates include adjustment clauses that: (1) bill or credit customers for fuel and purchased energy costs above or below the base levels in rate schedules; (2) bill retail customers for the recovery of conservation improvement program expenditures not collected in base rates; and (3) bill customers for the recovery of certain transmission, renewable, and environmental improvement expenditures. Previously, fuel and purchased power expense was deferred to match the period in which the revenue for fuel and purchased power expense was billed to customers with the deferred fuel costs recognized as a regulatory asset. At a hearing on January 18, 2018, the MPUC disallowed recovery of Minnesota Power’s regulatory asset for deferred fuel adjustment clause costs due to the anticipated adoption of a forward-looking fuel adjustment clause methodology resulting in a $19.5 million pre-tax charge to Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility in 2017. As a result of the MPUC hearing, fuel and purchased power costs above or below the base levels in rate schedules are no longer deferred.

Revenue from cost recovery riders (transmission, renewable and environmental improvement) is accounted for in accordance with GAAP for alternative revenue programs. These standards allow for recognizing revenue under an alternative revenue program if the program is established by an order from the utility’s regulatory authority, the order allows automatic adjustment of future rates, the amount of the revenue recognized is objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and the revenue will be collected within 24 months following the end of the annual period in which it is recognized. Revenue recognized using the alternative revenue program guidance is included in Operating Revenue – Utility on the Consolidated Statement of Income and Regulatory Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet until it is subsequently collected from customers.

Minnesota Power participates in MISO. MISO transactions are accounted for on a net hourly basis in each of the day-ahead and real-time markets. Minnesota Power records net sales in Operating Revenue – Utility and net purchases in Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

ALLETE Clean Energy recognizes revenue from the sale of energy from PSAs under various durations. Revenue is recognized when delivered to an agreed upon point or production is curtailed at the request of its customers at specified prices. As part of its acquisitions of wind energy facilities, ALLETE Clean Energy has assumed various PSAs that were above or below estimated market prices at the time of acquisition and amortizes the resulting differences between contract prices and estimated market prices to Operating Revenue – Non-utility on the Consolidated Statement of Income. In 2017, we recognized $23.6 million of non-cash revenue amortization relating to the difference between contract prices and estimated market prices as an increase in Operating Revenue – Non-utility ($22.3 million in 2016; $23.2 million in 2015). Revenue from the construction and sale of wind energy facilities to others will be recognized at a point in time, or over time, as performance obligations are satisfied based on the terms of each specific agreement.

U.S. Water Services recognizes revenue from the sale of products when the earnings process is complete. This generally occurs when products are shipped to the customer in accordance with the contract or purchase order, ownership and risk of loss have passed to the customer, collectibility is reasonably assured, and pricing is fixed and determinable. Revenue from services is recognized as the services are performed.

Corporate and Other

BNI Energy recognizes coal sales when delivered at the cost of production plus a specified profit per ton of coal delivered.

ALLETE Properties records full profit recognition on sales of real estate upon closing, provided that cash collections are at least 20 percent of the contract price and the other requirements under the guidance for sales of real estate are met. Certain contracts with customers allow us to receive participation revenue from land sales to third parties if various formula-based criteria are achieved.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)



Operating Expenses – Other
Year Ended December 31	2017	2016			2015
Millions
Impairment of Real Estate (a)	—	—				$36.3
Impairment of Goodwill (b)	—		$3.3		—
Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration (c)	$(0.7)	(13.6		)	—
Total Operating Expenses – Other	$(0.7)	$(10.3)				$36.3


(a)	See Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.


(b)	See Goodwill and Intangible Assets.


(c)	See Note 9. Fair Value.

Unamortized Discount and Premium on Debt. Discount and premium on debt are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments using a method which approximates the effective interest method.

Income Taxes. ALLETE and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return as well as combined and separate state income tax returns. We account for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with GAAP for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are established for all temporary differences in the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, based upon enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the taxes become payable.

Due to the effects of regulation on Minnesota Power and SWL&P, certain adjustments made to deferred income taxes are, in turn, recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Federal investment tax credits have been recorded as deferred credits and are being amortized to income tax expense over the service lives of the related property. In accordance with GAAP for uncertainty in income taxes, we are required to recognize in our financial statements the largest tax benefit of a tax position that is “more‑likely‑than‑not” to be sustained on audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position as of the reporting date. The term “more‑likely‑than‑not” means more than 50 percent likely. (See Note 13. Income Tax Expense.)

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. On December 22, 2017, the TCJA was enacted into law. The TCJA has significantly changed the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and the taxation of corporations. The more significant provisions that impact our Company include a reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, and provisions related to our regulated utilities which generally allow for the continued deductibility of interest expense, the elimination of full expensing for property acquired after September 27, 2017, and the continuation of normalization requirements for accelerated tax depreciation taken by regulated utilities. The TCJA allows for full expensing for property and imposes an interest expense limitation on non‑regulated operations. The interest expense limitation is not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

Under ASC 740, the tax effects of changes in tax laws must be recognized in the period in which the law is enacted. ASC 740 requires deferred income tax assets and liabilities to be measured at the enacted tax rate expected to apply when temporary differences are to be realized or settled. Thus, as of the date of enactment, the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were remeasured based upon the new tax rate. For our Regulated Operations segment, the change in deferred income taxes was recorded as regulatory assets, regulatory liabilities and a change to our investment in ATC. The benefits of the TCJA for Minnesota Power and SWL&P are expected to be passed back to customers over time primarily based upon the normalization provisions of the IRC over the life of the related property, plant and equipment with the remainder passed back based upon the determinations of regulatory authorities. The decrease in our investment in ATC is expected to be amortized into earnings over time. For our ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services segments as well as our Corporate and Other businesses, the change in deferred income taxes is recorded in income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (SAB 118) which clarifies accounting for income taxes under ASC 740 if information is not yet available or complete, and provides for up to a one year period in which to complete the required analyses and accounting (the measurement period). SAB 118 describes three scenarios associated with a company’s status of accounting for the TCJA: (1) a company is complete with its accounting for certain effects, (2) a company is able to determine a reasonable estimate for certain effects and records that estimate as a provisional amount, or (3) a company is not able to determine a reasonable estimate and therefore continues to apply ASC 740, based on the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to the TCJA being enacted.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Income Taxes (Continued)

The Company has made a provisional estimate for the measurement and accounting of the effects of the TCJA, which have been reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2017. The measurement and accounting of the effects of the TCJA resulted in a decrease to Income Tax Expense of $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, as well as a decrease to Deferred Income Taxes of $353.6 million, a decrease to Investment in ATC of $27.9 million, an increase to Regulatory Assets of $80.9 million and an increase to Regulatory Liabilities of $393.6 million as of December 31, 2017. The provisional amounts incorporate assumptions made based upon the Company’s current interpretation of the TCJA, and may change as the Company receives additional clarification and implementation guidance. Any adjustments recorded to the provisional amounts in 2018 will be included in income from operations as an adjustment to income tax expense.

As provided for under SAB 118, the Company has not estimated the impact for items for which it cannot predict, such as guidance that has not yet been provided, or for which federal or state regulatory treatment is still uncertain. The determination of the impact of the income tax effects of these types of items will occur when more information is available to the Company.

Excise Taxes. We collect excise taxes from our customers levied by government entities. These taxes are stated separately on the billing to the customer and recorded as a liability to be remitted to the government entity. We account for the collection and payment of these taxes on a net basis.

Purchase Accounting. In accordance with the authoritative accounting guidance, the purchase price of an acquired business is generally allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. Any unallocated purchase price amount is recognized as goodwill on the Consolidated Balance Sheet if it exceeds the estimated fair value and as a bargain purchase gain on the Consolidated Income Statement if it is below the estimated fair value. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment, and the utilization of independent valuation experts as well as the use of significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the timing and amounts of future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, market prices and asset lives, among other items. The judgments made in the determination of the estimated fair value assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as the estimated useful life of each asset and the duration of each liability, can materially impact the financial statements in periods after acquisition, such as through depreciation and amortization expense. (See Note 6. Acquisitions.)

New Accounting Pronouncements.

Recently Adopted Pronouncements

Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. In 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which requires entities that measure inventory using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This accounting guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2017 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions by requiring all excess tax benefits and deficiencies to be recognized in income tax expense or benefit in earnings, thus eliminating the requirement to classify the excess tax benefit and deficiencies as additional paid-in capital. Under the new guidance, an entity makes an accounting policy election to either estimate the expected forfeiture awards or account for forfeitures as they occur. This accounting guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance is expected to result in a less than $1 million impact to income tax expense (benefit) annually.

Clarifying the Definition of a Business. In January 2017, the FASB issued clarifying guidance on the definition of a business and provided additional guidance to assist with evaluating whether transactions are to be accounted for as an acquisition or disposal of a group of assets or a business. The clarifying guidance will also impact other areas including the accounting for goodwill and consolidation. This accounting guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2017 and did not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting. In May 2017, the FASB issued additional clarifying guidance regarding circumstances where changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting under ASC 718. The guidance provides specific situations that would be excluded from effects of a modification including if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification are the same before and after modification. The amendments in this update will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after adoption. This accounting guidance was adopted by the Company in the second quarter of 2017 and did not have an impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Pronouncements

Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by removing step two of the goodwill impairment test that requires the determination of the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit. The updated guidance requires goodwill impairment to be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted on a prospective basis.

Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance to improve the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs. Under the revised guidance of ASC 715, an entity shall present the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. The guidance also allows only the service cost component of the periodic cost to be eligible for capitalization. The standard will be applied retrospectively for income statement presentation, and prospectively for capitalization of service cost components. We do not expect there to be a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements with the adoption of the updated guidance which is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. In 2014, the FASB issued amended revenue recognition guidance that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers by providing a single comprehensive model to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of recognition. The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures relating to the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required regarding customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has reviewed all of its revenue streams and contracts for its regulated, energy infrastructure and related services, and corporate and other businesses, completing the evaluations of the impact of this new guidance. Based on these evaluations, the Company has determined the new guidance does not materially alter the amount or timing of revenue recognition from the current methodology nor does it have a material transition adjustment upon adoption. Additionally, management does not expect the recognition of any assets from the costs to obtain a contract. Management continues to draft and refine the additional disclosures needed to meet the requirements of the new standard following adoption. The Company will adopt and implement the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis which requires application of standards to all contracts with customers effective January 1, 2018, with the cumulative impact on contracts with performance obligations not yet satisfied as of December 31, 2017, recognized as an adjustment to Retained Earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which revises the existing guidance for leases. Under the revised guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a “right-of-use” asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The new standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures by lessees and lessors to enable users of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The accounting for leases by lessors and the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows from leases are not expected to significantly change as a result of the new guidance. As of December 31, 2017, ALLETE expects to make $79.9 million in minimum lease payments due in future years (undiscounted). The revised guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the revised lease guidance on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

New Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

Financial Instruments. In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which requires entities to measure their investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the practicability exception. The practicability exception will be available for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values. The updated guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018 and will result in a cumulative-effect adjustment to Retained Earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the fiscal year of adoption. We have performed a preliminary evaluation of the impact of this update, and based on that evaluation, we do not expect the adoption of the update to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero‑coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018. We do not expect the adoption of the update to have a material impact on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to the presentation of restricted cash in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The update requires that the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows explain the change during the period in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2018 and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The guidance will result in changes to the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows such that restricted cash amounts will be included in the beginning-of-period and end‑of‑period cash and cash equivalents totals when adopted for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. We do not expect the adoption of the update to have a material impact on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Revision of Prior Balance Sheet. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company identified an error related to the deferred income tax treatment associated with its Wholesale and Retail Contra AFUDC Regulatory Liability. The Company evaluated the materiality of the error and concluded that it was not material to any previously issued historical financial statements. The Company has revised its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016, by decreasing Regulatory Assets and Deferred Income Taxes by $29.5 million. The correction had no impact on our Consolidated Statement of Income.

Reclassification of Prior Income Statement. Beginning with the second quarter of 2017, the Company enhanced its presentation of Operating Revenue and certain Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Income by presenting the caption Operating Revenue separately as Operating Revenue – Utility and Operating Revenue – Non-utility. In conformity with the current presentation, we now present $1,007.7 million and $991.2 million of Operating Revenue as Operating Revenue – Utility for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively, as it is generated from our regulated utility operations. Non-utility revenue of $339.0 million and $495.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015 respectively, is now presented as Operating Revenue – Non-utility. In addition, the captions Fuel and Purchased Power and Cost of Sales have been updated to Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility and Cost of Sales – Non-utility. As a result, we have reclassified $7.0 million relating to the cost of gas sales at SWL&P from the historic caption Cost of Sales to Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $7.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.