| Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2021 |
| Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation These unaudited, interim, consolidated condensed financial statements and notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods presented. The Company's accounting policies conform to US GAAP and have been consistently applied in the presentation of financial statements. The Company's consolidated condensed financial statements include all wholly-owned subsidiaries and all variable interest entities that the Company determined it is the primary beneficiary. Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The Archaea Merger with RAC was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization with Legacy Archaea deemed the accounting acquirer, and therefore, there was no step-up to fair value of any RAC assets or liabilities and no goodwill or other intangible assets were recorded. The Aria Merger was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting with Aria deemed to be the acquiree for accounting purposes. The Company also determined that Aria is the Company's predecessor and therefore has included the historical financial statements of Aria as predecessor beginning on page 38 . The Company recorded the fair value of the net assets acquired from Aria as of the Business Combination Closing Date, and goodwill was recorded. See Note 4 - Business Combinations and Reverse Recapitalization for additional information regarding the Archaea Merger and Aria Merger. |
| Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation The consolidated condensed financial statements include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries beginning on September 15, 2021, which includes 16 days of the combined results of the businesses of Legacy Archaea and Aria as operated by the Company after the Business Combination. The consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations prior to the September 15, 2021 reverse recapitalization are those of Legacy Archaea, the accounting acquirer. The Company has determined that Opco is a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the Company consolidates Opco, and ownership interests of Opco not owned by the Company are reflected as redeemable noncontrolling interests due to certain redemption features. Entities that are majority-owned by Opco are consolidated. Certain investments in entities are accounted for as equity method investments and included separately in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated condensed financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements. |
| Noncontrolling Interest | Noncontrolling and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest represents the portion of equity ownership in subsidiaries that is not attributable to the stockholder's equity of the Company. Noncontrolling interests are initially recorded at the transaction price which is equal to their fair value, and the amount is subsequently adjusted for the proportionate share of earnings and other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests and any dividends or distributions paid to the noncontrolling interests. Effective with the Business Combinations, noncontrolling interest includes the economic interest of Opco Class A units not owned by the Company, which has been classified as redeemable noncontrolling interest due to certain provisions that allow for cash settlement at the Company's election. See Note 4 - Business Combinations and Reverse Recapitalization. |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements are based upon inputs that market participants use in pricing an asset or liability, which are characterized according to a hierarchy that prioritizes those inputs based on the degree to which they are observable. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources, whereas unobservable inputs reflect a company's own market assumptions, which are used if observable inputs are not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. The fair value input hierarchy level to which an asset or liability measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety. The three input levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: • Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. • Level 2 inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. • Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset. These Level 3 fair value measurements are based primarily on management’s own estimates using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques taking into account the characteristics of the asset. The Company’s assessment of the significance of particular inputs to these fair value measurements requires judgment and considers factors specific to each asset or liability. The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant for the fair value measurement. The Company reflects transfers between the three levels at the beginning of the reporting period in which the availability of observable inputs no longer justifies classification in the original level. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels for the periods ended September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of other financial instruments including cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, accrued and deferred expenses approximate the carrying values because of the short-term maturity of those items. There were no changes in the methods or assumptions used in the valuation techniques by the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 or the year ended December 31, 2020. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition The Company generates revenues from the production and of sales of RNG, renewable electricity generation (“Power”), and associated Environmental Attributes, as well as the performance of other landfill energy operations and maintenance (“O&M”) services. The Company also manufactures and sells customized pollution control equipment and performs associated maintenance agreement services. Based on requirements of US GAAP, a portion of revenue is accounted for under ASC 840 - Leases and a portion under ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers . Under ASC 840, lease revenue is recognized generally upon delivery of RNG, electricity and their related renewable Environmental Attributes. Under ASC 606 , revenue is recognized when (or as) the Company satisfies its performance obligation(s) under the contract by transferring the promised product or service either when (or as) its customer obtains control of the product or service. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct product or service to a customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring its products or services. Based on the terms of the related sales agreements, the amounts recorded under ASC 840 as lease revenue are generally consistent with revenue recognized under ASC 606. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, approximately 82% of revenue was accounted for under ASC 606 and 18% under ASC 840. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 100% of revenue was accounted for under ASC 606 . RNG The Company’s RNG production commenced in 2021 at its Boyd County facility and has expanded with the acquisition of Aria, which at the time of the Business Combinations owned or operated nine operating RNG facilities. The Company has long-term off-take contracts with creditworthy counterparties for the sale of RNG and related Environmental Attributes. Certain long-term off-take contracts for current production are accounted for as operating leases and have no minimum lease payments. All of the rental income under these leases is recorded as revenue when the RNG is delivered to the customer. RNG not covered by off-take contracts is sold under short-term market-based contracts. When the performance obligation is satisfied through the delivery of RNG to the customer, revenue is recognized. The Company receives payments from the sale of RNG production within one month after delivery. The Company also earns revenue by selling Environmental Attributes, including RINs and LCFS credits, which are generated when producing and selling RNG for use in certain transportation markets. The majority of RINs are generated by plants for which the Company has off-take agreements to sell all of the outputs and are therefore accounted for as operating leases, and revenue is recognized when the RNG is produced and the RNG and associated RIN is transferred to a third party. The remaining RIN and LCFS sales were under short-term contracts, and revenue is recognized when the RIN or LCFS is transferred to a third party. Power The Company’s Power production commenced in April 2021 following the acquisition of PEI Power LLC ("PEI") and has expanded as a result of the acquisition of Aria, which at the time of the Business Combinations owned or operated twelve operating landfill gas to electric facilities. A significant portion of the electricity generated is sold and delivered under the terms of Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) or other contractual arrangements. Revenue is recognized based upon the amount of electricity delivered at rates specified under the contracts. Certain PPAs are accounted for as operating leases and have no minimum lease payments. All of the rental income under these leases is recorded as revenue when the electricity is delivered. Power not covered by PPAs is typically sold under a market-based contract with a regional transmission organization or in the wholesale markets. When the performance obligation is satisfied through the delivery of Power to the customer, revenue is recognized. The Company receives payments from the sale of power production within one month after delivery. Another portion of electricity is also sold through energy wholesale markets (NYISO, ISO-NE, and PJM) into the day-ahead market. Revenue is recognized based upon the amount of electricity delivered into the day-ahead market and the day-ahead market’s clearing prices. The Company also sells capacity into the month-ahead and three-year ahead markets in the wholesale markets noted above. Capacity revenues are recognized when contractually earned and consist of revenues billed to a third party at a negotiated contract price for making installed generation capacity available to satisfy system integrity and reliability requirements. The Company also earns revenue by selling RECs, which are generated when producing and selling Power generated from renewable energy. For REC sales that are under contracts independent from Power sales, revenue is recognized when the REC is transferred to a third party. For REC sales that are bundled with Power sales, revenue is recognized at the time Power is produced when an active market and a sales agreement exist for the RECs. Operation and Maintenance (“O&M”) The Company also generates revenues by providing O&M services at projects owned by third parties which are also included in Energy revenue. In addition, the Company also provides O&M services at projects owned by its equity method investment, Mavrix, LLC ("Mavrix"). Revenue for these services is recognized upon the services being provided following contractual arrangements primarily based on the production of RNG or Power from the project. Equipment and Associated Services The Company’s performance obligations related to the sales of equipment are satisfied over time because the Company’s performance under each customer contract produces 1) an asset with no alternative future use to the entity, because each products solution is customized to the specific needs of each customer and 2) the Company has an enforceable right to payment under the customer termination provisions for convenience. The Company measures progress under these arrangements using an input method based on costs incurred. The Company’s performance obligations related to the sales of the associated services are satisfied over time because the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance as it performs. The Company elected to recognize the sales of the associated services using the “right-to-invoice” practical expedient. See Note 5 - Revenues for further discussion. |
| Business Combinations | Business Combinations For business combinations that meet the accounting definition of a business, the Company determines and allocates the purchase price of an acquired company to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interest, if applicable, as of the date of acquisition at fair value. Fair value may be estimated using comparable market data, a discounted cash flow method, or a combination of the two. In the discounted cash flow method, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s expectations for the future and can include estimates of future biogas production, commodity prices, operating and development costs, and a risk-adjusted discount rate. Revenues and costs of the acquired companies are included in the Company's operating results from the date of acquisition. The Company uses its best estimates and assumptions as part of the purchase price allocation process to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, and these estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement during the measurement period not to exceed one year from the acquisition date. As a result, any adjustment identified subsequent to the measurement period is included in operating results in the period in which the amount is determined. The Company’s acquisitions are discussed in Note 4 - Business Combinations and Reverse Recapitalization. |
| Restricted Cash | Restricted Cash The Company maintains escrow accounts under the terms of the Assai Energy 3.75% Senior Secured Notes and the Assai Energy 4.47% Senior Secured Notes. See Note 10 - Debt. The escrow accounts are legally restricted disbursement accounts for payment of construction-related costs for the Assai biogas project, as well as for future interest and principal payments to the secured investors and future royalty payments. Due to these arrangements, the Company has classified the amounts in escrow as restricted cash. |
| Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company recognizes accounts receivable at invoiced amounts and maintains a valuation allowance for accounts in which collectability is in question. The carrying amount of accounts receivable represents the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Credit is extended to all qualified customers under various payment terms with no collateral required. There were no material credit allowances as of September 30, 2021 or December 31, 2020. |
| Inventory | Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. Inventory consists primarily of manufacturing parts and supplies used in the maintenance of production equipment. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment | Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and impairments. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the various classes of property, plant and equipment. Estimates of useful lives are based upon a variety of factors including durability of the asset, the amount of usage that is expected from the asset and the Company’s business plans for the asset. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Subsequent changes in regulations, business strategies or other factors could lead to a change in the useful life of an asset. Costs associated with the construction of biogas facilities are capitalized during the construction period. Capitalized costs include direct costs including engineering, pipeline and plant construction, wages and benefits, consulting, equipment, and other overhead costs. When a biogas plant is placed in service, the costs associated with the biogas plant will be transferred from construction in progress to property and equipment and depreciated over its expected useful life. Costs of improvements that extend the lives of existing properties are capitalized, whereas maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. |
| Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets with finite useful lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. Such estimates are based on certain assumptions, which are subject to uncertainty and may materially differ from actual results. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The Company evaluates long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, including construction in progress, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When the Company believes an impairment condition may have occurred, it is required to estimate the undiscounted future cash flows associated with the long-lived asset or group of long-lived assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities for long-lived assets that are expected to be held and used. If the Company determines that the undiscounted cash flows from an asset to be held and used are less than the carrying amount of the asset, or if the Company has classified an asset as held for sale, the Company would evaluate fair value to determine the amount of any impairment charge. |
| Equity Method Investments | Equity Method Investments Investments in entities which the Company does not control or variable interest entities in which the Company is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the Company records its proportional share of equity earnings or losses in the consolidated condensed statements of operations. Investments are increased by additional contributions and earnings and are reduced by equity losses and distributions. |
| Goodwill | GoodwillGoodwill is determined as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment annually on October 1, or earlier if an event occurs, or circumstances change, that indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount including goodwill, the Company will then perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. |
| Asset Retirement Obligations | Asset Retirement Obligations The Company recognizes a liability for obligations which the Company has a legal or a contractual obligation to remove a long-lived asset. Liabilities are recorded at estimated fair value with the associated asset retirement costs being capitalized as a part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Accretion expense is recognized over time as the discounted liabilities are accreted to their expected settlement value and is included in Depreciation, amortization and accretion in the consolidated condensed statement of operations. The Company has recognized asset retirement obligations ("AROs") arising from legal or regulatory requirements to perform certain asset retirement activities at the time that certain contracts terminate, including the costs of removing our facilities from the landfill property and returning the land to the state it was in prior to our facility construction. The fair value of asset retirement obligations are measured using expected cash outflows associated with the ARO. ARO estimates are derived from historical costs and management’s expectations of future cost elements, and therefore, the Company has designated these liabilities as Level 3 financial liabilities. The significant inputs to this fair value |
| Postretirement Obligations | Postretirement Obligations Postretirement benefits amounts recognized in consolidated condensed financial statements are determined on an actuarial basis. The Company obtains an independent actuary valuation of its postretirement obligation annually as of December 31. To calculate the present value of plan liabilities, the discount rate needs to be determined which is an estimate of the interest rate at which the retirement benefits could be effectively settled. The discount rate is determined using the average effective rate derived through matching of projected benefit payments with the discount rate curve published by Citigroup as of each reporting date. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes As a result of the Company’s up-C structure effective with the Business Combinations, the Company expects to be a tax-paying entity. However, as the Company has historically been loss-making, any deferred tax assets created as a result of net operating losses and other deferred tax assets for the excess of tax basis in Archaea Energy Inc.'s investment in Opco would be offset by a full valuation allowance. Prior to the Business Combinations, Legacy Archaea and its subsidiaries were organized as a limited liability company, with the exception of one partially-owned subsidiary which filed income tax returns as a C-Corporation. The Company accounts for its income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. Judgment is required in determining the provisions for income and other taxes and related accruals, and deferred tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Additionally, the Company's various tax returns are subject to audit by various tax authorities. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. |
| Derivative Instruments | Derivative InstrumentsThe Company evaluates all of its financial instruments, including issued stock purchase warrants, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives under US GAAP. Derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with subsequent changes included in earnings. Certain contracts that are used to manage exposure to commodity prices are accounted for as derivatives, unless they meet the normal purchase/normal sale criteria and are designated and documented as such. |
| Share-based compensation | Share-based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based compensation at fair value. Restricted stock units are valued at the grant date using the market price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The Company records share-based compensation cost, net of actual forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the respective award. |
| Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards | NOTE 3 – Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The main difference between previous generally accepted accounting principles and the new requirements under Topic 842 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous generally accepted accounting principles. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt Topic 842 as of January 1, 2022, and it is not expected to have a material impact on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes, to simplify the accounting for income taxes. The guidance eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intra-period tax allocations, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and recognition of the deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences related to changes in ownership of equity method investments and foreign subsidiaries. The guidance also simplifies aspects of accounting for franchise taxes, enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU No. 2019-12 as of January 1, 2021, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (ASC 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate. The guidance intends to address certain concerns relating to accounting for contract modifications and hedge accounting. These optional expedients and exceptions to applying GAAP, assuming certain criteria are met, are allowed through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this update and has not yet determined whether it will elect the optional expedients. The Company does not expect the transition to an alternative rate to have a material impact on its business, operations or liquidity. |
| Aria Energy LLC | |
| Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements of Aria have been prepared on the basis of United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP"). |
| Use of Estimates | Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| Noncontrolling Interest | Noncontrolling InterestsNoncontrolling interest represents the portion of equity ownership in subsidiaries that is not attributable to the equity holders of Aria Energy LLC. Noncontrolling interests are initially recorded at transaction price which is equal to their fair value and subsequently the amount is adjusted for the proportionate share of earnings and other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests and any dividends or distributions paid to the noncontrolling interests. In the second quarter of 2021, noncontrolling interest was extinguished as part of the sale of LES Project Holdings LLC ("LESPH"). |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the price at which an asset could be exchanged or a liability transferred in an orderly transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or derived from such prices. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. The framework for establishing fair value is based on a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Aria employs varying methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and trade accounts payables, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. For long-term debt, the carrying amounts approximate fair value as the interest rates obtained by Aria approximate the prevailing interest rates available to Aria for similar instruments. In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), the hierarchy alluded to above is established that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The hierarchy defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and other inputs such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs, including inputs that are available in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the related asset. These Level 3 fair value measurements are based primarily on management’s own estimates using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques taking into account the characteristics of the asset. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Aria generates revenue from the production and sale of electricity, gas, and their renewable energy attributes, and performance of other landfill energy services. Based on requirements of US GAAP, a portion of revenue is accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 840, Leases , and a portion under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASC 840, revenue is recognized generally upon delivery of electricity, gas, and their related renewable Environmental Attributes. Under ASC 606 , revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised goods or services to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which is expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods or serv ices. Based on the terms of the power purchase agreements ("PPAs"), the amounts recorded under ASC 840 are generally consistent with revenue recognized under ASC 606. For the year-to-date period ended September 14, 2021, approximately 36% of revenue was accounted for under ASC 606 and 64% under ASC 840. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, approximately 42% of revenue was accounted for under ASC 606 and 58% under ASC 840. The following tables display Aria’s revenue by major source and by operating segment for the periods July 1 to September 14, 2021 and January 1 to September 14, 2021 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020: (in thousands) July 1 to September 14, 2021 July 1 to September 30, 2020 January 1 to September 14, 2021 January 1 to September 30, 2020 RNG, including RINs and LCFSs $ 28,125 $ 18,925 $ 83,848 $ 51,818 Gas O&M service 268 309 974 791 Power, including RECs 6,591 11,323 31,217 36,280 Electric O&M service 781 2,819 4,211 7,136 Other 8 2,705 32 9,950 Total $ 35,773 $ 36,081 $ 120,282 $ 105,975 Operating segments RNG $ 28,402 $ 21,939 $ 84,853 $ 62,559 Power 7,371 14,142 35,429 43,416 Total $ 35,773 $ 36,081 $ 120,282 $ 105,975 Below is a description of accounting policies for each revenue stream: Electricity Aria sells a portion of the electricity it generates under the terms of power purchase agreements or other contractual arrangements which is included in energy revenue. Most PPAs are accounted for as operating leases under ASC 840, as the majority of the output under each PPA is sold to a single offtaker. The PPAs have no minimum lease payments and all of the rental income under these leases is recorded as revenue when the electricity is delivered. PPAs that are not accounted for as leases are considered derivatives. Aria has elected the normal purchase normal sale exception for these contracts, and accounts for these PPAs under ASC 606. Revenue is recognized over time using an output method, as energy delivered best depicts the transfer of goods or services to the customer. Performance obligation for the delivery of energy is generally measured by MWh’s delivered based on contractual prices. Certain of Aria’s generated electricity is sold through energy wholesale markets (New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), New England Independent System Operator (NEISO), and the Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland Independent System Operator (PJM)) into the day-ahead market. These electricity generation revenue streams are accounted for under ASC 606. These electric revenue streams are recognized over time using an output method, as energy delivered best depicts the transfer of goods or services to the customer. Performance obligation for the delivery of energy is generally measured by MWh’s delivered based on contractual prices. Aria also sells its capacity into the month-ahead and three-year ahead markets in the wholesale markets to satisfy system integrity and reliability requirements. Revenue from capacity is recognized under ASC 606 over time using an output method. Capacity, which is a stand-ready obligation to deliver energy when required by the customer, is measured using MWs of capacity. Gas Aria sells the gas it generates pursuant to various contractual arrangements which is included in energy revenue. These gas sales are accounted for as operating leases under ASC 840, as the majority of the output under each contract is sold to a single offtaker. These agreements have no minimum lease payments and all of the rental income under these leases is recorded as revenue when the gas is delivered to the customer based on contractual prices. Aria also has a division that resells biogas it purchases pursuant to various contractual arrangements which is included in energy revenue. This revenue is accounted for under ASC 606. Revenues related to these contracts are recognized at a point in time when control is transferred upon delivery of the biogas. Revenue is recognized on a monthly basis based on the volume of RNG delivered and the price agreed upon with the customer. Environmental Attributes Aria also generates revenue through the sale of Environmental Attributes, which is included in energy revenue. Aria’s electric plants generate renewable energy credits, or RECs, as they generate electricity. The majority of Aria’s RECs are generated by plants for which Aria has a PPA to sell all of the outputs (both energy and RECs) to the PPA counterparty and therefore are accounted for as operating leases in accordance with ASC 840, with revenue recognized as the energy and RECs are generated and delivered. For RECs not bundled with a PPA, revenue is recognized under ASC 606 at a point-in-time, when control is transferred. For RECs subject to sales agreements prior to energy generated, control is deemed to be transferred and revenue recognized when related energy is generated even in cases where there is a certification lag as it has been deemed to be perfunctory. Aria generates renewable fuel credits called renewable identification numbers, or RINs. Pipeline-quality renewable natural gas processed from landfill gas qualifies for RINs when delivered to a compressed natural gas fueling station. RINs are similar to RECs on the electric side in that they reflect the value of renewable energy as a means to satisfy regulatory requirements or goals. They are different in that RINs exist pursuant to a national program and not an individual state program. The majority of Aria’s RINs are generated by plants for which Aria has a PPA to sell all of the outputs and are therefore accounted for as operating leases in accordance with ASC 840, with revenue recognized when the fuel is produced and transferred to a third party. Construction Type Contracts Aria, on occasion, enters into contracts to construct energy projects. This contract revenue is recorded under ASC 606 over time, using an input method based on costs incurred. Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Aria provides O&M services at projects owned by third parties which are included in Energy revenue on Aria's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Revenue for these services is recognized under ASC 606. O&M revenue is recognized over time, using the output method, based on the production of electricity or RNG from the project. PPA and O&M Contract Amortization Through historical acquisitions, Aria had both above and below-market contracts from PPAs and O&M agreements related to the sale of electricity or delivery of services in future periods for which the fair value has been determined to be more or less than market. The amount above and below-market value is being amortized to revenue over the remaining life of the underlying contract which is included in Energy revenue on Aria's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. |
| Inventory | Inventory Inventory is stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. Inventory consists primarily of engine parts and supplies used in the maintenance of production equipment. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment | Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments that extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the assets. Maintenance and repair costs incurred by Aria are charged to expense as incurred in cost of energy. Changes in the assumption of useful lives of assets could have a significant impact on Aria’s results of operations and financial condition. Upon sale or retirement, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in income. Interest incurred on funds borrowed to finance capital projects is capitalized until the project under construction is ready for its intended use. There was no interest capitalized for the year-to-date periods ended September 14, 2021 and September 30, 2020. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. |
| Impairment of Long-Lived Assets | Held for Sale During 2020, Aria enacted a plan to sell LESPH, and accordingly, the business was classified as held for sale through December 31, 2020. An agreement to sell the membership interests of the business subsequently was executed on March 1, 2021. The sale of LESPH was completed on June 10, 2021. Proceeds from the sale were $58.5 million, which were sent to the lenders of the LESPH debt discussed in Note 6. As discussed further in Note 6, in connection with the sale, Aria was released from its obligations under the LESPH debt and a gain on the extinguishment of debt in the amount of $61.4 million was recorded in conjunction with the sale, which accounts for the proceeds received, the debt and interest payable relieved and settlement of LESPH intercompany balances. Aria recorded an ordinary gain on sale of assets in the amount of $1.3 million. The pre-tax net earnings (losses) associated with LEPSH, including the gain on extinguishment of debt and ordinary gain on sale of assets recognized in 2021, included in Aria’s consolidated condensed statement of operations were $67.6 million and $(9.6) million for the year-to-date periods ended September 14, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively, of which $67.3 million and $(9.5) million, respectively, were attributable to Aria. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), property and equipment, and intangible assets with finite useful lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. Such estimates are based on certain assumptions, which are subject to uncertainty and may materially differ from actual results. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. For purposes of testing for an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets shall be grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The lowest level of cash inflows and outflows largely independent of other assets is generally determined to be a project, |
| Equity Method Investments | Equity Method Investments Aria's investments in joint ventures are reported under the equity method. Under this method, Aria records its proportional share of its income or losses of joint ventures as equity investment income, net in the consolidated statements of operations. |
| Asset Retirement Obligations | Asset Retirement Obligations Asset retirement obligations ("AROs") associated with long-lived assets are those for which a legal obligation exists under enacted laws, statutes, and written or oral contracts and for which the timing and/or method of settlement may be conditional on a future event. AROs are recognized at fair value in the period in which they are incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Upon initial recognition of an obligation, Aria capitalizes the asset retirement cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same amount. Over time, the liability is accreted to its expected future value, while the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Accretion expense is included in depreciation, amortization and accretion in the consolidated statements of operations. See note 10 for further disclosures on AROs. |
| Postretirement Obligations | Postretirement Obligations Postretirement benefits amounts recognized in consolidated financial statements are determined on an actuarial basis. Aria obtains an independent actuary valuation of its postretirement obligation annually as of December 31. To calculate the present value of plan liabilities, the discount rate needs to be determined which is an estimate of the interest rate at which the retirement benefits could be effectively settled. The discount rate is determined using the average effective rate derived through matching of projected benefit payments with the discount rate curve published by Citigroup as of each reporting date. See Note 8 for further disclosures on postretirement obligations. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes Aria Energy LLC is a limited liability company taxed as a partnership and therefore no provision for federal income taxes has been made in the consolidated financial statements since taxable income or loss of Aria Energy LLC is required to be reported by the respective members on their individual income tax returns. |
| Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments Aria applies the provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging , (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 requires each derivative instrument to be recorded and recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value, unless they meet the normal purchase/normal sale criteria and are designated and documented as such. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments were recognized in earnings. |
| Segment Reporting | Segment Reporting Aria reports segment information in two segments: RNG and electric operations (Power). Landfill gas fuel source is a common element, though Aria had a new RNG plant that was under construction as of Closing Date that will utilize waste from dairy cattle. Aria managed RNG and electric production as separate operating groups and measured production output in terms of megawatt hours (MWh) for Power projects, and energy content is expressed as MMBtu for RNG. Other segment reporting considerations include: • There are separate operating and leadership teams for RNG and Power, each of whom have different skill sets. The processes for production are unique. • Customers are different. Utilities and ISO’s are buyers of electricity and RECs. Municipalities and energy companies are the primary buyers of RNG and RINs. • Economics are much stronger with RNG. Prices for both segments are volatile, but based on different drivers. • Aria operates a small portfolio of Power plants for third parties. Operationally these plants are the same as wholly-owned projects. • Aria operates RNG plants for its joint venture (JV) Mavrix LLC ("Mavrix"). These plants are operationally the same as wholly-owned plants. • Construction activity is limited to wholly owned or JV plants. No construction activity is performed for third parties. Construction revenue only exists when building assets for non-consolidated subsidiaries. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents Aria considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Aria maintains amounts on deposit with various financial institutions, which may exceed federally insured limits. Management periodically evaluates the creditworthiness of those institutions. Aria had not experienced any losses on such deposits. |
| Accounts Receivable | Accounts ReceivableAccounts receivable are stated at the invoiced or estimated amounts adjusted for any allowance for doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established based on a specific assessment of all invoices that remain unpaid following normal customer payment periods. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts at September 14, 2021 and December 31, 2020 based on Aria’s history with its existing customers. Payments on accounts receivable balances are typically due and paid within 30 days of invoice. |
| Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Noncurrent Assets The other noncurrent assets as of December 31, 2020 represents long-term deposits with transportation and utility companies. |
| Debt Obligation Costs | Debt Origination Costs Debt origination costs were incurred in connection with various legal, consulting, and financial costs associated with debt financing and are reported net of accumulated amortization. These charges are being amortized over the term of the related debt agreements using the effective interest rate and are recorded as a reduction to long-term debt. |
| Comprehensive (Loss) Income | Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive (loss) income consists of net (loss) income and other comprehensive (loss) income. Other comprehensive (loss) income includes certain changes in assets and liabilities recognized directly to equity, such as actuarial gains/losses on Aria’s postretirement plan. |
| Concentration of Credit Risk | Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments which potentially subject Aria to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable. Certain accounts receivable are concentrated within entities engaged in the energy industry. These industry concentrations may impact Aria’s overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. Receivables and other contractual arrangements are subject to collateral requirements under the terms of enabling agreements. However, Aria believes that the credit risk posed by industry concentration is offset by the creditworthiness of its customer base. |
| Cost of Energy | Cost of Energy Cost of energy consists primarily of labor, parts, and outside services required to operate and maintain owned project facilities, electricity consumed in the process of gas production, the transportation of gas or transmission of electricity to the delivery point, and royalty payments to landfill owners as stipulated in the gas rights agreements. |
