Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Feb. 14, 2019 | Jun. 29, 2018 | |
Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |||
Entity Registrant Name | XCEL ENERGY INC | ||
Entity Central Index Key | 72,903 | ||
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | ||
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | Yes | ||
Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | ||
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | ||
Entity Small Business | false | ||
Entity Shell Company | false | ||
Entity Public Float | $ 23,246,479,826 | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 514,211,368 | ||
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 508,898,420 | ||
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,018 | ||
Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
Document Type | 10-K | ||
Amendment Flag | false | ||
Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2018 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Operating revenues | |||
Total operating revenues | $ 11,537 | $ 11,404 | $ 11,107 |
Operating expenses | |||
Electric fuel and purchased power | 3,854 | 3,757 | 3,718 |
Cost of natural gas sold and transported | 843 | 823 | 733 |
Cost of sales — other | 35 | 34 | 36 |
Operating and maintenance expenses | 2,352 | 2,270 | 2,300 |
Conservation and demand side management program expenses | 290 | 273 | 245 |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,642 | 1,479 | 1,303 |
Taxes (other than income taxes) | 556 | 545 | 532 |
Total operating expenses | 9,572 | 9,181 | 8,867 |
Operating income | 1,965 | 2,223 | 2,240 |
Other income, net | (14) | (10) | (18) |
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments | 35 | 30 | 42 |
Allowance for funds used during construction — equity | 108 | 75 | 60 |
Interest charges and financing costs | |||
Interest charges — includes other financing costs of $25, $24 and $25, respectively | 700 | 663 | 647 |
Allowance for funds used during construction — debt | (48) | (35) | (27) |
Total interest charges and financing costs | 652 | 628 | 620 |
Income before income taxes | 1,442 | 1,690 | 1,704 |
Income taxes | 181 | 542 | 581 |
Net income | $ 1,261 | $ 1,148 | $ 1,123 |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||
Basic (in shares) | 511 | 509 | 509 |
Diluted (in shares) | 511 | 509 | 509 |
Earnings per average common share: | |||
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 2.47 | $ 2.26 | $ 2.21 |
Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ 2.47 | $ 2.25 | $ 2.21 |
Electricity, US Regulated [Member] | |||
Operating revenues | |||
Total operating revenues | $ 9,719 | $ 9,676 | $ 9,500 |
Natural Gas, US Regulated [Member] | |||
Operating revenues | |||
Total operating revenues | 1,739 | 1,650 | 1,531 |
Product and Service, Other [Member] | |||
Operating revenues | |||
Total operating revenues | $ 79 | $ 78 | $ 76 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF IN_2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Interest charges and financing costs | |||
Other financing costs | $ 25 | $ 24 | $ 25 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Comprehensive income: | |||
Net income | $ 1,261 | $ 1,148 | $ 1,123 |
Pension and retiree medical benefits: | |||
Net pension and retiree medical losses arising during the period, net of tax of $(2), $(2), and $(5), respectively | (6) | (3) | (8) |
Amortization of losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of tax of $3, $5, and $2, respectively | 9 | 7 | 4 |
Total pension and retiree medical benefits, net of tax | 3 | 4 | (4) |
Derivative instruments: | |||
Reclassification of losses to net income, net of tax of $1, $2, and $2, respectively | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Net fair value decrease, net of tax of $(2), $0, and $0, respectively | (5) | 0 | 0 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent | (2) | 3 | 4 |
Other comprehensive income | 1 | 7 | 0 |
Comprehensive income | $ 1,262 | $ 1,155 | $ 1,123 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Pension and retiree medical benefits: | |||
Net pension and retiree medical benefit (losses) gains arising during the period, tax | $ (2) | $ (2) | $ (5) |
Amortization of losses included in net periodic benefit cost, tax | 3 | 5 | 2 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax | (2) | 0 | 0 |
Derivative instruments: | |||
Reclassification of losses to net income, tax | $ 1 | $ 2 | $ 2 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Operating activities | |||
Net income | $ 1,261 | $ 1,148 | $ 1,123 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,659 | 1,495 | 1,319 |
Nuclear fuel amortization | 122 | 114 | 117 |
Deferred income taxes | 218 | 640 | 587 |
Allowance for equity funds used during construction | (108) | (75) | (60) |
Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries | (35) | (30) | (42) |
Dividends from unconsolidated subsidiaries | 37 | 41 | 46 |
Provision for bad debts | 42 | 39 | 39 |
Share-based compensation expense | 45 | 57 | 41 |
Net realized and unrealized hedging and derivative transactions | 22 | 2 | 8 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||
Accounts receivable | (105) | (60) | (83) |
Accrued unbilled revenues | 9 | (34) | (75) |
Inventories | (65) | (3) | 1 |
Other current assets | 18 | 9 | 61 |
Accounts payable | 90 | 43 | 118 |
Net regulatory assets and liabilities | 223 | (16) | (19) |
Other current liabilities | (61) | (38) | 20 |
Pension and other employee benefit obligations | (179) | (133) | (91) |
Other, net | (71) | (73) | (58) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 3,122 | 3,126 | 3,052 |
Investing activities | |||
Utility capital/construction expenditures | (3,957) | (3,244) | (3,195) |
Purchases of investment securities | (853) | (1,697) | (547) |
Proceeds from the sale of investment securities | 833 | 1,669 | 479 |
Other, net | (9) | (24) | 2 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (3,986) | (3,296) | (3,261) |
Financing activities | |||
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net | 225 | 422 | (454) |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 1,675 | 1,518 | 2,424 |
Repayments of long-term debt, including reacquisition premiums | (452) | (1,030) | (1,036) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 230 | 0 | 0 |
Repurchases of common stock | (1) | (3) | (32) |
Dividends paid | (730) | (721) | (681) |
Other, net | (19) | (18) | (12) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | 928 | 168 | 209 |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 64 | (2) | 0 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 83 | 85 | 85 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 147 | 83 | 85 |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized) | (633) | (616) | (592) |
Cash received for income taxes, net | 27 | 44 | 62 |
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions: | |||
Accrued property, plant and equipment additions | 388 | 464 | 311 |
Inventory transfers to plant, property and equipment | 129 | 63 | 107 |
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Investing Activities | 108 | 75 | 61 |
Issuance of common stock for reinvested dividends and equity awards | $ 67 | $ 31 | $ 29 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 147 | $ 83 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 860 | 797 | |
Accrued unbilled revenues | 755 | 764 | |
Inventories | 548 | 610 | |
Regulatory assets | 464 | 424 | |
Derivative instruments | 87 | 44 | |
Prepaid taxes | 79 | 68 | |
Prepayments and other | 154 | 183 | |
Total current assets | 3,094 | 2,973 | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 36,944 | 34,329 | |
Other assets | |||
Nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments | 2,317 | 2,397 | |
Regulatory assets | 3,326 | 3,005 | |
Derivative instruments | 34 | 48 | |
Deposits and other | 272 | 278 | |
Total other assets | 5,949 | 5,728 | |
Total assets | 45,987 | 43,030 | |
Current liabilities | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | 406 | 457 | |
Short-term debt | 1,038 | 814 | |
Accounts payable | 1,237 | 1,243 | |
Regulatory liabilities | [1] | 436 | 239 |
Taxes accrued | 450 | 448 | |
Accrued interest | 174 | 174 | |
Dividends payable | 195 | 183 | |
Derivative instruments | 61 | 29 | |
Other | 463 | 501 | |
Total current liabilities | 4,460 | 4,088 | |
Deferred credits and other liabilities | |||
Deferred income taxes | 4,165 | 3,845 | |
Deferred investment tax credits | 54 | 58 | |
Regulatory liabilities | [1] | 5,187 | 5,083 |
Asset retirement obligations | 2,568 | 2,475 | |
Derivative instruments | 129 | 126 | |
Customer advances | 199 | 193 | |
Pension and employee benefit obligations | 994 | 1,042 | |
Other | 206 | 145 | |
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 13,502 | 12,967 | |
Capitalization | |||
Long-term debt | 15,803 | 14,520 | |
Long-term debt | 1,285 | 1,269 | |
Additional paid in capital | 6,168 | 5,898 | |
Retained earnings | 4,893 | 4,413 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (124) | (125) | |
Common stock — 1,000,000,000 shares authorized of $2.50 par value; 514,036,787 and 507,762,881 shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively | 12,222 | 11,455 | |
Total liabilities and equity | $ 45,987 | $ 43,030 | |
[1] | Revenue subject to refund of $29 million and $15 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively, is included in other current liabilities. |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) | Jun. 29, 2018shares |
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] | |
Common stock — 1,000,000,000 shares authorized of $2.50 par value; 514,036,787 and 507,762,881 shares outstanding at Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively | 508,898,420 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMM
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions | Total | Common stock | Additional Paid In Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015 | $ 10,601 | $ 1,269 | $ 5,889 | $ 3,553 | $ (110) |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015 | 507,536 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | |||||
Net income | 1,123 | 1,123 | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 0 | ||||
Dividends declared on common stock | (694) | (694) | |||
Issuances of common stock (in shares) | 486 | ||||
Issuances of common stock | 16 | $ 1 | 15 | ||
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares | (799) | ||||
Repurchases of common stock | (32) | $ (2) | (30) | ||
Share-based compensation | 7 | 7 | |||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016 | $ 11,021 | $ 1,268 | 5,881 | 3,982 | (110) |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016 | 507,223 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | |||||
Dividends declared on common stock | $ (1.36) | ||||
Net income | $ 1,148 | 1,148 | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 7 | 7 | |||
Dividends declared on common stock | (736) | (736) | |||
Issuances of common stock (in shares) | 611 | ||||
Issuances of common stock | 5 | $ 1 | 4 | ||
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares | (71) | ||||
Repurchases of common stock | (3) | $ 0 | (3) | ||
Share-based compensation | 13 | 16 | (3) | ||
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 | 0 | 22 | (22) | ||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017 | $ 11,455 | $ 1,269 | 5,898 | 4,413 | (125) |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017 | 507,763 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | |||||
Dividends declared on common stock | $ (1.44) | ||||
Net income | $ 1,261 | 1,261 | |||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 1 | 1 | |||
Dividends declared on common stock | (780) | (780) | |||
Issuances of common stock (in shares) | 6,296 | ||||
Issuances of common stock | 270 | $ 16 | 254 | ||
Repurchases of common stock (in shares) | (22) | ||||
Repurchases of common stock | (1) | $ 0 | (1) | ||
Share-based compensation | 16 | 17 | (1) | ||
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018 | $ 12,222 | $ 1,285 | $ 6,168 | $ 4,893 | $ (124) |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018 | 514,037 | ||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity | |||||
Dividends declared on common stock | $ (1.52) |
Summary of Significant Accounti
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies General — Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries are engaged in the regulated generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and in the regulated purchase, transportation, distribution and sale of natural gas. Xcel Energy’s regulated operations include the activities of NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS. These utility subsidiaries serve electric and natural gas customers in portions of Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Also included in regulated operations are WGI, an interstate natural gas pipeline company, and WYCO, a joint venture with CIG to develop and lease natural gas pipeline, storage and compression facilities. Xcel Energy Inc.’s nonregulated subsidiaries include Eloigne and Capital Services. Eloigne invests in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits. Capital Services procures equipment for construction of renewable generation facilities at other subsidiaries. Xcel Energy Inc. owns the following additional direct subsidiaries, some of which are intermediate holding companies with additional subsidiaries: Xcel Energy Wholesale Group Inc., Xcel Energy Markets Holdings Inc., Xcel Energy Ventures Inc., Xcel Energy Retail Holdings Inc., Xcel Energy Communications Group, Inc., Xcel Energy International Inc., Xcel Energy Transmission Holding Company, LLC, Nicollet Holdings Company, LLC, Nicollet Project Holdings LLC and Xcel Energy Services Inc. Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries collectively are referred to as Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy’s consolidated financial statements include its wholly-owned subsidiaries and VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated, unless a different treatment is appropriate for rate regulated transactions. Xcel Energy uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in WYCO. Xcel Energy’s equity earnings in WYCO are included on the consolidated statements of income as equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Xcel Energy has investments in certain plants and transmission facilities jointly owned with nonaffiliated utilities. Xcel Energy’s proportionate share of jointly owned facilities is recorded as property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets, and Xcel Energy’s proportionate share of the operating costs associated with these facilities is included in its consolidated statements of income. See Note 3 for further information. Xcel Energy’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with GAAP. All of the utility subsidiaries’ underlying accounting records also conform to the FERC uniform system of accounts. Xcel Energy has evaluated events occurring after Dec. 31, 2018 up to the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. Statements contain all necessary adjustments and disclosures resulting from that evaluation. Use of Estimates — Xcel Energy uses estimates based on the best information available in recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations. Estimates are used on items such as plant depreciable lives or potential disallowances, AROs, certain regulatory assets and liabilities, tax provisions, uncollectible amounts, environmental costs, unbilled revenues, jurisdictional fuel and energy cost allocations and actuarially determined benefit costs. Recorded estimates are revised when better information becomes available or actual amounts can be determined. Revisions can affect operating results. Regulatory Accounting — Xcel Energy Inc.’s regulated utility subsidiaries account for income and expense items in accordance with accounting guidance for regulated operations. Under this guidance: • Certain costs, which would otherwise be charged to expense or other comprehensive income, are deferred as regulatory assets based on the expected ability to recover the costs in future rates. • Certain credits, which would otherwise be reflected as income or other comprehensive income, are deferred as regulatory liabilities based on the expectation the amounts will be returned to customers in future rates, or because the amounts were collected in rates prior to the costs being incurred. Estimates of recovering deferred costs and returning deferred credits are based on specific ratemaking decisions or precedent for each item. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the treatment in the rate setting process. If changes in the regulatory environment occur, the utility subsidiaries may no longer be eligible to apply this accounting treatment, and may be required to eliminate regulatory assets and liabilities from their balance sheets. Such changes could have a material effect on Xcel Energy’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. See Note 4 for further information. Income Taxes — Xcel Energy accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Xcel Energy defers income taxes for all temporary differences between pretax financial and taxable income, and between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Xcel Energy uses the tax rates that are scheduled to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. The effects of tax rate changes that are attributable to the utility subsidiaries are generally subject to a normalization method of accounting. Therefore, the revaluation of most of the utility subsidiaries’ net deferred taxes upon a tax rate reduction results in the establishment of a net regulatory liability which will be refundable to utility customers over the remaining life of the related assets. A tax rate increase would result in the establishment of a similar regulatory asset. Reversal of certain temporary differences are accounted for as current income tax expense due to the effects of past regulatory practices when deferred taxes were not required to be recorded due to the use of flow through accounting for ratemaking purposes. Tax credits are recorded when earned unless there is a requirement to defer the benefit and amortize it over the book depreciable lives of the related property. The requirement to defer and amortize tax credits only applies to federal ITCs related to public utility property. Utility rate regulation also has resulted in the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities related to income taxes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Xcel Energy follows the applicable accounting guidance to measure and disclose uncertain tax positions that it has taken or expects to take in its income tax returns. Xcel Energy recognizes a tax position in its consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. Recognition of changes in uncertain tax positions are reflected as a component of income tax. Xcel Energy reports interest and penalties related to income taxes within the other income and interest charges in the consolidated statements of income. Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal income tax returns as well as consolidated or separate state income tax returns. Federal income taxes paid by Xcel Energy Inc. are allocated to its subsidiaries based on separate company computations. A similar allocation is made for state income taxes paid by Xcel Energy Inc. in connection with consolidated state filings. Xcel Energy Inc. also allocates its own income tax benefits to its direct subsidiaries. See Note 7 for further information. Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation — Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost. The cost of plant includes direct labor and materials, contracted work, overhead costs and AFUDC. The cost of plant retired is charged to accumulated depreciation and amortization. Amounts recovered in rates for future removal costs are recorded as regulatory liabilities. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Maintenance and replacement of items determined to be less than a unit of property are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Planned maintenance activities are charged to operating expense unless the cost represents the acquisition of an additional unit of property or the replacement of an existing unit of property. Property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment when it is determined that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. A loss is recognized in the current period if it becomes probable that part of a cost of a plant under construction or recently completed plant will be disallowed for recovery from customers and a reasonable estimate of the disallowance can be made. For investments in property, plant and equipment that are abandoned and not expected to go into service, incurred costs and related deferred tax amounts are compared to the discounted estimated future rate recovery, and a loss is recognized, if necessary. Xcel Energy records depreciation expense using the straight-line method over the plant’s useful life. Actuarial life studies are performed and submitted to the state and federal commissions for review. Upon acceptance by the various commissions, the resulting lives and net salvage rates are used to calculate depreciation. Depreciation expense, expressed as a percentage of average depreciable property, was approximately 3.1 % for 2018, 3.1 % for 2017 and 2.9 % for 2016. See Note 3 for further information. AROs — Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries account for AROs under accounting guidance that requires a liability for the fair value of an ARO to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if it can be reasonably estimated, with the offsetting associated asset retirement costs capitalized as a long-lived asset. The liability is generally increased over time by applying the effective interest method of accretion, and the capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful life of the long-lived asset. Changes resulting from revisions to the timing or amount of expected asset retirement cash flows are recognized as an increase or a decrease in the ARO. Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries also recover through rates certain future plant removal costs in addition to AROs. The accumulated removal costs for these obligations are reflected in the balance sheets as a regulatory liability. See Note 12 for further information. Nuclear Decommissioning — Nuclear decommissioning studies that estimate NSP-Minnesota’s ultimate costs of decommissioning its nuclear power plants are performed at least every three years and submitted to the state commissions for approval. For ratemaking purposes, NSP-Minnesota recovers the decommissioning costs of its nuclear power plants over each facility’s expected service life based on the triennial decommissioning studies. The studies consider estimated future costs of decommissioning and the market value of investments in trust funds, and recommend annual funding amounts. Amounts collected in rates are deposited in the trust funds. For financial reporting purposes, NSP-Minnesota accounts for nuclear decommissioning as an ARO. Restricted funds for the payment of future decommissioning expenditures for NSP-Minnesota’s nuclear facilities are included in nuclear decommissioning fund and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10 for further information. Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits — Xcel Energy maintains pension and postretirement benefit plans for eligible employees. Recognizing the cost of providing benefits and measuring the projected benefit obligation of these plans requires management to make various assumptions and estimates. Certain unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior service costs or credits are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities, rather than recorded as other comprehensive income, based on regulatory recovery mechanisms. See Note 11 for further information. Environmental Costs — Environmental costs are recorded when it is probable Xcel Energy is liable for remediation costs and the liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs are deferred as a regulatory asset if it is probable that the costs will be recovered from customers in future rates. Otherwise, the costs are expensed. If an environmental expense is related to facilities currently in use, such as emission-control equipment, the cost is capitalized and depreciated over the life of the plant. Estimated remediation costs are regularly adjusted as estimates are revised and remediation proceeds. If other participating PRPs exist and acknowledge their potential involvement with a site, costs are estimated and recorded only for Xcel Energy’s expected share of the cost. Future costs of restoring sites are treated as a capitalized cost of plant retirement. The depreciation expense levels recoverable in rates include a provision for removal expenses. Removal costs recovered in rates before the related costs are incurred are classified as a regulatory liability. See Note 12 for further information. Revenue From Contracts With Customers — Performance obligations related to the sale of energy are satisfied as energy is delivered to customers. Xcel Energy recognizes revenue that corresponds to the price of the energy delivered to the customer. The measurement of energy sales to customers is generally based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recognized. Xcel Energy does not recognize a separate financing component of its collections from customers as contract terms are short-term in nature. Xcel Energy presents its revenues net of any excise or sales taxes or fees. Xcel Energy’s utility subsidiaries recognize sales to customers on a gross basis in electric revenues and cost of sales. Revenues and charges for short term wholesale sales of excess energy transacted through RTOs are also recorded on a gross basis. Other RTO revenues and charges are recorded on a net basis in cost of sales. See Note 6 for further information. Cash and Cash Equivalents — Xcel Energy considers investments in instruments with a remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debts — Accounts receivable are stated at the actual billed amount net of an allowance for bad debts. Xcel Energy establishes an allowance for uncollectible receivables based on a policy that reflects its expected exposure to the credit risk of customers. As of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, the allowance for bad debts was $55 million and $52 million , respectively. Inventory — Inventory is recorded at average cost and consisted of the following: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Inventories Materials and supplies $ 271 $ 311 Fuel 170 186 Natural gas 107 113 $ 548 $ 610 Fair Value Measurements — Xcel Energy presents cash equivalents, interest rate derivatives, commodity derivatives and nuclear decommissioning fund assets at estimated fair values in its consolidated financial statements. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted NAVs. For interest rate derivatives, quoted prices based primarily on observable market interest rate curves are used to establish fair value. For commodity derivatives, the most observable inputs available are generally used to determine the fair value of each contract. In the absence of a quoted price, Xcel Energy may use quoted prices for similar contracts or internally prepared valuation models to determine fair value. For the pension and postretirement plan assets and nuclear decommissioning fund, published trading data and pricing models, generally using the most observable inputs available, are utilized to estimate fair value for each security. See Notes 10 and 11 for further information. Derivative Instruments — Xcel Energy uses derivative instruments in connection with its interest rate, utility commodity price, vehicle fuel price and commodity trading activities, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options. Any derivative instruments not qualifying for the normal purchases and normal sales exception are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as derivative instruments. Classification of changes in fair value for those derivative instruments is dependent on the designation of a qualifying hedging relationship. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated in a qualifying hedging relationship are reflected in current earnings or as a regulatory asset or liability. Classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on commission approved regulatory recovery mechanisms. Gains or losses on commodity trading transactions are recorded as a component of electric operating revenues; hedging transactions for vehicle fuel costs are recorded as a component of capital projects and O&M costs; and interest rate hedging transactions are recorded as a component of interest expense. Normal Purchases and Normal Sales — Xcel Energy enters into contracts for purchases and sales of commodities for use in its operations. At inception, contracts are evaluated to determine whether a derivative exists and/or whether an instrument may be exempted from derivative accounting if designated as a normal purchase or normal sale. See Note 10 for further information. Commodity Trading Operations — All applicable gains and losses related to commodity trading activities are shown on a net basis in electric operating revenues in the consolidated statements of income. Commodity trading activities are not associated with energy produced from Xcel Energy’s generation assets or energy and capacity purchased to serve native load. Commodity trading contracts are recorded at fair market value and commodity trading results include the impact of all margin-sharing mechanisms. See Note 10 for further information. Other Utility Items AFUDC — AFUDC represents the cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. AFUDC is computed by applying a composite financing rate to qualified CWIP. The amount of AFUDC capitalized as a utility construction cost is credited to other nonoperating income (for equity capital) and interest charges (for debt capital). AFUDC amounts capitalized are included in Xcel Energy’s rate base for establishing utility rates. Alternative Revenue — Certain rate rider mechanisms (including decoupling and CIP/DSM programs) qualify as alternative revenue programs under GAAP. These mechanisms arise from costs imposed upon the utility by action of a regulator or legislative body related to an environmental, public safety or other mandate. When certain criteria are met, such as collection within 24 months , revenue is recognized equal to the revenue requirement, which may include incentives and return on rate base items. Billing amounts are revised periodically for differences between total amount collected and revenue earned, which may increase or decrease the level of revenue collected from customers. Alternative revenues arising from these programs are presented on a gross basis and disclosed separately from revenue from contracts with customers. See Note 6 for further information. Conservation Programs — Costs incurred for DSM and CIP programs are deferred if it is probable future revenue will recover the incurred cost. Revenues recognized for incentive programs for the recovery of lost margins and/or conservation performance incentives are limited to amounts expected to be collected within 24 months from when they are earned. Regulatory assets are recognized to reflect the amount of costs or earned incentives that have not yet been collected from customers. Emission Allowances — Emission allowances are recorded at cost plus broker commission fees. The inventory accounting model is utilized for all emission allowances and sales of these allowances are included in electric revenues. Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs — Xcel Energy uses a deferral and amortization method for nuclear refueling costs. This method amortizes refueling outage costs over the period between refueling outages consistent with rate recovery. RECs — Cost of RECs that are utilized for compliance is recorded as electric fuel and purchased power expense. In certain jurisdictions, Xcel Energy reduces recoverable fuel costs for the cost of RECs and records that cost as a regulatory asset when the amount is recoverable in future rates. Sales of RECs are recorded in electric revenues on a gross basis. The cost of these RECs and amounts credited to customers under margin-sharing mechanisms are recorded in electric fuel and purchased power expense. |
Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] | |
Accounting Pronouncements | Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued Leases — In 2016, the FASB issued Leases, Topic 842 (ASU No. 2016-02) , which requires balance sheet recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases. Adoption will occur on Jan. 1, 2019 utilizing the package of transition practical expedients provided by the new standard, including carrying forward prior conclusions of whether agreements existing before the adoption date contain leases, and whether existing leases are operating or capital/finance leases. Xcel Energy expects to utilize other expedients offered by the new standard and Leases, Topic 842 (ASU No. 2018-11) , including elections to not recognize short term leases on the consolidated balance sheet for certain classes of assets and to implement the standard on a prospective basis. Xcel Energy’s implementation of the new guidance is substantially complete, and is expected to result in the recognition of approximately $2 billion of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the first quarter of 2019 for operating leases for the use of real estate, equipment and certain natural gas generating facilities operated under PPAs. The implementation is not expected to have a significant impact on Xcel Energy’s consolidated financial statements, other than first-time recognition of these operating leases on the consolidated balance sheet. Recently Adopted Revenue Recognition — In 2014, the FASB issued Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Topic 606 (ASU No. 2014-09) , which provides a new framework for the recognition of revenue. Xcel Energy implemented the guidance on a modified retrospective basis on Jan. 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after Dec. 31, 2017 are presented in accordance with Topic 606, while prior period results have not been adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with prior accounting guidance. The implementation did not have a material impact on Xcel Energy’s consolidated financial statements, other than increased disclosures regarding revenues related to contracts with customers. Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments — In 2016, the FASB issued Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, Subtopic 825-10 (ASU No. 2016-01) , which eliminated the available-for-sale classification for marketable equity securities and also replaced the cost method of accounting for non-marketable equity securities with a model for recognizing impairments and observable price changes. Xcel Energy implemented the guidance on Jan. 1, 2018 and the adoption impacts were not material. Presentation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost — In 2017, the FASB issued Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, Topic 715 (ASU No. 2017-07) , which establishes that only the service cost portion of pension cost may be presented as a component of operating income. In addition, only the service cost portion of pension cost is eligible for capitalization. As a result of regulatory accounting treatment, a similar amount of pension cost, including non-service components, will be recognized consistent with historical ratemaking and the impacts of adoption are limited to changes in classification of non-service costs in the consolidated statements of income. Xcel Energy implemented the new guidance on Jan. 1, 2018. As a result, $33 million and $26 million of pension costs were retrospectively reclassified from operating and maintenance expenses to other expense, net on the consolidated statements of income for 2017 and 2016, respectively. Xcel Energy used benefit cost amounts disclosed for prior periods as the basis for retrospective application. |
Property Plant and Equipment Pr
Property Plant and Equipment Property Plant and Equipment | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure | Property, Plant and Equipment Major classes of property, plant and equipment: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Property, plant and equipment Electric plant $ 41,472 $ 39,016 Natural gas plant 6,210 5,800 Common and other property 2,154 2,013 Plant to be retired (a) 322 11 CWIP 2,091 2,087 Total property, plant and equipment 52,249 48,927 Less accumulated depreciation (15,659 ) (15,000 ) Nuclear fuel 2,771 2,697 Less accumulated amortization (2,417 ) (2,295 ) $ 36,944 $ 34,329 (a) In 2018, the CPUC approved early retirement of PSCo’s Comanche Units 1 and 2 in approximately 2022 and 2025, respectively. PSCo also expects Craig Unit 1 to be retired early in 2025. Amounts are presented net of accumulated depreciation. Joint Ownership of Generation, Transmission and Gas Facilities The utility subsidiaries’ jointly owned assets as of Dec. 31, 2018 : (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned NSP-Minnesota Electric Generation: Sherco Unit 3 $ 604 $ 415 $ 1 59 % Sherco Common Facilities 145 100 1 80 Other 5 4 — 59 Electric Transmission: CapX2020 Transmission 960 73 2 51 Other 11 2 — 50 Total NSP-Minnesota $ 1,725 $ 594 $ 4 (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned NSP-Wisconsin Electric Transmission: La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI $ 175 $ 2 $ — 37 % CapX2020 Transmission 169 15 2 81 Total NSP-Wisconsin $ 344 $ 17 $ 2 (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned PSCo Electric Generation: Hayden Unit 1 $ 153 $ 76 $ — 76 % Hayden Unit 2 149 68 — 37 Hayden Common Facilities 41 21 — 53 Craig Units 1 and 2 81 40 — 10 Craig Common Facilities 39 21 — 7 Comanche Unit 3 886 130 — 67 Comanche Common Facilities 28 3 — 82 Electric Transmission: Transmission and other facilities 183 63 1 Various Gas Transportation: Rifle, CO to Avon, CO 22 7 — 60 Gas Transportation Compressor 8 1 — 50 Total PSCo $ 1,590 $ 430 $ 1 Each company’s share of operating expenses and construction expenditures are included in the applicable utility accounts. Respective owners are responsible for providing their own financing. |
Regulatory Assets and Liabiliti
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities | Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Regulatory assets and liabilities are created for amounts that regulators may allow to be collected, or may require to be paid back to customers in future electric and natural gas rates. Xcel Energy would be required to recognize the write-off of regulatory assets and liabilities in net income or other comprehensive income if changes in the utility industry no longer allow for the application of regulatory accounting guidance under GAAP. Components of regulatory assets: (Millions of Dollars) See Note(s) Remaining Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Regulatory Assets Current Non- current Current Non- current Pension and retiree medical obligations 11 Various $ 87 $ 1,500 $ 91 $ 1,499 Net AROs (a) 1, 12 Plant lives — 452 — 301 Excess deferred taxes - TCJA 7 Various — 296 — 254 Recoverable deferred taxes on AFUDC recorded in plant Plant lives — 264 — 244 Environmental remediation costs 1, 12 Various 17 155 16 165 Depreciation differences One to thirteen years 18 107 20 69 Benson biomass PPA termination and asset purchase Ten years 10 86 — — Contract valuation adjustments (b) 1, 10 Term of related contract 17 77 21 93 Laurentian biomass PPA termination Five years 18 73 — — Purchased power contract costs Term of related contract 4 63 3 67 PI EPU Sixteen years 3 56 3 58 Losses on reacquired debt Term of related debt 4 44 5 48 State commission adjustments Plant lives 1 29 1 29 Conservation programs (c) 1 One to two years 42 28 50 32 Property tax Various 14 10 8 24 Nuclear refueling outage costs 1 One to two years 37 14 49 20 Deferred purchased natural gas and electric energy costs One to three years 57 13 21 13 Renewable resources and environmental initiatives One to two years 39 9 48 10 Sales true up and revenue decoupling One to two years 38 7 37 12 Gas pipeline inspection and remediation costs One to two years 28 3 24 12 Other Various 30 40 27 55 Total regulatory assets $ 464 $ 3,326 $ 424 $ 3,005 (a) Includes amounts recorded for future recovery of AROs, less amounts recovered through nuclear decommissioning accruals and gains from decommissioning investments. (b) Includes the fair value of certain long-term PPAs used to meet energy capacity requirements and valuation adjustments on natural gas commodity purchases. (c) Includes costs for conservation programs, as well as incentives allowed in certain jurisdictions. Components of regulatory liabilities: (Millions of Dollars) See Note(s) Remaining Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Regulatory Liabilities Current Non- current Current Non- current Deferred income tax adjustments and TCJA refunds (a) 7 Various $ 157 $ 3,715 $ — $ 3,790 Plant removal costs 1, 12 Plant lives — 1,175 — 1,131 Effects of regulation on employee benefit costs (b) Various — 137 — 46 Renewable resources and environmental initiatives Various 9 54 19 60 ITC deferrals (c) 1 Various — 40 — 23 Deferred electric, natural gas and steam production costs Less than one year 102 — 104 — Contract valuation adjustments (d) 1, 10 Less than one year 26 — 30 — Conservation programs (e) 1 Less than one year 36 — 23 — DOE settlement Less than one year 19 — 18 — Other Various 87 66 45 33 Total regulatory liabilities (f) $ 436 $ 5,187 $ 239 $ 5,083 (a) Includes the revaluation of recoverable/regulated plant ADIT and revaluation impact of non-plant ADIT due to the TCJA. (b) Includes regulatory amortization and certain TCJA benefits approved by the CPUC to offset the PSCo prepaid pension asset at Dec. 31, 2018. (c) Includes impact of lower federal tax rate due to the TCJA. (d) Includes the fair value of certain long-term PPAs used to meet energy capacity requirements and valuation adjustments on natural gas commodity purchases. (e) Includes costs for conservation programs, as well as incentives allowed in certain jurisdictions. (f) Revenue subject to refund of $29 million and $15 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively, is included in other current liabilities. At Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , Xcel Energy’s regulatory assets not earning a return primarily included the unfunded portion of pension and retiree medical obligations, net AROs and Laurentian biomass PPA termination costs/obligations. In addition, regulatory assets included $178 million and $212 million at Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of past expenditures not earning a return. Amounts largely related to purchased natural gas and electric energy costs, various renewable resources and certain environmental initiatives. |
Borrowings and Other Financing
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Short-Term Borrowings Short-Term Debt — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries meet their short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper, term loan borrowings and letters of credit under their credit facilities. Short-term debt borrowings outstanding for Xcel Energy were as follows: Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Year Ended Dec. 31 (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) 2018 2017 2016 Borrowing limit $ 3,250 $ 3,250 $ 3,250 $ 2,750 Amount outstanding at period end 1,038 1,038 814 392 Average amount outstanding 500 788 644 485 Maximum amount outstanding 1,038 1,349 1,247 1,183 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 2.76 % 2.34 % 1.35 % 0.74 % Weighted average interest rate at end of period 2.97 2.97 1.90 0.95 Term Loan Agreement — In December 2018, Xcel Energy Inc. renewed its $500 million 364 -Day Term Loan Agreement with $250 million outstanding. In February 2019, Xcel Energy borrowed the remaining amount. No additional capacity remains as loans borrowed and repaid may not be redrawn. The loan is unsecured and matures Dec. 3, 2019. Xcel Energy has an option to request an extension through Dec. 2, 2020. Term loan includes one financial covenant, requiring Xcel Energy’s consolidated funded debt to total capitalization ratio to be less than or equal to 65 percent. Interest is at a rate equal to either (i) the Eurodollar rate, plus 50.0 basis points, or (ii) an alternate base rate. Xcel Energy is also required to pay a commitment fee equal to 10 basis points per annum on the unborrowed portion. Letters of Credit — Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries use letters of credit, typically with terms of one year , to provide financial guarantees for certain operating obligations. As of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were $49 million and $30 million of letters of credit outstanding. Amounts approximate their fair value. Credit Facilities — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries must have revolving credit facilities in place at least equal to the amount of their commercial paper borrowing limits and cannot issue commercial paper exceeding available capacity under these credit facilities. The lines of credit provide short-term financing in the form of notes payable to banks, letters of credit and back-up support for commercial paper borrowings. Features of the credit facilities: Debt-to-Total Capitalization Ratio (a) Amount Facility May Be Increased (millions) Additional Periods For Which a One-Year Extension May Be Requested (b) 2018 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. (c) 58 % 58 % $ 200 2 NSP-Wisconsin 48 47 N/A 1 NSP-Minnesota 48 48 100 2 SPS 46 46 50 2 PSCo 46 44 100 2 (a) Each credit facility has a financial covenant requiring that the debt-to-total capitalization ratio be less than or equal to 65% . (b) All extension requests are subject to majority bank group approval. (c) The Xcel Energy Inc. credit facility has a cross-default provision that Xcel Energy Inc. will be in default on its borrowings under the facility if it or any of its subsidiaries (except NSP-Wisconsin as long as its total assets do not comprise more than 15% of Xcel Energy’s consolidated total assets) default on indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $75 million . If Xcel Energy Inc. or its utility subsidiaries do not comply with the covenant, an event of default may be declared, and if not remedied, any outstanding amounts due under the facility can be declared due by the lender. As of Dec. 31, 2018, Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all financial covenants. Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries had the following committed credit facilities available as of Dec. 31, 2018 : (Millions of Dollars) Credit Facility (a) Drawn (b) Available Xcel Energy Inc. $ 1,500 $ 488 $ 1,012 PSCo 700 317 383 NSP-Minnesota 500 187 313 SPS 400 44 356 NSP-Wisconsin 150 51 99 Total $ 3,250 $ 1,087 $ 2,163 (a) These credit facilities mature in June 2021 , with the exception of Xcel Energy’s Inc.’s 364 -day term loan agreement which expires in December 2019. (b) Includes outstanding commercial paper, term loan borrowings and letters of credit. All credit facility bank borrowings, outstanding letters of credit, term loan borrowings and outstanding commercial paper reduce the available capacity under the credit facilities. Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries had no direct advances on facilities outstanding as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 . Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Generally, all property of NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS are subject to the liens of their first mortgage indentures. Debt premiums, discounts and expenses are amortized over the life of the related debt. The premiums, discounts and expenses for refinanced debt are deferred and amortized over the life of the new issuance. Long term debt obligations for Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries as of Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. Unsecured senior notes 2020 - 2041 2.40% - 6.50% 1.20% - 6.50% $ 3,400 $ 2,900 Elimination of PSCo capital lease obligation with affiliates (60 ) (62 ) Unamortized discount (5 ) (2 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (21 ) (20 ) Current maturities (Capital lease obligation) 2 2 Total $ 3,316 $ 2,818 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 NSP-Minnesota Mortgage bonds 2020 - 2047 2.15% - 7.13% 2.15% - 7.13% $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Unamortized discount (21 ) (22 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (42 ) (45 ) Current maturities — — Total $ 4,937 $ 4,933 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 NSP-Wisconsin Mortgage bonds 2024 - 2048 3.3% - 6.38% 3.3% - 6.38% $ 800 $ 750 City of La Crosse resource recovery bond 2021 6.00% 6.00% 19 19 Other — 2 Unamortized discount (3 ) (3 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (9 ) (7 ) Current maturities — (151 ) Total $ 807 $ 610 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 PSCo Capital lease obligations 2025 - 2060 11.20% - 14.30% 11.20% - 14.30% $ 145 $ 151 Mortgage bonds 2019 - 2048 2.25% - 6.50% 2.25% - 6.50% 4,900 4,500 Unamortized discount (14 ) (13 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (33 ) (29 ) Current maturities (406 ) (306 ) Total $ 4,592 $ 4,303 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 SPS Mortgage bonds 2024 - 2048 3.30% - 4.50% 3.30% - 4.50% $ 1,800 $ 1,500 Unsecured senior notes 2033 - 2036 6.00% 6.00% - 8.75% 350 350 Unamortized discount (4 ) (2 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (20 ) (18 ) Current maturities — — Total $ 2,126 $ 1,830 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 Other Subsidiaries Various Eloigne Co. affordable housing project notes 2019 - 2052 0.00% - 6.90% 0.00% - 7.05% $ 26 $ 28 Current maturities (1 ) (2 ) Total $ 25 $ 26 Maturities of long-term debt: (Millions of Dollars) 2019 $ 406 2020 1,257 2021 425 2022 902 2023 653 2018 financings: Amount Financing Instrument Interest Rate Maturity Date Xcel Energy Inc. $500 million Senior Notes 4.00 % June 15, 2028 PSCo 350 million First mortgage bonds 3.70 June 15, 2028 PSCo 350 million First mortgage bonds 4.10 June 15, 2048 NSP-Wisconsin 200 million First mortgage bonds 4.20 Sept. 1, 2048 SPS 300 million First mortgage bonds 4.40 Nov 15, 2048 2017 financings: Amount Financing Instrument Interest Rate Maturity Date PSCo $400 million First mortgage bonds 3.80 % June 15, 2047 SPS 450 million First mortgage bonds 3.70 Aug. 15, 2047 NSP-Minnesota 600 million First mortgage bonds 3.60 Sept. 15, 2047 NSP-Wisconsin 100 million First mortgage bonds 3.75 Dec. 1, 2047 Forward Equity Agreements — In November 2018, Xcel Energy Inc. entered into forward sale agreements in connection with a completed $459 million public offering of 9.4 million shares of Xcel Energy common stock. The initial forward agreement was for 8.1 million shares with an additional agreement of 1.2 million shares exercised at the option of the banking counterparty. At Dec. 31, 2018, the forward agreements could have been settled with physical delivery of 9.4 million common shares to the banking counterparty in exchange for cash of $456 million . The forward instruments could also have been settled at Dec. 31, 2018 with delivery of approximately $24 million of cash or approximately 0.5 million shares of common stock to the counterparty, if Xcel Energy unilaterally elected net cash or net share settlement, respectively. The forward price used to determine amounts due at settlement is calculated based on the November 2018 public offering price for Xcel Energy’s common stock of $49.00, increased for the overnight bank funding rate, less a spread of 0.75% and less expected dividends on Xcel Energy’s common stock during the period the instruments are outstanding. Xcel Energy may settle the agreements at any time up to the maturity date of February 7, 2020 . Depending on settlement timing, cash proceeds are expected to be approximately $450 million to $460 million . Forward equity instruments were recognized within stockholders’ equity at fair value at execution of the agreements, and will not be subsequently adjusted until settlement. ATM Equity Offering — Xcel Energy issued 4.7 million shares of common stock with net proceeds of $224.7 million through the at-the-market program. In addition, transaction fees of $1.9 million were paid. In November 2018, the ATM offering was closed. Other Equity — Xcel Energy issued $38.5 million and $39.2 million of equity through the DRIP program during the years ended Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively. Program allows stockholders to elect dividend reinvestment in Xcel Energy common stock through a non-cash transaction. See Note 8 for equity items related to share based compensation. Deferred Financing Costs — Deferred financing costs of approximately $126 million and $119 million , net of amortization, are presented as a deduction from the carrying amount of long-term debt as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Capital Stock — Preferred stock authorized/outstanding: Preferred Stock Authorized (Shares) Par Value of Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2018 and 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. 7,000,000 $ 100 — PSCo 10,000,000 0.01 — SPS 10,000,000 1.00 — Xcel Energy Inc. had the following common stock authorized/outstanding: Commons Stock Authorized (Shares) Par Value of Common Stock Common Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2018 Common Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2017 1 billion $ 2.50 514,036,787 507,762,881 Dividend and Other Capital-Related Restrictions — Xcel Energy depends on its subsidiaries to pay dividends. Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries’ dividends are subject to the FERC’s jurisdiction, which prohibits the payment of dividends out of capital accounts. Dividends are solely to be paid from retained earnings. Certain covenants also require Xcel Energy Inc. to be current on interest payments prior to dividend disbursements. State regulatory commissions impose dividend limitations for NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin and SPS. Requirements and actuals as of Dec. 31, 2018: Equity to Total Capitalization Ratio Required Range Equity to Total Capitalization Ratio Actual Low High 2018 NSP-Minnesota 47.1 % 57.5 % 52.3 % NSP-Wisconsin 51.5 N/A 51.8 SPS (a) 45.0 55.0 54.4 (a) SPS excludes short-term debt. Unrestricted Retained Earnings Total Capitalization Limit on Total Capitalization NSP-Minnesota $ 1.0 billion $ 10.7 billion $ 11.5 billion NSP-Wisconsin (a) 11.5 million 1.7 billion N/A SPS (b) 605.7 million 4.7 billion N/A (a) NSP-Wisconsin cannot pay annual dividends in excess of approximately $55 million if its average equity-to-total capitalization ratio falls below the commission authorized level. (b) SPS may not pay a dividend that would cause it to lose its investment grade bond rating. Issuance of securities by Xcel Energy Inc. generally is not subject to regulatory approval. However, utility financings and intra-system financings are subject to the jurisdiction of state regulatory commissions and/or the FERC. Xcel Energy may seek additional authorization as necessary. Authorizations as of Dec. 31, 2018 : Amount Authorized to Issue Long-Term Debt Short-Term Debt NSP-Minnesota 52.93% of total capitalization (a) $ 1.725 billion (a) NSP-Wisconsin $ — (b) 150 million SPS — (b) 600 million PSCo 1.1 billion 800 million (a) NSP-Minnesota has authorization to issue long-term securities provided the equity-to-total capitalization remains within the required range, and to issue short-term debt provided it does not exceed 15% of total capitalization. (b) SPS and NSP-Wisconsin will file for additional long-term debt authorization . Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Short-Term Borrowings Short-Term Debt — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries meet their short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper, term loan borrowings and letters of credit under their credit facilities. Short-term debt borrowings outstanding for Xcel Energy were as follows: Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Year Ended Dec. 31 (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) 2018 2017 2016 Borrowing limit $ 3,250 $ 3,250 $ 3,250 $ 2,750 Amount outstanding at period end 1,038 1,038 814 392 Average amount outstanding 500 788 644 485 Maximum amount outstanding 1,038 1,349 1,247 1,183 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 2.76 % 2.34 % 1.35 % 0.74 % Weighted average interest rate at end of period 2.97 2.97 1.90 0.95 Term Loan Agreement — In December 2018, Xcel Energy Inc. renewed its $500 million 364 -Day Term Loan Agreement with $250 million outstanding. In February 2019, Xcel Energy borrowed the remaining amount. No additional capacity remains as loans borrowed and repaid may not be redrawn. The loan is unsecured and matures Dec. 3, 2019. Xcel Energy has an option to request an extension through Dec. 2, 2020. Term loan includes one financial covenant, requiring Xcel Energy’s consolidated funded debt to total capitalization ratio to be less than or equal to 65 percent. Interest is at a rate equal to either (i) the Eurodollar rate, plus 50.0 basis points, or (ii) an alternate base rate. Xcel Energy is also required to pay a commitment fee equal to 10 basis points per annum on the unborrowed portion. Letters of Credit — Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries use letters of credit, typically with terms of one year , to provide financial guarantees for certain operating obligations. As of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , there were $49 million and $30 million of letters of credit outstanding. Amounts approximate their fair value. Credit Facilities — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries must have revolving credit facilities in place at least equal to the amount of their commercial paper borrowing limits and cannot issue commercial paper exceeding available capacity under these credit facilities. The lines of credit provide short-term financing in the form of notes payable to banks, letters of credit and back-up support for commercial paper borrowings. Features of the credit facilities: Debt-to-Total Capitalization Ratio (a) Amount Facility May Be Increased (millions) Additional Periods For Which a One-Year Extension May Be Requested (b) 2018 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. (c) 58 % 58 % $ 200 2 NSP-Wisconsin 48 47 N/A 1 NSP-Minnesota 48 48 100 2 SPS 46 46 50 2 PSCo 46 44 100 2 (a) Each credit facility has a financial covenant requiring that the debt-to-total capitalization ratio be less than or equal to 65% . (b) All extension requests are subject to majority bank group approval. (c) The Xcel Energy Inc. credit facility has a cross-default provision that Xcel Energy Inc. will be in default on its borrowings under the facility if it or any of its subsidiaries (except NSP-Wisconsin as long as its total assets do not comprise more than 15% of Xcel Energy’s consolidated total assets) default on indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $75 million . If Xcel Energy Inc. or its utility subsidiaries do not comply with the covenant, an event of default may be declared, and if not remedied, any outstanding amounts due under the facility can be declared due by the lender. As of Dec. 31, 2018, Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all financial covenants. Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries had the following committed credit facilities available as of Dec. 31, 2018 : (Millions of Dollars) Credit Facility (a) Drawn (b) Available Xcel Energy Inc. $ 1,500 $ 488 $ 1,012 PSCo 700 317 383 NSP-Minnesota 500 187 313 SPS 400 44 356 NSP-Wisconsin 150 51 99 Total $ 3,250 $ 1,087 $ 2,163 (a) These credit facilities mature in June 2021 , with the exception of Xcel Energy’s Inc.’s 364 -day term loan agreement which expires in December 2019. (b) Includes outstanding commercial paper, term loan borrowings and letters of credit. All credit facility bank borrowings, outstanding letters of credit, term loan borrowings and outstanding commercial paper reduce the available capacity under the credit facilities. Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries had no direct advances on facilities outstanding as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 . Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Generally, all property of NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS are subject to the liens of their first mortgage indentures. Debt premiums, discounts and expenses are amortized over the life of the related debt. The premiums, discounts and expenses for refinanced debt are deferred and amortized over the life of the new issuance. Long term debt obligations for Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries as of Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. Unsecured senior notes 2020 - 2041 2.40% - 6.50% 1.20% - 6.50% $ 3,400 $ 2,900 Elimination of PSCo capital lease obligation with affiliates (60 ) (62 ) Unamortized discount (5 ) (2 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (21 ) (20 ) Current maturities (Capital lease obligation) 2 2 Total $ 3,316 $ 2,818 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 NSP-Minnesota Mortgage bonds 2020 - 2047 2.15% - 7.13% 2.15% - 7.13% $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Unamortized discount (21 ) (22 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (42 ) (45 ) Current maturities — — Total $ 4,937 $ 4,933 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 NSP-Wisconsin Mortgage bonds 2024 - 2048 3.3% - 6.38% 3.3% - 6.38% $ 800 $ 750 City of La Crosse resource recovery bond 2021 6.00% 6.00% 19 19 Other — 2 Unamortized discount (3 ) (3 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (9 ) (7 ) Current maturities — (151 ) Total $ 807 $ 610 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 PSCo Capital lease obligations 2025 - 2060 11.20% - 14.30% 11.20% - 14.30% $ 145 $ 151 Mortgage bonds 2019 - 2048 2.25% - 6.50% 2.25% - 6.50% 4,900 4,500 Unamortized discount (14 ) (13 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (33 ) (29 ) Current maturities (406 ) (306 ) Total $ 4,592 $ 4,303 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 SPS Mortgage bonds 2024 - 2048 3.30% - 4.50% 3.30% - 4.50% $ 1,800 $ 1,500 Unsecured senior notes 2033 - 2036 6.00% 6.00% - 8.75% 350 350 Unamortized discount (4 ) (2 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (20 ) (18 ) Current maturities — — Total $ 2,126 $ 1,830 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 Other Subsidiaries Various Eloigne Co. affordable housing project notes 2019 - 2052 0.00% - 6.90% 0.00% - 7.05% $ 26 $ 28 Current maturities (1 ) (2 ) Total $ 25 $ 26 Maturities of long-term debt: (Millions of Dollars) 2019 $ 406 2020 1,257 2021 425 2022 902 2023 653 2018 financings: Amount Financing Instrument Interest Rate Maturity Date Xcel Energy Inc. $500 million Senior Notes 4.00 % June 15, 2028 PSCo 350 million First mortgage bonds 3.70 June 15, 2028 PSCo 350 million First mortgage bonds 4.10 June 15, 2048 NSP-Wisconsin 200 million First mortgage bonds 4.20 Sept. 1, 2048 SPS 300 million First mortgage bonds 4.40 Nov 15, 2048 2017 financings: Amount Financing Instrument Interest Rate Maturity Date PSCo $400 million First mortgage bonds 3.80 % June 15, 2047 SPS 450 million First mortgage bonds 3.70 Aug. 15, 2047 NSP-Minnesota 600 million First mortgage bonds 3.60 Sept. 15, 2047 NSP-Wisconsin 100 million First mortgage bonds 3.75 Dec. 1, 2047 Forward Equity Agreements — In November 2018, Xcel Energy Inc. entered into forward sale agreements in connection with a completed $459 million public offering of 9.4 million shares of Xcel Energy common stock. The initial forward agreement was for 8.1 million shares with an additional agreement of 1.2 million shares exercised at the option of the banking counterparty. At Dec. 31, 2018, the forward agreements could have been settled with physical delivery of 9.4 million common shares to the banking counterparty in exchange for cash of $456 million . The forward instruments could also have been settled at Dec. 31, 2018 with delivery of approximately $24 million of cash or approximately 0.5 million shares of common stock to the counterparty, if Xcel Energy unilaterally elected net cash or net share settlement, respectively. The forward price used to determine amounts due at settlement is calculated based on the November 2018 public offering price for Xcel Energy’s common stock of $49.00, increased for the overnight bank funding rate, less a spread of 0.75% and less expected dividends on Xcel Energy’s common stock during the period the instruments are outstanding. Xcel Energy may settle the agreements at any time up to the maturity date of February 7, 2020 . Depending on settlement timing, cash proceeds are expected to be approximately $450 million to $460 million . Forward equity instruments were recognized within stockholders’ equity at fair value at execution of the agreements, and will not be subsequently adjusted until settlement. ATM Equity Offering — Xcel Energy issued 4.7 million shares of common stock with net proceeds of $224.7 million through the at-the-market program. In addition, transaction fees of $1.9 million were paid. In November 2018, the ATM offering was closed. Other Equity — Xcel Energy issued $38.5 million and $39.2 million of equity through the DRIP program during the years ended Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively. Program allows stockholders to elect dividend reinvestment in Xcel Energy common stock through a non-cash transaction. See Note 8 for equity items related to share based compensation. Deferred Financing Costs — Deferred financing costs of approximately $126 million and $119 million , net of amortization, are presented as a deduction from the carrying amount of long-term debt as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Capital Stock — Preferred stock authorized/outstanding: Preferred Stock Authorized (Shares) Par Value of Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2018 and 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. 7,000,000 $ 100 — PSCo 10,000,000 0.01 — SPS 10,000,000 1.00 — Xcel Energy Inc. had the following common stock authorized/outstanding: Commons Stock Authorized (Shares) Par Value of Common Stock Common Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2018 Common Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2017 1 billion $ 2.50 514,036,787 507,762,881 Dividend and Other Capital-Related Restrictions — Xcel Energy depends on its subsidiaries to pay dividends. Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries’ dividends are subject to the FERC’s jurisdiction, which prohibits the payment of dividends out of capital accounts. Dividends are solely to be paid from retained earnings. Certain covenants also require Xcel Energy Inc. to be current on interest payments prior to dividend disbursements. State regulatory commissions impose dividend limitations for NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin and SPS. Requirements and actuals as of Dec. 31, 2018: Equity to Total Capitalization Ratio Required Range Equity to Total Capitalization Ratio Actual Low High 2018 NSP-Minnesota 47.1 % 57.5 % 52.3 % NSP-Wisconsin 51.5 N/A 51.8 SPS (a) 45.0 55.0 54.4 (a) SPS excludes short-term debt. Unrestricted Retained Earnings Total Capitalization Limit on Total Capitalization NSP-Minnesota $ 1.0 billion $ 10.7 billion $ 11.5 billion NSP-Wisconsin (a) 11.5 million 1.7 billion N/A SPS (b) 605.7 million 4.7 billion N/A (a) NSP-Wisconsin cannot pay annual dividends in excess of approximately $55 million if its average equity-to-total capitalization ratio falls below the commission authorized level. (b) SPS may not pay a dividend that would cause it to lose its investment grade bond rating. Issuance of securities by Xcel Energy Inc. generally is not subject to regulatory approval. However, utility financings and intra-system financings are subject to the jurisdiction of state regulatory commissions and/or the FERC. Xcel Energy may seek additional authorization as necessary. Authorizations as of Dec. 31, 2018 : Amount Authorized to Issue Long-Term Debt Short-Term Debt NSP-Minnesota 52.93% of total capitalization (a) $ 1.725 billion (a) NSP-Wisconsin $ — (b) 150 million SPS — (b) 600 million PSCo 1.1 billion 800 million (a) NSP-Minnesota has authorization to issue long-term securities provided the equity-to-total capitalization remains within the required range, and to issue short-term debt provided it does not exceed 15% of total capitalization. (b) SPS and NSP-Wisconsin will file for additional long-term debt authorization . |
Revenues
Revenues | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Revenues | Revenues Revenue is classified by the type of goods/services rendered and market/customer type. Xcel Energy’s operating revenues (subsequent to adoption of the revised revenue guidance) consists of the following: Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 (Millions of Dollars) Electric Natural Gas All Other Total Major revenue types Revenue from contracts with customers: Residential $ 2,919 $ 988 $ 38 $ 3,945 C&I 4,874 524 25 5,423 Other 134 — 6 140 Total retail 7,927 1,512 69 9,508 Wholesale 791 — — 791 Transmission 523 — — 523 Other 98 100 — 198 Total revenue from contracts with customers 9,339 1,612 69 11,020 Alternative revenue and other 380 127 10 517 Total revenues $ 9,719 $ 1,739 $ 79 $ 11,537 |
Income Taxes
Income Taxes | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes Federal Tax Reform — In 2017, the TCJA was signed into law. The key provisions impacting Xcel Energy, generally beginning in 2018, include: • Corporate federal tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% ; • Normalization of resulting plant-related excess deferred taxes; • Elimination of the corporate alternative minimum tax; • Continued interest expense deductibility and discontinued bonus depreciation for regulated public utilities; • Limitations on certain executive compensation deductions; • Limitations on certain deductions for NOLs arising after Dec. 31, 2017 (limited to 80% of taxable income); • Repeal of the section 199 manufacturing deduction; and • Reduced deductions for meals and entertainment as well as state and local lobbying. Xcel Energy estimated the effects of the TCJA, which have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Reductions in deferred tax assets and liabilities due to a decrease in corporate federal tax rates typically result in a net tax benefit. However, the impacts are primarily recognized as regulatory liabilities refundable to utility customers as a result of IRS requirements and past regulatory treatment. Estimated impacts of the new tax law in December 2017 included: • $2.7 billion ( $3.8 billion grossed-up for tax) of reclassifications of plant-related excess deferred taxes to regulatory liabilities upon valuation at the new 21% federal rate. The regulatory liabilities will be amortized consistent with IRS normalization requirements, resulting in customer refunds over an estimated weighted average period of approximately 30 years ; • $254 million and $174 million of reclassifications (grossed-up for tax) of excess deferred taxes for non-plant related deferred tax assets and liabilities, respectively, to regulatory assets and liabilities; and, • $23 million of total estimated income tax expense related to the tax rate change on certain non-plant deferred taxes and all other 2017 income statement impacts of the federal tax reform. Xcel Energy accounted for the state tax impacts of federal tax reform based on enacted state tax laws. Any future state tax law changes related to the TCJA will be accounted for in the periods state laws are enacted. Federal Tax Loss Carryback Claims — In 2012 - 2015, Xcel Energy identified certain expenses related to 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015 that qualify for an extended carryback beyond the typical two -year carryback period. As a result of a higher tax rate in prior years, Xcel Energy recognized a tax benefit of approximately $5 million in 2015, $17 million in 2014, $12 million in 2013 and $15 million in 2012. Federal Audit — Statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s consolidated federal income tax returns expire as follows: Tax Year(s) Expiration 2009 - 2014 October 2019 2015 September 2019 2016 September 2020 2017 September 2021 In 2012, the IRS commenced an examination of tax years 2010 and 2011 , including the 2009 carryback claim. In 2017, Xcel Energy and the Office of Appeals reached an agreement and the benefit related to the agreed upon portions was recognized. In the second quarter of 2018, the Joint Committee on Taxation completed its review and took no exception to the agreement. As a result, the remaining unrecognized tax benefit was released and recorded as a payable to the IRS. In the third quarter of 2015, the IRS commenced an examination of tax years 2012 and 2013 . In the third quarter of 2017, the IRS concluded the audit of tax years 2012 and 2013 and proposed an adjustment that would impact Xcel Energy’s NOL and ETR. Xcel Energy filed a protest with the IRS. As of Dec. 31, 2018, the case has been forwarded to the Office of Appeals and Xcel Energy has recognized its best estimate of income tax expense that will result from a final resolution of this issue; however, the outcome and timing of a resolution is unknown. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the IRS began an audit of tax years 2014 - 2016 , however no adjustments have been proposed. State Audits — Xcel Energy files consolidated state tax returns based on income in its major operating jurisdictions and various other state income-based tax returns. As of Dec. 31, 2018, Xcel Energy’s earliest open tax years (subject to examination by state taxing authorities in its major operating jurisdictions) were as follows: State Year Colorado 2009 Minnesota 2009 Texas 2010 Wisconsin 2014 • In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Minnesota audit of tax years 2010 - 2014 concluded with no material adjustments. • In the third quarter of 2018, the Wisconsin audit of tax years 2012 - 2013 concluded with no material adjustments. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Wisconsin began an audit of tax years 2014 - 2016 . No material adjustments have been proposed. • No other state income tax audits were in progress as of Dec. 31, 2018. Unrecognized Tax Benefits — Unrecognized tax benefit balance includes permanent tax positions, which if recognized would affect the annual ETR. In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance includes temporary tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. A change in the period of deductibility would not affect the ETR but would accelerate the payment to the taxing authority to an earlier period. Unrecognized tax benefits - permanent vs. temporary: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Unrecognized tax benefit — Permanent tax positions $ 28 $ 20 Unrecognized tax benefit — Temporary tax positions 9 19 Total unrecognized tax benefit $ 37 $ 39 Changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Balance at Jan. 1 $ 39 $ 134 $ 121 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 9 6 8 Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year (4 ) (4 ) — Additions for tax positions of prior years 2 15 10 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (4 ) (105 ) (5 ) Settlements with taxing authorities (5 ) (7 ) — Balance at Dec. 31 $ 37 $ 39 $ 134 Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 NOL and tax credit carryforwards $ (35 ) $ (31 ) Net deferred tax liability associated with the unrecognized tax benefit amounts and related NOLs and tax credits carryforwards were $24 million and $13 million at Dec. 31, 2018 and Dec 31, 2017, respectively. As the IRS Appeals and federal and state audits progress and other state audits resume, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefit could decrease up to approximately $28 million in the next 12 months. Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is partially offset by the interest benefit associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards. Interest payable related to unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at Jan. 1 $ — $ (3 ) $ — Interest income (expense) related to unrecognized tax benefits — 3 (3 ) Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at Dec. 31 $ — $ — $ (3 ) No amounts were accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of Dec. 31, 2018, 2017 or 2016. Other Income Tax Matters — NOL amounts represent the tax loss that is carried forward and tax credits represent the deferred tax asset. NOL and tax credit carryforwards as of Dec. 31 were as follows: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Federal NOL carryforward $ — $ 1,072 Federal tax credit carryforwards 553 517 Valuation allowances for federal credit carryforwards (5 ) (5 ) State NOL carryforwards 1,104 1,592 Valuation allowances for state NOL carryforwards (50 ) (55 ) State tax credit carryforwards, net of federal detriment (a) 89 90 Valuation allowances for state credit carryforwards, net of federal benefit (b) (69 ) (68 ) (a) State tax credit carryforwards are net of federal detriment of $24 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. (b) Valuation allowances for state tax credit carryforwards were net of federal benefit of $18 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. Federal carryforward periods expire between 2021 and 2038 and state carryforward periods expire between 2019 and 2037 . Total income tax expense from operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense. Effective income tax rate for years ended Dec. 31: 2018 2017 (a) 2016 (a) Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income tax on pretax income, net of federal tax effect 5.0 4.1 4.1 Increases (decreases) in tax from: Regulatory differences - ARAM (b) (5.8 ) (0.1 ) (0.1 ) Wind production tax credits recognized (5.2 ) (4.7 ) (3.4 ) Other tax credits recognized, net of federal income tax expense (2.0 ) (1.0 ) (0.8 ) Regulatory differences - other utility plant items (1.0 ) (0.7 ) (0.5 ) Regulatory differences - Deferral of ARAM (c) 0.6 — — Change in unrecognized tax benefits 0.4 (0.6 ) 0.2 Tax reform — 1.4 — Other, net (0.4 ) (1.3 ) (0.4 ) Effective income tax rate 12.6 % 32.1 % 34.1 % (a) Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. (b) ARAM is a method to flow back excess deferred taxes to customers. (c) ARAM has been deferred when regulatory treatment has not been established. As Xcel Energy received direction from its regulatory commissions regarding the return of excess deferred taxes to customers, the ARAM deferral was reversed. This resulted in a reduction to tax expense with a corresponding reduction to revenue. Components of income tax expense for years ended Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Current federal tax (benefit) expense $ (34 ) $ 1 $ (3 ) Current state tax expense (benefit) 8 (11 ) (4 ) Current change in unrecognized tax (benefit) expense (6 ) (83 ) 6 Deferred federal tax expense 122 460 477 Deferred state tax expense 85 107 112 Deferred change in unrecognized tax expense (benefit) 11 73 (2 ) Deferred investment tax credits (5 ) (5 ) (5 ) Total income tax expense $ 181 $ 542 $ 581 Components of deferred income tax expense as of Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Deferred tax expense (benefit) excluding items below $ 320 $ (2,939 ) $ 631 Amortization and adjustments to deferred income taxes on income tax regulatory assets and liabilities (102 ) 3,583 (45 ) Tax (expense) benefit allocated to other comprehensive income, net of adoption of ASU No. 2018-02, and other — (4 ) 1 Deferred tax expense $ 218 $ 640 $ 587 Components of net deferred tax liability as of Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Deferred tax liabilities: Differences between book and tax bases of property $ 5,082 $ 4,960 Regulatory assets 599 565 Pension expense 178 199 Other 64 57 Total deferred tax liabilities $ 5,923 $ 5,781 Deferred tax assets: Regulatory liabilities $ 879 $ 886 Tax credit carryforward 642 607 NOL carryforward 51 293 NOL and tax credit valuation allowances (79 ) (77 ) Other employee benefits 124 132 Deferred ITCs 16 17 Rate refund 60 10 Other 65 68 Total deferred tax assets $ 1,758 $ 1,936 Net deferred tax liability $ 4,165 $ 3,845 |
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |
Share-Based Compensation | Share-Based Compensation Incentive Plans Including Share-Based Compensation — Xcel Energy Inc. has three incentive plans that include share-based payment elements. Plans and authorized equity shares for awards: • Omnibus Incentive Plan - 7.0 million shares; • Long-Term Incentive Plan - 8.3 million shares; and, • Executive Annual Incentive Award Plan - 1.2 million shares. Restricted Stock — The Executive Annual Incentive Award Plan and Omnibus Incentive Plan allow certain employees to elect to receive shares of common or restricted stock. Restricted stock is treated as an equity award and vests and settles in equal annual installments over a three -year period. Restricted stock has a fair value equal to the market trading price of Xcel Energy Inc.’s stock at the grant date. Shares of restricted stock granted at Dec. 31: (Shares in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Granted shares 18 15 20 Grant date fair value $ 44.68 $ 42.00 $ 38.82 Changes in nonvested restricted stock: (Shares in Thousands) Shares Weighted Average Nonvested restricted stock at Jan. 1, 2018 44 $ 39.71 Granted 18 44.68 Forfeited — — Vested (27 ) 37.25 Dividend equivalents 1 46.27 Nonvested restricted stock at Dec. 31, 2018 36 44.29 Other Equity Awards — Xcel Energy Inc.’s Board of Directors has granted equity awards under the Xcel Energy Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Omnibus Incentive Plan. These plans include various vesting conditions and performance goals. At the end of the restricted period, such grants will be awarded if the vesting conditions and/or performance goals are met. Certain employees are granted equity awards with a portion subject only to service conditions, and the other portion subject to performance conditions. A total of 0.3 million time-based equity shares subject only to service conditions were granted annually in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The performance conditions for a portion of the awards granted from 2016 to 2018 are based on relative TSR and environmental goals. Equity awards with performance conditions will be settled or forfeited after three years , with payouts ranging from zero to 200 percent depending on achievement. Equity award units granted to employees (excluding restricted stock): (Units in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Granted units 500 503 522 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 47.60 $ 41.02 $ 36.00 Equity awards vested: (Units in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Vested Units 475 467 530 Total Fair Value $ 23,393 $ 22,459 $ 21,575 Changes in the nonvested portion of equity award units for 2018: (Units in Thousands) Units Weighted Average Nonvested Units at Jan. 1, 2018 995 $ 38.48 Granted 500 47.60 Forfeited (126 ) 41.74 Vested (475 ) 35.92 Dividend equivalents 45 40.74 Nonvested Units at Dec. 31, 2018 939 44.30 Stock Equivalent Units — Non-employee members of Xcel Energy Inc. Board of Directors may elect to receive their annual equity grant as stock equivalent units in lieu of common stock. Each unit’s value is equal to one share of Xcel Energy Inc. common stock. The annual equity grant is vested as of the date of each member’s election to the Board of Directors; there is no further service or other condition. Directors may also elect to receive their cash fees as stock equivalent units in lieu of cash. Stock equivalent units are payable as a distribution of common stock upon a director’s termination of service. Stock equivalent units granted: (Units in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Granted units 36 51 49 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 45.44 $ 46.05 $ 40.68 Changes in stock equivalent units: (Units in Thousands) Units Weighted Average Stock equivalent units at Jan. 1, 2018 753 $ 29.83 Granted 36 45.44 Units distributed (123 ) 31.21 Dividend equivalents 22 46.40 Stock equivalent units at Dec. 31, 2018 688 30.93 TSR Liability Awards — Xcel Energy Inc.’s Board of Directors has granted TSR liability awards under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and Omnibus Incentive Plan. The plans allow Xcel Energy to attach various performance goals to the awards granted. The liability awards have been historically dependent on relative TSR measured over a three -year period. Xcel Energy Inc.’s TSR is compared to a 22 -member utilities peer group for 2016 - 2018 awards. Potential payouts of the awards range from zero to 200% . TSR liability awards granted: (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Awards granted 239 240 264 TSR liability awards settled: (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Awards settled 482 454 354 Settlement amount (cash, common stock and deferred amounts) $ 21,534 $ 19,083 $ 13,724 TSR liability awards of $8 million were settled in cash in 2018. Share-Based Compensation Expense — Vesting of employee equity awards is typically predicated on the achievement of a TSR or environmental measures target, other than for restricted stock. Additionally, approximately 0.3 million of equity award units were granted annually in 2016 - 2018, with vesting subject only to service conditions of three years. Generally these instruments are considered to be equity awards as the award settlement determination (shares or cash) is made by Xcel Energy, not the participants. In addition, these awards have not been previously settled in cash and Xcel Energy plans to continue electing share settlement. Grant date fair value of equity awards is expensed over the service period. TSR liability awards have been historically settled partially in cash, and do not qualify as equity awards, but rather are accounted for as liabilities. As liability awards, the fair value on which ratable expense is based, as employees vest in their rights to those awards, is remeasured each period based on the current stock price and performance achievement, and final expense is based on the market value of the shares on the date the award is settled. Compensation costs related to share-based awards: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Compensation cost for share-based awards (a) $ 45 $ 57 $ 41 Tax benefit recognized in income 12 22 16 (a) Compensation costs for share-based payment are included in O&M expense. There was approximately $38 million in 2018 and $44 million in 2017 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards. Xcel Energy expects to recognize the unrecognized amount over a weighted average period of 1.6 years . |
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Earnings Per Share | Earnings Per Share Basic EPS was computed by dividing the earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS was computed by dividing the earnings available to common shareholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other agreements to issue common stock (i.e., common stock equivalents) were settled. The weighted average number of potentially dilutive shares outstanding used to calculate diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock method. Common Stock Equivalents — Xcel Energy Inc. has common stock equivalents related to forward equity agreements and certain equity awards in share-based compensation arrangements. Common stock equivalents include commitments to issue common stock related to time based equity compensation awards. Stock equivalent units granted to Xcel Energy Inc.’s Board of Directors are included in common shares outstanding upon grant date as there is no further service, performance or market condition associated with these awards. Restricted stock issued to employees under the Xcel Energy Inc. Executive Annual Incentive Award Plan is included in common shares outstanding when granted. Share-based compensation arrangements for which there is currently no dilutive impact to EPS include the following: • Equity awards subject to a performance condition; included in common shares outstanding when all necessary conditions for settlement have been satisfied by the end of the reporting period; and, • Liability awards subject to a performance condition; any portions settled in shares are included in common shares outstanding upon settlement. Diluted common shares outstanding included common stock equivalents of 0.5 million , 0.6 million and 0.7 million shares for 2018, 2017 and 2016. |
Fair Value of Financial Assets
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities | Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Measurements Accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance. • Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices. • Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with models using highly observable inputs. • Level 3 — Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those valued with models requiring significant management judgment or estimation. Specific valuation methods include: Cash equivalents — The fair values of cash equivalents are generally based on cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted NAV. Investments in equity securities and other funds — Equity securities are valued using quoted prices in active markets. The fair values for commingled funds are measured using NAVs. The investments in commingled funds may be redeemed for NAV with proper notice. Private equity commingled fund investments require approval of the fund for any unscheduled redemption, and such redemptions may be approved or denied by the fund at its sole discretion. Unscheduled distributions from real estate commingled funds investments may be redeemed with proper notice, however, withdrawals may be delayed or discounted as a result of fund illiquidity. Investments in debt securities — Fair values for debt securities are determined by a third party pricing service using recent trades and observable spreads from benchmark interest rates for similar securities. Interest rate derivatives — Fair values of interest rate derivatives are based on broker quotes that utilize current market interest rate forecasts. Commodity derivatives — Methods used to measure the fair value of commodity derivative forwards and options utilize forward prices and volatilities, as well as pricing adjustments for specific delivery locations, and are generally assigned a Level 2 classification. When contractual settlements relate to inactive delivery locations or extend to periods beyond those readily observable on active exchanges or quoted by brokers, the significance of the use of less observable forecasts of forward prices and volatilities on a valuation is evaluated and may result in Level 3 classification. Electric commodity derivatives held by NSP-Minnesota and SPS include transmission congestion instruments, generally referred to as FTRs. FTRs purchased from a RTO are financial instruments that entitle or obligate the holder to monthly revenues or charges based on transmission congestion across a given transmission path. The value of an FTR is derived from, and designed to offset, the cost of transmission congestion. In addition to overall transmission load, congestion is also influenced by the operating schedules of power plants and the consumption of electricity pertinent to a given transmission path. Unplanned plant outages, scheduled plant maintenance, changes in the relative costs of fuels used in generation, weather and overall changes in demand for electricity can each impact the operating schedules of the power plants on the transmission grid and the value of an FTR. If forecasted costs of electric transmission congestion increase or decrease for a given FTR path, the value of that particular FTR instrument will likewise increase or decrease. Given the limited observability of important inputs to the value of FTRs between auction processes, including expected plant operating schedules and retail and wholesale demand, fair value measurements for FTRs have been assigned a Level 3. Non-trading monthly FTR settlements are included in fuel and purchased energy cost recovery mechanisms as applicable in each jurisdiction, and therefore changes in the fair value of the yet to be settled portions of most FTRs are deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. Given this regulatory treatment and the limited magnitude of FTRs relative to the electric utility operations of NSP-Minnesota and SPS, the numerous unobservable quantitative inputs pertinent to the value of FTRs are insignificant to the consolidated financial statements of Xcel Energy. Non-Derivative Fair Value Measurements The NRC requires NSP-Minnesota to maintain a portfolio of investments to fund the costs of decommissioning its nuclear generating plants. Assets of the nuclear decommissioning fund are legally restricted for the purpose of decommissioning these facilities. The fund contains cash equivalents, debt securities, equity securities and other investments. NSP-Minnesota uses the MPUC approved asset allocation for the escrow and investment targets by asset class for both the escrow and qualified trust. NSP-Minnesota recognizes the costs of funding the decommissioning over the lives of the nuclear plants, assuming rate recovery of all costs. Realized and unrealized gains on fund investments over the life of the fund are deferred as an offset of NSP-Minnesota’s regulatory asset for nuclear decommissioning costs. Consequently, any realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities in the nuclear decommissioning fund are deferred as a component of the regulatory asset. Unrealized gains for the nuclear decommissioning fund were $450 million and $560 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and unrealized losses were $45 million and $7 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Non-derivative instruments with recurring fair value measurements in the nuclear decommissioning fund: Dec. 31, 2018 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Nuclear decommissioning fund (a) Cash equivalents $ 24 $ 24 $ — $ — $ — $ 24 Commingled funds 758 79 — — 819 898 Debt securities 466 — 436 — — 436 Equity securities 401 697 — — — 697 Total $ 1,649 $ 800 $ 436 $ — $ 819 $ 2,055 (a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $141 million of equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and $121 million of rabbi trust assets and miscellaneous investments. Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Nuclear decommissioning fund (a) Cash equivalents $ 29 $ 29 $ — $ — $ — $ 29 Commingled funds 701 223 — — 659 882 Debt securities 438 — 441 — — 441 Equity securities 423 791 — — — 791 Total $ 1,591 $ 1,043 $ 441 $ — $ 659 $ 2,143 (a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $140 million of equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and $114 million of rabbi trust assets and miscellaneous investments. For the years ended Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no Level 3 nuclear decommissioning fund investments or transfer of amounts between levels. Contractual maturity dates of debt securities in the nuclear decommissioning fund as of Dec. 31, 2018 : Final Contractual Maturity (Millions of Dollars) Due in 1 Year or Less Due in 1 to 5 Years Due in 5 to 10 Years Due after 10 Years Total Debt securities $ 10 $ 107 $ 211 $ 108 $ 436 Rabbi Trusts Xcel Energy has established rabbi trusts to provide partial funding for future distributions of its SERP and deferred compensation plan. Cost and fair value of assets held in rabbi trusts: Dec. 31, 2018 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Rabbi Trusts (a) Cash equivalents $ 16 $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Mutual funds 52 51 — — 51 Total $ 68 $ 67 $ — $ — $ 67 Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Rabbi Trusts (a) Cash equivalents $ 12 $ 12 $ — $ — $ 12 Mutual funds 47 50 — — 50 Total $ 59 $ 62 $ — $ — $ 62 (a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet. Derivative Fair Value Measurements Xcel Energy enters into derivative instruments, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options, for trading purposes and to manage risk in connection with changes in interest rates, utility commodity prices and vehicle fuel prices. Interest Rate Derivatives — Xcel Energy enters into various instruments that effectively fix the interest payments on certain floating rate debt obligations or effectively fix the yield or price on a specified benchmark interest rate for an anticipated debt issuance for a specific period. These derivative instruments are generally designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. As of Dec. 31, 2018, accumulated other comprehensive losses related to interest rate derivatives included $3 million of net losses expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the hedged transactions impact earnings. As of Dec 31, 2018, Xcel Energy had unsettled interest rate swaps outstanding with a notional amount of $300 million . These interest rate derivatives were designated as hedges, and as such, changes in fair value are recorded to other comprehensive income. Wholesale and Commodity Trading Risk — Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries conduct various wholesale and commodity trading activities, including the purchase and sale of electric capacity, energy, energy-related instruments and natural gas-related instruments, including derivatives. Xcel Energy is allowed to conduct these activities within guidelines and limitations as approved by its risk management committee, comprised of management personnel not directly involved in activities governed by this policy. Commodity Derivatives — Xcel Energy enters into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices in its electric and natural gas operations, as well as for trading purposes. This could include the purchase or sale of energy or energy-related products, natural gas to generate electric energy, natural gas for resale, FTRs, vehicle fuel and weather derivatives. As of Dec. 31, 2018, Xcel Energy had no vehicle fuel contracts designated as cash flow hedges. Xcel Energy may enter into derivative instruments that mitigate commodity price risk on behalf of electric and natural gas customers, but may not be designated as qualifying hedging transactions. Changes in the fair value of non-trading commodity derivative instruments are recorded in other comprehensive income or deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. The classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on commission approved regulatory recovery mechanisms. Immaterial amounts to income related to the ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges were recorded for the years ended Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. As of Dec. 31, 2018, there were no net gains related to commodity derivative cash flow hedges recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive losses or related amounts expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months. Xcel Energy enters into commodity derivative instruments for trading purposes not directly related to commodity price risks associated with serving its electric and natural gas customers. Changes in the fair value of these commodity derivatives are recorded in electric operating revenues, net of amounts credited to customers under margin-sharing mechanisms. Gross notional amounts of commodity forwards, options and FTRs as of Dec. 31: (Amounts in Millions) (a) (b) 2018 2017 MWh of electricity 87 68 MMBtu of natural gas 92 37 (a) Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities. (b) Notional amounts for options are included on a gross basis, but are weighted for the probability of exercise. Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations — Xcel Energy continuously monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to its interest rate derivatives and commodity derivative contracts prior to settlement, and assesses each counterparty’s ability to perform on the transactions set forth in the contracts. Impact of credit risk was immaterial to the fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives presented in the consolidated balance sheets. Xcel Energy’s utility subsidiaries’ most significant concentrations of credit risk with particular entities or industries are contracts with counterparties to their wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities. As of Dec. 31, 2018, six of Xcel Energy’s 10 most significant counterparties for these activities, comprising $96 million or 43% of this credit exposure, had investment grade credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch Ratings. Three of the 10 most significant counterparties, comprising $20 million or 9% of this credit exposure, were not rated by these external agencies, but based on Xcel Energy’s internal analysis, had credit quality consistent with investment grade. One of these significant counterparties, comprising $12 million or 5% of this credit exposure, had credit quality less than investment grade, based on Xcel Energy’s internal analysis. Eight of these significant counterparties are municipal or cooperative electric entities or other utilities. Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges — Financial impact of qualifying interest rate and vehicle fuel cash flow hedges on Xcel Energy’s accumulated other comprehensive loss, included in the consolidated statements of common stockholders’ equity and in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Jan. 1 $ (58 ) $ (51 ) $ (55 ) After-tax net unrealized losses related to derivatives accounted for as hedges (5 ) — — After-tax net realized losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings 3 3 4 Adoption of ASU. 2018-02 (a) — (10 ) — Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Dec. 31 $ (60 ) $ (58 ) $ (51 ) (a) In 2017, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2018-02 related to TCJA, which resulted in reclassification of certain credit balances within net accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. Impact of derivative activity: Pre-Tax Fair Value Gains (Losses) Recognized During the Period in: (Millions of Dollars) Accumulated Regulatory Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ (7 ) $ — Total $ (7 ) $ — Other derivative instruments Electric commodity $ — $ 1 Natural gas commodity — 10 Total $ — $ 11 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2017 Other derivative instruments Electric commodity $ — $ 10 Natural gas commodity — (13 ) Total $ — $ (3 ) Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016 Other derivative instruments Electric commodity $ — $ 17 Natural gas commodity — 1 Total $ — $ 18 Pre-Tax (Gains) Losses Reclassified into Income During the Period from: Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) Recognized (Millions of Dollars) Accumulated Regulatory Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ 4 (a) $ — $ — Total $ 4 $ — $ — Other derivative instruments Commodity trading $ — $ — $ 14 (b) Electric commodity — (1 ) (c) — Natural gas commodity — (6 ) (d) (4 ) (d) Total $ — $ (7 ) $ 10 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2017 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ 5 (a) $ — $ — Total $ 5 $ — $ — Other derivative instruments Commodity trading $ — $ — $ 10 (b) Electric commodity — (15 ) (c) — Natural gas commodity — 3 (d) (6 ) (d) Total $ — $ (12 ) $ 4 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ 6 (a) $ — $ — Total $ 6 $ — $ — Other derivative instruments Commodity trading $ — $ — $ 2 (b) Electric commodity — (8 ) (c) — Natural gas commodity — 15 (d) (8 ) (d) Total $ — $ 7 $ (6 ) (a) Amounts recorded to interest charges. (b) Amounts recorded to electric operating revenues. Portions of these gains and losses are subject to sharing with electric customers through margin-sharing mechanisms and deducted from gross revenue, as appropriate. (c) Amounts recorded to electric fuel and purchased power. These derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with electric customers through fuel and purchased energy cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate. (d) Amounts for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018 included $1 million of settlement losses on derivatives entered to mitigate natural gas price risk for electric generation recorded to electric fuel and purchased power, subject to cost-recovery mechanisms and reclassified to a regulatory asset, as appropriate. Such gains and losses for the years ended Dec. 31, 2017 and 2016 were immaterial. Remaining settlement losses for the years ended Dec. 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 related to natural gas operations and were recorded to cost of natural gas sold and transported. These losses are subject to cost-recovery mechanisms and reclassified out of income to a regulatory asset, as appropriate. Xcel Energy had no derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges during the years ended Dec. 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. Credit Related Contingent Features — Contract provisions for derivative instruments that the utility subsidiaries enter, including those accounted for as normal purchase-normal sale contracts and therefore not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets, may require the posting of collateral or settlement of the contracts for various reasons, including if the applicable utility subsidiary’s credit ratings are downgraded below its investment grade credit rating by any of the major credit rating agencies, or for cross default contractual provisions if there was a failure under other financing arrangements related to payment terms or other covenants. As of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no derivative instruments in a liability position with such underlying contract provisions. Certain derivative instruments are also subject to contract provisions that contain adequate assurance clauses. These provisions allow counterparties to seek performance assurance, including cash collateral, in the event that a given utility subsidiary’s ability to fulfill its contractual obligations is reasonably expected to be impaired. Xcel Energy had no collateral posted related to adequate assurance clauses in derivative contracts as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. Recurring Fair Value Measurements — Xcel Energy’s derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current derivative assets Commodity trading $ 4 $ 92 $ 2 $ 98 $ (44 ) $ 54 $ 2 $ 22 $ — $ 24 $ (15 ) $ 9 Electric commodity — — 25 25 — 25 — — 32 32 (2 ) 30 Natural gas commodity — 4 — 4 — 4 — — — — — — Total current derivative assets $ 4 $ 96 $ 27 $ 127 $ (44 ) 83 $ 2 $ 22 $ 32 $ 56 $ (17 ) 39 PPAs (b) 4 5 Current derivative instruments $ 87 $ 44 Noncurrent derivative assets Other derivative instruments: Commodity trading $ — $ 27 $ 5 $ 32 $ (14 ) $ 18 $ — $ 31 $ 5 $ 36 $ (7 ) $ 29 Total noncurrent derivative assets $ — $ 27 $ 5 $ 32 $ (14 ) 18 $ — $ 31 $ 5 $ 36 $ (7 ) 29 PPAs (b) 16 19 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 34 $ 48 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current derivative liabilities Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Interest rate $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Other derivative instruments: Commodity trading 4 88 2 94 (60 ) 34 2 18 — 20 (15 ) 5 Electric commodity — — — — — — — — 2 2 (2 ) — Natural gas commodity — — — — — — — 1 — 1 — 1 Total current derivative liabilities $ 4 $ 95 $ 2 $ 101 $ (60 ) 41 $ 2 $ 19 $ 2 $ 23 $ (17 ) 6 PPAs (b) 20 23 Current derivative instruments $ 61 $ 29 Noncurrent derivative liabilities Other derivative instruments: Commodity trading $ — $ 18 $ 1 $ 19 $ 17 $ 36 $ — $ 24 $ — $ 24 $ (10 ) $ 14 Total noncurrent derivative liabilities $ — $ 18 $ 1 $ 19 $ 17 36 $ — $ 24 $ — $ 24 $ (10 ) 14 PPAs (b) 93 112 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 129 $ 126 (a) Xcel Energy nets derivative instruments and related collateral in its consolidated balance sheet when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. At Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, derivative assets and liabilities include $32 million and $0 million of obligations to return cash collateral, respectively. At Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, derivative assets and liabilities include rights to reclaim cash collateral of $15 million and $3 million , respectively. Counterparty netting excludes settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements. (b) During 2006, Xcel Energy qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities. Changes in Level 3 commodity derivatives: Year Ended Dec. 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Balance at Jan. 1 $ 35 $ 17 $ 18 Purchases 59 82 35 Settlements (59 ) (97 ) (89 ) Net transactions recorded during the period: (Losses) gains recognized in earnings (a) (1 ) 5 — Net (losses) gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities (5 ) 28 53 Balance at Dec. 31 $ 29 $ 35 $ 17 (a) Amounts relate to commodity derivatives held at the end of the period. Xcel Energy recognizes transfers between levels as of the beginning of each period. There were no transfers of amounts between levels for derivative instruments for 2016 - 2018. Fair Value of Long-Term Debt As of Dec. 31, other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value: 2018 2017 (Millions of Dollars) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term debt, including current portion $ 16,209 $ 16,755 $ 14,977 $ 16,531 Fair value of Xcel Energy’s long-term debt is estimated based on recent trades and observable spreads from benchmark interest rates for similar securities. Fair value estimates are based on information available to management as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , and given the observability of the inputs, fair values presented for long-term debt were assigned as Level 2. |
Benefit Plans and Other Postret
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Retirement Benefits [Abstract] | |
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits | Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Postretirement Health Care Benefits Xcel Energy has several noncontributory, defined benefit pension plans that cover almost all employees. Generally, benefits are based on a combination of years of service and average pay. Xcel Energy’s policy is to fully fund into an external trust the actuarially determined pension costs subject to the limitations of applicable employee benefit and tax laws. In addition to the qualified pension plans, Xcel Energy maintains a SERP and a nonqualified pension plan. The SERP is maintained for certain executives that were participants in the plan in 2008, when the SERP was closed to new participants. The nonqualified pension plan provides benefits for compensation that is in excess of the limits applicable to the qualified pension plans, with distributions funded by Xcel Energy’s consolidated operating cash flows. Obligations of the SERP and nonqualified plan as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 were $33 million and $37 million , respectively. Xcel Energy recognized net benefit cost for the SERP and nonqualified plans of $4 million in 2018 and $5 million in 2017. In 2016, Xcel Energy established rabbi trusts to provide partial funding for future distributions of the SERP and its deferred compensation plan, supplemented by Xcel Energy’s consolidated operating cash flows. Xcel Energy has a contributory health and welfare benefit plan that provides health care and death benefits to certain Xcel Energy retirees. • NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin discontinued subsidizing health care benefits for non-bargaining employees retiring after 1998 and for bargaining employees who retired after 1999. • Xcel Energy discontinued subsidizing health care benefits for nonbargaining employees of the former NCE who retired after June 30, 2003. • Xcel Energy discontinued health care benefits for SPS bargaining employees hired after Jan. 1, 2012. Xcel Energy bases the investment-return assumption on expected long-term performance for each of the asset classes in its pension and postretirement health care portfolios. For pension assets, Xcel Energy considers the historical returns achieved by its asset portfolio over the past 20 years or longer period, as well as long-term projected return levels. Pension cost determination assumes a forecasted mix of investment types over the long-term. • Investment returns in 2018 were below the assumed level of 6.87% ; • Investment returns in 2017 were above the assumed level of 6.87% ; • Investment returns in 2016 were below the assumed level of 6.87% ; and, • In 2019, Xcel Energy’s expected investment-return assumption is 6.87% . Pension plan and postretirement benefit assets are invested in a portfolio according to Xcel Energy’s return, liquidity and diversification objectives to provide a source of funding for plan obligations and minimize contributions to the plan, within appropriate levels of risk. The principal mechanism for achieving these objectives is the asset allocation given the long-term risk, return, correlation and liquidity characteristics of each particular asset class. There were no significant concentrations of risk in any industry, index, or entity. Market volatility can impact even well-diversified portfolios and significantly affect the return levels achieved by the assets in any year. State agencies also have issued guidelines to the funding of postretirement benefit costs. SPS is required to fund postretirement benefit costs for Texas and New Mexico amounts collected in rates. PSCo is required to fund postretirement benefit costs in irrevocable external trusts that are dedicated to the payment of these postretirement benefits. These assets are invested in a manner consistent with the investment strategy for the pension plan. Xcel Energy’s ongoing investment strategy is based on plan-specific investment recommendations that seek to minimize potential investment and interest rate risk as a plan’s funded status increases over time. The investment recommendations result in a greater percentage of long-duration fixed income securities being allocated to specific plans having relatively higher funded status ratios and a greater percentage of growth assets being allocated to plans having relatively lower funded status ratios. Plan Assets The following presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, Xcel Energy’s pension plan assets measured at fair value: Dec. 31, 2018 (a) Dec. 31, 2017 (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Cash equivalents $ 137 $ — $ — $ — $ 137 $ 196 $ — $ — $ — $ 196 Commingled funds: 914 — — 987 1,901 1,054 — — 1,075 2,129 Debt securities: — 621 — — 621 — 673 — — 673 Equity securities: 106 — — — 106 114 — — — 114 Other 2 5 — (30 ) (23 ) (29 ) 4 — 1 (24 ) Total $ 1,159 $ 626 $ — $ 957 $ 2,742 $ 1,335 $ 677 $ — $ 1,076 $ 3,088 (a) See Note 10 for further information regarding fair value measurement inputs and methods. The following presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, Xcel Energy’s postretirement benefit plan assets that were measured at fair value: Dec. 31, 2018 (a) Dec. 31, 2017 (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Cash equivalents $ 19 $ — $ — $ — $ 19 $ 29 $ — $ — $ — $ 29 Insurance contracts — 45 — — 45 — 50 — — 50 Commingled funds 133 — — 40 173 148 — — — 148 Debt securities — 179 — — 179 — 198 — — 198 Equity securities — — — — — 35 — — — 35 Other — 1 — — 1 — 1 — — 1 Total $ 152 $ 225 $ — $ 40 $ 417 $ 212 $ 249 $ — $ — $ 461 (a) See Note 10 for further information on fair value measurement inputs and methods. No assets were transferred in or out of Level 3 for 2018 and 2017. Funded Status — Comparisons of the actuarially computed benefit obligation, changes in plan assets and funded status of the pension and postretirement health care plans for Xcel Energy are as follows: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in Benefit Obligation: Obligation at Jan. 1 $ 3,828 $ 3,682 $ 621 $ 603 Service cost 94 94 2 2 Interest cost 133 147 22 24 Plan amendments — (13 ) — — Actuarial (gain) loss (224 ) 259 (62 ) 33 Plan participants’ contributions — — 8 8 Medicare subsidy reimbursements — — 1 1 Benefit payments (a) (354 ) (341 ) (50 ) (50 ) Obligation at Dec. 31 $ 3,477 $ 3,828 $ 542 $ 621 Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at Jan. 1 $ 3,088 $ 2,856 $ 461 $ 442 Actual return on plan assets (142 ) 411 (13 ) 41 Employer contributions 150 162 11 20 Plan participants’ contributions — — 8 8 Benefit payments (354 ) (341 ) (50 ) (50 ) Fair value of plan assets at Dec. 31 $ 2,742 $ 3,088 $ 417 $ 461 Funded status of plans at Dec. 31 $ (735 ) $ (740 ) $ (125 ) $ (160 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at Dec. 31: Current liabilities $ — $ — $ (7 ) $ (3 ) Noncurrent liabilities (735 ) (740 ) (118 ) (157 ) Net amounts recognized $ (735 ) $ (740 ) $ (125 ) $ (160 ) (a) Includes approximately $198 million in 2018 and $174 million in 2017 of lump-sum benefit payments used in the determination of a settlement charge. Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Benefit Obligations: Discount rate for year-end valuation 4.31 % 3.63 % 4.32 % 3.62 % Expected average long-term increase in compensation level 3.75 3.75 N/A N/A Mortality table RP-2014 RP-2014 RP-2014 RP-2014 Health care costs trend rate — initial: Pre-65 N/A N/A 6.50 % 7.00 % Health care costs trend rate — initial: Post-65 N/A N/A 5.35 % 5.50 % Ultimate trend assumption — initial: Pre-65 N/A N/A 4.50 % 4.50 % Ultimate trend assumption — initial: Post-65 N/A N/A 4.50 % 4.50 % Years until ultimate trend is reached N/A N/A 4 5 Accumulated benefit obligation for the pension plan was $3,275 million and $3,612 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) — Net periodic benefit cost (credit), other than the service cost component, is included in other income in the consolidated statements of income. Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets and liabilities: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Service cost $ 94 $ 94 $ 92 $ 2 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 133 147 160 22 24 26 Expected return on plan assets (209 ) (209 ) (210 ) (26 ) (25 ) (25 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5 ) (2 ) (2 ) (11 ) (11 ) (11 ) Amortization of net loss 111 107 97 8 7 4 Settlement charge (a) 91 81 — — — — Net periodic pension cost (credit) 215 218 137 (5 ) (3 ) (4 ) Costs not recognized due to effects of regulation (75 ) (79 ) (15 ) 2 — — Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting $ 140 $ 139 $ 122 $ (3 ) $ (3 ) $ (4 ) Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Costs: Discount rate 3.63 % 4.13 % 4.66 % 3.62 % 4.13 % 4.65 % Expected average long-term increase in compensation level 3.75 3.75 4.00 — — — Expected average long-term rate of return on assets 6.87 6.87 6.87 5.30 5.80 5.80 (a) A settlement charge is required when the amount of all lump-sum distributions during the year is greater than the sum of the service and interest cost components of the annual net periodic pension cost. In 2018 and 2017, as a result of lump-sum distributions during the 2018 and 2017 plan years, Xcel Energy recorded a total pension settlement charge of $91 million in 2018 and $81 million in 2017, the majority of which was not recognized due to the effects of regulation. A total of $11 million and $8 million was recorded in the consolidated statements of income in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Net loss $ 1,633 $ 1,709 $ 116 $ 147 Prior service credit (20 ) (25 ) (33 ) (44 ) Total $ 1,613 $ 1,684 $ 83 $ 103 Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Have Been Recorded as Follows Based Upon Expected Recovery in Rates: Current regulatory assets $ 94 $ 100 $ — $ — Noncurrent regulatory assets 1,446 1,511 89 107 Current regulatory liabilities — — (1 ) (1 ) Noncurrent regulatory liabilities — — (10 ) (10 ) Deferred income taxes 19 19 1 2 Net-of-tax accumulated other comprehensive income 54 54 4 5 Total $ 1,613 $ 1,684 $ 83 $ 103 Measurement date Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Cash Flows — Funding requirements can be impacted by changes to actuarial assumptions, actual asset levels and other calculations prescribed by the requirements of income tax and other pension-related regulations. Required contributions were made in 2016 - 2019 to meet minimum funding requirements. Voluntary and required pension funding contributions: • $150 million in January 2019; • $150 million in 2018; • $162 million in 2017; and, • $125 million in 2016. The postretirement health care plans have no funding requirements other than fulfilling benefit payment obligations, when claims are presented and approved. Additional cash funding requirements are prescribed by certain state and federal rate regulatory authorities. Voluntary postretirement funding contributions: • Expects to contribute approximately $11 million during 2019; • $11 million during 2018; • $20 million during 2017; and, • $18 million during 2016. Targeted asset allocations: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Domestic and international equity securities 36 % 36 % 18 % 24 % Long-duration fixed income securities 30 27 — — Short-to-intermediate fixed income securities 17 20 70 60 Alternative investments 15 15 8 9 Cash 2 2 4 7 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % Plan Amendments — The Xcel Energy Pension Plan and Xcel Energy Inc. Nonbargaining Pension Plan (South) were amended in 2017 to reduce supplemental benefits for non-bargaining participants as well as to allow the transfer of a portion of non-qualified pension obligations into the qualified plans. In 2016, the Xcel Energy Pension Plan was amended to change the discount rate basis for lump-sum conversion to annuity participants and annuity conversion to lump-sum participants. Annual credits contributed to the PSCo Bargaining Plan retirement spending account also increased. In 2018 and 2017, there were no plan amendments made which affected the postretirement benefit obligation. Projected Benefit Payments Xcel Energy’s projected benefit payments: (Millions of Dollars) Projected Gross Projected Expected Net Projected 2019 $ 281 $ 45 $ 2 $ 43 2020 260 45 2 43 2021 259 45 2 43 2022 260 44 2 42 2023 259 43 2 41 2024-2028 1,238 197 13 184 Defined Contribution Plans Xcel Energy maintains 401(k) and other defined contribution plans that cover most employees. Total expense to these plans was approximately $38 million in 2018, $37 million in 2017 and $36 million in 2016. Multiemployer Plans NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin each contribute to several union multiemployer pension and other postretirement benefit plans, none of which are individually significant. These plans provide pension and postretirement health care benefits to certain union employees who may perform services for multiple employers and do not participate in the NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin sponsored pension and postretirement health care plans. Contributing to these types of plans creates risk that differs from providing benefits under NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin sponsored plans, in that if another participating employer ceases to contribute to a multiemployer plan, additional unfunded obligations may need to be funded over time by remaining participating employers. |
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies | Commitments and Contingencies Legal Xcel Energy is involved in various litigation matters that are being defended and handled in the ordinary course of business. Assessing whether a loss is probable or a reasonable possibility, and whether the loss or a range of loss is estimable, often involves complex judgments regarding future events. Management maintains accruals for losses that are probable of being incurred and subject to reasonable estimation. Management may be unable to estimate an amount or range of a reasonably possible loss in certain situations, including when (1) the damages sought are indeterminate, (2) the proceedings are in the early stages, or (3) the matters involve novel or unsettled legal theories. In such cases, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the timing or ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss. For current proceedings not specifically reported herein, management does not anticipate the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Xcel Energy’s financial statements. Unless otherwise required by GAAP, legal fees are expensed as incurred. Gas Trading Litigation — e prime is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy. e prime was in the business of natural gas trading and marketing but has not engaged in natural gas trading or marketing activities since 2003. Multiple lawsuits seeking monetary damages were commenced against e prime and its affiliates, including Xcel Energy, between 2003 and 2009 alleging fraud and anticompetitive activities in conspiring to restrain the trade of natural gas and manipulate natural gas prices. Cases were all consolidated in the U.S. District Court in Nevada. In the fourth quarter of 2018, four cases were settled. Two cases remain active which include an MDL matter consisting of a Colorado class (Breckenridge) and a Wisconsin class (Arandell Corp.). Breckenridge/Colorado — Case has been remanded to the MDL panel, and is expected to be referred back to the U.S. District Court in Colorado. Xcel Energy has concluded that a loss is remote. Arandell Corp. — In November 2017, the U.S. District Court in Nevada granted summary judgment against two plaintiffs in the Arandell Corp. case in favor of Xcel Energy and NSP-Wisconsin, leaving only three individual plaintiffs remaining in the litigation. In addition, the plaintiffs’ motions for class certification and remand back to originating courts were denied in March 2017. Plaintiffs have asked the lower court to remand the cases back to the court where the actions were originally filed anticipating class certification. A hearing date has not been set. Xcel Energy has concluded that a loss is remote. Line Extension Disputes — In December 2015, the DRC filed a lawsuit seeking monetary damages in the Denver District Court, stating PSCo failed to award proper allowances and refunds for line extensions to new developments pursuant to the terms of electric and gas service agreements. The dispute involves claims by over fifty developers. In February 2018, the Colorado Supreme Court denied DRC’s petition to appeal the Denver District Court’s dismissal of the lawsuit, effectively terminating this litigation. However, in January 2018, DRC filed a new lawsuit in Boulder County District Court, asserting a single claim that PSCo was required to file its line extension agreements with the CPUC but failed to do so. This claim is substantially similar to the arguments previously raised by DRC. PSCo filed a motion to dismiss this claim, which was granted in May 2018. DRC subsequently filed an appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals with its opening brief in January 2019 and PSCo filed its answer brief in February 2019. It is uncertain when a decision will be rendered. PSCo has concluded that a loss is remote with respect to both of these matters as the service agreements were developed to implement CPUC approved tariffs and PSCo has complied with the tariff provisions. If a loss were sustained, PSCo believes it would be allowed to recover costs through traditional regulatory mechanisms. Amount or range in dispute is presently unknown and no accrual has been recorded for this matter. Rate Matters NSP-Minnesota — Sherco — In NSP-Minnesota’s 2013 fuel reconciliation filing, the MPUC made recovery of replacement power costs associated with the 2011 incident at its Sherco Unit 3 plant provisional and subject to further review following conclusion of litigation commenced by NSP-Minnesota, SMMPA (Co-owner of Sherco Unit 3) and insurance companies against GE. In 2018, NSP-Minnesota and SMMPA reached a settlement with GE. NSP-Minnesota has notified the MPUC of its proposal to refund the GE settlement proceeds back to customers through the FCA. The insurance providers continued their litigation against GE and the case went to trial. In 2018, GE prevailed in the lawsuit with the insurance companies, however, the jury found comparable fault, finding that GE was 52% and NSP-Minnesota was 48% at fault. At that point in the litigation, NSP-Minnesota was no longer involved in the case and was not present to make arguments about its role in the event. The specific issue leading to the fault apportionment was also not before the jury and not relevant to the outcome of the trial. In January 2019, the DOC recommended that NSP-Minnesota refund $20 million of previously recovered purchased power costs to its customers, based on the jury’s apportionment of fault. The OAG recommended the MPUC withhold any decision until the underlying litigation by the insurance providers (currently under appeal) is concluded. The DOC subsequently filed comments agreeing with the OAG’s recommendation to withhold a decision pending the outcome of any appeals. NSP-Minnesota filed reply comments arguing that the DOC recommendations are without merit and that it acted prudently in operating the plant and its settlement with GE was reasonable. MISO ROE Complaints — In November 2013 and February 2015, customers filed complaints against MISO TOs including NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin. The first complaint argued for a reduction in the base ROE in MISO transmission formula rates from 12.38% to 9.15% , and removal of ROE adders (including those for RTO membership). The second complaint sought to reduce base ROE from 12.38% to 8.67% . In September 2016, the FERC issued an order granting a 10.32% base ROE ( 10.82% with the RTO adder) effective for the first complaint period of Nov. 12, 2013 to Feb. 11, 2015 and subsequent to the date of the order. The D.C. Circuit subsequently vacated and remanded FERC Opinion No. 531, which had established the ROE methodology on which the September 2016 FERC order was based. In October 2018, the FERC issued a NETO base ROE order that addressed the D.C. Circuit’s actions on Opinion No. 531. Under a new proposed two step ROE approach, the FERC has indicated an intention to dismiss an ROE complaint if the existing ROE falls within the range of just and reasonable ROEs based on equal weighting of the DCF, CAPM, and Expected Earnings models. The FERC proposes that if necessary, it would then set a new ROE by averaging the results of these models plus a Risk Premium model. With respect to the MISO TOs, the FERC subsequently made preliminary determinations in a November 2018 order that the MISO base ROE in effect for the first complaint period ( 12.38% ) was outside the range of reasonableness, and should be reduced. The FERC indicated its preliminary analysis using the new ROE approach resulted in a base ROE of 10.28% for the first compliant period, compared to the previously ordered base ROE of 10.32% . A procedural schedule has been set for the first half of 2019, with the FERC expected to act no earlier than the second half of 2019. NSP-Minnesota has recognized a current refund liability consistent with its best estimate of the final ROE. SPP OATT Upgrade Costs — Under the SPP OATT, costs of transmission upgrades may be recovered from other SPP customers whose transmission service depends on capacity enabled by the upgrade. The SPP OATT has allowed SPP to charge for these upgrades since 2008, but SPP had not been charging its customers for these upgrades. In 2016, the FERC granted SPP’s request to recover these previously unbilled charges. SPP subsequently billed SPS approximately $13 million for these charges. In July 2018, SPS’ appeal to the D.C. Circuit over the FERC rulings granting SPP the right to recover these previously unbilled charges was remanded to the FERC. Assessment of these charges (from 2008 - 2016) is being reviewed by the FERC, which is expected to rule in the first quarter of 2019. In October 2017, SPS filed a separate complaint against SPP asserting that SPP has assessed upgrade charges to SPS in violation of the SPP OATT. The FERC has granted a rehearing for further consideration in May 2018. The timing of FERC action on the SPS rehearing is uncertain. If SPS’ complaint results in additional charges or refunds, it will seek to recover or refund the differential in future rate proceedings. Environmental New and changing federal and state environmental mandates can create financial liabilities for Xcel Energy, which are normally recovered through the regulated rate process. Site Remediation — Various federal and state environmental laws impose liability where hazardous substances or other regulated materials have been released to the environment. Xcel Energy Inc.’s subsidiaries may sometimes pay all or a portion of the cost to remediate sites where past activities of their predecessors or other parties have caused environmental contamination. Environmental contingencies could arise from various situations, including sites of former MGPs; and third-party sites, such as landfills, for which one or more of Xcel Energy Inc.’s subsidiaries are alleged to have sent wastes to that site. MGP Sites Ashland MGP Site — NSP-Wisconsin was named a responsible party for contamination at the Ashland/Northern States Power Lakefront Superfund Site (the Site) in Ashland, Wisconsin. Remediation and restoration activities are anticipated to be completed in 2019 and groundwater treatment activities will continue for many years. Current cost estimate for remediation of the entire site is approximately $192 million , of which approximately $165 million has been spent. As of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, NSP-Wisconsin recorded a total liability of $27 million and $30 million , respectively, for the entire site. NSP-Wisconsin has deferred the unrecovered portion of the estimated Site remediation costs as a regulatory asset. The PSCW has authorized NSP-Wisconsin rate recovery for all remediation costs incurred at the Site. In 2012, the PSCW agreed to allow NSP-Wisconsin to pre-collect certain costs, to amortize costs over a 10 -year period and to apply a 3% carrying cost to the unamortized regulatory asset. MGP, Landfill or Disposal Sites — Xcel Energy is currently investigating or remediating twelve MGP, landfill or other disposal sites across its service territories, in addition to the Ashland MGP Site, and these activities will continue through at least 2019. Xcel Energy accrued $9 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and $19 million as of Dec. 31, 2017 for these sites. There may be insurance recovery and/or recovery from other potentially responsible parties, offsetting a portion of the costs incurred. Environmental Requirements — Water and Waste Coal Ash Regulation — Xcel Energy’s operations are subject to federal and state laws that impose requirements for handling, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste. In 2015, the EPA published the CCR Rule. Litigation was brought challenging the rule in the D.C. Circuit. Under the CCR Rule, utilities are required to complete groundwater sampling around their CCR landfills and surface impoundments. Xcel Energy has identified at least two sites in Colorado where SSLs exist in the groundwater near landfills and/or impoundments. Xcel Energy has completed removal of CCR from these impoundments and plans to close these landfills. By the end of 2019, only nine of Xcel Energy’s regulated ash units are expected to be in operation. Xcel Energy is conducting additional groundwater sampling and will evaluate whether corrective action is required at any CCR landfills or surface impoundments. Until Xcel Energy completes its assessment, it is uncertain what impact, if any, there will be on the operations, financial condition or cash flows. In August 2018, the D.C. Circuit ruled that the EPA cannot allow utilities to continue to use unlined impoundments (including clay lined impoundments) for the storage or disposal of coal ash. Litigation is ongoing regarding the deadline for closing or retrofitting these impoundments. The decision will require Xcel Energy to expedite closure of one impoundment in Minnesota (see ARO removal costs below) and will require construction of a new impoundment, which is estimated to cost $6 million . Federal CWA WOTUS Rule — In 2015, the EPA and Corps published a final rule that significantly broadened the scope of waters under the CWA that are subject to federal jurisdiction, referred to as “WOTUS”. The Rule has been subject to significant litigation and is currently stayed in a portion of the country. Xcel Energy cannot estimate potential impacts until the legal and administrative processes are finalized, but expects costs will be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms. Federal CWA ELG — In 2015, the EPA issued a final ELG rule for power plants that discharge treated effluent to surface waters as well as utility-owned landfills that receive CCRs. In 2017, the EPA delayed the compliance date for flue gas desulfurization wastewater and bottom ash transport until November 2020. After 2020, Xcel Energy estimates that ELG compliance will cost approximately $12 million to complete. The EPA, however, is conducting a rulemaking process to potentially revise the effluent limitations and pretreatment standards, which may impact compliance costs. Xcel Energy anticipates these costs will be fully recoverable through regulatory mechanisms. Federal CWA Section 316(b) — The federal CWA requires the EPA to regulate cooling water intake structures to assure that these structures reflect the best technology available for minimizing impingement and entrainment of aquatic species. Xcel Energy estimates the likely cost for complying with impingement and entrainment requirements is approximately $40 million , to be incurred between 2019 and 2028. Xcel Energy believes six NSP-Minnesota plants and two NSP-Wisconsin plants could be required by state regulators to make improvements to reduce impingement and entrainment. The exact total cost of the impingement and entrainment improvements is uncertain, but could be up to approximately $200 million . Xcel Energy anticipates these costs will be fully recoverable through regulatory mechanisms. Environmental Requirements — Air Regional Haze Rules — The regional haze program requires SO 2 , NO X and PM emission controls at power plants to reduce visibility impairment in national parks and wilderness areas. The program includes BART and reasonable further progress. The requirements of the first regional haze plans developed by Minnesota and Colorado have been approved and implemented. Texas’ first regional haze plan has undergone federal review as described below. BART Determination for Texas: The EPA has issued a revised final rule adopting a BART alternative Texas only SO 2 trading program that applies to all Harrington and Tolk units. Under the trading program, SPS expects the allowance allocations to be sufficient for SO 2 emissions. The anticipated costs of compliance are not expected to have a material impact; and SPS believes that compliance costs would be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms. Several parties have challenged whether the final rule issued by the EPA should be considered to have met the requirements imposed in a Consent Decree entered by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia that established deadlines for the EPA to take final action on state regional haze plan submissions. The court has required status reports from the parties while the EPA works on the reconsideration rulemaking. In December 2017, the National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, and Environmental Defense Fund appealed the EPA’s 2017 final BART rule to the Fifth Circuit and filed a petition for administrative reconsideration. In January 2018, the court granted SPS’ motion to intervene in the Fifth Circuit litigation in support of the EPA’s final rule. The court has held the litigation in abeyance while the EPA decided whether to reconsider the rule. In August 2018, the EPA started a reconsideration rulemaking. It is not known when the EPA will make a final decision on this proposal. Reasonable Progress Rule: In 2016, the EPA adopted a final rule establishing a federal implementation plan for reasonable further progress under the regional haze program for the state of Texas. The rule imposes SO 2 emission limitations that would require the installation of dry scrubbers on Tolk Units 1 and 2, with compliance required by February 2021. Investment costs associated with dry scrubbers could be $600 million . SPS appealed the EPA’s decision and obtained a stay of the final rule. In March 2017, the Fifth Circuit remanded the rule to the EPA for reconsideration, leaving the stay in effect. In a future rulemaking, the EPA will address whether SO 2 emission reductions beyond those required in the BART alternative rule are needed at Tolk under the “reasonable progress” requirements. The EPA has not announced a schedule for acting on the remanded rule. Implementation of the NAAQS for SO 2 — The EPA has designated all areas near SPS’ generating plants as attaining the SO 2 NAAQS with an exception. The EPA issued final designations which found the area near the SPS Harrington plant as “unclassifiable.” The area near the Harrington plant is to be monitored for three years and a final designation is expected to be made by December 2020. If the area near the Harrington plant is designated nonattainment in 2020, the TCEQ will need to develop an implementation plan, designed to achieve the NAAQS by 2025. The TCEQ could require additional SO 2 controls at Harrington as part of such a plan. Xcel Energy cannot evaluate the impacts until the final designation is made and any required state plans are developed. Xcel Energy believes that should SO 2 control systems be required for a plant, compliance costs or the costs of alternative cost-effective generation will be recoverable through regulatory mechanisms and therefore does not expect a material impact on results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. AROs — AROs have been recorded for Xcel Energy’s assets. For nuclear assets, the ARO is associated with the decommissioning of the NSP-Minnesota nuclear generating plants, Monticello and PI. Aggregate fair value of NSP-Minnesota’s legally restricted assets, for funding future nuclear decommissioning, was $2.1 billion for 2018 and 2017 . Xcel Energy’s AROs were as follows: Dec. 31, 2018 (Millions of Dollars) Jan. 1, 2018 Amounts Incurred (a) Amounts Settled (b) Accretion Cash Flow Revisions (c) Dec. 31, 2018 Electric Nuclear $ 1,874 $ — $ — $ 94 $ — $ 1,968 Steam, hydro, and other production 192 — (14 ) 8 (9 ) 177 Wind 96 12 — 4 7 119 Distribution 21 — — 1 20 42 Miscellaneous 5 — — — 2 7 Natural gas Transmission and distribution 282 — — 13 (46 ) 249 Miscellaneous 4 — — — — 4 Common Miscellaneous 1 — — — — 1 Non-utility Miscellaneous — 1 — — — 1 Total liability $ 2,475 $ 13 $ (14 ) $ 120 $ (26 ) $ 2,568 (a) Amounts incurred related to the PSCo Rush Creek wind farm and Nicollet Projects community solar gardens, which were placed in service in 2018. (b) Amounts settled related to asbestos abatement projects and closure of certain ash containment facilities. (c) In 2018, AROs were revised for changes in timing and estimates of cash flows. Changes in gas transmission and distribution AROs were primarily related to increased gas line mileage and number of services, which were more than offset by increased discount rates. Changes in electric distribution AROs primarily related to increased labor costs. Dec. 31, 2017 (Millions of Dollars) Jan. 1, 2017 Amounts Incurred Amounts Settled (a) Accretion Cash Flow Revisions (b) Dec. 31, 2017 Electric Nuclear $ 2,249 $ — $ — $ 114 $ (489 ) $ 1,874 Steam, hydro, and other production 205 1 (29 ) 9 6 192 Wind 92 — — 4 — 96 Distribution 20 — — 1 — 21 Miscellaneous 5 — — — — 5 Natural gas Transmission and distribution 205 — — 8 69 282 Miscellaneous 4 — — — — 4 Common Miscellaneous 2 — (1 ) — — 1 Total liability $ 2,782 $ 1 $ (30 ) $ 136 $ (414 ) $ 2,475 (a) Amounts settled related to asbestos abatement, closure of ash containment facilities, and removal and disposal of storage tanks and other above ground equipment. (b) In 2017, AROs were revised for changes in timing and estimates of cash flows. Nuclear AROs decreased due to updated assumptions. Changes in gas transmission and distribution AROs were primarily related to increased labor costs. Indeterminate AROs — Other plants or buildings may contain asbestos due to the age of many of Xcel Energy’s facilities, but no confirmation or measurement of the cost of removal could be determined as of Dec. 31, 2018. Therefore, an ARO was not recorded for these facilities. Removal Costs — Xcel Energy records a regulatory liability for the plant removal costs of its utility subsidiaries that are recovered currently in rates. Removal costs have accumulated based on varying rates as authorized by the appropriate regulatory entities. The utility subsidiaries have estimated the amount of removal costs accumulated through historic depreciation expense based on current factors used in the existing depreciation rates. Accumulated balances by entity at Dec. 31 : (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 NSP-Minnesota $ 485 $ 442 PSCo 344 346 SPS 188 197 NSP-Wisconsin 158 146 Total Xcel Energy $ 1,175 $ 1,131 Nuclear Related Nuclear Insurance — NSP-Minnesota’s public liability for claims from any nuclear incident is limited to $14.1 billion under the Price-Anderson amendment to the Atomic Energy Act. NSP-Minnesota has secured $450 million of coverage for its public liability exposure with a pool of insurance companies. The remaining $13.6 billion of exposure is funded by the Secondary Financial Protection Program, available from assessments by the federal government. NSP-Minnesota is subject to assessments of up to $138 million per reactor-incident for each of its three licensed reactors, for public liability arising from a nuclear incident at any licensed nuclear facility in the United States. The maximum funding requirement is $21 million per reactor-incident during any one year. Maximum assessments are subject to inflation adjustments by the NRC and state premium taxes. The NRC’s last adjustment was effective November 2018. NSP-Minnesota purchases insurance for property damage and site decontamination cleanup costs from NEIL and EMANI. The coverage limits are $2.3 billion for each of NSP-Minnesota’s two nuclear plant sites. NEIL also provides business interruption insurance coverage, including the cost of replacement power during prolonged accidental outages of nuclear generating units. Premiums are expensed over the policy term. All companies insured with NEIL are subject to retroactive premium adjustments if losses exceed accumulated reserve funds. Capital has been accumulated in the reserve funds of NEIL and EMANI to the extent that NSP-Minnesota would have no exposure for retroactive premium assessments in case of a single incident under the business interruption and the property damage insurance coverage. NSP-Minnesota could be subject to annual maximum assessments of approximately $18 million for business interruption insurance and $39 million for property damage insurance if losses exceed accumulated reserve funds. Nuclear Fuel Disposal — NSP-Minnesota is responsible for temporarily storing spent nuclear fuel from its nuclear plants. The DOE is responsible for permanently storing spent fuel from U.S. nuclear plants, but no such facility is yet available. NSP-Minnesota owns temporary on-site storage facilities for spent fuel at its Monticello and PI nuclear plants, which consist of storage pools and dry cask facilities. The Monticello dry-cask storage facility currently stores all 30 of the authorized canisters. The PI dry-cask storage facility currently stores 44 of the 64 authorized casks. Monticello’s future spent fuel will continue to be placed in its spent fuel pool. The decommissioning plan addresses the disposition of spent fuel at the end of the licensed life. Regulatory Plant Decommissioning Recovery — Decommissioning activities for NSP-Minnesota’s nuclear facilities are planned to begin at the end of each unit’s operating license and be completed by 2091. NSP-Minnesota’s current operating licenses allow continued use of its Monticello nuclear plant until 2030 and its PI nuclear plant until 2033 for Unit 1 and 2034 for Unit 2. Future decommissioning costs of nuclear facilities are estimated through triennial periodic studies that assess the costs and timing of planned nuclear decommissioning activities for each unit. Obligation for decommissioning is expected to be funded 100% by the external decommissioning trust fund. This cost study assumes the external decommissioning fund will earn an after-tax return between 5.23% and 6.30% Realized and unrealized gains on fund investments are deferred as an offset of NSP-Minnesota’s regulatory asset for nuclear decommissioning costs. Decommissioning costs are quantified in 2014 dollars. Escalation rates are 4.36% for plant removal activities and 3.36% for fuel management and site restoration activities. NSP-Minnesota has accumulated $2.1 billion of assets held in external decommissioning trusts in 2018. The following table summarizes the funded status of NSP-Minnesota’s decommissioning obligation. Xcel Energy believes future decommissioning costs will continue to be recovered in customer rates. The following amounts were prepared on a regulatory basis and not directly recorded in the financial statements (ARO). Regulatory Basis (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Estimated decommissioning cost obligation from most recently approved study (in 2014 dollars) $ 3,012 $ 3,012 Effect of escalating costs 539 396 Estimated decommissioning cost obligation (in current dollars) 3,551 3,408 Effect of escalating costs to payment date 7,654 7,797 Estimated future decommissioning costs (undiscounted) 11,205 11,205 Effect of discounting obligation (using average risk-free interest rate of 3.33% and 2.80% for 2018 and 2017, respectively) (6,911 ) (6,398 ) Discounted decommissioning cost obligation $ 4,294 $ 4,807 Assets held in external decommissioning trust $ 2,055 $ 2,143 Underfunding of external decommissioning fund compared to the discounted decommissioning obligation 2,239 2,664 Calculations and data used by the regulator in approving NSP-Minnesota’s rates are useful in assessing future cash flows. Regulatory basis information is a means to reconcile amounts previously provided to the MPUC and utilized for regulatory purposes to amounts used for financial reporting. Reconciliation of the discounted decommissioning cost obligation - regulated basis to the ARO recorded in accordance with GAAP: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Discounted decommissioning cost obligation - regulated basis $ 4,294 $ 4,807 Differences in discount rate and market risk premium (1,447 ) (1,403 ) O&M costs not included for GAAP (879 ) (1,041 ) ARO differences between 2017 and 2014 cost studies — (489 ) Nuclear production decommissioning ARO - GAAP $ 1,968 $ 1,874 Decommissioning expenses recognized as a result of regulation: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Annual decommissioning recorded as depreciation expense: (a) (b) $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 (a) Decommissioning expense does not include depreciation of the capitalized nuclear asset retirement costs. (b) Decommissioning expenses in 2018, 2017 and 2016 include Minnesota’s retail jurisdiction annual funding requirement of approximately $14 million. The 2014 nuclear decommissioning filing, approved in 2015, was used for regulatory presentation in 2018, 2017 and 2016. The 2017 filing, effective Jan. 1, 2019, has been approved by the MPUC. Leases — Xcel Energy has three leases accounted for as capital leases. The assets and liabilities of a capital lease are recorded at the lower of fair market value of the leased asset or the present value of future lease payments and are amortized over the term of the contract. WYCO is a joint venture with CIG to develop and lease natural gas pipeline, storage and compression facilities. Xcel Energy Inc. has a 50% ownership interest in WYCO. WYCO leases its facilities to CIG, and CIG operates the facilities, providing natural gas storage and transportation services to PSCo under separate service agreements. PSCo accounts for its Totem natural gas storage service arrangement with CIG as a capital lease. Xcel Energy Inc. eliminates 50% of the capital lease obligation related to WYCO in the consolidated balance sheet along with an equal amount of Xcel Energy Inc.’s equity investment in WYCO. PSCo records amortization for its capital lease assets as electric fuel and purchased power and cost of natural gas sold and transported on the consolidated statements of income. Property held under capital leases: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Gas storage facilities $ 201 $ 201 Gas pipeline 21 21 Property held under capital leases 222 222 Accumulated depreciation (77 ) (71 ) Total property held under capital leases, net $ 145 $ 151 Remaining leases, primarily for real estate and certain natural gas generating facilities operated under PPAs, as well as railcars, aircraft and other equipment, are accounted for as operating leases. Total expenses (including capacity payments) under operating lease obligations for Xcel Energy and the corresponding capacity payments for PPAs accounted for as operating leases for the year ended Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Total expense $ 248 $ 246 $ 255 Capacity payments 210 210 216 Included in the future commitments under operating leases are estimated future capacity payments under PPAs that have been accounted for as operating leases. Future commitments under operating and capital leases: (Millions of Dollars) Operating Leases PPA (a) (b) Operating Leases Total Leases Capital Leases 2019 $ 32 $ 207 $ 239 $ 14 2020 26 208 234 14 2021 25 210 235 14 2022 24 197 221 12 2023 22 186 208 12 Thereafter 154 883 1,037 220 Total minimum obligation 286 Interest component of obligation (201 ) Present value of minimum obligation $ 85 (c) (a) Amounts do not include PPAs accounted for as executory contracts. (b) PPA operating leases contractually expire through 2034 . (c) Excludes certain amounts related to Xcel Energy’s 50% ownership interest in WYCO. Non-Lease PPAs — NSP Minnesota, PSCo and SPS have entered into PPAs with other utilities and energy suppliers with exp i ration dates through 2039 for purchased power to meet system load and energy requirements, meet operating reserve obligations and as part of wholesale and commodity trading activities. In general, these agreements provide for energy payments, based on actual energy delivered and capacity payments. Certain PPAs accounted for as executory contracts contain minimum energy purchase commitments. Capacity and energy payments are contingent on the IPPs meeting contract obligations, including plant availability requirements. Certain contractual payments are adjusted based on market indices. The effects of price adjustments on our financial results are mitigated through purchased energy cost recovery mechanisms. Included in electric fuel and purchased power expenses for PPAs accounted for as executory contracts were payments for capacity of $131 million , $168 million and $191 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At Dec. 31, 2018 , the estimated future payments for capacity and energy that the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy are obligated to purchase pursuant to these executory contracts, subject to availability, were as follows: (Millions of Dollars) Capacity Energy (a) 2019 $ 86 $ 99 2020 70 109 2021 78 157 2022 77 173 2023 79 177 Thereafter 125 328 Total $ 515 $ 1,043 (a) Excludes contingent energy payments for renewable energy PPAs. Fuel Contracts — |
Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] | |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] | 13. Other Comprehensive Income Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of tax, for the years ended Dec. 31: 2018 (Millions of Dollars) Gains and Defined Benefit Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Jan. 1 $ (58 ) $ (67 ) $ (125 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (net of taxes of $(2) and $(2), respectively) (5 ) (6 ) (11 ) Losses reclassified from net accumulated other comprehensive loss: Interest rate derivatives (net of taxes of $1 and $0, respectively) 3 (a) — 3 Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $0 and $3, respectively) — 9 (b) 9 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (2 ) 3 1 Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Dec. 31 $ (60 ) $ (64 ) $ (124 ) 2017 (Millions of Dollars) Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Jan. 1 $ (51 ) $ (59 ) $ (110 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (net of taxes of $0 and $(2), respectively) — (3 ) (3 ) Losses reclassified from net accumulated other comprehensive loss: Interest rate derivatives (net of taxes of $2 and $0, respectively) 3 (a) — 3 Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $0 and $5, respectively) — 7 (b) $ 7 Net current period other comprehensive income 3 4 7 Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 (c) (10 ) (12 ) (22 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Dec. 31 $ (58 ) $ (67 ) $ (125 ) (a) Included in interest charges. (b) Included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs. (c) In 2017, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2018-02 related to the TCJA, which resulted in reclassification of certain credit balances within net accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. |
Segments and Related Informatio
Segments and Related Information | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Segment Information | 14. Segments and Related Information Regulated electric utility operating results of NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS, as well as the regulated natural gas utility operating results of NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin and PSCo are each separately and regularly reviewed by Xcel Energy’s chief operating decision maker. Xcel Energy evaluates performance by each utility subsidiary based on profit or loss generated from the product or service provided. These segments are managed separately because the revenue streams are dependent upon regulated rate recovery, which is separately determined for each segment. Xcel Energy has the following reportable segments: • Regulated Electric - The regulated electric utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. In addition, this segment includes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the United States. The regulated electric utility segment also includes wholesale commodity and trading operations. • Regulated Natural Gas - The regulated natural gas utility segment transports, stores and distributes natural gas primarily in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan and Colorado. • All Other - Operating segments with revenues below the necessary quantitative thresholds are included in this category. Those segments primarily include steam revenue, appliance repair services, non-utility real estate activities, revenues associated with processing solid waste into refuse-derived fuel and investments in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits. Xcel Energy had equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries of $141 million and $140 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, included in the natural gas utility and all other segments. Asset and capital expenditure information is not provided for Xcel Energy’s reportable segments. As an integrated electric and natural gas utility, Xcel Energy operates significant assets that are not dedicated to a specific business segment. Reporting assets and capital expenditures by business segment would require arbitrary and potentially misleading allocations which may not necessarily reflect the assets that would be required for the operation of the business segments on a stand-alone basis. Certain costs, such as common depreciation, common O&M expenses and interest expense are allocated based on cost causation allocators across each segment. In addition, a general allocator is used for certain general and administrative expenses, including office supplies, rent, property insurance and general advertising. Xcel Energy’s segment information: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Regulated Electric Operating revenues from external customers $ 9,719 $ 9,676 $ 9,500 Intersegment revenue 1 2 1 Total revenues $ 9,720 $ 9,678 $ 9,501 Depreciation and amortization 1,421 1,298 1,136 Interest charges and financing costs 449 449 450 Income tax expense 187 528 567 Net income 1,177 1,066 1,067 Regulated Natural Gas Operating revenues from external customers $ 1,739 $ 1,650 $ 1,531 Intersegment revenue 2 1 1 Total revenues $ 1,741 $ 1,651 $ 1,532 Depreciation and amortization 212 174 160 Interest charges and financing costs 61 57 54 Income tax expense 28 23 76 Net income 187 182 124 All Other Total operating revenue $ 79 $ 78 $ 76 Depreciation and amortization 9 7 7 Interest charges and financing costs 142 122 116 Income tax (benefit) (34 ) (9 ) (62 ) Net (loss) (103 ) (100 ) (68 ) Consolidated Total Total revenue $ 11,540 $ 11,407 $ 11,109 Reconciling eliminations (3 ) (3 ) (2 ) Consolidated total revenue $ 11,537 $ 11,404 $ 11,107 Depreciation and amortization 1,642 1,479 1,303 Interest charges and financing costs 652 628 620 Income tax expense 181 542 581 Net income 1,261 1,148 1,123 |
Summarized Quarterly Financial
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] | Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarter Ended (Amounts in millions, except per share data) March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 Sept. 30, 2018 Dec. 31, 2018 Operating revenues $ 2,951 $ 2,658 $ 3,048 $ 2,880 Operating income (a) 480 450 696 339 Net income 291 265 491 214 EPS total — basic $ 0.57 $ 0.52 $ 0.96 $ 0.42 EPS total — diluted 0.57 0.52 0.96 0.42 Cash dividends declared per common share 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 Quarter Ended (Amounts in millions, except per share data) March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 Sept. 30, 2017 Dec. 31, 2017 Operating revenues $ 2,946 $ 2,645 $ 3,017 $ 2,796 Operating income (a) 492 466 824 440 Net income 239 227 492 189 EPS total — basic $ 0.47 $ 0.45 $ 0.97 $ 0.37 EPS total — diluted 0.47 0.45 0.97 0.37 Cash dividends declared per common share 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 (a) In 2018, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2017-07 related to net periodic benefit cost, which resulted in retrospective reclassification of pension costs from O&M expense to other income. |
Schedule I, Condensed Financial
Schedule I, Condensed Financial Statements of Xcel Energy Inc | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule I, Condensed Financial Information | XCEL ENERGY INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (amounts in millions, except per share data) Year Ended Dec. 31 2018 2017 2016 Income Equity earnings of subsidiaries $ 1,393 $ 1,263 $ 1,199 Total income 1,393 1,263 1,199 Expenses and other deductions Operating expenses 24 30 22 Other income (1 ) (6 ) (3 ) Interest charges and financing costs 149 128 116 Total expenses and other deductions 172 152 135 Income before income taxes 1,221 1,111 1,064 Income tax benefit (40 ) (37 ) (59 ) Net income $ 1,261 $ 1,148 $ 1,123 Other Comprehensive Income Pension and retiree medical benefits, net of tax of $1, $3 and $(3) respectively $ 3 $ 4 $ (4 ) Derivative instruments, net of tax of $(1), $2 and $2, respectively (2 ) 3 4 Other comprehensive income (loss) 1 7 — Comprehensive income $ 1,262 $ 1,155 $ 1,123 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 511 509 509 Diluted 511 509 509 Earnings per average common share: Basic $ 2.47 $ 2.26 $ 2.21 Diluted 2.47 2.25 2.21 See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements XCEL ENERGY INC. CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (amounts in millions) Year Ended Dec. 31 2018 2017 2016 Operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,210 $ 1,208 $ 817 Investing activities Capital contributions to subsidiaries (809 ) (849 ) (414 ) Investments in the utility money pool (2,578 ) (1,258 ) (1,880 ) Return of investments in the utility money pool 2,493 1,173 1,880 Net cash used in investing activities (894 ) (934 ) (414 ) Financing activities Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term borrowings, net (295 ) 715 (516 ) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 492 — 1,539 Repayment of long-term debt — (250 ) (704 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 230 — — Repurchase of common stock (1 ) (3 ) (32 ) Dividends paid (730 ) (721 ) (681 ) Other (12 ) (14 ) (9 ) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (316 ) (273 ) (403 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents — 1 — Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1 — — Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1 $ 1 $ — See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements XCEL ENERGY INC. CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (amounts in millions) Dec. 31 2018 2017 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1 $ 1 Accounts receivable from subsidiaries 309 302 Other current assets 1 1 Total current assets 311 304 Investment in subsidiaries 15,965 14,932 Other assets 44 103 Total other assets 16,009 15,035 Total assets $ 16,320 $ 15,339 Liabilities and Equity Current portion of long-term debt $ — $ — Dividends payable 195 183 Short-term debt 488 783 Other current liabilities 10 11 Total current liabilities 693 977 Other liabilities 32 29 Total other liabilities 32 29 Commitments and contingencies Capitalization Long-term debt 3,373 2,878 Common stockholders’ equity 12,222 11,455 Total capitalization 15,595 14,333 Total liabilities and equity $ 16,320 $ 15,339 See Notes to Condensed Financial Statements NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Incorporated by reference are Xcel Energy’s consolidated statements of common stockholders’ equity and other comprehensive income in Part II, Item 8. Basis of Presentation — The condensed financial information of Xcel Energy Inc. is presented to comply with Rule 12-04 of Regulation S-X. Xcel Energy Inc.’s investments in subsidiaries are presented under the equity method of accounting. Under this method, the assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are not consolidated. The investments in net assets of the subsidiaries are recorded in the balance sheets. The income from operations of the subsidiaries is reported on a net basis as equity in income of subsidiaries. As a holding company with no business operations, Xcel Energy Inc.’s assets consist primarily of investments in its utility subsidiaries. Xcel Energy Inc.’s material cash inflows are only from dividends and other payments received from its utility subsidiaries and the proceeds raised from the sale of debt and equity securities. The ability of its utility subsidiaries to make dividend and other payments is subject to the availability of funds after taking into account their respective funding requirements, the terms of their respective indebtedness, the regulations of the FERC under the Federal Power Act, and applicable state laws. Management does not expect maintaining these requirements to have an impact on Xcel Energy Inc.’s ability to pay dividends at the current level in the foreseeable future. Each of its utility subsidiaries, however, is legally distinct and has no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to make funds available to Xcel Energy Inc. Guarantees and Indemnifications Xcel Energy Inc. provides guarantees and bond indemnities under specified agreements or transactions, which guarantee payment or performance. Xcel Energy Inc.’s exposure is based upon the net liability of the relevant subsidiary under the specified agreements or transactions. Most of the guarantees and bond indemnities issued by Xcel Energy Inc. limit the exposure to a maximum stated amount. As of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, Xcel Energy Inc. had no assets held as collateral related to guarantees, bond indemnities and indemnification agreements. Guarantees and bond indemnities issued and outstanding as of Dec. 31, 2018: (Millions of Dollars) Guarantor Guarantee Amount Current Exposure Triggering Event Guarantee of the indemnification obligations of Xcel Energy Services Inc. under the aircraft leases (a) Xcel Energy Inc. $ 11.0 $ — (d) Guarantee of loan for Hiawatha Collegiate High School (b) Xcel Energy Inc. 1.0 — (d) Total guarantees issued 12.0 $ — Guarantee performance and payment of surety bonds for Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries (c) Xcel Energy Inc. $ 51.1 (f) (e) (a) The terms of this guarantee expires in 2021 and 2023 when the associated leases expire. (b) The term of this guarantee expires the earlier of 2024 or full repayment of the loan. (c) The surety bonds primarily relate to workers compensation benefits and utility projects. The workers compensation bonds are renewed annually and the project based bonds expire in conjunction with the completion of the related projects. (d) Nonperformance and/or nonpayment. (e) Per the indemnity agreement between Xcel Energy Inc. and the various surety companies, surety companies have the discretion to demand that collateral be posted. (f) Due to the magnitude of projects associated with the surety bonds, the total current exposure of this indemnification cannot be determined. Xcel Energy Inc. believes the exposure to be significantly less than the total amount of the outstanding bonds. Indemnification Agreements Xcel Energy Inc. provides indemnifications through contracts entered into in the normal course of business. Indemnifications are primarily against adverse litigation outcomes in connection with underwriting agreements, breaches of representations and warranties, including corporate existence, transaction authorization and certain income tax matters. Obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of duration or amount. Maximum future payments under these indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated as the dollar amounts are often not explicitly stated. Related Party Transactions — Xcel Energy Inc. presents related party receivables net of payables. Accounts receivable and payable with affiliates at Dec. 31: 2018 2017 (Millions of Dollars) Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable NSP-Minnesota $ 117 $ — $ 68 $ — NSP-Wisconsin 3 — 13 — PSCo 29 — 69 — SPS 39 — 26 — Xcel Energy Services Inc. 96 — 95 — Xcel Energy Ventures Inc. 13 — 14 — Other subsidiaries of Xcel Energy Inc. 12 — 17 — $ 309 $ — $ 302 $ — Dividends — Cash dividends paid to Xcel Energy Inc. by its subsidiaries were $1,097 million , $1,063 million and $923 million for the years ended Dec. 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These cash receipts are included in operating cash flows of the condensed statements of cash flows. Money Pool — FERC approval was received to establish a utility money pool arrangement with the utility subsidiaries, subject to receipt of required state regulatory approvals. The utility money pool allows for short-term investments in and borrowings between the utility subsidiaries. Xcel Energy Inc. may make investments in the utility subsidiaries at market-based interest rates; however, the money pool arrangement does not allow the utility subsidiaries to make investments in Xcel Energy Inc. Money pool lending for Xcel Energy Inc.: (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Loan outstanding at period end $ — Average loan outstanding 59 Maximum loan outstanding 172 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 2.22 % Weighted average interest rate at end of period N/A Money pool interest income $ 0.3 (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2017 Year Ended Loan outstanding at period end $ — $ 85 $ — Average loan outstanding 71 38 66 Maximum loan outstanding 243 226 211 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 1.95 % 1.13 % 0.69 % Weighted average interest rate at end of period N/A 1.18 N/A Money pool interest income $ 1.4 $ 0.4 $ 0.5 See notes to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. |
Schedule II, Valuation and Qual
Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] | |
Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts | XCEL ENERGY INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS YEARS ENDED DEC. 31 Allowance for bad debts NOL and tax credit valuation allowances (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Balance at Jan. 1 $ 52 $ 51 $ 52 $ 77 $ 58 $ 28 Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses 42 39 39 7 9 3 Additions Charged to Other Accounts 11 10 11 — (a) 22 (a) 35 (a) Deductions from Reserves (50 ) (48 ) (51 ) (5 ) (b) (12 ) (b) (8 ) (b) Balance at Dec. 31 $ 55 $ 52 $ 51 $ 79 $ 77 $ 58 (a) The 2016 - 2017 changes are the accrual of valuation allowances for North Dakota ITC, net of federal income tax benefit, that is offset to a regulatory liability; the 2017 change includes $14 million expense related to the revaluation of federal benefit as a result of the TCJA. (b) Primarily the reductions to valuation allowances for North Dakota ITC carryforwards, net of federal benefit, primarily due to a consolidated adjustment to the regulatory liability accrual referenced above; the 2017 change includes $4 million of reduced expense related to the revaluation of federal benefit as a result of TCJA. |
Summary of Significant Accoun_2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Business and System of Accounts | General — Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries are engaged in the regulated generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and in the regulated purchase, transportation, distribution and sale of natural gas. Xcel Energy’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with GAAP. All of the utility subsidiaries’ underlying accounting records also conform to the FERC uniform system of accounts. |
Principles of Consolidation | Xcel Energy’s regulated operations include the activities of NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS. These utility subsidiaries serve electric and natural gas customers in portions of Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Also included in regulated operations are WGI, an interstate natural gas pipeline company, and WYCO, a joint venture with CIG to develop and lease natural gas pipeline, storage and compression facilities. Xcel Energy Inc.’s nonregulated subsidiaries include Eloigne and Capital Services. Eloigne invests in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits. Capital Services procures equipment for construction of renewable generation facilities at other subsidiaries. Xcel Energy Inc. owns the following additional direct subsidiaries, some of which are intermediate holding companies with additional subsidiaries: Xcel Energy Wholesale Group Inc., Xcel Energy Markets Holdings Inc., Xcel Energy Ventures Inc., Xcel Energy Retail Holdings Inc., Xcel Energy Communications Group, Inc., Xcel Energy International Inc., Xcel Energy Transmission Holding Company, LLC, Nicollet Holdings Company, LLC, Nicollet Project Holdings LLC and Xcel Energy Services Inc. Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries collectively are referred to as Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy’s consolidated financial statements include its wholly-owned subsidiaries and VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated, unless a different treatment is appropriate for rate regulated transactions. Xcel Energy uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in WYCO. Xcel Energy’s equity earnings in WYCO are included on the consolidated statements of income as equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Xcel Energy has investments in certain plants and transmission facilities jointly owned with nonaffiliated utilities. Xcel Energy’s proportionate share of jointly owned facilities is recorded as property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets, and Xcel Energy’s proportionate share of the operating costs associated with these facilities is included in its consolidated statements of income. See Note 3 for further information. |
Subsequent Events | Xcel Energy has evaluated events occurring after Dec. 31, 2018 up to the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. Statements contain all necessary adjustments and disclosures resulting from that evaluation. |
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates — Xcel Energy uses estimates based on the best information available in recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations. Estimates are used on items such as plant depreciable lives or potential disallowances, AROs, certain regulatory assets and liabilities, tax provisions, uncollectible amounts, environmental costs, unbilled revenues, jurisdictional fuel and energy cost allocations and actuarially determined benefit costs. Recorded estimates are revised when better information becomes available or actual amounts can be determined. Revisions can affect operating results. |
Regulatory Accounting | Regulatory Accounting — Xcel Energy Inc.’s regulated utility subsidiaries account for income and expense items in accordance with accounting guidance for regulated operations. Under this guidance: • Certain costs, which would otherwise be charged to expense or other comprehensive income, are deferred as regulatory assets based on the expected ability to recover the costs in future rates. • Certain credits, which would otherwise be reflected as income or other comprehensive income, are deferred as regulatory liabilities based on the expectation the amounts will be returned to customers in future rates, or because the amounts were collected in rates prior to the costs being incurred. Estimates of recovering deferred costs and returning deferred credits are based on specific ratemaking decisions or precedent for each item. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the treatment in the rate setting process. If changes in the regulatory environment occur, the utility subsidiaries may no longer be eligible to apply this accounting treatment, and may be required to eliminate regulatory assets and liabilities from their balance sheets. Such changes could have a material effect on Xcel Energy’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. See Note 4 for further information. |
Income Taxes | Income Taxes — Xcel Energy accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Xcel Energy defers income taxes for all temporary differences between pretax financial and taxable income, and between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Xcel Energy uses the tax rates that are scheduled to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. The effects of tax rate changes that are attributable to the utility subsidiaries are generally subject to a normalization method of accounting. Therefore, the revaluation of most of the utility subsidiaries’ net deferred taxes upon a tax rate reduction results in the establishment of a net regulatory liability which will be refundable to utility customers over the remaining life of the related assets. A tax rate increase would result in the establishment of a similar regulatory asset. Reversal of certain temporary differences are accounted for as current income tax expense due to the effects of past regulatory practices when deferred taxes were not required to be recorded due to the use of flow through accounting for ratemaking purposes. Tax credits are recorded when earned unless there is a requirement to defer the benefit and amortize it over the book depreciable lives of the related property. The requirement to defer and amortize tax credits only applies to federal ITCs related to public utility property. Utility rate regulation also has resulted in the recognition of regulatory assets and liabilities related to income taxes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Xcel Energy follows the applicable accounting guidance to measure and disclose uncertain tax positions that it has taken or expects to take in its income tax returns. Xcel Energy recognizes a tax position in its consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. Recognition of changes in uncertain tax positions are reflected as a component of income tax. Xcel Energy reports interest and penalties related to income taxes within the other income and interest charges in the consolidated statements of income. Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal income tax returns as well as consolidated or separate state income tax returns. Federal income taxes paid by Xcel Energy Inc. are allocated to its subsidiaries based on separate company computations. A similar allocation is made for state income taxes paid by Xcel Energy Inc. in connection with consolidated state filings. Xcel Energy Inc. also allocates its own income tax benefits to its direct subsidiaries. See Note 7 for further information. |
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation | Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation — Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost. The cost of plant includes direct labor and materials, contracted work, overhead costs and AFUDC. The cost of plant retired is charged to accumulated depreciation and amortization. Amounts recovered in rates for future removal costs are recorded as regulatory liabilities. Significant additions or improvements extending asset lives are capitalized, while repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred. Maintenance and replacement of items determined to be less than a unit of property are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Planned maintenance activities are charged to operating expense unless the cost represents the acquisition of an additional unit of property or the replacement of an existing unit of property. Property, plant and equipment is tested for impairment when it is determined that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. A loss is recognized in the current period if it becomes probable that part of a cost of a plant under construction or recently completed plant will be disallowed for recovery from customers and a reasonable estimate of the disallowance can be made. For investments in property, plant and equipment that are abandoned and not expected to go into service, incurred costs and related deferred tax amounts are compared to the discounted estimated future rate recovery, and a loss is recognized, if necessary. Xcel Energy records depreciation expense using the straight-line method over the plant’s useful life. Actuarial life studies are performed and submitted to the state and federal commissions for review. Upon acceptance by the various commissions, the resulting lives and net salvage rates are used to calculate depreciation. Depreciation expense, expressed as a percentage of average depreciable property, was approximately 3.1 % for 2018, 3.1 % for 2017 and 2.9 % for 2016. See Note 3 for further information. |
Asset Retirement Obligations | AROs — Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries account for AROs under accounting guidance that requires a liability for the fair value of an ARO to be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if it can be reasonably estimated, with the offsetting associated asset retirement costs capitalized as a long-lived asset. The liability is generally increased over time by applying the effective interest method of accretion, and the capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful life of the long-lived asset. Changes resulting from revisions to the timing or amount of expected asset retirement cash flows are recognized as an increase or a decrease in the ARO. Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries also recover through rates certain future plant removal costs in addition to AROs. The accumulated removal costs for these obligations are reflected in the balance sheets as a regulatory liability. See Note 12 for further information. |
Nuclear Decommissioning | Nuclear Decommissioning — Nuclear decommissioning studies that estimate NSP-Minnesota’s ultimate costs of decommissioning its nuclear power plants are performed at least every three years and submitted to the state commissions for approval. For ratemaking purposes, NSP-Minnesota recovers the decommissioning costs of its nuclear power plants over each facility’s expected service life based on the triennial decommissioning studies. The studies consider estimated future costs of decommissioning and the market value of investments in trust funds, and recommend annual funding amounts. Amounts collected in rates are deposited in the trust funds. For financial reporting purposes, NSP-Minnesota accounts for nuclear decommissioning as an ARO. Restricted funds for the payment of future decommissioning expenditures for NSP-Minnesota’s nuclear facilities are included in nuclear decommissioning fund and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 10 for further information. |
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits | Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits — Xcel Energy maintains pension and postretirement benefit plans for eligible employees. Recognizing the cost of providing benefits and measuring the projected benefit obligation of these plans requires management to make various assumptions and estimates. Certain unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and unrecognized prior service costs or credits are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities, rather than recorded as other comprehensive income, based on regulatory recovery mechanisms. See Note 11 for further information. |
Environmental Costs | Environmental Costs — Environmental costs are recorded when it is probable Xcel Energy is liable for remediation costs and the liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs are deferred as a regulatory asset if it is probable that the costs will be recovered from customers in future rates. Otherwise, the costs are expensed. If an environmental expense is related to facilities currently in use, such as emission-control equipment, the cost is capitalized and depreciated over the life of the plant. Estimated remediation costs are regularly adjusted as estimates are revised and remediation proceeds. If other participating PRPs exist and acknowledge their potential involvement with a site, costs are estimated and recorded only for Xcel Energy’s expected share of the cost. Future costs of restoring sites are treated as a capitalized cost of plant retirement. The depreciation expense levels recoverable in rates include a provision for removal expenses. Removal costs recovered in rates before the related costs are incurred are classified as a regulatory liability. See Note 12 for further information. |
Revenue From Contracts With Customers | Revenue From Contracts With Customers — Performance obligations related to the sale of energy are satisfied as energy is delivered to customers. Xcel Energy recognizes revenue that corresponds to the price of the energy delivered to the customer. The measurement of energy sales to customers is generally based on the reading of their meters, which occurs on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, amounts of energy delivered to customers since the date of the last meter reading are estimated, and the corresponding unbilled revenue is recognized. Xcel Energy does not recognize a separate financing component of its collections from customers as contract terms are short-term in nature. Xcel Energy presents its revenues net of any excise or sales taxes or fees. Xcel Energy’s utility subsidiaries recognize sales to customers on a gross basis in electric revenues and cost of sales. Revenues and charges for short term wholesale sales of excess energy transacted through RTOs are also recorded on a gross basis. Other RTO revenues and charges are recorded on a net basis in cost of sales. See Note 6 for further information. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents — Xcel Energy considers investments in instruments with a remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, to be cash equivalents. |
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debts | Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Bad Debts — Accounts receivable are stated at the actual billed amount net of an allowance for bad debts. Xcel Energy establishes an allowance for uncollectible receivables based on a policy that reflects its expected exposure to the credit risk of customers. As of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, the allowance for bad debts was $55 million and $52 million , respectively. |
Inventory | Inventory — Inventory is recorded at average cost and consisted of the following: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Inventories Materials and supplies $ 271 $ 311 Fuel 170 186 Natural gas 107 113 $ 548 $ 610 |
Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements — Xcel Energy presents cash equivalents, interest rate derivatives, commodity derivatives and nuclear decommissioning fund assets at estimated fair values in its consolidated financial statements. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted NAVs. For interest rate derivatives, quoted prices based primarily on observable market interest rate curves are used to establish fair value. For commodity derivatives, the most observable inputs available are generally used to determine the fair value of each contract. In the absence of a quoted price, Xcel Energy may use quoted prices for similar contracts or internally prepared valuation models to determine fair value. For the pension and postretirement plan assets and nuclear decommissioning fund, published trading data and pricing models, generally using the most observable inputs available, are utilized to estimate fair value for each security. See Notes 10 and 11 for further information. |
Derivative Instruments | Derivative Instruments — Xcel Energy uses derivative instruments in connection with its interest rate, utility commodity price, vehicle fuel price and commodity trading activities, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options. Any derivative instruments not qualifying for the normal purchases and normal sales exception are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value as derivative instruments. Classification of changes in fair value for those derivative instruments is dependent on the designation of a qualifying hedging relationship. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated in a qualifying hedging relationship are reflected in current earnings or as a regulatory asset or liability. Classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on commission approved regulatory recovery mechanisms. Gains or losses on commodity trading transactions are recorded as a component of electric operating revenues; hedging transactions for vehicle fuel costs are recorded as a component of capital projects and O&M costs; and interest rate hedging transactions are recorded as a component of interest expense. Normal Purchases and Normal Sales — Xcel Energy enters into contracts for purchases and sales of commodities for use in its operations. At inception, contracts are evaluated to determine whether a derivative exists and/or whether an instrument may be exempted from derivative accounting if designated as a normal purchase or normal sale. See Note 10 for further information. |
Commodity Trading Operations | Commodity Trading Operations — All applicable gains and losses related to commodity trading activities are shown on a net basis in electric operating revenues in the consolidated statements of income. Commodity trading activities are not associated with energy produced from Xcel Energy’s generation assets or energy and capacity purchased to serve native load. Commodity trading contracts are recorded at fair market value and commodity trading results include the impact of all margin-sharing mechanisms. See Note 10 for further information. |
AFUDC | AFUDC — AFUDC represents the cost of capital used to finance utility construction activity. AFUDC is computed by applying a composite financing rate to qualified CWIP. The amount of AFUDC capitalized as a utility construction cost is credited to other nonoperating income (for equity capital) and interest charges (for debt capital). AFUDC amounts capitalized are included in Xcel Energy’s rate base for establishing utility rates. |
Alternative Revenue Programs | Alternative Revenue — Certain rate rider mechanisms (including decoupling and CIP/DSM programs) qualify as alternative revenue programs under GAAP. These mechanisms arise from costs imposed upon the utility by action of a regulator or legislative body related to an environmental, public safety or other mandate. When certain criteria are met, such as collection within 24 months , revenue is recognized equal to the revenue requirement, which may include incentives and return on rate base items. Billing amounts are revised periodically for differences between total amount collected and revenue earned, which may increase or decrease the level of revenue collected from customers. Alternative revenues arising from these programs are presented on a gross basis and disclosed separately from revenue from contracts with customers. See Note 6 for further information. Conservation Programs — Costs incurred for DSM and CIP programs are deferred if it is probable future revenue will recover the incurred cost. Revenues recognized for incentive programs for the recovery of lost margins and/or conservation performance incentives are limited to amounts expected to be collected within 24 months from when they are earned. Regulatory assets are recognized to reflect the amount of costs or earned incentives that have not yet been collected from customers. |
Emission Allowances | Emission Allowances — Emission allowances are recorded at cost plus broker commission fees. The inventory accounting model is utilized for all emission allowances and sales of these allowances are included in electric revenues. |
Nuclear refueling outage costs | Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs — Xcel Energy uses a deferral and amortization method for nuclear refueling costs. This method amortizes refueling outage costs over the period between refueling outages consistent with rate recovery. |
Renewable Energy Credits | RECs — Cost of RECs that are utilized for compliance is recorded as electric fuel and purchased power expense. In certain jurisdictions, Xcel Energy reduces recoverable fuel costs for the cost of RECs and records that cost as a regulatory asset when the amount is recoverable in future rates. Sales of RECs are recorded in electric revenues on a gross basis. The cost of these RECs and amounts credited to customers under margin-sharing mechanisms are recorded in electric fuel and purchased power expense. |
Summary of Significant Accoun_3
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Public Utilities, Inventory | Inventory is recorded at average cost and consisted of the following: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Inventories Materials and supplies $ 271 $ 311 Fuel 170 186 Natural gas 107 113 $ 548 $ 610 |
Property Plant and Equipment _2
Property Plant and Equipment Property Plant and Equipment (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Jointly Owned Utility Plants | tility subsidiaries’ jointly owned assets as of Dec. 31, 2018 : (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned NSP-Minnesota Electric Generation: Sherco Unit 3 $ 604 $ 415 $ 1 59 % Sherco Common Facilities 145 100 1 80 Other 5 4 — 59 Electric Transmission: CapX2020 Transmission 960 73 2 51 Other 11 2 — 50 Total NSP-Minnesota $ 1,725 $ 594 $ 4 (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned NSP-Wisconsin Electric Transmission: La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI $ 175 $ 2 $ — 37 % CapX2020 Transmission 169 15 2 81 Total NSP-Wisconsin $ 344 $ 17 $ 2 (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned PSCo Electric Generation: Hayden Unit 1 $ 153 $ 76 $ — 76 % Hayden Unit 2 149 68 — 37 Hayden Common Facilities 41 21 — 53 Craig Units 1 and 2 81 40 — 10 Craig Common Facilities 39 21 — 7 Comanche Unit 3 886 130 — 67 Comanche Common Facilities 28 3 — 82 Electric Transmission: Transmission and other facilities 183 63 1 Various Gas Transportation: Rifle, CO to Avon, CO 22 7 — 60 Gas Transportation Compressor 8 1 — 50 Total PSCo $ 1,590 $ 430 $ 1 Each company’s share of operating expenses and construction expenditures are included in the applicable utility accounts. Respective owners are responsible for providing their own financing. |
Public Utility Property, Plant, and Equipment | Major classes of property, plant and equipment: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Property, plant and equipment Electric plant $ 41,472 $ 39,016 Natural gas plant 6,210 5,800 Common and other property 2,154 2,013 Plant to be retired (a) 322 11 CWIP 2,091 2,087 Total property, plant and equipment 52,249 48,927 Less accumulated depreciation (15,659 ) (15,000 ) Nuclear fuel 2,771 2,697 Less accumulated amortization (2,417 ) (2,295 ) $ 36,944 $ 34,329 (a) In 2018, the CPUC approved early retirement of PSCo’s Comanche Units 1 and 2 in approximately 2022 and 2025, respectively. PSCo also expects Craig Unit 1 to be retired early in 2025. Amounts are presented net of accumulated depreciation. |
NSP-Minnesota | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Jointly Owned Utility Plants | (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned NSP-Minnesota Electric Generation: Sherco Unit 3 $ 604 $ 415 $ 1 59 % Sherco Common Facilities 145 100 1 80 Other 5 4 — 59 Electric Transmission: CapX2020 Transmission 960 73 2 51 Other 11 2 — 50 Total NSP-Minnesota $ 1,725 $ 594 $ 4 |
NSP-Wisconsin | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Jointly Owned Utility Plants | (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned NSP-Wisconsin Electric Transmission: La Crosse, WI to Madison, WI $ 175 $ 2 $ — 37 % CapX2020 Transmission 169 15 2 81 Total NSP-Wisconsin $ 344 $ 17 $ 2 |
PSCo | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | |
Schedule of Jointly Owned Utility Plants | (Millions of Dollars) Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation CWIP Percent Owned PSCo Electric Generation: Hayden Unit 1 $ 153 $ 76 $ — 76 % Hayden Unit 2 149 68 — 37 Hayden Common Facilities 41 21 — 53 Craig Units 1 and 2 81 40 — 10 Craig Common Facilities 39 21 — 7 Comanche Unit 3 886 130 — 67 Comanche Common Facilities 28 3 — 82 Electric Transmission: Transmission and other facilities 183 63 1 Various Gas Transportation: Rifle, CO to Avon, CO 22 7 — 60 Gas Transportation Compressor 8 1 — 50 Total PSCo $ 1,590 $ 430 $ 1 |
Regulatory Assets and Liabili_2
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Regulatory Assets | Components of regulatory assets: (Millions of Dollars) See Note(s) Remaining Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Regulatory Assets Current Non- current Current Non- current Pension and retiree medical obligations 11 Various $ 87 $ 1,500 $ 91 $ 1,499 Net AROs (a) 1, 12 Plant lives — 452 — 301 Excess deferred taxes - TCJA 7 Various — 296 — 254 Recoverable deferred taxes on AFUDC recorded in plant Plant lives — 264 — 244 Environmental remediation costs 1, 12 Various 17 155 16 165 Depreciation differences One to thirteen years 18 107 20 69 Benson biomass PPA termination and asset purchase Ten years 10 86 — — Contract valuation adjustments (b) 1, 10 Term of related contract 17 77 21 93 Laurentian biomass PPA termination Five years 18 73 — — Purchased power contract costs Term of related contract 4 63 3 67 PI EPU Sixteen years 3 56 3 58 Losses on reacquired debt Term of related debt 4 44 5 48 State commission adjustments Plant lives 1 29 1 29 Conservation programs (c) 1 One to two years 42 28 50 32 Property tax Various 14 10 8 24 Nuclear refueling outage costs 1 One to two years 37 14 49 20 Deferred purchased natural gas and electric energy costs One to three years 57 13 21 13 Renewable resources and environmental initiatives One to two years 39 9 48 10 Sales true up and revenue decoupling One to two years 38 7 37 12 Gas pipeline inspection and remediation costs One to two years 28 3 24 12 Other Various 30 40 27 55 Total regulatory assets $ 464 $ 3,326 $ 424 $ 3,005 (a) Includes amounts recorded for future recovery of AROs, less amounts recovered through nuclear decommissioning accruals and gains from decommissioning investments. (b) Includes the fair value of certain long-term PPAs used to meet energy capacity requirements and valuation adjustments on natural gas commodity purchases. (c) Includes costs for conservation programs, as well as incentives allowed in certain jurisdictions. |
Regulatory Liabilities | Components of regulatory liabilities: (Millions of Dollars) See Note(s) Remaining Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Regulatory Liabilities Current Non- current Current Non- current Deferred income tax adjustments and TCJA refunds (a) 7 Various $ 157 $ 3,715 $ — $ 3,790 Plant removal costs 1, 12 Plant lives — 1,175 — 1,131 Effects of regulation on employee benefit costs (b) Various — 137 — 46 Renewable resources and environmental initiatives Various 9 54 19 60 ITC deferrals (c) 1 Various — 40 — 23 Deferred electric, natural gas and steam production costs Less than one year 102 — 104 — Contract valuation adjustments (d) 1, 10 Less than one year 26 — 30 — Conservation programs (e) 1 Less than one year 36 — 23 — DOE settlement Less than one year 19 — 18 — Other Various 87 66 45 33 Total regulatory liabilities (f) $ 436 $ 5,187 $ 239 $ 5,083 (a) Includes the revaluation of recoverable/regulated plant ADIT and revaluation impact of non-plant ADIT due to the TCJA. (b) Includes regulatory amortization and certain TCJA benefits approved by the CPUC to offset the PSCo prepaid pension asset at Dec. 31, 2018. (c) Includes impact of lower federal tax rate due to the TCJA. (d) Includes the fair value of certain long-term PPAs used to meet energy capacity requirements and valuation adjustments on natural gas commodity purchases. (e) Includes costs for conservation programs, as well as incentives allowed in certain jurisdictions. (f) Revenue subject to refund of $29 million and $15 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively, is included in other current liabilities. |
Borrowings and Other Financin_2
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commercial Paper | Short-Term Debt — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries meet their short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper, term loan borrowings and letters of credit under their credit facilities. Short-term debt borrowings outstanding for Xcel Energy were as follows: Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Year Ended Dec. 31 (Amounts in Millions, Except Interest Rates) 2018 2017 2016 Borrowing limit $ 3,250 $ 3,250 $ 3,250 $ 2,750 Amount outstanding at period end 1,038 1,038 814 392 Average amount outstanding 500 788 644 485 Maximum amount outstanding 1,038 1,349 1,247 1,183 Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis 2.76 % 2.34 % 1.35 % 0.74 % Weighted average interest rate at end of period 2.97 2.97 1.90 0.95 |
Schedule of Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio | Features of the credit facilities: Debt-to-Total Capitalization Ratio (a) Amount Facility May Be Increased (millions) Additional Periods For Which a One-Year Extension May Be Requested (b) 2018 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. (c) 58 % 58 % $ 200 2 NSP-Wisconsin 48 47 N/A 1 NSP-Minnesota 48 48 100 2 SPS 46 46 50 2 PSCo 46 44 100 2 (a) Each credit facility has a financial covenant requiring that the debt-to-total capitalization ratio be less than or equal to 65% . (b) All extension requests are subject to majority bank group approval. (c) The Xcel Energy Inc. credit facility has a cross-default provision that Xcel Energy Inc. will be in default on its borrowings under the facility if it or any of its subsidiaries (except NSP-Wisconsin as long as its total assets do not comprise more than 15% of Xcel Energy’s consolidated total assets) default on indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $75 million . |
Credit Facilities | Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries had the following committed credit facilities available as of Dec. 31, 2018 : (Millions of Dollars) Credit Facility (a) Drawn (b) Available Xcel Energy Inc. $ 1,500 $ 488 $ 1,012 PSCo 700 317 383 NSP-Minnesota 500 187 313 SPS 400 44 356 NSP-Wisconsin 150 51 99 Total $ 3,250 $ 1,087 $ 2,163 (a) These credit facilities mature in June 2021 , with the exception of Xcel Energy’s Inc.’s 364 -day term loan agreement which expires in December 2019. (b) Includes outstanding commercial paper, term loan borrowings and letters of credit. |
Schedule of Capitalization | Long term debt obligations for Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries as of Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. Unsecured senior notes 2020 - 2041 2.40% - 6.50% 1.20% - 6.50% $ 3,400 $ 2,900 Elimination of PSCo capital lease obligation with affiliates (60 ) (62 ) Unamortized discount (5 ) (2 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (21 ) (20 ) Current maturities (Capital lease obligation) 2 2 Total $ 3,316 $ 2,818 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 NSP-Minnesota Mortgage bonds 2020 - 2047 2.15% - 7.13% 2.15% - 7.13% $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Unamortized discount (21 ) (22 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (42 ) (45 ) Current maturities — — Total $ 4,937 $ 4,933 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 NSP-Wisconsin Mortgage bonds 2024 - 2048 3.3% - 6.38% 3.3% - 6.38% $ 800 $ 750 City of La Crosse resource recovery bond 2021 6.00% 6.00% 19 19 Other — 2 Unamortized discount (3 ) (3 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (9 ) (7 ) Current maturities — (151 ) Total $ 807 $ 610 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 PSCo Capital lease obligations 2025 - 2060 11.20% - 14.30% 11.20% - 14.30% $ 145 $ 151 Mortgage bonds 2019 - 2048 2.25% - 6.50% 2.25% - 6.50% 4,900 4,500 Unamortized discount (14 ) (13 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (33 ) (29 ) Current maturities (406 ) (306 ) Total $ 4,592 $ 4,303 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 SPS Mortgage bonds 2024 - 2048 3.30% - 4.50% 3.30% - 4.50% $ 1,800 $ 1,500 Unsecured senior notes 2033 - 2036 6.00% 6.00% - 8.75% 350 350 Unamortized discount (4 ) (2 ) Unamortized debt issuance cost (20 ) (18 ) Current maturities — — Total $ 2,126 $ 1,830 (Millions of Dollars) Maturity Range Interest Rate Range 2018 Interest Rate Range 2017 2018 2017 Other Subsidiaries Various Eloigne Co. affordable housing project notes 2019 - 2052 0.00% - 6.90% 0.00% - 7.05% $ 26 $ 28 Current maturities (1 ) (2 ) Total $ 25 $ 26 |
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt | Maturities of long-term debt: (Millions of Dollars) 2019 $ 406 2020 1,257 2021 425 2022 902 2023 653 |
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Issuances | 2018 financings: Amount Financing Instrument Interest Rate Maturity Date Xcel Energy Inc. $500 million Senior Notes 4.00 % June 15, 2028 PSCo 350 million First mortgage bonds 3.70 June 15, 2028 PSCo 350 million First mortgage bonds 4.10 June 15, 2048 NSP-Wisconsin 200 million First mortgage bonds 4.20 Sept. 1, 2048 SPS 300 million First mortgage bonds 4.40 Nov 15, 2048 2017 financings: Amount Financing Instrument Interest Rate Maturity Date PSCo $400 million First mortgage bonds 3.80 % June 15, 2047 SPS 450 million First mortgage bonds 3.70 Aug. 15, 2047 NSP-Minnesota 600 million First mortgage bonds 3.60 Sept. 15, 2047 NSP-Wisconsin 100 million First mortgage bonds 3.75 Dec. 1, 2047 |
Capital Stock | Capital Stock — Preferred stock authorized/outstanding: Preferred Stock Authorized (Shares) Par Value of Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2018 and 2017 Xcel Energy Inc. 7,000,000 $ 100 — PSCo 10,000,000 0.01 — SPS 10,000,000 1.00 — Xcel Energy Inc. had the following common stock authorized/outstanding: Commons Stock Authorized (Shares) Par Value of Common Stock Common Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2018 Common Stock Outstanding (Shares) 2017 1 billion $ 2.50 514,036,787 507,762,881 |
Other Capital Restrictions | Amount Authorized to Issue Long-Term Debt Short-Term Debt NSP-Minnesota 52.93% of total capitalization (a) $ 1.725 billion (a) NSP-Wisconsin $ — (b) 150 million SPS — (b) 600 million PSCo 1.1 billion 800 million (a) NSP-Minnesota has authorization to issue long-term securities provided the equity-to-total capitalization remains within the required range, and to issue short-term debt provided it does not exceed 15% of total capitalization. (b) SPS and NSP-Wisconsin will file for additional long-term debt authorization . Authorizations as of Dec. 31, 2018 : Amount Authorized to Issue Long-Term Debt Short-Term Debt NSP-Minnesota 52.93% of total capitalization (a) $ 1.725 billion (a) NSP-Wisconsin $ — (b) 150 million SPS — (b) 600 million PSCo 1.1 billion 800 million (a) NSP-Minnesota has authorization to issue long-term securities provided the equity-to-total capitalization remains within the required range, and to issue short-term debt provided it does not exceed 15% of total capitalization. (b) SPS and NSP-Wisconsin will file for additional long-term debt authorization . |
Revenues (Tables)
Revenues (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] | |
Disaggregation of Revenue | Xcel Energy’s operating revenues (subsequent to adoption of the revised revenue guidance) consists of the following: Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 (Millions of Dollars) Electric Natural Gas All Other Total Major revenue types Revenue from contracts with customers: Residential $ 2,919 $ 988 $ 38 $ 3,945 C&I 4,874 524 25 5,423 Other 134 — 6 140 Total retail 7,927 1,512 69 9,508 Wholesale 791 — — 791 Transmission 523 — — 523 Other 98 100 — 198 Total revenue from contracts with customers 9,339 1,612 69 11,020 Alternative revenue and other 380 127 10 517 Total revenues $ 9,719 $ 1,739 $ 79 $ 11,537 |
Income Taxes (Tables)
Income Taxes (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Interest Payable related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Table Text Block] | Interest payable related to unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at Jan. 1 $ — $ (3 ) $ — Interest income (expense) related to unrecognized tax benefits — 3 (3 ) Payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at Dec. 31 $ — $ — $ (3 ) |
Summary of Statute of Limitations Applicable to Open Tax Years [Table Text Block] | Statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s consolidated federal income tax returns expire as follows: Tax Year(s) Expiration 2009 - 2014 October 2019 2015 September 2019 2016 September 2020 2017 September 2021 |
Earliest Open Tax Years Subject to Examination by State Taxing Authorities in the Major Operating Jurisdictions | Xcel Energy files consolidated state tax returns based on income in its major operating jurisdictions and various other state income-based tax returns. As of Dec. 31, 2018, Xcel Energy’s earliest open tax years (subject to examination by state taxing authorities in its major operating jurisdictions) were as follows: State Year Colorado 2009 Minnesota 2009 Texas 2010 Wisconsin 2014 • In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Minnesota audit of tax years 2010 - 2014 concluded with no material adjustments. • In the third quarter of 2018, the Wisconsin audit of tax years 2012 - 2013 concluded with no material adjustments. In the fourth quarter of 2018, Wisconsin began an audit of tax years 2014 - 2016 . No material adjustments have been proposed. • No other state income tax audits were in progress as of Dec. 31, 2018. |
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits | Unrecognized tax benefits - permanent vs. temporary: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Unrecognized tax benefit — Permanent tax positions $ 28 $ 20 Unrecognized tax benefit — Temporary tax positions 9 19 Total unrecognized tax benefit $ 37 $ 39 Changes in unrecognized tax benefits: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Balance at Jan. 1 $ 39 $ 134 $ 121 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 9 6 8 Reductions based on tax positions related to the current year (4 ) (4 ) — Additions for tax positions of prior years 2 15 10 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (4 ) (105 ) (5 ) Settlements with taxing authorities (5 ) (7 ) — Balance at Dec. 31 $ 37 $ 39 $ 134 |
Tax Benefits Associated with NOL and Tax Credit Carryforwards | Unrecognized tax benefits were reduced by tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 NOL and tax credit carryforwards $ (35 ) $ (31 ) |
NOL and Tax Credit Carryforwards | NOL amounts represent the tax loss that is carried forward and tax credits represent the deferred tax asset. NOL and tax credit carryforwards as of Dec. 31 were as follows: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Federal NOL carryforward $ — $ 1,072 Federal tax credit carryforwards 553 517 Valuation allowances for federal credit carryforwards (5 ) (5 ) State NOL carryforwards 1,104 1,592 Valuation allowances for state NOL carryforwards (50 ) (55 ) State tax credit carryforwards, net of federal detriment (a) 89 90 Valuation allowances for state credit carryforwards, net of federal benefit (b) (69 ) (68 ) (a) State tax credit carryforwards are net of federal detriment of $24 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. (b) Valuation allowances for state tax credit carryforwards were net of federal benefit of $18 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. |
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation | Total income tax expense from operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income tax expense. Effective income tax rate for years ended Dec. 31: 2018 2017 (a) 2016 (a) Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income tax on pretax income, net of federal tax effect 5.0 4.1 4.1 Increases (decreases) in tax from: Regulatory differences - ARAM (b) (5.8 ) (0.1 ) (0.1 ) Wind production tax credits recognized (5.2 ) (4.7 ) (3.4 ) Other tax credits recognized, net of federal income tax expense (2.0 ) (1.0 ) (0.8 ) Regulatory differences - other utility plant items (1.0 ) (0.7 ) (0.5 ) Regulatory differences - Deferral of ARAM (c) 0.6 — — Change in unrecognized tax benefits 0.4 (0.6 ) 0.2 Tax reform — 1.4 — Other, net (0.4 ) (1.3 ) (0.4 ) Effective income tax rate 12.6 % 32.1 % 34.1 % (a) Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. (b) ARAM is a method to flow back excess deferred taxes to customers. (c) ARAM has been deferred when regulatory treatment has not been established. As Xcel Energy received direction from its regulatory commissions regarding the return of excess deferred taxes to customers, the ARAM deferral was reversed. This resulted in a reduction to tax expense with a corresponding reduction to revenue. |
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | Components of income tax expense for years ended Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Current federal tax (benefit) expense $ (34 ) $ 1 $ (3 ) Current state tax expense (benefit) 8 (11 ) (4 ) Current change in unrecognized tax (benefit) expense (6 ) (83 ) 6 Deferred federal tax expense 122 460 477 Deferred state tax expense 85 107 112 Deferred change in unrecognized tax expense (benefit) 11 73 (2 ) Deferred investment tax credits (5 ) (5 ) (5 ) Total income tax expense $ 181 $ 542 $ 581 Components of deferred income tax expense as of Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Deferred tax expense (benefit) excluding items below $ 320 $ (2,939 ) $ 631 Amortization and adjustments to deferred income taxes on income tax regulatory assets and liabilities (102 ) 3,583 (45 ) Tax (expense) benefit allocated to other comprehensive income, net of adoption of ASU No. 2018-02, and other — (4 ) 1 Deferred tax expense $ 218 $ 640 $ 587 |
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities | Components of net deferred tax liability as of Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Deferred tax liabilities: Differences between book and tax bases of property $ 5,082 $ 4,960 Regulatory assets 599 565 Pension expense 178 199 Other 64 57 Total deferred tax liabilities $ 5,923 $ 5,781 Deferred tax assets: Regulatory liabilities $ 879 $ 886 Tax credit carryforward 642 607 NOL carryforward 51 293 NOL and tax credit valuation allowances (79 ) (77 ) Other employee benefits 124 132 Deferred ITCs 16 17 Rate refund 60 10 Other 65 68 Total deferred tax assets $ 1,758 $ 1,936 Net deferred tax liability $ 4,165 $ 3,845 |
Share-Based Compensation (Table
Share-Based Compensation (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |
Restricted Stock | Shares of restricted stock granted at Dec. 31: (Shares in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Granted shares 18 15 20 Grant date fair value $ 44.68 $ 42.00 $ 38.82 Changes in nonvested restricted stock: (Shares in Thousands) Shares Weighted Average Nonvested restricted stock at Jan. 1, 2018 44 $ 39.71 Granted 18 44.68 Forfeited — — Vested (27 ) 37.25 Dividend equivalents 1 46.27 Nonvested restricted stock at Dec. 31, 2018 36 44.29 |
Other Equity Awards | Equity award units granted to employees (excluding restricted stock): (Units in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Granted units 500 503 522 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 47.60 $ 41.02 $ 36.00 Equity awards vested: (Units in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Vested Units 475 467 530 Total Fair Value $ 23,393 $ 22,459 $ 21,575 Changes in the nonvested portion of equity award units for 2018: (Units in Thousands) Units Weighted Average Nonvested Units at Jan. 1, 2018 995 $ 38.48 Granted 500 47.60 Forfeited (126 ) 41.74 Vested (475 ) 35.92 Dividend equivalents 45 40.74 Nonvested Units at Dec. 31, 2018 939 44.30 |
Stock Equivalent Unit Plan | Stock equivalent units granted: (Units in Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Granted units 36 51 49 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 45.44 $ 46.05 $ 40.68 Changes in stock equivalent units: (Units in Thousands) Units Weighted Average Stock equivalent units at Jan. 1, 2018 753 $ 29.83 Granted 36 45.44 Units distributed (123 ) 31.21 Dividend equivalents 22 46.40 Stock equivalent units at Dec. 31, 2018 688 30.93 |
TSR Liability Awards | TSR liability awards granted: (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Awards granted 239 240 264 TSR liability awards settled: (In Thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Awards settled 482 454 354 Settlement amount (cash, common stock and deferred amounts) $ 21,534 $ 19,083 $ 13,724 |
Compensation costs related to share-based awards | Compensation costs related to share-based awards: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Compensation cost for share-based awards (a) $ 45 $ 57 $ 41 Tax benefit recognized in income 12 22 16 (a) Compensation costs for share-based payment are included in O&M expense. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_2
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Cost and Fair Value of Nuclear Decommissioning Fund Investments | Non-derivative instruments with recurring fair value measurements in the nuclear decommissioning fund: Dec. 31, 2018 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Nuclear decommissioning fund (a) Cash equivalents $ 24 $ 24 $ — $ — $ — $ 24 Commingled funds 758 79 — — 819 898 Debt securities 466 — 436 — — 436 Equity securities 401 697 — — — 697 Total $ 1,649 $ 800 $ 436 $ — $ 819 $ 2,055 (a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $141 million of equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and $121 million of rabbi trust assets and miscellaneous investments. Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Nuclear decommissioning fund (a) Cash equivalents $ 29 $ 29 $ — $ — $ — $ 29 Commingled funds 701 223 — — 659 882 Debt securities 438 — 441 — — 441 Equity securities 423 791 — — — 791 Total $ 1,591 $ 1,043 $ 441 $ — $ 659 $ 2,143 (a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $140 million of equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and $114 million of rabbi trust assets and miscellaneous investments. For th |
Final Contractual Maturity Dates of Debt Securities in the Nuclear Decommissioning Fund by Asset Class | Contractual maturity dates of debt securities in the nuclear decommissioning fund as of Dec. 31, 2018 : Final Contractual Maturity (Millions of Dollars) Due in 1 Year or Less Due in 1 to 5 Years Due in 5 to 10 Years Due after 10 Years Total Debt securities $ 10 $ 107 $ 211 $ 108 $ 436 Rabbi |
Rabbi Trust Securities Amortized Cost and Fair Value Measured on Recurrring Basis [Table Text Block] | rusts Xcel Energy has established rabbi trusts to provide partial funding for future distributions of its SERP and deferred compensation plan. Cost and fair value of assets held in rabbi trusts: Dec. 31, 2018 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Rabbi Trusts (a) Cash equivalents $ 16 $ 16 $ — $ — $ 16 Mutual funds 52 51 — — 51 Total $ 68 $ 67 $ — $ — $ 67 Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value (Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Rabbi Trusts (a) Cash equivalents $ 12 $ 12 $ — $ — $ 12 Mutual funds 47 50 — — 50 Total $ 59 $ 62 $ — $ — $ 62 (a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet. |
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] | Gross notional amounts of commodity forwards, options and FTRs as of Dec. 31: (Amounts in Millions) (a) (b) 2018 2017 MWh of electricity 87 68 MMBtu of natural gas 92 37 (a) Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities. (b) Notional amounts for options are included on a gross basis, but are weighted for the probability of exercise. |
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] | Financial impact of qualifying interest rate and vehicle fuel cash flow hedges on Xcel Energy’s accumulated other comprehensive loss, included in the consolidated statements of common stockholders’ equity and in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Jan. 1 $ (58 ) $ (51 ) $ (55 ) After-tax net unrealized losses related to derivatives accounted for as hedges (5 ) — — After-tax net realized losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings 3 3 4 Adoption of ASU. 2018-02 (a) — (10 ) — Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Dec. 31 $ (60 ) $ (58 ) $ (51 ) (a) In 2017, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2018-02 related to TCJA, which resulted in reclassification of certain credit balances within net accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] | Impact of derivative activity: Pre-Tax Fair Value Gains (Losses) Recognized During the Period in: (Millions of Dollars) Accumulated Regulatory Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ (7 ) $ — Total $ (7 ) $ — Other derivative instruments Electric commodity $ — $ 1 Natural gas commodity — 10 Total $ — $ 11 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2017 Other derivative instruments Electric commodity $ — $ 10 Natural gas commodity — (13 ) Total $ — $ (3 ) Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016 Other derivative instruments Electric commodity $ — $ 17 Natural gas commodity — 1 Total $ — $ 18 Pre-Tax (Gains) Losses Reclassified into Income During the Period from: Pre-Tax Gains (Losses) Recognized (Millions of Dollars) Accumulated Regulatory Year Ended Dec. 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ 4 (a) $ — $ — Total $ 4 $ — $ — Other derivative instruments Commodity trading $ — $ — $ 14 (b) Electric commodity — (1 ) (c) — Natural gas commodity — (6 ) (d) (4 ) (d) Total $ — $ (7 ) $ 10 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2017 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ 5 (a) $ — $ — Total $ 5 $ — $ — Other derivative instruments Commodity trading $ — $ — $ 10 (b) Electric commodity — (15 ) (c) — Natural gas commodity — 3 (d) (6 ) (d) Total $ — $ (12 ) $ 4 Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges Interest rate $ 6 (a) $ — $ — Total $ 6 $ — $ — Other derivative instruments Commodity trading $ — $ — $ 2 (b) Electric commodity — (8 ) (c) — Natural gas commodity — 15 (d) (8 ) (d) Total $ — $ 7 $ (6 ) (a) Amounts recorded to interest charges. (b) Amounts recorded to electric operating revenues. Portions of these gains and losses are subject to sharing with electric customers through margin-sharing mechanisms and deducted from gross revenue, as appropriate. (c) Amounts recorded to electric fuel and purchased power. These derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with electric customers through fuel and purchased energy cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate. (d) Amounts for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018 included $1 million of settlement losses on derivatives entered to mitigate natural gas price risk for electric generation recorded to electric fuel and purchased power, subject to cost-recovery mechanisms and reclassified to a regulatory asset, as appropriate. Such gains and losses for the years ended Dec. 31, 2017 and 2016 were immaterial. Remaining settlement losses for the years ended Dec. 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 related to natural gas operations and were recorded to cost of natural gas sold and transported. These losses are subject to cost-recovery mechanisms and reclassified out of income to a regulatory asset, as appropriate. |
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] | Xcel Energy’s derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current derivative assets Commodity trading $ 4 $ 92 $ 2 $ 98 $ (44 ) $ 54 $ 2 $ 22 $ — $ 24 $ (15 ) $ 9 Electric commodity — — 25 25 — 25 — — 32 32 (2 ) 30 Natural gas commodity — 4 — 4 — 4 — — — — — — Total current derivative assets $ 4 $ 96 $ 27 $ 127 $ (44 ) 83 $ 2 $ 22 $ 32 $ 56 $ (17 ) 39 PPAs (b) 4 5 Current derivative instruments $ 87 $ 44 Noncurrent derivative assets Other derivative instruments: Commodity trading $ — $ 27 $ 5 $ 32 $ (14 ) $ 18 $ — $ 31 $ 5 $ 36 $ (7 ) $ 29 Total noncurrent derivative assets $ — $ 27 $ 5 $ 32 $ (14 ) 18 $ — $ 31 $ 5 $ 36 $ (7 ) 29 PPAs (b) 16 19 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 34 $ 48 Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) Fair Value Fair Value Total Netting (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Current derivative liabilities Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Interest rate $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 $ — $ 7 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Other derivative instruments: Commodity trading 4 88 2 94 (60 ) 34 2 18 — 20 (15 ) 5 Electric commodity — — — — — — — — 2 2 (2 ) — Natural gas commodity — — — — — — — 1 — 1 — 1 Total current derivative liabilities $ 4 $ 95 $ 2 $ 101 $ (60 ) 41 $ 2 $ 19 $ 2 $ 23 $ (17 ) 6 PPAs (b) 20 23 Current derivative instruments $ 61 $ 29 Noncurrent derivative liabilities Other derivative instruments: Commodity trading $ — $ 18 $ 1 $ 19 $ 17 $ 36 $ — $ 24 $ — $ 24 $ (10 ) $ 14 Total noncurrent derivative liabilities $ — $ 18 $ 1 $ 19 $ 17 36 $ — $ 24 $ — $ 24 $ (10 ) 14 PPAs (b) 93 112 Noncurrent derivative instruments $ 129 $ 126 (a) Xcel Energy nets derivative instruments and related collateral in its consolidated balance sheet when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. At Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, derivative assets and liabilities include $32 million and $0 million of obligations to return cash collateral, respectively. At Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, derivative assets and liabilities include rights to reclaim cash collateral of $15 million and $3 million , respectively. Counterparty netting excludes settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements. (b) During 2006, Xcel Energy qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities. |
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] | Changes in Level 3 commodity derivatives: Year Ended Dec. 31 (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Balance at Jan. 1 $ 35 $ 17 $ 18 Purchases 59 82 35 Settlements (59 ) (97 ) (89 ) Net transactions recorded during the period: (Losses) gains recognized in earnings (a) (1 ) 5 — Net (losses) gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities (5 ) 28 53 Balance at Dec. 31 $ 29 $ 35 $ 17 (a) Amounts relate to commodity derivatives held at the end of the period. |
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] | As of Dec. 31, other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value: 2018 2017 (Millions of Dollars) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Long-term debt, including current portion $ 16,209 $ 16,755 $ 14,977 $ 16,531 |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_2
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] | |
Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost | Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Net loss $ 1,633 $ 1,709 $ 116 $ 147 Prior service credit (20 ) (25 ) (33 ) (44 ) Total $ 1,613 $ 1,684 $ 83 $ 103 Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Have Been Recorded as Follows Based Upon Expected Recovery in Rates: Current regulatory assets $ 94 $ 100 $ — $ — Noncurrent regulatory assets 1,446 1,511 89 107 Current regulatory liabilities — — (1 ) (1 ) Noncurrent regulatory liabilities — — (10 ) (10 ) Deferred income taxes 19 19 1 2 Net-of-tax accumulated other comprehensive income 54 54 4 5 Total $ 1,613 $ 1,684 $ 83 $ 103 |
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs | Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) — Net periodic benefit cost (credit), other than the service cost component, is included in other income in the consolidated statements of income. Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets and liabilities: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Service cost $ 94 $ 94 $ 92 $ 2 $ 2 $ 2 Interest cost 133 147 160 22 24 26 Expected return on plan assets (209 ) (209 ) (210 ) (26 ) (25 ) (25 ) Amortization of prior service credit (5 ) (2 ) (2 ) (11 ) (11 ) (11 ) Amortization of net loss 111 107 97 8 7 4 Settlement charge (a) 91 81 — — — — Net periodic pension cost (credit) 215 218 137 (5 ) (3 ) (4 ) Costs not recognized due to effects of regulation (75 ) (79 ) (15 ) 2 — — Net benefit cost (credit) recognized for financial reporting $ 140 $ 139 $ 122 $ (3 ) $ (3 ) $ (4 ) Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Costs: Discount rate 3.63 % 4.13 % 4.66 % 3.62 % 4.13 % 4.65 % Expected average long-term increase in compensation level 3.75 3.75 4.00 — — — Expected average long-term rate of return on assets 6.87 6.87 6.87 5.30 5.80 5.80 (a) A settlement charge is required when the amount of all lump-sum distributions during the year is greater than the sum of the service and interest cost components of the annual net periodic pension cost. In 2018 and 2017, as a result of lump-sum distributions during the 2018 and 2017 plan years, Xcel Energy recorded a total pension settlement charge of $91 million in 2018 and $81 million in 2017, the majority of which was not recognized due to the effects of regulation. A total of $11 million and $8 million was recorded in the consolidated statements of income in 2018 and 2017, respectively. |
Target Asset Allocations and Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value | . Targeted asset allocations: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Domestic and international equity securities 36 % 36 % 18 % 24 % Long-duration fixed income securities 30 27 — — Short-to-intermediate fixed income securities 17 20 70 60 Alternative investments 15 15 8 9 Cash 2 2 4 7 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The following presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, Xcel Energy’s pension plan assets measured at fair value: Dec. 31, 2018 (a) Dec. 31, 2017 (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Cash equivalents $ 137 $ — $ — $ — $ 137 $ 196 $ — $ — $ — $ 196 Commingled funds: 914 — — 987 1,901 1,054 — — 1,075 2,129 Debt securities: — 621 — — 621 — 673 — — 673 Equity securities: 106 — — — 106 114 — — — 114 Other 2 5 — (30 ) (23 ) (29 ) 4 — 1 (24 ) Total $ 1,159 $ 626 $ — $ 957 $ 2,742 $ 1,335 $ 677 $ — $ 1,076 $ 3,088 (a) See Note 10 for further information regarding fair value measurement inputs and methods. The following presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, Xcel Energy’s postretirement benefit plan assets that were measured at fair value: Dec. 31, 2018 (a) Dec. 31, 2017 (a) (Millions of Dollars) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Measured at NAV Total Cash equivalents $ 19 $ — $ — $ — $ 19 $ 29 $ — $ — $ — $ 29 Insurance contracts — 45 — — 45 — 50 — — 50 Commingled funds 133 — — 40 173 148 — — — 148 Debt securities — 179 — — 179 — 198 — — 198 Equity securities — — — — — 35 — — — 35 Other — 1 — — 1 — 1 — — 1 Total $ 152 $ 225 $ — $ 40 $ 417 $ 212 $ 249 $ — $ — $ 461 (a) See Note 10 for further information on fair value measurement inputs and methods. |
Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] | Funded Status — Comparisons of the actuarially computed benefit obligation, changes in plan assets and funded status of the pension and postretirement health care plans for Xcel Energy are as follows: Pension Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in Benefit Obligation: Obligation at Jan. 1 $ 3,828 $ 3,682 $ 621 $ 603 Service cost 94 94 2 2 Interest cost 133 147 22 24 Plan amendments — (13 ) — — Actuarial (gain) loss (224 ) 259 (62 ) 33 Plan participants’ contributions — — 8 8 Medicare subsidy reimbursements — — 1 1 Benefit payments (a) (354 ) (341 ) (50 ) (50 ) Obligation at Dec. 31 $ 3,477 $ 3,828 $ 542 $ 621 Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at Jan. 1 $ 3,088 $ 2,856 $ 461 $ 442 Actual return on plan assets (142 ) 411 (13 ) 41 Employer contributions 150 162 11 20 Plan participants’ contributions — — 8 8 Benefit payments (354 ) (341 ) (50 ) (50 ) Fair value of plan assets at Dec. 31 $ 2,742 $ 3,088 $ 417 $ 461 Funded status of plans at Dec. 31 $ (735 ) $ (740 ) $ (125 ) $ (160 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at Dec. 31: Current liabilities $ — $ — $ (7 ) $ (3 ) Noncurrent liabilities (735 ) (740 ) (118 ) (157 ) Net amounts recognized $ (735 ) $ (740 ) $ (125 ) $ (160 ) (a) Includes approximately $198 million in 2018 and $174 million in 2017 of lump-sum benefit payments used in the determination of a settlement charge. |
Projected Benefit Payments for the Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans | Xcel Energy’s projected benefit payments: (Millions of Dollars) Projected Gross Projected Expected Net Projected 2019 $ 281 $ 45 $ 2 $ 43 2020 260 45 2 43 2021 259 45 2 43 2022 260 44 2 42 2023 259 43 2 41 2024-2028 1,238 197 13 184 |
Commitments and Contingencies (
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Funded Status of Nuclear Decommissioning Obligation [Table Text Block] | Regulatory Basis (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Estimated decommissioning cost obligation from most recently approved study (in 2014 dollars) $ 3,012 $ 3,012 Effect of escalating costs 539 396 Estimated decommissioning cost obligation (in current dollars) 3,551 3,408 Effect of escalating costs to payment date 7,654 7,797 Estimated future decommissioning costs (undiscounted) 11,205 11,205 Effect of discounting obligation (using average risk-free interest rate of 3.33% and 2.80% for 2018 and 2017, respectively) (6,911 ) (6,398 ) Discounted decommissioning cost obligation $ 4,294 $ 4,807 Assets held in external decommissioning trust $ 2,055 $ 2,143 Underfunding of external decommissioning fund compared to the discounted decommissioning obligation 2,239 2,664 |
Estimated Minimum Purchases Under Fuel Contracts | Estimated minimum purchases under these contracts as of Dec. 31, 2018: (Millions of Dollars) Coal Nuclear fuel Natural gas supply Natural gas supply and transportation 2019 $ 461 $ 127 $ 416 $ 268 2020 260 51 263 255 2021 149 99 254 245 2022 109 79 114 234 2023 61 99 60 170 Thereafter 108 337 — 923 Total $ 1,148 $ 792 $ 1,107 $ 2,095 |
Estimated Future Payments for Capacity and Energy Pursuant to Purchased Power Agreements | At Dec. 31, 2018 , the estimated future payments for capacity and energy that the utility subsidiaries of Xcel Energy are obligated to purchase pursuant to these executory contracts, subject to availability, were as follows: (Millions of Dollars) Capacity Energy (a) 2019 $ 86 $ 99 2020 70 109 2021 78 157 2022 77 173 2023 79 177 Thereafter 125 328 Total $ 515 $ 1,043 (a) Excludes contingent energy payments for renewable energy PPAs. |
Summary of Property Held Under Capital Leases | Property held under capital leases: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Gas storage facilities $ 201 $ 201 Gas pipeline 21 21 Property held under capital leases 222 222 Accumulated depreciation (77 ) (71 ) Total property held under capital leases, net $ 145 $ 151 |
Future Commitments Under Operating and Capital Leases | Future commitments under operating and capital leases: (Millions of Dollars) Operating Leases PPA (a) (b) Operating Leases Total Leases Capital Leases 2019 $ 32 $ 207 $ 239 $ 14 2020 26 208 234 14 2021 25 210 235 14 2022 24 197 221 12 2023 22 186 208 12 Thereafter 154 883 1,037 220 Total minimum obligation 286 Interest component of obligation (201 ) Present value of minimum obligation $ 85 (c) (a) Amounts do not include PPAs accounted for as executory contracts. (b) PPA operating leases contractually expire through 2034 . (c) Excludes certain amounts related to Xcel Energy’s 50% ownership interest in WYCO. |
Eloigne and NSP-Wisconsin Low-income Housing Limited Partnerships | Amounts reflected in Xcel Energy’s consolidated balance sheets for the Eloigne and NSP-Wisconsin low-income housing limited partnerships: (Millions of Dollars) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2017 Current assets $ 5 $ 6 Property, plant and equipment, net 42 46 Other noncurrent assets 1 1 Total assets $ 48 $ 53 Current liabilities $ 7 $ 9 Mortgages and other long-term debt payable 26 26 Other noncurrent liabilities — 1 Total liabilities $ 33 $ 36 |
Committed Minimum Payments Under Technology Agreements | Committed minimum payments under these obligations: (Millions of Dollars) IBM Agreement Accenture Agreement 2019 $ 30 $ 11 2020 16 11 2021 16 — 2022 7 — 2023 — — Thereafter — — |
Asset Retirement Obligations | Xcel Energy’s AROs were as follows: Dec. 31, 2018 (Millions of Dollars) Jan. 1, 2018 Amounts Incurred (a) Amounts Settled (b) Accretion Cash Flow Revisions (c) Dec. 31, 2018 Electric Nuclear $ 1,874 $ — $ — $ 94 $ — $ 1,968 Steam, hydro, and other production 192 — (14 ) 8 (9 ) 177 Wind 96 12 — 4 7 119 Distribution 21 — — 1 20 42 Miscellaneous 5 — — — 2 7 Natural gas Transmission and distribution 282 — — 13 (46 ) 249 Miscellaneous 4 — — — — 4 Common Miscellaneous 1 — — — — 1 Non-utility Miscellaneous — 1 — — — 1 Total liability $ 2,475 $ 13 $ (14 ) $ 120 $ (26 ) $ 2,568 (a) Amounts incurred related to the PSCo Rush Creek wind farm and Nicollet Projects community solar gardens, which were placed in service in 2018. (b) Amounts settled related to asbestos abatement projects and closure of certain ash containment facilities. (c) In 2018, AROs were revised for changes in timing and estimates of cash flows. Changes in gas transmission and distribution AROs were primarily related to increased gas line mileage and number of services, which were more than offset by increased discount rates. Changes in electric distribution AROs primarily related to increased labor costs. Dec. 31, 2017 (Millions of Dollars) Jan. 1, 2017 Amounts Incurred Amounts Settled (a) Accretion Cash Flow Revisions (b) Dec. 31, 2017 Electric Nuclear $ 2,249 $ — $ — $ 114 $ (489 ) $ 1,874 Steam, hydro, and other production 205 1 (29 ) 9 6 192 Wind 92 — — 4 — 96 Distribution 20 — — 1 — 21 Miscellaneous 5 — — — — 5 Natural gas Transmission and distribution 205 — — 8 69 282 Miscellaneous 4 — — — — 4 Common Miscellaneous 2 — (1 ) — — 1 Total liability $ 2,782 $ 1 $ (30 ) $ 136 $ (414 ) $ 2,475 (a) Amounts settled related to asbestos abatement, closure of ash containment facilities, and removal and disposal of storage tanks and other above ground equipment. (b) In 2017, AROs were revised for changes in timing and estimates of cash flows. Nuclear AROs decreased due to updated assumptions. Changes in gas transmission and distribution AROs were primarily related to increased labor costs. |
Plant Removal Costs | g depreciation rates. Accumulated balances by entity at Dec. 31 : (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 NSP-Minnesota $ 485 $ 442 PSCo 344 346 SPS 188 197 NSP-Wisconsin 158 146 Total Xcel Energy $ 1,175 $ 1,131 |
Reconciliation of Decommissioning Cost Obligation - Regulatory to GAAP | (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 Discounted decommissioning cost obligation - regulated basis $ 4,294 $ 4,807 Differences in discount rate and market risk premium (1,447 ) (1,403 ) O&M costs not included for GAAP (879 ) (1,041 ) ARO differences between 2017 and 2014 cost studies — (489 ) Nuclear production decommissioning ARO - GAAP $ 1,968 $ 1,874 |
Nuclear Decommissioning Expenses Recognized as Result of Regulation | (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Annual decommissioning recorded as depreciation expense: (a) (b) $ 20 $ 20 $ 20 |
Total expense for energy and capacity payments table text block [Table Text Block] | Total expenses (including capacity payments) under operating lease obligations for Xcel Energy and the corresponding capacity payments for PPAs accounted for as operating leases for the year ended Dec. 31: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Total expense $ 248 $ 246 $ 255 Capacity payments 210 210 216 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Tab
Other Comprehensive Income (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] | ||
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | Changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of tax, for the years ended Dec. 31: 2018 (Millions of Dollars) Gains and Defined Benefit Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Jan. 1 $ (58 ) $ (67 ) $ (125 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (net of taxes of $(2) and $(2), respectively) (5 ) (6 ) (11 ) Losses reclassified from net accumulated other comprehensive loss: Interest rate derivatives (net of taxes of $1 and $0, respectively) 3 (a) — 3 Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $0 and $3, respectively) — 9 (b) 9 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (2 ) 3 1 Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Dec. 31 $ (60 ) $ (64 ) $ (124 ) | 2017 (Millions of Dollars) Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Jan. 1 $ (51 ) $ (59 ) $ (110 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (net of taxes of $0 and $(2), respectively) — (3 ) (3 ) Losses reclassified from net accumulated other comprehensive loss: Interest rate derivatives (net of taxes of $2 and $0, respectively) 3 (a) — 3 Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of taxes of $0 and $5, respectively) — 7 (b) $ 7 Net current period other comprehensive income 3 4 7 Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 (c) (10 ) (12 ) (22 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss at Dec. 31 $ (58 ) $ (67 ) $ (125 ) (a) Included in interest charges. (b) Included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs. (c) In 2017, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2018-02 related to the TCJA, which resulted in reclassification of certain credit balances within net accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. |
Segments and Related Informat_2
Segments and Related Information (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Results from Operations by Reportable Segment | Xcel Energy’s segment information: (Millions of Dollars) 2018 2017 2016 Regulated Electric Operating revenues from external customers $ 9,719 $ 9,676 $ 9,500 Intersegment revenue 1 2 1 Total revenues $ 9,720 $ 9,678 $ 9,501 Depreciation and amortization 1,421 1,298 1,136 Interest charges and financing costs 449 449 450 Income tax expense 187 528 567 Net income 1,177 1,066 1,067 Regulated Natural Gas Operating revenues from external customers $ 1,739 $ 1,650 $ 1,531 Intersegment revenue 2 1 1 Total revenues $ 1,741 $ 1,651 $ 1,532 Depreciation and amortization 212 174 160 Interest charges and financing costs 61 57 54 Income tax expense 28 23 76 Net income 187 182 124 All Other Total operating revenue $ 79 $ 78 $ 76 Depreciation and amortization 9 7 7 Interest charges and financing costs 142 122 116 Income tax (benefit) (34 ) (9 ) (62 ) Net (loss) (103 ) (100 ) (68 ) Consolidated Total Total revenue $ 11,540 $ 11,407 $ 11,109 Reconciling eliminations (3 ) (3 ) (2 ) Consolidated total revenue $ 11,537 $ 11,404 $ 11,107 Depreciation and amortization 1,642 1,479 1,303 Interest charges and financing costs 652 628 620 Income tax expense 181 542 581 Net income 1,261 1,148 1,123 |
Summarized Quarterly Financia_2
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018 | |
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) | Quarter Ended (Amounts in millions, except per share data) March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 Sept. 30, 2018 Dec. 31, 2018 Operating revenues $ 2,951 $ 2,658 $ 3,048 $ 2,880 Operating income (a) 480 450 696 339 Net income 291 265 491 214 EPS total — basic $ 0.57 $ 0.52 $ 0.96 $ 0.42 EPS total — diluted 0.57 0.52 0.96 0.42 Cash dividends declared per common share 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 Quarter Ended (Amounts in millions, except per share data) March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017 Sept. 30, 2017 Dec. 31, 2017 Operating revenues $ 2,946 $ 2,645 $ 3,017 $ 2,796 Operating income (a) 492 466 824 440 Net income 239 227 492 189 EPS total — basic $ 0.47 $ 0.45 $ 0.97 $ 0.37 EPS total — diluted 0.47 0.45 0.97 0.37 Cash dividends declared per common share 0.36 0.36 0.36 0.36 (a) In 2018, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2017-07 related to net periodic benefit cost, which resulted in retrospective reclassification of pension costs from O&M expense to other income. |
Summary of Significant Accoun_4
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | |||
Depreciation expense expressed as a percentage of average depreciable property | 3.10% | 3.10% | 2.90% |
Nuclear Decommissioning [Abstract] | |||
Minimum amount of time between nuclear decommissioning studies (in years) | 3 years | ||
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] | |||
Maximum number of months of remaining maturity at time of purchase to consider investments in certain instruments as cash equivalents | 3 months | ||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Abstract] | |||
Allowance for bad debts | $ 55 | $ 52 | |
Alternative Revenue Programs [Abstract] | |||
Maximum number of months following end of annual period in which revenues are earned to be included in incentive programs | 24 months | ||
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | |||
Inventories | $ 548 | 610 | |
Supplies [Member] | |||
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | |||
Inventories | 271 | 311 | |
Public Utilities, Inventory, Fuel [Member] | |||
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | |||
Inventories | 170 | 186 | |
Public Utilities, Inventory, Natural Gas [Member] | |||
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items] | |||
Inventories | $ 107 | $ 113 |
Accounting Pronouncements Adopt
Accounting Pronouncements Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Jan. 01, 2019 | |
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 - Forecast | |||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Assets | $ 2,000 | ||
Operating Lease, Liabilities | $ 2,000 | ||
Other Expense [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | |||
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) | $ 33 | $ 26 |
Property Plant and Equipment _3
Property Plant and Equipment Property Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment | $ 52,249 | $ 48,927 |
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment | (15,659) | (15,000) |
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net | 36,944 | 34,329 |
Electric plant | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 41,472 | 39,016 |
Natural gas plant | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 6,210 | 5,800 |
Common and other property | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 2,154 | 2,013 |
Plant to be retired | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 322 | 11 |
CWIP | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 2,091 | 2,087 |
Nuclear fuel | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 2,771 | 2,697 |
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment | $ (2,417) | $ (2,295) |
Property Plant and Equipment Jo
Property Plant and Equipment Joint Ownership (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) |
NSP-Minnesota | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 1,725 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 594 |
CWIP | 4 |
NSP-Minnesota | Electric Generation | Sherco Unit 3 | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | 604 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 415 |
CWIP | $ 1 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 59.00% |
NSP-Minnesota | Electric Generation | Sherco Common Facilities Units 1, 2 and 3 | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 145 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 100 |
CWIP | $ 1 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 80.00% |
NSP-Minnesota | Electric Generation | Sherco Substation | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 5 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 4 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 59.00% |
NSP-Minnesota | Electric Transmission | Grand Meadow Line and Substation | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 960 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 73 |
CWIP | $ 2 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 51.00% |
NSP-Minnesota | Electric Transmission | Other joint ownership [Domain] | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 11 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 2 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 50.00% |
NSP-Wisconsin | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 344 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 17 |
CWIP | 2 |
NSP-Wisconsin | Electric Transmission | CapX2020 Transmission | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | 169 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 15 |
CWIP | $ 2 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 81.00% |
NSP-Wisconsin | Electric Transmission | La Crosse, Wis. to Madison, Wis. | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 175 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 2 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 37.00% |
PSCo | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 1,590 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 430 |
CWIP | 1 |
PSCo | Electric Generation | Hayden Unit 1 | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | 153 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 76 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 76.00% |
PSCo | Electric Generation | Hayden Unit 2 | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 149 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 68 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 37.00% |
PSCo | Electric Generation | Hayden Common Facilities | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 41 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 21 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 53.00% |
PSCo | Electric Generation | Craig Units 1 and 2 | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 81 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 40 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 10.00% |
PSCo | Electric Generation | Craig Common Facilities 1, 2 and 3 | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 39 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 21 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 7.00% |
PSCo | Electric Generation | Comanche Unit 3 | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 886 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 130 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 67.00% |
PSCo | Electric Generation | Comanche Common Facilities | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 28 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 3 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 82.00% |
PSCo | Electric Transmission | Transmission and Other Facilities, including Substations | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 183 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 63 |
CWIP | 1 |
PSCo | Gas Transportation | Rifle to Avon | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | 22 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 7 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 60.00% |
PSCo | Gas Transportation | Gas Transportation Compressor | |
Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] | |
Plant in Service | $ 8 |
Accumulated Depreciation | 1 |
CWIP | $ 0 |
Ownership percentage (in hundredths) | 50.00% |
Regulatory Assets and Liabili_3
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Regulatory Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | ||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 464 | $ 424 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | 3,326 | 3,005 | |
Past expenditures not currently earning a return | 178 | 212 | |
Pension and Retiree Medical Obligations | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | 87 | 91 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 1,500 | 1,499 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Net AROs | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | [1] | $ 0 | 0 |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | [1] | $ 452 | 301 |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Plant lives | ||
Excess deferred taxes - TCJA | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 0 | 0 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 296 | 254 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Recoverable Deferred Taxes on AFUDC Recorded in Plant | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 0 | 0 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 264 | 244 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Plant lives | ||
Environmental Remediation Costs | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 17 | 16 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 155 | 165 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Depreciation Differences | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 18 | 20 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 107 | 69 | |
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, minimum | 1 year | ||
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, maximum | 13 years | ||
Benson purchase power agreement termination and asset purchase | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 10 | 0 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 86 | 0 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | 10 years | ||
Contract Valuation Adjustments | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | [2] | $ 17 | 21 |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | [2] | $ 77 | 93 |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Term of related contract | ||
Laurentian Energy Authority purchase power agreement termination | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 18 | 0 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 73 | 0 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | 5 years | ||
Purchased Power Agreements | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 4 | 3 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 63 | 67 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Term of related contract | ||
Prairie Island Nuclear Plant Extended Power Uprate | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 3 | 3 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 56 | 58 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | 16 years | ||
Losses on Reacquired Debt | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 4 | 5 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 44 | 48 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Term of related contract | ||
State Commission Adjustments | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 1 | 1 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 29 | 29 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Plant lives | ||
Conservation Programs | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | [3] | $ 42 | 50 |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | [3] | $ 28 | 32 |
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, minimum | 1 year | ||
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, maximum | 2 years | ||
Property Tax | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 14 | 8 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 10 | 24 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 37 | 49 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 14 | 20 | |
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, minimum | 1 year | ||
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, maximum | 2 years | ||
Deferred Purchased Natural Gas and Electric Energy Costs | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 57 | 21 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 13 | 13 | |
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, minimum | 1 year | ||
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, maximum | 3 years | ||
Renewable Resources and Environmental Initiatives | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 39 | 48 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 9 | 10 | |
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, minimum | 1 year | ||
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, maximum | 2 years | ||
Sales True Up and Revenue Decoupling | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 38 | 37 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 7 | 12 | |
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, minimum | 1 year | ||
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, maximum | 2 years | ||
Gas Pipeline Inspection and Remediation Costs | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 28 | 24 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 3 | 12 | |
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, minimum | 1 year | ||
Regulatory Asset Amortization Period, maximum | 2 years | ||
Other Regulatory Assets | |||
Regulatory Assets [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Asset, Current | $ 30 | 27 | |
Regulatory Asset, Noncurrent | $ 40 | $ 55 | |
Regulatory asset, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
[1] | Includes amounts recorded for future recovery of AROs, less amounts recovered through nuclear decommissioning accruals and gains from decommissioning investments. | ||
[2] | Includes the fair value of certain long-term PPAs used to meet energy capacity requirements and valuation adjustments on natural gas commodity purchases. | ||
[3] | Includes costs for conservation programs, as well as incentives allowed in certain jurisdictions. |
Regulatory Assets and Liabili_4
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, Regulatory Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | ||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | [1] | $ 436 | $ 239 |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | [1] | 5,187 | 5,083 |
Deferred Income Tax Adjustment and TCJA Refunds | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | [2] | 157 | 0 |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | [2] | $ 3,715 | 3,790 |
Regulatory liability, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Plant Removal Costs | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | $ 0 | 0 | |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | $ 1,175 | 1,131 | |
Regulatory liability, remaining amortization period | Plant lives | ||
Effects of regulation on employee benefit costs | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | [3] | $ 0 | 0 |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | [3] | $ 137 | 46 |
Regulatory liability, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Renewable Resources and Environmental Initiatives | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | $ 9 | 19 | |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | $ 54 | 60 | |
Regulatory liability, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Investment Tax Credit Deferrals | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | [4] | $ 0 | 0 |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | [4] | $ 40 | 23 |
Regulatory liability, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Deferred Electric, Natural Gas and Steam Production Costs | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | $ 102 | 104 | |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | $ 0 | 0 | |
Regulatory liability remaining amortization period, maximum | 1 year | ||
Contract Valuation Adjustments | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | [5] | $ 26 | 30 |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | [5] | $ 0 | 0 |
Regulatory liability remaining amortization period, maximum | 1 year | ||
Conservation Programs | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | [6] | $ 36 | 23 |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | [6] | $ 0 | 0 |
Regulatory liability remaining amortization period, maximum | 1 year | ||
DOE Settlement | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | $ 19 | 18 | |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | $ 0 | 0 | |
Regulatory liability remaining amortization period, maximum | 1 year | ||
Other Regulatory Liabilities | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Regulatory Liability, Current | $ 87 | 45 | |
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent | $ 66 | 33 | |
Regulatory liability, remaining amortization period | Various | ||
Other Current Liabilities | |||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | |||
Entity's Recorded Provision for Revenue Subject To Refund | $ 29 | $ 15 | |
[1] | Revenue subject to refund of $29 million and $15 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively, is included in other current liabilities. | ||
[2] | Includes the revaluation of recoverable/regulated plant ADIT and revaluation impact of non-plant ADIT due to the TCJA. | ||
[3] | Includes regulatory amortization and certain TCJA benefits approved by the CPUC to offset the PSCo prepaid pension asset at Dec. 31, 2018. | ||
[4] | Includes impact of lower federal tax rate due to the TCJA. | ||
[5] | Includes the fair value of certain long-term PPAs used to meet energy capacity requirements and valuation adjustments on natural gas commodity purchases. | ||
[6] | Includes costs for conservation programs, as well as incentives allowed in certain jurisdictions. |
Borrowings and Other Financin_3
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments, Commercial Paper (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Amount outstanding at period end | $ 1,038 | $ 1,038 | $ 814 | |
Commercial Paper | ||||
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | 3,250 | 3,250 | 3,250 | $ 2,750 |
Amount outstanding at period end | 1,038 | 1,038 | 814 | 392 |
Average amount outstanding | 500 | 788 | 644 | 485 |
Maximum amount outstanding | $ 1,038 | $ 1,349 | $ 1,247 | $ 1,183 |
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis (percentage) | 2.76% | 2.34% | 1.35% | 0.74% |
Weighted average interest rate at period end (percentage) | 2.97% | 2.97% | 1.90% | 0.95% |
364-Day Term Loan | Xcel Energy Inc. | ||||
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period | 364 days | |||
Amount outstanding at period end | $ 250 | $ 250 | ||
364-Day Term Loan | Xcel Energy Inc. | ||||
Short-term Debt [Line Items] | ||||
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | $ 500 | $ 500 |
Borrowings and Other Financin_4
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments, Letters of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Amount outstanding at period end | $ 1,038 | $ 814 |
Letter of Credit | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Amount outstanding at period end | $ 49 | $ 30 |
Letter of Credit | Letter of Credit | ||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ||
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period | 1 year |
Borrowings and Other Financin_5
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments, Credit Facilities (Details) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017USD ($) | ||
Credit Facilities | |||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Credit Facility | $ 3,250,000,000 | ||
Drawn | [1] | 1,087,000,000 | |
Available | $ 2,163,000,000 | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. | Credit Facilities | |||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Line Of Credit Facility Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio (as a percent) | [2],[3] | 58.00% | 58.00% |
Credit Facility | [4] | $ 1,500,000,000 | |
Drawn | [1] | 488,000,000 | |
Available | 1,012,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Amount Credit Facility May Be Increased | [3] | $ 200,000,000 | |
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio Allowed | 65.00% | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Minimum Threshhold Percentage Of Subsidiary Assets To Consolidated Assets Required To Initiate Cross Default Provisions | 15.00% | ||
Line of Credit Facility, Minimum Amount of Indebtedness in Default to Initiate Cross Default Provisions | $ 75,000,000 | ||
Number Of Additional Periods Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | [3],[5] | 2 | |
Term Of Each Additional Period Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | 1 year | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Jun. 30, 2021 | ||
Direct advances on the credit facility outstanding | $ 0 | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. | 364-Day Term Loan | |||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period | 364 days | ||
NSP-Minnesota | Credit Facilities | |||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Line Of Credit Facility Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio (as a percent) | [2] | 48.00% | 48.00% |
Credit Facility | [4] | $ 500,000,000 | |
Drawn | [1] | 187,000,000 | |
Available | 313,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Amount Credit Facility May Be Increased | $ 100,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio Allowed | 65.00% | ||
Number Of Additional Periods Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | [5] | 2 | |
Term Of Each Additional Period Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | 1 year | ||
Direct advances on the credit facility outstanding | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
PSCo | Credit Facilities | |||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Line Of Credit Facility Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio (as a percent) | [2] | 46.00% | 44.00% |
Credit Facility | [4] | $ 700,000,000 | |
Drawn | [1] | 317,000,000 | |
Available | 383,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Amount Credit Facility May Be Increased | $ 100,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio Allowed | 65.00% | ||
Number Of Additional Periods Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | [5] | 2 | |
Term Of Each Additional Period Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | 1 year | ||
Direct advances on the credit facility outstanding | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
SPS | Credit Facilities | |||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Line Of Credit Facility Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio (as a percent) | [2] | 46.00% | 46.00% |
Credit Facility | [4] | $ 400,000,000 | |
Drawn | [1] | 44,000,000 | |
Available | 356,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Amount Credit Facility May Be Increased | $ 50,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio Allowed | 65.00% | ||
Number Of Additional Periods Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | [5] | 2 | |
Term Of Each Additional Period Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | 1 year | ||
Direct advances on the credit facility outstanding | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
NSP-Wisconsin | Credit Facilities | |||
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | |||
Line Of Credit Facility Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio (as a percent) | [2] | 48.00% | 47.00% |
Credit Facility | [4] | $ 150,000,000 | |
Drawn | [1] | 51,000,000 | |
Available | $ 99,000,000 | ||
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Debt To Total Capitalization Ratio Allowed | 65.00% | ||
Number Of Additional Periods Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | [5] | 1 | |
Term Of Each Additional Period Revolving Termination Date Can Be Extended Subject To Majority Bank Group Approval | 1 year | ||
Direct advances on the credit facility outstanding | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
[1] | Includes outstanding commercial paper, term loan borrowings and letters of credit. | ||
[2] | Each credit facility has a financial covenant requiring that the debt-to-total capitalization ratio be less than or equal to 65%. | ||
[3] | The Xcel Energy Inc. credit facility has a cross-default provision that Xcel Energy Inc. will be in default on its borrowings under the facility if it or any of its subsidiaries (except NSP-Wisconsin as long as its total assets do not comprise more than 15% of Xcel Energy’s consolidated total assets) default on indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $75 million. | ||
[4] | These credit facilities mature in June 2021, with the exception of Xcel Energy’s Inc.’s 364-day term loan agreement which expires in December 2019. | ||
[5] | All extension requests are subject to majority bank group approval. |
Borrowings and Other Financin_6
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments, Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Nov. 30, 2018 | |
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Less current maturities | $ 406 | $ 457 | ||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 15,803 | 14,520 | ||
Amount outstanding at period end | 1,038 | 814 | ||
2,019 | 406 | |||
2,020 | 1,257 | |||
2,021 | 425 | |||
2,022 | 902 | |||
2,023 | 653 | |||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | $ 230 | 0 | $ 0 | |
Forward Equity Agreements [Member] | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Feb. 7, 2020 | |||
Common Stock, Value, to be Issued through Forward Equity Agreement | $ 459 | |||
Common Stock To Be Issued through forward Equity Agreement | 9.4 | |||
Period End Settlement Price, In Shares | 9.4 | |||
Period End Settlement Price, in Cash | $ 456 | |||
Period End Net Cash Settlement Price | $ 24 | |||
Period End Net Share Settlement Price | 0.5 | |||
At-the-Market Offering [Member] | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Maximum Aggregate Gross Sales Price of Common Stock that Can Be Offered and Sold | $ 4.7 | |||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 224.7 | |||
Transaction fees | 1.9 | |||
DividendReinvestmentProgram [Member] | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 38.5 | 39.2 | ||
Minimum | Forward Equity Agreements [Member] | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
expected settlement price | 450 | |||
Maximum | Forward Equity Agreements [Member] | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
expected settlement price | $ 460 | |||
Senior Unsecured Notes | Series Due June 15, 2028 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.00% | |||
Xcel Energy Inc. | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Unamortized discount | $ (5) | (2) | ||
Unamortized debt expense | (21) | (20) | ||
Less current maturities | 2 | 2 | ||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 3,316 | 2,818 | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. | Senior Unsecured Notes | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 3,400 | $ 2,900 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | May 15, 2020 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Sep. 15, 2041 | |||
Xcel Energy Inc. | Senior Unsecured Notes | Series Due June 15, 2028 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 500 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Jun. 15, 2028 | |||
Xcel Energy Inc. | Senior Unsecured Notes | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.40% | 1.20% | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. | Senior Unsecured Notes | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.50% | 6.50% | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. | Capital Lease Obligations | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Capital Lease Obligations | $ (60) | $ (62) | ||
Other Subsidiaries | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Less current maturities | (1) | (2) | ||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 25 | 26 | ||
Other Subsidiaries | Various Eloigne Co. Affordable Housing Project Notes | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 26 | $ 28 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | Sep. 1, 2019 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Dec. 31, 2052 | |||
Other Subsidiaries | Various Eloigne Co. Affordable Housing Project Notes | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||
Other Subsidiaries | Various Eloigne Co. Affordable Housing Project Notes | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.90% | 7.05% | ||
NSP-Minnesota | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Unamortized discount | $ (21) | $ (22) | ||
Unamortized debt expense | (42) | (45) | ||
Less current maturities | 0 | 0 | ||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 4,937 | 4,933 | ||
NSP-Minnesota | First Mortgage Bonds | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 5,000 | 5,000 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | Aug. 15, 2020 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Sep. 15, 2047 | |||
NSP-Minnesota | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due Sept. 15, 2047 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 600 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.60% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Sep. 15, 2047 | |||
NSP-Minnesota | First Mortgage Bonds | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.15% | 2.15% | ||
NSP-Minnesota | First Mortgage Bonds | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 7.125% | 7.125% | ||
NSP-Wisconsin | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Unamortized discount | $ (3) | $ (3) | ||
Unamortized debt expense | (9) | (7) | ||
Less current maturities | 0 | 151 | ||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 807 | 610 | ||
NSP-Wisconsin | First Mortgage Bonds | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 800 | 750 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | Jun. 15, 2024 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Sep. 1, 2048 | |||
NSP-Wisconsin | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due September 1, 2048 [Member] | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 200 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.20% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Sep. 1, 2048 | |||
NSP-Wisconsin | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due Dec. 1, 2047 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 100 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.75% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Dec. 1, 2047 | |||
NSP-Wisconsin | First Mortgage Bonds | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.30% | 3.30% | ||
NSP-Wisconsin | First Mortgage Bonds | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.375% | 6.375% | ||
NSP-Wisconsin | City of La Crosse Resource Recovery Bond | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 19 | $ 19 | ||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.00% | 6.00% | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Nov. 1, 2021 | |||
NSP-Wisconsin | Other | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 0 | $ 2 | ||
PSCo | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Unamortized discount | (14) | (13) | ||
Unamortized debt expense | (33) | (29) | ||
Less current maturities | 406 | 306 | ||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 4,592 | 4,303 | ||
PSCo | First Mortgage Bonds | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 4,900 | 4,500 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | Jun. 1, 2019 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Jun. 15, 2048 | |||
PSCo | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due June 15, 2028 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 350 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.70% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Jun. 15, 2028 | |||
PSCo | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due June 15, 2048 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 350 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.10% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Jun. 15, 2048 | |||
PSCo | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due June 15, 2047 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 400 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.80% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Jun. 15, 2047 | |||
PSCo | First Mortgage Bonds | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 2.25% | 2.25% | ||
PSCo | First Mortgage Bonds | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.50% | 6.50% | ||
PSCo | Capital Lease Obligations | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Capital Lease Obligations | $ 145 | $ 151 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | Jan. 1, 2025 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Jan. 1, 2060 | |||
PSCo | Capital Lease Obligations | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 11.20% | 11.20% | ||
PSCo | Capital Lease Obligations | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 14.30% | 14.30% | ||
SPS | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Unamortized discount | $ (4) | $ (2) | ||
Unamortized debt expense | (20) | (18) | ||
Less current maturities | 0 | 0 | ||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 2,126 | 1,830 | ||
SPS | Senior Unsecured Notes | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 350 | $ 350 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | Oct. 1, 2033 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Oct. 1, 2036 | |||
SPS | Senior Unsecured Notes | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.00% | 6.00% | ||
SPS | Senior Unsecured Notes | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.00% | 8.75% | ||
SPS | First Mortgage Bonds | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 1,800 | $ 1,500 | ||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start | Jun. 15, 2024 | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End | Jan. 1, 2048 | |||
SPS | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due June 15, 2048 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 300 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.40% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Nov. 15, 2048 | |||
SPS | First Mortgage Bonds | Series Due August 15, 2047 | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Face Amount | $ 450 | |||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.70% | |||
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date | Aug. 15, 2047 | |||
SPS | First Mortgage Bonds | Minimum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 3.30% | 3.30% | ||
SPS | First Mortgage Bonds | Maximum | ||||
Long-Term Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments | ||||
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.50% | 4.50% |
Borrowings and Other Financin_7
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments, Deferred Financing Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Deferred Financing Costs [Abstract] | ||
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net | $ 126 | $ 119 |
Borrowings and Other Financin_8
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments, Capital Stock (Details) - $ / shares | Dec. 31, 2018 | Jun. 29, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares) | 10,000,000 | ||
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share) | $ 1 | ||
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 0 | ||
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 508,898,420 | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares) | 7,000,000 | ||
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share) | $ 100 | ||
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 0 | |
Common Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares) | 1,000,000,000 | ||
Common Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share) | $ 2.50 | ||
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 514,036,787 | 507,762,881 | |
PSCo | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares) | 10,000,000 | ||
Preferred Stock, Par Value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.01 | ||
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 0 | |
SPS | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 0 |
Borrowings and Other Financin_9
Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments, Dividend and Other Capital-Related Restrictions (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) | ||
PSCo | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Maximum additional long term debt authorized for issuance | $ 1,100 | |
Maximum additional short term debt authorized for issuance | $ 800 | |
NSP-Minnesota | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Equity to total capitalization ratio, low end of range (in hundredths) | 47.10% | |
Equity to total capitalization ratio, high end of range (in hundredths) | 57.50% | |
Equity to total capitalization ratio | 52.30% | |
Unrestricted Retained Earnings Per State Regulatory Commissions Dividend Restrictions | $ 1,000 | |
Capitalization, Short term debt, long term debt and equity | 10,700 | |
Maximum total capitalization | 11,500 | |
Maximum additional short term debt authorized for issuance | $ 1,725 | |
Maximum Percentage of long term debt to total capitalization | 5293000.00% | |
Maximum percentage of short term debt to total capitalization (in hundredths) | 15.00% | |
NSP-Wisconsin | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Minimum calendar year average equity to total capitalization ratio authorized by state commission | 51.50% | |
Equity to total capitalization ratio | 51.80% | |
Unrestricted Retained Earnings Per State Regulatory Commissions Dividend Restrictions | $ 11.5 | [1] |
Capitalization, Short term debt, long term debt and equity | 1,700 | |
Maximum annual dividends that can be paid if equity capitalization ratio condition is not met | 55 | |
Maximum additional long term debt authorized for issuance | 0 | [2] |
Maximum additional short term debt authorized for issuance | $ 150 | |
SPS | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Equity to total capitalization ratio (excluding short-term debt), low end of range (in hundredths) | 45.00% | [3] |
Equity to total capitalization ratio (excluding short-term debt), high end of range (in hundredths) | 55.00% | [3] |
Equity to total capitalization ratio (excluding short-term debt) (in hundredths) | 54.40% | [3] |
Unrestricted Retained Earnings Per State Regulatory Commissions Dividend Restrictions | $ 605.7 | [4] |
Capitalization, Short term debt, long term debt and equity | 4,700 | |
Maximum additional long term debt authorized for issuance | 0 | [2] |
Maximum additional short term debt authorized for issuance | $ 600 | |
[1] | NSP-Wisconsin cannot pay annual dividends in excess of approximately $55 million if its average equity-to-total capitalization ratio falls below the commission authorized level. | |
[2] | SPS and NSP-Wisconsin will file for additional long-term debt authorization. | |
[3] | SPS excludes short-term debt. | |
[4] | SPS may not pay a dividend that would cause it to lose its investment grade bond rating. |
Revenues (Details)
Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $ 2,880 | $ 3,048 | $ 2,658 | $ 2,951 | $ 2,796 | $ 3,017 | $ 2,645 | $ 2,946 | $ 11,537 | $ 11,404 | $ 11,107 |
Total revenue from contracts with customers | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 11,020 | ||||||||||
Retail | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 9,508 | ||||||||||
Retail | Residential | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 3,945 | ||||||||||
Retail | Commercial and industrial (C&I) | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 5,423 | ||||||||||
Retail | Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 140 | ||||||||||
Wholesale | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 791 | ||||||||||
Transmission | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 523 | ||||||||||
Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 198 | ||||||||||
Alternative revenue and other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 517 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Total revenue from contracts with customers | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 9,339 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Retail | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 7,927 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Retail | Residential | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 2,919 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Retail | Commercial and industrial (C&I) | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 4,874 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Retail | Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 134 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Wholesale | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 791 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Transmission | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 523 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 98 | ||||||||||
Regulated Electric | Alternative revenue and other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 380 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Total revenue from contracts with customers | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 1,612 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Retail | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 1,512 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Retail | Residential | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 988 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Retail | Commercial and industrial (C&I) | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 524 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Retail | Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 0 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Wholesale | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 0 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Transmission | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 0 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 100 | ||||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | Alternative revenue and other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 127 | ||||||||||
All Other | Total revenue from contracts with customers | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 69 | ||||||||||
All Other | Retail | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 69 | ||||||||||
All Other | Retail | Residential | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 38 | ||||||||||
All Other | Retail | Commercial and industrial (C&I) | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 25 | ||||||||||
All Other | Retail | Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 6 | ||||||||||
All Other | Wholesale | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 0 | ||||||||||
All Other | Transmission | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 0 | ||||||||||
All Other | Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers | 0 | ||||||||||
All Other | Alternative revenue and other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 10 | ||||||||||
Operating Segments | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 11,537 | ||||||||||
Operating Segments | Regulated Electric | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 9,719 | ||||||||||
Operating Segments | Regulated Natural Gas | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 1,739 | ||||||||||
Operating Segments | All Other | |||||||||||
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Total operating revenues | $ 79 |
Income Taxes (Details)
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | ||||
Federal Tax Reform [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Corporate Federal Tax Rate | 21.00% | 21.00% | |||||||||||||||||
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Net Operating Loss Deduction Limitation, Percent of Taxable income | 80.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of deferred taxes to regulatory liabilities, grossed-up for taxes | $ 3,800,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regulatory liability, customer refunds, weighted average period | 30 years | ||||||||||||||||||
Provisional income tax expense for tax reform | $ 23,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Federal Tax Loss Carryback Claims [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Number Of Years Of Tax Loss Carryback Period | two | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions | $ 5,000,000 | $ 17,000,000 | $ 12,000,000 | $ 15,000,000 | |||||||||||||||
Tax Audits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ (3,000,000) | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued | $ 0 | (3,000,000) | $ 3,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefit — Permanent tax positions | 28,000,000 | 20,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefit — Temporary tax positions | 9,000,000 | 19,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Total unrecognized tax benefit | $ 39,000,000 | $ 37,000,000 | 39,000,000 | 134,000,000 | 121,000,000 | 121,000,000 | 37,000,000 | 39,000,000 | 134,000,000 | $ 121,000,000 | |||||||||
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at Jan. 1 | 39,000,000 | 134,000,000 | 121,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions | 9,000,000 | 6,000,000 | 8,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions | (4,000,000) | (4,000,000) | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Prior Period Tax Positions | 2,000,000 | 15,000,000 | 10,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decreases Resulting From Prior Period Tax Positions | (4,000,000) | (105,000,000) | (5,000,000) | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities | (5,000,000) | (7,000,000) | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at Dec. 31 | $ 39,000,000 | $ 37,000,000 | $ 37,000,000 | $ 39,000,000 | $ 134,000,000 | $ 121,000,000 | |||||||||||||
Tax Benefits Associated With NOL And Tax Credit Carryforwards [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
NOL and tax credit carryforwards | (35,000,000) | (31,000,000) | |||||||||||||||||
Net Deferred Tax Liability associated with the Unrecognized Tax Benefit Amounts and Related NOLs and Tax Credit Carryforwards | (24,000,000) | (13,000,000) | |||||||||||||||||
Upper bound of decrease in unrecognized tax benefit that is reasonably possible | 28,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued | 0 | 0 | $ 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent | 21.00% | 35.00% | [1] | 35.00% | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent | 5.00% | 4.10% | [1] | 4.10% | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent | (5.20%) | (4.70%) | [1] | (3.40%) | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Regulatory Differences Utility Plant Items, Percent | (2.00%) | (1.00%) | [1] | (0.80%) | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Tax reform, Percent | [2] | 0.60% | 0.00% | [1] | 0.00% | [1] | |||||||||||||
Regulatory differences - effects of rate changes, Percent | [3] | (5.80%) | (0.10%) | [1] | (0.10%) | [1] | |||||||||||||
Regulatory differences - other utility plant items, Percent | (1.00%) | (0.70%) | [1] | (0.50%) | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Percent | 0.40% | (0.60%) | [1] | 0.20% | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent | 0.00% | 1.40% | [1] | 0.00% | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent | (0.40%) | (1.30%) | [1] | (0.40%) | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent | 12.60% | 32.10% | [1] | 34.10% | [1] | ||||||||||||||
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ (34,000,000) | $ 1,000,000 | $ (3,000,000) | ||||||||||||||||
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) | 8,000,000 | (11,000,000) | (4,000,000) | ||||||||||||||||
Current Change In Unrecognized Tax Expense (Benefit) | (6,000,000) | (83,000,000) | 6,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 122,000,000 | 460,000,000 | 477,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 85,000,000 | 107,000,000 | 112,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred Change In Unrecognized Tax Expense (Benefit) | 11,000,000 | 73,000,000 | (2,000,000) | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred investment tax credits | (5,000,000) | (5,000,000) | (5,000,000) | ||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 181,000,000 | 542,000,000 | 581,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) excluding selected items | 320,000,000 | (2,939,000,000) | 631,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization and adjustments to deferred income taxes on income tax regulatory assets and liabilities | (102,000,000) | 3,583,000,000 | (45,000,000) | ||||||||||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax | 0 | (4,000,000) | 1,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ 218,000,000 | 640,000,000 | $ 587,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment | 5,082,000,000 | 4,960,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Regulatory Assets | 599,000,000 | 565,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Pension expense | 178,000,000 | 199,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other | 64,000,000 | 57,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross | 5,923,000,000 | 5,781,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets Regulatory Liabilities | 879,000,000 | 886,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets Tax credit carryforward | 642,000,000 | 607,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards | 51,000,000 | 293,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance | (79,000,000) | (77,000,000) | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits | 124,000,000 | 132,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Investment Tax Credits | 16,000,000 | 17,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets Rate Refund | 60,000,000 | 10,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets, Other | 65,000,000 | 68,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance | 1,758,000,000 | 1,936,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net | 4,165,000,000 | 3,845,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Audits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating Loss Carryforwards | 0 | 1,072,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount | 553,000,000 | 517,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance | (5,000,000) | (5,000,000) | |||||||||||||||||
Carryforward expiration date range, low | 2,021 | ||||||||||||||||||
Carryforward expiration date range, high | 2,038 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax years under examination, Concluded | 2012 and 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax years under examination | 2014 - 2016 | 2012 and 2013 | 2010 and 2011 | ||||||||||||||||
Year of carryback claim under examination | 2,009 | ||||||||||||||||||
Potential Tax Adjustments | $ 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Colorado | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Audits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Earliest year subject to examination | 2,009 | ||||||||||||||||||
Minnesota | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Audits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax years under examination, Concluded | 2010 - 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earliest year subject to examination | 2,009 | ||||||||||||||||||
Potential Tax Adjustments | $ 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Texas | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Audits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Earliest year subject to examination | 2,010 | ||||||||||||||||||
Wisconsin | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Audits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax years under examination, Concluded | 2012 - 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earliest year subject to examination | 2,014 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tax years under examination | 2014 - 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||
Potential Tax Adjustments | $ 0 | $ 0 | |||||||||||||||||
State and Local Jurisdiction | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Audits [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating Loss Carryforwards | 1,104,000,000 | 1,592,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance | (50,000,000) | (55,000,000) | |||||||||||||||||
Tax Credit Carryforward Net Of Federal Detriment | [4] | 89,000,000 | 90,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Valuation Allowance for Tax Credit Carryforward Net of Federal Benefit | [5] | (69,000,000) | (68,000,000) | ||||||||||||||||
Federal detriment | 24,000,000 | 24,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Federal Benefit | $ 18,000,000 | $ 18,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Carryforward expiration date range, low | 2,019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Carryforward expiration date range, high | 2,037 | ||||||||||||||||||
Plant Related Regulatory Liability [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Federal Tax Reform [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Regulatory Liability, Provisional Income Tax (Expense) Benefit | 2,700,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-Plant Related Regulated Liability [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Federal Tax Reform [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Regulatory Liability, Provisional Income Tax (Expense) Benefit | 174,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-Plant Related Regulatory Asset [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||
Federal Tax Reform [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Regulatory Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | $ 254,000,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
[1] | Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. | ||||||||||||||||||
[2] | ARAM has been deferred when regulatory treatment has not been established. As Xcel Energy received direction from its regulatory commissions regarding the return of excess deferred taxes to customers, the ARAM deferral was reversed. This resulted in a reduction to tax expense with a corresponding reduction to revenue. | ||||||||||||||||||
[3] | ARAM is a method to flow back excess deferred taxes to customers. | ||||||||||||||||||
[4] | State tax credit carryforwards are net of federal detriment of $24 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. | ||||||||||||||||||
[5] | Valuation allowances for state tax credit carryforwards were net of federal benefit of $18 million as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. |
Share-Based Compensation, Restr
Share-Based Compensation, Restricted Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Balance at January 1 (in shares) | 995 | ||
Granted (in shares) | 500 | 503 | 522 |
Vested (in shares) | (475) | (467) | (530) |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period (in shares) | (126) | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ 41.74 | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value | $ 23,393 | $ 22,459 | $ 21,575 |
Dividend equivalents (in shares) | 45 | ||
Balance at December 31 (in shares) | 939 | 995 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] | |||
Balance at January 1, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 38.48 | ||
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 47.60 | $ 41.02 | $ 36 |
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 35.92 | ||
Dividend equivalents, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 40.74 | ||
Balance at December 31, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 44.30 | $ 38.48 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Award Vesting Period (in years) | 3 years | ||
Restricted Stock [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Balance at January 1 (in shares) | 44 | ||
Granted (in shares) | 18 | 15 | 20 |
Vested (in shares) | (27) | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period (in shares) | 0 | ||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ 0 | ||
Dividend equivalents (in shares) | 1 | ||
Balance at December 31 (in shares) | 36 | 44 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] | |||
Balance at January 1, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 39.71 | ||
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 44.68 | $ 42 | $ 38.82 |
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 37.25 | ||
Dividend equivalents, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 46.27 | ||
Balance at December 31, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 44.29 | $ 39.71 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Award Vesting Period (in years) | 3 years | ||
Service-based awards [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 300 | 300 | 300 |
Share-Based Compensation, Other
Share-Based Compensation, Other Equity Awards (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Balance at January 1 (in shares) | 995 | ||
Granted (in shares) | 500 | 503 | 522 |
Forfeited (in shares) | (126) | ||
Vested (in shares) | (475) | (467) | (530) |
Dividend equivalents (in shares) | 45 | ||
Balance at December 31 (in shares) | 939 | 995 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] | |||
Balance at January 1, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 38.48 | ||
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 47.60 | $ 41.02 | $ 36 |
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 41.74 | ||
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 35.92 | ||
Dividend equivalents, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 40.74 | ||
Balance at December 31, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 44.30 | $ 38.48 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Award Vesting Period (in years) | 3 years | ||
Total fair value of equity awards vested during the period | $ 23,393 | $ 22,459 | $ 21,575 |
Performance-based awards [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Award Vesting Period (in years) | 3 years | ||
Service-based awards [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 300 | 300 | 300 |
Xcel Energy Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member] | Service-based awards [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 7,000 | ||
Equity Award Granted Between 2014 and 2017 | Performance-based awards [Member] | Minimum | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Percentage payout for performance-based equity awards | 0.00% | ||
Equity Award Granted Between 2014 and 2017 | Performance-based awards [Member] | Maximum | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Percentage payout for performance-based equity awards | 200.00% | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] | Service-based awards [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 8,300 | ||
Xcel Energy Inc. Executive Annual Incentive Award Plan [Member] | Service-based awards [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 1,200 |
Share-Based Compensation, Stock
Share-Based Compensation, Stock Equivalent Unit Plan (Details) - $ / shares | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Balance at January 1 (in shares) | 995,000 | ||
Granted (in shares) | 500,000 | 503,000 | 522,000 |
Dividend equivalents (in shares) | 45,000 | ||
Balance at December 31 (in shares) | 939,000 | 995,000 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] | |||
Balance at January 1, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 38.48 | ||
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 47.60 | $ 41.02 | $ 36 |
Dividend equivalents, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 40.74 | ||
Balance at December 31, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 44.30 | $ 38.48 | |
Stock Equivalent Units [Member] | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Balance at January 1 (in shares) | 753,000 | ||
Granted (in shares) | 36,000 | 51,000 | 49,000 |
Units distributed (in shares) | (123,000) | ||
Dividend equivalents (in shares) | 22,000 | ||
Balance at December 31 (in shares) | 688,000 | 753,000 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] | |||
Balance at January 1, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 29.83 | ||
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 45.44 | $ 46.05 | $ 40.68 |
Units distributed, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 31.21 | ||
Dividend equivalents, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | 46.40 | ||
Balance at December 31, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ 30.93 | $ 29.83 | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Number of shares of common stock into which the share-based compensation can be converted (in shares) | 1 |
Share-Based Compensation, TSR L
Share-Based Compensation, TSR Liability Awards (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Partiesshares | Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares | Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares | |
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 500 | 503 | 522 |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Award Vesting Period (in years) | 3 years | ||
Number of Utilities in Peer Group | Parties | 22 | ||
TSR Liability Awards | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options Activity [Roll Forward] | |||
Granted (in shares) | 239 | 240 | 264 |
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Award Vesting Period (in years) | 3 years | ||
Amount of cash used to settle TSR liability awards | $ | $ 8,000 | ||
Awards settled (in shares) | 482 | 454 | 354 |
Settlement amount (cash and common stock) | $ | $ 21,534 | $ 19,083 | $ 13,724 |
TSR Liability Awards | Minimum | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Percentage payout for TSR liability awards | 0.00% | ||
TSR Liability Awards | Maximum | |||
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] | |||
Percentage payout for TSR liability awards | 200.00% |
Share-Based Compensation, Share
Share-Based Compensation, Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | ||
Share-Based Compensation Expense [Abstract] | ||||
Granted (in shares) | 500 | 503 | 522 | |
Compensation cost for share-based awards | [1] | $ 45 | $ 57 | $ 41 |
Tax benefit recognized in income | 12 | 22 | $ 16 | |
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards | $ 38 | $ 44 | ||
Weighted-average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards (in years) | 1 year 7 months | |||
Award Vesting Period (in years) | 3 years | |||
Service-based awards [Member] | ||||
Share-Based Compensation Expense [Abstract] | ||||
Granted (in shares) | 300 | 300 | 300 | |
[1] | Compensation costs for share-based payment are included in O&M expense. |
Earnings Per Share (Details)
Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Effect of dilutive securities [Abstract] | |||
401(k) equity awards (in shares) | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.7 |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_3
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Cost and Fair Value of Nuclear Decommissioning Fund (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | ||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain | $ 450 | $ 560 | |||
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss | 45 | 7 | |||
Decommissioning Fund Investments, Fair Value | 2,055 | ||||
Investments [Abstract] | |||||
Investment in subsidiaries | 141 | 140 | |||
Miscellaneous investments | 121 | 114 | |||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Cash equivalents | 24 | [1] | 29 | ||
Alternative Investment | 819 | [1] | 659 | ||
Available-for-sale Securities | 2,143 | ||||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Cash equivalents | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Alternative Investment | 0 | [1] | 0 | ||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Commingled Funds | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCommingledFunds | [2] | 882 | |||
Alternative Investment | 819 | [1] | 659 | [2] | |
Available-for-sale Securities | [1] | 898 | |||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Debt Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Alternative Investment | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2] | |
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale | 436 | [1] | 441 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Equity Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Alternative Investment | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2] | |
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities | 697 | [1] | 791 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 1 | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Cash equivalents | 24 | [1] | 29 | ||
Available-for-sale Securities | 800 | [1] | 1,043 | ||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 1 | Commingled Funds | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCommingledFunds | [2] | 223 | |||
Available-for-sale Securities | [1] | 79 | |||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 1 | Debt Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 1 | Equity Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities | 697 | [1] | 791 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 2 | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Cash equivalents | 0 | [1] | 0 | ||
Available-for-sale Securities | 436 | [1] | 441 | ||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 2 | Commingled Funds | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCommingledFunds | [2] | 0 | |||
Available-for-sale Securities | [1] | 0 | |||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 2 | Debt Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale | 436 | [1] | 441 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 2 | Equity Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 3 | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Cash equivalents | 0 | [1] | 0 | ||
Available-for-sale Securities | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 3 | Commingled Funds | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCommingledFunds | [2] | 0 | |||
Available-for-sale Securities | [1] | 0 | |||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 3 | Debt Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Fair Value | Level 3 | Equity Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities | 0 | [1] | 0 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Cost | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Cash equivalents | 24 | [1] | 29 | [2] | |
Available-for-sale Securities | 1,649 | [1] | 1,591 | ||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Cost | Commingled Funds | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCommingledFunds | [2] | 701 | |||
Available-for-sale Securities | [1] | 758 | |||
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Cost | Debt Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale | 466 | [1] | 438 | [2] | |
Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Cost | Equity Securities | |||||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||||
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities | $ 401 | [1] | $ 423 | [2] | |
[1] | orted in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $141 million of equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and $121 million of rabbi trust assets and miscellaneous investments. Dec. 31, 2017 Fair Value(Millions of Dollars) Cost Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV TotalNuclear decommissioning fund (a) Cash equivalents $29 $29 $— $— $— $29Commingled funds 701 223 — — 659 882Debt securities 438 — 441 — — 441Equity securities 423 791 — — — 791Total $1,591 $1,043 $441 $— $659 $2,143 | ||||
[2] | During 2006, Xcel Energy qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_4
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Cost and Fair Value of Rabbi Trusts (Details) - Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Cost | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | $ 68 | $ 59 |
Cost | Rabbi Trust [Member] | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | [1] | 16 | 12 |
Cost | Mutual Funds [Member] | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | 52 | 47 |
Fair Value | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | 67 | 62 |
Fair Value | Level 1 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | 67 | 62 |
Fair Value | Level 2 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value | Level 3 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value | Rabbi Trust [Member] | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | [1] | 16 | 12 |
Fair Value | Rabbi Trust [Member] | Level 1 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | [1] | 16 | 12 |
Fair Value | Rabbi Trust [Member] | Level 2 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | [1] | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value | Rabbi Trust [Member] | Level 3 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure | [1] | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value | Mutual Funds [Member] | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | 51 | 50 |
Fair Value | Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 1 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | 51 | 50 |
Fair Value | Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 2 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | 0 | 0 |
Fair Value | Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 3 | |||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |||
Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI | [1] | $ 0 | $ 0 |
[1] | d in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_5
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Final Contractual Maturity Dates of Debt Securities in Nuclear Decommissioning Fund (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) |
Final Contractual Maturity [Abstract] | |
Due in 1 Year or Less | $ 10 |
Due in 1 to 5 Years | 107 |
Due in 5 to 10 Years | 211 |
Due after 10 Years | 108 |
Total | $ 436 |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_6
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Derivative Instruments (Details) MWh in Millions, MMBTU in Millions, $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)MMBTUMWhCounterparty | Dec. 31, 2017MMBTUMWh | |
Credit Concentration Risk | |||
Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations [Abstract] | |||
Number of most significant counterparties for wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities with credit exposure | Counterparty | 10 | ||
Credit Concentration Risk | Municipal or Cooperative Entities or Other Utilities [Member] | |||
Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations [Abstract] | |||
Number of most significant counterparties for wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities with credit exposure | Counterparty | 8 | ||
Credit Concentration Risk | External Credit Rating, Investment Grade [Member] | |||
Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations [Abstract] | |||
Number of most significant counterparties for wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities with credit exposure | Counterparty | 6 | ||
Wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity credit exposure for the most significant counterparties | $ | $ 96 | ||
Percentage of wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity credit exposure for the most significant counterparties (in hundredths) | 43.00% | ||
Credit Concentration Risk | No Investment Grade Ratings from External Credit Rating Agencies [Member] | |||
Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations [Abstract] | |||
Number of most significant counterparties for wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities with credit exposure | Counterparty | 3 | ||
Wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity credit exposure for the most significant counterparties | $ | $ 20 | ||
Percentage of wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity credit exposure for the most significant counterparties (in hundredths) | 9.00% | ||
Credit Concentration Risk | Internal Noninvestment Grade [Member] | |||
Consideration of Credit Risk and Concentrations [Abstract] | |||
Number of most significant counterparties for wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity activities with credit exposure | Counterparty | 1 | ||
Wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity credit exposure for the most significant counterparties | $ | $ 12 | ||
Percentage of wholesale, trading and non-trading commodity credit exposure for the most significant counterparties (in hundredths) | 5.00% | ||
Interest Rate Swap | |||
Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract] | |||
Amount of accumulated other comprehensive gains (losses) related to interest rate derivatives expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months | $ | $ (3) | ||
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount | $ | $ 300 | ||
Electric Commodity (in megawatt hours) | |||
Gross Notional Amounts of Commodity Forwards, Options and FTRs [Abstract] | |||
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional amount | MWh | [1],[2] | 87 | 68 |
Natural Gas Commodity (in million British thermal units) | |||
Gross Notional Amounts of Commodity Forwards, Options and FTRs [Abstract] | |||
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional amount | MMBTU | [1],[2] | 92 | 37 |
[1] | Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities. | ||
[2] | Notional amounts for options are included on a gross basis, but are weighted for the probability of exercise. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_7
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Financial Impact of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | ||
Financial Impact of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Jan. 1 | $ (58) | $ (51) | $ (55) | |
After-tax net unrealized losses related to derivatives accounted for as hedges | (5) | 0 | 0 | |
After-tax net realized losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings | 3 | 3 | 4 | |
Adoption of ASU. 2018-02 (a) | [1] | 0 | (10) | 0 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to cash flow hedges at Dec. 31 | $ (60) | $ (58) | $ (51) | |
[1] | In 2017, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2018-02 related to TCJA, which resulted in reclassification of certain credit balances within net accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_8
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Impact of Derivative Activity (Details) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | ||
Financial Impact of Qualifying Fair Value Hedges on Earnings [Abstract] | ||||
Fair Value Hedges, Net | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | ||||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (7,000,000) | |||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in regulatory (assets) and liabilities | 0 | |||
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 4,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 6,000,000 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from regulatory assets and (liabilities) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax gains (losses) recognized during the period in income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedges | Interest Rate | ||||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (7,000,000) | |||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in regulatory (assets) and liabilities | 0 | |||
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from accumulated other comprehensive loss | [1] | 4,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 6,000,000 |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from regulatory assets and (liabilities) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax gains (losses) recognized during the period in income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Other Derivative Instruments | ||||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in regulatory (assets) and liabilities | 11,000,000 | (3,000,000) | 18,000,000 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from regulatory assets and (liabilities) | (7,000,000) | (12,000,000) | 7,000,000 | |
Pre-tax gains (losses) recognized during the period in income | 10,000,000 | 4,000,000 | (6,000,000) | |
Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||||
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from regulatory assets and (liabilities) | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax gains (losses) recognized during the period in income | [2] | 14,000,000 | 10,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in regulatory (assets) and liabilities | 1,000,000 | 10,000,000 | 17,000,000 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from regulatory assets and (liabilities) | [3] | (1,000,000) | (15,000,000) | (8,000,000) |
Pre-tax gains (losses) recognized during the period in income | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in regulatory (assets) and liabilities | 10,000,000 | (13,000,000) | 1,000,000 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Pre-tax (gains) losses reclassified into income during the period from regulatory assets and (liabilities) | [4] | (6,000,000) | 3,000,000 | 15,000,000 |
Pre-tax gains (losses) recognized during the period in income | [4] | (4,000,000) | $ (6,000,000) | $ (8,000,000) |
Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity for Electric Generation | ||||
Impact of Derivative Activity on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Regulatory Assets and Liabilities, and Income [Abstract] | ||||
Pre-tax fair value gains (losses) recognized during the period in regulatory (assets) and liabilities | $ 0 | |||
[1] | Amounts recorded to interest charges. | |||
[2] | Amounts recorded to electric operating revenues. Portions of these gains and losses are subject to sharing with electric customers through margin-sharing mechanisms and deducted from gross revenue, as appropriate. | |||
[3] | Amounts recorded to electric fuel and purchased power. These derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with electric customers through fuel and purchased energy cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate | |||
[4] | Amounts for the year ended Dec. 31, 2018 included $1 million of settlement losses on derivatives entered to mitigate natural gas price risk for electric generation recorded to electric fuel and purchased power, subject to cost-recovery mechanisms and reclassified to a regulatory asset, as appropriate. Such gains and losses for the years ended Dec. 31, 2017 and 2016 were immaterial. Remaining settlement losses for the years ended Dec. 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 related to natural gas operations and were recorded to cost of natural gas sold and transported. These losses are subject to cost-recovery mechanisms and reclassified out of income to a regulatory asset, as appropriate. |
Fair Value of Financial Asset_9
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Credit Related Contingent Features (Details) - USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | ||
Derivative instruments in a gross liability position | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Collateral posted related to adequate assurance clauses in derivative contracts | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Fair Value of Financial Asse_10
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Derivative Assets and Liabilities at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | ||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | $ 32 | $ 0 | ||
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | 15 | 3 | ||
Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 87 | 44 | ||
Other Current Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 61 | 29 | ||
Other Noncurrent Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 34 | 48 | ||
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 129 | 126 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 83 | 39 | ||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | [1] | (44) | (17) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 54 | 9 | ||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | [1] | (44) | (15) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 25 | 30 | ||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | [1] | 0 | (2) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 4 | 0 | ||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | [1] | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 41 | 6 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | [2] | (60) | (17) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | [2] | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 34 | 5 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | [2] | (60) | (15) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | [2] | 0 | (2) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 1 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | [2] | 0 | 0 | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 18 | 29 | ||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | [1] | (14) | (7) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 18 | 29 | ||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability and Obligation to Return Cash, Offset | [1] | (14) | (7) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 36 | 14 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | [2] | 17 | (10) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 36 | 14 | ||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset and Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset | 17 | [2] | (10) | |
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 4 | 2 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 4 | 2 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 4 | 2 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 4 | 2 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 96 | 22 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 92 | 22 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 4 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 95 | 19 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 88 | 18 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 1 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 27 | 31 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 27 | 31 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 18 | 24 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 18 | 24 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 27 | 32 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 2 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 25 | 32 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 2 | 2 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 2 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 2 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 5 | 5 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 5 | 5 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 1 | 0 | ||
Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 1 | 0 | ||
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Current Assets | Purchased Power Agreements | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | [2] | 4 | 5 | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Current Liabilities | Purchased Power Agreements | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | [1] | 20 | 23 | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Noncurrent Assets | Purchased Power Agreements | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | [2] | 16 | 19 | |
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Purchased Power Agreements | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | [1] | 93 | 112 | |
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 127 | 56 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 98 | 24 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 25 | 32 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 4 | 0 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 101 | 23 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 94 | 20 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Electric Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 2 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Natural Gas Commodity | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 1 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 32 | 36 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Assets | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset | 32 | 36 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 19 | 24 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Other Derivative Instruments | Commodity Trading | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 19 | 24 | ||
Cash Flow Hedges | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 7 | 0 | ||
Cash Flow Hedges | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 1 | Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Cash Flow Hedges | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 2 | Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 7 | 0 | ||
Cash Flow Hedges | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Level 3 | Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | 0 | 0 | ||
Cash Flow Hedges | Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Other Current Liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability | $ 7 | $ 0 | ||
[1] | During 2006, Xcel Energy qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception. Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities. | |||
[2] | Xcel Energy nets derivative instruments and related collateral in its consolidated balance sheet when supported by a legally enforceable master netting agreement, and all derivative instruments and related collateral amounts were subject to master netting agreements as of Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017. At Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, derivative assets and liabilities include $32 million and $0 million of obligations to return cash collateral, respectively. At Dec. 31, 2018 and 2017, derivative assets and liabilities include rights to reclaim cash collateral of $15 million and $3 million, respectively. Counterparty netting excludes settlement receivables and payables and non-derivative amounts that may be subject to the same master netting agreements. |
Fair Value of Financial Asse_11
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Changes in Level 3 Commodity Derivatives (Details) - Commodity Contract - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | ||
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] | ||||
Balance at beginning of period | $ 35,000,000 | $ 17,000,000 | $ 18,000,000 | |
Purchases | 59,000,000 | 82,000,000 | 35,000,000 | |
Settlements | (59,000,000) | (97,000,000) | (89,000,000) | |
(Losses) gains recognized in earnings | [1] | (1,000,000) | 5,000,000 | 0 |
Gains (losses) recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities | (5,000,000) | 28,000,000 | 53,000,000 | |
Balance at end of period | 29,000,000 | 35,000,000 | 17,000,000 | |
Transfers into Level 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Transfers out of Level 3 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
[1] | Amounts relate to commodity derivatives held at the end of the period. |
Fair Value of Financial Asse_12
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Fair Value of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Carrying Amount | ||
Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] | ||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ 16,209 | $ 14,977 |
Fair Value | ||
Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] | ||
Long-term debt, including current portion | $ 16,755 | $ 16,531 |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_3
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||||
Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | ||||
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and Nonqualified Pension Plan | |||||||
Pension Benefits [Abstract] | |||||||
Total benefit obligation | $ 33 | $ 37 | |||||
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting | 4 | 5 | |||||
Pension Plan [Member] | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount | 2,742 | [1] | 3,088 | [1] | $ 2,856 | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value Of Plan Assets | [1] | 957 | 1,076 | ||||
Pension Benefits [Abstract] | |||||||
Total benefit obligation | 3,477 | 3,828 | 3,682 | ||||
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting | $ 140 | $ 139 | $ 122 | ||||
Minimum number of years historical achieved weighted average annual returns are used to determine investment return assumptions (in years) | 20 years | ||||||
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets (as a percent) | 6.87% | 6.87% | 6.87% | ||||
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract] | |||||||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 100.00% | 100.00% | |||||
Pension Plan [Member] | Equity Securities | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount | $ 106 | $ 114 | [1] | ||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value Of Plan Assets | $ 0 | $ 0 | [1] | ||||
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract] | |||||||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 36.00% | 36.00% | |||||
Pension Plan [Member] | Long-duration fixed income and interest rate swap securities | |||||||
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract] | |||||||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 30.00% | 27.00% | |||||
Pension Plan [Member] | Short-to-intermediate fixed income securities | |||||||
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract] | |||||||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 17.00% | 20.00% | |||||
Pension Plan [Member] | Alternative investments | |||||||
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract] | |||||||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 15.00% | 15.00% | |||||
Pension Plan [Member] | Cash | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount | [1] | $ 137 | $ 196 | ||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Alternative Investments, Fair Value Of Plan Assets | [1] | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||||
Target Pension Asset Allocations [Abstract] | |||||||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 2.00% | 2.00% | |||||
Forecast | Pension Plan [Member] | |||||||
Pension Benefits [Abstract] | |||||||
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets for next fiscal year (as a percent) | 6.87% | ||||||
[1] | (a) See Note 10 for further information regarding fair value measurement inputs and methods. |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_4
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | $ 2,742 | [1] | $ 3,088 | [1] | $ 2,856 | |
Plan assets at net asset value | [1] | 957 | 1,076 | |||
Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 1,159 | 1,335 | |||
Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 626 | 677 | |||
Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Cash equivalents | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 137 | 196 | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Cash equivalents | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 137 | 196 | |||
Cash equivalents | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Cash equivalents | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Other | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | (23) | (24) | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | [1] | (30) | 1 | |||
Other | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 2 | (29) | |||
Other | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 5 | 4 | |||
Other | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Commingled Funds | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 1,901 | 2,129 | [1] | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | 987 | 1,075 | [1] | |||
Commingled Funds | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 914 | 1,054 | [1] | |||
Commingled Funds | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [1] | |||
Commingled Funds | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [1] | |||
Debt Securities | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 621 | 673 | [1] | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | 0 | 0 | [1] | |||
Debt Securities | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [1] | |||
Debt Securities | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 621 | 673 | [1] | |||
Debt Securities | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [1] | |||
Equity Securities | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 106 | 114 | [1] | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | 0 | 0 | [1] | |||
Equity Securities | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 106 | 114 | [1] | |||
Equity Securities | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [1] | |||
Equity Securities | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | $ 0 | $ 0 | [1] | |||
[1] | (a) See Note 10 for further information regarding fair value measurement inputs and methods. |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_5
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Pension Plan Benefit Obligations, Cash Flows and Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
Jan. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | ||||
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement | $ 198 | $ 174 | |||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] | |||||||
Settlement Charge Recognized in Operating and Maintenance Expenses | 2,352 | 2,270 | $ 2,300 | ||||
Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Costs [Abstract] | |||||||
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent | 994 | 1,042 | |||||
Pension Plan [Member] | |||||||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||||||
Accumulated Benefit Obligation at Dec. 31 | 3,275 | 3,612 | |||||
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] | |||||||
Obligation at Jan. 1 | $ 3,477 | 3,828 | 3,682 | ||||
Service cost | 94 | 94 | 92 | ||||
Interest cost | 133 | 147 | 160 | ||||
Plan amendments | 0 | (13) | |||||
Actuarial loss | (224) | 259 | |||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant | 0 | 0 | |||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipt | 0 | 0 | |||||
Benefit payments | (354) | (341) | |||||
Obligation at Dec. 31 | 3,477 | 3,828 | 3,682 | ||||
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] | |||||||
Fair value of plan assets at Jan. 1 | 2,742 | [1] | 3,088 | [1] | 2,856 | ||
Actual return (loss) on plan assets | (142) | 411 | |||||
Employer contributions | 150 | 162 | |||||
Benefit payments | (354) | (341) | |||||
Fair value of plan assets at Dec. 31 | 2,742 | [1] | 3,088 | [1] | 2,856 | ||
Funded Status of Plans at Dec. 31 [Abstract] | |||||||
Funded status | (735) | (740) | |||||
Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||||||
Net loss | 1,633 | 1,709 | |||||
Prior service (credit) cost | (20) | (25) | |||||
Total | 1,613 | 1,684 | |||||
Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Have Been Recorded as Follows Based Upon Expected Recovery in Rates [Abstract] | |||||||
Current regulatory assets | 94 | 100 | |||||
Noncurrent regulatory assets | 1,446 | 1,511 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 19 | 19 | |||||
Net-of-tax accumulated other comprehensive income | 54 | 54 | |||||
Total | $ 1,613 | $ 1,684 | |||||
Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Benefit Obligations [Abstract] | |||||||
Discount rate for year-end valuation (as a percent) | 4.31% | 3.63% | |||||
Expected average long-term increase in compensation level (as a percent) | 3.75% | 3.75% | |||||
Mortality table | RP2014 | RP2014 | |||||
Cash Flows [Abstract] | |||||||
Total contributions to Xcel Energy's pension plans during the period | $ 150 | $ 162 | 125 | ||||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] | |||||||
Service cost | 94 | 94 | 92 | ||||
Interest cost | 133 | 147 | 160 | ||||
Expected return on plan assets | (209) | (209) | (210) | ||||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | (5) | (2) | (2) | ||||
Amortization of net loss | 111 | 107 | 97 | ||||
Settlement charge | 91 | 81 | 0 | ||||
Net periodic benefit cost | 215 | 218 | 137 | ||||
Costs not recognized due to regulation | (75) | (79) | (15) | ||||
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting | 140 | 139 | $ 122 | ||||
Settlement Charge Recognized in Operating and Maintenance Expenses | $ 11 | $ 8 | |||||
Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Costs [Abstract] | |||||||
Discount rate (as a percent) | 3.63% | 4.13% | 4.66% | ||||
Expected average long-term increase in compensation level (as a percent) | 3.75% | 3.75% | 4.00% | ||||
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets (as a percent) | 6.87% | 6.87% | 6.87% | ||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant | $ 0 | $ 0 | |||||
Amounts Not Yet Recognized As Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recorded As Current Regulatory Liabilities | 0 | 0 | |||||
Amounts Not Yet Recognized As Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Recorded As Noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities | 0 | 0 | |||||
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current | 0 | 0 | |||||
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent | 735 | 740 | |||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position | $ (735) | $ (740) | |||||
Subsequent Event | Pension Plan [Member] | |||||||
Cash Flows [Abstract] | |||||||
Total contributions to Xcel Energy's pension plans during the period | $ 150 | ||||||
[1] | (a) See Note 10 for further information regarding fair value measurement inputs and methods. |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_6
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Defined Contribution Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Defined Contribution Plans [Abstract] | |||
Contributions to 401(k) and other defined contribution plans | $ 38 | $ 37 | $ 36 |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_7
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Postretirement Health Care Benefits (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Postretirement Health Care Benefits [Abstract] | ||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Equity Securities | ||
Postretirement Health Care Benefits [Abstract] | ||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 18.00% | 24.00% |
Long-duration fixed income and interest rate swap securities | ||
Postretirement Health Care Benefits [Abstract] | ||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Short-to-intermediate fixed income securities | ||
Postretirement Health Care Benefits [Abstract] | ||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 70.00% | 60.00% |
Alternative investments | ||
Postretirement Health Care Benefits [Abstract] | ||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 8.00% | 9.00% |
Cash | ||
Postretirement Health Care Benefits [Abstract] | ||
Target pension asset allocations (as a percent) | 4.00% | 7.00% |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_8
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Fair Value of Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | $ 417 | [1] | $ 461 | [1] | $ 442 | |
Plan assets at net asset value | [1] | 40 | 0 | |||
Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 152 | 212 | |||
Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 225 | 249 | |||
Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Debt Securities | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 179 | 198 | [2] | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Debt Securities | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Debt Securities | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 179 | 198 | [2] | |||
Debt Securities | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Equity Securities [Member] | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 35 | [2] | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 35 | [2] | |||
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Cash equivalents | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 19 | 29 | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Cash equivalents | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 19 | 29 | |||
Cash equivalents | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Cash equivalents | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Insurance contracts | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 45 | 50 | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Insurance contracts | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Insurance contracts | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 45 | 50 | |||
Insurance contracts | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Commingled Funds | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 173 | 148 | [2] | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | 40 | 0 | [2] | |||
Commingled Funds | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 133 | 148 | [2] | |||
Commingled Funds | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Commingled Funds | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 0 | 0 | [2] | |||
Other | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 1 | 1 | |||
Plan assets at net asset value | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Other | Level 1 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 0 | 0 | |||
Other | Level 2 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | 1 | 1 | |||
Other | Level 3 | ||||||
Plan Assets Measured at Fair Value for Each of the Fair Value Hierarchy Levels [Abstract] | ||||||
Fair value of plan assets | [1] | $ 0 | $ 0 | |||
[1] | (a) See Note 10 for further information on fair value measurement inputs and methods. | |||||
[2] | (a) See Note 10 for further information regarding fair value measurement inputs and methods. |
Benefit Plans and Other Postr_9
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Postretirement Benefit Plan Benefit Obligations, Cash Flows and Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |||
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] | |||||
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement | $ 198 | $ 174 | |||
Funded Status of Plans at Dec. 31 [Abstract] | |||||
Noncurrent liabilities | (994) | (1,042) | |||
Cash Flows [Abstract] | |||||
Total contributions to Xcel Energy's postretirement health care plans during the year | 11 | 20 | $ 18 | ||
Expected contribution to postretirement health care plans during 2018 | 11 | ||||
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] | |||||
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] | |||||
Plan amendments | 0 | 0 | |||
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] | |||||
Obligation at Jan. 1 | 621 | 603 | |||
Service cost | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||
Interest cost | 22 | 24 | 26 | ||
Medicare subsidy reimbursements | 1 | 1 | |||
Plan participants' contributions | 8 | 8 | |||
Actuarial loss | (62) | 33 | |||
Benefit payments | (50) | (50) | |||
Obligation at Dec. 31 | 542 | 621 | 603 | ||
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] | |||||
Fair value of plan assets at Jan. 1 | 461 | [1] | 442 | ||
Actual return (loss) on plan assets | (13) | 41 | |||
Participant contributions | 8 | 8 | |||
Employer contributions | 11 | 20 | |||
Benefit payments | (50) | (50) | |||
Fair value of plan assets at Dec. 31 | 417 | [1] | 461 | [1] | 442 |
Funded Status of Plans at Dec. 31 [Abstract] | |||||
Funded status | (125) | (160) | |||
Current liabilities | (7) | (3) | |||
Noncurrent liabilities | (118) | (157) | |||
Net postretirement amounts recognized on consolidated balance sheets | (125) | (160) | |||
Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] | |||||
Net loss | 116 | 147 | |||
Prior service (credit) cost | (33) | (44) | |||
Total | 83 | 103 | |||
Amounts Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Have Been Recorded as Follows Based Upon Expected Recovery in Rates [Abstract] | |||||
Current regulatory assets | 0 | 0 | |||
Noncurrent regulatory assets | 89 | 107 | |||
Current regulatory liabilities | (1) | (1) | |||
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities | (10) | (10) | |||
Deferred income taxes | 1 | 2 | |||
Net-of-tax accumulated other comprehensive income | 4 | 5 | |||
Total | $ 83 | $ 103 | |||
Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Benefit Obligations [Abstract] | |||||
Discount rate for year-end valuation (as a percent) | 4.32% | 3.62% | |||
Mortality table | RP2014 | RP2014 | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Pre-65 | 6.50% | 7.00% | |||
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Post-65 | 5.35% | 5.50% | |||
Ultimate health care trend assumption rate (as a percent) | 4.50% | 4.50% | |||
Period until ultimate trend rate is reached (in years) | 4 | 5 | |||
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] | |||||
Service cost | $ 2 | $ 2 | 2 | ||
Interest cost | 22 | 24 | 26 | ||
Expected return on plan assets | (26) | (25) | (25) | ||
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) | (11) | (11) | (11) | ||
Amortization of net loss | 8 | 7 | 4 | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
Net periodic benefit cost | $ (5) | $ (3) | $ (4) | ||
Significant Assumptions Used to Measure Costs [Abstract] | |||||
Discount rate (as a percent) | 3.62% | 4.13% | 4.65% | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | ||
Expected average long-term rate of return on assets (as a percent) | 5.30% | 5.80% | 5.80% | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Costs Not Recognized Due To Regulation | $ (2) | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) | $ (3) | $ (3) | $ (4) | ||
[1] | (a) See Note 10 for further information on fair value measurement inputs and methods. |
Benefit Plans and Other Post_10
Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits, Projected Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) |
Pension Plan [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Projected Benefit Payments [Abstract] | |
2,019 | $ 281 |
2,020 | 260 |
2,021 | 259 |
2,022 | 260 |
2,023 | 259 |
2024-2028 | 1,238 |
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] | |
Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Projected Benefit Payments [Abstract] | |
2,019 | 45 |
2,020 | 45 |
2,021 | 45 |
2,022 | 44 |
2,023 | 43 |
2024-2028 | 197 |
Expected Medicare Part D Subsidies [Abstract] | |
2,019 | 2 |
2,020 | 2 |
2,021 | 2 |
2,022 | 2 |
2,023 | 2 |
2024-2028 | 13 |
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Projected Benefit Payments [Abstract] | |
2,019 | 43 |
2,020 | 43 |
2,021 | 43 |
2,022 | 42 |
2,023 | 41 |
2024-2028 | $ 184 |
Commitments and Contingencies,
Commitments and Contingencies, Fuel Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Coal | |||
Fuel Contracts [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | $ 461 | ||
2,020 | 260 | ||
2,021 | 149 | ||
2,022 | 109 | ||
2,023 | 61 | ||
Thereafter | 108 | ||
Total | 1,148 | ||
Nuclear Fuel | |||
Fuel Contracts [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 127 | ||
2,020 | 51 | ||
2,021 | 99 | ||
2,022 | 79 | ||
2,023 | 99 | ||
Thereafter | 337 | ||
Total | 792 | ||
Natural Gas Supply | |||
Fuel Contracts [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 416 | ||
2,020 | 263 | ||
2,021 | 254 | ||
2,022 | 114 | ||
2,023 | 60 | ||
Thereafter | 0 | ||
Total | 1,107 | ||
Natural Gas Storage and Transportation | |||
Fuel Contracts [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 268 | ||
2,020 | 255 | ||
2,021 | 245 | ||
2,022 | 234 | ||
2,023 | 170 | ||
Thereafter | 923 | ||
Total | $ 2,095 | ||
Minimum | |||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |||
Fuel Contract Expiration Date | 2,019 | ||
Maximum | |||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |||
Fuel Contract Expiration Date | 2,060 | ||
Capacity | |||
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |||
Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power under Long-term Contracts | $ 131 | $ 168 | $ 191 |
Fuel Contracts [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 86 | ||
2,020 | 70 | ||
2,021 | 78 | ||
2,022 | 77 | ||
2,023 | 79 | ||
Thereafter | 125 | ||
Total | $ 515 |
Commitments and Contingencies_2
Commitments and Contingencies, Purchased Power Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items] | |||
Purchase Power Agreement Expiration Date | 2,034 | ||
Capacity | |||
Purchased Power Agreements (PPAs) [Abstract] | |||
Payments for capacity | $ 131 | $ 168 | $ 191 |
Estimated Future Payments Under PPAs [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 86 | ||
2,020 | 70 | ||
2,021 | 78 | ||
2,022 | 77 | ||
2,023 | 79 | ||
Thereafter | 125 | ||
Total | 515 | ||
Energy | |||
Estimated Future Payments Under PPAs [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 99 | ||
2,020 | 109 | ||
2,021 | 157 | ||
2,022 | 173 | ||
2,023 | 177 | ||
Thereafter | 328 | ||
Total | $ 1,043 | ||
Maximum | |||
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items] | |||
Purchase Power Agreement Expiration Date | 2,039 |
Commitments and Contingencies_3
Commitments and Contingencies, Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Property Held Under Capital Leases, Net [Abstract] | |||
Property held under capital lease | $ 222 | $ 222 | |
Accumulated depreciation | (77) | (71) | |
Total property held under capital leases, net | 145 | 151 | |
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 14 | ||
2,020 | 14 | ||
2,021 | 14 | ||
2,022 | 12 | ||
2,023 | 12 | ||
Thereafter | 220 | ||
Total minimum obligation | 286 | ||
Interest component of obligation | (201) | ||
Present value of minimum obligation | $ 85 | ||
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] | |||
Operating Lease Purchase Power Agreement Expiration Date | 2,034 | ||
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | $ 239 | ||
2,020 | 234 | ||
2,021 | 235 | ||
2,022 | 221 | ||
2,023 | 208 | ||
Thereafter | 1,037 | ||
Office Space and Other Equipment [Member] | |||
Operating Leases [Abstract] | |||
Total expenses under operating lease obligations | 248 | 246 | $ 255 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 32 | ||
2,020 | 26 | ||
2,021 | 25 | ||
2,022 | 24 | ||
2,023 | 22 | ||
Thereafter | $ 154 | ||
WYCO Totem Gas Storage Facilities | |||
Capital Leases [Abstract] | |||
Ownership interest in joint venture (in hundredths) | 50.00% | ||
Percentage of the capital lease obligation related to WYCO eliminated (in hundredths) | 50.00% | ||
Gas Storage Facilities | |||
Property Held Under Capital Leases, Net [Abstract] | |||
Property held under capital lease | $ 201 | 201 | |
Gas Pipeline | |||
Property Held Under Capital Leases, Net [Abstract] | |||
Property held under capital lease | 21 | 21 | |
Purchased Power Agreements | |||
Operating Leases [Abstract] | |||
Payments for capacity | 210 | $ 210 | $ 216 |
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 207 | ||
2,020 | 208 | ||
2,021 | 210 | ||
2,022 | 197 | ||
2,023 | 186 | ||
Thereafter | $ 883 |
Commitments and Contingencies_4
Commitments and Contingencies, Variable Interest Entities (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)MW | Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)MW | |
Independent Power Producing Entities | ||
Purchased Power Agreements [Abstract] | ||
Generating capacity (in MW) | MW | 3,770 | 3,537 |
VIE Purchase Power Agreement Expiration Date | 2,041 | |
Harrington Station Power Plant [Member] | ||
Fuel Contracts [Abstract] | ||
Coal Supply Agreement Expiration Date | 2,022 | |
Tolk Station Power Plant [Member] | ||
Fuel Contracts [Abstract] | ||
Coal Supply Agreement Expiration Date | 2,022 | |
Low-Income Housing Limited Partnerships | ||
Amount Reflected in Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] | ||
Current assets | $ 5 | $ 6 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 42 | 46 |
Other noncurrent assets | 1 | 1 |
Total assets | 48 | 53 |
Current liabilities | 7 | 9 |
Mortgages and other long-term debt payable | 26 | 26 |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 0 | 1 |
Total liabilities | $ 33 | $ 36 |
Commitments and Contingencies_5
Commitments and Contingencies, Technology Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
IBM Agreement [Member] | |||
Technology Agreements [Abstract] | |||
Technology Agreement Expiration Date | 2,022 | ||
Percent of contract value to be paid if contract is terminated (in hundredths) | 50.00% | ||
Technology Agreements, Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | $ 30 | ||
2,020 | 16 | ||
2,021 | 16 | ||
2,022 | 7 | ||
2,023 | 0 | ||
Thereafter | 0 | ||
Information Technology and Data Processing | 81 | $ 98 | $ 119 |
Accenture Agreement [Member] | |||
Technology Agreements [Abstract] | |||
Technology Agreement Expiration Date | 2,020 | ||
Technology Agreements, Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] | |||
2,019 | 11 | ||
2,020 | 11 | ||
2,021 | 0 | ||
2,022 | 0 | ||
2,023 | 0 | ||
Thereafter | 0 | ||
Information Technology and Data Processing | $ 46 | $ 16 | $ 35 |
Commitments and Contingencies_6
Commitments and Contingencies, Guarantees and Indemnifications (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) |
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | |
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted | $ 12 |
Consolidated Entity Excluding Variable Interest Entities (VIE) [Member] | |
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | |
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted | $ 6 |
Commitments and Contingencies_7
Commitments and Contingencies, Environmental Contingencies - Site Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017USD ($) | |
Ashland MGP Site | NSP-Wisconsin | ||
Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site [Abstract] | ||
Current Cost Estimate for Site Remediation | $ 192 | |
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Gross | 27 | $ 30 |
Estimated Amount Spent on Cleanup | $ 165 | |
Approved Amortization Period for Recovery of Remediation Costs in Natural Gas Rates | 10 years | |
Carrying Cost Percentage to be Applied to Unamortized Regulatory Asset | 3.00% | |
Other MGP, Landfill, or Disposal Sites | ||
Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site [Abstract] | ||
Number of Identified MGP, Landfill, or Disposal Sites Under Current Investigation and/or Remediation | 12 | |
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies | $ 19 | $ 9 |
Federal Coal Ash Regulation [Domain] | ||
Site Contingency [Line Items] | ||
Number of sites where regulated ash units will still be in operation at a specified date | 9 | |
Federal Coal Ash Regulation [Domain] | PSCo | ||
Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Site [Abstract] | ||
Number of sites where statistically significant increases over established groundwater standards exist | 2 | |
Federal Coal Ash Regulation [Domain] | NSP-Minnesota | ||
Site Contingency [Line Items] | ||
Estimated cost of construction of a new impoundment | $ 6 | |
Number of impoundments where closure plans will be expedited | 1 |
Commitments and Contingencies_8
Commitments and Contingencies, Environmental Contingencies - Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plant | |
Clean Water Act Effluent Limitations Guidelines [Domain] | |
Environmental Requirements [Abstract] | |
Liability for Estimated Cost to Comply with Regulation | $ 12 |
PSCo | Federal Coal Ash Regulation [Domain] | |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
Number of sites where statistically significant increases over established groundwater standards exist | 2 |
NSP-Minnesota | Federal Coal Ash Regulation [Domain] | |
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] | |
Number of sites where SSI's have been identified | 1 |
NSP-Minnesota | Federal Clean Water Act Section 316(b) | |
Environmental Requirements [Abstract] | |
Minimum Number of Plants Which Could Be Required to Make Improvements to Reduce Entrainment | Plant | 6 |
NSP-Wisconsin | Federal Clean Water Act Section 316(b) | |
Environmental Requirements [Abstract] | |
Minimum Number of Plants Which Could Be Required to Make Improvements to Reduce Entrainment | Plant | 2 |
Capital Commitments | Federal Clean Water Act Section 316(b) | |
Environmental Requirements [Abstract] | |
Liability for Estimated Cost to Comply with Regulation | $ 40 |
Liability for Estimated Cost to Comply With Entrainment Regulation | $ 200 |
Harrington Units 1 and 2 | SPS | Implementation of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Sulfur Dioxide | |
Environmental Requirements [Abstract] | |
Number of Years Unclassifiable Areas Will Be Monitored | 3 years |
Tolk Units 1 and 2 | Capital Commitments | SPS | Regional Haze Rules | |
Environmental Requirements [Abstract] | |
Liability for Estimated Cost to Comply with Regulation | $ 600 |
Commitments and Contingencies_9
Commitments and Contingencies, Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | $ 2,475 | $ 2,782 |
Liabilities Incurred | 13 | 1 |
Liabilities Settled | (14) | (30) |
Accretion | 120 | 136 |
Cash flow revisions | (26) | (414) |
Ending balance | 2,568 | 2,475 |
Legally restricted assets, for purposes of funding future nuclear decommissioning | 2,055 | |
Electric Plant Nuclear Production Decommissioning | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 1,874 | 2,249 |
Liabilities Incurred | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | 0 |
Accretion | 94 | 114 |
Cash flow revisions | 0 | (489) |
Ending balance | 1,968 | 1,874 |
Electric Plant Wind Production | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 96 | 92 |
Liabilities Incurred | 12 | 0 |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | 0 |
Accretion | 4 | 4 |
Cash flow revisions | 7 | 0 |
Ending balance | 119 | 96 |
Electric Plant Steam, Hydro and Other Production Asbestos | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 192 | 205 |
Liabilities Incurred | 0 | 1 |
Liabilities Settled | (14) | (29) |
Accretion | 8 | 9 |
Cash flow revisions | (9) | 6 |
Ending balance | 177 | 192 |
Electric Plant Electric Distribution | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 21 | 20 |
Liabilities Incurred | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | 0 |
Accretion | 1 | 1 |
Cash flow revisions | 20 | 0 |
Ending balance | 42 | 21 |
Electric Plant Other | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 5 | 5 |
Liabilities Incurred | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | 0 |
Accretion | 0 | 0 |
Cash flow revisions | 2 | 0 |
Ending balance | 7 | 5 |
Natural Gas Plant Gas Transmission and Distribution | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 282 | 205 |
Liabilities Incurred | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | 0 |
Accretion | 13 | 8 |
Cash flow revisions | (46) | 69 |
Ending balance | 249 | 282 |
Natural Gas Plant Other | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 4 | 4 |
Liabilities Incurred | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | 0 |
Accretion | 0 | 0 |
Cash flow revisions | 0 | 0 |
Ending balance | 4 | 4 |
Common and Other Property Common Miscellaneous | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 1 | 2 |
Liabilities Incurred | 0 | 0 |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | (1) |
Accretion | 0 | 0 |
Cash flow revisions | 0 | 0 |
Ending balance | 1 | 1 |
Non utility and other | ||
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] | ||
Beginning balance | 0 | |
Liabilities Incurred | 1 | |
Liabilities Settled | 0 | |
Accretion | 0 | |
Cash flow revisions | 0 | |
Ending balance | $ 1 | $ 0 |
Commitments and Contingencie_10
Commitments and Contingencies, Removal Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | ||
Decommissioning Fund Investments, Fair Value | $ 2,055 | |
Percentage Of Total Obligation For Decommissioning Expected To Be Funded By External Funds | 100.00% | |
Plant Removal Costs | ||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory liabilities | $ 1,175 | $ 1,131 |
Plant Removal Costs | NSP-Minnesota | ||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory liabilities | 485 | 442 |
Plant Removal Costs | PSCo | ||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory liabilities | 344 | 346 |
Plant Removal Costs | SPS | ||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory liabilities | 188 | 197 |
Plant Removal Costs | NSP-Wisconsin | ||
Regulatory Liabilities [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory liabilities | $ 158 | $ 146 |
Commitments and Contingencie_11
Commitments and Contingencies, Nuclear Insurance (Details) - NSP-Minnesota - Nuclear Insurance $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)PlantReactor | |
Nuclear Insurance [Abstract] | |
Nuclear insurance coverage secured for the Company's public liability exposure | $ 450 |
Nuclear insurance coverage exposure funded by the Secondary Financial Protection Program | 13,600 |
Maximum assessments per reactor per accident | $ 138 |
Number of owned and licensed reactors | Reactor | 3 |
Maximum funding requirement per reactor for any one year | $ 21 |
Insurance coverage limits for NSP-Minnesota's nuclear plant sites | $ 2,300 |
Number of nuclear plant sites operated by NSP-Minnesota | Plant | 2 |
Maximum assessments for business interruption insurance each calendar year | $ 18 |
Maximum assessment for property damage insurance NSP-Minnesota is subject to each calendar year | 39 |
Maximum | |
Nuclear Insurance [Abstract] | |
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss | $ 14,100 |
Commitments and Contingencie_12
Commitments and Contingencies, Legal Contingencies (Details) | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Jan. 31, 2019USD ($) | Nov. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Nov. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2018USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016USD ($) | |
Gas Trading Litigation | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number | 2 | ||||||||
Loss Contingency, Settled Claims, number | 4 | ||||||||
NSP-Minnesota | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Percentage of Fault | 48.00% | ||||||||
NSP-Minnesota | Insurance-related Assessments [Member] | |||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | |||||||||
Nuclear Insurance Coverage Exposure Funded By Secondary Financial Protection Program | $ 13,600,000,000 | ||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Maximum Assessments Per Reactor Per Accident | $ 138,000,000 | ||||||||
PSCo | Line Extension Disputes | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Accrual For Legal Contingency | $ 0 | ||||||||
General Electric (GE) [Domain] | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Percentage of Fault | 52.00% | ||||||||
Minimum | PSCo | Line Extension Disputes | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | 50 | ||||||||
Summary Judgment Granted Against Plaintiff [Member] | Gas Trading Litigation | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | 2 | ||||||||
Remaining in Litigation [Member] | Gas Trading Litigation | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs | 3 | ||||||||
FERC Proceeding, MISO ROE Complaint [Member] | NSP-Minnesota | |||||||||
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] | |||||||||
Public Utilities, Number of steps required | 2 | ||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Public Utilities, Base Return On Equity Charged To Customers Through Transmission Formula Rates | 12.38% | 12.38% | |||||||
Public Utilities, ROE developed with new approach | 10.28% | ||||||||
Public Utilities, ROE Applicable To Transmission Formula Rates In The MISO Region, Recommended By Third Parties | 8.67% | 9.15% | |||||||
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) [Member] | FERC Proceeding, MISO ROE Complaint [Member] | NSP-Minnesota | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Public Utilities, ROE Applicable To Transmission Formula Rates In The MISO Region, Approved | 10.32% | 10.32% | |||||||
Public Utilities, ROE Applicable To Transmission Formula Rates In The MISO Region, with RTO Adder, Approved | 10.82% | ||||||||
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) [Member] | SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff Upgrade Costs [Member] | SPS | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Public Utilities, Billed Charges For Transmission Service Upgrades | $ 13,000,000 | ||||||||
Subsequent Event | NSP-Minnesota | |||||||||
Legal Contingencies [Abstract] | |||||||||
Customer refund of previously recovered purchased power costs | $ 20,000,000 |
Commitments and Contingencie_13
Commitments and Contingencies, Other Commitments (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Accenture Agreement [Member] | |
Other Commitments [Line Items] | |
Technology Agreement Expiration Date | 2,020 |
Nuclear Obligations (Details)
Nuclear Obligations (Details) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Canister | Dec. 31, 2017USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016USD ($) | |
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] | |||
Decommissioning Fund Investments, Fair Value | $ 2,055 | ||
Fuel Disposal [Abstract] | |||
DOE fuel disposal assessments included in fuel expense | $ 0 | ||
Regulatory Plant Decommissioning Recovery [Abstract] | |||
Assumed annual escalation rate during plant removal activities | 4.36% | 4.36% | |
Assumed annual escalation rate during spent fuel management and site restoration activities | 3.36% | 3.36% | |
Percentage Of Total Obligation For Decommissioning Expected To Be Funded By External Funds | 100.00% | ||
Approved annual accrual for decommissioning costs | $ 14 | ||
Funded Status of Nuclear Decommissioning Obligation [Abstract] | |||
Estimated decommissioning cost obligation from most recently approved study (in 2014 dollars) | 3,012 | $ 3,012 | |
Effect of escalating costs | 539 | 396 | |
Estimated decommissioning cost obligation (in current dollars) | 3,551 | 3,408 | |
Effect of escalating costs to payment date | 7,654 | 7,797 | |
Estimated future decommissioning costs (undiscounted) | 11,205 | 11,205 | |
Effect of discounting obligation (using average risk-free interest rate of 3.33% and 2.80% for 2018 and 2017, respectively) | (6,911) | (6,398) | |
Discounted decommissioning cost obligation | 4,294 | 4,807 | |
Underfunding of external decommissioning fund compared to the discounted decommissioning obligation | (2,239) | (2,664) | |
Regulatory Basis to GAAP Basis Reconciliation [Abstract] | |||
Differences in Discount Rate and Market Risk Premium | (1,447) | (1,403) | |
Operating and Maintenance Costs Not Included for GAAP | (879) | (1,041) | |
ARO differences between 2017 and 2014 cost studies | 0 | (489) | |
Asset Retirement Obligation | 2,568 | 2,475 | $ 2,782 |
Annual Decommissioning Recorded As Depreciation Expense [Abstract] | |||
Annual decommissioning recorded as depreciation expense: (a) (b) | $ 20 | 20 | 20 |
Minimum | |||
Regulatory Plant Decommissioning Recovery [Abstract] | |||
Assumed after tax rate of return used to determine funding for external decommissioning trust fund | 5.23% | ||
Maximum | |||
Regulatory Plant Decommissioning Recovery [Abstract] | |||
Assumed after tax rate of return used to determine funding for external decommissioning trust fund | 6.30% | ||
Nuclear Plant [Member] | |||
Regulatory Basis to GAAP Basis Reconciliation [Abstract] | |||
Asset Retirement Obligation | $ 1,968 | 1,874 | $ 2,249 |
Monticello [Member] | |||
Fuel Disposal [Abstract] | |||
Number of authorized canisters filled and placed In dry cask nuclear storage facility | Canister | 30 | ||
Prairie Island [Member] | |||
Fuel Disposal [Abstract] | |||
Number of authorized canisters filled and placed In dry cask nuclear storage facility | Canister | 44 | ||
Number of authorized canisters in dry cask nuclear storage facility | Canister | 64 | ||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measured on a Recurring Basis | Nuclear Decommissioning Fund | |||
Funded Status of Nuclear Decommissioning Obligation [Abstract] | |||
Assets Held in External Decommissioning Trust | $ 2,143 | ||
Measurement Input, Risk Free Interest Rate | |||
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items] | |||
Measurement input (as a percent) | 0.0333 | 0.0280 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Det
Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax | $ (2) | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Income tax expense (benefit) | 181 | 542 | 581 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax | (2) | (2) | (5) |
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at beginning of period | 11,455 | ||
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications | (11) | (3) | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 9 | 7 | |
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | 1 | 7 | |
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 | 0 | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period | 12,222 | 11,455 | |
Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | |||
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at beginning of period | (58) | (51) | |
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications | (5) | 0 | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 0 | 0 | |
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | (2) | 3 | |
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 | (10) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period | (60) | (58) | (51) |
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items | |||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax | 3 | 5 | |
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at beginning of period | (67) | (59) | |
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications | (6) | (3) | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 9 | 7 | |
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | 3 | 4 | |
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 | (12) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period | (64) | (67) | (59) |
Total | |||
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at beginning of period | (125) | (110) | |
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02 | (22) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period | (124) | (125) | $ (110) |
Interest Rate Swap | |||
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 3 | 3 | |
Interest Rate Swap | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | |||
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 3 | 3 | |
Interest Rate Swap | Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Items | |||
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] | |||
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 0 | 0 | |
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | |||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 0 | 0 | |
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax | 0 | 0 | |
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges | |||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | |||
Income tax expense (benefit) | $ 1 | $ 2 |
Segments and Related Informat_3
Segments and Related Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | $ 11,537 | $ 11,404 | $ 11,107 | ||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries | $ 141 | $ 140 | 141 | 140 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,642 | 1,479 | 1,303 | ||||||||
Total interest charges and financing costs | 652 | 628 | 620 | ||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 181 | 542 | 581 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ 214 | $ 491 | $ 265 | $ 291 | $ 189 | $ 492 | $ 227 | $ 239 | 1,261 | 1,148 | 1,123 |
Regulated Electric | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | 9,720 | 9,678 | 9,501 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1,421 | 1,298 | 1,136 | ||||||||
Total interest charges and financing costs | 449 | 449 | 450 | ||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 187 | 528 | 567 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | 1,177 | 1,066 | 1,067 | ||||||||
Regulated Natural Gas | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | 1,741 | 1,651 | 1,532 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 212 | 174 | 160 | ||||||||
Total interest charges and financing costs | 61 | 57 | 54 | ||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 28 | 23 | 76 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | 187 | 182 | 124 | ||||||||
All Other | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | 79 | 78 | 76 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 9 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||
Total interest charges and financing costs | 142 | 122 | 116 | ||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (34) | (9) | (62) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | (103) | (100) | (68) | ||||||||
Operating Segments | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | 11,540 | 11,407 | 11,109 | ||||||||
Operating Segments | Regulated Electric | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | 9,719 | 9,676 | 9,500 | ||||||||
Operating Segments | Regulated Natural Gas | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | 1,739 | 1,650 | 1,531 | ||||||||
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | (3) | (3) | (2) | ||||||||
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Regulated Electric | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Regulated Natural Gas | |||||||||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||||||||
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax | $ 2 | $ 1 | $ 1 |
Summarized Quarterly Financia_3
Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |||||||||
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ 2,880 | $ 3,048 | $ 2,658 | $ 2,951 | $ 2,796 | $ 3,017 | $ 2,645 | $ 2,946 | $ 11,537 | $ 11,404 | $ 11,107 | ||||||||
Operating income | 339 | [1] | 696 | [1] | 450 | [1] | 480 | [1] | 440 | [1] | 824 | [1] | 466 | [1] | 492 | [1] | 1,965 | 2,223 | 2,240 |
Net income | $ 214 | $ 491 | $ 265 | $ 291 | $ 189 | $ 492 | $ 227 | $ 239 | $ 1,261 | $ 1,148 | $ 1,123 | ||||||||
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 0.42 | $ 0.96 | $ 0.52 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.37 | $ 0.97 | $ 0.45 | $ 0.47 | $ 2.47 | $ 2.26 | $ 2.21 | ||||||||
Diluted (in dollars per share) | 0.42 | 0.96 | 0.52 | 0.57 | 0.37 | 0.97 | 0.45 | 0.47 | 2.47 | 2.25 | 2.21 | ||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) | $ 0.38 | $ 0.38 | $ 0.38 | $ 0.38 | $ 0.36 | $ 0.36 | $ 0.36 | $ 0.36 | $ 1.52 | $ 1.44 | $ 1.36 | ||||||||
[1] | (a) In 2018, Xcel Energy implemented ASU No. 2017-07 related to net periodic benefit cost, which resulted in retrospective reclassification of pension costs from O&M expense to other income. |
Schedule I, Condensed Financi_2
Schedule I, Condensed Financial Statements of Xcel Energy Inc, Condensed Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Income | |||||||||||
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments | $ 35 | $ 30 | $ 42 | ||||||||
Expenses and other deductions | |||||||||||
Other income | 14 | 10 | 18 | ||||||||
Interest charges and financing costs | 700 | 663 | 647 | ||||||||
Income before income taxes | 1,442 | 1,690 | 1,704 | ||||||||
Income tax benefit | 181 | 542 | 581 | ||||||||
Net income | $ 214 | $ 491 | $ 265 | $ 291 | $ 189 | $ 492 | $ 227 | $ 239 | 1,261 | 1,148 | 1,123 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] | |||||||||||
Pension and retiree medical benefits, net of tax of $1, $3 and $(3) respectively | (6) | (3) | (8) | ||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | 1 | 7 | |||||||||
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax | $ 1,262 | $ 1,155 | $ 1,123 | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
Basic (in shares) | 511 | 509 | 509 | ||||||||
Diluted (in shares) | 511 | 509 | 509 | ||||||||
Earnings per average common share: | |||||||||||
Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 0.42 | $ 0.96 | $ 0.52 | $ 0.57 | $ 0.37 | $ 0.97 | $ 0.45 | $ 0.47 | $ 2.47 | $ 2.26 | $ 2.21 |
Diluted (in dollars per share) | 0.42 | 0.96 | 0.52 | 0.57 | 0.37 | 0.97 | 0.45 | 0.47 | 2.47 | 2.25 | 2.21 |
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) | $ 0.38 | $ 0.38 | $ 0.38 | $ 0.38 | $ 0.36 | $ 0.36 | $ 0.36 | $ 0.36 | $ 1.52 | $ 1.44 | $ 1.36 |
Xcel Energy Inc. | |||||||||||
Income | |||||||||||
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments | $ 1,393 | $ 1,263 | $ 1,199 | ||||||||
Total income | 1,393 | 1,263 | 1,199 | ||||||||
Expenses and other deductions | |||||||||||
Operating expenses | 24 | 30 | 22 | ||||||||
Other income | (1) | (6) | (3) | ||||||||
Interest charges and financing costs | 149 | 128 | 116 | ||||||||
Total expenses and other deductions | 172 | 152 | 135 | ||||||||
Income before income taxes | 1,221 | 1,111 | 1,064 | ||||||||
Income tax benefit | (40) | (37) | (59) | ||||||||
Net income | 1,261 | 1,148 | 1,123 | ||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] | |||||||||||
Pension and retiree medical benefits, net of tax of $1, $3 and $(3) respectively | 3 | 4 | (4) | ||||||||
Derivative instruments, net of tax of $(1), $2 and $2, respectively | (2) | 3 | 4 | ||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | 1 | 7 | 0 | ||||||||
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax | $ 1,262 | $ 1,155 | $ 1,123 |
Schedule I, Condensed Financi_3
Schedule I, Condensed Financial Statements of Xcel Energy Inc, Condensed Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] | |||
Pension and retiree medical benefits, tax expense(benefit) | $ 1 | $ 3 | $ (3) |
Derivative instruments, tax expense(benefit) | $ (1) | $ 2 | $ 2 |
Schedule I, Condensed Financi_4
Schedule I, Condensed Financial Statements of Xcel Energy Inc, Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Operating activities | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ 3,122 | $ 3,126 | $ 3,052 |
Investing activities | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (3,986) | (3,296) | (3,261) |
Financing activities | |||
Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term borrowings, net | 225 | 422 | (454) |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 1,675 | 1,518 | 2,424 |
Repayment of long-term debt | (452) | (1,030) | (1,036) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 230 | 0 | 0 |
Repurchases of common stock | (1) | (3) | (32) |
Dividends paid | (730) | (721) | (681) |
Other, net | (19) | (18) | (12) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 928 | 168 | 209 |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 64 | (2) | 0 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 83 | 85 | 85 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 147 | 83 | 85 |
Xcel Energy Inc. | |||
Operating activities | |||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 1,210 | 1,208 | 817 |
Investing activities | |||
Capital contributions to subsidiaries | (809) | (849) | (414) |
Investments in the utility money pool | (2,578) | (1,258) | (1,880) |
Return of investments in the utility money pool | 2,493 | 1,173 | 1,880 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (894) | (934) | (414) |
Financing activities | |||
Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term borrowings, net | (295) | 715 | (516) |
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 492 | 0 | 1,539 |
Repayment of long-term debt | 0 | (250) | (704) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | 230 | 0 | 0 |
Repurchases of common stock | (1) | (3) | (32) |
Dividends paid | (730) | (721) | (681) |
Other, net | (12) | (14) | (9) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (316) | (273) | (403) |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1 | $ 0 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ 1 | $ 1 |
Schedule I, Condensed Financi_5
Schedule I, Condensed Financial Statements of Xcel Energy Inc, Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Assets | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 147 | $ 83 | $ 85 | $ 85 | |
Total current assets | 3,094 | 2,973 | |||
Investment in subsidiaries | 141 | 140 | |||
Other assets | 272 | 278 | |||
Total other assets | 5,949 | 5,728 | |||
Total assets | 45,987 | 43,030 | |||
Liabilities and Equity | |||||
Dividends payable | 195 | 183 | |||
Short-term debt | 1,038 | 814 | |||
Other current liabilities | 463 | 501 | |||
Total current liabilities | 4,460 | 4,088 | |||
Other liabilities | 206 | 145 | |||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 13,502 | 12,967 | |||
Capitalization | |||||
Total common stockholders’ equity | 12,222 | 11,455 | |||
Total liabilities and equity | 45,987 | 43,030 | |||
Xcel Energy Inc. | |||||
Assets | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1 | 1 | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
Accounts receivable from subsidiaries | 309 | 302 | |||
Other current assets | 1 | 1 | |||
Total current assets | 311 | 304 | |||
Investment in subsidiaries | 15,965 | 14,932 | |||
Other assets | 44 | 103 | |||
Total other assets | 16,009 | 15,035 | |||
Total assets | 16,320 | 15,339 | |||
Liabilities and Equity | |||||
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities | 0 | 0 | |||
Dividends payable | 195 | 183 | |||
Short-term debt | 488 | 783 | |||
Other current liabilities | 10 | 11 | |||
Total current liabilities | 693 | 977 | |||
Other liabilities | 32 | 29 | |||
Total deferred credits and other liabilities | 32 | 29 | |||
Commitments and contingencies | |||||
Capitalization | |||||
Long-term debt, noncurrent | 3,373 | 2,878 | |||
Total common stockholders’ equity | 12,222 | 11,455 | |||
Total capitalization | 15,595 | 14,333 | |||
Total liabilities and equity | $ 16,320 | $ 15,339 |
Schedule I, Condensed Financi_6
Schedule I, Condensed Financial Statements of Xcel Energy Inc, Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Money Pool [Abstract] | ||||
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations | Guarantees and bond indemnities issued and outstanding as of Dec. 31, 2018: (Millions of Dollars) Guarantor Guarantee Amount Current Exposure Triggering Event Guarantee of the indemnification obligations of Xcel Energy Services Inc. under the aircraft leases (a) Xcel Energy Inc. $ 11.0 $ — (d) Guarantee of loan for Hiawatha Collegiate High School (b) Xcel Energy Inc. 1.0 — (d) Total guarantees issued 12.0 $ — Guarantee performance and payment of surety bonds for Xcel Energy Inc.’s utility subsidiaries (c) Xcel Energy Inc. $ 51.1 (f) (e) | |||
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | ||||
Guarantees issued and outstanding | $ 12 | $ 12 | ||
Current exposure under these guarantees | 0 | 0 | ||
Obligations Under Aircraft Leases | Payment or Performance Guarantee | ||||
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | ||||
Guarantees issued and outstanding | 11 | 11 | ||
Current exposure under these guarantees | 0 | 0 | ||
Loan for Hiawatha Collegiate High School [Member] | Payment or Performance Guarantee | ||||
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | ||||
Guarantees issued and outstanding | 1 | 1 | ||
Current exposure under these guarantees | 0 | $ 0 | ||
Guarantee Expiration Date (year) | 2,024 | |||
Surety Bonds | Payment or Performance Guarantee | ||||
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | ||||
Guarantees issued and outstanding | 51.1 | $ 51.1 | ||
Minimum | Obligations Under Aircraft Leases | Payment or Performance Guarantee | ||||
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | ||||
Guarantee Expiration Date (year) | 2,021 | |||
Maximum | Obligations Under Aircraft Leases | Payment or Performance Guarantee | ||||
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] | ||||
Guarantee Expiration Date (year) | 2,023 | |||
Xcel Energy Inc. | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 309 | $ 309 | $ 302 | |
Accounts Payable | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Dividends [Abstract] | ||||
Cash dividends paid to Xcel Energy by subsidiaries | 1,097 | 1,063 | $ 923 | |
Money Pool [Abstract] | ||||
Loan outstanding at period end | 0 | 0 | 85 | 0 |
Average loan outstanding | 59 | 71 | 38 | 66 |
Maximum loan outstanding | $ 172 | $ 243 | $ 226 | $ 211 |
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis (percentage) | 2.22% | 1.95% | 1.13% | 0.69% |
Weighted average interest rate at period end (percentage) | 1.18% | |||
Money pool interest income | $ 0.3 | $ 1.4 | $ 0.4 | $ 0.5 |
Xcel Energy Inc. | NSP-Minnesota | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 117 | 117 | 68 | |
Accounts Payable | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Xcel Energy Inc. | NSP-Wisconsin | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 3 | 3 | 13 | |
Accounts Payable | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Xcel Energy Inc. | PSCo | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 29 | 29 | 69 | |
Accounts Payable | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Xcel Energy Inc. | SPS | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 39 | 39 | 26 | |
Accounts Payable | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Xcel Energy Inc. | Xcel Energy Services Inc. | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 96 | 96 | 95 | |
Accounts Payable | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Xcel Energy Inc. | Xcel Energy Ventures Inc. | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 13 | 13 | 14 | |
Accounts Payable | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Xcel Energy Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | ||||
Accounts Receivable and Payable with Affiliates [Abstract] | ||||
Accounts Receivable | 12 | 12 | 17 | |
Accounts Payable | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Schedule II, Valuation and Qu_2
Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
Expense Related to Revaluation of Federal Benefit - TCJA | $ 14 | ||
Reduced Expense Related to Revaluation of Federal Benefits - TCJA | 4 | ||
Allowance for Bad Debts | |||
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
Balance at Jan. 1 | 52 | $ 51 | $ 52 |
Charged to costs and expenses | 42 | 39 | 39 |
Charged to other accounts | 11 | 10 | 11 |
Deductions from reserves | (50) | (48) | (51) |
Balance at Dec. 31 | 55 | 52 | 51 |
NOL and Tax Credit Valuation Allowances | |||
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] | |||
Balance at Jan. 1 | 77 | 58 | 28 |
Charged to costs and expenses | 7 | 9 | 3 |
Charged to other accounts | 0 | 22 | 35 |
Deductions from reserves | (5) | (12) | (8) |
Balance at Dec. 31 | $ 79 | $ 77 | $ 58 |