| Significant Accounting Policies | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Consolidation These Amended Consolidated Financial Statements (consolidated Financial Statements) include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Basis of Accounting These Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP and in Canadian dollars. Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of these Consolidated Financial Statements. Use of Management Estimates The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, gains and losses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis based upon historical experience, current conditions, and assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time the assumptions are made, with any adjustments being recognized in results of operations in the period they arise. Significant estimates relate to regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities, environmental liabilities, pension benefits, post-retirement and post-employment benefits, asset retirement obligations, goodwill and asset impairments, contingencies, unbilled revenues, and deferred income tax assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. Regulatory Accounting The OEB has the general power to include or exclude revenues, costs, gains or losses in the rates of a specific period, resulting in a change in the timing of accounting recognition from that which would have been applied in an unregulated company. Such change in timing involves the application of rate-regulated accounting, giving rise to the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities. The Company’s regulatory assets represent amounts receivable from future customers and costs that have been deferred for accounting purposes because it is probable that they will be recovered in future rates. In addition, the Company has recorded regulatory liabilities that generally represent amounts that are refundable to future customers. The Company continually assesses the likelihood of recovery of each of its regulatory assets and continues to believe that it is probable that the OEB will include its regulatory assets and liabilities in setting future rates. If, at some future date, the Company judges that it is no longer probable that the OEB will include a regulatory asset or liability in setting future rates, the appropriate carrying amount would be reflected in results of operations prospectively from the date the Company’s assessment is made, unless the change meets the requirements for a Type I subsequent event. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Revenue Recognition The Company adopted Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers on January 1, 2018 using the retrospective method, without the election of any practical expedients. There was no material impact to the Company's revenue recognition policy as a result of adopting ASC 606, and no adjustments were made to prior period reported financial statements amounts. Nature of Revenues Transmission revenues predominantly consist of transmission tariffs, which are collected through OEB-approved Uniform Transmission Rates (UTR) and the monthly peak demand for electricity across Hydro One's high-voltage network. OEB-approved UTR is based on an approved revenue requirement that includes a rate of return. The transmission tariffs are designed to recover revenues necessary to support the Company's transmission system with sufficient capacity to accommodate the maximum expected demand which is influenced by weather and economic conditions. Transmission revenues are recognized as electricity is transmitted and delivered to customers. Distribution revenues attributable to the delivery of electricity are based on OEB-approved distribution rates and are recognized on an accrual basis and include billed and unbilled revenues. Billed revenues are based on electricity delivered as measured from customer meters. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the date of the last billed meter reading is estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recorded. The unbilled revenue estimate is affected by energy consumption, weather, and changes in the composition of customer classes. Revenues also include amounts related to sales of other services and equipment. Such revenue is recognized as services are rendered or as equipment is delivered. Revenues are recorded net of indirect taxes. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Billed accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. Unbilled accounts receivable are recorded at their estimated value. Overdue amounts related to regulated billings bear interest at OEB-approved rates. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Company’s best estimate of losses on billed accounts receivable balances. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts on billed accounts receivable by applying internally developed loss rates to the outstanding receivable balances by aging category. Loss rates applied to the billed accounts receivable balances are based on historical overdue balances, customer payments and write-offs. Accounts receivable are written-off against the allowance when they are deemed uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts is affected by changes in volume, prices and economic conditions. Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling interest represents the portion of equity ownership in subsidiaries that is not attributable to the shareholder of Hydro One. Noncontrolling interest is initially recorded at fair value and subsequently the amount is adjusted for the proportionate share of net income and other comprehensive income (OCI) attributable to the noncontrolling interest and any dividends or distributions paid to the noncontrolling interest. If a transaction results in the acquisition of all, or part, of a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, the acquisition of the noncontrolling interest is accounted for as an equity transaction. No gain or loss is recognized in consolidated net income or comprehensive income as a result of changes in the noncontrolling interest, unless a change results in the loss of control by the Company. Income Taxes Current and deferred income taxes are computed based on the tax rates and tax laws enacted as at the balance sheet date. Tax benefits associated with income tax positions are recorded only when the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is satisfied and are measured at the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Management evaluates each position based solely on the technical merits and facts and circumstances of the position, assuming the position will be examined by a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. Significant management judgment is required to determine recognition thresholds and the related amount of tax benefits to be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Management re-evaluates tax positions each period using new information about recognition or measurement as it becomes available. Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are provided for using the liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized on all temporary differences between the tax bases and carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, including the carry forward unused tax credits and tax losses to the extent that it is more-likely-than-not that these deductions, credits, and losses can be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realized, based on the tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted as at the balance sheet date. Deferred income taxes that are not included in the rate-setting process are charged or credited to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Management reassesses the deferred income tax assets at each balance sheet date and reduces the amount to the extent that it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred income tax asset will not be realized. Previously unrecognized deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and are recognized to the extent that it has become more-likely-than-not that the tax benefit will be realized. As approved by the regulator, the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries recover income tax expense in customer rates based on income taxes that are currently payable, except for certain regulatory balances for which deferred income tax expense is recovered from, or refunded to, customers in current rates, as prescribed by the regulator. The Company records regulatory assets and liabilities associated with deferred income tax assets and liabilities that will be included in the rate-setting process. Investment tax credits are recorded as a reduction of the related expenses or income tax expense in the current or future period to the extent it is more likely than not that the credits can be utilized. Materials and Supplies Materials and supplies represent consumables, small spare parts and construction materials held for internal construction and maintenance of property, plant and equipment. These assets are carried at average cost less any impairments recorded. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment is recorded at original cost, net of customer contributions, and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost of additions, including betterments and replacement asset components, is included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as property, plant and equipment. The original cost of property, plant and equipment includes direct materials, direct labour (including employee benefits), contracted services, attributable capitalized financing costs, asset retirement costs, and direct and indirect overheads that are related to the capital project or program. Indirect overheads include a portion of corporate costs such as finance, treasury, human resources, information technology and executive costs. Overhead costs, including corporate functions and field services costs, are capitalized on a fully allocated basis, consistent with an OEB-approved methodology. Property, plant and equipment in service consists of transmission, distribution, communication, administration and service assets and land easements. Property, plant and equipment also includes future use assets, such as land, major components and spare parts, and capitalized project development costs associated with deferred capital projects. Transmission Transmission assets include assets used for the transmission of high-voltage electricity, such as transmission lines, support structures, foundations, insulators, connecting hardware and grounding systems, and assets used to step up the voltage of electricity from generating stations for transmission and to step down voltages for distribution, including transformers, circuit breakers and switches. Distribution Distribution assets include assets related to the distribution of low-voltage electricity, including lines, poles, switches, transformers, protective devices and metering systems. Communication Communication assets include fibre optic and microwave radio systems, optical ground wire, towers, telephone equipment and associated buildings. Administration and Service Administration and service assets include administrative buildings, personal computers, transport and work equipment, tools and other minor assets. Easements Easements include statutory rights of use for transmission corridors and abutting lands granted under the Reliable Energy and Consumer Protection Act, 2002 , as well as other land access rights. Intangible Assets Intangible assets separately acquired or internally developed are measured on initial recognition at cost, which comprises purchased software, direct labour (including employee benefits), consulting, engineering, overheads and attributable capitalized financing charges. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost, net of any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. The Company’s intangible assets primarily represent major computer applications. Capitalized Financing Costs Capitalized financing costs represent interest costs attributable to the construction of property, plant and equipment or development of intangible assets. The financing cost of attributable borrowed funds is capitalized as part of the acquisition cost of such assets. The capitalized financing costs are a reduction of financing charges recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Capitalized financing costs are calculated using the Company’s weighted average effective cost of debt. Construction and Development in Progress Construction and development in progress consists of the capitalized cost of constructed assets that are not yet complete and which have not yet been placed in service. Depreciation and Amortization The cost of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets is depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis based on the estimated remaining service life of each asset category, except for transport and work equipment, which is depreciated on a declining balance basis. The Company periodically initiates an external independent review of its property, plant and equipment and intangible asset depreciation and amortization rates, as required by the OEB. Any changes arising from OEB approval of such a review are implemented on a remaining service life basis, consistent with their inclusion in electricity rates. The most recent reviews resulted in changes to rates effective January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2017 for Hydro One Networks’ distribution and transmission businesses, respectively. A summary of average service lives and depreciation and amortization rates for the various classes of assets is included below: Average Rate Service Life Range Average Property, plant and equipment: Transmission 55 years 1% - 3% 2 % Distribution 46 years 1% - 7% 2 % Communication 16 years 1% - 15% 6 % Administration and service 20 years 1% - 20% 6 % Intangible assets 10 years 10 % 10 % In accordance with group depreciation practices, the original cost of property, plant and equipment, or major components thereof, and intangible assets that are normally retired, is charged to accumulated depreciation, with no gain or loss being reflected in results of operations. Where a disposition of property, plant and equipment occurs through sale, a gain or loss is calculated based on proceeds and such gain or loss is included in depreciation expense. Acquisitions and Goodwill The Company accounts for business acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired entities are primarily measured at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Costs associated with pending acquisitions are expensed as incurred. Goodwill represents the cost of acquired companies that is in excess of the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired at the acquisition date. Goodwill is not included in rate base. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances require. The Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the applicable reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the applicable reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, no further testing is required. If the Company determines, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the applicable reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a goodwill impairment assessment is performed using a two-step, fair value-based test. The first step compares the fair value of the applicable reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the applicable reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step is performed. The second step requires an allocation of fair value to the individual assets and liabilities using purchase price allocation in order to determine the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recorded as a reduction to goodwill and as a charge to results of operations. Based on assessment performed as at September 30, 2018, the Company has concluded that goodwill was not impaired at December 31, 2018. Long-Lived Asset Impairment When circumstances indicate the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the Company evaluates whether the carrying value of such assets, excluding goodwill, has been impaired. For such long-lived assets, the Company evaluates whether impairment may exist by estimating future estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. When alternative courses of action to recover the carrying amount of a long-lived asset are under consideration, a probability-weighted approach is used to develop estimates of future undiscounted cash flows. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable based on the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded, measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. As a result, the asset’s carrying value is adjusted to its estimated fair value. Within its regulated business, the carrying costs of most of Hydro One’s long-lived assets are included in rate base where they earn an OEB-approved rate of return. Asset carrying values and the related return are recovered through approved rates. As a result, such assets are only tested for impairment in the event that the OEB disallows recovery, in whole or in part, or if such a disallowance is judged to be probable. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, no asset impairment had been recorded. Costs of Arranging Debt Financing For financial liabilities classified as other than held-for-trading, the Company defers the external transaction costs related to obtaining financing and presents such amounts net of related debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred issuance costs are amortized over the contractual life of the related debt on an effective-interest basis and the amortization is included within financing charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Transaction costs for items classified as held-for-trading are expensed immediately. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and OCI. Hydro One presents net income and OCI in a single continuous Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Financial Assets and Liabilities All financial assets and liabilities are classified into one of the following five categories: held-to-maturity; loans and receivables; held-for-trading; other liabilities; or available-for-sale. Financial assets and liabilities classified as held-for-trading are measured at fair value. All other financial assets and liabilities are measured at amortized cost, except accounts receivable and amounts due from related parties, which are measured at the lower of cost or fair value. Accounts receivable and amounts due from related parties are classified as loans and receivables. The Company considers the carrying amounts of accounts receivable and amounts due from related parties to be reasonable estimates of fair value because of the short time to maturity of these instruments. Provisions for impaired accounts receivable are recognized as adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts and are recognized when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect amounts according to the original terms. All financial instrument transactions are recorded at trade date. Derivative instruments are measured at fair value. Gains and losses from fair valuation are included within financing charges in the period in which they arise. The Company determines the classification of its financial assets and liabilities at the date of initial recognition. The Company designates certain of its financial assets and liabilities to be held at fair value, when it is consistent with the Company’s risk management policy disclosed in Note 16 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Risk Management. Derivative Instruments and Hedge Accounting The Company closely monitors the risks associated with changes in interest rates on its operations and, where appropriate, uses various instruments to hedge these risks. Certain of these derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting and are designated as accounting hedges, while others either do not qualify as hedges or have not been designated as hedges (hereinafter referred to as undesignated contracts) as they are part of economic hedging relationships. The accounting guidance for derivative instruments requires the recognition of all derivative instruments not identified as meeting the normal purchase and sale exemption as either assets or liabilities recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, the Company may elect to designate such derivative instruments as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. The Company offsets fair value amounts recognized on its Consolidated Balance Sheets related to derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement. For derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting and which are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of any gain or loss, net of tax, is reported as a component of accumulated OCI (AOCI) and is reclassified to results of operations in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects results of operations. Any gains or losses on the derivative instrument that represent either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in results of operations. For fair value hedges, changes in fair value of both the derivative instrument and the underlying hedged exposure are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income in the current period. The gain or loss on the derivative instrument is included in the same line item as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The changes in fair value of the undesignated derivative instruments are reflected in results of operations. Embedded derivative instruments are separated from their host contracts and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets when: (a) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract; (b) the hybrid instrument is not measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in results of operations each period; and (c) the embedded derivative itself meets the definition of a derivative. The Company does not engage in derivative trading or speculative activities and had no embedded derivatives that required bifurcation at December 31, 2018 or 2017. Hydro One periodically develops hedging strategies taking into account risk management objectives. At the inception of a hedging relationship where the Company has elected to apply hedge accounting, Hydro One formally documents the relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument, the related risk management objective, the nature of the specific risk exposure being hedged, and the method for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging relationship. The Company also assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on a quarterly basis, whether the hedging instruments are effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. Employee Future Benefits Employee future benefits provided by Hydro One include pension, post-retirement and post-employment benefits. The costs of the Company’s pension, post-retirement and post-employment benefit plans are recorded over the periods during which employees render service. The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension, post-retirement and post-employment plans on its Consolidated Balance Sheets and subsequently recognizes the changes in funded status at the end of each reporting year. Defined benefit pension, post-retirement and post-employment plans are considered to be underfunded when the projected benefit obligation (PBO) exceeds the fair value of the plan assets. Liabilities are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for any net underfunded PBO. The net underfunded PBO may be disclosed as a current liability, long-term liability, or both. The current portion is the amount by which the actuarial present value of benefits included in the benefit obligation payable in the next 12 months exceeds the fair value of plan assets. If the fair value of plan assets exceeds the PBO of the plan, an asset is recognized equal to the net overfunded PBO. The post-retirement and post-employment benefit plans are unfunded because there are no related plan assets. Hydro One recognizes its contributions to the defined contribution pension plan (DC Plan) as pension expense, with a portion being capitalized as part of labour costs included in capital expenditures. The expensed amount is included in operation, maintenance and administration (OM&A) costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Defined Benefit Pension Defined benefit pension costs are recorded on an accrual basis for financial reporting purposes. Pension costs are actuarially determined using the projected benefit method prorated on service and are based on assumptions that reflect management’s best estimate of the effect of future events, including future compensation increases. Past service costs from plan amendments and all actuarial gains and losses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining service period of active employees in the plan, and over the estimated remaining life expectancy of inactive employees in the plan. Pension plan assets, consisting primarily of listed equity securities as well as corporate and government debt securities, are fair valued at the end of each year. Hydro One records a regulatory asset equal to the net underfunded PBO for its pension plan. Defined benefit pension costs are attributed to labour costs and a portion directly related to acquisition and development of capital assets not exceeding the service cost component of accrual basis defined benefit pension costs is capitalized as part of the cost of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. The remaining defined benefit pension costs are charged to results of operations (OM&A costs). Post-retirement and Post-employment Benefits Post-retirement and post-employment benefits are recorded and included in rates on an accrual basis. Costs are determined by independent actuaries using the projected benefit method prorated on service and based on assumptions that reflect management’s best estimates. Past service costs from plan amendments are amortized to results of operations based on the expected average remaining service period. For post-retirement benefits, all actuarial gains or losses are deferred using the “corridor” approach. The amount calculated above the “corridor” is amortized to results of operations on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining service life of active employees in the plan and over the remaining life expectancy of inactive employees in the plan. The post-retirement benefit obligation is remeasured to its fair value at each year end based on an annual actuarial report, with an offset to the associated regulatory asset, to the extent of the remeasurement adjustment. For post-employment obligations, the associated regulatory liabilities representing actuarial gains on transition to US GAAP are amortized to results of operations based on the “corridor” approach. The actuarial gains and losses on post-employment obligations that are incurred during the year are recognized immediately to results of operations. The post-employment benefit obligation is remeasured to its fair value at each year end based on an annual actuarial report, with an offset to the associated regulatory asset, to the extent of the remeasurement adjustment. All post-retirement and post-employment benefit costs are attributed to labour costs and are either charged to results of operations (OM&A costs) or capitalized as part of the cost of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for service cost component and to regulatory assets for all other components of the benefit costs, consistent with their inclusion in OEB-approved rates. Stock-Based Compensation Share Grant Plans Hydro One measures share grant plans based on fair value of share grants as estimated based on Hydro One Limited grant date common share price. The costs are recognized in the financial statements using the graded-vesting attribution method for share grant plans that have both a performance condition and a service condition. The Company records a regulatory asset equal to the accrued costs of share grant plans recognized in each period. Costs are transferred from the regulatory asset to labour costs at the time the share grants vest and are issued, and are recovered in rates. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Deferred Share Unit (DSU) Plans The Company records the liabilities associated with its Directors’ and Management DSU Plans at fair value at each reporting date until settlement, recognizing compensation expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. The fair value of the DSU liability is based on the Hydro One Limited common share closing price at the end of each reporting period. Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP) The Company measures the awards issued under Hydro One Limited's LTIP, at fair value based on Hydro One Limited grant date common share price. The related compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Loss Contingencies Hydro One is involved in certain legal and environmental matters that arise in the normal course of business. In the preparation of its Consolidated Financial Statements, management makes judgments regarding the future outcome of contingent events and records a loss for a contingency based on its best estimate when it is determined that such loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Where the loss amount is recoverable in future rates, a regulatory asset is also recorded. When a range estimate for the probable loss exists and no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company records a loss at the minimum amount within the range. Management regularly reviews current information available to determine whether recorded provisions should be adjusted and whether new provisions are required. Estimating probable losses may require analysis of multiple forecasts and scenarios that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties, such as federal, provincial and local courts or regulators. Contingent liabilities are often resolved over long periods of time. Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements may differ from the actual outcome once the contingency is resolved. Such differences could have a material impact on future results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Company. Provisions are based upon current estimates and are subject to greater uncertainty where the projection period is lengthy. A significant upward or downward trend in the number of claims filed, the nature of the alleged injuries, and the average cos |
