NEXTERA ENERGY PARTNERS LP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2023. Filed Feb 21, 2024.
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FY2023 · Filed Feb 21, 2024
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
NextEra Energy Partners, LP's (NEP) management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). The consolidated financial statements, which in part are based on informed judgments and estimates made by management, have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
To aid in carrying out this responsibility, we, along with all other members of management, maintain a system of internal accounting control which is established after weighing the cost of such controls against the benefits derived. In the opinion of management, the overall system of internal accounting control provides reasonable assurance that the assets of NEP and its subsidiaries are safeguarded and that transactions are executed in accordance with management's authorization and are properly recorded for the preparation of financial statements. In addition, management believes the overall system of internal accounting control provides reasonable assurance that material errors or irregularities would be prevented or detected on a timely basis by employees in the normal course of their duties. Any system of internal accounting control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that controls can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and reporting.
The system of internal accounting control is supported by written policies and guidelines, the selection and training of qualified employees, an organizational structure that provides an appropriate division of responsibility and a program of internal auditing. NEP's written policies include a Code of Business Conduct & Ethics that states management's policy on conflicts of interest and ethical conduct. Compliance with the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics is confirmed annually by key personnel.
The Board of Directors pursues its oversight responsibility for financial reporting and accounting through its Audit Committee. This Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors, meets regularly with management, the internal auditors and the independent auditors to make inquiries as to the manner in which the responsibilities of each are being discharged. The independent auditors and the internal audit staff have free access to the Committee without management present to discuss auditing, internal accounting control and financial reporting matters.
Management assessed the effectiveness of NEP's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in the Internal Control– Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management believes that NEP's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
NEP's independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, is engaged to express an opinion on NEP's consolidated financial statements and an opinion on NEP's internal control over financial reporting. Their reports are based on procedures believed by them to provide a reasonable basis to support such opinions. These reports appear on the following pages.
| JOHN W. KETCHUM | TERRELL KIRK CREWS II |
|---|---|
| John W. KetchumChairman of the Board and Chief Executive OfficerNextEra Energy Partners, LP | Terrell Kirk Crews IIChief Financial OfficerNextEra Energy Partners, LP |
JAMES M. MAY
James M. MayController and Chief Accounting OfficerNextEra Energy Partners, LP
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the unitholders and the Board of Directors of NextEra Energy Partners, LP
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of NextEra Energy Partners, LP and subsidiaries (NEP) as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, NEP maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 of NEP and our report dated February 20, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
NEP’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on NEP's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to NEP in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boca Raton, Florida
February 20, 2024
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the unitholders and the Board of Directors of NextEra Energy Partners, LP
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NextEra Energy Partners, LP and subsidiaries (NEP) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of NEP as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), NEP’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 20, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on NEP’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of NEP’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on NEP's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to NEP in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Acquisitions — Refer to Note 3 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, in June 2023, an indirect subsidiary of NEP completed the acquisition of ownership interests (2023 acquisition) in a portfolio of wind and solar generation facilities from subsidiaries of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (NEER), a related party. The purchase price included total consideration of approximately $566 million, plus working capital of $32 million and the assumption of the portfolio’s existing debt and related interest rate swaps of approximately $141 million at time of closing. The acquired portfolio also includes noncontrolling interests related to differential membership investors of approximately $165 million at time of closing. All fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill at the acquisition date.
The accounting and reporting for these transactions required an increased extent of audit effort and specialized skill and knowledge. Auditing the unobservable inputs used by management to estimate the fair value of the acquired assets involved subjective judgments and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our firm specialists.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures included the following, among others:
We tested the effectiveness of controls over purchase accounting, including management’s review of the third-party specialist’s valuation report.
We evaluated the competency of the third-party specialist engaged by management to perform the valuations. We read the third-party valuation report.
We assessed the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of future cash flows by comparing the projections to historical generation or similar generation facilities acquired in previous years.
We used personnel in our firm who specialize in energy transacting to assist in testing certain inputs in management's fair value models.
With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we (1) evaluated the reasonableness of the valuation methodology, (2) evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rates, including testing the source information underlying the determination of the discount rates, assessing the mathematical accuracy of the calculation, and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rates selected by management, and (3) assessed the mathematical accuracy of significant calculations in the valuation schedules.
We evaluated NEP’s disclosures related to the acquisition, including balances recorded and significant assumptions.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boca Raton, Florida
February 20, 2024
We have served as NEP's auditor since 2014.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(millions, except per unit amounts)
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| OPERATING REVENUES(a) | $1,078 | $969 | $722 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES | |||
| Operations and maintenance(b) | 520 | 527 | 374 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 521 | 394 | 251 |
| Taxes other than income taxes and other | 65 | 40 | 28 |
| Total operating expenses – net | 1,106 | 961 | 653 |
| GAINS (LOSSES) ON DISPOSAL OF BUSINESSES/ASSETS – NET | — | 36 | (5) |
| OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | (28) | 44 | 64 |
| OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) | |||
| Interest expense | (394) | 848 | 50 |
| Equity in earnings of equity method investees | 152 | 177 | 158 |
| Equity in earnings of non-economic ownership interests | 4 | 56 | 27 |
| Other – net | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Total other income (deductions) – net | (229) | 1,086 | 239 |
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (257) | 1,130 | 303 |
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) | (25) | 161 | 37 |
| INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS | (232) | 969 | 266 |
| INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax expense of $59 million, $10 million and $11 million, respectively | 450 | 152 | 158 |
| NET INCOME | 218 | 1,121 | 424 |
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | (18) | (644) | (287) |
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NEXTERA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP | $200 | $477 | $137 |
| Earnings per common unit attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, LP – basic and assuming dilution: | |||
| From continuing operations | $0.34 | $5.24 | $1.34 |
| From discontinued operations | 1.84 | 0.38 | 0.43 |
| Earnings per common unit attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, LP – basic and assuming dilution | $2.18 | $5.62 | $1.77 |
(a)Includes related party revenues of approximately $(12) million, $2 million and $2 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Includes pipeline service revenue of approximately $3 million and $2 million for 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to the pipeline sold in 2022 (see Note 2 – Disposal of Pipeline).
(b)Includes operations and maintenance (O&M) expenses related to renewable energy projects of approximately $430 million, $342 million and $207 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Includes O&M expenses related to the pipeline sold in 2022 of $1 million and $2 million for 2022 and 2021, respectively (see Note 2 – Disposal of Pipeline). Total O&M expenses presented includes related party amounts of approximately $133 million, $230 million and $174 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| NET INCOME | $218 | $1,121 | $424 |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX | |||
| Other comprehensive income related to equity method investee (net of $0 tax expense, $0 tax expense and $0 tax benefit, respectively) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total other comprehensive income, net of tax | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | 220 | 1,123 | 426 |
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (20) | (645) | (290) |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NEXTERA ENERGY PARTNERS, LP | $200 | $478 | $136 |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| ASSETS | ||
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $274 | $226 |
| Accounts receivable | 114 | 117 |
| Other receivables | 64 | 41 |
| Due from related parties | 1,575 | 1,127 |
| Inventory | 82 | 49 |
| Assets held for sale | — | 95 |
| Other | 107 | 207 |
| Total current assets | 2,216 | 1,862 |
| Other assets: | ||
| Property, plant and equipment – net | 14,837 | 14,191 |
| Intangible assets – PPAs – net | 1,987 | 2,010 |
| Goodwill | 833 | 812 |
| Investments in equity method investees | 1,853 | 1,875 |
| Assets held for sale | — | 1,408 |
| Other | 785 | 894 |
| Total other assets | 20,295 | 21,190 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $22,511 | $23,052 |
| LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY | ||
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $72 | $867 |
| Due to related parties | 87 | 87 |
| Current portion of long-term debt | 1,348 | 38 |
| Accrued interest | 38 | 28 |
| Accrued property taxes | 43 | 23 |
| Liabilities associated with assets held for sale | — | 21 |
| Other | 83 | 262 |
| Total current liabilities | 1,671 | 1,326 |
| Other liabilities and deferred credits: | ||
| Long-term debt | 4,941 | 5,250 |
| Asset retirement obligations | 331 | 299 |
| Due to related parties | 53 | 54 |
| Intangible liabilities – PPAs – net | 1,210 | 1,153 |
| Liabilities associated with assets held for sale | — | 3 |
| Other | 248 | 195 |
| Total other liabilities and deferred credits | 6,783 | 6,954 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 8,454 | 8,280 |
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
| REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | — | 101 |
| EQUITY | ||
| Common units (93.4 and 86.5 units issued and outstanding, respectively) | 3,576 | 3,332 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (7) | (7) |
| Noncontrolling interests | 10,488 | 11,346 |
| TOTAL EQUITY | 14,057 | 14,671 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY | $22,511 | $23,052 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Net income | $218 | $1,121 | $424 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||
| Depreciation and amortization | 553 | 430 | 288 |
| Intangible amortization – PPAs | 82 | 143 | 117 |
| Change in value of derivative contracts | 284 | (1,034) | (189) |
| Deferred income taxes | 34 | 171 | 46 |
| Equity in earnings of equity method investees, net of distributions received | 32 | 3 | 21 |
| Equity in earnings of non-economic ownership interests, net of distributions received | (4) | (50) | (21) |
| Losses (gains) on disposal of businesses/assets – net | (375) | (36) | 5 |
| Other – net | 20 | 10 | 11 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||
| Current assets | (34) | (43) | (6) |
| Noncurrent assets | (81) | (2) | (7) |
| Current liabilities | (14) | 63 | (10) |
| Noncurrent liabilities | 16 | — | (2) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 731 | 776 | 677 |
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Acquisitions of membership interests in subsidiaries – net | (661) | (989) | (2,352) |
| Capital expenditures and other investments | (1,269) | (1,351) | (113) |
| Proceeds from CITCs | — | — | 75 |
| Proceeds from sale of a business | 1,885 | 204 | — |
| Payments to related parties under CSCS agreement – net | (1,213) | (240) | (47) |
| Distributions from equity method investee | — | 15 | 1 |
| Distributions from non-economic ownership interests | — | — | 90 |
| Reimbursements from related parties for capital expenditures | 1,063 | 1,161 | 15 |
| Other – net | 1 | 6 | 30 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (194) | (1,194) | (2,301) |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Proceeds from issuance of common units – net | 315 | 147 | 50 |
| Issuances of long-term debt, including premiums and discounts | 2,362 | 1,505 | 2,880 |
| Retirements of long-term debt | (1,523) | (1,544) | (1,159) |
| Debt issuance costs | (12) | (17) | (12) |
| Capped call transaction | — | (31) | (31) |
| Partner contributions | — | 2 | 2 |
| Partner distributions | (741) | (636) | (619) |
| Proceeds on sale of Class B noncontrolling interests – net | 177 | 1,115 | 893 |
| Payments to Class B noncontrolling interest investors | (146) | (163) | (80) |
| Buyout of Class B noncontrolling interest investors | (972) | — | (265) |
| Proceeds on sale of differential membership interests | 92 | 101 | 48 |
| Proceeds from differential membership investors | 153 | 137 | 74 |
| Payments to differential membership investors | (225) | (36) | (35) |
| Change in amounts due to related parties | (2) | (18) | (13) |
| Payment of CITC obligation to third party | — | — | (65) |
| Other – net | (5) | (11) | (5) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (527) | 551 | 1,663 |
| NET INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH | 10 | 133 | 39 |
| CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH – BEGINNING OF YEAR | 284 | 151 | 112 |
| CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH – END OF YEAR | $294 | $284 | $151 |
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | |||
| Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized | $250 | $154 | $126 |
| Cash paid (received) for income taxes – net | $(1) | $— | $2 |
| Change in noncash investments in equity method investees – net | $(9) | $(1) | $127 |
| Accrued property additions | $77 | $846 | $971 |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
| Common Units | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units | Amount | AccumulatedOtherComprehensive Income(Loss) | Non-controllingInterests | TotalEquity | Redeemable Non-controlling Interests | |
| Balances, December 31, 2020 | 75.9 | $2,362 | $(8) | $5,353 | $7,707 | $— |
| Issuance of common units – net(a) | 0.7 | 56 | — | — | 56 | — |
| Acquisition of subsidiary with noncontrolling ownership interests | — | — | — | 2,494 | 2,494 | 321 |
| Capped call transaction | — | (31) | — | — | (31) | — |
| Related party note receivable | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| Net income | — | 137 | — | 287 | 424 | — |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| Distributions, primarily to related parties | — | — | — | (424) | (424) | — |
| Changes in non-economic ownership interests | — | — | — | 127 | 127 | — |
| Sale of differential membership interest | — | — | — | 48 | 48 | — |
| Other differential membership investment activity | — | — | — | 39 | 39 | — |
| Sale of Class B noncontrolling interests – net | — | (3) | — | 893 | 890 | — |
| Payments to Class B noncontrolling interest investors | — | — | — | (80) | (80) | — |
| Distributions to unitholders(b) | — | (198) | — | — | (198) | — |
| Adoption of accounting standards update | — | (57) | — | 1 | (56) | — |
| Buyout of Class B noncontrolling interest investor(c) | 7.3 | 719 | — | (879) | (160) | — |
| Other – net | — | — | — | (2) | (2) | — |
| Balances, December 31, 2021 | 83.9 | 2,985 | (8) | 7,861 | 10,838 | 321 |
| Issuance of common units – net(a)(d) | 2.6 | 179 | — | — | 179 | — |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries with differential membership interests and noncontrolling ownership interests | — | — | — | 2,012 | 2,012 | — |
| Capped call transaction | — | (31) | — | — | (31) | — |
| Related party note receivable | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | — |
| Net income | — | 477 | — | 635 | 1,112 | 9 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | — |
| Distributions, primarily to related parties | — | — | — | (382) | (382) | — |
| Changes in non-economic ownership interests | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — |
| Sale of differential membership interest | — | — | — | — | — | 101 |
| Other differential membership investment activity | — | (21) | — | 264 | 243 | (330) |
| Sale of Class B noncontrolling interests – net | — | (3) | — | 1,115 | 1,112 | — |
| Payments to Class B noncontrolling interest investors | — | — | — | (163) | (163) | — |
| Distributions to unitholders(b) | — | (254) | — | — | (254) | — |
| Balances, December 31, 2022 | 86.5 | 3,332 | (7) | 11,346 | 14,671 | 101 |
| Issuance of common units – net(a)(d) | 6.9 | 367 | — | — | 367 | — |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries with differential membership interests | — | — | — | 165 | 165 | — |
| Acquisition of subsidiary with noncontrolling ownership interest | — | — | — | 72 | 72 | — |
| Net income | — | 200 | — | 14 | 214 | 4 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | 1 | 1 | 2 | — |
| Distributions, primarily to related parties | — | — | — | (432) | (432) | — |
| Changes in non-economic ownership interests | — | — | — | 11 | 11 | — |
| Other differential membership investment activity | — | — | — | 315 | 315 | (105) |
| Sale of Class B noncontrolling interests – net | — | (1) | — | 177 | 176 | — |
| Payments to Class B noncontrolling interest investors | — | — | — | (146) | (146) | — |
| Distributions to unitholders(b) | — | (309) | — | — | (309) | — |
| Buyout of Class B noncontrolling interest investors | — | — | — | (972) | (972) | — |
| Sale of subsidiary with noncontrolling ownership interest | — | — | — | (80) | (80) | — |
| Other – net | — | (13) | (1) | 17 | 3 | — |
| Balances, December 31, 2023 | 93.4 | $3,576 | $(7) | $10,488 | $14,057 | $— |
(a)See Note 14 – ATM Program for further discussion. Includes deferred tax impact of approximately $30 million, $18 million and $6 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(b)Distributions per common unit were $3.3765, $2.9900 and $2.6000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(c)Reflects the issuance of approximately 7.3 million NEP common units and recognition of a $105 million deferred tax asset in connection with the exercise of the Class B noncontrolling interest buyout right relating to NEP Renewables discussed in Note 14 – Class B Noncontrolling Interests.
(d)In 2023 and 2022, includes NEE Equity's exchange of NEP OpCo common units for NEP common units and includes deferred tax impact of approximately $20 million and $14 million, respectively. See Note 14 – Common Unit Issuances.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
- Organization and Nature of Business
NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NEP) was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on March 6, 2014 as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), a Florida corporation.
On July 1, 2014, NEP completed its initial public offering (IPO). NEP used the proceeds from the IPO to purchase common units of NextEra Energy Operating Partners, LP (NEP OpCo) from NextEra Energy Equity Partners, LP (NEE Equity), a Delaware limited partnership and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NEE, and to purchase NEP OpCo common units from NEP OpCo.
NEP OpCo is a limited partnership with a general partner and limited partners. NEP consolidates the results of NEP OpCo and its subsidiaries because of its controlling interest in the general partner of NEP OpCo. At December 31, 2023, NEP owned an approximately 48.6% limited partner interest in NEP OpCo's common units (limited partner interest in NEP OpCo) and NEE Equity owned a noncontrolling 51.4% limited partner interest in NEP OpCo.
NEP is a growth-oriented limited partnership with a strategy that emphasizes acquiring, managing and owning contracted clean energy assets with stable long-term cash flows with a focus on renewable energy projects. Through NEP OpCo, NEP owns, or has a partial ownership interest in, a portfolio of contracted renewable energy assets consisting of wind, solar and solar-plus-storage projects and a stand-alone battery storage project acquired from NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (NEER) or from third parties, as well as an investment in natural gas pipeline assets located in Pennsylvania acquired from third parties. In December 2023, NEP sold its interests in natural gas pipeline assets located in Texas (Texas pipelines) (see Note 4).
- Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies
Basis of Presentation– NEP’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S.), or GAAP. The consolidated financial statements include NEP’s accounts and operations and those of its subsidiaries in which NEP has a controlling interest.
All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts included in prior years' consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation, including presentation of discontinued operations as discussed in Note 4. The preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition– Revenue is generated primarily from various non-affiliated parties under long-term power purchase agreements (PPA) and natural gas transportation agreements. Revenue is recognized as energy and any related renewable energy attributes are delivered, which is when revenue is earned based on energy delivered at rates stipulated in the respective PPAs, or natural gas transportation services are performed. See Note 5.
Income Taxes– NEP recognizes in income its applicable ownership share of U.S. income taxes due to the disregarded tax status of substantially all of the projects under NEP OpCo. NEP is allocated its taxable income (loss) pursuant to the limited partnership agreement of NEP OpCo (NEP OpCo LP Agreement), for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Additionally, pursuant to the NEP OpCo LP Agreement, NextEra Energy Operating Partners GP, LLC, with the consent of NEE Equity, may allocate to NEE Equity, as holder of the Class P units, some or all of the current or future year taxable income or gain resulting from certain transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes which would impact NEP's deferred taxes and would not impact NEP's total tax expense in the period the allocation is made. In any taxable period that begins at least five years after the taxable period for which any such allocation of taxable income or gain is made to NEE Equity, NEE Equity may approve the allocation of offsetting losses and deductions to NEE Equity with respect to such income or gain allocation as specified in the NEP OpCo LP Agreement.
Equity– Equity reflects the financial position of the parties with an ownership interest in the consolidated financial statements. NextEra Energy Partners GP, Inc. has a total equity interest in NEP of $10,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Limited partners' equity in common units at December 31, 2023 and 2022 reflects the investment of NEP common unitholders, changes to net income attributable to NEP, distributions of available cash to common unitholders and other contributions from or distributions to NEP common unitholders. Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2023 and 2022 reflects other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to NEP.
Noncontrolling Interests– Noncontrolling interests represents the portion of net assets in consolidated entities that are not owned by NEP and are reported as a component of equity on NEP’s consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2023, noncontrolling interests on NEP's consolidated balance sheets primarily reflect NEE Equity's 51.4% noncontrolling interest in NEP OpCo and 50% interest in Star Moon Holdings, LLC (Star Moon Holdings), NEER's approximately 50% noncontrolling ownership interest in Silver State South Solar, LLC (Silver State), NEER's 33% noncontrolling interest in Sunlight Renewables Holdings, LLC (Sunlight Renewables Holdings) and NEER's 51% noncontrolling interest in Emerald Breeze Holdings, LLC (Emerald Breeze) (see Note 3), the interests related to differential membership interests discussed below and the Class B noncontrolling membership interests discussed below. At December 31, 2022, noncontrolling interests on NEP's consolidated balance sheet also includes non-affiliated party's 10% interest inone of the Texas pipelines which was sold in December 2023 (see Note 4).
Certain indirect subsidiaries of NEP have sold noncontrolling Class B membership interests in entities that have ownership interests in 40 wind projects andeight solar projects, including related battery storage facilities, andone stand-alone battery storage facility (differential membership interests) to third-party investors. Although the third-party investors own equity interests in the wind, solar and battery storage projects, NEP retains a controlling interest in the entities as of December 31, 2023 and therefore presents the differential membership interests as noncontrolling interests. NEP, through O&M and administrative services agreements (ASAs) with subsidiaries of NEER, operates and manages the wind, solar and battery storage projects, and consolidates the entities that directly and indirectly own the wind, solar and battery storage projects. The third-party investors are allocated earnings, tax attributes and cash flows in accordance with the respective limited liability company agreements. Those economics are allocated primarily to the third-party investors until they receive a targeted return (the flip date) and thereafter to NEP. NEP has the right to call the third-party interests at specified amounts if and when the flip date occurs. See Note 11.
Subsidiaries of NEP have sold Class B noncontrolling membership interests in NEP Renewables, LLC (NEP Renewables), NEP Renewables II, LLC (NEP Renewables II), NextEra Energy Partners Pipelines, LLC (NEP Pipelines), South Texas Midstream, LLC (STX Midstream), Genesis Solar Holdings, LLC (Genesis Holdings), NEP Renewables III, LLC (NEP Renewables III) and NEP Renewables IV, LLC (NEP Renewables IV) (collectively, Class B noncontrolling membership interests). In 2021, NEP exercised its buyout right for the Class B noncontrolling membership interests in NEP Renewables. In 2023, NEP exercised its buyout right for the Class B noncontrolling membership interests in STX Midstream and 15% of the Class B noncontrolling membership interests in NEP Renewables II. See Note 14 – Class B Noncontrolling Interests. The NEP subsidiaries selling the Class B noncontrolling membership interests retain controlling interests in the related entities as of December 31, 2023 and therefore NEP presents the Class B noncontrolling membership interests as noncontrolling interests.
For the differential membership interests and Class B noncontrolling membership interests, NEP has determined the allocation of economics between the controlling party and third-party investor should not follow the respective ownership percentages for each investment but rather the hypothetical liquidation of book value (HLBV) method based on the governing provisions in each respective limited liability company agreement. Under the HLBV method, the amounts of income and loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests reflects changes in the amount the owners would hypothetically receive at each balance sheet date under the respective liquidation provisions, assuming the net assets of these entities were liquidated at the recorded amounts, after taking into account any capital transactions, such as contributions and distributions, between the entities and the owners. At the point in time that the third party, in hypothetical liquidation, would achieve its targeted return, NEP attributes the additional hypothetical proceeds to the differential membership interests based on the call price.
For the noncontrolling interests, other than the differential membership interests and the Class B noncontrolling membership interests, net income (loss) is allocated based on the respective ownership percentages. Thus, the impact of the net income (loss) attributable to the Class B noncontrolling membership interests and the differential membership interests are allocated to NEE Equity's noncontrolling ownership interest and the net income attributable to NEP based on their respective ownership percentage of NEP OpCo. Distributions related to the noncontrolling interests, other than the differential membership interests and Class B noncontrolling membership interests, are reflected as partner distributions in NEP's consolidated statements of cash flows. Details of the activity in noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are below:
| Class B Noncontrolling Membership Interests | Differential Membership Interests | NEE's Indirect Noncontrolling Ownership Interests(a) | Other Noncontrolling Ownership Interests | Total NoncontrollingInterests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | |||||
| Balances, December 31, 2020 | $3,550 | $1,759 | $(14) | $58 | $5,353 |
| Sale of Class B noncontrolling interests – net | 893 | — | — | — | 893 |
| Acquisition of subsidiary with noncontrolling interests | — | 1,618 | 25 | 851 | 2,494 |
| Related party note receivable | — | — | 2 | — | 2 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 298 | (313) | 269 | 33 | 287 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | 2 | — | 2 |
| Distributions, primarily to related parties | — | — | (322) | (102) | (424) |
| Changes in non-economic ownership interests | — | — | — | 127 | 127 |
| Differential membership investment contributions, net of distributions | — | 39 | — | — | 39 |
| Payments to Class B noncontrolling interest investors | (80) | — | — | — | (80) |
| Sale of differential membership interest | — | 48 | — | — | 48 |
| Buyout of Class B noncontrolling interest investor | (879) | — | — | — | (879) |
| Other – net | 1 | (1) | — | (1) | (1) |
| Balances, December 31, 2021 | 3,783 | 3,150 | (38) | 966 | 7,861 |
| Sale of Class B noncontrolling interests – net | 1,115 | — | — | — | 1,115 |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries with differential membership interests | — | 1,494 | — | — | 1,494 |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries with noncontrolling interests | — | — | 518 | — | 518 |
| Related party note receivable | — | — | 2 | — | 2 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 296 | (573) | 788 | 124 | 635 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
| Distributions, primarily to related parties | — | — | (346) | (36) | (382) |
| Changes in non-economic ownership interests | — | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| Differential membership investment contributions, net of distributions | — | 101 | — | — | 101 |
| Payments to Class B noncontrolling interest investors | (163) | — | — | — | (163) |
| Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests | — | 330 | — | — | 330 |
| Reclassification to current other liabilities(b) | — | (142) | (25) | — | (167) |
| Other – net | — | (1) | (9) | 10 | — |
| Balances, December 31, 2022 | 5,031 | 4,359 | 891 | 1,065 | 11,346 |
| Sale of Class B noncontrolling interests – net | 177 | — | — | — | 177 |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries with differential membership interests | — | 165 | — | — | 165 |
| Acquisition of subsidiary with noncontrolling interest | — | — | 72 | — | 72 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 333 | (696) | 303 | 74 | 14 |
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | 1 | — | 1 |
| Distributions, primarily to related parties | — | — | (391) | (41) | (432) |
| Changes in non-economic ownership interests | — | — | — | 11 | 11 |
| Differential membership investment contributions, net of distributions | — | 118 | — | — | 118 |
| Payments to Class B noncontrolling interest investors | (146) | — | — | — | (146) |
| Sale of differential membership interests | — | 92 | — | — | 92 |
| Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests | — | 105 | — | — | 105 |
| Buyout of Class B noncontrolling interest investors | (972) | — | — | — | (972) |
| Sale of subsidiary with noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | (80) | (80) |
| Other – net | (6) | — | 23 | — | 17 |
| Balances, December 31, 2023 | $4,417 | $4,143 | $899 | $1,029 | $10,488 |
(a) Primarily reflects NEE Equity's noncontrolling interest in NEP OpCo and NEER's noncontrolling interest in Silver State, Sunlight Renewables Holdings and Emerald Breeze.
(b) In December 2022, NEP entered into agreements to acquire certain differential membership interests, which resulted in the reclassification of the remaining noncontrolling interests to current other liabilities.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests – In connection with the December 2021 acquisition from NEER (see Note 3), NEP recorded redeemable noncontrolling interests of approximately $321 million relating to certain contingencies whereby NEP may have been obligated to either redeem interests of third-party investors in certain projects or return proceeds to third-party investors in certain projects. As the contingencies were resolved during 2022, NEP reclassified the recorded amounts to noncontrolling interests.
Subsequent to the acquisition in December 2022 from NEER (see Note 3), NEP recorded redeemable noncontrolling interests of approximately $101 million relating to certain contingencies whereby NEP may have been obligated to reacquire all or a portion of the third-party investor's interests in an under construction project. As the contingencies were resolved during 2023, NEP reclassified approximately $105 million of redeemable noncontrolling interests to noncontrolling interests.
Property, Plant and Equipment – net– Property, plant and equipment consists primarily of development, engineering and construction costs for the renewable energy assets, equipment, land, substations and transmission lines. Property, plant and equipment, excluding land and perpetual rights-of-way, is recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives ranging from three to 39 years, commencing on the date the assets are placed in service or acquired (see Note 9). Maintenance and repairs of property, plant and equipment are charged to O&M expense as incurred.
Property, plant and equipment – net on NEP's consolidated balance sheets includes construction work in progress which reflects construction materials, other equipment, third-party engineering costs, capitalized interest and other costs directly associated with the development and construction of the various projects. Upon commencement of plant operations, costs associated with construction work in progress are transferred to the appropriate category in property, plant and equipment – net.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as amended, provided for an option to elect a cash grant (convertible investment tax credits) for certain renewable energy property. Convertible investment tax credits (CITCs) are recorded as a reduction in property, plant and equipment – net on NEP's consolidated balance sheets and are amortized as a corresponding reduction to depreciation expense over the estimated life of the related asset. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, CITCs, net of amortization, were approximately $431 million and $451 million, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents– Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. NEP primarily holds such investments in money market funds.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts– Accounts receivable are reported at the invoiced or estimated amount adjusted for any write-offs and any estimated allowance for doubtful accounts on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed periodically based on amounts past due and significance. There wasno allowance for doubtful accounts recorded at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Restricted Cash– At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP had approxima tely $20 million and $49 million, respectively, of restricted cash included in current other assets on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. Restricted cash at December 31, 2023 and 2022 is primarily related to an operating cash reserve. Restricted cash reported as current assets are recorded as such based on the anticipated use of these funds.
Concentration of Credit Risk– Financial instruments which potentially subject NEP to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of accounts receivable and derivative instruments. Accounts receivable are comprised primarily of amounts due from various non-affiliated parties who are counterparties to the PPAs or natural gas transportation agreements. The majority of NEP's counterparties are in the energy industry, and this concentration may impact the overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that the counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions. If any of these customers’ receivable balances should be deemed uncollectible, it could have a material adverse effect on NEP’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. Substantially all amounts due from such counterparties at December 31, 2023 have been collected.
During 2023, NEP derived approximately 14% of its consolidated revenue from its contracts with Pacific Gas and Electric Company. During 2023, NEP also derived approximately 11% of its consolidated revenue from its contracts with Mex Gas Supply S.L., which related to the Texas pipelines and is included in income from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of income (see Note 4).
Inventories– Spare parts inventories are carried at the lower of weighted-average cost and net realizable value.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Finite-Lived Intangible Assets– Long-lived assets that are held and used and finite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is required to be recognized if the carrying value of the asset exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flows associated with that asset. The impairment loss to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the asset's fair value. In most instances, the fair value is determined by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate interest rate. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, no impairment adjustments were necessary.
Purchase Accounting – For projects acquired, NEP allocates the cost of the acquisition to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair values as of the acquisition date. Goodwill acquired in connection with business acquisitions represents the excess of consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired. Certain assumptions and estimates are employed in determining the fair value of assets acquired and evaluating the fair value of liabilities assumed. See Note 3.
Goodwill– Goodwill is assessed for impairment at least annually by applying a fair value-based analysis. NEP completed the annual impairment test for goodwill using an assessment date of October 1 and determined, based on the results, thatno goodwill impairment charge was required. NEP will continue to monitor its goodwill carrying value for future impairments.
Intangible Asset– PPAs – At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP's consolidated balance sheets reflect intangible asset – PPAs primarily related to acquisitions in 2018, 2019, 2020 and acquisitions discussed in Note 3. Intangible asset – PPAs are amortized into operating revenues on a straight-line basis over the remaining contract terms of the related PPAs, which approximates the period giving rise to the value. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, accumulated amortization related to the intangible asset – PPAs was approximately $617 million and $454 million, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible assets – PPAs was approximately $163 million, $160 million and $117 million for the years ended December 31, 2023,2022 and 2021, respectively, and is expected to be approximately $167 million in years 2024 through 2028.
Intangible Liabilities– PPAs – At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP's consolidated balance sheets reflect intangible liabilities – PPAs primarily related to acquisitions from NEER discussed in Note 3 and will be amortized into operating revenues on a straight-line basis over the remaining contract terms of the PPAs, which approximates the period giving rise to the value. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, accumulated amortization related to the intangible liabilities – PPAs was approximately $97 million and $17 million, respectively. Amortization expense for intangible liabilities – PPAs was approximately $82 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is expected to be approximately $87 million in the years 2024 through 2028.
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations– Generally, a long-lived asset to be sold is classified as held for sale in the period in which management, with approval from NEP's Board of Directors, commits to a plan to sell and sale is expected to be completed within one year. Assets and liabilities held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying value or their estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the disposal group reflects a component of a reporting unit and meets the definition of a business, the goodwill within that reporting unit is allocated to the disposal group based on the relative fair value of the components representing a business that will be retained and disposed. Goodwill is not allocated to a portion of a reporting unit that does not meet the definition of a business. A disposal group that meets held for sale criteria and also represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results is also reflected as discontinued operations in the statements of income and prior periods are recast to reflect the earnings or losses from such business as income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense. See Note 4.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities– Derivative instruments, when required to be marked to market, are recorded on NEP’s consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. See Note 6.
Fair Value Measurements– NEP uses several different valuation techniques to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities relying primarily on the market approach of using prices and other market information for identical or comparable assets and liabilities for those assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis. Certain financial instruments may be valued using multiple inputs including discount rates, counterparty credit ratings and credit enhancements. NEP’s assessment of the significance of any particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the fair value measurement of its assets and liabilities and the placement of those assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. See Note 6.
Long-term Debt Costs– NEP recognizes interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Certain of NEP’s debt obligations include escalating interest rates that are incorporated into the effective interest rate for the related debt. Deferred interest includes interest expense recognized in excess of the interest payments accrued for the related debt’s stated interest payments and is recorded in other liabilities on NEP’s consolidated balance sheets. Debt issuance costs include fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term debt and are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest rate established at debt issuance. NEP incurred approximately $10 million and $13 million ofdebt issuance costs during the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022, respectively. The amortization ofdebt issuance costs totaled approximately $17 million, $13 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and is included in interest expense in NEP’s consolidated statements of income. See Note 13.
Asset Retirement Obligations – Asset retirement obligations are those for which a legal obligation exists under laws, statutes, and written or oral contracts, including obligations arising under the doctrine of promissory estoppel, and for which the timing or method of settlement may be conditioned on a future event.
NEP accounts for asset retirement obligations and conditional asset retirement obligations (collectively, 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 part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The asset retirement cost is subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method over the asset’s estimated useful life. Changes in the ARO resulting from the passage of time are recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability and as accretion expense, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense in NEP’s consolidated statements of income. Changes resulting from revisions to the timing or amount of the original estimate of cash flows are recognized as an increase or a decrease in the asset retirement cost, or income when the asset retirement cost is depleted.
NEP recorded accretion expense of approximately $15 million, $12 million and $7 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Additional AROs were established amounting to approximately $19 million and $37 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to the acquisitions in those periods (see Note 3). Additionally, NEP recorded a reduction of AROs of approximately $6 million in 2023 and additional AROs of $8 million in 2022, for revisions in estimated cash flows due to revised cost estimates.
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities – NEP accounts for the investments in its unconsolidated entities under the equity method. NEP’s share of earnings (losses) in the unconsolidated entities is included in equity in earnings of equity method investees and equity in earnings (losses) of non-economic ownership interests in NEP's consolidated statements of income. NEP records losses of the unconsolidated entities only to the extent of its investment unless there is an obligation to provide further financial support for the investee. All equity in earnings (losses) of the non-economic ownership interests is allocated to net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. See Note 10 and Note 11. NEP evaluates its equity method investments for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value and the investment may be other-than-temporarily impaired. An impairment loss is required to be recognized if the impairment is deemed to be other than temporary. Investments that are other-than-temporarily impaired are written down to their estimated fair value and cannot subsequently be written back up for increases in estimated fair value.
Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)– An entity is considered to be a VIE when its total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or its equity investors, as a group, lack the characteristics of having a controlling financial interest. A reporting company is required to consolidate a VIE as its primary beneficiary when it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. NEP evaluates whether an entity is a VIE whenever reconsideration events as defined by the accounting guidance occur. See Note 11.
Leases – NEP determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. NEP recognizes a right-of-use (ROU) asset and a lease liability for operating and finance leases by recognizing and measuring leases at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. For sales-type leases, the book value of the leased asset is removed from the balance sheet and a net investment in sales-type lease is recognized based on fixed payments under the contract and the residual value of the asset being leased. NEP has elected not to apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases and not to separate nonlease components from associated lease components for substantially all classes of underlying assets except for purchase power agreements. ROU assets are included primarily in noncurrent other assets, lease liabilities are included in current and noncurrent other liabilities and net investments in sales-type leases are included in current and noncurrent other assets on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease expense is included in O&M expense, interest and amortization expense associated with finance leases are included in interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense, respectively, and rental income associated with operating leases and interest income associated with sales-type leases are included in operating revenues in NEP’s consolidated statements of income. See Note 12.
Disposal of Pipeline – In 2022, subsidiaries of NEP sold all of their ownership interests in an approximately 156-mile, 16-inch pipeline that transports natural gas in Texas to a third party for total consideration of approximately $203 million. Approximately $70 million of the cash proceeds from the sale were distributed to the third-party owner of noncontrolling Class B membership interests in STX Midstream (see Note 14 – Class B Noncontrolling Interests). In connection with the sale, NEP recorded a gain of approximately $20 million ($18 million after tax) in the second quarter of 2022 and $10 million ($9 million after tax) in the third quarter of 2022 upon resolution of a contingency.
Disposal of Wind Project – In January 2023, a subsidiary of NEP completed the sale of a 62 megawatt (MW) wind project located in Barnes County, North Dakota for approximately $50 million. Approximately $45 million of the cash proceeds from the sale were distributed to the third-party owner of noncontrolling Class B membership interests in NEP Renewables II (see Note 14 – Class B Noncontrolling Interests). At December 31, 2022, the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets related to the wind project of approximately $51 million, which primarily represent property, plant and equipment – net, were included in current assets held for sale on NEP's consolidated balance sheet and liabilities of $1 million were included in current liabilities associated with assets held for sale on NEP's consolidated balance sheet.
- Acquisitions
In August 2021, an indirect subsidiary of NEP completed the acquisition (August 2021 acquisition) of 100% of the ownership interests in each of:
Highview Power Holdings, LLC, which indirectly owns a 150 MW wind generation facility located in California;
Brookfield Windstar Holding, LLC, which indirectly owns a 120 MW wind generation facility located in California;
Brookfield Coram Wind Development, LLC, which indirectly owns a 22 MW wind generation facility located in California; and
BAIF Granite Holdings, LLC, which indirectly owns a 99 MW wind generation facility located in New Hampshire.
The purchase price included a base purchase price of approximately $733 million, plus closing adjustments primarily related to pre-acquisition debt make whole costs of $55 million and working capital of $27 million, including cash of $18 million.
Under the acquisition method, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value. All fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill at the acquisition date. The goodwill arising from the acquisition results largely from the assets being well-situated in strong markets with long-term renewables demand, providing long-term optionality for the assets. All of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes over a 15 year period.
The following table summarizes the final amounts recognized by NEP for the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the August 2021 acquisition:
| (millions) | |
|---|---|
| Total consideration transferred | $815 |
| Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed | |
| Cash | $18 |
| Accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses | 14 |
| Property, plant and equipment – net | 191 |
| Intangible assets – PPAs | 432 |
| Goodwill | 179 |
| Noncurrent other assets | 1 |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current other liabilities | (8) |
| Noncurrent other liabilities | (12) |
| Total net identifiable assets, at fair value | $815 |
In October 2021, an indirect subsidiary of NEP completed the acquisition of ownership interests (October 2021 acquisition) in a portfolio of wind and solar generation facilities with a combined net generating capacity totaling approximately 589 MW from subsidiaries of NEER for a purchase price consisting of cash consideration of approximately $563 million, plus working capital and other adjustments of $22 million. NEP's share of the entities' debt and noncontrolling interests related to differential membership investors was approximately $270 million at the time of closing. The acquisition included the following assets:
100% of the membership interests in HW CA Holdings, LLC, that indirectly owns an approximately 162 MW wind generation facility located in California;
100% of the membership interests in Dogwood Wind Holdings, LLC, that indirectly ownstwo wind generation facilities with a combined total generating capacity of approximately 300 MW located in North Dakota and Missouri;
100% of the membership interests in Southwest Solar Holdings, LLC, that indirectly owns an approximately 5 MW solar generation facility located in New Mexico;
33.3% of the membership interests in Shaw Creek Solar Holdings, LLC, that indirectly owns an approximately 75 MW solar generation facility located in South Carolina;
33.3% of the membership interests in Nutmeg Solar Holdings, LLC, that indirectly owns an approximately 20 MW solar generation facility located in Connecticut; and
100% of the Class C membership interests (which represents 33.3% of the total ownership interest in the underlying projects) in Solar Holdings Portfolio 12, LLC, that has indirect ownership interests in:
two solar generation facilities with a combined total generating capacity of approximately 40 MW located in California;
the DG Portfolio 2019 portfolio, that indirectly owns multiple distributed solar generation facilities with a combined total generating capacity of approximately 217 MW located in various states across the U.S.; and
the DG Waipio portfolio, that indirectly owns multiple distributed solar generation facilities with a combined total generating capacity of approximately 13 MW located in Hawaii.
Under the acquisition method, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including noncontrolling interests, based on their estimated fair value. All fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill at the acquisition date. The goodwill arising from the acquisition results largely from the assets being well-situated in strong markets with long-term renewables demand, providing long-term optionality for the assets. All of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes over a 15 year period.
The following table summarizes the final amounts recognized by NEP for the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the October 2021 acquisition:
| (millions) | |
|---|---|
| Total consideration transferred | $585 |
| Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed | |
| Cash | $4 |
| Accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses | 11 |
| Property, plant and equipment – net | 560 |
| Intangible assets – PPAs | 42 |
| Goodwill | 33 |
| Investments in equity method investees | 66 |
| Noncurrent other assets | 19 |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current other liabilities | (8) |
| Noncurrent other liabilities | (20) |
| Noncontrolling interests | (122) |
| Total net identifiable assets, at fair value | $585 |
In December 2021, an indirect subsidiary of NEP completed the asset acquisition of 100% of the Class A membership interests in Star Moon Holdings for a total consideration of approximately $849 million, plus working capital and other adjustments of approximately $6 million and NEP's share of the entities' noncontrolling interests related to differential membership investors of approximately $910 million at the time of closing.
NEP’s indirect ownership interest in Star Moon Holdings represents an indirect 50% controlling ownership interest in wind generation facilities and solar generation facilities, some of which include solar storage, consisting of the following:
White Mesa Wind, an approximately 501 MW wind generation facility located in Texas;
Irish Creek Wind, an approximately 301 MW wind generation facility located in Kansas;
Hubbard Wind, an approximately 300 MW wind generation facility located in Texas;
Cool Springs Solar, an approximately 213 MW solar generation and 40 MW solar storage facility located in Georgia;
Little Blue Wind, an approximately 251 MW wind generation facility located in Nebraska;
Dodge Flat Solar, an approximately 200 MW solar generation and 50 MW solar storage facility located in Nevada;
Elora Solar, an approximately 150 MW solar generation facility located in Tennessee;
Quitman II Solar, an approximately 150 MW solar generation facility located in Georgia;
Fish Springs Ranch Solar, an approximately 100 MW solar generation and 25 MW solar storage facility located in Nevada;
Minco Wind Energy III, an approximately 107 MW wind generation facility located in Oklahoma;
Ensign Wind Energy, an approximately 99 MW wind generation facility located in Kansas;
Borderlands Wind, an approximately 99 MW wind generation facility located in New Mexico; and
Quinebaug Solar, an approximately 49 MW solar generation facility located in Connecticut.
The wind and solar generation facilities listed above were under construction by NEER when the acquisition was announced. At closing, three projects (Dodge Flat Solar, Elora Solar and Fish Springs Ranch Solar) remained under construction and NEER agreed to continue to manage the construction of such projects after the acquisition, at its own cost, and to contribute to those projects any capital necessary for the construction of the projects. Construction of the three projects was completed and the projects entered service during the first quarter of 2022. In December 2021, NEER sold the remaining 50% noncontrolling ownership interest in the wind and solar generation facilities to a third party, which is reflected as noncontrolling interests on NEP's consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2 – Noncontrolling Interests). NEER will operate the wind and solar generation facilities under O&M and ASAs (see Note 15).
The purchase price for the asset acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including the noncontrolling interests, based on their estimated fair value. All fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices. The individual fair value measurements were adjusted for any difference between the total purchase price and the total estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
In connection with the asset acquisition of Star Moon Holdings, NEP recorded the following balances:
| (millions) | |
|---|---|
| Total consideration transferred | $855 |
| Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed | |
| Cash | $21 |
| Accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses | 14 |
| Due from related parties(a) | 1,015 |
| Property, plant and equipment – net | 3,695 |
| Intangible assets – PPAs | 107 |
| Noncurrent other assets | 48 |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current other liabilities(a) | (1,038) |
| Asset retirement obligation | (70) |
| Intangible liabilities – PPAs | (179) |
| Noncurrent other liabilities | (65) |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests(b) | (321) |
| Noncontrolling interests | (2,372) |
| Total net identifiable assets | $855 |
(a) Due from related parties reflects the amounts due from NEER which were used to pay accounts payable and accrued expenses related to the construction of the projects acquired.
(b) See Note 2 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests.
In December 2021, an indirect subsidiary of NEP completed the acquisition (Coram II acquisition) of a 102 MW wind generation facility (Coram II) located in California for cash consideration of approximately $128 million, plus working capital of $8 million and the assumption of debt of approximately $155 million. Under the acquisition method, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value. All fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices. The purchase price was allocated primarily to intangible assets – PPAs – net of approximately $133 million, property, plant and equipment – net of $72 million, long-term debt, including current portion, of $155 million and noncurrent other assets of $11 million. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill of approximately $70 million at the acquisition date. The goodwill arising from the acquisition results largely from the wind generation facility being well-situated in a strong market with long-term renewables demand, providing long-term optionality for the asset. All of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes over a 15 year period.
During 2021, NEP incurred approximately $12 million in acquisition-related costs which are reflected as operations and maintenance in the consolidated statements of income.
The amounts of revenues, operating income, net income and net income attributable to NEP included in NEP's consolidated statements of income related to the August 2021 acquisition, the October 2021 acquisition and the Coram II acquisition for the periods after the respective closings through December 31, 2021 are as follows:
| (millions) | |
|---|---|
| Revenues | $25 |
| Operating income | $1 |
| Net income | $— |
| Net income attributable to NEP | $3 |
In September 2022, an indirect subsidiary of NEP acquired from NEER interests in Sunlight Renewables Holdings which represent an indirect 67% controlling ownership interest in a battery storage facility in California with storage capacity of 230 MW. The purchase price for the asset acquisition consisted of cash consideration of approximately $191 million, plus working capital and other adjustments of $2 million. The purchase price was allocated primarily to property, plant and equipment – net of approximately $435 million and noncontrolling interests of $242 million, including $147 million relating to differential membership interests, based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. NEER operates the battery storage facility under O&M and ASAs (see Note 15).
In December 2022, an indirect subsidiary of NEP (the purchaser) completed the acquisition of ownership interests (December 2022 acquisition) in a portfolio of wind and solar-plus-storage generation facilities from subsidiaries of NEER (the seller) consisting of the following:
100% of the Class A membership interests in Emerald Breeze, representing a 49% controlling ownership interest, which indirectly owns:
Great Prairie Wind, an approximately 1,029 MW wind generation facility in Texas and Oklahoma.
Appaloosa Run Wind, an approximately 172 MW wind generation facility in Texas.
Yellow Pine Solar, a 125 MW solar generation and 65 MW storage facility in Nevada (Yellow Pine).
100% of the membership interests in Sac County Wind Holdings, LLC and Elk City Sholes Holdings, LLC, which indirectly own:
Sholes Wind, an approximately 160 MW wind generation facility located in Nebraska.
Elk City Wind II, an approximately 107 MW wind generation facility located in Oklahoma.
Sac County Wind, an approximately 80 MW wind generation facility located in Iowa.
At closing, Yellow Pine was under construction by NEER and NEER agreed to continue to manage the construction of the project after acquisition, at its own cost, and to contribute to the project any capital necessary for the construction of the project. In July 2023, Yellow Pine achieved commercial operations. In March 2023, upon receipt of regulatory approvals and the achievement of commercial operations, Eight Point Wind (Eight Point), an approximately 111 MW wind generation facility in New York, was transferred to Emerald Breeze. See Note 14 – Class B Noncontrolling Interests.
The purchase price included total consideration of approximately $805 million, plus working capital and other adjustments of approximately $4 million and NEP's share of the portfolio’s existing noncontrolling interests related to differential membership investors of approximately $1.4 billion at the time of closing. In March 2023, NEP sold differential membership interests in Eight Point to third-party investors for proceeds of approximately $92 million.
The purchase price for the asset acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including the noncontrolling interests, based on their estimated fair value. All fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices. The individual fair value measurements were adjusted for any difference between the total purchase price and the total estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
In connection with the December 2022 asset acquisition, NEP recorded the following balances:
| (millions) | |
|---|---|
| Total consideration transferred | $813 |
| Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed | |
| Cash | $14 |
| Accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses | 12 |
| Due from related parties(a) | 836 |
| Current other assets(b) | 118 |
| Property, plant and equipment – net | 3,503 |
| Noncurrent other assets | 16 |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current other liabilities(a) | (771) |
| Due to related parties(c) | (80) |
| Long-term debt(d) | (46) |
| Asset retirement obligation | (27) |
| Intangible liabilities – PPAs | (986) |
| Noncurrent other liabilities | (6) |
| Noncontrolling interests | (1,770) |
| Total net identifiable assets | $813 |
(a) Due from related parties reflects the amounts due from NEER which were used to pay accounts payable and accrued expenses related to the construction of the projects acquired.
(b) Includes an approximately $71 million deposit relating to Eight Point which was transferred to Emerald Breeze in March 2023 as discussed above.
(c) Due to related parties reflects amounts due to a NEE subsidiary related to construction costs, which costs are reimbursed by NEER.
(d) See Note 15 – Related Party Long-Term Debt.
In June 2023, an indirect subsidiary of NEP acquired from indirect subsidiaries of NEER ownership interests in a portfolio of wind and solar generation facilities with a combined generating capacity totaling approximately 688 MW (2023 acquisition) for cash consideration of approximately $566 million, plus working capital of $32 million and the assumption of the portfolio’s existing debt and related interest rate swaps of approximately $141 million at time of closing. The acquired portfolio also included noncontrolling interests related to differential membership investors of approximately $165 million at time of closing. The acquisition included the following assets:
Montezuma II Wind, an approximately 78 MW wind generation facility located in California;
Chaves County Solar, an approximately 70 MW solar generation facility located in New Mexico;
Live Oak Solar, an approximately 51 MW solar generation facility located in Georgia;
River Bend Solar, an approximately 75 MW solar generation facility located in Alabama;
Casa Mesa Wind, an approximately 51 MW wind generation facility located in New Mexico;
New Mexico Wind, an approximately 204 MW wind generation facility located in New Mexico;
Langdon I, an approximately 118 MW wind generation facility located in North Dakota; and
Langdon II, an approximately 41 MW wind generation facility located in North Dakota.
Under the acquisition method, the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including noncontrolling interests, based on their estimated fair value. All fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based on significant estimates and assumptions, including Level 3 (unobservable) inputs, which require judgment. Estimates and assumptions include the projected timing and amount of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting risk inherent in future cash flows and future market prices. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill at the acquisition date. The goodwill arising from the acquisition results largely from the assets being well-situated in strong markets with long-term renewables demand, providing long-term optionality for the assets. All of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes over a 15 year period.
The following table summarizes the final amounts recognized by NEP for the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the 2023 acquisition:
| (millions) | |
|---|---|
| Total consideration transferred | $598 |
| Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed | |
| Cash | $15 |
| Accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses | 17 |
| Current derivative assets | 4 |
| Property, plant and equipment – net | 764 |
| Intangible assets – PPAs | 141 |
| Goodwill | 21 |
| Noncurrent derivative assets | 8 |
| Noncurrent other assets | 5 |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and current other liabilities | (5) |
| Long-term debt | (153) |
| Asset retirement obligation | (12) |
| Intangible liabilities – PPAs | (37) |
| Noncurrent other liabilities | (5) |
| Noncontrolling interest | (165) |
| Total net identifiable assets, at fair value | $598 |
NEP incurred approximately $3 million in acquisition-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2023 which are reflected as operations and maintenance in the consolidated statements of income.
The amounts of revenues, operating income, net income (loss) and net income attributable to NEP included in NEP's consolidated statement of income related to the 2023 acquisition for the period after closing through December 31, 2023 are as follows:
| (millions) | |
|---|---|
| Revenues | $39 |
| Operating income | $10 |
| Net income (loss) | $(7) |
| Net income attributable to NEP | $4 |
Supplemental Unaudited Pro forma Results of Operations
NEP’s pro forma results of operations in the combined entity had the 2023 acquisition been completed on January 1, 2022 and the August 2021 acquisition, the October 2021 acquisition and the Coram II acquisition been completed on January 1, 2020 are as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| Unaudited pro forma results of operations: | |||
| Pro forma revenues | $1,120 | $1,051 | $807 |
| Pro forma operating income (loss) | $(9) | $82 | $77 |
| Pro forma net income | $223 | $1,151 | $411 |
| Pro forma net income attributable to NEP | $211 | $497 | $143 |
The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations include adjustments to:
reflect the historical results of the businesses acquired had the 2023 acquisition been completed on January 1, 2022 and the August 2021 acquisition, the October 2021 acquisition and the Coram II acquisition been completed on January 1, 2020, assuming consistent operating performance over all periods;
reflect the estimated depreciation and amortization expense based on the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment – net and the intangible assets – PPAs – net;
reflect assumed interest expense related to funding the acquisitions; and
reflect related income tax effects.
The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the transactions been made at the beginning of the years presented or the future results of the consolidated operations.
- Discontinued Operations
In December 2023, a subsidiary of NEP completed the sale of its ownership interests in the Texas pipelines. NEP received total cash consideration of approximately $1.8 billion subject to post-closing working capital adjustments. NEP used a portion of the proceeds from the sale to pay off the South Texas Midstream Holdings, LLC outstanding debt of approximately $437 million. NEP recognized a gain on disposal of the Texas pipelines of approximately $375 million ($329 million after tax), which is reflected in income from discontinued operations in its consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2023. NEP incurred approximately $15 million in disposal-related costs during the year ended December 31, 2023 which are reflected as operations and maintenance in the consolidated statement of income.
NEP's results of operations for the Texas pipelines are presented as income from discontinued operations on its consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The assets and liabilities of the Texas pipelines are presented as held for sale on NEP's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2022.
The table below presents the financial results of the Texas pipelines included in income from discontinued operations:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| OPERATING REVENUES(a) | $224 | $242 | $260 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES | |||
| Operations and maintenance(b) | 30 | 44 | 45 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 32 | 36 | 37 |
| Taxes other than income taxes and other | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Total operating expenses – net | 70 | 89 | 90 |
| GAIN ON DISPOSAL OF A BUSINESS | 375 | — | — |
| OPERATING INCOME | 529 | 153 | 170 |
| OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) | |||
| Interest expense | (22) | 5 | (3) |
| Equity in earnings of equity method investees | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Other – net | — | (2) | — |
| Total other income (deductions) – net | (20) | 9 | (1) |
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 509 | 162 | 169 |
| INCOME TAXES | 59 | 10 | 11 |
| INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS(c) | $450 | $152 | $158 |
(a) Represents service revenues earned under gas transportation agreements. Includes related party revenues of approximately $32 million, $23 million and $40 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Includes revenues attributable to foreign countries related to NEP's contract with a Mexican counterparty of approximately $144 million, $155 million and $141 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(b) Includes related party amounts of approximately $12 million, $33 million and $40 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(c) Includes net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of approximately $281 million, $120 million and $125 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Income tax expense attributable to noncontrolling interests for all periods are less than $1 million.
The table below presents the aggregate carrying amounts for the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale related to the Texas pipelines:
| December 31, 2022 | |
|---|---|
| (millions) | |
| ASSETS HELD FOR SALE | |
| Current assets held for sale: | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $9 |
| Accounts receivable | 20 |
| Due from related parties | 4 |
| Inventory | 2 |
| Other | 9 |
| Total current assets held for sale | 44 |
| Noncurrent assets held for sale: | |
| Property, plant and equipment – net | 758 |
| Intangible assets – customer relationships – net(a) | 526 |
| Goodwill | 79 |
| Investments in equity method investees | 42 |
| Other | 3 |
| Total noncurrent assets held for sale | 1,408 |
| TOTAL ASSETS HELD FOR SALE | $1,452 |
| LIABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH ASSETS HELD FOR SALE | |
| Current liabilities associated with assets held for sale: | |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $1 |
| Due to related parties | 5 |
| Accrued property taxes | 8 |
| Other | 6 |
| Total current liabilities associated with assets held for sale | 20 |
| Noncurrent liabilities associated with assets held for sale: | |
| Other | 3 |
| Total noncurrent liabilities associated with assets held for sale | 3 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH ASSETS HELD FOR SALE | $23 |
(a) Reflects intangible asset – customer relationships related to the acquisition of the Texas pipelines in 2015 which were amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of approximately 40 years. At December 31,2022, accumulated amortization related to the intangible asset – customer relationships was approximately $114 million. Amortization expense for intangible asset – customer relationships was approximately $13 million, $17 million and $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2023,2022 and 2021, respectively.
NEP has elected not to separately disclose discontinued operations on its consolidated statements of cash flows. Long-lived assets are not depreciated or amortized once they are classified as held for sale. The table below presents cash flows from discontinued operations for major captions on the consolidated statements of cash flows related to the Texas pipelines:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| Depreciation and amortization | $32 | $36 | $37 |
| Change in value of derivative contracts | $14 | $(14) | $(6) |
| Deferred income taxes | $59 | $10 | $11 |
| Gain on disposal of a business | $375 | $— | $— |
| Capital expenditures and other investments | $(137) | $(33) | $(11) |
- Revenue
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. NEP's operating revenues are generated primarily from various non-affiliated parties under PPAs and natural gas transportation agreements (see Note 4 regarding sale of the Texas pipelines). NEP's operating revenues from contracts with customers are partly offset by the net amortization of intangible asset – PPAs and intangible liabilities – PPAs. Revenue is recognized as energy and any related renewable energy attributes are delivered, based on rates stipulated in the respective PPAs, or natural gas transportation services are performed. NEP believes that the obligation to deliver energy and provide the natural gas transportation services is satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes benefits provided by NEP. In addition, NEP believes that the obligation to deliver renewable energy attributes is satisfied at multiple points in time, with the control of the renewable energy attribute being transferred at the same time the related energy is delivered. NEP’s operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023,2022 and 2021 are revenue from contracts with customers for renewable energy sales of approximately $1,059 million, $941 million and $704 million, respectively, and revenue from contracts with customers for natural gas transportation services, substantially all of which is included in discontinued operations, of $222 million, $241 million and $237 million, respectively. NEP's accounts receivable are primarily associated with revenues earned from contracts with customers. Receivables represent unconditional rights to consideration and reflect the differences in timing of revenue recognition and cash collections. For substantially all of NEP's receivables, regardless of the type of revenue transaction from which the receivable originated, customer and counterparty credit risk is managed in the same manner and the terms and conditions of payment are similar.
NEP recognizes revenues as energy and any related renewable energy attributes are delivered or natural gas transportation services are performed, consistent with the amounts billed to customers based on rates stipulated in the respective agreements. NEP considers the amount billed to represent the value of energy delivered or services provided to the customer. NEP’s customers typically receive bills monthly with payment due within 30 days.
Revenues yet to be earned under contracts with customers to deliver energy and any related energy attributes, which have maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2052, will vary based on the volume of energy delivered. At December 31, 2023, NEP expects to record approximately $169 million of revenues related to the fixed price components of one PPA through 2039 as the energy is delivered.
- Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity
NEP uses derivative instruments (primarily interest rate swaps) to manage the interest rate cash flow risk associated with outstanding and expected future debt issuances and borrowings and to manage the physical and financial risks inherent in the sale of electricity. NEP records all derivative instruments that are required to be marked to market as either assets or liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets and measures them at fair value each reporting period. NEP does not utilize hedge accounting for its derivative instruments. All changes in the interest rate contract derivatives' fair value are recognized in interest expense and the equity method investees' related activity is recognized in equity in earnings of equity method investees in NEP's consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net notional amounts of the interest rate contracts were approximately $3,138 million and $7,836 million, respectively. All changes in commodity contract derivatives' fair value are recognized in operating revenues in NEP's consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP had derivative commodity contracts for power with net notional volumes of approximately 4.6 million and 5.7 million MW hours, respectively. Cash flows from the interest rate and commodity contracts are reported in cash flows from operating activities in NEP's consolidated statements of cash flows.
Fair Value Measurement of Derivative Instruments – The fair value of assets and liabilities are determined using either unadjusted quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) or other observable inputs (Level 2) whenever that information is available and using unobservable inputs (Level 3) to estimate fair value only when relevant observable inputs are not available. NEP uses different valuation techniques to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities, relying primarily on the market approach of using prices and other market information for identical and/or similar assets and liabilities for those assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain financial instruments may be valued using multiple inputs including discount rates, counterparty credit ratings and credit enhancements. NEP’s assessment of the significance of any particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement of those assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels. Non-performance risk, including the consideration of a credit valuation adjustment, is also considered in the determination of fair value for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value. Transfers between fair value hierarchy levels occur at the beginning of the period in which the transfer occurred.
NEP estimates the fair value of its derivative instruments using an income approach based on a discounted cash flows valuation technique utilizing the net amount of estimated future cash inflows and outflows related to the agreements. The primary inputs used in the fair value measurements include the contractual terms of the derivative agreements, current interest rates and credit profiles. The significant inputs for the resulting fair value measurement of interest rate contracts are market-observable inputs and the measurements are reported as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The tables below present NEP's gross derivative positions, based on the total fair value of each derivative instrument, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, as required by disclosure rules, as well as the location of the net derivative positions, based on the expected timing of future payments, on NEP's consolidated balance sheets.
| Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 · Netting(a) · Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||
| Assets: | ||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $— | $195 | $— | $4 | $199 | |
| Commodity contracts | $— | $— | $1 | $— | 1 | |
| Total derivative assets | $200 | |||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $— | $30 | $— | $4 | $34 | |
| Commodity contracts | $— | $— | $21 | $— | 21 | |
| Total derivative liabilities | $55 | |||||
| Net fair value by balance sheet line item: | ||||||
| Current other assets | $61 | |||||
| Noncurrent other assets | 139 | |||||
| Total derivative assets | $200 | |||||
| Current other liabilities | $18 | |||||
| Noncurrent other liabilities | 37 | |||||
| Total derivative liabilities | $55 | |||||
(a) Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting arrangements.
| Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 · Netting(a) · Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||||||
| Assets: | ||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $— | $459 | $— | $(26) | $433 | |
| Commodity contracts | $— | $— | $3 | $(2) | 1 | |
| Total derivative assets | $434 | |||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $— | $37 | $— | $(26) | $11 | |
| Commodity contracts | $— | $— | $5 | $(2) | 3 | |
| Total derivative liabilities | $14 | |||||
| Net fair value by balance sheet line item: | ||||||
| Current other assets | $65 | |||||
| Noncurrent other assets | 369 | |||||
| Total derivative assets | $434 | |||||
| Current other liabilities | $12 | |||||
| Noncurrent other liabilities | 2 | |||||
| Total derivative liabilities | $14 | |||||
(a) Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting arrangements.
Financial Statement Impact of Derivative Instruments –Gains (losses) related to NEP's derivatives are recorded in NEP's consolidated financial statements as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| Interest rate contracts – interest expense | $(122) | $1,018 | $163 |
| Interest rate contracts – income from discontinued operations | $2 | $15 | $5 |
| Commodity contracts – operating revenues | $(20) | $2 | $— |
Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features – Certain of NEP's derivative instruments contain credit-related cross-default and material adverse change triggers, none of which contain requirements to maintain certain credit ratings or financial ratios. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate fair value of NEP's derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position was approximately $30 million and $37 million, respectively.
- Non-Derivative Fair Value Measurements
Non-derivative fair value measurements consist of NEP's cash equivalents. The fair value of these financial assets is determined using the valuation techniques and inputs as described in Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements of Derivative Instruments. The fair value of money market funds that are included in cash and cash equivalents, current other assets and noncurrent other assets on NEP's consolidated balance sheets is estimated using a market approach based on current observable market prices.
Recurring Non-Derivative Fair Value Measurements –NEP’s financial assets and liabilities and other fair value measurements made on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level are as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | |
| (millions) | ||||||
| Assets: | ||||||
| Cash equivalents | $— | $— | $— | $5 | $— | $5 |
| Total assets | $— | $— | $— | $5 | $— | $5 |
Financial Instruments Recorded at Other than Fair Value–The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of other financial instruments recorded at other than fair value are as follows:
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CarryingValue | FairValue | CarryingValue | FairValue | |
| (millions) | ||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities(a) | $6,289 | $6,136 | $5,288 | $5,105 |
(a) At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, approximately $6,120 million and $5,086 million, respectively, of the fair value is estimated using a market approach based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues (Level 2); the balance is estimated using an income approach utilizing a discounted cash flow valuation technique, considering the current credit profile of the debtor (Level 3). At December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $1,446 million and $1,510 million, respectively, of the fair value relates to the 2020 convertible notes, the 2021 convertible notes and the 2022 convertible notes and is estimated using Level 2.
- Income Taxes
The components of income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| Continuing operations | $(257) | $1,130 | $303 |
| Discontinuing operations(a) | 509 | 162 | 169 |
| Total income before income taxes | $252 | $1,292 | $472 |
(a) See Note 4.
The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| Federal: | |||
| Current | $— | $— | $1 |
| Deferred | (28) | 118 | 24 |
| Total federal | (28) | 118 | 25 |
| State: | |||
| Current | — | — | 1 |
| Deferred | 3 | 43 | 11 |
| Total state | 3 | 43 | 12 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations | (25) | 161 | 37 |
| Income taxes from discontinued operations | 59 | 10 | 11 |
| Total income taxes | $34 | $171 | $48 |
A reconciliation of U.S. federal income tax at the statutory rate to the actual income taxes is as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. statutory rate of 21% | $(54) | $237 | $63 |
| Increases (reductions) resulting from: | |||
| Taxes attributable to noncontrolling interests | 54 | (110) | (32) |
| State income taxes – net of federal income tax benefit | 2 | 33 | 10 |
| Renewable energy tax credits | (28) | (2) | (2) |
| Other – net | 1 | 3 | (2) |
| Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations | $(25) | $161 | $37 |
The effective tax rate for continuing operations was approximately 10%,14% and 12% for the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. These items are stated at the enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. NEP believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2023 shown in the table below, net of the valuation allowances, will be realized due to sufficient future income.
The income tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to NEP's deferred income tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| (millions) | ||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Investment in partnership(a)(b) | $(263) | $(199) |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (263) | (199) |
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Net operating loss carryforwards(b) | 418 | 363 |
| Tax credit carryforwards | 41 | 15 |
| Valuation allowance | (3) | (4) |
| Total deferred tax assets | 456 | 374 |
| Net deferred income taxes | $193 | $175 |
(a) At December 31, 2023 and 2022, includes a deferred tax asset of approximately $10 million and $18 million, respectively, of interest limitation carryforward with an indefinite expiration period.
(b) In 2023, excludes approximately $65 million of tax impacts relating to taxable gains, which are estimated to be $258 million as of December 31, 2023, expected to be allocated to NEE Equity. See Note 15 – Tax Allocations.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities included on NEP's consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
| December 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| (millions) | ||
| Noncurrent other assets | $215 | $195 |
| Noncurrent other liabilities | (22) | (20) |
| Net deferred income taxes | $193 | $175 |
The components of deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance, relating to net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2023 are as follows:
| Amount | Expiration Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||
| Net operating loss carryforwards: | ||
| Federal | $363 | 2034 – 2037 |
| State | 55 | 2028 – 2043 |
| Total net operating loss carryforwards | $418(a) | |
| Tax credit carryforwards | $41(b) | 2024 – 2043 |
(a) Includes approximately $218 million and $7 million of federal and state, respectively, net operating loss carryforwards with an indefinite expiration period.
(b) In December 2023, NEP OpCo entered into an agreement to sell renewable energy tax credits earned in 2023. NEP expects to receive cash of approximately $24 million relating to its portion of the proceeds in the first quarter of 2024.
During 2023 and 2022, NEP recorded state tax liabilities of approximately less than $1 million and $1 million (net of federal tax benefit), respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits of prior year state tax filing positions. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $5 million (net of federal tax benefit). The open tax years in all jurisdictions are 2014 through 2022.
- Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at December 31:
| 2023 | 2022 | Range of UsefulLives (in years) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | |||
| Power-generation assets(a) | $16,079 | $14,639 | 3 – 35 |
| Land improvements and buildings | 669 | 609 | 3 – 39 |
| Land, including perpetual rights-of-way | 78 | 68 | |
| Construction work in progress | 26 | 404 | |
| Other depreciable assets | 447 | 425 | 3 – 35 |
| Property, plant and equipment, gross | 17,299 | 16,145 | |
| Accumulated depreciation | (2,462) | (1,954) | |
| Property, plant and equipment – net | $14,837 | $14,191 | |
(a) Approximately 92% of power generation assets represent machinery and equipment used to generate electricity with a 35-year depreciable life.
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31,2023, 2022 and 2021 was approximately $504 million, $378 million and $242 million, respectively. A number of NEP's generation facilities are encumbered by liens securing various financings. The net book value of NEP's assets serving as collateral was approximately $3.9 billion at December 31,2023.
- Equity Method Investments
At December 31, 2023, investments in equity method investees primarily includes the approximately 50% ownership interest in Desert Sunlight Investment Holdings, LLC, approximately 50% ownership interest in Rosmar Holdings, LLC (Rosmar), the ownership interest in Meade Pipeline Co, LLC (Meade), including Meade's ownership interest in the Central Penn Line (CPL), the 40% ownership interest in Pine Brooke Class A Holdings, LLC (Pine Brooke Holdings) and the 33.3% ownership interests in certain projects acquired in October 2021 (see Note 3). NEP is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate these entities because it does not control any of the ongoing activities of these entities, was not involved in the initial design of these entities and does not have controlling interests in these entities.
Summarized information for these equity method investees is as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions) | |||
| Revenues | $333 | $332 | $315 |
| Operating income | $128 | $125 | $161 |
| Net income(a) | $229 | $297 | $258 |
(a) Includes the earnings from equity method investee related to Meade's ownership interest in CPL.
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| (millions) | ||
| Current assets | $159 | $163 |
| Noncurrent assets(a) | $4,759 | $4,927 |
| Current liabilities | $75 | $85 |
| Noncurrent liabilities | $1,280 | $1,355 |
| NEP's share of underlying equity in the equity method investees | $2,011 | $2,035 |
| Difference between investment carrying amounts and underlying equity in net assets(b) | (158) | (160) |
| NEP's investment carrying amounts | $1,853 | $1,875 |
(a) Includes the equity method investment related to Meade's ownership interest in CPL
(b) Substantially all of the difference between the investment carrying amount and the underlying equity in net assets is being amortized over the life of the related projects.
- Variable Interest Entities
NEP has identified NEP OpCo, a limited partnership with a general partner and limited partners, as a VIE. NEP has consolidated the results of NEP OpCo and its subsidiaries because of its controlling interest in the general partner of NEP OpCo. At December 31, 2023, NEP owned an approximately 48.6% limited partner interest in NEP OpCo and NEE Equity owned a noncontrolling 51.4% limited partner interest in NEP OpCo. The assets and liabilities of NEP OpCo as well as the operations of NEP OpCo represent substantially all of NEP's assets and liabilities and its operations.
In addition, at December 31, 2023, NEP OpCo consolidated 20 VIEs related to certain subsidiaries which have sold differential membership interests (see Note 2 – Noncontrolling Interests) in entities which own and operate 40 wind generation facilities as well aseight solar projects, including related battery storage facilities, andone stand-alone battery storage facility. These entities are considered VIEs because the holders of the differential membership interests do not have substantive rights over the significant activities of these entities. The assets, primarily property, plant and equipment – net, and liabilities, primarily accounts payable and accrued expenses and asset retirement obligations, of the VIEs, totaled approximately $11,453 million and $552 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023. There were 21 VIEs at December 31, 2022 and the assets and liabilities of those VIEs at such date totaled approximately $12,127 million and $1,336 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP OpCo also consolidated five andsix VIEs, respectively, which related to the sales of noncontrolling Class B membership interests in certain NEP subsidiaries (Class B VIEs). See Note 2 – Noncontrolling Interests and Note 14 – Class B Noncontrolling Interests. These entities are considered VIEs because the holders of the noncontrolling Class B membership interests do not have substantive rights over the significant activities of the entities. The assets, primarily property, plant and equipment – net, intangible assets – PPAs – net and investments in equity method investees, and the liabilities, primarily accounts payable and accrued expenses, long-term debt, intangible liabilities – PPAs – net, noncurrent other liabilities and asset retirement obligations, of the VIEs totaled approximately $13,576 million and $2,693 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023 and $16,448 million and $3,456 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2022, a portion of these assets and liabilities are included in assets and liabilities held for sale on NEP's consolidated balance sheet (see Note 4). Certain of the Class B VIEs includesix other VIEs related to NEP's ownership interests in Rosmar, Silver State, Meade, Pine Brooke Holdings, Star Moon Holdings and Emerald Breeze. In addition, certain of the Class B VIEs contain entities which have sold differential membership interests and approximately $7,640 million and $8,088 million of assets and $437 million and $1,198 million of liabilities are also included in the disclosure of the VIEs related to differential membership interests at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
At December 31, 2023, NEP OpCo consolidated Sunlight Renewables Holdings which is a VIE (see Note 3). The assets, primarily property, plant and equipment – net, and the liabilities, primarily asset retirement obligation and noncurrent other liabilities, of the VIE totaled approximately $440 million and $10 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023 and $443 million and $10 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022. This VIE contains entities which have sold differential membership interests and approximately $353 million and $344 million of assets and $10 million and $10 million of liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, are also included in the disclosure of VIEs related to differential membership interests above.
Certain subsidiaries of NEP OpCo have noncontrolling interests in entities accounted for under the equity method that are considered VIEs. See Note 10.
NEP has an indirect equity method investment inthree NEER solar projects with a total generating capacity of 277 MW and battery storage capacity of 230 MW. Through a series of transactions, a subsidiary of NEP issued 1,000,000 NEP OpCo Class B Units, Series 1 and 1,000,000 NEP OpCo Class B Units, Series 2, to NEER for approximately 50% of the ownership interests in thethree solar projects (non-economic ownership interests). NEER, as holder of the NEP OpCo Class B Units, will retain 100% of the economic rights in the projects to which the respective Class B Units relate, including the right to all distributions paid by the project subsidiaries that own the projects to NEP OpCo. NEER has agreed to indemnify NEP against all risks relating to NEP’s ownership of the projects until NEER offers to sell economic interests to NEP and NEP accepts such offer, if NEP chooses to do so. NEER has also agreed to continue to manage the operation of the projects at its own cost, and to contribute to the projects any capital necessary for the operation of the projects, until NEER offers to sell economic interests to NEP and NEP accepts such offer. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP's equity method investment related to the non-economic ownership interests of approximately $111 million and $98 million, respectively, is reflected as noncurrent other assets on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. All equity in earnings of the non-economic ownership interests is allocated to net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. NEP is not the primary beneficiary and therefore does not consolidate these entities because it does not control any of the ongoing activities of these entities, was not involved in the initial design of these entities and does not have a controlling interest in these entities.
- Leases
NEP has operating and finance leases primarily related to land use agreements for certain of its renewable energy projects. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP had recorded right-of-use (ROU) assets foroperating leases of approximately $27 million and $24 million, respectively, and operating lease liabilities of $31 million and $26 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, NEP's ROU assets for finance leases totaled approximately $46 million and $47 million, respectively, andfinance lease liabilities totaled $49 million and $51 million, respectively. NEP’s operating lease liabilities were calculated based on a weighted average discount rate of 4.25% and 4.04% based on the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date and have a weighted-average remaining lease term of 26 years and 25 years, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. NEP's finance lease liabilities were calculated based on a weighted average discount rate of 3.55% and 3.55% with a weighted-average remaining lease term of 33 years and 34 years, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Lease payments under the land use agreements, which convey exclusive use of the land during the arrangement, are either fixed based on the terms of the related lease agreement or variable primarily based on the amount of generation at the renewable energy project. NEP’s operating and finance leases with fixed payments have expiration dates ranging from 2028 to 2058. NEP recognized approximately $2 million, $2 million and $3 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, of operating lease costs associated with its ROU assets and lease obligations which are included in O&M expenses in NEP’s consolidated statements of income. In addition, approximately $6 million, $8 million and $7 million was recorded related to variable lease costs in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Other operating and finance lease-related amounts were not material to NEP’s consolidated statements of income or cash flows for the periods presented. At December 31, 2023, NEP's lease agreements call for fixed payments of approximately $4 million annually over the next five years and $118 million thereafter.
NEP has operating leases and a sales-type lease relating to battery storage facilities that sell their electric output under power sales agreements to third parties which provide the customers the ability to dispatch the facilities. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net investment in sales-type lease is approximately $15 million and $16 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the power sales agreements have expiration dates from 2037 to 2041 and NEP expects to receive approximately $676 million of lease payments over the remaining term of the power sales agreement with no one year being material. Operating and sales-type lease-related amounts relating to battery storage facilities were not material to NEP's consolidated statements of income for the periods presented.
- Debt
NEP’s long-term debt agreements require monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payments of interest. Principal payments on the senior secured limited-recourse debt are primarily due monthly or semi-annually. The carrying value of NEP’s long-term debt consists of the following:
| December 31, | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 · 2022 | |||||
| MaturityDate | Balance | Weighted-AverageInterest Rate | Balance | Weighted-AverageInterest Rate | |
| (millions) · (millions) | |||||
| NEP: | |||||
| Senior unsecured convertible notes – fixed(a) | 2024 – 2026 | $1,600 | 0.78% | $1,600 | 0.78% |
| NEP OpCo: | |||||
| Senior unsecured notes – fixed(b) | 2024 – 2029 | 2,550 | 5.11% | 1,800 | 4.22% |
| Project level: | |||||
| Senior secured limited-recourse debt – fixed | 2033 | 18 | 4.52% | 20 | 4.52% |
| Senior secured limited-recourse debt – variable(c)(d) | 2026 – 2032 | 1,983 | 7.06% | 1,529 | 5.83% |
| Bank loan(c)(d) | — | —% | 200 | 6.13% | |
| Other long-term debt – variable(c)(d) | 2028 | 128 | 7.49% | 141 | 6.73% |
| Other long-term debt – fixed(e) | 2026 – 2031(e) | 63 | 0.08% | 49 | 0.13% |
| Unamortized debt issuance costs and discount | (53) | (51) | |||
| Total long-term debt | 6,289 | 5,288 | |||
| Less current portion of long-term debt | 1,348 | 38 | |||
| Long-term debt, excluding current portion | $4,941 | $5,250 | |||
(a) See additional discussion of the convertible notes and the NEP OpCo credit facility below.
(b) The NEP OpCo senior unsecured notes are absolutely and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, by NEP and a direct subsidiary of NEP OpCo.
(c) Variable rate is based on an underlying index plus a margin.
(d) Interest rate contracts, primarily swaps, have been entered into for a majority of these debt issuances. See Note 6.
(e) See Note 15 – Related Party Long-term Debt.
Minimum annual maturities of long-term debt are approximately $1,348 million, $702 million, $2,047 million, $627 million and $785 million for 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively.
NEP OpCo and its direct subsidiary (loan parties) are parties to a variable rate, senior secured revolving credit facility (NEP OpCo credit facility). At December 31, 2023, the NEP OpCo credit facility provided up to $2.5 billion of revolving credit loans and included borrowing capacity of up to $400 million for letters of credit and incremental commitments to increase the NEP OpCo credit facility to up to $3.25 billion in the aggregate, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings under the NEP OpCo credit facility can be used by the loan parties to fund working capital and expansion projects, to make acquisitions and for general business purposes. The NEP OpCo credit facility is subject to a facility fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.35% per annum depending on NEP OpCo's leverage ratio (as defined in the NEP OpCo credit facility). At December 31, 2023, approximately $53 million of letters of credit were issued under the NEP OpCo credit facility primarily related to debt service reserves and as security for certain financing agreements of NEP OpCo's subsidiaries. In February 2024, the loan parties extended the maturity date for substantially all of the NEP OpCo credit facility to 2029.
The long-term debt agreements discussed above contain default and related acceleration provisions relating to the failure to make required payments or to observe other covenants in the respective financing agreements and related documents including financial covenants primarily related to debt service coverage ratios, as well as a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. Additionally, under the NEP OpCo credit facility, NEP OpCo and its direct subsidiary are required to comply with certain financial covenants on a quarterly basis and NEP OpCo's ability to pay cash distributions is subject to certain other restrictions. All borrowings under the NEP OpCo credit facility are guaranteed by NEP OpCo and NEP and the NEP OpCo senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by NEP and a direct subsidiary of NEP OpCo.
The NEP OpCo credit facility contains various covenants and restrictive provisions that limit NEP OpCo’s ability to, among other things:
incur or guarantee additional debt;
make distributions on or redeem or repurchase common units;
make certain investments and acquisitions;
incur certain liens or permit them to exist;
enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;
merge or consolidate with another company; and
transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of projects.
The long-term debt agreements listed above all contain provisions which, under certain conditions, restrict the payment of dividends and other distributions. At December 31, 2023, NEP and its subsidiaries were in compliance with all financial debt covenants under their respective financing agreements.
During 2022, NEP issued $500 million principal amount of senior unsecured convertible notes due 2026 (2022 convertible notes). The 2022 convertible notes are unsecured obligations of NEP and are absolutely and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, by NEP OpCo. A holder may convert all or a portion of its 2022 convertible notes in accordance with the related indenture. Upon conversion of the 2022 convertible notes, NEP will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, NEP common units or a combination of cash and common units, at NEP's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of NEP's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. At February 20, 2024, the conversion rate, which is subject to certain adjustments, was 10.5339 NEP common units per $1,000 of the 2022 convertible notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $94.9316 per NEP common unit. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, as set forth in the related indenture. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the related indenture), holders of the 2022 convertible notes may require NEP to repurchase all or a portion of their convertible notes for cash in an amount equal to the principal amount of the 2022 convertible notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The 2022 convertible notes are not redeemable at NEP’s option prior to maturity.
NEP entered capped call transactions (2022 capped call) in connection with the issuance of the 2022 convertible notes. Under the 2022 capped call, NEP purchased capped call options which at February 20, 2024 have a strike price of $94.9316 and a cap price of $118.6650, subject to certain adjustments. The 2022 capped call was purchased for approximately $31 million, which was recorded as a reduction to common units equity on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. If, upon conversion of the 2022 convertible notes, the price per NEP common unit during the relevant valuation period is above the strike price, there would generally be a payment to NEP (if NEP elects to cash settle) or an offset of potential dilution to NEP's common units up to the cap price (if NEP elects to settle in NEP common units).
During 2021, NEP issued $500 million principal amount of senior unsecured convertible notes due 2024 (2021 convertible notes). The 2021 convertible notes are unsecured obligations of NEP and are absolutely and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, by NEP OpCo. A holder may convert all or a portion of its 2021 convertible notes in accordance with the related indenture. Upon conversion of the 2021 convertible notes, NEP will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, NEP common units or a combination of cash and common units, at NEP's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of NEP's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. At February 20, 2024, the conversion rate, which is subject to certain adjustments, was 11.3323 NEP common units per $1,000 of the 2021 convertible notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $88.2433 per NEP common unit. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, as set forth in the related indenture. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the related indenture), holders of the 2021 convertible notes may require NEP to repurchase all or a portion of their convertible notes for cash in an amount equal to the principal amount of the 2021 convertible notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any. The 2021 convertible notes are not redeemable at NEP’s option prior to maturity.
NEP entered capped call transactions (2021 capped call) in connection with the issuance of the 2021 convertible notes. Under the 2021 capped call, NEP purchased capped call options which at February 20, 2024 have a strike price of $88.2433 and a cap price of $110.3038, subject to certain adjustments. The 2021 capped call was purchased for approximately $31 million, which was recorded as a reduction to common units equity on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. If, upon conversion of the 2021 convertible notes, the price per NEP common unit during the relevant valuation period is above the strike price, there would generally be a payment to NEP (if NEP elects to cash settle) or an offset of potential dilution to NEP's common units up to the cap price (if NEP elects to settle in NEP common units).
During 2020, NEP issued $600 million principal amount of senior unsecured convertible notes due 2025 (2020 convertible notes). In connection with the issuance of the 2020 convertible notes, NEP recorded the value of the conversion option of approximately $64 million in common units equity. The 2020 convertible notes are unsecured obligations of NEP and are absolutely and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, by NEP OpCo. A holder may convert all or a portion of its 2020 convertible notes in accordance with the related indenture. Upon conversion of the 2020 convertible notes, NEP will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the notes to be converted and pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, NEP common units or a combination of cash and common units, at NEP's election, in respect of the remainder, if any, of NEP's conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being converted. In February 2024, as a result of the distribution authorized by NEP's Board of Directors (see Note 14 – Distributions), the conversion ratio of NEP's 2020 convertible notes was adjusted. At February 20, 2024, the conversion rate, which is subject to certain adjustments, was 13.7036 NEP common units per $1,000 of the 2020 convertible notes, which rate is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $72.9735 per NEP common unit. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the related indenture), holders of the 2020 convertible notes may require NEP to repurchase all or a portion of their convertible notes for cash in an amount equal to the principal amount of the 2020 convertible notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any. The 2020 convertible notes are not redeemable at NEP’s option prior to maturity.
NEP entered a capped call transaction (2020 capped call) in connection with the issuance of the 2020 convertible notes. Under the 2020 capped call, NEP purchased capped call options which at February 20, 2024 have a strike price of $72.9735 and a cap price of $115.5417, subject to certain adjustments. The 2020 capped call was purchased for approximately $63 million, which was recorded as a reduction to common units equity on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. If, upon conversion of the 2020 convertible notes, the price per NEP common unit during the relevant valuation period is above the strike price, there would generally be a payment to NEP (if NEP elects to cash settle) or an offset of potential dilution to NEP's common units up to the cap price (if NEP elects to settle in NEP common units).
- Equity
Distributions – During 2023, 2022 and 2021, NEP distributed approximately $309 million, $254 million and $198 million, respectively, to its common unitholders. In addition, NEP paid approximately $82 million in distributions to its common unitholders in February 2024.
Earnings Per Unit– Diluted earnings per unit are based on the weighted-average number of common units and potential common units outstanding during the period, including the dilutive effect of the convertible notes. The dilutive effect of the 2022 convertible notes, 2021 convertible notes and 2020 convertible notes is calculated using the if-converted method.
The reconciliation of NEP's basic and diluted earnings per unit is as follows:
| Years Ended December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| (millions, except per unit amounts) | |||
| Numerator: | |||
| From continuing operations – basic and assuming dilution | $31 | $445 | $104 |
| From discontinuing operations – basic and assuming dilution | 169 | 32 | 33 |
| Net income attributable to NEP | $200 | $477 | $137 |
| Denominator: | |||
| Weighted-average number of common units outstanding – basic | 91.6 | 84.9 | 77.2 |
| Effect of dilutive convertible notes | — | — | 0.2 |
| Weighted-average number of common units outstanding – assuming dilution | 91.6 | 84.9 | 77.4 |
| Earnings per common unit attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, LP – basic and assuming dilution: | |||
| From continuing operations | $0.34 | $5.24 | $1.34 |
| From discontinued operations | 1.84 | 0.38 | 0.43 |
| Earnings per common unit attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, LP – basic and assuming dilution | $2.18 | $5.62 | $1.77 |
ATM Program – NEP has an at-the-market equity issuance program (ATM program), which was most recently renewed in 2023, pursuant to which NEP may issue, from time to time, up to $500 million of its common units. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, NEP issued approximately 5.1 million common units,1.8 million common units and 0.7 million common units under the ATM program for gross proceeds of approximately $316 million, $145 million and $50 million, respectively. Fees related to the ATM program totaled approximately $3 million, $1 million and less than $1 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Common Unit Issuances – During 2023 and 2022, NEP issued approximately 1.7 million NEP common units and 0.8 million NEP common units, respectively, upon NEE Equity's exchange of NEP OpCo common units on a one-for-one basis.
Class B Noncontrolling Interests –Subsidiaries of NEP sold noncontrolling Class B membership interests in NEP Renewables II, NEP Pipelines, Genesis Holdings, NEP Renewables III and NEP Renewables IV as described below:
| NEP Renewables II | NEP Pipelines | Genesis Holdings | NEP Renewables III | NEP Renewables IV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underlying projects/pipeline | Renewable energy projects with a combined net generating capacity of approximately 1,130 MW(a) | Equity method interest in a natural gas pipeline located in Pennsylvania | Renewable energy projects with a combined net generating capacity of approximately 1,124 MW | Renewable energy projects with a combined net generating capacity of approximately 1,260 MW | Renewable energy projects with a combined net generating capacity of approximately 2,046 MW |
| Date of sale | June 11, 2019 | November 13, 2019 | December 18, 2020 | December 28, 2021 | December 15, 2022 |
| Gross proceeds | $900 million(a) | $168 million | $1,243 million(b) | $816 million(c) | $887 million(d) |
| Initial allocation of distributable cash to Class B investors | 5% | 1% | 25%(b) | 65%(c) | 17%(d) |
| Period for initial allocation | 6 years | 6 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Period for initial allocation if minimum buyouts have not occurred | 4.5 years | 5 years | 6.75 years | 6 years | 6.5 years |
| Allocation of distributable cash to Class B investors after initial allocation period | 99% | 99% | 80%(b) | 99% | 99% |
| Date buyout period begins | December 11, 2022 | May 13, 2023 | December 18, 2025 | December 28, 2026 | December 15, 2027 |
| Buyout right timing(e)(f) | Periodically, and for partial interests between years 3.5 and 6(a) | Periodically, and for partial interests between years 3.5 and 6.5 | Periodically, and for partial interests between years 5 and 10 | Periodically, and for partial interests between years 5 and 10 | Periodically, and for partial interests between years 5 and 10 |
| Percentage of buyout price that can be paid in NEP non-voting common units at current market price(g) | 70% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
(a)Reflects the sale of ownership interests in one wind project with a net generating capacity of approximately 62 MW which were sold to a third party in January 2023. Approximately $45 million of the cash proceeds from the sale were distributed to the third-party owner of Class B membership interests (see Note 2 – Disposal of Wind Project). In December 2023, NEP paid aggregate cash consideration of approximately $180 million to the third-party investor after electing to exercise the buyout right and purchase 15% of the Class B membership interests in NEP Renewables II.
(b)At December 31, 2020, NEP retained certain Class B membership interests in Genesis Holdings which were sold to the Class B investors for approximately $493 million at a final funding in June 2021. Prior to the final Class B funding, NEP received approximately 83% of Genesis Holdings’ cash distributions and the third-party investors received 17%. The allocation of distributable cash to Class B investors increases to 99% if NEP has not exercised certain buyout rights by September 18, 2027, but after December 18, 2030, the allocation of distributable cash to Class B investors decreases to 80%, subject to certain adjustments.
(c)At December 31, 2021, NEP retained certain Class B membership interests in NEP Renewables III which were sold to the Class B investors for approximately $408 million at a final funding in June 2022. Prior to the final Class B funding, NEP received approximately 67.5% of NEP Renewables III's cash distributions and the third-party investors received 32.5%.
(d)At December 31, 2022, NEP retained certain Class B membership interests in NEP Renewables IV which were sold to the Class B investors for approximately $177 million at a final funding in November 2023. Prior to the final Class B funding, NEP received approximately 86% of NEP Renewables IV's cash distributions and the third-party investors received 14%.
(e)The buyout right is subject to certain limitations and/or extensions in the respective agreements, including, but not limited to, NEP being able to purchase a maximum of the Class B units following anniversaries specified in certain of the agreements.
(f)Each limited liability company agreement provides the Class B investor the right to require NEP to repurchase the Class B membership interests in the event of a specified change in control of NEP at a stated rate of return.
(g)NEP may elect to pay the buyout price in NEP non-voting common units or cash (or any combination thereof), subject to conditions and limitations set forth in the applicable agreements. Percentages shown represent the maximum percentages NEP expects it can pay in NEP non-voting common units without the acquiescence of the Class B investor, subject to applicable closing conditions. Holders of the NEP non-voting common units will have the right to receive pro rata quarterly cash distributions and the right to convert, subject to certain limitations, the NEP non-voting common units into NEP common units on a one-for-one basis.
In 2019, a subsidiary of NEP sold noncontrolling Class B membership interests in STX Midstream, NEP's subsidiary which owned natural gas pipelines in Texas (see Note 2 – Disposal of Pipeline and Note 4), to a third-party investor. While the third-party investor owned the noncontrolling Class B membership interests in STX Midstream, the third-party investor received 12.5% of STX Midstream's distributable cash. During 2023, NEP paid aggregate cash consideration of approximately $792 million to the third-party investor after electing to exercise the buyout right and purchase all of the Class B membership interests in STX Midstream.
In 2018, a subsidiary of NEP sold noncontrolling Class B membership interests in NEP Renewables, with underlying renewable energy projects with a combined generating capacity of approximately 1,388 MW, to a third-party investor. In November 2021, NEP paid aggregate consideration of approximately $885 million, consisting of 7,253,580 NEP common units and approximately $265 million in cash to the third-party investor after electing to exercise the buyout right and purchase all of the Class B membership interests in NEP Renewables.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)–
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Other ComprehensiveIncome (Loss) Related toEquity Method Investee | Total | |
| (millions) | ||
| Balances, December 31, 2020 | $(20) | $(20) |
| Other comprehensive income related to equity method investee | 2 | 2 |
| Balances, December 31, 2021 | (18) | (18) |
| Other comprehensive income related to equity method investee | 2 | 2 |
| Balances, December 31, 2022 | (16) | (16) |
| Other comprehensive income related to equity method investee | 2 | 2 |
| Balances, December 31, 2023 | $(14) | $(14) |
| AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest, December 31, 2023 | $(7) | $(7) |
| AOCI attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, December 31, 2023 | $(7) | $(7) |
- Related Party Transactions
Each project entered into O&M and ASAs with subsidiaries of NEER whereby the projects pay a certain annual fee plus actual costs incurred in connection with certain O&M and administrative services performed under these agreements. These services are reflected as operations and maintenance in NEP's consolidated statements of income. Additionally, certain NEP subsidiaries pay affiliates for transmission and retail power services which are reflected as operations and maintenance in NEP's consolidated statements of income. Certain projects have also entered into various types of agreements including those related to shared facilities and transmission lines, transmission line easements, technical support and construction coordination with subsidiaries of NEER whereby certain fees or cost reimbursements are paid to, or received by, certain subsidiaries of NEER.
Management Services Agreement (MSA)– Under the MSA, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of NEE provides operational, management and administrative services to NEP, including managing NEP’s day-to-day affairs and providing individuals to act as NEP’s executive officers and directors, in addition to those services that are provided under the existing O&M agreements and ASAs described above between NEER subsidiaries and NEP subsidiaries. NEP OpCo pays NEE an annual management fee equal to the greater of 1% of the sum of NEP OpCo’s net income plus interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expense less certain non-cash, non-recurring items for the most recently ended fiscal year and $4 million (as adjusted for inflation beginning in 2016), which is paid in quarterly installments with an additional payment each January to the extent 1% of the sum of NEP OpCo’s net income plus interest expense, income tax expense and depreciation and amortization expense less certain non-cash, non-recurring items for the preceding fiscal year exceeds $4 million (as adjusted for inflation beginning in 2016). NEP OpCo also made certain payments to NEE based on the achievement by NEP OpCo of certain target quarterly distribution levels to its unitholders. In May 2023, the MSA was amended to suspend these payments to be paid by NEP OpCo in respect to each calendar quarter beginning with the payment related to the period commencing on (and including) January 1, 2023 and expiring on (and including) December 31, 2026. NEP’s O&M expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023,2022 and 2021 include approximately $51 million, $163 million and $138 million, respectively, related to the MSA.
Cash Sweep and Credit Support Agreement (CSCS agreement)– NEP OpCo is a party to the CSCS agreement with NEER under which NEER and certain of its affiliates provide credit support in the form of letters of credit and guarantees to satisfy NEP’s subsidiaries’ contractual obligations. NEP OpCo pays NEER an annual credit support fee based on the level and cost of the credit support provided, payable in quarterly installments. NEP’s O&M expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023,2022 and 2021 include approximately $8 million, $7 million and $6 million, respectively, related to the CSCS agreement.
NEER and certain of its affiliates may withdraw funds (Project Sweeps) from NEP OpCo under the CSCS agreement or NEP OpCo's subsidiaries in connection with certain long-term debt agreements, and hold those funds in accounts belonging to NEER or its affiliates to the extent the funds are not required to pay project costs or otherwise required to be maintained by NEP's subsidiaries. NEER and its affiliates may keep the funds until the financing agreements permit distributions to be made, or, in the case of NEP OpCo, until such funds are required to make distributions or to pay expenses or other operating costs or NEP OpCo otherwise demands the return of such funds. If NEER or its affiliates fail to return withdrawn funds when required by NEP OpCo's subsidiaries’ financing agreements, the lenders will be entitled to draw on any credit support provided by NEER or its affiliates in the amount of such withdrawn funds. If NEER or one of its affiliates realizes any earnings on the withdrawn funds prior to the return of such funds, it will be permitted to retain those earnings except as otherwise agreed upon with NEP OpCo. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the cash sweep amounts held in accounts belonging to NEER or its affiliates were approximately $1,511 million and $298 million, respectively, and are included in due from related parties on NEP’s consolidated balance sheets.
Guarantees and Letters of Credit Entered into by Related Parties – Certain PPAs include requirements of the project entities to meet certain performance obligations. NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. (NEECH) or NEER has provided letters of credit or guarantees for certain of these performance obligations and payment of any obligations from the transactions contemplated by the PPAs. In addition, certain financing agreements require cash and cash equivalents to be reserved for various purposes. In accordance with the terms of these financing agreements, guarantees from NEECH have been substituted in place of these cash and cash equivalents reserve requirements. Also, under certain financing agreements, indemnifications have been provided by NEECH. In addition, certain interconnection agreements and site certificates require letters of credit or a surety bond to secure certain payment or restoration obligations related to those agreements. NEECH also guarantees the Project Sweep amounts held in accounts belonging to NEER as described above. At December 31, 2023, NEECH or NEER guaranteed or provided indemnifications, letters of credit or surety bonds totaling approximately $2.3 billion related to these obligations.
Due from Related Parties – Current amounts due from related parties on NEP's consolidated balance sheets primarily relate to project sweeps under the CSCS agreement at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2022, these amounts primarily represent construction completion costs NEER owed NEP associated with the December 2022 acquisition and transfer of Eight Point (see Note 3). Substantially all of these construction costs were subject to structured payables arrangements which were primarily entered into while the projects were owned by NEER. Under NEE's structured payables program, negotiable drafts were issued, backed by NEECH guarantees, to settle invoices with suppliers with payment terms (on average approximately 90 days) that extend the original invoice due date (typically 30 days) and include a service fee. NEE, NEP and their subsidiaries are not party to any contractual agreements between the suppliers and the applicable financial institutions. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the due from related parties balance associated with NEE's structured payables program were approximately $5 million and $770 million, respectively, with corresponding amounts inaccounts payable and accrued expenses on NEP's consolidated balance sheets.
Related Party Tax Receivable– In 2018, NEP and NEE entered into a tax sharing agreement and, as a result, NEP recorded a related party tax receivable of approximately $18 million which was reflected in noncontrolling interests on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. In June 2023, NEE contributed 100,169 NEP OpCo units to NEP as payment to settle this related party tax receivable and the units were subsequently cancelled. Approximately $13 million, primarily related to the difference between the value of the related party tax receivable and the value of the NEP OpCo units received, was recorded as an adjustment to common unit equity and noncontrolling interests.
Related Party Long-Term Debt– In connection with the December 2022 acquisition from NEER of Emerald Breeze (see Note 3), a subsidiary of NEP acquired a note payable from a subsidiary of NEER relating to restricted cash reserve funds put in place for certain operational costs at the project based on a requirement of the differential membership investor. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the note payable was approximately $62 million and $48 million, respectively and is included in long-term debt on NEP's consolidated balance sheets. The note payable does not bear interest and does not have a maturity date.
Due to Related Parties – Noncurrent amounts due to related parties on NEP's consolidated balance sheets primarily represent amounts owed by certain of NEP's wind projects to NEER to refund NEER for certain transmission costs paid on behalf of the wind projects. Amounts will be paid to NEER as the wind projects receive payments from third parties for related notes receivable recorded in noncurrent other assets on NEP’s consolidated balance sheets.
Transportation and Fuel Management Agreements– In connection with the Texas pipelines (see Note 4), a subsidiary of NEP assigned to a subsidiary of NEER certain gas commodity agreements in exchange for entering into transportation agreements and a fuel management agreement whereby the benefits of the gas commodity agreements (net of transportation paid to the NEP subsidiary) are passed back to the NEP subsidiary. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, NEP recognized approximately $17 million, $9 million and $36 million, respectively, in revenues related to the transportation and fuel management agreements which are reflected in income from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of income. The increase in the recognized revenues in 2021 primarily relates to higher demand and the related impact on natural gas prices during extreme winter weather experienced primarily in Texas during February 2021.
Related Party Note Receivable – As part of the 2016 acquisition from NEER of Seiling Wind Investments, LLC, a subsidiary of NEP acquired an approximately $25 million receivable from a subsidiary of NEER (Seiling related party note receivable) relating to operational performance issues at the related projects. The Seiling related party note receivable is intended to compensate NEP for the operational performance issues and is supported in full by compensation expected from an equipment vendor under an undertaking the vendor has with NEER. This receivable bears interest at 7.1% per annum, is payable by NEER in equal semi-annual installments and matures in December 2035. For each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, NEP received payments of approximately $2 million. The Seiling related party note receivable, interest and related payments are reflected in noncontrolling interests on NEP's consolidated financial statements.
Tax Allocations – NEE Equity, as holder of the Class P units, is expected to be allocated for the 2023 tax year taxable gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes estimated as of December 31, 2023 to be approximately $258 million from certain transactions as specified in the NEP OpCo LP Agreement. See Note 2 – Income Taxes, Note 4 and Note 8.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)
- Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
NEP's previously reported condensed consolidated quarterly financial and share-based information has been retrospectively adjusted in the following table to reflect the changes resulting from the Texas pipelines being presented as income from discontinued operations. See Note 4.
| March 31(a) | June 30(a) | September 30(a) | December 31(a) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions, except per unit amounts) | ||||
| Operating revenues | $245 | $292 | $308 | $232 |
| Operating income (loss) | $(35) | $26 | $32 | $(53) |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $(182) | $56 | $100 | $(205) |
| Income from discontinuing operations | $31 | $33 | $32 | $353 |
| Earnings (loss) per common unit attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, LP – basic and assuming dilution:(b) | ||||
| From continuing operations | $(0.23) | $0.43 | $0.47 | $(0.35) |
| From discontinued operations | $0.06 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $1.55 |
| Operating revenues | $226 | $302 | $237 | $204 |
| Operating income (loss) | $(2) | $95 | $9 | $(58) |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | $294 | $502 | $192 | $(19) |
| Income from discontinuing operations | $39 | $36 | $40 | $37 |
| Earnings per common unit attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, LP – basic:(b) | ||||
| From continuing operations | $1.62 | $2.52 | $0.83 | $0.31 |
| From discontinued operations | $0.10 | $0.09 | $0.10 | $0.09 |
| Earnings per common unit attributable to NextEra Energy Partners, LP – assuming dilution:(b) | ||||
| From continuing operations | $1.62 | $2.52 | $0.82 | $0.31 |
| From discontinued operations | $0.10 | $0.09 | $0.11 | $0.09 |
(a)In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring accruals necessary to present a fair statement of the amounts shown for such periods, have been made. Results of operations for an interim period generally will not give a true indication of results for the year. Variations in operations reported on a quarterly basis primarily reflect the seasonal nature of NEP's business. The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal the total for the year due to rounding.
(b)The sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal the total for the year due to rounding and changes in weighted-average number of common units outstanding.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.