Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Equity (unaudited)
| (in millions) | Common Stock | Preferred Stock**(1)** | Treasury Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2023 | $ | 4.2 | $ | 1,546.5 | $ | (99.9) | $ | 7,375.3 | $ | (1,213.6) | $ | (37.1) | $ | 326.4 | $ | 7,901.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 333.0 | — | 4.8 | 337.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | 2.4 | — | 2.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock ($0.50 per share) | — | — | — | — | (206.7) | — | — | (206.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock (See Note 5) | — | — | — | — | (27.5) | — | — | (27.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3.6 | 3.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | (5.3) | (5.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issuances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | — | 1.3 | — | — | — | 1.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term incentive plan | — | — | — | (6.3) | — | — | — | (6.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 401(k) and profit sharing | — | — | — | 2.6 | — | — | — | 2.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | 4.2 | $ | 1,546.5 | $ | (99.9) | $ | 7,372.9 | $ | (1,114.8) | $ | (34.7) | $ | 329.5 | $ | 8,003.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1)Series A, Series B, and Series C shares have an aggregate liquidation preference of $400M, $500M, and $863M, respectively. See Note 5, "Equity," for additional information. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Common Stock | Preferred Stock**(1)** | Treasury Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2022 | $ | 4.1 | $ | 1,546.5 | $ | (99.9) | $ | 7,204.3 | $ | (1,580.9) | $ | (126.8) | $ | 325.6 | $ | 7,272.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive Income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 426.8 | — | 4.5 | 431.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | 41.4 | — | 41.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock ($0.47 per share) | — | — | — | — | (190.7) | — | — | (190.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock (See Note 5) | — | — | — | — | (27.5) | — | — | (27.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | (0.6) | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock issuances: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan | — | — | — | 1.2 | — | — | — | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term incentive plan | — | — | — | 0.9 | — | — | — | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 401(k) and profit sharing | — | — | — | 2.5 | — | — | — | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2022 | $ | 4.1 | $ | 1,546.5 | $ | (99.9) | $ | 7,208.9 | $ | (1,372.3) | $ | (85.4) | $ | 329.5 | $ | 7,531.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1)Series A, Series B and Series C shares have an aggregate liquidation preference of $400M, $500M, and $863M, respectively. See Note 5, "Equity," for additional information. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Equity (unaudited) (continued)
| Preferred | Common | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (in thousands) | Shares | Shares | Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2023 | 1,303 | 416,106 | (3,963) | 412,143 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issued: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan | — | 48 | — | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term incentive plan | — | 695 | — | 695 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 401(k) and profit sharing | — | 97 | — | 97 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | 1,303 | 416,946 | (3,963) | 412,983 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred | Common | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares (in thousands) | Shares | Shares | Treasury | Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2022 | 1,303 | 409,266 | (3,963) | 405,303 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issued: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee stock purchase plan | — | 44 | — | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term incentive plan | — | 300 | — | 300 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 401(k) and profit sharing | — | 87 | — | 87 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2022 | 1,303 | 409,697 | (3,963) | 405,734 | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) are an integral part of these statements.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
1. Basis of Accounting Presentation
Our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary, in the opinion of management, to present fairly the results of operations in accordance with GAAP in the United States of America. The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of us, our majority-owned subsidiaries, and VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary after the elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.
The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Income for interim periods may not be indicative of results for the calendar year due to weather variations and other factors.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are adequate to make the information herein not misleading.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting and in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope. These pronouncements provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. These pronouncements were effective upon issuance on March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, to extend the temporary accounting rules under Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief in Topic 848. During 2022, the company applied a practical expedient under Topic 848 which allowed for the continuation of cash flow hedge accounting for interest rate derivative contracts upon the transition from LIBOR to alternative reference rates. The application of this expedient had no impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
3. Revenue Recognition
Revenue Disaggregation and Reconciliation. We disaggregate revenue from contracts with customers based upon reportable segment, as well as by customer class. The Gas Distribution Operations segment provides natural gas service and transportation for residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Indiana. The Electric Operations segment provides electric service in 20 counties in the northern part of Indiana.
The tables below reconcile revenue disaggregation by customer class to segment revenue, as well as to revenues reflected on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited):
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations(2) | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Customer Revenues**(1)** | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | $ | 987.0 | $ | 150.4 | $ | — | $ | 1,137.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 360.6 | 150.9 | — | 511.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial | 71.9 | 134.2 | — | 206.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Off-system | 17.2 | — | — | 17.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 18.4 | 5.5 | — | 23.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Customer Revenues | $ | 1,455.1 | $ | 441.0 | $ | — | $ | 1,896.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Revenues | 46.2 | 23.5 | 0.2 | 69.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Revenues | $ | 1,501.3 | $ | 464.5 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 1,966.0 |
(1)Customer revenue amounts exclude intersegment revenues. See Note 18, "Business Segment Information," for discussion of intersegment revenues.
(2)Amounts included in Gas Distributions Operations Other revenues primarily relate to weather normalization adjustments driven by warmer weather in 2023 compared to 2022.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other(2) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Customer Revenues**(1)** | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential | $ | 976.9 | $ | 138.5 | $ | — | $ | 1,115.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 356.5 | 134.5 | — | 491.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial | 67.8 | 129.8 | — | 197.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Off-system | 18.7 | — | — | 18.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | 14.0 | 3.6 | — | 17.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Customer Revenues | $ | 1,433.9 | $ | 406.4 | $ | — | $ | 1,840.3 | |||||||||||||||
| Other Revenues | 2.8 | 23.7 | 6.5 | 33.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Operating Revenues | $ | 1,436.7 | $ | 430.1 | $ | 6.5 | $ | 1,873.3 |
(1)Customer revenue amounts exclude intersegment revenues. See Note 18, "Business Segment Information," for discussion of intersegment revenues.
(2)Amounts associated with Corporate and Other revenues primarily relate to the Transition Services Agreement entered into in connection with the sale of the Massachusetts Business.
Customer Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) includes both billed and unbilled amounts, as well as certain amounts that are not related to customer revenues. Unbilled amounts of accounts receivable relate to a portion of a customer’s consumption of gas or electricity from the date of the last cycle billing through the last day of the month (balance sheet date). Factors taken into consideration when estimating unbilled revenue include historical usage, customer rates, and weather. A significant portion of our operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations in sales. During the heating season, primarily from November through March, revenues and receivables from gas sales are more significant than in other months. The opening and closing balances of customer receivables for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are presented in the table below. We had no significant contract assets or liabilities during the period. Additionally, we have not incurred any significant costs to obtain or fulfill contracts.
| (in millions) | Customer Accounts Receivable, Billed (less reserve) | Customer Accounts Receivable, Unbilled (less reserve) | |||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 560.5 | $ | 453.0 | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | 595.3 | 304.6 |
Utility revenues are billed to customers monthly on a cycle basis. We expect that substantially all customer accounts receivable will be collected following customer billing, as this revenue consists primarily of periodic, tariff-based billings for service and usage. We maintain common utility credit risk mitigation practices, including requiring deposits and actively pursuing collection of past due amounts. Our regulated operations also utilize certain regulatory mechanisms that facilitate recovery of bad debt costs within tariff-based rates, which provides further evidence of collectibility. It is probable that substantially all of the consideration to which we are entitled from customers will be collected upon satisfaction of performance obligations.
Allowance for Credit Losses. To evaluate for expected credit losses, customer account receivables are pooled based on similar risk characteristics, such as customer type, geography, payment terms, and related macro-economic risks. Expected credit losses are established using a model that considers historical collections experience, current information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Internal and external inputs are used in our credit model including, but not limited to, energy consumption trends, revenue projections, actual charge-offs data, recoveries data, shut-offs, customer delinquencies, final bill data, and inflation. We continuously evaluate available information relevant to assessing collectability of current and future receivables. We evaluate creditworthiness of specific customers periodically or following changes in facts and circumstances. When we become aware of a specific commercial or industrial customer's inability to pay, an allowance for expected credit losses is recorded for the relevant amount. We also monitor other circumstances that could affect our overall expected credit losses including, but not limited to, creditworthiness of overall population in service territories, adverse conditions impacting an industry sector, and current economic conditions.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
At each reporting period, we record expected credit losses to an allowance for credit losses account. When deemed to be uncollectible, customer accounts are written-off. A rollforward of our allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are presented in the table below:
| (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2023 | $ | 17.2 | $ | 5.9 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 23.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Current period provisions | 10.4 | 2.0 | — | 12.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Write-offs charged against allowance | (12.1) | (1.5) | — | (13.6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries of amounts previously written off | 8.5 | 0.2 | — | 8.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | 24.0 | $ | 6.6 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 31.4 |
| (in millions) | Gas Distribution Operations | Electric Operations | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2022 | $ | 18.9 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 23.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Current period provisions | 29.1 | 6.9 | — | 36.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Write-offs charged against allowance | (52.1) | (5.3) | — | (57.4) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries of amounts previously written off | 21.3 | 0.5 | — | 21.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 17.2 | $ | 5.9 | $ | 0.8 | $ | 23.9 |
4. Earnings Per Share
The calculations of basic and diluted EPS are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the period. For the purposes of determining diluted EPS, the shares underlying the purchase contracts included within the Equity Units were included in the calculation of potential common stock outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 using the if-converted method under US GAAP. For the purchase contracts, the number of shares of our common stock that would be issuable at the end of each reporting period will be reflected in the denominator of our diluted EPS calculation. If the stock price falls below the initial reference price of $24.51, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of our common stock used in calculating diluted EPS will be the maximum number of shares per the contract as described in Note 5, "Equity." Conversely, if the stock price is above the initial reference price of $24.51, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, a variable number of shares of our common stock will be used in calculating diluted EPS. A numerator adjustment is reflected in the calculation of diluted EPS for interest expense incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 net of tax, related to the purchase contracts.
We adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2022, which resulted in additional dilution from our Equity Units by requiring us to assume share settlement of the remaining purchase contract payment balance based on the average share price during the period.
The shares underlying the Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock included within the Equity Units are contingently convertible as the conversion is contingent on a successful remarketing as described in Note 5, "Equity." Contingently convertible shares where conversion is not tied to a market price trigger are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS until such time as the contingency has been resolved under the if-converted method. As of March 31, 2023 and 2022, the contingency was not resolved and thus no shares were reflected in the denominator in the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
Diluted EPS also includes the incremental effects of the various long-term incentive compensation plans and the open ATM forward agreements during the period under the treasury stock method when the impact would be dilutive.
We began using the two-class method of computing earnings per share in 2023 because we have participating securities in the form of non-vested restricted stock units with a non-forfeitable right to dividend equivalents, for which vesting is predicated solely on the passage of time. The calculation of earnings per share using the two-class method excludes income attributable to these participating securities from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
During 2022, we had no outstanding securities other than common and preferred stock, which required holders’ participation in dividends and earnings; therefore, we were not required to calculate EPS under the two-class method. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, to the extent they are dilutive.
The following table presents the calculation of our basic and diluted EPS:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Numerator: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Shareholders | $ | 319.2 | $ | 413.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Income allocated to participating securities | 0.2 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Shareholders - Basic | 319.0 | 413.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Dilutive effect of Equity Units | 0.4 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income Available to Common Shareholders - Diluted | $ | 319.4 | $ | 413.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Denominator: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average common shares outstanding - Basic | 412.8 | 406.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive potential common shares: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Units purchase contracts | 31.2 | 29.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Units purchase contract payment balance | 1.8 | 4.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares contingently issuable under employee stock plans | 0.8 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares restricted under employee stock plans | 0.5 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ATM forward agreements | — | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Common Shares - Diluted | 447.1 | 441.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.77 | $ | 1.02 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.71 | $ | 0.94 |
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
5. Equity
ATM Program. On February 22, 2021, we entered into six separate equity distribution agreements pursuant to which we are able to sell up to an aggregate of $750.0 million of our common stock. As of March 31, 2023, the ATM program had approximately $300.0 million of equity available for issuance. The program expires on December 31, 2023. There are no outstanding forward agreements as of March 31, 2023.
Preferred Stock. As of March 31, 2023, we had 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance, of which 1,302,500 shares of preferred stock in the aggregate for all series were outstanding. The following table displays preferred dividends declared for the period by outstanding series of shares:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | March 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions except shares and per share amounts) | Liquidation Preference Per Share | Shares | Dividends Declared Per Share | Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.650% Series A | $ | 1,000.00 | 400,000 | 28.25 | 28.25 | $ | 393.9 | $ | 393.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6.500% Series B | $ | 25,000.00 | 20,000 | 812.50 | 812.50 | $ | 486.1 | $ | 486.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series C(1) | $ | 1,000.00 | 862,500 | — | — | $ | 666.5 | $ | 666.5 |
(1)The Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock initially will not bear any dividends. We recorded the initial present value of the purchase contract payments as a liability with a corresponding reduction to preferred stock.
In addition, 20,000 shares of Series B–1 Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding as of March 31, 2023. Holders of Series B–1 Preferred Stock are not entitled to receive dividend payments and have no conversion rights. The Series B–1 Preferred Stock is paired with the Series B Preferred Stock and may not be transferred, redeemed or repurchased except in connection with the simultaneous transfer, redemption, or repurchase of the underlying Series B Preferred Stock.
As of March 31, 2023 and 2022, Series A Preferred Stock had $6.7 million of cumulative preferred dividends in arrears, or $16.63 per share, and Series B Preferred Stock had $1.4 million of cumulative preferred dividends in arrears, or $72.23 per share.
Equity Units. On April 19, 2021, we completed the sale of 8.625 million Equity Units, initially consisting of Corporate Units, each with a stated amount of $100. The offering generated net proceeds of $835.5 million, after underwriting and issuance expenses. Each Corporate Unit consists of a forward contract to purchase shares of our common stock in the future and a 1/10th, or 10%, undivided beneficial ownership interest in one share of Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share.
Selected information about the Equity Units at the issuance date is presented below:
| (in millions except contract rate) | Issuance Date | Units Issued | Total Net Proceeds(1) | Purchase Contract Annual Rate | Purchase Contract Liability | ||||||||||||
| Equity Units | April 19, 2021 | 8.625 | $ | 835.5 | 7.75 | % | $ | 168.8 |
(1)Issuance costs of $27.0 million were recorded on a relative fair value basis as a reduction to preferred stock of $22.5 million and a reduction to the purchase contract liability of $4.5 million.
The purchase contract obligates holders to purchase shares of our common stock on December 1, 2023, subject to early settlement in certain situations. The purchase price paid under the purchase contract is $100 and the number of shares to be purchased will be determined under a settlement rate formula based on the volume-weighted average share price of our common stock near the settlement date, subject to a maximum settlement rate. The Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock will initially be pledged upon issuance as collateral to secure the purchase of common stock under the related purchase contracts.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock is expected to be remarketed prior to December 1, 2023, and each share, unless previously converted, will automatically convert to common stock based on a conversion rate on the mandatory conversion date, which is expected to be on or about March 1, 2024. The conversion rate will be determined based on the volume-weighted average share price of our common stock near the conversion date, subject to a minimum and maximum conversion rate. Prior to December 1, 2023, the Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock will not bear any dividends and the liquidation preference will not accrete. Following a successful remarketing, dividends may become payable on the Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock and/or the minimum conversion rate of the Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock may be increased. If no successful remarketing of the Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock has previously occurred, effective as of December 1, 2023, the conversion rate will be zero, no shares of our common stock will be delivered upon automatic conversion and each share of Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock will be automatically transferred to us on the mandatory conversion date without any payment of cash or shares of our common stock thereon. In the event of such a remarketing failure, any shares of Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock held as part of Corporate Units will be automatically delivered to us on December 1, 2023 in full satisfaction of the relevant holder's obligation under the related purchase contracts.
We will pay quarterly contract adjustment payments at the rate of 7.75% per year on the stated amount of $100 per Equity Unit. The contract adjustment payments are payable in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof, at our election. The payment of contract adjustment payments may also be deferred until the purchase contract settlement date, December 1, 2023, at our election. If we exercise our option to defer the payment of contract adjustment payments, then until the deferred contract adjustment payments have been paid, we will not declare or pay any dividends on, or make any distributions on, or redeem, purchase or acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any shares of our capital stock; make any payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on, or repay, repurchase or redeem any of our debt securities that rank on parity with, or junior to, the contract adjustment payments; or make any guarantee payments under any guarantee by us of securities of any of our subsidiaries if our guarantee ranks on parity with, or junior to, the contract adjustment payments. As of March 31, 2023, no contract adjustment payments have been deferred with quarterly cash payments being remitted to the holders. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 the purchase contract liability, net of issuance costs, was $48.8 million and $65.0 million, respectively. Purchase contract payments are recorded against this liability. Accretion of the purchase contract liability is recorded as interest expense. Cash payments of $16.7 million were made during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock and forward purchase contracts are legally detachable and separately exercisable, however, due to the economic linkage between the forward purchase contract and the Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, we have concluded that the ability to separate the Corporate Units is non-substantive. Accordingly, we are accounting for the Corporate Units as a single unit of account. We recorded the initial present value of the purchase contract payments as a liability with a corresponding reduction to preferred stock. This liability is included in "Other accruals" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited).
Refer to Note 4, "Earnings Per Share," for additional information regarding our treatment of the Equity Units for diluted EPS. Under the terms of the Equity Units, assuming no anti-dilution or other adjustments such as a fundamental change, the maximum number of shares of common stock we will issue under the purchase contracts is 35.2 million and maximum number of shares of common stock we will issue under the Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock is 35.2 million. Had we settled the remaining purchase contract payment balance in shares at March 31, 2023, we would have issued approximately 1.8 million shares.
6. Gas in Storage
We use both the LIFO inventory methodology and the weighted-average cost methodology to value natural gas in storage. Natural gas storage injections are priced at the average of the costs of natural gas supply purchased during the year. For interim periods, the difference in the cost of replacing the current portion of stored gas inventory compared to the amount stated on a LIFO basis is recorded within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). Due to seasonality requirements, we expect interim variances in LIFO layers to be replenished by year end. The LIFO basis exceeded the cost of replacing the current portion of stored gas by $22.3 million and zero as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, for certain gas distribution companies recorded within "Prepayments and other" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited).
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
7. Regulatory Matters
NIPSCO change in accounting estimate
As part of the NIPSCO Gas Settlement and Stipulation Agreement filed on March 2, 2022, NIPSCO Gas agreed to change the depreciation methodology for its calculation of depreciation rates, which reduces depreciation expense and subsequent revenues and cash flows. An order was received on July 27, 2022 approving the rate case and rates were effective as of September 1, 2022. NIPSCO has proposed a similar change in depreciation methodology in its pending electric base rate case, and this proposed change is included in the settlement that has been filed for approval. An order is expected in the electric rate case in August of 2023.
Columbia of Ohio regulatory filing update
Columbia of Ohio's base rate case was filed on June 21, 2021, requesting a net rate increase of approximately 21.3% or $221.4 million increase in revenue per year. The case was filed in conjunction with applications for an alternative rate plan, approval of certain deferral authority, and updates to certain riders. On October 31, 2022, Columbia of Ohio filed a joint stipulation and recommendation with certain parties to settle the base rate case. On January 26, 2023, the PUCO modified and approved the joint stipulation and recommendation, and Columbia of Ohio placed rates into effect on March 1, 2023. Applications for Rehearing were filed by the three parties who opposed certain rate design and energy efficiency assistance components of the joint stipulation and recommendation, which was granted for further consideration by the PUCO on March 22, 2023.
Regulatory deferral related to renewable energy investments
In accordance with the accounting principles of ASC 980, we recognize a regulatory liability or asset for amounts representing the timing difference between the profit earned from the JVs and the amount included in regulated rates to recover our approved investments in consolidated JVs. The amounts recorded in income will ultimately reflect the amount allowed in regulated rates to recover our investments over the useful life of the projects. The offset to the regulatory liability or asset associated with our renewable investments included in regulated rates is recorded in "Depreciation expense" on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited). NiSource recorded a decrease to depreciation expense of $4.4 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Refer to Note 12, "Variable Interest Entities," for additional information.
8. Risk Management Activities
We are exposed to certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations; namely commodity price risk and interest rate risk. We recognize that the prudent and selective use of derivatives may help to lower our cost of debt capital, manage our interest rate exposure and limit volatility in the price of natural gas.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Risk management assets and liabilities on our derivatives are presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as shown below:
| March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
| Current(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | 5.0 | 5.4 | 18.8 | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5.0 | $ | 5.4 | $ | 18.8 | $ | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||
| Noncurrent(2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | 46.5 | 1.1 | 66.0 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 46.5 | $ | 1.1 | $ | 66.0 | $ | 1.9 |
(1)Current assets and liabilities are presented in "Prepayments and other" and "Other accruals", respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited).
(2)Noncurrent assets and liabilities are presented in "Deferred charges and other" and "Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits", respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited).
Our derivative instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. No collateral was either received or posted related to our outstanding derivative positions at March 31, 2023. If the above gross asset and liability positions were presented net of amounts owed or receivable from counterparties, we would report a net asset position of $45.0 million and $81.8 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
All gains and losses on derivative contracts are deferred as regulatory liabilities or assets and are remitted to or collected from customers through NIPSCO’s quarterly GCA mechanism.
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Commodity price risk management. We, along with our utility customers, are exposed to variability in cash flows associated with natural gas purchases and volatility in natural gas prices. We purchase natural gas for sale and delivery to our retail, commercial and industrial customers, and for most customers the variability in the market price of gas is passed through in their rates. Some of our utility subsidiaries offer programs whereby variability in the market price of gas is assumed by the respective utility. The objective of our commodity price risk programs is to mitigate the gas cost variability, for us or on behalf of our customers, associated with natural gas purchases or sales by economically hedging the various gas cost components using a combination of futures, options, forwards or other derivative contracts. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had 92.8 MMDth and 99.0 MMDth, respectively, of net energy derivative volumes outstanding related to our natural gas hedges.
NIPSCO has received IURC approval to lock in a fixed price for its natural gas customers using long-term forward purchase instruments and is limited to 20% of NIPSCO's average annual GCA purchase volume. As of March 31, 2023, the remaining terms of these instruments range from one to four years.
The following table summarizes the gains and losses associated with the commodity price risk programs:
| (in millions) | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Regulatory Assets | |||||||||||
| Losses on commodity price risk programs | $ | 21.7 | $ | 10.0 | |||||||
| Regulatory Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Gains on commodity price risk programs | 52.3 | 90.0 |
Our derivative instruments measured at fair value as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 do not contain any credit-risk-related contingent features.
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest rate risk management. As of March 31, 2023, we have no active interest rate swap positions.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The net gain related to multiple of our settled interest rate swaps, is recorded in AOCI. We amortize the net gain over the life of the debt associated with these swaps as we recognize interest expense. These amounts are immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 and are recorded in "Interest expense, net" on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited). Amounts expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months are immaterial. Amortization will continue for 350 months. See Note 16, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss," for additional information.
9. Fair Value
A. Fair Value Measurements
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) on a recurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
| Recurring Fair Value Measurements March 31, 2023 (in millions) | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Balance as of March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk management assets | $ | — | $ | 51.5 | $ | — | $ | 51.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | — | 150.4 | — | 150.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 201.9 | $ | — | $ | 201.9 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk management liabilities | $ | — | $ | 6.5 | $ | — | $ | 6.5 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 6.5 | $ | — | $ | 6.5 |
| Recurring Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2022 (in millions) | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Balance as of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk management assets | $ | — | $ | 84.8 | $ | — | $ | 84.8 | |||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | — | 151.6 | — | 151.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 236.4 | $ | — | $ | 236.4 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk management liabilities | $ | — | $ | 3.0 | $ | — | $ | 3.0 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | — | $ | 3.0 | $ | — | $ | 3.0 |
Risk Management Assets and Liabilities. Risk management assets and liabilities include exchange-traded NYMEX futures and NYMEX options and non-exchange-based forward purchase contracts.
Level 1- When utilized, exchange-traded derivative contracts are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified within Level 1. These financial assets and liabilities are secured with cash on deposit with the exchange; therefore, nonperformance risk has not been incorporated into these valuations. These financial assets and liabilities are deemed to be cleared and settled daily by NYMEX as the related cash collateral is posted with the exchange. As a result of this exchange rule, NYMEX derivatives are considered to have no fair value at the balance sheet date for financial reporting purposes, and are presented in Level 1 net of posted cash; however, the derivatives remain outstanding and are subject to future commodity price fluctuations until they are settled in accordance with their contractual terms.
Level 2- Certain non-exchange-traded derivatives are valued using broker or over-the-counter, on-line exchanges. In such cases, these non-exchange-traded derivatives are classified within Level 2. Non-exchange-based derivative instruments include swaps, forwards, and options. In certain instances, these instruments may utilize models to measure fair value. We use a similar model
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
to value similar instruments. Valuation models utilize various inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs, (i.e., inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means). Where observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of the asset or liability, the instrument is categorized within Level 2.
Level 3- Certain derivatives trade in less active markets with a lower availability of pricing information and models may be utilized in the valuation. When such inputs have a significant impact on the measurement of fair value, the instrument is categorized within Level 3.
Credit risk is considered in the fair value calculation of derivative instruments that are not exchange-traded. Credit exposures are adjusted to reflect collateral agreements that reduce exposures. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no material transfers between fair value hierarchies. Additionally, there were no changes in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments.
NIPSCO has entered into long-term forward natural gas purchase instruments to lock in a fixed price for its natural gas customers. We value these contracts using a pricing model that incorporates market-based information when available, as these instruments trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For additional information, see Note 8, "Risk Management Activities."
Available-for-Sale Debt Securities. Available-for-sale debt securities are investments pledged as collateral for trust accounts related to our wholly owned insurance company. We value U.S. Treasury, corporate debt and mortgage-backed securities using a matrix pricing model that incorporates market-based information. These securities trade less frequently and are classified within Level 2.
Our available-for-sale debt securities impairments are recognized periodically using an allowance approach. At each reporting date, we utilize a quantitative and qualitative review process to assess the impairment of available-for-sale debt securities at the individual security level. For securities in a loss position, we evaluate our intent to sell or whether it is more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell the security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost. If either criteria is met, the loss is recognized in earnings immediately, with the offsetting entry to the carrying value of the security. If both criteria are not met, we perform an analysis to determine whether the unrealized loss is related to credit factors. The analysis focuses on a variety of factors that include, but are not limited to, downgrade on ratings of the security, defaults in the current reporting period or projected defaults in the future, the security's yield spread over treasuries, and other relevant market data. If the unrealized loss is not related to credit factors, it is included in other comprehensive income. If the unrealized loss is related to credit factors, the loss is recognized as credit loss expense in earnings during the period, with an offsetting entry to the allowance for credit losses. The amount of the credit loss recorded to the allowance account is limited by the amount at which the security's fair value is less than its amortized cost basis. If certain amounts recorded in the allowance for credit losses are deemed uncollectible, the allowance on the uncollectible portion will be charged off, with an offsetting entry to the carrying value of the security. Subsequent improvements to the estimated credit losses of available-for-sale debt securities will be recognized immediately in earnings. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we have $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, recorded as an allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities as a result of the analysis described above. Continuous credit monitoring and portfolio credit balancing mitigates our risk of credit losses on our available-for-sale debt securities.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, allowance for credit losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were:
| March 31, 2023 (in millions) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses**(1)** | Allowance for Credit Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury debt securities | $ | 67.0 | $ | 0.1 | $ | (3.3) | $ | — | $ | 63.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate/Other debt securities | 95.8 | — | (8.4) | (0.8) | 86.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 162.8 | $ | 0.1 | $ | (11.7) | $ | (0.8) | $ | 150.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 (in millions) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses**(2)** | Allowance for Credit Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale debt securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury debt securities | $ | 67.7 | $ | — | $ | (4.5) | $ | — | $ | 63.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate/Other debt securities | 99.0 | — | (9.7) | (0.9) | 88.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 166.7 | $ | — | $ | (14.2) | $ | (0.9) | $ | 151.6 |
(1)Fair value of U.S. Treasury debt securities and Corporate/Other debt securities in an unrealized loss position without an allowance for credit losses is $56.2 million and $82.5 million, respectively, at March 31, 2023.
(2)Fair value of U.S. Treasury debt securities and Corporate/Other debt securities in an unrealized loss position without an allowance for credit losses is $61.0 million and $85.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022.
The cost of maturities sold is based upon specific identification. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities were immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
At March 31, 2023, approximately $6.3 million of U.S. Treasury debt securities and approximately $4.1 million of Corporate/Other debt securities have maturities of less than a year.
Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements
We measure the fair value of certain assets, including goodwill, on a non-recurring basis, typically when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.
Purchase Contract Liability. At April 19, 2021, we recorded the purchase contract liability at fair value using a discounted cash flow method and observable, market-corroborated inputs. This estimate was made at April 19, 2021, and will not be remeasured at each subsequent balance sheet date. It has been categorized within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 5, "Equity," for additional information.
B. Other Fair Value Disclosures for Financial Instruments. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, notes receivable, customer deposits and short-term borrowings is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Our long-term borrowings are recorded at historical amounts.
The following method and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments.
Long-term Debt. The fair value of outstanding long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar securities. Certain premium costs associated with the early settlement of long-term debt are not taken into consideration in determining fair value. These fair value measurements are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As of March 31, 2023, there was no change in the method or significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt.
The carrying amount and estimated fair values of these financial instruments were as follows:
| (in millions) | Carrying Amount as of March 31, 2023 | Estimated Fair Value as of March 31, 2023 | Carrying Amount as of Dec. 31, 2022 | Estimated Fair Value as of Dec. 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt (including current portion) | $ | 10,295.0 | $ | 9,488.2 | $ | 9,553.6 | $ | 8,479.4 |
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
10. Income Taxes
Our interim effective tax rates reflect the estimated annual effective tax rates for 2023 and 2022, adjusted for tax expense associated with certain discrete items. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 were 20.3% and 18.2%, respectively. These effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to increased amortization of excess deferred federal income tax liabilities, as specified in the TCJA, tax credits, state flow through, and other permanent book-to-tax differences. These adjustments have a relative impact on the effective tax rate proportionally to pretax income or loss.
The increase in the three month effective tax rate of 2.1% in 2023 compared to 2022 is primarily attributed to renewable partnership income, partially offset by increased amortization of excess deferred federal income tax liabilities, the Pennsylvania rate differential, and restricted stock unit excess benefit.
There were no material changes recorded in 2023 to our uncertain tax positions recorded as of December 31, 2022.
11. Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits
We provide defined contribution plans and noncontributory defined benefit retirement plans that cover certain of our employees. Benefits under the defined benefit retirement plans reflect the employees' compensation, years of service and age at retirement. Additionally, we provide health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. The majority of employees may become eligible for these benefits if they reach retirement age while working for us. The expected cost of such benefits is accrued during the employees' years of service. We determined that, for certain rate-regulated subsidiaries, the future recovery of postretirement benefit costs is probable, and we record regulatory assets and liabilities for amounts that would otherwise have been recorded to expense or accumulated other comprehensive loss. Current rates of rate-regulated companies include postretirement benefit costs, including amortization of the regulatory assets and liabilities that arose prior to inclusion of these costs in rates. For most plans, cash contributions are remitted to grantor trusts.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, we contributed $1.2 million to our pension plans and $5.6 million to our OPEB plans.
The following table provides the components of the plans' actuarially determined net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Pension Benefits | OPEB | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost**(1)** | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | 5.1 | $ | 7.1 | $ | 1.3 | $ | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 17.1 | 9.4 | 5.4 | 3.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on assets | (23.6) | (22.9) | (3.8) | (4.0) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | — | — | (0.5) | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized actuarial loss | 8.4 | 4.5 | 0.8 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost | $ | 7.0 | $ | (1.9) | $ | 3.2 | $ | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||
| (1)The service cost component and all non-service cost components of net periodic benefit (income) cost are presented in "Operation and maintenance" and "Other, net," respectively, on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited). | |||||||||||||||||||||||
12. Variable Interest Entities
A VIE is an entity in which the controlling interest is determined through means other than a majority voting interest. NIPSCO owns and operates two wind facilities, Rosewater and Indiana Crossroads Wind, which have 102 MW and 302 MW of nameplate capacity, respectively. NIPSCO also owns one solar facility, Indiana Crossroads Solar, which is expected to go into service in 2023 with 200 MW of nameplate capacity. We control decisions that are significant to these entities' ongoing operations and economic results. Therefore, we have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary and have consolidated all three entities.
Members of the respective JVs are NIPSCO (who is the managing member) and tax equity partners. Earnings, tax attributes and cash flows are allocated to both NIPSCO and the tax equity partner in varying percentages by category and over the life of the partnership. NIPSCO and each tax equity partner contributed cash, and NIPSCO also assumed an obligation to the developers
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
of the wind facilities representing the remaining economic interest. The developers of the wind facilities are not a partner in the JV for federal income tax purposes and do not receive any share of earnings, tax attributes, or cash flows of each JV. Once the tax equity partner has earned their negotiated rate of return and we have reached the agreed upon contractual date, NIPSCO has the option to purchase at fair market value from the tax equity partner the remaining interest in the respective JV. NIPSCO has an obligation to purchase, through a PPA at established market rates, 100% of the electricity generated by our in-service JVs.
We did not provide any financial or other support during the quarter that was not previously contractually required, nor do we expect to provide such support in the future.
Our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) included the following assets and liabilities associated with VIEs.
| (in millions) | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Net Property, Plant and Equipment | $ | 972.7 | $ | 978.5 | |||||||
| Current assets | 33.8 | 25.7 | |||||||||
| Total assets(1) | 1,006.5 | 1,004.2 | |||||||||
| Current liabilities | 135.4 | 128.2 | |||||||||
| Asset retirement obligations | 30.7 | 30.6 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | 166.1 | $ | 158.8 |
(1)The assets of each VIE represent assets of a consolidated VIE that can be used only to settle obligations of the respective consolidated VIE. The creditors of the liabilities of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary.
13. Long-Term Debt
On March 24, 2023, we completed the issuance and sale of $750.0 million of 5.25% senior unsecured notes maturing in 2028, which resulted in approximately $742.2 million of net proceeds after discount and debt issuance costs.
14. Short-Term Borrowings
We generate short-term borrowings from our revolving credit facility, commercial paper program, accounts receivable transfer programs, and term credit agreement. Each of these borrowing sources is described further below.
Revolving Credit Facility. We maintain a revolving credit facility to fund ongoing working capital requirements, including the provision of liquidity support for our commercial paper program, provide for issuance of letters of credit and also for general corporate purposes. Our revolving credit facility has a program limit of $1.85 billion and is comprised of a syndicate of banks.We had no outstanding borrowings under this facility as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Commercial Paper Program. Our commercial paper program has a program limit of up to $1.5 billion. We had zero and $415.0 million of commercial paper outstanding with weighted-average interest rates of zero and 4.60% as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Accounts Receivable Transfer Programs. Columbia of Ohio, NIPSCO and Columbia of Pennsylvania each maintain a receivables agreement whereby they transfer their customer accounts receivables to third-party financial institutions through wholly owned and consolidated special purpose entities. The three agreements expire between August 2023 and May 2024 and may be further extended if mutually agreed to by the parties thereto.
All receivables transferred to third parties are valued at face value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. The amount of the undivided percentage ownership interest in the accounts receivables transferred is determined in part by required loss reserves under the agreements.
Transfers of accounts receivable are accounted for as secured borrowings resulting in the recognition of short-term borrowings on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). As of March 31, 2023, the maximum amount of debt that could be borrowed related to our accounts receivable programs is $635.5 million.
We had $281.8 million and $347.2 million of short-term borrowings related to the securitization transactions as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 $65.4 million was recorded as cash flows used for financing activities related to the change in short-term borrowings due to securitization transactions. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 $355.0 million was recorded as cash flows from financing activities related to the change in short-term borrowings due to securitization transactions. Fees associated with the securitization transactions were $0.9 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Columbia of Ohio, NIPSCO and Columbia of Pennsylvania remain responsible for collecting on the receivables securitized, and the receivables cannot be transferred to another party.
Term Credit Agreement. On December 20, 2022, we entered into a $1.0 billion term credit agreement with a syndicate of banks. The agreement matures on December 19, 2023 and interest charged on the borrowings depends on the variable rate structure elected at the time of each borrowing. The available variable rate structures from which we can choose are defined in the agreement. Under the agreement, we borrowed $1.0 billion on December 20, 2022 with an interest rate of SOFR plus 105 basis points. We had $1.0 billion outstanding with interest rates of 5.81% and 5.37% as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Items listed above, excluding the term credit agreement, are presented net in the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (unaudited) as their maturities are less than 90 days.
15. Other Commitments and Contingencies
A. Guarantees and Indemnities. We and certain of our subsidiaries enter into various agreements providing financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of certain subsidiaries as a part of normal business. Such agreements include guarantees and stand-by letters of credit. These agreements are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness otherwise attributed to a subsidiary on a stand-alone basis, thereby facilitating the extension of sufficient credit to accomplish the subsidiaries' intended commercial purposes. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had issued stand-by letters of credit of $10.2 million for the benefit of third parties.
We provide guarantees related to our future performance under BTAs for our renewable generation projects. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our guarantees for multiple BTAs totaled $841.6 million. As of April 2023, the amount of the guarantees increased to $938.9 million in accordance with the Fairbanks BTA. The amount of each guaranty will fluctuate upon the completion of the various steps outlined in each BTA. See ''- D. Other Matters - Generation Transition,'' below for more information.
B. Legal Proceedings.
Due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim, proceeding or investigation would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity. If one or more matters were decided against us, the effects could be material to our results of operations in the period in which we would be required to record or adjust the related liability and could also be material to our cash flows in the periods that we would be required to pay such liability.
Private Actions. On September 13, 2018, a series of fires and explosions occurred in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover, Massachusetts related to the delivery of natural gas by Columbia of Massachusetts (the "Greater Lawrence Incident"). There continue to be asserted wrongful death and bodily injury claims as it relates to the Greater Lawrence Incident. We continue to discuss potential settlements with remaining claimants. The outcomes and impacts of such private actions are uncertain at this time.
FERC Investigation. In April 2022, NIPSCO was notified that the FERC Office of Enforcement (“OE”) is conducting an investigation of an industrial customer for allegedly manipulating the MISO Demand Response (“DR”) market. The customer and NIPSCO are cooperating with the investigation. If the OE ultimately were to seek to require the customer to repay any portion of the DR revenue received from MISO, it is reasonably possible that the OE would also seek to require NIPSCO to disgorge administrative fees and foregone margin charges that NIPSCO collected pursuant to its own IURC-approved tariff. NIPSCO currently estimates the maximum amount of its disgorgement exposure to be $9.7 million, and the investigation is still ongoing. NIPSCO intends to seek indemnification under its agreements with the customer for any liability NIPSCO incurs related to this matter.
Other Legal Proceedings. We are also party to other claims, regulatory and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business in each state in which we have operations, none of which we believe to be individually material at this time.
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
C. Environmental Matters. Our operations are subject to environmental statutes and regulations related to air quality, water quality, hazardous waste and solid waste. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the environmental regulations currently applicable to our operations.
It is management's continued intent to address environmental issues in cooperation with regulatory authorities in such a manner as to achieve mutually acceptable compliance plans. However, there can be no assurance that fines and penalties will not be incurred. Management expects a majority of environmental assessment and remediation costs and asset retirement costs, further described below, to be recoverable through rates.
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had recorded a liability of $84.3 million and $86.5 million, respectively, to cover environmental remediation at various sites. This liability is included in "Other accruals" and "Other noncurrent liabilities" in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited). We recognize costs associated with environmental remediation obligations when the incurrence of such costs is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. The original estimates for remediation activities may differ materially from the amount ultimately expended. The actual future expenditures depend on many factors, including laws and regulations, the nature and extent of impact and the method of remediation. These expenditures are not currently estimable at some sites. We periodically adjust our liability as information is collected and estimates become more refined.
CERCLA. Our subsidiaries are potentially responsible parties at waste disposal sites under CERCLA and similar state laws. Under CERCLA, each potentially responsible party can be held jointly, severally and strictly liable for the remediation costs as the EPA, or state, can allow the parties to pay for remedial action or perform remedial action themselves and request reimbursement from the potentially responsible parties. Our affiliates have retained CERCLA environmental liabilities, including remediation liabilities, associated with certain current and former operations. At this time, we cannot estimate the full cost of remediating properties that have not yet been investigated, but it is possible that the future costs could be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
MGP. We maintain a program to identify and investigate former MGP sites where Gas Distribution Operations subsidiaries or predecessors may have liability. The program has identified 53 such sites where liability is probable. Remedial actions at many of these sites are being overseen by state or federal environmental agencies through consent agreements or voluntary remediation agreements.
We utilize a probabilistic model to estimate our future remediation costs related to MGP sites. The model was prepared with the assistance of a third party and incorporates our experience and general industry experience with remediating MGP sites. We complete an annual refresh of the model in the second quarter of each fiscal year. No material changes to the estimated future remediation costs were noted as a result of the refresh completed as of June 30, 2022. Our total estimated liability related to the facilities subject to remediation was $79.3 million and $81.0 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The liability represents our best estimate of the probable cost to remediate the MGP sites. Our model indicates that it is reasonably possible that remediation costs could vary by as much as $17 million in addition to the costs noted above. Remediation costs are estimated based on the best available information, applicable remediation standards at the balance sheet date and experience with similar facilities.
CCRs. NIPSCO continues to meet the compliance requirements established in the EPA's final rule for the regulation of CCRs. The CCR rule also resulted in revisions to previously recorded legal obligations associated with the retirement of certain NIPSCO facilities. The actual asset retirement costs related to the CCR rule may vary substantially from the estimates used to record the increased asset retirement obligation due to the uncertainty about the requirements that will be established by environmental authorities, compliance strategies that will be used and the preliminary nature of available data used to estimate costs. As allowed by the rule, NIPSCO will continue to collect data over time to determine the specific compliance solutions and associated costs and, as a result, the actual costs may vary.
D. Other Matters.
Generation Transition. NIPSCO has executed several PPAs to purchase 100% of the output from renewable generation facilities at a fixed price per MWh. Each facility supplying the energy will have an associated nameplate capacity, and payments under the PPAs will not begin until the associated generation facility is constructed by the owner/seller. NIPSCO has also executed several BTAs with developers to construct renewable generation facilities. NIPSCO's purchase obligation under each respective BTA is dependent on satisfactory approval of the BTA by the IURC, successful execution by NIPSCO of an agreement with a tax equity partner and timely completion of construction. NIPSCO has received IURC approval for all of its BTAs and PPAs. NIPSCO and the tax equity partner, for each respective BTA, are obligated to make cash contributions to the
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
JV that acquires the project at the date construction is substantially complete. Certain agreements require NIPSCO to make partial payments upon the developer's completion of significant construction milestones. Once the tax equity partner has earned its negotiated rate of return and we have reached the agreed upon contractual date, NIPSCO has the option to purchase at fair market value the remaining interest in the JV from the tax equity partner.
16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables display the components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax:
| (in millions) | Gains and Losses on Securities**(1)** | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges**(1)** | Pension and OPEB Items**(1)** | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss**(1)** | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2023 | $ | (11.2) | $ | (12.6) | $ | (13.3) | $ | (37.1) | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 1.7 | — | — | 1.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net current-period other comprehensive income | 2.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | (9.2) | $ | (12.5) | $ | (13.0) | $ | (34.7) | |||||||||||||||
(1)All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
| (in millions) | Gains and Losses on Securities**(1)** | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges**(1)** | Pension and OPEB Items**(1)** | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss**(1)** | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2022 | $ | 2.1 | $ | (122.5) | $ | (6.4) | $ | (126.8) | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (5.9) | 47.0 | — | 41.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0.2 | — | 0.1 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | (5.7) | 47.0 | 0.1 | 41.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2022 | $ | (3.6) | $ | (75.5) | $ | (6.3) | $ | (85.4) | |||||||||||||||
(1)All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
17. Other, Net
The following table displays the components of Other, Net included on the Condensed Statements of Consolidated Income (unaudited):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 1.8 | $ | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| AFUDC equity | 4.8 | 3.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement non-service benefit (cost) | (3.5) | 7.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Miscellaneous | (1.6) | (0.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other, net | $ | 1.5 | $ | 10.9 |
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
18. Business Segment Information
Our operations are divided into two primary reportable segments, the Gas Distribution Operations and the Electric Operations segments. The remainder of our operations, which are not significant enough on a stand-alone basis to warrant treatment as an operating segment, are presented as "Corporate and Other" and primarily are comprised of interest expense on holding company debt, and unallocated corporate costs and activities. Refer to Note 3, "Revenue Recognition," for additional information on our segments and their sources of revenues. The following table provides information about our reportable segments. We use operating income as our primary measurement for each of the reported segments and make decisions on finance, dividends, and taxes at the corporate level on a consolidated basis. Segment revenues include intersegment sales to affiliated subsidiaries, which are eliminated in consolidation. Affiliated sales are recognized on the basis of prevailing market, regulated prices or at levels provided for under contractual agreements. Operating income is derived from revenues and expenses directly associated with each segment.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gas Distribution Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unaffiliated | $ | 1,501.3 | $ | 1,436.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment | 3.1 | 3.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,504.4 | 1,439.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Electric Operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unaffiliated | 464.5 | 430.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment | 0.2 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 464.7 | 430.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unaffiliated | 0.2 | 6.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Intersegment | 116.7 | 113.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 116.9 | 120.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Eliminations | (120.0) | (116.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Operating Revenues | $ | 1,966.0 | $ | 1,873.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Income (Loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gas Distribution Operations | $ | 446.9 | $ | 510.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Electric Operations | 81.9 | 99.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | 2.2 | (9.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated Operating Income | $ | 531.0 | $ | 600.3 |
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NiSource Inc.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("Management’s Discussion") includes management’s analysis of past financial results and certain potential factors that may affect future results, potential future risks and approaches that may be used to manage those risks. See "Note regarding forward-looking statements" at the beginning of this report for a list of factors that may cause results to differ materially.
Management's Discussion is designed to provide an understanding of our operations and financial performance and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
We are an energy holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 whose utility subsidiaries are fully regulated natural gas and electric utility companies serving customers in six states. We generate substantially all of our operating income through these rate-regulated businesses, which are summarized for financial reporting purposes into two primary reportable segments: Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations.
Refer to the ''Business'' section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 for further discussion of our regulated utility business segments.
Our goal is to develop strategies that benefit all stakeholders as we (i) embark on long-term infrastructure investment and safety programs to better serve our customers, (ii) align our tariff structures with our cost structure, and (iii) address changing customer conservation patterns. These strategies focus on improving safety and reliability, enhancing customer service, ensuring customer affordability and reducing emissions while generating sustainable returns. The safety of our customers, communities and employees remains our top priority. Serving as a guiding practice for our SMS, NiSource is certified in conformance to the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1173. This certification marks an important milestone for our SMS and NiSource’s journey towards operational excellence. Additionally, we continue to pursue regulatory and legislative initiatives that will allow residential customers not currently on our system to obtain gas service in a cost effective manner.
Your Energy, Your Future: Our plan to replace our coal generation capacity by the end of 2028 with primarily renewable resources, initiated through our 2018 Integrated Resource Plan ("2018 Plan"), is well underway, and we are continually adjusting to the dynamic renewable energy landscape. As of March 31, 2023, we have executed and received IURC approval for BTAs and PPAs with a combined nameplate capacity of 1,950 MW and 1,380 MW, respectively, under the 2018 Plan. We continue to make significant progress on our first two solar BTAs and anticipate completion of these projects and tax equity financing by June 2023. We have also taken contractual actions on a number of our other renewable projects to address the timing of these projects as well as consider the broad market issues facing the industry. We remain on track to retire R.M Schahfer's remaining two coal units by the end of 2025. On January 1, 2023, the provisions of the 2022 IRA became effective. We are evaluating the impact of this legislation to our renewable projects with potential to drive increased value to customers as part of our expansion of renewable projects and generation transition strategy. We will analyze opportunities to leverage the IRA on a project-by-project basis in consideration of several factors, both quantitative and qualitative, to enable project success and ensure value for the customer and company. For additional information, see "Results and Discussion of Segment Operations - Electric Operations," in this Management's Discussion.
In 2021, we announced and filed with the IURC the Preferred Energy Resource Plan associated with our 2021 Integrated Resource Plan ("2021 Plan"). The 2021 Plan lays out a timeline to retire the Michigan City Generating Station by the end of 2028. The 2021 Plan calls for the replacement of the retiring units with a diverse portfolio of resources including demand side management resources, incremental solar, stand-alone energy storage and upgrades to existing facilities at the Sugar Creek Generating Station, among other steps. Additionally, the 2021 Plan calls for a natural gas peaking unit to replace existing vintage gas peaking units at the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station to support system reliability and resiliency, as well as upgrades to the transmission system to enhance our electric generation transition. The planned retirement of the two vintage gas peaking units at the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station is also expected to occur by the end of 2028. Final retirement dates for these units, as well as Michigan City, will be subject to MISO approval. We are continuing to evaluate potential projects under the 2021 Plan given the responses to our Request for Proposal issued in August 2022.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)
NiSource Inc.
Transformation: Our Enterprise-wide Transformation Roadmap focuses on operational excellence, safety, operation and maintenance management, and unlocking efficiencies. We have formally launched several initiatives that will enable us to streamline work and improve logistics company-wide. These efforts will include investments in proven technologies backed with standardized processes that will change the way we plan, schedule, and execute work in the field and how we engage and provide service to our customers. Taken together, all the initiatives under the Enterprise-wide Transformation Roadmap will prioritize safety and continue to optimize our long-term growth profile.
Economic Environment: We are monitoring risks related to increasing order and delivery lead times for construction and other materials, increasing risk of unavailability of materials due to global shortages in raw materials, and risk of decreased construction labor productivity in the event of disruptions in the availability of materials. We continue to see increasing prices associated with certain materials and supplies. To the extent that delays occur or our costs increase, our business operations, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. For more information on supply chain impacts to our electric generation strategy, see "Results and Discussion of Segment Operations - Electric Operations," in this Management's Discussion. Additionally, for more information on global availability of materials for our renewable projects, see "Results and Discussion of Segment Operations - Electric Operations - Electric Supply and Generation Transition."
We are faced with increased competition for employee and contractor talent in the current labor market, which has resulted in increased costs to attract and retain talent. We are ensuring that we use all internal human capital programs (development, leadership enablement programs, succession, performance management) to promote retention of our current employees along with having a competitive and attractive appeal for potential recruits. With a focus on workforce planning, we are anticipating to evaluate our talent footprint for the future by creating flexible work arrangements where we can, to ensure we have the right people, in the right role, and at the right time. To the extent we are unable to execute on our workforce planning initiatives and experience increased employee and contractor costs, our business operations, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
There has been volatility in the market price of natural gas costs which influences customer bills. For the first three quarters of 2022, gas prices increased. Prices began to decrease in November of 2022 and have continued to decrease during the first quarter of 2023. Changes in gas prices do not have a material impact on our results of operations. For more information on our commodity price impacts, see "Results and Discussion of Segment Operations - Gas Distribution Operations," and "Market Risk Disclosures."
Due to rising interest rates, we experienced higher interest expense in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2022 associated with short-term borrowings. We continue to evaluate our financing plan to manage interest expense and exposure to rates. For more information on interest rate risk, see "Market Risk Disclosures".
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