eversourcea01.jpg
 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 20162017
 or
¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE     
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________


Commission
File Number
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
Address; and Telephone Number
I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.
   
1-5324
EVERSOURCE ENERGY
(a Massachusetts voluntary association)
300 Cadwell Drive
Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
Telephone:  (800) 286-5000
04-2147929
   
0-00404
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
(a Connecticut corporation)
107 Selden Street
Berlin, Connecticut 06037-1616
Telephone:  (800) 286-5000
06-0303850
   
1-02301
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY
(a Massachusetts corporation)
800 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
Telephone:  (800) 286-5000
04-1278810
   
1-6392
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
(a New Hampshire corporation)
Energy Park
780 North Commercial Street
Manchester, New Hampshire 03101-1134
Telephone:  (800) 286-5000
02-0181050
   
0-7624
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY
(a Massachusetts corporation)
300 Cadwell Drive
Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
Telephone:  (800) 286-5000
04-1961130
   


  


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.
 YesNo
 x¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web sites, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files).
 YesNo
 x¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitionthe definitions of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer”filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large
Accelerated Fileraccelerated filer
 
Accelerated
Filerfiler
 
Non-accelerated
Filerfiler
Smaller reporting companyEmerging growth company
      
Eversource Energyx¨¨ ¨ ¨
The Connecticut Light and Power Company¨ ¨ x¨¨
NSTAR Electric Company¨ ¨ x¨¨
Public Service Company of New Hampshire¨ ¨ x¨¨
Western Massachusetts Electric Company¨ ¨ x¨¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has 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):
 YesNo
   
Eversource Energy¨x
The Connecticut Light and Power Company¨x
NSTAR Electric Company¨x
Public Service Company of New Hampshire¨x
Western Massachusetts Electric Company¨x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers’issuers' classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Company - Class of StockOutstanding as of October 31, 2016
Eversource Energy
Common shares, $5.00 par value
316,885,808 shares2017
  
Eversource Energy Common Shares, $5.00 par value
316,885,808 shares
The Connecticut Light and Power Company
Common stock,Stock, $10.00 par value
6,035,205 shares
NSTAR Electric Company
Common stock,Stock, $1.00 par value
100 shares
Public Service Company of New Hampshire
Common stock,Stock, $1.00 par value
301 shares
Western Massachusetts Electric Company
Common stock,Stock, $25.00 par value
434,653 shares

Eversource Energy holds all of the 6,035,205 shares, 100 shares, 301 shares, and 434,653 shares of the outstanding common stock of The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company, Public Service Company of New Hampshire and Western Massachusetts Electric Company, respectively.

NSTAR Electric Company, Public Service Company of New Hampshire and Western Massachusetts Electric Company each meet the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q, and each is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H(2) of Form 10-Q.

Eversource Energy, The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company, Public Service Company of New Hampshire, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company each separately file this combined Form 10-Q.  Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant on its own behalf.  Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating to the other registrants.  


GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following is a glossary of abbreviations orand acronyms that are found in this report:
Current or former Eversource Energy companies, segments or investments:
Eversource, ES or the CompanyEversource Energy and subsidiaries
Eversource parent or ES parentEversource Energy, a public utility holding company
ES parent and other companiesES parent and other companies are comprised of Eversource parent, Eversource Service and other subsidiaries, which primarily includes our unregulated businesses, HWP Company, The Rocky River Realty Company (a real estate subsidiary), and the consolidated operations of CYAPC and YAEC
CL&PThe Connecticut Light and Power Company
NSTAR ElectricNSTAR Electric Company
PSNHPublic Service Company of New Hampshire
WMECOWestern Massachusetts Electric Company
NSTAR GasNSTAR Gas Company
Yankee GasYankee Gas Services Company
NPTNorthern Pass Transmission LLC
Northern PassThe HVDC and associated alternating-current transmission line project from Canada into New Hampshire
Eversource ServiceEversource Energy Service Company
Bay State WindA project being developed jointly by Eversource and Denmark-based Ørsted (formerly known as DONG Energy) to construct an offshore wind farm off the coast of Massachusetts
CYAPCConnecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company
MYAPCMaine Yankee Atomic Power Company
YAECYankee Atomic Electric Company
Yankee CompaniesCYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC
Regulated companiesThe Eversource Regulated companies are comprised of the electric distribution and transmission businesses of CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, and WMECO, the natural gas distribution businesses of Yankee Gas and NSTAR Gas, NPT, and the generation activities of PSNH and WMECO and NPT
  
Regulators: 
DEEPConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
DOEU.S. Department of Energy
DOERMassachusetts Department of Energy Resources
DPUMassachusetts Department of Public Utilities
EPAU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
ISO-NEISO New England, Inc., the New England Independent System Operator
MA DEPMassachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
NHPUCNew Hampshire Public Utilities Commission
PURAConnecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
SECU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SJCSupreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
  
Other Terms and Abbreviations:
Access NortheastA project being developed jointly by Eversource, Enbridge, Inc. ("Enbridge"), and National Grid plc ("National Grid") through Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC to bring needed additional natural gas pipeline and storage capacity to New England.
ADITAccumulated Deferred Income Taxes
AFUDCAllowance For Funds Used During Construction
AOCIAOCLAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)Loss
AquarionAquarion Water Company
AROAsset Retirement Obligation
BcfBillion cubic feet
C&LMConservation and Load Management
CfDContract for Differences
Clean Air ProjectThe construction of a wet flue gas desulphurization system, known as “scrubber"scrubber technology," to reduce mercury emissions of the Merrimack coal-fired generation station in Bow, New Hampshire
Clean Energy Connect ProjectThe Clean Energy Connect project is a planned transmission, wind and hydro generation project that Eversource plans to co-develop with experienced renewable generation companies.
CO2
Carbon dioxide
CPSLCapital Projects Scheduling List
CTACompetitive Transition Assessment
CWIPConstruction Work in Progress
EDCElectric distribution company
EPSEarnings Per Share

i



ERISAEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
ESOPEmployee Stock Ownership Plan
ESPPEmployee Share Purchase Plan

i



Eversource 20152016 Form 10-KThe Eversource Energy and Subsidiaries 20152016 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC
FERC ALJFERC Administrative Law Judge
FitchFitch Ratings
FMCCFederally Mandated Congestion Charge
FTRFinancial Transmission Rights
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GSCGeneration Service Charge
GSRPGreater Springfield Reliability Project
GWhGigawatt-Hours
HQHydro-Québec, a corporation wholly ownedwholly-owned by the Québec government, including its divisions that produce, transmit and distribute electricity in Québec, Canada
HVDCHigh voltageHigh-voltage direct current
Hydro Renewable EnergyHydro Renewable Energy, Inc., a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of Hydro-Québec
IPPIndependent Power Producers
ISO-NE TariffISO-NE FERC Transmission, Markets and Services Tariff
kVKilovolt
kVaKilovolt-ampere
kWKilowatt (equal to one thousand watts)
kWhKilowatt-Hours (the basic unit of electricity energy equal to one kilowatt of power supplied for one hour)
LBRLost Base Revenue
LNGLiquefied natural gas
LRSSupplier of last resort service
McFMMcfMillion cubic feet
MGPManufactured Gas Plant
MMBtuOne million British thermal units
Moody’sMoody'sMoody’sMoody's Investors Services, Inc.
MWMegawatt
MWhMegawatt-Hours
NEEWSNew England East-West Solution
Northern PassNETOsThe high voltage direct current transmission line project from Canada into New HampshireEngland Transmission Owners (including Eversource, National Grid and Avangrid)
NOx
Nitrogen oxides
OCIOther Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
PAMPension and PBOP Rate Adjustment Mechanism
PBOPPostretirement Benefits Other Than Pension
PBOP PlanPostretirement Benefits Other Than Pension Plan that provides certain retiree benefits, primarily medical, dental and life insurance
PCRBsPollution Control Revenue Bonds
Pension PlanSingle uniform noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan
PPAPension Protection Act
RECsRenewable Energy Certificates
Regulatory ROEThe average cost of capital method for calculating the return on equity related to the distribution and generation business segment excluding the wholesale transmission segment
RNSRegional Network Service
ROEReturn on Equity
RRBRate Reduction Bond or Rate Reduction Certificate
RSUsRestricted share units
S&PStandard & Poor’sPoor's Financial Services LLC
SBCSystems Benefits Charge
SCRCStranded Cost Recovery Charge
SERPSupplemental Executive Retirement Plans and non-qualified defined benefit retirement plans
SIPSimplified Incentive Plan
SO2
Sulfur dioxide
SSStandard service
TCAMTransmission Cost Adjustment Mechanism
TSATransmission Service Agreement
UIThe United Illuminating Company



ii



EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES   
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARY
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
   
   
   
   
   

iii




EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars)September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017
As of December 31, 2016
   



ASSETS 
   

 
Current Assets: 
   

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents$40,056
 $23,947
$125,761

$30,251
Receivables, Net963,279
 775,480
919,959

847,301
Unbilled Revenues187,749
 202,647
146,634

168,490
Taxes Receivable4,527
 305,359
Fuel, Materials, Supplies and Inventory311,051
 336,476
305,035

328,721
Regulatory Assets752,378
 845,843
746,142

887,625
Prepayments and Other Current Assets155,612
 129,034
159,939

215,284
Total Current Assets2,414,652
 2,618,786
2,403,470

2,477,672
   




Property, Plant and Equipment, Net20,807,943
 19,892,441
22,537,304

21,350,510
   




Deferred Debits and Other Assets: 
  
 

 
Regulatory Assets3,469,879
 3,737,960
3,505,901

3,638,688
Goodwill3,519,401
 3,519,401
3,519,401

3,519,401
Marketable Securities525,809
 516,478
570,255

544,642
Other Long-Term Assets344,653
 295,243
627,289

522,260
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets7,859,742
 8,069,082
8,222,846

8,224,991
   




Total Assets$31,082,337
 $30,580,309
$33,163,620

$32,053,173
   


LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION    
 
Current Liabilities:    
 
Notes Payable$734,500
 $1,160,953
$18,238

$1,148,500
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion373,883
 228,883
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion957,697

773,883
Accounts Payable679,505
 813,646
794,195

884,521
Obligations to Third Party Suppliers166,845
 128,564
149,789

122,806
Regulatory Liabilities160,442
 107,759
170,215

146,787
Other Current Liabilities526,853
 549,985
530,297

562,108
Total Current Liabilities2,642,028
 2,989,790
2,620,431

3,638,605
   


Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:    
 
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes5,442,856
 5,147,678
6,001,589

5,607,207
Regulatory Liabilities550,162
 513,595
700,207

702,255
Derivative Liabilities427,382
 337,102
391,910

413,676
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP1,116,240
 1,407,288
Accrued Pension and SERP946,629

1,141,514
Other Long-Term Liabilities875,589
 871,499
881,056

853,260
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities8,412,229
 8,277,162
8,921,391

8,717,912
   




Capitalization:    
 
Long-Term Debt9,235,128
 8,805,574
10,468,193

8,829,354
   




Noncontrolling Interest - Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries155,568
 155,568
Noncontrolling Interest – Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries155,568

155,568
   




Equity:    
 
Common Shareholders’ Equity:   
Common Shareholders' Equity: 
 
Common Shares1,669,392
 1,669,313
1,669,392

1,669,392
Capital Surplus, Paid In6,256,580
 6,262,368
6,235,846

6,250,224
Retained Earnings3,087,006
 2,797,355
3,474,185

3,175,171
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(65,617) (66,844)(63,615)
(65,282)
Treasury Stock(309,977) (309,977)(317,771)
(317,771)
Common Shareholders’ Equity10,637,384
 10,352,215
Common Shareholders' Equity10,998,037

10,711,734
Total Capitalization20,028,080
 19,313,357
21,621,798

19,696,656
   




Total Liabilities and Capitalization$31,082,337
 $30,580,309
$33,163,620

$32,053,173

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars, Except Share Information)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Operating Revenues$2,039,706
 $1,933,105
 $5,862,525
 $6,263,597
$1,988,512
 $2,039,706
 $5,856,458
 $5,862,525
              
Operating Expenses:              
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission665,810
 702,640
 2,001,929
 2,549,807
651,776
 665,810
 1,955,129
 2,001,929
Operations and Maintenance324,734
 327,283
 965,584
 977,306
300,421
 324,734
 933,400
 965,584
Depreciation181,288
 167,884
 531,781
 495,389
194,466
 181,288
 571,152
 531,781
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net43,942
 (16,851) 56,223
 42,587
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net41,848
 43,942
 58,058
 56,223
Energy Efficiency Programs149,121
 132,107
 405,962
 380,559
129,205
 149,121
 391,761
 405,962
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes164,942
 150,804
 479,219
 439,221
168,193
 164,942
 479,648
 479,219
Total Operating Expenses1,529,837
 1,463,867
 4,440,698
 4,884,869
1,485,909
 1,529,837
 4,389,148
 4,440,698
Operating Income509,869
 469,238
 1,421,827
 1,378,728
502,603
 509,869
 1,467,310
 1,421,827
Interest Expense99,865
 92,534
 298,568
 279,635
108,719
 99,865
 319,477
 298,568
Other Income, Net13,641
 5,241
 23,689
 23,866
21,184
 13,641
 56,304
 23,689
Income Before Income Tax Expense423,645
 381,945
 1,146,948
 1,122,959
415,068
 423,645
 1,204,137
 1,146,948
Income Tax Expense156,446
 144,146
 428,186
 420,640
152,818
 156,446
 447,921
 428,186
Net Income267,199
 237,799
 718,762
 702,319
262,250
 267,199
 756,216
 718,762
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests1,880
 1,879
 5,639
 5,639
1,880
 1,880
 5,639
 5,639
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$265,319
 $235,920
 $713,123
 $696,680
$260,370
 $265,319
 $750,577
 $713,123
              
Basic Earnings Per Common Share$0.83
 $0.74
 $2.24
 $2.20
       
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share$0.83
 $0.74
 $2.24
 $2.19
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share$0.82
 $0.83
 $2.36
 $2.24
              
Dividends Declared Per Common Share$0.45
 $0.42
 $1.34
 $1.25
$0.48
 $0.45
 $1.43
 $1.34
              
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:              
Basic317,787,836
 317,452,212
 317,696,823
 317,296,107
317,393,029
 317,787,836
 317,415,848
 317,696,823
Diluted318,577,079
 318,405,269
 318,511,609
 318,396,042
317,949,396
 318,577,079
 318,007,042
 318,511,609

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Net Income$267,199
 $237,799
 $718,762
 $702,319
$262,250
 $267,199
 $756,216
 $718,762
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income, Net of Tax:              
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments534
 526
 1,602
 1,544
519
 534
 1,567
 1,602
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on
Marketable Securities
946
 (2,803) 2,271
 (3,919)
Changes in Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on
Marketable Securities
(1,872) 946
 733
 2,271
Changes in Funded Status of Pension,
SERP and PBOP Benefit Plans
(1,733) 764
 (2,646) 2,838
673
 (1,733) (633) (2,646)
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income, Net of Tax(253) (1,513) 1,227
 463
(680) (253) 1,667
 1,227
Comprehensive Income Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests
(1,880) (1,879) (5,639) (5,639)(1,880) (1,880) (5,639) (5,639)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to
Common Shareholders
$265,066
 $234,407
 $714,350
 $697,143
$259,690
 $265,066
 $752,244
 $714,350

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 20152017 2016

Operating Activities: 
  
 
Net Income$718,762

$702,319
$756,216

$718,762
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: 
  
 
Depreciation531,781

495,389
571,152

531,781
Deferred Income Taxes301,413

153,353
374,863

301,413
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense31,627

71,802
Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense, Net16,891

31,627
Pension and PBOP Contributions(121,854)
(162,880)(197,900)
(121,854)
Regulatory Overrecoveries, Net152,808

31,874
185,952

152,808
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net56,223

42,587
58,058

56,223
Other(27,671)
(39,822)(148,741)
(27,671)
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: 
  
 
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net(191,454)
(148,442)(107,473)
(191,454)
Fuel, Materials, Supplies and Inventory25,425

47,380
23,686

25,425
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net347,898

383,047
88,856

347,898
Accounts Payable(121,513)
(233,660)(96,551)
(121,513)
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net(53,077)
8,370
(32,874)
(53,077)
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities1,650,368

1,351,317
1,492,135

1,650,368

Investing Activities: 
  
 
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment(1,359,171)
(1,177,285)(1,642,280)
(1,359,171)
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities444,209

556,582
520,664

444,209
Purchases of Marketable Securities(437,197)
(535,044)(506,302)
(437,197)
Other Investing Activities(9,463)
(2,769)(10,177)
(9,463)
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities(1,361,622)
(1,158,516)(1,638,095)
(1,361,622)

Financing Activities: 
  
 
Cash Dividends on Common Shares(423,471)
(397,363)(451,562)
(423,471)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock(5,639)
(5,639)(5,639)
(5,639)
Decrease in Notes Payable(426,453)
(387,575)(231,500)
(426,453)
Issuance of Long-Term Debt800,000

825,000
1,250,000

800,000
Retirements of Long-Term Debt(200,000)
(216,700)(320,000)
(200,000)
Other Financing Activities(17,074)
(13,446)171

(17,074)
Net Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities(272,637)
(195,723)
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents16,109

(2,922)
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities241,470

(272,637)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents95,510

16,109
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period23,947

38,703
30,251

23,947
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period$40,056

$35,781
$125,761

$40,056

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.





THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars)September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
      
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash$8,607
 $1,057
$9,364
 $6,579
Receivables, Net425,421
 352,536
404,065
 359,132
Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies24,012
 21,214
29,287
 16,851
Unbilled Revenues87,771
 99,879
48,625
 50,373
Taxes Receivable
 137,643
Materials and Supplies51,598
 43,124
Materials, Supplies and Inventory44,516
 52,050
Regulatory Assets267,733
 268,318
274,982
 335,526
Prepaid Property Taxes54,619
 18,019
55,375
 19,678
Prepayments and Other Current Assets15,439
 14,215
13,832
 32,992
Total Current Assets935,200
 956,005
880,046
 873,181
      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net7,453,200
 7,156,809
8,107,957
 7,632,392
      
Deferred Debits and Other Assets:      
Regulatory Assets1,398,610
 1,369,028
1,312,191
 1,391,564
Other Long-Term Assets131,049
 111,115
145,246
 137,907
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets1,529,659
 1,480,143
1,457,437
 1,529,471
      
Total Assets$9,918,059
 $9,592,957
$10,445,440
 $10,035,044
      
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION      
Current Liabilities:      
Notes Payable to Eversource Parent$108,500
 $277,400
$
 $80,100
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion250,000
 
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion300,000
 250,000
Accounts Payable228,744
 267,764
292,234
 289,532
Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies63,718
 66,456
80,899
 88,075
Obligations to Third Party Suppliers66,952
 60,746
52,865
 55,520
Accrued Taxes71,238
 12,068
64,332
 16,090
Regulatory Liabilities75,654
 61,155
69,296
 47,055
Derivative Liabilities85,342
 91,820
59,895
 77,765
Other Current Liabilities94,762
 98,563
99,467
 104,309
Total Current Liabilities1,044,910
 935,972
1,018,988
 1,008,446
      
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:      
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes1,931,369
 1,820,865
2,089,480
 1,987,661
Regulatory Liabilities89,599
 74,830
98,777
 100,138
Derivative Liabilities426,053
 336,189
391,758
 412,750
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP274,456
 271,056
297,492
 300,208
Other Long-Term Liabilities130,477
 133,446
134,870
 123,244
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities2,851,954
 2,636,386
3,012,377
 2,924,001
      
Capitalization:      
Long-Term Debt2,515,444
 2,763,682
2,758,851
 2,516,010
      
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption116,200
 116,200
116,200
 116,200
      
Common Stockholder’s Equity:   
Common Stockholder's Equity:   
Common Stock60,352
 60,352
60,352
 60,352
Capital Surplus, Paid In2,056,402
 1,910,663
2,110,752
 2,110,714
Retained Earnings1,272,962
 1,170,278
1,367,650
 1,299,374
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(165) (576)
Common Stockholder’s Equity3,389,551
 3,140,717
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)270
 (53)
Common Stockholder's Equity3,539,024
 3,470,387
Total Capitalization6,021,195
 6,020,599
6,414,075
 6,102,597
      
Total Liabilities and Capitalization$9,918,059
 $9,592,957
$10,445,440
 $10,035,044

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.


THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Operating Revenues$760,037
 $704,262
 $2,175,141
 $2,175,733
$774,762
 $760,037
 $2,173,629
 $2,175,141
              
Operating Expenses:              
Purchased Power and Transmission253,509
 274,762
 760,613
 861,562
259,005
 253,509
 711,154
 760,613
Operations and Maintenance123,034
 122,280
 356,409
 358,324
123,107
 123,034
 359,834
 356,409
Depreciation57,675
 54,809
 172,175
 159,903
63,727
 57,675
 184,275
 172,175
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net23,418
 (22,859) 30,308
 17,917
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net34,574
 23,418
 58,799
 30,308
Energy Efficiency Programs44,381
 42,590
 117,969
 119,360
37,739
 44,381
 106,483
 117,969
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes81,948
 71,563
 227,981
 201,743
79,067
 81,948
 223,482
 227,981
Total Operating Expenses583,965
 543,145
 1,665,455
 1,718,809
597,219
 583,965
 1,644,027
 1,665,455
Operating Income176,072
 161,117
 509,686
 456,924
177,543
 176,072
 529,602
 509,686
Interest Expense36,083
 36,716
 108,561
 109,463
36,313
 36,083
 106,577
 108,561
Other Income, Net3,669
 2,356
 10,881
 8,576
7,509
 3,669
 14,070
 10,881
Income Before Income Tax Expense143,658
 126,757
 412,006
 356,037
148,739
 143,658
 437,095
 412,006
Income Tax Expense57,026
 46,569
 155,453
 127,845
52,595
 57,026
 159,450
 155,453
Net Income$86,632
 $80,188
 $256,553
 $228,192
$96,144
 $86,632
 $277,645
 $256,553

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.


CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Net Income$86,632
 $80,188
 $256,553
 $228,192
$96,144
 $86,632
 $277,645
 $256,553
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:              
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments111
 111
 333
 333
96
 111
 298
 333
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses)
on Marketable Securities
33
 (98) 78
 (137)
Changes in Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on
Marketable Securities
(64) 33
 25
 78
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax144
 13
 411
 196
32
 144
 323
 411
Comprehensive Income$86,776
 $80,201
 $256,964
 $228,388
$96,176
 $86,776
 $277,968
 $256,964

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.



THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 20152017 2016
      
Operating Activities:      
Net Income$256,553
 $228,192
$277,645
 $256,553
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation172,175
 159,903
184,275
 172,175
Deferred Income Taxes109,637
 (11,011)90,132
 109,637
Pension, SERP, and PBOP Expense, Net of PBOP Contributions4,825
 10,654
4,546
 4,825
Regulatory Overrecoveries, Net33,492
 12,504
71,413
 33,492
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net30,308
 17,917
58,799
 30,308
Other(14,873) (13,048)(22,113) (14,873)
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net(100,074) (91,842)(70,936) (100,074)
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net197,422
 160,031
69,335
 197,422
Accounts Payable(30,168) (20,485)(1,649) (30,168)
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net(44,908) (31,044)(38,111) (44,908)
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities614,389
 421,771
623,336
 614,389
      
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment(438,518) (359,339)(621,882) (438,518)
Proceeds from the Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment9,047
 

 9,047
Other Investing Activities310
 (740)185
 310
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities(429,161) (360,079)(621,697) (429,161)
      
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock(149,700) (147,000)(205,200) (149,700)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock(4,169) (4,169)(4,169) (4,169)
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent145,700
 105,000

 145,700
Issuance of Long-Term Debt
 300,000
525,000
 
Retirement of Long-Term Debt
 (162,000)(250,000) 
Decrease in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent(168,900) (133,400)(80,100) (168,900)
Premium on Issuance of Long-Term Debt21,937
 
Other Financing Activities(609) (9,072)(6,322) (609)
Net Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities(177,678) (50,641)
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities1,146
 (177,678)
Net Increase in Cash7,550
 11,051
2,785
 7,550
Cash - Beginning of Period1,057
 2,356
6,579
 1,057
Cash - End of Period$8,607
 $13,407
$9,364
 $8,607

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.






NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars)September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
      
ASSETS 
  
 
  
Current Assets:      
Cash and Cash Equivalents$6,154
 $3,346
$89,915
 $3,494
Receivables, Net300,692
 229,936
322,193
 257,557
Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies8,891
 4,034
13,632
 8,581
Unbilled Revenues40,370
 29,464
39,160
 31,632
Taxes Receivable
 70,236

 39,738
Materials, Supplies and Inventory44,827
 75,487
53,203
 62,288
Regulatory Assets259,213
 348,408
230,620
 289,400
Prepayments and Other Current Assets11,025
 11,448
16,550
 14,906
Total Current Assets671,172
 772,359
765,273
 707,596
      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net5,875,874
 5,655,458
6,268,689
 6,051,835
      
Deferred Debits and Other Assets:      
Regulatory Assets1,043,237
 1,112,977
1,049,324
 1,057,746
Prepaid PBOP115,367
 95,073
Other Long-Term Assets118,924
 62,467
79,653
 60,572
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets1,162,161
 1,175,444
1,244,344
 1,213,391
      
Total Assets$7,709,207
 $7,603,261
$8,278,306
 $7,972,822
      
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION      
Current Liabilities:      
Notes Payable$36,000
 $62,500
$
 $126,500
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion
 200,000
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion43,814
 400,000
Accounts Payable194,894
 228,250
198,251
 232,599
Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies64,912
 38,648
81,953
 91,532
Obligations to Third Party Suppliers87,183
 56,718
86,346
 55,863
Renewable Portfolio Standards Compliance Obligations56,741
 104,847
69,527
 75,571
Accrued Taxes78,429
 6,585
32,021
 3,922
Regulatory Liabilities48,842
 3,281
65,520
 63,653
Other Current Liabilities56,879
 65,422
58,628
 67,200
Total Current Liabilities623,880
 766,251
636,060
 1,116,840
      
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:      
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes1,795,763
 1,760,339
1,910,328
 1,836,292
Regulatory Liabilities357,168
 264,352
392,851
 391,823
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP91,788
 209,153
Accrued Pension and SERP39,830
 111,827
Other Long-Term Liabilities125,137
 120,939
135,613
 123,194
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities2,369,856
 2,354,783
2,478,622
 2,463,136
      
Capitalization:      
Long-Term Debt2,077,955
 1,829,766
2,382,392
 1,678,116
      
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption43,000
 43,000
43,000
 43,000
      
Common Stockholder’s Equity:   
Common Stockholder's Equity:   
Common Stock
 

 
Capital Surplus, Paid In1,020,378
 995,378
1,047,678
 1,045,378
Retained Earnings1,573,624
 1,613,538
1,690,198
 1,625,984
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income514
 545
356
 368
Common Stockholder’s Equity2,594,516
 2,609,461
Common Stockholder's Equity2,738,232
 2,671,730
Total Capitalization4,715,471
 4,482,227
5,163,624
 4,392,846
      
Total Liabilities and Capitalization$7,709,207

$7,603,261
$8,278,306

$7,972,822

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Operating Revenues$780,462
 $750,724
 $1,985,979
 $2,134,728
$725,701
 $780,462
 $1,913,548
 $1,985,979
              
Operating Expenses: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Purchased Power and Transmission291,382
 299,040
 764,907
 984,035
259,400
 291,382
 689,784
 764,907
Operations and Maintenance96,282
 83,486
 279,932
 228,740
92,571
 96,282
 266,203
 279,932
Depreciation54,695
 49,101
 159,151
 146,818
56,200
 54,695
 167,598
 159,151
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net9,621
 2,257
 18,275
 (10,643)
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net9,845
 9,621
 17,806
 18,275
Energy Efficiency Programs84,717
 67,693
 212,882
 164,843
71,615
 84,717
 198,803
 212,882
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes35,050
 34,982
 101,800
 95,821
37,052
 35,050
 99,090
 101,800
Total Operating Expenses571,747
 536,559
 1,536,947
 1,609,614
526,683
 571,747
 1,439,284
 1,536,947
Operating Income208,715
 214,165
 449,032
 525,114
199,018
 208,715
 474,264
 449,032
Interest Expense21,101
 18,992
 62,206
 57,218
24,488
 21,101
 69,962
 62,206
Other Income, Net5,022
 513
 7,524
 3,649
3,426
 5,022
 8,703
 7,524
Income Before Income Tax Expense192,636
 195,686
 394,350
 471,545
177,956
 192,636
 413,005
 394,350
Income Tax Expense75,440
 77,062
 154,493
 187,397
69,796
 75,440
 161,320
 154,493
Net Income$117,196
 $118,624
 $239,857
 $284,148
$108,160
 $117,196
 $251,685
 $239,857

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Net Income$117,196
 $118,624
 $239,857
 $284,148
$108,160
 $117,196
 $251,685
 $239,857
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax:              
Changes in Funded Status of SERP Benefit Plan(10) (2) (31) (184)(4) (10) (12) (31)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax(10) (2) (31) (184)(4) (10) (12) (31)
Comprehensive Income$117,186
 $118,622
 $239,826
 $283,964
$108,156
 $117,186
 $251,673
 $239,826

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 20152017 2016
      
Operating Activities: 
  
 
  
Net Income$239,857
 $284,148
$251,685
 $239,857
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities: 
  
 
  
Depreciation159,151
 146,818
167,598
 159,151
Deferred Income Taxes40,960
 54,188
71,327
 40,960
Pension and PBOP Contributions, Net of Pension, SERP and PBOP Expense(25,364) (1,138)
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net131,774
 (48,903)
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net18,275
 (10,643)
Pension, SERP and PBOP (Benefits)/Expense, Net(7,305) 1,370
Pension and PBOP Contributions(83,040) (26,734)
Regulatory Overrecoveries, Net61,356
 131,774
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net17,806
 18,275
Other(20,088) (34,223)(23,120) (20,088)
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities: 
  
 
  
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net(103,444) (84,587)(95,398) (103,444)
Materials, Supplies and Inventory30,659
 21,863
9,086
 30,659
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net141,379
 207,516
67,501
 141,379
Accounts Payable(22,913) (79,449)(38,486) (22,913)
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net(25,942) 46,671
13,961
 (25,942)
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities564,304
 502,261
412,971
 564,304
      
Investing Activities: 
  
 
  
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment(327,731) (314,055)(358,041) (327,731)
Other Investing Activities(3,617) 
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities(327,731) (314,055)(361,658) (327,731)
      
Financing Activities: 
  
 
  
Cash Dividends on Common Stock(278,300) (148,500)(186,000) (278,300)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock(1,470) (1,470)(1,470) (1,470)
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent2,300
 25,000
Decrease in Notes Payable(26,500) (43,500)(126,500) (26,500)
Issuance of Long-Term Debt250,000
 
350,000
 250,000
Retirements of Long-Term Debt(200,000) (4,700)
 (200,000)
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent25,000
 
Other Financing Activities(2,495) 
(3,222) (2,495)
Net Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities(233,765) (198,170)
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents2,808
 (9,964)
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities35,108
 (233,765)
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents86,421
 2,808
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period3,346
 12,773
3,494
 3,346
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period$6,154
 $2,809
$89,915
 $6,154

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.




PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars)September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
      
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash$4,436
 $1,733
$597
 $4,646
Receivables, Net97,613
 77,546
93,299
 84,450
Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies4,190
 2,352
24,331
 4,185
Unbilled Revenues39,168
 38,207
37,133
 41,004
Taxes Receivable7,913
 43,128
Fuel, Materials, Supplies and Inventory160,882
 156,868
158,091
 162,354
Regulatory Assets100,598
 104,971
112,465
 117,240
Prepayments and Other Current Assets4,271
 24,302
3,797
 28,908
Total Current Assets419,071
 449,107
429,713
 442,787
      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net2,973,057
 2,855,363
3,167,905
 3,039,313
      
Deferred Debits and Other Assets:      
Regulatory Assets252,609
 257,873
244,561
 245,525
Other Long-Term Assets35,793
 34,176
51,740
 37,720
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets288,402
 292,049
296,301
 283,245
      
Total Assets$3,680,530
 $3,596,519
$3,893,919
 $3,765,345
      
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION      
Current Liabilities:      
Notes Payable to Eversource Parent$107,500
 $231,300
$202,300
 $160,900
Long-Term Debt - Current Portion70,000
 
Long-Term Debt – Current Portion110,000
 70,000
Accounts Payable76,762
 87,925
92,201
 85,716
Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies34,350
 24,214
42,788
 29,154
Regulatory Liabilities5,519
 6,898
7,923
 12,659
Other Current Liabilities48,339
 43,921
61,210
 43,253
Total Current Liabilities342,470
 394,258
516,422
 401,682
      
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:      
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes774,737
 705,894
827,412
 785,385
Regulatory Liabilities46,428
 47,851
40,822
 44,779
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP84,547
 89,579
98,553
 94,652
Other Long-Term Liabilities50,249
 50,746
54,131
 49,442
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities955,961
 894,070
1,020,918
 974,258
      
Capitalization:      
Long-Term Debt1,001,790
 1,071,017
892,581
 1,002,048
      
Common Stockholder’s Equity:   
Common Stockholder's Equity:   
Common Stock
 

 
Capital Surplus, Paid In843,134
 748,634
843,134
 843,134
Retained Earnings542,530
 494,901
625,012
 549,286
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(5,355) (6,361)(4,148) (5,063)
Common Stockholder’s Equity1,380,309
 1,237,174
Common Stockholder's Equity1,463,998
 1,387,357
Total Capitalization2,382,099
 2,308,191
2,356,579
 2,389,405
      
Total Liabilities and Capitalization$3,680,530
 $3,596,519
$3,893,919
 $3,765,345

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Operating Revenues$266,946
 $234,364
 $727,753
 $761,086
$250,032
 $266,946
 $733,572
 $727,753
              
Operating Expenses:              
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission59,833
 53,017
 155,700
 200,533
57,099
 59,833
 179,289
 155,700
Operations and Maintenance64,183
 65,190
 187,184
 200,085
63,669
 64,183
 191,153
 187,184
Depreciation29,646
 26,592
 86,524
 77,989
32,084
 29,646
 95,266
 86,524
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net14,158
 1,967
 14,490
 29,148
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net2,835
 14,158
 (10,658) 14,490
Energy Efficiency Programs3,983
 3,873
 10,862
 11,001
4,007
 3,983
 11,040
 10,862
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes20,460
 20,104
 64,543
 61,435
22,936
 20,460
 66,935
 64,543
Total Operating Expenses192,263
 170,743
 519,303
 580,191
182,630
 192,263
 533,025
 519,303
Operating Income74,683
 63,621
 208,450
 180,895
67,402
 74,683
 200,547
 208,450
Interest Expense12,397
 11,647
 37,386
 34,582
12,896
 12,397
 38,676
 37,386
Other Income, Net574
 685
 1,007
 2,313
1,229
 574
 2,883
 1,007
Income Before Income Tax Expense62,860
 52,659
 172,071
 148,626
55,735
 62,860
 164,754
 172,071
Income Tax Expense24,345
 20,158
 66,242
 56,135
22,012
 24,345
 65,128
 66,242
Net Income$38,515
 $32,501
 $105,829
 $92,491
$33,723
 $38,515
 $99,626
 $105,829

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Net Income$38,515
 $32,501
 $105,829
 $92,491
$33,723
 $38,515
 $99,626
 $105,829
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax:              
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments290
 291
 871
 872
291
 290
 872
 871
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses)
on Marketable Securities
56
 (169) 135
 (236)
Changes in Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on
Marketable Securities
(112) 56
 43
 135
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax346
 122
 1,006
 636
179
 346
 915
 1,006
Comprehensive Income$38,861
 $32,623
 $106,835
 $93,127
$33,902
 $38,861
 $100,541
 $106,835

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 20152017 2016
      
Operating Activities:      
Net Income$105,829
 $92,491
$99,626
 $105,829
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation86,524
 77,989
95,266
 86,524
Deferred Income Taxes74,522
 42,563
43,217
 74,522
Regulatory (Under)/Over Recoveries, Net(4,289) 2,639
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net14,490
 29,148
Regulatory Over/(Under) Recoveries, Net8,910
 (4,289)
Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net(10,658) 14,490
Other(12,660) 10,894
(7,792) (12,660)
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net(28,754) (25,126)(30,276) (28,754)
Fuel, Materials, Supplies and Inventory(4,014) 4,156
4,263
 (4,014)
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net33,589
 9,026
10,749
 33,589
Accounts Payable14,508
 (20,058)18,394
 14,508
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net26,207
 20,141
32,296
 26,207
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities305,952
 243,863
263,995
 305,952
      
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment(215,804) (209,522)(215,470) (215,804)
Other Investing Activities272
 241
113
 272
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities(215,532) (209,281)(215,357) (215,532)
      
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock(58,200) (79,500)(23,900) (58,200)
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent94,500
 

 94,500
(Decrease)/Increase in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent(123,800) 46,800
Retirements of Long-Term Debt(70,000) 
Increase/(Decrease) in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent41,400
 (123,800)
Other Financing Activities(217) (268)(187) (217)
Net Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities(87,717) (32,968)(52,687) (87,717)
Net Increase in Cash2,703
 1,614
Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash(4,049) 2,703
Cash - Beginning of Period1,733
 489
4,646
 1,733
Cash - End of Period$4,436
 $2,103
$597
 $4,436

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.




WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Thousands of Dollars)September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
      
ASSETS      
Current Assets:      
Cash$
 $834
Receivables, Net59,685
 50,912
$58,034
 $54,940
Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies11,962
 18,633
23,440
 14,425
Unbilled Revenues12,169
 15,065
15,000
 15,329
Taxes Receivable1
 33,407
Materials, Supplies and Inventory8,068
 5,992
6,221
 8,618
Regulatory Assets54,081
 56,166
60,606
 64,123
Prepayments and Other Current Assets1,374
 1,890
1,297
 2,595
Total Current Assets147,340
 182,899
164,598
 160,030
      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net1,643,335
 1,575,306
1,769,566
 1,678,262
      
Deferred Debits and Other Assets:      
Regulatory Assets128,308
 135,010
121,796
 127,291
Other Long-Term Assets28,165
 24,875
38,934
 29,062
Total Deferred Debits and Other Assets156,473
 159,885
160,730
 156,353
      
Total Assets$1,947,148
 $1,918,090
$2,094,894
 $1,994,645
      
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION      
Current Liabilities:      
Notes Payable to Eversource Parent$48,200
 $143,400
$96,900
 $51,000
Accounts Payable38,191
 58,364
58,518
 56,036
Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies14,501
 19,896
22,181
 19,478
Obligations to Third Party Suppliers11,444
 9,654
9,736
 10,508
Renewable Portfolio Standards Compliance Obligations16,314
 6,395
16,144
 20,383
Regulatory Liabilities12,384
 13,122
10,236
 14,888
Other Current Liabilities12,258
 13,878
13,020
 14,984
Total Current Liabilities153,292
 264,709
226,735
 187,277
      
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities: 
   
  
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes486,137
 470,539
519,998
 490,793
Regulatory Liabilities14,422
 11,597
22,726
 17,227
Accrued Pension, SERP and PBOP16,032
 19,515
18,038
 20,390
Other Long-Term Liabilities42,072
 36,819
45,831
 41,308
Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities558,663
 538,470
606,593
 569,718
      
Capitalization: 
   
  
Long-Term Debt566,657
 517,329
566,172
 566,536
      
Common Stockholder’s Equity: 
  
Common Stockholder's Equity: 
  
Common Stock10,866
 10,866
10,866
 10,866
Capital Surplus, Paid In444,399
 391,398
444,398
 444,398
Retained Earnings215,743
 198,140
242,157
 218,212
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(2,472) (2,822)(2,027) (2,362)
Common Stockholder’s Equity668,536
 597,582
Common Stockholder's Equity695,394
 671,114
Total Capitalization1,235,193
 1,114,911
1,261,566
 1,237,650
      
Total Liabilities and Capitalization$1,947,148
 $1,918,090
$2,094,894
 $1,994,645

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.   



WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Operating Revenues$124,042
 $125,093
 $368,533
 $403,151
$126,335
 $124,042
 $377,214
 $368,533
              
Operating Expenses:              
Purchased Power and Transmission32,178
 36,465
 104,406
 149,182
34,828
 32,178
 109,553
 104,406
Operations and Maintenance24,125
 21,762
 68,018
 61,651
21,528
 24,125
 65,769
 68,018
Depreciation11,567
 11,196
 34,414
 32,420
12,546
 11,567
 36,844
 34,414
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net1,102
 3,930
 3,305
 11,194
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net286
 1,102
 (563) 3,305
Energy Efficiency Programs12,389
 12,107
 33,593
 32,701
10,996
 12,389
 29,739
 33,593
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes10,609
 9,599
 30,440
 28,430
10,779
 10,609
 31,403
 30,440
Total Operating Expenses91,970
 95,059
 274,176
 315,578
90,963
 91,970
 272,745
 274,176
Operating Income32,072
 30,034
 94,357
 87,573
35,372
 32,072
 104,469
 94,357
Interest Expense6,222
 5,901
 18,298
 19,014
6,321
 6,222
 18,752
 18,298
Other Income, Net179
 587
 133
 2,406
1,060
 179
 1,409
 133
Income Before Income Tax Expense26,029
 24,720
 76,192
 70,965
30,111
 26,029
 87,126
 76,192
Income Tax Expense10,018
 9,749
 30,089
 28,555
12,504
 10,018
 34,680
 30,089
Net Income$16,011
 $14,971
 $46,103
 $42,410
$17,607
 $16,011
 $52,446
 $46,103

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.       


CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
              
Net Income$16,011
 $14,971
 $46,103
 $42,410
$17,607
 $16,011
 $52,446
 $46,103
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax: 
    
   
    
  
Qualified Cash Flow Hedging Instruments109
 101
 328
 270
109
 109
 328
 328
Changes in Unrealized Gains/(Losses)
on Marketable Securities
9
 (27) 22
 (38)
Changes in Unrealized (Losses)/Gains on
Marketable Securities
(18) 9
 7
 22
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax118
 74
 350
 232
91
 118
 335
 350
Comprehensive Income$16,129
 $15,045
 $46,453
 $42,642
$17,698
 $16,129
 $52,781
 $46,453

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.       


WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)2016 20152017 2016
      
Operating Activities:      
Net Income$46,103
 $42,410
$52,446
 $46,103
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities:      
Depreciation34,414
 32,420
36,844
 34,414
Deferred Income Taxes15,587
 5,531
29,008
 15,587
Regulatory Overrecoveries, Net323
 4,024
10,291
 323
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net3,305
 11,194
Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net(563) 3,305
Other(2,532) (4,500)(10,182) (2,532)
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities:      
Receivables and Unbilled Revenues, Net1,933
 (32,664)(16,818) 1,933
Taxes Receivable/Accrued, Net36,658
 24,064
4,203
 36,658
Accounts Payable(16,240) (14,018)(5,777) (16,240)
Other Current Assets and Liabilities, Net5,277
 (463)(7,482) 5,277
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities124,828
 67,998
91,970
 124,828
      
Investing Activities:      
Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment(104,811) (93,705)(109,233) (104,811)
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities1,934
 71,110
1,641
 1,934
Purchases of Marketable Securities(1,894) (71,625)(1,590) (1,894)
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities(104,771) (94,220)(109,182) (104,771)
      
Financing Activities:      
Cash Dividends on Common Stock(28,500) (27,900)(28,500) (28,500)
Capital Contribution from Eversource Parent53,000
 
(Decrease)/Increase in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent(95,200) 104,800
Issuance/(Retirement) of Long-Term Debt50,000
 (50,000)
Capital Contributions from Eversource Parent
 53,000
Increase/(Decrease) in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent45,900
 (95,200)
Issuance of Long-Term Debt
 50,000
Other Financing Activities(191) (20)(188) (191)
Net Cash Flows (Used in)/Provided by Financing Activities(20,891) 26,880
Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash(834) 658
Net Cash Flows Provided by/(Used in) Financing Activities17,212
 (20,891)
Net Decrease in Cash
 (834)
Cash - Beginning of Period834
 

 834
Cash - End of Period$
 $658
$
 $

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.



EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARY
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY

COMBINED NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout the combined notes to the unaudited condensed financial statements.

1.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A.    Basis of Presentation
Eversource Energy is a public utility holding company primarily engaged, through its wholly ownedwholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries, in the energy delivery business.  Eversource Energy’s wholly ownedEnergy's wholly-owned regulated utility subsidiaries consist of CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, WMECO, Yankee Gas and NSTAR Gas.  Eversource provides energy delivery service to approximately 3.63.7 million electric and natural gas customers through these six regulated utilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  

On June 2, 2017, Eversource announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Aquarion from Macquarie Infrastructure Partners for $1.675 billion, consisting of approximately $880 million in cash and $795 million of assumed Aquarion debt. The transaction requires approval from PURA, the DPU, the NHPUC, the Maine PUC, and the Federal Communications Commission, and is also subject to a review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. On June 29, 2017, Eversource and Aquarion filed joint applications with regulatory agencies in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine requesting approval of the transaction. With the exception of Massachusetts, all state and federal regulatory agency approvals have been received and the related review period has expired. The transaction is expected to close by December 31, 2017.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH include the accounts of each of their respective subsidiaries.  Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the unaudited condensed financial statements of CL&P and WMECO are herein collectively referred to as the “financial"financial statements."

The combined notes to the financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.  Certain information and footnote disclosures included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Combined Notes to Financial Statements included in Item 8, “Financial"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of the Eversource 20152016 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC.  The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The financial statements contain, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal, recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly Eversource’s,Eversource's, CL&P’s,&P's, NSTAR Electric’s, PSNH’sElectric's, PSNH's and WMECO’sWMECO's financial position as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, the results of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.  The results of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 and the cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year.  

Eversource consolidates CYAPC and YAEC because CL&P’s,&P's, NSTAR Electric’s, PSNH’sElectric's, PSNH's and WMECO’sWMECO's combined ownership interest in each of these entities is greater than 50 percent.  Intercompany transactions between CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO and the CYAPC and YAEC companies have been eliminated in consolidation of the Eversource financial statements.

Access Northeast is a natural gas pipeline and storage project (the Project) being developed jointly by Eversource, Spectra Energy Partners, LP (Spectra), and National Grid plc (National Grid) through Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (AGT). The Project will enhance the Algonquin and Maritimes & Northeast pipeline systems using existing routes and will include two new LNG storage tanks and liquefaction and vaporization facilities in Acushnet, Massachusetts that will be connected to the Algonquin natural gas pipeline.  Eversource and Spectra each own a 40 percent interest in the Project, with the remaining 20 percent interest owned by National Grid.  The total projected cost for both the pipeline and the LNG storage facilities will be funded in proportion to the respective ownership interest.  Eversource’s cumulative equity investment in the Project as of September 30, 2016 of $28.6 million is presented in Other Long-Term Assets.  

Eversource’sEversource's utility subsidiaries’subsidiaries' distribution (including generation)generation assets) and transmission businesses are subject to rate-regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for entities with rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the differences in the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses from those of other businesses and industries.  See Note 2, “Regulatory"Regulatory Accounting," for further information.

Certain reclassifications of prior period data were made in the accompanying financial statements to conform to the current period presentation and as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance.  See Note 1B, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting Standards,” for further information.


presentation.

B.    Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Issued but notNot Yet Effective:  In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)("FASB") issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-9,("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends existing revenue recognition guidance and is required to be applied retrospectively (either to each reporting period presented or cumulatively at the date of initial application).  In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-9 to the first quarter of 2018, with 2017 application permitted.  The guidance continues to be interpreted on an industry specific level.  The Company is evaluating the requirements and potential impacts of ASU 2014-9 and will implement the standard in the first quarter of 2018.  The2018 cumulatively at the date of initial application. Implementation of the ASU is not currently expected to have a material impacteffect on the financial statements of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH or WMECO.


In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-1,2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities, which is required to be implemented in the first quarter of 2018.  The Company is reviewing the requirements of the ASU.  The ASU will remove the available-for-sale designation for equity securities, whereby changes in fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’shareholders' equity, and will require changes in fair value of all equity securities to be recorded in earnings beginning on January 1, 2018, with the unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale equity securities as of that date reclassified to retained earnings as a cumulative effect of adoption.  The fair value of available-for-sale equity securities subject to this guidance as of September 30, 20162017 was approximately $50$51 million with an unrealized gain of $1.7 million.  The remaining available-for-sale equity securities included in marketable securities on the balance sheet are held in nuclear decommissioning trusts and are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and will not be impacted by this guidance. Implementation of the ASU for other financial instruments is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH or WMECO.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-2,2016-02, Leases, which changes existing lease accounting guidance and is required to be applied in the first quarter of 2019, with earlier application permitted.  The ASU islease criteria are required to be implemented forapplied to leases beginning on theand lease renewals entered into effective January 1, 2019, and leases entered into before that date of initial application. For prior periods presented, leases are required to be recognized and measured using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is reviewing the requirements of ASU 2016-2,2016-02, including balance sheet recognition of leases previously deemed to be operating leases, and expects to implement the ASU in the first quarter of 2019.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:  In March 2016,2017, the FASB issued ASU 2016-9,2017-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements– Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, required to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The ASU is intended to simplify some aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions.  The Companybe implemented this guidance in the first quarter of 2016,2018. The ASU requires separate presentation of service cost from other components of net pension and PBOP costs, with the other components presented as permitted by early adoption.  Beginningnon-operating income and not subject to capitalization. The ASU is required to be applied retrospectively for the separate presentation in the first quarterincome statement of 2016, the excess tax benefits associated with the distribution of stock compensation awards, previously recognizedservice costs and other components and prospectively in Capital Surplus, Paid In within Common Shareholders’ Equity on the balance sheet are recognized in income tax expense infor the income statement.capitalization of only the service cost component. The implementation reduced income tax expense by $2.9 million forof the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  Also, beginning in 2016, in the statement of cash flows, the excess tax benefits are presented asASU will not have an operating activity rather than a financing activity, and in both periods presented, cash paid to satisfy the statutory income tax withholding obligation previously reflected within operating activities in 2015 is now treated as a financing activity.  The cash payments to satisfy this obligation for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $9.1 million and $9.7 million, respectively, and are included in Other Financing Activitiesimpact on the statementsnet income of cash flows.  Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH or WMECO.

C.    Provision for Uncollectible Accounts
Eversource, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO, presents its receivables at estimated net realizable value by maintaining a provision for uncollectible accounts.  This provision is determined based upon a variety of judgments and factors, including the application of an estimated uncollectible percentage to each receivable aging category.  The estimate is based upon historical collection and write-off experience and management’smanagement's assessment of collectability from customers.  Management continuously assesses the collectability of receivables and adjusts collectability estimates based on actual experience.  Receivable balances are written off against the provision for uncollectible accounts when the customer accounts are terminated and these balances are deemed to be uncollectible.

The PURA allows CL&P and Yankee Gas to accelerate the recovery of accounts receivable balances attributable to qualified customers under financial or medical duress (uncollectible hardship accounts receivable) outstanding for greater than 180 days and 90 days, respectively.  The DPU allows WMECO and NSTAR Gas also to also recover in rates amounts associated with certain uncollectible hardship accounts receivable.  Certain of NSTAR Electric’sElectric's uncollectible hardship accounts receivable are expected to be recovered in future rates, similar to WMECO and NSTAR Gas. These uncollectible customer account balances are included in Regulatory Assets or Other Long-Term Assets on the balance sheets.

The total provisionsprovision for uncollectible accounts and for uncollectible hardship accounts, which is included in the total provision, areis included in Receivables, Net on the balance sheets, and werewas as follows:
Total Provision for Uncollectible Accounts Uncollectible HardshipTotal Provision for Uncollectible Accounts Uncollectible Hardship
(Millions of Dollars)As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015 As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Eversource$208.1
 $190.7
 $126.5
 $118.5
$196.8
 $200.6
 $126.3
 $119.9
CL&P85.3
 79.5
 66.9
 68.1
77.6
 86.4
 64.6
 67.7
NSTAR Electric59.9
 52.6
 30.3
 25.3
55.7
 54.8
 32.3
 26.2
PSNH9.9
 8.7
 
 
10.6
 9.9
 
 
WMECO16.8
 14.0
 10.7
 7.4
17.0
 15.5
 11.3
 9.9

D.    Fair Value Measurements
Fair value measurement guidance is applied to derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as “normal purchases"normal purchases" or normal sales” (normal)"normal sales" ("normal") and to the marketable securities held in trusts.  Fair value measurement guidance is also applied to valuations of the investments used to calculate the funded status of pension and PBOP plans, the nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets such as goodwill and AROs, and the estimated fair value of preferred stock and long-term debt.

Fair Value Hierarchy:  In measuring fair value, Eversource uses observable market data when available in order to minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  Inputs used in fair value measurements are categorized into three fair value hierarchy levels for disclosure purposes.  The entire fair value measurement is categorized based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Eversource evaluates the classification of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a quarterly basis, and Eversource’sEversource's policy is to recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period.  The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  



Level 2 - Inputs are quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable.

Level 3 - Quoted market prices are not available.  Fair value is derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or assumptions are unobservable.  Where possible, valuation techniques incorporate observable market inputs that can be validated to external sources such as industry exchanges, including prices of energy and energy-related products.  

Determination of Fair Value:  The valuation techniques and inputs used in Eversource’sEversource's fair value measurements are described in Note 4, “Derivative"Derivative Instruments," Note 5, “Marketable"Marketable Securities," and Note 10, “Fair"Fair Value of Financial Instruments," to the financial statements.

E.    Other Income, Net
Items included within Other Income, Net on the statements of income primarily consist of income/(loss) related to equity method investments, investment income/(loss), interest income and AFUDC related to equity funds,funds.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, Eversource had equity in earnings of $5.1 million and $23.0 million, respectively, related to its equity method investees.investments. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 Eversource had equity in earnings of $0.9 million and losses of $2.0 million, respectively, related to its equity method investments. Investment income/(loss) primarily relates to debt and equity securities held in trust.  For further information, see Note 5, “Marketable"Marketable Securities," to the financial statements.

F.    Other Taxes
Gross receipts taxes levied by the state of Connecticut are collected by CL&P and Yankee Gas from their respective customers.  These gross receipts taxes are shown separately with collections in Operating Revenues and with payments in Taxes Other Than Income Taxes on the statements of income as follows:
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months EndedFor the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
(Millions of Dollars)September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Eversource$45.1
 $37.8
 $124.8
 $112.9
$40.3
 $45.1
 $118.2
 $124.8
CL&P42.6
 35.5
 112.2
 98.0
37.8
 42.6
 103.5
 112.2

As agents for state and local governments, Eversource’sEversource's companies that serve customers in Connecticut and Massachusetts collect certain sales taxes that are recorded on a net basis with no impact on the statements of income.     

G.    Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Non-cash investing activities include plant additions included in Accounts Payable as follows:
(Millions of Dollars)As of September 30, 2016 As of September 30, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of September 30, 2016
Eversource$203.6
 $160.7
$307.7
 $203.6
CL&P64.5
 46.0
113.4
 64.5
NSTAR Electric39.4
 31.2
55.4
 39.4
PSNH31.0
 33.8
39.6
 31.0
WMECO17.6
 15.5
37.1
 17.6




2.    REGULATORY ACCOUNTING

Eversource’sEversource's Regulated companies are subject to rate-regulationrate regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The Regulated companies’companies' financial statements reflect the effects of the rate-making process.  The rates charged to the customers of Eversource’sEversource's Regulated companies are designed to collect each company’scompany's costs to provide service, including a return on investment.  

Management believes it is probable that each of the Regulated companies will recover theirits respective investments in long-lived assets, including regulatory assets.  If management were to determine that it could no longer apply the accounting guidance applicable to rate-regulated enterprises to any of the Regulated companies’companies' operations, or if management could not conclude it is probable that costs would be recovered from customers in future rates, the costs would be charged to net income in the period in which the determination is made.



Regulatory Assets:  The components of regulatory assets were as follows:
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015
EversourceAs of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)Eversource Eversource 
Benefit Costs$1,618.7
 $1,828.2
$1,793.8
 $1,817.8
Derivative Liabilities443.7
 388.0
385.1
 423.3
Income Taxes, Net641.7
 650.9
652.7
 644.5
Storm Restoration Costs407.7
 436.9
330.1
 385.3
Goodwill-related469.5
 484.9
449.0
 464.4
Regulatory Tracker Mechanisms454.1
 526.5
470.7
 576.6
Contractual Obligations - Yankee Companies66.0
 134.4
Asset Retirement Obligations104.8
 99.3
Other Regulatory Assets120.9
 134.0
65.8
 115.1
Total Regulatory Assets4,222.3
 4,583.8
4,252.0
 4,526.3
Less: Current Portion752.4
 845.8
746.1
 887.6
Total Long-Term Regulatory Assets$3,469.9
 $3,738.0
$3,505.9
 $3,638.7
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECOCL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO
Benefit Costs$407.1
 $414.6
 $174.7
 $82.1
 $413.6
 $479.9
 $164.2
 $84.9
$415.8
 $436.7
 $183.2
 $84.8
 $429.3
 $438.6
 $184.2
 $86.7
Derivative Liabilities441.0
 2.7
 
 
 380.8
 1.3
 
 
381.6
 2.4
 
 
 420.5
 2.8
 
 
Income Taxes, Net438.5
 88.3
 27.0
 31.2
 444.4
 85.7
 34.5
 31.8
441.1
 92.4
 22.3
 30.5
 437.0
 89.7
 24.2
 30.8
Storm Restoration Costs253.7
 115.1
 20.8
 18.1
 271.4
 110.9
 31.5
 23.1
195.7
 112.4
 9.2
 12.8
 239.8
 112.5
 17.1
 15.9
Goodwill-related
 403.1
 
 
 
 416.3
 
 

 385.5
 
 
 
 398.7
 
 
Regulatory Tracker Mechanisms50.6
 230.4
 99.9
 37.8
 45.1
 311.0
 101.2
 40.1
87.9
 201.1
 108.0
 44.4
 123.9
 257.3
 104.5
 46.7
Asset Retirement Obligations35.1
 33.9
 16.8
 4.5
 33.2
 31.9
 16.2
 4.2
Other Regulatory Assets75.4
 48.2
 30.8
 13.2
 82.0
 56.3
 31.5
 11.3
30.0
 15.5
 17.6
 5.4
 43.4
 15.6
 16.5
 7.1
Total Regulatory Assets1,666.3

1,302.4

353.2

182.4

1,637.3

1,461.4

362.9

191.2
1,587.2

1,279.9

357.1

182.4

1,727.1

1,347.1

362.7

191.4
Less: Current Portion267.7
 259.2
 100.6
 54.1
 268.3
 348.4
 105.0
 56.2
275.0
 230.6
 112.5
 60.6
 335.5
 289.4
 117.2
 64.1
Total Long-Term Regulatory Assets$1,398.6

$1,043.2

$252.6

$128.3

$1,369.0

$1,113.0

$257.9

$135.0
$1,312.2

$1,049.3

$244.6

$121.8

$1,391.6

$1,057.7

$245.5

$127.3

Regulatory Costs in Other Long-Term Assets:  TheEversource's Regulated companies had $87.9$108.7 million (including $4.0$3.9 million for CL&P, $40.2$42.3 million for NSTAR Electric, $6.1$18.5 million for PSNH, and $20.1$25.7 million for WMECO) and $75.3$86.3 million (including $3.1$5.9 million for CL&P, $35.4$35.0 million for NSTAR Electric, $4.8$8.2 million for PSNH, and $16.7$20.1 million for WMECO) of additional regulatory costs as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively, that were included in Other Long-Term Assets on the balance sheets.  These amounts represent incurred costs for which recovery has not yet been specifically approved by the applicable regulatory agency.  However, based on regulatory policies or past precedent on similar costs, management believes it is probable that these costs will ultimately be approved and recovered from customers in rates.  

Regulatory Liabilities:  The components of regulatory liabilities were as follows:
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015
EversourceAs of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)Eversource Eversource 
Cost of Removal$457.7
 $437.1
$470.3
 $459.7
Benefit Costs125.5
 136.2
Regulatory Tracker Mechanisms153.4
 99.7
175.8
 145.3
AFUDC - Transmission65.8
 66.1
65.4
 65.8
Other Regulatory Liabilities33.7
 18.5
33.4
 42.1
Total Regulatory Liabilities710.6
 621.4
870.4
 849.1
Less: Current Portion160.4
 107.8
170.2
 146.8
Total Long-Term Regulatory Liabilities$550.2
 $513.6
$700.2
 $702.3
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECOCL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO
Cost of Removal$39.7
 $269.5
 $45.8
 $5.8
 $24.1
 $257.4
 $47.2
 $2.8
$40.5
 $278.8
 $40.5
 $11.7
 $38.8
 $271.6
 $44.1
 $8.6
Benefit Costs
 81.7
 
 
 
 
 
 

 106.0
 
 
 
 113.1
 
 
Regulatory Tracker Mechanisms62.2
 48.4
 2.6
 12.2
 56.2
 3.3
 3.4
 12.9
57.1
 65.5
 5.6
 12.7
 37.2
 63.7
 10.7
 14.7
AFUDC - Transmission50.6
 6.4
 
 8.8
 51.5
 5.7
 
 8.9
49.2
 7.7
 
 8.5
 50.2
 6.9
 
 8.7
Other Regulatory Liabilities12.8
 
 3.5
 
 4.2
 1.3
 4.2
 0.1
21.3
 0.4
 2.6
 
 21.0
 0.2
 2.7
 0.1
Total Regulatory Liabilities165.3

406.0

51.9

26.8

136.0

267.7

54.8

24.7
168.1

458.4

48.7

32.9

147.2

455.5

57.5

32.1
Less: Current Portion75.7
 48.8
 5.5
 12.4
 61.2
 3.3
 6.9
 13.1
69.3
 65.5
 7.9
 10.2
 47.1
 63.7
 12.7
 14.9
Total Long-Term Regulatory Liabilities$89.6

$357.2

$46.4

$14.4

$74.8

$264.4

$47.9

$11.6
$98.8

$392.9

$40.8

$22.7

$100.1

$391.8

$44.8

$17.2


3.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

The following tables summarize the investments in utility property, plant and equipment by asset category:
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015
EversourceAs of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)Eversource Eversource 
Distribution - Electric$13,536.1
 $13,054.8
$14,217.3
 $13,716.9
Distribution - Natural Gas2,865.8
 2,727.2
3,158.1
 3,010.4
Transmission - Electric8,033.0
 7,691.9
8,918.2
 8,517.4
Generation1,218.9
 1,194.1
1,215.8
 1,224.2
Electric and Natural Gas Utility25,653.8
 24,668.0
27,509.4
 26,468.9
Other (1)
635.3
 558.6
679.9
 591.6
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross26,289.1
 25,226.6
28,189.3
 27,060.5
Less: Accumulated Depreciation      
Electric and Natural Gas Utility (6,442.3) (6,141.1)(6,838.5) (6,480.4)
Other(285.8) (255.6)(274.4) (242.0)
Total Accumulated Depreciation(6,728.1) (6,396.7)(7,112.9) (6,722.4)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net19,561.0
 18,829.9
21,076.4
 20,338.1
Construction Work in Progress(2)1,246.9
 1,062.5
1,460.9
 1,012.4
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net$20,807.9
 $19,892.4
$22,537.3
 $21,350.5

(1) These assets are primarily comprised of building improvements, computer software, hardware and equipment at Eversource Service.
(2) As of September 30, 2017, the total CWIP related to NPT was approximately $201 million.
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECOCL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECO
Distribution$5,513.9
 $5,309.2
 $1,918.3
 $834.6
 $5,377.2
 $5,100.5
 $1,804.8
 $812.3
$5,797.6
 $5,543.1
 $2,048.8
 $868.1
 $5,562.9
 $5,402.3
 $1,949.8
 $841.9
Transmission3,752.7
 2,211.7
 1,005.5
 1,014.9
 3,618.0
 2,131.3
 928.2
 964.9
4,061.2
 2,545.0
 1,115.7
 1,147.9
 3,912.9
 2,435.8
 1,059.3
 1,061.1
Generation
 
 1,182.9
 36.0
 
 
 1,158.1
 36.0

 
 1,179.8
 36.0
 
 
 1,188.2
 36.0
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross9,266.6
 7,520.9
 4,106.7
 1,885.5
 8,995.2
 7,231.8
 3,891.1
 1,813.2
9,858.8
 8,088.1
 4,344.3
 2,052.0
 9,475.8
 7,838.1
 4,197.3
 1,939.0
Less: Accumulated Depreciation(2,102.3) (1,996.8) (1,243.8) (330.6) (2,041.9) (1,886.8) (1,171.0) (307.0)(2,207.0) (2,143.8) (1,315.7) (356.5) (2,082.4) (2,025.4) (1,254.7) (338.8)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net7,164.3
 5,524.1
 2,862.9
 1,554.9
 6,953.3
 5,345.0
 2,720.1
 1,506.2
7,651.8
 5,944.3
 3,028.6
 1,695.5
 7,393.4
 5,812.7
 2,942.6
 1,600.2
Construction Work in Progress288.9
 351.8
 110.2
 88.4
 203.5
 310.5
 135.3
 69.1
456.2
 324.4
 139.3
 74.1
 239.0
 239.1
 96.7
 78.1
Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Net$7,453.2
 $5,875.9
 $2,973.1
 $1,643.3
 $7,156.8
 $5,655.5
 $2,855.4
 $1,575.3
$8,108.0
 $6,268.7
 $3,167.9
 $1,769.6
 $7,632.4
 $6,051.8
 $3,039.3
 $1,678.3

4.    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Regulated companies purchase and procure energy and energy-related products, which are subject to price volatility, for their customers.  The costs associated with supplying energy to customers are recoverable from customers in future rates.  The Regulated companies manage the risks associated with the price volatility of energy and energy-related products through the use of derivative and nonderivativenon-derivative contracts.  

Many of the derivative contracts meet the definition of, and are designated as, normal and qualify for accrual accounting under the applicable accounting guidance.  The costs and benefits of derivative contracts that meet the definition of normal are recognized in Operating Expenses or Operating Revenues on the statements of income, as applicable, as electricity or natural gas is delivered.

Derivative contracts that are not designated as normal are recorded at fair value as current or long-term Derivative Assets or Derivative Liabilities on the balance sheets.  For the Regulated companies, regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities are recorded to offset the fair values of derivatives, as contract settlement amounts are recovered from, or refunded to, customers in their respective energy supply rates.  



The gross fair values of derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty are offset and reported as net Derivative Assets or Derivative Liabilities, with current and long-term portions, on the balance sheets.  The following table presents the gross fair values of contracts, categorized by risk type, and the net amounts recorded as current or long-term derivative assets or liabilities:
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)
Commodity Supply and Price Risk
Management
 
Netting (1)
 
Net Amount
Recorded as a Derivative
 Commodity Supply and Price Risk
Management
 
Netting (1)
 
Net Amount
Recorded as
a Derivative
Commodity Supply and Price Risk
Management
 
Netting (1)
 
Net Amount
Recorded as a Derivative
 Commodity Supply and Price Risk
Management
 
Netting (1)
 
Net Amount
Recorded as
a Derivative
Current Derivative Assets:                      
Level 2:                      
Eversource$2.6
 $(0.2) $2.4
 $
 $
 $
$
 $
 $
 $6.0
 $
 $6.0
Level 3:                      
Eversource15.7
 (10.4) 5.3
 16.7
 (10.9) 5.8
CL&P15.3
 (10.4) 4.9
 16.7
 (10.9) 5.8
10.4
 (7.7) 2.7
 13.9
 (9.4) 4.5
NSTAR Electric0.4
 
 0.4
 
 
 
Long-Term Derivative Assets:                      
Level 2:                      
Eversource$
 $
 $
 $0.1
 $
 $0.1
$
 $
 $
 $0.3
 $(0.1) $0.2
Level 3:                      
Eversource79.3
 (13.8) 65.5
 62.0
 (19.3) 42.7
CL&P79.3
 (13.8) 65.5
 60.7
 (19.3) 41.4
74.3
 (6.9) 67.4
 77.3
 (11.7) 65.6
NSTAR Electric
 
 
 1.3
 
 1.3
Current Derivative Liabilities:                      
Level 2:                      
Eversource$
 $
 $
 $(5.8) $
 $(5.8)$(1.5) $0.4
 $(1.1) $
 $
 $
Level 3:                      
Eversource(87.1) 
 (87.1) (92.3) 
 (92.3)(62.2) 
 (62.2) (79.7) 
 (79.7)
CL&P(85.3) 
 (85.3) (91.8) 
 (91.8)(59.9) 
 (59.9) (77.8) 
 (77.8)
NSTAR Electric(1.8) 
 (1.8) (0.5) 
 (0.5)(2.3) 
 (2.3) (1.9) 
 (1.9)
Long-Term Derivative Liabilities:                      
Level 3:                      
Eversource$(427.4) $
 $(427.4) $(337.1) $
 $(337.1)$(391.9) $
 $(391.9) $(413.7) $
 $(413.7)
CL&P(426.1) 
 (426.1) (336.2) 
 (336.2)(391.8) 
 (391.8) (412.8) 
 (412.8)
NSTAR Electric(1.3) 
 (1.3) (0.9) 
 (0.9)(0.1) 
 (0.1) (0.9) 
 (0.9)

(1) 
Amounts represent derivative assets and liabilities that Eversource elected to record net on the balance sheets.  These amounts are subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements for which the right of offset exists.

For further information on the fair value of derivative contracts, see Note 1D, “Summary"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurements," to the financial statements.

Derivative Contracts at Fair Value with Offsetting Regulatory Amounts
Commodity Supply and Price Risk Management:  As required by regulation, CL&P, along with UI, has capacity-related contracts with generation facilities.  CL&P has a sharing agreement with UI, with 80 percent of the costs or benefits of each contract borne by or allocated to CL&P and 20 percent borne by or allocated to UI.  The combined capacity of these contracts is 787 MW.  The capacity contracts extend through 2026 and obligate both CL&P and UI to make or receive payments on a monthly basis to or from the generation facilities based on the difference between a set capacity price and the capacity market price received in the ISO-NE capacity markets.  In addition, CL&P has a contract to purchase 0.1 million MWh of energy per year through 2020.   

NSTAR Electric has a renewable energy contract to purchase 0.1 million MWh of energy per year through 2018 and a capacity-related contract to purchase up to 35 MW per year through 2019.

As of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, Eversource had NYMEXNew York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") financial contracts for natural gas futures in order to reduce variability associated with the purchase price of approximately 10.210.4 million and 9.19.2 million MMBtu of natural gas, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, there were gains of $0.6 million and losses of $53.4 million and $8.8 million, respectively, deferred as regulatory costs, which reflect the change in fair value associated with Eversource’sEversource's derivative contracts. For the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, these losses were $127.8$30.3 million and $58.9$127.8 million, respectively.



Fair Value Measurements of Derivative Instruments
Derivative contracts classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy relate to the financial contracts for natural gas futures.  Prices are obtained from broker quotes and are based on actual market activity.  The contracts are valued using NYMEX natural gas prices.  Valuations of these contracts also incorporate discount rates using the yield curve approach.  



The fair value of derivative contracts classified as Level 3 utilizes significant unobservable inputs.  The fair value is modeled using income techniques, such as discounted cash flow valuations adjusted for assumptions relating to exit price.  Significant observable inputs for valuations of these contracts include energy and energy-related product prices in future years for which quoted prices in an active market exist.  Fair value measurements categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are prepared by individuals with expertise in valuation techniques, pricing of energy and energy-related products, and accounting requirements.  The future power and capacity prices for periods that are not quoted in an active market or established at auction are based on available market data and are escalated based on estimates of inflation in order to address the full time periodterm of the contract.  

Valuations of derivative contracts using a discounted cash flow methodology include assumptions regarding the timing and likelihood of scheduled payments and also reflect non-performance risk, including credit, using the default probability approach based on the counterparty’scounterparty's credit rating for assets and the Company’sCompany's credit rating for liabilities.  Valuations incorporate estimates of premiums or discounts that would be required by a market participant to arrive at an exit price, using historical market transactions adjusted for the terms of the contract.  

The following is a summary of Eversource’s,Eversource's, including CL&P’s&P's and NSTAR Electric’s,Electric's, Level 3 derivative contracts and the range of the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the valuations over the duration of the contracts:
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Range Period Covered Range Period CoveredRange Period Covered Range Period Covered
Capacity Prices:                                      
Eversource$5.50
  9.75
 per kW-Month 2020 - 2026 $10.81
  15.82
 per kW-Month 2016 - 2026
CL&P$5.50
  9.75
 per kW-Month 2020 - 2026 $10.81
  12.60
 per kW-Month 2019 - 2026$5.00
  8.70
 per kW-Month 2021 - 2026 $5.50
  8.70
 per kW-Month 2020 - 2026
        
Forward Reserve:                                    
Eversource, CL&P$1.40
  2.00
 per kW-Month 2016 - 2024 $2.00 per kW-Month 2016 - 2024
        
CL&P$1.00
  2.00
 per kW-Month 2017 - 2024 $1.40
  2.00
 per kW-Month 2017 - 2024
REC Prices:                                    
Eversource, NSTAR Electric$29
  37
 per REC 2016 - 2018 $45
  51
 per REC 2016 - 2018
NSTAR Electric$15.75
  22.00 per REC 2017 - 2018 $24.00
  29.00 per REC 2017 - 2018

Exit price premiums of 41 percent through 2118 percent are also applied on these contracts and reflect the uncertainty and liquidityilliquidity premiums that would be required based on the most recent market activity available for similar type contracts.

Significant increases or decreases in future energy or capacity prices in isolation would decrease or increase, respectively, the fair value of the derivative liability.  Any increases in risk premiums would increase the fair value of the derivative liability.  Changes in these fair values are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and do not impact net income.  

Valuations using significant unobservable inputs:  The following table presents changes in the Level 3 category of derivative assets and derivative liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  The derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a net basis.
For the Three Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152017 2016
(Millions of Dollars)Eversource CL&P 
NSTAR  
Electric
 Eversource CL&P NSTAR  
Electric
Eversource CL&P 
NSTAR  
Electric
 Eversource CL&P NSTAR  
Electric
Derivatives, Net:                      
Fair Value as of Beginning of Period$(412.6) $(411.3) $(1.3) $(422.4) $(420.2) $(2.2)$(397.1) $(394.8) $(2.3) $(412.6) $(411.3) $(1.3)
Net Realized/Unrealized Gains/(Losses) Included in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities(52.3) (49.8) (2.5) (6.0) (7.6) 1.6
Net Realized/Unrealized Gains/Losses Included in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities0.5
 (0.7) 1.2
 (52.3) (49.8) (2.5)
Settlements21.2
 20.1
 1.1
 21.4
 20.9
 0.5
12.6
 13.9
 (1.3) 21.2
 20.1
 1.1
Fair Value as of End of Period$(443.7) $(441.0) $(2.7) $(407.0) $(406.9) $(0.1)$(384.0) $(381.6) $(2.4) $(443.7) $(441.0) $(2.7)
                      
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152017 2016
(Millions of Dollars)Eversource CL&P NSTAR  
Electric
 Eversource CL&P NSTAR  
Electric
Eversource CL&P NSTAR  
Electric
 Eversource CL&P NSTAR  
Electric
Derivatives, Net:                      
Fair Value as of Beginning of Period$(380.9) $(380.8) $(0.1) $(415.4) $(410.9) $(4.5)$(423.3) $(420.5) $(2.8) $(380.9) $(380.8) $(0.1)
Net Realized/Unrealized Gains/(Losses) Included in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities(128.9) (122.0) (6.9) (55.3) (56.6) 1.3
Net Realized/Unrealized Losses Included in Regulatory Assets and Liabilities(17.9) (15.9) (2.0) (128.9) (122.0) (6.9)
Settlements66.1
 61.8
 4.3
 63.7
 60.6
 3.1
57.2
 54.8
 2.4
 66.1
 61.8
 4.3
Fair Value as of End of Period$(443.7) $(441.0) $(2.7) $(407.0) $(406.9) $(0.1)$(384.0) $(381.6) $(2.4) $(443.7) $(441.0) $(2.7)



5.    MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Eversource maintains trusts that hold marketable securities to fund certain non-qualified executive benefits.  These trusts are not subject to regulatory oversight by state or federal agencies.  CYAPC and YAEC maintain legally restricted trusts, each of which holds marketable securities, to fund the decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel removal obligations of their nuclear fuel storage facilities.

Trading Securities:  Eversource has elected to record certain equity securities as trading securities, with the changes in fair values recorded in Other Income, Net on the statements of income.  As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015,2016, these securities were classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and totaled $10.3 million$9.6 million.  These securities were sold during the first quarter of 2017 and $14.2 million, respectively.were no longer held as of September 30, 2017. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, net gains on these securities of $0.1 million and net losses of $0.5 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, net gains of $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, were recorded in Other Income, Net on the statements of income. Dividend income is recorded in Other Income, Net when dividends are declared.  

Available-for-Sale Securities:  The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities, which are recorded at fair value and are included in current and long-term Marketable Securities on the balance sheets.
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Amortized Cost 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized Gains
 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value Amortized Cost 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized Gains
 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair ValueAmortized Cost 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized Gains
 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value Amortized Cost 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized Gains
 
Pre-Tax
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
Debt Securities$261.2
 $10.7
 $
 $271.9
 $256.5
 $4.5
 $(0.6) $260.4
$286.5
 $5.5
 $(0.5) $291.5
 $296.2
 $1.1
 $(2.1) $295.2
Equity Securities206.7
 63.7
 (1.0) 269.4
 215.3
 59.2
 (3.4) 271.1
210.7
 81.5
 
 292.2
 203.3
 62.3
 (1.2) 264.4

Eversource’sEversource's debt and equity securities include CYAPC’sCYAPC's and YAEC’sYAEC's marketable securities held in nuclear decommissioning trusts in the amounts of $446.9$489.1 million and $436.9$466.7 million as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.  Unrealized gains and losses for these nuclear decommissioning trusts are recorded in Marketable Securities with the corresponding offset to Other Long-Term Liabilities on the balance sheets, with no impact on the statements of income.  

Unrealized Losses and Other-than-Temporary Impairment:  There have been no significant unrealized losses, other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016.  Factors considered in determining whether a credit loss exists include the duration and severity of the impairment, adverse conditions specifically affecting the issuer, and the payment history, ratings and rating changes of the security.  For asset-backed debt securities, underlying collateral and expected future cash flows are also evaluated.

Realized Gains and Losses:  Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded in Other Income, Net for Eversource’sEversource's non-qualified benefit trust and are offset in Other Long-Term Liabilities for CYAPC and YAEC.  Eversource utilizes the specific identification basis method for the Eversource non-qualified benefit trust, and the average cost basis method for the CYAPC and YAEC nuclear decommissioning trusts to compute the realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities.

Contractual Maturities:  As of September 30, 2016,2017, the contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities were as follows:  
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Amortized Cost Fair ValueAmortized Cost Fair Value
Less than one year (1)
$29.3
 $29.1
$40.2
 $40.2
One to five years58.0
 59.1
56.7
 57.6
Six to ten years47.0
 49.5
52.6
 54.1
Greater than ten years126.9
 134.2
137.0
 139.6
Total Debt Securities$261.2
 $271.9
$286.5
 $291.5

(1)
Amounts in the Less than one year category include securities in the CYAPC and YAEC nuclear decommissioning trusts, which are restricted and are classified in long-term Marketable Securities on the balance sheets.




Fair Value Measurements:  The following table presents the marketable securities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis by the level in which they are classified within the fair value hierarchy:
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Level 1:       
Mutual Funds and Equities$279.7
 $285.3
$292.2
 $274.0
Money Market Funds24.5
 26.9
21.8
 54.8
Total Level 1$304.2
 $312.2
$314.0
 $328.8
Level 2:      
U.S. Government Issued Debt Securities (Agency and Treasury)$65.5
 $46.6
$69.0
 $63.0
Corporate Debt Securities43.3
 43.9
56.1
 41.1
Asset-Backed Debt Securities18.0
 20.0
20.4
 18.5
Municipal Bonds110.3
 111.4
113.6
 107.5
Other Fixed Income Securities10.3
 11.6
10.6
 10.3
Total Level 2$247.4
 $233.5
$269.7
 $240.4
Total Marketable Securities$551.6
 $545.7
$583.7
 $569.2

U.S. government issued debt securities are valued using market approaches that incorporate transactions for the same or similar bonds and adjustments for yields and maturity dates.  Corporate debt securities are valued using a market approach, utilizing recent trades of the same or similar instrument and also incorporating yield curves, credit spreads and specific bond terms and conditions.  Asset-backed debt securities include collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage backed securities, and securities collateralized by auto loans, credit card loans or receivables.  Asset-backed debt securities are valued using recent trades of similar instruments, prepayment assumptions, yield curves, issuance and maturity dates, and tranche information.  Municipal bonds are valued using a market approach that incorporates reported trades and benchmark yields.  Other fixed income securities are valued using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, and discounted cash flows.

6.    SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $1.45 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt.  As of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, Eversource parent had $698.5$917.0 million and approximately $1.1$1.0 billion, respectively, in short-term borrowings outstanding under the Eversource parent commercial paper program, leaving $751.5$533.0 million and $351.5$428.0 million of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 was 0.661.34 percent and 0.720.88 percent, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent of $202.3 million to PSNH and $96.9 million to WMECO.  As of December 31, 2016, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent of $108.5$80.1 million to CL&P, $107.5$160.9 million to PSNH and $48.2 million to WMECO.  As of December 31, 2015, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent of $277.4 million to CL&P, $231.3 million to PSNH and $143.4$51.0 million to WMECO.  Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, WMECO, NSTAR Gas and Yankee Gas are parties to a five-year $1.45 billion revolving credit facility. Effective September 26, 2016, theThe revolving credit facility’s termination date was extended for one additional year tofacility terminates on September 4, 2021.  The revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent’sparent's $1.45 billion commercial paper program.  There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2016 or2017 and December 31, 2015.2016.

NSTAR Electric has a $450 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paperExcept as a form of short-term debt. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, NSTAR Electric had $36.0 million and $62.5 million, respectively, in short-term borrowings outstanding under its commercial paper program, leaving $414.0 million and $387.5 million of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was 0.42 percent and 0.40 percent, respectively.  NSTAR Electric is a party to a five-year $450 million revolving credit facility. Effective September 26, 2016, the revolving credit facility’s termination date was extended for one additional year to September 4, 2021.  The revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric’s $450 million commercial paper program.  There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.

Amountsdescribed below, amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs are included in Notes Payable for Eversource and NSTAR Electric and are classified in current liabilities on the balance sheets as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time. Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P, PSNH and WMECO are included in Notes Payable to Eversource Parent and are classified in current liabilities on their respective balance sheets.  Intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P, PSNH and WMECO are eliminated in consolidation on Eversource’sEversource's balance sheets.

Short-Term Borrowing Limits: The amountAs a result of the October 2017 Eversource parent long-term debt issuances, the net proceeds of which were used to repay short-term borrowings outstanding under the Eversource parent commercial paper program, $898.8 million of short-term borrowings that may be incurred by debt was reclassified to Long-Term Debt as of September 30, 2017.

NSTAR Electric is subject to periodic approval by the FERC. On August 8, 2016, the FERC granted authorization to allowhas a $450 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue totalcommercial paper as a form of short-term debt securitiesdebt. As of September 30, 2017, NSTAR Electric had no short-term borrowings outstanding and as of December 31, 2016, NSTAR Electric had $126.5 million in an aggregate principal amount notshort-term borrowings outstanding under its commercial paper program, leaving $450.0 million and $323.5 million of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings as of December 31, 2016 was 0.71 percent.  NSTAR Electric is a party to exceed $655a five-year $450 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility terminates on September 4, 2021.  The revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $450 million commercial paper program.  There were no borrowings outstanding at any one time, through October 23, 2018.on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Long-Term Debt Issuances:  In March 2016,2017, Eversource parent issued $250$300 million of 2.502.75 percent Series IK Senior Notes due to mature in 2021 and $250 million of 3.35 percent Series J Senior Notes due to mature in 2026.2022. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings under the Eversource parent commercial paper program.



In May 2016, NSTAR ElectricMarch 2017, CL&P issued $250$300 million of 2.703.20 percent debentures,2017 Series A First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds due to mature in 2026.  The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings under the NSTAR Electric commercial paper program and fund capital expenditures and working capital.

In June 2016, WMECO issued $50 million of 2.75 percent Series H Senior Notes, due to mature in 2026.2027. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings.



In May 2017, NSTAR Electric issued $350 million of 3.20 percent Debentures due to mature in 2027. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings and fund capital expenditures and working capital.

In August 2017, CL&P issued $225 million of 4.30 percent 2014 Series A First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds due to mature in 2044. These bonds are part of the same series of CL&P’s existing 4.30 percent bonds that were initially issued in 2014. The aggregate outstanding principal amount for these bonds is now $475 million. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to refinance short-term debt and fund capital expenditures and working capital.

In September 2017, Yankee Gas issued $75 million of 3.02 percent Series N First Mortgage Bonds due to mature in 2027. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings.

In October 2017, Eversource parent issued $450 million 2.75 percent Series K Senior Notes due to mature in 2022. These senior notes are part of the same series of Eversource parent’s existing 2.75 percent Series K Senior Notes that were initially issued in March 2017. The aggregate outstanding principal amount for the Series K Senior Notes is now $750 million. In addition, Eversource parent issued $450 million of 2.90 percent 2017 Series L Senior Notes due to mature in 2024. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings.

In October 2017, NSTAR Electric issued $350 million of 3.20 percent Debentures due to mature in 2027. The debentures are part of the same series of NSTAR Electric’s existing 3.20 percent Debentures that were initially issued in May 2017. The aggregate outstanding principal amount for the 3.20 percent Debentures is now $700 million. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, will be used to redeem long-term debt due to mature on November 15, 2017. As the debt issuance refinanced short-term debt, the amount was reclassified to Long-Term Debt on Eversource's and NSTAR Electric's balance sheets.

Long-Term Debt Repayments:  In May 2016, NSTAR ElectricMarch 2017, CL&P repaid at maturity $200the $150 million variable rate debentures, using short-term borrowings.5.375 percent 2007 Series A First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds.

In September 2017, CL&P repaid at maturity $100 million of 5.75 percent 2007 Series C First Mortgage Bonds and PSNH repaid at maturity $70 million of 6.15 percent 2007 Series N First Mortgage Bonds.

In October 2017, NSTAR Gas repaid at maturity $25 million of 7.04 percent Series M First Mortgage Bonds.

Long-Term Debt Issuance Authorizations: On January 4, 2017, PURA approved CL&P's request for authorization to issue up to $1.325 billion in long-term debt through December 31, 2020. On March 30, 2017, the DPU approved NSTAR Electric's request for authorization to issue up to $700 million in long-term debt through December 31, 2018.

7.    PENSION BENEFITS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS

Eversource Service sponsors a defined benefit retirement plan (Pension Plan)("Pension Plan") that covers eligible employees, including, among others, employees of CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO.participants.  In addition to the Pension Plan, Eversource maintains non-qualified defined benefit retirement plans sponsored by Eversource Service (SERP Plans)("SERP Plans"), which provide benefits in excess of Internal Revenue Code limitations to eligible participants consisting of current and retired employees.participants.  Eversource Service also sponsors a defined benefit postretirement plansplan that provide certain benefits, primarily medical, dental andprovides life insurance and a health reimbursement arrangement created for the purpose of reimbursing retirees and dependents for health insurance premiums and certain medical expenses, to retired employeeseligible participants that metmeet certain age and service eligibility requirements including, among others, employees of CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO (PBOP Plan).

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company refined its method of estimating the discount rate for the service and interest cost components of Pension and ("PBOP expense from the yield-curve approach to the spot rate methodology, which provides a more precise measurement by matching projected cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on the yield curve. Historically, these components were estimated using the same weighted-average discount rate as for the funded status. The discount rates used to estimate the 2016 service cost were 4.89 percent and 4.09 percent for the Pension and PBOP plans, respectively. The discount rates used to estimate the 2016 interest cost were 3.80 percent and 2.88 percent for the Pension and PBOP plans, respectively. The total pre-tax benefit of this change on Pension and PBOP expense, prior to the capitalized portion and amounts deferred and recovered through rate reconciliation mechanisms, for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $11.5 million and $2.5 million for the Pension and PBOP plans, respectively, and $35 million and $7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.Plan").

In August 2016, the Company amended its PBOP Plan, which standardized separate benefit structures that existed within the plan and made other benefit changes. The amendment required a remeasurement of the benefit obligation using current assumptions, including updated discount rates and asset values. The discount rate used to remeasure the benefit obligation was 3.62 percent. The remeasurement resulted in a reduction to the benefit liabilityprior service credit of approximately $244 million, offset by an increase to the unamortized actuarial losses of approximately $142 million driven primarily by the decrease in the discount rate.  Overall, the impact of the remeasurement reduced the PBOP plan’s accumulated projected benefit obligation and regulatory assets by approximately $102$5.3 million and $106$16.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and increased accumulated other comprehensive losses by $4.0 million. The remeasurement resulted inwhich was reflected as a decrease in thereduction to net periodic benefit costsexpense for PBOP benefits, prior to the capitalized portion and amounts deferred and recovered through rate reconciliation mechanisms, of approximately $10 million, which will be recorded in the period August 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, and mostbenefits. The majority of this amount will be deferred for future refund to customers.



The components of net periodic benefit expense for the Pension, SERP and PBOP Plans are shown below.  The net periodic benefit expense and the intercompany allocations, less the capitalized portions of pension, SERP and PBOP amounts, are included in Operations and Maintenance expense on the statements of income.  Capitalized pension and PBOP amounts relate to employees working on capital projects and are included in Property, Plant and Equipment, Net on the balance sheets.  Pension, SERP and PBOP expense reflected in the statements of cash flows for CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO does not include the intercompany allocations or the corresponding capitalized portion, as these amounts are cash settled on a short-term basis.
Pension and SERPPension and SERP
EversourceFor the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months EndedFor the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
(Millions of Dollars)September 30, 2016 
September 30, 2015 (1)
 September 30, 2016 
September 30, 2015 (1)
September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Service Cost$18.6
 $22.7
 $56.6
 $68.7
$17.4
 $18.6
 $53.8
 $56.6
Interest Cost46.4
 56.9
 139.2
 170.3
47.2
 46.4
 140.7
 139.2
Expected Return on Plan Assets(79.4) (83.9) (238.5) (252.1)
Expected Return on Pension Plan Assets(83.5) (79.4) (250.5) (238.5)
Actuarial Loss31.4
 36.5
 94.2
 111.9
33.9
 31.4
 101.3
 94.2
Prior Service Cost0.9
 0.9
 2.6
 2.7
1.2
 0.9
 3.4
 2.6
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense$17.9
 $33.1
 $54.1
 $101.5
$16.2
 $17.9
 $48.7
 $54.1
Capitalized Pension Expense$5.4
 $9.8
 $16.8
 $31.3
$5.5
 $5.4
 $16.5
 $16.8
              
PBOPPBOP
EversourceFor the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months EndedFor the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
(Millions of Dollars)September 30, 2016 
September 30, 2015 (1)
 September 30, 2016 
September 30, 2015 (1)
September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Service Cost$3.0
 $4.1
 $9.2
 $10.3
$2.4
 $3.0
 $7.1
 $9.2
Interest Cost7.5
 11.8
 26.5
 30.4
6.8
 7.5
 20.3
 26.5
Expected Return on Plan Assets(15.9) (16.9) (47.3) (43.2)(16.0) (15.9) (47.8) (47.3)
Actuarial Loss3.0
 1.7
 5.0
 4.5
2.2
 3.0
 6.9
 5.0
Prior Service Credit(3.6) (0.1) (3.7) (0.3)(5.3) (3.6) (16.1) (3.7)
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income)$(6.0) $0.6
 $(10.3) $1.7
Capitalized PBOP Expense/(Income)$(2.6) $
 $(4.6) $0.1
Total Net Periodic Benefit Income$(9.9) $(6.0) $(29.6) $(10.3)
Capitalized PBOP Income$(4.8) $(2.6) $(14.3) $(4.6)
Pension and SERPPension and SERP
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)CL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECO CL&P NSTAR Electric 
PSNH (1)
 WMECOCL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECO CL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECO
Service Cost$4.6
 $3.3
 $2.5
 $0.8
 $6.2
 $3.7
 $3.1
 $1.0
$4.6
 $3.1
 $2.4
 $0.7
 $4.6
 $3.3
 $2.5
 $0.8
Interest Cost10.2
 8.5
 5.1
 2.1
 12.9
 10.0
 6.1
 2.6
10.5
 8.6
 5.3
 2.1
 10.2
 8.5
 5.1
 2.1
Expected Return on Plan Assets(18.0) (16.9) (9.6) (4.4) (19.8) (17.5) (10.1) (4.7)
Expected Return on Pension Plan Assets(17.8) (17.5) (10.0) (4.4) (18.0) (16.9) (9.6) (4.4)
Actuarial Loss6.3
 8.7
 2.5
 1.3
 8.0
 8.7
 2.9
 1.6
6.8
 8.9
 3.0
 1.5
 6.3
 8.7
 2.5
 1.3
Prior Service Cost0.4
 
 0.1
 0.1
 0.4
 
 0.1
 0.1
0.4
 0.1
 0.1
 0.1
 0.4
 
 0.1
 0.1
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income)$3.5
 $3.6
 $0.6
 $(0.1) $7.7
 $4.9
 $2.1
 $0.6
$4.5
 $3.2
 $0.8
 $
 $3.5
 $3.6
 $0.6
 $(0.1)
Intercompany Allocations$3.5
 $2.2
 $1.0
 $0.6
 $5.8
 $3.4
 $1.6
 $1.1
$2.4
 $1.8
 $0.8
 $0.5
 $3.5
 $2.2
 $1.0
 $0.6
Capitalized Pension Expense$2.2
 $2.0
 $0.4
 $0.1
 $4.7
 $2.7
 $0.8
 $0.5
$2.4
 $1.9
 $0.4
 $0.1
 $2.2
 $2.0
 $0.4
 $0.1
                              
Pension and SERPPension and SERP
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 
PSNH (1)
 WMECOCL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO
Service Cost$14.3
 $9.9
 $7.5
 $2.4
 $18.4
 $11.2
 $9.0
 $3.2
$13.9
 $9.4
 $7.3
 $2.3
 $14.3
 $9.9
 $7.5
 $2.4
Interest Cost31.2
 25.3
 15.4
 6.3
 38.4
 30.2
 18.1
 7.8
31.3
 25.6
 15.9
 6.3
 31.2
 25.3
 15.4
 6.3
Expected Return on Plan Assets(54.2) (50.7) (28.9) (13.1) (59.1) (52.5) (30.3) (14.2)
Expected Return on Pension Plan Assets(53.9) (52.5) (29.9) (13.3) (54.2) (50.7) (28.9) (13.1)
Actuarial Loss19.2
 25.8
 7.5
 4.1
 24.2
 27.0
 8.8
 4.8
20.7
 26.4
 8.7
 4.5
 19.2
 25.8
 7.5
 4.1
Prior Service Cost1.1
 
 0.3
 0.2
 1.1
 0.1
 0.4
 0.2
1.1
 0.2
 0.4
 0.2
 1.1
 
 0.3
 0.2
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income)$11.6
 $10.3
 $1.8
 $(0.1) $23.0
 $16.0
 $6.0
 $1.8
$13.1
 $9.1
 $2.4
 $
 $11.6
 $10.3
 $1.8
 $(0.1)
Intercompany Allocations$10.3
 $6.7
 $3.0
 $1.9
 $18.0
 $10.3
 $5.0
 $3.3
$7.4
 $5.5
 $2.5
 $1.4
 $10.3
 $6.7
 $3.0
 $1.9
Capitalized Pension Expense$7.1
 $5.7
 $1.0
 $0.3
 $14.1
 $8.6
 $2.6
 $1.4
$7.3
 $5.4
 $1.1
 $0.3
 $7.1
 $5.7
 $1.0
 $0.3


PBOPPBOP
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 
PSNH (1)
 WMECOCL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO
Service Cost$0.6
 $0.6
 $0.4
 $0.1
 $0.5
 $1.3
 $0.3
 $0.1
$0.5
 $0.3
 $0.3
 $0.1
 $0.6
 $0.6
 $0.4
 $0.1
Interest Cost1.3
 2.5
 0.7
 0.3
 1.8
 4.8
 1.0
 0.3
1.3
 1.9
 0.8
 0.3
 1.3
 2.5
 0.7
 0.3
Expected Return on Plan Assets(2.5) (6.4) (1.4) (0.6) (2.8) (6.8) (1.5) (0.6)(2.4) (6.6) (1.4) (0.6) (2.5) (6.4) (1.4) (0.6)
Actuarial Loss0.5
 1.2
 0.2
 
 0.2
 0.6
 0.1
 
0.2
 0.9
 0.1
 
 0.5
 1.2
 0.2
 
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)0.2
 (2.9) 0.1
 
 
 (0.1) 
 
0.3
 (4.3) 0.2
 
 0.2
 (2.9) 0.1
 
Total Net Periodic Benefit Expense/(Income)$0.1
 $(5.0) $
 $(0.2) $(0.3) $(0.2) $(0.1) $(0.2)
Total Net Periodic Benefit (Income)/Expense$(0.1) $(7.8) $
 $(0.2) $0.1
 $(5.0) $
 $(0.2)
Intercompany Allocations$
 $(0.1) $
 $
 $0.4
 $0.2
 $0.1
 $0.1
$(0.2) $(0.2) $(0.1) $
 $
 $(0.1) $
 $
Capitalized PBOP Expense/(Income)$
 $(2.2) $
 $(0.1) $(0.1) $
 $0.1
 $
Capitalized PBOP Income$(0.1) $(4.0) $
 $(0.1) $
 $(2.2) $
 $(0.1)
                              
PBOPPBOP
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Millions of Dollars)CL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P NSTAR Electric 
PSNH (1)
 WMECOCL&P 
NSTAR
Electric
 PSNH WMECO CL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECO
Service Cost$1.4
 $2.5
 $0.9
 $0.3
 $1.6
 $4.0
 $1.0
 $0.3
$1.5
 $1.1
 $1.0
 $0.3
 $1.4
 $2.5
 $0.9
 $0.3
Interest Cost4.0
 10.3
 2.2
 0.8
 5.4
 14.2
 2.9
 1.1
4.0
 5.7
 2.3
 0.8
 4.0
 10.3
 2.2
 0.8
Expected Return on Plan Assets(7.6) (19.2) (4.2) (1.7) (8.3) (20.5) (4.4) (1.9)(7.3) (19.9) (4.1) (1.7) (7.6) (19.2) (4.2) (1.7)
Actuarial Loss0.9
 1.7
 0.5
 
 0.5
 1.8
 0.4
 
0.7
 2.6
 0.4
 
 0.9
 1.7
 0.5
 
Prior Service Cost/(Credit)0.2
 (2.9) 0.1
 
 
 (0.1) 
 
0.8
 (12.9) 0.4
 0.1
 0.2
 (2.9) 0.1
 
Total Net Periodic Benefit Income$(1.1) $(7.6) $(0.5) $(0.6) $(0.8) $(0.6) $(0.1) $(0.5)$(0.3) $(23.4) $
 $(0.5) $(1.1) $(7.6) $(0.5) $(0.6)
Intercompany Allocations$0.3
 $
 $
 $
 $1.4
 $0.7
 $0.3
 $0.3
$(0.5) $(0.7) $(0.3) $(0.1) $0.3
 $
 $
 $
Capitalized PBOP Expense/(Income)$(0.5) $(3.3) $
 $(0.3) $(0.2) $(0.1) $0.2
 $(0.1)
Capitalized PBOP Income$(0.4) $(11.9) $
 $(0.2) $(0.5) $(3.3) $
 $(0.3)

(1)
Amounts excluded approximately $0.8 million and $2.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, that represented amounts included in other deferred debits.

8.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

A.    Environmental Matters
Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO are subject to environmental laws and regulations intended to mitigate or remove the effect of past operations and improve or maintain the quality of the environment.  These laws and regulations require the removal or the remedy of the effect on the environment of the disposal or release of certain specified hazardous substances at current and former operating sites. Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO have an active environmental auditing and training program and each believes it is substantially in compliance with all enacted laws and regulations.

The number of environmental sites and related reserves for which remediation or long-term monitoring, preliminary site work or site assessment is being performed are as follows:
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Number of Sites 
Reserve
(in millions)
 Number of Sites 
Reserve
(in millions)
Number of Sites 
Reserve
(in millions)
 Number of Sites 
Reserve
(in millions)
Eversource63
 $59.7
 64
 $51.1
58
 $57.7
 61
 $65.8
CL&P14
 4.7
 14
 4.6
14
 4.9
 14
 4.9
NSTAR Electric14
 2.3
 15
 2.4
10
 2.0
 13
 3.2
PSNH12
 4.3
 12
 4.5
11
 5.7
 11
 5.3
WMECO4
 0.7
 4
 0.6
4
 0.8
 4
 0.6

Included in the Eversource number of sites and reserve amounts above are former MGP sites that were operated several decades ago and manufactured gas from coal and other processes, which resulted in certain by-products remaining in the environment that may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment, for which Eversource may have potential liability.  The reserve balances related to these former MGP sites were $53.9$51.9 million and $45.5$59.0 million as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively, and related primarily to the natural gas business segment. The reduction in the reserve balance at the MGP sites in the first quarter of 2017 was primarily due to a change in cost estimates at one site where actual contamination was less than originally estimated.

These reserve estimates are subjective in nature as they take into consideration several different remediation options at each specific site.  The reliability and precision of these estimates can be affected by several factors, including new information concerning either the level of contamination at the site, the extent of Eversource’s,Eversource's, CL&P’s,&P's, NSTAR Electric’s, PSNH’s,Electric's, PSNH's, and WMECO’sWMECO's responsibility for remediation or the extent of remediation required, recently enacted laws and regulations, or changes in cost estimates due to certain economic factors.  It is possible that new information or future developments could require a reassessment of the potential exposure to related environmental matters.  As this information becomes available, management will continue to assess the potential exposure and adjust the reserves accordingly.



B.    Guarantees and Indemnifications
In the normal course of business, Eversource parent provides credit assurances on behalf of its subsidiaries, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO, in the form of guarantees.   

Eversource parent issued a declining balance guaranty on behalf of Eversource Gas Transmission LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to guarantee the payment of the subsidiary’s capital contributions for its investment in the Access Northeast project. The guaranty will not exceed $206 million and decreases as capital contributions are made.  The guaranty will expire upon the earlier of the full performance of the guaranteed obligations or December 31, 2021.  

Eversource parent issued a guaranty on behalf of its subsidiary, NPT, under which, beginning at the time the Northern Pass Transmission line goes into commercial operation, Eversource parent will guarantee the financial obligations of NPT under the TSA with HQ in an amount not to exceed $25 million.  Eversource parent’sparent's obligations under the guaranty expire upon the full, final and indefeasible payment of the guaranteed obligations. Eversource parent has also entered into a guaranty on behalf of NPT under which Eversource parent will guarantee NPT’sNPT's obligations under its letter of credita facility with a financial institution pursuant to which NPT may request letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to approximately $14 million.

Eversource parent has also guaranteed certain indemnification and other obligations as a result of the sales of former unregulated subsidiaries and the termination of an unregulated business, with maximum exposures either not specified or not material.  

Management does not anticipate a material impact to Net Incomenet income or cash flows as a result of these various guarantees and indemnifications.  

The following table summarizes Eversource parent’sparent's exposure to guarantees and indemnifications of its subsidiaries to external parties, as of September 30, 2016:2017:  
Company Description 
Maximum
 Exposure
(in millions)
 Expiration Dates Description 
Maximum
 Exposure
(in millions)
 Expiration Dates
On behalf of subsidiaries:            
Eversource Gas Transmission LLC Access Northeast Project Capital Contributions Guaranty $186.5
 2021 
Access Northeast Project Capital Contributions
   Guaranty (1)
 $185.1
 2021
Various 
Surety Bonds (1)
 $37.1
 2016 - 2018 
Surety Bonds (2)
 40.1
 2017 - 2018
Eversource Service and Rocky River Realty Company Lease Payments for Vehicles and Real Estate $9.8
 2019 - 2024 Lease Payments for Vehicles and Real Estate 8.2
 2019 - 2024

(1)
Eversource parent issued a declining balance guaranty on behalf of its subsidiary, Eversource Gas Transmission LLC, to guarantee the payment of the subsidiary's capital contributions for its investment in the Access Northeast project. The guaranty decreases as capital contributions are made. The guaranty will expire upon the earlier of the full performance of the guaranteed obligations or December 31, 2021.

(2)
Surety bond expiration dates reflect termination dates, the majority of which will be renewed or extended.  Certain surety bonds contain credit ratings triggers that would require Eversource parent to post collateral in the event that the unsecured debt credit ratings of Eversource parent are downgraded.  

C. Spent Nuclear Fuel LitigationObligations - Yankee Companies
CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO have plant closure and fuel storage cost obligations to the Yankee Companies, which have each completed the physical decommissioning of their respective nuclear facilities and are now engaged in the long-term storage of their spent fuel. The Yankee Companies collect these costs through wholesale, FERC-approved rates charged under power purchase agreements with several New England utilities, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO.  These companies in turn recover these costs from their customers through state regulatory commission-approved retail rates.  The Yankee Companies have collected or are currently collecting amounts that management believes are adequate to recover the remaining plant closure and fuel storage cost estimates for the respective plants.  Management believes CL&P, NSTAR Electric and WMECO will recover their shares of these obligations from their customers.  PSNH has recovered its total share of these costs from its customers.

Spent Nuclear Fuel Litigation:
The Yankee Companies have filed separate complaints against the DOE in the Court of Federal Claims seeking monetary damages resulting from the DOE’sDOE's failure to provide for a permanent facility to store spent nuclear fuel pursuant to the terms of the 1983 spent fuel and high level waste disposal contracts between the Yankee Companies and the DOE.  The court had previously awarded the Yankee Companies damages for Phase I, II, and Phase IIIII of litigation resulting from the DOE’sDOE's failure to meet its contractual obligations.  Phase IThese Phases covered damages incurred in the years 1998 through 20022012, and Phase II coveredthe awarded damages incurred inhave been received by the years 2001 through 2008 for CYAPC and YAEC and from 2002 through 2008 for MYAPC.Yankee Companies with certain amounts of the damages refunded to their customers.

DOE Phase IIIIV Damages - In August 2013,On May 22, 2017, each of the Yankee Companies each filed subsequent lawsuits against the DOE seeking recovery of actual damages incurred in the years 2009 through 2012.  The DOE Phase III trial concluded on July 1, 2015, followed by a post-trial briefing that concluded on October 14, 2015.  On March 25, 2016, the court issued its decision and awardedCourt of Federal Claims seeking damages totaling approximately $100 million for CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC, damages of $32.6 million, $19.6 million and $24.6 million, respectively.  In total,covering the years from 2013 to 2016 (“DOE Phase IV”). The DOE Phase IV trial is expected to begin in 2018.

For further discussion, see Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings - Yankee Companies were awarded $76.8 millionv. U.S. Department of the $77.9 million in damages sought in Phase III. The decision became final on July 18,Energy” of our 2016 and the Yankee Companies received the awards from the DOE on October 14, 2016.  The Yankee Companies have filed a request with FERC seeking approval of the proposed distribution of certain amounts of the awarded damages proceeds to member companies, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, and WMECO. Subject to receipt of FERC approval, CYAPC and MYAPC expect to be able to make distributions in December 2016. MYAPC also anticipates refunding approximately $57 million from its spent nuclear fuel trust, a portion of which will be refunded to the Eversource utility subsidiaries. In total, Eversource expects to receive approximately $26 million, of which CL&P expects to receive $13.6 million, NSTAR Electric expects to receive $5 million, PSNH expects to receive $3.9 million, and WMECO expects to receive $3.6 million. These anticipated amounts will be refunded to the customers of the respective Eversource utility subsidiaries.Form 10-K.



D.    FERC ROE Complaints
Four separate complaints have been filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties (collectively the “Complainants”"Complainants"). In each of the first three complaints, the Complainants challenged the NETOs’NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent that had been utilized since 20062005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint refund periods stipulated inperiods. In the separate complaints.  fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 10.57 percent and the maximum ROE for transmission incentive ("incentive cap") of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.

In response to appeals of the FERC decision in the first complaint filed by the NETOs and the Complainants, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the "Court") issued a decision on April 14, 2017 vacating and remanding the FERC's decision. The Court found that the FERC ordered a 10.57failed to make an explicit finding that the 11.14 percent base ROE was unjust and unreasonable, as required under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act, before it set a new base ROE. The Court also found that the FERC did not provide a rational connection between the record evidence and its decision to select the midpoint of the upper half of the zone of reasonableness for the new base ROE.

On May 26, 2017, the Chief Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") issued an order that the fourth complaint will continue to trial in December 2017 with an ALJ initial decision expected in March of 2018.

A summary of the four separate complaints and the base ROEs pertinent to those complaints are as follows:
Complaint
15-Month Time Period
of Complaint
(Beginning as of Complaint Filing Date)
Original Base ROE Authorized by FERC at Time of Complaint
Filing Date (1)
Base ROE Subsequently Authorized by FERC for First Complaint Period and also Effective from
October 16, 2014 through April 14, 2017 (1)
Reserve
(Pre-Tax and Excluding Interest) as of September 30, 2017
(in millions)
 
FERC ALJ Recommendation of Base ROE on Second and
Third Complaints
(Issued March 22, 2016)
First10/1/2011 - 12/31/201211.14%10.57%$—
(2) 
N/A
Second12/27/2012 - 3/26/201411.14%N/A39.1
(3) 
9.59%
Third7/31/2014 - 10/30/201511.14%10.57% 10.90%
Fourth4/29/2016 - 7/28/201710.57%10.57% N/A

(1) The billed ROE (base plus incentives) between October 1, 2011 and October 15, 2014 was within a range of 11.14 percent to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, the FERC set the incentive cap at 11.74 percent for the first complaint refund period and prospectivelyalso effective from October 16, 2014 and that a utility’s total or maximum ROE for any incentive project shall not exceedthrough April 14, 2017, the top ofdate on which the new zone of reasonableness, which was set at 11.74 percent.  In late 2014, the NETOs made a compliance filing, andCourt vacated this FERC order.
(2) CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO have refunded all amounts associated with the first complaint period.period, totaling $38.9 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) at Eversource (consisting of $22.4 million at CL&P, $8.4 million at NSTAR Electric, $2.8 million at PSNH, and $5.3 million at WMECO), reflecting both the base ROE and incentive cap prescribed by the FERC order.

(3) The reserve represents the difference between the ROEs billed during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $8.5 million for NSTAR Electric, $3.1 million for PSNH, and $6.1 million for WMECO as of September 30, 2017.

On June 5, 2017, the NETOs, and Complainants have appealedincluding Eversource, submitted a filing to the decisionFERC to reinstate the base ROE of 11.14 percent with an associated ROE incentive cap of 13.5 percent effective June 8, 2017, as these were the last ROEs lawfully in effect for transmission billing purposes prior to the FERC order vacated by the Court on April 14, 2017. On October 6, 2017, the FERC did not accept the NETOs filing, temporarily leaving in place the ROEs (10.57 percent base ROE with an 11.74 percent incentive cap ROE) set in the first complaint toproceeding until the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.  A court decision is expected in late 2016 or early 2017.FERC addresses the Court’s decision.

TheOn October 5, 2017 the NETOs filed a series of motions, requesting that the FERC dismiss the four complaint proceedings. Alternatively, if the FERC does not dismiss the proceedings, the NETOs requested that the FERC consolidate all four complaint proceedings for expeditious resolution and/or stay the trial in the fourth complaint proceeding and resolve it based on the standards set in the April 14, 2017 Court decision.

At this time, the Company has recorded reserves acrosscannot reasonably estimate a range of gain or loss for the complaint periods at its electric subsidiaries. In the first nine months of 2015, the Company recognizedproceedings. The April 14, 2017 Court decision did not provide a pre-tax charge to earnings (excluding interest) of $20 million, of which $12.5 million was recorded at CL&P, $2.4 million at NSTAR Electric, $1 million at PSNH, and $4.1 million at WMECO.  The pre-tax charge was recorded asreasonable basis for a regulatory liability and as a reduction to Operating Revenues.  

For the second and third complaints, the state parties, municipal utilities and FERC trial staff each believe that the base ROE should be reduced to an amount lower than 11.14 percent.  FERC’s determination to set these cases for hearing was appealedchange to the D.C. Circuit Courtreserve balance of Appeals, and is being held in abeyance pending a final FERC order. On March 22, 2016, the FERC ALJ issued an initial decision on the second and third complaints.  For the second complaint period, the FERC ALJ recommended a zone of reasonableness of 7.12 percent to 10.42 percent and a base ROE of 9.59 percent.  For the third complaint period, the FERC ALJ recommended a zone of reasonableness of 7.04 percent to 12.19 percent and a base ROE of 10.90 percent.  The FERC ALJ also affirmed that the maximum ROE for transmission incentive projects should be the top of the zone of reasonableness.  The NETOs filed briefs on April 21, 2016, in which the NETOs identified corrections and requested changes that should be made to the FERC ALJ’s recommendations.  A final FERC order is expected in late 2016 or early 2017.

The Company believes that the range of potential loss$39.1 million (pre-tax, excluding interest) for the second complaint period, (the 15-month period beginning December 27, 2012) is from a base ROE of 10.57 percent to a base ROE of 9.59 percent.  As the FERC ALJ initial decision on the third complaint recommended a base ROE of 10.90 percent,and the Company concluded there is currently no range of potential losshas not changed its reserve or recognized ROEs for that complaint period (the 15-month period beginning July 31, 2014).  Given the differences between the recommended base ROEs in the FERC ALJ’s initial decision on the second and third complaints, as well as other factors, the Company is unable to predict the outcomeany of the final FERC order on these two complaints.  The Company does not believe any base ROE outcome within the 10.57 percent to 9.59 percent range is more likely than the base ROEs used to record the current revenues and reserves, and therefore the Company believes that the current reserves for the second complaint period are appropriate at this time.periods.

The impact of a 10 basis point change to the existing base ROE of 10.57 percent would affect Eversource’s after-tax earnings by approximately $3 million for each of the 15-month second and third complaint periods.  If the Company adjusted its reserves based on the recommendations in the FERC ALJ initial decision (for both the base ROE and maximum ROE for transmission incentive projects) for the second and third complaints, then it would result in an after-tax increase of approximately $34 million and an after-tax decrease of approximately $8 million, respectively, to the existing reserves.

For thefourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, certain municipal utilities claimed the current base ROE of 10.57 percent and the incentive cap of 11.74 percent are unjust and unreasonable.  The NETOs answered on June 3, 2016 and requested that FERC dismiss the complaint.  On September 20, 2016, the FERC issued an order establishing hearing and settlement judge proceduresand set a 15-month complaint period beginning April 29, 2016. Management cannot at this time predict the ultimate outcomeeffect of this proceedingthe Court decision or future FERC action on any of the complaint periods or the estimated impacts on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH andor WMECO. A FERC ALJ initial decision could be received in 2017.

The average impact of a 10 basis point change to the base ROE for each of the 15-month complaint periods would affect Eversource's after-tax earnings by approximately $3 million.



E.    Eversource and NSTAR Electric Boston Harbor Civil Action
On July 15, 2016, the United States Attorney on behalf of the United States Army Corps of Engineers filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts under provisions of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and the Clean Water Act against NSTAR Electric, Harbor Electric Energy Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSTAR Electric (“HEEC”("HEEC"), and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (together with NSTAR Electric and HEEC, the “Defendants”"Defendants").  The action allegesalleged that the Defendants failed to comply with certain permitting requirements relatingrelated to the placement of the HEEC-owned electric distribution cable beneath Boston Harbor.  The action seekssought an order to forcecompel HEEC to comply with cable depth requirements in the U.S.United States Army Corps of Engineers’Engineers' permit or alternatively to remove the electric distribution cable and cease unauthorized work in U.S. waterways.  The action also seekssought civil penalties and other costs.  Management believes there

After substantial negotiations, the parties reached a settlement whereby HEEC will install a new 115kV distribution cable across Boston Harbor to Deer Island, utilizing a different route, and will remove portions of the existing cable. Upon the installation and completion of the new cable and the removal of the portions of the existing cable, all issues surrounding the current permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers are valid defensesexpected to be resolved, and such litigation is expected to be dismissed with prejudice.

In 2017, as a result of the settlement, NSTAR Electric expensed $4.9 million (pre-tax) of previously incurred capitalized costs associated with engineering work performed on the existing cable that will no longer be used. In addition, NSTAR Electric agreed to provide a rate base credit of $17.5 million to the claims and intendsMassachusetts Water Resources Authority for the new cable. This negotiated credit will result in the initial $17.5 million of construction costs on the new cable to defend NSTAR Electric and HEEC vigorously. Concurrently, NSTAR Electric and HEEC are seekingbe expensed as incurred. Construction of the new cable is expected to work collaboratively with all parties for a mutually beneficial resolution.  At this time, management is unable to predict the outcome of this action or the impact on Eversource’s and NSTAR Electric’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.be completed in 2019.



9.    PSNH GENERATION ASSET SALE

On June 10, 2015, Eversource and PSNH entered into the 2015 Public Service Company of New Hampshire Restructuring and Rate Stabilization Agreement (the Agreement)"Agreement") with the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, certain members of the NHPUC staff, the Office of Consumer Advocate, two State Senators, and several other parties.  Under the terms of the Agreement, PSNH agreed to divest its generation assets, subject to NHPUC approval.  The Agreement provided for a resolution of issues pertaining to PSNH’sPSNH's generation assets in pending regulatory proceedings before the NHPUC.  The Agreement provided for the Clean Air Project prudence proceeding to be resolved and all remaining Clean Air Project costs to be included in rates effective January 1, 2016.  In addition,As part of the Agreement, PSNH will not seek a general distribution rate increase effective before July 1, 2017 and will contribute $5agreed to forego recovery of $25 million of the equity return related to create a clean energy fund, which will not be recoverable from its customers.  In the first nine months of 2015, PSNH recorded the $5 million contribution as a long-term liability and an increase to Operations and Maintenance expense on the statements of income.Clean Air Project.  

On July 1, 2016, the NHPUC approved the Agreement in an order that, among other things, instructsinstructed PSNH to begin the process to divestof divesting its generation assets.  The NHPUC selected an auction adviser to assist with the divestiture, and athe final plan and auction process will be determinedwere approved by the NHPUC in November 2016.  

As of September 30, 2017, PSNH's generation assets were as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) 
Gross Plant$1,184.1
Accumulated Depreciation(573.3)
Net Plant610.8
Fuel92.9
Materials and Supplies44.0
Emission Allowances19.4
Total Generation Assets$767.1

On October 11, 2017, PSNH entered into two Purchase and Sale Agreements ("Agreements") to sell its thermal and hydroelectric generation assets to private investors at purchase prices of $175 million and $83 million, respectively, subject to adjustments as set forth in each Agreement.
On October 12, 2017, PSNH filed an application with the fourth quarterNHPUC requesting approval of 2016.  the Agreements. We expect to receive approvals from the NHPUC and other necessary regulatory agencies by late December 2017 or early 2018, with the transactions to be completed shortly thereafter. The Company will classify these assets as held for sale upon NHPUC approval of the sale.
Upon completion, full recovery of PSNH's generation assets will occur through a combination of cash flows during the divestiture process, all remaining operating period, sales proceeds, and recovery of stranded costs will be recovered via bonds that will be secured by a non-bypassable charge or through recoveries in future rates billed to PSNH’sPSNH's customers.

If the NHPUC approves the sale of the assets, the Company expects the assets will be sold prior to the end of 2017.  The sales price of the generating assets could be less than the carrying value, but the Company believes that full recovery of PSNH’s generation assets is probable through a combination of cash flows during the remaining operating period, sales proceeds upon divestiture, and recovery of stranded costs in future rates.

As of September 30, 2016, PSNH’s generation assets were as follows:
(Millions of Dollars) 
Gross Plant$1,191.0
Accumulated Depreciation(552.1)
Net Plant638.9
Fuel, Materials, Supplies and Allowances161.9

10.    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments:

Preferred Stock and Long-Term Debt:  The fair value of CL&P’s&P's and NSTAR Electric’sElectric's preferred stock is based upon pricing models that incorporate interest rates and other market factors, valuations or trades of similar securities and cash flow projections.  The fair value of long-term debt securities is based upon pricing models that incorporate quoted market prices for those issues or similar issues adjusted for market conditions, credit ratings of the respective companies and treasury benchmark yields.  The fair values provided in the tables below are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.  Carrying amounts and estimated fair values are as follows:
As of September 30, 2016 As of December 31, 2015As of September 30, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption$155.6
 $166.6
 $155.6
 $157.9
$155.6
 $160.3
 $155.6
 $158.3
Long-Term Debt9,609.0
 10,454.8
 9,034.5
 9,425.9
11,425.9
 11,968.1
 9,603.2
 9,980.5
CL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECOCL&P NSTAR Electric PSNH WMECO
(Millions of Dollars)
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
As of September 30, 2016:               
As of September 30, 2017:               
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption$116.2
 $122.2
 $43.0
 $44.4
 $
 $
 $
 $
$116.2
 $115.9
 $43.0
 $44.4
 $
 $
 $
 $
Long-Term Debt2,765.4
 3,216.8
 2,078.0
 2,338.8
 1,071.8
 1,142.9
 566.7
 616.9
3,058.9
 3,388.8
 2,426.2
 2,598.1
 1,002.6
 1,047.0
 566.2
 603.7
                              
As of December 31, 2015:               
As of December 31, 2016:               
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption$116.2
 $114.9
 $43.0
 $43.0
 $
 $
 $
 $
$116.2
 $114.7
 $43.0
 $43.6
 $
 $
 $
 $
Long-Term Debt2,763.7
 3,031.6
 2,029.8
 2,182.4
 1,071.0
 1,121.2
 517.3
 551.8
2,766.0
 3,049.6
 2,078.1
 2,201.6
 1,072.0
 1,109.7
 566.5
 589.0

Derivative Instruments and Marketable Securities: Derivative instruments and investments in marketable securities are carried at fair value.  For further information, see Note 4, “Derivative"Derivative Instruments," and Note 5, “Marketable"Marketable Securities," to the financial statements.  

See Note 1D, “Summary"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Fair Value Measurements," for the fair value measurement policy and the fair value hierarchy.



11.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) by component, net of tax, is as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015Qualified Unrealized     Qualified Unrealized    
Qualified  
Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
 
Unrealized
Gains/(Losses) on Marketable Securities
 Defined Benefit Plans  Total 
Qualified  
Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
 
Unrealized
Gains/(Losses) on Marketable Securities
 Defined Benefit Plans Total Cash Flow Gains     Cash Flow Gains/(Losses)    
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
 Hedging on Marketable Defined   Hedging on Marketable Defined  
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Instruments Securities Benefit Plans  Total Instruments Securities Benefit Plans  Total
$(10.3) $(1.9) $(54.6) $(66.8) $(12.4) $0.7
 $(62.3) $(74.0)$(8.2) $0.4
 $(57.5) $(65.3) $(10.3) $(1.9) $(54.6) $(66.8)
                              
OCI Before Reclassifications
 2.3
 (5.3) (3.0) 
 (3.9) (0.4) (4.3)
 0.7
 (3.5) (2.8) 
 2.3
 (5.3) (3.0)
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI1.6
 
 2.6
 4.2
 1.5
 
 3.3
 4.8
Amounts Reclassified from AOCL1.6
 
 2.9
 4.5
 1.6
 
 2.6
 4.2
Net OCI1.6
 2.3
 (2.7) 1.2
 1.5
 (3.9) 2.9
 0.5
1.6
 0.7
 (0.6) 1.7
 1.6
 2.3
 (2.7) 1.2
Balance as of End of Period$(8.7) $0.4
 $(57.3) $(65.6) $(10.9) $(3.2) $(59.4) $(73.5)$(6.6) $1.1
 $(58.1) $(63.6) $(8.7) $0.4
 $(57.3) $(65.6)

Eversource’sEversource's qualified cash flow hedging instruments represent interest rate swap agreements on debt issuances that were settled in prior years. The settlement amount was recorded in AOCIAOCL and is being amortized into Net Income over the term of the underlying debt instrument.  CL&P, PSNH and WMECO continue to amortize interest rate swaps settled in prior years from AOCIAOCL into Interest Expense over the remaining life of the associated long-term debt. Such interest rate swaps are not material to their respective financial statements.

Defined benefit plan OCI amounts before reclassifications relate to actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs that arose during the year and were recognized in AOCI. For further information see Note 7, “Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.”AOCL. The unamortized actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs on the defined benefit plans are amortized from AOCIAOCL into Operations and Maintenance expense over the average future employee service period, and are reflected in amounts reclassified from AOCI.  AOCL.  For further information, see Note 7, "Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions."



12.    COMMON SHARES

The following table sets forth the Eversource parent common shares and the shares of common stock of CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO that were authorized and issued, as well as the respective per share par values:  
SharesShares
  Authorized as of September 30, 2016 and Issued as of  Authorized as of September 30, 2017 and Issued as of
Par Value December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015Par Value December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Eversource$5
 380,000,000
 333,878,402
 333,862,615
$5
 380,000,000
 333,878,402
 333,878,402
CL&P$10
 24,500,000
 6,035,205
 6,035,205
$10
 24,500,000
 6,035,205
 6,035,205
NSTAR Electric$1
 100,000,000
 100
 100
$1
 100,000,000
 100
 100
PSNH$1
 100,000,000
 301
 301
$1
 100,000,000
 301
 301
WMECO$25
 1,072,471
 434,653
 434,653
$25
 1,072,471
 434,653
 434,653

As of both September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, there were 16,671,36616,992,594 Eversource common shares held as treasury shares.  As of both September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, Eversource common shares outstanding were 317,207,036 and 317,191,249, respectively.  316,885,808.

13.    COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Dividends on the preferred stock of CL&P and NSTAR Electric totaled $1.9 million for both of the three months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, and $5.6 million for both of the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. These dividends were presented as Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests on the Eversource statements of income.  Noncontrolling Interest – Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries on the Eversource balance sheets totaled $155.6 million as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016. On the Eversource balance sheets, Common Shareholders’Shareholders' Equity was fully attributable to the parent and Noncontrolling Interest – Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries was fully attributable to the noncontrolling interest.




14.    EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic EPS is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  Diluted EPS is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the potential dilutive effect of certain share-based compensation awards as if they were converted into common shares.  The dilutive effect of unvested RSU and performance share awards and unexercised stock options is calculated using the treasury stock method.  RSU and performance share awards are included in basic weighted average common shares outstanding as of the date that all necessary vesting conditions have been satisfied.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, there were no antidilutive share awards excluded from the computation.computation of diluted EPS.

The following table sets forth the components of basic and diluted EPS:
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars, except share information)
For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months EndedFor the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2015September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$265.3
 $235.9
 $713.1
 $696.7
$260.4
 $265.3
 $750.6
 $713.1
       
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:              
Basic317,787,836
 317,452,212
 317,696,823
 317,296,107
317,393,029
 317,787,836
 317,415,848
 317,696,823
Dilutive Effect789,243
 953,057
 814,786
 1,099,935
556,367
 789,243
 591,194
 814,786
Diluted318,577,079
 318,405,269
 318,511,609
 318,396,042
317,949,396
 318,577,079
 318,007,042
 318,511,609
Basic EPS$0.83
 $0.74
 $2.24
 $2.20
Diluted EPS$0.83
 $0.74
 $2.24
 $2.19
Basic and Diluted EPS$0.82
 $0.83
 $2.36
 $2.24

15.    SEGMENT INFORMATION

Presentation:  Eversource is organized intoamong the Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission and Natural Gas Distribution reportable segments and Other based on a combination of factors, including the characteristics of each segments’segments' services, the sources of operating revenues and expenses and the regulatory environment in which each segment operates.  These reportable segments represent substantially all of Eversource’sEversource's total consolidated revenues.  Revenues from the sale of electricity and natural gas primarily are derived from residential, commercial and industrial customers and are not dependent on any single customer.  The Electric Distribution reportable segment includes the generation activities of NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO.  

The remainder of Eversource’sEversource's operations is presented as Other in the tables below and primarily consists of 1) the equity in earnings of Eversource parent from its subsidiaries and intercompany interest income, both of which are eliminated in consolidation, and interest expense related to the debt of Eversource parent, 2) the revenues and expenses of Eversource Service, most of which are eliminated in consolidation, 3) the operations of CYAPC and YAEC, 4) the results of Eversource Gas Transmission LLC and 5)4) the results of other unregulated subsidiaries, which are not part of its core business. In addition, Other in the tables below includes Eversource parent's equity ownership interests in certainnatural gas pipeline projects owned by Enbridge, Inc., the Bay State Wind project, a renewable energy investment fund, and two companies that transmit hydroelectricity imported from the Hydro-Quebec system in Canada. In the ordinary course of business, Yankee Gas and NSTAR Gas purchase natural gas transmission services from the Enbridge, Inc. natural gas pipeline projects described above. These affiliate transaction costs total approximately $62.5 million annually and are classified as Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission on the Eversource statements of income.



Cash flows used for investments in plant included in the segment information below are cash capital expenditures that do not include amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized portions of pension expense.   

Eversource’sEversource's reportable segments are determined based upon the level at which Eversource’sEversource's chief operating decision maker assesses performance and makes decisions about the allocation of company resources.  Each of Eversource’sEversource's subsidiaries, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO, has one reportable segment.  Eversource’sEversource's operating segments and reporting units are consistent with its reportable business segments.



Eversource’sEversource's segment information is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 
Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 
Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
Operating Revenues$1,623.4
 $99.2
 $306.8
 $211.5
 $(201.2) $2,039.7
$1,547.1
 $109.2
 $328.5
 $224.2
 $(220.5) $1,988.5
Depreciation and Amortization(154.8) (15.2) (47.1) (8.6) 0.5
 (225.2)(159.6) (15.2) (52.6) (9.5) 0.6
 (236.3)
Other Operating Expenses(1,146.8) (87.8) (90.2) (179.3) 199.5
 (1,304.6)(1,088.7) (95.5) (95.5) (190.0) 220.1
 (1,249.6)
Operating Income/(Loss)321.8
 (3.8) 169.5
 23.6
 (1.2) 509.9
$298.8
 $(1.5) $180.4
 $24.7
 $0.2
 $502.6
Interest Expense(49.0) (10.2) (26.9) (15.1) 1.3
 (99.9)$(51.3) $(10.8) $(29.2) $(21.8) $4.4
 $(108.7)
Other Income, Net5.3
 0.6
 6.3
 256.9
 (255.5) 13.6
7.7
 0.3
 8.5
 267.5
 (262.8) 21.2
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$170.1
 $(7.0) $88.4
 $268.5
 $(254.7) $265.3
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to
Common Shareholders
157.4
 (6.2) 99.0
 268.4
 (258.2) 260.4
                      
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Electric Distribution Natural Gas Distribution Electric Transmission Other Eliminations TotalElectric Distribution Natural Gas Distribution Electric Transmission Other Eliminations Total
Operating Revenues$4,362.6
 $622.3
 $892.5
 $636.8
 $(651.7) $5,862.5
$4,224.2
 $698.8
 $970.0
 $677.5
 $(714.0) $5,856.5
Depreciation and Amortization(380.9) (47.9) (137.7) (23.1) 1.6
 (588.0)(394.9) (54.8) (154.5) (26.7) 1.7
 (629.2)
Other Operating Expenses(3,230.1) (462.4) (245.7) (564.7) 650.2
 (3,852.7)(3,056.0) (535.2) (280.4) (602.4) 714.0
 (3,760.0)
Operating Income751.6
 112.0
 509.1
 49.0
 0.1
 1,421.8
$773.3
 $108.8
 $535.1
 $48.4
 $1.7
 $1,467.3
Interest Expense(144.6) (30.8) (82.2) (45.8) 4.8
 (298.6)$(149.0) $(32.3) $(86.1) $(63.1) $11.0
 $(319.5)
Other Income, Net11.6
 0.5
 14.2
 781.4
 (784.0) 23.7
15.2
 0.8
 20.1
 853.9
 (833.7) 56.3
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$381.3
 $51.9
 $266.6
 $791.7
 $(778.4) $713.1
393.4
 49.1
 289.6
 839.5
 (821.0) 750.6
Cash Flows Used for Investments in Plant$570.9
 $170.3
 $536.2
 $81.8
 $
 $1,359.2
752.4
 209.8
 575.6
 104.5
 
 1,642.3
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 
Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 
Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
Operating Revenues$1,543.7
 $106.2
 $270.4
 $211.6
 $(198.8) $1,933.1
$1,623.4
 $99.2
 $306.8
 $211.5
 $(201.2) $2,039.7
Depreciation and Amortization(84.5) (17.5) (42.4) (7.1) 0.5
 (151.0)(154.8) (15.2) (47.1) (8.6) 0.5
 (225.2)
Other Operating Expenses(1,140.8) (92.7) (78.3) (199.6) 198.5
 (1,312.9)(1,146.8) (87.8) (90.2) (179.3) 199.5
 (1,304.6)
Operating Income/(Loss)318.4
 (4.0) 149.7
 4.9
 0.2
 469.2
$321.8
 $(3.8) $169.5
 $23.6
 $(1.2) $509.9
Interest Expense(47.4) (9.2) (25.9) (11.2) 1.2
 (92.5)$(49.0) $(10.2) $(26.9) $(15.1) $1.3
 $(99.9)
Other Income/(Loss), Net1.9
 (0.2) 3.8
 241.9
 (242.2) 5.2
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$167.5
 $(3.7) $78.0
 $234.9
 $(240.8) $235.9
Other Income, Net5.3
 0.6
 6.3
 256.9
 (255.5) 13.6
Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to
Common Shareholders
170.1
 (7.0) 88.4
 268.5
 (254.7) 265.3
                      
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 
Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 
Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
Operating Revenues$4,686.5
 $799.6
 $787.2
 $655.2
 $(664.9) $6,263.6
$4,362.6
 $622.3
 $892.5
 $636.8
 $(651.7) $5,862.5
Depreciation and Amortization(342.1) (53.4) (122.6) (21.5) 1.6
 (538.0)(380.9) (47.9) (137.7) (23.1) 1.6
 (588.0)
Other Operating Expenses(3,535.7) (631.5) (225.5) (619.4) 665.2
 (4,346.9)(3,230.1) (462.4) (245.7) (564.7) 650.2
 (3,852.7)
Operating Income808.7
 114.7
 439.1
 14.3
 1.9
 1,378.7
$751.6
 $112.0
 $509.1
 $49.0
 $0.1
 $1,421.8
Interest Expense(140.6) (27.2) (79.8) (35.4) 3.4
 (279.6)$(144.6) $(30.8) $(82.2) $(45.8) $4.8
 $(298.6)
Other Income/(Loss), Net9.6
 (0.1) 11.9
 777.0
 (774.5) 23.9
Other Income, Net11.6
 0.5
 14.2
 781.4
 (784.0) 23.7
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$418.9
 $57.3
 $225.0
 $764.7
 $(769.2) $696.7
381.3
 51.9
 266.6
 791.7
 (778.4) 713.1
Cash Flows Used for Investments in Plant$506.5
 $120.0
 $493.9
 $56.9
 $
 $1,177.3
570.9
 170.3
 536.2
 81.8
 
 1,359.2



The following table summarizes Eversource’sEversource's segmented total assets:
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
As of September 30, 2016$18,140.0
 $3,149.9
 $8,454.4
 $13,624.8
 $(12,286.8) $31,082.3
As of December 31, 201517,981.3
 3,104.5
 8,019.3
 13,256.7
 (11,781.5) 30,580.3
Eversource
(Millions of Dollars)
Electric
Distribution
 
Natural Gas
Distribution
 Electric
Transmission
 Other Eliminations Total
As of September 30, 2017$18,826.0
 $3,432.6
 $9,290.3
 $14,939.4
 $(13,324.7) $33,163.6
As of December 31, 201618,367.5
 3,303.8
 8,751.5
 14,493.1
 (12,862.7) 32,053.2



EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related combined notes included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the combined quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 20162017 and June 30, 2016,2017, as well as the Eversource 20152016 Form 10-K.  References in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “Eversource,”"Eversource," the “Company,” “we,” “us,”"Company," "we," "us," and “our”"our" refer to Eversource Energy and its consolidated subsidiaries.  All per shareper-share amounts are reported on a diluted basis.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the unaudited condensed financial statements of CL&P and WMECO are herein collectively referred to as the “financial"financial statements."  

Refer to the Glossary of Terms included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for abbreviations and acronyms used throughout this Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  

The only common equity securities that are publicly traded are common shares of Eversource.  The earnings and EPS of each business discussed below do not represent a direct legal interest in the assets and liabilities of such business but rather represent a direct interest in our assets and liabilities as a whole.  EPS by business is a financial measure not recognized under GAAP calculated by dividing the Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of each business by the weighted average diluted Eversource common shares outstanding for the period.  The tabular presentations below also includeWe use this non-GAAP financial measures referencing our third quarter and first nine months of 2016 and 2015 earnings and EPS excluding certain integration costs.  We use these non-GAAP financial measuresmeasure to evaluate and to provide details of earnings results by business and to more fully compare and explain our third quarter and first nine months of 2015 results without including the impact of these items.  Due to the nature and significance of these items on Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders, webusiness.  We believe that the non-GAAP presentation is a meaningful representative of our financial performance and provides additional and useful information to readers of this report in analyzing historical and future performance by business.  TheseThis non-GAAP financial measuresmeasure should not be considered as an alternative to reported Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders or EPS determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.

Reconciliations of the above non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures of consolidated diluted EPS and Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders are included under “Financial Condition and Business Analysis – Overview – Consolidated” and “Financial Condition and Business Analysis – Overview – Regulated Companies” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, herein.  

From time to time, we make statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, assumptions of future events, future financial performance or growth and other statements that are not historical facts.  These statements are “forward-looking statements”"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  You can generally identify our forward-looking statements through the use of words or phrases such as “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “forecast,” “should,” “could,”"estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "forecast," "should," "could," and other similar expressions.  Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections of management and are not guarantees of future performance.  These expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections may vary materially from actual results.  Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:

cyber breaches, acts of war or terrorism, or grid disturbances,
actions or inaction of local, state and federal regulatory, public policy and taxing bodies,
changes in business conditions, which could include disruptive technology related to our current or future business model,
changes in economic conditions, including impact on interest rates, tax policies, and customer demand and payment ability,
fluctuations in weather patterns,
changes in laws, regulations or regulatory policy,
changes in levels or timing of capital expenditures,
disruptions in the capital markets or other events that make our access to necessary capital more difficult or costly,
developments in legal or public policy doctrines,
technological developments,
changes in accounting standards and financial reporting regulations,
actions of rating agencies, and
other presently unknown or unforeseen factors.  

Other risk factors are detailed in our reports filed with the SEC and updated as necessary, and we encourage you to consult such disclosures.

All such factors are difficult to predict and contain uncertainties that may materially affect our actual results, andmany of which are beyond our control.  You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as each speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all of such factors, nor can we assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  For more information, see Item 1A, Risk Factors, included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Eversource’s 2015Eversource's 2016 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K.  This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Eversource’s 2015Eversource's 2016 combined Annual Report on Form 10-K also describe material contingencies and critical accounting policies in the accompanying Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Combined Notes to Financial Statements.  We encourage you to review these items.



Financial Condition and Business Analysis

Executive Summary

The following items in this executive summary are explained in more detail in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

Results:  

We earned $260.4 million, or $0.82 per share, in the third quarter of 2017, and $750.6 million, or $2.36 per share, in the first nine months of 2017, compared with $265.3 million, or $0.83 per share, in the third quarter of 2016, and $713.1 million, or $2.24 per share, in the first nine months of 2016, compared with $235.9 million, or $0.74 per share, in the third quarter of 2015, and $696.7 million, or $2.19 per share, in the first nine months of 2015.2016.  

Our electric distribution segment, which includes generation, earned $157.4 million, or $0.50 per share, in the third quarter of 2017, and $393.4 million, or $1.24 per share, in the first nine months of 2017, compared with $170.1 million, or $0.53 per share, in the third quarter of 2016, and $381.3 million, or $1.20 per share, in the first nine months of 2016, compared with earnings of $167.32016.  

Our electric transmission segment earned $99.0 million, or $0.53$0.31 per share, in the third quarter of 2015,2017, and $418.7$289.6 million, or $1.32$0.91 per share, in the first nine months of 2015.  

Our transmission segment earned2017, compared with $88.4 million, or $0.28 per share, in the third quarter of 2016, and $266.6 million, or $0.84 per share, in the first nine months of 2016, compared with $78.02016.  

Our natural gas distribution segment had a net loss of $6.2 million, or $0.24$0.02 per share, in the third quarter of 2015,2017, and $225.0earnings of $49.1 million, or $0.70$0.15 per share, in the first nine months of 2015.  

Our natural gas distribution segment had2017, compared with a net loss of $7.0 million, or $0.02 per share, in the third quarter of 2016, and earnings of $51.9 million, or $0.16 per share, in the first nine months of 2016, compared with a net loss of $3.52016.  

Eversource parent and other companies earned $10.2 million or $0.01 per share, in the third quarter of 2015,2017 and earnings of $57.5$18.5 million or $0.18 per share, in the first nine months of 2015.  

Eversource parent and other companies earned2017, compared with $13.8 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $13.3 million in the first nine months of 2016, compared with a net loss of $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2015 and $4.5 million in the first nine months of 2015.
2016.  

Liquidity:

Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.49 billion in the first nine months of 2017, compared with $1.65 billion in the first nine months of 2016, compared with $1.352016.  Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $1.64 billion in the first nine months of 2015.  Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled2017, compared with $1.36 billion in the first nine months of 2016, compared with $1.18 billion in the first nine months of 2015.2016.  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $40.1$125.8 million as of September 30, 2016,2017, compared with $23.9$30.3 million as of December 31, 2015.2016.

In 2017, we issued $2.5 billion of new long-term debt, consisting of $1.2 billion by Eversource parent, $700 million by NSTAR Electric, $525 million by CL&P, and $75 million by Yankee Gas. Proceeds from these new issuances were used primarily to pay short-term borrowings and redeem long-term debt at maturity.

On September 7, 2016,6, 2017, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.445$0.475 per share, which was paid on September 30, 201629, 2017 to shareholders of record as of September 19, 2016.2017.

Strategic, Legislative, Regulatory, Policy and Other Items:

In late 2015 and early 2016, NSTAR Electric, WMECO and a subsidiary of National Grid filed with the Massachusetts DPU seeking approval of contracts with Access Northeast for natural gas pipeline capacity and storage. The DPU had determined in 2015 that it had authority to approve such contracts if they were found to be in the public interest. On August 17, 2016, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court vacated the DPU’s 2015 order, holding that the state’s electric utility restructuring statutes precluded the DPU from approving contracts by EDCs for natural gas capacity. In early 2016, PSNH filed with the NHPUC seeking approval of its contract with Access Northeast for natural gas pipeline capacity and storage. On October 6, 2016, contrary to a 2015 recommendation from its staff,2017, the NHPUC ruledFERC issued an order that it did not have authorityaccept the NETOs June 5, 2017 filing to approve such contracts underreinstate the state’s electric utility restructuring statutes. On October 25, 2016,base ROE of 11.14 percent with an associated ROE incentive cap of 13.5 percent. Therefore, the Connecticut DEEP issuedCompany will continue to recognize transmission revenues as billed utilizing a noticebase ROE of cancellation, without prejudice,10.57 percent with an incentive cap of its natural gas capacity review process. We are currently reviewing options surrounding Access Northeast and, depending on the outcome of the potential options selected, the timing, configuration and cost of Access Northeast could change.11.74 percent.

On October 14, 2016, in12, 2017, PSNH filed an important foundational order for NPT,application with the NHPUC granted NPT public utility status, conditioned on project approval.  requesting approval of the sale of PSNH's thermal and hydroelectric power generation assets in New Hampshire to private investors for a combined purchase price totaling $258 million.

On October 24, 2016, Eversource was notified that neither the NPT project nor the Clean Energy Connect project were selected in the three-state Clean Energy RFP bidding process.  The Company is currently placing efforts on the next round of contracting opportunities, specifically in Massachusetts, where new legislation requires29, 2017, a storm delivered high winds and rain, causing extensive damage to our electric distribution companiessystems across all three states.  We estimate that more than 800,000 of our electric distribution customers were without power during or following the storm.  Restoration costs cannot be estimated at this time. As a result of the extent of the damages, we expect the storm restoration costs will be material and will exceed the criteria to jointly solicit RFPsbe declared a major storm in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and enter into long-term contracts for large-scale hydro projects.Massachusetts and, as a result, we do not expect the storm to have a material impact on our results of operations.




 


Overview

Consolidated:  Below is a summary of our earnings by business, which also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure of EPS by business to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of diluted EPS, for the third quarter and the first nine months of 20162017 and 2015.  Also included in the summary for the third quarter and first nine months of 2015 is a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure of consolidated non-GAAP earnings to the most directly comparable GAAP measure of consolidated Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders.2016.  
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per-Share Amounts)Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share
Net Income Attributable to
Common Shareholders (GAAP)
$265.3
 $0.83
 $235.9
 $0.74
 $713.1
 $2.24
 $696.7
 $2.19
$260.4
 $0.82
 $265.3
 $0.83
 $750.6
 $2.36
 $713.1
 $2.24
Regulated Companies$251.5
 $0.79
 $242.2
 $0.76
 $699.8
 $2.20
 $702.3
 $2.20
$250.2
 $0.79
 $251.5
 $0.79
 $732.1
 $2.30
 $699.8
 $2.20
Eversource Parent and Other Companies13.8
 0.04
 (4.6) (0.01) 13.3
 0.04
 2.2
 0.01
10.2
 0.03
 13.8
 0.04
 18.5
 0.06
 13.3
 0.04
Non-GAAP EarningsN/A
 N/A
 237.6
 0.75
 N/A
 N/A
 704.5
 2.21
Integration Costs (after-tax) (1)
N/A
 N/A
 (1.7) (0.01) N/A
 N/A
 (7.8) (0.02)
Net Income Attributable to
Common Shareholders (GAAP)
$265.3
 $0.83
 $235.9
 $0.74
 $713.1
 $2.24
 $696.7
 $2.19
$260.4
 $0.82
 $265.3

$0.83
 $750.6
 $2.36
 $713.1
 $2.24

(1)
The 2015 integration costs were associated with our branding efforts and severance costs.

Regulated Companies:  Our Regulated companies consist of the electric distribution, electric transmission, and natural gas distribution segments. Generation activities of PSNH and WMECO are included in our electric distribution segment.  A summary of our segment earnings and EPS for the third quarter and the first nine months of 20162017 and 20152016 is as follows:   
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per-Share Amounts)Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share Amount Per Share
Electric Distribution$170.1
 $0.53
 $167.7
 $0.53
 $381.3
 $1.20
 $419.8
 $1.32
$157.4
 $0.50
 $170.1
 $0.53
 $393.4
 $1.24
 $381.3
 $1.20
Electric Transmission88.4
 0.28
 78.0
 0.24
 266.6
 0.84
 225.0
 0.70
99.0
 0.31
 88.4
 0.28
 289.6
 0.91
 266.6
 0.84
Natural Gas Distribution(7.0) (0.02) (3.5) (0.01) 51.9
 0.16
 57.5
 0.18
(6.2) (0.02) (7.0) (0.02) 49.1
 0.15
 51.9
 0.16
Non-GAAP EarningsN/A
 N/A
 242.2
 0.76
 N/A
 N/A
 702.3
 2.20
Integration Costs (after-tax)N/A
 N/A
 (0.4) 
 N/A
 N/A
 (1.1) 
Net Income - Regulated Companies$251.5
 $0.79
 $241.8
 $0.76
 $699.8
 $2.20
 $701.2
 $2.20
$250.2
 $0.79
 $251.5
 $0.79
 $732.1
 $2.30
 $699.8
 $2.20

Our electric distribution segment earnings decreased $12.7 million in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to the third quarter of 2016, due primarily to lower sales volumes and demand revenues driven by the mild summer weather during the third quarter of 2017, primarily at NSTAR Electric, as well as higher property tax, depreciation and interest expense.

Our electric distribution segment earnings increased $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2016, as compared to the third quarter of 2015, due primarily to increased CL&P distribution revenues primarily as a result of higher rate base, and higher generation earnings. These favorable earnings impacts were partially offset by higher depreciation expense and higher property tax and other tax expense.

Our electric distribution segment earnings decreased $37.4$12.1 million in the first nine months of 2016,2017, as compared to the first nine months of 2015,2016, due primarily to the absence in 2016 of the resolution of NSTAR Electric’s basic service bad debt adder mechanism recorded in the first quarter of 2015 ($14.5 million), the absence in 2016 of the favorable impact associated with the NSTAR Electriclower operations and NSTAR Gas Comprehensive Settlement Agreement recorded in the first quarter of 2015 ($13 million), lower non-decoupled retail electric sales volumes due primarily to increased customer energy conservation efforts and warmer than normal weather in the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the much colder than normal temperatures in the first quarter of 2015, higher depreciationmaintenance expense, and higher property tax and other tax expense.  These unfavorable earnings impacts were partially offset by increased CL&P distribution revenueslower sales volumes driven by the mild summer weather during the third quarter of 2017, primarily as a result ofat NSTAR Electric, higher rate basedepreciation and the absence of an authorized ROE reduction, as stipulated in the PURA 2014 rate case decision,interest expense, and higherlower generation earnings.

Our electric transmission segment earnings increased $10.4$10.6 million and $23.0 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016,2017, respectively, as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2015,2016, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of increased investmentsour continued investment in our transmission infrastructure.infrastructure, partially offset by a lower benefit in the second quarter of 2017 related to the annual billing and cost reconciliation filing with the FERC.

Our electric transmissionnatural gas distribution segment results improved $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to the third quarter of 2016, and earnings increased $41.6decreased $2.8 million in the first nine months of 2016,2017, as compared to the first nine months of 2015, due primarily to a higher transmission rate base as a result of increased investments in our transmission infrastructure and the absence in 2016 of reserve charges of $12.4 million recorded in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the FERC ROE complaint proceedings.

Our natural gas distribution segment earnings decreased $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2016, as compared to the third quarter of 2015, due primarily to a higher effective tax rate in 2016, partially offset by the higher return earned on the NSTAR Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP) capital tracker mechanism effective in 2016.



Our natural gas distribution segment earnings decreased $5.6 million The decrease in the first nine months of 2016, as compared to the first nine months of 2015,2017 was due primarily to lower non-decoupled firm natural gas sales volumes driven by the warmer than normal weather in the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the much colder than normal temperatures in the first quarter of 2015, higher property taxdepreciation expense, and higher interest expense. Partially offsetting these unfavorable earnings impacts were lower operations and maintenance expense, the impactand lower demand revenues in Connecticut driven by lower peak usage in 2017, as compared to 2016, as a result of the NSTAR Gas base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2016, and the higher return earned on the NSTAR Gas GSEP capital tracker mechanism effective in 2016.milder winter weather.

Eversource Parent and Other Companies:  Eversource parent and other companies had earningsearned $10.2 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $18.5 million in the first nine months of 2017, compared with $13.8 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $13.3 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, respectively, compared with a net loss of $5.9 million and $4.5 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively.2016.  The earnings increase in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016 wasimproved year-to-date results were largely due primarily to a lower effective tax rate, the absence in 2016 of integration costs, and the absence in 2016 of a bad debt reserveincreased gains on investments recorded in the third quarter of 2015 at Eversource’s unregulated business,2017, partially offset by higher interest expense.

Electric and Natural Gas Sales Volumes:  Weather, fluctuations in energy supply costs, conservation measures (including utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs), and economic conditions affect customer energy usage.  Industrial sales volumes are less sensitive to temperature variations than residential and commercial sales volumes.  In our service territories, weather impacts electric sales volumes during the summer and both electric and natural gas sales volumes during the winter; however, natural gas sales volumes are more sensitive to temperature variations than are electric sales volumes.  Customer heating or cooling usage may not directly correlate with historical levels or with the level of degree-days that occur.



Fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes at NSTAR Electric and PSNH impact earnings (“Traditional”("Traditional" in the table below).  For CL&P and WMECO, fluctuations in retail electric sales volumes do not impact earnings due to their respective regulatory commission approved distribution revenue decoupling mechanisms (“Decoupled”("Decoupled" in the table below).  These distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.  CL&P and WMECO reconcile their annual base distribution rate recovery amounts to their respective pre-established levels of baseline distribution delivery service revenues of $1.059 billion and $132.4 million, respectively.  Any difference between the allowed level of distribution revenue and the actual amount incurred during a 12-month period is adjusted through rates in the following period.

Fluctuations in natural gas sales volumes in Connecticut impact earnings ("Traditional" in the table below). In Massachusetts, fluctuations in natural gas sales volumes do not impact earnings due to the DPU-approved natural gas distribution revenue decoupling mechanism approved in the last rate case decision (“Decoupled”("Decoupled" in the table below).  Natural gasThese distribution revenues are decoupled from their customer sales volumes, where applicable, which breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.

A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes and our firm natural gas MMcf sales volumes, in million cubic feet (Mcf) andas well as percentage changes, is as follows:  
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to 2015 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to 2015For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to 2016 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to 2016
Sales Volumes (GWh) Percentage Sales Volumes (GWh) PercentageSales Volumes (GWh) Percentage Sales Volumes (GWh) Percentage
Electric2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease)2017 2016 Decrease 2017 2016 Decrease
Traditional:                      
Residential2,910
 2,832
 2.8 % 7,407
 7,706
 (3.9)%2,583
 2,910
 (11.2)% 7,126
 7,407
 (3.8)%
Commercial4,525
 4,583
 (1.3)% 12,376
 12,615
 (1.9)%4,291
 4,525
 (5.2)% 12,058
 12,376
 (2.6)%
Industrial696
 721
 (3.5)% 1,948
 1,988
 (2.0)%671
 696
 (3.6)% 1,856
 1,948
 (4.7)%
Total – Traditional8,131
 8,136
 (0.1)% 21,731
 22,309
 (2.6)%7,545
 8,131
 (7.2)% 21,040
 21,731
 (3.2)%
                      
Decoupled:                      
Residential3,398
 3,245
 4.7 % 8,750
 9,108
 (3.9)%2,972
 3,398
 (12.5)% 8,334
 8,750
 (4.8)%
Commercial3,039
 3,030
 0.3 % 8,315
 8,524
 (2.5)%2,849
 3,039
 (6.3)% 8,003
 8,315
 (3.8)%
Industrial776
 795
 (2.4)% 2,170
 2,233
 (2.8)%730
 776
 (5.9)% 2,054
 2,170
 (5.3)%
Total – Decoupled7,213
 7,070
 2.0 % 19,235
 19,865
 (3.2)%6,551
 7,213
 (9.2)% 18,391
 19,235
 (4.4)%
Total Sales Volumes15,344
 15,206
 0.9 % 40,966
 42,174
 (2.9)%14,096
 15,344
 (8.1)% 39,431
 40,966
 (3.7)%

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to 2015 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to 2015For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to 2016 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to 2016
Sales Volumes (Mcf) Percentage Sales Volumes (Mcf) PercentageSales Volumes (MMcf) Percentage Sales Volumes (MMcf) Percentage
Firm Natural Gas2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) 2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease)2017 2016 Increase/(Decrease) 2017 2016 Increase/(Decrease)
Traditional:                      
Residential956
 955
 0.1 % 10,109
 12,022
 (15.9)%1,036
 956
 8.4 % 10,138
 10,109
 0.3 %
Commercial2,350
 2,310
 1.7 % 13,864
 15,578
 (11.0)%2,482
 2,350
 5.6 % 14,432
 13,864
 4.1 %
Industrial1,964
 2,184
 (10.1)% 7,597
 8,755
 (13.2)%2,032
 1,964
 3.5 % 7,663
 7,597
 0.9 %
Total – Traditional5,270
 5,449
 (3.3)% 31,570
 36,355
 (13.2)%5,550
 5,270
 5.3 % 32,233
 31,570
 2.1 %
                      
Decoupled:                      
Residential1,308
 1,531
 (14.6)% 13,848
 17,078
 (18.9)%1,244
 1,308
 (4.9)% 14,593
 13,848
 5.4 %
Commercial2,147
 2,065
 4.0 % 15,019
 17,002
 (11.7)%2,314
 2,147
 7.8 % 15,072
 15,019
 0.4 %
Industrial990
 977
 1.3 % 4,163
 4,670
 (10.9)%1,270
 990
 28.3 % 4,293
 4,163
 3.1 %
Total – Decoupled4,445
 4,573
 (2.8)% 33,030
 38,750
 (14.8)%4,828
 4,445
 8.6 % 33,958
 33,030
 2.8 %
Special Contracts (1)
1,208
 1,115
 8.3 % 3,507
 3,384
 3.6 %1,147
 1,208
 (5.0)% 3,495
 3,507
 (0.3)%
Total – Decoupled and Special Contracts5,653
 5,688
 (0.6)% 36,537
 42,134
 (13.3)%5,975
 5,653
 5.7 % 37,453
 36,537
 2.5 %
Total Sales Volumes10,923
 11,137
 (1.9)% 68,107
 78,489
 (13.2)%11,525
 10,923
 5.5 % 69,686
 68,107
 2.3 %

(1) 
Special contracts are unique to the natural gas distribution customers who take service under such an arrangement and generally specify the amount of distribution revenue to be paid to Yankee Gas regardless of the customers’customers' usage.

For the third quarter and the first nine months of 2016,2017, retail electric sales volumes at our electric utilities with a traditional rate structure (NSTAR Electric and PSNH) remained relatively unchanged,were lower, as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2015.  Favorable results due to2016. Sales volumes were negatively impacted by the mild summer weather in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, were offset byand lower customer usage driven by the impact of increased customer energy conservation efforts, including those resulting from company-sponsored energy efficiency programs, which resulted in flat traditional retail electric sales volumes. For the first nine months of 2016, retail electric sales volumes at our electric utilities with a traditional rate structure were lower, as compared to the first nine months of 2015, due primarily to lower customer usage driven by the impact of increased customer energy conservation efforts, including those resulting from company-sponsored energy efficiency programs, and the impact of warmer than normal weather in the first quarter of 2016 throughout those service territories, as compared to the much colder than normal temperatures in the first quarter of 2015.  Heatingefforts. Cooling degree days for the first nine months 2016of 2017 were 18.417.8 percent lower in the Boston metropolitan area and 17.924.8 percent lower in New Hampshire, as compared to the same period in 2015.  2016.



On January 28, 2016, Eversource received approval of a three-year energy efficiency plan in Massachusetts, which includes recovery of LBR at NSTAR Electric until it is operating under a decoupled rate structure.  NSTAR Electric earns LBR related to reductions in sales volume as a result of successful energy efficiency programs.  LBR is recovered from retail customers through current rates.  NSTAR Electric recognized LBR of $18.8 million and $54.7 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively, compared to $17.4 million and $44.1 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, respectively, compared to $19 million and $46.7 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2015, respectively.

Our firm natural gas sales volumes are subject to many of the same influences as our retail electric sales volumes. In addition, they have benefited from customer growth in both of our natural gas distribution companies.  In the third quarter of 2016, our consolidated firm natural gas sales volumes were lower, as compared to the third quarter of 2015.  Consolidated firm natural gas sales volumes were much lowerhigher in the first nine months of 2016,2017, as compared to the first nine months of 2015.2016, due primarily to improved economic conditions across our service territories, partially offset by increased customer energy conservation efforts. The first nine monthsquarter of 2016 firm natural gas sales volumes were negatively impacted2017 mild winter weather was more than offset by warmercolder than normal weather in the firstsecond quarter of 2016, as compared to the much colder than normal temperatures in the first quarter of 2015, throughout our natural gas service territories.2017. Heating degree days for the first nine months of 20162017 were 16.72.2 percent lowerhigher in Connecticut, as compared to the same period in 2015.2016.

Major Storm: On October 29, 2017, a storm delivered high winds and rain, causing extensive damage to our electric distribution systems across all three states.  We estimate that more than 800,000 of our electric distribution customers were without power during or following the storm. Restoration costs cannot be estimated at this time. As a result of the extent of the damages, we expect the storm restoration costs will be material and will exceed the criteria to be declared a major storm in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts and that each operating company will seek recovery of these costs through its applicable regulatory recovery process.  As a result, all qualifying expenses prudently incurred during the storm will be deferred and recovered from customers.  We do not expect the storm to have a material impact to the results of operations of CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH or WMECO.

Liquidity

Consolidated:  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $40.1$125.8 million as of September 30, 2016,2017, compared with $23.9$30.3 million as of December 31, 2015.2016.

Long-Term Debt Issuances: In August 2017, CL&P issued $225 million of 4.30 percent 2014 Series A First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds due to mature in 2044. These bonds are part of the same series of CL&P’s existing 4.30 percent bonds that were initially issued in 2014. The aggregate outstanding principal amount for these bonds is now $475 million. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to refinance short-term debt and fund capital expenditures and working capital.

In September 2017, Yankee Gas issued $75 million of 3.02 percent Series N First Mortgage Bonds due to mature in 2027. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings.

In October 2017, Eversource parent issued $450 million 2.75 percent Series K Senior Notes due to mature in 2022. These senior notes are part of the same series of Eversource parent’s existing 2.75 percent Series K Senior Notes that were initially issued in March 2017. The aggregate outstanding principal amount for the Series K Senior Notes is now $750 million. In addition, Eversource parent issued $450 million of 2.90 percent 2017 Series L Senior Notes due to mature in 2024. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to repay short-term borrowings.

In October 2017, NSTAR Electric issued $350 million of 3.20 percent Debentures due to mature in 2027. The debentures are part of the same series of NSTAR Electric’s existing 3.20 percent Debentures that were initially issued in May 2017. The aggregate outstanding principal amount for the 3.20 percent Debentures is now $700 million. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, will be used to redeem long-term debt due to mature on November 15, 2017.

Long-Term Debt Repayments:  In September 2017, CL&P repaid at maturity $100 million of 5.75 percent 2007 Series C First Mortgage Bonds and PSNH repaid at maturity $70 million of 6.15 percent 2007 Series N First Mortgage Bonds.

In October 2017, NSTAR Gas repaid at maturity $25 million of 7.04 percent Series M First Mortgage Bonds.

Commercial Paper Programs and Credit Agreements: Eversource parent has a $1.45 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt.  As of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, Eversource parent had $698.5$917.0 million and approximately $1.1$1.0 billion, respectively, in short-term borrowings outstanding under the Eversource parent commercial paper program, leaving $751.5$533.0 million and $351.5$428.0 million of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 was 0.661.34 percent and 0.720.88 percent, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent of $202.3 million to PSNH, and $96.9 million to WMECO.  As of December 31, 2016, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent of $108.5$80.1 million to CL&P, $107.5$160.9 million to PSNH and $48.2 million to WMECO.  As of December 31, 2015, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent of $277.4 million to CL&P, $231.3 million to PSNH and $143.4$51.0 million to WMECO.  Eversource parent, CL&P, PSNH, WMECO, NSTAR Gas and Yankee Gas are parties to a five-year $1.45 billion revolving credit facility. Effective September 26, 2016, theThe revolving credit facility’s termination date was extended for one additional year tofacility terminates on September 4, 2021.  The revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent’sparent's $1.45 billion commercial paper program.  There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2016 or2017 and December 31, 2015.2016.

Except as described below, amounts outstanding under the commercial paper programs are included in Notes Payable for Eversource and are classified in current liabilities on the balance sheets as all borrowings are outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.

As a result of the October 2017 Eversource parent long-term debt issuances, the net proceeds of which were used to repay short-term borrowings outstanding under the Eversource parent commercial paper program, $898.8 million of short-term debt was reclassified to Long-Term Debt as of September 30, 2017.



NSTAR Electric has a $450 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015,2017, NSTAR Electric had $36.0no short-term borrowings outstanding and as of December 31, 2016, NSTAR Electric had $126.5 million and $62.5 million, respectively, in short-term borrowings outstanding under its commercial paper program, leaving $414.0$450.0 million and $387.5$323.5 million of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 20152016 was 0.42 percent and 0.40 percent, respectively.0.71 percent.  NSTAR Electric is a party to a five-year $450 million revolving credit facility. Effective September 26, 2016, theThe revolving credit facility’s termination date was extended for one additional year tofacility terminates on September 4, 2021.  The revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric’sElectric's $450 million commercial paper program.  There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2016 or2017 and December 31, 2015.

Short-Term Borrowing Limits: The amount of short-term borrowings that may be incurred by NSTAR Electric is subject to periodic approval by the FERC. On August 8, 2016, the FERC granted authorization to allow NSTAR Electric to issue total short-term debt securities in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $655 million outstanding at any one time, through October 23, 2018.2016.

Cash Flows:  Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $1.49 billion in the first nine months of 2017, compared with $1.65 billion in the first nine months of 2016, compared with $1.35 billion in the first nine months of 2015.2016.  The increasedecrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increase in regulatory recoveries, primarily at NSTAR Electric, due to collections from customers in excess of purchased power costs, a $94.8the $200.7 million net favorableunfavorable impact due toas a result of the change in income tax payments made, or refunds received, in 2017 when compared to 2016. This unfavorable impact was primarily the result of the December 2015 legislation, which extended the accelerated deduction of depreciation from 2015 to 2019. The legislation resulted in a decreasesignificant refund of $41approximately $275 million, which we received in the first quarter of 2016. Additionally, there was an increase of $76.0 million in Pension and PBOP planPlan cash contributions andmade in the first nine months of 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016. Partially offsetting these unfavorable impacts was the benefit related to the timing of payments related to accounts payable. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts wasregulatory recoveries and the timing of collections and payments related toof our working capital items.
Credit Ratings:  On July 6, 2016, Fitch upgraded the corporate credit ratings by one levelitems, including accounts receivable and changed the outlooks to stable from positive for CL&P, PSNH and WMECO.  Also on July 6, 2016, Fitch changed the outlook on Eversource parent from stable to positive.  On July 12, 2016, S&P changed its outlook on Eversource and its subsidiaries from stable to positive.  On July 19, 2016, Moody’s upgraded PSNH’s corporate credit rating by one level and changed the outlook from positive to stable.  accounts payable.

A summary of our corporate credit ratings and outlooks by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch is as follows:
Moody’sS&PFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBaa1StableAPositiveBBB+Positive
CL&PBaa1StableAPositiveA- Stable
NSTAR ElectricA2StableAPositiveA  Stable
PSNHA3StableAPositiveA-Stable
WMECOA2StableAPositiveA-Stable

A summary of the current credit ratings and outlooks by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch for senior unsecured debt of Eversource parent, NSTAR Electric, and WMECO and senior secured debt of CL&P and PSNH is as follows:
Moody’sS&PFitch
CurrentOutlookCurrentOutlookCurrentOutlook
Eversource ParentBaa1StableA- PositiveBBB+ Positive
CL&PA2StableA+ PositiveA+Stable
NSTAR ElectricA2StableA   PositiveA+Stable
PSNHA1StableA+ PositiveA+ Stable
WMECOA2StableA   PositiveAStable

On September 7, 2016,6, 2017, our Board of Trustees approved a common share dividend payment of $0.445$0.475 per share, which was paid on September 30, 201629, 2017 to shareholders of record as of September 19, 2016.  In the first nine months of 2016, we paid cash dividends on common shares of $423.5 million, compared with $397.4 million in the first nine months of 2015.2017.

In the first nine months of 2016,2017, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, and WMECO paid $149.7$205.2 million, $278.3$186.0 million, $58.2$23.9 million, and $28.5 million, respectively, in common stock dividends to Eversource parent.

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized portions of pension expense.  In the first nine months of 2016,2017, investments for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, and WMECO were $1.36$1.64 billion, $438.5$621.9 million, $327.7$358.0 million, $215.8$215.5 million, and $104.8$109.2 million respectively.





Business Development and Capital Expenditures

Aquarion: On June 2, 2017, Eversource announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Aquarion from Macquarie Infrastructure Partners for $1.675 billion, consisting of approximately $880 million in cash and $795 million of assumed Aquarion debt. The transaction requires approval from PURA, the DPU, the NHPUC, the Maine PUC, and the Federal Communications Commission, and is also subject to a review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. On June 29, 2017, Eversource and Aquarion filed joint applications with regulatory agencies in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine requesting approval of the transaction. With the exception of Massachusetts, all state and federal regulatory agency approvals have been received and the related review period has expired. The transaction is expected to close by December 31, 2017.

Bay State Wind: Bay State Wind is a proposed offshore wind project being jointly developed by Eversource and Denmark-based Ørsted (formerly known as DONG Energy). Bay State Wind will be located in a 300-square-mile area approximately 15 to 25 miles south of Martha's Vineyard that has the ultimate potential to generate more than 2,000 MW of energy. Both Eversource and Ørsted hold a 50 percent ownership interest in Bay State Wind. In August 2016, Massachusetts passed clean energy legislation that requires EDCs to jointly solicit RFPs and enter into long-term contracts for offshore wind, creating RFP opportunities for projects like Bay State Wind. On June 29, 2017, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ("BOEM") approved the project’s Site Assessment Plan ("SAP"), the first BOEM approval of an offshore wind SAP in the U.S.

On June 29, 2017, the Massachusetts RFP was issued, seeking bids for a minimum of 400 MW of offshore wind capacity. The RFP states that bids of up to 800 MW would be considered, provided they demonstrate significant net economic benefits to customers. Bay State Wind submitted a Notice of Intent to Bid on July 26, 2017, and will submit a proposal by the December 20, 2017 due date.

Consolidated Capital Expenditures:Our consolidated capital expenditures, including amounts incurred but not paid, cost of removal, AFUDC, and the capitalized portions of pension expense (all of which are non-cash factors), totaled $1.69 billion in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $1.43 billion in the first nine months of 2016, compared to $1.26 billion in the first nine months of 2015.2016.  These amounts included $87.1$97.8 million and $58.6$87.1 million in the first nine months of 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, related to information technology and facilities upgrades and enhancements, primarily at Eversource Service and The Rocky River Realty Company.

Natural Gas

Electric Transmission Business:  

Access Northeast: Access Northeast is a natural gas pipeline and storage project (the Project) being developed jointly by Eversource, Spectra Energy Partners, LP (Spectra) and National Grid plc (National Grid), through Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC (AGT). The Project
will enhance the Algonquin and Maritimes & Northeast pipeline systems using existing routes and will include two new LNG storage tanks and liquefaction and vaporization facilities in Acushnet, Massachusetts that will be connected to the Algonquin natural gas pipeline. The Project is expected to be capable of delivering approximately 900 million cubic feet of additional natural gas per day to New England on peak demand days. Eversource and Spectra each own a 40 percent interest in the Project, with the remaining 20 percent interest owned by National Grid. The total projected cost for both the pipeline and the LNG storage facilities is expected to be approximately $3 billion, with projected in-service dates commencing in November 2018. The Project is subject to FERC and other federal and state regulatory approvals.

As part of the Project’s development, AGT sought to secure long-term natural gas transmission capacity contracts with many of the electric distribution companies (EDCs) of New England. In Connecticut, on June 2, 2016, the DEEP issued an RFP for natural gas pipeline capacity and storage. Proposals were submitted on June 29, 2016. On October 25, 2016, the DEEP canceled this RFP process without prejudice. The DEEP retains its authority to issue future RFPs to procure natural gas resources for the purpose of providing more reliable electric service for the benefit of the Connecticut customers and to meet the state’s energy and environmental goals and policies.

On June 30, 2016, a subsidiary of National Grid filed with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) seeking approval of its contract with AGT for natural gas pipeline capacity and storage. The RIPUC has placed a stay on the docket and asked National Grid for a status update in January 2017. On September 14, 2016, the Maine PUC issued an order to move forward with a contract with AGT for natural gas pipeline capacity, contingent upon the participation by EDCs in other New England states.

In late 2015 and early 2016, NSTAR Electric, WMECO and a subsidiary of National Grid filed with the Massachusetts DPU seeking approval of contracts with AGT for natural gas pipeline capacity and storage. The DPU had determined in 2015 that it had authority to approve such contracts if they were found to be in the public interest. On August 17, 2016, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court vacated the DPU’s 2015 order, holding that the state’s electric utility restructuring statutes precluded the DPU from approving contracts by EDCs for natural gas capacity.

On February 18, 2016, PSNH filed with the NHPUC seeking approval of its contract with AGT for natural gas pipeline capacity and storage. On October 6, 2016, contrary to a 2015 recommendation from its staff, the NHPUC ruled that it did not have authority to approve such contracts under the state’s electric utility restructuring statutes.

Eversource, Spectra and National Grid are currently reviewing options surrounding the Project, with respect to the impact of the decisions from both the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the NHPUC, in order to help bring needed additional natural gas transmission and storage capacity to New England. The timing, configuration and cost of the Project could change, depending on the outcome of the potential options selected. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of the potential options selected. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of the potential options selected and, as a result, the potential impacts on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Electric Transmission Business:  Our consolidated electric transmission business capital expenditures increased by $37.1$40.9 million in the first nine months of 2016,2017, as compared to the first nine months of 2015.2016.  A summary of electric transmission capital expenditures by company is as follows:  
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2016 2015
CL&P$211.8
 $146.9
NSTAR Electric162.6
 158.9
PSNH80.2
 115.2
WMECO75.7
 72.9
NPT28.4
 27.7
Total Electric Transmission Segment$558.7
 $521.6

GHCC:  The Greater Hartford Central Connecticut (GHCC) solutions, which have been approved by ISO-NE, consist of 27 projects with an expected investment of approximately $350 million that are expected to be placed in service from 2016 through 2018.  Seven projects have been placed in service, and 8 projects are in active construction.  As of September 30, 2016, CL&P had capitalized $93 million in costs associated with GHCC.


 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2017 2016
CL&P$300.7
 $211.8
NSTAR Electric108.5
 162.6
PSNH87.4
 80.2
WMECO70.9
 75.7
NPT32.1
 28.4
Total Electric Transmission Segment$599.6
 $558.7

Northern Pass:  Northern Pass is Eversource’sa planned HVDC transmission line from the Québec-New Hampshire border to Franklin, New Hampshire and an associated alternating current radial transmission line between Franklin and Deerfield, New Hampshire.  Northern Pass will interconnect at the Québec-New Hampshire border with a planned HQ HVDC transmission line. 

On July 21, 2015,April 13, 2017, the New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee ("NH SEC") commenced final adjudicative hearings that, on August 31, 2017, were extended and will result in the issuance of a final order by March 31, 2018.

On August 10, 2017, the DOE issued the draftfinal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Northern Pass representing a key milestone inconcluding that the proposed Northern Pass route is the preferred alternative, providing substantial benefits with only minimal impacts. Siting and permitting process.  Theat both the state and federal levels is well advanced and the DOE completed the comment period on the draft EIS on April 4, 2016, and is expected to issue the final EIS inPresidential Permit for Northern Pass during the firstfourth quarter of 2017. On August 18, 2015, NPT announced the Forward NH Plan, including a commitment to allocate $200 million to projects associated with economic development, tourism, community betterment, and clean energy innovations to benefit the state of New Hampshire.  

On June 10, 2016, Northern Pass executed a settlement agreement with the NHPUC Staff regarding its petition to operate as a public utility once the project is fully permitted.  On October 14, 2016, in an important foundational order for the Northern Pass project, the NHPUC approved the settlement agreement and granted NPT public utility status, conditioned on project approval.  Additionally, on June 28, 2016, as part of the Forward NH Plan, PSNH filed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the NHPUC.  The PPA, combined with the Forward NH Plan, is expected to deliver over $1 billion of energy cost savings and other benefits over the contract term to New Hampshire customers.  The Forward NH Plan and the PPA are both commitments that are contingent upon the Northern Pass transmission line going into commercial operation.  

The New Hampshire Site Evaluation Committee (NH SEC) is currently in process of formal siting.  The NH SEC is expected to issue an order on NPT no later than September 2017 and the project is expected to be operational byplaced in service in the endsecond half of 2019.  On January 28,2020.

In August 2016, NPT bidMassachusetts enacted clean energy legislation that requires EDCs to solicit proposals jointly and enter into long-term contracts for energy, such as hydropower. The RFP was issued on March 31, 2017 and on July 27, 2017, Eversource Energy Transmission Ventures, Inc. and HQ jointly submitted proposals for Northern Pass into the three-state Clean Energy RFP process.  For further information on the RFP process, see “Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters – General – Clean Energy RFP” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.Massachusetts clean energy RFP.

Greater Boston Reliability SolutionsSolution: In February 2015, ISO-NE selected Eversource’s and National Grid’s proposedthe Greater Boston and New Hampshire Solution (Solution)(the "Solution"), proposed by Eversource and National Grid, to satisfy the requirements identified in the Greater Boston study.  The Solution consists of a portfolio of some 40 electric transmission upgrades covering southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts in the Merrimack Valley and continuing into the greater Boston metropolitan area, of which 2728 are in Eversource’sEversource's service territory. The NH SEC issued its written order approving the New Hampshire upgrades on October 4, 2016. We are currently pursuing the necessary regulatory and siting application approvals in Massachusetts. To date, we have received approval for two of these projects from the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board. Construction has also begun on several of the smaller projects not requiring siting approval. All upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.  We estimate our portion of the investment in the Solution will be approximately $565$560 million, of which approximately $91$186.3 million has been capitalized through September 30, 2016.2017.

GHCC:  The Greater Hartford Central Connecticut ("GHCC") projects, which have been approved by ISO-NE, consist of 27 projects with an expected investment of approximately $350 million that are expected to be placed in service through 2019.  Sixteen projects have been placed in service, and eight projects are in active construction.  As of September 30, 2017, CL&P had capitalized $192.3 million in costs associated with GHCC.

Seacoast Reliability Project:  On April 12, 2016, PSNH filed a siting application with the NH SEC for the Seacoast Reliability Project, a 13-mile, 115kV transmission line within several New Hampshire communities, which proposes to use a combination of overhead, underground and underwater line design to help meet the growing demand for electricity in the Seacoast region.  In June 2016, the NH SEC accepted our application as complete andcomplete. Due to delays with the siting hearings, we now expect the NH SEC decision by mid-2017.  Thisin mid-2018, and this project is now expected to be completed by the end of 2018.2019.  We estimate our investment in this project willto be approximately $77$84 million, of which, approximately $11 million has been capitalized through September 30, 2016.2017, PSNH had capitalized $19.7 million in costs.



Distribution Business:

A summary of distribution capital expenditures is as follows:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars) CL&P  NSTAR Electric  PSNH  WMECO  Total Electric  Natural Gas  Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Segment CL&P  NSTAR Electric  PSNH  WMECO  Total Electric  Natural Gas  Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Segment
2017             
Basic Business$161.8
 $110.3
 $52.5
 $16.4
 $341.0
 $51.3
 $392.3
Aging Infrastructure127.4
 49.6
 63.9
 16.3
 257.2
 149.6
 406.8
Load Growth (1)
41.0
 53.2
 14.1
 (1.5) 106.8
 30.6
 137.4
Total Distribution330.2
 213.1
 130.5
 31.2
 705.0
 231.5
 936.5
Generation (2)

 24.6
 6.7
 20.9
 52.2
 
 52.2
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Segment$330.2
 $237.7
 $137.2
 $52.1
 $757.2
 $231.5
 $988.7
             
2016                          
Basic Business$127.0
 $87.7
 $46.8
 $10.7
 $272.2
 $48.9
 $321.1
$127.0
 $87.7
 $46.8
 $10.7
 $272.2
 $48.9
 $321.1
Aging Infrastructure97.4
 57.8
 61.9
 17.6
 234.7
 103.0
 337.7
97.4
 57.8
 61.9
 17.6
 234.7
 103.0
 337.7
Load Growth31.9
 48.1
 11.8
 (2.5) 89.3
 28.3
 117.6
Load Growth (1)
31.9
 48.1
 11.8
 (2.5) 89.3
 28.3
 117.6
Total Distribution256.3
 193.6
 120.5
 25.8
 596.2
 180.2
 776.4
256.3
 193.6
 120.5
 25.8
 596.2
 180.2
 776.4
Generation
 
 8.5
 
 8.5
 
 8.5

 
 8.5
 
 8.5
 
 8.5
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribution Segment$256.3
 $193.6
 $129.0
 $25.8
 $604.7
 $180.2
 $784.9
$256.3
 $193.6
 $129.0
 $25.8
 $604.7
 $180.2
 $784.9
             
2015             
Basic Business$87.8
 $75.2
 $37.8
 $12.2
 $213.0
 $35.1
 $248.1
Aging Infrastructure120.0
 69.8
 33.9
 13.5
 237.2
 71.8
 309.0
Load Growth29.6
 30.5
 15.8
 4.6
 80.5
 25.9
 106.4
Total Distribution237.4
 175.5
 87.5
 30.3
 530.7
 132.8
 663.5
Generation
 
 15.9
 
 15.9
 
 15.9
Total Electric and Natural Gas Distribuion Segment$237.4
 $175.5
 $103.4
 $30.3
 $546.6
 $132.8
 $679.4

(1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, WMECO had $11.0 million and $6.4 million, respectively, of total contributions in aid of construction, which were credits to capital expenditures for those periods.

(2) In 2017, NSTAR Electric and WMECO incurred capital expenditures related to the construction of solar generation facilities.

For the electric distribution business, basic business includes the purchase of meters, tools, vehicles, information technology, transformer replacements, equipment facilities, and the relocation of plant.  Aging infrastructure relates to reliability and the replacement of overhead lines, plant substations, underground cable replacement, and equipment failures.  Load growth includes requests for new business and capacity additions on distribution lines and substation additions and expansions.  

For the natural gas distribution segment, basic business addresses daily operational needs including meters, pipe relocations due to public works projects, vehicles, and tools.  Aging infrastructure projects seek to improve the


reliability of the system through enhancements related to cast iron and bare steel replacement of main and services, corrosion mediation, and station upgrades.  Load growth reflects growth in existing service territories including new developments, installation of services, and expansion.

The natural gas distribution segment’ssegment's capital spending program increased by $47.4$51.3 million in the first nine months of 2016,2017, as compared to the first nine months of 2015,2016, primarily due to an increased investment in system replacement and reliability, as a result of an increase in the replacement of aging pipeline,well as upgrades to our LNG facilities,facilities. We expect the LNG facility upgrades to cost approximately $200 million and the favorable weather conditionsto be placed in 2016 allowing for more capital spending on replacement and customer expansion.service in late 2019.

FERC Regulatory Matters

FERC ROE Complaints: Four separate complaints have been filed at the FERC by combinations of New England state attorneys general, state regulatory commissions, consumer advocates, consumer groups, municipal parties and other parties.  Each complaint challengesparties (collectively the NETOs’ previous"Complainants"). In each of the first three complaints, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 11.14 percent or currentthat had been utilized since 2005 and sought an order to reduce it prospectively from the date of the final FERC order and for the separate 15-month complaint periods. In the fourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, the Complainants challenged the NETOs' base ROE of 10.57 percent and seeksthe maximum ROE for transmission incentive ("incentive cap") of 11.74 percent, asserting that these ROEs were unjust and unreasonable.

In response to reduceappeals of the FERC decision in the first complaint filed by the NETOs and the Complainants, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (the "Court") issued a decision on April 14, 2017 vacating and remanding the FERC's decision. The Court found that the FERC failed to make an explicit finding that the 11.14 percent base ROE was unjust and unreasonable, as required under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act, before it bothset a new base ROE. The Court also found that the FERC did not provide a rational connection between the record evidence and its decision to select the midpoint of the upper half of the zone of reasonableness for the new base ROE.

On May 26, 2017, the Chief Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ") issued an order that the fourth complaint will continue to trial in December 2017 with an ALJ initial decision expected in March of 2018.



A summary of the four separate 15-month complaint periodscomplaints and prospectively.  the base ROEs pertinent to those complaints are as follows:
Complaint
15-Month Time Period
of Complaint
(Beginning as of Complaint Filing Date)
Original Base ROE Authorized by FERC at Time of Complaint
Filing Date (1)
Base ROE Subsequently Authorized by FERC for First Complaint Period and also Effective from
October 16, 2014 through April 14, 2017 (1)
Reserve
(Pre-Tax and Excluding Interest) as of September 30, 2017
(in millions)
 
FERC ALJ Recommendation of Base ROE on Second and
Third Complaints
(Issued March 22, 2016)
First10/1/2011 - 12/31/201211.14%10.57%$—
(2) 
N/A
Second12/27/2012 - 3/26/201411.14%N/A39.1
(3) 
9.59%
Third7/31/2014 - 10/30/201511.14%10.57% 10.90%
Fourth4/29/2016 - 7/28/201710.57%10.57% N/A

(1)The billed ROE (base plus incentives) between October 1, 2011 and October 15, 2014 was within a range of 11.14 percent to 13.1 percent. On October 16, 2014, the FERC ordered a 10.57set the incentive cap at 11.74 percent base ROE for the first complaint period and prospectivelyalso effective from October 16, 2014 through April 14, 2017, the date on which the Court vacated this FERC order.
(2) CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and that a utility’s total or maximum ROE for any incentive projects shall not exceed the top of the new zone of reasonableness, which was set at 11.74 percent.  WeWMECO have refunded all amounts associated with the first complaint period.  

The Company has recorded reserves across the complaint periodsperiod, totaling $38.9 million (pre-tax and excluding interest) at its electric subsidiaries. In the first nine monthsEversource (consisting of 2015, the Company recognized an after-tax charge to earnings (excluding interest) of $12.4$22.4 million of which $7.9 million was recorded at CL&P, $1.4$8.4 million at NSTAR Electric, $0.6$2.8 million at PSNH, and $2.5$5.3 million at WMECO.

On March 22, 2016, the FERC ALJ issued an initial decision on the second and third complaints.  For the second complaint period, the FERC ALJ recommended a zone of reasonableness of 7.12 percent to 10.42 percent and a base ROE of 9.59 percent.  For the third complaint period, the FERC ALJ recommended a zone of reasonableness of 7.04 percent to 12.19 percent and a base ROE of 10.90 percent.  The FERC ALJ also affirmed that the maximum ROE for transmission incentive projects should be the top of the zone of reasonableness.  The NETOs filed briefs on April 21, 2016, in which the NETOs identified corrections and requested changes that should be made to the FERC ALJ’s recommendations.  A final FERC order is expected in late 2016 or early 2017.  The final FERC order will determineWMECO), reflecting both the base ROE and incentive cap prescribed by the maximum ROE for transmission incentive projects for the two complaint periods.  FERC order.

We have not recorded any additional reserves to reflect(3) The reserve represents the difference between the ROEs recommended inbilled during the second complaint period and a 10.57 percent base ROE and 11.74 percent incentive cap. The reserve consisted of $21.4 million for CL&P, $8.5 million for NSTAR Electric, $3.1 million for PSNH, and $6.1 million for WMECO as of September 30, 2017.

On June 5, 2017, the NETOs, including Eversource, submitted a filing to the FERC ALJ initial decision.  We do not believe any ROE outcome is more likely thanto reinstate the ROEs used to record our current reserves (a base ROE of 10.5711.14 percent and a maximumwith an associated ROE incentive cap of 13.5 percent effective June 8, 2017, as these were the last ROEs lawfully in effect for transmission incentive projects of 11.74 percent).  We are unablebilling purposes prior to predict the outcome of the final FERC order vacated by the Court on April 14, 2017. On October 6, 2017, the second and third complaints, and therefore, we believe that our currentFERC did not accept the NETOs filing, temporarily leaving in place the ROEs and reserves are appropriate at this time.(10.57 percent base ROE with an 11.74 percent incentive cap ROE) set in the first complaint proceeding until the FERC addresses the Court’s decision.

The impactOn October 5, 2017 the NETOs filed a series of a 10 basis point change to our existing base ROE of 10.57 percent would affect Eversource’s after-tax earnings by approximately $3 millionmotions, requesting that the FERC dismiss the four complaint proceedings. Alternatively, if the FERC does not dismiss the proceedings, the NETOs requested that the FERC consolidate all four complaint proceedings for each ofexpeditious resolution and/or stay the 15-month secondtrial in the fourth complaint proceeding and third complaint periods.  If we adjusted our reservesresolve it based on the recommendationsstandards set in the FERC ALJ initialApril 14, 2017 Court decision.

At this time, the Company cannot reasonably estimate a range of gain or loss for the complaint proceedings. The April 14, 2017 Court decision (for bothdid not provide a reasonable basis for a change to the base ROE and maximum ROE for transmission incentive projects)reserve balance of $39.1 million (pre-tax, excluding interest) for the second complaint period, and third complaints, then it would result in an after-tax increasethe Company has not changed its reserve or recognized ROEs for any of approximately $34 million and an after-tax decrease of approximately $8 million, respectively, to our existing reserves.the complaint periods.

For thefourth complaint, filed April 29, 2016, certain municipal utilities claimed the current base ROE of 10.57 percent and the incentive cap of 11.74 percent are unjust and unreasonable.  The NETOs answered on June 3, 2016 and requested that FERC dismiss the complaint. On September 20, 2016, FERC issued an order establishing hearing and settlement judge proceduresand set a 15-month complaint period beginning April 29, 2016. WeManagement cannot at this time predict the ultimate outcomeeffect of this proceedingthe Court decision or future FERC action on any of the complaint periods or the estimated impacts on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH or WMECO.

The average impact of a 10 basis point change to the base ROE for each of the 15-month complaint periods would affect Eversource's after-tax earnings by approximately $3 million.

NSTAR Electric and WMECO. AWMECO Merger FERC ALJ initial decision could be received inFilings: On January 13, 2017, Eversource made two filings with FERC related to the proposed merger of WMECO into NSTAR Electric with an anticipated effective date of December 31, 2017. One filing requests FERC approval of the merger, and the other filing requests FERC approval of NSTAR Electric's assumption of WMECO's short-term debt obligations. The FERC approved the merger on March 2, 2017 and will act on the assumption of debt filing by the end of 2017.

Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters

General:

Clean Energy RFP: Pursuant to clean energy goals established in three New England states (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island), in November 2015, the DEEP and the Massachusetts and Rhode Island EDCs, including NSTAR Electric and WMECO, issued an RFP for clean energy resources (including Class I renewable generation and large hydroelectric generation) to a wide range of potentially interested bidders.  The RFP solicited offers for clean energy and the transmission to deliver that energy to the three states.  In late January 2016, bidders submitted project proposals, among which were the Northern Pass and Clean Energy Connect projects. On October 24, 2016, Eversource was notified that neither project was selected.  

The Company is currently placing efforts on the next round of contracting opportunities, which it believes both NPT and the Clean Energy Connect projects would meet the legislative requirements. In August 2016, Massachusetts enacted legislation that requires electric distribution companies to jointly solicit RFPs and enter into long-term contracts for large-scale hydro projects. The law requires an RFP to take place in the spring of 2017. For further information on this legislation, see “Legislative and Policy Matters - Massachusetts” in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.



Electric and Natural Gas Base Distribution Rates:  

The Regulated companies’ distribution rates are set by their respective state regulatory commissions, and their tariffs include mechanisms for periodically adjusting their rates for the recovery of specific incurred costs.  Other than as described below, for the first nine months of 2016,2017, changes made to the Regulated companies’ rates did not have a material impact on their earnings, financial position, or cash flows.  For further information, see “Financial"Financial Condition and Business Analysis – Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters”Matters" included in Item 7, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of the Eversource 20152016 Form 10-K.

Connecticut:

On April 20, 2017, PURA approved the joint request of CL&P, the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel and the Connecticut Attorney General to amend the deadline to establish new electric distribution rates in the 2012 Connecticut merger settlement agreement from "no later than December 1, 2017" to "no later than July 1, 2018." On October 27, 2017, CL&P filed a letter of intent with PURA to request a rate increase of $255.8 million, $45 million and $36 million effective May 1, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively.


Massachusetts:

October 2016 DPU Storm OrderEversource and NSTAR Electric Boston Harbor Civil Action:: On October 7,July 15, 2016, the DPU issuedUnited States Attorney on behalf of the United States Army Corps of Engineers filed a final decision on WMECO’s storm cost filingcivil action in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts under provisions of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and the Clean Water Act against NSTAR Electric, Harbor Electric Energy Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NSTAR Electric ("HEEC"), and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (together with NSTAR Electric and HEEC, the "Defendants").  The action alleged that the Defendants failed to comply with certain permitting requirements related to the placement of the HEEC-owned electric distribution cable beneath Boston Harbor.  The action sought an order to recover $27compel HEEC to comply with cable depth requirements in the United States Army Corps of Engineers' permit or alternatively to remove the electric distribution cable and cease unauthorized work in U.S. waterways.  The action also sought civil penalties and other costs.  

After substantial negotiations, the parties reached a settlement whereby HEEC will install a new 115kV distribution cable across Boston Harbor to Deer Island, utilizing a different route, and will remove portions of the existing cable. Upon the installation and completion of the new cable and the removal of the portions of the existing cable, all issues surrounding the current permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers are expected to be resolved, and such litigation is expected to be dismissed with prejudice.

In 2017, as a result of the settlement, NSTAR Electric expensed $4.9 million (pre-tax) of storm restorationpreviously incurred capitalized costs associated with engineering work performed on the October 2011 snowstormexisting cable that will no longer be used. In addition, NSTAR Electric agreed to provide a rate base credit of $17.5 million to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for the new cable. This negotiated credit will result in the initial $17.5 million of construction costs on the new cable to be expensed as incurred. Construction of the new cable is expected to be completed in 2019.

Massachusetts RFPs: On March 31, 2017, pursuant to a comprehensive energy law enacted in 2016, "An Act to Promote Energy Diversity," (the "Act") the Massachusetts EDCs, including NSTAR Electric and Storm SandyWMECO, and the DOER issued a joint RFP for 9.45 terawatt hours of clean energy per year, such as hydropower, land-based wind or solar. The RFP seeks proposals for long-term contracts of 15 to 20 years to provide the state's electric distribution companies with clean energy generation. The proposal submission due date was July 27, 2017. Contracts will be selected in 2012.January 2018, with an expectation to submit executed long-term contracts to the DPU for final approval in April 2018. On July 27, 2017, Eversource Energy Transmission Ventures, Inc. and HQ jointly submitted proposals for Northern Pass into the Massachusetts clean energy RFP. Northern Pass is expected to be placed in service in the second half of 2020.

On June 29, 2017, pursuant to the Act, the Massachusetts EDCs, including NSTAR Electric and WMECO, and the DOER issued a joint RFP for long-term contracts for offshore wind energy projects, seeking bids for a minimum of 400 MW of offshore wind capacity. The Offshore Wind Energy RFP states that bids of up to 800 MW would be considered, provided they demonstrate significant net economic benefits to customers. Bay State Wind submitted a Notice of Intent to Bid on July 26, 2017 and will submit a proposal by the December 20, 2017 due date.

NSTAR Electric and WMECO Rate Case: On January 17, 2017, NSTAR Electric and WMECO jointly filed an application (the "Joint Applicants") with the DPU for approval of a combined $96 million increase in base distribution rates, effective January 1, 2018. As part of this filing, the Joint Applicants are presenting a grid-wise performance plan, including the implementation of a performance-based rate-making mechanism in conjunction with a grid modernization base commitment of $400 million in incremental capital investment over a period of five years, commencing January 1, 2018. In addition, the Joint Applicants proposed to streamline and align rate classifications between NSTAR Electric and WMECO, and requested a revenue decoupling rate mechanism for NSTAR Electric. WMECO has a revenue decoupling mechanism in place. The DPU approvedwill also be reviewing the majorityproposed December 31, 2017 merger of NSTAR Electric and WMECO as part of the costs,rate case. A final decision from the DPU is expected in late 2017, with the disallowed amounts and other items included in a filed motion for reconsideration.new rates anticipated to be effective January 1, 2018.

New Hampshire:

Generation Asset SaleDivestiture:  On June 10, 2015, Eversource and PSNH entered into the 2015 Public Service Company of New Hampshire Restructuring and Rate Stabilization Agreement (the Agreement)"Agreement") with the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, certain members of the NHPUC staff, the Office of Consumer Advocate, two State Senators, and several other parties.  Under the terms of the Agreement, PSNH agreed to divest its generation assets, subject to NHPUC approval.  The Agreement provided for a resolution of issues pertaining to PSNH’sPSNH's generation assets in pending regulatory proceedings before the NHPUC.  The Agreement provided for the Clean Air Project prudence proceeding to be resolved and all remaining Clean Air Project costs to be included in rates effective January 1, 2016.  As part of the Agreement, PSNH agreed to forego recovery of $25 million of the equity return related to the Clean Air Project.  In addition, PSNH will not seek a general distribution rate increase effective before July 1, 2017 and will contribute $5 million to create a clean energy fund, which will not be recoverable from its customers.  In the first nine months of 2015, PSNH recorded the $5 million contribution as a long-term liability and an increase to Operations and Maintenance expense on the statements of income.

On July 1, 2016, the NHPUC approved the Agreement in an order that, among other things, instructsinstructed PSNH to begin the process to divestof divesting its generation assets.  The NHPUC selected an auction adviser to assist with the divestiture, and athe final plan and auction process will be determinedwere approved by the NHPUC in November 2016.  

On October 11, 2017, PSNH entered into two Purchase and Sale Agreements ("Agreements") to sell its thermal and hydroelectric generation assets to private investors at purchase prices of $175 million and $83 million, respectively, subject to adjustments as set forth in each Agreement.
On October 12, 2017, PSNH filed an application with the fourth quarterNHPUC requesting approval of 2016.the Agreements. We expect to receive approvals from the NHPUC and other necessary regulatory agencies by late December 2017 or early 2018, with the transactions to be completed shortly thereafter. Upon completion, full recovery of PSNH's generation assets will occur through a combination of cash flows during the divestiture process, all remaining operating period, sales proceeds, and recovery of stranded costs will be recovered via bonds that will be secured by a non-bypassable charge or through recoveries in future rates billed to PSNH’sPSNH's customers.

We believe that full recovery of PSNH’s generation assets is probable through a combination of cash flows during the remaining operating period, sales proceeds upon divestiture, and recovery of stranded costs in future rates.  

As of September 30, 2016, PSNH’s2017, PSNH's energy service rate base balance was approximately $640 million. This rate base will be reduced by$594 million, and the amountcarrying value of PSNH's total generation assets that are divested.subject to divestiture was approximately $767 million.

Legislative and Policy Matters

Massachusetts:

On August 8, 2016,11, 2017, Massachusetts issued final legislation, pursuant to Executive Order 569, which established volumetric limits on multiple greenhouse emission sources to ensure reductions are realized by deadlines established in conjunction with effortsthe Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act enacted in 2008. Under this legislation, the initial target date for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions has been established in the year 2020. The legislation is not expected to shape comprehensive energy legislation, “An Act to Promote Energy Diversity” became law in Massachusetts, which requires electric distribution companies to jointly solicit RFPs and enter into 15- to 20-year contracts for at least 1,600 MWhave a material impact on the financial statements of offshore wind and up to an additional 1,200 MW of hydropowerEversource, NSTAR Electric or other renewable sources, such as land-based wind or solar, provided that reasonable proposals have been received.WMECO.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and, at times, difficult, subjective or complex judgments.  Changes in these estimates, assumptions and judgments, in and of themselves, could materially impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Our management communicates to and discusses with the Audit Committee of our Board of Trustees significant matters relating to critical accounting policies.  Our critical accounting policies that we believed were the most critical in nature were reported in the Eversource 20152016 Form 10-K.  There have been no material changes with regard to these critical accounting policies.

Other Matters

Accounting Standards:  For information regarding new accounting standards, see Note 1B, “Summary"Summary of Significant Accounting Policies –Accounting Standards," to the financial statements.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments:  There have been no material contractual obligations identified and no material changes with regard to the contractual obligations and commercial commitments previously disclosed in the Eversource 20152016 Form 10-K.



Web Site:  Additional financial information is available through our website at www.eversource.com.  We make available through our website a link to the SEC’sSEC's EDGAR website (http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html), at which site Eversource’s,Eversource's, CL&P’s,&P's, NSTAR Electric’s, PSNH’sElectric's, PSNH's and WMECO’sWMECO's combined Annual Reports on Form 10-K, combined Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports may be reviewed.  Information contained on the Company’sCompany's website or that can be accessed through the website is not incorporated into and does not constitute a part of this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – EVERSOURCE ENERGY AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for Eversource for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:  
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent 2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent2017 2016 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent 2017 2016 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent
Operating Revenues$2,039.7
 $1,933.1
 $106.6
 5.5 % $5,862.5
 $6,263.6
 $(401.1) (6.4)%$1,988.5
 $2,039.7
 $(51.2) (2.5)% $5,856.5
 $5,862.5
 $(6.0) (0.1)%
Operating Expenses: 
  
  
  
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
    
  
  
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission665.8
 702.6
 (36.8) (5.2) 2,001.9
 2,549.8
 (547.9) (21.5)651.8
 665.8
 (14.0) (2.1) 1,955.1
 2,001.9
 (46.8) (2.3)
Operations and Maintenance324.7
 327.3
 (2.6) (0.8) 965.6
 977.3
 (11.7) (1.2)300.4
 324.7
 (24.3) (7.5) 933.4
 965.6
 (32.2) (3.3)
Depreciation181.3
 167.9
 13.4
 8.0
 531.8
 495.4
 36.4
 7.3
194.5
 181.3
 13.2
 7.3
 571.2
 531.8
 39.4
 7.4
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net43.9
 (16.8) 60.7
 (a)
 56.2
 42.6
 13.6
 31.9
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net41.8
 43.9
 (2.1) (4.8) 58.1
 56.2
 1.9
 3.4
Energy Efficiency Programs149.1
 132.1
 17.0
 12.9
 406.0
 380.6
 25.4
 6.7
129.2
 149.1
 (19.9) (13.3) 391.8
 406.0
 (14.2) (3.5)
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes165.0
 150.8
 14.2
 9.4
 479.2
 439.2
 40.0
 9.1
168.2
 165.0
 3.2
 1.9
 479.6
 479.2
 0.4
 0.1
Total Operating Expenses1,529.8
 1,463.9
 65.9
 4.5
 4,440.7
 4,884.9
 (444.2) (9.1)1,485.9
 1,529.8
 (43.9) (2.9) 4,389.2
 4,440.7
 (51.5) (1.2)
Operating Income509.9
 469.2
 40.7
 8.7
 1,421.8
 1,378.7
 43.1
 3.1
502.6
 509.9
 (7.3) (1.4) 1,467.3
 1,421.8
 45.5
 3.2
Interest Expense99.9
 92.5
 7.4
 8.0
 298.6
 279.6
 19.0
 6.8
108.7
 99.9
 8.8
 8.8
 319.5
 298.6
 20.9
 7.0
Other Income, Net13.6
 5.2
 8.4
 (a)
 23.7
 23.9
 (0.2) (0.8)21.2
 13.6
 7.6
 55.9
 56.3
 23.7
 32.6
 (a)
Income Before Income Tax Expense423.6
 381.9
 41.7
 10.9
 1,146.9
 1,123.0
 23.9
 2.1
415.1
 423.6
 (8.5) (2.0) 1,204.1
 1,146.9
 57.2
 5.0
Income Tax Expense156.4
 144.1
 12.3
 8.5
 428.2
 420.7
 7.5
 1.8
152.8
 156.4
 (3.6) (2.3) 447.9
 428.2
 19.7
 4.6
Net Income267.2
 237.8
 29.4
 12.4
 718.7
 702.3
 16.4
 2.3
262.3
 267.2
 (4.9) (1.8) 756.2
 718.7
 37.5
 5.2
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests1.9
 1.9
 
 
 5.6
 5.6
 
 
1.9
 1.9
 
 
 5.6
 5.6
 
 
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders$265.3
 $235.9
 $29.4
 12.5 % $713.1
 $696.7
 $16.4
 2.4 %$260.4
 $265.3
 $(4.9) (1.8)% $750.6
 $713.1
 $37.5
 5.3 %
(a)Percent greater than 100 not shown as it is not meaningful.  
(a) Percent greater than 100 not shown as it is not meaningful.

Operating Revenues
A summary of our Operating Revenues by segment is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent 2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent2017 2016 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent 2017 2016 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent
Electric Distribution$1,623.4
 $1,543.7
 $79.7
 5.2 % $4,362.6
 $4,686.5
 $(323.9) (6.9)%$1,547.1
 $1,623.4
 $(76.3) (4.7)% $4,224.2
 $4,362.6
 $(138.4) (3.2)%
Natural Gas Distribution99.2
 106.2
 (7.0) (6.6) 622.3
 799.6
 (177.3) (22.2)109.2
 99.2
 10.0
 10.1
 698.8
 622.3
 76.5
 12.3
Electric Transmission306.8
 270.4
 36.4
 13.5
 892.5
 787.2
 105.3
 13.4
328.5
 306.8
 21.7
 7.1
 970.0
 892.5
 77.5
 8.7
Other and Eliminations10.3
 12.8
 (2.5) (19.5) (14.9) (9.7) (5.2) 53.6
3.7
 10.3
 (6.6) (64.1) (36.5) (14.9) (21.6) (a)
Total Operating Revenues$2,039.7
 $1,933.1
 $106.6
 5.5 % $5,862.5
 $6,263.6
 $(401.1) (6.4)%$1,988.5
 $2,039.7
 $(51.2) (2.5)% $5,856.5
 $5,862.5
 $(6.0) (0.1)%
(a) Percent greater than 100 not shown as it is not meaningful.

A summary of our retail electric GWh sales volumes and our firm natural gas sales volumes in McfMMcf were as follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent 2016 2015 Decrease Percent2017 2016 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent 2017 2016 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent
Electric                              
Traditional8,131
 8,136
 (5) (0.1)% 21,731
 22,309
 (578) (2.6)%7,545
 8,131
 (586) (7.2)% 21,040
 21,731
 (691) (3.2)%
Decoupled7,213
 7,070
 143
 2.0
 19,235
 19,865
 (630) (3.2)6,551
 7,213
 (662) (9.2) 18,391
 19,235
 (844) (4.4)
Total Electric15,344
 15,206
 138
 0.9
 40,966
 42,174
 (1,208) (2.9)14,096
 15,344
 (1,248) (8.1) 39,431
 40,966
 (1,535) (3.7)
                              
Firm Natural Gas             
       
        
  
Traditional5,270
 5,449
 (179) (3.3) 31,570
 36,355
 (4,785) (13.2)5,550
 5,270
 280
 5.3
 32,233
 31,570
 663
 2.1
Decoupled and Special Contracts5,653
 5,688
 (35) (0.6) 36,537
 42,134
 (5,597) (13.3)5,975
 5,653
 322
 5.7
 37,453
 36,537
 916
 2.5
Total Firm Natural Gas10,923
 11,137
 (214) (1.9)% 68,107
 78,489
 (10,382) (13.2)%11,525
 10,923
 602
 5.5 % 69,686
 68,107
 1,579
 2.3 %



Three Months Ended:
Operating Revenues, which primarily consist of base electric and natural gas distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, increaseddecreased by $106.6$51.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015.2016.  

Base electric and natural gas distribution revenues:  Base electric distribution segment revenues, increased $7.8excluding LBR, decreased $21.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to a higher rate base resulting fromdecrease in sales volumes and lower demand revenues driven by the 2015 PURA ADIT settlement agreement that is being collected from customersmild summer weather during the third quarter of 2017 at NSTAR Electric and PSNH. LBR increased $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in distribution rates at CL&P ($5.4 million) and the absence of an authorized ROE reduction in 2015, as stipulated in the PURA 2014 rate case decision, at CL&P ($1.1 million).2016. 


Base natural gas distribution revenues remained relatively unchanged for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016.

Fluctuations in CL&P’s, WMECO’s&P's, WMECO's and NSTAR Gas’Gas' sales volumes do not impact the level of base distribution revenue realized or earnings due to their respective regulatory commission approved revenue decoupling mechanisms.  The revenue decoupling mechanisms permit recovery of a base amount of distribution revenues and break the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.  Revenue decoupling mechanisms result in the recovery of our approved base distribution revenue requirements.  

Tracked distribution revenues: Tracked revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in rates through regulatory commission-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, have no impact on earnings.  Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include energy supply procurement costs and other energy-related costs for our electric and natural gas customers, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, and restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues.  In addition, certain tracked revenues include certain incentives earned and carrying charges.charges that are billed in rates to customers. Tracked electricnatural gas distribution segment revenues increased as a result of an increase in retail electric transmission chargesnatural gas supply costs ($457.6 million), an increase in federally mandated congestion charges ($40.5 million), and an increase in energy efficiency program revenues ($17.42.2 million), an increase in stranded cost recovery charges ($13.6 million) and an increase in net metering for distributed generation revenues ($10.8 million), partially offset by decreases in energy supply costs ($60.4 million), driven by decreased average retail rates.  In addition, as a result of a change to the amounts collected in the system benefits charge, CL&P’s calculated rate base increased, providing an increase to. Tracked electric distribution revenues that impacted earnings of $8.2 million.  

The third quarter 2016 tracked natural gas distribution segment revenues decreased as a result of decreasesa decrease in natural gas supply costsretail electric transmission charges ($5.439.8 million) and, a decrease in stranded cost recovery revenues ($16.9 million), a decrease in energy efficiency program revenues ($2.513.9 million) and a decrease in pension rate adjustment mechanisms ($7.1 million). Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in tracked electric distribution revenues related to electric energy supply costs ($7.3 million), revenues related to renewable energy requirements ($10.8 million), net metering revenues ($7.0 million) and federally-mandated congestion charges ($2.8 million).

Electric transmission revenues:  The electric transmission segment revenues increased by $36.4$21.7 million due primarily to the recovery of higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure.

Other: Other revenues decreased due primarily to the sale of Eversource's unregulated telecommunication business on December 31, 2016 ($5.0 million).

Nine Months Ended:
Operating Revenues decreased by $401.1$6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015.2016.  

Base electric and natural gas distribution revenues:  Base electric distribution segment revenues, increased by $5.6excluding LBR, decreased $13.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to a higher rate base resulting from the 2015 PURA ADIT settlement agreement that is being collected from customers in distribution rates at CL&P ($16.1 million) and the absence of an authorized ROE reduction in 2015, as stipulated in the PURA 2014 rate case decision, at CL&P ($3.3 million), partially offset by a 2.6 percent decrease in non-decoupled retail electric sales volumes due primarily to increased customer energy conservation efforts and warmer than normaldriven by the mild summer weather induring the firstthird quarter of 2016,2017 at NSTAR Electric and PSNH. LBR increased $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the much colder than normal temperaturessame period in the first quarter of 2015 ($13.8 million).2016. 

ContributingBase natural gas distribution revenues remained relatively unchanged for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the decreasesame period in operating revenues in the first nine months2016. The impact of 2016 was the absence of an $11 million benefit related to the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement associated with the recovery of LBR related to 2009 through 2011 energy efficiency programs recorded at NSTAR Electric in the first quarter of 2015.  

Firm natural gas base distribution segment revenues decreased $9.2 million due primarily to a 13.2 percent decrease in traditionalhigher firm natural gas sales volumes as a result of warmer than normal weather experiencedwas offset by lower demand revenues in the first quarter of 2016,Connecticut driven by lower peak usage in 2017, as compared to much colder than normal temperatures in the first quarter of 2015, partially offset by the impact of the NSTAR Gas base distribution rate increase effective January 1, 2016.

Tracked distribution revenues: Tracked electricnatural gas distribution segment revenues decreasedincreased as a result of decreasesan increase in energynatural gas supply costs ($570.357.8 million), driven by decreased average retail rates and lower sales volumes, partially offset by an increase in retail electric transmission charges ($82.9 million), an increase in federally mandated congestion charges ($70.4 million), an increase in energy efficiency program revenues ($45.2 million), an increase in stranded cost recovery charges ($29.5 million) and an increase in net metering for distributed generation revenues ($25.717.1 million). In addition, as a result of a change to the amounts collected in the system benefits charge, CL&P’s calculated rate base increased, providing an increase toTracked electric distribution revenues that impacted earnings of $17.5 million.

The first nine months of 2016 tracked natural gas distribution segment revenues decreased as a result of decreasesa decrease in natural gaselectric energy supply costs ($143.281.0 million), driven by decreased average ratesretail prices and lower sales volumes, a decrease in retail electric transmission charges ($45.9 million), a decrease in transition and stranded cost recovery revenues ($33.1 million), a decrease in pension rate adjustment mechanisms ($16.2 million), and a decrease in energy efficiency program revenues ($25.58.8 million). Partially offsetting these decreases were increases in tracked electric distribution revenues related to federally-mandated congestion charges ($23.0 million), net metering revenues ($22.4 million) and revenues related to renewable energy requirements and the sale of PSNH's RECs ($14.7 million).

Electric transmission revenues:  The electric transmission segment revenues increased by $105.3$77.5 million due primarily to the recovery of higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure and the absence in 2016 of a $20 million reserve charge recorded in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the March 2015 FERC ROE order.infrastructure.

Other: Other revenues decreased due primarily to the sale of Eversource’sEversource's unregulated contractingtelecommunication business on April 13, 2015December 31, 2016 ($11.415.0 million).



Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity and natural gas on behalf of our customers.  These energy supply costs are recovered from customers in rates through cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs).  Total Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars)Three Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
 Nine Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
Three Months Ended Increase/(Decrease) Nine Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
Electric Distribution$(98.5) $(551.3)$(0.4) $(109.1)
Natural Gas Distribution(6.3) (142.2)7.0
 50.1
Transmission68.0
 145.6
(20.6) 12.2
Total Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission$(36.8) $(547.9)$(14.0) $(46.8)

The decrease in purchased power expense at the electric distribution business for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was driven primarily by lower prices associated with the procurement of energy supply and a decrease in the amount of electricity generated by PSNH facilities for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015, as well as lower sales volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.volumes.  The decreaseincrease in purchased power expense at the natural gas distribution business for each of the periods presented was due to lower sales volumes and lowerhigher average natural gas prices.prices and higher sales volumes. The decrease in transmission costs for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was primarily the result of a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers. The increase in transmission costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was primarily the result of an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investment.investment, and Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service provided by Eversource over our local transmission network. This was partially offset by a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base electric and natural gas distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars)
Three Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
 
Nine Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
Three Months Ended Increase/(Decrease) 
Nine Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
Base Electric Distribution:      
Absence of 2015 resolution of basic service bad debt adder mechanism at NSTAR Electric$
 $24.2
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits$(15.0) $(46.2)
Bad debt expense(2.6) (15.3)
Shared corporate costs (including computer software depreciation at Eversource Service)5.4
 15.0
Storm restoration costs5.0
 11.3
(4.0) 3.1
Vegetation management costs1.1
 5.7
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits(8.4) (13.7)
Absence of 2015 contribution to create clean energy fund in connection with the generation divestiture agreement at PSNH
 (5.0)
Boston Harbor civil action settlement charge recorded in the second quarter of 2017
 4.9
Other operations and maintenance3.5
 1.1
9.1
 15.7
Total Base Electric Distribution1.2
 23.6
(7.1) (22.8)
Total Base Natural Gas Distribution:      
Employee-related expenses, including labor and benefits(0.1) (11.9)
Shared corporate costs (including computer software depreciation at Eversource Service)1.2
 3.6
Other operations and maintenance2.3
 5.3
(4.1) (1.5)
Total Base Natural Gas Distribution2.2
 (6.6)(2.9) 2.1
Total Tracked costs (Electric Distribution, Electric Transmission and Natural Gas Distribution)13.9
 21.6
(5.5) 7.2
Other and eliminations:      
Integration costs(2.9) (13.4)
Absence of Eversource’s unregulated electrical contracting business due to sale in April 2015, net(3.3) (13.9)
Eversource Parent and Other Companies(5.6) (10.1)(1.1) 0.8
Eliminations(8.1) (12.9)(7.7) (19.5)
Total Operations and Maintenance$(2.6) $(11.7)$(24.3) $(32.2)

Depreciation expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher utility plant in service balances.

Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities),Assets, Net expense (the costs of which are tracked) includeincludes the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs included in certain regulatory-approved tracking mechanisms, and the amortization of certain costs.  The deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues. Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities),Assets, Net, decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and the related rate changes to recover these costs.  Energy supply and energy-related costs at CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO, which are the primary drivers in amortization, are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.  The increase in Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes the absence in 2016 of the $11.7 million benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2015 at NSTAR Electric in connection with the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement associated with the CPSL program filings.



Energy Efficiency Programsexpense (the costs of which are tracked) increaseddecreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to deferral adjustments at CL&P, NSTAR Electric and WMECO, partially offset by deferral adjustments forat the natural gas businesses, which reflect the actual costs of energy efficiency programs compared to the estimated amounts billed to customers. The deferral adjusts costs incurred to match energy efficiency revenue billed to customers and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs incurred in accordance with the three-year program guidelines established by the DPU.  The deferrals adjust expense to match the energy efficiency programs revenue.costs. The costs for various state energy policy initiatives and expanded energy efficiency programs are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same periods in 2015, due primarily to an increase in property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances and an increase in gross earnings taxes (the costs of which are tracked).

Interest Expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher interest on long-term debt ($9.55.8 million and $25.7$15.9 million, respectively) as a result of new debt issuances, partially offset by an increase in AFUDC borrowed fundsand higher interest on short-term debt ($1.42.4 million and $2.9$4.8 million, respectively).

Other Income, Net increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periodperiods in 2015,2016, due primarily to increased gains on investments ($4.2 million and $24.9 million, respectively), primarily related to Eversource's investment in a renewable energy fund, market value changes related to the deferred compensation plans ($2.9 million and $5.1 million, respectively) and higher AFUDC related to equity funds ($2.8 million), an increase related to officer insurance policies ($1.9 million),1.2 million and an increase in net gains related to the deferred compensation plans ($0.8 million)$5.0 million, respectively).

Income Tax Expense increaseddecreased for the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higherlower pre-tax earnings ($14.32.4 million), higher state income taxes ($3.4 million), and items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($2.4 million), partially offset by the true up of the return to provision impacts and a higher tax benefit from a reduction in tax reserves ($7.61.2 million).

Income Tax Expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($920.6 million), the absence of a tax credit in 2017 ($2.4 million), and higher state income taxes ($5.91.3 million), andpartially offset by flow-through items and permanent differences ($3.5 million), partially offset by the true up of the return to provision impacts and a higher tax benefit from a reduction in tax reserves ($7.6 million), and the excess tax benefit due to the adoption of new accounting guidance related to share-based payment transactions ($2.94.6 million).



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for CL&P for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:  
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2016 2015 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent 2016 2015 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent2017 2016 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent 2017 2016 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent
Operating Revenues$760.0
 $704.3
 $55.7
 7.9 % $2,175.1
 $2,175.7
 $(0.6)  %$774.8
 $760.0
 $14.8
 1.9 % $2,173.6
 $2,175.1
 $(1.5) (0.1)%
Operating Expenses: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Purchased Power and Transmission253.5
 274.8
 (21.3) (7.8) 760.6
 861.6
 (101.0) (11.7)259.0
 253.5
 5.5
 2.2
 711.2
 760.6
 (49.4) (6.5)
Operations and Maintenance123.0
 122.3
 0.7
 0.6
 356.4
 358.3
 (1.9) (0.5)123.1
 123.0
 0.1
 0.1
 359.8
 356.4
 3.4
 1.0
Depreciation57.7
 54.8
 2.9
 5.3
 172.2
 159.9
 12.3
 7.7
63.7
 57.7
 6.0
 10.4
 184.3
 172.2
 12.1
 7.0
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net23.4
 (22.9) 46.3
 (a)
 30.3
 17.9
 12.4
 69.3
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net34.6
 23.4
 11.2
 47.9
 58.8
 30.3
 28.5
 94.1
Energy Efficiency Programs44.4
 42.6
 1.8
 4.2
 118.0
 119.4
 (1.4) (1.2)37.7
 44.4
 (6.7) (15.1) 106.5
 118.0
 (11.5) (9.7)
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes81.9
 71.6
 10.3
 14.4
 227.9
 201.7
 26.2
 13.0
79.2
 81.9
 (2.7) (3.3) 223.4
 227.9
 (4.5) (2.0)
Total Operating Expenses583.9
 543.2
 40.7
 7.5
 1,665.4
 1,718.8
 (53.4) (3.1)597.3
 583.9
 13.4
 2.3
 1,644.0
 1,665.4
 (21.4) (1.3)
Operating Income176.1
 161.1
 15.0
 9.3
 509.7
 456.9
 52.8
 11.6
177.5
 176.1
 1.4
 0.8
 529.6
 509.7
 19.9
 3.9
Interest Expense36.1
 36.7
 (0.6) (1.6) 108.6
 109.5
 (0.9) (0.8)36.3
 36.1
 0.2
 0.6
 106.6
 108.6
 (2.0) (1.8)
Other Income, Net3.7
 2.4
 1.3
 54.2
 10.9
 8.6
 2.3
 26.7
7.5
 3.7
 3.8
 (a)
 14.1
 10.9
 3.2
 29.4
Income Before Income Tax Expense143.7
 126.8
 16.9
 13.3
 412.0
 356.0
 56.0
 15.7
148.7
 143.7
 5.0
 3.5
 437.1
 412.0
 25.1
 6.1
Income Tax Expense57.1
 46.6
 10.5
 22.5
 155.4
 127.8
 27.6
 21.6
52.6
 57.1
 (4.5) (7.9) 159.5
 155.4
 4.1
 2.6
Net Income$86.6
 $80.2
 $6.4
 8.0 % $256.6
 $228.2
 $28.4
 12.4 %$96.1
 $86.6
 $9.5
 11.0 % $277.6
 $256.6
 $21.0
 8.2 %

(a) Percent greater than 100 not shown as it is not meaningful.

Operating Revenues
CL&P’s&P's retail sales volumes were as follows:
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 Increase Percent 2016 2015 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh6,225
 6,103
 122
 2.0% 16,541
 17,123
 (582) (3.4)%
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 Decrease Percent 2017 2016 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh5,644
 6,225
 (581) (9.3)% 15,812
 16,541
 (729) (4.4)%

Three Months Ended:
CL&P’s&P's Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, increased by $55.7$14.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015.

Base distribution revenues increased by $6.5 million due to a higher rate base resulting from the 2015 PURA ADIT settlement agreement that is being collected from customers in distribution rates ($5.4 million) and the absence of an authorized ROE reduction, as stipulated in the PURA 2014 rate case decision, recorded in the third quarter of 2015 ($1.1 million).  2016.

Fluctuations in CL&P’s&P's sales volumes do not impact the level of base distribution revenue realized or earnings due to the PURA approvedPURA-approved revenue decoupling mechanism.  CL&P’s&P's revenue decoupling mechanism permits recovery of a base amount of distribution revenues ($1.059 billion annually) and breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.  The revenue decoupling mechanism results in the recovery of approved base distribution revenue requirements.  

Fluctuations in the overall level of operating revenues are primarily related to tracked revenues.  Tracked revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in rates through PURA-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, have no impact on earnings.  Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include energy supply procurement and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs and restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues.   In addition, certain tracked revenues include certain incentives earned and carrying charges.charges that are billed in rates to customers. Tracked distribution revenues increased primarily as a result of an increase in federally mandated congestion charges ($40.5 million), an increase in competitive transition assessment charges ($9.7 million) and an increase in retail transmission charges ($9.6 million).  In addition, as a result of a change to the amounts collected in the system benefits charge, CL&P’s calculated rate base increased, providing an increase to distribution revenues that impacted earnings of $8.2 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in energy supply costs ($27.1 million) driven by decreasedincreased average retail rates.prices. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in stranded cost recovery revenues ($7.6 million) and a decrease in retail transmission charges ($7.6 million).

Transmission revenues increased by $13.1$6.3 million due primarily to the recovery of higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure.

Nine Months Ended:
CL&P's Operating Revenues decreased by $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016.

Tracked distribution revenues decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in energy supply costs ($25.0 million) driven by decreased average retail prices and lower sales volumes. In addition, there was a $17.8 million decrease in stranded cost recovery revenues. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in federally-mandated congestion charges ($23.0 million).

Transmission revenues increased by $27.2 million due primarily to higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure.



Nine Months Ended:
CL&P’s Operating Revenues decreased by $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015.

Base distribution revenues increased by $19.4 million due to a higher rate base resulting from the 2015 PURA ADIT settlement agreement that is being collected from customers in distribution rates ($16.1 million) and the absence of an authorized ROE reduction, as stipulated in the PURA 2014 rate case decision, recorded in the first nine months of 2015 ($3.3 million).  

Tracked distribution revenues decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in energy supply costs ($187.1 million) driven by decreased average retail rates and lower sales volumes.  Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in retail transmission charges ($27.4 million), an increase in federally mandated congestion charges ($70.4 million) and an increase in competitive transition assessment charges ($24 million).  In addition, as a result of a change to the amounts collected in the system benefits charge, CL&P’s calculated rate base increased, providing an increase to distribution revenues that impacted earnings of $17.5 million.

Transmission revenues increased by $49.3 million due primarily to higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure and the absence in 2016 of a $12.5 million reserve charge recorded in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the March 2015 FERC ROE order.

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity on behalf of CL&P’s&P's customers.  These energy supply costs are recovered from customers in rates through PURA-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs). Total Purchased Power and Transmission expense decreasedincreased for the three months ended September 30, 2017, and decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars)Three Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
 
Nine Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
Three Months Ended Increase/(Decrease) 
Nine Months Ended
Increase/(Decrease)
Purchased Power Costs$(37.0) $(149.7)$5.7
 $(68.1)
Transmission Costs15.7
 48.7
(0.2) 18.7
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$(21.3) $(101.0)$5.5
 $(49.4)

Included in purchased power costs are the costs associated with CL&P’s generation services charge (GSC)&P's GSC, CTA and FMCC tracking mechanisms and deferred energy supply costs.  The increase in purchased power costs for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was due primarily to GSC-related purchased power expenses. The GSC recovers energy-related costs incurred as a result of providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers. The decrease in purchased power costs for the threenine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, was due primarily to the deferral adjustment of energy supply costs, which can fluctuate from period to period based upon the timing of costs incurred and the related rate changes to recover these costs. Thea decrease in purchased powerthe price of standard offer supply also associated with the GSC, and lower sales volumes. The increase in transmission costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015, was due primarily to a decrease in the prices of standard offer supply, as well as lower sales volumes.  The increase in transmission costs2016, was primarily the result of an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investment. investment, and Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service. This was partially offset by a decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense increased for the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, driven by a $2.1$0.4 million increase in non-tracked costs, which was primarily attributable to higher shared corporate costs, partially offset by lower employee-related expenses, lower storm restoration costs and lower vegetation management costs. The increase in non-tracked costs was partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in tracked costs, which was primarily attributable to lower tracked system resiliency, lower bad debt expense and lower employee-related costs, partially offset by higher transmission expenses.

Operations and Maintenance expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, driven by a $6.5 million increase in tracked costs, which was primarily attributable to higher transmission expenses, partially offset by a $1.4lower tracked bad debt expense. Non-tracked costs decreased $3.0 million, decrease in non-tracked costs, which was primarily attributable to lower public liability claims.

Operations and Maintenance expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, driven by a $4.2 million decrease in non-tracked costs, which was primarily attributable to lower public liability claims, lower employee-related expenses, reimbursement of legal fees in the second quarter of 2016,lower bad debt expense and the absence in 2016 of integrationlower vegetation management costs, recorded in the first nine months of 2015, partially offset by higher shared corporate costs, higher storm restoration costs.  Tracked costs, which have no earnings impact, increased $2.3 million, which was primarily attributable toand higher transmission expenses partially offset by lower bad debt expense.system resiliency project costs.

Depreciation expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher utility plant in service balances.  

Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities),Assets, Netexpense (the costs of which are tracked) includes the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs and the amortization of stormcertain costs, which are recovered from customers in rates and other costs.  Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net increasedhave no impact on earnings.  The deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues. The increase for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, was due primarily to the deferral adjustmentfluctuation of energy supply and energy-related costs,the deferral, which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs.

Energy Efficiency Programs expense decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same periods in 2016, due primarily to the deferral adjustment, which reflects the actual cost of energy efficiency programs compared to the estimated amounts billed to customers and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs. The deferral adjusts expensecosts incurred to match the corresponding revenues.  Energy supply and energy-relatedenergy efficiency revenue billed to customers. The costs which are the primary drivers in amortization,for various state policy initiatives are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxesexpense increaseddecreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same periods in 2015,2016, due primarily to a decrease in gross earnings taxes, partially offset by an increase in property taxes as a result ofdue to higher utility plant balances and an increase in grossbalances. Gross earnings taxes (theare tracked costs of which are tracked).and have no impact on earnings.



Income Tax Expense increaseddecreased for the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher pre-tax earningsthe true-up of the return to provision impacts ($5.94.7 million), higher state income taxes ($0.8 million), and items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($4.31.5 million), partially offset by the true up of the return to provision impacts and a lower tax benefit from a reduction in tax reserveshigher pre-tax earnings ($0.51.7 million).

Income Tax Expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($19.68.8 million) and higher state taxes ($2.6 million), higher state income taxespartially offset by the true-up of the return to provision impacts ($2.54.7 million), and flow-through items and permanent differences ($6.9 million), partially offset by the true up of the return to provision impacts and a lower tax benefit from a reduction in tax reserves ($0.5 million), and the excess tax benefit due to the adoption of new accounting guidance related to share-based payment transactions ($0.92.6 million).



EARNINGS SUMMARY

CL&P’s&P's earnings increased $6.4$9.5 millionfor the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to a lower effective tax rate, an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, and higher distribution revenues asdue in part to a result of higher rate base andfor the absence of an authorized ROE reduction, as stipulated in the PURA 2014 rate case decision.  These favorable earnings impacts weresystem resiliency program, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate, higher property and other taxes expense, and higher depreciation expense.

CL&P’s&P's earnings increased $28.4$21.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to an increase in transmission earnings driven by a higher transmission rate base, as well as the absence in 2016 of the 2015 FERC ROE complaint proceedings reserve charge, higher distribution revenues asdue in part to a result of higher rate base andfor the absence of an authorized ROE reduction, as stipulated in the PURA 2014 rate case decision,system resiliency program, and lower non-tracked operations and maintenance expense.  These favorable earnings impacts were partially offset by higher property and other taxes expense, a higher effective tax rate and higher depreciation expense.

LIQUIDITY

Cash totaled $8.6$9.4 million as of September 30, 2016,2017, compared with $1.1$6.6 million as of December 31, 2015.2016.

CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activities of $623.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to $614.4 million in the same period of 2016.  The increase in operating cash flows was due primarily to the favorable impact of the timing of regulatory recoveries and the timing of collections and payments of our working capital items, including accounts receivable and accounts payable.  Partially offsetting these favorable impacts were the income tax payments of $19.8 million made in 2017, compared to the income tax refunds of $128.5 million received in 2016.

Eversource parent has a $1.45 billion commercial paper program allowing Eversource parent to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt, with intercompany loans to certain subsidiaries, including CL&P.  The weighted-average interest rate on the commercial paper borrowings as of September 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 was 0.661.34 percent and 0.720.88 percent, respectively. AsThere were no intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P as of September 30, 2016 and2017.  As of December 31, 2015,2016, there were intercompany loans from Eversource parent to CL&P of $108.5 million and $277.4 million, respectively.

$80.1 million. Eversource parent, and certain of its subsidiaries, including CL&P, are parties to a five-year $1.45 billion revolving credit facility. Effective September 26, 2016, theThe revolving credit facility’s termination date was extended for one additional year tofacility terminates on September 4, 2021.  The revolving credit facility serves to backstop Eversource parent's $1.45 billion commercial paper program. There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2016 or2017 and December 31, 2015.2016.

In August 2017, CL&P had cash flows provided by operating activitiesissued $225 million of $614.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared4.30 percent 2014 Series A First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds due to $421.8 millionmature in 2044. These bonds are part of the same periodseries of 2015.CL&P’s existing 4.30 percent bonds that were initially issued in 2014. The increase in operating cash flows was due primarilyaggregate outstanding principal amount for these bonds is now $475 million. The proceeds, net of issuance costs, were used to a $124.7refinance short-term debt and fund capital expenditures and working capital.

In September 2017, CL&P repaid at maturity $100 million favorable impact due to the change in income tax payments made or refunds received during 2016, as compared to 2015, as well as the favorable impact of the timing of regulatory recoveries, primarily related to purchased power costs. Also contributing to the increase in cash flows was an increase in distribution rates due to higher rate base. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts was the timing of collections and payments related to our working capital items, including accounts receivable and accounts payable. 5.75 percent 2007 Series C First Mortgage Bonds.

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment on the statements of cash flows do not include amounts incurred on capital projects but not yet paid, cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized portions of pension expense.  CL&P’s&P's investments in property, plant and equipment totaled $438.5$621.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for NSTAR Electric for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:  
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2017 2016 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent
Operating Revenues$1,913.5
 $1,986.0
 $(72.5) (3.7)%
Operating Expenses:     
  
Purchased Power and Transmission689.8
 764.9
 (75.1) (9.8)
Operations and Maintenance266.2
 279.9
 (13.7) (4.9)
Depreciation167.6
 159.2
 8.4
 5.3
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net17.8
 18.3
 (0.5) (2.7)
Energy Efficiency Programs198.8
 212.9
 (14.1) (6.6)
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes99.0
 101.8
 (2.8) (2.8)
Total Operating Expenses1,439.2
 1,537.0
 (97.8) (6.4)
Operating Income474.3
 449.0
 25.3
 5.6
Interest Expense70.0
 62.2
 7.8
 12.5
Other Income, Net8.7
 7.6
 1.1
 14.5
Income Before Income Tax Expense413.0
 394.4
 18.6
 4.7
Income Tax Expense161.3
 154.5
 6.8
 4.4
Net Income$251.7
 $239.9
 $11.8
 4.9 %
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent
Operating Revenues$1,986.0
 $2,134.7
 $(148.7) (7.0)%
Operating Expenses:     
  
Purchased Power and Transmission764.9
 984.0
 (219.1) (22.3)
Operations and Maintenance279.9
 228.8
 51.1
 22.3
Depreciation159.2
 146.8
 12.4
 8.4
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net18.3
 (10.6) 28.9
 (a)
Energy Efficiency Programs212.9
 164.8
 48.1
 29.2
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes101.8
 95.8
 6.0
 6.3
Total Operating Expenses1,537.0
 1,609.6
 (72.6) (4.5)
Operating Income449.0
 525.1
 (76.1) (14.5)
Interest Expense62.2
 57.2
 5.0
 8.7
Other Income, Net7.6
 3.6
 4.0
 (a)
Income Before Income Tax Expense394.4
 471.5
 (77.1) (16.4)
Income Tax Expense154.5
 187.4
 (32.9) (17.6)
Net Income$239.9
 $284.1
 $(44.2) (15.6)%
(a) Percent greater than 100 not shown as it is not meaningful. 

Operating Revenues
NSTAR Electric’sElectric's retail sales volumes were as follows:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh15,746
 16,260
 (514) (3.2)%
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh15,204
 15,746
 (542) (3.4)%

NSTAR Electric’sElectric's Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, decreased by $148.7$72.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015.2016.  

Base distribution revenues:  Base distribution revenues, excluding LBR, decreased $15.9$11.2 million infor the first nine months of 2016, driven by a 3.2 percent decrease in sales volumes due primarily to increased customer energy conservation efforts, including those resulting from company-sponsored energy efficiency programs, and the impact of the warmer than normal weather in the first quarter of 2016,ended September 30, 2017, as compared to much colder than normal temperaturesthe same period in the first quarter of 2015.  NSTAR Electric is allowed to recover LBR related to reductions in sales volumes2016, as a result of successful energy efficiency programs.

Also contributinglower sales volumes in 2017, as compared to 2016 driven by the mild summer weather during the third quarter of 2017. LBR increased $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the decreasesame period in operating revenues in the first nine months of 2016 was the absence of an $11 million benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2015 related to the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement associated with the recovery of LBR related to 2009 through 2011 energy efficiency programs.  2016. 

Tracked revenues:  Tracked revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in rates through DPU-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, have no impact on earnings.  Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include energy supply procurement and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, net metering for distributed generation and transition cost recovery revenues.   In addition, certain tracked revenues include certain incentives earned and carrying charges.charges that are billed in rates to customers. Tracked distribution revenues decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in energy supply costs ($295.844.1 million) driven by decreased average retail ratesprices and lower sales volumes.  Partially offsetting thisvolumes, a decrease was an increase in retail transmission charges ($55.153.9 million), an increasea decrease in the pension rate adjustment mechanism ($14.7 million), and a decrease in transition cost recovery related to energy efficiency programsrevenues ($47.811.9 million) and.  Partially offsetting these decreases were an increase in net metering revenues ($2320.2 million) and an increase in revenues related to renewable energy requirements ($23.4 million).

Transmission revenues increased by $25.2$20.6 million due primarily to the recovery of higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure and the absence in 2016 of a $2.4 million reserve charge recorded in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the March 2015 FERC ROE order.


infrastructure.

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with purchasing electricity on behalf of NSTAR Electric’sElectric's customers. These energy supply costs are recovered from customers in rates through DPU-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs).  Total Purchased Power and Transmission expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to the following:  
(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)Decrease
Purchased Power Costs$(297.3)$(42.3)
Transmission Costs78.2
(32.8)
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$(219.1)$(75.1)



Included in purchased power costs are the costs associated with NSTAR Electric’sElectric's basic service charge and deferred energy supply costs.  The basic service charge recovers energy-related costs incurred as a result of providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers.  The decrease in purchased power costs was due primarily to lower prices associated with the procurement of energy supply and lower sales volumes.  The increasedecrease in transmission costs was primarily the result of an increasea decrease in the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects the actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense increaseddecreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, driven by a $33.6$13.0 million increasedecrease in non-tracked costs, which was primarily attributable to the absence in 2016 of the resolution of the basic servicelower employee-related expenses, lower bad debt adder mechanismexpense and lower storm restoration costs, partially offset by higher shared corporate costs, a $4.9 million charge recorded in the firstsecond quarter of 2015 ($24.2 million),2017 related to the Boston Harbor civil action settlement, and higher vegetation management expense and higher storm restoration costs. Additionally, there was a $17.5Tracked costs decreased $0.7 million, increase in tracked costs, which have no earnings impact, that was primarily attributable to higherlower tracked employee-related expenses, due to increased current year collections of a prior year pensionpartially offset by higher transmission expenses and PBOP costs underrecovery and higher tracked bad debt expense.

Depreciation expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher utility plant in service balances.  

Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), NetEnergy Efficiency Programs reflects the absence in 2016 of an $11.7 million benefit recognized in the first quarter of 2015 relating to the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement, and the deferral adjustment of certain costs that exceeded billed revenuesexpense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015.2016, due primarily to the deferral adjustment, which reflects the actual cost of energy efficiency programs compared to the estimated amounts billed to customers and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs. The deferral adjusts expensecosts incurred to match the corresponding revenues.  These deferredenergy efficiency revenue billed to customers. The costs which can fluctuate from period to period based on the timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs,for various state policy initiatives are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.

Energy Efficiency ProgramsTaxes Other Than Income Taxes expense (the costs of which are tracked) decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to a decrease in property tax rates and lower employment-related taxes.

Interest Expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to the deferral adjustment, which reflects the actual costs billed to energy efficiency programs compared to the amount billed to customers and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs incurred in accordance with the three-year program guidelines established by the DPU.  The deferral adjusts expense to match the energy efficiency programs revenue.  new debt issuances.

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, due primarily to an increase in property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

Other Income, Net increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, due primarily to higher AFUDC on equity funds ($4.1 million).

InterestTax Expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher interest on long-term debtpre-tax earnings ($8.26.9 million) as a result of new debt issuances,, partially offset by an increase in AFUDC borrowed funds ($2 million).

Income Tax Expense decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, due primarily to lower pre-tax earnings ($27.4 million), lower state income taxes ($4.6 million), items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) ($1.5 million), and the excess tax benefit due to the adoption of new accounting guidance related to share-based payment transactionspermanent differences ($1 million), partially offset by other items ($1.60.1 million).

EARNINGS SUMMARY

NSTAR Electric’sElectric's earnings decreased $44.2increased $11.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to the absence in 2016 of both the 2015 resolution of the basic service bad debt adder mechanism ($14.5 million) and the 2015 favorable impact associated with the Comprehensive Settlement Agreement ($13 million), lower retail sales volumes, higher depreciation expense, and higher operations and maintenance expense.  These unfavorable earnings impacts wereexpense and lower property tax expense, partially offset by an increase in transmission earnings, which waslower sales volumes driven by athe mild summer weather during the third quarter of 2017, and higher transmission rate base as well as the absence in 2016 of the 2015 FERC ROE complaint proceedings reserve charge.


interest and depreciation expense.

LIQUIDITY

NSTAR Electric had cash flows provided by operating activities of $564.3$413.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to $502.3$564.3 million in the same period of 2015.2016.  The increasedecrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to an increasea decrease in regulatory recoveries, due towhich were significantly impacted by the timing of collections from customers in excess of purchased power and transmission costs, costsan increase of $56.3 million in Pension and energy efficiency programs. In addition,PBOP Plan cash contributions, and the income tax payments of $23.9 million made in 2017, compared to the income tax refunds of $28.1 million received in 2016. Partially offsetting these decreases was a favorable impact related to the timing of collections of accounts payable paymentsreceivable.

NSTAR Electric has a $450 million commercial paper program allowing NSTAR Electric to issue commercial paper as a form of short-term debt. As of September 30, 2017, NSTAR Electric had a favorable impact on operating cash flows. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts was a $43.3 million reduction in income tax refunds inno short-term borrowings outstanding and as of December 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015 and an increase in Pension Plan contributions of $15.8NSTAR Electric had $126.5 million in short-term borrowings outstanding under its commercial paper program, leaving $450.0 million and $323.5 million of available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings as comparedof December 31, 2016 was 0.71 percent.  NSTAR Electric is a party to 2015a five-year $450 million revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility terminates on September 4, 2021.  The revolving credit facility serves to backstop NSTAR Electric's $450 million commercial paper program.  There were no borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2017 and changes related to working capital items.December 31, 2016.







RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARY

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for PSNH for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:  
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent2017 2016 Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent
Operating Revenues$727.8
 $761.1
 $(33.3) (4.4)%$733.6
 $727.8
 $5.8
 0.8 %
Operating Expenses: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission155.7
 200.5
 (44.8) (22.3)179.3
 155.7
 23.6
 15.2
Operations and Maintenance187.2
 200.1
 (12.9) (6.4)191.2
 187.2
 4.0
 2.1
Depreciation86.5
 78.0
 8.5
 10.9
95.3
 86.5
 8.8
 10.2
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net14.5
 29.2
 (14.7) (50.3)
Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net(10.7) 14.5
 (25.2) (a)
Energy Efficiency Programs10.9
 11.0
 (0.1) (0.9)11.0
 10.9
 0.1
 0.9
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes64.5
 61.4
 3.1
 5.0
67.0
 64.5
 2.5
 3.9
Total Operating Expenses519.3
 580.2
 (60.9) (10.5)533.1
 519.3
 13.8
 2.7
Operating Income208.5
 180.9
 27.6
 15.3
200.5
 208.5
 (8.0) (3.8)
Interest Expense37.4
 34.6
 2.8
 8.1
38.7
 37.4
 1.3
 3.5
Other Income, Net1.0
 2.3
 (1.3) (56.5)2.9
 1.0
 1.9
 (a)
Income Before Income Tax Expense172.1
 148.6
 23.5
 15.8
164.7
 172.1
 (7.4) (4.3)
Income Tax Expense66.3
 56.1
 10.2
 18.2
65.1
 66.3
 (1.2) (1.8)
Net Income$105.8
 $92.5
 $13.3
 14.4 %$99.6
 $105.8
 $(6.2) (5.9)%

(a) Percent greater than 100 not shown as it is not meaningful.

Operating Revenues
PSNH’sPSNH's retail sales volumes were as follows:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh5,985
 6,049
 (64) (1.1)%
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh5,835
 5,985
 (150) (2.5)%

PSNH’sPSNH's Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, decreasedincreased by $33.3$5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015.2016.

Base distribution revenues:  Base distribution revenues increased $2.1decreased $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, due primarily to a $4.4 million increase as a result of distribution rate increases effective July 1, 2015 and July 1, 2016. Partially offsetting this increase was a 1.12.5 percent decrease in sales volumes due primarily to increased customer energy conservation efforts, including those resulting from company-sponsored energy efficiency programs, anddriven by the impact ofmild summer weather during the warmer than normal weather in the firstthird quarter of 2016, as compared to much colder than normal temperatures in the first quarter of 2015.2017.

Tracked revenues: Tracked revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in rates through NHPUC-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, have no impact on earnings.  Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include energy supply procurement and energy-related costs, and costs associated with the generation of electricity for customers, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs and stranded cost recovery revenues.   In addition, certain tracked revenues include certain incentives earned and carrying charges.charges that are billed in rates to customers. Tracked distribution revenues decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in energy supply costsrevenues related to the timing of the sale of RECs ($15.3 million) and a reductiondecrease in the energy service rate ($5.1 million). Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in retail transmission charges ($7.2 million) and an increase in wholesale generation revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period of 2015 ($39.64.0 million), driven by lower sales volumes.  In addition, stranded cost recovery and retail transmission charges decreased by $6.4 million and $3 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015..

Transmission revenues increased by $17.2$17.6 million due primarily to the recovery of higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure and the absence in 2016 of a $1 million reserve charge recorded in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the March 2015 FERC ROE order.infrastructure.

Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense includes costs associated with PSNH’sPSNH's generation of electricity, as well as purchasing electricity on behalf of its customers.  These generation and energy supply costs are recovered from customers in rates through NHPUC-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs).  Total Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission expense decreasedincreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)Increase
Purchased Power and Generation Fuel Costs$(56.9)$5.1
Transmission Costs12.1
18.5
Total Purchased Power, Fuel and Transmission$(44.8)$23.6



In order to meet the demand of customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers, PSNH procures power through power supply contracts and spot purchases in the competitive New England wholesale power market and/or produces power through its own generation.  The decreaseincrease in purchased power and generation fuel costs was due primarily to higher purchased power energy expenses that are recovered as a decreasecomponent of the Energy Service rate, and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative related expenses recovered in the amount of electricity generated by PSNH facilities.SCRC. The increase in transmission costs was primarily the result of an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investment.investment, and Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service, as well as the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense decreasedincreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, driven by a $9.9$2.1 million decreaseincrease in non-trackedtracked costs, thatwhich was primarily attributable to the absence in 2016 of a $5 million contribution recorded in the second quarter of 2015 to create a clean energy fund in connection with the generation divestiture agreement, andhigher transmission expenses, partially offset by lower employee-related expenses. Additionally, there was a $3Non-tracked costs increased by $1.9 million, decrease in tracked costs thatwhich was primarily attributable to lower contractorhigher shared corporate costs due to the timing of planned outages at PSNH’s generation facilitiesand higher vegetation management costs, partially offset by higher transmission expenses, which have no earnings impact.lower employee-related expenses.

Depreciation expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher utility plant in service balances.  

Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net expense (the costs of which are tracked) includes the deferral of energy supply and energy-related costs and the amortization of certain costs, which are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.  The deferral adjusts expense to match the corresponding revenues.  The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, was due primarily to a decrease in the default energy service charge.  Thefluctuation of the deferral, adjusts expensewhich can fluctuate from period to matchperiod based on the corresponding revenues.timing of costs incurred and related rate changes to recover these costs. 

Taxes Other Than Income Taxes expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to an increase in property taxes as a result ofdue to higher utility plant balances.

Income Tax Expense increaseddecreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higherlower pre-tax earnings ($8.22.6 million), higher state taxes ($1.2 million), and items that impact our tax rate as a result of regulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($1.21.0 million), partially offset by other itemsthe absence of a tax credit in 2017 ($0.3 million) and the excess tax benefit due to the adoption of new accounting guidance related to share-based payment transactions ($0.42.4 million).

EARNINGS SUMMARY

PSNH’sPSNH's earnings increased $13.3decreased $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to lower generation earnings, higher property tax and depreciation expense and lower sales volumes driven by the mild summer weather during the third quarter of 2017. These unfavorable earnings impacts were partially offset by an increase in transmission earnings which was driven by a higher transmission rate base as well as the absence in 2016 of the 2015 FERC ROE complaint proceedings reserve charge, higher generation earnings, lower operations and maintenance expense, and the impact of the distribution rate increases effective July 1, 2015 and July 1, 2016.  These favorable earnings impacts were partially offset by higher depreciation expense and lower retail sales volumes.base.

LIQUIDITY

PSNH had cash flows provided by operating activities of $306$264.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to $243.9$306.0 million in the same period of 2015.2016.  The increasedecrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to the favorable impactincome tax payments of the timing of payments related$11.8 million made in 2017, compared to our accounts payable. In addition,the income tax refunds of $41.3 million were received in 2016, compared to income tax payments of $5 million the same period in 2015.2016. Partially offsetting these favorable impacts were an increase inthis decrease was $16.2 million of lower Pension Plan contributions of $15.8 millionmade in 2017, as compared to 2016, and the usefavorable impacts related to the timing of fuel inventories.regulatory recoveries.





RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY

The following provides the amounts and variances in operating revenues and expense line items in the statements of income for WMECO for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 20152016 included in this combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:  
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Millions of Dollars)2016 2015 Increase/(Decrease) Percent2017 2016 
Increase/
(Decrease)
 Percent
Operating Revenues$368.5
 $403.2
 $(34.7) (8.6)%$377.2
 $368.5
 $8.7
 2.4 %
Operating Expenses: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Purchased Power and Transmission104.4
 149.2
 (44.8) (30.0)109.6
 104.4
 5.2
 5.0
Operations and Maintenance68.0
 61.7
 6.3
 10.2
65.8
 68.0
 (2.2) (3.2)
Depreciation34.4
 32.4
 2.0
 6.2
36.8
 34.4
 2.4
 7.0
Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net3.3
 11.2
 (7.9) (70.5)
Amortization of Regulatory Assets/(Liabilities), Net(0.6) 3.3
 (3.9) (a)
Energy Efficiency Programs33.6
 32.7
 0.9
 2.8
29.7
 33.6
 (3.9) (11.6)
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes30.4
 28.4
 2.0
 7.0
31.4
 30.4
 1.0
 3.3
Total Operating Expenses274.1
 315.6
 (41.5) (13.1)272.7
 274.1
 (1.4) (0.5)
Operating Income94.4
 87.6
 6.8
 7.8
104.5
 94.4
 10.1
 10.7
Interest Expense18.3
 19.0
 (0.7) (3.7)18.8
 18.3
 0.5
 2.7
Other Income, Net0.1
 2.4
 (2.3) (95.8)1.4
 0.1
 1.3
 (a)
Income Before Income Tax Expense76.2
 71.0
 5.2
 7.3
87.1
 76.2
 10.9
 14.3
Income Tax Expense30.1
 28.6
 1.5
 5.2
34.7
 30.1
 4.6
 15.3
Net Income$46.1
 $42.4
 $3.7
 8.7 %$52.4
 $46.1
 $6.3
 13.7 %

(a) Percent greater than 100 not shown as it is not meaningful.    

Operating Revenues
WMECO’sWMECO's retail sales volumes were as follows:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh2,695
 2,742
 (47) (1.7)%
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 Decrease Percent
Retail Sales Volumes in GWh2,579
 2,695
 (116) (4.3)%

WMECO’sWMECO's Operating Revenues, which consist of base distribution revenues and tracked revenues further described below, decreasedincreased by $34.7$8.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015.2016.

Fluctuations in WMECO’sWMECO's sales volumes do not impact the level of base distribution revenue realized or earnings due to the DPU approvedDPU-approved revenue decoupling mechanism.  WMECO’sWMECO's revenue decoupling mechanism permits recovery of a base amount of distribution revenues ($132.4 million annually) and breaks the relationship between sales volumes and revenues recognized.  The revenue decoupling mechanism results in the recovery of approved base distribution revenue requirements.  

Fluctuations in the overall level of operating revenues are primarily related to tracked revenues.  Tracked revenues consist of certain costs that are recovered from customers in rates through DPU-approved cost tracking mechanisms and therefore, have no impact on earnings.  Costs recovered through cost tracking mechanisms include energy supply procurement and other energy-related costs, retail transmission charges, energy efficiency program costs, low income assistance programs, and restructuring and stranded cost recovery revenues.  In addition, certain tracked revenues include certain incentives earned and carrying charges.charges that are billed in rates to customers. Tracked distribution revenues decreased due primarily to a decrease in energy supply costs ($47.810.8 million) driven by decreased average retail ratesprices and lower sales volumes.volumes, partially offset by increases in revenues related to renewable energy requirements ($6.6 million).

Transmission revenues increased by $13.6$12.0 million due primarily to the absence in 2016recovery of a $4.1 million reserve charge recorded in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the March 2015 FERC ROE order and higher revenue requirements associated with ongoing investments in our transmission infrastructure.

Purchased Power and Transmission expense includes costs associated with the purchasing of energy supplyelectricity on behalf of WMECO’sWMECO's customers. These energy supply costs are recovered from customers in rates through DPU-approved cost tracking mechanisms, which have no impact on earnings (tracked costs).  Total Purchased Power and Transmission expense decreasedincreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to the following:
(Millions of Dollars)Increase/(Decrease)Increase/(Decrease)
Purchased Power Costs$(51.3)$(2.6)
Transmission Costs6.5
7.8
Total Purchased Power and Transmission$(44.8)$5.2



Included in purchased power costs are the costs associated with WMECO’sWMECO's basic service charge and deferred energy supply costs.  The basic service charge recovers energy-related costs incurred as a result of providing electric generation service supply to all customers who have not migrated to third party suppliers.  The decrease in purchased power costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was due primarily to lower prices associated with the procurement of energy supply and lower sales volumes. The increase in transmission costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same period in 2016, was primarily the result of an increase in costs billed by ISO-NE that support regional grid investment.investment, and Local Network Service charges, which reflect the cost of transmission service, as well as the retail transmission cost deferral, which reflects actual costs of transmission service compared to estimated amounts billed to customers.

Operations and Maintenance expense includes tracked costs and costs that are part of base distribution rates with changes impacting earnings (non-tracked costs).  Operations and Maintenance expense increaseddecreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, driven by a $3.7decrease in non-tracked costs of $1.9 million, increase in tracked costs, which have no earnings impact, that was primarily attributable to lower employee-related expenses, partially offset by higher transmissionshared corporate costs. Tracked costs also decreased by $0.3 million, which was primarily attributable to lower tracked employee-related expenses, and thea lower deferral ofadjustment for RECs generated and sold by the WMECO solar program, and an increase of $2.6 million in non-tracked costs that was primarily attributable topartially offset by higher employee-related expenses and higher public liability claims.transmission expenses.

Depreciation expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher utility plant in service balances.  

Amortization of Regulatory Assets,Assets/(Liabilities), Net expense (the costs of which are tracked) decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due to the timing of refunds or recovery of tracked costs to/from customers in rates.  These costs have no impact on earnings.

Taxes Other Than Income TaxesEnergy Efficiency Programs expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, due primarily to an increase in property taxes as a result of higher utility plant balances.

Other Income, Net decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to lower AFUDC on equity funds ($1.4 million) and a decrease in net gains relatedthe deferral adjustment, which reflects the actual cost of energy efficiency programs compared to the deferred compensation plans ($0.3 million).estimated amounts billed to customers and the timing of the recovery of energy efficiency costs. The deferral adjusts costs incurred to match energy efficiency revenue billed to customers. The costs for various state policy initiatives are recovered from customers in rates and have no impact on earnings.

Income Tax Expense increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to higher pre-tax earnings ($1.9 million), partially offset by other items ($0.23.8 million) and the excessitems that impact our tax benefit due to the adoptionrate as a result of new accounting guidance related to share-based payment transactionsregulatory treatment (flow-through items) and permanent differences ($0.20.8 million).

EARNINGS SUMMARY

WMECO’sWMECO's earnings increased $3.7$6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to the same period in 2015,2016, due primarily to an increase in transmission earnings which was driven by the absence in 2016 of the 2015 FERC ROE complaint proceedings reserve charge as well as a higher transmission rate base, and lower interest expense on long-term debt.  These favorable earnings impacts were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expense, higher property and other taxes expense, and higher depreciation expense.

LIQUIDITY

WMECO had cash flows provided by operating activities of $124.8$92.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, as compared to $68$124.8 million in the same period of 2015.2016.  The increasedecrease in operating cash flows was due primarily to the income tax payments of $2.0 million made in 2017, compared to the income tax refunds of $21.6 million received in 2016, and the unfavorable impacts related to the timing of collections and payments of our working capital items, including accounts receivable and an increase of $21 million in income tax refunds in 2016, as comparedreceivable. Partially offsetting these unfavorable impacts was the benefit related to the same period in 2015.timing of regulatory recoveries.



ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk Information

Commodity Price Risk Management:  Our Regulated companies enter into energy contracts to serve our customers and the economic impacts of those contracts are passed on to our customers.  Accordingly, the Regulated companies have no exposure to loss of future earnings or fair values due to these market risk-sensitive instruments.  Eversource’sEversource's Energy Supply Risk Committee, comprised of senior officers, reviews and approves all large scale energy related transactions entered into by its Regulated companies.

Other Risk Management Activities

Interest Rate Risk Management:  We manage our interest rate risk exposure in accordance with our written policies and procedures by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate long-term debt.  

Credit Risk Management:  Credit risk relates to the risk of loss that we would incur as a result of non-performance by counterparties pursuant to the terms of our contractual obligations.  We serve a wide variety of customers and transact with suppliers that include IPPs, industrial companies, natural gas and electric utilities, oil and gas producers, financial institutions, and other energy marketers.  Margin accounts exist within this diverse group, and we realize interest receipts and payments related to balances outstanding in these margin accounts.  This wide customer and supplier mix generates a need for a variety of contractual structures, products and terms that, in turn, require us to manage the portfolio of market risk inherent in those transactions in a manner consistent with the parameters established by our risk management process.

Our Regulated companies are subject to credit risk from certain long-term or high-volume supply contracts with energy marketing companies.  Our Regulated companies manage the credit risk with these counterparties in accordance with established credit risk practices and monitor contracting risks, including credit risk.  As of September 30, 2016,2017, our Regulated companies did not hold collateral (letters of credit) from counterparties related to our standard service contracts.  As of September 30, 2016,2017, Eversource had $16.7$24.5 million of cash posted with ISO-NE related to energy purchase transactions.

We have provided additional disclosures regarding interest rate risk management and credit risk management in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk," in Eversource’s 2015Eversource's 2016 Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no additional risks identified and no material changes with regard to the items previously disclosed in the Eversource 20152016 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management, on behalf of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO, evaluated the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 20162017 to determine whether they are effective in ensuring that the disclosure of required information is made timely and in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations of the SEC.  This evaluation was made under management’smanagement's supervision and with management’smanagement's participation, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  There are inherent limitations of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumventing or overriding of the controls and procedures.  Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.  The principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their review, that the disclosure controls and procedures of Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and regulations and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

During the third quarter of 2016, we2017, Eversource implemented a new time keeping and human resourcesupply chain management system resulting in a material change in internal controls over financial reporting. TheseThis new systemssupply chain system consisted of both modern software tools and revised processes that consolidated and standardized the timekeepingall supply chain processes and human resource management forpractices across all of Eversource, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, and provides for common time and employee data collection and reporting processes, practices and structures.WMECO. Pre-implementation testing and post-implementation reviews were conducted by management to ensure that internal controls surrounding the system implementation process, the applications, and the closing process were properly designed to prevent material financial statement errors. Such procedures included the review of required documents, user acceptance testing, change management procedures, access controls, data migration strategies and reconciliations, application interface testing and other standard application controls.

ThereExcept as described above, there have been no changes except previously discussed, in internal controls over financial reporting for Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and WMECO during the quarter ended September 30, 20162017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting.




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are parties to various legal proceedings.  We have disclosed these legal proceedings in Part I, Item 3, “Legal"Legal Proceedings," and elsewhere in our 20152016 Form 10-K.  These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.  

In August 2013,On May 22, 2017, each of the Yankee Companies each filed subsequent lawsuits against the DOE seeking recovery of actual damages incurred in the Court of Federal Claims seeking damages totaling approximately $100 million for CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC, covering the years 2009 through 2012, as described underfrom 2013 to 2016 (“DOE Phase IV”). The DOE Phase IV trial is expected to begin in 2018. For a further discussion of the caption “Yankee Companies v. U.S. Department of Energy,” “DOE Phase III Damages” in see Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings” of our 20152016 Form 10-K. On March 25, 2016, the court issued its decision and awarded the Yankee Companies approximately $76.8 million of the $77.9 million in damages sought in Phase III. The decision became final on July 18, 2016, and the Yankee Companies received the awards from the DOE on October 14, 2016.  The Yankee Companies have filed a request with FERC seeking approval of the proposed distribution of certain amounts of the awarded damages proceeds to member companies, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, and WMECO. Subject to receipt of FERC approval, CYAPC and MYAPC expect to be able to make distributions in December 2016. MYAPC also anticipates refunding approximately $57 million from its spent nuclear fuel trust, a portion of which will be refunded to the Eversource utility subsidiaries. In total, Eversource expects to receive approximately $26 million, of which CL&P expects to receive $13.6 million, NSTAR Electric expects to receive $5 million, PSNH expects to receive $3.9 million, and WMECO expects to receive $3.6 million. These anticipated amounts will be refunded to the customers of the respective Eversource utility subsidiaries.

Other than as set forth above, there have been no additional material legal proceedings identified and no further material changes with regard to the legal proceedings previously disclosed in our 20152016 Form 10-K and our Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended June 30, 2016.10-K.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

We are subject to a variety of significant risks in addition to the matters set forth under “Forward-Looking"Forward-Looking Statements," in Item 2, “Management’s"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  We have identified a number of these risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk"Risk Factors," in our 20152016 Form 10-K, which risk factors are incorporated herein by reference.  These risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our risk profile.  There have been no additional risk factors identified and no material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 20152016 Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table discloses purchases of our common shares made by us or on our behalf for the periods shown below.  The common shares purchased consist of open market purchases made by the Company or an independent agent.  These share transactions related to shares awarded under the Company’sCompany's Incentive Plan and Dividend Reinvestment Plan and matching contributions under the Eversource 401k Plan.
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsApproximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans and Programs (at month end)
July 1 – July 31, 2016103,301
$59.31


August 1 – August 31, 20165,468
56.26


September 1  – September 30, 201613,172
54.33


Total121,941
$58.63


Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsApproximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans and Programs (at month end)
July 1 - July 31, 201799,090
$60.76


August 1 - August 31, 20174,802
62.08


September 1 - September 30, 201774,148
60.77


Total178,040
$60.80





ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

Each document described below is filed herewith, unless designated with an asterisk (*), which exhibits are incorporated by reference by the registrant under whose name the exhibit appears.
Exhibit No. Description
   
Listing of Exhibits (Eversource)
   
Thirteen Supplemental Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust between Yankee Gas Services Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., successor as Trustee to The Bank of New York, as successor to Fleet National Bank (formerly known as The Connecticut National Bank), dated as of September 1, 2017

 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer of Eversource Energy pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of Eversource Energy pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Eversource Energy pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Listing of Exhibits (CL&P)
   
*
Supplemental Indenture (2017 Series A Bonds) between CL&P and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee dated as of August 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1, CL&P Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 23, 2017, File No. 000-00404)

 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
 Certification by the Chairman of The Connecticut Light and Power Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of The Connecticut Light and Power Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chairman and the Chief Financial Officer of The Connecticut Light and Power Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Listing of Exhibits (NSTAR Electric Company)
   
 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
 Certification by the Chairman of NSTAR Electric Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of NSTAR Electric Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chairman and the Chief Financial Officer of NSTAR Electric Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Listing of Exhibits (PSNH)
   
 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
 Certification by the Chairman of Public Service Company of New Hampshire pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of Public Service Company of New Hampshire pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


   
 Certification by the Chairman and the Chief Financial Officer of Public Service Company of New Hampshire pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 
 


Listing of Exhibits (WMECO)
   
 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   
 Certification by the Chairman of Western Massachusetts Electric Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer of Western Massachusetts Electric Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
 Certification by the Chairman and the Chief Financial Officer of Western Massachusetts Electric Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
Listing of Exhibits (Eversource, CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH, WMECO)
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation



SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





  EVERSOURCE ENERGY
    
November 4, 20163, 2017 By:/s/ Jay S. Buth
   Jay S. Buth
   Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

     

SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





  THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
    
November 4, 20163, 2017 By:/s/ Jay S. Buth
   Jay S. Buth
   Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

     

SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





  NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY
    
November 4, 20163, 2017 By:/s/ Jay S. Buth
   Jay S. Buth
   Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer











SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





  PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
    
November 4, 20163, 2017 By:/s/ Jay S. Buth
   Jay S. Buth
   Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

     

SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





  WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY
    
November 4, 20163, 2017 By:/s/ Jay S. Buth
   Jay S. Buth
   Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer




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