UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
   
 FORM 10-Q
   
 (Mark One)
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 20182019
or
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 001-37365
 
   
 Tallgrass Energy, GP, LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
(913) 928-6060
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Delaware   46-315926847-3159268
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (IRS Employer Identification Number)
     
4200 W. 115th Street, Suite 350    
Leawood, Kansas   66211
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
(913) 928-6060
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨
    
Non-accelerated filer 
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company ¨
       
    Emerging growth company ¨
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 registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Class A Shares Representing Limited Partner InterestsTGENew York Stock Exchange




On May 3, 2018,7, 2019, the Registrant had 58,085,002179,197,416 Class A shares and 126,709,225102,136,875 Class B shares outstanding.




TALLGRASS ENERGY, GP, LP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 




Glossary of Common Industry and Measurement Terms
Bakken oil production area: Montana and North Dakota in the United States and Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada.
Barrel (or bbl): forty-two U.S. gallons.
Base Gas (or Cushion Gas): the volume of gas that is intended as permanent inventory in a storage reservoir to maintain adequate pressure and deliverability rates.
BBtu: one billion British Thermal Units.
Bcf: one billion cubic feet.
British Thermal Units or Btus: the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Commodity sensitive contracts or arrangements: contracts or other arrangements, including tariff provisions, that are directly tied to increases and decreases in the price of commodities such as crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. Examples are Keep Whole Processing Contracts and Percent of Proceeds Processing Contracts, as well as pipeline loss allowances on our pipelines.
Condensate: an NGL with a low vapor pressure, mainly composed of propane, butane, pentane and heavier hydrocarbon fractions.
Contract barrels: barrels of crude oil that our customers have contractually agreed to ship in exchange for firm service assurance of capacity and deliverability to delivery points.
Delivery point: any point at which product in a pipeline is delivered to or for the account of a customer.
Dry gas: a gas primarily composed of methane and ethane where heavy hydrocarbons and water either do not exist or have been removed through processing.
Dth: a dekatherm, which is a unit of energy equal to 10 therms or one million British thermal units.
End-user markets: the ultimate users and consumers of transported energy products.
EPA: the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
FERC: the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Firm fee contracts: contracts or other arrangements, including tariff provisions, that generally obligate our customers to pay a fixed recurring charge to reserve an agreed upon amount of capacity and/or deliverability on our assets, regardless if the contracted capacity is actually used by the customer. Such contracts are also commonly known as "take-or-pay" contracts.
Firm services: services pursuant to which customers receive firm assurances regarding the availability of capacity and/or deliverability of natural gas, crude oil or other hydrocarbons or water on our assets up to a contracted amount.
Fractionation: the process by which NGLs are further separated into individual, typically more valuable components including ethane, propane, butane, isobutane and natural gasoline.
GAAP: accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
GHGs: greenhouse gases.
Header system: networks of medium-to-large-diameter high pressure pipelines that connect local gathering systems to large diameter high pressure long-haul transportation pipelines.
Interruptible services: services pursuant to which customers receive limited, or no, assurances regarding the availability of capacity and deliverability in our assets.
Keep Whole Processing Contracts: natural gas processing contracts in which we are required to replace the Btu content of the NGLs extracted from inlet wet gas processed with purchased dry natural gas.
Line fill: the volume of oil, in barrels, in the pipeline from the origin to the destination.




Liquefied natural gas or LNG: natural gas that has been cooled to minus 161 degrees Celsius for transportation, typically by ship. The cooling process reduces the volume of natural gas by 600 times.
Local distribution company or LDC: LDCs are involved in the delivery of natural gas to end users within a specific geographic area.
Long-term: with respect to any contract, a contract with an initial duration greater than one year.
MMBtu: one million British Thermal Units.
Mcf: one thousand cubic feet.
MDth: one thousand dekatherms.
MMcf: one million cubic feet.
Natural gas liquids or NGLs: those hydrocarbons in natural gas that are separated from the natural gas as liquids through the process of absorption, condensation, or other methods in natural gas processing or cycling plants. Generally, such liquids consist of propane and heavier hydrocarbons and are commonly referred to as lease condensate, natural gasoline and liquefied petroleum gases. Natural gas liquids include natural gas plant liquids (primarily ethane, propane, butane and isobutane) and lease condensate (primarily pentanes produced from natural gas at lease separators and field facilities).
Natural Gas Processing: the separation of natural gas into pipeline-quality natural gas and a mixed NGL stream.
Non-contract barrels (or walk-up barrels): barrels of crude oil that our customers ship based solely on availability of capacity and deliverability with no assurance of future capacity.
No-notice service: those services pursuant to which customers receive the right to transport or store natural gas on assets outside of the daily nomination cycle without incurring penalties.
NYMEX: New York Mercantile Exchange.
NYSE: New York Stock Exchange.
Park and loan services: those services pursuant to which customers receive the right to store natural gas in (park), or borrow gas from (loan), our facilities.
Percent of Proceeds Processing Contracts: natural gas processing contracts in which we process our customer's natural gas, sell the resulting NGLs and residue gas and divide the proceeds of those sales between us and the customer. Some percent of proceeds contracts may also require our customers to pay a monthly reservation fee for processing capacity.
PHMSA: the United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Pipeline loss allowance (or PLA): Crude oil collected from customers under certain crude oil transportation arrangements.
Play: a proven geological formation that contains commercial amounts of hydrocarbons.
Produced water: all water removed from a well as a byproduct of the production of hydrocarbons and water removed from a well in connection with operations being conducted on the well, including naturally occurring water in the recovery formation, flow back water recovered during completion and fracturing operations and water entering the recovery formation through water flooding techniques.
Receipt point: the point where a product is received by or into a gathering system, processing facility, or transportation pipeline.
Reservoir: a porous and permeable underground formation containing an individual and separate natural accumulation of producible hydrocarbons (such as crude oil and/or natural gas) which is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is characterized by a single natural pressure system.
Residue gas: the natural gas remaining after being processed or treated.
Shale gas: natural gas produced from organic (black) shale formations.
Tailgate: the point at which processed natural gas and NGLs leave a processing facility for transportation to end-user markets.




TBtu: one trillion British Thermal Units.




Tcf: one trillion cubic feet.
Throughput: the volume of products, such as crude oil, natural gas or water, transported or passing through a pipeline, plant, terminal or other facility during a particular period.
Uncommitted shippers (or walk-up shippers): customers that have not signed long-term shipper contracts and have rights under the FERC tariff as to rates and capacity allocation that are different than long-term committed shippers.
Volumetric fee contracts: contracts or other arrangements, including tariff provisions, that generally obligate a customer to pay fees based upon the extent to which such customer utilizes our assets for midstream energy services. Unlike firm fee contracts, under volumetric fee contracts our customers are not generally required to pay a charge to reserve an agreed upon amount of capacity and/or deliverability.
Wellhead: the equipment at the surface of a well that is used to control the well's pressure; also, the point at which the hydrocarbons and water exit the ground.
Working gas: the volume of gas in the storage reservoir that is in addition to the cushion or base gas. It may or may not be completely withdrawn during any particular withdrawal season. Conditions permitting, the total working capacity could be used more than once during any season.
Working gas storage capacity: the maximum volume of natural gas that can be cost-effectively injected into a storage facility and extracted during the normal operation of the storage facility. Effective working gas storage capacity excludes base gas and non-cycling working gas.
X/d: the applicable measurement metric per day. For example, MMcf/d means one million cubic feet per day.




PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
TALLGRASS ENERGY, GP, LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
ASSETS  
Current Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$4,255
 $2,593
$15,042
 $9,596
Accounts receivable, net131,401
 118,615
227,284
 236,097
Receivable from related parties4,472
 1,340
Gas imbalances822
 1,990
Inventories32,147
 21,609
27,954
 34,316
Derivative assets306
 
Prepayments and other current assets11,020
 11,175
18,219
 11,816
Total Current Assets184,423
 157,322
288,499
 291,825
Property, plant and equipment, net2,498,715
 2,394,337
2,750,375
 2,802,429
Goodwill404,838
 404,838
421,983
 421,983
Intangible assets, net136,554
 97,731
223,707
 227,103
Unconsolidated investments1,446,039
 909,531
1,988,797
 1,861,686
Deferred financing costs, net11,769
 12,563
Deferred tax asset306,304
 312,997
379,422
 273,531
Deferred charges and other assets5,018
 2,694
16,442
 14,952
Total Assets$4,993,660
 $4,292,013
$6,069,225
 $5,893,509
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
Current Liabilities:      
Accounts payable$121,372
 $98,882
$187,321
 $201,512
Accounts payable to related parties
 5,342
Gas imbalances1,616
 1,663
Derivative liabilities
 2,368
Accrued taxes24,181
 19,272
26,962
 20,734
Accrued interest12,534
 39,217
Accrued liabilities37,028
 35,707
9,975
 23,287
Deferred revenue99,922
 88,471
123,184
 111,095
Other current liabilities7,816
 7,171
44,651
 42,910
Total Current Liabilities291,935
 258,876
404,627
 438,755
Long-term debt, net2,426,014
 2,292,993
3,331,716
 3,205,958
Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits19,628
 18,965
33,118
 31,688
Total Long-term Liabilities2,445,642
 2,311,958
3,364,834
 3,237,646
Commitments and Contingencies
 

 
Equity:      
Class A Shareholders (58,085,002 shares outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017)15,615
 48,613
Class B Shareholders (126,709,225 and 99,154,440 shares outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)
 
Class A Shareholders (178,104,779 and 156,311,986 shares outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)1,890,345
 1,725,537
Class B Shareholders (102,136,875 and 123,887,893 shares outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)
 
Total Partners' Equity15,615
 48,613
1,890,345
 1,725,537
Noncontrolling interests2,240,468
 1,672,566
Noncontrolling interests (a)
409,419
 491,571
Total Equity2,256,083
 1,721,179
2,299,764
 2,217,108
Total Liabilities and Equity$4,993,660
 $4,292,013
$6,069,225
 $5,893,509
(a)
See Note 10 - Partnership Equityfor a complete description of our noncontrolling interests.


TALLGRASS ENERGY, GP, LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Revenues:      
Crude oil transportation services$84,738
 $84,331
$95,156
 $84,738
Natural gas transportation services32,196
 31,685
33,516
 32,196
Sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil38,145
 15,381
38,864
 38,145
Processing and other revenues24,015
 13,003
29,816
 24,015
Total Revenues179,094

144,400
197,352

179,094
Operating Costs and Expenses:      
Cost of sales26,351
 12,370
19,285
 26,351
Cost of transportation services10,420
 13,503
15,072
 10,420
Operations and maintenance16,399
 12,903
18,046
 16,399
Depreciation and amortization26,123
 21,403
31,001
 26,123
General and administrative18,426
 14,217
32,272
 18,426
Taxes, other than income taxes8,879
 8,226
10,998
 8,879
Gain on disposal of assets(9,417) (1,448)
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets214
 (9,417)
Total Operating Costs and Expenses97,181

81,174
126,888

97,181
Operating Income81,913

63,226
70,464

81,913
Other Income (Expense):      
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments68,402
 20,738
88,522
 68,402
Interest expense, net(29,761) (16,017)(39,705) (29,761)
Other income, net451
 1,955
177
 451
Total Other Income (Expense)39,092

6,676
48,994

39,092
Net income before tax121,005

69,902
119,458

121,005
Deferred income tax expense(6,692) (2,664)(17,066) (6,692)
Net income114,313

67,238
102,392

114,313
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(97,578) (55,209)(51,805) (97,578)
Net income attributable to TEGP$16,735

$12,029
Allocation of income:   
Net income attributable to TEGP$16,735

$12,029
Net income attributable to TGE$50,587

$16,735
Net income per Class A share:   
Basic net income per Class A share$0.29
 $0.21
$0.31
 $0.29
Diluted net income per Class A share$0.29
 $0.21
$0.31
 $0.29
Basic average number of Class A shares outstanding58,085
 58,075
161,425
 58,085
Diluted average number of Class A shares outstanding58,210
 58,165
162,777
 58,210




TALLGRASS ENERGY, GP, LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
Partners' Capital Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Class A Shares Class B Shares 
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2019$1,725,537
 $
 $491,571
 $2,217,108
Net income50,587
 
 51,805
 102,392
Dividends paid to Class A shareholders(81,304) 
 
 (81,304)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
 
 (66,625) (66,625)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
 
 1,282
 1,282
Noncash compensation expense17,120
 
 
 17,120
TGE LTIP shares tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations(13,260) 
 
 (13,260)
Deferred tax asset123,051
 
 
 123,051
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares68,614
 
 (68,614) 
Balance at March 31, 2019$1,890,345
 $
 $409,419
 $2,299,764
       
Predecessor Equity Partners' Capital Noncontrolling Interests Total EquityPartners' Capital Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
 Class A Shares Class B Shares Class A Shares Class B Shares 
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2018$
 $48,613
 $
 $1,672,566
 $1,721,179
$48,613
 $
 $1,672,566
 $1,721,179
Cumulative effect of ASC 606 implementation
 4,588
 
 39,543
 44,131
4,588
 
 39,543
 44,131
Net income
 16,735
 
 97,578
 114,313
16,735
 
 97,578
 114,313
Issuance of TEP units to the public, net of offering costs
 (5) 
 (40) (45)(5) 
 (40) (45)
TEGP distributions to Class A shareholders
 (21,346) 
 
 (21,346)
Dividends paid to Class A shareholders(21,346) 
 
 (21,346)
Noncash compensation expense
 404
 
 2,917
 3,321
404
 
 2,917
 3,321
Acquisition of additional TEP common units from TD
 (62,222) 
 (189,520) (251,742)(62,222) 
 (189,520) (251,742)
Issuance of Tallgrass Equity units
 
 
 644,782
 644,782

 
 644,782
 644,782
Acquisition of additional 2% membership interest in Pony Express
 (5,268) 
 (44,732) (50,000)(5,268) 
 (44,732) (50,000)
Acquisition of 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express
 34,116
 
 74,421
 108,537
34,116
 
 74,421
 108,537
Consolidation of Deeprock North
 
 
 31,843
 31,843

 
 31,843
 31,843
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
 
 
 183
 183

 
 183
 183
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 (89,073) (89,073)
 
 (89,073) (89,073)
Balance at March 31, 2018$
 $15,615
 $
 $2,240,468
 $2,256,083
$15,615

$

$2,240,468

$2,256,083
         
Predecessor Equity Partners' Capital Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
 Class A Shares Class B Shares 
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2017$82,295
 $250,967
 $
 $1,596,152
 $1,929,414
Acquisition of Terminals and NatGas(82,295) (21,314) 
 (36,391) (140,000)
Net income
 12,029
 
 55,209
 67,238
Issuance of TEP units to the public, net of offering costs
 10,020
 
 89,353
 99,373
TEGP distributions to Class A Shareholders
 (16,116) 
 
 (16,116)
Noncash compensation expense
 362
 
 1,882
 2,244
Issuance of common units under TEP LTIP plan
 (40) 
 (360) (400)
Partial exercise of call option
 (12,052) 
 (72,890) (84,942)
Repurchase of TEP common units from TD
 (3,618) 
 (31,717) (35,335)
Acquisition of additional 24.99% membership interest in Rockies Express
 23,522
 
 40,159
 63,681
Contributions from TD
 850
 
 1,451
 2,301
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
 
 
 710
 710
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 (71,426) (71,426)
Balance at March 31, 2017$

$244,610

$

$1,572,132

$1,816,742


TALLGRASS ENERGY, GP, LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:      
Net income$114,313
 $67,238
$102,392
 $114,313
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization27,620
 23,694
32,799
 27,620
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments(68,402) (20,738)(88,522) (68,402)
Distributions from unconsolidated investments67,059
 20,740
87,940
 67,059
Deferred income tax expense6,692
 2,664
17,066
 6,692
Gain on disposal of assets(9,417) (1,448)
Noncash compensation expense17,120
 2,814
Other noncash items, net207
 (1,621)1,536
 (12,024)
Changes in components of working capital:      
Accounts receivable and other(12,013) 2,449
8,985
 (12,013)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities16,354
 (6,055)(46,186) 16,354
Deferred revenue10,750
 16,202
12,125
 10,750
Other current assets and liabilities(1,671) (819)2,026
 (1,671)
Other operating, net108
 (140)(3,533) 108
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities151,600

102,166
143,748

151,600
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:      
Capital expenditures(62,802) (58,760)
Formation of Powder River Gateway joint venture(37,000) 
Contributions to unconsolidated investments(29,797) (8,034)
Distributions from unconsolidated investments in excess of cumulative earnings27,158
 20,774
Acquisition of BNN North Dakota, net of cash acquired(95,000) 

 (95,000)
Capital expenditures(58,760) (26,769)
Sale of Tallgrass Crude Gathering50,046
 

 50,046
Distributions from unconsolidated investments in excess of cumulative earnings20,774
 10,079
Acquisition of 38% membership interest in Deeprock North(19,500) 

 (19,500)
Acquisition of Rockies Express membership interest
 (400,000)
Acquisition of Terminals and NatGas
 (140,000)
Other investing, net(20,473) (5,352)15
 (12,439)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities(122,913)
(562,042)(102,426)
(122,913)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:      
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities, net133,000
 552,000
125,000
 133,000
Dividends paid to Class A shareholders(81,304) (21,346)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(89,073) (71,426)(66,625) (89,073)
TGE LTIP shares tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations(13,260) 
Acquisition of Pony Express membership interest(50,000) 

 (50,000)
TEGP distributions to Class A shareholders(21,346) (16,116)
Proceeds from public offering of TEP common units, net of offering costs
 99,373
Partial exercise of call option
 (72,381)
Repurchase of TEP common units from TD
 (35,335)
Other financing, net394
 3,355
313
 394
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities(27,025)
459,470
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities(35,876)
(27,025)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents1,662
 (406)5,446
 1,662
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period2,593
 2,459
9,596
 2,593
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period$4,255
 $2,053
$15,042
 $4,255
   


Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:   
Issuance of Tallgrass Equity units$644,782
 $
Acquisition of Rockies Express membership interest$(393,039) $
Acquisition of additional TEP common units from TD$(251,743) $
Contribution of 38% membership interest in Deeprock North to Deeprock Development$(19,500) $
Issuance of noncontrolling interests in Deeprock Development in exchange for 62% membership interest in Deeprock North$(31,843) $
Increase in accrual for payment of property, plant and equipment$1,336
 $
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 (in thousands)
    
Schedule of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:   
Assets contributed to Powder River Gateway joint venture$(86,891) $
Contribution of 75% membership interest in Iron Horse to Powder River Gateway joint venture$(35,613) $
Accruals for property, plant and equipment$18,874
 $1,336
Issuance of Tallgrass Equity units (a)
$
 $644,782
Acquisition of Rockies Express membership interest (a)
$
 $(393,039)
Acquisition of additional TEP common units from TD (a)
$
 $(251,743)
Contribution of 38% membership interest in Deeprock North to Deeprock Development$
 $(19,500)
Issuance of noncontrolling interests in Deeprock Development in exchange for 62% membership interest in Deeprock North$
 $(31,843)
(a)
Represents the issuance of Tallgrass Equity units associated with our acquisition of a 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express and an additional 5,619,218 TEP common units.


TALLGRASS ENERGY, GP, LP
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. Description of Business
Tallgrass Energy, GP, LP ("TEGP" or the "Partnership"TGE"), is a limited partnership that owns, operates, acquires and develops midstream energy assets in North America and has elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. "We," "us," "our" and similar terms refer to TEGPTGE together with its consolidated subsidiaries. TEGP's sole cash-generating asset as of March 31, 2018 is an approximate 31.43% controlling membership interest in
Our operations are conducted through, and our operating assets are owned by, our direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Tallgrass Equity, LLC ("Tallgrass Equity"). Tallgrass Equity's cash-generating assets consist, in which we directly own an approximate 63.55% membership interest as of the directMarch 31, 2019, and indirect partnership interests in Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP ("TEP") and its membership interest in Rockies Express Pipeline LLC ("Rockies Express") as described below:
100% of the outstanding membership interests in Tallgrass MLP GP, LLC ("TEP GP"), which owns the general partner interest in TEP as well as all the TEP incentive distribution rights ("IDRs"). The general partner interest in TEP is represented by 834,391 general partner units, representing an approximate 1.13% general partner interest in TEP at March 31, 2018.
25,619,218 TEP common units, representing an approximate 34.60% limited partner interest in TEP at March 31, 2018, inclusive of the 5,619,218 TEP common units acquired from Tallgrass Development, LP ("TD") as of February 7, 2018 as described below.
As of February 7, 2018, TD merged into Tallgrass Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tallgrass Equity ("Tallgrass Development Holdings"), and as a result of the merger, Tallgrass Equity acquired a 25.01% membership in Rockies Express and an additional 5,619,218 TEP common units. As consideration for the acquisition, TEGP and Tallgrass Equity issued 27,554,785 unregistered TEGP Class B shares and Tallgrass Equity units, valued at approximately $644.8 million, to the limited partners of TD.
TEP is a publicly traded, growth-oriented limited partnership formed to own, operate, acquire and develop midstream energy assets in North America. TEP's operationsits subsidiaries. We are located in and provide services to certain key United States hydrocarbon basins, including the Denver-Julesburg, Powder River, Wind River, Permian and Hugoton-Anadarko Basins and the Niobrara, Mississippi Lime, Eagle Ford, Bakken, Marcellus, and Utica shale formations.
Our reportable business segments are:
Natural Gas Transportation—the ownership and operation of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines and an integrated natural gas storage facilities;facility;
Crude Oil Transportation—the ownership and operation of a FERC-regulated crude oil pipeline system;systems; and
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling—the ownership and operation of natural gas gathering and processing facilities; crude oil storage and terminalling facilities; the provision of water business services primarily to the oil and gas exploration and production industry; the transportation of NGLs; and the marketing of crude oil and NGLs.
Natural Gas Transportation. TEP providesWe provide natural gas transportation and storage services for customers in the Rocky Mountain, Midwest and Appalachian regions of the United States through: (1) its 49.99%our 75% membership interest in Rockies Express Pipeline LLC ("Rockies Express"), which owns the Rockies Express Pipeline, a FERC-regulated natural gas pipeline system extending from Opal, Wyoming and Meeker, Colorado to Clarington, Ohio (the "Rockies Express Pipeline"), and itsour 100% membership interest in Tallgrass NatGas Operator, LLC ("NatGas"), which operates the Rockies Express Pipeline, (2) the Tallgrass Interstate Gas Transmission system, a FERC-regulated natural gas transportation and storage system located in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Wyoming (the "TIGT System"), and (3) the Trailblazer Pipeline system, a FERC-regulated natural gas pipeline system extending from the Colorado and Wyoming border to Beatrice, Nebraska (the "Trailblazer Pipeline"). As discussed in Note 4 – Acquisitions and Dispositions, Tallgrass Equity acquired a 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express from TD as of February 7, 2018.
Crude Oil Transportation. TEP providesWe provide crude oil transportation to customers in Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, and the surrounding regions through (1) Tallgrass Pony Express Pipeline, LLC ("Pony Express"), which owns a FERC-regulated crude oil pipeline commencing in both Guernsey, Wyoming and Weld County, Colorado and terminating in Cushing, Oklahoma and includes a lateral in Northeast Colorado commencing in Weld County, Colorado that interconnects with the pipeline just east of Sterling, Colorado (the "Pony Express System"). In and (2) our 51% membership interest in Powder River Gateway, LLC ("Powder River Gateway"), which owns the second quarter of 2018, PonyPowder River Express Pipeline ("PRE Pipeline"), a 70-mile crude oil pipeline that transports crude oil from the Powder River Basin to Guernsey, Wyoming, the Iron Horse Pipeline ("Iron Horse Pipeline"), a 80-mile crude oil pipeline placed into service an extension ofin May 2019 that transports crude oil from the system from a new origin near Platteville, ColoradoPowder River Basin to the Buckingham Terminal.Guernsey, Wyoming, and crude oil terminal facilities in Guernsey, Wyoming.


Gathering, Processing & Terminalling. TEP providesWe provide natural gas gathering and processing services for customers in Wyoming through: (1) a natural gas gathering system in the Powder River Basin (the "Douglas Gathering System"), (2) the Casper and Douglas natural gas processing facilities in Casper and Douglas, and (3) the West Frenchie Drawa natural gas treating facility. TEPfacility at West Frenchie Draw. We also providesprovide NGL transportation services in Northeast Colorado and Wyoming. TEP performsWe perform water business services, including freshwater transportation and produced water gathering and disposal, in Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, and North Dakota through BNN Water Solutions, LLC ("Water Solutions"), and crude oil storage and terminalling services through TEP'sour 100% membership interest in Tallgrass Terminals, LLC ("Terminals"), which owns and operates crude oil terminals in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment also includes Stanchion Energy, LLC ("Stanchion"), which transacts in crude oil.
The term "Terminals Predecessor" refers to Terminals and the term "NatGas Predecessor" refers to NatGas prior to their acquisition by TEP on January 1, 2017. Terminals Predecessor and NatGas Predecessor are collectively referred to as the Predecessor Entities, as further discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Financial results for all prior periods have been recast to reflect the operations of the Predecessor Entities. Predecessor Equity as presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements represents the capital account activity of Terminals Predecessor and NatGas Predecessor prior to January 1, 2017.
TEGP Merger Agreement
Blackstone Acquisition
On March 26, 2018, we announced the execution of a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement")11, 2019, pursuant to which we will acquire the approximately 47.6 million TEP common units heldterms of the previously announced definitive purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"), dated January 30, 2019, entered into among acquisition vehicles controlled by affiliates of Blackstone Infrastructure Partners ("BIP" and, acquisition vehicles controlled by BIP, collectively, the public"Sponsor Entities"), affiliates of Kelso & Co., affiliates of The Energy & Minerals Group, Tallgrass KC, LLC, an entity owned by certain members of our management, and the other sellers named therein (collectively, the "Sellers"), certain of the Sponsor Entities acquired from the Sellers (i) 100% of the membership interests in a share-for-unit merger transaction that is taxable to TEP unitholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes at a ratio of 2.0our general partner, (ii) 21,751,018 Class A shares representing limited partner interests ("Class A shares") in us, (iii) 100,655,121 units representing limited liability company interests ("TE Units") in Tallgrass Equity, and (iv) 100,655,121 Class B shares representing limited partner interests ("Class B shares") in us, in exchange for each outstanding TEP common unit. aggregate consideration of approximately $3.2 billion in cash, which was paid to the Sellers (the "Blackstone Acquisition").
As a result of the proposed transaction, TEP's incentive distribution rights will be cancelled, its common units will no longer be publicly traded,Blackstone Acquisition, BIP effectively controls our business and affairs through the ownership of 100% of its equitythe membership interests will be owned by Tallgrass Equity and its subsidiaries. Upon closing of the merger transaction, we will change our name to Tallgrass Energy, LP ("Tallgrass Energy") and will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TGE." Tallgrass Energy will continue to be taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The Merger Agreement has been unanimously approved by the board of directors ofin our general partner and the conflicts committeeexercise of the boardrights of directorssuch sole member. Additionally, the Sponsor Entities collectively held an approximate 43.8% economic interest in us as of TEP GP, and the board of directors of TEP GP. Subject to customary approvals and conditions, including the approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding TEP common units, the merger is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2018.
In connection with the proposed transaction, we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 that included a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus for the TEP unitholders. The registration statement has not yet been declared effective. The description of the proposed transaction above is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or for any other document that TEGP or TEP may file with the SEC and send to TEGP’s and/or TEP’s shareholders or unitholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holders of TEGP and TEP are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by TEGP or TEP through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by TEGP and TEP will be available free of charge on TEGP’s and TEP’s website at www.tallgrassenergylp.com, in the "Investor Relations" tab near the top of the page.March 31, 2019.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 20172018 were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles contained in the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Codification, the single source of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual periods. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 20172018 include all normal, recurring adjustments and disclosures that we believe are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. In this report, the Financial Accounting Standards Board is referred to as the FASB and the FASB Accounting Standards Codification is referred to as the Codification or ASC. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


Our financial results for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2018.2019. The accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172018 ("20172018 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC on February 13, 2018.8, 2019.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TEGPTGE and its subsidiaries and controlled affiliates. Significant intra-entityIntra-entity items have been eliminated in the presentation. Net income or loss from consolidated subsidiaries that are not wholly-owned by TEGPTGE is attributed to TEGPTGE and noncontrolling interests in accordance with the respective ownership interests.
TEP closed the acquisition of Terminals and NatGas effective January 1, 2017. As the acquisitions of Terminals and NatGas are considered transactions between entities under common control, and a change in reporting entity, the financial information presented has been recast to include Terminals and NatGas for all periods presented.
A variable interest entity ("VIE") is a legal entity that possesses any of the following characteristics: an insufficient amount of equity at risk to finance its activities, equity owners who do not have the power to direct the significant activities of the entity (or have voting rights that are disproportionate to their ownership interest), or equity owners who do not have the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. Companies are required to consolidate a VIE if they are its primary beneficiary, which is the enterprise that has a variable interest that could be significant to the VIE and the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. We have presented separately in our condensed consolidated balance sheets, tono elements of other comprehensive income for the extent material, the liabilities of our consolidated VIEs for which creditors do not have recourse to our general credit. Our consolidated VIEs do not have material assets that can only be used to settle specific obligations of the consolidated VIEs. Tallgrass Equity is considered to be a VIE under the applicable authoritative guidance. Based on a qualitative analysis in accordance with the applicable authoritative guidance, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as we have the right to receive benefits of Tallgrass Equity that could potentially be significant to Tallgrass Equity. TEP is also considered to be a VIE under the applicable authoritative guidance. Based on a qualitative analysis, we have determined that TEP GP is the primary beneficiary of TEP and we continue to consolidate TEP accordingly.periods presented.
Use of Estimates
Certain amounts included in or affecting these condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures must be estimated, requiring management to make certain assumptions with respect to values or conditions which cannot be known with certainty at the time the financial statements are prepared. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses during the reporting period, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods it considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. Any effects on our business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Accounting Pronouncement Recently AdoptedIncome Taxes
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014,During the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides a comprehensive and converged setthree months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized an additional deferred tax asset of principles-based revenue recognition guidelines which supersede the existing industry and transaction-specific standards. The core principle$123.1 million upon exercise of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenueExchange Right, as discussed in Note 10 – Partnership Equity, with respect to depict21,751,018 Class B shares to Class A shares in connection with the transferBlackstone Acquisition discussed in Note 1 – Description of promised goods or servicesBusiness.
As a result of the increased income allocated to customersTGE resulting from our increased ownership in an amount that reflectsTEP following the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principle, entities must apply a five-step process to (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine themerger transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 also mandates disclosure of sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The disclosure requirements include qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.
Management has completed its evaluation and implemented the revised guidance using the modified retrospective method as of January 1, 2018. This approach allows us to apply the new standard to (i) all new contracts entered into after January 1,effective June 30, 2018 and (ii) all existing contracts for which all (or substantially all)the exercise of the revenue has not been recognized under legacy revenue guidance as of January 1,Exchange Right effective March 11, 2019, our annual effective tax rate increased from 5.15% for the three months ended March 31, 2018 through a cumulative adjustment to members' equity. Consolidated revenues presented in14.77% for the comparative consolidated financial statements for periods prior to January 1, 2018 will not be revised.three months ended March 31, 2019.


On January 1, 2018, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to equity of $44.1 million, increased the carrying amount of our investment in Rockies Express by $42.8 million, and recognized a receivable from Rockies Express of $1.3 million. These adjustments relate to the cumulative effect adjustment recorded by Rockies Express of $125.2 million upon adoption of ASC 606. The cumulative effect adjustment at Rockies Express arose as a result of the allocation of the transaction price to a series of individual performance obligations in certain long-term transportation contracts with tiered-pricing arrangements. The adjustment increases the carrying amount of our investment in Rockies Express to reflect increased equity in earnings and establishes a receivable for the increased management fee revenue that would have been earned by NatGas during the periods prior to implementation.
Through our review process, we also identified the following changes to our revenue recognition policies that did not result in a cumulative effect adjustment on January 1, 2018:
Gathering & Processing. We have determined that a number of our gathering & processing contracts at TMID do not represent customer arrangements under ASC 606. Instead, arrangements deemed to represent wellhead purchases of raw gas will be accounted for as supply arrangements pursuant to ASC 705. As a result, gathering & processing fees previously recognized in revenue will be reported as a reduction to cost of sales under ASC 606.
Pipeline Loss Allowance. We have determined that pipeline loss allowance, or PLA, collected under certain crude oil transportation arrangements is a component of the transaction price where the PLA both significantly exceeds actual losses and was negotiated with the intent of providing a revenue stream to TEP. Under ASC 606, PLA barrels retained from customers will be subject to the guidance for noncash consideration and recognized in revenue at their contract inception fair value.
See Note 12 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers for revenue disclosures related to both the implementation and the additional requirements prescribed by the standard. These new disclosures include information regarding the significant judgments used in evaluating when and how revenue is (or will be) recognized and data related to contract assets and liabilities.
Accounting Pronouncements Not YetPronouncement Recently Adopted
ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)"
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 provides a comprehensive update to the lease accounting topic in the Codification intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing leaseright-of-use ("ROU") assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 include a revised definition of a lease as well as certain scope exceptions. The changes primarily impact lessee accounting, while lessor accounting is largely unchanged from previous GAAP.
Management is currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASC 842. The status of our implementation is as follows:
Management has formed an implementation team that meets to discuss implementation challenges, technical interpretations, industry-specific treatment of certain contract types,completed its evaluation and project status.
Management is in the process of gathering data and reviewing contracts in order to identify all impacted contracts.
Management is evaluating the potential information technology and internal control changes that will be required for adoption based on the findings from its contract review process.
Management plans to provide internal training and awareness related toimplemented the revised guidance using the modified retrospective method as of January 1, 2019. This approach allows us to (i) initially apply ASC 842 at the key stakeholders throughout its organization.
The amendmentsadoption date, January 1, 2019 and (ii) continue reporting comparative periods presented in ASU 2016-02 are effective for public entities for annual reportingthe financial statements in the period of adoption under ASC 840. Accordingly, we will not recast comparative periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluatingin the impact of ASU 2016-02.
3. Variable Interest Entities
TEP is a VIE of which TEP GP, ourcondensed consolidated subsidiary, is the primary beneficiary. We continue to consolidate TEP accordingly.financial statements. We have not provided any additional financial supportelected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other than TEP GP's initial capital contributionthings, allowed us to acquirecarry forward the general partner interest in TEP and have no contractual commitments or obligations to provide additional financial support to TEP.


TEGP, as the managing member of Tallgrass Equity, has voting rights disproportionate to its ownership interest. As a result, we have determined that Tallgrass Equity is a VIE of which we are the primary beneficiary and we consolidate Tallgrass Equity accordingly.historical lease classification. We have also elected the practical expedients related to land easements, allowing us to carry forward our accounting treatment for existing land easements as property, plant and equipment, and short-term leases, allowing us to not provided any additional financial support to Tallgrass Equity other than our initial capital contribution to acquirerecognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a portionterm of our controlling interest in Tallgrass Equity and have no contractual commitments12 months or obligations to provide additional financial support to Tallgrass Equity.less.
Other than TEGP's deferred tax asset of approximately $306.3 million and $313.0 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, theExcluding ROU assets and lease liabilities included in our condensedrelating to agreements between consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 represent the consolidated assets and liabilities of Tallgrass Equity, including the assets and liabilities of TEP.
4. Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisition of an Additional 25.01% Membership Interest in Rockies Express and Additional TEP Common Units
In February 2018, TD merged into Tallgrass Development Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tallgrass Equity, and as a resultsubsidiaries, adoption of the merger, Tallgrass Equity acquired a 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express and an additional 5,619,218 TEP common units. As consideration for the acquisition, TEGP and Tallgrass Equity issued 27,554,785 unregistered TEGP Class B shares and Tallgrass Equity units, valued at approximately $644.8 million based on the closing price on February 6, 2018, to the limited partners of TD. Subsequent to the closing of the transaction, our aggregate membership interest in Rockies Express is 75%.
The transfer of the Rockies Express membership interest between TD and Tallgrass Equity is considered a transaction between entities under common control, but does not represent a change in reporting entity. As a result of the common control nature of the transaction, the acquisitionnew standard resulted in the recognition of ROU assets of approximately $2.3 million, and current and non-current lease liabilities of approximately $0.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, for operating leases as of January 1, 2019. Our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. The adoption of this guidance had no impact to our cash flows from operating, investing, or financing activities. For additional information see Note 12 – Leases.
3. Acquisitions
Joint Venture with Silver Creek
In February 2018, we entered into an agreement with Silver Creek Midstream, LLC ("Silver Creek") to form Iron Horse Pipeline, LLC ("Iron Horse"), which owns the Iron Horse Pipeline. Effective January 1, 2019, the joint venture between us and Silver Creek was expanded through contributions to Powder River Gateway, a noncash deemed contribution representing the excess carrying value of the 25.01%newly formed entity. We contributed our 75% membership interest in Rockies Express acquired overIron Horse, $37 million in cash, and various other assets, including terminal facilities under construction in Guernsey, Wyoming. Silver Creek contributed the fair valuePRE Pipeline and related terminal facilities in Guernsey, Wyoming, as well as their 25% membership interest in Iron Horse. Following the expansion of the consideration paid. For further discussion, see Note 11 - Partnership Equityjoint venture, we own a 51% membership interest in Powder River Gateway and Distributions.continue to operate the joint venture, while Silver Creek owns a 49% membership interest in Powder River Gateway. As the aggregate 75%51% membership interest does not represent a controlling interest in Rockies Express, TEGP'sPowder River Gateway, our investment in Rockies Express is recorded under the equity method of accounting and is reported as "Unconsolidated investments" on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As a result of the common control nature of the transaction, the 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express was transferred to Tallgrass Equity at TD's historical carrying amount, including the remaining unamortized basis difference driven by the difference between the fair value of the investment and the book value of the underlying assets and liabilities on November 13, 2012, the date of acquisition by TD. For additional information, see Note 8 - Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates.
The acquisition of an additional 5,619,218 TEP common units is considered an acquisition of noncontrolling interest and resulted in the recognition of a noncash deemed distribution representing the excess purchase price over the $53.8 million carrying value of the 5,619,218 TEP units acquired as of February 7, 2018. For further discussion, see Note 11 - Partnership Equity and Distributions.
As of February 7, 2018, the negative basis difference in Rockies Express carried over from TD was approximately $376.5 million. The amount of the basis difference allocated to property, plant and equipment is accreted over 35 years, which equates to the 2.86% composite depreciation rate utilized by Rockies Express to depreciate the underlying property, plant and equipment. The amount allocated to long-term debt is amortized over the remaining life of the various debt facilities. At March 31, 2018, the basis difference for the membership interests acquired by TEP in May 2016 and March 2017, and by Tallgrass Equity in February 2018 were allocated as follows:
 Basis Difference Amortization Period
 (in thousands)  
Long-term debt$48,455
 2 - 25 years
Property, plant and equipment(1,175,719) 35 years
Total basis difference$(1,127,264)  
TEP Sale of Tallgrass Crude Gathering
In February 2018, TEP entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Silver Creek Midstream, LLC ("Silver Creek") to sell its 100% membership interest in Tallgrass Crude Gathering, LLC ("TCG"), which owns a 50-mile crude oil gathering system in the Powder River Basin, for approximately $50.0 million. The sale of TCG closed on February 23, 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, TEP recognized a gain of $9.4 million on the sale which is presented in the line item "Gain on disposal of assets" in the condensed consolidated statements of income.


Iron Horse Joint Venture
In February 2018, TEP entered into an agreement with Silver Creek to form Iron Horse Pipeline, LLC ("Iron Horse"), a new joint venture pipeline to transport crude oil from the Powder River Basin. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, TEP contributed an initial $3.5 million and committed to funding its proportionate share of the remaining costs of construction in exchange for a 75% membership interest in Iron Horse. TEP's investment in Iron HorseGateway is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and reported as "Unconsolidated investments" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
TEP Acquisition of Additional 2% Membership Interest in Pony ExpressPlaquemines Liquids Terminal, LLC
In FebruaryNovember 2018, TEP acquiredwe entered into a joint venture agreement with Drexel Hamilton Infrastructure Fund I, L.P. ("DHIF") to jointly-own Plaquemines Liquids Terminal, LLC ("PLT"). PLT was formed with the remaining 2%intention of entering into agreements to develop a storage and terminalling facility. If developed, the facility is expected to be capable of offering up to 20 million barrels of storage for both crude oil and refined products and export facilities capable of loading Suezmax and Very Large Crude Carriers ("VLCC") vessels for international delivery. In connection with our acquisition of a 100% preferred membership interest and a 80% common membership interest in Pony Express, along with administrative assets consisting primarilyPLT, we recognized liabilities related to DHIF's right to receive special distributions totaling $35 million, of information technology assets, from TD for cash consideration of approximately $60which $25 million bringing its aggregate membership interestis included in Pony Express to 100%."Other current liabilities" and the remaining $10 million is included in "Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The acquisitionspecial distributions are contingent upon PLT reaching certain milestones in the development and construction of the remaining 2% membership interestproject facilities. Also in Pony Express represents a transaction between entities under common control andNovember 2018, PLT entered into an acquisition of noncontrolling interests. As a result, financial information for periods prioragreement with the Plaquemines Port & Harbor Terminal District to lease the transaction has not been recastland site on which PLT expects to reflectconstruct the additional 2% membership interest. The transaction resulted in a deemed distribution of $16.2 million to TEP GP.facilities.
TEP Acquisition of BNN North Dakota
In January 2018, TEP acquired 100% of the membership interests in Buckhorn Energy Services, LLC and Buckhorn SWD Solutions, LLC, which were subsequently merged and renamed BNN North Dakota, LLC ("BNN North Dakota"), for approximately $95.0 million, net of cash acquired, subject to working capital adjustments. BNN North Dakota owns a produced water gathering and disposal system in the Bakken basin with approximately 133,000 acres under dedication. The transaction qualifies as an acquisition of a business and is accounted for as a business combination under ASC 805.
The following represents the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
Accounts receivable$2,457
 
Inventory67
 
Property, plant and equipment48,900
 
Intangible asset46,800
(1) 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(3,224) 
Net identifiable assets acquired (excluding cash)$95,000
 
(1)
The $46.8 million intangible asset acquired represents three major customer relationships. This intangible asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 8 - 14 years, the remaining terms of the underlying contracts at the time of acquisition.
At March 31, 2018, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition were recorded at provisional amounts based on the preliminary purchase price allocation. TEP is in the process of identifying and measuring all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition within the measurement period. Such provisional amounts will be adjusted if necessary to reflect any new information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of these amounts. Actual revenue and net income attributable to TEGP from BNN North Dakota of $3.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, was recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income for the period from January 12, 2018 to March 31, 2018.
Pro Forma Financial Information
Unaudited pro forma revenue and net income attributable to TEGP for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below as if the acquisition of BNN North Dakota had been completed on January 1, 2017.
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Revenue$179,522
 $146,716
Net income attributable to TEGP$16,761
 $11,939


The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations or financial position of TEGP would have been if the transaction had in fact occurred on the date or for the period indicated, nor does it purport to project the results of operations or financial position of TEGP for any future periods or as of any date. The pro forma financial information does not give effect to any cost savings, operating synergies, or revenue enhancements expected to result from the transaction or the costs to achieve these cost savings, operating synergies, and revenue enhancements.
Acquisition of Deeprock North and Merger with Deeprock Development
In January 2018, Terminals acquired an approximate 38% membership interest in Deeprock North, LLC ("Deeprock North") from Kinder Morgan Deeprock North Holdco LLC for cash consideration of $19.5 million. Immediately following the acquisition, Deeprock North was merged into Deeprock Development, LLC ("Deeprock Development"), and the members of Deeprock North and Deeprock Development received adjusted membership interests in the combined entity. As a result, Terminals recognized additional noncontrolling interests in Deeprock Development of $31.8 million. The acquisition of Deeprock North by Deeprock Development has been accounted for as an asset acquisition, with substantially all of the fair value allocated to the long-lived assets acquired based on their relative fair values. After the acquisition and merger, Terminals owns an approximate 60% membership interest in the combined entity.
5.4. Related Party Transactions
As a result of our relationship with Tallgrass Energy Holdings, LLC ("Tallgrass Energy Holdings") and its affiliates, we have entered into a number of related party transactions. The following disclosure includes those related party transactions which are not otherwise disclosed in these notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
We have no employees. In connection with the closing of the TEP initial public offering on May 17, 2013, TEP and its general partner entered into an Omnibus Agreement with Tallgrass Energy Holdings and certain of its affiliates (the "TEP Omnibus Agreement"). The TEP Omnibus Agreement provides that, among other things, TEP will reimburse Tallgrass Energy Holdings and its affiliates for all expenses they incur and payments they make on TEP's behalf, including the costs of employee and director compensation and benefits as well as the cost of the provision of certain centralized corporate functions performed by Tallgrass Energy Holdings and its affiliates, including legal, accounting, cash management, insurance administration and claims processing, risk management, health, safety and environmental, information technology and human resources in each case to the extent reasonably allocable to TEP. In addition, in connection with the closing of our initial public offering on May 12, 2015 (the "TEGP IPO"), TEGP entered into an Omnibus Agreement (the "TEGP Omnibus Agreement") with TEGP Management, LLC, Tallgrass Equity and Tallgrass Energy Holdings.
Totals of transactions with affiliated companies, excluding transactions disclosed elsewhere in these notes, are as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Processing and other revenues (1)
$1,896
 $1,632
Cost of transportation services (2)
$
 $4,507
Charges to TEGP: (3)
   
Property, plant and equipment, net$
 $293
Operations and maintenance$
 $6,277
General and administrative$
 $9,573
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 (in thousands)
Processing and other revenues (1)
$1,903
 $1,896
(1) 
Reflects the fee that NatGas receives as the operator of the Rockies Express Pipeline.
(2)
Reflects rent expense for the crude oil storage at the Deeprock Terminal prior to our consolidation of Deeprock Development during the third quarter of 2017.
(3)
Charges to TEGP, inclusive of Tallgrass Equity and TEP, include indirectly charged wages and salaries, other compensation and benefits, and shared services for periods prior to January 1, 2018. Effective January 1, 2018, these costs are incurred by TEP directly and, in the case of certain employee compensation and benefits, paid on TEP's behalf by its affiliate, Tallgrass Management, LLC pursuant to the TEP Omnibus Agreement.


Details of balances with affiliates included in "Receivable from related parties" and "Accounts payable to related parties"receivable, net" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Receivable from related parties:      
Rockies Express Pipeline LLC$4,324
 $1,340
$2,839
 $3,447
Powder River Gateway, LLC512
 
Pawnee Terminal, LLC129
 115
Iron Horse Pipeline, LLC148
 

 186
Total receivable from related parties$4,472
 $1,340
$3,480
 $3,748
Accounts payable to related parties:   
Tallgrass Operations, LLC (1)
$
 $5,342
Total accounts payable to related parties$
 $5,342
(1)
Reflects accounts payable for charges to TEGP, inclusive of Tallgrass Equity and TEP, including indirectly charged wages and salaries, other compensation and benefits, and shared services prior to January 1, 2018 as discussed above.
Gas imbalances with affiliated shippers are as follows:
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Affiliate gas imbalance receivables$13
 $18
$19
 $19
Affiliate gas imbalance payables$269
 $442
$2,309
 $742
6.5. Inventory
The components of inventory at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 consisted of the following:
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Crude oil$21,517
 $12,792
$16,803
 $23,205
Materials and supplies5,914
 5,891
7,666
 8,206
Gas in underground storage2,413
 2,740
Natural gas liquids607
 942
1,072
 165
Gas in underground storage4,109
 1,984
Total inventory$32,147
 $21,609
$27,954
 $34,316


7.6. Property, Plant and Equipment
A summary of net property, plant and equipment by classification is as follows:
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Crude oil pipelines$1,252,262
 $1,220,379
$1,309,763
 $1,313,976
Gathering, processing and terminalling assets (1)
744,515
 675,092
895,552
 889,168
Natural gas pipelines585,483
 581,400
615,495
 607,343
General and other(1)118,355
 98,680
163,206
 180,299
Construction work in progress112,464
 97,978
171,960
 191,994
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(314,364) (279,192)(405,601) (380,351)
Total property, plant and equipment, net$2,498,715
 $2,394,337
$2,750,375
 $2,802,429
(1) 
Includes approximately $46.2 million and $40.1$30.7 million of assetsland associated with the acquisitions of Deeprock North and BNN North Dakota, respectively,PLT capital lease as discussed in January 2018.Note 12 – Leases.


8.7. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
Our investment in Rockies Express is recorded under the equity method of accounting and is reported as "Unconsolidated investments" on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, we recognized equity in earnings associated with our aggregate 75% membership interest in Rockies Express of $67.1$86.2 million, inclusive of the amortization of the negative basis difference, and received distributions from and made contributions to Rockies Express of $87.8$113.4 million and $3.2$17.3 million, respectively. As discussed in Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions, Tallgrass Equity acquired an additional 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express in February 2018.
Summarized financial information for Rockies Express is as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenue$230,058
 $201,338
$230,761
 $230,058
Operating income$128,678
 $107,369
$132,410
 $128,678
Net income to Members$90,968
 $66,250
$103,609
 $90,968
9.8. Risk Management
We enter into derivative contracts with third parties for the purpose of hedging exposures that accompany our normal business activities. We also engage in the business of trading energy related products and services, which exposes us to market variables and commodity price risk. We may enter into physical contracts or financial instruments with the objective of realizing a positive margin from the purchase and sale of these commodity-based instruments. We have a comprehensive risk management policy adopted by the board of directors of our general partner and a Risk Management Committee responsible for the overall management of credit risk and commodity risk, including establishing and monitoring exposure limits.
Our normal business activities directly and indirectly expose us to risks associated with changes in the market price of crude oil and natural gas, among other commodities. For example, the risks associated with changes in the market price of crude oil and natural gas include, among others (i) pre-existing or anticipated physical crude oil and natural gas sales, (ii) natural gas purchases and (iii) natural gas system use and storage. We have elected not to apply hedge accounting and changes in the fair value of all derivative contracts are recorded in earnings in the period in which the change occurs.


Fair Value of Derivative Contracts
The following table summarizes the fair values of our derivative contracts included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
Balance Sheet
Location
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
  (in thousands)  (in thousands)
Crude oil derivative contracts (1)
Current assets $306
 $
Prepayments and other current assets $1,761
 $3,526
Crude oil derivative contracts (1)(2)
Current liabilities $
 $2,368
Other current liabilities $1,129
 $1,642
(1) 
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the amount shown represents the fair value shown forof crude oil derivative contracts for the forward purchase of 2,135,700 and 2,105,146 barrels of crude oil, respectively, consisting of fixed price and floating price contracts, which will settle throughout 2019.
(2)
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the amount shown represents the fair value of crude oil derivative contracts for the forward sale of 242,0001,793,000 and 1,274,500 barrels of crude oil, respectively, consisting of fixed price and floating price contracts, which will settle throughout the second quarter of 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the fair value shown for crude oil derivative contracts represents the forward sale of 356,000 barrels of crude oil which settled in the first quarter of 2018.2019.


Effect of Derivative Contracts in the Statements of Income
The following table summarizes the impact of derivative contracts not designated as hedging contracts for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
 Location of gain recognized
in income on derivatives
 Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives
  
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2018 2017
   (in thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging contracts:     
Crude oil derivative contractsSales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil $4,295
 $663
Natural gas derivative contractsSales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil $
 $173
Call option derivativeOther income, net $
 $1,885
Call Option Derivative
As part of TEP's acquisition of an additional 31.3% membership interest in Pony Express effective January 1, 2016, TD granted TEP an 18 month call option at an exercise price of $42.50 per TEP common unit covering the 6,518,000 TEP common units issued to TD as a portion of the consideration. On February 1, 2017, TEP exercised the remainder of the call option covering an additional 1,703,094 common units for a cash payment of $72.4 million. These common units were deemed canceled upon the exercise of the call option and as of the applicable exercise date were no longer issued and outstanding.
  Location of gain recognized
in income on derivatives
 Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
    (in thousands)
Crude oil derivative contracts Sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil $11,473
 $4,295
Credit Risk
We have counterparty credit risk as a result of our use of derivative contracts. Counterparties to our commodity derivatives consist of market participants and major financial institutions. This concentration of counterparties may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or other conditions. The counterparty to our call option derivative was TD.
Our derivative contracts are entered into with counterparties through central trading organizations such as futures, options or stock exchanges or counterparties outside of central trading organizations. While we typically enter into derivative transactions with investment grade counterparties and actively monitor their credit ratings, it is nevertheless possible that from time to time losses will result from counterparty credit risk in the future. The maximum potential exposure to credit losses on our crude oil derivative contracts at March 31, 20182019 was:
Asset PositionAsset Position
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Gross$306
$1,761
Netting agreement impact

Cash collateral held

Net exposure$306
$1,761
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017,2019, we had $0.8$1.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of cash in margin accounts and outstanding lettersin support of creditour commodity derivative contracts. As of December 31, 2018, we did not have any cash in margin accounts in support of our commodity derivative contracts.


Fair Value
Derivative assets and liabilities are measured and reported at fair value. Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or over-the-counter ("OTC"). OTC commodity derivatives are valued using models utilizing a variety of inputs including contractual terms and commodity and interest rate curves. The selection of a particular model and particular inputs to value an OTC derivative contract depends upon the contractual terms of the instrument as well as the availability of pricing information in the market. We use similar models to value similar instruments. For OTC derivative contracts that trade in liquid markets, such as generic forwards and swaps, model inputs can generally be verified and model selection does not involve significant management judgment. Such contracts are typically classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The call option granted by TD was valued using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Key inputs to the valuation model included the term of the option, risk free rate, the exercise price and current market price, expected volatility and expected distribution yield of the underlying units. The call option valuation was classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as the value was based on significant observable inputs.
The following table summarizes the fair value measurements of our derivative contracts as of March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, based on the fair value hierarchy:
  Asset Fair Value Measurements Using  Asset Fair Value Measurements Using
Total Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
other observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Total Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
other observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
(in thousands)(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2018:       
As of March 31, 2019:       
Crude oil derivative contracts$1,761
 $
 $1,761
 $
As of December 31, 2018:       
Crude oil derivative contracts$306
 $
 $306
 $
$3,526
 $
 $3,526
 $
  Liability Fair Value Measurements Using  Liability Fair Value Measurements Using
Total Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
other observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
Total Quoted prices in
active markets
for identical
assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
other observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
(in thousands)(in thousands)
As of December 31, 2017:       
As of March 31, 2019:       
Crude oil derivative contracts$2,368
 $
 $2,368
 $
$1,129
 $
 $1,129
 $
As of December 31, 2018:       
Crude oil derivative contracts$1,642
 $
 $1,642
 $
10.9. Long-term Debt
Long-termOur long-term debt is held at TEP and consisted of the following at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017:2018:
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility$124,000
 $146,000
TEP revolving credit facility816,000
 661,000
TEP 5.50% senior notes due September 15, 2024750,000
 750,000
TEP 5.50% senior notes due January 15, 2028750,000
 750,000
Less: Deferred financing costs, net (1)
(17,628) (17,737)
Plus: Unamortized premium on 2028 Notes3,642
 3,730
Total long-term debt, net$2,426,014
 $2,292,993
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 (in thousands)
Revolving credit facility$1,349,000
 $1,224,000
4.75% senior notes due October 1, 2023500,000
 500,000
5.50% senior notes due September 15, 2024750,000
 750,000
5.50% senior notes due January 15, 2028750,000
 750,000
Less: Deferred financing costs, net (1)
(20,575) (21,421)
Plus: Unamortized premium on 2028 Notes3,291
 3,379
Total long-term debt, net$3,331,716
 $3,205,958
(1) 
Deferred financing costs, net as presented above relate solely to the 2024 and 2028 Notes.Senior Notes (as defined below). Deferred financing costs associated with our revolving credit facilities arefacility is presented in noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.


TEP Senior Unsecured Notes due 2028
On September 15, 2017,February 27, 2019, TEP and Tallgrass Energy Finance Corp. (the "Co-Issuer" and together with TEP,(together, the "Issuers"), together with the Guarantors named thereinTEP subsidiary guarantors party thereto (the "Guarantors") and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"), entered into ansupplemental indentures (the "Supplemental Indentures") to amend certain provisions of each of (i) the Indenture governing the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2023, dated as of September 15, 2017 (the "2028 Indenture") pursuant to which26, 2018, among the Issuers, issued $500 million in aggregate principal amountthe Guarantors and Trustee, (ii) the Indenture governing the 5.50% Senior Notes due 2024, dated as of September 1, 2016, among the Issuers, the Guarantors and the Trustee, and (iii) the Indenture governing the 5.50% senior notes due 2028, (the "2028 Notes"). On December 11, 2017, the Issuers issued an additional $250 million in aggregate principal amountdated as of the 2028 Notes, which are also governed by the 2028 Indenture. The notes issued on September 15, 2017, and December 11, 2017 are treated as a single class of debt securities and have identical terms, other thanamong the issue date and offering price.
The 2028 Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit TEP's abilityIssuers, the Guarantors and the abilityTrustee (collectively, the "Indentures"). The Supplemental Indentures (a) amended the defined term "Change of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) create liensControl" in each Indenture to secure indebtedness; (ii) enter into sale-leaseback transactions;provide that the Blackstone Acquisition did not constitute a Change of Control under such Indenture, (b) changed the definition of "Qualifying Owners" in the applicable Indenture to provide that Blackstone Infrastructure Partners L.P., Vencap Holdings (1992) Pte. Ltd. and (iii) consolidate withtheir respective affiliates, funds, holding companies and investment vehicles, among others, are Qualifying Owners under such Indenture, and (c) added to, amended, supplemented or merge with or into, or sell substantially all TEP’s propertieschanged certain other defined terms contained in each Indenture related to another person. the foregoing.
As of March 31, 2018,2019, TEP was in compliance with the covenants required under the 2028 Notes.Indentures.
TEP Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024
On September 1, 2016, the Issuers, the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, entered into an Indenture dated September 1, 2016 (the "2024 Indenture"), pursuant to which the Issuers issued $400 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.50% senior notes due 2024 (the "2024 Notes"). On May 16, 2017, the Issuers issued an additional $350 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes which are also governed by the 2024 Indenture. The notes issued on September 1, 2016 and May 16, 2017 are treated as a single class of debt securities and have identical terms, other than the issue date, offering price and first interest payment date. 
The 2024 Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit TEP's ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue preferred units; (ii) create liens to secure indebtedness; (iii) pay distributions on equity interests in the event of default or noncompliance with the covenants required, repurchase equity securities or redeem subordinated securities; (iv) make investments; (v) restrict distributions, loans or other asset transfers from TEP's restricted subsidiaries; (vi) consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of TEP's properties to, another person; (vii) sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests in subsidiaries; and (viii) enter into transactions with affiliates. As of March 31, 2018, TEP was in compliance with the covenants required under the 2024 Notes.
Tallgrass Equity Revolving Credit Facility
The following table sets forth the available borrowing capacity under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
Total capacity under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility$150,000
 $150,000
Less: Outstanding borrowings under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility(124,000) (146,000)
Available capacity under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility$26,000
 $4,000
In connection with the TEGP IPO, Tallgrass Equity entered into a $150 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders, which will mature on May 12, 2020. Among various other covenants and restrictive provisions, Tallgrass Equity is required to maintain a total leverage ratio of not more than 3.00 to 1.00. As of March 31, 2018, Tallgrass Equity was in compliance with the covenants required under the revolving credit facility.
The unused portion of the revolving credit facility is subject to a commitment fee of 0.50%. As of March 31, 2018, the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility was 4.38%. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, Tallgrass Equity's weighted average effective interest rate, including the interest on outstanding borrowings, commitment fees, and amortization of deferred financing costs, was 4.47%.


TEP Revolving Credit Facility
The following table sets forth the available borrowing capacity under the TEPour revolving credit facility as of March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017:2018:
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
Total capacity under the TEP revolving credit facility$1,750,000
 $1,750,000
Less: Outstanding borrowings under the TEP revolving credit facility(816,000) (661,000)
Less: Letters of credit issued under the TEP revolving credit facility(94) (94)
Available capacity under the TEP revolving credit facility$933,906
 $1,088,906
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 (in thousands)
Total capacity under the revolving credit facility$2,250,000
 $2,250,000
Less: Outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility(1,349,000) (1,224,000)
Less: Letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility(94) (94)
Available capacity under the revolving credit facility$900,906
 $1,025,906
TEP'sOn February 22, 2019, TEP and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Consent and Amendment No. 2 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Consent and Amendment") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the required lenders party thereto. The Consent and Amendment modified that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 2, 2017, as previously amended by that certain Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 26, 2018 (as amended, the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement governs our revolving credit facility contains various covenantsfacility.
In the Consent and restrictive provisions that, among other things, limit or restrict TEP's ability (as well asAmendment, the ability of its restricted subsidiaries) to incur or guarantee additional debt, incur certain liens on assets, dispose of assets, make certain distributions, including distributions from available cash, if a default or event of defaultrequired lenders under the credit agreement then exists or would result therefrom, changeCredit Agreement (i) consented to the natureBlackstone Acquisition pursuant to the terms and conditions of its business, engagethe Purchase Agreement, (ii) agreed that no Default (as defined in certain mergers or make certain investments and acquisitions, enter into non-arms-length transactions with affiliates and designate certain subsidiaries as "Unrestricted Subsidiaries." In addition, TEP is required to maintainthe Credit Agreement) under the Credit Agreement, if any, that may have resulted from a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 5.00 to 1.00 (which will be increased to 5.50 to 1.00 for certain measurement periods followingChange in Control (as defined in the Credit Agreement) caused by the consummation of certain acquisitions),the Blackstone Acquisition pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement will be deemed to have occurred, and (iii) agreed to modify the definition of "Permitted Holders" in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement (which is used in the definition of Change in Control) to reflect the change in ownership as a consolidated senior secured leverage ratioresult of not more than 3.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.50 to 1.00. the Blackstone Acquisition.
As of March 31, 2018,2019, TEP was in compliance with the covenants required under its revolving credit facility.
The unused portion of TEP's revolving credit facility is subject to a commitment fee, which ranges from 0.250% to 0.500%, based on TEP's total leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2018,2019, the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the TEP revolving credit facility was 3.27%4.00%. During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, the weighted average effective interest rate under the TEP revolving credit facility, including the interest on outstanding borrowings under TEP'sthe revolving credit facility, commitment fees, and amortization of deferred financing costs, was 3.53%4.52%.


Fair Value
The following table sets forth the carrying amount and fair value of our long-term debt, which is not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, but for which fair value is disclosed:
Fair Value  Fair Value  
Quoted prices
in active markets
for identical assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
other observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 Total Carrying
Amount
Quoted prices
in active markets
for identical assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
other observable
inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant
unobservable
inputs
(Level 3)
 Total Carrying
Amount
(in thousands)(in thousands)
As of March 31, 2018:         
Revolving credit facilities$
 $940,000
 $
 $940,000
 $940,000
As of March 31, 2019:         
Revolving credit facility$
 $1,349,000
 $
 $1,349,000
 $1,349,000
2023 Notes$
 $504,325
 $
 $504,325
 $494,892
2024 Notes$
 $767,063
 $
 $767,063
 $740,202
$
 $771,923
 $
 $771,923
 $741,565
2028 Notes$
 $754,425
 $
 $754,425
 $745,812
$
 $754,253
 $
 $754,253
 $746,259
As of December 31, 2017:         
Revolving credit facilities$
 $807,000
 $
 $807,000
 $807,000
As of December 31, 2018:         
Revolving credit facility$
 $1,224,000
 $
 $1,224,000
 $1,224,000
2023 Notes$
 $485,285
 $
 $485,285
 $494,603
2024 Notes$
 $771,645
 $
 $771,645
 $739,824
$
 $737,745
 $
 $737,745
 $741,196
2028 Notes$
 $758,168
 $
 $758,168
 $746,169
$
 $726,503
 $
 $726,503
 $746,159
The long-term debt borrowed under the revolving credit facilitiesfacility is carried at amortized cost. As of March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, the fair value of borrowings under the revolving credit facilitiesfacility approximates the carrying amount of the borrowings using a discounted cash flow analysis. The 2024 and 2028Senior Notes are carried at amortized cost, net of deferred financing costs. The estimated fair value of the 2024 and 2028Senior Notes is based upon quoted market prices adjusted for illiquid markets. We are not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value subsequent to March 31, 2018.2019.


11.10. Partnership Equity and Distributions
TEGP DistributionsTGE Dividends to Holders of Class A Shares
The following table details the distributionsdividends for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended Date Paid Distributions to Class A Shareholders Distributions per Class A Share
    (in thousands)  
March 31, 2018 
May 15, 2018 (1)
 $28,316
 $0.4875
December 31, 2017 February 14, 2018 21,346
 0.3675
September 30, 2017 November 14, 2017 20,617
 0.3550
June 30, 2017 August 14, 2017 19,891
 0.3425
March 31, 2017 May 15, 2017 16,697
 0.2875
Three Months Ended Date Paid Dividends to Class A Shareholders Dividends per Class A Share
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
March 31, 2019 
May 15, 2019 (1)
 $94,975
 $0.5300
December 31, 2018 February 14, 2019 81,304
 0.5200
September 30, 2018 November 14, 2018 79,717
 0.5100
June 30, 2018 August 14, 2018 77,052
 0.4975
March 31, 2018 May 15, 2018 28,316
 0.4875
(1) 
The distributiondividend announced on March 26, 2018April 11, 2019 for the first quarter of 20182019 will be paid on May 15, 20182019 to Class A shareholders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2018.
Subsidiary Distributions
TEP Distributions. The following table shows the distributions for the periods indicated:
    Distributions Distribution
per Limited
Partner Common Unit
    Limited Partner
Common Units
 General Partner   
Three Months Ended Date Paid Incentive Distribution Rights General Partner Units Total 
    (in thousands, except per unit amounts)
March 31, 2018 
May 15, 2018 (1)
 $71,370
 $39,816
 $1,267
 $112,453
 $0.9750
December 31, 2017 February 14, 2018 70,638
 39,125
 1,251
 111,014
 0.9650
September 30, 2017 November 14, 2017 69,174
 37,744
 1,219
 108,137
 0.9450
June 30, 2017 August 14, 2017 67,671
 36,342
 1,186
 105,199
 0.9250
March 31, 2017 May 15, 2017 60,486
 29,840
 1,040
 91,366
 0.8350
(1)
The distribution announced on March 26, 2018 for the first quarter of 2018 will be paid on May 15, 2018 to unitholders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2018.2019.
Exchange Rights
Our current Class B shareholders (collectively, the "Exchange Right Holders") own an equal number of Tallgrass Equity units. The Exchange Right Holders, and any permitted transferees of their Tallgrass Equity units, each have the right to exchange all or a portion of their Tallgrass Equity units for Class A shares at an exchange ratio of one Class A share for each Tallgrass Equity unit exchanged, which we refer to as the Exchange Right. The Exchange Right may be exercised only if, simultaneously therewith, an equal number of our Class B shares are transferred by the exercising party to us. Upon such exchange, we will cancel the Class B shares received from the exercising party.
TEP Equity Distribution Agreements
TEP has active equity distribution agreements pursuant to which it may sell from time to time through a group of managers, as its sales agents, TEP common units representing limited partner interests having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.2 million and $657.5 million. Net cash proceeds from any sale of the TEP common units may be used for general partnership purposes, which includes, among other things, TEP's exercise of the call option with respect to the 6,518,000 common units issued to TD in connection with TEP's acquisition of an additional 31.3% of Pony Express in January 2016, repayment or refinancing of debt, funding for acquisitions, capital expenditures and additions to working capital. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, TEP did not issue any common units under its equity distribution agreements.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, TEP2019, 21,751,018 Class A shares were issued and sold 2,087,647 common units withan equal number of Class B shares were cancelled as a weighted average sales priceresult of $48.23 per unit under its equity distribution agreements for net cash proceedsthe exercise of approximately $99.4 million (net of approximately $1.3 million in commissions and professional service expenses).the Exchange Right.


RepurchaseFollowing the Blackstone Acquisition that closed on March 11, 2019 discussed in Note 1 – Description of TEP Common Units Owned by TD
Following an offer received from TD with respect to TEP common units owned by TD not subject toBusiness, the call option, TEP repurchased 736,262 TEP common units from TD at an aggregate priceExchange Rights Holders currently consist of approximately $35.3 million, or $47.99 per common unit, on February 1, 2017, which was approved by the conflicts committeecertain of the boardSponsor Entities and certain members of directors of TEP's general partner. These common units were deemed canceled upon our purchase and as of such transaction date were no longer issued and outstanding.management.
Noncontrolling Interests
As of March 31, 2018,2019, noncontrolling interests in our subsidiaries consisted of a 68.57%36.45% interest in Tallgrass Equity held by the Exchange Right Holders, the 64.27% limited partner interestas well as noncontrolling interests in TEPcertain subsidiaries held by the public TEP unitholders, and aunaffiliated third parties, including an approximate 40% membership interest in Deeprock Development. Development, LLC ("Deeprock Development"), an approximate 25% membership interest in BNN West Texas, LLC ("West Texas"), and a 37% membership interest in BNN Colorado Water, LLC ("BNN Colorado"). During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized contributions from and distributions to noncontrolling interests of $1.3 million and $66.6 million, respectively. Distributions to noncontrolling interests consisted of Tallgrass Equity distributions to the Exchange Right Holders of $64.4 million and distributions to Deeprock Development and West Texas noncontrolling interests of $2.2 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recognized contributions from and made distributions to noncontrolling interests of $0.2 million and $89.1 million, respectively. Contributions from noncontrolling interests consisted primarily of contributions from TD to Pony Express. Distributions to noncontrolling interests consisted of distributions to TEP unitholders of $51.3 million, Tallgrass Equity distributions to the Exchange Right Holders of $36.4 million and distributions to Deeprock Development and Pony Express noncontrolling interests of $1.3 million.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recognized contributions from and distributions to noncontrolling interests of $0.7 million and $71.4 million, respectively. Contributions from noncontrolling interests consisted primarily of contributions from TD to Pony Express. Distributions to noncontrolling interests consisted of distributions to TEP unitholders of $42.5 million, Tallgrass Equity distributions to the Exchange Right Holders of $27.5 million and distributions to Pony Express noncontrolling interests of $1.4 million.
Other Contributions and Distributions
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, TEGPTGE recognized the following other contributions and distributions:
TEGPTGE was deemed to have made a noncash capital distribution of $198.0 million, which represents the excess purchase price over the $53.8 million carrying value of the 5,619,218 TEP common units acquired as of February 7, 2018; and
TEGPTGE was deemed to have received a noncash capital contribution of $108.5 million, which represents the excess carrying value of the 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express acquired as of February 7, 2018 over the fair value of the consideration paid.paid; and
During
TEP was deemed to have made a noncash capital distribution of $16.2 million, which represents the excess purchase price over the $33.8 million carrying value of the additional 2% membership interest in Pony Express acquired as of February 1, 2018.
Share-Based Compensation
The Blackstone Acquisition discussed in Note 1 – Description of Business constituted a change in control event under certain Equity Participation Share agreements outstanding under the LTIP plan, resulting in the accelerated vesting of 1,092,637 Class A shares (net of tax withholding of approximately 543,909 Class A shares) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $18.82. These Class A shares were issued in April 2019. The accelerated vesting resulted in the recognition of equity-based compensation costs of $12.5 million in "General and administrative" costs in the condensed consolidated statements of income during the three months ended March 31, 2017, TEGP recognized the following other contributions and distributions:
TEP received contributions from TD2019. In addition, 1,767,100 Equity Participation Shares with a weighted average grant date fair value of $2.3 million primarily to indemnify TEP for costs associated with Trailblazer's Pipeline Integrity Management Program, as discussed in Note 15 – Legal and Environmental Matters.
12. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Implementation of ASC Topic 606
As discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, we adopted the guidance in ASC Topic 606 effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method of adoption. As a result, revenue reported for$15.20 were granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 has not been revised. The following tables provide the impact of the guidance on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018 and the condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2018:2019.
 March 31, 2018 
 As currently reported Under previous guidance Impact of ASC Topic 606 
 (in thousands) 
Unconsolidated investments$1,446,039
 $1,392,894
 $53,145
(1) 


 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 
 As currently reported Under previous guidance Impact of ASC Topic 606 
 (in thousands) 
Crude oil transportation services$84,738
 $84,466
 $272
(2) 
Sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil$38,145
 $39,245
 $(1,100)
(3) 
Processing and other revenues$24,015
 $25,525
 $(1,510)
(1)(3) 
Cost of sales$26,351
 $28,845
 $(2,494)
(2)(3) 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments$68,402
 $58,123
 $10,279
(1) 
Net income attributable to TEGP$16,735
 $15,053
 $1,682
 
Basic net income per Class A share$0.29
 $0.26
 $0.03
 
Diluted net income per Class A share$0.29
 $0.26
 $0.03
 
(1)11. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Reflects the impact on our investment in Rockies Express and the management fee collected by NatGas of the cumulative effect adjustment at Rockies Express, which arose as a result of the allocation of the transaction price to a series of individual performance obligations in certain long-term transportation contracts with tiered-pricing arrangements. The adjustment increases the carrying amount of our investment in Rockies Express to reflect increased equity in earnings and establishes a receivable for the increased management fee revenue that would have been earned by NatGas.
(2)
Reflects the impact to revenue and cost of sales to value PLA barrels collected under certain crude oil transportation arrangements at their contract inception fair value in revenue and record an associated lower of cost or net realizable value adjustment in cost of sales.
(3)
Reflects the reclassification of certain gathering and processing fees collected under arrangements determined to be supply arrangements, rather than customer arrangements under ASC 606, to cost of sales and the reclassification of certain commodities retained as consideration for processing services to processing fee revenue.


Disaggregated Revenue
A summary of our revenue by line of business is as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 Natural Gas Transportation segment Crude Oil Transportation segment Gathering, Processing, & Terminalling segment Corporate and Other Total Revenue
 (in thousands)
Crude oil transportation - committed shipper revenue$
 $95,277
 $
 $
 $95,277
Natural gas transportation - firm service32,521
 
 
 (396) 32,125
Water business services
 
 18,286
 
 18,286
Natural gas gathering & processing fees
 
 6,080
 
 6,080
All other (1)
3,321
 14,507
 3,520
 (17,034) 4,314
Total service revenue35,842
 109,784
 27,886
 (17,430) 156,082
Natural gas liquids sales
 
 16,871
 
 16,871
Natural gas sales
 
 10,401
 
 10,401
Crude oil sales
 
 119
 
 119
Total commodity sales revenue
 
 27,391
 
 27,391
Total revenue from contracts with customers35,842
 109,784
 55,277
 (17,430) 183,473
Other revenue (2)

 
 18,757
 (4,878) 13,879
Total revenue (3)
$35,842
 $109,784
 $74,034
 $(22,308) $197,352
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 Natural Gas Transportation segment Crude Oil Transportation segment Gathering, Processing, & Terminalling segment Corporate and Other Total Revenue
 (in thousands)
Crude oil transportation - committed shipper revenue$
 $84,738
 $
 $
 $84,738
Natural gas transportation - firm service33,334
 
 
 (1,883) 31,451
Water business services
 
 13,204
 
 13,204
Natural gas gathering & processing fees
 
 5,044
 
 5,044
All other (1)
2,630
 3,319
 5,706
 (6,088) 5,567
Total service revenue35,964
 88,057
 23,954
 (7,971) 140,004
Natural gas liquids sales
 
 23,609
 
 23,609
Natural gas sales238
 
 7,847
 
 8,085
Crude oil sales
 1,909
 247
 
 2,156
Total commodity sales revenue238
 1,909
 31,703
 
 33,850
Total revenue from contracts with customers36,202
 89,966
 55,657
 (7,971) 173,854
Other revenue (2)

 
 8,181
 (2,941) 5,240
Total revenue (3)
$36,202
 $89,966
 $63,838
 $(10,912) $179,094
(1) 
Includes revenue from crude oil transportation walk up shippers, crude oil terminal services, interruptible natural gas transportation and storage, and natural gas park and loan service.
(2) 
Includes lease and derivative revenue not subject to ASC 606.


(3) 
Excludes $230.1revenue recognized at unconsolidated investments, including $230.8 million and $230.1 million of revenue recognized at Rockies Express for the three months ended March 31, 2018.2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 87 – Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates for additional information about our investment in Rockies Express.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in ASC Topic 606. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation and are billed and collected monthly.
All of our segments engage in commodity sales, in which our performance obligations include an obligation to deliver the specified volume of a commodity to the designated receipt point. Revenue from commodity sales is recognized at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the commodity, typically upon delivery to the designated delivery point when the customer accepts and takes possession of the commodity.
In the Natural Gas Transportation segment, our performance obligations typically include an obligation to stand ready to provide natural gas transportation, storage, or an integrated transportation and storage service over the life of the contract, which is a series. These performance obligations are satisfied over time using each day of service to measure progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation.
In the Crude Oil Transportation segment, our performance obligations typically include an obligation to provide crude oil transportation services over the life of the contract, which is a series. These performance obligations are satisfied over time using barrels delivered to measure progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation.


In the Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment, the performance obligations vary based on the operating asset and type of contract. In our natural gas gathering and processing arrangements, performance obligations typically include an obligation to provide an integrated processing service over the life of the contract, which is a series. These performance obligations are satisfied over time using each unit of gas processed to measure progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation. In our freshwater supply arrangements, performance obligations typically include an obligation to deliver a specified volume of water to the designated receipt point. These performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the water. In our produced water gathering and disposal arrangements, performance obligations typically include an obligation to provide an integrated produced water gathering and disposal service over the life of the contract, which is a series. These performance obligations are satisfied over time using barrels disposed to measure progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation.
On March 31, 2018,2019, we had $1.7$1.5 billion of remaining performance obligations at our consolidated subsidiaries, which we refer to as total backlog. Total backlog includes performance obligations under long-term crude oil transportation contracts with committed shippers, natural gas firm transportation and firm storage contracts, and certain water business service contracts with minimum volume commitments, and excludes variable consideration that is not estimated at contract inception, as discussed further below. We expect to recognize the total backlog during the remainder of 20182019 and future periods as follows (in thousands):
Year Estimated Revenue
 Estimated Revenue
2018 $387,826
2019 488,919
2019 – remaining $439,404
2020 317,235
 367,732
2021 138,686
 175,919
2022 129,548
 171,033
2023 150,810
Thereafter 271,311
 240,961
Total $1,733,525
 $1,545,859
Contract Estimates
Accounting for long-term contracts involves the use of various techniques to estimate total contract revenue. Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that often span several years. These assumptions include the anticipated volumes of crude oil expected to be delivered by our customers for transport in future periods.
The nature of our contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including PLA, volumetric charges for actual volumes delivered, overrun charges, and other fees that are contingent on the actual volumes delivered by our customers. As the amount of variable consideration is allocable to each distinct performance obligation within the series of performance obligations that comprise the single performance obligation we do not estimate the total variable consideration for the single overall performance obligation becauseand the uncertainty related to the consideration is resolved each month as the distinct service is provided.provided, we do not estimate the total variable consideration for the single overall performance obligation. Consequently, we are able to include in the transaction price each month the actual amount of variable consideration because no uncertainty exists surrounding the services provided that month.
Certain of our contracts include provisions in which a portion of the consideration is noncash. In our Crude Oil Transportation segment, we collect PLA from our customers. As crude oil is transported, we earn, and take title to, a portion of the oil transported for our services. Any PLA that remains after replacing losses in transit can be sold. Where PLA is determined to be a component of compensation for the transportation services provided, crude oil retained is recognized in revenue at its contract inception fair value. In our Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment, we retain commodity products as consideration under certain of our gathering and processing arrangements. Processing fee revenue is recorded when the performance obligation is completed based on the value of the product received at the time services are performed. At this time, the variability of the non-cash consideration related to both form (price) and other-than-form (volume and product mix), which are interrelated, is resolved.
As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the amount and timing of revenue recognized under our customer contracts, we review and update our contract-related estimates regularly.


Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections may result in billed accounts receivable, unbilled receivables (contract assets), and deferred revenue (contract liabilities) on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Revenue is generally billed and collected monthly based on services provided or commodity volumes sold. In our Crude Oil Transportation segment, we recognize shipper deficiencies, or deferred revenue, for barrels committed by the customer to be transported in a month but not physically received by us for transport or delivered to the customers' agreed upon destination point. These shipper deficiencies are charged at the committed tariff rate per barrel and recorded as a contract liability until the barrels are physically transported and delivered, or when the likelihood that the customer will utilize the deficiency balance becomes remote. We also recognize contract liabilities, in the form of deferred revenue, under certain water business services contracts in the Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment. Contract balances as of March 31, 2018 were as follows:
March 31, 2018 January 1, 2018March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Accounts receivable from contracts with customers$68,039
 $61,888
$79,855
 $80,935
Other accounts receivable(1)63,362
 56,727
143,949
 151,414
Receivable from related parties3,480
 3,748
Accounts receivable, net$131,401
 $118,615
$227,284
 $236,097
      
Deferred revenue from contracts with customers (1)
$99,922
 $88,471
Deferred revenue from contracts with customers (2)
$123,184
 $111,095
(1)
Other accounts receivable primarily consists of receivables under crude oil forward purchase and sale arrangements that are accounted for as derivatives under ASC 815.
(2) 
Revenue recognized during the three months ended March 31, 20182019 that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period was $3.1$1.6 million. This revenue primarily represented the utilization of shipper deficiencies at Pony Express.
12. Leases
We account for leases in accordance with ASC Topic 842, Leases, which we adopted on January 1, 2019, applying the modified retrospective transition approach as of the effective date of adoption. See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information regarding the impacts of adoption.
We enter into operating leases as lessee for certain office space and equipment. We also have a capital lease agreement to lease the land site on which PLT expects to construct storage and terminalling facilities. In November 2018, we entered into an agreement to jointly-own PLT, an entity formed with the intention of developing a storage and terminalling facility. At the same time, PLT entered into an agreement with the Plaquemines Port & Harbor Terminal District to lease the land site on which PLT expects to construct the facilities.
Under ASC 842, a contract is or contains a lease when, (1) the contract contains an explicitly or implicitly identified asset and (2) the customer obtains substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset and directs how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract in exchange for consideration. We assess whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. For all leases (finance and operating leases), other than those that qualify for the short-term recognition exemption, we recognize as of the lease commencement date on the balance sheet a liability for our obligation related to the lease and a corresponding asset representing our right to use the underlying asset over the period of use. The discount rate used to calculate the present value of the future minimum lease payments is the rate implicit in the lease, when readily determinable. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we determine the appropriate discount rate using our incremental secured borrowing rate, with consideration given to the nature and term of the leased asset.
Our leases have remaining terms of up to approximately 40 years. Certain of our lease agreements contain options to extend or early terminate the agreement. The lease term used to calculate the lease asset and liability at commencement includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. When determining whether it is reasonably certain that we will exercise an option at commencement, we consider various economic factors, including operating strategies, the nature, length, and underlying terms of the agreement, as well as the uncertainty of the condition of leased equipment at the end of the lease term. Based on these determinations, we generally determine that the exercise of renewal options would not be reasonably certain in determining the expected lease term.


For the three months ended March 31, 2019, operating lease cost and cash paid included in operating cash flows was $0.2 million. During this period the existing finance lease did not have any lease payments or variable lease cost.
Supplemental information related to our existing leases as of March 31, 2019 was as follows:
 Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2019
Operating Leases:  (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate)
Operating lease right-of-use assetsDeferred charges and other assets $2,171
Current operating lease liabilitiesOther current liabilities $603
Non-current operating lease liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities and deferred credits $1,568
    
Finance Leases:   
Finance lease right-of-use asset (1)
Property, plant and equipment, net $30,704
    
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:   
Operating leases  4.6 years
Finance leases  39.7 years
    
Weighted Average Discount Rate:   
Operating leases  4.63%
Finance leases  7.01%
(1)
PLT satisfied the initial capital lease obligation of $30.7 million at lease inception and as a result has no outstanding liability or imputed interest on the future minimum rental commitments.
Maturities of lease liabilities as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Year Operating Leases 
Finance Leases (1)
  (in thousands)
2019 – remaining $683
 $449
2020 956
 449
2021 506
 449
2022 240
 449
2023 147
 449
Thereafter 364
 17,770
Total lease payments 2,896
 20,015
Less: discounting for present value and other adjustments (725) (20,015)
Present value of lease liabilities $2,171
 $
(1)
Future lease payments for finance leases consist of the annual payments under the PLT land site lease. At lease inception, the present value of the future lease payments exceeded the fair value of the leased property. As a result, the right of use asset and capital lease obligation were recorded at the $30.7 million fair value of land. On that date, PLT made a payment of $30.7 million, immediately relieving the capital lease obligation. As a result, PLT does not have an outstanding capital lease obligation or impute interest on the future minimum rental commitments and will recognize expense for the future lease payments in the period in which they are made.
Under various lease agreements, Tallgrass Midstream, LLC ("TMID"), as lessor, leases capacity on NGL pipelines that were constructed for third parties, and Deeprock Development, as lessor, leases capacity at certain of its storage facilities. Rental income for these arrangements was approximately $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and was recorded as "Processing and other revenues" in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Under a lease agreement initially effective November 13, 2012, Tallgrass Interstate Gas Transmission, LLC ("TIGT"), as lessor, leases a portion of its office space to a third party. Rental income was approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and was recorded as "Other income, net" in the condensed consolidated statements of income.


At March 31, 2019, future minimum rental income under non-cancelable operating leases as the lessor were as follows:
Year Total
  (in thousands)
2019 - remaining $5,850
2020 3,952
2021 3,773
2022 3,773
2023 3,773
Thereafter 7,353
Total $28,474
Information as of December 31, 2018 under historical lease accounting guidance:
At December 31, 2018, our future minimum rental commitments under major, non-cancelable leases were as follows:
Year Operating Leases Capital Lease
  (in thousands)
2019 $1,074
 $449
2020 922
 449
2021 483
 449
2022 240
 449
2023 147
 449
Thereafter 364
 17,770
Total $3,230
 $20,015
13. Net Income per Class A Share
Basic net income per Class A share is determined by dividing net income attributable to TEGPTGE by the weighted average number of outstanding Class A shares during the period. Class B shares do not share in the earnings of the Partnership.TGE. Accordingly, basic and diluted net income per Class B share has not been presented.
Diluted net income per Class A share is determined by dividing net income attributable to TEGPTGE by the weighted average number of outstanding diluted Class A shares during the period. For purposes of calculating diluted net income per Class A share, we considered the impact of possible future exercises of the Exchange Right by the Exchange Right Holders on both net income attributable to TEGPTGE and the diluted weighted average number of Class A shares outstanding. The Exchange Right Holders refers to the group of persons who collectively own all TEGP'sTGE's outstanding Class B shares and an equivalent number of Tallgrass Equity units. The Exchange Right Holders are entitled to exercise the right to exchange their Tallgrass Equity units (together with an equivalent number of TEGPTGE Class B shares) for TEGPTGE Class A shares at an exchange ratio of one TEGPTGE Class A share for each Tallgrass Equity unit exchanged, which we refer to as the Exchange Right. TheAs of March 31, 2019, the Exchange Right Holders primarily consist of Kelso & Companycertain of the Sponsor Entities and its affiliated investment funds, The Energy & Minerals Group and its affiliated investment funds, and Tallgrass KC, LLC, which is an entity owned by certain members of TEGP's and TEP'sour management.
Pursuant to the TEGPTGE partnership agreement and the Tallgrass Equity limited liability company agreement, our capital structure and the capital structure of Tallgrass Equity will generally replicate one another in order to maintain the one-for-one exchange ratio between the Tallgrass Equity units and Class B shares, on the one hand, and our Class A shares, on the other hand. As a result, the exchange of any Class B shares for Class A shares does not have a dilutive effect on basic net income per Class A share. However, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the assumed issuance of TGE Equity Participation Shares would have had a dilutive effect on basic net income per Class A share as shown in the table below.


The following table illustrates the calculation of net income per Class A share for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
Basic Net Income per Class A Share      
Net income attributable to TEGP$16,735
 $12,029
Net income attributable to TGE$50,587
 $16,735
Basic weighted average Class A Shares outstanding58,085
 58,075
161,425
 58,085
Basic net income per Class A share$0.29
 $0.21
$0.31
 $0.29
Diluted Net Income per Class A Share      
Net income attributable to TEGP$16,735
 $12,029
Incremental net income attributable to TEGP including the effect of the assumed issuance of Equity Participation Shares69
 8
Net income attributable to TEGP including incremental net income from assumed issuance of Equity Participation Shares$16,804
 $12,037
Net income attributable to TGE$50,587
 $16,735
Incremental net income attributable to TGE including the effect of the assumed issuance of Equity Participation Shares206
 69
Net income attributable to TGE including incremental net income from assumed issuance of Equity Participation Shares$50,793
 $16,804
Basic weighted average Class A Shares outstanding58,085
 58,075
161,425
 58,085
Equity Participation Shares equivalent shares125
 90
1,352
 125
Diluted weighted average Class A Shares outstanding58,210
 58,165
162,777
 58,210
Diluted net income per Class A Share$0.29
 $0.21
$0.31
 $0.29
14. Regulatory Matters
There are no regulatory proceedings challenging the rates of Pony Express and Rockies Express, Tallgrass Interstate Gas Transmission, LLC ("TIGT") orExpress. On May 1, 2019, as further described below, TIGT filed with the FERC a pre–filing settlement that establishes, among other things, settlement rates for supporting/non–contesting participants as defined in the pre–filing settlement. On June 29, 2018, Trailblazer Pipeline Company LLC ("Trailblazer"). filed a general rate case with the FERC pursuant to Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act ("NGA"), as further described below. We have also made certain regulatory filings with the FERC, including the following:
Pony Express
On May 22, 2017 and May 31, 2017, Pony Express made tariff filings with the FERC in Docket Nos. IS17-263-000, IS17-464-000, and IS17-465-000 to increase the contract and non-contract rates by an amount reflecting the most recent FERC annual index adjustment of approximately 0.2%, which became effective July 1, 2017.
On November 30, 2017, Pony Express filed with the FERC in Docket No. IS18-60-000 certain changes to its tariffs to reflect the addition of two new destination points, which became effective January 1, 2018.
On December 29, 2017, Pony Express filed with the FERC in Docket No. IS18-113-000 certain changes to its tariffs to reflect a new origin point in Rooks County, Kansas, which became effective on February 1, 2018.
On February 28, 2018, Pony Express filed with the FERC in Docket No. IS18-199-000 certain changes to its tariffs to reflect a new origin point in Platteville, Colorado, which became effective on April 1, 2018.


On March 1, 2018, Pony Express submitted proposed revisions to its Rules and Regulations Tariff in Docket No. IS18-204-000 to establish the right to accept "Specialty Batches" of oil that do not conform to the Quality Specifications reflected in the tariff, provided that the acceptance is operationally feasible. These tariff changes became effective on April 1, 2018.
On April 11, 2018, Pony Express filed with the FERC in Docket No. IS18–267–000 certain changes to its tariffs to reflect additional contract rates from a new origin point in Platteville, Colorado, which are proposed to become effective on May 1, 2018.
Rockies Express
Rockies Express Zone 3 Capacity Enhancement Project – FERC Docket No. CP15-137-000
On March 31, 2015 in Docket No. CP15-137-000, Rockies Express filed with the FERC an application for authorization to construct and operate (1) three new mainline compressor stations located in Pickaway and Fayette Counties, Ohio and Decatur County, Indiana; (2) additional compressors at an existing compressor station in Muskingum County, Ohio; and (3) certain ancillary facilities. The facilities increased the Rockies Express Zone 3 east-to-west mainline capacity by 0.8 Bcf/d. Pursuant to the FERC's obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act, FERC staff issued an Environmental Assessment for the project on August 31, 2015. On February 25, 2016, the FERC issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity authorizing Rockies Express to proceed with the project. On March 14, 2016, Rockies Express commenced construction of the project facilities. The project was placed in-service for the full 0.8 Bcf/d on January 6, 2017.
Electric Power Charge Clarification - FERC Docket No. RP17-285
On December 21, 2016, in Docket No. RP17-285, Rockies Express proposed certain revisions to the General Terms and Conditions of its tariff to clarify that the electric power costs associated with the operation of gas coolers installed in association with the Zone 3 Capacity Enhancement Project at both electric and gas powered stations, will be included in the Power Cost Tracker. Several shippers submitted comments on the proposal. The FERC issued an order on January 19, 2017 accepting the proposed revisions permitting the recovery of electric power costs from the operation of both gas and electric powered compressor stations, subject to certain clarifications.
2017 Annual and Interim FERC Fuel Tracking Filings - FERC Docket Nos. RP17-401 and RP17-1064
On February 13, 2017, in Docket No. RP17-401, Rockies Express made its annual fuel and power cost tracker filing with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2017. The FERC issued an order accepting the filing, including certain requested waivers, on March 21, 2017. On September 20, 2017, Rockies Express made its interim fuel tracker filing in Docket No. RP17-1064 with a proposed effective date of November 1, 2017. The FERC issued an order accepting the filing on October 18, 2017.
Increased Frequency of FL&U and PCT Adjustments - FERC Docket No. RP18-228
On December 1, 2017, in Docket No. RP18-228, Rockies Express made a filing with the FERC to increase the frequency in which it may adjust fixed fuel and lost and unaccounted for retainages and power cost tracker charges during the year so that its recovery of fixed fuel and lost and unaccounted for charges and power costs more closely track usage. Rockies Express proposed an effective date of April 1, 2018. The comment period ended on December 13, 2017, and no parties opposed Rockies Express’ filing. On April 4, 2018, the FERC issued a letter order accepting Rockies Express’s proposal, subject to certain modifications. Rockies Express submitted a compliance filing reflecting the approved tariff provisions and requested modifications on April 10, 2018. No comments on the compliance filing were submitted by the comment deadline of April 16, 2018. On April 18, 2018, the FERC issued an order accepting Rockies Express’s compliance filing effective April 19, 2018.
2018 Annual FERC Fuel Tracking Filing - FERC Docket No. RP18-453
On February 20, 2018, in Docket No. RP18-453, Rockies Express made its annual fuel and power cost tracker filing with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2018. The FERC issued an order accepting the filing on March 19, 2018.
Cheyenne Hub Enhancement Project - FERC Docket CP18-103No. CP18-103-000
On March 2, 2018, Rockies Express submitted an application pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas ActNGA for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing the construction and operation of certain booster compressor units and ancillary facilities located at the Cheyenne Hub in Weld County, Colorado that will enable Rockies Express to provide a new hub service allowing for firm receipts and deliveries between Rockies Express and certain other interconnected pipelines at the Cheyenne Hub. Rockies Express filed this certificate application in conjunction with a concurrently filed certificate application by Cheyenne Connector, LLC ("Cheyenne Connector") for the Cheyenne Connector Pipeline Project further described below. The comment period for the Cheyenne Hub Enhancement Project closed on April 9, 2018. To date, various comments have been filed by market participants and others regarding the proposed project. Rockies Express has also responded to data requests from the FERC's relevant program offices. On October 11, 2018, the FERC issued a Notice of Schedule of Environmental Review setting December 18, 2018 as the date of issuance of the Environmental Assessment and March 18, 2019 as the deadline for decisions by other federal agencies on requests for authorizations for the proposed project. On December 18, 2018, the FERC issued the Environmental Assessment. The application is pending before the FERC.
Rockies Express Form No. 501-G Filing - FERC Docket No. RP19-412-000
On December 6, 2018, Rockies Express submitted its one-time informational filing in compliance with Order No. 849, which required interstate natural gas pipelines to make a one-time informational filing on the rate effect of the changes in tax laws and policy following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the FERC's changes to its Income Tax Policy Statement following the decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in United Airlines, Inc. v. FERC in 2016. On March 20, 2019, the FERC issued an order finding that Rockies Express complied with the reporting requirement and terminated the proceeding.
2019 Annual FERC Fuel Tracking Filing - FERC Docket No. RP19-786-000
On February 28, 2019, in Docket No. RP19-786-000, Rockies Express made its annual fuel and power cost tracker filing. The FERC issued an order accepting the filing on March 29, 2019.


Cheyenne Connector
Cheyenne Connector Pipeline Project - FERC Docket CP18-102No. CP18-102-000
On March 2, 2018, Cheyenne Connector, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of TEP,TGE, submitted an application pursuant to section 7(c) of the Natural Gas ActNGA for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct and operate a 70-mile 36 inch pipeline to transport natural gas from multiple gas processing plants in Weld County, Colorado to Rockies Express’sExpress' Cheyenne Hub. The comment period for the Cheyenne Connector Pipeline Project closed on April 9, 2018. To date, various comments have been filed by market participants and others regarding the proposed project. Cheyenne Connector has also responded to data requests from the FERC's relevant program offices. On October 11, 2018, the FERC issued a Notice of Schedule of Environmental Review setting December 18, 2018 as the date of issuance of the Environmental Assessment and March 18, 2019 as the deadline for decisions by other federal agencies on requests for authorizations for the proposed project. On December 18, 2018, the FERC issued the Environmental Assessment. The application is pending before the FERC.
TIGT
General Rate CaseTIGT Form No. 501-G Filing - FERC Docket No. RP16-137-000, et seq.RP19-423-000
On October 30, 2015,December 6, 2018, TIGT submitted its one-time informational filing in Docketcompliance with Order No. RP16-137-000, et seq., TIGT filed849, which required interstate natural gas pipelines to make a generalone-time informational filing on the rate case with the FERC pursuant to Section 4effect of the National Gaschanges in tax laws and policy following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("NGA"). The general rate case was ultimately resolved via settlement, whichand the FERC approved on November 2, 2016, and a compliance filing that modernized TIGT's FERC Gas Tariff, consistent with prior FERC orders, whichFERC's changes to its Income Tax Policy Statement following the FERC accepted on March 16, 2017. Per the termsdecision of the settlement, TIGT is required to file a new general rate case on May 1, 2019 (provided that such rate case is not pre-emptedU.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in United Airlines, Inc. v. FERC in 2016. On December 18, 2018, one protest and one set of comments were filed by a pre-filing settlement).intervenors in the docket. The filing remains pending before the FERC.
20172019 Annual Fuel Tracker Filing - FERC Docket No. RP17-428-000RP19-715-000
On February 27, 2017,2019, in Docket No. RP17-428-000,RP19-715-000, TIGT made its annual fuel tracker filing with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2017. The filing incorporated the FL&U tracker and power cost tracker mechanisms agreed to in the TIGT Rate Case Settlement.2019. The FERC accepted the filing on March 21, 2017.22, 2019.
Electric Power Charge ClarificationPre-Filing Settlement - FERC Docket No. RP17-1051-000RP19-423-001
On September 15, 2017, inMay 1, 2019, TIGT filed a pre-filing settlement that, consistent with Article II.B.1 of the Docket No. RP17-1051-000,RP16-137-000 settlement, satisfies TIGT's mandatory filing requirement under Article IIB.1 of such settlement. The pre-filing settlement establishes, inter alia, settlement rates reflecting an overall decrease to recourse rates, contract extensions for maximum recourse rate firm contracts through May 31, 2023, and a moratorium, as well as requires that TIGT file a new NGA Section 4 general rate case on June 1, 2023, provided that TIGT has not preempted this mandatory filing requirement by filing on or before June 1, 2023 for approval of a new pre-filing settlement.
Trailblazer
General Rate Case Filing - FERC Docket No. RP18-922-000, et seq.
On June 29, 2018, Trailblazer filed a general rate case with the FERC, which satisfies the requirement set forth in the settlement resolving Trailblazer's previous general rate case that Trailblazer file a new general rate case with rates to be effective no later than January 1, 2019. The June 29, 2018 filing reflects an overall increase to Trailblazer's cost of service. In the filing, Trailblazer is proposing to maintain its existing bifurcated firm transportation service rate design as well as its current tracking methodologies for the treatment of Fuel and Lost and Unaccounted For ("FL&U") gas and electric power costs. The proposed certain revisionsrates include an increase in rates on Trailblazer's Existing System Firm Transportation Service. The overall rate increase would be partially offset by a proposed decrease in rates for Expansion System Firm Transportation Service and interruptible services. Trailblazer is also proposing to include a cost recovery mechanism in its tariff to clarify, amongstrecover future eligible costs related to system safety, integrity, reliability, environmental and cybersecurity issues. Under the NGA and the FERC's regulations, Trailblazer's shippers and other things,interested parties, including the FERC's Trial Staff, have the right to challenge any aspect of Trailblazer's rate case filing. On July 11, 2018, four protests were filed that the electric power costs associated with the operationchallenge various aspects of gas coolers at both electric and gas powered stations are properly included inTrailblazer's rate case filing. FERC action remains pending.
On July 31, 2018, the Power Cost Tracker. The FERC issued an Order accepting and suspending the rate case filing, and establishing hearing and settlement procedures. In the Order, the FERC approved the as-filed rate decreases for Expansion System Firm Transportation Service, as well as Trailblazer's interruptible services, effective August 1, 2018. The Commission also established a paper hearing to examine the extent to which Trailblazer is entitled to an income tax allowance. All remaining issues, including the proposed rate increases to Existing System Firm Transportation Service have been set for hearing and are accepted effective January 1, 2019, subject to refund. On August 30, 2018, Trailblazer and certain of Trailblazer's shippers filed a request for rehearing of the July 31, 2018 Order, which remains pending before the FERC. Consistent with the July 31, 2018 Order, on August 30, 2018, certain of Trailblazer's shippers and other interested parties filed initial briefs regarding the Income Tax Allowance issue. Trailblazer filed its reply brief regarding the same on September 14, 2018. On November 1, 2018, Trailblazer


filed a supplement to its reply brief addressing a recent FERC order regarding the appropriate methodology used to calculate return on equity and discussing the impact of such order on October 3, 2017 acceptingTrailblazer's proposed Income Tax Allowance.
On February 21, 2019, the proposed revisions.FERC issued an Order stating a preliminary finding that a double recovery appears to result from permitting an income tax allowance for the income tax liability attributable to certain private owners' ownership share in Trailblazer in addition to a discounted cash flow return on equity. The FERC also preliminary found that no double recovery resulted from permitting an income tax allowance for the corporate income tax liability attributable to TGE's ownership share in Trailblazer in addition to a discounted cash flow return on equity. The FERC emphasized that the findings are preliminary and may change based upon subsequent evidence and argument. The FERC ordered that the income tax allowance be addressed at the hearing with the other remaining issues. On February 22, 2019, the Chief Administrative Law Judge issued an order directing the ongoing settlement judge procedures and any subsequent hearing in the proceeding to address all income tax allowance issues. 
On August 28, 2018, the participants attended an initial settlement conference. On November 15, 2018, the participants attended a second settlement conference. On December 31, 2018, Trailblazer filed a motion with the FERC to move the suspended tariff records into effect as of January 1, 2019. In January 2019, the participants attended a third settlement conference. In February 2019, the participants attended a fourth settlement conference. On February 14, 2019, Trailblazer filed its 45-day update. On March 14, 2019, the Chief Administrative Law Judge issued an order terminating settlement judge procedures, designating a Presiding Judge for the purpose of conducting a hearing and issuing an initial decision, establishing Track III procedural time standards for the hearing and directing that a prehearing conference be convened within 15 days of the date of the order. On March 19, 2019, the Presiding Judge issued an order to convene the prehearing conference on March 26, 2019. Following the prehearing conference, on March 28, 2019, the Presiding Judge issued an order establishing a procedural schedule and hearing rules in connection with the Chief Administrative Law Judge's March 28, 2019 order extending the Track III procedural deadlines.
2019 Annual Fuel Tracker Filing - FERC Docket No. RP18-533-000RP19-888-000
On March 1, 2018,25, 2019, in Docket No. RP18-533-000, TIGT made its annual fuel tracker filing with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2018. The FERC accepted the filing on March 22, 2018.
Trailblazer
2017 Annual and Interim Fuel Tracker Filings - FERC Docket Nos. RP17-549-000 and RP17-1052-000
On March 22, 2017, in Docket No. RP17-549-000, Trailblazer made its annual fuel tracker filing with a proposed effective date of May 1, 2017. The FERC accepted the filing on April 19, 2017. On September 15, 2017, Trailblazer made its interim fuel tracker filing in Docket No. RP17-1052-000 with a proposed effective date of November 1, 2017. The FERC accepted the filing on October 13, 2017.
2018 Annual Fuel Tracker Filing - FERC Docket No. RP18-580-000
On March 22, 2018, in Docket No. in Docket No. RP18-580-000,RP19-888-000, Trailblazer made its annual fuel tracker filing with a proposed effective date of May 1, 2018. The FERC accepted the filing on April 20, 2018.18, 2019.
Pony Express
On January 11, 2019, Pony Express filed with the FERC in Docket No. IS19-145-000 certain changes to its tariffs to incorporate the Sterling origin point in Logan County, Colorado in the published rate schedules, to establish a line fill return rate from the Natoma origin point, and to make minor clarifying edits.
Iron Horse
Petition for Declaratory Order - FERC Docket No. OR19-9-000
On November 9, 2018, Iron Horse filed a Petition for Declaratory Order with the FERC, requesting approval of Iron Horse's proposed rate structures, Committed Shipper rights, and prorationing provisions for shippers and various other aspects of the Transportation Service Agreement for service on the pipeline. The FERC granted the Petition on April 11, 2019.
Baseline Tariff Filing - FERC Docket No. IS19-274-000
On April 1, 2019, Iron Horse filed certain baseline tariffs with the FERC, each with an effective date of May 1, 2019.
15. Legal and Environmental Matters
Legal
In addition to the matters discussed below, we are a defendant in various lawsuits arising from the day-to-day operations of our business. Although no assurance can be given, we believe, based on our experiences to date, that the ultimate resolution of such routine itemsmatters will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
We have evaluated claims in accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies that we deem both probable and reasonably estimable and, accordingly, have recorded no reserve for legal claims as of March 31, 20182019 or December 31, 2017.2018.


Rockies Express
Ultra ResourcesOhio Public Utility Excise Tax
In early 2016, Ultra Resources, Inc. ("Ultra") defaulted on its firm transportation service agreement for approximately 0.2 Bcf/d through November 11, 2019. In late March 2016,The Ohio Tax Commissioner has assessed Rockies Express terminated Ultra's service agreement. On April 14, 2016,a public utility excise tax on transactions concerning product that entered and exited Rockies Express filedwithin the state of Ohio. This tax applies to gross receipts from all business conducted within the state, but exempts all receipts derived wholly from interstate business. Rockies Express has disputed any obligation to pay Ohio's public utility excise tax, but has paid the taxes as assessed in order to preserve its right to appeal. The dispute is currently pending before the Ohio Supreme Court, with a lawsuit against Ultra for breachfinal decision possible by the end of contract2019. It is Rockies Express' position that the relevant statute exempts receipts derived wholly from interstate business from the public utility excise tax. The Ohio Supreme Court and damages in Harris County, Texas, seeking approximately $303 million in damages and other relief. On April 29, 2016, Ultra and certain of its debtor affiliates filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy CodeSupreme Court have both held that, once it enters an interstate pipeline, natural gas is moving in United States Bankruptcy Court"interstate commerce" for the Southern Districtduration of Texas, which operated asits journey until it is delivered to a staylocal distribution system.
As of March 31, 2019, Rockies Express has paid public utility excise taxes to the state of Ohio totaling $7.1 million and has accrued an additional $4.6 million for amounts expected to be assessed for the period from May 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019. While it is difficult to accurately predict how the Ohio Supreme Court will decide the case, Rockies Express is optimistic about the ultimate outcome and has recorded a $11.7 million asset representing the anticipated refund of the Harris County state court proceeding.
On January 12, 2017, Rockies Express and Ultra entered into an agreement to settle Rockies Express' approximately $303 million claim against Ultra. In accordance with the settlement agreement, Ultra made a cash payment to Rockies Express of $150 million on July 12, 2017, and entered into a new, seven-year firm transportation agreement with Rockies Express commencing December 1, 2019, for west-to-east service of 0.2 Bcf/d at a rate of approximately $0.37 per dth/d, or approximately $26.8 million annually. TEP received its proportionate distribution from the cash settlement payment in July 2017.public utility excise taxes paid.
Environmental, Health and Safety
We are subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws that regulate permitted activities relating to air and water quality, waste disposal, and other environmental matters. We currently believe that compliance with these laws will not have a material adverse impact on our business, cash flows, financial position or results of operations. However, there can be no assurances that future events, such as changes in existing laws, the promulgation of new laws, or the development of new facts or conditions will not cause us to incur significant costs. We had environmental reserves of $7.7$6.8 million and $7.4 million at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018, respectively.
Rockies Express
Seneca Lateral
On January 31, 2018, Rockies Express experienced an operational disruption on its Seneca Lateral due to a pipe rupture and natural gas release in a rural area in Noble County, Ohio. There were no injuries reported and no evacuations. The release required Rockies Express to shut off the flow through the segment until February 27, 2018, when temporary repairs were completed allowing the segment to be placed back into service. Permanent repairs were completed in September 2018. Total cost of remediation is expected to bewas approximately $4.8$6.1 million, prior to any insurance recoveries. A root cause investigation is ongoing.$5.1 million of which Rockies Express has recovered through insurance.
TMID and TIGT
Casper Plant, EPA Notice of Violation
In August 2011, the EPA and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality ("WDEQ") conducted an inspection of the Leak Detection and Repair ("LDAR") Program at the Casper Gas Plant in Wyoming. In September 2011, Tallgrass Midstream, LLC ("TMID")TMID received a letter from the EPA alleging violations of the Standards of Performance of Equipment Leaks for Onshore Natural Gas Processing Plant requirements under the Clean Air Act. TMID received a letter from the EPA concerning settlement of this matter in April 2013 and received additional settlement communications from the EPA and Department of Justice beginning in July 2014. Settlement negotiations are continuing, includingTMID and TIGT entered into a Consent Agreement and Final Order to settle this matter with the expected inclusion of TIGT as a party to any possible settlement as a result of TIGT owning a compressor that is located adjacentEPA on February 21, 2019 and made an approximately $0.1 million penalty payment to the Casper Gas Plant site.EPA.
Casper Gas Plant
On November 25, 2014, the WDEQ issued a Notice of Violation for violations of Part 60 Subpart OOOO related to the Depropanizer project (wv-14388, issued 7/9/13) in Docket No. 5506-14. TMID had discussed the issues in a meeting with WDEQ in Cheyenne on November 17, 2014, and submitted a disclosure on November 20, 2014 detailing the regulatory issues and potential violations. The project triggered a modification of Subpart OOOO for the entire plant. The project equipment as well as plant equipment subjected to Subpart OOOO was not monitored timely, and initial notification was not made timely. Settlement negotiationsTMID and TIGT entered into a Consent Decree to settle this matter with the WDEQ are currently ongoing.on March 8, 2019 and made an approximately $0.1 million penalty payment to the WDEQ.


TMG
Archibald Booster Station
Tallgrass Midstream Gathering, LLC ("TMG") is currently a party to a remedy agreement entered into with the WDEQ in July 2013 with respect to the Archibald Booster Station located in Campbell County, Wyoming. In connection with the remedy agreement, TMG has agreed to complete certain remedial actions at the site related to a former earthen pit including semi-annual groundwater sampling, and quarterly recovery activities at monitoring wells. The facility is currently in compliance with the WDEQ under the remedy agreement.


Irwin Booster Station
TMG is also party to a remedy agreement entered into with the WDEQ in July 2013 with respect to the Irwin Booster Station located in Converse County, Wyoming. In connection with the remedy agreement, TMG has agreed to complete certain remedial actions at the site related to a former earthen pit including semi-annual groundwater sampling. The facility is currently in compliance with the WDEQ under the remedy agreement.
Trailblazer
Pipeline Integrity Management Program
Starting in 2014 Trailblazer's operating capacity was decreased as a result of smart tool surveys that identified approximately 25 - 35 miles of pipe as potentially requiring repair or replacement. During 2016 and 2017, Trailblazer incurred approximately $21.8 million of remediation costs to address this issue, including replacing approximately 8 miles of pipe. To date the pressure and capacity reduction has not prevented Trailblazer from fulfilling its firm service obligations at existing subscription levels or had a material adverse financial impact on us. However, Trailblazer intends to continue performing remediation to increase and maximize its operating capacity over the long-term and expects to spend in excess of $20 million during 2018 for this pipe replacement and remediation work. Trailblazer is exploring all possible cost recovery options to recover expenditures, including recovery through a general rate increase, negotiated rate agreements with its customers, or other FERC-approved recovery mechanisms.
In connection with TEP's acquisition of Trailblazer in April 2014, TD agreed to indemnify TEP for certain out of pocket costs related to repairing or remediating the Trailblazer Pipeline. The contractual indemnity was capped at $20 million and subject to a $1.5 million deductible. TEP received the entirety of the $20 million from TD pursuant to the contractual indemnity as of December 31, 2017.
Pony Express
Pipeline Integrity
In connection with certain crack tool runs on the Pony Express System completed in 2015, 2016, and 2017, Pony Express completed approximately $18 million of remediation for anomalies identified on the Pony Express System associated with the initial conversion and commissioning of portions of the pipeline converted from natural gas to crude oil service. Remediation work is substantially complete as of March 31, 2018.
16. Reportable Segments
Our operations are located in the United States. We are organized into three reportable segments: (1) Natural Gas Transportation, (2) Crude Oil Transportation, and (3) Gathering, Processing & Terminalling. Corporate and Other includes corporate overhead costs that are not directly associated with the operations of our reportable segments, such as interest and fees associated with our revolving credit facility and the Senior Notes, public company costs, equity-based compensation expense, and eliminations of intersegment activity.
Natural Gas Transportation
Transportation. The Natural Gas Transportation segment is engaged in the ownership and operation of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines and an integrated natural gas storage facility that provide services to on-system customers (such as third-party LDCs), industrial users and other shippers. The Natural Gas Transportation segment includes our aggregate 75% membership interest in Rockies Express inclusive of the additional 25.01% membership interest acquired effective February 7, 2018.
Crude Oil Transportation
Transportation. The Crude Oil Transportation segment is engaged in the ownership and operation of the Pony Express System, which is a FERC-regulated crude oil pipeline serving the Bakken Shale, Denver-Julesburg and Powder River Basins, and other nearby oil producing basins. The Pony Express System alsoCrude Oil Transportation segment includes a lateral pipelineour 51% membership interest in Northeast Colorado, which interconnects with the Pony Express System just east of Sterling, Colorado, and an extension of the system from a new origin near Platteville, Colorado ending at the Buckingham Terminal.Powder River Gateway.
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling
Terminalling. The Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment is engaged in the ownership and operation of natural gas gathering and processing facilities that produce NGLs and residue gas sold in local wholesale markets or delivered into pipelines for transportation to additional end markets; our crude oil terminal services; water business services provided primarily to the oil and gas exploration and production industry; the transportation of NGLs; and Stanchion.
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other includes corporate overhead costs that are not directly associated with the operations of our reportable segments, such as interest and fees associated with our revolving credit facilities and the 2024 and 2028 Notes, public company costs, and equity-based compensation expense.
These segments are monitored separately by management for performance and are consistent with internal financial reporting. These segments have been identified based on the differing products and services, regulatory environment and the expertise required for their respective operations.
We consider Adjusted EBITDA to be our primary segment performance measure as we believe it is the most meaningful measure to assess our financial condition and results of operations as a public entity. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income excluding the impact of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash income or loss related to derivative instruments, non-cash long-term compensation expense, impairment losses, gains or losses on asset or business disposals or acquisitions, gains or losses on the repurchase, redemption or early retirement of debt, and earnings from unconsolidated investments, but including the impact of distributions from unconsolidated investments and deficiency payments received from or utilized by our customers. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated and presented at the Tallgrass Equity level, before consideration of noncontrolling interest associated with the Exchange Right Holders, which we believe provides investors the most complete and comparable picture of our overall financial and operational results.


The following tables set forth our segment information for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Revenue:Total
Revenue
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Revenue
 Total
Revenue
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Revenue
Total
Revenue
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Revenue
 Total
Revenue
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Revenue
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Natural Gas Transportation$36,202
 $(1,858) $34,344
 $36,428
 $(1,445) $34,983
$35,842
 $(414) $35,428
 $36,202
 $(1,858) $34,344
Crude Oil Transportation89,966
 (3,319) 86,647
 84,994
 
 84,994
109,784
 (14,422) 95,362
 89,966
 (3,319) 86,647
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling63,838
 (5,735) 58,103
 27,307
 (2,884) 24,423
74,034
 (7,472) 66,562
 63,838
 (5,735) 58,103
Corporate and Other
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenue$190,006
 $(10,912) $179,094
 $148,729
 $(4,329) $144,400
$219,660
 $(22,308) $197,352
 $190,006
 $(10,912) $179,094
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Operating Income:Total
Operating Income
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Operating Income
 Total
Operating Income
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Operating Income
Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA:Total
Adjusted
EBITDA
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Adjusted
EBITDA
 Total
Adjusted
EBITDA
 Inter-
Segment
 External
Adjusted
EBITDA
 (in thousands)(in thousands)
Natural Gas Transportation$19,384
 $(2,255) $17,129
 $18,168
 $(1,445) $16,723
$138,868
 $(905) $137,963
 $70,652
 $(735) $69,917
Crude Oil Transportation46,527
 4,150
 50,677
 43,725
 4,228
 47,953
80,741
 (6,160) 74,581
 34,871
 1,386
 36,257
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling23,305
 (1,895) 21,410
 5,106
 (2,783) 2,323
27,910
 7,065
 34,975
 10,156
 (651) 9,505
Corporate and Other(7,303) 
 (7,303) (3,773) 
 (3,773)(1,794) 
 (1,794) (12,269) 
 (12,269)
Total Operating Income$81,913
 $
 $81,913
 $63,226
 $
 $63,226
Reconciliation to Net Income:                      
Add:           
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments(1)    68,402
     20,738
    88,522
     32,413
Interest expense, net    (29,761)     (16,017)
Other income, net    451
     1,955
Net income before tax    $121,005
     $69,902
Gain on disposal of assets (1)
    
     3,212
Less:           
Interest expense, net (1)
    (39,710)     (10,786)
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)
    (30,728)     (8,496)
Distributions from unconsolidated investments (1)
    (115,098)     (43,491)
Non-cash compensation expense (1)
    (17,120)     (962)
Deficiency payments, net (1)
    (12,144)     (3,780)
Non-cash (loss) gain related to derivative instruments (1)
    (1,252)     872
Deferred income tax expense    (17,066)     (6,692)
Net income attributable to Exchange Right Holders    (50,542)     (48,965)
Net income attributable to TGE    $50,587
     $16,735
(1)
Net of noncontrolling interest associated with less than wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tallgrass Equity.
 Three Months Ended March 31,
Capital Expenditures:2019 2018
 (in thousands)
Natural Gas Transportation$16,346
 $9,885
Crude Oil Transportation17,016
 16,952
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling27,814
 31,139
Corporate and Other1,626
 784
Total capital expenditures$62,802
 $58,760


 Three Months Ended March 31,
Capital Expenditures:2018 2017
 (in thousands)
Natural Gas Transportation$9,885
 $4,655
Crude Oil Transportation16,952
 7,343
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling31,139
 14,771
Corporate and Other784
 
Total capital expenditures$58,760
 $26,769
Assets:March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Natural Gas Transportation$2,143,693
 $1,606,666
$2,608,355
 $2,606,696
Crude Oil Transportation1,412,650
 1,407,758
1,711,706
 1,423,740
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling1,095,410
 943,340
1,471,995
 1,522,559
Corporate and Other341,907
 334,249
277,169
 340,514
Total assets$4,993,660
 $4,292,013
$6,069,225
 $5,893,509


17. Subsequent Events
Pawnee TerminalRockies Express Senior Notes Offering
On January 2, 2018, TerminalsApril 12, 2019, Rockies Express and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, entered into an agreementIndenture pursuant to which Rockies Express issued $550 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.95% senior notes due 2029. Substantially all of the net proceeds received by Rockies Express from the senior notes offering were used to repay Rockies Express' $525 million term loan facility.
Acquisition of Central Environmental Services
On April 24, 2019, BNN Eastern, LLC ("BNN Eastern"), an indirect subsidiary of TGE, entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire all of the outstanding stock of CES Holding Company, Inc., which owns all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of K & H Partners LLC (a company doing business as Central Environmental Services, or CES). CES owns a 51%salt water disposal facility located in the Utica and Marcellus area of Ohio. On May 1, 2019, the acquisition closed for total purchase consideration of approximately $52 million paid at closing, and a seller in the transaction received a 7.65% membership interest in BNN Eastern. In addition to the Pawnee, Colorado crude oil terminal ("Pawnee Terminal") from Zenith Energy Terminals Holdings, LLC for cash consideration paid at closing, the transaction includes a potential earn out payment to the sellers of approximately $31 million.$3 million, which is payable in cash or in additional membership interests in BNN Eastern. The initial accounting for the transaction closed on April 1, 2018.

is not yet complete as management does not have the information necessary to prepare pro forma financial information or value the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The historical financial statements included in this Quarterly Report reflect the consolidated results of operations of TEGP's 31.43% interest in Tallgrass Equity, Tallgrass Equity's 100% membership interest in TEP GP, which owns all of the IDRs, and all of the outstanding general partner units in TEP, Tallgrass Equity's 25.6 million TEP common units, and Tallgrass Equity's 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express. As used in this Quarterly Report, unless the context otherwise requires, "we," "us," "our," the "Partnership," "TEGP""TGE" and similar terms refer to Tallgrass Energy, GP, LP, together within its individual capacity or to Tallgrass Energy, LP and its consolidated subsidiaries collectively (including Tallgrass Equity, TEPLLC, Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP and their respective subsidiaries)., as the context requires. References to "Tallgrass Equity" refer to Tallgrass Equity, LLC. References to "TEP" refer to Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP. The term our "general partner" refers to TEGP Management,Tallgrass Energy GP, LLC. References to "Tallgrass Development" or "TD" refer to Tallgrass Development, LP.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Additionally, the following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and notes thereto, the related "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," the discussion of "Risk Factors" and the discussion of TEGP'sTGE's "Business" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20172018 (our "2017"2018 Form 10-K") filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 13, 2018.8, 2019.
A reference to a "Note" herein refers to the accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1.Financial Statements. In addition, please read "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" for information regarding certain risks inherent in our business.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain forward-looking statements concerning our operations, economic performance and financial condition. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition, or forecasts of future events. Words such as "could," "will," "may," "assume," "forecast," "position," "predict," "strategy," "expect," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "project," "budget," "potential," or "continue," and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report include our expectations of plans, strategies, objectives, growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including guidance regarding our infrastructure programs, revenue projections, capital expenditures and tax position. Forward-looking statements can be affected by assumptions used or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed.
A forward-looking statement may include a statement of the assumptions or bases underlying the forward-looking statement. We believe that we have chosen these assumptions or bases in good faith and that they are reasonable. However, when considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this Quarterly Report. Actual results may vary materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider the following list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:
our ability to pay distributionsdividends to our Class A shareholders;
our expected receipt of, and amounts of, distributions from Tallgrass Equity;
our ability to complete and integrate acquisitions, including integrating the acquisitions discussed in Note 43 – Acquisitions and Dispositions;
our ability to consummate the merger transaction with TEP pursuant to the Merger Agreement discussed in Note 1 – Description of Business;
the demand for TEP'sour services, including natural gas transportation and storage; crude oil transportation,transportation; and natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil storage and terminalling services; natural gas transportation, storage, gathering and processing services;services, and water business services, as well as TEP'sservices;
our ability to successfully contract or re-contract with itsour customers;
large or multiple customer defaults, including defaults resulting from actual or potential insolvencies;
our ability to successfully implement our business plan;
changes in general economic conditions;
competitive conditions in our industry;
the effects of existing and future laws and governmental regulations;


actions taken by governmental regulators of our assets, including the FERC;
actions taken by third-party operators, processors and transporters;


our ability to complete internal growth projects on time and on budget;
the price and availability of debt and equity financing;
the level of production of crude oil, natural gas and other hydrocarbons and the resultant market prices of crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and other hydrocarbons;
the availability and price of natural gas and crude oil, and fuels derived from both, to the consumer compared to the price of alternative and competing fuels;
competition from the same and alternative energy sources;
energy efficiency and technology trends;
operating hazards and other risks incidental to transporting, storing, and terminalling crude oil; transporting, storing, gathering and processing natural gas; and transporting, gathering and disposing of water produced in connection with hydrocarbon exploration and production activities;
environmental liabilities or events that are not covered by an indemnity, insurance or existing reserves;
natural disasters, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control;
interest rates;
labor relations;
changes in tax laws, regulations and status;
the effects of existing and future litigation; and
certain factors discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. While we may update these statements from time to time, we are not required to do so other than pursuant to the securities laws.
Overview
TEGPTGE is a limited partnership that owns, operates, acquires and develops midstream energy assets in North America and has elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We were formed as part of a reorganization involving entities that were previously controlled by Tallgrass Equity to effect the TEGP IPO, which was completed on May 12, 2015.
Our sole cash-generating asset is an approximate 31.43% controlling membership interest in Tallgrass Equity. Tallgrass Equity's sole cash-generatingoperations are conducted through, and our operating assets consist of theare owned by, our direct and indirect partnership interestssubsidiaries, including Tallgrass Equity in TEP and itswhich we directly own an approximate 63.70% membership interest in Rockies Express as described below:
100% of the outstanding membership interests in TEP GP, which owns all the general partner interest in TEP as well as all the TEP IDRs. The general partner interest in TEP is represented by 834,391 general partner units, representing an approximate 1.13% general partner interest in TEP at May 3, 2018.
25,619,218 TEP common units, representing an approximate 34.60% limited partner interest in TEP at May 3, 2018, inclusive of the additional 5,619,218 TEP common units acquired from Tallgrass Development as of FebruaryMay 7, 2018 as described below.
As of February 7, 2018, Tallgrass Development merged into Tallgrass Development Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tallgrass Equity, and as a result of the merger, Tallgrass Equity acquired a 25.01% membership in Rockies Express and an additional 5,619,218 TEP common units. As consideration for the acquisition, TEGP and Tallgrass Equity issued 27,554,785 unregistered TEGP Class B shares and Tallgrass Equity units, valued at approximately $644.8 million based on the closing price on February 6, 2018, to the limited partners of Tallgrass Development.
TEP is a publicly traded, growth-oriented limited partnership formed in 2013 to own, operate, acquire and develop midstream energy assets in North America. TEP's operations2019. We are located in and provide services to certain key United States hydrocarbon basins, including the Denver-Julesburg, Powder River, Wind River, Permian and Hugoton-Anadarko Basins and the Niobrara, Mississippi Lime, Eagle Ford, Bakken, Marcellus, and Utica shale formations.


TEP intends to continue to utilize the significant experience of its management team to execute its growth strategy of acquiring midstream assets, increasing utilization of its existing assets and expanding its systems through construction of additional assets.
Our reportable business segments are:
Natural Gas Transportation—the ownership and operation of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipelines and an integrated natural gas storage facilities;facility;
Crude Oil Transportation—the ownership and operation of a FERC-regulated crude oil pipeline system;systems; and
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling—the ownership and operation of natural gas gathering and processing facilities; crude oil storage and terminalling facilities; the provision of water business services primarily to the oil and gas exploration and production industry; the transportation of NGLs; and the marketing of crude oil and NGLs.
Financial Presentation
TEGP has no operations outside of its indirect ownership interests in Rockies Express and TEP. TEGP is the managing member of and therefore controls Tallgrass Equity. Tallgrass Equity, in turn, controls TEP through the direct ownership of 100% of TEP GP, TEP's general partner. As a result, under GAAP, TEGP consolidates Tallgrass Equity, TEP GP, TEP, and TEP's subsidiaries. As such, TEGP's results of operations will not differ materially from the results of operations of TEP. The most noteworthy reconciling items between TEGP's condensed consolidated financial statements and TEP's condensed consolidated financial statements primarily relate to (i) the inclusion of Tallgrass Equity's 25.01% membership interest in Rockies Express (ii) the inclusion of the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility, (iii) the impact of TEGP's election to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (iv) the presentation of noncontrolling interests in Tallgrass Equity and TEP. The interests in Tallgrass Equity and TEP that are not directly or indirectly owned by TEGP will be reflected as being attributable to noncontrolling interests in TEGP's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recent Developments
TEGP DistributionTGE Dividend Announced
On March 26, 2018,April 11, 2019, the boardBoard of directorsDirectors of our general partner declared a cash distributiondividend for the quarter ended March 31, 20182019 of $0.4875$0.5300 per Class A share. The distribution will be paid on May 15, 2018,2019, to Class A shareholders of record on April 30, 2018.2019.
TEP Distribution AnnouncedRockies Express Senior Notes Offering
On March 26, 2018, the board of directors of TEP's general partner declared a cash distribution for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 of $0.9750 per common unit. The distribution will be paid on May 15, 2018, to TEP unitholders of record on April 30, 2018.
Pawnee Terminal
On January 2, 2018, Terminals12, 2019, Rockies Express and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee, entered into an agreement to acquire a 51% membership interest in the Pawnee Terminal from Zenith Energy Terminals Holdings, LLC for cash consideration of approximately $31 million. The transaction closed on April 1, 2018.
TEGP Merger Agreement
On March 26, 2018, we announced the execution of the Merger AgreementIndenture pursuant to which we will acquire the approximately 47.6Rockies Express issued $550 million TEP common units held by the public in a share-for-unit merger transaction that is taxable to TEP unitholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes at a ratioaggregate principal amount of 2.0 Class A shares for each outstanding TEP common unit. As a result4.95% senior notes due 2029. Substantially all of the proposed transaction, TEP's incentive distribution rights will be cancelled, its common units will no longer be publicly traded, and 100% of its equity interests will be ownednet proceeds received by Tallgrass Equity and its subsidiaries. Upon closing ofRockies Express from the merger transaction, we will change our namesenior notes offering were used to Tallgrass Energy, LP ("Tallgrass Energy") and will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "TGE." Tallgrass Energy will continue to be taxed as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The Merger Agreement has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of our general partner, the conflicts committee of the board of directors of TEP's GP, and the board of directors of TEP GP. Subject to customary approvals and conditions, including the approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding TEP common units, the merger is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2018.repay Rockies Express' $525 million term loan facility.


In connection with the proposed transaction, we filed with the SECAcquisition of Central Environmental Services
On April 24, 2019, BNN Eastern, LLC ("BNN Eastern"), an indirect subsidiary of TGE, entered into a registration statement on Form S-4 that included a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus for the TEP unitholders. The registration statement has not yet been declared effective. The descriptionStock Purchase Agreement to acquire all of the proposed transaction above is not a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or registration statement or for any other document that TEGP or TEP may file with the SEC and send to TEGP’s and/or TEP’s shareholders or unitholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Investors and security holdersoutstanding stock of TEGP and TEP are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available because they will contain important information. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copiesCES Holding Company, Inc., which owns all of the proxy statement/prospectusissued and other documents filed with the SEC by TEGPoutstanding membership interests of K & H Partners LLC (a company doing business as Central Environmental Services, or TEP through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by TEGP and TEP will be available free of charge on TEGP’s and TEP’s website at www.tallgrassenergylp.com,CES). CES owns a salt water disposal facility located in the "Investor Relations" tab nearUtica and Marcellus area of Ohio. On May 1, 2019, the topacquisition closed for total purchase consideration of approximately $52 million paid at closing, and a seller in the page.transaction received a 7.65% membership interest in BNN Eastern. In addition to the consideration paid at closing, the transaction includes a potential earn out payment to the sellers of approximately $3 million, which is payable in cash or in additional membership interests in BNN Eastern.
How We Evaluate Our Operations
We evaluate our results using, among other measures, cash distributions received from Tallgrass Equity, contract profile and volumes, at TEP and Rockies Express, and operating costs and expenses, of TEGPAdjusted EBITDA and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Cash Distributions Received from Tallgrass Equity
Our cash flow is currently generated solely by distributions received from Tallgrass Equity. Tallgrass Equity currently receives all its cash flows from distributions on its directAvailable for Dividends. Adjusted EBITDA and indirect interests in TEPCash Available for Dividends are non-GAAP measures and Rockies Express. Tallgrass Equity is therefore entirely dependent upon the ability of TEP and Rockies Express to make cash distributions to its partners.are defined below.
Contract Profile and Volumes
Our results are driven primarily by the volume of natural gas transportation and storage capacity, crude oil transportation, storage, and terminalling capacity, NGL transportation capacity, and water transportation, gathering, recycling and disposal capacity under firm fee contracts, as well as the volume of natural gas that we gather and process and the fees assessed for such services.
Operating Costs and Expenses
The primary components of operating costs and expenses that we evaluate include cost of sales, cost of transportation services, operations and maintenance and general and administrative costs. Operating expenses are driven primarily by expenses related to the operation, maintenance and growth of our asset base.
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends
Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends are non-GAAP supplemental financial measures that management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies, may use to assess:
our operating performance as compared to other publicly traded midstream infrastructure companies, without regard to historical cost basis or, in the case of Adjusted EBITDA, financing methods;
the ability of our assets to generate sufficient cash flow to make dividends to our shareholders;
our ability to incur and service debt and fund capital expenditures; and
the viability of acquisitions and other capital expenditure projects and the returns on investment of various expansion and growth opportunities.
We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends provides useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends should not be considered alternatives to net income, operating income, net cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP, nor should Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends be considered alternatives to available cash or other definitions in our partnership agreement. Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends have important limitations as analytical tools because they exclude some but not all items that affect net income and net cash provided by operating activities. Additionally, because Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility.


Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We generally define Adjusted EBITDA as net income excluding the impact of interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash income or loss related to derivative instruments, non-cash long-term compensation expense, impairment losses, gains or losses on asset or business disposals or acquisitions, gains or losses on the repurchase, redemption or early retirement of debt, and earnings from unconsolidated investments, but including the impact of distributions from unconsolidated investments and deficiency payments received from or utilized by our customers. We also use Cash Available for Dividends, which we generally define as Adjusted EBITDA, less cash interest costs, maintenance capital expenditures, and certain cash reserves permitted by our governing documents. Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends are both calculated and presented at the Tallgrass Equity level, before consideration of noncontrolling interest associated with the Exchange Right Holders or calculating distributions from Tallgrass Equity to us, on one hand, and to the Exchange Right Holders, on the other. We believe calculating these measures at Tallgrass Equity provides investors the most complete and comparable picture of our overall financial and operational results and provides a consistent metric for period over period comparisons that is not impacted by any future exercises by the Exchange Right Holders of the Exchange Right, which does not have a dilutive effect on TGE's net income per share.
Maintenance capital expenditures are cash expenditures incurred (including expenditures for the construction or development of new capital assets) that we expect to maintain our long-term operating income or operating capacity. These expenditures typically include certain system integrity, compliance and safety improvements, and are presented net of noncontrolling interest and reimbursements. We collect deficiency payments for volumes committed by our customers to be transported in a month but not physically received for transport or delivered to the customers' agreed upon destination point. These deficiency payments are recorded as a deferred liability until the barrels are physically transported and delivered, or when the likelihood that the customer will utilize the deficiency balance becomes remote.


Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP. The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net income attributable to TGE and net cash provided by operating activities and a reconciliation of Cash Available for Dividends to net cash provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, for each of the periods indicated:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 (in thousands)
Reconciliation of Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA to Net income attributable to TGE   
Net income attributable to TGE$50,587
 $16,735
Add:   
Interest expense, net (1)
39,710
 10,786
Depreciation and amortization expense (1)
30,728
 8,496
Distributions from unconsolidated investments (1)
115,098
 43,491
Deficiency payments, net (1)
12,144
 3,780
Non-cash compensation expense (1)(2)
17,120
 962
Non-cash loss (gain) related to derivative instruments (1)
1,252
 (872)
Deferred income tax expense17,066
 6,692
Net income attributable to Exchange Right Holders50,542
 48,965
Less:   
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments (1)
(88,522) (32,413)
Gain on disposal of assets (1)

 (3,212)
Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA$245,725
 $103,410
Reconciliation of Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Available for Dividends to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   
Net cash provided by operating activities$143,748
 $151,600
Add:   
Interest expense, net (1)
39,710
 10,786
Other, including changes in operating working capital (1)
62,267
 (58,976)
Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA$245,725
 $103,410
Less:   
Cash interest cost (1)
(38,139) (10,282)
Maintenance capital expenditures, net (1)
(6,988) (1,026)
Tallgrass Equity Cash Available for Dividends$200,598
 $92,102
(1)
Net of noncontrolling interest associated with less than wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tallgrass Equity.
(2)
Represents TGE's portion of non-cash compensation expense related to Equity Participation Shares and TEP's Equity Participation Units, excluding amounts allocated to TD prior to the merger of TD into Tallgrass Development Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tallgrass Equity, on February 7, 2018.


The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA by segment to segment operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, for each of the periods indicated:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
 (in thousands)
Reconciliation of Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income in the Natural Gas Transportation Segment (1)
   
Operating income$19,936
 $19,384
Add:   
Depreciation and amortization expense (2)
4,948
 1,571
Distributions from unconsolidated investment (2)
113,395
 43,491
Other, net (2)
589
 576
Less:   
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests
 5,630
Tallgrass Equity Segment Adjusted EBITDA$138,868
 $70,652
Reconciliation of Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income in the Crude Oil Transportation Segment (1)
   
Operating income$61,437
 $46,527
Add:   
Depreciation and amortization expense (2)
13,699
 4,348
Deficiency payments, net (2)
5,605
 2,641
Less:   
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests
 (18,645)
Tallgrass Equity Segment Adjusted EBITDA$80,741
 $34,871
Reconciliation of Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income in the Gathering, Processing & Terminalling Segment (1)
   
Operating income$8,609
 $23,305
Add:   
Depreciation and amortization expense (2)
11,477
 2,354
Non-cash loss (gain) related to derivative instruments (2)
1,252
 (872)
Distributions from unconsolidated investments (2)
1,703
 
Deficiency payments, net (2)
6,147
 1,014
Other, net (2)
(20) 
Less:   
Gain on disposal of assets (2)

 (3,212)
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests(1,258) (12,433)
Tallgrass Equity Segment Adjusted EBITDA$27,910
 $10,156
Total Tallgrass Equity Segment Adjusted EBITDA$247,519
 $115,679
Corporate general and administrative costs(1,794) (12,269)
Total Tallgrass Equity Adjusted EBITDA$245,725
 $103,410
(1)
Segment results as presented represent total operating income and Adjusted EBITDA, including intersegment activity, for the Natural Gas Transportation, Crude Oil Transportation, and Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segments. For reconciliations to the consolidated financial data, see Note 16 – Reportable Segments.
(2)
Net of noncontrolling interest associated with less than wholly-owned subsidiaries of Tallgrass Equity.


Results of Operations
The following provides a summary of our operating metrics for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
Natural Gas Transportation Segment:      
Gas transportation average firm contracted volumes (MMcf/d) (1)
1,842
 1,609
TIGT and Trailblazer average firm contracted volumes (MMcf/d) (1)
1,914
 1,842
Rockies Express average firm contracted volumes (MMcf/d) (2)
4,204
 4,107
Crude Oil Transportation Segment:      
Crude oil transportation average contracted capacity (Bbls/d)303,580
 298,580
308,580
 303,580
Crude oil transportation average throughput (Bbls/d)289,739
 261,904
335,749
 289,739
Gathering, Processing & Terminalling Segment:      
Natural gas processing inlet volumes (MMcf/d)117
 103
109
 117
Freshwater average volumes (Bbls/d)45,512
 64,754
27,418
 45,512
Produced water gathering and disposal average volumes (Bbls/d)85,406
 9,760
160,431
 85,406
(1) 
Volumes transported under firm fee contracts, excluding Rockies Express.
(2)
Volumes transported under long-term firm fee contracts.


The following provides a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenues:      
Crude oil transportation services$84,738
 $84,331
$95,156
 $84,738
Natural gas transportation services32,196
 31,685
33,516
 32,196
Sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil38,145
 15,381
38,864
 38,145
Processing and other revenues24,015
 13,003
29,816
 24,015
Total Revenues179,094
 144,400
197,352
 179,094
Operating Costs and Expenses:      
Cost of sales26,351
 12,370
19,285
 26,351
Cost of transportation services10,420
 13,503
15,072
 10,420
Operations and maintenance16,399
 12,903
18,046
 16,399
Depreciation and amortization26,123
 21,403
31,001
 26,123
General and administrative18,426
 14,217
32,272
 18,426
Taxes, other than income taxes8,879
 8,226
10,998
 8,879
Gain on disposal of assets(9,417) (1,448)
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets214
 (9,417)
Total Operating Costs and Expenses97,181
 81,174
126,888
 97,181
Operating Income81,913
 63,226
70,464
 81,913
Other Income (Expense):      
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments68,402
 20,738
88,522
 68,402
Interest expense, net(29,761) (16,017)(39,705) (29,761)
Other income, net451
 1,955
177
 451
Total Other Income (Expense)39,092
 6,676
48,994
 39,092
Net income before tax121,005
 69,902
119,458
 121,005
Deferred income tax expense(6,692) (2,664)(17,066) (6,692)
Net income114,313
 67,238
102,392
 114,313
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(97,578) (55,209)(51,805) (97,578)
Net income attributable to TEGP$16,735
 $12,029
Net income attributable to TGE$50,587
 $16,735
Three Months Ended March 31, 20182019 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 20172018
Revenues. Total revenues were $197.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $179.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $144.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents an increase of $34.7$18.3 million, or 24%10%, in total revenues. The overall increase in revenue was largely driven by increased revenues of $36.5$19.8 million and $5.0$10.2 million in the Crude Oil Transportation and Gathering, Processing & Terminalling and the Crude Oil Transportation segment,segments, respectively, as discussed further below, partially offset by a $6.6$11.3 million increase in eliminations of intersegment revenue.revenue and decreased revenues of $0.4 million in the Natural Gas Transportation segment, as discussed further below.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses were $126.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $97.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $81.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents an increase of $16.0$29.7 million, or 20%31%. The overall increase in operating costs and expenses is driven by increased operating costs and expenses of $18.3$24.9 million, $4.9 million, and $2.2$0.8 million in the Gathering, Processing & Terminalling, and Crude Oil Transportation, and Corporate and Other segments, respectively, partially offset by decreased operating costs and expenses of $3.1 million and $1.4$0.9 million in the Corporate and Other and Natural Gas Transportation segments,segment, as discussed further below. The decreaseincrease in Corporate and Other expenses was primarily driven by a $6.6$12.1 million increase in corporate general and administrative costs, partially offset by a $11.3 million increase in eliminations of intersegment operating costs and expenses, partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in corporate general and administrative costs and a $0.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization costs due to the administrative assets acquired from TD in February 2018.expenses. The increase in corporate general and administrative costs was primarily due to $2.1 millionan increase in expenses at TEP and Tallgrass Equity attributableequity-based compensation costs related to the TEGP Merger Agreement and Tallgrass Equity's acquisitionaccelerated vesting of an additional 25.01% membership interestcertain Equity Participation Shares as a result of the change in Rockies Express and additional TEP common units, as well as equity-based compensation grants issued duringcontrol triggered by the year ended December 31, 2017 under the TEP GP Long-term Incentive Plan.Blackstone Acquisition.


Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments was $68.4$88.5 million and $20.7$68.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments of $88.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 primarily reflects our portion of earnings and 2017, respectively.the $8.5 million of amortization of a negative basis difference associated with our aggregate 75% membership interest in Rockies Express, as well as equity in earnings of $1.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, related to our 51% membership interests in Pawnee Terminal, LLC ("Pawnee Terminal") and Powder River Gateway. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments of $68.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 primarily reflects our portion of earnings and the $8.4 million of amortization of a negative basis difference associated with our aggregate 75% membership interest in Rockies Express, inclusive of Tallgrass Equity's additional 25.01% membership interest acquired in February 2018, as well as $1.3 million of equity in earnings related to our 63% membership interest in BNN Colorado Water, LLC ("BNN Colorado"). EquityColorado. The overall increase was primarily driven by a $19.2 million increase in equity in earnings from Rockies Express as a result of unconsolidated investmentsthe additional 25% membership interest acquired in February 2018, as well as lower interest expense at Rockies Express due to the repayment of $20.7Rockies Express' $550 million of 6.85% senior notes due July 15, 2018.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense of $39.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 20172019 was primarily reflects our portioncomposed of earningsinterest and the $3.5 million of amortization of a negative basis differencefees associated with TEP's acquisition of a 25% membership interest in Rockies Express, as well as $0.7 million of equity in earnings related to our 20% membership interest in Deeprock Development.
Interest expense, net. the TEP revolving credit facility and Senior Notes. Interest expense of $29.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily composed of interest and fees associated with the TEP and Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facilities and the 2024 Notes issued on September 1, 2016 and May 16, 2017, and the 2028 Notes issued on September 15, 2017 and December 11, 2017. Interest expense of $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily composed of interest and fees associated with TEP and Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facilities and the 2024 Notes issued on September 1, 2016. The increase in interest and fees is primarily due to increased borrowings to fund a portion of our 20172018 and 2019 acquisitions and a special contribution to Rockies Express to fund our pro rata portion of the repayment of Rockies Express' $550 million of 6.85% senior notes due July 15, 2018, acquisitions, as well as the higher borrowing rate on the 2024 and 2028Senior Notes, the proceeds of which were used to repay borrowings under TEP'sthe revolving credit facility.
Other income, net. Other income, net typically includes rental income and income earned from certain customers related to the capital costs we incurred to connect these customers to our system. Other income for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 was $0.5$0.2 million compared to $2.0$0.5 million of other income for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Other income of $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 included a $1.9 million unrealized gain on derivative instrument related to the change in fair value of the call option received from TD as part of the acquisition of an additional 31.3% membership interest in Pony Express as discussed further in Note 9 – Risk Management.2018.
Deferred income tax expense. Deferred income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 was $6.7$17.1 million, compared to a deferred income tax expense of $2.7$6.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.2018. The increase in deferred income tax expense was driven by the increaseprimarily due to our increased ownership in taxable income, primarily attributable to the increased equity in earnings associated with Rockies ExpressTEP effective June 30, 2018 as a result of Tallgrass Equity’s acquisitionthe merger transaction with TEP and the exercise of a 25.01% membership interestthe Exchange Right effective March 11, 2019 and the resulting increase in Rockies Express in February 2018, partially offset by lower tax rates associated with the federal rate change under the tax legislation referredincome allocated to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was signed into law on December 22, 2017.TGE.


The following provides a summary of our Natural Gas Transportation segment results of operations for the periods indicated:
Segment Financial Data - Natural Gas Transportation (1)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 2017
Segment Financial Data Natural Gas Transportation (1)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenues:      
Natural gas transportation services$34,054
 $33,130
$33,930
 $34,054
Sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil237
 1,651

 237
Processing and other revenues1,911
 1,647
1,912
 1,911
Total revenues36,202
 36,428
35,842
 36,202
Operating costs and expenses:      
Cost of sales343
 1,070

 343
Cost of transportation services132
 760
(262) 132
Operations and maintenance6,163
 6,478
6,040
 6,163
Depreciation and amortization4,827
 4,783
4,948
 4,827
General and administrative3,934
 3,794
3,880
 3,934
Taxes, other than income taxes1,419
 1,375
1,300
 1,419
Total operating costs and expenses16,818
 18,260
15,906
 16,818
Operating income$19,384
 $18,168
$19,936
 $19,384
(1) 
Segment results as presented represent total revenue and operating income, including intersegment activity. For reconciliations to the consolidated financial data, see Note 16 – Reportable Segments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements..


Three Months Ended March 31, 20182019 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 20172018
Revenues. Natural Gas Transportation segment revenues were $35.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $36.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $36.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents a decrease of $0.2$0.4 million or 1%, in segment revenues primarily due to a $1.4$0.2 million decrease in sales of natural gas driven by decreased volumes sold, partially offset by a $0.9 million increase inof natural gas transportation services due to colder weather in the first quarter of 2018, resulting in higher volumes transported during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and a $0.3 million increase in other revenue.sold.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses in the Natural Gas Transportation segment were $15.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $16.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $18.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents a decrease of $1.4$0.9 million, or 8%5%. The overall decrease in operating costs and expenses was primarily due to a $0.7$0.4 million decrease in cost of transportation services driven by increased cash settlements of shipper imbalances at TIGT during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and a $0.3 million decrease in cost of sales driven by decreased volumes of natural gas sold and a $0.6 million decrease in the cost of transportation services driven by valuation adjustments on fuel tracker liabilities.sold.


The following provides a summary of our Crude Oil Transportation segment results of operations for the periods indicated:
Segment Financial Data - Crude Oil Transportation (1)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 2017
Segment Financial Data Crude Oil Transportation (1)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenues:      
Crude oil transportation services$88,057
 $84,331
$109,578
 $88,057
Sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil1,909
 663

 1,909
Processing and other revenues206
 
Total revenues89,966
 84,994
109,784
 89,966
Operating costs and expenses:      
Cost of sales1,966
 
521
 1,966
Cost of transportation services14,387
 13,882
16,898
 14,387
Operations and maintenance2,870
 2,878
3,050
 2,870
Depreciation and amortization13,366
 13,015
13,699
 13,366
General and administrative4,492
 5,194
5,456
 4,492
Taxes, other than income taxes6,358
 6,300
8,723
 6,358
Total operating costs and expenses43,439
 41,269
48,347
 43,439
Operating income$46,527
 $43,725
$61,437
 $46,527
(1) 
Segment results as presented represent total revenue and operating income, including intersegment activity. For reconciliations to the consolidated financial data, see Note 16 – Reportable Segments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements..
Three Months Ended March 31, 20182019 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 20172018
Revenues. Crude Oil Transportation segment revenues were $109.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $90.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $85.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents an increase of $5.0$19.8 million, or 6%22%, in segment revenues driven by a $3.7$21.5 million increase in crude oil transportation services, andpartially offset by a $1.2$1.9 million increasedecrease in sales of crude oil primarily due to increaseddecreased volumes sold during the three months ended March 31, 2018.2019. The increase in crude oil transportation services revenue was primarily driven by a $4.3$10.6 million increase in walk-up barrels shipped, a $5.7 million increase in committed volume shipments, that were deficient during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and a $3.7$4.1 million increase in walk-up barrels shipped during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compareddue to the three months ended March 31, 2017. These increases were partially offset by a $4.5 million net decrease in revenue from a committed shipper that extended its contract during the fourth quarter of 2017, thereby paying a lower tariff rate, which was partially offset by increased volumes shipped.FERC annual index adjustments effective July 1, 2018.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses in the Crude Oil Transportation segment were $48.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $43.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $41.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents an increase of $2.2$4.9 million, or 5%11%. The overall increase in operating costs and expenses was primarily driven by a $2.0 million increase in cost of sales driven by increased volumes sold and a $0.5$2.5 million increase in cost of transportation services partially offsetdriven by higher throughput volumes during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $0.7$2.4 million decreaseincrease in general and administrative expenses.taxes, other than income taxes driven by an increase in property tax assessment estimates.


The following provides a summary of our Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment results of operations for the periods indicated:
Segment Financial Data - Gathering, Processing & Terminalling (1)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 2017
Segment Financial Data Gathering, Processing & Terminalling (1)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Revenues:      
Sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil$35,999
 $13,067
$38,864
 $35,999
Processing and other revenues27,839
 14,240
35,170
 27,839
Total revenues63,838
 27,307
74,034
 63,838
Operating costs and expenses:      
Cost of sales24,566
 11,401
18,879
 24,566
Cost of transportation services6,289
 3,089
20,629
 6,289
Operations and maintenance7,366
 3,547
8,956
 7,366
Depreciation and amortization7,294
 3,605
11,750
 7,294
General and administrative3,333
 1,456
4,022
 3,333
Taxes, other than income taxes1,102
 551
975
 1,102
Gain on disposal of assets(9,417) (1,448)
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets214
 (9,417)
Total operating costs and expenses40,533
 22,201
65,425
 40,533
Operating income (loss)$23,305
 $5,106
Operating income$8,609
 $23,305
(1) 
Segment results as presented represent total revenue and operating income, including intersegment activity. For reconciliations to the consolidated financial data, see Note 16 – Reportable Segments to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements..
Three Months Ended March 31, 20182019 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 20172018
Revenues. Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment revenues were $74.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $63.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $27.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents a $36.5$10.2 million, or 134%16%, increase in segment revenues. The increase in segment revenues was primarily due to a $22.9$7.3 million increase in processing and other revenues and a $2.9 million increase in sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil and a $13.6 million increase in processing and other revenues. The increase in sales of natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil was driven by (i) increased sales of NGLs of $10.3 million primarily due to higher throughput volumes and increased volumes sold driven by the Douglas Gathering System acquisition in June 2017, (ii) increased sales of natural gas of $7.9 million due to sales of residue gas from the Douglas Gathering System, and (iii) crude oil sales of $4.5 million at Stanchion during the first quarter of 2018.oil. The increase in processing and other revenues was driven by (i) increased water business services revenue of $6.3$5.1 million driven by the acquisition of BNN North DakotaNGL Water Solutions Bakken, LLC ("NGL Water Solutions Bakken") in JanuaryNovember 2018 and increased produced water disposal volumes;volumes, partially offset by decreased fresh water transportation volumes and (ii) increased terminal services revenue of $5.5$2.2 million driven by the acquisition of Deeprock North in January 2018Buckingham Terminal expansion and the acquisitionNatoma Terminal placed into service in April 2018. The increase in sales of a controlling interest innatural gas, NGLs, and subsequent consolidationcrude oil was driven by (i) increased crude oil sales of Deeprock Development in July 2017;$7.2 million at Stanchion and (iii)(ii) increased processing fee incomesales of $1.6natural gas of $2.6 million due to sales of residue gas from the Douglas Gathering System; partially offset by decreased sales of NGLs of $6.7 million primarily driven by changes in the accounting treatment of certain commodities retained as consideration for processing servicesdue to processing fee revenue beginning January 1, 2018 as discussed further in Note 12 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.lower NGL prices.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses in the Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment were $65.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $40.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $22.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, which represents an increase of $18.3$24.9 million, or 83%61%. The increase in operating costs and expenses was primarily driven by (i) a $13.2 million increase in cost of sales primarily driven by higher producer settlements and higher NGL sales attributable to the acquisition of the Douglas Gathering System as discussed above, (ii) increases of $3.8 million, $3.7 million, and $1.9 million in operations and maintenance costs, depreciation and amortization, and general and administrative costs, respectively, all primarily driven by the 2018 acquisitions of BNN North Dakota and Deeprock North and the 2017 acquisitions of the Douglas Gathering System and Deeprock Development, and (iii) an increase of $3.2$14.3 million in the cost of transportation services due to crude oil transportation fees paid by Stanchion during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in operating costs and expenses was partially offset by the $9.4increased water gathering and disposal volumes at Water Solutions, (ii) $0.2 million gainloss on the disposal of TCG during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the $1.4 million gain on disposal of assets during the three months ended March 31, 2017.2019, compared to the $9.4 million gain on disposal of assets on the disposal of Tallgrass Crude Gathering, LLC ("TCG") during the three months ended March 31, 2018, and (iii) increased depreciation and amortization expense of $4.5 million primarily due to acquisitions and assets placed into service in 2018 and 2019 at Water Solutions and Terminals. These increases were partially offset by a $5.7 million decrease in cost of sales primarily due to lower NGL prices as discussed above.


Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview
Our primary sources of liquidity for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 were borrowings under TEP's revolving credit facility and cash generated from operations.operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We expect our sources of liquidity in the future to include:
cash generated from our operations;
borrowing capacity available under TEP'sour revolving credit facility; and
future issuances of additional equity and/or debt securities.
We believe that cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and availability under TEP'sour revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet our operating needs, our planned short-term maintenance capital and debt service requirements, and our planned cash distributionsdividends to shareholders. We believe that future internal growth projects or potential acquisitions will be funded primarily through a combination of cash generated from operations, borrowings under TEP'sour revolving credit facility and issuances of debt and/or equity securities. For additional information regarding our revolving credit facilityfacilities and senior unsecured notes, see Note 109Long-term Debt. For additional information regarding our equity transactions, see Note 1110Partnership Equity and Distributions.Equity.
Our total liquidity as of March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 was as follows:
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
Cash on hand$4,255
 $2,593
    
Total capacity under the TEP revolving credit facility1,750,000
 1,750,000
Less: Outstanding borrowings under the TEP revolving credit facility(816,000) (661,000)
Less: Letters of credit issued under the TEP revolving credit facility(94) (94)
Available capacity under the TEP revolving credit facility933,906
 1,088,906
Total capacity under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility$150,000
 $150,000
Less: Outstanding borrowings under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility(124,000) (146,000)
Available capacity under the Tallgrass Equity revolving credit facility$26,000
 $4,000
Total liquidity$964,161
 $1,095,499
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
 (in thousands)
Cash on hand (1)
$15,042
 $9,596
Total capacity under the revolving credit facility2,250,000
 2,250,000
Less: Outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility(1,349,000) (1,224,000)
Less: Letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility(94) (94)
Available capacity under the revolving credit facility900,906
 1,025,906
Total liquidity$915,948
 $1,035,502
(1)
Includes cash on hand at TGE and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Working Capital
Working capital is the amount by which current assets exceed current liabilities. While various other factors may impact our working capital requirements from period to period, our working capital requirements have typically been, and we expect will continue to be, driven by changes in accounts receivable, accounts payable and deferred revenue. TEP manages itsWe manage our working capital needs through borrowings and repayments of borrowings under itsour revolving credit facility. Factors impacting changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable could include the timing of collections from customers, payments to suppliers, and the level of spending for capital expenditures. Changes in the market prices of energy commodities that we buy and sell in the normal course of business can also impact the timing of changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable. Factors impacting deferred revenue include the volume of barrels transported, the amount of deficiency payments received, and the volume of prior deficiencies utilized during the period.
As of March 31, 2018,2019, we had a working capital deficit of $107.5$116.1 million compared to a working capital deficit of $101.6$146.9 million at December 31, 2017,2018, which represents an increasea decrease in the working capital deficit of $6.0$30.8 million. The overall increasedecrease in the working capital deficit was primarily attributable to changes in the following components:
an increasea decrease in accrued interest of $26.7 million primarily due to timing of interest payments during the first quarter of 2019, partially offset by increased borrowings;
a decrease in accounts payable of $22.5$14.2 million primarily due to a decrease in crude oil purchases at Stanchion;Stanchion, a decrease in capital expenditures at Terminals, and
a decrease in producer settlements at TMID, partially offset by an increase in deferred revenuecapital expenditures at Pony Express; and
a decrease in accrued liabilities of $11.5$13.3 million primarily from deficiencydue to annual incentive payments collected by Pony Express and deferred revenue at BNN North Dakota, acquired in January 2018.made during the quarter.
These working capital decreases were partially offset by:
an increase in accounts receivabledeferred revenue of $12.8$12.1 million primarily due to the BNN North Dakota acquisition in January 2018, as well as crude oil sales at Stanchion;
an increase in inventories of $10.5 million due to the purchase of line fill at Stanchion;from deficiency payments collected by Pony Express and


Water Solutions; and
a decrease in accounts payablereceivable of $5.3$8.8 million primarily due to related parties, as payrolla decrease in crude oil sales at Stanchion and other administrative activity was moved to TEP from TD during the first quarter of 2018.lower processed volumes at TMID, partially offset by increased accounts receivable at Water Solutions.


A material adverse change in operations, available financing under our revolving credit facility, or available financing from the equity or debt capital markets could impact our ability to fund our requirements for liquidity and capital resources in the future.
Cash Flows
The following table and discussion presents a summary of our cash flow for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in):      
Operating activities$151,600
 $102,166
$143,748
 $151,600
Investing activities$(122,913) $(562,042)$(102,426) $(122,913)
Financing activities$(27,025) $459,470
$(35,876) $(27,025)
Three Months Ended March 31, 20182019 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 20172018
Operating Activities. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $151.6$143.7 million and $102.2$151.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The increasedecrease in net cash flows provided by operating activities of $49.4$7.9 million was primarily driven by a $46.3net decrease in cash flows from changes in working capital driven by a $62.5 million increase in net cash outflows from accounts payable and accrued liabilities, primarily due to higher crude oil purchases at Stanchion and timing of interest payments, partially offset by a $21.0 million increase in net cash inflows from accounts receivable, primarily due to higher crude oil sales at Stanchion. The decrease in cash flows from changes in working capital was partially offset by a $20.9 million increase in distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates, primarily Rockies Express, as a result of our increased membership interest effective March 31, 2017 and February 7, 2018, as well as lower interest expense at Rockies Express due to the repayment of Rockies Express' $550 million of 6.85% senior notes due July 15, 2018.
Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities were $102.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, primarily driven by:
capital expenditures of $62.8 million, primarily due to spending on construction of the Guernsey and Grasslands Terminals, Pony Express expansion, and a new 70-mile natural gas pipeline located in Colorado ("Cheyenne Connector");
cash outflows of $37.0 million for the initial capital contribution and formation of the Powder River Gateway joint venture; and
contributions to unconsolidated investments in the amount of $29.8 million, primarily to fund our share of capital projects at Rockies Express and Powder River Gateway.
These cash outflows were partially offset by $27.2 million of distributions received from Rockies Express in excess of cumulative earnings recognized.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $122.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily driven by:
cash outflows of $95.0 million for the acquisition of BNN North Dakota;
capital expenditures of $58.8 million, primarily due to spending on a 55-mile extension on the Pony Express system,System, construction of the Buckingham Terminal expansion, a new 70-mile natural gas pipeline located in Colorado ("the Cheyenne Connector"),Connector, additional water gathering infrastructure located in North Dakota, and construction of the Grasslands and Natoma Terminals; and
cash outflows of $19.5 million for the acquisition of a 38% membership interest in Deeprock North.North, LLC.
These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of:
$50.0 million from the sale of TCG; and
$20.8 million of distributions received from Rockies Express in excess of cumulative earnings recognized.
Financing Activities.Cash flows used in investingfinancing activities were $562.0$35.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017,2019, primarily driven by:
cash outflowsdividends paid to Class A shareholders of $400.0 million for the acquisition of an additional 24.99% membership interest in Rockies Express;
cash outflows of $140.0 million for the acquisition of Terminals and NatGas;$81.3 million; and

capital expenditures
distributions to noncontrolling interests of $26.8$66.6 million, primarily dueconsisting of Tallgrass Equity distributions to spending on an additional freshwater connection at Water Solutionsthe Exchange Right Holders of $64.4 million and remediation digs ondistributions to Deeprock Development and West Texas noncontrolling interests of $2.2 million; and
tax payments funded by shares tendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding obligations of $13.3 million related to the Pony Express System as discussed in Note 15 – Legal and Environmental Matters.
issuance of Class A shares under LTIP plan.
These cash outflows were partially offset by $10.1 millionnet borrowings under the revolving credit facility of distributions from Rockies Express in excess of cumulative earnings recognized.$125.0 million.


Financing Activities.Cash flows used in financing activities were $27.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, primarily driven by:
distributions to noncontrolling interests of $89.1 million, consistingwhich consisted of distributions to TEP unitholders of $51.3 million, Tallgrass Equity distributions to the Exchange Right Holders of $36.4 million, and distributions to Deeprock Development and Pony Express noncontrolling interests of $1.3 million;
cash outflows of $50.0 million for the acquisition of an additional 2% membership interest in Pony Express; and
distributionsdividends paid to Class A shareholders of $21.3 million.
These financing cash outflows were partially offset by net borrowings of $133.0 million of net borrowings under the revolving credit facilities.
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $459.5 million forfacility and the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily driven by:
net borrowings under the revolving credit facilities of $552.0 million; and
net cash proceeds of $99.4 million from the issuance of 2,087,647 TEP common units under the Equity Distribution Agreements.
These financing cash inflows were partially offset by cash outflows of:
$72.4 million for TEP's partial exercise of the call option granted by TD covering 1,703,094 common units;
distributions to noncontrolling interests of $71.4 million, which consisted of distributions to TEP unitholders of $42.5 million, Tallgrass Equity distributions to the Exchange Right Holders of $27.5 million, and distributions to Pony Express and Water Solutions noncontrolling interests of $1.4 million;
$35.3 million for TEP's 736,262 common units repurchased from TD; and
distributions to Class A shareholders of $16.1 million.credit facility that was terminated in July 2018.
DistributionsDividends
DistributionsDividends to our Class A shareholders. We distribute 100% of ourTGE's available cash at the end of each quarter to Class A shareholders of record beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Our sole cash-generating asset is an approximate 31.43% controlling membership interest in Tallgrass Equity. Tallgrass Equity's sole cash-generating assets consist of direct and indirect partnership interests in TEP and its membership interest in Rockies Express, as detailed above in "—Overview". Available cash at TGE is generally defined in our partnership agreement as all our cash and cash equivalents on hand at the date of determination in respect of such quarter less reserves established in the discretion of our general partner for future requirements. For a discussion of factors and trends impacting TEP'sour business, which in turn impacts our ability to pay cash distributionsdividends to our Class A shareholders, please see "—Factors and Trends Impacting Our Business" in our 20172018 Form 10-K.
Our distributiondividend for the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, in the amount of $0.4875$0.5300 per Class A share, or $28.3$95.0 million in the aggregate, was announced on March 26, 2018April 11, 2019 and will be paid on May 15, 20182019 to Class A shareholders of record on April 30, 2018.2019.
Capital Requirements
The midstream energy business can be capital-intensive, requiring significant investment to maintain and upgrade existing operations. Our capital requirements have consisted primarily of, and we anticipate will continue to consist of, the following:
maintenance capital expenditures, which are cash expenditures incurred (including expenditures for the construction or development of new capital assets) that we expect to maintain our long-term operating income or operating capacity. These expenditures typically include certain system integrity, compliance and safety improvements; and
expansion capital expenditures, which are cash expenditures we expect will increase our operating income or operating capacity over the long-term. Expansion capital expenditures include acquisitions or capital improvements (such as additions to or improvements on the capital assets owned, or acquisition or construction of new capital assets).
We expect to incur approximately $326 million for expansion capital projects and approximately $24 million for maintenance capital expenditures in 2018.


The determination of capital expenditures as maintenance or expansion is made at the individual asset level during our budgeting process and as we approve, execute, and monitor our capital spending. We expect to incur approximately $290 million for expansion capital projects and approximately $40 million for maintenance capital expenditures in 2019. The following table summarizes the maintenance and expansion capital expenditures incurred at our consolidated entities:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Maintenance capital expenditures$3,030
 $63
$6,988
 $3,030
Expansion capital expenditures57,067
 22,420
54,141
 57,067
Total capital expenditures incurred$60,097
 $22,483
$61,129
 $60,097
Capital expenditures incurred represent capital expenditures paid and accrued during the period. Capital expenditures are presented net of noncontrolling interest, and contributions and reimbursements received. The increase in maintenance capital expenditures to $3.0$7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 from $0.1$3.0 million for the three months ended March


31, 20172018 is primarily driven by contributions from TD to TEPincreased expenditures in order to indemnify TEPthe Natural Gas Transportation and Corporate and Other segments. Maintenance capital expenditures for certain out of pocket costs related to repairing or remediating the Trailblazer Pipeline during the three months ended March 31, 2017,2019 in the Corporate and Other segment consisted primarily of spending on information technology assets as discussed furthera result of our acquisition of these assets from TD in Note 15 – Legal and Environmental Matters.February 2018. Maintenance capital expenditures on our assets occur on a regular schedule, but most major maintenance projects are not required every year so the level of maintenance capital expenditures naturally varies from year to year and from quarter to quarter. Expansion capital expenditures were $54.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $57.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $22.4 million2018. Expansion capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2017.2019 consisted primarily of spending on the construction of the Guernsey and Grasslands Terminals, Pony Express expansion, and Cheyenne Connector. Expansion capital expenditures of $57.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 consisted primarily of spending on a 55-mile extension on the Pony Express system,System, construction of the Buckingham Terminal expansion, the Cheyenne Connector, additional water gathering infrastructure located in North Dakota, and construction of the Grasslands Terminal and the Natoma Terminal. Expansion capital expenditures of $22.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 consisted primarily of spending on an additional freshwater connection at Water Solutions and remediation digs on the Pony Express System, as discussed in Note 15 – Legal and Environmental Matters.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, TEP made an initial contribution of $3.5 million to Iron Horse, a newly formed unconsolidated affiliate. In connection with TEP's 75% membership interest in Iron Horse, TEP has made commitments to fund its proportionate share of the remaining cost to construct the pipeline, estimated at $98.5 million as of March 31, 2018. In addition, we invested cash of $29.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively, in unconsolidated affiliates, including Rockies Express, Powder River Gateway, and BNN Colorado, prior to our consolidation of $8.0 million and $6.7 million during the three months ended March 31,BNN Colorado in December 2018, and 2017, respectively, to fund our share of capital projects. Tallgrass Equity and TEP have also committed to Rockies Express to fund the repayment of Rockies Express' $550 million 6.85% senior notes due July 15, 2018, in proportion to their aggregate 75% membership interest, which they currently intend to fund following the closing of the Merger Agreement through borrowings under TEP's revolving credit facility.
We intend to make cash distributionspay dividends to our Class A shareholders. Due to our cash distribution policy, we expect that we will distribute available cash to our Class A shareholders on a quarterly basis. We expect TEP to fund future capital expenditures with funds generated from its operations, borrowings under itsour revolving credit facility, the issuance of additional partnership units and/or the issuance of equity or long-term debt. If these sources are not sufficient, TEPwe may reduce itsour discretionary spending.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations as reported in our 20172018 Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The critical accounting policies and estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements are set forth in our 20172018 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and have not changed with the exception of the following addition related to our implementation of the guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as discussed in Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies..
DescriptionJudgments and UncertaintiesEffect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions
Revenue Recognition
The majority of our revenue is derived from long-term contracts that can span several years. Accounting for long-term contracts involves the use of various techniques to estimate total contract revenue and determine the timing of revenue recognition. We periodically evaluate our estimates with respect to the probability of our customers exercising their rights and recognize revenue associated with contract liabilities when the probability becomes remote that the customer will exercise its remaining rights.We review our deferred revenue (contract liabilities) at each balance sheet date to determine the probability that our customers will exercise their remaining rights. We recognize revenue when the probability becomes remote that the customer will exercise its remaining rights. Our evaluation requires management to apply judgment in estimating future system capacity and the ability of our customers to utilize that capacity.If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, the timing of our revenue recognition with respect to deferred revenue could be impacted and we may experience material changes in revenue.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Commodity Price Risk
Historically, we have had a limited amount of direct commodity price exposure related to natural gas collected for electrical compression costs at TIGT, natural gas used at TMID and crude oil collected as part of our contractual pipeline loss allowance at Pony Express and Terminals. Accordingly, we have historically entered into derivative contracts with third parties for all or a portion of these volumes for the purpose of hedging our commodity price exposures. In addition, Stanchion transacts in crude oil and enters into physical and financial derivative contracts in connection with these, and other, transactions.
The majority of TMID's operating incomeAdjusted EBITDA comes from volumetric fee or commodity sensitive contracts. The profitability of our commodity sensitive processing contracts that include keep whole or percent of proceeds components is affected by volatility in prevailing NGL and natural gas prices. During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, TMID represented 5%4% of operating income.our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.
We measure the risk of price changes in our crude oil and natural gas derivatives utilizing a sensitivity analysis model. The sensitivity analysis measures the potential income or loss (i.e., the change in fair value of the derivative instruments) based upon a hypothetical 10% movement in the underlying quoted market prices. In addition to these variables, the fair value of each portfolio is influenced by fluctuations in the notional amounts of the instruments and the discount rates used to determine the present values. We enter into derivative contracts primarily for the purpose of mitigating the risks that accompany certain of our business activities and, therefore, both the sensitivity analysis model and the change in the market value of our outstanding derivative contracts are offset largely by changes in the value of the underlying physical commodity prices.


The following table summarizes our commodity derivatives and the change in fair value that would be expected from a 10% price increase or decrease as of March 31, 2018,2019, assuming a parallel shift in the forward curve through the end of 2018:2019:
 Fair Value Effect of 10% Price Increase Effect of 10% Price Decrease
 (in thousands)
Crude oil derivative contracts (1)
$306
 $(1,525) $1,525
 Fair Value Effect of 10% Price Increase Effect of 10% Price Decrease
 (in thousands)
Crude oil derivative contract assets(1)
$1,761
 $
 $
Crude oil derivative contract liabilities(1)
$(1,129) $(1,481) $1,481
(1) 
Represents the net forward sale of 242,000246,000 barrels of crude oil in our Gathering, Processing & Terminalling segment which will settle throughout the second quarter of 2018.2019.


Interest Rate Risk
As described in Note 10 – Long-term Debt, Tallgrass Equity currently has $124 million in outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at Tallgrass Equity's option, at either (a) a base rate, which will be a rate equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the U.S. federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (iii) a one-month reserve adjusted Eurodollar rate plus 1.00% or (b) a reserve adjusted Eurodollar rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. For loans bearing interest based on the base rate, the applicable margin is 1.50%, and for loans bearing interest based on the reserve adjusted Eurodollar rate, the applicable margin is 2.50%.
As of March 31, 2018,2019, TEP has issued $750 million$2.0 billion of 2024Senior Notes and $750 million of 2028 Notes. In addition, TEP currently has a $1.75$2.25 billion revolving credit facility with outstanding borrowings of $816.0 million.$1.35 billion. Borrowings under theTEP's revolving credit facility will bear interest, at our option, at either (a) a base rate, which will be a rate equal to the greatest of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the U.S. federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (iii) a one-month reserve adjusted Eurodollar rate plus 1.00% or (b) a reserve adjusted Eurodollar Rate, plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 0.50%0.25% to 1.50%1.25% for base rate borrowings and 1.50%1.25% to 2.50%2.25% for reserve adjusted Eurodollar rate borrowings, based upon ourTEP's total leverage ratio.
We do not currently hedge the interest rate risk on ourTEP's borrowings under the revolving credit facilities.facility. However, in the future we may consider hedging the interest rate risk or may consider choosing longer Eurodollar borrowing terms in order to fix all or a portion of our borrowings for a period of time. We estimate that a 1% increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of the debt by $0.4$0.7 million based on our outstanding debt under ourTEP's revolving credit facilitiesfacility as of March 31, 2018.2019.
Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk. Credit risk represents the loss that we would incur if a counterparty fails to perform under its contractual obligations. We manage our exposure to credit risk associated with customers to whom we extend credit through a credit approval process which includes credit analysis, the establishment of credit limits and ongoing monitoring procedures. We may request letters of credit, cash collateral, prepayments or guarantees as forms of credit support.
A substantial majority of our revenue is produced under long-term firm fee contracts with high-quality customers. The customer base we currently serve under these contracts generally has a strong credit profile, with a majority of our revenues derived from customers who have BBB- or Baa3 and better credit ratings or are part of corporate families with such credit ratings as of March 31, 2018.2019.
We also have indirect credit risk exposure with respect to our investment in Rockies Express. See Item 1A.Risk Factors in our 20172018 Form 10-K for additional information.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a- 15(e) or Rule 15d- 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report, and has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms including, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the first quarter of 2018, TEP completed the conversion to a new contract and volume management system used by TMID to support the Douglas Gathering System which was acquired in 2017. This system was utilized to produce financial information contained in this Quarterly Report. There have not been no otherany changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 20182019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note 15 – Legal and Environmental Matters to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I—Item 1.—Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1A of our 20172018 Form 10-K sets forth information relating to important risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Those risk factors continue to be relevant to an understanding of our business, financial condition and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.2019. There have been no material changes to the risk factors contained in our 20172018 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Repurchases of Registered Equity Securities by Tallgrass Energy, LP or Affiliated Purchasers
We have not engaged, alone or in concert with an "affiliated purchaser," in any repurchases of our registered securities during the period covered by this report and do not have a repurchase plan or program in place. However, following the closing of the Blackstone Acquisition on March 11, 2019, we are under common control with the Sponsor Entities.
On March 11, 2019, BIP announced that in connection with the closing of the Blackstone Acquisition, the Sponsor Entities had pre-funded Prairie Secondary Acquiror LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("Secondary Acquiror 1"), and Prairie Secondary Acquiror E LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("Secondary Acquiror 2" and, collectively with Secondary Acquiror 1, "Prairie Secondary Acquirors"), each of which are managed by BIP Holdings Manager L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, with an aggregate of $400 million for the purpose of making potential future acquisitions of additional Class A shares and that the Prairie Secondary Acquirors intended to enter into a 10b5-1(c) purchase plan (the "Blackstone Plan"). The Blackstone Plan commenced on March 14, 2019. See Schedule 13D filed by BIP and certain of its affiliates with the SEC on March 11, 2019, together with all amendments, for more information on the Blackstone Plan.
The table set forth below reflects the purchases of the Sponsor Entities during the period covered by this report, and subsequent to the closing of the Blackstone Acquisition on March 11, 2019.
Period Total number of Class A shares purchased Average price paid per Class A share Total number of Class A shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of Class A shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs 
January 1 to January 31, 2019 
 $
 
 $
 
February 1 to February 28, 2019 
 $
 
 $
 
March 1 to March 31, 2019 286,783
(1) 
$24.0776
 286,783
(1) 
$143,089,219
(2) 
Total 286,783
 $24.0776
 286,783
 $143,089,219
 
(1)
Includes (i) 116,664 Class A shares purchased by Secondary Acquiror 1 and (ii) 170,119 Class A shares purchased by Secondary Acquiror 2 pursuant to the Blackstone Plan.
(2)
Represents the approximate dollar value of Class A shares that may yet be purchased under the Blackstone Plan, which provides for purchases up to $150 million of Class A shares, subject to certain volume and pricing thresholds and other conditions set forth therein.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.


Item 5. Other Information
None.On May 3, 2019, our general partner, Tallgrass Management, LLC ("Tallgrass Management") and Gary Brauchle modified the non-compete and non-solicitation provisions of Mr. Brauchle's employment agreement. Mr. Brauchle has agreed not to (i) compete with Tallgrass Management or certain of its affiliates through certain specified competitors or acquirors during the term of his employment and for a period of one year thereafter, or (ii) solicit Tallgrass Management's or any of its affiliates' employees or interfere with certain business relationships during the term of his employment and for a period of one year thereafter.


Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
   
 

   
 
   
 

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
101.INS* XBRL Instance Document.Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
   
101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
   
101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
   
101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
   
101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
   
101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
* -filed herewith


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
   Tallgrass Energy, GP, LP
   (registrant)
   By:TEGP Management,Tallgrass Energy GP, LLC, its general partner
        
Date:May 3, 20187, 2019By:/s/ Gary J. Brauchle 
    Name:Gary J. Brauchle 
    Title:Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)


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