Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☑
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
CommissionFile Number
Exact Name of Registrantas specified in its charter
State or Other Jurisdiction ofIncorporation or Organization
IRS EmployerIdentification Number
1-9936
EDISON INTERNATIONAL
California
95-4137452
1-2313
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY
95-1240335
2244 Walnut Grove Avenue
(P.O. Box 976)
(P.O. Box 800)
Rosemead, California 91770
(Address of principal executive offices)
(626) 302-2222
(626) 302-1212
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Edison International:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value
EIX
NYSE LLC
Southern California Edison Company: None.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Edison International
Yes ☑ No ☐
Southern California Edison Company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-12 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
Accelerated Filer
Non-accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☑
Yes☐ No ☑
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Common Stock outstanding as of October 25, 2023:
383,568,713 Shares
434,888,104 Shares
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SEC Form 10-Q
Reference Number
GLOSSARY
iv
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
1
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
4
Part I, Item 2
MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
Highlights of Operating Results
2025 General Rate Case
7
Track 4
Capital Program
Customer-Funded Self-Insurance
8
Southern California Wildfires and Mudslides
9
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
10
Three months ended September 30, 2023 versus September 30, 2022
11
Earning Activities
Cost-Recovery Activities
12
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 versus September 30, 2022
13
Supplemental Operating Revenue Information
14
Income Taxes
Edison International Parent and Other
Loss from Operations
15
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Available Liquidity
16
Regulatory Proceedings
Capital Investment Plan
17
Decommissioning of San Onofre
18
SCE Dividends
Margin and Collateral Deposits
19
Edison International Income taxes
20
Historical Cash Flows
21
24
i
Contingencies
MARKET RISK EXPOSURES
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES
NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
25
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Part I, Item 3
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
26
Part I, Item 1
Edison International Consolidated Statements of Income
Edison International Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
27
Edison International Consolidated Balance Sheets
28
Edison International Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
30
SCE Consolidated Statements of Income
31
SCE Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
SCE Consolidated Balance Sheets
32
SCE Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
34
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
35
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
39
Note 3. Variable Interest Entities
42
Note 4. Fair Value Measurements
45
Note 5. Debt and Credit Agreements
48
Note 6. Derivative Instruments
49
Note 7. Revenue
51
Note 8. Income Taxes
52
Note 9. Compensation and Benefit Plans
53
Note 10. Investments
54
Note 11. Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
55
Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies
57
Note 13. Equity
69
Note 14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
70
Note 15. Other Income
Note 16. Supplemental Cash Flows Information
71
Note 17. Related-Party Transactions
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
72
Part I, Item 4
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Jointly Owned Utility Plant
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
73
Part II, Item 1
2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events
ii
Environmental Proceedings
OTHER INFORMATION
74
Part II Item 5
EXHIBITS
Part II, Item 6
SIGNATURES
75
This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by Edison International and SCE. Information contained in this document relating to SCE is filed by Edison International and separately by SCE. SCE makes no representation as to information relating to Edison International or its subsidiaries, except as it may relate to SCE and its subsidiaries.
iii
The following terms and abbreviations appearing in the text of this report have the meanings indicated below.
the Thomas Fire, the Koenigstein Fire, the Montecito Mudslides and the Woolsey Fire, collectively
2022 Form 10-K
Edison International's and SCE's combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022
2022 MD&A
Edison International's and SCE's MD&A for the calendar year 2022, which was included in the 2022 Form 10‑K
AB 1054
California Assembly Bill 1054, executed by the governor of California on July 12, 2019
AB 1054 Excluded Capital Expenditures
$1.6 billion in wildfire risk mitigation capital expenditures that SCE has excluded from the equity portion of SCE's rate base as required under AB 1054
AB 1054 Liability Cap
a cap on the aggregate requirement to reimburse the Wildfire Insurance Fund over a trailing three calendar year period which applies if certain conditions are met and is equal to 20% of the equity portion of the utility's transmission and distribution rate base, excluding general plant and intangibles, in the year of the applicable prudency determination
ARO(s)
asset retirement obligation(s)
BRRBA
Base Revenue Requirement Balancing Account
CAISO
California Independent System Operator
Capital Structure Compliance Period
January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, the current compliance period for SCE's CPUC authorized capital structure
CAPP
California Arrearage Payment Program
CCAs
community choice aggregators which are cities, counties, and certain other public agencies with the authority to generate and/or purchase electricity for their local residents and businesses
CDP
Coastal Development Permit
CEMA
Catastrophic Event Memorandum Account
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019
CPUC
California Public Utilities Commission
CSRP
Customer Service Re-platform, a customer service system implemented in April 2021
ECS
SCE commercial telecommunications services operated under the name of Edison Carrier Solutions
Edison Energy
Edison Energy, LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Edison International, a global energy advisory firm providing integrated sustainability and energy solutions to commercial, industrial and institutional customers
Edison International Proxy Statement
Proxy Statement filed with the SEC in connection with Edison International's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on April 27, 2023
EIS
Edison Insurance Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Edison International licensed to provide insurance to Edison International and its subsidiaries
Electric Service Provider
an entity that provides electric power and ancillary services to retail customers, other than investor-owned utilities and CCAs
ERRA
Energy Resource Recovery Account
Fast curve settings
protective settings, used to mitigate the risk of wildfires, that enable SCE to shut off power quicker when an electrical fault occurs than under traditional settings
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch
Fitch Ratings, Inc.
GAAP
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
GHG
greenhouse gas
GRC
general rate case
IRA
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Koenigstein Fire
a wind-driven fire that originated near Koenigstein Road in the City of Santa Paula in Ventura County, California, on December 4, 2017
MD&A
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Montecito Mudslides
the debris flows and flooding in Montecito, Santa Barbara County, California, that occurred in January 2018
Moody's
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
MW
Megawatt(s)
NDCTP
Nuclear Decommissioning Cost Triennial Proceeding, a CPUC proceeding to review decommissioning costs
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NRC
United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NSGBA
New System Generation Balancing Account
OEIS
Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety of the California Natural Resources Agency
PABA
Portfolio Allocation Balancing Account
Palo Verde
nuclear electric generating facility located near Phoenix, Arizona in which SCE holds a 15.8% ownership interest
PBOP(s)
postretirement benefits other than pension(s)
PG&E
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Post-2018 Wildfires
Collectively, all the wildfires that originated in Southern California after 2018 where SCE's equipment may be alleged to be associated with the fire's ignition
PSPS
Public Safety Power Shutoff(s)
ROE
return on common equity
S&P
Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC
San Onofre
retired nuclear generating facility located in south San Clemente, California in which SCE holds a 78.21% ownership interest
SCE
Southern California Edison Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Edison International
SCE Recovery Funding LLC
a bankruptcy remote, wholly owned special purpose subsidiary, consolidated by SCE
SDG&E
San Diego Gas & Electric
SEC
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SED
Safety and Enforcement Division of the CPUC
SED Agreement
an agreement dated October 21, 2021 between SCE and the SED regarding the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events and three other 2017 wildfires
Thomas Fire
a wind-driven fire that originated in the Anlauf Canyon area of Ventura County, California, on December 4, 2017
TKM
collectively, the Thomas Fire, the Koenigstein Fire and the Montecito Mudslides
TKM Subrogation Plaintiffs
the plaintiffs party to the TKM Subrogation Settlement, representing all the insurance subrogation plaintiffs in the TKM litigation at the time of the settlement
TKM Subrogation Settlement
a settlement entered into by Edison International and SCE in September 2020 in the TKM litigation to which the TKM Subrogation Plaintiffs are party
Track 2
Track 2 of the 2021 GRC, which addressed the reasonableness of wildfire mitigation costs incurred in 2018 and 2019 that were incremental to amounts authorized in the 2018 GRC
Track 3
Track 3 of the 2021 GRC, which addressed the reasonableness of wildfire mitigation costs incurred in 2020 that were incremental to amounts authorized in the 2018 GRC
Track 4 of the 2021 GRC, which will address SCE's revenue requirement for 2024
WEMA
Wildfire Expense Memorandum Account
WMP
a wildfire mitigation plan required to be filed under AB 1054 to describe a utility's plans to construct, operate, and maintain electrical lines and equipment that will help minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfires caused by such electrical lines and equipment
Wildfire Insurance Fund
the insurance fund established under AB 1054
Woolsey Fire
a wind-driven fire that originated in Ventura County in November 2018
Woolsey Subrogation Plaintiffs
the plaintiffs party to the Woolsey Subrogation Settlement, representing all the insurance subrogation plaintiffs in the Woolsey Fire litigation at the time of the settlement
Woolsey Subrogation Settlement
a settlement entered into by Edison International and SCE in January 2021 in the Woolsey litigation to which the Woolsey Subrogation Plaintiffs are party
v
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect Edison International's and SCE's current expectations and projections about future events based on Edison International's and SCE's knowledge of present facts and circumstances and assumptions about future events and include any statements that do not directly relate to a historical or current fact. Other information distributed by Edison International and SCE that is incorporated in this report, or that refers to or incorporates this report, may also contain forward-looking statements. In this report and elsewhere, the words "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "probable," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," and variations of such words and similar expressions, or discussions of strategy or plans, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Some of the risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause results to differ from those currently expected, or that otherwise could impact Edison International and SCE, include, but are not limited to the:
2
Additional information about risks and uncertainties, including more detail about the factors described in this report, is contained throughout this report and in the 2022 Form 10-K, including the "Risk Factors" section. Readers are urged to read this entire report, including information incorporated by reference, as well as the 2022 Form 10-K, and carefully consider the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that affect Edison International's and SCE's businesses. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and neither Edison International nor SCE are obligated to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements. Readers should review future reports filed by Edison International and SCE with the SEC. Edison International and SCE post or provide direct links to (i) certain SCE and other parties' regulatory filings and documents with the CPUC and the FERC and certain agency rulings and notices in open proceedings in a section titled "SCE Regulatory Highlights," (ii) certain documents and information related to Southern California wildfires which may be of interest to investors in a section titled "Southern California Wildfires," and (iii) presentations, documents and information that may be of interest to investors in a section titled "Presentations and Updates" at www.edisoninvestor.com in order to publicly disseminate such information. The reports, presentations, documents and information contained on, or connected to, the Edison investor website are not deemed part of, and are not incorporated by reference into, this report.
The MD&A for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 discusses material changes in the consolidated financial condition, results of operations and other developments of Edison International and SCE since December 31, 2022 and as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. This discussion presumes that the reader has read or has access to the 2022 MD&A.
Except when otherwise stated, references to each of Edison International or SCE mean each such company with its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. References to "Edison International Parent and Other" mean Edison International Parent and its subsidiaries other than SCE and its subsidiaries and "Edison International Parent" mean Edison International on a stand-alone basis, not consolidated with its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise described, all the information contained in this report relates to both filers.
3
Edison International is the ultimate parent holding company of SCE and Edison Energy. SCE is an investor-owned public utility primarily engaged in the business of supplying and delivering electricity to an approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California. Edison Energy is a global energy advisory firm providing integrated sustainability and energy solutions to commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Edison Energy's business activities are currently not material to report as a separate business segment.
Edison International's earnings are prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management uses core earnings (loss) internally for financial planning and for analysis of performance. Core earnings (loss) are also used when communicating with investors and analysts regarding Edison International's earnings results to facilitate comparisons of the company's performance from period to period. Core earnings (loss) are a non-GAAP financial measure and may not be comparable to those of other companies. Core earnings (loss) are defined as earnings attributable to Edison International shareholders less non-core items. Non-core items include income or loss from discontinued operations and income or loss from significant discrete items that management does not consider representative of ongoing earnings, such as write downs, asset impairments and other income and expense related to changes in law, outcomes in tax, regulatory or legal proceedings, and exit activities, including sale of certain assets and other activities that are no longer continuing.
The earnings impacts of wildfires with losses over $1.0 billion are treated as non-core items during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. Under the new customer-funded self-insurance program, for wildfires ignited from July 1, 2023 through at least December 31, 2024, SCE will have insurance recoveries to offset up to $987.5 million of claims-related losses per policy year, with a maximum potential shareholder contribution of $12.5 million per policy year. Therefore, SCE expects that it will not have material earnings impacts from claims-related losses for wildfires ignited after July 1, 2023, other than if SCE incurs over $1.0 billion of losses in a year and is unable to recover such losses through the Wildfire Insurance Fund. As a result, in the third quarter of 2023, management concluded that the earnings impacts of wildfire claims-related losses will be treated as non-core items prospectively to make core earnings representative of ongoing earnings. For additional information on the customer-funded self-insurance program, see "—Customer-Funded Self-Insurance."
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in millions)
2023
2022
Change
Net income (loss) attributable to Edison International
$
239
(80)
319
1,029
369
660
(84)
(48)
(36)
(210)
(172)
(38)
155
(128)
283
819
197
622
Less: Non-core items
2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events claims and expenses, net of recoveries
(458)
(834)
376
(560)
(1,238)
678
Wildfire Insurance Fund expense
(54)
—
(159)
(160)
2021 NDCTP probable disallowance
(30)
Customer cancellations of certain ECS data services
(17)
Employment litigation matter, net of recoveries
(23)
33
Other wildfire claims and expenses, net of recoveries1
(7)
Upstream Lighting Program decision
(81)
81
Impairments
(64)
64
Organizational realignment charge
(14)
Income tax benefit2
145
266
(121)
214
438
(224)
Customer revenues for EIS insurance contract, net of claims
(3)
Income tax benefit (expense)2
(9)
(6)
Total non-core items
(376)
(692)
316
(516)
(1,131)
615
Core earnings (loss)
613
623
(10)
1,578
1,511
67
(82)
(59)
(243)
(183)
(60)
531
564
(33)
1,335
1,328
Edison International's third quarter 2023 earnings increased $283 million from the third quarter of 2022, resulting from an increase in SCE's earnings of $319 million and an increase in Edison International Parent and Other's losses of $36 million. SCE's higher net income consisted of $329 million of lower non-core losses and $10 million of lower core earnings. Edison International Parent and Other's increased loss was due to $13 million of lower earnings in non-core items and $23 million of higher core loss. Edison International's earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $622 million from the same period in 2022, resulting from an increase in SCE's earnings of $660 million and an increase in Edison International Parent and Other's loss of $38 million. SCE's higher net income consisted of $593 million of lower non-core losses and $67 million of higher core earnings. Edison International Parent and Other's higher loss consisted of $22 million of higher earnings in non-core items and $60 million of higher core loss.
The decrease in SCE's core earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2023 from the same period in 2022 was primarily due to higher interest expense and lower return on rate base related to the 2022 CSRP decision, partially offset by higher revenue from the escalation mechanism set forth in the 2021 GRC final decision. The increase in SCE's core earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 from the same period in 2022 was primarily due to higher revenue from the
5
escalation mechanism set forth in the 2021 GRC final decision and higher interest income on balancing account undercollections, partially offset by higher interest expense.
The increase in Edison International Parent and Other's core loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to higher interest expense.
Consolidated non-core items for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 primarily included:
See "Results of Operations" for discussion of SCE's and Edison International Parent and Other's results of operations.
6
SCE filed its 2025 GRC application with the CPUC in May 2023, for the four-year period of 2025 – 2028. In its application, SCE is requesting that the CPUC authorize SCE's test year 2025 revenue requirement of approximately $10.3 billion. This represents a $1.9 billion, or 23% increase over the approximately $8.4 billion 2024 revenue requirements requested in Track 4 adjusted for the CPUC's decisions to adopt SCE's 2023 to 2025 cost of capital and expanded customer-funded self-insurance for wildfire-related claims.
SCE's 2025 GRC request also includes proposed revenue requirement increases of approximately $600 million, $700 million and $700 million in 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively.
SCE's 2025 GRC highlights its focus on safely providing electric service to its customers that is reliable, resilient, and ready for their needs today and the clean energy transition directed by California policy. The critical drivers of SCE's 2025 GRC request include returning to historical levels of infrastructure replacement work necessary for system reliability as wildfire mitigation investments stabilize, investments in reliability and capacity upgrades to ready the grid for increased electrification to meet customer needs and California's electrification and de-carbonization goals, and investments in programs aimed at protecting the safety of the public, customers and SCE's workforce.
For details of 2023 – 2028 capital program forecast and range case, see "—Capital Program."
In September 2023, SCE filed an all-party settlement in Track 4. If approved by the CPUC, it will authorize an $8.4 billion revenue requirement for 2024, an approximately $200 million reduction to SCE's initial request. The approved revenue requirement will be subject to adjustments for SCE's 2024 cost of capital and expanded customer-funded self-insurance for wildfire-related claims.
Total capital expenditures (including accruals) were $3.9 billion and $4.1 billion for the first nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
SCE forecasts a $43.3 billion total capital program for 2023 through 2028, which includes GRC capital expenditures, CPUC non-GRC capital expenditures, and FERC capital expenditures. If all capital expenditures requested in SCE’s 2025 GRC were approved by the CPUC, SCE forecasts total weighted-average rate base incorporating CPUC- and FERC-jurisdictional capital expenditures increasing to $60.9 billion by 2028. During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, SCE updated the 2023 and 2024 capital expenditures to reflect the significant risk associated with the utility owned storage projects being completed in 2023. In addition, SCE updated 2024 – 2028 capital expenditures to reflect an updated forecast for ongoing delays in the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—SCE—Capital Investment Plan" in the 2022 MD&A) as well as the Track 4 settlement. SCE also updated the rate base forecast to reflect these factors and a reduction of working capital following implementation of the customer-funded self-insurance program. In October 2023, the CPUC issued a proposed decision that would deny SCE's Building Electrification Program Application. If adopted, the decision would reduce requested capital expenditures by approximately $270 million between 2025 and 2028 (see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—SCE—Regulatory Proceedings" in the 2022 MD&A).
Based on management judgment of potential capital spending variability informed by historical precedent of previously authorized amounts, potential permitting delays and other operational considerations, a range case has been prepared reflecting reductions to GRC capital expenditures, CPUC non-GRC capital expenditures and FERC capital expenditures. Based on the range case, SCE forecasts a $37.8 billion total capital program for 2023 through 2028. This implies total weighted-average rate base incorporating CPUC- and FERC-jurisdictional capital expenditures increasing to $55.4 billion by 2028.
SCE's 2023 – 2028 forecast for major capital expenditures is set forth in the table below:
Total
(in billions)
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2023 – 2028
Traditional capital expenditures
Distribution
3.8
4.1
5.2
5.7
5.6
30.0
Transmission
0.5
0.4
0.8
0.9
1.0
0.7
4.3
Generation
0.1
0.2
Subtotal
4.4
4.7
6.2
6.8
6.4
35.3
Wildfire mitigation-related capital expenditures
1.1
1.3
1.4
1.5
8.0
Total capital expenditures
5.5
6.0
7.5
8.2
8.3
7.8
43.3
Total capital expenditures using range case discussed above
5.3
6.6
6.9
6.5
37.8
In addition to the amounts presented in the table above, SCE expects to make additional CPUC capital investments, the recovery of which will be subject to future regulatory approval. This includes non-GRC programs including additional spending on an enterprise resource planning software implementation and an advanced metering infrastructure program. In addition, in May 2023, CAISO released its 2022 – 2023 Transmission Plan based on the CPUC's projections that it needs to add more than 40 gigawatts of new resources by 2032. As the incumbent transmission owner for a portion of these transmission projects, SCE expects to construct projects representing at least $2 billion of expenditures, most of which will be incurred beyond 2028.
Reflected below is SCE's weighted average annual rate base for 2023 – 2028 incorporating CPUC- and FERC- jurisdictional capital expenditures.
Rate base for expected capital expenditures
41.3
43.9
49.5
53.2
57.0
60.9
Rate base for expected capital expenditures using range case discussed above
41.1
48.0
50.4
52.8
55.4
For further information regarding the capital program, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—SCE—Capital Investment Plan" below and "Management Overview—Capital Program" in the 2022 MD&A.
In May 2023, the CPUC approved a joint petition for modification of the 2021 GRC decision filed by SCE, The Utility Reform Network and the Public Advocates Office, allowing SCE to expand its use of self-insurance. The approved self-insurance program will be in place for wildfires ignited between July 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024, and will be funded through CPUC-jurisdictional rates with $150 million collected for the second half of 2023 and, in the absence of wildfire-related claims, $300 million collected for 2024. The self-insurance program results in a reduction to current revenue requirements of $80 million in 2023 and, subject to adjustment, $160 million in 2024. If losses are accrued for wildfire-related claims, the program contains an adjustment mechanism that will increase rates in subsequent years as needed, to allow for full recovery of the amounts accrued up to $1.0 billion per policy year, subject to a shareholder contribution of 2.5% of any self-insurance costs ultimately paid exceeding $500 million in any policy year, up to a maximum annual contribution of $12.5 million per policy year. If adopted in the 2025 GRC, this self-insurance framework will continue at least through 2028, supporting a self-insurance fund of up to $1.0 billion per policy year. SCE expects continuation of the customer-funded self-insurance framework to be adopted without protest in the 2025 GRC. Depending upon losses over time, customers will benefit further from SCE's wildfire self-insurance program as a result of not having to fund the recurring costs of SCE purchasing commercial wildfire insurance coverage.
As discussed in the 2022 Form 10-K, multiple lawsuits and investigations related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events have been initiated against SCE and Edison International. SCE has previously settled claims under the Local Public Entity Settlement, the TKM Subrogation Settlement, the Woolsey Subrogation Settlement and the SED Agreement. In addition, SCE has also entered into settlements with approximately 11,000 individual plaintiffs in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigation as of September 30, 2023.
Each reporting period, management reviews its loss estimates for remaining alleged and potential claims related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. Management’s third quarter 2023 review included a review of information obtained from settling claims in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigations through the third quarter of 2023, including higher than expected costs to settle claims. Management’s review also included a review of information obtained in the third quarter of 2023 regarding the nature of claims remaining in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigations. As a result of management's third quarter 2023 review, a $475 million increase in estimated losses for the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events as of September 30, 2023 was recorded. As a result, SCE recorded expected recoveries through FERC electric rates of $27 million against the charge. The resulting net charge to earnings was $448 million ($323 million after-tax).
Through September 30, 2023, SCE has accrued estimated losses of $9.3 billion, expected recoveries from insurance of $2.0 billion, all of which have been collected, and expected recoveries through FERC electric rates of $409 million, $358 million of which has been collected, related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. The after-tax net charges to earnings recorded through September 30, 2023 have been $5.0 billion.
Estimated losses for the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigation are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to change as additional information becomes available. Actual losses incurred may be higher or lower than estimated based on several factors, including the uncertainty in estimating damages that have been or may be alleged. For instance, SCE will receive additional information with respect to damages claimed as the claims mediation processes progress. Other factors that can cause actual losses incurred to be higher or lower than estimated include the ability to reach settlements and the outcomes of settlements reached through the ongoing claims mediation processes, uncertainties related to the sufficiency of insurance held by plaintiffs, uncertainties related to the litigation processes, including whether plaintiffs will ultimately pursue claims, uncertainty as to the legal and factual determinations to be made during litigation, including uncertainty as to the contributing causes of the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events, the complexities associated with fires that merge and whether inverse condemnation will be held applicable to SCE with respect to damages caused by the Montecito Mudslides, and the uncertainty as to how these factors impact future settlements.
As of September 30, 2023, SCE had paid $8.4 billion under executed settlements and had $209 million to be paid under executed settlements, including $65 million to be paid under the SED Agreement, related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. After giving effect to all payment obligations under settlements entered into through September 30, 2023, Edison International's and SCE's best estimate of expected losses for remaining alleged and potential claims related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events was $728 million. Edison International and SCE may incur a material loss in excess of amounts accrued in connection with the remaining alleged and potential claims related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events.
SCE will seek CPUC-jurisdictional rate recovery of prudently-incurred losses and related costs realized in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events in excess of available insurance and FERC-jurisdictional recoveries, other than for any obligations under the SED Agreement. Based on Edison International's and SCE's current best estimate of expected losses for the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events, SCE currently expects to seek CPUC-jurisdictional rate recovery of approximately $6.4 billion of uninsured claims by filing applications with the CPUC. In August 2023, SCE filed the first of such cost recovery applications to seek rate recovery of $2.4 billion of prudently incurred losses related to the
Thomas Fire, the Koenigstein Fire and the Montecito Mudslides, consisting of $2.0 billion of uninsured claims and $0.4 billion of associated costs, including legal fees and financing costs. In its filing, SCE is also seeking capital recovery of approximately $65 million in restoration costs. SCE has requested that the CPUC issue a proposed decision on its application in February 2025. Because the CPUC's decision in a cost recovery proceeding involving SDG&E arising from several 2007 wildfires in SDG&E's service area is the only directly comparable precedent available, SCE believes that there is substantial uncertainty regarding how the CPUC will interpret and apply its prudency standard to an investor-owned utility in wildfire cost-recovery proceedings for fires ignited prior to the adoption of AB 1054 on July 12, 2019. Accordingly, while the CPUC has not made a determination regarding SCE's prudency relative to any of the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events, SCE is unable to conclude, at this time, that uninsured CPUC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events are probable of recovery through electric rates.
Safety Certification and Wildfire Mitigation Plan
SCE filed its 2023 – 2025 WMP in March 2023. In October 2023, the OEIS approved SCE’s 2023 – 2025 WMP, which approval is subject to CPUC ratification. SCE currently has a valid safety certification which will remain valid until the OEIS acts on SCE's September 12, 2023 request for a new safety certification.
For further information on Southern California Wildfires and Mudslides, see "Risk Factors," "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Initial and annual contributions to the wildfire insurance fund established pursuant to California Assembly Bill 1054," "Business—Southern California Wildfires" in the 2022 Form 10-K and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies—Contingencies—Southern California Wildfires and Mudslides" in this report.
SCE's results of operations are derived mainly through two sources:
The following table is a summary of SCE's results of operations for the periods indicated.
Three months ended September 30, 2023
Three months ended September 30, 2022
Cost-
Earning
Recovery
Activities
Consolidated
Operating revenue
2,387
2,300
4,687
2,450
2,767
5,217
Purchased power and fuel
1,988
2,485
Operation and maintenance
552
302
854
673
304
977
Wildfire-related claims, net of insurance recoveries
479
880
Depreciation and amortization
650
665
732
737
Property and other taxes
133
138
126
128
Impairment, net of other operating income
(1)
Total operating expenses
1,868
2,310
4,178
2,464
2,796
5,260
Operating income (loss)
519
509
(29)
(43)
Interest expense
(353)
(16)
(369)
(253)
(5)
(258)
Other income
102
37
Income (loss) before income taxes
268
(230)
Income tax benefit
(177)
Net income (loss)
269
(53)
Less: Preference stock dividend requirements
Net income (loss) available for common stock
Earning activities were primarily affected by the following:
Decreases in operating revenue and the corresponding operating expenses in cost-recovery activities were primarily due to lower purchased power and fuel costs related to lower purchased power volumes, lower power and gas prices and lower capacity costs, partially offset by hedging activities.
Nine months ended September 30, 2023
Nine months ended September 30, 2022
6,787
5,799
12,586
6,881
6,293
13,174
4,453
4,826
1,828
1,342
3,170
2,252
1,529
3,781
575
1,307
159
160
1,937
1,969
1,907
1,920
405
425
359
371
61
4,904
5,847
10,751
6,046
6,380
12,426
1,883
1,835
835
(87)
748
(968)
(997)
(691)
(15)
(706)
298
77
375
108
210
Income before income taxes
1,213
252
Income tax expense (benefit)
96
(195)
Net income
1,117
447
88
78
Net income available for common stock
Operating revenue and the corresponding operating expenses in cost-recovery activities were primarily affected by the following:
As a result of the CPUC-authorized decoupling mechanism, SCE revenues are not affected by changes in volume of retail electricity sales.
Higher income tax expense of $176 million and $291 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, compared to the same period in 2022, was primarily driven by the increase in pre-tax income and lower tax benefit associated with CSRP revenue recovery in 2023. The effective tax rates were (0.4)% and (77.0)% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rates were 7.9% and (77.4)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022, respectively. SCE’s effective tax rate is below the federal statutory rate of 21% for 2023 and 2022 primarily due to the CPUC's flow-through ratemaking treatment for the current tax benefit arising from certain property-related and other temporary differences, which reverse over time. The accounting treatment for these temporary differences results in recording regulatory assets and liabilities for amounts that would otherwise be recorded to deferred tax expense/benefit.
See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 8. Income Taxes" for a reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective income tax rates.
Results of operations for Edison International Parent and Other include amounts from other subsidiaries that are not reportable as segments, as well as intercompany eliminations.
The following table summarizes the results of Edison International Parent and Other:
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Edison Energy Group, Inc. (a subsidiary of Edison International) and subsidiaries
(4)
(11)
Corporate expenses and other subsidiaries
(120)
(83)
Edison International Parent and Other net loss
(57)
(21)
(131)
(93)
Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement
79
Edison International Parent and Other net loss attributable to common stock
The net loss attributable to common stock from operations of Edison International Parent and Other increased $36 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to higher interest expense and lack of earnings from an EIS insurance contract. The net loss attributable to common stock from operations of Edison International Parent and Other increased $38 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to higher interest expense, partially offset by higher earnings from an EIS insurance contract. See "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies" and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 17. Related Party Transactions."
SCE's ability to operate its business, fund capital expenditures, and implement its business strategy is dependent upon its cash flows and access to the bank and capital markets. SCE's overall cash flows fluctuate based on, among other things, its ability to recover its costs in a timely manner from its customers through regulated rates, changes in commodity prices and volumes, collateral requirements, interest obligations, dividend payments to and equity contributions from Edison International, obligations to preference shareholders, and the outcome of tax, regulatory and legal matters.
In the next 12 months, SCE expects to fund its cash requirements through operating cash flows, capital market and bank financings and equity contributions from Edison International Parent, as needed. SCE also has availability under its credit facility to fund cash requirements. SCE also expects to issue additional debt for general corporate purposes, and to finance and refinance debt issued for payment of claims and expenses related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events.
SCE has invested all $1.6 billion of the required AB 1054 Excluded Capital Expenditures. SCE issued securitized bonds in the amounts of $338 million, $533 million and $775 million in February 2021, February 2022 and April 2023, respectively, to finance these expenditures and related financing costs. SCE used the proceeds of the April 2023 securitized bonds to repay a term loan of $730 million prior to its maturity in May 2023. For further details, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 5. Debt and Credit Agreements."
In the first quarter of 2023, Moody's upgraded SCE's credit rating from Baa2 to Baa1 and revised SCE's rating outlook from positive to stable. In the second quarter of 2023, Fitch upgraded SCE's credit rating from BBB- to BBB and revised SCE's rating outlook from positive to stable. The following tables summarizes SCE’s current long-term issuer credit ratings and outlook from the major credit rating agencies:
Credit Rating
Baa1
BBB
Outlook
Stable
SCE's credit ratings may be affected if, among other things, regulators fail to successfully implement AB 1054 in a consistent and credit supportive manner or the Wildfire Insurance Fund is depleted by claims from catastrophic wildfires. Credit rating downgrades increase the cost and may impact the availability of short-term and long-term borrowings, including commercial paper, credit facilities, bond financings or other borrowings. In addition, some of SCE's power procurement contracts would require SCE to pay related liabilities or post additional collateral if SCE's credit rating were to fall below investment grade. For further details, see "—Margin and Collateral Deposits."
As discussed in the 2022 Form 10-K, the cost of capital adjustment mechanism set by the CPUC provides for an adjustment to SCE's authorized cost of capital that, when triggered, will impact SCE's results of operations and cash flows. In 2023, the cost of capital adjustment mechanism was triggered when the difference between the average Moody's Baa utility bond yield for the 12-month period from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023 and the mechanism's benchmark exceeded 100-basis points. As a result, absent CPUC action, SCE's CPUC-authorized ROE for 2024 will automatically increase from 10.05% to 10.75%. The adjustment will result in an increase to the GRC related revenue requirement for 2024 of $175 million. SCE's authorized costs of long-term debt and preferred equity will also be adjusted for 2024 to reflect the then-current embedded costs and projected interest rates. Intervenors may protest the increase to SCE's CPUC-authorized ROE. For further information see "Business—SCE— Overview of Ratemaking Process" in the 2022 Form 10-K.
At September 30, 2023, SCE had cash on hand of $317 million and approximately $2.5 billion available to borrow on its $3.4 billion revolving credit facility. The credit facility is available for borrowing needs until May 2027 and the aggregate maximum principal amount may be increased up to $4.0 billion, provided that additional lender commitments are obtained. In October 2023, SCE entered into agreements with certain lenders for bilateral unsecured standby letters of credit with a total capacity of $625 million that is uncommitted and supported by reimbursement agreements. For further details, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 5. Debt and Credit Agreements."
SCE may finance balancing account undercollections, working capital requirements to support operations and capital expenditures with commercial paper, its credit facilities or other borrowings, subject to availability in the bank and capital markets. As necessary, SCE will utilize its available liquidity, capital market financings, other borrowings or parent company contributions to SCE equity in order to meet its obligations as they become due, including costs related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. For further information, see "Management Overview—Southern California Wildfires and Mudslides."
Debt Covenant
SCE's credit facilities and term loan require a debt to total capitalization ratio as defined in the applicable agreements of less than or equal to 0.65 to 1. At September 30, 2023, SCE's debt to total capitalization ratio was 0.57 to 1.
At September 30, 2023, SCE was in compliance with all financial covenants that affect access to capital.
Wildfire Related Regulatory Proceedings
In response to the increase in wildfire activity, and faster progression of and increased damage from wildfires across SCE's service territory and throughout California, SCE has incurred wildfire mitigation, wildfire insurance and wildfire and drought restoration related spending at levels significantly exceeding amounts authorized in SCE's GRCs.
SCE tracks insurance premium costs related to wildfire liability insurance policies as well as other wildfire-related costs that are above authorized levels in its WEMA. SCE is not currently incurring premium costs for wildfire liability insurance policies due to the customer-funded self-insurance program. In May 2023, the CPUC authorized SCE to recover $207 million of costs recorded in WEMA. The costs are primarily related to incremental wildfire insurance premium expenses and associated costs for wildfire liability insurance policies that provide coverage for the last six months of 2020. The decision denied approximately $7 million of wildfire liability insurance coverage previously allocated to San Onofre, which SCE expects to be eligible for recovery from SCE customers in a future cost recovery proceeding.
2021 GRC Wildfire Mitigation Memorandum Account Balances
In October 2023, SCE requested authority to recover revenue requirements associated with 2022 operations and maintenance and capital expenditures above levels authorized in wildfire mitigation accounts and the vegetation management balancing account. The revenue requirement, including interest, is currently estimated at $382 million. Concurrent with the filing, SCE filed a motion for interim rate recovery to include $325 million of these costs and associated interest in revenue requirements beginning March 1, 2024.
In March 2023, the CPUC approved SCE's second CSRP application to recover approximately $59 million of capital expenditures and $28 million of operation and maintenance expenses incurred from May 2021 to December 2021, resulting in a revenue requirement of $65 million. The decision also approved SCE seeking review and cost recovery of additional post-implementation CSRP costs incurred from January 2022 through December 2024 in its 2025 GRC filing.
ERRA Proceeding
In January 2023, as a result of undercollections in ERRA and PABA at the end of 2022 due to higher gas and power prices, SCE filed an expedited ERRA trigger application with the CPUC. In April 2023, the CPUC approved the trigger application, and SCE subsequently implemented an increased revenue requirement of $454 million over 12 months beginning June 1, 2023. See "Business—SCE—Overview of Ratemaking Process" in 2022 Form 10-K for further information regarding the ERRA trigger mechanism.
2024 FERC Formula Rate Annual Update
In June 2023, SCE provided its preliminary 2024 annual transmission revenue requirement update to interested parties. The update reflects a $1.1 billion transmission revenue requirement for 2024, $286 million or 20% lower than amounts included in 2023 annual rates. The decrease is primarily due to returning an overcollection based on actual 2022 costs and lower wildfire-related claims. SCE expects to file its 2024 annual update with the FERC by December 1, 2023 with the proposed rates effective January 1, 2024.
Major Transmission and Utility Owned Storage Projects
Alberhill System Project
The Alberhill System Project consists of constructing a new 500 kV substation, two 500 kV transmission lines to connect the proposed substation to the existing Serrano-Valley 500 kV transmission line, telecommunication equipment and subtransmission lines in western Riverside County. In June 2023, SCE filed an amended application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity ("CPCN") with technical design modifications and engineering refinements to the proposed project that decreases project costs and reduces GHG emissions. Accordingly, the direct expenditures of the project are
estimated to be reduced from $486 million to $472 million. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—SCE—Capital Investment Plan" in the 2022 Form 10-K for further information.
Eldorado-Lugo-Mohave Upgrade Project
The total costs for the Eldorado-Lugo-Mohave Upgrade Project are expected to exceed amounts currently approved in the CPCN granted by the CPUC due to delays in regulatory approvals, contractor performance issues, supply chain constraints, COVID-19 impacts and the availability of CAISO outage windows. In May 2023, SCE filed a Petition for Modification of the decision that approved the project to increase the maximum reasonable and prudent cost for the project, which increased the direct expenditures from $247 million to $319 million. SCE expects the project to be in service in 2024. Additional work is also required to mitigate the impact of the project on nearby natural gas transmission lines and a further Petition for Modification is expected to be filed once the scope and cost of this work is known. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources—SCE—Capital Investment Plan" in the 2022 Form 10-K for further information.
Utility Owned Storage
As discussed in the 2022 Form 10-K, in October 2021, SCE contracted with Ameresco, Inc. ("Ameresco") for the construction of utility owned energy storage projects at three sites in SCE's service territory with an aggregate capacity of 537.5 MW.
In April 2023, Ameresco discovered damage to some of the equipment at one of the projects which makes up 225 MW of the 537.5 MW aggregate capacity. SCE received a notice of potential force majeure event from Ameresco noting that Ameresco is performing further analyses on the cause of the damage and asserting that rainstorms at the project site may have caused or contributed to the damage. Ameresco is evaluating corrective action in response to the damage discovered in April 2023.
Ameresco has advised SCE that it currently expects the 112.5 MW project and the 200 MW project to be in-service prior to the end of 2023. SCE believes that there is significant risk of delay beyond Ameresco's projected in-service dates.
As discussed in the 2022 Form 10-K, in February 2022, SCE filed its application in the 2021 NDCTP with the CPUC requesting reasonableness review of approximately $570 million (SCE share in 2022 dollars) of recorded San Onofre Units 2 and 3 decommissioning costs incurred during the period 2018 to 2020. In May 2023, SCE entered into a settlement with the relevant intervenors under which, subject to CPUC approval, SCE agreed to a disallowance in the 2021 NDCTP of approximately $30 million. SCE has accrued approximately $30 million related to the 2021 NDCTP.
As discussed in the 2022 Form 10-K, the CPUC regulates SCE's capital structure which limits the dividends it may pay to its shareholders. In August 2023, the CPUC issued a decision on SCE's application to the CPUC for an extension of the waiver of compliance with its equity ratio requirement that allows SCE to exclude from its equity ratio calculations (i) net charges accrued in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events and (ii) debt issued for the purpose of paying claims related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events up to an amount equal to the net charges accrued in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. Under the decision, effective as of the beginning of the new cost of capital cycle on January 1, 2023, the CPUC also authorized SCE to exclude from its equity ratio calculations debt that exceeds the net charges accrued in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events due to the timing difference between the wildfire claims payment and the realization of the cash tax benefits. The temporary exclusion will lapse on August 31, 2025 or when determinations regarding cost recovery for the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events are made, whichever comes earlier. If the CPUC has not made determinations regarding cost recovery by August 31, 2025, SCE is permitted to file another application for a waiver of compliance with its equity ratio requirement. For information on the California law requirements on the declaration of dividends, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—SCE—SCE Dividends" in the 2022 Form 10-K.
Certain derivative instruments, power and energy procurement contracts and other contractual arrangements contain collateral requirements. In addition, certain environmental remediation obligations require financial assurance that may be in the form of collateral postings. Future collateral requirements may differ from the requirements at September 30, 2023, due to the addition of incremental power and energy procurement contracts with collateral requirements, if any, the impact of changes in wholesale power and natural gas prices on SCE's contractual obligations, and the impact of SCE's credit ratings falling below investment grade.
The table below provides the amount of collateral posted by SCE to its counterparties as well as the potential collateral that would have been required as of September 30, 2023, if SCE's credit rating had been downgraded to below investment grade as of that date. The table below also provides the potential collateral that could be required due to adverse changes in wholesale power and natural gas prices over the remaining lives of existing power and fuel derivative contracts.
In addition to amounts shown in the table, power and fuel contract counterparties may also institute new collateral requirements, applicable to future transactions to allow SCE to continue trading in power and fuel contracts at the time of a downgrade or upon significant increases in market prices. Furthermore, SCE may also be required to post up to $50 million in collateral in connection with its environmental remediation obligations, within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year in which a downgrade occurs.
Collateral posted as of September 30, 20231
Incremental collateral requirements for purchased power and fuel contracts resulting from a potential downgrade of SCE's credit rating to below investment grade2
120
Incremental collateral requirements for SCE's financial hedging activities resulting from adverse market price movement3
Posted and potential collateral requirements
463
Net collateral provided to counterparties and other brokers consisted of $189 million in letters of credit and surety bonds and $109 million of cash collateral.
Represents potential collateral requirements for accounts payable and mark-to-market valuation at September 30, 2023. Requirement varies throughout the period and is generally lower at the end of the month.
Incremental collateral requirements were based on potential changes in SCE's forward positions as of September 30, 2023 due to adverse market price movements over the remaining lives of the existing power and fuel derivative contracts using a 95% confidence level.
In the next 12 months, Edison International expects to fund its net cash requirements through cash on hand, dividends from SCE, and capital market and bank financings. Edison International may finance its ongoing cash requirements, including dividends, working capital requirements, payment of obligations, and capital investments, including capital contributions to subsidiaries, with short-term or other financings, subject to availability in the bank and capital markets.
At September 30, 2023, Edison International Parent and Other had cash on hand of $129 million and $1.1 billion available to borrow on its $1.5 billion revolving credit facility. The credit facility is available for borrowing needs until May 2027 and the aggregate maximum principal amount may be increased up to $2.0 billion, provided that additional lender commitments are obtained. For further information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 5. Debt and Credit Agreements."
In March 2023, Edison International Parent issued $500 million of junior subordinated notes, due in 2053, which provided approximately $250 million of equity content as viewed by rating agencies. Edison International expects to raise any additional equity this year through its internal programs, which are estimated to generate approximately $100 million. The
total expected equity content is consistent with the $300 million to $400 million of equity content identified in Edison International's 2023 financing plan.
In October 2023, Edison International commenced a tender offer to purchase its outstanding Series A and Series B Preferred Stock for a maximum aggregate purchase price in cash of up to $750 million, plus accrued dividends. Edison International intends to pay the consideration payable and the fees and expenses incurred with cash on hand and proceeds of debt issuances, which may include commercial paper and junior subordinated notes. For further information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13. Equity."
Edison International Parent and Other's liquidity and its ability to pay operating expenses and pay dividends to preferred and common shareholders are dependent on access to the bank and capital markets, dividends from SCE, realization of tax benefits and its ability to meet California law requirements for the declaration of dividends. For information on the California law requirements on the declaration of dividends, see "Liquidity and Capital Resources—SCE—SCE Dividends" in the 2022 Form 10-K. Edison International intends to maintain its target payout ratio of 45% – 55% of SCE's core earnings, subject to the factors identified above.
Edison International's ability to declare and pay common dividends may be restricted under the terms of its Series A and Series B Preferred Stock. For further information, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 14. Equity" in the 2022 Form 10-K.
Edison International Parent's credit facility requires a consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio as defined in the applicable agreements of less than or equal to 0.70 to 1. At September 30, 2023, Edison International's consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio was 0.63 to 1.
At September 30, 2023, Edison International Parent was in compliance with all financial covenants that affect access to capital.
In the first quarter of 2023, Moody's upgraded Edison International's credit rating from Baa3 to Baa2 and revised Edison International's rating outlook from positive to stable. In the second quarter of 2023, Fitch upgraded Edison International's credit rating from BBB- to BBB and revised Edison International's rating outlook from positive to stable. The following table summarizes Edison International Parent's current long-term issuer credit ratings and outlook from the major credit rating agencies:
Baa2
Edison International Parent's credit ratings may be affected if, among other things, regulators fail to successfully implement AB 1054 in a consistent and credit supportive manner or the Wildfire Insurance Fund is depleted by claims from catastrophic wildfires. Credit rating downgrades increase the cost and may impact the availability of short-term and long-term borrowings, including commercial paper, credit facilities, note financings or other borrowings.
Edison International Income Taxes
On August 16, 2022, the IRA was signed into law. The law imposes a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax ("CAMT") on adjusted financial statement income ("AFSI") of corporations with average AFSI exceeding $1.0 billion over a specified 3-year period. The CAMT was effective beginning January 1, 2023. Based on the current interpretation of the law and historical financial data, Edison International estimates that it will exceed the $1.0 billion threshold and be subject to CAMT on its consolidated Federal tax returns beginning in 2025. SCE also expects to be subject to CAMT on its stand-alone Federal return beginning in 2025.
The law also includes significant extensions, expansions, and enhancements of numerous energy-related investment tax credits, as well as creating new credits applicable to electricity production which may apply to SCE's capital expenditures. Under the IRA, SCE expects to generate investment tax credits related to its utility owned storage projects, which will accrue to the benefit of its customers.
Net cash provided by operating activities
2,733
2,158
Net cash provided by financing activities
713
1,757
Net cash used in investing activities
(3,894)
(4,104)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(448)
(189)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
The following table summarizes major categories of net cash for operating activities as provided in more detail in SCE's consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Change in cash flows
2023/2022
Non-cash items1
2,173
1,942
3,290
2,389
901
Changes in cash flow resulting from working capital2
(1,120)
(1,064)
(56)
Regulatory assets and liabilities
705
1,032
(327)
Wildfire related claims3
(75)
271
(346)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities4
(67)
(470)
403
Net cash provided by operating activities was impacted by the following:
Net income and non-cash items increased in 2023 by $901 million primarily due to revenue from the escalation mechanism set forth in the 2021 GRC final decision, higher interest income on balancing account undercollections and lower wildfire estimated losses, partially offset by higher interest expense.
The net changes in cash resulting from working capital were outflows of $1,120 million and $1,064 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The net cash outflows were primarily due to net increases in customer receivables and unbilled revenue of approximately $1.0 billion and $1.3 billion for 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Net cash provided by regulatory assets and liabilities, including changes in net undercollections recorded in balancing accounts, was $705 million and $1,032 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. SCE has a number of balancing and memorandum accounts, which impact cash flows based on differences between timing of collection of amounts through rates and accrual expenditures. Cash flows were primarily impacted by the following:
22
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
The following table summarizes cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. Issuances of debt are discussed in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 5. Debt and Credit Agreements."
Issuances of long-term debt, including premium/discount and net of issuance costs
3,589
2,949
Long-term debt repaid or repurchased
(1,467)
(373)
Short-term debt borrowed
496
Short-term debt repaid
(944)
(993)
Commercial paper borrowing, net
137
508
Capital contributions from Edison International Parent
700
Payment of common stock dividends to Edison International
(1,050)
(975)
Payment of preference stock dividends
Other
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities are primarily due to total capital expenditures of $4.0 billion and $4.2 billion for nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, SCE had a net redemption of nuclear decommissioning trust investments of $94 million and $81 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See "Nuclear Decommissioning Activities" below for further discussion.
Nuclear Decommissioning Activities
SCE's consolidated statements of cash flows include nuclear decommissioning activities, which are reflected in the following line items:
Net cash used in operating activities:
Net earnings from nuclear decommissioning trust investments
59
SCE's decommissioning costs
(167)
(161)
Net cash provided by investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of investments
3,223
3,120
Purchases of investments
(3,129)
(3,039)
Net cash inflow (outflow)
Net cash used in operating activities relates to interest and dividends less administrative expenses, taxes and SCE's decommissioning costs. Investing activities represent the purchase and sale of investments within the nuclear decommissioning trusts, including the reinvestment of earnings from nuclear decommissioning trust investments. The net cash impact reflects timing of decommissioning payments ($167 million and $161 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively) and reimbursements to SCE from the nuclear decommissioning trust ($171 million and $140 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively).
23
The table below sets forth condensed historical cash flow from operations for Edison International Parent and Other, including intercompany eliminations.
Net cash used in operating activities
(187)
(46)
167
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(20)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was impacted by the following:
Net cash provided by financing activities was as follows:
Dividends paid to Edison International common shareholders
(833)
(787)
Dividends paid to Edison International preferred shareholders
(105)
(99)
Dividends received from SCE
1,050
975
Capital contributions to SCE
(700)
Long-term debt issuance, net of discount and issuance costs
1,089
398
Long-term debt repayments
(400)
Issuance of short-term debt
355
600
Repayments of term loans
(1,000)
Commercial paper financing, net
(63)
Edison International's and SCE's contingencies are discussed in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies—Contingencies."
Edison International's and SCE's primary market risks are described in the 2022 Form 10-K, and there have been no material changes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. For further discussion of market risk exposures, including commodity price risk and credit risk, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 4. Fair Value Measurements" and "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6. Derivative Instruments."
For a discussion of Edison International's and SCE's critical accounting policies, see "Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies" in the 2022 MD&A.
There have been no material changes in recently issued or adopted accounting standards from those disclosed in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—New Accounting Guidance" in the 2022 Form 10-K.
Information responding to this section is included in the MD&A under the heading "Market Risk Exposures" and is incorporated herein by reference.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions, except per-share amounts, unaudited)
4,702
5,228
12,632
13,204
882
979
3,207
3,827
482
889
578
1,316
738
1,971
1,922
139
428
374
60
4,210
5,272
10,796
12,485
492
(44)
1,836
719
(433)
(302)
(1,186)
(819)
130
85
377
219
189
(261)
1,027
119
Income tax (benefit) expense
41
(235)
212
(74)
986
354
Less: Preference stock dividend requirements of SCE
Less: Preferred stock dividend requirement of Edison International
Net income (loss) attributable to Edison International common shareholders
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
383
382
381
Basic earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Edison International common shareholders
0.40
(0.33)
2.14
0.52
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, including effect of dilutive securities
385
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Edison International common shareholders
2.13
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in millions, unaudited)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Pension and postretirement benefits other than pensions
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
(73)
989
361
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Edison International
182
(100)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
446
914
Receivables, less allowances of $341 and $347 for uncollectible accounts at respective dates
2,363
1,695
Accrued unbilled revenue
929
641
Inventory
505
474
Prepaid expenses
248
Regulatory assets
2,408
2,497
Wildfire Insurance Fund contributions
204
Other current assets
278
397
Total current assets
7,235
7,070
Nuclear decommissioning trusts
3,943
3,948
Other investments
Total investments
4,024
4,003
Utility property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $12,928 and $12,260 at respective dates
54,852
53,274
Nonutility property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $112 and $106 at respective dates
202
Total property, plant and equipment
55,054
53,486
Regulatory assets (include $1,571 and $834 related to Variable Interest Entities "VIEs" at respective dates)
8,774
8,181
2,002
2,155
Operating lease right-of-use assets
1,292
1,442
Long-term insurance receivables
549
465
Other long-term assets
1,234
1,239
Total long-term assets
13,851
13,482
Total assets
80,164
78,041
(in millions, except share amounts, unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short-term debt
1,005
2,015
Current portion of long-term debt
2,939
2,614
Accounts payable
2,108
2,359
Wildfire-related claims
150
121
Customer deposits
175
Regulatory liabilities
717
964
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
179
506
Other current liabilities
1,754
1,601
Total current liabilities
9,027
10,347
Long-term debt (include $1,539 and $809 related to VIEs at respective dates)
29,532
27,025
Deferred income taxes and credits
6,507
6,149
Pensions and benefits
402
422
Asset retirement obligations
2,695
2,754
8,570
8,211
Operating lease liabilities
1,113
936
1,583
1,687
Other deferred credits and other long-term liabilities
3,164
2,988
Total deferred credits and other liabilities
24,034
23,147
Total liabilities
62,593
60,519
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Preferred stock (50,000,000 shares authorized; 1,250,000 shares of Series A and 750,000 shares of Series B issued and outstanding at respective dates)
1,978
Common stock, no par value (800,000,000 shares authorized; 383,567,856 and 382,208,498 shares issued and outstanding at respective dates)
6,301
6,200
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(8)
Retained earnings
7,399
7,454
Total Edison International's shareholders' equity
15,670
15,621
Noncontrolling interests – preference stock of SCE
1,901
Total equity
17,571
17,522
Total liabilities and equity
29
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
2,034
1,977
Allowance for equity during construction
(116)
(91)
Impairment
Deferred income taxes
(237)
Wildfire Insurance Fund amortization expense
50
(94)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables
(807)
(40)
(186)
363
Tax receivables and payables
127
171
Other current assets and liabilities
(214)
(673)
Derivative assets and liabilities, net
(139)
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
Wildfire-related insurance receivable
(383)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities
90
(26)
2,546
2,112
Cash flows from financing activities:
Long-term debt issued, net of discount and issuance costs of $48 and $36 for the respective periods
4,678
3,347
Long-term debt repaid
(1,867)
(773)
Short-term debt issued
851
(1,944)
Common stock issued
529
Dividends and distribution to noncontrolling interests
Common stock dividends paid
Preferred stock dividends paid
97
1,832
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(3,991)
(4,206)
Proceeds from sale of nuclear decommissioning trust investments
Purchases of nuclear decommissioning trust investments
(4,105)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(468)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
917
394
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
449
233
(52)
452
317
766
Receivables, less allowances of $340 and $347 for uncollectible accounts at respective dates
2,335
1,675
638
101
292
384
7,068
6,930
65
36
4,008
3,984
Nonutility property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $98 and $94 at respective dates
196
206
55,048
53,480
Regulatory assets (include $1,571 and $834 related to VIEs at respective dates)
1,283
1,433
129
Long-term insurance receivables due from affiliate
431
334
1,162
1,171
13,781
13,413
79,905
77,807
616
925
2,214
2,105
2,351
177
1,691
8,825
25,459
24,044
7,944
7,545
99
105
1,106
928
3,104
2,919
25,101
24,149
59,130
57,018
Preference stock
1,945
Common stock, no par value (560,000,000 shares authorized; 434,888,104 shares issued and outstanding at respective dates)
2,168
Additional paid-in capital
8,447
8,441
8,223
8,243
20,775
20,789
2,022
94
(197)
38
(679)
(801)
(178)
367
152
(211)
(754)
(392)
114
Long-term debt issued, net of discount and issuance costs of $36 and $34 for the respective periods
Preference stock dividends paid
(3,990)
(4,205)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
280
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
318
91
(Unaudited)
Note 1.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Edison International is the ultimate parent holding company of Southern California Edison Company ("SCE") and Edison Energy, LLC ("Edison Energy"). SCE is an investor-owned public utility primarily engaged in the business of supplying and delivering electricity to an approximately 50,000 square mile area of Southern California. Edison Energy is a global energy advisory firm providing integrated sustainability and energy solutions to commercial, industrial and institutional customers. Edison Energy's business activities are currently not material to report as a separate business segment. These combined notes to the consolidated financial statements apply to both Edison International and SCE unless otherwise described. Edison International's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Edison International, SCE, and other controlled subsidiaries. References to Edison International refer to the consolidated group of Edison International and its subsidiaries. References to "Edison International Parent and Other" refer to Edison International Parent and its competitive subsidiaries and "Edison International Parent" refer to Edison International on a stand-alone basis, not consolidated with its subsidiaries. SCE's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SCE, its controlled subsidiaries and a variable interest entity, SCE Recovery Funding LLC., of which SCE is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.
Edison International's and SCE's significant accounting policies were described in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Edison International's and SCE's combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "2022 Form 10-K"). This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the 2022 Form 10-K.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of adjustments of a normal recurring nature, have been made that are necessary to fairly state the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP") for the periods covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
The December 31, 2022 financial statement data was derived from the audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. Certain prior period amounts have been conformed to the current period's presentation, including the separate presentation of derivative assets and liabilities on Edison International's and SCE's consolidated statements of cash flows.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds. Generally, the carrying value of cash equivalents equals the fair value, as these investments have original maturities of three months or less. The cash equivalents were as follows:
Money market funds
784
647
Cash is temporarily invested until required for check clearing. Checks issued, but not yet paid by the financial institution, are reclassified from cash to accounts payable at the end of each reporting period.
The following table sets forth the cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash included in the consolidated statements of cash flows:
Short-term restricted cash1
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
SCE:
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
The allowance for uncollectible accounts is recorded based on SCE's estimate of expected credit losses and adjusted over the life of the receivables as needed. Since the customer base of SCE is concentrated in Southern California and exposes SCE to a homogeneous set of economic conditions, the allowance is measured on a collective basis on the historical amounts written-off, assessment of customer collectibility and current economic trends, including unemployment rates and any likelihood of recession for the region.
The following table sets forth the changes in allowance for uncollectible accounts for SCE:
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2022
Customers
All others
Beginning balance
326
343
364
Current period provision for uncollectible accounts2
Write-offs, net of recoveries
(22)
(28)
(24)
(2)
Ending balance
329
345
409
426
293
309
Current period provision for uncollectible accounts3
(70)
Earnings Per Share
Edison International computes earnings per common share ("EPS") using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security. Edison International's participating securities are stock-based compensation awards, payable in common shares, which earn dividend equivalents on an equal basis with common shares once the awards are vested. See Note 13 for further information.
EPS attributable to Edison International common shareholders was computed as follows:
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Income impact of assumed conversions
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders and assumed conversions
820
Incremental shares from assumed conversions
Adjusted weighted average shares – diluted
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
In addition to the participating securities discussed above, Edison International also may award stock options, which are payable in common shares and are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation. Stock option awards to purchase 3,231,385 and 5,089,280 shares of common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 3,230,603 and 5,204,369 shares of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized by Edison International and SCE when a performance obligation to transfer control of the promised goods is satisfied or when services are rendered to customers. This typically occurs when electricity is delivered to customers, which includes amounts for services rendered but unbilled at the end of a reporting period.
FERC 2023 Formula Rate Update
In November 2022, SCE filed its 2023 annual update with the FERC with the proposed rates effective January 1, 2023, subject to settlement procedures and refund. Pending resolution of the FERC formula rate proceedings, SCE recognized revenue in the first nine months of 2023 based on the FERC 2023 annual update rate, subject to refund.
Leases
During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, one SCE 15-year power purchase agreement ("PPA"), accounted for as a long-term operating lease, commenced and resulted in $226 million additions in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.
Edison Carrier Solutions
SCE operates commercial telecommunications service under the name of Edison Carrier Solutions ("ECS"), leveraging the temporarily available capacity of SCE's telecommunications network. As technology evolves, management is implementing strategic shifts in ECS services, including potential disposition of assets and ceasing to offer certain wire data services. ECS has notified affected customers of its intent to discontinue certain services over time and gave customers the option to discontinue those services. As a result of customer cancellations in the second quarter of 2023, materials and supplies inventory supporting data services are expected to be sold instead of placed into service and have been written-down to net realizable value, resulting in a charge of $13 million. Labor and other costs of $4 million previously recorded as construction work in progress for projects no longer probable of completion were also charged to expense in the period.
Subsequent Event
In October 2023, SCE entered into two PPAs, which are subject to CPUC approval, with expected initial delivery dates commencing in 2027 and 2028, respectively. The undiscounted future minimum expected payments for these contracts are $48 million in 2027 and $3.0 billion thereafter.
Note 2.Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
The following table provides Edison International's changes in equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Noncontrolling
Equity Attributable to Edison International Shareholders
Interests
Accumulated
Preferred
Common
Comprehensive
Retained
Preference
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Stock
Loss
Earnings
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2022
336
365
Other comprehensive income
Common stock dividends declared ($0.7375 per share)
(282)
Preferred stock dividend declared ($26.875 per share for Series A and $25.00 per share for Series B)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests ($22.281 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
Noncash stock-based compensation
Balance at March 31, 2023
6,223
7,456
15,648
17,549
380
(283)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests ($24.273 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
Balance at June 30, 2023
6,270
7,553
15,793
17,694
Dividends to noncontrolling interests ($25.1276 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
Balance at September 30, 2023
The following table provides Edison International's changes in equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Balance at December 31, 2021
6,071
7,894
15,888
17,789
110
136
Common stock issued, net of issuance cost
Common stock dividends declared ($0.7000 per share)
(267)
Preferred stock dividend declared ($26.875 per share for Series A and $17.08333 per share for Series B)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests ($11.160 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
Balance at March 31, 2022
6,090
7,716
15,731
17,632
267
Dividends to noncontrolling interests ($14.017 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
(25)
Balance at June 30, 2022
6,129
15,774
17,675
Net (loss) income
(101)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests ($17.8564 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
(27)
Noncash stock-based compensation and other
Balance at September 30, 2022
6,167
(47)
7,295
15,392
17,293
40
The following table provides SCE's changes in equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
399
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.8048 per share)
(350)
Dividends declared on preference stock ($22.281 - $35.937 per share)
Stock-based compensation
8,438
8,264
20,807
Dividends declared on preference stock ($24.273 - $35.937 per share)
8,442
8,334
20,881
Dividends declared on preference stock ($25.1276 - $35.937 per share)
The following table provides SCE's changes in equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022:
7,033
(32)
8,721
19,835
173
Dividends declared on common stock ($0.7473 per share)
(325)
Dividends declared on preference stock ($11.160 - $35.937 per share)
7,028
(31)
8,542
19,652
327
Capital contribution from Edison International Parent
Dividends declared on preferred and preference stock ($14.017 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
7,732
8,520
20,337
Net loss
Dividends declared on preferred and preference stock ($17.8564 - $35.937 per share for preference stock)
7,735
8,115
19,936
Note 3.Variable Interest Entities
A VIE is defined as a legal entity that meets one of two conditions: (1) the equity owners do not have sufficient equity at risk, or (2) the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lack any of the following three characteristics: decision-making rights, the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity. The primary beneficiary is identified as the variable interest holder that has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate the VIE. Commercial and operating activities are generally the factors that most significantly impact the economic performance of such VIEs. Commercial and operating activities include construction, operation and maintenance, fuel procurement, plant dispatch and compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
Variable Interest in VIEs that are Consolidated
SCE Recovery Funding LLC is a bankruptcy remote, wholly owned special purpose subsidiary, consolidated by SCE. SCE Recovery Funding LLC is a VIE and SCE is the primary beneficiary. SCE Recovery Funding LLC was formed in 2021 for the purpose of issuing and servicing securitized bonds related to SCE's AB 1054 Excluded Capital Expenditures.
SCE Recovery Funding LLC has issued a total of $1.6 billion of securitized bonds. The proceeds were used to acquire SCE's right, title and interest in and to non-bypassable rates and other charges to be collected from certain existing and future customers in SCE's service territory ("Recovery Property"), associated with the AB 1054 Excluded Capital Expenditures, until the bonds are paid in full, and all financing costs have been recovered. The securitized bonds are secured by the Recovery Property and cash collections from the non-bypassable rates and other charges are the sole source of funds to satisfy the debt obligation. The bondholders have no recourse to SCE. For further details, see Note 5.
The following table summarizes the impact of SCE Recovery Funding LLC on SCE's and Edison International's consolidated balance sheets.
Regulatory assets: non-current
1,571
834
Regulatory liabilities: current
Current portion of long-term debt1
Long-term debt1
1,539
809
Variable Interest in VIEs that are not Consolidated
Power Purchase Agreements
SCE has PPAs that are classified as variable interests in VIEs, including agreements through which SCE provides the natural gas to fuel the plants, fixed price contracts for renewable energy, and resource adequacy agreements that, upon the seller's election, include the purchase of energy at fixed prices. SCE has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs since it does not control the commercial and operating activities of these entities. Since payments for capacity are the primary source of income, the most significant economic activity for these VIEs is the operation and maintenance of the power plants, which SCE does not perform.
As of the balance sheet date, the carrying amount of assets and liabilities included in SCE's consolidated balance sheet that relate to involvement with VIEs that are not consolidated, result from amounts due under the PPAs. Under these contracts, SCE recovers the costs incurred through demonstration of compliance with its CPUC-approved long-term power procurement plans. SCE has no residual interest in the entities and has not provided or guaranteed any debt or equity support, liquidity arrangements, performance guarantees, or other commitments associated with these contracts other than the purchase commitments described in Note 12 of the 2022 Form 10-K. As a result, there is no significant potential exposure to loss to SCE from its variable interest in these VIEs. The aggregate contracted capacity dedicated to SCE from these VIE projects was 3,443 MW and 3,901 MW at September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The amounts that SCE paid to these projects were $191 million and $252 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $476 million and $460 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts are recoverable in customer rates, subject to reasonableness review.
43
Unconsolidated Trusts of SCE
SCE Trust II, Trust III, Trust IV, Trust V, and Trust VI were formed in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, for the exclusive purpose of issuing the 5.10%, 5.75%, 5.375%, 5.45%, and 5.00% trust preference securities, respectively ("trust securities"). The trusts are VIEs. SCE has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as it does not have the obligation to absorb the expected losses or the right to receive the expected residual returns of the trusts. SCE Trust II, Trust III, Trust IV, Trust V and Trust VI issued to the public trust securities in the face amounts of $400 million, $275 million, $325 million, $300 million, and $475 million (cumulative, liquidation amounts of $25 per share), respectively, and $10,000 of common stock each to SCE. The trusts invested the proceeds of these trust securities in Series G, Series H, Series J, Series K, and Series L Preference Stock issued by SCE in the principal amounts of $400 million, $275 million, $325 million, $300 million, and $475 million (cumulative, $2,500 per share liquidation values), respectively, which have substantially the same payment terms as the respective trust securities.
The Series G, Series H, Series J, Series K, and Series L Preference Stock and the corresponding trust securities do not have a maturity date. Upon any redemption of any shares of the Series G, Series H, Series J, Series K, or Series L Preference Stock, a corresponding dollar amount of trust securities will be redeemed by the applicable trust. The applicable trust will make distributions at the same rate and on the same dates on the applicable series of trust securities, if and when the SCE board of directors declares and makes dividend payments on the related Preference Stock. The applicable trust will use any dividends it receives on the related Preference Stock to make its corresponding distributions on the applicable series of trust securities. If SCE does not make a dividend payment to any of these trusts, SCE would be prohibited from paying dividends on its common stock. SCE has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the payment of the trust securities and trust distributions, if and when SCE pays dividends on the related Preference Stock.
The Trust II, Trust III, Trust IV, Trust V and Trust VI balance sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 consisted of investments of $220 million, $275 million, $325 million, $300 million, and $475 million in the Series G, Series H, Series J, Series K and Series L Preference Stock, respectively, $220 million, $275 million, $325 million, $300 million, and $475 million of trust securities, respectively, and $10,000 each of common stock.
The following table provides a summary of the trusts' income statements:
Trust II
Trust III
Trust IV
Trust V
Trust VI
Dividend income
Dividend distributions
44
Note 4.Fair Value Measurements
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (referred to as an "exit price"). Fair value of an asset or liability considers assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about nonperformance risk. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, nonperformance risk was not material for Edison International and SCE.
Assets and liabilities are categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy based on valuation inputs used to determine fair value.
Level 1 – The fair value of Edison International's and SCE's Level 1 assets and liabilities is determined using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are available at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities. This level includes exchange-traded equity securities, U.S. treasury securities, mutual funds, and money market funds.
Level 2 – Edison International's and SCE's Level 2 assets and liabilities include fixed income securities, primarily consisting of U.S. government and agency bonds, municipal bonds and corporate bonds, and over-the-counter commodity derivatives. The fair value of fixed income securities is determined using a market approach by obtaining quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument.
The fair value of SCE's over-the-counter commodity derivative contracts is determined using an income approach. SCE uses standard pricing models to determine the net present value of estimated future cash flows. Inputs to the pricing models include forward published or posted clearing prices from an exchange (Intercontinental Exchange) for similar instruments and discount rates. A primary price source that best represents trade activity for each market is used to develop observable forward market prices in determining the fair value of these positions. Broker quotes, prices from exchanges, or comparison to executed trades are used to validate and corroborate the primary price source. These price quotations reflect mid-market prices (average of bid and ask) and are obtained from sources believed to provide the most liquid market for the commodity.
Level 3 – This level includes congestion revenue rights ("CRRs"), which are derivative contracts that trade infrequently with significant unobservable inputs (CAISO CRR auction prices). SCE employs a market valuation approach of utilizing historical CRR prices as a proxy for forward prices. Edison International Parent and Other does not have any Level 3 assets and liabilities.
Assumptions are made in order to value derivative contracts in which observable inputs are not available. In circumstances where fair value cannot be verified with observable market transactions, it is possible that a different valuation model could produce a materially different estimate of fair value. Modeling methodologies, inputs, and techniques are reviewed and assessed as markets continue to develop and more pricing information becomes available, and the fair value is adjusted when it is concluded that a change in inputs or techniques would result in a new valuation that better reflects the fair value of those derivative contracts. See Note 6 for a discussion of derivative instruments.
The following table sets forth assets and liabilities of SCE that were accounted for at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy:
Netting
and
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Collateral1
Assets at fair value
Derivative contracts
Money market funds and other
Nuclear decommissioning trusts:
Stocks2
1,550
Fixed Income3
927
1,339
2,266
Short-term investments, primarily cash equivalents
188
217
Subtotal of nuclear decommissioning trusts4
2,665
1,368
4,033
1,395
4,089
Liabilities at fair value
(45)
Net assets
1,350
December 31, 2022
392
(218)
241
669
1,610
941
1,281
2,222
201
2,688
1,345
3,335
1,759
4,943
116
(119)
1,643
63
4,942
46
SCE Fair Value of Level 3
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in SCE's fair value of Level 3 net derivative assets and liabilities:
Fair value of net assets at beginning of period
Sales
Settlements
Total realized/unrealized gains1
47
Fair value of net assets at end of period
There were no material transfers into or out of Level 3 during 2023 and 2022.
The following table sets forth the significant unobservable inputs used to determine fair value for Level 3 assets and liabilities:
Fair Value
Significant
Weighted
Unobservable
Range
Average
Assets
Liabilities
Input
(per MWh)
Congestion revenue rights
CAISO CRR auction prices
$(2.86) - $45.78
0.29
(7.91) - 3,856.67
1.64
Level 3 Fair Value Uncertainty
For CRRs, increases or decreases in CAISO auction prices would result in higher or lower fair value, respectively.
Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts
SCE's nuclear decommissioning trust investments include equity securities, U.S. treasury securities, and other fixed income securities. Equity and treasury securities are classified as Level 1 as fair value is determined by observable market prices in active or highly liquid and transparent markets. The remaining fixed income securities are classified as Level 2. There are no securities classified as Level 3 in the nuclear decommissioning trusts.
Edison International Parent and Other assets measured at fair value and classified as Level 1 consisted of money market funds of $120 million and $137 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and $5 million of equity investments at December 31, 2022. There are no assets classified as Level 2 at September 30, 2023. Assets measured at fair value and classified at Level 2 consisted of short-term investments of $2 million at December 31, 2022. There are no securities classified as Level 3 for Edison International Parent and Other.
Fair Value of Debt Recorded at Carrying Value
The carrying value and fair value of Edison International's and SCE's long-term debt (including the current portion of long-term debt) are as follows:
Carrying
Fair
Value1
Value2
32,471
28,700
29,639
26,824
28,398
24,688
26,258
23,469
Note 5.Debt and Credit Agreements
Long-Term Debt
In the first quarter of 2023, Edison International Parent issued $500 million of 8.125% junior subordinated notes due in 2053. The interest rate resets every five years at a rate equal to the five-year U.S. Treasury rate plus a spread of 3.864%. The proceeds were used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
In the second quarter of 2023, Edison International Parent issued $600 million of 5.25% senior notes due in 2028. The proceeds were used to repay commercial paper borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, SCE issued the following first and refunding mortgage bonds:
Description
Month of Issuance
Rate
Maturity Date
Amount (in millions)
Series 2023A1
March 2023
5.30%
750
Series 2023B2
5.70%
2053
450
Series 2023C1
May 2023
4.90%
400
Series 2023D2
5.88%
Series 2023E1
September 2023
5.65%
550
Senior Secured Recovery Bonds
In the second quarter of 2023, SCE Recovery Funding LLC issued $775 million of Senior Secured Recovery Bonds, Series 2023-A, in two tranches and used the proceeds to acquire SCE's right, title and interest in and to the Recovery Property. The two tranches of Senior Secured Recovery Bonds consisted of $425 million, 4.697% with final maturity in 2042 bonds and $350 million, 5.112% with final maturity in 2049 bonds. For further details, see Note 3. SCE used the proceeds from the sale of Recovery Property to pay down the entire $730 million outstanding amount of a term loan due in May 2023.
Credit Agreements and Short-Term Debt
The following table summarizes the status of the credit facilities at September 30, 2023:
(in millions, except for rates)
Borrower
Termination Date
Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus (bps)
Commitment
Outstanding borrowings
Outstanding letters of credit
Amount available
Edison International Parent1, 3
May 2027
1,500
389
1,111
SCE2, 3
3,350
621
2,527
Total Edison International
4,850
1,010
3,638
Uncommitted Letters of Credit Subsequent to September 30, 2023
In October 2023, SCE entered into agreements with certain lenders for bilateral unsecured standby letters of credit ("SBLC") with a total capacity of $625 million that is uncommitted and supported by reimbursement agreements. The SBLCs are not subject to any collateral or security requirements.
I e Note 6.Derivative Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are used to manage exposure to commodity price risk. These risks are managed in part by entering into forward commodity transactions, including options, swaps and futures. To mitigate credit risk from counterparties in the event of nonperformance, master netting agreements are used whenever possible, and counterparties may be required to pledge collateral depending on the creditworthiness of each counterparty and the risk associated with the transaction.
Commodity Price Risk
Commodity price risk represents the potential impact that can be caused by a change in the market value of a particular commodity. SCE's electricity price exposure arises from energy purchased from and sold to wholesale markets as a result of differences between SCE's load requirements and the amount of energy delivered from its generating facilities and PPAs. SCE's natural gas price exposure arises from natural gas purchased for the Mountainview power plants, Peaker plants and Qualifying Facilities contracts where pricing is based on a monthly natural gas index and PPAs in which SCE has agreed to provide the natural gas needed for generation, referred to as tolling arrangements.
Credit and Default Risk
Credit and default risk represent the potential impact that can be caused if a counterparty were to default on its contractual obligations and SCE would be exposed to spot markets for buying replacement power and natural gas or selling excess power and natural gas. In addition, SCE would be exposed to the risk of non-payment of accounts receivable, primarily related to the sales of excess power and natural gas and realized gains on derivative instruments.
Certain power and gas contracts contain master netting agreements or similar agreements, which generally allow counterparties subject to the agreement to offset amounts when certain criteria are met, such as in the event of default. The objective of netting is to reduce credit exposure. Additionally, to reduce SCE's risk exposures, counterparties may be required to pledge collateral depending on the creditworthiness of each counterparty and the risk associated with the transaction.
Certain power and gas contracts contain a provision that requires SCE to maintain an investment grade rating from the major credit rating agencies that have credit ratings for SCE, referred to as a credit-risk-related contingent feature. If SCE's credit rating were to fall below investment grade, SCE may be required to post additional collateral to cover derivative liabilities and the related outstanding payables. The net fair value of all derivative liabilities with these credit-risk-related contingent features was less than $1 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, for which SCE posted no collateral and collateral of $24 million for its outstanding payables as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on September 30, 2023, SCE would be required to post collateral of $1 million, most of which is related to outstanding payables.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
SCE presents its derivative assets and liabilities, recorded at fair value, on a net basis on its consolidated balance sheets when subject to master netting agreements or similar agreements. Derivative positions are also offset against margin and cash collateral deposits. In addition, SCE has provided collateral in the form of letters of credit. Collateral requirements can vary depending upon the level of unsecured credit extended by counterparties, changes in market prices relative to contractual commitments and other factors. See Note 4 for a discussion of fair value of derivative instruments. The following table summarizes the gross and net fair values of SCE's commodity derivative instruments:
Derivative Assets
Derivative Liabilities
Short-Term1
Long-Term2
Short-Term
Commodity derivative contracts
Gross amounts recognized
Gross amounts offset in the consolidated balance sheets
Cash collateral received
Net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets
Short-Term3
459
At September 30, 2023, SCE posted and accrued $110 million of cash collateral, of which $40 million was offset against derivative liabilities and $70 million was reflected in "Other current assets" on SCE's consolidated balance sheets.
Financial Statement Impact of Derivative Instruments
SCE recognizes realized gains and losses on derivative instruments as purchased power expense and expects that such gains or losses will be part of the purchased power costs recovered from customers. As a result, realized gains and losses do not
affect earnings, but may temporarily affect cash flows. Due to the expected future recovery from customers, unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities and therefore, also do not affect earnings. The remaining effects of derivative activities and related regulatory offsets are reported in cash flows from operating activities in SCE’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
The following table summarizes the gains/(losses) of SCE's economic hedging activity:
Realized
Unrealized
(344)
Notional Volumes of Derivative Instruments
The following table summarizes the notional volumes of derivatives used for SCE's economic hedging activities:
Unit of
Economic Hedges
Commodity
Measure
Electricity options, swaps and forwards
Gigawatt hours
2,299
1,022
Natural gas options, swaps and forwards
Billion cubic feet
30,770
44,028
Note 7.Revenue
SCE's revenue is disaggregated by two revenue sources:
The following table is a summary of SCE's revenue:
Revenue from contracts with customers1
2,362
3,479
5,841
2,350
3,603
5,953
Alternative revenue programs and other operating revenue2
(1,179)
(1,154)
100
(836)
(736)
Total operating revenue
Revenues from contracts with customers1
6,481
6,685
13,166
6,313
7,000
13,313
306
(886)
(580)
568
(707)
Deferred Revenue
As of September 30, 2023, SCE has deferred revenue of $371 million related to sale of the use of transfer capability of West of Devers transmission line, of which $13 million and $358 million are included in "Other current liabilities" and "Other deferred credits and other long-term liabilities," respectively, on SCE's consolidated balance sheets. The deferred revenue is amortized straight-line over a period of 30 years starting 2021.
Note 8.Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The table below provides a reconciliation of income tax expense computed at the federal statutory income tax rate to the income tax provision:
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
Provision for income tax at federal statutory rate of 21%
(55)
216
(Decrease) increase in income tax from:
State tax, net of federal benefit
(58)
(79)
Property-related
(152)
Total income tax (benefit) expense
Effective tax rate
(12.2)
%
(71.6)
4.0
(197.5)
56
255
(66)
(0.4)
(77.0)
7.9
(77.4)
The CPUC requires flow-through ratemaking treatment for the current tax benefit arising from certain property-related and other temporary differences which reverse over time. Flow-through items reduce current authorized revenue requirements in SCE's rate cases and result in a regulatory asset for recovery of deferred income taxes in future periods. The difference between the authorized amounts as determined in SCE's rate cases, adjusted for balancing and memorandum account
activities, and the recorded flow-through items also result in increases or decreases in regulatory assets with a corresponding impact on the effective tax rate to the extent that recorded deferred amounts are expected to be recovered in future rates. For further information, see Note 11.
Tax Disputes
In 2020, Edison International recorded favorable tax positions in connection with the Edison Mission Energy bankruptcy that were fully reserved. Based on information identified during the second quarter of 2023, the Company wrote off the total claim and related reserve in the amount of approximately $268 million.
Tax years that remain open for examination by the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board ("FTB") are 2020 – 2022 and 2013 – 2022, respectively.
Note 9.Compensation and Benefit Plans
Pension Plans
Net periodic pension expense components are:
Service cost
Non-service cost (benefit)
Interest cost
135
Expected return on plan assets
(162)
(171)
Settlement costs
Amortization of net loss1
Regulatory adjustment
(12)
Total non-service benefit2
(61)
(78)
Total expense
87
(51)
(153)
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions ("PBOP")
Net periodic PBOP expense components for Edison International and SCE are:
(72)
Amortization of net gain
Total non-service benefit1
Future decommissioning costs related to SCE's nuclear assets are expected to be funded from independent decommissioning trusts.
The following table sets forth amortized cost and fair value of the trust investments (see Note 4 for a discussion of fair value of the trust investments):
Amortized Costs
Fair Values
Longest
Maturity Dates
Municipal bonds
2061
632
672
682
754
Government and agency securities
2073
1,146
1,025
1,210
1,091
Corporate bonds
2070
350
351
Short-term investments and receivables/payables1
One-year
115
125
Total debt securities and other
2,243
2,393
2,338
Equity securities
Trust fund earnings (based on specific identification) increase the trust fund balance and the asset retirement obligation ("ARO") regulatory liability. Unrealized holding gains, net of losses, were $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Trust assets are used to pay income taxes arising from trust investing activity. Deferred tax liabilities related to net unrealized gains were $313 million and $321 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Accordingly, the fair value of trust assets available to pay future decommissioning costs, net of deferred income taxes, totaled $3.6 billion at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
The following table summarizes the gains and losses for the trust investments:
Gross realized gains
243
111
Gross realized losses
(35)
(69)
(96)
Net unrealized (losses)/gains for equity securities
(515)
Due to regulatory mechanisms, changes in the assets of the trusts from income or loss items do not materially affect earnings.
Edison International Parent and Other's Investments
Edison International Parent and Other hold strategic investments in companies focused on developing electric technologies and services, included as "Other investments" on Edison International's consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2023, these investments consisted of $13 million of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. As of December 31, 2022, these investments consisted of $5 million of marketable securities and $12 million of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. For further information of fair value and unrealized gains/(losses) of marketable securities, which are recorded in "Other income" on Edison Internationals' consolidated statements of income, see Note 4 and Note 15, respectively. The equity investments without readily determinable fair values balances included cumulative upward adjustments of $9 million, resulting primarily from values determined by additional capital infusions, at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Regulatory Assets
SCE's regulatory assets included on its consolidated balance sheets are:
Current:
Regulatory balancing and memorandum accounts
2,357
2,400
Power contracts
Total current
Long-term:
5,456
5,178
Unamortized investments, net of accumulated amortization
109
113
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt
1,192
1,589
Environmental remediation
Recovery assets
117
Total long-term
Total regulatory assets
11,182
10,678
Regulatory Liabilities
SCE's regulatory liabilities included on its consolidated balance sheets are:
685
584
Energy derivatives
338
Costs of removal
2,673
2,589
2,227
2,250
Recoveries in excess of ARO liabilities
1,285
1,231
1,377
1,116
Pension and other postretirement benefits
984
1,007
Total regulatory liabilities
9,287
9,175
Net Regulatory Balancing and Memorandum Accounts
The following table summarizes the significant components of regulatory balancing and memorandum accounts included in the above tables of regulatory assets and liabilities:
Asset (liability)
Energy resource recovery account
(141)
1,580
Portfolio allocation balancing account
New system generation balancing account
237
Public purpose programs and energy efficiency programs
(1,805)
(1,577)
Base revenue requirement balancing account
1,006
1,108
GRC wildfire mitigation balancing accounts
174
Residential uncollectibles balancing account
Greenhouse gas auction revenue and low carbon fuel standard revenue
(393)
(289)
FERC balancing accounts
(208)
(123)
Wildfire and drought restoration accounts
432
352
Wildfire-related memorandum accounts
985
1,168
Risk management balancing account1
COVID-19-related memorandum accounts
66
Customer service re-platform memorandum account
Tax accounting memorandum account and pole loading balancing account
Excess bond and power charge balancing account
Asset
1,487
2,289
Indemnities
Edison International and SCE have various financial and performance guarantees and indemnity agreements which are issued in the normal course of business.
Edison International and SCE have agreed to provide indemnifications through contracts entered into in the normal course of business. These are primarily indemnifications against adverse litigation outcomes in connection with underwriting agreements, indemnities for specified environmental liabilities and income taxes with respect to assets sold or other contractual arrangements. Edison International's and SCE's obligations under these agreements may or may not be limited in terms of time and/or amount, and in some instances Edison International and SCE may have recourse against third parties. Edison International and SCE have not recorded a liability related to these indemnities. The overall maximum amount of the obligations under these indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated.
In addition to the matters disclosed in these Notes, Edison International and SCE are involved in other legal, tax, and regulatory proceedings before various courts and governmental agencies regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Edison International and SCE believe the outcome of each of these other proceedings will not materially affect its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
California has experienced unprecedented weather conditions in recent years due to climate change, and wildfires in SCE's territory, including those where SCE's equipment may be alleged to be associated with the fire's ignition, have caused loss of life and substantial damage in recent years. SCE's service territory remains susceptible to additional wildfire activity.
Numerous claims related to wildfire events have been initiated against SCE and Edison International. Edison International and SCE have incurred material losses in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events (defined below), which are described below. In addition, SCE's equipment has been, and may further be, alleged to be associated with wildfires that have originated in Southern California subsequent to 2018.
Liability Overview
The extent of legal liability for wildfire-related damages in actions against utilities depends on a number of factors, including whether the utility substantially caused or contributed to the damages and whether parties seeking recovery of damages will be required to show negligence in addition to causation. California courts have previously found utilities to be strictly liable for property damage along with associated interest and attorneys' fees, regardless of fault, by applying the theory of inverse condemnation when a utility's facilities were determined to be a substantial cause of a wildfire that caused the property damage. If inverse condemnation is held to be inapplicable to SCE in connection with a wildfire, SCE still could be held liable for property damages and associated interest if the property damages were found to have been proximately caused by SCE's negligence. If SCE were to be found negligent, SCE could also be held liable for, among other things, fire suppression costs, business interruption losses, evacuation costs, clean-up costs, medical expenses, and personal injury/wrongful death claims. Additionally, SCE could potentially be subject to fines and penalties for alleged violations of CPUC rules and state laws investigated in connection with the ignition of a wildfire.
While investigations into the cause of a wildfire event are conducted by one or more fire agencies, fire agency findings do not determine legal causation of or assign legal liability for a wildfire event. Final determinations of legal causation and liability for wildfire events, including determinations of whether SCE was negligent, would only be made during lengthy and complex litigation processes and settlements may be reached before determinations of legal liability are ever made. Even when investigations are still pending or legal liability is disputed, an assessment of likely outcomes, including through future
settlement of disputed claims, may require estimated losses to be accrued under accounting standards. Each reporting period, management reviews its loss estimates for remaining alleged and potential claims related to wildfire events. The process for estimating losses associated with alleged and potential wildfire related claims requires management to exercise significant judgment based on a number of assumptions and subjective factors, including, but not limited to: estimates of known and expected claims by third parties based on currently available information, opinions of counsel regarding litigation risk, the status of and developments in the course of litigation, and prior experience litigating and settling wildfire litigation claims. As additional information becomes available, management's estimates and assumptions regarding the causes and financial impact of wildfire events may change. Actual losses incurred may be higher or lower than estimated based on several factors, including the uncertainty in estimating damages that have been or may be alleged.
Wildfires in SCE's territory in December 2017 and November 2018 caused loss of life, substantial damage to both residential and business properties, and service outages for SCE customers. The investigating government agencies, the Ventura County Fire Department ("VCFD") and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ("CAL FIRE"), have determined that the largest of the 2017 fires in SCE's territory originated on December 4, 2017, in the Anlauf Canyon area of Ventura County (the investigating agencies refer to this fire as the "Thomas Fire"), followed shortly thereafter by a second fire that originated near Koenigstein Road in the City of Santa Paula (the "Koenigstein Fire"). The December 4, 2017 fires eventually burned substantial acreage in both Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. According to CAL FIRE, the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires, collectively, burned over 280,000 acres, destroyed or damaged an estimated 1,343 structures and resulted in two confirmed fatalities. The largest of the November 2018 fires in SCE's territory, known as the "Woolsey Fire," originated in Ventura County and burned acreage in both Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. According to CAL FIRE, the Woolsey Fire burned almost 100,000 acres, destroyed an estimated 1,643 structures, damaged an estimated 364 structures and resulted in three confirmed fatalities. Four additional fatalities are alleged to have been associated with the Woolsey Fire.
As described below, multiple lawsuits related to the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires and the Woolsey Fire have been initiated against SCE and Edison International. Some of the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires lawsuits claim that SCE and Edison International have responsibility for the damages caused by debris flows and flooding in Montecito and surrounding areas in January 2018 (the "Montecito Mudslides") based on a theory alleging that SCE has responsibility for the Thomas and/or Koenigstein Fires and further alleging that the Thomas and/or Koenigstein Fires proximately caused the Montecito Mudslides. According to Santa Barbara County initial reports, the Montecito Mudslides destroyed an estimated 135 structures, damaged an estimated 324 structures, and resulted in 21 confirmed fatalities, with two additional fatalities presumed but not officially confirmed.
The Thomas Fire, the Koenigstein Fire, the Montecito Mudslides and the Woolsey Fire are each referred to as a "2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Event," and, collectively, referred to as the "2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events."
Recent Developments
As of September 30, 2023, SCE had paid $8.4 billion under executed settlements, had $209 million to be paid under executed settlements, including $65 million to be paid under the SED Agreement (as defined below), and had $728 million of
58
estimated losses for remaining alleged and potential claims reflected on its consolidated balance sheets related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. As of the same date, SCE had assets for expected recoveries through FERC electric rates of $51 million on its consolidated balance sheets and had exhausted expected insurance recoveries related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events.
The estimated losses for the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events do not include an estimate of potential losses related to certain alleged and potential claims made by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Service ("Cal OES") seeking recovery on behalf of itself and 30 state and local government entities that did not pursue their own suits against SCE, but sustained damage in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events and received funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") that was dispersed by the Cal OES. As of the filing of this report, SCE has not concluded that losses related to FEMA funds disbursed by Cal OES are probable.
Edison International and SCE may incur a material loss in excess of amounts accrued in connection with the remaining alleged and potential claims related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. Due to the number of uncertainties and possible outcomes related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigation, Edison International and SCE cannot estimate the upper end of the range of reasonably possible losses that may be incurred.
The CPUC and FERC may not allow SCE to recover uninsured losses through electric rates if it is determined that such losses were not prudently incurred. SCE will seek rate recovery of prudently incurred losses and related costs realized in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events in excess of available insurance, other than for any obligations under the SED Agreement (as defined below). See "Loss Estimates for Third Party Claims and Potential Recoveries from Insurance and through Electric Rates" below for additional information.
External Investigations and Internal Review
The VCFD and CAL FIRE have jointly issued reports concerning their findings regarding the causes of the Thomas Fire and the Koenigstein Fire. The reports did not address the causes of the Montecito Mudslides. SCE has also received a non-final redacted draft of a report from the VCFD regarding Woolsey Fire (the "Redacted Woolsey Report"). SCE cannot predict when the VCFD will release its final report regarding the Woolsey Fire.
The CPUC's Safety and Enforcement Division ("SED") conducted investigations to assess SCE's compliance with applicable rules and regulations in areas impacted by the Thomas, Koenigstein and Woolsey Fires. As discussed below, in October 2021, SCE and the SED executed the SED Agreement (as defined below) to resolve the SED's investigations into the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events.
The California Attorney General's Office has completed its investigation of the Thomas Fire and the Woolsey Fire without pursuing criminal charges.
SCE's internal review into the facts and circumstances of each of the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events is complex and time consuming. SCE expects to obtain and review additional information and materials in the possession of third parties during the course of its internal reviews and the litigation processes.
On March 13, 2019, the VCFD and CAL FIRE jointly issued a report concluding, after ruling out other possible causes, that the Thomas Fire was started by SCE power lines coming into contact during high winds, resulting in molten metal falling to the ground. However, the report does not state that their investigation found molten metal on the ground. At this time, based on available information, SCE believes that it is likely that its equipment was not associated with the ignition of the Thomas Fire. Based on publicly available radar data showing a smoke plume in the Anlauf Canyon area emerging in advance of the report's indicated start time and other evidence, SCE believes that the Thomas Fire started at least 12 minutes prior to any issue involving SCE's system and at least 15 minutes prior to the start time indicated in the report. SCE is continuing to assess the extent of damages that may be attributable to the Thomas Fire.
On March 20, 2019, the VCFD and CAL FIRE jointly issued a report finding that the Koenigstein Fire was caused when an energized SCE electrical wire separated and fell to the ground along with molten metal particles and ignited the dry vegetation below. SCE believes that its equipment was associated with the ignition of the Koenigstein Fire. SCE is continuing to assess the extent of damages that may be attributable to the Koenigstein Fire.
SCE's internal review includes inquiry into whether the Thomas and/or Koenigstein Fires proximately caused or contributed to the Montecito Mudslides, whether, and to what extent, the Thomas and/or Koenigstein Fires were responsible for the damages in the Montecito area and other factors that potentially contributed to the losses that resulted from the Montecito Mudslides. Many other factors, including, but not limited to, weather conditions and insufficiently or improperly designed and maintained debris basins, roads, bridges and other channel crossings, could have proximately caused, contributed to or exacerbated the losses that resulted from the Montecito Mudslides.
At this time, based on available information, SCE has not been able to determine whether the Thomas Fire or the Koenigstein Fire, or both, were responsible for the damages in the Montecito area. In the event that SCE is determined to have caused the fire that spread to the Montecito area, SCE cannot predict whether, if fully litigated, the courts would conclude that the Montecito Mudslides were caused or contributed to by the Thomas and/or Koenigstein Fires or that SCE would be liable for some or all of the damages caused by the Montecito Mudslides.
SCE's internal review into the facts and circumstances of the Woolsey Fire is ongoing. SCE has reported to the CPUC that there was an outage on SCE's electric system in the vicinity of where the Woolsey Fire reportedly began on November 8, 2018. SCE is aware of witnesses who saw fire in the vicinity of SCE's equipment at the time the fire was first reported. While SCE did not find evidence of downed electrical wires on the ground in the suspected area of origin, it observed a pole support wire in proximity to an electrical wire that was energized prior to the outage.
The Redacted Woolsey Report states that the VCFD investigation team determined that electrical equipment owned and operated by SCE was the cause of the Woolsey Fire. Absent additional evidence, SCE believes that it is likely that its equipment was associated with the ignition of the Woolsey Fire. SCE expects to obtain and review additional information and materials in the possession of CAL FIRE and others during the course of its internal review and the Woolsey Fire litigation process, including SCE equipment that has been retained by CAL FIRE.
Litigation
Multiple lawsuits related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events naming SCE as a defendant have been filed by three categories of plaintiffs: individual plaintiffs, subrogation plaintiffs and public entity plaintiffs. A number of the lawsuits also name Edison International as a defendant and some of the lawsuits were filed as purported class actions. As of September 30, 2023, in addition to the outstanding claims of approximately 2,000 individual plaintiffs, there were alleged and potential claims of certain public entity plaintiffs, including Cal OES and Cal Fire, outstanding. The litigation could take a number of years to be resolved because of the complexity of the matters and number of plaintiffs.
On October 4, 2018, the Los Angeles Superior Court denied Edison International's and SCE's challenge to the application of inverse condemnation to SCE with respect to the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires and, on February 26, 2019, the California Supreme Court denied SCE's petition to review the Superior Court's decision. In April 2022, following a stipulated judgment entered against SCE in the TKM litigation, SCE filed an appeal related to inverse condemnation in the California Court of Appeal.
In January 2019, SCE filed a cross-complaint against certain local public entities alleging that failures by these entities, such as failure to adequately plan for flood hazards and build and maintain adequate debris basins, roads, bridges and other channel crossings, among other things, caused, contributed to or exacerbated the losses that resulted from the Montecito Mudslides. These cross-claims in the Montecito Mudslides litigation were not released as part of the Local Public Entity Settlements (as defined below).
In the fourth quarter of 2019, SCE paid $360 million to a number of local public entities to resolve those parties' collective claims arising from the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events (the "Local Public Entity Settlements").
In the third quarter of 2020, Edison International and SCE entered into an agreement (the "TKM Subrogation Settlement") under which all of the insurance subrogation plaintiffs' in the Thomas Fire, Koenigstein Fire and Montecito Mudslides litigation (the "TKM Subrogation Plaintiffs") collective claims arising from the Thomas Fire, Koenigstein Fire or Montecito Mudslides have been resolved. Under the TKM Subrogation Settlement, SCE paid the TKM Subrogation Plaintiffs an aggregate of $1.2 billion in October 2020 and also agreed to pay $0.555 for each dollar in claims to be paid by the TKM Subrogation Plaintiffs to their policy holders on or before July 15, 2023, up to an agreed upon cap.
In January 2021, Edison International and SCE entered into an agreement (the "Woolsey Subrogation Settlement") under which all of the insurance subrogation plaintiffs' in the Woolsey Fire litigation (the "Woolsey Subrogation Plaintiffs") collective claims arising from the Woolsey Fire have been resolved. Under the Woolsey Subrogation Settlement, SCE paid the Woolsey Subrogation Plaintiffs an aggregate of $2.2 billion in March and April 2021. SCE has also agreed to pay $0.67 for each dollar in claims to be paid by the Woolsey Subrogation Plaintiffs to their policy holders on or before July 15, 2023, up to an agreed upon cap.
As of September 30, 2023, SCE has also entered into settlements with approximately 11,000 individual plaintiffs in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigation. In 2022, 2021 and 2020, SCE entered into settlements with individual plaintiffs in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigation under which it agreed to pay an aggregate of approximately $1.7 billion, $1.7 billion and $300 million, respectively, to those individual plaintiffs. In the first, second and third quarters of 2023, SCE entered into settlements with individual plaintiffs in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigation under which it agreed to pay an aggregate of approximately $148 million, $278 million and $316 million, respectively, to those individual plaintiffs. The statutes of limitations for individual plaintiffs in the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events have expired.
Edison International and SCE did not admit wrongdoing or liability as part of any of the settlements described above. Other claims and potential claims related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events remain. SCE continues to explore reasonable settlement opportunities with other plaintiffs in the outstanding 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events litigation.
In October 2021, SCE and the SED executed an agreement (the "SED Agreement") to resolve the SED's investigations into the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events and three other 2017 wildfires for, among other things, aggregate costs of $550 million. The $550 million in costs comprised of a $110 million fine to be paid to the State of California General Fund, $65 million of shareholder-funded safety measures, and an agreement by SCE to waive its right to seek cost recovery in CPUC-jurisdictional rates for $375 million of third-party uninsured claims payments. The SED Agreement provides that SCE may, on a permanent basis, exclude from its ratemaking capital structure any after-tax charges to equity or debt borrowed to finance costs incurred under the SED Agreement. The SED Agreement also imposes other obligations on SCE, including reporting requirements and safety-focused studies. SCE's obligations under the SED Agreement commenced on August 15, 2022, when CPUC approval of the SED Agreement became final and non-appealable. SCE did not admit imprudence, negligence or liability with respect to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events in the SED Agreement.
Loss Estimates for Third Party Claims and Potential Recoveries from Insurance and through Electric Rates
At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Edison International's and SCE's consolidated balance sheets included fixed payments to be made under executed settlement agreements and accrued estimated losses of $937 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, for the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. The following table presents changes in estimated losses since December 31, 2022:
Balance at December 31, 20221
1,119
Increase in accrued estimated losses
565
Amounts paid
(747)
Balance at September 30, 20232
937
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, Edison International's and SCE's consolidated statements of income included charges for the estimated losses, net of expected recoveries from insurance and FERC customers, related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events as follows:
62
Charge for wildfire-related claims
475
1,296
Expected revenue from FERC customers
(50)
(76)
Total pre-tax charge
448
830
532
1,220
(125)
(232)
(148)
(341)
Total after-tax charge
323
598
879
For events that occurred in 2017 and early 2018, principally the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires and Montecito Mudslides, SCE had $1.0 billion of wildfire-specific insurance coverage, subject to a self-insured retention of $10 million per occurrence. For the Woolsey Fire, SCE had an additional $1.0 billion of wildfire-specific insurance coverage, subject to a self-insured retention of $10 million per occurrence.
In total, through September 30, 2023, SCE has accrued estimated losses of $9.3 billion, has paid or is obligated to pay approximately $8.6 billion in settlements, including $65 million to be paid under the SED Agreement, and has recovered $2.0 billion from its insurance carriers in relation to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events.
Recovery of SCE's losses realized in connection with the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events in excess of available insurance is subject to approval by regulators. Under accounting standards for rate-regulated enterprises, SCE defers costs as regulatory assets when it concludes that such costs are probable of future recovery in electric rates. SCE utilizes objectively determinable evidence to form its view on probability of future recovery. The only directly comparable precedent in which a California investor-owned utility has sought recovery for uninsured wildfire-related costs is San Diego Gas & Electric's ("SDG&E") requests for cost recovery related to 2007 wildfire activity, where the FERC allowed recovery of all FERC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs while the CPUC rejected recovery of all CPUC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs based on a determination that SDG&E did not meet the CPUC's prudency standard. As a result, while SCE does not agree with the CPUC's decision, it believes that the CPUC's interpretation and application of the prudency standard to SDG&E creates substantial uncertainty regarding how that standard will be applied to an investor-owned utility in wildfire cost-recovery proceedings for fires ignited prior to July 12, 2019. SCE will continue to evaluate the probability of recovery based on available evidence, including judicial, legislative and regulatory decisions, including any CPUC decisions illustrating the interpretation and/or application of the prudency standard when making determinations regarding recovery of uninsured wildfire-related costs. While the CPUC has not made a determination regarding SCE's prudency relative to any of the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events, SCE is unable to conclude, at this time, that uninsured CPUC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs are probable of recovery through electric rates. SCE would record a regulatory asset at the time it obtains sufficient information to support a conclusion that recovery is probable.
In August 2023, SCE filed an application ("TKM Application") with the CPUC to seek rate recovery of $2.4 billion of prudently incurred losses related to the Thomas Fire, the Koenigstein Fire and the Montecito Mudslides, consisting of $2.0 billion of uninsured claims and $0.4 billion of associated costs, including legal fees and financing costs. The TKM Application seeks recovery of amounts paid as of July 31, 2023. In the application, SCE proposed a true-up process for claims payments made after that date, and associated costs.
Through the operation of its FERC Formula Rate, and based upon the precedent established in SDG&E's recovery of FERC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs, SCE believes it is probable it will recover its FERC-jurisdictional wildfire and mudslide related costs and has recorded total expected recoveries of $409 million within the FERC balancing account. This was the FERC portion of the total estimated losses accrued. As of September 30, 2023, collections have reduced the regulatory assets remaining in the FERC balancing account to $51 million.
As of September 30, 2023, SCE has $173 million in assets recorded in property, plant and equipment in relation to restoration costs related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events. These assets would be impaired if the restoration costs are permanently disallowed by the CPUC in cost recovery proceedings. In its TKM Application, SCE is seeking capital recovery
of approximately $65 million in restoration costs related to the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires. SCE expects to seek to recover the costs incurred for reconstructing its system and restoring service to structures that were damaged or destroyed by the Woolsey Fire in the future.
Several wildfires have significantly impacted portions of SCE's service territory after 2018 (the wildfires that originated in Southern California after 2018 where SCE's equipment may be alleged to be associated with the fire's ignition are referred to collectively as the "Post-2018 Wildfires"). Numerous claims related to the Post-2018 Wildfires have been initiated against SCE and Edison International. The SED is also conducting investigations with respect to several Post-2018 Wildfires.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, SCE accrued estimated losses of $124 million for claims related to the Post-2018 Wildfires, against which SCE has recorded expected recoveries from insurance of $114 million. The resulting net charge to earnings was $10 million ($7 million after-tax).
Through September 30, 2023, SCE has recorded total estimated losses of $820 million, expected recoveries from insurance and third parties of $587 million and expected recoveries through electric rates of $166 million related to the Post-2018 Wildfires. The after-tax net charges to earnings recorded through September 30, 2023 have been $48 million.
As of September 30, 2023, SCE had paid $30 million under executed settlements related to the Post-2018 Wildfires and Edison International's and SCE's estimated losses for remaining alleged and potential claims related to the Post-2018 Wildfires was $790 million. As of the same date, SCE had assets for expected recoveries through insurance and third parties of $560 million and through electric rates of $166 million on its consolidated balance sheets related to the Post-2018 Wildfires.
Expected recoveries from insurance recorded for the Post-2018 Wildfires are supported by SCE's insurance coverage for multiple policy years. While Edison International and SCE may incur material losses in excess of the amounts accrued for certain of the Post-2018 Wildfires, Edison International and SCE expect that any losses incurred in connection with any such fire will be covered by insurance, subject to self-insured retentions and co-insurance, and expect that any such losses after expected recoveries from insurance and through electric rates will not be material.
2019 Saddle Ridge Fire
The "Saddle Ridge Fire," originated in Los Angeles County in October 2019 and burned approximately 9,000 acres, destroyed an estimated 19 structures, damaged an estimated 88 structures, and resulted in one fatality and injuries to eight fire fighters. In August 2023, SCE received a signed report of investigation from the Los Angeles Fire Department ("LAFD"), in which the LAFD stated with respect to the Saddle Ridge Fire that the cause of ignition was unintentional, the form of heat was undetermined, the item first ignited was undetermined and the material type first ignited was undetermined. The LAFD report noted that no other competent ignition sources other than SCE’s transmission lines were found in the specific origin area of the Saddle Ridge Fire. A jury trial in the Saddle Ridge Fire litigation is currently set for May 2024. Based on pending litigation and without considering insurance recoveries, it is reasonably possible that SCE will incur a material loss in connection with the Saddle Ridge Fire, but the range of reasonably possible losses that could be incurred cannot be estimated at this time. SCE has not accrued a charge for potential losses relating to the Saddle Ridge Fire.
2020 Bobcat Fire
The "Bobcat Fire" was reported in the vicinity of Cogswell Dam in Los Angeles County in September 2020. The United States Forest Service ("USFS") has reported that the Bobcat Fire burned approximately 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County, destroyed an estimated 87 homes, one commercial property and 83 minor structures, damaged an estimated 28 homes and 19 minor structures, and resulted in injuries to six firefighters. In addition, fire authorities have estimated suppression costs at approximately $80 million. An investigation into the cause of the Bobcat Fire was led by the USFS. In
May 2023, SCE received a report of investigation from the USFS, in which the USFS finds that the Bobcat Fire was caused when an SCE electrical wire made contact with a tree limb. A jury trial in the Bobcat Fire litigation is currently set for April 2024. SCE expects to obtain and review additional information and materials in the possession of third parties during the course of its internal reviews and the litigation process. SCE has accrued material charges for potential losses relating to the Bobcat Fire. The accrued charges correspond to the lower end of the estimated range of reasonably possible losses that may be incurred in connection with the Bobcat Fire and are subject to change as additional information becomes available. While Edison International and SCE may incur a material loss in excess of the amount accrued, they cannot estimate the upper end of the range of reasonably possible losses that may be incurred.
2022 Coastal Fire
The "Coastal Fire" originated in Orange County in May 2022 and burned approximately 200 acres. The Orange County Fire Authority ("OCFA") has reported that the Coastal Fire destroyed 20 residential structures and damaged 11 residential structures. Two firefighters also reportedly sustained minor injuries. In addition, fire authorities have estimated suppression costs at approximately $3 million. While SCE's investigation remains ongoing, SCE's information reflects that a SCE circuit in the area experienced an anomaly (a relay) approximately 2 minutes prior to the reported time of the fire. An investigation into the cause of the Coastal Fire is being led by the OCFA. The OCFA has retained SCE equipment in connection with its investigation. An inverse condemnation liability bench trial in the Coastal Fire litigation has been set for April 29, 2024. SCE expects to obtain and review additional information and materials in the possession of third parties during the course of its internal reviews and the litigation process. SCE has accrued material charges for potential losses relating to the Coastal Fire. The accrued charges correspond to the lower end of the estimated range of reasonably possible losses that may be incurred in connection with the Coastal Fire and are subject to change as additional information becomes available. While Edison International and SCE may incur a material loss in excess of the amount accrued, they cannot estimate the upper end of the range of reasonably possible losses that may be incurred.
2022 Fairview Fire
The "Fairview Fire" originated in Riverside County in September 2022 and burned approximately 28,000 acres. CAL FIRE has reported that the Fairview Fire destroyed 22 residential structures, damaged five residential structures, and destroyed or damaged 17 minor structures. CAL FIRE also reported two civilian fatalities, one civilian injury and two injuries to responding fire personnel. In addition, fire authorities have estimated suppression costs at $39 million. While SCE's investigation remains ongoing, SCE's information reflects that a SCE circuit in the area experienced an anomaly (relay) approximately 8 minutes prior to the reported start time of the fire. An investigation into the cause of the Fairview Fire is being led by CAL FIRE. CAL FIRE has retained SCE equipment in connection with its investigation. A trial for bellwether plaintiffs in the Fairview Fire litigation has been set for September 2024. SCE expects to obtain and review additional information and materials in the possession of third parties during the course of its internal reviews and the litigation process. SCE has accrued material charges for potential losses relating to the Fairview Fire. The accrued charges correspond to the lower end of the estimated range of reasonably possible losses that may be incurred in connection with the Fairview Fire and are subject to change as additional information becomes available. While Edison International and SCE may incur a material loss in excess of the amount accrued, they cannot estimate the upper end of the range of reasonably possible losses that may be incurred.
At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Edison International's and SCE's consolidated balance sheets included accrued estimated losses of $790 million and $682 million, respectively, for the Post-2018 Wildfires.
The following table presents changes in estimated losses since December 31, 2022:
124
790
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, Edison International's and SCE's consolidated statements of income included charges for the estimated losses, net of expected recoveries from insurance and customers, related to the Post-2018 Wildfires as follows, respectively:
Charge for wildfire-related claims1
118
415
Expected insurance recoveries2
(111)
(244)
Expected revenue from CPUC and FERC customers
Expected insurance recoveries
(114)
Recovery of SCE's losses realized in connection with the Post-2018 Wildfires in excess of available insurance is subject to approval by regulators. The CPUC and FERC may not allow SCE to recover uninsured losses through electric rates if it is determined that such losses were not prudently incurred. Under accounting standards for rate-regulated enterprises, SCE defers costs as regulatory assets when it concludes that such costs are probable of future recovery in electric rates. SCE utilizes objectively determinable evidence to form its view on the probability of future recovery. As discussed above, there is evidence of a California investor-owned utility seeking recovery for uninsured wildfire-related costs and FERC allowing recovery of all FERC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs while the CPUC rejected recovery of all CPUC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs based on a determination that the utility did not meet the CPUC's prudency standard. This evidence was prior to the adoption of AB 1054 on July 12, 2019, after which date AB 1054 clarified that the CPUC must find a utility to be prudent if the utility's conduct related to the ignition was consistent with actions that a reasonable utility would have undertaken in good faith under similar circumstances, at the relevant point in time, and based on the information available at that time. Further, utilities with a valid safety certification at the time of the relevant wildfire will be presumed to have acted prudently related to a wildfire ignition unless a party in the cost recovery proceeding creates serious doubt as to the reasonableness of the utility's conduct, at which time, the burden shifts back to the utility to prove its conduct was prudent.
Each of the Post-2018 Wildfires was ignited after July 12, 2019, and SCE has held a valid safety certificate since July 15, 2019. While a California investor-owned utility has not yet sought recovery for uninsured claims and other costs related to wildfires ignited after the adoption of AB 1054, SCE believes that for fires ignited after July 12, 2019, and investor-owned utilities holding a safety certificate at the time of the fire, the CPUC will apply a standard of review similar to that applied by the FERC which presumes all costs requested by an investor-owned utility are reasonable and prudent unless serious doubt as to the reasonableness of the utility’s conduct is raised. As such, SCE has concluded, at this time, that both uninsured CPUC-jurisdictional and uninsured FERC-jurisdictional wildfire-related costs related to the Post-2018 Wildfires that it has deferred as regulatory assets are probable of recovery through electric rates. As of September 30, 2023, SCE has recorded total expected recoveries related to the Post-2018 Wildfires of $152 million within the WEMA and risk management balancing account and $14 million within the FERC balancing account. SCE will continue to evaluate the probability of recovery based on available evidence, including regulatory decisions, including any CPUC decisions illustrating the interpretation and/or application of the prudency standard under AB 1054, and, for each applicable fire, evidence that could cast serious doubt as to the reasonableness of SCE's conduct relative to that fire.
Wildfire Insurance Coverage
In May 2023, the CPUC allowed SCE to establish an expanded self-insurance program for wildfire-related costs that will be funded through CPUC-jurisdictional rates, with $150 million collected for the second half of 2023 and, in the absence of wildfire-related claims, $300 million collected for 2024. If losses are accrued for wildfire-related claims for wildfires that occur between July 1, 2023 and the end of 2024, customer rates will be increased in subsequent years, as needed, to allow for full recovery of the amounts accrued up to $1.0 billion per policy year, subject to a shareholder contribution of 2.5% of any self-insurance costs ultimately paid exceeding $500 million in any policy year, up to a maximum annual contribution of $12.5 million per policy year. If adopted in the 2025 GRC, this self-insurance framework would continue through at least 2028, supporting a self-insurance fund of up to $1.0 billion per policy year. SCE’s self-insurance program meets its obligation to maintain reasonable insurance coverage under AB 1054 for the July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 period.
SCE has approximately $1.0 billion of wildfire-specific insurance coverage for events that occurred during the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, subject to up to $100 million of self-insured retention and co-insurance per fire, which results in aggregate net coverage of approximately $937 million. Of this coverage, approximately $102 million is provided by EIS and approximately $835 million is provided by other commercial insurance carriers (commercial insurance carriers other than EIS are referred to herein as "Third-Party Commercial Insurers").
SCE has approximately $1.0 billion of wildfire-specific insurance coverage for events that occurred during the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, subject to up to $100 million of self-insured retention and co-insurance per fire, as well as additional co-insurance of up to $63 million for the policy year, which resulted in net coverage of approximately $875 million provided by Third-Party Commercial Insurers and $28 million provided by EIS for part of the policy year.
SCE's wildfire insurance expense for the July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 policy period was approximately $450 million, of which $357 million was paid to Third-Party Commercial Insurers. SCE's wildfire insurance expense for the July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 policy period was approximately $437 million, of which $413 million was paid to Third-Party Commercial Insurers. The difference between the Third-Party Commercial Insurer cost and total cost in both policy years was paid in premiums to EIS. Wildfire insurance premiums paid for the July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 and July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 policy periods are being recovered through customer rates. See Note 17 for further information.
Edison International and SCE record a receivable for insurance recoveries when recovery of a recorded loss is determined to be probable.
Environmental Remediation
SCE records its environmental remediation and restoration liabilities when site assessments and/or remedial actions are probable and a range of reasonably likely cleanup costs can be estimated. SCE reviews its sites and measures the liability
quarterly, by assessing a range of reasonably likely costs for each identified site using currently available information, including existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, experience gained at similar sites, and the probable level of involvement and financial condition of other potentially responsible parties. These estimates include costs for site investigations, remediation, operation and maintenance, monitoring, and site closure. Unless there is a single probable amount, SCE records the lower end of this reasonably likely range of costs (reflected in "Other long-term liabilities") at undiscounted amounts as timing of cash flows is uncertain.
At September 30, 2023, SCE's recorded estimated minimum liability to remediate its 26 identified material sites (sites with a liability balance at September 30, 2023, in which the upper end of the range of expected costs is at least $1 million) was $251 million, including $159 million related to San Onofre. In addition to these sites, SCE also has 12 immaterial sites with a liability balance as of September 30, 2023, for which the total minimum recorded liability was $3 million. Of the $254 million total environmental remediation liability for SCE, $233 million has been recorded as a regulatory asset. SCE expects to recover $36 million through an incentive mechanism that allows SCE to recover 90% of its environmental remediation costs at certain sites (SCE may request to include additional sites in this mechanism) and $197 million through proceedings that allow SCE to recover up to 100% of the costs incurred at certain sites through customer rates. SCE's identified sites include several sites for which there is a lack of currently available information, including the nature and magnitude of contamination, and the extent, if any, that SCE may be held responsible for contributing to any costs incurred for remediating these sites. Thus, no reasonable estimate of cleanup costs can be made for these sites.
The ultimate costs to clean up SCE's identified sites may vary from its recorded liability due to numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, such as: the extent and nature of contamination; the scarcity of reliable data for identified sites; the varying costs of alternative cleanup methods; developments resulting from investigatory studies; the possibility of identifying additional sites; and the time periods over which site remediation is expected to occur. SCE believes that, due to these uncertainties, it is reasonably possible that cleanup costs at the identified material sites and immaterial sites could exceed its recorded liability by up to $120 million and $5 million, respectively. The upper limit of this range of costs was estimated using assumptions least favorable to SCE among a range of reasonably possible outcomes.
SCE expects to clean up and mitigate its identified sites over a period of up to 40 years. Remediation costs for each of the next five years are expected to range from $9 million to $26 million. Costs incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $9 million and $5 million, respectively.
Based upon the CPUC's regulatory treatment of environmental remediation costs incurred at SCE, SCE believes that costs ultimately recorded will not materially affect its results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. There can be no assurance, however, that future developments, including additional information about existing sites or the identification of new sites, will not require material revisions to estimates.
Nuclear Insurance
SCE is a member of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited ("NEIL"), a mutual insurance company owned by entities with nuclear facilities. NEIL provides insurance for nuclear property damage, including damages caused by acts of terrorism up to specified limits, and for accidental outages for active facilities. The amount of nuclear property damage insurance purchased for San Onofre and Palo Verde exceeds the minimum federal requirement of $50 million and $1.1 billion, respectively. If NEIL losses at any nuclear facility covered by the arrangement were to exceed the accumulated funds for these insurance programs, SCE could be assessed retrospective premium adjustments of up to approximately $24 million per year.
Federal law limits public offsite liability claims for bodily injury and property damage from a nuclear incident to the amount of available financial protection, which is currently approximately $560 million for San Onofre and $16.5 billion for Palo Verde. SCE and other owners of San Onofre and Palo Verde have purchased the maximum private primary insurance available through a Facility Form issued by American Nuclear Insurers. SCE withdrew from participation in the secondary insurance pool for San Onofre for offsite liability insurance effective January 5, 2018. Based on its ownership interests in
68
Palo Verde, SCE could be required to pay a maximum of approximately $79 million per nuclear incident for future incidents. However, it would have to pay no more than approximately $12 million per future incident in any one year. Based on its ownership interests in San Onofre and Palo Verde prior to January 5, 2018, SCE could be required to pay a maximum of approximately $255 million per nuclear incident and a maximum of $38 million per year per incident for liabilities arising from events prior to January 5, 2018, although SCE is not aware of any such events.
Common Stock Issuances
As of September 30, 2023, Edison International had not issued any shares through its "at-the-market" ("ATM") program established in August 2022. Under the ATM program, Edison International may sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $500 million. Edison International has no obligation to sell the remaining shares available under the ATM program.
Edison International continued to settle its ongoing common stock requirements of various internal programs through issuance of new common stock. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, 204,724 shares of common stock were issued as stock compensation awards for net cash receipts of $11 million, 61,922 shares of new common stock were issued in lieu of distributing $4 million to shareholders opting to receive dividend payments in the form of additional common stock, 20,400 shares of common stock were issued to employees through the 401(k) defined contribution savings plan for net cash receipts of $1 million as dividend payments and 29,442 shares of common stock were issued to employees through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for net cash receipts of $2 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, 1,013,203 shares of common stock were issued as stock compensation awards for net cash receipts of $50 million, 189,927 shares of new common stock were issued in lieu of distributing $13 million to shareholders opting to receive dividend payments in the form of additional common stock, 90,400 shares of common stock were issued to employees through the 401(k) defined contribution savings plan for net cash receipts of $6 million as dividend payments, 55,923 shares of common stock were issued to employees through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for net cash receipts of $4 million and 9,905 shares of common stock were issued to employees through voluntary cash purchases for net cash receipts of $1 million.
Offer to Purchase Outstanding Preferred Stock Subsequent to September 30, 2023
On October 11, 2023, Edison International commenced a tender offer to purchase its outstanding 5.00% Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B ("Series B Preferred Stock") and its 5.375% Fixed-Rate Reset Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A ("Series A Preferred Stock") for a maximum aggregate purchase price in cash of up to $750 million, plus accrued dividends. The consideration for the securities tendered and accepted for purchase will equal $895 per $1,000 liquidation preference of Series B Preferred Stock and $915 per $1,000 liquidation preference of Series A Preferred Stock, plus, in each case, accrued dividends. The tender offer will expire on November 8, 2023. For further information about Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 14. Equity" in the 2022 Form 10-K.
Edison International's accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consist of:
Pension and PBOP:
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss1
Ending Balance
SCE's accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consists of:
Pension and PBOP – net loss:
Other income net of expenses is as follows:
SCE other income (expense):
Equity allowance for funds used during construction
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies and life insurance benefits
Interest income
194
Net periodic benefit income – non-service components
Civic, political and related activities and donations
Total SCE other income
Other income (expense) of Edison International Parent and Other:
Net gains (losses) on equity securities
Total Edison International other income
Supplemental cash flows information is:
Cash payments (receipts):
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
1,034
788
888
701
Income taxes, net
(49)
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Dividends declared but not paid:
Common stock
325
Preference stock of SCE
SCE's accrued capital expenditures at September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $584 million and $649 million, respectively. Accrued capital expenditures will be included as an investing activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows in the period paid.
SCE has previously purchased wildfire liability insurance from EIS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Edison International. In July 2022, SCE purchased wildfire liability insurance for premiums of $273 million, from EIS for the period to June 30, 2023. EIS fully reinsured the exposure for these policies through the commercial reinsurance market, with reinsurance limits and premiums equal to those of the insurance purchased by SCE, except for a contract for a premium of $93 million under which EIS provided insurance protection to SCE. SCE recorded the premium as insurance expense and recorded equal revenue due to customer funding through regulatory cost recovery mechanisms, therefore there was no earnings impact on SCE's consolidated statement of income. EIS recorded the premium as insurance revenue. On the Edison International consolidated statement of income, the EIS insurance revenue eliminated with SCE's insurance expense, therefore the SCE customer revenues increased the earnings of Edison International. SCE did not have insurance expense and corresponding revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and the amount of insurance expense and corresponding revenue was $44 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The related-party transactions included in SCE's consolidated balance sheets for wildfire-related insurance purchased from EIS and related expected insurance recoveries were as follows:
Prepaid insurance1
106
Long-term insurance receivable due from affiliate
Reflected in "Prepaid expenses" on SCE's consolidated balance sheets.
The expense for wildfire-related insurance premiums paid to EIS was zero and $67 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $132 million and $146 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The management of Edison International and SCE, under the supervision and with the participation of Edison International's and SCE's respective Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers, have evaluated the effectiveness of Edison International's and SCE's disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), respectively, as of the end of the third quarter of 2023. Based on that evaluation, Edison International's and SCE's respective Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers have each concluded that, as of the end of the period, Edison International's and SCE's disclosure controls and procedures, respectively, were effective.
There were no changes in Edison International's or SCE's internal control over financial reporting, respectively, during the third quarter of 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Edison International's or SCE's internal control over financial reporting.
Edison International's and SCE's respective scope of evaluation of internal control over financial reporting includes their Jointly Owned Utility Projects as discussed in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 2. Property, Plant and Equipment" in the 2022 Form 10-K.
Multiple lawsuits related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events naming SCE as a defendant have been filed by three categories of plaintiffs: individual plaintiffs, subrogation plaintiffs and public entity plaintiffs. A number of the lawsuits also name Edison International as a defendant and some of the lawsuits were filed as purported class actions. As of October 25, 2023, in addition to the outstanding claims of approximately 2,000 individual plaintiffs, there were alleged and potential claims of certain public entity plaintiffs, including Cal OES and Cal Fire, outstanding. The litigation could take a number of years to be resolved because of the complexity of the matters and number of plaintiffs.
As of October 25, 2023, SCE was aware of approximately 100 pending unsettled lawsuits representing approximately 500 individual plaintiffs related to the Thomas and Koenigstein Fires naming SCE as a defendant. Approximately 60 of the approximately 100 lawsuits also name Edison International as a defendant based on its ownership and alleged control of SCE. One of the lawsuits was filed as a purported class action. The lawsuits, which have been filed in the superior courts of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties allege, among other things, negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass, private nuisance, and violations of the public utilities and health and safety codes. SCE and certain of the individual plaintiffs in the Thomas and Koenigstein Fire litigation have been pursuing settlements of claims under a mediation program adopted to promote an efficient and orderly settlement process. Some individual plaintiffs have opted to pursue trial outside of the settlement program.
Approximately 40 of the approximately 100 pending unsettled individual plaintiff lawsuits mentioned in the paragraph above allege that SCE has responsibility for the Thomas and/or Koenigstein Fires and that the Thomas and/or Koenigstein Fires proximately caused the Montecito Mudslides, resulting in the plaintiffs' claimed damages. Many of the Montecito Mudslides lawsuits also name Edison International as a defendant based on its ownership and alleged control of SCE. In addition to other causes of action, some of the Montecito Mudslides lawsuits also allege personal injury and wrongful death.
As of October 25, 2023, SCE was aware of approximately 250 currently pending unsettled lawsuits representing approximately 1,500 individual plaintiffs related to the Woolsey Fire naming SCE as a defendant. Approximately 230 of the 250 lawsuits also name Edison International as a defendant based on its ownership and alleged control of SCE. At least one of the lawsuits was filed as a purported class action. The lawsuits, which have been filed in the superior courts of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties allege, among other things, negligence, inverse condemnation, personal injury, wrongful death, trespass, private nuisance, and violations of the public utilities and health and safety codes. SCE and certain of the individual plaintiffs in the Woolsey Fire litigation have been pursuing settlements of claims under a mediation program adopted to promote an efficient and orderly settlement process. Some individual plaintiffs may opt to pursue trial outside of the settlement program.
The Thomas and Koenigstein Fires and Montecito Mudslides lawsuits are being coordinated in the Los Angeles Superior Court. The Woolsey Fire lawsuits have also been coordinated in the Los Angeles Superior Court.
For further information, including regarding settlement activity related to the 2017/2018 Wildfire/Mudslide Events, see "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies—Contingencies—Southern California Wildfires and Mudslides."
Each of Edison International and SCE have elected to disclose environmental proceedings described in Item 103(c)(3)(iii) of Regulation S-K unless it reasonably believes that such proceeding will result in no monetary sanctions, or in monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, of less than $1,000,000.
Trading Plans
During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, no director or Section 16 officer adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements (in each case, as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).
Exhibit Number
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of SCE, effective August 28, 2023 (Filed No. 1-2313 filed as Exhibit 3.1 to SCE’s Form 8-K dated September 19, 2023 and filed September 21, 2023)*
10.1**
Edison International and Southern California Edison Company Director Compensation Schedule, as adopted August 24, 2023
10.2**
Edison International Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2024
31.1
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Edison International pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
31.2
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Southern California Edison Company pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32.1
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Edison International required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32.2
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of Southern California Edison Company required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
101.1
Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Edison International for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, filed on November 1, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
101.2
Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Southern California Edison Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, filed on November 1, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
104
The cover page of this report formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101)
* Incorporated by reference pursuant to Rule 12b-32.
** Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement as required by Item 15(a)(3).
Edison International and SCE will furnish a copy of any exhibit listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index upon written request and upon payment to Edison International or SCE of their reasonable expenses of furnishing such exhibit, which shall be limited to photocopying charges and, if mailed to the requesting party, the cost of first-class postage.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
By:
/s/ Kara G. Ryan
Kara G. Ryan
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Date:
November 1, 2023