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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the following businesses: electric, natural gas distribution, pipeline and other. For further descriptions of the Company's businesses, see Note 17.

On May 31, 2023, the Company completed the separation of Knife River, formerly the construction materials and contracting segment, resulting in Knife River becoming an independent, publicly-traded company. The Company's board of directors approved the distribution of approximately 90 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of Knife River to the Company's stockholders. Stockholders of the Company received one share of Knife River common stock for every four shares of the Company's common stock held on May 22, 2023, the record date for the distribution. The Company retained approximately 10 percent or 5.7 million shares of Knife River common stock immediately following the separation, which were disposed of in a tax-free exchange in November 2023. The separation of Knife River was a tax-free spinoff transaction to the Company's stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares.

On October 31, 2024, the Company completed the separation of Everus, its construction services business, resulting in Everus becoming an independent, publicly-traded company. The Company's board of directors approved the distribution of all the outstanding shares of Everus common stock to the Company's stockholders. Stockholders of the Company received one share of Everus common stock for every four shares of the Company's common stock held as of the close of business on October 21, 2024, the record date for the distribution. The separation of Everus was a tax-free spinoff transaction to the Company's stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash received in lieu of fractional shares.

The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the current and prior periods have been restated to present the results of operations and the assets and liabilities of Knife River and Everus as discontinued operations, other than certain corporate overhead costs of the Company historically allocated to Knife River and Everus, which are reflected in Other. Also included in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Income are the supporting activities of Fidelity and certain interest expense related to financing activity associated with the Knife River and Everus separations. The assets and liabilities of the Company's discontinued operations are included in current assets of discontinued operations, noncurrent assets of discontinued operations, current liabilities of discontinued operations and noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unless otherwise indicated, the amounts presented in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to the Company's continuing operations. For more information on discontinued operations, see Note 3.

Additionally, certain amounts recorded in prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The Company has reclassified $26.9 million and $27.4 million of transmission-related expenses from operation and maintenance to electric fuel and purchased power for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These transmission-related expenses are an integral component of the cost of electricity sold to customers and therefore, more appropriately reflected in electric fuel and purchased power than operation and maintenance expense. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or cash flows.

Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after December 31, 2024, up to the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements on February 20, 2025, that would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, except for certain transactions related to regulated operations in accordance with GAAP. For more information on intercompany revenues, see Note 17.

The statements also include the Company's ownership interests in the assets, liabilities and expenses of jointly owned electric transmission and generating facilities.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used for items such as long-lived assets and goodwill; property depreciable lives; tax provisions; revenue recognized using the cost-to-cost measure of progress for contracts; expected credit losses; environmental and other loss contingencies; regulatory assets expected to be recovered in rates charged to customers; costs on construction contracts; unbilled revenues; actuarially determined benefit costs; asset retirement obligations; lease classification; present value of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities; and the valuation of stock-based compensation. As additional information becomes available, or actual amounts are determinable, the recorded estimates are revised. Consequently, operating results can be affected by revisions to prior accounting estimates.

New accounting standards

The following table provides a brief description of the accounting pronouncements applicable to the Company and the potential impact on its financial statements and/or disclosures:


Standard	Description	Effective date	Impact on financial statements/disclosures
Recently adopted accounting standards
ASU 2022-06 - Reference Rate Reform: Deferral of Sunset Date	In December 2022, the FASB included a sunset provision within ASC 848 based on expectations of when LIBOR would cease being published. At the time ASU 2020-04 was issued, the UK Financial Conduct Authority had established its intent to cease overnight tenors of LIBOR after December 31, 2021. In March 2021, the UK Financial Conduct Authority announced that the intended cessation date of the overnight tenors of LIBOR would be June 30, 2023 which is beyond the current sunset date of ASC 848. The amendments in this Update defer the sunset date of ASC 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief in ASC 848.	December 31, 2024	The Company has updated its credit agreements to include language regarding the successor or alternate rate to LIBOR. The Company did not have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position, cash flows or disclosures.
ASU 2023-07 Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures	In November 2023, the FASB issued guidance on improving financial reporting by requiring disclosure of incremental segment information, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses, on an annual and interim basis for all public entities to enable investors to develop more decision-useful financial analyses.	December 31, 2024	The Company identified and updated disclosures to ensure compliance with the new guidance. See Note 17.
Recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted
ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures an Amendment, December 2023	In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance to address investors requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information and effectiveness of income tax disclosures.	Effective for annual reporting periods beginning after 2024 on a prospective basis.	The Company is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2025.
ASU 2024-01 Compensation - Stock Compensation	In March 2024, the FASB issued Improvements to GAAP through an example to demonstrate application of the scope of paragraph 718-10-15-3 to determine whether profits interest and similar awards should be accounted in Compensation - Stock Compensation.	Effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2024.	The Company is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2025.
ASU 2024-03 Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses	In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance to improve the disclosures about a public business entity's expenses and address requests from investors for more detailed information about the types of expenses (including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization, and depletion) in commonly presented expense captions (such as cost of sales, selling, general, and administrative; and research and development).	Effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027.	The Company is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its disclosures for the year ended December 31, 2027.

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash represents deposits held by the Company’s captive insurance company that is required by state insurance regulations to remain in the captive insurance company.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes any sales incentives and amounts collected on behalf of third parties. The Company is considered an agent for certain taxes collected from customers. As such, the Company presents revenues net of these taxes at the time of sale to be remitted to governmental authorities, including sales and use taxes.

The electric and natural gas distribution segments generate revenue from the sales of electric and natural gas products and services, which includes retail and transportation services. These segments establish a customer's retail or transportation service account based on the customer's application/contract for service, which indicates approval of a contract for service. The contract identifies an obligation to provide service in exchange for delivering or standing ready to deliver the identified commodity; and the customer is obligated to pay for the service as provided in the applicable tariff. The product sales are based on a fixed rate that includes a base and per-unit rate, which are included in approved tariffs as determined by state or federal regulatory agencies. The quantity of the commodity consumed or transported determines the total per-unit revenue. The service provided, along with the product consumed or transported, are a single performance obligation because both are required in combination to successfully transfer the contracted product or service to the customer. Revenues are recognized over time as customers receive and consume the products and services. The method of measuring progress toward the completion of the single performance obligation is on a per-unit output method basis, with revenue recognized based on the direct measurement of the value to the customer of the goods or services transferred to date. For contracts governed by the Company’s utility tariffs, amounts are billed monthly with the amount due between 15 and 22 days of receipt of the invoice depending on the applicable state’s tariff. For other contracts not governed by tariff, payment terms are net 30 days. At this time, the segment has no material obligations for returns, refunds or other similar obligations.

The pipeline segment generates revenue from providing natural gas transportation and underground storage services, as well as other energy-related services to both third parties and internal customers, largely the natural gas distribution segment. The pipeline segment establishes a contract with a customer based upon the customer’s request for firm or interruptible natural gas transportation or storage service(s). The contract identifies an obligation for the segment to provide the requested service(s) in exchange for consideration from the customer over a specified term. Depending on the type of service(s) requested and contracted, the service provided may include transporting or storing an identified quantity of natural gas and/or standing ready to deliver or store an identified quantity of natural gas. Natural gas transportation and storage revenues are based on fixed rates, which may include reservation fees and/or per-unit commodity rates. The services provided by the segment are generally treated as single performance obligations satisfied over time simultaneous to when the service is provided and revenue is recognized. Rates for the segment’s regulated services are based on its FERC approved tariff or customer negotiated rates, and rates for its non-regulated services are negotiated with its customers and set forth in the contract. For contracts governed by the company’s tariff, amounts are billed on or before the ninth business day of the following month and the amount is due within 12 days of receipt of the invoice. For other contracts not governed by the tariff, payment terms are net 30 days. At this time, the segment has no material obligations for returns, refunds or other similar obligations.

The Company recognizes all other revenues when services are rendered or goods are delivered.

Legal costs

The Company generally expenses external legal fees as they are incurred unless it has specific circumstances to defer, such as probable recovery in a rate proceeding.

Receivables and allowance for expected credit losses

Receivables consist primarily of trade receivables from the sale of goods and services net of expected credit losses. The Company's trade receivables are all due in 12 months or less.The Company's expected credit losses are determined through a review using historical credit loss experience, changes in asset specific characteristics, current conditions and reasonable and supportable future forecasts, among other specific account data, and is performed at least quarterly. The Company develops and documents its methodology to determine its allowance for expected credit losses at each of its reportable business segments. Risk characteristics used by the business segments may include customer mix, knowledge of customers and general economic conditions of the various local economies, among others. Specific account balances are written off when management determines the amounts to be uncollectible. Management has reviewed the balance reserved through the allowance for expected credit losses and believes it is reasonable.

Inventories and natural gas in storage

Natural gas in storage is generally valued at lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out method or lower of cost or net realizable value using the average cost or first-in, first-out method. The majority of all other inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the average cost method.

Property, plant and equipment

Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. When regulated assets are retired, or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, the original cost of the asset is charged to accumulated depreciation. With respect to the retirement or disposal of all other assets, the resulting gains or losses are recognized as a component of income.

The Company is permitted to capitalize AFUDC on regulated construction projects and to include such amounts in rate base when the related facilities are placed in service. In addition, the Company capitalizes interest, when applicable, on certain contracting services projects associated with its other operations.

Impairment of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill

The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable. The Company tests long-lived assets for impairment at a level significantly lower than that of goodwill impairment testing. Long-lived assets or groups of assets that are evaluated for impairment at the lowest level of largely independent identifiable cash flows at an individual operation or group of operations collectively serving a local market. The determination of whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets, compared to the carrying value of the assets. If impairment has occurred, the amount of the impairment recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value.

Regulatory assets and liabilities

The Company is subject to various state and federal agency regulations. The accounting policies followed by the Company are generally subject to the Uniform System of Accounts of the FERC as well as the provisions of ASC 980 - Regulated Operations. These accounting policies differ in some respects from those used by the Company's non-regulated businesses.

The Company accounts for certain income and expense items under the provisions of regulatory accounting, which requires the Company to defer as regulatory assets or liabilities certain items that would have otherwise been reflected as expense or income, respectively. The Company records regulatory assets or liabilities at the time the Company determines the amounts to be recoverable in current or future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are being amortized consistently with the regulatory treatment established by the FERC and the applicable state public service commission. See Note 6 for more information regarding the nature and amounts of these regulatory deferrals.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment annually, which the Company completes in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired.

The Company has determined that the reporting units for its goodwill impairment test are its operating segments, or components of an operating segment, that constitute a business for which discrete financial information is available and for which segment management regularly reviews the operating results. As of December 31, 2024, the only operating segment with goodwill was the natural gas distribution segment. For more information on the Company's operating segments, see Note 17.

Goodwill impairment, if any, is measured by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company must record an impairment loss for the amount that the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit.

Investments

The Company's investments include the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, insurance contracts, mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities. The Company measures its investment in the insurance contracts at fair value with any unrealized gains and losses recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has not elected the fair value option for its mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury securities and, as a result, the unrealized gains and losses on these investments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. For more information, see Notes 9 and 18.

Variable interest entities

The Company evaluates its arrangements and contracts with other entities to determine if they are VIEs and if so, if the Company is the primary beneficiary. GAAP provides a framework for identifying VIEs and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interest and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements.

A VIE should be consolidated if a party with an ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the VIE (a variable interest holder) has the power to direct the VIE's most significant activities and the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. A variable interest holder that consolidates the VIE is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE's assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests at fair value and subsequently account for the VIE as if it were consolidated.

The Company's evaluation of whether it qualifies as the primary beneficiary of a VIE involves significant judgments, estimates and assumptions and includes a qualitative analysis of the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and whether the Company has the power to direct those activities, the design of the entity, the rights of the parties and the purpose of the arrangement.

Derivative instruments

The Company enters into commodity price derivative contracts in order to minimize the price volatility associated with customer natural gas costs at its natural gas distribution segment. These derivatives are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives along with any contract settlements are recorded each period in regulatory assets or liabilities in accordance with regulatory accounting. The Company does not enter into any derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes.

Leases

Lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The Company recognizes leases with an original lease term of 12 months or less in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and does not recognize a corresponding right-of-use asset or lease liability. The Company determines the lease term based on the non-cancelable and cancelable periods in each contract. The non-cancelable period consists of the term of the contract that is legally enforceable and cannot be canceled by either party without incurring a significant penalty. The cancelable period is determined by various factors that are based on who has the right to cancel a contract. If only the lessor has the right to cancel the contract, the Company will assume the contract will continue. If the lessee is the only party that has the right to cancel the contract, the Company looks to asset, entity and market-based factors. If both the lessor and the lessee have the right to cancel the contract, the Company assumes the contract will not continue.

The discount rate used to calculate the present value of the lease liabilities is based upon the implied rate within each contract. If the rate is unknown or cannot be determined, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate, which is determined by the length of the contract, asset class and the Company's borrowing rates, as of the commencement date of the contract.

Asset retirement obligations

The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the Company capitalizes a cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the Company either settles the obligation for the recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss at its non-regulated operations or incurs a regulatory asset or liability at its regulated operations.

Stock-based compensation

The Company determines compensation expense for stock-based awards based on the estimated fair values at the grant date and recognizes the related compensation expense over the vesting period. The Company uses the straight-line amortization method to recognize compensation expense related to RSUs, which only has a service condition. This method recognizes stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The Company recognized compensation expense related to PSAs that vest based on performance metrics and service conditions on a straight-line basis over the service period. Inception-to-date expense was adjusted based upon the determination of the potential achievement of the performance target at each reporting date. The Company recognized compensation expense related to PSAs with market-based performance metrics on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Outstanding PSAs were converted to RSUs in connection with the completed separation of Knife River through the spinoff.

The Company records the compensation expense for PSAs using an estimated forfeiture rate. The estimated forfeiture rate is calculated based on an average of actual historical forfeitures. The Company also performs an analysis of any known factors at the time of the calculation to identify any necessary adjustments to the average historical forfeiture rate. At the time actual forfeitures become more than estimated forfeitures, the Company records compensation expense using actual forfeitures.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the total of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year, plus the effect of nonvested performance share awards and restricted stock units.

Income taxes

The Company provides deferred federal and state income taxes on all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Excess deferred income tax balances associated with the Company's rate-regulated activities have been recorded as regulatory liabilities. These regulatory liabilities are expected to be reflected as a reduction in future rates charged to customers in accordance with applicable regulatory procedures.

The Company uses the deferral method of accounting for investment tax credits and amortizes the credits on regulated electric and natural gas distribution plant over various periods that conform to the ratemaking treatment prescribed by the applicable state public service commissions.

Income taxes, uncertainties

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with accounting guidance on accounting for income taxes on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of the tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Tax positions that do not meet the more-likely-than-not criteria are reflected as a tax liability. The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income taxes.

Discontinued Operations

As a result of the separations, the historical results of operations are shown in discontinued operations, net of tax, except for allocated general corporate overhead costs of the Company, which did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations. The Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for prior periods have been restated. For the comparative periods, Everus' operations are only reflected through October 2024 compared to the full year in 2023 and 2022 and Knife River's operations are only reflected through May 2023 compared to the full year in 2022.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

As part of the adoption of ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company elected the practical expedient to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the Company otherwise would have recognized is 12 months or less.

Environmental Allowances and Obligations

Beginning in 2023, the Company's natural gas distribution segment acquires environmental allowances as part of its requirement to comply with environmental regulations in certain states. Allowances are allocated by the respective states to the Company at no cost and additional allowances are required to be purchased as needed based on the requirements in the respective states. The segment records purchased and allocated environmental allowances at weighted average cost under the inventory method of accounting. Environmental allowances are included in Prepayments and other current assets and noncurrent assets - Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Environmental compliance obligations, which are based on GHG emissions, are measured at the carrying value of environmental allowances held plus the estimated value of additional allowances necessary to satisfy the compliance obligation. Environmental compliance obligations are included in current liabilities - Other accrued liabilities and noncurrent liabilities - Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of emissions allowances allocated under the environmental programs when the allowances are sold at auction. The revenues associated with the sale of these allowances are deferred as a component of the respective jurisdiction’s regulatory liability for environmental compliance.

As environmental allowances are surrendered, the segment reduces the associated environmental compliance assets and liabilities from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The expenses and revenues associated with the Company’s environmental allowances and obligations are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities and recognized as a component of purchased natural gas sold as recovered in customer rates. For more information on the Company’s regulatory assets and liabilities, see Note 6.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of losses on derivative instruments qualifying as hedges, postretirement liability adjustments and gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments.

Business Segment Data

The Company's reportable segments are those that are based on the Company's method of internal reporting, which generally segregates the strategic business activities due to differences in products, services and regulation. The internal reporting of these operating segments is defined based on the reporting and review process used by the Company's CODM, the chief executive officer.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is party to claims and lawsuits arising out of its business and that of its consolidated subsidiaries, which may include, but are not limited to, matters involving property damage, personal injury, and environmental, contractual, statutory and regulatory obligations. The Company accrues a liability for those contingencies when the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a range of amounts can be reasonably estimated and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, then the minimum of the range is accrued. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. For contingencies where an unfavorable outcome is probable or reasonably possible and which are material, the Company discloses the nature of the contingency and, in some circumstances, an estimate of the possible loss. Accruals are based on the best information available, but in certain situations management is unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss including, but not limited to when: (1) the damages are unsubstantiated or indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages, (3) numerous parties are involved, or (4) the matter involves novel or unsettled legal theories.