R.C.S.A. § 16-27-2
Community antenna television utilities
Cite as Conn. Agencies Regs. § 16-27-2
Part 1
DEFINITIONS
When used in this system of accounts:
1. "Accounts" means the accounts prescribed in this system of accounts.
2. "Actually issued," as applied to securities issued or assumed by the utility, means
those which have been sold to bona fide purchasers for a valuable consideration, those
issued as dividends on stock, and those which have been issued in accordance with
contractual requirements direct to trustees of sinking funds.
3. "Actually outstanding," as applied to securities issued or assumed by the utility,
means those which have been actually issued and are neither retired nor held by or
for the utility; provided, however, that securities held by trustees shall be considered
as actually outstanding.
4. "Amortization" means the gradual extinguishment of an amount in an account by distributing
such amount over a fixed period, over the life of the asset or liability to which
it applies, or over the period during which it is anticipated the benefit will be
realized.
5.
A. "Associated companies" means companies or persons that, directly or indirectly,
through one or more intermediaries, control, or are controlled by, or are under common
control with, the accounting company.
B. "Control" (including the terms "controlling," "controlled by," and "under common
control with") means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct
or cause the direction of the management and policies of a company, whether such power
is exercised through one or more intermediary companies, or alone, or in conjunction
with, or pursuant to an agreement, and whether such power is established through a
majority or minority ownership or voting of securities, common directors, officers,
or stockholders, voting trusts, holding trusts, associated companies, contract or
any other direct or indirect means.
6. "Book cost" means the amount at which property is recorded in these accounts without
deduction of related provisions for accrued depreciation, amortization, or for other
purposes.
7. "Commission," unless otherwise indicated by the context, means the commission prescribing
this system of accounts.
8. "Cost" means the amount of money actually paid for property or services. When the
consideration given is other than cash, the value of such consideration shall be determined
on a cash basis.
9. "Cost of removal" means the cost of demolishing, dismantling, tearing down or otherwise
removing utility plant, including the cost of transportation and handling incidental
thereto.
10. "Debt expense" means all expenses in connection with the issuance and initial sale
of evidences of debt, such as fees for drafting mortgages and trust deeds; fees and
taxes for issuing or recording evidences of debt; cost of engraving and printing bonds
and certificates of indebtedness; fees paid trustees; specific costs of obtaining
governmental authority; fees for legal services; fees and commissions paid underwriters,
brokers, and salesmen for marketing such evidences of debt; fees and expenses of listing
on exchanges; and other like costs.
11. "Depreciation," as applied to depreciable utility plant, means the loss in service
value not restored by current maintenance, incurred in connection with the consumption
or prospective retirement of utility plant in the course of service from causes which
are known to be in current operation and against which the utility is not protected
by insurance. Among the causes to be given consideration are wear and tear, decay,
action of the elements, inadequacy, obsolescence, changes in the art, changes in demand
and requirements of public authorities.
12. "Discount," as applied to the securities issued or assumed by the utility, means the
excess of the par (stated value of no-par stocks) or face value of the securities
plus interest or dividends accrued at the date of the sale over the cash value of
the consideration received from their sale.
13. "Investment advances" means advances, represented by notes or by book accounts only,
with respect to which it is mutually agreed or intended between the creditor and debtor
that they shall be settled by the issuance of securities or shall not be subject to
current settlement.
14. "Minor items of property" means the associated parts or items of which retirement
units are composed.
15. "Net salvage value" means the salvage value of property retired less the cost of removal.
16. "Nominally issued," as applied to securities issued or assumed by the utility, means
those which have been signed, certified, or otherwise executed, and placed with the
proper officer for sale and delivery or pledged, or otherwise placed in some special
fund of the utility, but which have not been sold, or issued direct to trustees of
sinking funds in accordance with contractual requirements.
17. "Nominally outstanding," as applied to securities issued or assumed by the utility,
means those which, after being actually issued, have been reacquired by or for the
utility under circumstances which require them to be considered as held alive and
not retired, provided, however, that securities held by trustees shall be considered
as actually outstanding.
18. "Original cost," as applied to utility plant, means the cost of such property to the
person first devoting it to public service.
19. "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint
stock company, a business trust, or any organized group of persons, whether incorporated
or not, or any receiver or trustee.
20. "Premium," as applied to the securities issued or assumed by the utility, means the
excess of the cash value of the consideration received from their sale over the sum
of their par (stated value of no-par stocks) or face value and interest or dividends
accrued at the date of sale.
21. "Property retired," as applied to utility plant, means property which has been removed,
sold, abandoned, destroyed, or which for any cause has been withdrawn from service.
22. "Replacing" or "replacement," when not otherwise indicated in the context, means the
construction or installation of utility plant in place of property retired, together
with the removal of the property retired.
23. "Retirement units" mean those items of utility plant which, when retired, with or
without replacement, are accounted for by crediting the book cost thereof to the utility
plant account in which included.
24. "Salvage value" means the amount received for property retired, less any expenses
incurred in connection with the sale or in preparing the property for sale, or, if
retained, the amount at which the material recoverable is chargeable to materials
and supplies, or other appropriate account.
25. "Service life" means the time between the date utility plant is includible in utility
plant in service, or utility plant leased to others, and the date of its retirement.
If depreciation is accounted for on a production basis rather than on a time basis,
then service life should be measured in terms of the appropriate unit of production.
26. "Service value" means the difference between the original cost and the net salvage
value of utility plant.
27. "Utility," as used herein and when not otherwise indicated in the context, means any
public utility to which this system of accounts is applicable.
Part 2
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Applicability of uniform system of accounts
Each Community Antenna Television Company or utility as defined in Section 16-1 of
the 1965 Supplement to the General Statutes and each municipal Community Antenna Television
Company utility or department thereof, subject to accounting regulation by the Commission,
shall keep its records and accounts in conformity with this Uniform System of Accounts
and in conformity with the definitions and instructions contained herein.
2. Records
A. Each utility shall keep its books of account, and all other books, records, and
memoranda which support the entries in such books of account so as to be able to furnish
readily full information as to any item included in any account. Each entry shall
be supported by such detailed information as will permit a ready identification, analysis,
and verification of all facts relevant thereto.
B. The books and records referred to herein include not only accounting records in
a limited technical sense, but all other records, such as minute books, stock books,
reports, correspondence, memoranda, etc., which may be useful in developing the history
of or facts regarding any transaction.
C. No utility shall destroy any such books or records unless the destruction thereof
is permitted by rules and regulations of the Commission.
D. In addition to prescribed accounts, clearing accounts, temporary or experimental
accounts, and subdivisions of any account, may be kept, provided the integrity of
the prescribed accounts is not impaired.
E. All amounts included in the accounts prescribed herein for utility plant and operating
expenses shall be just and reasonable and any payments or accruals by the utility
in excess of just and reasonable charges shall be included in account 426, Misc. Income
Deductions.
F. The arrangement or sequence of the accounts prescribed herein shall not be controlling
as to the arrangement or sequence in report forms which may be prescribed by the Commission.
3. Numbering system
A. The account numbering scheme used herein consists of a system of three-digit whole
numbers as follows:
100-199 Assets and Other Debits.
200-299 Liabilities and Other Credits.
300-399 Plant Accounts.
400-432, 434-435 Income Accounts.
433, 436-439 Retained Earnings Accounts.
440-459 Revenue Accounts.
500-599 Production, Transmitting, Head End and Distribution Expenses.
900-949 Customer Accounts, Sales and General Administrative Expenses.
B. In certain instances, numbers have been skipped in order to allow for possible
later expansion or to permit better coordination with the numbering system for other
utility departments.
C. The numbers prefixed to account titles are solely for convenience of reference
and are not part of the titles. Each utility may adopt such scheme of account numbers
as it deems appropriate; provided, however, that it shall keep readily available a
list of the account numbers and subdivisions of accounts which it uses and a reconciliation
of such numbers and subdivisions with the account numbers and titles provided herein.
Further, the records must be so kept as to permit classification or summarization
each accounting period according to the prescribed accounts.
4. Accounting period
Each utility shall keep its books on a monthly basis so that for each month all transactions
applicable thereto, as nearly as may be ascertained, shall be entered in the books
of the utility. Amounts applicable or assignable to specific utility departments shall
be so segregated monthly. Each utility shall close its books at the end of each calendar
year.
5. Submittal of questions
To maintain uniformity of accounting, utilities shall submit questions of doubtful
interpretation to the Commission for consideration and decision.
6. Item lists
Lists of "items" appearing in the texts of the accounts or elsewhere herein are for
the purpose of more clearly indicating the application of the prescribed accounting.
The lists are intended to be representative, but not exhaustive. The appearance of
an item in a list warrants the inclusion of the item in the account mentioned only
when the text of the account also indicates inclusion inasmuch as the same item frequently
appears in more than one list. The proper entry in each instance must be determined
by the texts of the accounts.
7. Extraordinary items
It is the intent that net income shall reflect all items of profit and loss during
the period with the sole exception of prior period adjustments as described in paragraph
7.1 below. Those items related to the effects of events and transactions which have
occurred during the current period and which are not typical or customary business
activities of the company shall be considered extraordinary items. Accordingly, they
will be events and transactions of significant effect which would not be expected
to recur frequently and which would not be considered as recurring factors in any
evaluation of the ordinary operating processes of business. (In determining significance,
items of a similar nature should be considered in the aggregate. Dissimilar items
should be considered individually; however, if they are few in number, they may be
considered in aggregate.) To be considered as extraordinary under the above guidelines,
an item should be more than approximately 5 percent of income, computed before extraordinary
items. Commission approval must be obtained to treat an item of less than 5 percent,
as extraordinary. (see accounts 434 and 435).
7.1 Prior period items
A. As a general rule, items relating to transactions which occurred prior to the current
calendar year but were not recorded in the books of account shall be included in the
same accounts in which they would have been recorded had the item been recorded in
the proper period. Such items relate to events or transactions which occurred in a
prior period or periods, the accounting effects of which could not be determined with
reasonable assurance at the time, usually because of major uncertainty then existing.
When the amount of a prior period item is relatively so large its inclusion for a
single month would distort the accounts for that month, the amount may be distributed
in equal amounts to the accounts for the current and remaining months of the calendar
year. However, if the amount of any prior period item is so large that the company
believes its inclusion in the income statement would seriously distort the net income
for the year, the company shall request Commission approval to record the amount in
account 439, Adjustments to Retained Earnings. Such a request must be accompanied
by adequate justification.
B. Treatment as prior period adjustments should not be applied to the normal, recurring
corrections and adjustments which are the natural result of the use of estimates inherent
in the accounting process. For example, changes in the estimated remaining lives of
fixed assets affect the computed amounts of depreciation, but these changes should
be considered prospective in nature and not prior period adjustments. Similarly, relatively
insignificant adjustments of provisions for liabilities (including income taxes) made
in prior periods should be considered recurring items to be reflected in operations
of the current period. Some uncertainties, for example those relating to the realization
of assets (collectibility of accounts receivable, ultimate recovery of deferred costs
of realizability of inventories or other assets), would not qualify for prior period
adjustment treatment, since economic events subsequent to the date of the financial
statements must of necessity enter into the elimination of any previously-existing
uncertainty. Therefore, the effects of such matters are considered to be elements
in the determination of net income for the period in which the uncertainty is eliminated.
(See account 439.)
8. Unaudited items
Whenever a financial statement is required by the Commission, if it is known that
a transaction has occurred which affects the accounts but the amount involved in the
transaction and its effect upon the accounts cannot be determined with absolute accuracy,
then the amount shall be estimated and such estimated amount included in the proper
accounts. The utility is not required to anticipate minor items which would not appreciably
affect the accounts.
9. Distribution of pay and expenses of employees
The charges to utility plant, operating expenses and other accounts for services and
expenses of employees engaged in activities chargeable to various accounts, such as
construction, maintenance, and operations, shall be based upon the actual time engaged
in the respective classes of work, or in case that method is impracticable, upon the
basis of a study of the time actually engaged during a representative period.
10. Payroll distribution
Underlying accounting data shall be maintained so that the distribution of the cost
of labor charged direct to the various accounts will be readily available. Such underlying
data shall permit a reasonably accurate distribution to be made of the cost of labor
charged initially to clearing accounts so that the total labor cost may be classified
between construction, cost of removal, utility operating functions (source of supply,
pumping, transmission and distribution, etc.) and nonutility operations.
11. Operating reserves
Accretions to operating reserve accounts made by charges to operating expenses shall
not exceed a reasonable provision for the expense. Material balances in such reserve
accounts shall not be diverted from the purpose for which provided unless the permission
of the Commission is first obtained.
12. Records for each plant
Separate records shall be maintained by utility plant accounts of the book cost of
each system owned including additions by the utility to plant leased from others and
of the cost of operating and maintaining each system owned or operated. The term "plant"
as here used means such items as head end equipment, transmission cable, distribution
cable, amplifiers, power supplies, program origination equipment, etc.
13. Accounting for other departments
If the utility also operates other utility departments, such as electric, gas, etc.,
it shall keep such accounts for the other departments as may be prescribed by proper
authority and in the absence of prescribed accounts, it shall keep such accounts as
are proper or necessary to reflect the results of operating each other department.
14. Transactions with associated companies
Each utility shall keep its accounts and records so as to be able to furnish accurately
and expeditiously statements of all transactions with associated companies. The statements
may be required to show the general nature of the transactions, the amounts involved
therein and the amounts included in each account prescribed herein with respect to
such transactions. Transactions with associated companies shall be recorded in the
appropriate accounts for transactions of the same nature. Nothing herein contained,
however, shall be construed as restraining the utility from subdividing accounts for
the purposes of recording separately transactions with associated companies.
15. Contingent assets and liabilities
Contingent assets represent a possible source of value to the utility contingent upon
the fulfillment of conditions regarded as uncertain. Contingent liabilities include
items which may under certain conditions become obligations of the utility but which
are neither direct nor assumed liabilities at the date of the balance sheet. The utility
shall be prepared to give a complete statement of material contingent assets and liabilities
(including cumulative dividends on preference stock) in its annual report and at such
other times as may be requested by the Commission.
Part 3
UTILITY PLANT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Classification of utility plant at effective date of system of accounts
A. Utility plant as at the effective date of this system should be recorded in account
103, Utility Plant in Process of Reclassification.
B. The cost to the utility of its unclassified plant shall be ascertained by analysis
of the utility's records. Adjustments shall not be made to record in utility plant
accounts amounts previously charged to operating expenses or to income deductions
in accordance with the discretion of management as exercised under accounting practices
previously followed.
2. Utility plant to be recorded at cost
A. All amounts included in the accounts for utility plant, acquired as an operating
unit or system, shall be stated at the cost incurred by the person who first devoted
the property to utility service and all other utility plant shall be included in the
accounts at the cost incurred by the utility except as otherwise provided in the texts
of the intangible plant accounts. Where the term "cost" is used in the detailed plant
accounts, it shall have the meaning stated in this paragraph.
B. When the consideration given for property is other than cash, the value of such
consideration shall be determined on a cash basis. In the entry recording such transaction,
the actual consideration shall be described with sufficient particularity to identify
it. The utility shall be prepared to furnish the Commission the particulars of its
determination of the cash value of the consideration if other than cash.
C. When property is purchased under a plan involving deferred payments, no charge
shall be made to the utility plant accounts for interest, insurance, or other expenditures
occasioned solely by such form of payment.
D. The utility plant accounts shall not include the cost or other value of utility
plant contributed to the company. Contributions in the form of money or its equivalent
toward the construction of utility plant shall be credited to the accounts charged
with the cost of such construction. Plant constructed from contributions of cash or
its equivalent shall be shown as a reduction to gross plant constructed when assembling
cost data in work orders for posting to plant ledgers of accounts. The accumulated
gross costs of plant accumulated in the work order shall be recorded as a debit in
the plant ledger of accounts along with the related amount of contributions concurrently
being recorded as a credit.
3. Components of construction cost
The cost of construction properly includible in the utility plant accounts shall include,
where applicable, the direct and overhead costs as listed and defined hereunder.
(1) "Contract work" includes amounts paid for work performed under contract by other
companies, firms, or individuals, costs incident to the award of such contracts, and
the inspection of such work.
(2) "Labor" includes the pay and expenses of employees of the utility engaged on construction
work, and related workmen's compensation insurance payroll taxes and similar items
of expense. It does not include the pay and expenses of employees which are distributed
to construction through clearing accounts nor the pay and expenses included in other
items hereunder.
(3) "Materials and supplies" includes the purchase price at the point of free delivery
plus customs duties, excise taxes, the cost of inspection, loading and transportation,
the related stores expenses, and the cost of fabricated materials from the utility's
shop. In determining the cost of materials and supplies used for construction, proper
allowance shall be made for unused materials and supplies for materials recovered
from temporary structures used in performing the work involved, and for discounts
allowed and realized in the purchase of materials and supplies.
NOTE — The cost of individual items of equipment of small value (for example, $50
or less) or of short life, including small portable tools and implements, shall not
be charged to utility plant accounts unless the correctness of the accounting therefore
is verified by current inventories. The cost shall be charged to the appropriate operating
expense or clearing accounts, according to the use of such items, or, if such items
are consumed directly in construction work, the cost shall be included as part of
the cost of the construction unit.
(4) "Transportation" includes the cost of transporting employees, materials and supplies,
tools, purchased equipment, and other work equipment (when not under own power) to
and from points of construction. It includes amounts paid to others as well as the
cost of operating the utility's own transportation equipment. (See item 5 following.)
(5) "Special machine service" includes the cost of labor (optional), materials and
supplies, depreciation, and other expenses incurred in the maintenance, operation
and use of special machines, such as steam shovels, pile drivers, derricks, ditchers,
scrapers, material unloaders, and other labor saving machines; also expenditures for
rental, maintenance and operation of machines of others. It does not include the cost
of small tools and other invididual items of small value or short life which are included
in the cost of materials and supplies. (See item 3, above.) When a particular construction
job requires the use for an extended period of time of special machines, transportation
or other equipment, the net book cost thereof, less the appraised or salvage value
at time of release from the job, shall be included in the cost of construction.
(6) "Shop service" includes the proportion of the expense of the utility's shop department
assignable to construction work except that the cost of fabricated materials from
the utility's shop shall be included in "materials and supplies."
(7) "Protection" includes the cost of protecting the utility's property from fire
or other casualties and the cost of preventing damages to others, or to the property
of others, including payments for discovery or extinguishment of fires, cost of apprehending
and prosecuting incendiaries, witness fees in relation thereto, amounts paid to municipalities
and others for fire protection, and other analogous items of expenditures in connection
with construction work.
(8) "Injuries and damages" includes expenditures or losses in connection with construction
work on account of injuries to persons and damages to the property of others; also
the cost of investigation of and defense against actions for such injuries and damages.
Insurance recovered or recoverable on account of compensation paid for injuries to
persons incident to construction shall be credited to the account or accounts to which
such compensation is charged. Insurance recovered or recoverable on account of property
damages incident to construction shall be credited to the account or accounts charged
with the cost of the damages.
(9) "Privileges and permits" includes payments for and expenses incurred in securing
temporary privileges, permits or rights in connection with construction work, such
as for the use of private or public property, streets, or highways, but it does not
include rents, or amounts chargeable as franchises and consents for which see account
302, Franchises and Consents.
(10) "Rents" includes amounts paid for the use of construction quarters and office
space occupied by construction forces and amounts properly includible in construction
costs for such facilities jointly used.
(11) "Engineering and supervision" includes the portion of the pay and expenses of
engineers, surveyors, draftsmen, inspectors, superintendents and their assistants
applicable to construction work.
(12) "General administration capitalized" includes the portion of the pay and expenses
of the general officers and administrative and general expenses applicable to construction
work.
(13) "Engineering services" includes amounts paid to other companies, firms or individuals
engaged by the utility to plan, design, prepare estimates, supervise, inspect, or
give general advice and assistance in connection with construction work.
(14) "Insurance" includes premiums paid or amounts provided or reserved as self-insurance
for the protection against loss and damages in connection with construction, by fire
or other casualty, injuries to or death of persons other than employees, damages to
property of others, defalcation of employees and agents, and the nonperformance of
contractual obligations of others. It does not include workmen's compensation or similar
insurance on employees included as "labor" in item 2, above.
(15) "Law expenditures" includes the general law expenditures incurred in connection
with construction and the court and legal costs directly related thereto, other than
law expenses included in protection, item 7, and in injuries and damages, item 8.
(16) "Taxes" includes taxes on physical property (including land) during the period
of construction and other taxes properly includible in construction costs before the
facilities become available for service.
(17) "Interest during construction" includes the net cost for the period of construction
of borrowed funds used for construction purposes and a reasonable rate on other funds
when so used. No interest charges shall be included in these accounts upon expenditures
for construction projects which have been abandoned.
NOTE. — When a part only of a plant or project is placed in operation or is completed
and ready for service but the construction work as a whole is incomplete, that part
of the cost of the property placed in operation, or ready for service, shall be treated
as "Utility Plant in Service" and interest thereon as a charge to construction shall
cease. Interest on that part of the cost of the plant which is incomplete may be continued
as a charge to construction until such time as it is placed in operation or is ready
for service, except as limited in item 17, above.
(18) "Earnings and expenses during construction" includes (a) all revenues derived
during the construction period from property which is included in the cost of a project
under construction and (b) all expenses which are attributable to the revenues received.
4. Overhead construction costs
A. All overhead construction costs, such as engineering, supervision, general office
salaries and expenses, construction engineering and supervision by others than the
accounting utility, law expenses, insurance, injuries and damages, relief and pensions,
taxes and interest, shall be charged to particular jobs or units on the basis of the
amounts of such overheads reasonably applicable thereto, to the end that each job
or unit shall bear its equitable proportion of such costs and that the entire cost
of the unit, both direct and overhead, shall be deducted from the plant accounts at
the time the property is retired.
B. As far as practicable, the determination of payroll charges includible in construction
overheads shall be based on time card distributions thereof. Where this procedure
is impractical, special studies shall be made periodically of the time of supervisory
employees devoted to construction activities to the end that only such overhead costs
as have a definite relation to construction shall be capitalized. The addition to
direct construction costs of arbitrary percentages or amounts to cover assumed overhead
costs is not permitted.
C. The records supporting the entries for overhead construction costs shall be so
kept as to show the total amount of each overhead for each year, the nature and amount
of each overhead expenditure charged to each construction work order and to each utility
plant account, and the basis of distribution of such costs.
5. Utility plant purchased or sold
A. When utility plant constituting an operating unit or system is acquired by purchase,
merger, consolidation, liquidation, or otherwise, after the effective date of this
system of accounts, the cost of acquisition, including expenses incidental thereto
properly includible in utility plant, shall be charged to account 102, Utility Plant
Purchased or Sold.
B. The accounting for the acquisition, shall then be completed as follows:
(1) The original cost of plant, estimated if not known, shall be credited to account
102, Utility Plant Purchased or Sold, and concurrently charged to the appropriate
utility plant in service accounts and to account 104, Utility Plant Leased to Others,
account 105, Property Held For Future Use, and account 107, Construction Work in Progress,
as appropriate.
(2) The requirements for accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization applicable
to the original cost of the properties purchased, if required by the Commission to
be recorded by the accounting utility determined with due regard to operating practices
of the purchaser and his plans regarding such property, and giving consideration also
to the effect on such requirements of any rehabilitation expenditures (see paragraph
C), shall be charged to account 102, Utility Plant Purchased or Sold, and concurrently
credited to the appropriate account for accumulated provision for depreciation or
amortization.
(3) The cost to the utility of any property includible in account 121, Nonutility
Property, shall be transferred thereto.
(4) The amount remaining in account 102, Utility Plant Purchased or Sold, shall then
be closed to account 117, Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustments.
C. If property acquired in the purchase of an operating unit or system is in such
physical condition when acquired that it is necessary substantially to rehabilitate
it in order to bring the property up to the standards of the utility, the cost of
such work, except replacements, shall be accounted for as part of the purchase price
of the property.
D. When any property acquired as an operating unit or system includes duplicate or
other plant which will be retired by the accounting utility in the reconstruction
of the acquired property or its consolidation with previously owned property, the
accounting for such property shall be presented to the Commission.
E. In connection with the acquisition of utility plant constituting an operating unit
or system, the utility shall procure, if possible, all existing records relating to
the property acquired, or certified copies thereof, and shall preserve such records
in conformity with regulations or practices governing the preservation of records
of its own construction.
F. When utility plant constituting an operating unit or system is sold, conveyed,
or transferred to another by sale, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, the book cost
of the property sold or transferred to another shall be credited to the appropriate
utility plant accounts, including amounts carried in account 117, Utility Plant Acquisition
Adjustments. The amounts (estimated if not known) carried with respect thereto in
the accounts for accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization and in account
252, Customer Advances for Construction shall be charged to such accounts and the
contra entries made to account 102, Utility Plant Purchased or Sold. Unless otherwise
ordered by the Commission, the difference, if any, between (a) the net amount of debits
and credits and (b) the consideration received for the property, less commissions
and other expenses of making the sale, shall be included in account 411.6, Gains from
Disposition of Utility Plant or account 411.7, Losses from Disposition of Utility
Plant, as appropriate. (See account 102, Utility Plant Purchased or Sold.)
NOTE A. — Significant gains or losses on sale of property, as determined by the Commission,
shall be transferred to account 256, Deferred Gains from Disposition of Property or
account 187, Deferred Losses from Disposition of Property and amortized to accounts
411.6, gains from Disposition of Utility Plant, or 411.7, Losses from Disposition
of Utility Plant, as appropriate.
NOTE B. — In eases where existing utilities merge or consolidate because of financial
or operating reasons or statutory requirements rather than as a means of transferring
title of purchased properties to a new owner, the accounts of the constituent utilities,
with the approval of the Commission, may be combined. In the event original cost has
not been determined, the resulting utility shall proceed to determine such cost as
outlined herein.
6. Expenditures on leased property
A. The cost of substantial initial improvements (including repairs, rearrangements,
additions, and betterments) made in the course of preparing for utility service property
leased for a period of more than one year, and the cost of subsequent substantial
additions, replacements, or betterments to such property, shall be charged to the
utility plant account appropriate for the class of property leased. If the service
life of the improvements is terminable by action of the lease, then the cost, less
net salvage, of the improvements shall be spread over the life of the lease by charges
to account 404, Amortization of Limited Term Utility Plant. However, if the service
life is not terminated by action of the lease but by depreciation proper, then the
cost of the improvements, less net salvage, shall be accounted for as depreciable
plant.
B. If improvements made to property leased for a period of more than one year are
of relatively minor cost, or if the lease is for a period of not more than one year,
the cost of the improvements shall be charged to the account in which the rent is
included either directly or by amortization thereof.
7. Land and land rights
A. The accounts for land and land rights include the cost of land owned in fee by
the utility and rights, interests, and privileges held by the utility in land owned
by others, such as leaseholds, easements, diversion rights, submersion rights, rights
of way, and other like interests in land.
B. Where special assessments for public improvements provide for deferred payments,
the full amount of the assessments shall be charged to the appropriate land account
and the unpaid balance shall be carried in an appropriate liability account. Interest
on unpaid balances shall be charged to the appropriate interest account. If any part
of the cost of public improvements is included in the general tax levy, the amount
thereof shall be charged to the appropriate tax account.
C. The net profit from the sale of timber, cord wood, or other property acquired with
rights of way or other lands shall be credited to the appropriate land and land rights
or clearing land account. Where land is held for a considerable period of time and
timber on the land at the time of purchase increases in value, the net profit (after
giving effect to the cost of the timber) from the sales of timber or its products
shall be credited to account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income.
D. Separate entries shall be made for the acquisition, transfer, or retirement of
each parcel of land, and each land right (except rights of way for distribution lines),
having a life of more than one year. A record shall be maintained showing the nature
of ownership, full legal description, area, map reference, purpose for which used,
city, county, and tax district in which situated, from whom purchased or to whom sold,
payment given or received, other costs, contract date and number, date of recording
of deed, and book and page of record. Entries transferring or retiring land or land
rights shall refer to the original entry recording its acquisition.
E. Any difference between the amount received from the sale of land or land rights,
less agent's commissions and other costs incident to the sale, and the book cost of
such land or land rights, shall be included in account 411.6, Gains from Disposition
of Utility Plant, or account 411.7, losses from Disposition of Utility Plant, Provided
such property is recorded in accounts 101-104. If the property being disposed of is
recorded in account 105, Property Held for Future Use, or account 121, Nonutility
Property; but had previously been recorded in one of the aforementioned utility plant
accounts, gains or losses on its sale shall be credited or charged to account 411.6
or 411.7, as appropriate, otherwise to account 421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property,
or account 421.2, Loss on Disposition of Property, unless a reserve therefor has been
authorized and provided.
NOTE—Significant gains or losses on sale of property, as determined by the Commission,
shall be transferred to account 256, Deferred Gains from Disposition of Property,
or account 187, Deferred Losses from Disposition of Property; and amortized to account
411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant, 411.7, Losses from Disposition of
Utility Plant, 421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property or 421.2, Loss on Disposition
of Property, as appropriate.
F. The cost of buildings and other improvements (other than public improvements) shall
not be included in the land accounts. If at the time of acquisition of any interest
in land such interest extends to buildings or other improvements (other than public
improvements), which are then devoted to utility operations, the land and improvements
shall be separately appraised and the cost allocated to land and buildings or improvements
on the basis of the appraisals. If the improvements are removed or wrecked without
being used in operations, the cost of removing or wrecking shall be charged and the
salvage credited to the account in which the cost of the land is recorded.
G. When the purchase of land for utility operations requires the purchase of more
land than needed for such purposes, the charge to the specific land account shall
be based upon the cost of the land purchased, less the fair market value of that portion
of the land which is not to be used in utility operations. The portion of the cost
measured by the fair market value of the land not to be used shall be included in
account 105, Property Held for Future Use, or account 121, Nonutility Property, as
appropriate.
H. Provision shall be made for amortizing amounts carried in the accounts for limited-term
interests in land so as to apportion equitably the cost of each interest over the
life thereof. (See account 114, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Utility
Plant in Service, and account 404, Ammortization of Limited-Term Utility Plant.)
I. The items of cost to be included in the accounts for land and land rights are as
follows:
1. Bulkheads, buried, not requiring maintenance or replacement.
2. Cost, first, of acquisition including mortgages and other liens assumed (but not
subsequent interest thereon.)
3. Clearing (first cost) the land of brush, trees, and debris.
4. Condemnation proceedings, including court and counsel costs.
5. Consents and abutting damages, payment for.
6. Conveyancers' and notaries' fees.
7. Fees, commissions, and salaries to brokers, agents, and others in connection with
the acquisition of the land or land rights.
8. Grading the land, except when directly occasioned by the building of a structure.
9. Leases, cost of voiding upon purchase to secure possession of land.
10. Removing, relocating, or reconstructing property of others, such as buildings,
highways, railroads, bridges, cemeteries, churches, telephone and power lines, etc.,
in order to acquire quiet possession.
11. Retaining walls unless identified with structures.
12. Special assessments levied by public authorities for public improvements on the
basis of benefits for new roads, new bridges, new sewers, new curbing, new pavements,
and other public improvements, but not taxes levied to provide for the maintenance
of such improvements.
13. Surveys in connection with the acquisition, but not amounts paid for topographical
surveys and maps where such costs are attributable to structures or plant equipment
erected or to be erected or installed on such land.
14. Taxes assumed, accrued to date of transfer of title.
15. Title, examining, clearing, insuring, and registering in connection with the acquisition
and defending against claims relating to the period prior to the acquisition.
16. Appraisals prior to closing title.
17. Cost of dealing with distributees or legatees residing outside of the state or
county, such as recording power of attorney, recording will or exemplification of
will, recording satisfaction of state tax.
18. Filing satisfaction of mortgage.
19. Documentary stamps.
20. Photographs of property at acquisition.
21. Fees and expenses incurred in the acquisition of water rights, and grants.
22. Cost of fill to extend bulkhead line over land under water, where riparian rights
are held, which is not occasioned by the erection of a structure.
23. Sidewalks and curbs constructed by the utility on public property.
24. Labor and expenses in connection with securing rights of way, where performed
by company employees and company agents.
8. Structures and improvements
A. The accounts for structures and improvements include the cost of all buildings
and facilities to house, support, or safeguard property or persons, including all
fixtures permanently attached to and made a part of buildings and which cannot be
removed therefrom without cutting into the walls, ceilings, or floors, or without
in some way impairing the buildings, and improvements of a permanent character on
or to land.
B. The cost of specially provided foundations not intended to outlast the machinery
or apparatus for which provided, and the cost of angle irons, casting, etc., installed
at the base of an item of equipment, shall be charged to the same account as the cost
of the machinery, apparatus, or equipment.
C. Minor buildings and structures may be considered a part of the facility in connection
with which constructed or operated and the cost thereof accounted for accordingly
when the nature of the structure and facility indicates the correctness of such accounting.
D. Where furnaces and boilers are used primarily for furnishing steam for some particular
department and only incidentally for furnishing steam for heating a building and operating
the equipment therein, the entire cost of such furnaces and boilers shall be charged
to the appropriate plant account, and no part to the building account.
E. The cost of disposing of materials excavated in connection with construction of
structures shall be considered as a part of the cost of such work, except as follows:
(a) When such material is used for filling, the cost of loading, hauling, and dumping
shall be equitably apportioned between the work in connection with which the removal
occurs and the work in connection with which the material is used; (b) when such material
is sold, the net amount realized from such sales shall be credited to the work in
connection with which the removal occurs. If the amount realized from the sale of
excavated materials exceeds the removal costs and the costs in connection with the
sale, the excess shall be credited to the land account in which the site is carried.
F. Lighting or other fixtures temporarily attached to buildings for purposes of display
or demonstration shall not be included in the cost of the building but in the appropriate
equipment account.
G. The items of cost to be included in the accounts for structures and improvements
are as follows:
1. Architects' plans and specifications including supervision.
2. Ash pits (when located within the building).
3. Athletic field structures and improvements.
4. Boilers, furnaces, piping, wiring, fixtures, and machinery for heating, lighting,
signaling, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, plumbing, vacuum cleaning systems,
incinerator and smoke pipe, flues, etc.
5. Bulkheads, including dredging, riprap fill, piling, decking, concrete, fenders,
etc., when exposed and subject to maintenance and replacement.
6. Chimneys.
7. Coal bins and bunkers.
8. Commissions and fees to brokers, agents, architects and others.
9. Conduit (not to be removed) with its contents.
10. Damages to abutting property during construction.
11. Docks.
12. Door checks and door stops.
13. Drainage and sewerage systems.
14. Elevators, cranes, hoists, etc., and the machinery for operating them.
15. Excavation, including shoring, bracing, bridging, refill, and disposal of excess
excavated material, cofferdams around foundation, pumping water from cofferdam during
construction, test borings.
16. Fences and fence curbs (not including protective fences isolating items of equipment,
which should be charged to the appropriate equipment account).
17. Fire protection systems when forming a part of a structure.
18. Flagpole.
19. Floor covering (permanently attached).
20. Foundations and piers for machinery, constructed as a permanent part of a building
or other item listed herein.
21. Grading and clearing when directly occasioned by the building of a structure.
22. Intrasite communication system, poles, pole fixtures, wires and cables.
23. Landscaping, lawns, shrubbery, etc.
24. Leases, voiding upon purchase, to secure possession of structures.
25. Leased property, expenditures on.
26. Lighting fixtures and outside lighting systems.
27. Mailchutes when part of a building.
28. Marquee, permanently attached to building.
29. Painting, first cost.
30. Permanent paving, concrete, brick, flagstone, asphalt, etc., within the property
lines.
31. Partitions, including movable.
32. Permits and privileges.
33. Platforms, railings and gratings when constructed as a part of a structure.
34. Power boards for services to a building.
35. Refrigerating systems for general use.
36. Retaining walls except when identified with land.
37. Roadways, railroads, bridges, and trestles intrasite except railroads provided
for in equipment accounts.
38. Roofs.
39. Scales, connected to and forming a part of a structure.
40. Screens.
41. Sewer systems, for general use.
42. Sidewalks, culverts, curbs and streets constructed by the utility on its property.
43. Sprinkling systems.
44. Sump pumps and pits.
45. Stacks—brick, steel, or concrete, when set on foundation forming part of general
foundation and steelwork of a building.
46. Steel inspection during construction.
47. Storage facilities constituting a part of a building.
48. Storm doors and windows.
49. Subways, areaways, and tunnels, directly connected to and forming part of a structure.
50. Tanks, constructed as part of a building or as a distinct structural unit.
51. Temporary heating during construction (net cost).
52. Temporary water connection during construction (net cost).
53. Temporary shanties and other facilities used during construction (net cost).
54. Topographical maps.
55. Tunnels, intake and discharge, when constructed as part of a structure, including
sluice gates, and those constructed to house mains.
56. Vaults constructed as part of a building.
57. Watchmen's sheds and clock systems (net cost when used during construction only).
58. Water basins or reservoirs.
59. Water front improvements.
60. Water supply piping, hydrants and wells.
61. Water meters and supply system for a building or for general company purposes.
62. Wharves.
63. Window shades and ventilators.
64. Yard drainage system.
65. Yard lighting system.
66. Yard surfacing, gravel, concrete, or oil. (First cost only.)
NOTE.—Structures and Improvement accounts shall be credited with the cost of coal
bunkers, stacks, foundations, subways, tunnels, etc., the use of which has terminated
with the removal of the equipment with which they are associated even though they
have not been physically removed.
9. Equipment
A. The cost of equipment chargeable to the utility plant accounts, unless otherwise
indicated in the text of an equipment account, includes the net purchase price thereof,
sales taxes, investigation and inspection expenses necessary to such purchase, expenses
of transportation when borne by the utility, labor employed, materials and supplies
consumed, and expenses incurred by the utility in unloading and placing the equipment
in readiness to operate.
B. Exclude from equipment accounts hand and other portable tools which are likely
to be lost or stolen or which have relatively small value (for example, $50 or less)
or short life, unless the correctness of the accounting therefor as utility plant
is verified by current inventories. Special tools acquired and included in the purchase
price of equipment shall be included in the appropriate plant account. Portable drills
and similar tool equipment when used in connection with the operation and maintenance
of a particular plant or department, such as pumping, transmission and distribution,
etc., or in "stores," shall be charged to the plant account appropriate for their
use.
C. The equipment accounts shall include angle irons and similar items which are installed
at the base of an item of equipment, but piers and foundations which are designed
to be as permanent as the buildings which house the equipment, or which are constructed
as a part of the building and which cannot be removed without cutting into the walls,
ceilings or floors or without in some way impairing the building, shall be included
in the building accounts.
D. The equipment accounts shall include the necessary costs of testing or running
a plant or part thereof during an experimental or test period prior to becoming available
for service. The utility shall furnish the Commission with full particulars of and
justification for any test or experimental run extending beyond a period of thirty
days.
E. The cost of efficiency or other tests made subsequent to the date equipment becomes
available for service shall be charged to the appropriate expense accounts, except
that tests to determine whether equipment meets the specifications and requirements
as to efficiency, performance, etc., guaranteed by manufacturers, made after operations
have commenced and within the period specified in the agreement or contract of purchase,
may be charged to the appropriate utility plant account.
10. Additions and retirements of utility plant
A. For the purpose of avoiding undue refinement in accounting for additions to and
retirements and replacements of utility plant, all property shall be considered as
consisting of (1) retirement units and (2) minor items of property. Each utility shall
use such list of retirement units as is in use by it at the effective date hereof
or as may be prescribed by the Commission, with the option, however, of using smaller
units, provided the utility's practice in this respect is consistent.
B. The addition and retirement of retirement units shall be accounted for as follows:
(1) When a retirement unit is added to the utility plant, the cost thereof shall be
added to the appropriate utility plant account, except that when units are acquired
in the acquisition of any utility plant constituting an operating system, they shall
be accounted for as provided in utility plant instruction 5.
(2) When a retirement unit is retired from utility plant, with or without replacement,
the book cost thereof shall be credited to the utility plant account in which it is
included, determined in the manner set forth in paragraph D, below. If the retirement
unit is of a depreciable class, the book cost of the unit retired and credited to
utility plant shall be charged to the accumulated provision for depreciation applicable
to such property. The cost of removal and the salvage shall be charged or credited,
as appropriate, to such depreciation account.
C. The addition and retirement of minor items of property shall be accounted for as
follows:
(1) When a minor item of property which did not previously exist is added to plant,
the cost thereof shall be accounted for in the same manner as for the addition of
a retirement unit, as set forth in paragraph B (1), above, if a substantial addition
results, otherwise the charge shall be to the appropriate maintenance expense account.
(2) When a minor item of property is retired and not replaced, the book cost thereof
shall be credited to the utility plant account in which it is included; and, in the
event the minor item is a part of a depreciable plant, the account for accumulated
provision for depreciation shall be charged with the book cost and cost of removal
and credited with the salvage. If, however, the book cost of the minor item retired
and not replaced has been or will be accounted for by its inclusion in the retirement
unit of which it is a part when such unit is retired, no separate credit to the property
account is required when such minor item is retired.
(3) When a minor item of depreciable property is replaced independently of the retirement
unit of which it is a part, the cost of replacement shall be charged to the maintenance
account appropriate for the item, except that if the replacement effects a substantial
betterment (the primary aim of which is to make the property affected more useful,
more efficient, of greater durability, or of greater capacity), the access cost of
the replacement over the estimated cost at current prices of replacing without betterment
shall be charged to the appropriate utility plant account.
D. The book cost of the utility plant retired shall be the amount at which such property
is included in the utility plant accounts, including all components of construction
costs. The book cost shall be determined from the utility's records and if this cannot
be done, it shall be estimated. When it is impracticable to determine the book cost
of each unit, due to the relatively large number or small cost thereof, an appropriate
average book cost of the units, with due allowance for any differences in size and
character, shall be used as the book cost of the units retired.
E. The book cost of land retired shall be credited to the appropriate land account.
If the land is sold, the difference between the book cost, less any accumulated provision
for amortization therefor which has been authorized and provided, and the sale price
of the land, less commissions and other expenses of making the sale, shall be included
in account 411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant or account 411.7, Losses
from Disposition of Utility Plant, when such property is included in accounts 101-104.
If at the time of sale such property is classified in account 105, Property Held for
Future Use, or account 121, Nonutility Property; but had previously been classified
in the aforementioned utility plant accounts, gains or losses on its sale shall be
charged or credited to account 411.6 or 411.7, as appropriate, otherwise to account
421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property or account 421.2, Loss on Disposition of Property,
unless otherwise authorized by the Commission. If the land is not used in utility
service but is retained by the utility, the book cost shall be charged to account
105, Property Held for Future Use, or account 121, Nonutility Property, as appropriate.
NOTE.—Significant gains or losses on sale of property, as determined by the Commission,
shall be transferred to account 256, Deferred Gains from Disposition of Property,
or account 187, Deferred Losses from Disposition of Property; and amortized to accounts
411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant, 411.7, Losses from Disposition of
Utility Plant, 421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property or 421.2, Loss on Disposition
of Property, as appropriate.
F. The book cost less net salvage of depreciable utility plant retired shall be charged
in its entirety to account 111, Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Utility
Plant in Service. Any amounts which, by approval or order of the Commission, are charged
to account 182, Extraordinary Property Losses, shall be credited to account 111, Accumulated
Provision for Depreciation of Utility Plant in Service.
G. The accounting for the retirement of amounts included in account 302, Franchises
and Consents, and account 303, Miscellaneous Intangible Plant, and the items of limited-term
interest in land included in the accounts for land and land rights shall be as provided
for in the text of account 114, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Utility
Plant in Service, account 404, Amortization of Limited-Term Utility Plant and account
405, Amortization of Other Utility Plant.
11. Work order and property record system required
A. Each utility shall record all construction and retirements of utility plant by
means of work orders or job orders. Separate work orders may be opened for additions
to and retirements of utility plant or the retirements may be included with the construction
work order, provided, however, that all items relating to the retirements shall be
kept separate from those relating to construction and provided, further, that any
maintenance costs involved in the work shall likewise be segregated.
B. Each utility shall keep its work order system so as to show the nature of each
addition to or retirement of utility plant, the total cost thereof, the source or
sources of costs, and the utility plant account or accounts to which charged or credited.
Work orders covering jobs of short duration may be cleared monthly.
C. Each utility shall maintain records in which, for each plant account, the amounts
of the annual additions and retirements are classified so as to show the number and
the cost of the various retirement units or other appropriate record units included
therein.
12. Transfers of property
When property is transferred from one account for utility plant to another, from one
utility department to another, such as from water to gas, from one operating division
or area to another, to or from accounts 101, Utility Plant in Service Classified,
104, Utility Plant Leased to Others, 105, Property Held for Future Use, and 121, Nonutility
Property, the transfer shall be recorded by transferring the original cost thereof
from the one account, department, or location to the other. Any related amounts carried
in the accounts for accumulated provision for depreciation or amortization shall be
transferred in accordance with the segregation of such accounts.
13. Common utility plant
A. If the utility is engaged in more than one utility service such as CATV, water,
electric and gas, and any of its utility plant is used in common for several utility
services or for other purposes to such an extent and in such manner that it is impracticable
to segregate it by utility services currently in the accounts, such property with
the approval of the Commission, may be designated and classified as "common utility
plant."
B. Utility plant designated as common utility plant shall be classified according
to the detailed utility plant accounts appropriate for the property.
C. The utility shall be prepared to show at any time and to report to the Commission
annually, or more frequently, if required, and by utility plant accounts (301 to 399)
the following: (1) the book cost of common utility plant, (2) the allocation of such
cost to the respective departments using the common utility plant, and (3) the basis
of the allocation.
D. The accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization of the utility shall
be segregated so as to show the amount applicable to the property classified as common
utility plant.
E. The expenses of operation, maintenance, rent, depreciation and amortization of
common utility plant shall be recorded in the accounts prescribed herein but designated
as common expenses, and the allocation of such expenses to the departments using the
common utility plant shall be supported in such manner as to reflect readily the basis
of allocation used.
14. Multiple use plant
Land, rights of way and structures used jointly for several functions, such as for
transmitting and distribution purposes, shall be classified according to the major
use thereof.
Part 4
OPERATING EXPENSE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Supervision and engineering
The supervision and engineering includible in the operating expense accounts shall
consist of the pay and expenses of superintendents, engineers, clerks, other employees
and consultants engaged in supervising and directing the operations and maintenance
of each utility function. Wherever allocations are necessary in order to arrive at
the amount to be included in any account, the method and basis of allocation shall
be reflected by underlying records.
ITEMS
LABOR:
1. Special tests to determine efficiency of equipment operation.
2. Preparing or reviewing budgets, estimates, and drawings relating to operation or maintenance
for department approval.
3. Preparing instructions for operations and maintenance activities.
4. Reviewing and analyzing of operating results.
5. Establishing organizational setup of departments and executing changes therein.
6. Formulating and reviewing routines of departments and executing changes therein.
7. General training and instruction of employees by supervisors whose pay is chargeable
hereto. Specific instruction and training in a particular type of work is chargeable
to the appropriate functional account.
8. Secretarial work for supervisory personnel, but not general clerical and stenographic
work chargeable to other accounts.
EXPENSES:
9. Consultants' fees and expenses.
10. Meals, traveling and incidental expenses.
2. Maintenance
A. The cost of maintenance chargeable to the various operating expense and clearing
accounts includes labor, materials, overheads and other expenses incurred in maintenance
work. A list of work operations applicable generally to utility plant is included
hereunder.
B. Materials recovered in connection with the maintenance of property shall be credited
to the same account to which the maintenance cost was charged.
C. If the book cost of any property is carried in account 102, Utility Plant Purchased
or Sold, the cost of maintaining such property shall be charged to the accounts for
maintenance of property of the same class and use, the book cost of which is carried
in other utility plant in service accounts. Maintenance of property leased from others
shall be treated as provided in operating expense instruction 3.
ITEMS
1. Direct field supervision of maintenance.
2. Inspecting, testing, and reporting on condition of plant specifically to determine
the need for repairs, replacements, rearrangements and changes and inspecting and
testing the adequacy of repairs which have been made.
3. Work performed specifically for the purpose of preventing failure, restoring serviceability
or maintaining life of plant.
4. Rearranging and changing the location of plant not retired.
5. Repairing for reuse materials recovered from plant.
6. Testing for, locating and clearing trouble.
7. Net cost of installing, maintaining, and removing temporary facilities to prevent
interruptions in service.
8. Replacing or adding minor items of plant which do not constitute a retirement unit.
(See utility plant instruction 10.)
3. Rents
A. The rent expense accounts provided under the several functional groups of expense
accounts shall include all rents, including taxes paid by the lessee on leased property,
for property used in utility operations, except (1) minor amounts paid for occasional
or infrequent use of any property or equipment and all amounts paid for use of equipment
that, if owned, would be includible in plant accounts 391 to 398, inclusive, which
shall be treated as an expense item and included in the appropriate functional account
and (2) rents which are chargeable to clearing accounts, and distributed therefrom
to the appropriate account. If rents cover property used for more than one function,
or by more than one department, the rents shall be apportioned to the appropriate
rent expense or clearing accounts of each department on an actual, or, if necessary,
an estimated basis.
B. When a portion of property or equipment rented from others for use in connection
with utility operations is subleased, the revenue derived from such subleasing shall
be credited to the rent revenue account in operating revenues; provided, however,
that in case the rent was charged to a clearing account, amounts received from subleasing
the property shall be credited to such clearing account.
C. The cost, when incurred by the lessee, of operating and maintaining leased property,
shall be charged to the accounts appropriate for the expense if the property were
owned.
D. The cost incurred by the lessee of additions and replacements to utility plant
leased from others shall be accounted for as provided in utility plant instruction
6.
NOTE.—The aggregate of the rents included in the functional operating expense accounts
shall be included in the income statement in account 401, Operation Expense. However,
where the rents are significant in amount, the aggregate thereof shall be shown separately
in the income statement.
Part 5
BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS
1. Utility Plant
101. Utility plant in service classified
A. This account shall include the original cost of utility plant, included in the
plant accounts prescribed herein and in similar accounts for other utility departments,
owned and used by the utility in its utility operations, and having an expectation
of life in service of more than one year from date of installation, including such
property owned by the utility but held by nominees. Separate subaccounts shall be
maintained hereunder for each utility department.
B. The cost of additions to and betterments of property leased from others, which
are includible in this account, shall be recorded in subdivisions separate and distinct
from those relating to owned property. (See utility plant instruction 6.)
102. Utility plant purchased or sold
A. This account shall be charged with the cost of utility plant acquired as an operating
unit or system by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation, or otherwise, and
shall be credited with the selling price of like property transferred to others pending
the distribution to appropriate accounts in accordance with utility plant instruction
5.
B. Within six months from the date of acquisition or transfer of property recorded
herein, the utility shall file with the Commission the proposed journal entries to
clear from this account the amounts recorded herein.
103. Utility plant in process of reclassification
A. This account shall include temporarily the balance of utility plant which has not
yet been reclassified as of the effective date of this system of accounts. The detailed
or primary accounts in support of this account employed prior to such date shall be
continued pending reclassification into the utility plant accounts herein prescribed
(301399), but shall not be used for additions, betterments, or new construction.
B. No charges other than as provided in paragraph A, above, shall be made to this
account, but retirements of such unclassified utility plant shall be credited hereto
and to the supporting (old) fixed capital accounts until the reclassification shall
have been accomplished.
104. Utility plant leased to others
A. This account shall include the original cost of utility plant owned by the utility,
but leased to others as operating units or systems, where the lessee has exclusive
possession.
B. The property included in this account shall be classified according to the detailed
accounts prescribed for utility plant in service and this account shall be maintained
in such detail as though the property were used by the owner in its utility operations.
105. Property held for future use
A. This account shall include the original cost of property owned and held for future
use in utility service under a definite plan for such use. There shall be included
herein property acquired but never used by the utility in utility service, but held
for such service in the future under a definite plan, and property previously used
by the utility in utility service, but retired from such service and held pending
its reuse in the future, under a definite plan, in utility service.
B. The property included in this account shall be classified according to the detailed
accounts prescribed for utility plant in service and the account shall be maintained
in such detail as though the property were in service. Separate subaccounts shall
be maintained hereunder for each utility department for which plant is held for future
use.
NOTE. — Materials and supplies and normal spare capacity of plant in service shall
not be included in this account.
106. Completed construction not classified
At the end of the year or such other date as a balance sheet may be required by the
Commission, this account shall include the total of the balances of work orders for
utility plant which has been completed and placed in service but which work orders
have not been classified for transfer to the detailed utility plant accounts.
107. Construction work in progress
A. This account shall include the total of the balances of work orders for utility
plant in process of construction but not ready for service at the date of the balance
sheet.
B. Work orders shall be cleared from this account as soon as practicable after completion
of the job. Further, if a project is designed to consist of two or more units which
may be placed in service at different dates, any expenditures which are common to
and which will be used in the operation of the project as a whole shall be included
in utility plant in service upon the completion and the readiness for service of the
first unit. Any expenditures which are identified exclusively with units of property
not yet in service shall be included in this account.
NOTE. — See also account 106, Completed Construction Not Classified.
111. Accumulated provision for depreciation of utility plant in service
A. This account shall be credited with the following:
(1) Amounts charged to account 403, Depreciation Expense, to account 416, Costs and
Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing, and Contract Work, or to clearing accounts for
current depreciation expense.
(2) Amounts of depreciation applicable to utility properties acquired as operating
units or systems. (See utility plant instruction 5.)
(3) Amounts charged to account 182, Extraordinary Property Losses, when authorized
by the Commission.
(4) Amounts of depreciation applicable to utility plant donated to the utility.
B. At the time of retirement of depreciable utility plant in service, this account
shall be charged with the book cost of the property retired and the cost of removal,
and shall be credited with the salvage value and any other amounts recovered, such
as insurance. When retirements, cost of removal and salvage are entered originally
in retirement work orders, the net total of such work orders may be included in a
separate subaccount hereunder. Upon completion of the work order, the proper distribution
to subdivisions of this account shall be made as provided in the following paragraph.
C. For general ledger and balance sheet purposes, this account shall be regarded and
treated as a single composite provision for depreciation. For purposes of analysis,
however, each utility shall maintain subsidiary records in which this account is segregated
according to the utility department to which applicable. The amount applicable to
utility departments shall be further subdivided to show the amount for each functional
group of plant accounts. For the CATV utility department the following functional
classification shall be maintained: (1) Transmitting, (2) Head End Equipment, (3)
Distribution, and (4) General. These subsidiary records shall reflect the current
credits and debits to this account in sufficient detail to show separately for each
such functional classification (a) the amount of accrual for depreciation, (b) the
book cost of property retired, (c) cost of removal, (d) salvage, and (e) other items,
including recoveries from insurance.
D. When transfers of plant are made from one utility plant account to another, or
from or to nonutility property, the accounting shall be as provided in utility plant
instruction 12.
E. The utility is restricted in its use of the accumulated provisions for depreciation
to the purposes set forth above. It shall not divert any portion of this account to
retained earnings or make any other use thereof without authorization by the Commission.
112. Accumulated provision for depreciation of utility plant leased to others
A. This account shall be credited with amounts charged to account 413, Expenses of
Utility Plant Leased to Others, for currently accruing depreciation of property included
in account 104, Utility Plant Leased to Others. Include, also, credits for depreciation
applicable to plant acquired as operating units or systems, to plant donated to the
utility or for losses transferred to account 182, Extraordinary Property Losses.
B. The requirements of account 111, Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Utility
Plant in Service, regarding retirements chargeable thereto and of subsidiary data
to be maintained shall be applicable likewise to this account.
C. The utility is restricted in its use of the accumulated provisions for depreciation
to the purposes set forth above. It shall not divert any portion of this account to
retained earnings or make any other use thereof without authorization by the Commission.
113. Accumulated provision for depreciation of property held for future use
This account shall be credited with amounts charged to account 421, Miscellaneous
Nonoperating Income, for depreciation expense on property included in account 105,
Property Held for Future Use. Include, also, the balance of accumulated provision
for depreciation or amortization on property which may be transferred to account 105,
Property Held for Future Use, from other property accounts.
NOTE. — Normally, this account would not be used for current depreciation provisions
because, as provided herein, the service life during which depreciation is computed
commences with the date property is includible in utility plant in service. However,
if special circumstances indicate the propriety of current accruals for depreciation,
such charges shall be made to account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income.
114. Accumulated provision for amortization of utility plant in service
A. This account shall be credited with amounts charged to account 404, Amortization
of Limited-Term Utility Plant, for the current amortization of limited-term utility
investments. It shall be credited also with amounts which may be charged to account
405, Amortization of Other Utility Plant or to account 425, Miscellaneous Amortization,
to amortize intangible or other utility plant which does not have a definite or terminable
life and is not subject to charges for depreciation expense.
B. When any property to which this account applies is sold, relinquished, or otherwise
retired from service, this account shall be charged with the amount previously credited
in respect to such property. The book cost of the property so retired less the amount
chargeable to this account and less the net proceeds realized at retirement shall
be included in account 411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant, or account
411.7, Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant, as appropriate.
C. Records shall be maintained so as to show separately the balance applicable to
each class of property which is being amortized.
D. The utility is restricted in its use of the accumulated provisions for amortization
to the purposes set forth above. It shall not divert any portion of this account to
retained earnings or make any other use thereof without authorization of the Commission.
115. Accumulated provision for amortization of utility plant leased to others
A. This account shall be credited with amounts charged to account 413, Expenses of
Utility Plant Leased to Others, for the current amortization of limited-term or other
investments subject to amortization included in account 104, Utility Plant Leased
to Others.
B. When any property to which this account applies is sold, relinquished or otherwise
retired from service, this account shall be charged with the amount previously credited
in respect to such property. The book cost of the property so retired less the amount
chargeable to this account and less the net proceeds realized at retirement shall
be included in account 411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant, or account
411.7, Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant, as appropriate.
C. Records shall be maintained so as to show separately the balance applicable to
each class of property which is being amortized.
116. Accumulated provision for amortization of property held for future use
This account shall be credited with amounts charged to account 421, Miscellaneous
Nonoperating Income, for amortization expense on property included in account 105,
Property Held for Future Use. Include also, the balance of accumulated provision for
amortization on property which may be transferred to account 105, Property Held for
Future Use, from other property accounts.
NOTE. — See also note to account 113, Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Property
Held for Future Use.
117. Utility plant acquisition adjustments
A. This account shall include the difference between (a) the cost to the accounting
utility of utility plant acquired as an operating unit or system by purchase, merger,
consolidation, liquidation, or otherwise, and (b) the original cost, estimated, if
not known, of such property, less the amount or amounts credited by the accounting
utility at the time of acquisition to accumulated provisions for depreciation and
amortization.
B. With respect to acquisitions after the effective date of this system of accounts,
this account shall be subdivided so as to show the amounts included herein for each
property acquisition and the amounts applicable to each utility department and to
utility plant in service and utility plant leased to others. (See utility plant instruction
5.)
C. The amounts recorded in this account with respect to each property acquisition
shall be amortized, or otherwise disposed of, as the Commission may approve or direct.
118. Accumulated provision for amortization of utility plant acquisition adjustments
This account shall be credited or debited with amounts which are includible in account
406, Amortization of Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustments, or account 425, Miscellaneous
Amortization, for the purpose of providing for the extinguishment of amounts in account
117, Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustments, in instances where the amortization of
account 117 is not being made by direct write-off of the account.
119. Other utility plant adjustments
A. This account shall include the difference between the original cost, estimated
if not known, and the book cost of utility plant to the extent that such difference
is not properly includible in account 117, Utility Plant Acquisition Adjustments.
(See utility plant instruction 1C.)
B. Amounts included in this account shall be classified in such manner as to show
the origin of each amount and shall be disposed of as the Commission may approve or
direct.
NOTE. — The provisions of this account shall not be construed as approving or authorizing
the recording of appreciation of utility plant.
2. Other Property and Investments
121. Nonutility property
A. This account shall include the book cost of land, structures, equipment or other
tangible or intangible property owned by the utility, but not used in utility service
and not properly includible in account 105, Property Held for Future Use.
B. This account shall be subdivided so as to show the amount of property used in operations
which are nonutility in character but nevertheless constitute a distinct operating
activity of the company (such as operation of an ice department where such activity
is not classed as a utility) and the amount of miscellaneous property not used in
operations. The records in support of each subaccount shall be maintained so as to
show an appropriate classification of the property.
122. Accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization of nonutility property
This account shall include the accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization
applicable to property other than utility plant.
123. Investment in associated companies
A. This account shall include the book cost of investments in securities issued or
assumed by associated companies and investment advances to such companies, including
interest accrued thereon when such interest is not subject to current settlement.
Include also the offsetting entry to the recording of amortization of discount or
premium on interest bearing investments. (See account 419, Interest and Dividend Income.)
B. The account shall be maintained in such manner as to show the investment in securities
of, and advances to, each associated company together with full particulars regarding
any of such investments that are pledged.
NOTE A. — Securities and advances of associated companies owned and pledged shall
be included in this account, but such securities, if held in special deposits or in
special funds, shall be included in the appropriate deposit or fund account. A complete
record of securities pledged shall be maintained.
NOTE B. — Securities of associated companies held as temporary each investments are
includible in account 136, Temporary Cash Investments
NOTE C. — Balances in open accounts with associated companies, which are subject to
current settlement, are includible in account 146, Accounts Receivable from Associated
Companies.
NOTE D. — The utility may write down the cost of any security in recognition of a
decline in the value thereof. Securities shall be written off or written down to a
nominal value if there be no reasonable prospect of substantial value. Fluctuations
in market value shall not be recorded but a permanent impairment in the value of securities
shall be recognized in the accounts. When securities are written off or written down,
the amount of the adjustment shall be charged to account 426, Misc. Income Deduction,
or to an appropriate account for provisions for loss in value established as a separate
subdivision of this account.
124. Other investments
A. This account shall include the book cost of investments in securities issued or
assumed by nonassociated companies, investment advances to such companies, and any
investments not accounted for elsewhere. Include also the offsetting entry to the
recording of amortization of discount or premium on interest bearing investments.
(See account 419, Interest and Dividend Income.)
B. The cost of capital stock of the utility reacquired by it under a definite plan
for resale pursuant to authorization by the Board of Directors may, if permitted by
statutes, be included in a separate subdivision of this account. (See also account
217, Reacquired Capital Stock.)
C. The records shall be maintained in such manner as to show the amount of each investment
and the investment advances to each person.
NOTE A. — Securities owned and pledged shall be included in this account, but securities
held in special deposit or in special funds shall be included in appropriate deposit
or fund accounts. A complete record of securities pledged shall be maintained.
NOTE B. — Securities held as temporary each investments shall not be included in this
account.
NOTE C. — See note D of account 123.
125. Sinking funds
This account shall include the amount of cash and book cost of investments held in
sinking funds. A separate account, with appropriate title, shall be kept for each
sinking fund. Transfers from this account to account 134, Other Special Deposits,
may be made as necessary for the purpose of paying matured sinking-fund obligations,
or obligations called for redemption but not presented, or the interest thereon.
126. Depreciation fund
This account shall include the amount of cash and the book cost of investments which
have been segregated in a special fund for the purpose of identifying such assets
with the accumulated provisions for depreciation.
128. Other special funds
This account shall include the amount of cash and book cost of investments which have
been segregated in special funds for insurance, employee pensions, savings, relief
hospital, and other purposes not provided for elsewhere. A separate account, with
appropriate title, shall be kept for each fund.
NOTE. — Amounts deposited with a trustee under the terms of an irrevocable trust agreement
for pensions or other employee benefits shall not be included in this account.
3. Current and Accrued Assets
Current and accrued assets are cash, those assets which are readily convertible into
cash or are held for current use in operations or construction, current claims against
others, payment of which is reasonably assured, and amounts accruing to the utility
which are subject to current settlement, except such items for which accounts other
than those designated as current and accrued assets are provided. There shall not
be included in the group of accounts designated as current and accrued assets any
item, the amount or collectibility of which is not reasonably assured, unless an adequate
provision for possible loss has been made therefor. Items of current character but
of doubtful value may be written down and for record purposes carried in these accounts
at nominal value.
131. Cash
This account shall include the amount of current cash funds except working funds.
132. Interest special deposits
This account shall include special deposits with fiscal agents or others for the payment
of interest.
133. Dividend special deposits
This account shall include special deposits with fiscal agents or others for the payment
of dividends.
134. Other special deposits
This account shall include deposits with fiscal agents or others for special purposes
other than the payment of interest and dividends. Such special deposits may include
cash deposited with federal, state, or municipal authorities as a guaranty for the
fulfillment of obligations; cash deposited with trustees to be held until mortgaged
property sold, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of is replaced; cash realized from
the sale of the accounting utility's securities and deposited with trustees to be
held until invested in property of the utility, etc. Entries to this account shall
specify the purpose for which the deposit is made.
NOTE. — Assets available for general corporate purposes shall not be included in this
account. Further, deposits for more than one year, which are not offset by current
liabilities, shall not be charged to this account but to account 128, Other Special
Funds.
135. Working funds
This account shall include cash advanced to officers, agents, employees, and others
as petty cash or working funds.
136. Temporary cash investments
A. This account shall include the book cost of investments, such as demand and time
loans, bankers' acceptances, United States Treasury certificates, marketable securities,
and other similar investments, acquired for the purpose of temporarily investing cash.
B. This account shall be so maintained as to show separately temporary cash investments
in securities of associated companies and of others. Records shall be kept of any
pledged investments.
141. Notes receivable
This account shall include the book cost, not includible elsewhere, of all collectible
obligations in the form of notes receivable and similar evidences (except interest
coupons) of money due on demand or within one year from the date of issue, except,
however, notes receivable from associated companies. (See account 136, Temporary Cash
Investments, and account 145, Notes Receivable from Associated Companies.)
NOTE. — The face amount of notes receivable discounted, sold or transferred, without
releasing the utility from liability as endorser thereon, shall be credited to a separate
subdivision of this account and appropriate disclosure shall be made in financial
statements of any contingent liability arising from such transactions.
142. Customer accounts receivable
A. This account shall include amounts due from customers for utility service, and
for merchandising, jobbing and contract work. This account shall not include amounts
due from associated companies.
B. This account shall be maintained so as to permit ready segregation of amounts due
for merchandising, jobbing and contract work.
143. Other accounts receivable
A. This account shall include amounts due the utility upon open accounts, other than
amounts due from associated companies and from customers for utility services and
merchandising, jobbing and contract work.
B. This account shall be maintained so as to show separately amounts due on subscriptions
to capital stock and from officers and employees, but the account shall not include
amounts advanced to officers or others as working funds. (See account 135, Working
Funds.)
144. Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts—cr.
A. This account shall be credited with amounts provided for losses on accounts receivable
which may become uncollectible, and also with collections on accounts previously charged
hereto. Concurrent charges shall be made to account 904, Uncollectible Accounts, for
amounts applicable to utility operations, and to corresponding accounts for other
operations. Records shall be maintained so as to show the write-offs of accounts receivable
for each utility department.
B. This account shall be subdivided to show the provision applicable to the following
classes of accounts receivable:
Utility Customers
Merchandising, Jobbing and Contract Work
Officers and Employees
Other
NOTE A. — Accretions to this account shall not be made in excess of a reasonable provision
against losses of the character provided for.
NOTE B. — If provisions for uncollectible notes receivable or for uncollectible receivables
from associated companies are necessary, separate subaccounts therefor shall be established
under the account in which the receivable is carried.
145. Notes receivable from associated companies
146. Accounts receivable from associated companies
These accounts shall include notes and drafts upon which associated companies are
liable, and which mature and are expected to be paid in full not later than one year
from date of issue, together with any interest thereon, and debit balances subject
to current settlement in open accounts with associated companies. Items which do not
bear a specified due date but which have been carried for more than twelve months
and items which are not paid within twelve months from due date shall be transferred
to account 123, Investment in Associated Companies.
NOTE A. — On the balance sheet, accounts receivable from an associated company may
be set off against accounts payable to the same company.
NOTE B. — The face amount of notes receivable discounted, sold or transferred without
releasing the utility from liability as endorser thereon, shall be credited to a separate
subdivision of this account and appropriate disclosure shall be made in financial
statements of any contingent liability arising from such transactions.
154. Plant materials and operating supplies
A. This account shall include the cost of materials purchased primarily for use in
the utility business for construction, operation and maintenance purposes. It shall
include also the book cost of materials recovered in connection with construction,
maintenance or the retirement of property, such materials being credited to construction,
maintenance or accumulated depreciation provision, respectively, and included herein
as follows:
(1) Reusable materials consisting of large individual items shall be included in this
account at original cost, estimated if not known. The cost of repairing such items
shall be charged to the maintenance account appropriate for the previous use.
(2) Reusable materials consisting of relatively small items, the identity of which
(from the date of original installation to the final abandonment or sale thereof)
cannot be ascertained without undue refinement in accounting, shall be included in
this account at current prices new for such items. The cost of repairing such items
shall be charged to the appropriate expense account as indicated by previous use.
(3) Scrap and nonusable materials included in this account shall be carried at the
estimated net amount realizable therefrom. The difference between the amounts realized
for scrap and nonusable materials sold and the net amount at which the materials were
carried in this account, as far as practicable, shall be adjusted to the accounts
credited when the materials were charged to this account.
B. Materials and supplies issued shall be credited hereto and charged to the appropriate
construction, operating expense, or other account on the basis of a unit price determined
by the use of cumulative average, first-in-first-out, or such other method of inventory
accounting as conforms with accepted accounting-standards consistently applied.
ITEMS
1. Invoice price of materials less cash or other discounts.
2. Freight, switching or other transportation charges when practicable to include as
part of the cost of particular materials to which they relate.
3. Customs duties and excise taxes.
4. Costs of inspection and special tests prior to acceptance.
5. Insurance and other directly assignable charges.
NOTE. — Where expenses applicable to materials purchased cannot be directly assigned
to particular purchase, they shall be charged to account 163, Stores Expense.
155. Merchandise
This account shall include the book cost of materials and supplies held primarily
for merchandising, jobbing and contract work. The principles prescribed in accounting
for utility materials and supplies shall be observed in respect to items carried in
this account.
156. Other materials and supplies
This account shall include the book cost of materials and supplies held primarily
for nonutility purposes. The principles prescribed in accounting for utility materials
and supplies shall be observed in respect to items carried in this account.
163. Stores expense
A. This account shall include the cost of supervision, labor and expenses incurred
in the operation of general storerooms, including purchasing, storage, handling and
distribution of materials and supplies.
B. This account shall be cleared by adding to the cost of materials and supplies issued
a suitable loading charge which will distribute the expense equitably over stores
issues. The balance in the account at the close of the year shall not exceed the amount
of stores expenses reasonably attributable to the inventory of materials and supplies.
ITEMS
LABOR:
1. Inspecting and testing materials and supplies when not assignable to specific items.
2. Unloading from shipping facility and putting in storage.
3. Supervision of purchasing and stores department to extent assignable to materials
handled through stores.
4. Getting materials from stock and in readiness to go out.
5. Inventorying stock received or stock on hand by stores employees but not including
inventories by general department employees as part of internal or general audits.
6. Purchasing department activities in checking material needs, investigating sources
of supply, analyzing prices, preparing and placing orders, and related activities
to extent applicable to materials handled through stores. (Optional. Purchasing department
expenses may also be included in administrative and general expenses.)
7. Maintaining stores equipment.
8. Cleaning and tidying storerooms and stores offices.
9. Keeping stock records, including recording and posting of material receipts and issues
and maintaining inventory record of stock.
10. Collecting and handling scrap materials in stores. SUPPLIES AND EXPENSES:
11. Adjustments of inventories of materials and supplies but not including large differences
which can readily be assigned to important classes of materials and can be equitably
distributed among the accounts to which such classes of materials have been charged
since the previous inventory.
12. Cash and other discounts not practically assignable to specific materials.
13. Freight, express, etc., when not assignable to specific items.
14. Heat, light and power for storerooms and store offices.
15. Brooms, brushes, sweeping compounds and other supplies used in cleaning and tidying
storerooms and stores offices.
16. Injuries and damages.
17. Insurance on materials and supplies and on stores equipment.
18. Losses due to breakage, leakage, evaporation, fire or other causes, less credits for
amounts received from insurance, transportation companies or others in compensation
of such losses.
19. Postage, printing, stationery and office supplies.
20. Rent of storage space and facilities.
21. Communication service.
22. Excise and other similar taxes not assignable to special materials.
23. Transportation expense on inward movement of stores and on transfer between storerooms
but not including charges on materials recovered from retirements which shall be accounted
for as part of cost of removal.
NOTE. — A physical inventory of each class of materials and supplies shall be made
at least every two years.
165. Prepayments
This account shall include amounts representing prepayments of insurance, rents, taxes,
interest and miscellaneous items, and shall be kept or supported in such manner as
to disclose the amount of each class of prepayment.
171. Interest and dividends receivable
This account shall include the amount of interest on bonds, mortgages, notes, commercial
paper, loans, open accounts, deposits, etc., the payment of which is reasonably assured
and the amount of dividends declared or guaranteed on stocks owned.
NOTE A. — Interest which is not subject to current settlement shall not be included
herein but in the account in which is carried the principal on which the interest
is accrued.
NOTE B. — Interest and dividends receivable from associated companies shall be included
in account 146, Accounts Receivable from Associated Companies.
172. Rents receivable
This account shall include rents receivable or accrued on property rented or leased
by the utility to others.
NOTE. — Rents receivable from Associated Companies shall be included in account 146,
Accounts Receivable from Associated Companies.
173. Accrued utility revenues
At the option of the utility, the estimated amount accrued for service rendered, but
not billed at the end of any accounting period, may be included herein. In case accruals
are made for unbilled revenues, they shall be made likewise for unbilled expenses,
such as for the purchase of energy.
174. Miscellaneous current and accrued assets
This account shall include the book cost of all other current and accrued assets,
appropriately designated and supported so as to show the nature of each asset included
herein.
4. Deferred Debits
181. Unamortized debt discount and expense
A. This account shall include the total of the debit balances in the discount, expense,
and premium accounts for all classes of long-term debt, determined as provided in
the following paragraphs of this account.
B. A discount, expense, and premium account shall be maintained for each class and
series of long-term debt (including receivers' certificates) issued or assumed by
the utility, in which shall be recorded the discount, expense, and premium associated
with the issuance and sale of each such class and series of debt. In stating the balance
sheet, the total of the debit balances remaining in those accounts having debit balances
shall be reported under this account and the total of the credit balances remaining
in those accounts having credit balances shall be reported under account 251, Unamortized
Premium on Debt. Accounts with debit balances shall not be set off against accounts
with credit balances.
C. The discount, expense, and premium shall be amortized over the life of the respective
issues under a plan which will distribute the amounts equitably over the life of the
securities. The amortization shall be on a monthly basis, and the amounts thereof
shall be charged to account 428, Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense, or credited
to account 429, Amortization of Premium on Debt—cr, as may be appropriate. The utility
may, however, accelerate the writing off of discount and expense where the amounts
are insignificant.
D. When any long-term debt is reacquired or redeemed without being converted into
another form of long-term debt and when the transaction is not in connection with
a refunding operation, the difference between the amount paid upon requirement and
the face value plus the unamortized premium or less the unamortized discount and expense,
as the case may be, applicable to the debt redeemed, retired and canceled, shall be
debited or credited as appropriate to account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income
or account 426, Miscellaneous Income Deductions.
E. When the redemption of one issue or series of bonds or other long-term obligations
is financed by another issue or series before the maturity date of the first issue,
account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income or account 426, Miscellaneous Income
Deductions, shall be credited or debited, as appropriate, with any unamortized discount,
expense, or premium on the first issue and any premium paid or discount earned on
the redemption.
If the utility desires to amortize any of the discount, expense, or premium associated
with the issuance or redemption of the first issue over a period subsequent to the
date of redemption, the permission of the Commission must be obtained; provided, however,
that special permission of the Commission shall not be necessary, if the utility proceeds
with a plan of disposition of the discount, expense, and redemption premiums associated
with the refunded bonds, as follows:
(1) A special charge is recorded in the year of refunding in account 428, Amortization
of Debt Discount and Expense, equal to the saving in income taxes arising from the
refunding transactions;
(2) There is charged to account 426, Misc. Income Deductions, in the year of refunding,
any amounts of unamortized discount and expenses or redemption premiums relating to
bonds or other long-term obligations previously refunded by the refunded bonds under
immediate consideration, such amounts sometimes being referred to as "grandfather
items"; and,
(3) The utility proceeds to amortize by equal monthly charges, from the date of refunding,
the remainder of the charges associated with the refunded bonds, over a period not
longer than that in which the saving in net annual interest and amortization charges
equals the remainder of charges to be amortized, after taking into consideration the
estimated additional taxes on income attributable to the saving in net annual interest
and amortization charges.
F. Discount, expense, or premium on debt shall not be included as part of the cost
of constructing or acquiring any property, tangible or intangible, except under the
provisions of account 432, Interest Charged to Construction.
182. Extraordinary property losses
A. When authorized or directed by the Commission, this account shall include extraordinary
losses on property abandoned or otherwise retired from service which are not provided
for by the accumulated provisions for depreciation or amortization and which could
not reasonably have been foreseen and provided for, and extraordinary losses, such
as unforeseen damages to property, which could not reasonably have been anticipated
and which are not covered by insurance or other provisions.
B. The entire cost, less net salvage, of depreciable property retired shall be charged
to accumulated provision for depreciation. If all, or a portion, of the loss is to
be included in this account, the accumulated provision for depreciation shall then
be credited and this account charged with the amount properly chargeable hereto.
C. Application to the Commission for permission to use the account shall be accompanied
by a statement giving a complete explanation with respect to the items which it is
proposed to include herein, the period over which, and the accounts to which it is
proposed to write off the charges, and other pertinent information.
183. Preliminary survey and investigation charges
A. This account shall be charged with all expenditures for preliminary surveys, plans,
investigations, etc., made for the purpose of determining the feasibility of projects
under contemplation. If construction results, this account shall be credited and the
appropriate utility plant account charged. If the work is abandoned, the charge shall
be to account 426, Misc. Income Deductions, or to the appropriate operating expense
account.
B. The records supporting the entries to this account shall be so kept that the utility
can furnish complete information as to the nature and the purpose of the survey, plans,
or investigations and the nature and amounts of the several charges.
NOTE. — The amount of preliminary survey and investigation charges transferred to
utility plant shall not exceed the expenditures which may reasonably be determined
to contribute directly and immediately and without duplication to utility plant.
184. Clearing accounts
This caption shall include undistributed balances in clearing accounts at the date
of the balance sheet. Balances in clearing accounts shall be substantially cleared
not later than the end of the calendar year unless items held therein relate to a
future period.
185. Temporary facilities
This account shall include amounts shown by work orders for plant installed for temporary
use in utility service for periods of less than one year. Such work orders shall be
charged with the cost of temporary facilities and credited with payments received
from customers and net salvage realized on removal of the temporary facilities. Any
net credit or debit resulting shall be cleared to account 451, Miscellaneous Service
Revenues.
186. Miscellaneous deferred debits
A. This account shall include all debits not elsewhere provided for, such as miscellaneous
work in progress, and unusual or extraordinary expenses, not included in other accounts,
which are in process of amortization, and items the proper final disposition of which
is uncertain.
B. The records supporting the entries to this account shall be so kept that the utility
can furnish full information as to each deferred debit.
187. Deferred losses from disposition of property
This account shall include losses from the sale or other disposition of property previously
recorded in accounts, 101-104; in account 105, Property Held for Future Use or account
121, Nonutility Property, where such losses are significant and are to be amortized
over a period of five years, unless otherwise authorized by the Commission. The amortization
of the amounts in this account shall be made by debits to account 411.7, Losses from
Disposition of Utility Plant or account 421.2, Loss on Disposition of Property, as
appropriate. Amounts recorded in this account shall be net of related income taxes.
(See Utility Plant Instructions 5F, 7E and 10E.)
188. Deferred start-up costs
This account may be charged with the excess of start-up operating costs over revenues
received during the development period of the cable television system, or segment
of the system, which are to be deferred during the preoperating and/or immediate post-operating
period, for later amortization. Such start-up costs, at the option of the respondent,
may be expended or deferred. Deferment shall cease, and a ten-year amortization period
shall begin, at the earliest of (a) two years following completion of the system,
or a segment of the system, or (b) subscriber saturation reaches 25% of potential
homes passed, or (c) such system condition criteria as management may adopt, provided
the deferral period is not longer than in part (a) above. Start-up costs are costs
not includible in account 301, organization, account 302, franchises and consents,
or account 107, construction work in progress. The amortization of the amounts in
this account shall be made by debits to account 407.2, amortization of deferred start-up
costs.
NOTE: Completion occurs when (a) physical construction and testing have ceased, (b)
the system or segment of a system is accepted by the company, and (e) the system or
segment is capable of serving at least one subscriber.
5. Proprietary Capital
COMMON CAPITAL STOCK
201. Common stock issued
202. Common stock subscribed
203. Common stock liability for conversion
PREFERRED CAPITAL STOCK
204. Preferred stock issued
205. Preferred stock subscribed
206. Preferred stock liability for conversion
201. Common stock issued
204. Preferred stock issued
A. These accounts shall include the par value or the stated value of stock without
par value if such stock has a stated value, and, if not, the cash value of the consideration
received for such nonpar stock, of each class of capital stock actually issued, including
the par or stated value of capital stock in account 124, Other Investments, and account
217, Reacquired Capital Stock.
B. When the actual cash value of the consideration received is more or less than the
par or stated value of any stock having a par or stated value, the difference shall
be credited or debited, as the case may be, to the premium or discount account for
the particular class and series.
C. When capital stock is retired, these accounts shall be charged with the amount
at which such stock is carried herein.
D. A separate ledger account, with a descriptive title, shall be maintained for each
class and series of stock. The supporting records shall show the shares nominally
issued, actually issued, and nominally outstanding.
NOTE. — When a levy or assessment, except a call for payment on subscriptions, is
made against holders of capital stock, the amount collected upon such levy or assessment
shall be credited to account 207, Premium on Capital Stock; provided, however, that
the credit shall be made to account 213, Discount on Capital Stock, to the extent
of any remaining balance of discount on the issue of stock.
202. Common stock subscribed
205. Preferred stock subscribed
A. These accounts shall include the amount of legally enforceable subscriptions to
capital stock of the utility. They shall be credited with the par or stated value
of the stock subscribed, exclusive of accrued dividends, if any. Concurrently, a debit
shall be made to subscriptions to capital stock, included as a separate subdivision
of account 143, Other Accounts Receivable, for the agreed price and any premium shall
be credited to the appropriate premium account. When properly executed stock certificates
have been issued representing the shares subscribed, this account shall be debited,
and the appropriate capital stock account credited, with the par or stated value of
such stock.
B. The records shall be kept in such manner as to show the amount of subscriptions
to each class and series of stock.
203. Common stock liability for conversion
206. Preferred stock liability for conversion
A. These accounts shall include the par value or stated value, as appropriate, of
capital stock which the utility has agreed to exchange for outstanding securities
of other companies in connection with the acquisition of properties of such companies
under terms which allow the holders of the securities of the other companies to surrender
such securities and receive in return therefor capital stock of the accounting utility.
B. When the securities of the other companies have been surrendered and capital stock
issued in accordance with the terms of the exchange, these accounts shall be charged
and accounts 201, Common Stock Issued, or 204, Preferred Stock Issued, as the case
may be, shall be credited.
C. The records shall be kept so as to show separately the stocks of each class and
series for which a conversion liability exists.
207. Premium on capital stock
A. This account shall include in a separate subdivision for each class and series
of stock, the excess of the actual each value of the consideration received on original
issues of capital stock over the par or stated value and accrued dividends of such
stock, together with assessments against stockholders representing payments required
in excess of par or stated values.
B. Premium on capital stock shall not be set off against expenses. Further, a premium
received on an issue of a certain class or series of stock shall not be set off against
expenses of another issue of the same class or series.
C. When capital stock which has been actually issued is retired, the amount in this
account applicable to the shares retired shall be transferred to account 210, Gain
on Resale or Cancellation of Reacquired Capital Stock.
208. Donations received from stockholders
This account shall include the balance of credits for donations received from stockholders
consisting of capital stock of the utility, of cancellation or reduction of debt of
the utility, and the cash value of other assets received as a donation.
209. Reduction in par or stated value of capital stock
This account shall include the balance of credits arising from a reduction in the
par or stated value of capital stock.
210. Gain on resale or cancellation of reacquired capital stock
This account shall include the balance of credits arising from the resale or cancellation
of reacquired capital stock. (See account 217, Reacquired Capital Stock.)
211. Miscellaneous paid-in capital
This account shall include the balance of all other credits for paid-in capital which
are not properly includible in the foregoing accounts.
NOTE. — Amounts included in capital surplus at the effective date of this system of
accounts which cannot be classified as to the source thereof shall be included in
this account.
212. Installments received on capital stock
A. This account shall include in a separate subdivision for each class and series
of capital stock the amount of installments received on capital stock on a partial
or installment payment plan from subscribers who are not bound by legally enforceable
subscription contracts.
B. As subscriptions are paid in full and certificates issued, this account shall be
charged and the appropriate capital stock account credited with the par or stated
value of such stock. Any discount or premium on an original issue shall be included
in the appropriate discount or premium account.
213. Discount on capital stock
A. This account shall include in a separate subdivision for each class and series
of capital stock all discount on the original issuance and sale of capital stock,
including additional capital stock of a particular class or series as well as first
issues.
B. When capital stock which has been actually issued is retired, the amount in this
account applicable to the shares retired shall be written off to account 210, Gain
on Resale or Cancellation of Reacquired Capital Stock, provided, however, that the
amount shall be charged to account 439, Adjustments to Retained Earnings, to the extent
that it exceeds the balance in account 210.
C. The utility may amortize the balance in this account by charges to account 439,
Adjustments to Retained Earnings.
214. Capital stock expense
A. This account shall include in a separate subdivision for each class and series
of stock all commissions and expenses incurred in connection with the original issuance
and sale of capital stock, including additional capital stock of a particular class
or series as well as first issues. Expenses applicable to capital stock shall not
be deducted from premium on capital stock.
B. When capital stock which has been actually issued by the utility is retired, the
amount in this account applicable to the shares retired shall be written off to account
210, Gain on Resale or Cancellation of Reacquired Capital Stock, provided, however,
that the amount shall be charged to account 439, Adjustments to Retained Earnings,
to the extent that it exceeds the balance in account 210.
C. The utility may amortize the balance carried in this account by systematic charges
to account 425, Miscellaneous Amortization, or it may write off capital stock expense
in whole or in part by charges to account 439, Adjustments to Retained Earnings.
NOTE. — Expenses in connection with the reacquisition or resale of utility's capital
stock shall not be included herein.
215. Appropriated retained earnings
This account shall include the amount of retained earnings which has been appropriated
or set aside for specific purposes. Separate subaccounts shall be maintained under
such titles as will designate the purpose for which each appropriation was made.
216. Unappropriated retained earnings
This account shall include the balance, either debit or credit, of unappropriated
retained earnings arising from earnings. It shall not include items includible in
any of the accounts for paid-in capital.
217. Reacquired capital stock
A. This account shall include in a separate subdivision for each class and series
of capital stock the cost of capital stock actually issued by the utility and reacquired
by it and not retired or canceled, except, however, stock which is held by trustees
in sinking or other funds.
B. When reacquired capital stock is retired or canceled, the difference between its
cost, including commissions and expenses paid in connection with the reacquisition,
and its par or stated value plus any premium and less any discount and expenses applicable
to the shares retired, shall be debited or credited, as appropriate, to account 210,
Gain on Resale or Cancellation of Reacquired Capital Stock, provided, however, that
debits shall be charged to account 439, Adjustments to Retained Earnings, to the extent
that they exceed the balance in account 210.
C. When reacquired capital stock is resold by the utility, the difference between
the amount received on the resale of the stock, less expenses incurred in the resale,
and the cost of the stock included in this account shall be accounted for as outlined
in paragraph B.
NOTE A. — See account 124, Other Investments, for permissive accounting treatment
of stock reacquired under a definite plan for resale.
NOTE B. — The accounting for reacquired stock shall be as prescribed herein unless
otherwise specifically required by statute.
6. Long-Term Debt
221. Bonds
This account shall include, in a separate subdivision for each class and series of
bonds, the face value of the actually issued and unmatured bonds which have not been
retired or canceled; also, the face value of such bonds issued by others the payment
of which has been assumed by the utility.
222. Reacquired bonds
A. This account shall include the face value of bonds actually issued or assumed by
the utility and reacquired by it and not paid, retired, or canceled. The account for
reacquired debt shall not include securities which are held by trustees in sinking
or other funds.
B. When bonds are reacquired, the difference between face value, adjusted for unamortized
discount, expense or premium and the amount paid upon reacquisition, shall be debited
or credited as appropriate, to account 421, Miscellaneous Non-operating income or
account 426, Miscellaneous Income Deductions (See, however, account 181, paragraph
E, as to refunding operations.)
223. Advances from associated companies
A. This account shall include the face value of notes payable to associated companies
and the amount of open book accounts representing advances from associated companies.
It does not include notes and open accounts representing indebtedness subject to current
settlement which are includible in account 233, Notes Payable to Associated Companies,
or account 234, Accounts Payable to Associated Companies.
B. The records supporting the entries to these accounts shall be so kept that the
utility can furnish complete information concerning each note and open account.
224. Other long-term debt
A. This account shall include, until maturity, all longterm debt not otherwise provided
for. This covers such items as receivers' certificates, real estate mortgages executed
or assumed, assessments for public improvements, notes and unsecured certificates
of indebtedness not owned by associated companies, receipts outstanding for long-term
debt, and other obligations maturing more than one year from date of issue or assumption.
B. Separate accounts shall be maintained for each class of obligation, and records
shall be maintained to show separately for each class all details as to date of obligation,
date of maturity, interest dates and rates, security for the obligation, etc.
NOTE. — Miscellaneous long-term debt reacquired shall be accounted for in accordance
with the procedure set forth in account 222, Reacquired Bonds.
7. Current and Accrued Liabilities
Current and accrued liabilities are those obligations which have either matured or
which become due within one year from the date thereof; except, however, bonds, receivers'
certificates and similar obligations which shall be classified as long-term debt until
date of maturity; accrued taxes, such as income taxes, which shall be classified as
accrued liabilities even though payable more than one year from date; compensation
awards, which shall be classified as current liabilities regardless of date due; and
minor amounts payable in installments which may be classified as current liabilities.
If a liability is due more than one year from date of issuance or assumption by the
utility, it shall be credited to a long-term debt account appropriate for the transaction,
except, however, the current liabilities previously mentioned.
231. Notes payable
This account shall include the face value of all notes, drafts, acceptances, or other
similar evidences of indebtedness, payable on demand or within a time not exceeding
one year from date of issue, to other than associated companies.
232. Accounts payable
This account shall include all amounts payable by the utility within one year, which
are not provided for in other accounts.
233. Notes payable to associated companies
234. Accounts payable to associated companies
These accounts shall include amounts owing to associated companies on notes, drafts,
acceptances, or other similar evidences of indebtedness, and open accounts payable
on demand or not more than one year from date of issue or creation.
NOTE. — Exclude from these accounts notes and accounts which state includible in account
223, Advances from Associated Companies.
235. Customer deposits
This account shall include all amounts deposited with the utility by customers as
security for the payment of bills.
236. Taxes accrued
A. This account shall be credited with the amount of taxes accrued during the accounting
period, corresponding debits being made to the appropriate accounts for tax charges.
Such credits may be based upon estimates, but from time to time during the year as
the facts become known, the amount of the periodic credits shall be adjusted so as
to include as nearly as can be determined in each year the taxes applicable thereto.
Any amount representing a prepayment of taxes applicable to the period subsequent
to the date of the balance sheet, shall be shown under account 165, Prepayments.
B. If accruals for taxes are found to be insufficient or excessive, correction therefor
shall be made through current tax accruals. However, if such corrections are so large
as to seriously distort current expenses, see General Instructions 7.1.
C. Accruals for taxes shall be based upon the net amounts payable after credit for
any discounts, but shall not include any amounts for interest on tax deficiencies
or refunds. Interest received on refunds shall be credited to account 419, Interest
and Dividend Income, and interest paid on deficiencies shall be charged to account
431, Other Interest Expense.
D. The records supporting the entries to this account shall be kept so as to show
for each class of taxes, the amount accrued, the basis for the accrual, the accounts
to which charged, and the amount of tax paid.
237. Interest accrued
This account shall include the amount of interest accrued but not matured on all liabilities
of the utility not including, however, interest which is added to the principal of
the debt on which incurred. Supporting records shall be maintained so as to show the
amount of interest accrued on each obligation.
238. Dividends declared
This account shall include the amount of dividends which have been declared but not
paid. Dividends shall be credited to this account when they become a liability.
239. Matured long-term debt
This account shall include the amount of long-term debt (including any obligation
for premiums) matured and unpaid, without specific agreement for extension of the
time of payment and bonds called for redemption but not presented.
240. Matured interest
This account shall include the amount of matured interest on long-term debt or other
obligations of the utility at the date of the balance sheet unless such interest is
added to the principal of the debt on which incurred.
241. Tax collections payable
This account shall include the amount of taxes, sewage charges or rentals, surcharges
and the like collected by the utility through payroll deductions or otherwise for
the account of, and pending transmittal to the proper taxing authority or political
subdivision.
NOTE. — Do not include liability for taxes assessed directly against the utility which
are accounted for as part of the utility's own tax expense.
242. Miscellaneous current and accrued liabilities
This account shall include the amount of all other current and accrued liabilities
not provided for elsewhere appropriately designated and supported so as to show the
nature of each liability.
8. Deferred Credits
251. Unamortized premium on debt
This account shall include the total of the credit balances in the discount, expense
and premium accounts, for all classes of long-term debt, including receivers' certificates.
(See account 181, Unamortized Debt Discount and Expense.)
252. Customer advances for construction
This account shall include advances by or in behalf of customers for construction
which are to be refunded either wholly or in part. When a person is refunded the entire
amount to which he is entitled according to the agreement or rule under which the
advance was made, the balance, if any, remaining in this account shall be credited
to the respective plan account.
253. Other deferred credits
This account shall include advance billings and receipts and other deferred credit
items, not provided for elsewhere, including amounts which cannot be entirely cleared
or disposed of until additional information has been received.
255. Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
A. Prior to any use of this account, the utility must file with the Commission, for
the purpose of obtaining authorization, a copy of its proposed plan of accounting
for deferred investment tax credits. The utility shall not use these accounts unless
such use has been authorized by the Commission.
This account shall be credited and Account 411.3, Investment Tax Credit Adjustments,
debited with investment tax credits deferred by companies which do not apply such
credits as a reduction of the overall income tax expense in the year in which a tax
credit is realized. There can be neither changes in accounting method for utility
operations nor transfers from this account, except as authorized herein or as may
otherwise be authorized by the Commission. (See Account 411.3.)
B. This account shall be debited and Account 411.3 credited with a proportionate amount
determined in relation to the average useful life of utility property to which the
tax credits relate, or such lesser period of time as may be adopted and consistently
followed by the company.
C. Subdivisions of this account by department shall be maintained for deferred investment
tax credits that are related to nonutility or other operations. Contra entries affecting
such account subdivisions shall be appropriately recorded. Use of deferral or nondeferral
accounting procedures adopted for nonutility or other operations are to be followed
on a consistent basis.
D. Separate records for each utility department and nonutility operation shall be
maintained identifying the properties giving rise to the investment tax credits for
each year with the weighted average service life of such properties and any unused
balances of such credits. Such records are not necessary unless the tax credits are
deferred.
256. Deferred gains from disposition of property
This account shall include gains from the sale or other disposition of property previously
recorded in accounts 101-104; in account 105, Property Held for Future Use or account
121, Nonutility Property, where such gains are significant and are to be amortized
over a period of five years, unless otherwise authorized by the Commission. The amortization
of the amounts in this account shall be made by credits to account 411.6, Gains from
Disposition of Utility Plant or account 421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property, as
appropriate. Amounts recorded in this account shall be net of related income taxes.
(See Utility Plant Instruction 5F, 7E, and 10E.)
9. Operating Reserves
261. Property insurance reserve
A. This account shall include amounts reserved by the utility for self-insurance against
losses through accident, fire, flood, or other hazards to its own property or property
leased from others. The amounts charged to account 924, Property Insurance, or other
appropriate accounts to cover such risks shall be credited to this account. A schedule
of risks covered by this reserve shall be maintained, giving a description of the
property involved, the character of the risks covered and the rates used.
B. Charges shall be made to this account for losses covered by self-insurance. Details
of these charges shall be maintained according to the year the casualty occurred which
gave rise to the loss.
262. Injuries and damages reserve
A. This account shall be credited with amounts charged to account 925, Injuries and
Damages, or other appropriate accounts, to meet the probable liability, not covered
by insurance, for deaths or injuries to employees and others, and for damages to property
neither owned nor held under lease by the utility.
B. When liability for any injury or damage is admitted by the utility either voluntarily
or because of the decision of a court or other lawful authority, such as a workmen's
compensation board, the admitted liability shall be charged to this account and credited
to the appropriate liability account. Details of these charges shall be maintained
according to the year the casualty occurred which gave rise to the loss.
NOTE. — Recoveries or reimbursements for losses charged to this account shall be credited
hereto; the cost of repairs to property of others if provided for herein, shall be
charged to this account.
263. Pensions and benefits reserve
A. This account shall include provisions made by the utility and amounts contributed
by employees, for pensions, accident and death benefits, savings, relief, hospital
and other provident purposes, where the funds represented by the reserve are included
in the assets of the utility either in general or in segregated fund accounts.
B. Amounts paid by the utility for the purposes for which this reserve is established
shall be charged hereto.
C. A separate account shall be kept for each kind of reserve included herein.
NOTE. — If employee pension or benefit plan funds are not included among the assets
of the utility but are held by outside trustees, payments into such funds, or accruals
therefor, shall not be included in this account.
265. Miscellaneous operating reserves
A. This account shall include reserves include all operating reserves maintained by
the utility which are not provided for elsewhere.
B. This account shall be maintained in such manner as to show the amount of each separate
reserve and the nature and amounts of the debits and credits thereto.
NOTE. — This account includes only such reserves as may be created for operating purposes
and does not include any reservations of income the credits for which should be carried
in account 215, Appropriated Retained Earnings.
10. Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes
A. Authorization to practice deferred tax accounting must first be obtained from the
Commission.
B. The utility shall use the accounts provided below for prior accumulations of deferred
taxes on income and for additional provisions.
NOTE A. — The text of the accounts below are designed primarily to cover deferrals
of federal income taxes pursuant to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954
but the accounts are also applicable to deferrals of State taxes on income.
NOTE B. — A utility which has more than one utility department and/or nonutility property
and which has deferred taxes on income with respect thereto shall classify such deferrals
in the accounts provided below so as to allow ready identification of items relating
to each utility department and to Other Income and Deductions.
281. Accumulated deferred income taxes — accelerated amortization
A. This account shall be credited and account 410, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes,
shall be debited with an amount equal to that by which taxes on income payable for
the year are lower because of the use of accelerated (5-year) amortization of certified
defense facilities in computing such taxes, as permitted by Section 168 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 (Section 124A of previous Internal Revenue Code), as compared
to the depreciation deduction otherwise appropriate and allowable for tax purposes
according to the straight line or other nonaccelerated depreciation method and appropriate
estimated useful life for such property.
B. This account shall be debited and account 411, Income Taxes Deferred in Prior Years-Credit,
shall be credited with an amount equal to that by which taxes on income payable for
the year are greater because of the use in prior years of accelerated (5-year) amortization
of certified defense facilities instead of nonaccelerated or nonliberalized depreciation
otherwise appropriate for income tax purposes, and deferral of taxes in such prior
years as described in paragraph A, above. Such debit to this account and credit to
account 411 shall, in general, represent the effect on taxes payable for the current
year of the unavailability of a depreciation deduction for tax purposes, or a reduced
amount, with respect to any depreciable property for which accelerated amortization
was used in prior years, as compared to the depreciation deduction otherwise available
and appropriate for such property, considering its estimated useful life, according
to the depreciation method ordinarily used by the utility for similar property in
computing depreciation for tax purposes by a nonaccelerated or nonliberalized depreciation
method.
C. Records with respect to entries to this account as described above, and the account
balance, shall be so maintained as to show the factors of calculation and the separate
amounts applicable to the facilities of each certification or authorization of accelerated
amortization for tax purposes.
D. The use of this account and the accounting described above are not mandatory for
any utility, which in accordance with a consistent policy elects not to follow deferred
tax accounting even though accelerated amortization is used in computing taxes on
income. If, however, deferred tax accounting is initiated with respect to any certified
defense facility, the accounting shall not be suspended or discontinued on the property
covered by that certificate, without approval of the Commission.
E. The utility is restricted in its use of this account to the purposes set forth
above. It shall not transfer the balance in this account or any portion thereof to
retained earnings or make any use thereof except as provided in the text of this account
without prior approval of the Commission. Any remaining balance of accumulated deferred
taxes with respect to any certified defense facility for which deferred tax accounting
has been followed, shall, upon expiration of the estimated useful life of the facility
on which deferred tax calculations were based or upon retirement of such facility
or predominant part thereof, be credited to account 411, Income Taxes Deferred in
Prior Years-Credit, or otherwise be applied as the Commission may authorize or direct.
282. Accumulated deferred income taxes—liberalized depreciation
A. This account shall be credited and account 410, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes,
shall be debited with an amount equal to that by which taxes on income payable for
the year are lower because of the use of liberalized depreciation in computing such
taxes, as permitted by Section 167 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as compared
to the depreciation deduction otherwise appropriate and allowable for tax purposes
for similar property of the same estimated useful life according to the straight line
or other nonliberalized method of depreciation.
B. This account shall be debited and account 411, Income Taxes Deferred in Prior Years-Credit,
shall be credited with an amount equal to that by which taxes on income payable for
the year are greater because of the use in prior years of liberalized depreciation
for income tax purposes, and deferral of taxes in such prior years as described in
paragraph A above. Such debit to this account and credit to account 411, shall in
general, represent the effect on taxes payable for the current year of the smaller
amount of depreciation permitted for tax purposes for the current year with respect
to any depreciable property for which liberalized depreciation was used in prior years,
as compared to the depreciation deduction otherwise appropriate and available for
similar property of the same estimated useful life according to the straight line
or other nonliberalized depreciation method ordinarily used by the utility in computing
depreciation for tax purposes.
C. Records with respect to entries to this account, as described above, and account
balance, shall be so maintained as to show the factors of calculation and the separate
amounts applicable to the plant additions of each vintage year for each class, group,
or unit as to which different liberalized depreciation methods and estimated useful
lives have been used. The underlying calculation to segregate and associate deferred
tax amounts with the respective vintage years may be based on reasonable methods of
approximation, if necessary, consistently applied.
D. The use of this account and the accounting described above are not mandatory for
any utility, which in accordance with a consistent policy, elects not to follow deferred
tax accounting even though liberalized depreciation is used in computing taxes on
income. If, however, deferred tax accounting is initiated with respect to any property
such accounting shall not be discontinued on that property, without approval of the
Commission.
E. The utility is restricted in its use of this account to the purposes set forth
above. It shall not transfer the balance in the account or any portion thereof to
retained earnings or make any use thereof except as provided in the text of this account
without prior approval of the Commission. Any remaining deferred tax balance with
respect to any years' plant additions or subdivisions thereof for which liberalized
depreciation accounting has been followed upon retirement from service of such property
or predominant portion thereof, or upon expiration of the estimated useful life on
which the depreciation calculations for tax purposes are based, shall be credited
to account 411, Income Taxes Deferred in Prior Years-Credit, or otherwise applied
as the Commission may authorize or direct.
283. Accumulated deferred income taxes—other
A. This account, when its use has been authorized by the Commission for specific types
of tax deferrals shall be credited and account 410, Provision for Deferred Income
Taxes, shall be debited with an amount equal to that by which taxes on income payable
for the year are lower because of the current use of deductions other than accelerated
amortization or liberalized depreciation in the computation of income taxes, which
deductions for general accounting purposes will not be fully reflected in the utility's
determination of annual net income until subsequent years.
B. This account, when its use has been authorized by the Commission, shall be debited
and account 411, Income Taxes Deferred in Prior Years-Credit, shall be credited with
an amount equal to that by which taxes on income payable for the year are greater
because of deferral of taxes on income in previous years, as provided by paragraph
A, above, because of difference in timing for tax purposes of particular income deductions
from that recognized by the utility for general accounting purposes, other than with
respect to accelerated amortization or liberalized depreciation. Such debit to this
account and credit to account 411 shall, in general, represent the effect on taxes
payable in the current year of the smaller deduction permitted for tax purposes as
compared to the amount recognized in the utility's general accounts with respect to
the item or class of items for which deferred tax accounting by the utility was authorized
by the Commission.
C. Records with respect to entries to this account, as described above, and the account
balance, shall be so maintained as to show the factors of calculation with respect
to each annual amount of the item or class of items, other than accelerated amortization
or liberalized depreciation, for which tax deferral accounting by the utility is authorized
by the Commission.
D. The utility is restricted in its use of this account to the purposes set forth
above. It shall not transfer the balance in the account or any portion thereof to
retained earnings or make any use thereof except as provided in the text of this account,
without prior approval of the Commission. Any remaining deferred tax account balance
with respect to an amount for any prior years tax deferral, the amortization of which
or other recognition in the utility's income accounts has been completed, or other
dispositions made, shall be credited to account 411, Income Taxes Deferred In Prior
Years-Credit, or otherwise disposed of as the Commission may authorize or direct.
NOTE. — In determining appropriate use of this account as a basis of request to the
Commission for authorization of its use, consideration shall be given to the relative
importance of the amount involved, and to other items in the utility's accounts where
"prepaid tax accounting" may be appropriate such as situations (a) where the time
of taking a deduction in computing taxes on income is such that the tax deduction
must be delayed or applied to a series of future years as opposed to earlier recognition
of such item in determination of income in the general accounts of the utility, or
(b) where inclusion of an income item is required for tax purposes but is to be recognized
in whole or in part in the utility's income accounts of a subsequent year or years.
Part 6
UTILITY PLANT ACCOUNTS
1. Intangible Plant
301. Organization
This account shall include all fees paid to federal or state governments for the privilege
of incorporation and expenditures incident to organizing the corporation, partnership
or other enterprise and putting it into readiness to do business.
ITEMS
1. Cost of obtaining certificates authorizing an enterprise to engage in the public utility
business.
2. Fees and expenses for incorporation.
3. Fees and expenses for mergers or consolidations.
4. Office expenses incident to organizing the utility.
5. Stock and minute books and corporate seal.
NOTE A. — This account shall not include any discounts upon securities issued or assumed;
nor shall it include any costs incident to negotiating loans, selling bonds or other
evidences of debt, or expenses in connection with the authorization, issuance and
sale of capital stock.
NOTE B. — Exclude from this account and include in the appropriate expense account
the cost of preparing and filing papers in connection with the extension of the term
of incorporation unless the first organization costs have been written off. Where
charges are made to this account for expenses incurred in mergers, consolidations
or reorganizations, amounts previously included herein or in similar accounts in the
books of the companies concerned shall be excluded from this account.
302. Franchises and consents
A. This account shall include amounts paid to the federal government, to a state or
to a political subdivision thereof in consideration for franchises, consents or certificates,
running in perpetuity or for a specified term of more than one year, together with
necessary and reasonable expenses incident to procuring such franchises, consents
or certificates of permission and approval, including expenses of organizing and merging
separate corporations, where statutes require solely for the purpose of acquiring
franchises.
B. If a franchise, consent or certificate is acquired by assignment, the charge to
this account in respect thereof shall not exceed the amount paid therefor by the utility
to the assignor, nor shall it exceed the amount paid by the original grantee, plus
the expense of acquisition to such grantee. Any excess of the amount actually paid
by the utility over the amount above specified shall be charged to account 426, Miscellaneous
Income Deductions.
C. When any franchise has expired, the book cost thereof shall be credited hereto
and charged to account 426, Miscellaneous Income Deductions, or to account 114, Accumulated
Provision for Amortization of Utility Plant in Service, as appropriate.
D. Records supporting this account shall be kept so as to show separately the book
cost of each franchise or consent.
NOTE. — Annual or other periodic payments under franchises shall not be included herein
but in the appropriate operating expense account.
303. Miscellaneous intangible plant
A. This account shall include the cost of patent rights, licenses, privileges and
other intangible property necessary or valuable in the conduct of utility operations
and not specifically chargeable to any other account.
B. When any item included in this account is retired or expires, the book cost thereof
shall be credited hereto and charged to account 426, Miscellaneous Income Deductions,
or to account 108, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Utility Plant in Service,
as appropriate.
C. This account shall be maintained in such a manner that the utility can furnish
full information with respect to the amounts included herein.
2. Transmitting Facilities
310. Land and land rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in connection with
transmitting activities. (See Utility Plant Instruction 7.)
311. Structures and improvements
This account shall include the cost in place of structures and improvements used in
connection with transmitting activities. (See Utility Plant Instruction 8.)
312. Electronic transmitting equipment
This account shall include the cost of electronic transmitting equipment.
ITEMS
1. Cameras.
2. Microphones.
3. Audio-Video Modulators.
4. Monitors.
5. Amplifiers.
6. Tape Recorders.
313. Accessory transmitting equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of auxiliary transmitting apparatus.
ITEMS
1. Air cleaning and cooling apparatus.
2. Cooling Systems, including Towers, Pumps, Tanks, and Piping.
3. Auxiliary generators, including boards, compartments, switching equipment and control
equipment used to supply power to the transmitting plant.
314. Other equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of miscellaneous equipment in and about
the transmitting station which is not properly includable in any of the foregoing
accounts.
ITEMS
1. Fire fighting equipment.
2. Miscellaneous equipment, such as first aid cabinet, intrasite communication equipment,
incinerator, and other similar equipment.
3. Station maintenance equipment.
3. Head End Equipment
320. Land and land rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in connection with
head end operations. (See Utility Plant Instruction 7.)
321. Structure and improvements
This account shall include the cost in place of structures and improvements used in
connection with head end operations. (See Utility Plant Instruction 8.)
322. Towers and antennas
This account shall include the cost of towers and antennas comprising the head end
tower assemblies or arrays.
ITEMS
1. Towers.
2. Tower lighting system.
3. Antennas.
4. Preamplifiers.
5. Lead in Cables.
323. Electronic receiving and signal processing equipment
This account shall include the cost of head end receiving and signal processing equipment.
ITEMS
1. Mixers.
2. Attenuators.
3. Preamplifiers.
4. Convertors.
5. Amplifiers.
324. Power supply equipment
This account shall include the cost of all power supply and distribution equipment
serving as or associated with the prime source of power used in head end operations.
This account shall also include the cost of equipment used for the purpose of supplying
emergency or auxiliary head end power.
ITEMS
1. Generators.
2. Motors.
3. Transformers.
4. Voltage Stabilizers.
325. Other head end equipment
This account shall include the cost of miscellaneous equipment devoted to general
station use, and not properly includable in any of the other head end equipment accounts.
ITEMS
1. Air cleaning and cooling apparatus.
2. Fire fighting equipment.
3. Testing and monitoring equipment.
4. Office furniture and equipment.
5. Housing and cabinets.
6. Shop tools and equipment.
4. Distribution Facilities
360. Land and land rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in connection with
distribution operations. (See Utility Plant Instruction 7.)
361. Structures and improvements
This account shall include the cost in place of structures and improvements used in
connection with distribution operations. (See Utility Plant Instruction 8.)
362. Towers, poles and fixtures
This account shall include the cost installed of towers and poles together with appurtenant
fixtures used for supporting overhead distribution conductors and service wires.
ITEMS
1. Anchors, head arm, and other guys, including guy guards, guy clamps, etc.
2. Brackets.
3. Excavation and backfill, including disposal of excess excavated material.
4. Foundations.
5. Poles, wood, steel, concrete, or other material.
6. Equipment racks and platforms.
363. Underground conduit
This account shall include the cost installed of underground conduit and tunnels used
for housing distribution cables or wires.
ITEMS
1. Conduit.
2. Excavation, including shoring, bracing, bridging, backfill, and disposal of excess
excavated material.
3. Pavement disturbed, including cutting and replacing pavement.
364. Electronic conductors and devices
This account shall include the cost installed of conductors and devices used for distribution
purposes.
ITEMS
1. Trunk line cable.
2. Feeder cable.
3. Equalizers.
4. Amplifiers.
5. Convertor-amplifiers.
6. Bridging amplifiers.
7. Directional coupler.
8. Taps.
9. Spitters.
10. Resistors.
365. Distribution system—power supply
This account shall include the cost of all power supply and distribution equipment
serving as or associated with the prime source of power used in signal distribution.
This account shall include also the cost of power rectifiers or motor generator installations
(not forming an integral part of the transmitting or head end stations) that are provided
as a source of power for the distribution system.
ITEMS
1. Generators.
2. Motors.
3. Transformers.
4. AGL units for remote cable powering of amplifiers.
5. Power stabilization and protection units and systems.
6. Carrier generators.
366. Services
This account shall include the cost installed of overhead and underground conductors
locating from the pressure tap to the power of connection with the customers outlet
or wiring. Conduit used for underground service conductors shall be included herein.
ITEMS
1. Cables and Wires.
2. Matching transformer.
3. Brackets.
4. Insulators.
367. Installations on customers' premises
This account shall include the cost installed of equipment on customers' premises
when the utility incurs such cost and when the utility retains title to and assumes
full responsibility for maintenance and replacement of such property. This account
shall not include leased equipment.
368. Leased property on customers' premises
This account shall include the cost of equipment on customers' premises, leased or
loaned to customers, but not including property held for sale.
NOTE. — The cost of setting and connecting such appliances or equipment on the premises
of customers and the cost of resetting or removal shall not be charged to this account
but to operating expenses account 566, Customer Installation Expenses.
369. Other equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of all other distribution system equipment
not provided for in the foregoing accounts.
5. General Plant
389. Land and land rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used for utility purposes,
the cost of which is not properly includible in other laud and land rights accounts.
(See Utility Plant Instruction 7.)
390. Structures and improvements
This account shall include the cost in place of structures and improvements usual
for utility purposes, the cost of which is not properly includible in other structures
and improvements accounts. (See Utility Plant Instruction 8.)
391. Office furniture and equipment
A. This account shall include the cost of office furniture and equipment owned by
the utility and devoted to utility service, and not permanently attached to buildings,
except the cost of such furniture and equipment which the utility elects to assign
to other plant accounts on a functional basis.
B. If the utility has equipment includible in this account at more than one location,
separate records shall be maintained for each location.
ITEMS
1. Book cases and shelves.
2. Desks, chairs, anti desk equipment.
3. Drafting room equipment.
4. Ceiling, storage, and other cabinets.
5. Floor covering.
6. Library and library equipment.
7. Mechanical office equipment such as accounting machines, typewriters, etc.
8. Safes.
9. Tables.
392. Transportation equipment
This account shall include the cost of transportation vehicles used for utility purposes.
ITEMS
1. Airplanes.
2. Automobiles.
3. Bicycles.
4. Electrical vehicles.
5. Motor trucks.
6. Motorcycles.
7. Repair cars or trucks.
8. Tractors and trailers.
9. Other transportation vehicles.
393. Stores equipment
A. This account shall include the cost of equipment used for the receiving, shipping,
handling and storage of materials and supplies.
B. If the utility has equipment includible in this account at more than one location,
separate records shall be maintained for each location.
ITEMS
1. Chain falls.
2. Counters.
3. Cranes (portable).
4. Elevating and stacking equipment (portable).
5. Hoists.
6. Lockers.
7. Scales.
8. Shelving.
9. Storage bins.
10. Trucks, hand and power driven.
11. Wheelbarrows.
394. Tools, shop and garage equipment
This account shall include the cost of tools, implements, and equipment used in construction,
repair work, general shops and garages and not specifically provided for or includible
in other accounts.
ITEMS
1. Air compressors.
2. Anvils.
3. Automobile repair shop equipment.
4. Battery charging equipment.
5. Belts, shafts and countershafts.
6. Boilers.
7. Cable pulling equipment.
8. Concrete mixers.
9. Drill presses.
10. Derricks.
11. Electric equipment.
12. Engines.
13. Forges.
14. Furnaces.
15. Foundations and settings specially constructed for and not expected to outlast the
equipment for which provided.
16. Gas producers.
17. Gasoline pumps, oil pumps and storage tanks.
18. Greasing tools and equipment.
19. Hoists.
20. Ladders.
21. Lathes.
22. Machine tools.
23. Motor driven tools.
24. Motors.
25. Pipe threading and cutting tools.
26. Pneumatic tools.
27. Pumps.
28. Riveters.
29. Smithing equipment.
30. Tool racks.
31. Vises.
32. Welding apparatus.
33. Work benches.
395. Laboratory equipment
A. This account shall include the cost installed of laboratory equipment used for
general laboratory purposes and not specifically provided for or includible in other
departmental or functional plan accounts.
B. If the utility has equipment includible in this account at more than one location,
separate records shall be maintained for each location.
ITEMS
1. Autoclaves.
2. Barometers.
3. Cameras.
4. Centrifuge.
5. Distilling apparatus.
6. Furnaces.
7. Microscopes.
8. Ovens.
9. Pedometers.
10. Rain gauges.
11. Refrigerators.
12. Scales.
13. Sterilizers.
14. Stop watches.
15. Testing machines.
16. Thermometers.
17. Voltmeters.
18. Other bacteriological, electric, chemical hydraulic or research equipment.
396. Power operated equipment
This account shall include the cost of power operated equipment used in construction
or repair work exclusive of equipment includible in other accounts. Include, also,
the tools and accessories acquired for use with such equipment and the vehicle on
which such equipment is mounted.
ITEMS
1. Air compressors, including driving unit and vehicle.
2. Back filling machines.
3. Boring machines.
4. Bulldozers.
5. Cranes and hoists.
6. Diggers.
7. Engines.
8. Pile drivers.
9. Pipe cleaning machines.
10. Pipe coating or wrapping machines.
11. Tractors—Crawler type.
12. Trenchers.
13. Other power operated equipment.
NOTE. — It is intended that this account include only such large units as are generally
self-propelled or mounted on moveable equipment.
397. Communication equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of telephone, telegraph and wireless
equipment for general use in connection with utility operations.
ITEMS
1. Antennae.
2. Booths.
3. Cables.
4. Distribution boards.
5. Extension cords.
6. Gongs.
7. Handsets, manual and dial.
8. Insulators.
9. Intercommunicating sets.
10. Loading coils.
11. Operators desks
12. Poles and fixtures used wholly for telephone and telegraph wires.
13. Radio transmitting and receiving sets.
14. Remote control equipment and lines.
15. Sending keys.
16. Storage batteries.
17. Switchboards.
18. Telautograph circuit connections.
19. Telegraph receiving sets.
20. Telephone and telegraph circuits.
21. Testing instruments.
22. Towers.
23. Underground conduit used wholly for telephone or telegraph wires and cable wires.
398. Miscellaneous equipment
This account shall include the cost of equipment, apparatus, etc., used in utility
operations, and which is not includible in any other account.
ITEMS
1. Hospital and infirmary equipment.
2. Kitchen equipment.
3. Recreation equipment.
4. Radios.
5. Restaurant equipment.
6. Soda fountains.
7. Operator's cottage furnishings.
8. Other miscellaneous equipment.
NOTE. — Miscellaneous equipment of the nature indicated above wherever practicable
shall be included in the utility plant accounts on a functional basis.
399. Other tangible property
This account shall include the cost of tangible utility plant not provided for elsewhere.
Part 7
INCOME ACCOUNTS
1. Utility Operating Income
400. Operating revenues
There shall be shown under this caption the total amount included in the operating
revenue accounts provided herein and in similar accounts for other utility departments.
Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for each utility department.
401. Operation expense
There shall be shown under this caption the total amount included in the operation
expense accounts provided herein and in similar accounts for other utility departments.
Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for each utility department.
402. Maintenance expense
There shall be shown under this caption the total amount included in the maintenance
expense accounts provided herein and in similar accounts for other utility departments.
Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for each utility department.
403. Depreciation expense
A. This account shall include the amount of depreciation expense for all classes of
depreciable utility plant in service except such depreciation expense as is chargeable
to clearing accounts or to account 416, Costs and Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing,
and Contract Work.
B. The utility shall keep such records of property and property retirements as will
reflect the service life of property which has been retired and aid in estimating
probable service life by mortality, turnover, or other appropriate methods; and also
such records as will reflect the percentage of salvage and cost of removal for property
retired from each account, or subdivision thereof for depreciable utility plant.
C. If the utility is engaged in more than one utility service, a separate account
shall be kept hereunder for each utility service.
NOTE A. — Depreciation expense applicable to property included in account 104, Utility
Plant Leased to Others, shall be charged to account 413, Expenses of Utility Plant
Leased to Others.
NOTE B. — Depreciation expense applicable to transportation equipment, shop equipment,
tools, work equipment and power operated equipment and other general equipment may
be charged to clearing accounts as necessary in order to obtain a proper distribution
of expenses between construction and operation.
404. Amortization of limited-term utility plant
This account shall include amortization charges applicable to amounts included in
the utility plant accounts for limited-term franchises, licenses, patent rights, limited-term
interests in land, and expenditures on leased property where the service life of the
improvements is terminable by action of the lease. The charges to this account shall
be such as to distribute the book cost of each investment as evenly as may be over
the period of its benefit to the utility. (See account 114, Accumulated Provision
for Amortization of Utility Plant in Service.)
405. Amortization of other utility plant
A. When authorized by the Commission, this account shall include charges for amortization
of intangible or other utility plant in service which does not have a definite or
terminable life and which is not subject to charges for depreciation expense.
B. This account shall be supported in such detail as to show the amortization applicable
to each investment being amortized, together with the book cost of the investment
and the period over which it is being written off.
406. Amortization of utility plant acquisition adjustments
This account shall be debited or credited, as the case may be, with amounts includible
in operating expenses, pursuant to approval or order of the Commission, for the purpose
of providing for the extinguishment of the amount in account 117, Utility Plant Acquisition
Adjustments.
407.1. Amortization of property losses
This account shall be charged with amounts credited to account 182, Extraordinary
Property Losses, when the Commission has authorized the amount in the latter account
to be amortized by charges to operating expenses.
407.2. Amortization of deferred start-up costs
This account shall be charged with amounts credited to account 188, deferred start-up
costs, when the utility has elected to amortize these costs over a ten-year period.
(See account 188.).
408. Taxes other than income taxes
A. This account shall include the amount of ad valorem, gross revenue or gross receipts
taxes, state unemployment insurance, franchise taxes, federal excise taxes, social
security taxes, and all other taxes assessed by federal, state, county, municipal,
or other local governmental authorities, except income taxes.
B. This account shall be charged in each accounting period with the amount of taxes
which is applicable thereto, with concurrent credits to account 236, Taxes Accrued,
or account 165, Prepayments, as appropriate. When it is not possible to determine
the exact amount of taxes, the amount shall be estimated and adjustments made in current
accruals as the actual tax levies become known.
C. The charges to this account shall be made or supported so as to show the amount
of each tax and the basis upon which each charge is made. In the case of a utility
rendering a number of utility services, taxes includible in this account shall be
assigned directly to the utility department the operation of which gave rise to the
tax in so far as practicable. Where the tax is not attributable to a specific utility
department, it shall be distributed among the utility departments or nonutility operations
on an equitable basis.
D. This account shall be maintained according to the subaccounts 408.1 and 408.2 inclusive
as shown below.
NOTE A. — Special assessments for street and similar improvements shall be included
in the appropriate utility plant or nonutility property account.
NOTE B. — Taxes specifically applicable to construction shall be included in the cost
of construction. NOTE C. — Gasoline and other sales taxes shall be charged as far
as practicable to the same account as the materials on which the tax is levied.
NOTE D. — Social security and other forms of so-called payroll taxes shall be distributed
to utility departments and to nonutility functions on a basis related to payroll.
Amounts applicable to construction shall be charged to the appropriate plant account.
NOTE E. — Interest on tax refunds or deficiencies shall not be included in this account
but in account 419, Interest and Dividend Income or 431, Other Interest Expense, as
appropriate.
408.1. Taxes other than income taxes, utility operating income
This account shall include those taxes recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than Income
Taxes which relate to utility operating income. This account shall be maintained so
as to allow ready identification of taxes relating to Utility Operating Income (by
department), Utility Plant Leased to Others and Other Utility Operating Income.
408.2. Taxes other than income taxes, other income and deductions
This account shall include those taxes recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than Income
Taxes which relate to Other Income and Deductions.
409. Income taxes
A. This account shall include the amount of state and federal income taxes on income
properly accruable during the period covered by the income statement to meet the actual
liability for such taxes. Concurrent credits for the tax accruals shall be made to
account 236, Taxes Accrued, and as the exact amount of taxes becomes known, the current
tax accruals shall be adjusted by a charge or credit to this account, unless such
adjustment is properly includible in account 439, Adjustments to Retained Earnings,
so that this account as nearly as can be ascertained shall include the actual taxes
payable by the utility. (See general instructions 7.1 for prior period adjustments.)
B. The accruals for income taxes shall be apportioned among utility departments and
to Other Income and Deductions so that, as nearly as practicable, each tax shall be
included in the expenses of the utility department or Other Income and Deductions,
the income from which gave rise to the tax. The income tax effect of amounts recorded
in account 439, Adjustments to Retained Earnings shall be recorded in that account.
C. This account shall be maintained according to the subaccounts 409.1, 409.2 and
409.3 inclusive as shown below.
NOTE A. — Taxes assumed by the utility on interest shall be charged to account 431,
Other Interest Expense.
NOTE B. — Interest on tax refunds or deficiencies shall not be included in this account
but in account 419, Interest and Dividend Income, or account 431, Other Interest Expense,
as appropriate.
409.1. Income taxes, utility operating income
This account shall include the amount of those state and federal income taxes reflected
in account 409, Income Taxes, which relate to utility operating income. This account
shall be maintained so as to allow ready identification of tax effects (both positive
and negative) relating to Utility Operating Income (by department) and Utility Plant
Leased to Others.
409.2. Income taxes, other income and deductions
This account shall include the amount of those state and federal income taxes reflected
in account 409, Income Taxes, (both positive and negative) which relate to Other Income
and Deductions.
409.3. Income taxes, extraordinary items
This account shall include the reflected amount of those state and federal income
taxes in account 409, Income Taxes, (both positive and negative) which relate to Extraordinary
Items.
410. Provision for deferred income taxes
A. This account shall be debited and Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes shall be credited
with an amount equal to any deferral of taxes on income as provided by the texts of
accounts 281, 282 and 283. There shall not be netted against entries required to be
made to this account any credit amounts appropriately includible in account 411, Income
Taxes Deferred In Prior Years-Credit.
B. This account shall be maintained according to the subaccounts 410.1 and 410.2 inclusive,
as shown below.
410.1. Provisions for deferred income taxes, utility operating income
This account shall include the amount of those deferred income taxes reflected in
account 410, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, which relate to Utility Operating
Income (by department).
410.2. Provisions for deferred income taxes, other income and deductions
This account shall include the amount of those deferred income taxes reflected in
account 410, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, which relate to Other Income and
Deductions.
411. Income taxes deferred in prior years-credit
A. This account shall be credited and Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes debited with
an amount equal to the portion of taxes on income payable for the year that is attributable
to a deferral of taxes on income in a prior year, in accordance with the plan of deferred
tax accounting provided by the texts of accounts 281, 282, and 283. There shall not
be netted against entries required to be made to this account any debit amounts appropriately
includible in account 410, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes.
B. This account shall be maintained according to the subaccounts 411.1 and 411.2 inclusive,
as shown below.
411.1. Income taxes deferred in prior years-credit, utility operating income
This account shall include the amount of those taxes deferred in prior years-credit,
reflected in account 411, Income Taxes Deferred in Prior Years-Credit, which relate
to Utility Operating Income (by department).
411.2. Income taxes deferred in prior years-credit, other income and deductions
This account shall include the amount of those taxes deferred in prior years-credit,
reflected in account 411, Income Taxes Deferred in Prior Years Credit, which relate
to Other Income and Deductions.
411.3. Investment tax credit adjustments
A. This account shall be debited with the amounts of investment tax credits related
to utility property that are credited to account 255, Accumulated Deferred Investment
Tax Credits, by companies which do not apply the entire amount of the benefits of
the investment credit as a reduction of the overall income tax expense in the year
in which such credit is realized. (See account 255.)
B. This account shall be credited with the amounts debited to account 255 for proportionate
amounts of tax credit deferrals allocated over the average useful life of utility
property to which the tax credits relate or such lesser period of time as may be adopted
and consistently followed by the company.
C. This account shall be maintained according to the subaccounts 411.4 and 411.5,
inclusive, as shown below.
411.4. Investment tax credit adjustments, utility operations
This account shall include the amount of those investment tax credit adjustments reflected
in account 411.3, Investment Tax Credit Adjustments, related to property used in Utility
Operations (by department).
411.5. Investment tax credit adjustments, nonutility operations
This account shall include the amount of those investment tax credit adjustments reflected
in account 411.3, Investment Tax Credit Adjustments, related to property used in Nonutility
Operations.
411.6. Gains from disposition of utility plant
This account shall include amounts relating to gains from the sale or other disposition
of utility plant recorded in accounts 101-104; or property recorded in account 105,
Property Held for Future Use or account 121, Nonutility Property, which had previously
been classified in the aforementioned utility plant accounts. Record income taxes
on gains recorded in this account in account 409, Income Taxes.
411.7. Losses from disposition of utility plant
This account shall include amounts relating to losses from the sale or other disposition
of utility plant recorded in accounts 101-104, or property recorded in account 105,
Property Held for Future Use or account 121, Nonutility Property, which had previously
been classified in the aforementioned utility plant accounts. Record the reductions
in income taxes attributable to losses recorded in this account in account 409, Income
Taxes.
412. Revenues from utility plant leased to others
413. Expenses of utility plant leased to others
A. These accounts shall include respectively, revenues from utility property constituting
a distinct operating unit or system leased by tire utility to others, and which property
is properly includible in account 104, Utility Plant Leased to Others, and the expenses
attributable to such property.
B. The detail of expenses shall be kept or supported so as to show separately the
following:
Operation
Maintenance
Depreciation
Amortization
NOTE. — Related operating taxes shall be recorded in account 408, Taxes Other than
Income Taxes and income taxes shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes, identified
separately.
2. Other Income and Deductions
A. Other Income
415. Revenues from merchandising, jobbing, and contract work
416. Costs and expenses of merchandising, jobbing, and contract work
A. These accounts shall include respectively, all revenues derived from the sale of
merchandise and jobbing or contract work, including any profit or commission accruing
to the utility on jobbing work performed by it as agent under contracts whereby it
does jobbing work for another for a stipulated profit or commission, and all expenses
incurred in such activities.
B. Records in support of these accounts shall be so kept as to permit ready summarization
of revenues, costs and expenses by such major items as are feasible.
NOTE A. — Revenues and expenses of merchandising, jobbing, and contract work shall
be reported in these accounts, if a state regulatory body having jurisdiction over
the utility requires the net income therefrom to be reported as other income; but
the revenues and expenses shall be reported in account 914, Revenues from Merchandising,
Jobbing, and Contract Work, and account 915, Costs and Expenses of Merchandising,
Jobbing, and Contract Work, if such regulatory body requires the net income to be
reported as an operating income or expense item. In the absence of a requirement by
a state regulatory body, the utility may use these accounts or accounts 914 and 915
at its option, in which case the practice of the utility must be consistent.
NOTE B. — Related operating taxes shall be recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than
Income Taxes, and income taxes shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes.
417. Revenues from nonutility operations
417.1. Expenses of nonutility operations
A. These accounts shall include revenues and expenses applicable to operation which
are nonutility in character but nevertheless constitute a distinct operating activity
of the enterprise as a whole, such as the operation of a servicing organization for
furnishing supervision, management, engineering, and similar services to others.
NOTE. — Related operating taxes shall be recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than
Income Taxes and income taxes shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes.
B. The expenses shall include all elements of costs incurred in such operations, and
the accounts shall be maintained so as to permit ready summarization as follows:
Operation
Maintenance
Rents
Depreciation
Amortization
418. Nonoperating rental income
A. This account shall include all rent revenues and related expenses of land, buildings,
or other property included in account 121, Nonutility Property, which is not used
in operations covered by accounts 417 or 417.1.
B. The expenses shall include all elements of costs incurred in the ownership and
rental of property and the account shall be maintained so as to permit ready summarization
as follows:
Operation
Maintenance
Rents
Depreciation
Amortization
NOTE. — Related operating taxes shall be recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than
Income Taxes and income taxes shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes.
419. Interest and dividend income
A. This account shall include interest revenues on securities, loans, notes, advances,
special deposits, tax refunds and all other interest-bearing assets, and dividends
on stocks of other companies, whether the securities on which the interest and dividends
are received are carried as investments or included in sinking or other special fund
accounts.
B. This account may include for each accounting period the pro rata amount necessary
to extinguish (during the interval between the date of acquisition and the date of
maturity), the difference between the cost to the utility and the face value of interest-bearing
securities. Amounts thus credited or charged shall be concurrently included in the
accounts in which the securities are carried.
C. Where significant in amount, expenses excluding operating taxes and income taxes,
applicable to security investments and to interest and dividend revenues thereon shall
be charged hereto.
NOTE A. — Related operating taxes shall be recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than
Income Taxes and income taxes shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes.
NOTE B. — Interest accrued, the payment of which is not reasonably assured, dividends
receivable which have not been declared or guaranteed, and interest or dividends upon
reacquired securities issued or assumed by the utility shall not be credited to the
account.
421. Miscellaneous nonoperating income
This account shall include all revenue and expense items, except taxes, properly includible
in the income account and not provided for elsewhere. Related operating taxes shall
be recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than Income Taxes and income taxes shall be
recorded in account 409, Income Taxes.
ITEMS
1. Profit on sale of timber. (See utility plant instruction 7-C.)
2. Profits from operations of others realized by the utility under contracts.
3. Gain on disposition of investments and reacquisition and resale or retirement of utility's
debt securities and investments.
421.1. Gain on disposition of property
This account shall be credited with the gain on the sale, conveyance, exchange or
transfer of property other than that property recorded in, or previously recorded
in, accounts 101-104. (See utility plant instructions 5F, 7E and 10E. ) Income Taxes
on Gains recorded in this account shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes.
(See account 411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant.)
B. Other Income Deductions
421.2. Loss on disposition of property
This account shall be charged with the loss on the sale, conveyance, exchange or transfer
of property other than that property recorded in, or previously recorded in, accounts
101-104. (See utility plant instructions 5F, 7E and 10E.) The reduction in income
taxes attributable to losses recorded in this account shall be recorded in account
409, Income Taxes. (See account 411.7, Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant.)
425. Miscellaneous amortization
This account shall include amortization charges not includible in other accounts which
are properly deductible in determining the income of the utility before interest charges.
Charges includible herein, if significant in amount, must be in accordance with an
orderly and systematic amortization program.
ITEMS
1. Amortization of utility plant acquisition adjustments, or of intangibles included
in utility plant in service when not authorized to be included in utility operating
expenses by the Commission.
2. Amortization of amounts in account 182, Extraordinary Property Losses, when not authorized
to be included in utility operating expenses by the Commission.
3. Amortization of capital stock expenses when in accordance with a systematic amortization
program.
426. Miscellaneous income deductions
This account shall include miscellaneous expense items which are nonoperating in nature
but which are properly deductible before determining total income before interest
charges.
ITEMS
1. Donations for charitable, social or community welfare purposes.
2. Life insurance on officers and employees where utility is beneficiary (net premiums
less increase in cash surrender value of policies.)
3. Penalties or fines for violations of statutes pertaining to regulation.
3. Interest Charges
427. Interest on long-term debt
A. This account shall include in each accounting period the amount of interest applicable
thereto on outstanding long-term debt issued or assumed by the utility, the liability
for which is included in account 221, Bonds, or account 224, Other Long-Term Debt.
B. This account shall be so kept or supported as to show the interest accruals on
each class and series of long-term debt.
NOTE. — This account shall not include interest on nominally issued or nominally outstanding
long-term debt, including securities assumed.
428. Amortization of debt discount and expense
A. This account shall include in each accounting period the portion of unamortized
debt discount and expense on outstanding long-term debt which is applicable to such
period. Amounts charged to this account shall be credited concurrently to account
181, Unamortized Debt Discount and Expense.
B. This account shall be so kept or supported as to show the debt discount and expense
on each class and series of long-term debt.
429. Amortization of premium on debt—cr.
A. This account shall include in each accounting period the portion of unamortized
net premium on outstanding long-term debt which is applicable to such period. Amounts
credited to this account shall be charged concurrently to account 251, Unamortized
Premium on Debt.
B. This account shall be so kept or supported as to show the premium on each class
and series of long-term debt.
430. Interest on debt to associated companies
A. This account shall include in each accounting period interest accrued on amounts
included in account 223, Advances from Associated Companies, and on all other obligations
to associated companies.
B. The records supporting the entries to this account shall be so kept as to show
to whom the interest is to be paid, the period covered by the accrual, the rate of
interest and the principal amount of the advances or other obligations on which the
interest is accrued.
431. Other interest expense
This account shall include in each accounting period all interest charges not provided
for elsewhere.
ITEMS
1. Interest on notes payable on demand or maturing one year or less from date and on
open accounts, except notes and accounts with associated companies.
2. Interest on customers' deposits.
3. Interest on claims and judgments, tax assessments, and assessments for public improvements
past due.
4. Income and other taxes levied upon bondholders of utility and assumed by it.
432. Interest charged to construction—cr.
This account shall include concurrent credits for interest charged to construction
based upon the net cost for the period of construction of borrowed funds used for
construction purposes and a reasonable rate upon other funds when so used. (See utility
plant instruction 3 (17).)
4. Extraordinary Items
434. Extraordinary income
This account shall be credited with nontypical, noncustomary, infrequently recurring
gains, which would significantly distort the current year's income computed before
Extraordinary Items, if reported other than as extraordinary items. The applicable
income tax effects of this account shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes,
identified separately. (See general instruction 7.)
435. Extraordinary deductions
This account shall be debited with nontypical, noncustomary, infrequently recurring
losses, which would significantly distort the current year's income computed before
Extraordinary Items, if reported other than as extraordinary items. The applicable
income tax effects of this account shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes,
identified separately. (See general instruction 7.)
Part 8
RETAINED EARNINGS ACCOUNTS
433. Balance transferred from income
This account shall include the net credit or debit transferred from income for the
year.
436. Appropriations of retained earnings
This account shall include appropriations of retained earnings.
ITEMS
1. Appropriations required under terms of mortgages, orders of courts, contracts, or
other agreements.
2. Appropriations required by action of regulatory authorities.
3. Other appropriations made at option of utility for specific purposes.
437. Dividends declared—preferred stock
A. This account shall include amounts declared payable out of retained earnings as
dividends on actually outstanding preferred or prior lien capital stock issued by
the utility.
B. Dividends shall be segregated for each class and series of preferred stock as to
those payable in cash, stock and other forms. If not payable in cash, the medium of
payment shall be described with sufficient detail to identify it.
438. Dividends declared—common stock
A. This account shall include amounts declared payable out of retained earnings as
dividends on actually outstanding common capital stock issued by the utility.
B. Dividends shall be segregated for each class of common stock as to those payable
in cash, stock and other forms. If not payable in cash, the medium of payment shall
be described with sufficient detail to identify it.
439. Adjustments to retained earnings
A. This account shall include significant nonrecurring transactions relating to prior
periods. Other than transactions of capital stock as specified in paragraph B below,
all entries to this account must receive prior Commission approval. These transactions
are limited to those adjustments which (a) can be specifically identified with and
related to the business activities of particular prior periods, and (b) are not attributable
to economic events occurring subsequent to the date of the financial statements for
the prior period, and (c) depend primarily on determinations by persons other than
the management and (d) were not susceptible of reasonable estimation prior to such
determination. This account shall also include the related income tax effects (State
and Federal) on items included herein. All items included in this account shall be
sufficiently described in the entries relating thereto as to permit ready analysis.
B. Adjustments, charges or credits due to losses on reacquisition, resale or retirement
of the company's own capital stock shall be included in this account. (See account
210, Gain on Resale or Cancellation of Reacquired Capital Stock, for the treatment
of gains.)
ITEMS
1. Significant nonrecurring adjustments or settlements of income taxes.
2. Significant amounts resulting from litigation or similar claims.
3. Significant amounts relating to adjustments or settlement of utility revenue under
rate processes.
4. Significant adjustments to plant in service depreciation and amortization as a result
of Commission direction.
5. Write-off of unamortized capital stock expenses.
Part 9
OPERATING REVENUE ACCOUNTS
1. Service Revenues
440. General service revenues
This account shall include the net billing for service supplied for residential or
domestic purposes.
441. Commercial and industrial revenues
This account shall include the net billing for service supplied which is billed under
distinct multiple extension rates.
442. Sales to public authorities
This account shall include the net billing for services supplied to municipalities
or divisions or agencies of federal or state governments, under special contracts
or agreements or service classifications applicable only to public authorities.
443. Special service revenues
This account shall include service revenues not provided for in accounts 440 through
442 derived from the Operation of property, the investment in which is included in
utility plant accounts, including revenues arising from special fees imposed to obtain
programs not obtainable by means of regular subscription fees.
2. Other Operating Revenues
450. Forfeited discounts
This account shall include the amount of discounts forfeited or additional charges
imposed because of failure of customers to pay their service bills on or before a
specified date.
451. Miscellaneous service revenues
This account shall include revenues for all miscellaneous service and charges billed
to customers which are not specifically provided for in other accounts.
ITEMS
1. Fees for changing, connecting or disconnecting service.
2. Profit on maintenance of installations on customer premises.
3. Net credit or debit (cost less net salvage and less payment from customers) on closing
of work orders for plant installed for temporary service of less than one year. (See
account 185, Temporary Facilities).
454. Rent from utility property
A. This account shall include rents received for the use by others of land, buildings
and other property devoted to utility operations.
B. When property owned by the utility is operated jointly with others under a definite
arrangement for apportioning the actual expenses among the parties to the arrangement,
any amounts received by the utility for interest or return or reimbursement of taxes
or depreciation on the property shall be credited to this account.
NOTE. — Do not include in this account rents from property constituting an operating
unit or system. (See account 412, revenues from Utility Plant Leased to Others).
456. Other operating revenues
This account shall include revenues derived from utility operations which are not
includible in any of the foregoing accounts.
ITEMS
1. Compensation for minor or incidental services provided for others, such as customer
billing, engineering, etc.
2. Profit or loss on sale of material and supplies not ordinarily purchased for resale
and not handled through merchandising and jobbing accounts.
Part 10
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSE ACCOUNTS
1. Transmitting Expense Operation
Operation
500. Operation supervision and engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
supervision and direction of the operation of transmitting facilities. (See operating
expense instruction 1.)
502. Station power
This account shall include the cost of electricity purchased, the cost of fuel and
other supplies used, and the expenses incurred in the generation, conversion, and
storage of current for operating the transmission equipment.
504. Station expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
in operating transmitting facilities and their auxiliary apparatus to the point where
signals leave for distribution.
ITEMS
1. Operating, testing, checking and adjusting electronic equipment.
2. Keeping station log and records and preparing reports of station operations.
3. Cleaning equipment when not incidental to maintenance work.
4. Operating monitoring and regulating equipment.
506. Rents
This account shall include all rents of property of others used, occupied or operated
in connection with transmitting operations. (See operating expense instruction 3.)
508. Miscellaneous transmitting expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
which are not specifically provided for or are not readily assignable to other transmitting
expense accounts.
ITEMS
1. General clerical and stenographic work.
2. Guarding and patrolling plant and yard.
3. Building services.
4. First aid supplies and safety equipment.
Maintenance
510. Maintenance supervision and engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
supervision and direction of the maintenance of transmitting station apparatus. (See
operating expense instruction 1.)
512. Maintenance of structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in maintenance of transmitting structures the book cost of which is includible in
account 311, Structures and Improvements. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
514. Maintenance of transmitting equipment
This account shall include the amount of expenses incurred in maintaining equipment,
the cost of which is includible in account 312, Electronic Transmitting Equipment
and account 313, Accessory Transmitting Equipment. (See operating expense instruction
2.)
516. Maintenance of other transmitting facilities
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in maintenance of other transmitting equipment, the book cost of which is includible
in account 314, Other Equipment. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
2. Head End Expenses
Operation
530. Operation supervision and engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
supervision and direction of the operation of the head end facilities. (See operating
expenses instruction 1.)
532. Head end operations
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in operating the receiving and signal processing equipment and their auxiliary head
end apparatus to the point where signals leave for distribution.
ITEMS
1. Operating, testing, checking and adjusting electronic equipment.
2. Keeping station log and records and preparing reports of station operations.
3. Cleaning equipment when not incidental to maintenance work.
4. Operating monitoring and regulating equipment.
534. Station power
This account shall include the amounts of expenses incurred in supplying power for
the operation of the head end station. This includes the cost of power purchased,
the cost of fuel and other supplies consumed, and other expenses incurred in the generation,
conversion and storage of current for operating the head end equipment.
535. Copyright fees and royalties
This account shall include costs of copyright fees and royalties paid for broadcast
and similar rights.
536. Rents
This account shall include all rents of property of others used, occupied or operated
in connection with head end operations. (See operating expense instruction 3.)
538. Other head end expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in the operation of the head end station which are not specifically provided for or
are not readily assignable to other head end expense accounts.
ITEMS
1. General clerical and stenographic work.
2. Guarding and patrolling station and yard.
3. Building service.
Maintenance
540. Maintenance supervision and engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
supervision and direction of the maintenance of the head end station apparatus. (See
operating expense instruction 1.)
542. Maintenance of structures and improvements
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in the maintenance of head end structures, the book cost of which is includible in
account 321, Structures and Improvements. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
544. Maintenance of towers and antennas
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
in maintenance of plant includible in account 322, Towers and Antennas. (See operating
expense instruction 2.)
546. Maintenance of head end apparatus
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
in maintenance of apparatus, the book cost of which is includible in account 323,
Electronic Receiving and Signal Processing Equipment, and account 324, Power Supply
Equipment. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
548. Maintenance of other head end equipment
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
in maintenance of plant, the book cost of which is includible in account 325, Other
Head End Equipment. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
3. Distribution Expenses
Operation
560. Operation supervision and engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
supervision and direction of the operation of the distribution system. (See operating
expense instruction 1.)
562. Distribution system expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
in the operation of overhead and underground distribution lines.
ITEMS
1. Inspecting and testing electronic equipment for the purpose of determining operating
performance.
2. Removing electronic apparatus with or without replacement.
3. Installing electronic equipment provided that the cost of first installation of these
items is included in account 364, Electronic Conductors and Devices.
4. Inspecting and adjusting distribution system testing equipment.
564. Distribution system power
This account shall include the cost of power for distributing signals. This includes
the cost of electricity purchased, the cost of fuel and other supplies used, and the
expenses incurred in the generation, conversion, and storage of current for operating
the signal distribution equipment.
566. Customer installation expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
in work on customer installations in inspecting premises and in rendering services
to customers of the nature of those indicated by the list of items hereunder.
1. Supervising customer installation work.
2. Investigating service complaints including examination of customers' appliances, wiring,
or equipment to locate cause of interference.
3. Cost of changing customers' equipment due to changes in service characteristics.
4. Materials used in servicing customers' fixtures, appliances and equipment.
568. Miscellaneous distribution expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred
in distribution system operation not provided for elsewhere.
ITEMS
1. General records of physical characteristics of equipment, such as capacities, etc.
2. System layout maps and records.
3. Service interruption and trouble records.
4. Operating records covering poles, converters, amplifiers, and other distribution facilities.
569. Rents
This account shall include rents of property of others used, occupied, or operated
in connection with the distribution system. (See operating expense instruction 3.)
Maintenance
570. Maintenance supervision and engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
supervision and direction of maintenance of the distribution system. (See operating
expense instruction 1.)
572. Maintenance of structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in maintenance of structures, the book cost of which is includible in account 361,
Structures and Improvements. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
574. Maintenance of overhead lines
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in the maintenance of overhead distribution cable facilities, the book cost of which
is includible in account 362, Towers, Poles and Fixtures, account 364, Electronic
Conductors and Devices, account 365, Distribution System Power Supply, and account
366, Services. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
576. Maintenance of underground lines
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in the maintenance of underground distribution cable facilities, the book cost of
which is includible in account 363, Underground Conduit, account 364, Electronic Conductors
and Devices, account 365, Distribution System Power Supply, and account 366, Services.
(See operating expense instruction 2.)
578. Maintenance of miscellaneous distribution plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in maintenance of plant, the book cost of which is includible in account 367, Installation
on Customers' Premises, and account 368, Leased Property on Customers' Premises, and
any other plant, the maintenance of which is assignable to the distribution function
and is not provided for elsewhere. (See operating expense instruction 2.)
4. Customer Accounts Expenses
Operation
901. Supervision
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
direction and supervision of customer accounting and collecting activities.
903. Customer records and collection expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in work on customer applications, contracts, orders, credit investigations, billing
and accounting, collections and complaints.
904. Uncollectible accounts
This account shall be charged with amounts sufficient to provide for losses from uncollectible
utility revenues. Concurrent credits shall be made to account 144, Accumulated Provision
for Uncollectible Accounts—Cr. Losses from uncollectible accounts shall be charged
to account 144.
905. Miscellaneous customer accounts expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
not provided for in other accounts.
5. Sales Expenses
Operation
911. Supervision
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in the general
direction and supervision of sales activities, except merchandising. Direct supervision
of a specific activity, such as demonstrating, selling, or advertising shall be charged
to the account wherein the costs of such activity are included. (See operating expense
instruction 1.)
912. Demonstrating and selling expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in promotional, demonstrating, and selling activities, except by merchandising, the
object of which is to promote or retain the use of utility services by present and
prospective customers.
913. Advertising expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, materials used and expenses incurred
in advertising designed to promote or retain the use of utility service, except advertising
the sale of merchandise by the utility.
NOTE. — Exclude from this account and charge to account 930, miscellaneous General
Expenses, the cost of publication of stockholder reports, dividend notices, bond redemption
notices, financial statements, and other notices of a general corporate character.
Exclude also all institutional or goodwill advertising. (See account 930, Miscellaneous
(General Expenses.)
914. Revenues from merchandising, jobbing and contract work
915. Costs and expenses of merchandising, jobbing and contract work
A. These accounts shall include, respectively, all revenues derived from the sale
of merchandise and jobbing or contract work, including any profit or commission accruing
to the utility on jobbing work performed by it as agent under contracts whereby it
does jobbing work for another for a stipulated profit or commission and all expenses
incurred in such activities.
B. Records in support of these accounts shall be so kept as to permit ready summarization
of revenues, costs and expenses by such major items as are feasible.
NOTE A. — Revenues and expenses of merchandising, jobbing and contract work shall
be reported in this account, if a state regulatory body having jurisdiction over the
utility requires shall income to be reported as an operating expense items; but the
revenues and expenses shall be reported in accounts 415 and 416 if such regulatory
body requires such income to be reported as nonoperating income. In the absence of
a requirement by a state regulatory body, the utility may use these accounts or accounts
415 and 416 at its option, in which case the practice of the utility must be consistent.
NOTE B. — Related operating taxes shall be recorded in account 408, Taxes Other Than
Income Taxes, and income taxes shall be recorded in account 409, Income Taxes.
6. Administrative and General Expenses
Operation
920. Administrative and general salaries
A. This account shall include the compensation (salaries, bonuses, and other consideration
for services, but not including directors' fees) of officers, executives, and other
employees of the utility properly chargeable to utility operations and not chargeable
directly to a particular operating function.
B. This account may be subdivided in accordance with a classification appropriate
to the departmental or other functional organization of the utility.
921. Office supplies and other expenses
A. This account shall include office supplies and other expenses incurred in connection
with the general administration of the utility's operations which are assignable to
specific administrative or general departments and are not specifically provided for
in other accounts. This includes the expenses of the various administrative and general
departments, the salaries and wages of which are includible in account 920.
B. This account may be subdivided in accordance with a classification appropriate
to the departmental or other functional organization of the utility.
NOTE. — Office expenses which are clearly applicable to any group of operating expenses
other than the administrative and general group shall be included in the appropriate
account in each functional group. Further, general expenses which apply to the utility
as a whole rather than to a particular administrative function shall be included in
account 930, Miscellaneous General Expenses.
922. Administrative expenses transferred—cr.
This account shall be credited with administrative expenses recorded in accounts 920
and 921 which are transferred to construction costs or to nonutility accounts.
923. Outside services employed
A. This account shall include the fees and expenses of professional consultants and
others for general services which are not applicable to a particular operating function
nor to other accounts. It shall include also the pay and expenses of persons engaged
for a special or temporary administrative or general purpose in circumstances where
the person so engaged is not considered as an employee of the utility.
B. This account shall be so maintained as to permit ready summarization according
to the nature of service and the person furnishing the same.
ITEMS
1. Fees, pay and expenses of accountants and auditors, actuaries, appraisers, attorneys,
engineering consultants, management consultants, negotiators, public relations counsel,
tax consultants, etc.
2. Supervision fees and expenses paid under contracts for general management services.
NOTE. — Do not include inspection and brokerage fees and commissions chargeable to
other accounts or fees and expenses in connection with security issues which are includible
in the expenses of issuing securities.
924. Property insurance
A. This account shall include the cost of insurance or reserve accruals to protect
the utility against losses and damages to owned or leased property used in its utility
operations. It shall include also the cost of labor and related supplies and expenses
incurred in property insurance activities.
B. Recoveries from insurance companies or other for property damages shall be credited
to the account charged with the cost of the damage. If the damaged property has been
retired, the credit shall be to the appropriate account for accumulated provision
for depreciation.
C. Records shall be kept so as to show the amount of coverage for each class of insurance
carried, the property covered, and the applicable premiums. Any dividends distributed
by mutual insurance companies shall be credited to the accounts to which the insurance
premiums were charged.
NOTE A. — The cost of insurance or reserve accruals capitalized shall be charged to
construction either directly or by transfer to construction work orders from this
account.
NOTE B. — The cost of insurance or reserve accruals for the following classes of property
shall be charged as indicated:
(1) Materials and supplies and stores equipment, to account 163, Stores Expense, or
appropriate material account.
(2) Transportation and other general equipment, to appropriate clearing accounts that
may be maintained.
(3) Utility plant leased to others, to account 413, Expenses of Utility Plant Leased
to Others.
(4) Nonutility property to the appropriate nonutility income account.
(5) Merchandise and jobbing property, to account 416, Costs and Expenses of Merchandising,
Jobbing and Contract Work, or account 915, as appropriate.
NOTE C. — The cost of labor and related supplies and expenses of administrative and
general employees who are only incidentally engaged in property insurance work may
be included in accounts 920 and 921, as appropriate.
925. Injuries and damages
A. This account shall include the cost of insurance or reserve accruals to protect
the utility against injuries and damage claims of employees or others, losses of such
character not covered by insurance, and expenses incurred in settlement of injuries
and damages claims. It shall also include the cost of labor and related supplies and
expenses incurred in injuries and damages activities.
B. Reimbursements from insurance companies or others for expenses charged hereto on
account of injuries and damages and insurance dividends or refunds shall be credited
to this account.
NOTE A. — Payments to or in behalf of employees for accident or death benefits, hospital
expenses, medical supplies or for salaries while incapacitated for service on or lease
of absence beyond periods normally allowed, when not the result of occupational injuries,
shall be charged to account 926, Employee Pensions and Benefits. (See also note B
of account 926.)
NOTE B. — The cost of injuries and damages or reserve accruals capitalized shall be
charged to construction directly or by transfer to construction work orders from this
account.
NOTE C. — Exclude herefrom the time and expenses of employees (except those engaged
in injuries and damages activities) spent in attendance at safety and accident prevention
educational meetings, if occurring during the regular work period.
NOTE D. — The cost of labor and related supplies and expenses of administrative and
general employees who are only incidentally engaged in injuries and damages activities
may be included in accounts 920 and 921 as appropriate.
926. Employee pensions and benefits
A. This account shall include pensions paid to or on behalf of retired employees,
or accruals to provide for pensions, or payments for the purchase of annuities for
the purpose, when the utility has definitely, by contract, committed itself to a pension
plan under which the pension funds are irrevocably devoted to pension purposes, and
payments for employee accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits, insurance
therefor. Included, also, expenses included in medical, educational or recreational
activities for the benefit of employees and administrative expenses in connection
with employee pensions and benefits.
B. The utility shall maintain a complete record of accruals or payments for pensions
and be prepared to furnish full information to the Commission of the plan under which
it has created or proposes to create a pension fund and a copy of the declaration
of trust or resolution under which the pension plan is established.
C. There shall be credited to this account the portion of pensions and benefits expenses
which is applicable to nonutility operations or which is charged to construction unless
such amounts are distributed directly to the accounts involved and are not included
herein in the first instance.
D. Records in support of this account shall be so kept that the total pensions expense,
the total benefits expense, the administrative expenses included herein, and the amounts
of pensions and benefits expenses transferred to construction or other accounts will
be readily available.
NOTE A. — The cost of labor and related supplies and expenses of administrative and
general employees who are only incidentally engaged in employee pension and benefit
activities may be included in account 920 and 921, as appropriate.
NOTE B. — Salaries paid to employees during periods of nonoccupational sickness may
be charged to the appropriate labor account rather than to employee benefits.
927. Franchise requirements
A. This account shall include payments to municipal or other governmental authorities,
and the cost of materials, supplies and services furnished such authorities without
reimbursement in compliance with franchise, ordinance, or similar requirements; provided,
however, that the utility may charge to this account no regular tariff rates, instead
of cost, utility service furnished without charge under provisions of franchises.
B. When no direct outlay is involved, concurrent credit for such charges shall be
to account 929, Duplicate Charges—Cr.
C. The account shall be maintained so as to readily reflect the amounts of cash outlays,
utility service supplied without charge, and other items furnished without charge.
NOTE A. — Franchise taxes shall not be charged to this account but to account 408,
Taxes Other Than Income Taxes.
NOTE B. — Any amount paid as initial consideration for a franchise running for more
than one year shall be charged to account 302, Franchises and Consents.
928. Regulatory commission expenses
A. This account shall include all expenses (except pay of regular employees only incidentally
engaged in such work) properly included in utility operating expenses, incurred by
the utility in connection with formal cases before regulatory commissions, or other
regulatory bodies, or cases in which such a body is a party, including payments made
to a regulatory commission for fees assessed against the utility for pay and expenses
of such commission, its officers, agents, and employees.
B. Amounts of regulatory commission expenses which by approval or direction of the
Commission are to be spread over future periods, shall be charged to account 186,
Miscellaneous Deferred Debits, and amortized by charges to this account.
C. The utility shall bc prepared to report the cost of each formal case.
NOTE A. — Exclude from this account and include in other appropriate operating expense
accounts, expenses incurred in the improvement of service, additional inspection,
or rendering reports, which are made necessary by the rules and regulations, or orders,
of regulatory bodies.
NOTE B. — Do not include in this account amounts includible in account 302, Franchises
and Consents, account 181, Unauthorized Debt Discount and Expense, or account 214,
Capital Stock Expense.
929. Duplicate charges—cr.
This account shall include concurrent credits for charges which may be made to operating
expenses or to other accounts of the utility for the use of utility service from its
own supply. Include, also, offsetting credits for any other charges made to operating
expenses for which there is no direct money outlay.
930. Miscellaneous general expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor and expenses incurred in connection with
the general management of the utility not provided for elsewhere.
ITEMS
Labor:
1. Miscellaneous labor not elsewhere provided for.
2. Industry association dues for company memberships.
3. Contributions for conventions and meetings of the industry.
4. Experimental and general research work for the industry.
5. Communication service not chargeable to other accounts.
6. Trustee, registrar, and transfer agent fees and expenses.
7. Stockholders meeting expenses.
8. Dividend and other financial notices.
9. Printing and mailing dividend checks.
10. Directors' fees and expenses.
11. Publishing and distributing annual reports to stockholders.
12. Institutional or goodwill advertising. (See note below.)
13. Public notices of financial, operating, and other data required by regulatory statutes,
not including, however, notices required in connection with security issues or acquisitions
of property.
NOTE.—The cost of any advertising for the purpose of influencing public opinion as
to the election of public officers, referenda, proposed legislation, proposed ordinances,
repeal of existing laws or ordinances, approval or revocation of franchises, or for
the purpose of influencing the public or its elected officials, in respect to political
matters shall not be included herein but charged to account 426, Other Income Deductions.
931. Rents
This account shall include rents properly includible in utility operating expenses
for the property of others used, occupied, or operated in connection with the customer
accounts, sales and general and administrative functions of the utility. (See Operating
Expense Instruction 3.)
Maintenance
932. Maintenance of general plant
This account shall include the cost assignable to customer accounts, sales and administrative
and general functions of labor, materials used and expenses incurred in the maintenance
of property, the book cost of which is includible in account 390, Structures and Improvements,
account 391, Office Furniture and Equipment, account 397, Communication Equipment,
and account 398, Miscellaneous Equipment, and of similar property leased from others.
Include, also the cost of repairing for reuse materials which previously were included
in those accounts. (See Operating Expense Instruction 2.
NOTE.—Maintenance of plant included in other general equipment accounts shall be included
herein unless charged to clearing accounts or to the particular functional maintenance
expense account indicated by the use of the equipment.
Notes: Use of the term "Revised" in the section history note changed to "Amended" (November 24, 2014)