Enbridge Energy Management L L C (EEQ) 10-K 16 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 13, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ENBRIDGE ENERGY MANAGEMENT L L C
Entity Central Index Key	1,173,911
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		89,798,812
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	EEQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1,317,301,400

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Equity loss from investment in Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.	$ (43)	$ (122)	$ (380)
Loss before income taxes	(43)	(122)	(380)
Income tax benefit (expense)	14	2	(132)
Net loss	$ (29)	$ (120)	$ (512)
Net Income (loss) per share, (basic and diluted) (in dollars per share)	$ (0.34)	$ (1.54)	$ (7.26)
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	86	78	71
Distribution paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.633	$ 2.332	$ 2.306

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INC

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (29)	$ (120)	$ (512)
Equity in other comprehensive income (loss) of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., net of tax benefit (expense) of $14, $2 and ($14) respectively	29	(12)	(20)
Comprehensive loss	$ 0	$ (132)	$ (532)

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE IN4

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ 14	$ 2	$ (14)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating activities:
Net loss	$ (29)	$ (120)	$ (512)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating:
Loss from equity investment in Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.	43	122	380
Deferred income taxes (benefit) expense	(14)	(2)	132
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
Investing activities:
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0	0
Financing activities:
Net cash provided by financing activities	0	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1	1	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1	1	1
Supplementary cash flow information
Cash paid for income taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIO

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Cash	$ 1	$ 1
Assets, Total	1	1
Shareholders’ equity:
Voting shares – unlimited authorized; 6.77 and 6.17 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	0	0
Listed shares – unlimited authorized; 89,798,812 and 81,857,162 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	1,760	1,623
Accumulated deficit	(1,732)	(1,566)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(27)	(56)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1	$ 1

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITI7

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Parenthetical) - shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Voting Shares [Member]
Issued (in shares)	6.77	6.17
Outstanding (in shares)	6.77	6.17
Listed Shares [Member]
Issued (in shares)	89,798,812	81,857,162
Outstanding (in shares)	89,798,812	81,857,162

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQU

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Listed Shares [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 740	$ 1,358	$ (594)	$ (24)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(512)		(512)
Capital account adjustments	(75)	(75)
Share distributions	0	161	(161)
Equity in other comprehensive income of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.	(20)			(20)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	133	1,444	(1,267)	(44)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(120)		(120)
Share distributions	0	179	(179)
Equity in other comprehensive income of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.	(12)			(12)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	1	1,623	(1,566)	(56)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net loss	(29)		(29)
Share distributions		137	(137)
Equity in other comprehensive income of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.	29			29
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1	$ 1,760	$ (1,732)	$ (27)

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

BUSINESS OVERVIEW	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BUSINESS OVERVIEW	1. BUSINESS OVERVIEW The terms “we”, “our”, “us” and “Enbridge Energy Management” as used in this report refer collectively to Enbridge Energy Management, LLC unless the context suggests otherwise. GENERAL BUSINESS DESCRIPTION We are a limited partner of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., (the Partnership), through our ownership of i-units, a special class of the Partnership’s limited partner interests. Under a delegation of control agreement among us, the Partnership and its general partner, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., (the General Partner), we manage the Partnership’s business and affairs. The General Partner is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Enbridge, an energy infrastructure company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. SEGMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS We have no segments. For other transactions, refer to Note 4 - Related Party Transactions .

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND USE OF ESTIMATES These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. We regularly evaluate these estimates utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods we consider reasonable in the circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. We record the effect of any revisions to these estimates in our consolidated financial statements in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Amounts are stated in United States dollars unless otherwise noted. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES Upon inception of a contractual agreement, we perform an assessment to determine whether the arrangement contains a variable interest in a legal entity and whether that legal entity is a Variable Interest Entity (VIE). We assess all aspects of our interests in an entity and use judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Other qualitative factors that are considered include decision-making responsibilities, the VIE capital structure, risk and rewards sharing, contractual agreements with the VIE, voting rights and level of involvement of other parties. A reassessment of the primary beneficiary conclusion is conducted when there are changes in the facts and circumstances related to a VIE. We are a limited partner of the Partnership, through our ownership of i-units, a special class of the Partnership’s limited partner interests. At December 31, 2017, we owned approximately 19.9% of the Partnership through our ownership of the i-units. Further, under a delegation of control agreement among us, the Partnership and the General Partner, we manage the Partnership’s business and affairs. However, ultimate responsibility to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Partnership’s economic performance continues to rest with the General Partner. Further, the General Partner has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact our economic performance through its 100% ownership interest in our voting shares. As a result, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the Partnership. ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENT IN THE PARTNERSHIP Prior to March 31, 2016, we used the equity method of accounting for our ownership in the Partnership because we exercise significant influence over the Partnership pursuant to a delegation of control agreement among the General Partner, the Partnership and us. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we owned approximately 19.9% and 16.6% of the Partnership, respectively. Our ownership percentage changes as the Partnership issues additional limited partner units. Changes in the calculation of our ownership percentage affect our net income and comprehensive income. Distributions to holders of the Partnership’s Class E Units, Class F Units, and prior to April 27, 2017, the Preferred Units, Class D Units and Incentive Distribution Units, or IDUs, reduce the amount of income that was allocated to the Partnership’s remaining limited partners: (i) Class A common units, (ii) Class B common units and (iii) i-units on a pro-rated basis based on our ownership interest in the Partnership. Further, the Partnership’s Preferred Units were issued at a discount to the market price of the Class A common units into which they are convertible. This discount represents a beneficial conversion feature, which was amortized ratably from the issuance date to April 27, 2017, when the Preferred Units were redeemed. This amortization resulted in an increase to the capital account of the Preferred Units and a decrease in the Partnership’s earnings allocable to the Class A and Class B common units and the i-units on a pro-rated basis. Thus, our “Equity income (loss) from investment in Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.” on our statements of income also included a pro-rated share of these costs. The Partnership Agreement does not permit capital deficits to accumulate in the capital account of any limited partner and thus requires that such capital account deficits brought to zero, or “cured,” by additional allocations from the positive capital accounts of the common units, i-units, and General Partner, generally on a pro-rated basis. Our equity income from the Partnership is adjusted for our pro-rated share of such reallocations. Until we discontinued equity accounting for our investment in the Partnership on March 31, 2016, our equity earnings were reduced for our pro-rated share of the allocation needed to cure the capital account deficits of the Class A and Class B common units. During the first quarter of 2016, our share of losses in the Partnership, driven primarily from curing losses, exceeded the carrying amount of our investment in the Partnership. As a result, we ceased recognition of our equity interest in the earnings of the Partnership when the carrying amount of our investment was reduced to zero and will no longer provide for additional losses as we are not obligated to provide further financial support to the Partnership. CAPITAL ACCOUNT ADJUSTMENTS The Partnership records an adjustment to the carrying value of its book capital accounts for certain changes to its equity structure. We refer to these adjustments as capital account adjustments. We recognize any capital account adjustments recorded by the Partnership to the book capital account it maintains for our i-units by increasing or decreasing our investment in the Partnership and recording a corresponding capital account adjustment directly to “Shareholders’ equity” on our statements of financial position. NET INCOME PER SHARE Both basic and diluted earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of our shares outstanding during each period. We have no securities outstanding that may be converted into or exercised for our shares. INCOME TAXES We are a limited liability company that has elected to be treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the basis of our assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Changes in tax legislation are included in the relevant computations in the period in which the legislation is enacted. Temporary differences and associated deferred tax expense and deferred tax liabilities result from recording our equity in the earnings of the Partnership, which will not become taxable until the Partnership is liquidated or the i-units are otherwise monetized, in addition to capital account adjustments. We are a party to a tax indemnification agreement with Enbridge. Pursuant to this tax indemnification agreement, Enbridge agrees to indemnify us from any tax liability attributable to our formation or our management of the business and affairs of the Partnership and from any taxes arising out of a transaction involving the i-units owned, to the extent the transaction does not generate cash sufficient to pay our taxes with respect to such transaction, in each case, other than any Texas franchise taxes and other capital-based foreign, state or local taxes that are required to be paid or reimbursed by the Partnership under the delegation of control agreement. The delegation of control agreement states that the General Partner bears the economic impact for our taxes only in the event we do not have cash sufficient to pay them. As a result, we accrue state income taxes in addition to federal income tax. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive income differs from net income due to the equity in other comprehensive income or loss of the Partnership. The Partnership enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to commodity price and interest rate risk, some of which are qualified cash flow hedges under the applicable authoritative accounting guidance for derivative activities . As such, prior to March 31, 2016, changes in the fair market value of the Partnership’s derivative financial instruments produced fluctuations in our comprehensive income, which was reflected as equity in other comprehensive income or loss of the Partnership. As discussed above, we discontinued equity method accounting for our investment in the Partnership as of March 31, 2016. Our accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of our historical interest in the Partnership’s other comprehensive income, which is based primarily on the effective mark-to-market changes in the Partnership’s underlying cash flow hedge contracts. We amortize into earnings the remaining accumulated other comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the Partnership’s underlying hedge contracts.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	3. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY SHARE DISTRIBUTIONS Our authorized capital structure consists of two classes of interests: (i) Listed Shares, which represent limited liability company interests with limited voting rights, and (ii) voting shares, which represent limited liability company interests with full voting rights. All voting shares are held by the General Partner. We make share distributions on a quarterly basis at the same time that the Partnership declares and makes cash distributions to the General Partner and limited partner interests other than the i-units. We do not receive cash distributions on the i-units we own and do not otherwise have any cash flow attributable to our ownership of the i-units. Instead, when the Partnership makes cash distributions to the General Partner and other limited partner interests, we receive additional i-units under the terms of the Partnership Agreement. The amount of the additional i-units we receive is calculated by dividing the amount of the per unit cash distribution paid by the Partnership on each of its Class A and B common units by the average closing price of one of our Listed Shares on the NYSE as determined for a 10 trading-day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the ex-dividend date for our shares multiplied by the number of shares outstanding on the record date. We concurrently distribute additional shares to our shareholders that are equivalent in number to the additional i-units we receive from the Partnership. As a result, the number of our outstanding shares is equal to the number of i-units that we own in the Partnership. Voting Shares Listed Shares 2017 Balance at beginning of year 6.17 81,857,162 Share distributions 0.60 7,941,650 Balance at end of year 6.77 89,798,812 2016 Balance at beginning of year 5.53 73,285,734 Share distributions 0.64 8,571,428 Balance at end of year 6.17 81,857,162 2015 Balance at beginning of year 5.15 68,305,182 Share distributions 0.38 4,980,552 Balance at end of year 5.53 73,285,734 The following table sets forth the details regarding our share distributions, as approved by our board of directors for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Distribution Declaration Date Record Date Distribution Payment Date Distribution per Unit of the Partnership Average Closing Price of the Listed Shares Additional i-units owned Listed Shares Distributed to Public Shares Distributed to General Partner 2017 October 25 November 7 November 14 $ 0.350 $ 13.75 2,229,344 1,968,809 260,535 July 28 August 7 August 14 $ 0.350 $ 15.38 1,948,561 1,720,839 227,722 April 27 May 8 May 15 $ 0.350 $ 17.96 1,637,096 1,445,775 191,321 January 26 February 7 February 14 $ 0.583 $ 22.44 2,126,649 1,878,115 248,534 7,941,650 7,013,538 928,112 2016 October 28 November 7 November 14 $ 0.583 $ 25.06 1,861,187 1,643,677 217,510 July 28 August 5 August 12 $ 0.583 $ 22.84 1,991,304 1,758,587 232,717 April 29 May 6 May 13 $ 0.583 $ 21.14 2,093,257 1,848,626 244,631 January 29 February 5 February 12 $ 0.583 $ 16.27 2,625,681 2,318,827 306,854 8,571,429 7,569,717 1,001,712 2015 October 30 November 6 November 13 $ 0.583 $ 27.10 1,543,182 1,362,836 180,346 July 30 August 7 August 14 $ 0.583 $ 30.68 1,337,969 1,181,605 156,364 April 30 May 8 May 15 $ 0.570 $ 37.25 1,061,026 937,028 123,998 January 29 February 6 February 13 $ 0.570 $ 37.50 1,038,375 917,024 121,351 4,980,552 4,398,493 582,059 We had non-cash operating activities in the form of i-units distributed to us by the Partnership and corresponding non-cash financing activities in the form of share distributions to our shareholders in the amounts of $137 million , $179 million and $161 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. PARTNERSHIP TRANSACTIONS IMPACTING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Distribution Reduction On April 28, 2017, the Partnership announced the results of Enbridge's strategic review of its United States sponsored vehicles, which was conducted as a result of integration efforts post merger with Spectra Energy Corp. The Partnership reduced its quarterly distribution from $0.583 per unit to $0.35 per unit or from $2.33 per unit to $1.40 per unit on an annualized basis. As a result, of the distribution reduction our quarterly distribution of additional i-units and corresponding Listed shares distributed to the public was reduced from $0.583 per unit to $0.35 per unit. Issuance of Class A Units On April 27, 2017, the Partnership funded the redemption of the Series 1 Preferred Units through the issuance of 64 million Class A common units to the General Partner at a price of $18.66 per Class A common unit. The Class A common units were recognized on April 27, 2017, at fair value. The fair value of the Class A common units was $18.57 per unit, the market closing price on April 27, 2017, resulting in a $1.2 billion increase to the Class A unit capital account. Redemption of Series 1 Preferred Units On April 27, 2017, the Partnership redeemed all of its outstanding Series 1 Preferred Units held by the General Partner at face value of $1.2 billion in cash. Simplification of Incentive Distributions On April 27, 2017, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the General Partner irrevocably waived all of its rights associated with its 66 million Class D units and 1,000 IDUs, in exchange for the issuance of 1,000 Class F units. The waiving of the Class D units and IDUs by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the General Partner represents an extinguishment, resulting in a de-recognition of the Class D units and IDUs at their carrying value. The Class F units were recorded at their fair value of $263 million and the difference between the fair value of the Class F units and the de-recognized Class D units and IDUs were recorded as an increase of $3 billion to the General Partner’s capital account. Alberta Clipper Drop Down to the Partnership On January 2, 2015, the Partnership completed a transaction, or the Drop Down, pursuant to which it acquired the remaining 66.7% interest in the United States segment of the Alberta Clipper Pipeline from the General Partner. The consideration consisted of 18,114,975 units of a new class of limited partner interests designated as Class E units with an aggregate value of $694 million issued to the General Partner, plus a cash repayment of approximately $306 million of indebtedness. The Partnership recorded the issuance of the Class E units at a fair value of $768 million , which was $364 million higher than the $404 million carrying value of the Partnership’s related noncontrolling interests in Alberta Clipper. As a result, the Partnership reduced the carrying values of the Class A and Class B common units, the i-units, and the General Partner interest by $364 million on a pro-rata basis. The recording of this noncash transaction reduced the book basis of our investment in the Partnership, based on our proportionate ownership interest in the Partnership at the time of the transaction, by $46 million , net of a $27 million tax benefit. A corresponding reduction to our “Shareholders’ equity” was recorded and is reflected under “Capital account adjustments” in the significant changes in the statements of shareholders’ equity. The recording of this transaction also reduced the carrying values of both classes of the common units below zero. As discussed above, the Partnership Agreement requires that such capital account deficits are cured by additional allocations from the capital accounts of the i-units and the General Partner on a pro-rated basis. Our pro-rated share of this curing as a result of the Drop Down, was $29 million , net of a $17 million tax benefit, which is reflected as an additional reduction to the book basis of our investment in the Partnership, with a corresponding reduction to our “Shareholders’ equity.”

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS We are a limited partner in the Partnership and, pursuant to a delegation of control agreement among us, the General Partner and the Partnership, we have assumed the General Partner’s responsibility to manage the business and affairs of the Partnership and its subsidiaries. The delegation of control agreement provides that we will not amend or propose to amend the Partnership’s limited Partnership Agreement, allow a merger or consolidation involving the Partnership, allow a sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership or dissolve or liquidate the Partnership without the approval of the General Partner. The General Partner remains responsible to the Partnership for actions taken or omitted by us while serving as the delegate of the General Partner as if the General Partner had itself taken or omitted to take such actions. The General Partner owns all of our voting shares. The General Partner has agreed not to voluntarily withdraw as general partner of the Partnership and has agreed not to transfer its interest as general partner of the Partnership unless the transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms and conditions of the delegation of control agreement that apply to the General Partner. The Partnership recognizes the delegation of rights and powers to us and indemnifies and protects us and our officers and directors to the same extent as it does with respect to the General Partner. In addition, the Partnership reimburses our expenses to the same extent as it does with respect to the General Partner as general partner. The Partnership also reimburses us for any Texas franchise taxes and any other similar capital-based foreign, state and local taxes not otherwise paid or reimbursed by Enbridge pursuant to the tax indemnification agreement. The General Partner, we and Enbridge, through its affiliates, provide the Partnership with managerial, administrative, operational and director services pursuant to service agreements among all of us. Pursuant to these service agreements, the Partnership reimburses us, the General Partner and affiliates of Enbridge for the costs of these managerial, administrative, operational and director services. Through an operational services agreement among Enbridge, affiliates of Enbridge and the Partnership, the Partnership is charged for the services of our executive management resident in Canada. Through a general and administrative services agreement among the Partnership, the General Partner, us and Enbridge Employee Services, Inc. (EES), a subsidiary of the General Partner, the Partnership is charged for the services of our executive management resident in the United States. In addition, other employees of EES are assigned to work for the General Partner, the Partnership and us, and employer expenses for these employees are charged by EES to each of us, as appropriate. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , all costs from EES incurred by us were charged to the Partnership pursuant to these agreements and were immaterial.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	5. INCOME TAXES The terms of the i-units provide that the units owned by us will not be allocated income, gain, loss or deductions of the Partnership for tax purposes until such time that we dispose of our investment in the Partnership. As a result, actual realization of any long-term deferred income tax asset or liability would only occur upon liquidation of our investment in the Partnership. During the third quarter of 2015, we updated our forecasts and concurrently reevaluated the reversal of our temporary difference related to the investment in the Partnership. As a result of this revision to our forecast, we determined that Class A and Class B common units would continue to be cured primarily from income allocations of the i-units into the foreseeable future. Based on the estimates of our future operating income included in our forecasts, including curing impacts, we concluded that it is not more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will be realized. As a result, we recognized a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asset during the third quarter of 2015. The recognition of the valuation allowance resulted in additional tax expense of $275 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. We considered our disclosure of the valuation allowance as shown in the effective rate reconciliation as compared to the table of deferred taxes, and noted that this is consistent with our application of the intraperiod allocation of the valuation allowance between the loss in continuing operations and other comprehensive income. The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Investment in Partnership $ 199 $ 321 Valuation allowance on investment in Partnership (199 ) (321 ) Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ — $ — Our tax years are generally open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state revenue authorities for the calendar years ended 2016, 2015 and 2014. There were no cash payments for income taxes during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . INCOME TAX RATE RECONCILIATION 2017 2016 2015 (in millions of dollars) Loss before income tax benefit (expense) $ (43 ) $ (122 ) $ (380 ) Federal Income tax benefit 15 43 133 State Income tax benefit 1 2 10 Adjustment to AOCI unwind tax (2 ) — — Tax Rate change (122 ) (4 ) — Valuation allowance 122 (39 ) (275 ) Total income tax benefit (expense) (1) $ 14 $ 2 $ (132 ) Effective income tax rate (2) 32.6 % 1.6 % (34.7 )% (1) Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings is recorded before tax to recognize the related tax benefit. Recognition of the tax benefit in earnings does not impact the balance of the deferred tax asset and associated full valuation allowance, which were previously recorded when the losses were reflected in Other Comprehensive Income. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2015, the effective income tax rate is negative as we had tax expense on a pre-tax book loss. The tax expense is a result of the valuation allowance as noted above, which resulted in a tax expense instead of a tax benefit on the pre-tax book loss for the year ended December 31, 2015. 2017 TAX REFORM On December 22, 2017, United States legislation referred to as the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" (the TCJA) was signed into law. Substantially all of the provisions of the TCJA are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. The TCJA includes significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended, the Code), including amendments which significantly change the taxation of individual and business entities. Changes in the Code from the TCJA did not have a material impact on our financial statements in 2017.

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATIO

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PARTNERSHIP	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract]
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PARTNERSHIP	6. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PARTNERSHIP The following table provides summarized financial information of the Partnership: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Operating revenue $ 2,428 $ 2,516 $ 2,303 Operating expenses 1,307 2,035 1,339 Operating income $ 1,121 $ 481 $ 964 Income from continuing operations 708 116 739 Net income (loss) 651 (41 ) 454 Less: Net income attributable to: Noncontrolling interest 369 26 221 Series 1 preferred unit distributions 29 90 90 Accretion of discount on Series 1 preferred units 8 5 11 Net income (loss) attributable to Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. $ 245 $ (162 ) $ 132 Less: Net income attributable to the General Partner (1) $ 45 $ 215 $ 217 Net income (loss) attributable to common units and i-units (2) $ 200 $ (377 ) $ (85 ) Current assets (3) $ 330 $ 401 Long-term assets (4) $ 14,498 $ 17,709 Current liabilities (5) $ 935 $ 1,102 Long-term liabilities (6) $ 7,154 $ 9,185 Noncontrolling interests $ 4,969 $ 3,846 Partners’ capital $ 1,770 $ 3,977 _______________________________ (1) Net income attributable to the General Partner includes net income attributable to the general partner interest as well as to Class F units and Class E units. (2) The Partnership allocates its net income among the General Partner and limited partners using the two-class method in accordance with applicable authoritative accounting guidance. Under the two-class method, the Partnership allocates its net income after noncontrolling interests to the General Partner and limited partners, including us, according to the distribution formula for available cash as set forth in the Partnership Agreement. (3) Current assets included $139 million related to discontinued operations in 2016. (4) Long-term assets included $4,775 million related to discontinued operations in 2016. (5) Current liabilities included $300 million related to discontinued operations in 2016. (6) Long-term liabilities included $844 million related to discontinued operations in 2016.

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	7. CONTINGENCIES We are in discovery in relation to a unitholder derivative action, with trial scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2018. Accordingly, an estimate of reasonably possible losses, if any, associated with causes of action cannot be made until all of the facts, circumstances and legal theories relating to such claims and the defenses are fully disclosed and analyzed. We have not established any reserves relating to this action. We believe the action is without merit and expect to vigorously defend against it. We believe an unfavorable outcome to be more than remote but less than probable.

SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTERLY

SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	8. SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) First Second Third Fourth Total (in millions, except per share amounts) 2017 Quarters Net loss (2 ) (2 ) (2 ) (23 ) $ (29 ) Net loss per share, (basic and diluted) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) (0.27 ) $ (0.34 ) 2016 Quarters Net loss (117 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) $ (120 ) Net loss per share, (basic and diluted) (1.56 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) $ (1.54 )

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS SHARE DISTRIBUTION On January 31, 2018 , our board of directors declared a share distribution payable on February 14, 2018 , to shareholders of record as of February 7, 2018 , based on the $0.35 per limited partner unit distribution declared by the Partnership. The Partnership’s distribution increases the number of i-units that we own. The number of i-units we received from the Partnership on February 14, 2018 was 2,261,583 . The amount of this increase is calculated by dividing $0.35 , the cash amount distributed by the Partnership per common unit by $13.90 , the average closing price of one of our Listed Shares on the NYSE for the 10 -day trading period immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for our shares, multiplied by 89,798,812 , the number of shares outstanding on the record date. We distributed an additional 1,997,280 Listed Shares to our public shareholders and 264,303 shares to the General Partner in respect of these additional i-units.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI18

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	These consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates	We regularly evaluate these estimates utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods we consider reasonable in the circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. We record the effect of any revisions to these estimates in our consolidated financial statements in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Amounts are stated in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
Variable Interest Entities	Upon inception of a contractual agreement, we perform an assessment to determine whether the arrangement contains a variable interest in a legal entity and whether that legal entity is a Variable Interest Entity (VIE). We assess all aspects of our interests in an entity and use judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Other qualitative factors that are considered include decision-making responsibilities, the VIE capital structure, risk and rewards sharing, contractual agreements with the VIE, voting rights and level of involvement of other parties. A reassessment of the primary beneficiary conclusion is conducted when there are changes in the facts and circumstances related to a VIE. We are a limited partner of the Partnership, through our ownership of i-units, a special class of the Partnership’s limited partner interests. At December 31, 2017, we owned approximately 19.9% of the Partnership through our ownership of the i-units. Further, under a delegation of control agreement among us, the Partnership and the General Partner, we manage the Partnership’s business and affairs. However, ultimate responsibility to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Partnership’s economic performance continues to rest with the General Partner. Further, the General Partner has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact our economic performance through its 100% ownership interest in our voting shares. As a result, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the Partnership.
Accounting for Investment in the Partnership	ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENT IN THE PARTNERSHIP Prior to March 31, 2016, we used the equity method of accounting for our ownership in the Partnership because we exercise significant influence over the Partnership pursuant to a delegation of control agreement among the General Partner, the Partnership and us. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we owned approximately 19.9% and 16.6% of the Partnership, respectively. Our ownership percentage changes as the Partnership issues additional limited partner units. Changes in the calculation of our ownership percentage affect our net income and comprehensive income. Distributions to holders of the Partnership’s Class E Units, Class F Units, and prior to April 27, 2017, the Preferred Units, Class D Units and Incentive Distribution Units, or IDUs, reduce the amount of income that was allocated to the Partnership’s remaining limited partners: (i) Class A common units, (ii) Class B common units and (iii) i-units on a pro-rated basis based on our ownership interest in the Partnership. Further, the Partnership’s Preferred Units were issued at a discount to the market price of the Class A common units into which they are convertible. This discount represents a beneficial conversion feature, which was amortized ratably from the issuance date to April 27, 2017, when the Preferred Units were redeemed. This amortization resulted in an increase to the capital account of the Preferred Units and a decrease in the Partnership’s earnings allocable to the Class A and Class B common units and the i-units on a pro-rated basis. Thus, our “Equity income (loss) from investment in Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.” on our statements of income also included a pro-rated share of these costs. The Partnership Agreement does not permit capital deficits to accumulate in the capital account of any limited partner and thus requires that such capital account deficits brought to zero, or “cured,” by additional allocations from the positive capital accounts of the common units, i-units, and General Partner, generally on a pro-rated basis. Our equity income from the Partnership is adjusted for our pro-rated share of such reallocations. Until we discontinued equity accounting for our investment in the Partnership on March 31, 2016, our equity earnings were reduced for our pro-rated share of the allocation needed to cure the capital account deficits of the Class A and Class B common units. During the first quarter of 2016, our share of losses in the Partnership, driven primarily from curing losses, exceeded the carrying amount of our investment in the Partnership. As a result, we ceased recognition of our equity interest in the earnings of the Partnership when the carrying amount of our investment was reduced to zero and will no longer provide for additional losses as we are not obligated to provide further financial support to the Partnership.
Capital Account Adjustments	CAPITAL ACCOUNT ADJUSTMENTS The Partnership records an adjustment to the carrying value of its book capital accounts for certain changes to its equity structure. We refer to these adjustments as capital account adjustments. We recognize any capital account adjustments recorded by the Partnership to the book capital account it maintains for our i-units by increasing or decreasing our investment in the Partnership and recording a corresponding capital account adjustment directly to “Shareholders’ equity” on our statements of financial position.
Net Income Per Share	NET INCOME PER SHARE Both basic and diluted earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of our shares outstanding during each period. We have no securities outstanding that may be converted into or exercised for our shares.
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES We are a limited liability company that has elected to be treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the basis of our assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Changes in tax legislation are included in the relevant computations in the period in which the legislation is enacted. Temporary differences and associated deferred tax expense and deferred tax liabilities result from recording our equity in the earnings of the Partnership, which will not become taxable until the Partnership is liquidated or the i-units are otherwise monetized, in addition to capital account adjustments. We are a party to a tax indemnification agreement with Enbridge. Pursuant to this tax indemnification agreement, Enbridge agrees to indemnify us from any tax liability attributable to our formation or our management of the business and affairs of the Partnership and from any taxes arising out of a transaction involving the i-units owned, to the extent the transaction does not generate cash sufficient to pay our taxes with respect to such transaction, in each case, other than any Texas franchise taxes and other capital-based foreign, state or local taxes that are required to be paid or reimbursed by the Partnership under the delegation of control agreement. The delegation of control agreement states that the General Partner bears the economic impact for our taxes only in the event we do not have cash sufficient to pay them. As a result, we accrue state income taxes in addition to federal income tax.
Comprehensive Income	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive income differs from net income due to the equity in other comprehensive income or loss of the Partnership. The Partnership enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to mitigate its exposure to commodity price and interest rate risk, some of which are qualified cash flow hedges under the applicable authoritative accounting guidance for derivative activities . As such, prior to March 31, 2016, changes in the fair market value of the Partnership’s derivative financial instruments produced fluctuations in our comprehensive income, which was reflected as equity in other comprehensive income or loss of the Partnership. As discussed above, we discontinued equity method accounting for our investment in the Partnership as of March 31, 2016. Our accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of our historical interest in the Partnership’s other comprehensive income, which is based primarily on the effective mark-to-market changes in the Partnership’s underlying cash flow hedge contracts. We amortize into earnings the remaining accumulated other comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the Partnership’s underlying hedge contracts.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward	Voting Shares Listed Shares 2017 Balance at beginning of year 6.17 81,857,162 Share distributions 0.60 7,941,650 Balance at end of year 6.77 89,798,812 2016 Balance at beginning of year 5.53 73,285,734 Share distributions 0.64 8,571,428 Balance at end of year 6.17 81,857,162 2015 Balance at beginning of year 5.15 68,305,182 Share distributions 0.38 4,980,552 Balance at end of year 5.53 73,285,734
Schedule of Share Distribution	The following table sets forth the details regarding our share distributions, as approved by our board of directors for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Distribution Declaration Date Record Date Distribution Payment Date Distribution per Unit of the Partnership Average Closing Price of the Listed Shares Additional i-units owned Listed Shares Distributed to Public Shares Distributed to General Partner 2017 October 25 November 7 November 14 $ 0.350 $ 13.75 2,229,344 1,968,809 260,535 July 28 August 7 August 14 $ 0.350 $ 15.38 1,948,561 1,720,839 227,722 April 27 May 8 May 15 $ 0.350 $ 17.96 1,637,096 1,445,775 191,321 January 26 February 7 February 14 $ 0.583 $ 22.44 2,126,649 1,878,115 248,534 7,941,650 7,013,538 928,112 2016 October 28 November 7 November 14 $ 0.583 $ 25.06 1,861,187 1,643,677 217,510 July 28 August 5 August 12 $ 0.583 $ 22.84 1,991,304 1,758,587 232,717 April 29 May 6 May 13 $ 0.583 $ 21.14 2,093,257 1,848,626 244,631 January 29 February 5 February 12 $ 0.583 $ 16.27 2,625,681 2,318,827 306,854 8,571,429 7,569,717 1,001,712 2015 October 30 November 6 November 13 $ 0.583 $ 27.10 1,543,182 1,362,836 180,346 July 30 August 7 August 14 $ 0.583 $ 30.68 1,337,969 1,181,605 156,364 April 30 May 8 May 15 $ 0.570 $ 37.25 1,061,026 937,028 123,998 January 29 February 6 February 13 $ 0.570 $ 37.50 1,038,375 917,024 121,351 4,980,552 4,398,493 582,059

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and (liabilities) are as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (in millions) Investment in Partnership $ 199 $ 321 Valuation allowance on investment in Partnership (199 ) (321 ) Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ — $ —
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	There were no cash payments for income taxes during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . INCOME TAX RATE RECONCILIATION 2017 2016 2015 (in millions of dollars) Loss before income tax benefit (expense) $ (43 ) $ (122 ) $ (380 ) Federal Income tax benefit 15 43 133 State Income tax benefit 1 2 10 Adjustment to AOCI unwind tax (2 ) — — Tax Rate change (122 ) (4 ) — Valuation allowance 122 (39 ) (275 ) Total income tax benefit (expense) (1) $ 14 $ 2 $ (132 ) Effective income tax rate (2) 32.6 % 1.6 % (34.7 )% (1) Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings is recorded before tax to recognize the related tax benefit. Recognition of the tax benefit in earnings does not impact the balance of the deferred tax asset and associated full valuation allowance, which were previously recorded when the losses were reflected in Other Comprehensive Income. (2) For the year ended December 31, 2015, the effective income tax rate is negative as we had tax expense on a pre-tax book loss. The tax expense is a result of the valuation allowance as noted above, which resulted in a tax expense instead of a tax benefit on the pre-tax book loss for the year ended December 31, 2015.

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMAT21

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PARTNERSHIP (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Summarized Financial Information for the Partnership	The following table provides summarized financial information of the Partnership: December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (in millions) Operating revenue $ 2,428 $ 2,516 $ 2,303 Operating expenses 1,307 2,035 1,339 Operating income $ 1,121 $ 481 $ 964 Income from continuing operations 708 116 739 Net income (loss) 651 (41 ) 454 Less: Net income attributable to: Noncontrolling interest 369 26 221 Series 1 preferred unit distributions 29 90 90 Accretion of discount on Series 1 preferred units 8 5 11 Net income (loss) attributable to Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. $ 245 $ (162 ) $ 132 Less: Net income attributable to the General Partner (1) $ 45 $ 215 $ 217 Net income (loss) attributable to common units and i-units (2) $ 200 $ (377 ) $ (85 ) Current assets (3) $ 330 $ 401 Long-term assets (4) $ 14,498 $ 17,709 Current liabilities (5) $ 935 $ 1,102 Long-term liabilities (6) $ 7,154 $ 9,185 Noncontrolling interests $ 4,969 $ 3,846 Partners’ capital $ 1,770 $ 3,977 _______________________________ (1) Net income attributable to the General Partner includes net income attributable to the general partner interest as well as to Class F units and Class E units. (2) The Partnership allocates its net income among the General Partner and limited partners using the two-class method in accordance with applicable authoritative accounting guidance. Under the two-class method, the Partnership allocates its net income after noncontrolling interests to the General Partner and limited partners, including us, according to the distribution formula for available cash as set forth in the Partnership Agreement. (3) Current assets included $139 million related to discontinued operations in 2016. (4) Long-term assets included $4,775 million related to discontinued operations in 2016. (5) Current liabilities included $300 million related to discontinued operations in 2016. (6) Long-term liabilities included $844 million related to discontinued operations in 2016.

SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTER22

SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	First Second Third Fourth Total (in millions, except per share amounts) 2017 Quarters Net loss (2 ) (2 ) (2 ) (23 ) $ (29 ) Net loss per share, (basic and diluted) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) (0.27 ) $ (0.34 ) 2016 Quarters Net loss (117 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) $ (120 ) Net loss per share, (basic and diluted) (1.56 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) (0.02 ) $ (1.54 )

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI23

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | General Partner [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of voting shares outstanding	100.00%
I-Units [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Partnership	19.90%
Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership in Partnership	19.90%	16.60%

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Stock Outstanding Rollforward) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Voting Shares [Member]
Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	6.17	5.53	5.15
Share distributions (in shares)	0.60	0.64	0.38
Ending balance (in shares)	6.77	6.17	5.53
Listed Shares [Member]
Stock Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	81,857,162	73,285,734	68,305,182
Share distributions (in shares)	7,941,650	8,571,428	4,980,552
Ending balance (in shares)	89,798,812	81,857,162	73,285,734

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Apr. 28, 2017	Apr. 27, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Jan. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Number of trading days			10 days		10 days
Stock Issued					$ 137	$ 179	$ 161
Quarterly distributions per general partnership unit outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35					$ 0.583
Distribution paid per share (in dollars per share)	1.40				$ 1.633	2.332	$ 2.306
Increase in general partners' capital account		$ 3,000
Alberta Clipper Pipeline [Member] | Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Interest acquired (as a percentage)				66.70%
Reduction in book basis from reallocation				$ 46
Tax benefit of reallocation				$ 27
I-Units [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Quarterly distributions per general partnership unit outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35					$ 0.583
Common Class A [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Shares issued, price per share (in dollars per share)		$ 18.66
Fair value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 18.57
Stock issued during period, value, new issues		$ 1,200
Series One Preferred Unit [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Stock redeemed or called during period, value		$ 1,200
Class D Units [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Number of units waived (in shares)		66,000,000
Incentive Distribution Units [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Number of units waived (in shares)		1,000
Common Class F [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Limited partners' capital account, units issued (in shares)		1,000
Limited partners' contributed capital		$ 263
Class E Units [Member] | Alberta Clipper Pipeline [Member] | Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Number of units transferred (in shares)				18,114,975
Debt instrument, face amount				$ 694
Repayments of related party debt				306
Fair value of equity transferred				768
Difference between fair value of consideration and carrying value of noncontrolling interest				364
Carrying value of noncontrolling interest				404
Reduction in carrying value of common units				364
Common Units A And B [Member] | Alberta Clipper Pipeline [Member] | Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Capital account adjustments, net of tax				29
Capital account adjustments, tax benefit				$ 17
General Partner [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]
Stock issued during period, shares, new issues (in shares)		64,000,000

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedul26

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Share Distributions) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Feb. 14, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution per unit of the partnership (in dollars per share)		$ 0.35
Average closing price of shares (in dollars per share)		$ 13.90
Additional i-units owned (in shares)	2,261,583		7,941,650	8,571,429	4,980,552
Non-cash financing activities			$ 137	$ 179	$ 161
Public [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			7,013,538	7,569,717	4,398,493
General Partner of Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			928,112	1,001,712	582,059
Fourth Quarter Distribution [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution per unit of the partnership (in dollars per share)			$ 0.350	$ 0.583	$ 0.583
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			2,229,344	1,861,187	1,543,182
Fourth Quarter Distribution [Member] | Public [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			1,968,809	1,643,677	1,362,836
Fourth Quarter Distribution [Member] | General Partner of Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			260,535	217,510	180,346
Fourth Quarter Distribution [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Average closing price of shares (in dollars per share)			$ 13.75	$ 25.06	$ 27.10
Third Quarter Distribution [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution per unit of the partnership (in dollars per share)			$ 0.350	$ 0.583	$ 0.583
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			1,948,561	1,991,304	1,337,969
Third Quarter Distribution [Member] | Public [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			1,720,839	1,758,587	1,181,605
Third Quarter Distribution [Member] | General Partner of Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			227,722	232,717	156,364
Third Quarter Distribution [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Average closing price of shares (in dollars per share)			$ 15.38	$ 22.84	$ 30.68
Second Quarter Distribution [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution per unit of the partnership (in dollars per share)			$ 0.350	$ 0.583	$ 0.570
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			1,637,096	2,093,257	1,061,026
Second Quarter Distribution [Member] | Public [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			1,445,775	1,848,626	937,028
Second Quarter Distribution [Member] | General Partner of Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			191,321	244,631	123,998
Second Quarter Distribution [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Average closing price of shares (in dollars per share)			$ 17.96	$ 21.14	$ 37.25
First Quarter Distribution [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Distribution per unit of the partnership (in dollars per share)			$ 0.583	$ 0.583	$ 0.570
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			2,126,649	2,625,681	1,038,375
First Quarter Distribution [Member] | Public [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			1,878,115	2,318,827	917,024
First Quarter Distribution [Member] | General Partner of Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)			248,534	306,854	121,351
First Quarter Distribution [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member [Line Items]
Average closing price of shares (in dollars per share)			$ 22.44	$ 16.27	$ 37.50

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Defer

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation allowance on investment in Partnership		$ (275)
Partnership [Member]
Investment in Partnership	$ 199	321
Valuation allowance on investment in Partnership	(199)	(321)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$ 0	$ 0

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance		$ 275
Effective income tax rates we used in computing the income tax provisions:
Loss before income tax benefit (expense)	$ (43)	(122)	$ (380)
Federal Income tax benefit	15	43	133
State Income tax benefit	1	2	10
Adjustment to AOCI unwind tax	(2)	0	0
Tax Rate change	(122)	(4)	0
Valuation allowance	122	(39)	(275)
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$ 14	$ 2	$ (132)
Effective income tax rate	32.60%	1.60%	(34.70%)

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMAT29

SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PARTNERSHIP (Details) - Enbridge Energy Partners LP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating revenue	$ 2,428	$ 2,516	$ 2,303
Operating expenses	1,307	2,035	1,339
Operating income	1,121	481	964
Income from continuing operations	708	116	739
Net income (loss)	651	(41)	454
Less: Net income attributable to:
Noncontrolling interest	369	26	221
Series 1 preferred unit distributions	29	90	90
Accretion of discount on Series 1 preferred units	8	5	11
Net income (loss) attributable to Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.	245	(162)	132
Less: Net income attributable to the General Partner	45	215	217
Net income/(loss) attributable to common units and i-units	200	(377)	$ (85)
Current assets	330	401
Long-term assets	14,498	17,709
Current liabilities	935	1,102
Long-term liabilities	7,154	9,185
Noncontrolling interests	4,969	3,846
Partners’ capital	1,770	$ 3,977
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Less: Net income attributable to:
Current assets	139
Long-term assets	4,775
Current liabilities	300
Long-term liabilities	$ 844

SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTER30

SUPPLEMENTAL SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (23)	$ (2)	$ (2)	$ (2)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (117)	$ (29)	$ (120)	$ (512)
Net Income (loss) per share, (basic and diluted) (in dollars per share)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)	$ (1.56)	$ (0.34)	$ (1.54)	$ (7.26)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - $ / shares	Feb. 14, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Distribution per unit of the partnership (in dollars per share)		$ 0.35
Additional i-units owned (in shares)	2,261,583		7,941,650	8,571,429	4,980,552
Number of trading days		10 days	10 days
Average closing price of shares (in dollars per share)		$ 13.90
General Partner [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)		264,303
Listed Shares [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Additional i-units owned (in shares)		1,997,280
Outstanding (in shares)		89,798,812	89,798,812	81,857,162	73,285,734	68,305,182