regulated operations

This Subtopic applies the general accounting change and error correction rules of Topic 250 to entities with regulated operations that meet the criteria of paragraph 980-10-15-2 (so that costs designated for future recovery by the regulator are probable of recovery). Its core rule is that a change in accounting method that does not affect costs allowable for rate-making purposes is reported the same way an unregulated entity would report it, whereas a change that does affect allowable costs is generally implemented the way it is implemented for regulatory purposes. It also confirms that prior period adjustments are limited to error corrections and prior interim period adjustments of the current fiscal year, and that previously unaccrued estimated refunds are charged to income when the accrual criteria are first met.

This subtopic applies Topic 350's goodwill and intangibles guidance to entities with regulated operations. Its core rule is that goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment under Topic 350 unless a regulator permits amortization of goodwill as an allowable cost for rate-making purposes, in which case the regulator's action provides reasonable assurance of a regulatory asset that is amortized over the period allowed for rate-making. It also addresses long-term power sales contracts acquired in a business combination and the need to review such contracts for loss-contract status.

This Subtopic explains when a regulator's rate actions create liabilities (regulatory liabilities) for an entity with regulated operations. Three mechanisms create liabilities: required refunds to customers that meet the loss-contingency accrual criteria, current rates collected to recover costs expected to be incurred in the future for which the entity remains accountable, and gains or other reductions of net allowable costs that the regulator requires be amortized to customers over future periods. A regulator's actions can eliminate a liability only if the regulator's actions imposed it in the first place.

This Subtopic modifies the general rule that gains and losses on early extinguishment of debt hit income immediately (Subtopic 470-50) for entities whose rates are set by a regulator. If the regulator will recover a reacquisition loss through future rates, the regulated entity capitalizes the excess of reacquisition price over net carrying amount as a regulatory asset; if the regulator will reduce future rates for a gain, the entity records a regulatory liability. Either amount is amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the period reflected in rate-making.

ASC 605-980 is the surviving remnant of the old revenue standard for entities with regulated operations (and nonutility generators), governing recognition of revenue from "alternative revenue programs" — regulator-authorized adjustments to future billings for past events. Type A programs adjust billings for weather abnormalities, broad external factors, or demand-side management; Type B programs award incentives for achieving objectives such as cost reduction or improved service. Revenue is recognized once the triggering events are complete if the program arises from a regulatory order allowing automatic rate adjustment, the amount is objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and collection occurs within 24 months after the end of the annual period of recognition (605-980-25-4).

This Subtopic addresses compensated absences and other compensation-related costs for entities with regulated operations. Even though a regulator may allow such compensation in rates only when paid, the entity must still accrue the liability under Topic 710 because regulator rate actions cannot eliminate obligations the regulator did not impose. Because the cost will be recoverable in future rates as paid, the entity simultaneously records a regulatory asset representing the probable future increased revenue.

This subtopic applies ASC 740 to entities whose rates are regulated and that meet the criteria in 980-10-15-2. It prohibits net-of-tax accounting, requires a deferred tax liability for tax benefits flowed through to customers and for the equity component of the allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC), and requires deferred taxes to be adjusted for enacted changes in tax law or rates. When it is probable that a regulator will allow recovery from (or require refund to) customers of those future tax amounts, the entity recognizes a separate regulatory asset or liability, which is itself a temporary difference generating additional deferred tax.

ASC 815-980 addresses long-term power sales contracts, including those entered into by nonutility generators that sell power (often to rate-regulated utilities) under contracts with stated prices, formula-based prices, or a combination. The core rule is that if such a contract meets the definition of a derivative, it is marked to fair value through earnings unless designated in a qualifying hedging relationship; otherwise Topic 606 applies. Contracts that qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales scope exception in 815-10-15-13(b) are accounted for under this Section rather than as derivatives.

This Subtopic governs how entities with regulated operations account for the financing cost of construction — the allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC), which includes both a computed interest component and a designated cost of equity funds. When a regulator requires such capitalization, the rate-making amount (not the amount computed under Subtopic 835-20) is capitalized for financial reporting purposes, but only if subsequent inclusion in allowable costs for rate-making purposes is probable. The credit is reported in the income statement as other income, a reduction of interest expense, or both.

This subtopic formerly provided lease guidance specific to regulated operations (rate-regulated utilities) under the old lease model in ASC 840 — for example, how capital lease accounting interacted with regulator-prescribed rate-making treatment. Every paragraph in every section (05, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55) has been superseded by ASU 2016-02 (Leases (Topic 842)), so the subtopic contains no operative guidance. Lessees and lessors in regulated operations now apply ASC 842, together with the regulated-operations guidance in ASC 980 (including ASC 842-10 and 980-340/980-405 concepts on regulatory assets and liabilities).

This Subtopic addresses how rate-regulated entities account for leases when the regulator's rate-making treatment differs from Topic 842. Lease classification for financial reporting follows Topic 842 regardless of how the regulator treats the lease, but the timing of expense (or income) recognition is modified to conform to the rate treatment, with timing differences capitalized or accrued as regulatory assets or liabilities. Sale-and-leaseback timing differences are handled either as part of a phase-in plan under Subtopic 980-340 or by conforming recognition to the Regulated Operations Topic.