Entergy 10-Q 2024-09-30

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024

OR

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrants have elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, LLC, Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi, LLC, Entergy New Orleans, LLC, Entergy Te

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See the “Market and Credit Risk Sensitive Instruments” section of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2024, evaluations were performed under the supervision and with the participation of Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy (each individually a “Registrant” and collectively the “Registrants”) management, including their respective Principal Executive Officers (PEO) and Principal Financial Officers (PFO). The evaluations assessed the effectiveness of the Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluations, each PEO and PFO has concluded that, as to the Registrant or Registrants for which they serve as PEO or PFO, the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by each Registrant in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms; and that the Registrant’s or Registrants’ disclosure controls and procedures are also effective in reasonably assuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s or Registrants’ management, including their respective PEOs and PFOs, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Under the supervision and with the participation of each Registrant’s management, including its respective PEO and PFO, each Registrant evaluated changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and found no change that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

MANAGEMENT’S FINANCIAL DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Results of Operations

Net Income

Third Quarter 2024 Compared to Third Quarter 2023

Net income increased $86.6 million primarily due to write-offs in third quarter 2023 of $78.4 million ($58.8 million net-of-tax) recorded as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. Also contributing to the increase were higher retail electric price, an $18.3 million reduction in income tax expense as a result of the resolution of an Arkansas state income tax audit, and higher other income, partially offset by lower volume/weather. See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the ANO stator incident, Entergy Arkansas’s October 2023 commitment to the APSC, and the subsequently approved motion to forgo recovery. See Note 10 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the resolution of the Arkansas state income tax audit.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Net income increased $23.3 million primarily due to write-offs in third quarter 2023 of $78.4 million ($58.8 million net-of-tax) recorded as a result of a commitment, made in October 2023, by Entergy Arkansas to the APSC to make a filing seeking to forgo recovery of identified costs resulting from the 2013 ANO stator incident. Also contributing to the increase were higher retail electric price, higher other income, and higher volume/weather. The increase was partially offset by a $131.8 million ($99.1 million net-of-tax) charge to reflect the write-off of a previously recorded regulatory asset as a result of an adverse decision in the opportunity sales proceeding in March 2024 and higher interest expense. See Note 8 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the ANO stator incident, Entergy Arkansas’s October 2023 commitment to the APSC, and the subsequently approved motion to forgo recovery. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the opportunity sales proceeding.

Operating Revenues

Third Quarter 2024 Compared to Third Quarter 2023

Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the third quarter 2024 to the third quarter 2023:

Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries

Management’s Financial Discussion and Analysis

Entergy Arkansas’s results include revenues from rate mechanisms designed to recover fuel, purchased power, and other costs such that the revenues and expenses associated with these items generally offset and do not affect net income. “Fuel, rider, and other revenues that do not significantly affect net income” includes the revenue variance associated with these items.

The retail one-time bill credit represents the disbursement of settlement proceeds in the form of a one-time bill credit provided to Entergy Arkansas’s retail customers during the August 2024 billing cycle through the Grand Gulf credit rider as a result of the System Energy settlement with the APSC. There is no effect on net income because Entergy Arkansas previously recorded a regulatory liability for the effects of the System Energy settlement with the APSC. See Note 2 to the financial statements herein and in the Form 10-K for discussion of the System Energy settlement with the APSC and see Note 2 to the financial statements herein for discussion of the Grand Gulf credit rider.

The volume/weather variance is primarily due to the effect of less favorable weather on residential and commercial sales, partially offset by an increase in weather-adjusted residential usage. The increase in weather-adjusted residential usage is primarily due to an increase in customers.

The retail electric price variance is primarily due to an increase in formula rate plan rates effective January 2024. See Note 2 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for discussion of the 2023 formula rate plan filing.

Total electric energy sales for Entergy Arkansas for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:

See Note 12 to the financial statements herein for additional discussion of Entergy Arkansas’s operating revenues.

Entergy Arkansas, LLC and Subsidiaries

Management's Financial Discussion and Analysis

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Following is an analysis of the change in operating revenues comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2024 to the nine months ended S

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See “PART I, Item 1, Litigation” in the Form 10-K for a discussion of legal, administrative, and other regulatory proceedings affecting Entergy. Also see Notes 1 and 2 to the financial statements herein and “Item 5, Other Information, Environmental Regulation” below for updates regarding environmental proceedings and regulation.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in "Part I, Item 1A. RISK FACTORS" in the Form 10-K.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (1)

In accordance with Entergy’s stock-based compensation plans, Entergy periodically grants stock options to key employees, which may be exercised to obtain shares of Entergy’s common stock. According to the plans, these shares can be newly issued shares, treasury stock, or shares purchased on the open market. Entergy’s management has been authorized by the Board to repurchase on the open market shares up to an amount sufficient to fund the exercise of grants under the plans. In addition to this authority, the Board has authorized share repurchase programs to enable opportunistic purchases in response to market conditions. In October 2010 the Board granted authority for a $500 million share repurchase program. The amount of share repurchases under these programs may vary as a result of material changes in business results or capital spending or new investment opportunities. In addition, in the first quarter 2024, Entergy withheld 101,960 shares of its common stock at $99.31 per share, 75,018 shares of its common stock at $98.86 per share, 1,731 shares of its common stock at $103.94 per share, 316 shares of its common stock at $102.64 per share, 232 shares of its common stock at $102.77 per share, 41 shares of its common stock at $100.15 per share, and 6 shares of its common stock at $104.68 per share to pay income taxes due upon vesting of restricted stock granted and payout of performance units as part of its long-term incentive program.

(1)See Note 12 to the financial statements in the Form 10-K for additional discussion of the stock-based compensation plans.

(2)Maximum amount of shares that may yet be repurchased relates only to the $500 million share repurchase program plan and does not include an estimate of the amount of shares that may be purchased to fund the exercise of grants under the stock-based compensation plans.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation

The Staff of the Division of Enforcement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has been conducting an investigation regarding Entergy’s processes and controls relating to its accounting for materials and supplies inventory. Entergy is cooperating with the SEC staff’s investigation and has engaged in discussions with the staff regarding a possible resolution of the investigation. There can be no assurance regarding the timing or terms of any potential resolution, by settlement or otherwise, and any potential impact of a resolution cannot be predicted. Management does not believe, however, that any resolution will have a material impact on Entergy’s business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements

During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the following directors or officers of Entergy or the Registrant Subsidiaries adopted, modified, or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K:

(a)Each trading arrangement marked as a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c).

(b)Except as indicated by footnote, each trading arrangement permitted or permits transactions through and including the earlier to occur of (a) the completion of all purchases or sales or (b) the expiration date listed in the table. Each trading arrangement marked as a “Rule 10b5-1 Plan” only permitted or only permits transactions upon expiration of the applicable mandatory cooling-off period under Rule 10b5-1(c), as amended.

(c)This trading arrangement provides for the sale of up to 3,044 shares upon the exercise of outstanding options.

Other than those disclosed above, no director or officer of Entergy or any of the Registrant Subsidiaries adopted, modified, or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry

The following is an update to the “Regulation of the Nuclear Power Industry” section of Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K.

NRC Reactor Oversight Process

The NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process is a program to collect information about plant performance, assess the information for its safety significance, and provide for appropriate licensee and NRC response. The NRC evaluates plant performance by analyzing two distinct inputs: inspection findings resulting from the NRC’s inspection program and performance indicators reported by the licensee. The evaluations result in the placement of each plant in one of the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process Action Matrix columns: “licensee response column,” or Column 1, “regulatory response column,” or Column 2, “degraded cornerstone column,” or Column 3, “multiple/repetitive degraded cornerstone column,” or Column 4, and “unacceptable performance,” or Column 5. Plants in

Column 1 are subject to normal NRC inspection activities. Plants in Column 2, Column 3, or Column 4 are subject to progressively increasing levels of inspection by the NRC with, in general, progressively increasing levels of associated costs. Continued plant operation is not permitted for plants in Column 5. All of the nuclear generating plants owned and operated by Entergy’s Utility business are currently in Column 1, except Waterford 3, which is in Column 2.

In August 2024 the NRC placed Waterford 3 in Column 2, effective second quarter 2024, based on exceeding the threshold for reactor scrams in June 2024. Waterford 3 will remain in Column 2 until a supplemental inspection is satisfactorily completed.

Environmental Regulation

The following are updates to the “Environmental Regulation” section of Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

See the Form 10-K for discussion of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set by the EPA in accordance with the Clean Air Act. The following are updates to that discussion.

Revised Fine Particulate (PM2.5) NAAQS

In March 2024 the EPA issued a final rule which revised the primary annual NAAQS for fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, from 12 ug/m3 to 9 ug/m3. This new standard was effective May 2024 and initial attainment/nonattainment designations for areas with available information are due within two years, by May 2026. For any areas designated as nonattainment for this revised standard, State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to address nonattainment requirements will be due within 18 months of the effective date of any initial nonattainment designations. Within the areas in which the Utility operating companies operate, regulatory agency air monitor data from 2021-2023 for Pulaski County and Union County, Arkansas, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, Harris County, Texas and Hinds County, Mississippi reflect annual average PM2.5 concentrations in excess of this new standard and monitors for several other areas reflect concentrations between 8-9 ug/m3. Initial attainment and nonattainment designations will be based on data from 2022-2024. Entergy will continue to work with state environmental agencies on appropriate methods for assessing attainment and nonattainment with this revised fine particulate NAAQS.

Hazardous Air Pollutants

As discussed in the Form 10-K, the EPA released the final Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) rule in December 2011, which had a compliance date, with a widely granted one-year extension, of April 2016. The required controls have been installed and are operational at all affected Entergy units. In May 2024 the EPA issued a final rule revising portions of the MATS rule, including a reduction to the emission limit for filterable particulate matter. The revised standard will become effective July 2027 and could require additional capital investment and/or additional other operation and maintenance costs at Entergy’s coal-fired generating units. An additional one-year extension is possible for the installation of controls, if necessary. Entergy is currently evaluating its coal units to determine whether additional controls are necessary to comply with this new lower standard.

Good Neighbor Plan/Cross-State Air Pollution Rule

As discussed in the Form 10-K, in June 2023 the EPA published its final Federal Implementation Plan (FIP), known as the Good Neighbor Plan, to address interstate transport for the 2015 ozone NAAQS which would increase the stringency of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) program in all four of the states where the Utility operating companies operate. The FIP would significantly reduce ozone season NOx emission allowance budgets and allocations for electric generating units. Prior to issuance of the FIP, in February 2023 the EPA issued related SIP disapprovals for many states, including the four states in which the Utility operating companies operate,

and these SIP disapprovals are the subject of many legal challenges, including a petition for review filed by Entergy Louisiana challenging the disapproval of Louisiana’s SIP. Stays of the SIP disapprovals have been granted in all four states in which the Utility operating companies operate, and the FIP will not go into effect while the stays are in place. Decisions on the merits regarding the respective SIP disapprovals are now expected in late 2024 or early 2025. The FIP is also subject to numerous legal challenges in various federal circuit courts of appeals, and in June 2024 the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order, in challenges filed in the D.C. Circuit, staying enforcement of the FIP pending the D.C. Circuit Court’s review of the rule. Entergy is monitoring this litigation and assessing its compliance options in the event that the FIP becomes effective.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2021, President Biden announced a target for the United States in connection with the United Nations’ “Paris Agreement” on climate change. The target consists of a 50-52 percent reduction in economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. President Biden has also stated that a goal of his administration is for the electric power industry to decarbonize fully by 2035.

Consistent with the Biden administration’s stated climate goals, in May 2024 the EPA finalized rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions from new combustion turbine electric generating units (EGUs) under Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act and from certain existing coal- and gas-fired EGUs under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.

For new gas combustion turbine EGUs, the final rule includes three subcategories of emission standards based on the unit’s annual capacity factor. Applicable emission standards for each subcategory are: a heat-input based CO2 emission standard for low load (<20% annual capacity factor) EGUs; an output-based CO2 efficiency standard for intermediate load (>20% but <40% annual capacity factor) EGUs; and, for base load (>40% annual capacity factor) EGUs, a Phase 1 output-based CO2 efficiency standard followed by a more stringent Phase 2 CO2 standard which will apply beginning January 1, 2032. The Phase 2 standard was established based on an EPA determination that carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) represents the best system of emission reduction (BSER) for new base load combustion turbine EGUs. The final rule allows for a possible one-year extension to the compliance date for the Phase 2 standard in circumstances where a source faces a delay in installation of controls due to factors outside of the control of the EGU owner/operator.

For existing generating units, the final rule includes emission guidelines issued under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act and allows states two years to develop a plan to implement the new emission guidelines with respect to subject emission units within their state. The final emission guidelines require reductions in CO2 emissions from existing coal-fired generating units which plan to operate beyond January 1, 2032 and exempts coal-fired units which plan to permanently cease operations prior to this date. Due to Entergy’s commitment to cease burning coal by the end of 2030, Entergy’s coal-fired generating units are expected to be exempt from this aspect of the final rule. The emission guidelines also include CO2 efficiency standards for existing gas-fired steam EGUs. These emission standards will apply beginning January 1, 2030. Entergy’s existing gas-fired steam generating units are expected to meet these CO2 emission standards. The EPA did not finalize emission guidelines for existing gas turbine EGUs and has announced plans to conduct a subsequent rulemaking for such units.

In September 2020, Entergy announced a commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 inclusive of all businesses, all applicable gases, and all emission scopes. In 2022, Entergy enhanced its commitment to include an interim goal of 50% carbon-free energy generating capacity by 2030 and expanded its interim emission rate goal to include all purchased power. Due to stronger than initially expected sales growth, likely necessitating the development of new generation capacity that is not carbon-free, Entergy expects that achievement of the 50% carbon-free energy generating capacity goal will be delayed for a period beyond 2030 that has not been determined. In addition, while current planning assumptions indicate the 2030 emission rate goal remains achievable, its achievement could also be challenged as a result of the forecasted sales growth. See “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Form 10-K for discussion of the risks associated with achieving these climate goals.

Coal Combustion Residuals

As discussed in the Form 10-K, in April 2015 the EPA published the final coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule regulating CCRs destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments as non-hazardous wastes regulated under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle D.

Pursuant to the 2015 CCR rule, Entergy operates groundwater monitoring systems surrounding its CCR landfills located at White Bluff, Independence, and Nelson. In May 2024 the EPA finalized a rule establishing management standards for legacy CCR surface impoundments (i.e., inactive surface impoundments at inactive power plants) and establishing a new class of units referred to as CCR management units (CCRMUs) (i.e., non-containerized CCR located at a regulated CCR facility). CCR utilized in roadbeds and embankments is excluded from the CCRMU definition. Entergy does not have any legacy impoundments; however, the definition of CCR management units includes on-site areas where CCR was beneficially used. This is contrary to the 2015 CCR rule which exempted beneficial uses that met certain criteria. Under this expanded rule, all facilities must identify and delineate any CCRMU greater than one ton and submit a facility evaluation report by February 2026. Any potential requirements for corrective action or operational changes under the various CCR rules continue to be assessed. Notably, ongoing litigation has resulted in the EPA’s continuing review of the rules. Consequently, the nature and cost of additional corrective action requirements may depend, in part, on the outcome of the litigation and further EPA review. Given the complexity and recency of the EPA guidance, Entergy is still evaluating the level of work that will ultimately be required to comply with the rule. Based on initial estimates of multiple possible remediation scenarios, Entergy recorded a $42 million increase in its decommissioning cost liabilities for White Bluff and Independence, along with corresponding increases in the related asset retirement cost assets that will be depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the unit. Entergy will continue to update the asset retirement obligation as the requirements of the 2024 CCR rule are clarified. As of September 30, 2024, Entergy has recorded asset retirement obligations related to CCR management of $72 million. Additionally, all three sites (White Bluff, Independence, and Nelson) are preparing to implement measures to meet the new and updated Effluent Limitation Guidelines discussed below.

Effluent Limitation Guidelines

The 2015 Steam Electric Effluent Limitations Guidelines required, among other things, that there be no discharge of bottom ash transport water. In 2020 the EPA finalized the Reconsideration Rule, allowing limited discharges of bottom ash transport water up to 10% of system volume, under certain defined circumstances including significant (10-year, 24-hour) rain events. The 2020 rule also created a subcategory for units that permanently cease coal combustion by December 31, 2028. Entergy’s White Bluff facility filed a notice of planned participation for this subcategory in October 2021. In May 2024 the EPA finalized a supplemental rule that retains the “retirement by 2028” subcategory, creates a new “retirement by 2034” subcategory, otherwise reinstates the zero-discharge requirement for bottom ash transport water, and imposes new requirements for leachate after the facility ceases to burn coal. Thus, units which permanently cease combustion of coal by December 31, 2028 or December 31, 2034 are exempt from the zero-discharge requirement. However, for units in the 2034 subcategory, the 10% discharge allowance must be incorporated into the facility’s discharge permit. To be covered by this exemption, both Independence and Nelson Unit 6 will need to file Notices of Planned Participation in the 2034 subcategory by December 31, 2025. To help ensure facilities cease combustion of coal by the required subcategory 2028 and 2034 dates, zero discharge of bottom ash transport water is required after April 30, 2029 and April 30, 2035, respectively. Entergy continues to evaluate the compliance pathways and obligations of this rule.

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, Entergy Corporation agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request any instrument with respect to long-term debt that is not registered or listed herein as an Exhibit because the total amount of securities authorized under such agreement does not exceed ten percent of the total assets of Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature for each undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company or its subsidiaries.

Date: November 1, 2024