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Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
INCOME TAXES

For periods ending prior to July 1, 2014, income taxes are calculated using the separate return method for each of the project entities acquired in connection with the IPO that are structured as corporations or as limited liability companies. For the 2015 acquisitions, income taxes are calculated using the separate return method for periods prior to their respective acquisition dates. Income taxes are not included for entities that are structured as flow through entities (partnerships) electing to be taxed as partnerships.

For periods after the date a project is acquired by NEP (NEP acquisition date), taxes are calculated for NEP as a single taxpaying entity for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes (based on its election to be taxed as a corporation). Because NEP OpCo is a limited partnership electing to be taxed as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, NEP has only included its proportionate share of U.S. income taxes. The U.S. income taxes on the remaining noncontrolling interest in NEP OpCo earnings were allocated to NEE Equity and are not included in NEP's condensed consolidated financial statements. The Canadian subsidiaries are all Canadian taxpayers subject to Canadian income tax, and therefore all Canadian taxes are included in NEP's condensed consolidated financial statements. NEE Equity's share of Canadian taxes is included in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in NEP's condensed consolidated financial statements.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately 18% and 4%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately 19% and 21%, respectively. For periods ending prior to July 1, 2014, the effective tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as the relative amount of income earned in jurisdictions, the 50% tax basis reduction due to CITCs that are recognized when assets are placed into service, and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. Additionally, in periods ending after July 1, 2014, the effective tax rate is affected by taxes attributable to the noncontrolling interest, and the taxation of Canadian income in both Canada and the U.S.