[Title 7 CFR ]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2016 Edition]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[[Page i]]
Title 7
Agriculture
________________________
Parts 1760 to 1939
Revised as of January 1, 2016
Containing a codification of documents of general
applicability and future effect
As of January 1, 2016
Published by the Office of the Federal Register
National Archives and Records Administration as a
Special Edition of the Federal Register
[[Page ii]]
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[[Page iii]]
Table of Contents
Page
Explanation................................................. v
Title 7:
SUBTITLE B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture
(Continued)
Chapter XVII--Rural Utilities Service, Department of
Agriculture (Continued) 5
Chapter XVIII--Rural Housing Service, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities
Service, and Farm Service Agency, Department of
Agriculture 431
Finding Aids:
Table of CFR Titles and Chapters........................ 621
Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR...... 641
List of CFR Sections Affected........................... 651
[[Page iv]]
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Cite this Code: CFR
To cite the regulations in
this volume use title,
part and section number.
Thus, 7 CFR 1767.10 refers
to title 7, part 1767,
section 10.
----------------------------
[[Page v]]
EXPLANATION
The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and
permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive
departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided
into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal
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name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into
parts covering specific regulatory areas.
Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year
and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows:
Title 1 through Title 16.................................as of January 1
Title 17 through Title 27..................................as of April 1
Title 28 through Title 41...................................as of July 1
Title 42 through Title 50................................as of October 1
The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each
volume.
LEGAL STATUS
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HOW TO USE THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS
The Code of Federal Regulations is kept up to date by the individual
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To determine whether a Code volume has been amended since its
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OMB CONTROL NUMBERS
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-511) requires
Federal agencies to display an OMB control number with their information
collection request.
[[Page vi]]
Many agencies have begun publishing numerous OMB control numbers as
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PAST PROVISIONS OF THE CODE
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alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are also included in
this volume.
[[Page vii]]
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Oliver A. Potts,
Director,
Office of the Federal Register.
January 1, 2016.
[[Page ix]]
THIS TITLE
Title 7--Agriculture is composed of fifteen volumes. The parts in
these volumes are arranged in the following order: Parts 1-26, 27-52,
53-209, 210-299, 300-399, 400-699, 700-899, 900-999, 1000-1199, 1200-
1599, 1600-1759, 1760-1939, 1940-1949, 1950-1999, and part 2000 to end.
The contents of these volumes represent all current regulations codified
under this title of the CFR as of January 1, 2016.
The Food and Nutrition Service current regulations in the volume
containing parts 210-299, include the Child Nutrition Programs and the
Food Stamp Program. The regulations of the Federal Crop Insurance
Corporation are found in the volume containing parts 400-699.
All marketing agreements and orders for fruits, vegetables and nuts
appear in the one volume containing parts 900-999. All marketing
agreements and orders for milk appear in the volume containing parts
1000-1199.
For this volume, Robert J. Sheehan, III was Chief Editor. The Code
of Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of
John Hyrum Martinez, assisted by Stephen J. Frattini.
[[Page 1]]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
(This book contains parts 1760 to 1939)
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SUBTITLE B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued)
Part
chapter xvii--Rural Utilities Service, Department of
Agriculture (Continued)................................... 1767
chapter xviii--Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm
Service Agency, Department of Agriculture................. 1806
[[Page 3]]
Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued)
[[Page 5]]
CHAPTER XVII--RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
(CONTINUED)
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Part Page
1758-1766
[Reserved]
1767 Accounting requirements for RUS electric
borrowers............................... 7
1770 Accounting requirements for RUS
telecommunications borrowers............ 198
1773 Policy on audits of RUS borrowers........... 224
1774 Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural
Communities and Households Program
(SEARCH)................................ 240
1775 Technical assistance grants................. 245
1776 Household water well system grant program... 253
1777 Section 306C WWD loans and grants........... 259
1778 Emergency and imminent community water
assistance grants....................... 263
1779 Water and waste disposal programs guaranteed
loans................................... 268
1780 Water and waste loans and grants............ 291
1781 Resource Conservation and Development (RCD)
loans and Watershed (WS) loans and
advances................................ 330
1782 Servicing of water and waste programs....... 348
1783 Revolving funds for financing water and
wastewater projects (revolving fund
program)................................ 356
1784 Rural Alaskan village grants................ 360
1785 Loan account computations, procedures and
policies for electric and telephone
borrowers............................... 369
1786 Prepayment of RUS guaranteed and insured
loans to electric and telephone
borrowers............................... 371
1788 RUS fidelity and insurance requirements for
electric and telecommunications
borrowers............................... 401
1789 Use of consultants funded by borrowers...... 406
1792 Compliance with other Federal statutes,
regulations, and Executive orders....... 411
1794 Environmental policies and procedures....... 413
1795-1799
[Reserved]
PARTS 1758 1766 [RESERVED]
[[Page 7]]
PART 1767_ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS ELECTRIC BORROWERS
--Table of Contents
Subpart A_General [Reserved]
Sec.
1767.1-1767.9 [Reserved]
Subpart B_Uniform System of Accounts
1767.10 Definitions.
1767.11 Purpose.
1767.12 Accounting system requirements.
1767.13 Departures from the prescribed RUS Uniform System of Accounts.
1767.14 Interpretations of the Rural Development uniform system of
accounts.
1767.15 General instructions.
1767.16 Electric plant instructions.
1767.17 Operating expense instructions.
1767.18 Assets and other debits.
1767.19 Liabilities and other credits.
1767.20 Plant accounts.
1767.21 Operating income.
1767.22 Other income and deductions.
1767.23 Interest charges.
1767.24 Extraordinary items.
1767.25 Retained earnings.
1767.26 Operating revenue.
1767.27 Operation and maintenance expenses.
1767.28 Customer accounts expenses.
1767.29 Customer service and informational expenses.
1767.30 Sales expenses.
1767.31 Administrative and general expenses.
1767.32-1767.40 [Reserved]
1767.41 Accounting methods and procedures required of all RUS borrowers.
1767.42-1767.45 [Reserved]
Subpart C--Depreciation Rates and Procedures [Reserved]
1767.46-1767.65 [Reserved]
Subpart D_Preservation of Records
1767.66 Purpose.
1767.67 General.
1767.68 Designation of a supervisory official.
1767.69 Index of records.
1767.70 Record storage media.
1767.71 Periods of retention.
1767.72-1767.85 [Reserved]
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.
Source: 58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General [Reserved]
Sec. Sec. 1767.1-1767.9 [Reserved]
Subpart B_Uniform System of Accounts
Sec. 1767.10 Definitions.
As used in this part:
Accounting borrower is an RUS borrower.
Accounts are the accounts prescribed in this system of accounts.
Actually issued as applied to securities issued or assumed by the
utility, are 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.
Actually outstanding as applied to securities issued or assumed by
the utility, are 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.
Amortization is 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.
Associated (affiliated) companies are companies or persons that
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, or
are controlled by, or under common control with, the accounting company.
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.
CFC is the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation.
Continuing property records are company plant records for retirement
units and mass property that provide, as either a single record, or in
separate records readily obtainable by references made in a single
record, the following information:
(1) For each retirement unit:
(i) The name or description of the unit, or both;
(ii) The location of the unit;
[[Page 8]]
(iii) The date the unit was placed in service;
(iv) The cost of the unit as set forth in Sec. 1767.16 (b) and (c);
and
(v) The plant control account to which the cost of the unit is
charged.
(2) For each category of mass property:
(i) A general description of the property and quantity;
(ii) The quantity placed in service by vintage year;
(iii) The average cost as set forth in Sec. 1767.16 (b) and (c);
and
(iv) The plant control account to which the costs are charged.
Control (including the terms controlling, controlled by, and under
common control with) is 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 through voting of securities; common directors,
officers, or stockholders; voting trusts; holding trusts; associated
companies; contracts; or any other direct or indirect means.
Cost is the amount of money actually paid for property or services.
When the consideration given is other than cash in a purchase and sale
transaction, as distinguished from a transaction involving the issuance
of common stock in a merger or a pooling of interest, the value of such
consideration shall be determined on a cash basis.
Cost of removal is the cost of demolishing, dismantling, tearing
down or otherwise removing electric plant, including the cost of
transportation and handling incidental thereto. It does not include the
cost of removal activities associated with asset retirement obligations
that are capitalized as part of the tangible long-lived assets that give
rise to the obligation. (See Sec. 1767.15(y).
Customer is a consumer or patron.
Debt expense includes all expenses incurred in connection with the
issuance and initial sale of evidence of debt, such as fees for drafting
mortgages and trust deeds; fees and taxes for issuing or recording
evidences of debt; costs of engraving and printing bonds and
certificates of indebtedness; fees paid to 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.
Depreciation, as applied to depreciable electric plant, is the loss
in service value, not restored by current maintenance, incurred in
connection with the consumption or prospective retirement of electric
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.
Discount, as applied to the securities issued or assumed by the
utility, is 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.
FASB is the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Form 7 is the January 2004 revision (or the revision of any other
date which may be specified) of such Form 7, Financial and Statistical
Report, or any later revision which shall have been at the time
prescribed for use by Rural Development.
Form 12 is the December 2002 revision (or the revision of any other
date which may be specified) of such Form 12, Operating Report--
Financial, or any later revision which shall have been at the time
prescribed for use by Rural Development.
G&T is a generation and transmission cooperative.
Investment advances are 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.
[[Page 9]]
Lease, capital is a lease of property used in utility or nonutility
operations, which meets one or more of the criteria stated in Sec.
1767.15(s).
Lease, operating is a lease of property used in utility or
nonutility operations, which does not meet any of the criteria stated in
Sec. 1767.15(s).
Minor items of property are the associated parts or items of which
retirement units are composed.
Net salvage value is the salvage value of property retired less the
cost of removal.
Nominally issued, as applied to securities issued or assumed by the
utility, are 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 funds of the utility, but
which have not been sold, or issued direct to trustees of sinking funds
in accordance with contractual requirements.
Nominally outstanding, as applied to securities issued or assumed by
the utility, are 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.
NRECA is the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Original cost, as applied to electric plant, is the cost of such
property to the person first devoting it to public service.
Person is 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.
Premium, as applied to securities issued or assumed by the utility,
is 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.
Project is a complete unit of improvement or development, consisting
of a power house, all water conduits, all dams and appurtenant works and
structures (including navigation structures) which are a part of said
unit, and all storage, diverting, or forebay reservoirs directly
connected therewith, the primary line or lines transmitting power
therefrom to the point of junction with the distribution system or with
the interconnected primary transmission system, all miscellaneous
structures used and useful in connection with said unit or any part
thereof, and all water rights, rights of way, ditches, dams, reservoirs,
lands, or interest in lands the use and occupancy of which are necessary
or appropriate in the maintenance and operation of such unit.
Property retired, as applied to electric plant, is property which
has been removed, sold, abandoned, destroyed, or which for any cause has
been withdrawn from service.
REA means the Rural Electrification Administration formerly an
agency of the United States Department of Agriculture and predecessor
agency to RUS with respect to administering certain electric and
telephone loan programs.
Regional Market is an organized energy market operated by a public
utility, whether directly or through a contractual relationship with
another entity.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities are assets and liabilities that
result from rate actions of regulatory agencies. Regulatory assets and
liabilities arise from specific revenues, expenses, gains, or losses
that would have been included in net income determinations in one period
under the general requirements of the Uniform System of Accounts but for
it being probable:
(1) That such items will be included in a different period(s) for
purposes of developing the rates the utility is authorized to charge for
its utility services; or
(2) In the case of regulatory liabilities, that refunds to
customers, not provided for in the other accounts, will be required.
Replacing (including replacement) when not otherwise indicated in
the context, is the construction or installation of electric plant in
place of property retired, together with the removal of the property
retired.
[[Page 10]]
Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) includes all
expenditures incurred by borrowers either directly or through another
person or organization (such as a research institute, industry
association, foundation, university, engineering company or similar
contractor) in pursuing research, development, and demonstration
activities including experiment, design, installation, construction, or
operation. This definition includes expenditures for the implementation
or development of new and/or existing concepts until technically
feasible and commercially feasible operations are verified. Such
research, development, and demonstration costs should be reasonably
related to the existing or future utility business, broadly defined, of
the borrower or in the environment in which it operates or expects to
operate. The term includes, but is not limited to, all such costs
incidental to the design, development or implementation of an
experimental facility, a plant process, a product, a formula, an
invention, a system or similar items, and the improvement of already
existing items of a like nature; amounts expended in connection with the
proposed development and/or proposed delivery of alternate sources of
electricity; and the costs of obtaining its own patent, such as
attorney's fees expended in making and perfecting a patent application.
The term includes preliminary investigations and detailed planning of
specific projects for securing for customers non-conventional electric
power supplies that rely on technology that has not been verified
previously to be feasible. The term does not include expenditures for
efficiency surveys; studies of management, management techniques, and
organization; or consumer surveys, advertising, promotions, or items of
a like nature.
Retirement units are those items of electric plant which, when
retired with or without replacement, are accounted for by crediting the
book cost thereof to the electric plant accounts in which included.
RUS means the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the United
States Department of Agriculture established pursuant to Section 232 of
the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-354, 108 Stat. 3178), successor
to REA with respect to administering certain electric and telephone
programs. See 7 CFR 1700.1.
RUS Form 7 is the August 1988 revision (or the revision of any other
date which may be specified) of such RUS Form 7, Financial and
Statistical Report, or any later revision which shall have been at the
time prescribed for use by RUS.
RUS Form 12 is the November 1979 revision (or the revision of any
other date which may be specified) of such RUS Form 12, Operating
Report--Financial, or any later revision which shall have been at the
time prescribed for use by RUS.
RUS USoA is the USoA prescribed in this subpart.
Salvage value is 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
recovered is chargeable to materials and supplies, or other appropriate
accounts.
Service life is the time between the date electric plant is
includible in electric plant in service, or electric 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, service life should
be measured in terms of the appropriate unit of production.
Service value is the difference between original cost and net
salvage value of electric plant.
State is a State admitted to the Union, the District of Columbia,
and any organized Territory of the United States.
Subsidiary company is a company which is controlled by the utility
through ownership of voting stock. (See the definition of control in
Sec. 1767.10.) A corporate joint venture in which a corporation is
owned by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business
or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group is a
subsidiary company for the purposes of this system of accounts.
Utility is an RUS borrower.
Work order is an order authorizing the construction of utility
plant. It
[[Page 11]]
serves as the basis for the accounts or subaccounts in which costs are
recorded.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 66440, Dec. 27, 1994;
73 FR 30279, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.11 Purpose.
(a) The standard form of RUS loan documents for electric borrowers
requires that the borrower keep books, records, and accounts in which
full and true entries will be made of all of the dealings, business and
affairs of the borrower in accordance with the methods and principles of
accounting of this part.
(b) This subpart implements these provisions of the RUS loan
documents by prescribing the RUS USoA for electric borrowers and by
providing accounting methodologies and procedures which are applicable
to particular situations.
Sec. 1767.12 Accounting system requirements.
(a) Each Rural Development electric borrower must maintain and keep
its books of accounts and all other books and records that support the
entries in such books of accounts in accordance with Sec. Sec. 1767.13-
1767.31.
(b) Each RUS electric borrower shall maintain and keep its books of
accounts and all other books and records which support the entries in
such books of accounts in accordance with Sec. 1767.41, Accounting
Methods and Procedures Required of All RUS Borrowers, herein, which
prescribes accounting principles to be applied to specific factual
circumstances.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 73 FR 30280, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.13 Departures from the prescribed RUS Uniform System
of Accounts.
(a) No departures are to be made to the prescribed Rural Development
USoA without the prior written approval of Rural Development. Requests
for departures from the Rural Development USoA shall be addressed, in
writing, to the Assistant Administrator, Program Accounting and
Regulatory Analysis. (AA-PARA).
(b) RUS borrowers subject to the jurisdiction of a state regulatory
authority with jurisdiction over rates and/or accounting for electric
utilities will not:
(1) Request approval of such authority to use accounting
methodologies and principles that depart from the provisions herein; or
(2) File with such authority, any documents or information,
including without limitation, any filings associated with the borrower's
rates, based upon accounting methods and principles inconsistent with
the provisions of this part.
(c) If any state regulatory authority with jurisdiction over an RUS
borrower prescribes accounting methods or principles for the borrower
that are inconsistent with the provisions of this part, the borrower
must immediately notify the Director, BAD, and provide such documents,
information, and reports as RUS may request to evaluate the impact that
such accounting methods or principles may have on the interests of RUS.
(1) If RUS determines that the accounting methods and principles do
not adversely impact RUS interests, RUS will permit the borrower to use
the accounting methods and principles as prescribed by the state
regulatory authority to comply with the provisions of the RUS loan
documents.
(2) If RUS determines that the accounting methods and principles may
adversely impact RUS's interests, RUS may require that, for the purposes
of complying with provisions of RUS loan documents, including, without
limitation, those provisions relating to financial coverage standards
(e.g. ``TIER''), the borrower continue to maintain books, records, and
accounts in accordance with this subpart.
(i) RUS may, however, approve requests by the borrower to maintain
such additional books, records, and accounts as necessary to comply with
the requirements of the state regulatory authority.
(ii) Such approval will not waive, modify or amend the requirements
of the RUS loan documents or of this subpart.
(d) RUS borrowers will not implement the provisions of Statement of
[[Page 12]]
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, Accounting for the Effects
of Certain Types of Regulation, SFAS No. 90, Regulated Enterprises--
Accounting for Abandonments and Disallowances of Plant Costs, SFAS No.
92, Regulated Enterprises--Accounting for Phase-in Plans, without the
prior written approval of RUS except as provided for in paragraphs
(d)(1) through (d)(5) of this section. Requests for approval shall be
addressed, in writing, to the Director, PASD. The specific deferrals set
forth in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(5) of this section may be
implemented without the prior written approval of RUS provided that the
deferrals comply with Statement No. 71 and that the RUS borrowers
implementing such deferrals continue to meet the requirements set forth
in Statement No. 71 for doing so:
(1) The deferral and amortization of prior service pension costs
(See Sec. 1767.41, Interpretation No. 606, Pension Costs), remapping
expenses (See Sec. 1767.41, Interpretation No. 613, Mapping Costs), and
preliminary survey and investigation charges (See Sec. 1767.17,
Interpretation No. 111, Engineering Contracts for System Planning);
(2) The deferral of any current period expense or expenses, on a
cumulative basis for the fiscal year, only if a borrower would have met
each of its financial tests or coverage ratios that it has covenanted
with RUS to meet for that fiscal year, had the deferral not been made;
(3) The deferral of any cost that will be fully amortized within the
next 12 succeeding months;
(4) The accelerated amortization of any previously deferred expense;
and
(5) The deferral of revenues coincident with a moratorium imposed by
the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association on its Retirement
and Security Program, provided, however, that the deferral is for the
sole purpose of offsetting future pension costs.
(e) RUS will consider approval of specific departures from this part
upon submission of:
(1) A detailed description of the proposed departure;
(2) The specific accounting journal entries that will be used
including the account number and title, and the dollar amounts where
appropriate;
(3) The total dollar amount of the departure and the impact on
margins during the time period of the departure; and
(4) A resolution from the borrower's Board of Directors authorizing
such action; and
(5) Any additional information RUS may deem necessary to adequately
evaluate the borrower's request.
(f) RUS will, within 90 days of final receipt of this information,
render a decision on the borrower's request for a departure from the
prescribed RUS USoA.
(1) If, due to extenuating circumstances, RUS is unable to reach a
decision within the required time period, RUS will notify the borrower
of the delay within this same 90-day period, and provide a projected
decision date.
(2) The requested departure from the prescribed RUS USoA must not be
implemented until final approval is granted by RUS.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 60 FR 55429, Nov. 1, 1995; 62
FR 42289, Aug. 6, 1997; 73 FR 30280, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.14 Interpretations of the Rural Development uniform system
of accounts.
To maintain uniformity in accounting, borrowers must submit
questions concerning interpretations of the Rural Development USoA, in
writing, to the AA-PARA, for consideration and decision.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number
0572-0002)
[73 FR 30280, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.15 General instructions.
(a) Records. (1) 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.
(2) Each entry shall be supported by such detailed information as
will permit ready identification, analysis, and verification of all
facts relevant thereto.
[[Page 13]]
(3) 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.
(4) No utility shall destroy any such books or records unless the
destruction thereof is permitted by the rules and regulations contained
in subpart D of this part.
(5) In addition to the prescribed accounts, clearing accounts,
temporary or experimental accounts, and subdivisions of any accounts,
may be kept, provided the integrity of the prescribed accounts is not
impaired.
(6) When the utility chooses to recognize the gain in the year of
reacquisition as a taxable gain, Account 411.1, Provision for Deferred
Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, shall be credited with
the amount of the related tax effect, such amount to be allocated to the
periods affected in accordance with the provisions of Account 190,
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes.
(7) 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 RUS.
(b) Numbering system. (1) The account numbering plan 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, transmission, and distribution expenses.
900-949 Customer accounts, customer service and informational, sales,
and general and administrative expenses.
(2) 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.
(3) The numbers prefixed to account titles are to be considered as
parts of the titles.
(i) Each utility, however, may adopt, for its own purposes, a
different system of account numbers provided that the numbers herein
prescribed shall appear in the descriptive headings of the ledger
accounts and in the various sources of original entry.
(ii) If a utility uses a different group of account numbers and it
is not practicable to show the prescribed account numbers in the various
sources of original entry, such reference to the prescribed account
numbers may be omitted from the various sources of original entry.
(iii) Each utility using different account numbers for its own
purposes shall keep readily available, a list of such account numbers
which it uses and a reconciliation of such account numbers with the
account numbers provided herein.
(iv) The utility's records shall be so kept as to permit ready
analysis by prescribed accounts (by direct reference to sources of
original entry to the extent practicable) and to permit preparation of
financial and operating statements directly from such records at the end
of each accounting period according to the prescribed accounts.
(c) Accounting period. (1) 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.
(2) Amounts applicable or assignable to specific utility departments
shall be so segregated monthly.
(3) Each utility shall close its books at the end of each fiscal
year unless otherwise authorized by RUS.
(d) Submission of questions. To maintain uniformity of accounting,
utilities shall submit questions of doubtful interpretation to RUS for
consideration and decision.
(e) Item lists. (1) 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.
(2) The lists are intended to be representative, but not exhaustive.
(3) 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
[[Page 14]]
inclusion inasmuch as the same item frequently appears in more than one
list.
(4) The proper entry in each instance must be determined by the
texts of the accounts.
(f) Extraordinary items. (1) Net income shall reflect all items of
profit and loss during the period with the exception of prior period
adjustments as described in Sec. 1767.15 (g) and long-term debt as
described in Sec. 1767.15 (q).
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(i) In determining significance, items of a similar nature should be
considered in the aggregate.
(ii) Dissimilar items should be considered individually; however, if
they are few in number, they may be considered in the aggregate.
(iii) To be considered as extraordinary under the above guidelines,
an item should be more than approximately 5 percent of income, computed
before extraordinary items.
(iv) RUS approval must be obtained to treat an item of less than 5
percent, as extraordinary. (See Accounts 434 and 435.)
(g) Prior period items. (1) Items of profit and loss related to the
following shall be accounted for as prior period adjustments and
excluded from the determination of net income for the current year:
(i) Correction of an error in the financial statements of a prior
year
(ii) Adjustments that result from realization of income tax benefits
of preacquisition operating loss carryforwards of purchased
subsidiaries.
(2) All other items of profit and loss recognized during the year
shall be included in the determination of net income for that year.
(h) Unaudited items. (1) Whenever a financial statement is required
by RUS, 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, the amount
shall be estimated and such estimated amount included in the proper
accounts.
(2) The utility is not required to anticipate minor items which
would not appreciably affect the accounts.
(i) Distribution of pay and expenses of employees. Charges to
electric plant, operating expense, 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.
(j) Payroll distribution. (1) 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.
(2) 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 among
construction, cost of removal, electric operating functions (steam
generation, nuclear generation, hydraulic generation, transmission,
distribution, etc.) and nonutility operations.
(k) Accounting on an accrual basis. (1) The utility is required to
keep its accounts on the accrual basis.
(i) This requires the inclusion, in its accounts, of all known
transactions of appreciable amount which affect the accounts.
(ii) If bills covering such transactions have not been received or
rendered, the amounts shall be estimated and appropriate adjustments
made when the bills are received.
(2) When payments are made in advance for items such as insurance,
rents, taxes, or interest, the amount applicable to future periods shall
be charged to Account 165, Prepayments,
[[Page 15]]
and spread over the periods to which applicable, by credits to Account
165, and charges to the accounts appropriate for the expenditure.
(l) Records for each plant. (1) Separate records shall be maintained
by electric plant accounts of the book cost of each plant owned,
including additions by the utility to plant leased from others, and of
the cost of operating and maintaining each plant owned or operated.
(2) The term ``plant'' as used herein includes each generating
station and each transmission line or appropriate group of transmission
lines.
(m) Accounting for other departments. (1) If the utility also
operates other utility departments, such as gas or water, 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 such department.
(2) It is not intended that proprietary and similar accounts which
apply to the utility as a whole shall be departmentalized.
(n) Transactions with associated companies. (1) 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.
(2) 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 purpose of recording separately
transactions with associated companies.
(o) Contingent assets and liabilities. (1) Contingent assets
represent a possible source of value to the utility contingent upon the
fulfillment of conditions regarded as uncertain.
(2) 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 significant
contingent assets and liabilities (including cumulative dividends on
preference stock) in its audited financial statements; its RUS Form 7,
Financial and Statistical Report, or its RUS Form 12, Operating Report--
Financial; and at such other times as may be requested by RUS.
(p) Separate accounts or records for each licensed project. The
accounts or records of each borrower shall be so kept as to show for
each project (including pumped storage) under license:
(1) The actual legitimate original cost of the project, including
the original cost of the original project, the original cost of
additions thereto and betterments thereof, and credits for property
retired from service, as determined under RUS's regulations in 7 CFR
chapter XVII;
(2) The charges for operation and maintenance of the project
property directly assignable to the project;
(3) The credits and debits to the depreciation and amortization
accounts, and the balances in such accounts; and
(4) The credits and debits to the operating revenue, income, and
retained earnings accounts that can be identified with and directly
assigned to the project.
Note: The purpose of this instruction is to insure that accounts or
records are currently maintained by each borrower from which reports may
be made to RUS for use in determining the net investment in each
licensed project. The instruction covers only the debit and credit items
appearing in the borrower's accounts which may be identified with and
assigned directly to any project. In the determination of the net
investment, allocations of items affecting the net investment may be
required where direct assignment is not practicable.
(q) Long-term debt: premium, discount and expense, and gain or loss
on reacquisition--(1) Premium, discount and expense. (i) A separate
premium, discount and expense account shall be maintained for each class
and series of long-term debt (including receivers' certificates) issued
or assumed by the utility.
(ii) The premium will be recorded in Account 225, Unamortized
Premium on Long-Term Debt, the discount will be recorded in Account 226,
Unamortized
[[Page 16]]
Discount on Long-Term Debt--Debit, and the expense of issuance shall be
recorded in Account 181, Unamortized Debt Expense.
(iii) The premium, discount and expense 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.
(A) The amortization shall be charged or credited on a monthly basis
with the amounts relating to discount and expense charged to Account
428, Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense.
(B) The amounts relating to premium shall be credited to Account
429, Amortization of Premium on Debt--Credit.
(2) Reacquisition, without refunding. (i) When 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 (primarily redemptions for sinking fund purposes),
the difference between the amount paid upon reacquisition and the face
value; plus any unamortized premium less any related unamortized debt
expense and reacquisition costs; or less any unamortized discount,
related debt expense and reacquisition costs applicable to the debt
redeemed, retired and cancelled, shall be included in Account 189,
Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt, or Account 257, Unamortized Gain on
Reacquired Debt, as appropriate.
(ii) The utility shall amortize the recorded amounts equally on a
monthly basis over the remaining life of the respective security issues
(old original debt).
(iii) The amount so amortized shall be charged to Account 428.1,
Amortization of Loss on Reacquired Debt, or credited to Account 429.1,
Amortization of Gain on Reacquired Debt--Credit, as appropriate.
(3) Reacquisition, with refunding. (i) 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, the
difference between the amount paid upon refunding and the face value;
plus any unamortized premium less related debt expense or less any
unamortized discount and related debt expense, applicable to the debt
refunded, shall be included in Account 189, Unamortized Loss on
Reacquired Debt, or Account 257, Unamortized Gain on Reacquired Debt, as
appropriate.
(ii) The utility may elect to account for such amounts as follows:
(A) Write them off immediately when the amounts are insignificant;
(B) Amortize them by equal monthly amounts over the remainder of the
original life of the issue retired; or
(C) Amortize them by equal monthly amounts over the life of the new
issue.
(iii) Once an election is made, it shall be applied on a consistent
basis.
(iv) The amounts in paragraphs (q)(3)(ii)(A), (B), or (C) of this
section shall be charged to Account 428.1, Amortization of Loss on
Reacquired Debt, or credited to Account 429.1, Amortization of Gain on
Reacquired Debt--Credit, as appropriate.
(4) Under methods in paragraphs (q)(3)(ii)(B) and (C) of this
section, the increase or reduction in current income taxes resulting
from the reacquisition should be apportioned over the remainder of the
original life of the issued retired or over the life of the new issue,
as appropriate, as directed more specifically in paragraphs (q)(5) and
(6) of this section.
(5) When the utility recognizes the loss in the year of
reacquisition as a tax deduction, Account 410.1, Provision for Deferred
Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income, shall be debited and Account
283, Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Other, shall be credited with
the amount of the related tax effect, such amount to be allocated to the
periods affected in accordance with the provisions of Account 283.
(6) When the utility chooses to recognize the gain in the year of
reacquisition as a taxable gain, Account 411.1, Provision for Deferred
Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, shall be debited with
the amount of the related tax effect, such amount to be allocated to the
periods affected in accordance with the provisions of Account 190,
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes.
(7) When the utility chooses to use the optional privilege of
deferring the
[[Page 17]]
tax on the gain attributable to the reacquisition of debt by reducing
the depreciable basis of utility property for tax purposes, pursuant to
Section 108 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 108), the related
tax effects shall be deferred as the income is recognized for accounting
purposes, and the deferred amounts shall be amortized over the life of
the associated property on a vintage year basis.
(i) Account 410.1, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Utility
Operating Income, shall be debited, and Account 282, Accumulated
Deferred Income Taxes--Other Property, shall be credited with an amount
equal to the estimated income tax effect applicable to the portion of
the income, attributable to reacquired debt, recognized for accounting
purposes during the period.
(ii) Account 282 shall be debited and Account 411.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, shall be
credited with an amount equal to the estimated income tax effects,
during the life of the property, attributable to the reduction in the
depreciable basis for tax purposes.
(8) The tax effects relating to gain or loss shall be allocated as
above to utility operations except in cases where a portion of the debt
reacquired is directly applicable to nonutility operations.
(i) In that event, the related portion of the tax effects shall be
allocated to nonutility operations.
(ii) Where it can be established that reacquired debt is generally
applicable to both utility and nonutility operations, the tax effects
shall be allocated between utility and nonutility operations based on
the ratio of net investment in utility plant to net investment in
nonutility plant.
(9) Premium, discount, or expense on debt shall not be included as
an element in the cost of construction or acquisition of property
(tangible or intangible), except under the provisions of Account 432,
Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction--Credit.
(10) Alternate method. Where a regulatory authority or a group of
regulatory authorities having prime rate jurisdiction over the utility
specifically disallows the rate principle of amortizing gains or losses
on reacquisition of long-term debt without refunding, and does not apply
the gain or loss to reduce interest charges in computing the allowed
rate of return for rate purposes, the following alternate method may be
used to account for gains or losses relating to reacquisition of long-
term debt, with or without refunding:
(i) The difference between the amount paid upon reacquisition of any
long-term debt and the face value, adjusted for unamortized discount,
expenses or premium, as the case may be, applicable to the debt redeemed
shall be recognized currently in income and recorded in Account 421,
Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, or Account 426.5, Other Deductions.
(ii) When this alternate method of accounting is used, the utility
shall include a footnote to each financial statement, prepared for
public use, explaining why this method is being used along with the
treatment given for ratemaking purposes.
(r) Comprehensive interperiod income tax allocation. (1) Where there
are timing differences between the periods in which transactions affect
taxable income and the periods in which they enter into the
determination of pretax accounting income, the income tax effects of
such transactions are to be recognized in the periods in which the
differences between book accounting income and taxable income arise and
in the periods in which the differences reverse using the deferred tax
method.
(2) Comprehensive interperiod tax allocation should be followed
whenever transactions enter into the determination of pretax accounting
income for the period even though some transactions may affect the
determination of taxes payable in a different period.
(3) Utilities are not required to utilize comprehensive interperiod
income tax allocation until the deferred income taxes are included as an
expense in the rate level by the regulatory authority having rate
jurisdiction over the utility.
(4) Where comprehensive interperiod tax allocation accounting is not
practiced the utility shall include as a note to each financial
statement, prepared for public use, a footnote explanation
[[Page 18]]
setting forth the utility's accounting policies with respect to
interperiod tax allocation and describing the treatment for rate making
purposes of the tax timing differences by regulatory authorities having
rate jurisdiction.
(5) Should the utility be subject to more than one agency having
rate jurisdiction, its accounts shall appropriately reflect the
ratemaking treatment (deferral or flow through) of each jurisdiction.
(6) Once comprehensive interperiod tax allocation has been initiated
either in whole or in part it shall be practiced on a consistent basis
and shall not be changed or discontinued without prior RUS approval.
(7) Tax effects deferred currently will be recorded as deferred
debits or deferred credits in Accounts 190, Accumulated Deferred Income
Taxes; 281, Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Accelerated Amortization
Property; 282, Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Other Property, and
283, Accumulated Deferred Taxes--Other, as appropriate.
(8) The resulting amounts recorded in these accounts shall be
disposed of as prescribed in this system of accounts or as otherwise
authorized by RUS.
(s) Criteria for classifying leases. (1) If, at its inception, a
lease meets one or more of the following criteria, the lease shall be
classified as a capital lease:
(i) The lease transfers ownership of the property to the lessee by
the end of the lease term.
(ii) The lease contains a bargain purchase option.
(iii) The lease term is equal to 75 percent or more of the estimated
economic life of the leased property. However, if the beginning of the
lease term falls within the last 25 percent of the total estimated
economic life of the leased property, including earlier years of use,
this criterion shall not be used for purposes of classifying the lease.
(iv) The present value at the beginning of the lease term of the
minimum lease payments, excluding that portion of the payments
representing executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes
to be paid by the lessor, including any profit thereon, equals or exceed
90 percent of the excess of the fair value of the leased property to the
lessor at the inception of the lease over any related investment tax
credit retained by the lessor and expected to be realized by lessor.
(A) However, if the beginning of the lease term falls within the
last 25 percent of the total estimated economic life of the leased
property, including earlier years of use, this criterion shall not be
used for purposes of classifying the lease.
(B) The lessee utility shall compute the present value of the
minimum lease payments using its incremental borrowing rate, unless it
is practicable for the utility to learn the implicit rate computed by
the lessor, and the implicit rate computed by the lessor is less than
the lessee's incremental borrowing rate. If both of those conditions are
met, the lessee shall use the implicit rate.
(2) If, at any time, the lessee and lessor agree to change the
provisions of the lease, other than by renewing the lease or extending
its term, in a manner that would have resulted in a different
classification of the lease under the criteria in paragraph (s)(1) of
this section had the changed terms been in effect at the inception of
the lease, the revised agreement shall be considered as a new agreement
over its term, and the criteria in paragraph (s)(1) of this section
shall be applied for purposes of the expiration of the existing lease
term, such as the exercise of a lease renewal option other than those
already included in the lease term, shall be considered as a new
agreement and shall be classified according to the above provision.
Changes in estimates (for example, changes in estimates of the economic
life or of the residual value of the leased property) or changes in
circumstances (for example, default by the lessee) shall not give rise
to a new classification of a lease for accounting purposes.
(t) Accounting for leases. (1) All leases shall be classified as
either capital or operating leases.
(2) The utility shall record a capital lease as an asset in Account
101.1, Property Under Capital Leases, Account 120.6, Nuclear Fuel Under
Capital Leases or Account 121, Nonutility Property;
[[Page 19]]
(3) The utility, as a lessee, shall recognize an asset retirement
obligation arising from the plant under a capital lease unless the
obligation is recorded as an asset and liability under a capital lease.
The utility shall record the asset retirement cost by debiting Account
101.1, Property Under Capital Leases, or Account 120.6, Nuclear Fuel
Under Capital Leases, or Account 121, Nonutility Property, as
appropriate, and crediting the liability for the asset retirement
obligation in Account 230, Asset Retirement Obligations. Asset
retirement costs recorded in Account 101.1, Account 120.6, or Account
121 shall be amortized by charging rent expense, or Account 518, Nuclear
Fuel Expense, or Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, as
appropriate, and crediting a separate subaccount of the account in which
the asset retirement costs are recorded. Charges for the periodic
accretion of the liability in Account 230, Asset Retirement Obligations,
shall be recorded by a charge to Account 411.10, Accretion Expense, for
electric utility plant, and Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating
Income, for nonutility plant and a credit to Account 230, Asset
Retirement Obligations.
(4) Rental payments on all leases shall be charged to rent expense,
fuel expense, construction work in progress, or other appropriate
accounts as they become payable.
(5) For a capital lease, for each period during the lease term, the
amounts recorded for the asset and obligation shall be reduced by an
amount equal to the portion of each lease payment that would have been
allocated to the reduction of the obligation, if the payment had been
treated as a payment on an installment obligation (liability) and
allocated between interest expense and a reduction of the obligation so
as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining
balance.
(u) Allowances. (1) Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of
1990, Pub. L. 101-549, 104 Stat. 2399, 2584 (42 U.S.C. 7407 and 42
U.S.C. 7651), provides for the issuance of allowances as a means to
limit the emissions of certain airborne pollutants by various entities,
including utilities. Utilities owning allowances, other than those
acquired for speculative purposes, shall account for such allowances at
cost in Account 158.1, Allowance Inventory, or Account 158.2, Allowances
Withheld, as appropriate. Allowances acquired for speculative purposes
and identified as such in contemporaneous records at the time of
purchase shall be accounted for in Account 124, Other Investments.
(2) When purchased, allowances become eligible for use in different
years, and the allocation of the purchase cost cannot be determined by
fair value, the purchase cost allocated to allowances of each vintage
shall be determined through use of a present-value based measurement.
The interest rate used in the present-value measurement shall be the
utility's incremental borrowing rate, in the month in which the
allowances are acquired, for a loan with a term similar to the period
that it will hold the allowances and in an amount equal to the purchase
price.
(3) The underlying records supporting Account 158.1 and Account
158.2 shall be maintained in sufficient detail so as to provide the
number of allowances and the related cost by vintage year.
(4) Issuances from inventory included in Account 158.1 and Account
158.2 shall be accounted for on a vintage basis using a monthly
weighted-average method of cost determination. The cost of eligible
allowances not used in the current year shall be transferred to the
vintage for the immediately following year.
(5) Account 158.1 shall be credited and Account 509, Allowances,
debited so that the cost of the allowances to be remitted for the year
is charged to expense monthly based on each month's emissions. This may,
in certain circumstances, require allocation of the cost of an allowance
between months on a fractional basis.
(6) In any period in which actual emissions exceed the amount
allowable based on eligible allowances owned, the utility shall estimate
the cost to acquire the additional allowances needed and charge Account
158.1 with the estimated cost. This estimated cost of future allowance
acquisitions shall be credited to Account 158.1 and charged to Account
509 in the same accounting period as the related charge to Account
158.1. Should the actual cost of these
[[Page 20]]
allowances differ from the estimated cost, the differences shall be
recognized in the then-current period's inventory issuance cost.
(7) Any penalties assessed by the Environmental Protection Agency
for the emission of excess pollutants shall be charged to Account 426.3,
Penalties.
(8) Gains on dispositions of allowances, other than allowances held
for speculative purposes, shall be accounted for as follows. First, if
there is uncertainty as to the regulatory treatment, the gain shall be
deferred in Account 254, Other Regulatory Liabilities, pending
resolution of the uncertainty. Second, if there is certainty as to the
existence of a regulatory liability, the gain will be credited to
Account 254, with subsequent recognition in income when reductions in
charges to customers occur or the liability is otherwise satisfied.
Third, all other gains will be credited to Account 411.8, Gains from
Disposition of Allowances. Losses on disposition of allowances, other
than allowances held for speculative purposes, shall be accounted for as
follows. Losses that qualify as regulatory assets shall be charged
directly to Account 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets. All other losses
shall be charged to Account 411.9, Losses from Disposition of
Allowances. (See the definition of regulatory assets and liabilities.)
Gains or losses on disposition of allowances held for speculative
purposes shall be recognized in Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating
Income, or Account 426.5, Other Deductions, as appropriate.
(9) The costs and benefits of exchange-traded allowance futures
contracts used to protect the utility from the risk of unfavorable price
changes (``hedging transactions'') shall be deferred in Account 186,
Miscellaneous Deferred Debits, or Account 253, Other Deferred Credits,
as appropriate. Such deferred amounts shall be included in Account
158.1, Allowance Inventory, in the month in which the related allowances
are acquired, sold or otherwise disposed of. Where the costs or benefits
of hedging transactions are not identifiable with specific allowances,
the amounts shall be included in Account 158.1 when the futures contract
is closed. The costs and benefits of exchange-traded allowance futures
contracts entered into as a speculating activity shall be charged or
credited to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, or Account
426.5, Other Deductions, as appropriate.
(v) Depreciation accounting--(1) Method. Utilities must use a method
of depreciation that allocates in a systematic and rational manner the
service value of depreciable property over the service life of the
property.
(2) Service lives. Estimated useful service lives of depreciable
property must be supported by engineering, economic, and other
depreciation studies.
(3) Rate. Utilities must use percentage rates of depreciation that
are based on a method of depreciation that allocates in a systematic and
rational manner the service value of depreciable property to the service
life of the property. Where composite depreciation rates are used, they
should be based on the weighted average estimated useful service lives
of the depreciable property comprising the composite group.
(w) Accounting for other comprehensive income. (1) Utilities shall
record items of other comprehensive income in Account 209, Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income. Amounts included in this account shall be
maintained by each category of other comprehensive income. Examples of
categories of other comprehensive income include foreign currency items,
minimum pension liability adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on
available-for-sale type securities and cash flow hedge amounts.
Supporting records shall be maintained for Account 209 so that the
cumulative amount of other comprehensive income for each item included
in this account can be readily identified.
(2) When an item of other comprehensive income enters into the
determination of net income in the current or subsequent periods, a
reclassification adjustment shall be recorded in Account 209 to avoid
double counting of that amount.
(3) When it is probable that an item of other comprehensive income
will be included in the development of cost-of-service rates in
subsequent periods, that amount of unrealized losses or gains will be
recorded in Accounts
[[Page 21]]
182.3, Other Regulatory Assets or 254, Other Regulatory Liabilities, as
appropriate.
(x) Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities.
(1) Utilities shall recognize derivative instruments as either assets or
liabilities in the financial statements and measure those instruments at
fair value, except those falling within recognized exceptions. Normal
purchases or sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale
of goods that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or
sold by the utility over a reasonable period in the normal course of
business. A derivative instrument is a financial instrument or other
contract with all of the following characteristics:
(i) It has one or more underlyings and a notional amount or payment
provision. Those terms determine the amount of the settlement or
settlements, and, in some cases, whether or not a settlement is
required.
(ii) It requires no initial net investment or an initial net
investment that is smaller than would be required for other types of
contracts that would be expected to have a similar response to changes
in market factors.
(iii) Its terms require or permit net settlement, can readily be
settled net by a means outside the contract, or provide for delivery of
an asset that puts the recipient in a position not substantially
different from net settlement.
(2) The accounting for the changes in the fair value of derivative
instruments depends upon its intended use and designation. Changes in
the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as fair value or
cash flow hedges shall be recorded in Account 175, Derivative instrument
assets, or Account 244, Derivative Instrument Liabilities, as
appropriate, with the gains recorded in Account 421, Miscellaneous
Nonoperating Income, and losses recorded in Account 426.5, Other
Deductions.
(3) A derivative instrument may be specifically designated as a fair
value or cash flow hedge. A hedge is used to manage risk to price,
interest rates, or foreign currency transactions. A company shall
maintain documentation of the hedge relationship at the inception of the
hedge that details the risk management objective and strategy for
undertaking the hedge, the nature of the risk being hedged, and how
hedge effectiveness will be determined.
(4) If the utility designates the derivative instrument as a fair
value hedge against exposure to changes in the fair value of a
recognized asset, liability, or a firm commitment, it shall record the
change in fair value of the derivative instrument to Account 176,
Derivatives in Instrument Assets--Hedges, or Account 245, Derivative
Instrument Liabilities--Hedges, as appropriate, with a corresponding
adjustment to the subaccount of the item being hedged. The ineffective
portion of the hedge transaction shall be reflected in the same income
or expense account that will be used when the hedged item enters into
the determination of net income. In the case of a fair value hedge of a
firm commitment a new asset or liability is created. As a result of the
hedge relationship, the new asset or liability will become part of the
carrying amount of the item being hedged.
(5) If the utility designates the derivative instrument as a cash
flow hedge against exposure to variable cash flows of a probable
forecasted transaction, it shall record changes in the fair value of the
derivative instrument in Account 176, Derivative Instrument Assets--
Hedges, or Account 245, Derivative Instrument Liabilities--Hedges, as
appropriate, with a corresponding amount in Account 209, Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income, for the effective portion of the hedge. The
ineffective portion of the hedge transaction shall be reflected in the
same account or expense account that will be used when the hedged item
enters into the determination of net income. Amounts recorded in other
comprehensive income shall be reclassified into earning in the same
period or periods that the hedged forecasted item enters into the
determination of net income.
(y) Accounting for asset retirement obligations. (1) An asset
retirement obligation represents a liability for the legal obligation
associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that
[[Page 22]]
a company is required to settle as a result of an existing or enacted
law, statute, ordinance, or written or oral contract or by legal
construction of a contract under the doctrine of promissory estoppel. An
asset retirement cost represents the amount capitalized when the
liability is recognized for the long-lived asset that gives rise to the
legal obligation. The amount recognized for the liability and an
associated asset retirement cost shall be stated at the fair value of
the asset retirement obligation in the period in which the obligation is
incurred.
(2) The utility shall initially record a liability for an asset
retirement obligation in Account 230, Asset Retirement Obligations, and
charge the associated asset retirement costs to electric utility plant
(including Accounts 101.1 and 120.6), and nonutility plant, as
appropriate, related to the plant that gives rise to the legal
obligation. The asset retirement cost shall be depreciated over the
useful life of the related asset that gives rise to the obligation. For
periods subsequent to the initial recording of the asset retirement
obligation, a utility shall recognize the period to period changes of
the asset retirement obligation that result from the passage of time due
to the accretion of the liability and any subsequent measurement changes
to the initial liability for the legal obligation recorded in Account
230, Asset retirement obligations, as follows:
(i) The utility shall record the accretion of the liability by
debiting Account 411.10, Accretion Expense, for electric utility plant,
Account 413, Expenses of Electric Plant Leased to Others, for electric
plant leased to others, and Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating
Income, for nonutility plant and crediting Account 230, Asset Retirement
Obligations; and
(ii) The utility shall recognize any subsequent measurement changes
of the liability initially recorded in Account 230, Asset Retirement
Obligation, for each specific asset retirement obligation as an
adjustment of that liability in Account 230 with the corresponding
adjustment to electric utility plant, electric plant leased to others,
and nonutility plant, as appropriate. The utility shall on a timely
basis monitor any measurement changes of the asset retirement
obligations.
(3) Gains or losses resulting from the settlement of asset
retirement obligations associated with utility plant resulting from the
difference between the amount of the liability for the asset retirement
obligation included in Account 230, Asset Retirement Obligations, and
the actual amount paid to settle the obligation shall be accounted for
as follows:
(i) Gains shall be credited to Account 411.6, Gains from Disposition
of Utility Plant, and;
(ii) Losses shall be charged to Account 411.7, Losses from
Disposition of Utility Plant.
(4) Gains or losses on the settlement of asset retirement
obligations associated with nonutility plant resulting from the
difference between the amount of the liability for the asset retirement
obligation in Account 230, Asset Retirement Obligations, and the amount
paid to settle the obligation, shall be accounted for as follows:
(i) Gains shall be credited to Account 421, Miscellaneous
Nonoperating Income, and;
(ii) Losses shall be charged to Account 426.5, Other Deductions.
(5) For purposes of analyses a utility shall maintain supporting
documentation so as to be able to furnish accurately and expeditiously
with respect to each asset retirement obligation the full details of the
identity and nature of the legal obligation, the year incurred, the
identity of the plant giving rise to the obligation, the full
particulars relating to each component and supporting computations
related to the measurement of the asset retirement obligation.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 73 FR 30280, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.16 Electric plant instructions.
(a) Classification of electric plant at effective date of system of
accounts. (1) The electric plant accounts provided herein are the same
as those contained in the prior system of accounts except for inclusion
of accounts for nuclear production plant and some changes in
classification in the general equipment accounts. Except for these
changes, the
[[Page 23]]
balances in the various plant accounts, as determined under the prior
system of accounts, should be carried forward. Any remaining balance of
plant which has not yet been classified, pursuant to the requirements of
the prior system, shall be classified in accordance with the following
instructions.
(2) 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
USoA in effect at the time or in accordance with the discretion of
management as exercised under a USoA, or under accounting practices
previously followed.
(3) The detailed electric plant accounts (301 to 399, inclusive)
shall be stated on the basis of cost to the utility of plant constructed
by it and the original cost, estimated if not known, of plant acquired
as an operating unit or system. The difference between the original
cost, as above, and the cost to the utility of electric plant after
giving effect to any accumulated provision for depreciation or
amortization shall be recorded in Account 114, Electric Plant
Acquisition Adjustments. The original cost of electric plant shall be
determined by analysis of the utility's records or those of the
predecessor or vendor companies with respect to electric plant
previously acquired as operating units or systems and the difference
between the original cost so determined, less accumulated provisions for
depreciation and amortization and the cost to the utility with necessary
adjustments for retirements from date of acquisition, shall be entered
in Account 114, Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments. Any difference
between the cost of electric plant and its book cost, when not properly
includible in other accounts, shall be recorded in Account 116, Other
Electric Plant Adjustments.
(4) Plant acquired by lease which qualifies as capital lease
property under Sec. 1767.15(s), Criteria for Classifying Leases, shall
be recorded in Account 101.1, Property Under Capital Leases, or Account
120.6, Nuclear Fuel Under Capital Leases, as appropriate.
(b) Electric plant to be recorded at cost. (1) All amounts included
in the accounts for electric plant acquired as an operating unit or
system, except as otherwise provided in the texts of the intangible
plant accounts, shall be stated at the cost incurred by the person who
first devoted the property to utility service. All other electric plant
shall be included in the accounts at the cost incurred by the utility
except for property acquired by lease which qualifies as capital lease
property under Sec. 1767.15 (s), Criteria for Classifying Leases, and
is recorded in Account 101.1, Property Under Capital Lease, or Account
120.6, Nuclear Fuel Under Capital Leases. Where the term ``cost'' is
used in the detailed plant accounts, it shall have the meaning stated in
this paragraph (b).
(2) When the consideration given for property is other than cash,
the value of such consideration shall be determined on a cash basis
(see, however, the definition of cost in Sec. 1767.10). In the entry
recording such transition, the actual consideration shall be described
with sufficient particularity to identify it. The utility shall be
prepared to furnish RUS the particulars of its determination of the cash
value of the consideration if other than cash.
(3) When property is purchased under a plan involving deferred
payments, no charge shall be made to the electric plant accounts for
interest, insurance, or other expenditures occasioned solely by such
form of payment.
(4) The electric plant accounts shall not include the cost or other
value of electric plant contributed to the company. Contributions in the
form of money or its equivalent toward the construction of electric
plant shall be credited to 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 be recorded as a
credit.
[[Page 24]]
(c) Components of construction cost. The cost of construction
properly includible in the electric 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, $500 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 therefor 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.
(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 in paragraph (c)(5) of
this section.)
(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 individual items of small value or short
life which are included in the cost of materials and supplies. (See Item
in paragraph (c)(3) of this section.) 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
include 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
[[Page 25]]
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) Engineers 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 or
deaths 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 in paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(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 in paragraph (c)(7) of this section, and in Injuries and damages,
Item in paragraph (c)(8) of this section.
(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) Allowance for funds used 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,
not to exceed, without prior approval of RUS, allowances computed in
accordance with the formula prescribed in Item in paragraph (c)(17)(i)
of this section. No allowance for funds used during construction charges
shall be included in these accounts upon expenditures for construction
projects which have been abandoned.
(i) The formula and elements for the computation of the allowance
for funds used during construction shall be:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TC16SE91.004
Where:
Ai = Gross allowance for borrowed funds used during
construction rate.
Ac = Allowance for other funds used during construction rate.
S = Average short-term debt.
[[Page 26]]
s = Short-term debt interest rate.
D = Long-term debt.
d = Long-term debt interest rate.
P = Preferred stock.
p = Preferred stock cost rate.
C = Patronage capital assigned.
c = Entity's incremental borrowing rate.
W = Average balance in construction work in progress plus nuclear fuel
in process of refinement, conversion, enrichment, and
fabrication, less asset retirement costs related to plant
under construction.
(ii) The rate shall be determined annually.
(A) The balance for long-term debt, preferred stock, and patronage
capital assigned shall be the actual book balances as of the end of the
prior year.
(B) The cost rate for long-term debt and preferred stock shall be
the weighted average cost.
(C) The cost rate for patronage capital assigned shall be the
entity's incremental borrowing rate.
(D) The short-term debt balances and related cost and the average
balance for construction work in progress plus nuclear fuel in process
of refinement, conversion, enrichment, and fabrication shall be
estimated for the current year with appropriate adjustments as actual
data becomes available.
Note: When only a portion 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 ``Electric
Plant in Service,'' and an allowance for funds used during construction
thereon as a charge to construction shall cease. Allowance for funds
used during construction on that part of the cost of the plant which is
incomplete may continue to be charged to construction until such time as
it is placed in operation or is ready for service, except as limited in
Item in paragraph (c)(17) of this section.
(18) Earnings and expenses during construction. The earnings and
expenses during construction shall constitute a component of
construction costs.
(i) The earnings shall include revenues received or earned for power
produced by generating plants during the construction period and sold or
used by the utility.
(A) Where such power is sold to an independent purchaser before
intermingling with power generated by other plants, the credit shall
consist of the selling price of the energy.
(B) Where the power generated by a plant under construction is
delivered to the utility's electric system for distribution and sale, or
is delivered to an associated company, or is delivered to and used by
the utility for purposes other than distribution and sale (for
manufacturing or industrial use, for example), the credit shall be the
fair value of the energy so delivered.
(C) Revenue shall also include rentals for lands, buildings, and
other property, and miscellaneous receipts not properly includible in
other accounts.
(ii) Expenses shall consist of the cost of operating the power
plant, and other costs incident to the production and delivery of the
power for which construction is credited under paragraph (c)(18)(i) of
this section, including the cost of repairs and other expenses of
operating and maintaining lands, buildings, and other property, and
other miscellaneous and like expenses not properly includible in other
accounts.
(19) Training costs. (i) When it is necessary that employees be
trained to operate or maintain plant facilities that are being
constructed and such facilities are not conventional in nature, or are
new to the company's operations, these costs may be capitalized as a
component of construction cost.
(ii) Once plant is placed in service, the capitalization of training
costs shall cease and subsequent training costs shall be expensed. (See
Sec. 1767.17 (d).)
(20) Studies. (i) Studies include the costs of studies such as
nuclear operational, safety, or seismic studies, or environmental
studies mandated by regulatory bodies relative to plant under
construction.
(ii) Studies relative to facilities in service shall be charged to
Account 183, Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges.
(21) Asset retirement. The costs recognized as a result of asset
retirement obligations incurred during the construction and testing of
utility plant shall constitute a component of construction costs.
(d) Overhead construction costs. (1) All overhead construction
costs, such as
[[Page 27]]
engineering, supervision, general office salaries and expenses,
construction engineering and supervision performed 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 as
the time the property is retired.
(2) As far as practicable, the determination of payroll charges
includible in construction overheads shall be based on time card
distributions thereof.
(i) 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.
(ii) The addition to direct construction cost of arbitrary
percentages or amounts to cover assumed overhead costs is not permitted.
(3) The records supporting the entries for overhead constructions
costs shall be so kept as to show:
(i) The total amount of each overhead for each year;
(ii) The nature and amount of each overhead expenditure charged to
each construction work order and to each electric plant account; and
(iii) The bases of distribution of such costs.
(e) Electric plant purchased or sold. (1) When electric 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 costs of acquisition, including
expenses incidental thereto properly includible in electric plant, shall
be charged to Account 102, Electric Plant Purchased or Sold.
(2) The accounting for the acquisition shall then be completed as
follows:
(i) The original cost of plant, estimated if not known, shall be
credited to Account 102, Electric Plant Purchased or Sold, and
concurrently charged to the appropriate electric plant in service
accounts and to Account 104, Electric Plant Leased to Others; Account
105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use; and Account 107, Construction
Work in Progress--Electric, as appropriate.
(ii) The depreciation and amortization applicable to the original
cost of the properties purchased shall be charged to Account 102,
Electric Plant Purchased or Sold, and concurrently credited to the
appropriate account for accumulated provision for depreciation or
amortization.
(iii) The cost to the utility of any property includible in Account
121, Nonutility Property, shall be transferred thereto.
(iv) The amount remaining in Account 102, Electric Plant Purchased
or Sold, shall then be closed to Account 114, Electric Plant Acquisition
Adjustments.
(3) If property acquired in the purchase of an operating unit or
system is in such physical condition when acquired that it is necessary
to substantially 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 a part of the purchase price of
the property.
(4) 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 proposed accounting
for such property shall be presented to RUS.
(5) In connection with the acquisition of electric 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.
(6) When electric 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
[[Page 28]]
or transferred to another shall be credited to the appropriate utility
plant accounts, including amounts carried in Account 114, Electric Plant
Acquisition Adjustments, and 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 contra entries
made to Account 102, Electric Plant Purchased or Sold. Unless otherwise
ordered by RUS, the difference, if any, between:
(i) The net amount of debits and credits, and
(ii) The consideration received for the property (less commissions
and other expenses of making the sale) shall be included in Account
421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property, or Account 421.2, Loss on
Disposition of Property. (See Account 102, Electric Plant Purchased or
Sold.)
Note: In cases 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 RUS, may
be combined. In the event original cost has not been determined, the
resulting utility shall proceed to determine such cost as outlined
herein.
(f) Expenditures on leased property. (1) 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 electric plant account appropriate for
the class of property leased.
(i) If the service life of the improvements is terminable by action
of the lease, 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 Electric Plant.
(ii) If the service life is not terminated by action of the lease
but by depreciation proper, the cost of the improvements, less net
salvage, shall be accounted for as depreciable plant. The provisions of
(1) are applicable to property leased under either capital leases or
operating leases.
(2) 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.
(g) Land and land rights. (1) The accounts for land and land rights
shall 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, water and water power rights, diversion
rights, submersion rights, rights-of-way, and other like interests in
land.
(i) Do not include in the accounts for land and land rights and
rights-of-way costs incurred in connection with first clearing and
grading of land and rights-of-way and the damage costs associated with
the construction and installation of plant.
(ii) Such costs shall be included in the appropriate plant accounts
directly benefited.
(2) 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.
(i) Interest on unpaid balances shall be charged to the appropriate
interest account.
(ii) 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.
(3) The net profit from the sale of timber, cord wood, sand, gravel,
other resources or other property acquired with the rights-of-way or
other lands shall be credited to the appropriate plant accounts to which
related. Where land is held for a considerable period of time and timber
and other natural resources on the land at the time of purchase increase
in value, the net profit (after giving effect to the cost of the
[[Page 29]]
natural resources) from the sale of timber or its products or other
natural resources shall be credited to the appropriate utility operating
income account when such land has been recorded in Account 105, Electric
Plant Held for Future Use, or classified as plant in service, otherwise
to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income.
(4) 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), or water right, having a life of more
than one year.
(i) 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 on 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.
(ii) Entries transferring or retiring land or land rights shall
refer to the original entry recording its acquisition.
(5) Any difference between the amount received from the sale of land
or land rights, less agents' commissions and other costs incident to the
sale, and the book cost of such land or rights, shall be included in
Account 411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant, or 411.7, Losses
from Disposition of Utility Plant, when such property has been recorded
in Account 105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, otherwise to Account
421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property, or 421.2, Loss on Disposition of
Property, as appropriate, unless a reserve therefor has been authorized
and provided. Appropriate adjustments of the accounts shall be made with
respect to any structures or improvements located on land sold.
(6) 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 an 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 a 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 land is recorded.
(7) When the purchase of land for electric 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, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, or Account
121, Nonutility Property, as appropriate.
(8) Provisions shall be made for amortizing amounts carried in the
accounts for limited-term interest in land so as to apportion equitably
the cost of each interest over the life thereof. (See Account 111,
Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric Utility Plant, and
Account 404, Amortization of Limited-Term Electric Plant.)
(9) The items of cost to be included in the accounts for land and
land rights are as follows:
(i) Bulkheads, buried, not requiring maintenance or replacement;
(ii) First cost of acquisition including mortgages and other liens
assumed (but not subsequent interest thereon);
(iii) Condemnation proceedings, including court and counsel costs;
(iv) Consents and abutting damages;
(v) Conveyancers' and notaries' fees;
(vi) Fees, commissions, and salaries to brokers, agents, and other
in connection with the acquisition of the land or land rights;
(vii) Leases, cost of voiding upon purchase to secure possession of
land;
(viii) 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;
(ix) Retaining walls unless identified with structures;
[[Page 30]]
(x) 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;
(xi) 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;
(xii) Taxes assumed, accrued to date of transfer of title;
(xiii) Title, examining, clearing, insuring, and registering in
connection with the acquisition and defending against claims relating to
the period prior to the acquisition;
(xiv) Appraisals prior to closing title;
(xv) 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;
(xvi) Filing satisfaction of mortgage;
(xvii) Documentary stamps;
(xviii) Photographs of property at acquisition;
(xix) Fees and expenses incurred in the acquisition of water rights
and grants;
(xx) 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;
(xxi) Sidewalks and curbs constructed by the utility on public
property; and
(xxii) Labor and expenses in connection with securing rights of way,
where performed by company employees and company agents.
(h) Structures and improvements. (1) The accounts for structures and
improvements shall 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.
(2) Also include those costs incurred in connection with the first
clearing and grading of land and rights-of-way and the damage costs
associated with construction and installation of plant.
(3) The cost of specially provided foundations not intended to
outlast the machinery or apparatus for which provided, and the cost of
angle irons, and castings 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.
(4) Minor buildings and structures, such as valve towers,
patrolmen's towers, telephone stations, fish and wildlife, and
recreation facilities which are used directly in connection with or form
a part of a reservoir, dam or waterway shall be considered a part of the
facility in connection with which constructed or operated and the cost
thereof accounted for accordingly.
(5) 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.
(6) Where the structure of a dam forms also the foundation of the
power plant building, such foundation shall be considered a part of the
dam.
(7) 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 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; and 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.
(8) Lighting or other fixtures temporarily attached to building for
purposes
[[Page 31]]
of display or demonstration shall not be included in the cost of the
building but in the appropriate equipment account.
(9) The items of cost to be included in the accounts for structures
and improvements are as follows:
(i) Architects' plans and specifications including supervision;
(ii) Ash pits (when located within the building);
(iii) Athletic field structures and improvements;.
(iv) 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;
(v) Bulkheads, including dredging, riprap fill, piling, decking,
concrete, fenders, etc., when exposed and subject to maintenance and
replacement;
(vi) Chimneys;
(vii) Coal bins and bunkers;
(viii) Commissions and fees to brokers, agents, architects and
others;
(ix) Conduit (not to be removed) with its contents;
(x) Damages to abutting property during construction;
(xi) Docks;
(xii) Door checks and door stops;
(xiii) Drainage and sewerage systems;
(xiv) Elevators, cranes, hoists, etc., and the machinery for
operating them;
(xv) Excavation, including shoring, bracing, bridging, refill and
disposal of excess excavated material, cofferdams around foundation,
pumping water from cofferdams during construction and test borings;
(xvi) Fences and fence curbs (not including protective fences
isolating items of equipment, which shall be charged to the appropriate
equipment accounts);
(xvii) Fire protection systems when forming a part of a structure;
(xviii) Flagpole;
(xix) Floor covering (permanently attached);
(xx) Foundations and piers for machinery, constructed as a permanent
part of a building or other item listed herein;
(xxi) Grading and clearing when directly occasioned by the building
of a structure;
(xxii) Intrasite communication system, poles, pole fixtures, wires,
and cable;
(xxiii) Landscaping, lawns, shrubbery, etc.;
(xxiv) Leases, voiding upon purchase to secure possession of
structures;
(xxv) Leased property, expenditures on;
(xxvi) Lighting fixtures and outside lighting system;
(xxvii) Mailchutes when part of a building;
(xxviii) Marquee, permanently attached to the building;
(xxix) Painting, first cost;
(xxx) Permanent paving, concrete, brick, flagstone, asphalt, etc.,
within the property lines;
(xxxi) Partitions, including movable;
(xxxii) Permits and privileges;
(xxxiii) Platforms, railings and gratings when constructed as a part
of a structure;
(xxxiv) Power boards for services to a building;
(xxxv) Refrigerating systems for general use;
(xxxvi) Retaining walls except when identified with land;
(xxxvii) Roadways, railroads, bridges, and trestles intrasite except
railroads provided for in equipment accounts;
(xxxviii) Roofs;
(xxxix) Scales, connected to and forming a part of a structure;
(xl) Screens;
(xli) Sewer systems, for general use;
(xlii) Sidewalks, culverts, curbs and streets constructed by the
utility on its property;
(xliii) Sprinkling systems;
(xliv) Sump pumps and pits;
(xlv) Stacks--brick, steel, or concrete, when set on foundation
forming part of general foundation and steelwork of a building;
(xlvi) Steel inspection during construction;
(xlvii) Storage facilities constituting a part of a building;
(xlviii) Storm doors and windows;
(xlix) Subways, areaways, and tunnels, directly connected to and
forming part of a structure;
(l) Tanks, constructed as part of a building or as a distinct
structural unit;
[[Page 32]]
(li) Temporary heating during construction (net cost);
(lii) Temporary water connection during construction (net cost);
(liii) Temporary shanties and other facilities used during
construction (net cost);
(liv) Topographical maps;
(lv) Tunnels, intake and discharge, when constructed as part of a
structure, including sluice gates, and those constructed to house mains;
(lvi) Vaults constructed as part of a building;
(lvii) Watchmen's sheds and clock systems (net cost when used during
construction only);
(lviii) Water basins or reservoirs;
(lix) Water front improvements;
(lx) Water meters and supply system for a building or for general
company purposes;
(lxi) Water supply piping, hydrants, and wells;
(lxii) Wharves;
(lxiii) Window shades and ventilators;
(lxiv) Yard drainage system;
(lxv) Yard lighting system; and
(lxvi) Yard surfacing, gravel, concrete, or oil (First cost only).
Note: Structures and improvements accounts shall be credited with
the cost of coal bunkers, stacks, foundations, subways, and tunnels, 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.
(i) Equipment. (1) The cost of equipment chargeable to the electric
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.
(2) Also include those costs incurred in connection with the first
clearing and grading of land and rights-of-way and the damage costs
associated with construction and installation of plant.
(3) 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, $500 or less) or short life, unless the correctness
of the accounting therefor as electric plant is verified by current
inventories.
(i) Special tools acquired and included in the purchase price of
equipment shall be included in the appropriate plant accounts.
(ii) Portable drills and similar tool equipment when used in
connection with the operation and maintenance of a particular plan or
department, such as production, transmission, or distribution or in
``stores'', shall be charged to the plant accounts appropriate for their
use.
(4) 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.
(5) The equipment accounts shall include the necessary costs of
testing or running a plant or parts thereof during an experimental or
test period prior to such plant becoming ready for or placed in service.
(i) The utility shall furnish RUS with full particulars of and
justification for any test or experimental run extending beyond a period
of 120 days for nuclear plant, and a period of 90 days for all other
plant.
(ii) Such particulars shall include a detailed operational and
downtime log showing days of production, gross kilowatts generated by
hourly increments, types, and periods of outages by hours with
explanation thereof, beginning with the first date the equipment was
either tested or synchronized on the line to the end of the test period.
(6) 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
[[Page 33]]
to efficiency, or performance 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
electric plant accounts.
(j) Additions and retirements of electric plant. (1) For the purpose
of avoiding undue refinement in accounting for additions to and
retirements and replacements of electric plant, all property shall be
considered as consisting of retirement units and minor items of
property.
(2) The addition and retirement of retirement units shall be
accounted for as follows:
(i) When a retirement unit is added to electric plant, the cost
thereof shall be added to the appropriate electric plant account, except
that when units are acquired in the acquisition of any electric plant
constituting an operating system, they shall be accounted for as
provided in paragraph (e) of this section.
(ii) When a retirement unit is retired from electric plant, with or
without replacement, the book cost thereof shall be credited to the
electric plant account in which it is included, determined in the manner
set forth in Item in paragraph (j)(4) of this section. If the retirement
unit is of a depreciable class, the book cost of the unit retired and
credited to electric 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.
(3) The addition and retirement of minor items of property shall be
accounted for as follows:
(i) 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 Item in
paragraph (j)(2)(i) of this section, if a substantial addition results,
otherwise the charge shall be to the appropriate maintenance expense
account.
(ii) When a minor item of property is retired and not replaced, the
book cost thereof shall be credited to the electric plant account in
which it is included; and, in the event the minor item is a part of
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.
(iii) 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 excess cost of the replacement over the estimated cost at
current prices of replacing without betterment shall be charged to the
appropriate electric plant accounts.
(4) The book cost of electric plant retired shall be the amount at
which such property is included in the electric 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.
(5) The book cost of land retired shall be credited to the
appropriate land accounts. If the land is sold, the difference between
the book cost (less any accumulated provision for depreciation or
amortization therefore which has been authorized and provided) and the
sale price of the land (less commissions and other expenses of making
the sale) shall be recorded in Account 411.6, Gains from Disposition of
Utility Plant, or Account 411.7, Losses from Disposition of Utility
Plant, when the
[[Page 34]]
property has been recorded in Account 105, Electric Plant Held for
Future Use, otherwise to Accounts 421.1, Gain on Disposition of
Property, or 421.2, Loss on Disposition of Property, as appropriate. If
the land is not used in utility service but is retained by the utility,
the book cost shall be charged to Account 105, Electric Plant Held for
Future Use, or Account 121, Nonutility Property, as appropriate.
(6) The book cost less net salvage of depreciable electric plant
retired shall be charged in its entirety to Account 108, Accumulated
Provision for Depreciation of Electric Utility Plant in Service. Any
amounts which, by approval or order of RUS, are charged to Account
182.1, Extraordinary Property Losses, shall be credited to Account 108.
(7) 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 111, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric
Utility Plant in Service; Account 404, Amortization of Limited-Term
Electric Plant; and Account 405, Amortization of Other Electric Plant.
(k) Work order and property record system required. (1) Each utility
shall record all construction and retirements of electric plant by means
of work orders or job orders. Separate work orders may be opened for
additions to and retirements of electric 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.
(2) Each utility shall keep its work order system so as to show the
nature of each addition to or retirement of electric plant, the total
cost thereof, the source or sources of costs, and the electric plant
account or accounts to which charged or credited. Work orders covering
jobs of short duration may be cleared monthly.
(3) 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 cost of the various record units
or retirement units.
(l) Transfers of property. When property is transferred from one
electric plant account to another, from one utility department to
another, such as from electric to gas, from one operating division or
area to another, to or from Account 101, Electric Plant in Service;
Account 104, Electric Plant Leased to Others; Account 105, Electric
Plant Held for Future Use, and Account 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.
(m) Common utility plant. (1) If the utility is engaged in more than
one utility service, such as electric, gas, and water, 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 RUS, may be designated and
classified as ``common utility plant.''
(2) The book amount of utility plant designated as common plant
shall be included in Account 118, Other Utility Plant, and if applicable
in part to the electric department, shall be segregated and accounted
for in subaccounts as electric plant is accounted for in Accounts 101 to
107, inclusive, and electric plant adjustments in Account 116, Other
Electric Plant Adjustments; any amounts classifiable as common plant
acquisition adjustments or common plant adjustments shall be subject to
disposition as provided in Paragraphs C and B of Accounts 114 and 116,
respectively, for amounts classified in those accounts. The original
cost of common utility plant in service shall be classified according to
the detailed utility plant accounts appropriate for the property.
[[Page 35]]
(3) The utility shall be prepared to show, at any time, and to
report to RUS annually, or more frequently, if required, and by utility
plant accounts (301 to 399) the book cost of common utility plant, the
allocation of such cost to the respective departments using the common
utility plant, and the basis of the allocation.
(4) 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.
(5) The expenses of operation, maintenance, rents, 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.
(n) Transmission and distribution plant. For the purpose of this
system of accounts:
(1) Transmission system is all land, conversion structures, and
equipment employed at a primary source of supply (i.e. generating
station, or point of receipt in the case of purchased power) to change
the voltage or frequency of electricity for the purpose of its more
efficient or convenient transmission; all land, structures, lines,
switching and conversion stations, high tension apparatus, and their
control and protective equipment between a generating or receiving point
and the entrance to a distribution center or wholesale point; and all
lines and equipment whose primary purpose is to augment, integrate or
tie together the sources of power supply.
(2) Distribution system is all land, structures, conversion
equipment, lines, line transformers, and other facilities employed
between the primary source of supply (i.e. generating station, or point
of receipt in the case of purchased power) and of delivery to customers,
which are not includible in transmission system, as defined in Item in
paragraph (n)(1) of this section, whether or not such land, structures,
and facilities are operated as part of a transmission system or as part
of a distribution system.
Note: Stations which change electricity from transmission to
distribution voltage shall be classified as distribution stations.
(3) Where poles or towers support both transmission and distribution
conductors, the poles, towers, anchors, guys, and rights-of-way shall be
classified as transmission system. The conductors, cross-arms, braces,
grounds, tiewire, and insulators shall be classified as transmission or
distribution facilities, according to the purpose for which used.
(4) Where underground conduit contains both transmission and
distribution conductors, the underground conduit and right-of-way shall
be classified as distribution system. The conductors shall be classified
as transmission or distribution facilities according to the purpose for
which used.
(5) Land (other than rights-of-way) and structures used jointly for
transmission and distribution purposes shall be classified as
transmission or distribution according to the major use thereof.
(o) Hydraulic production plant. For purpose of this system of
accounts hydraulic production plant is all land and land rights,
structures and improvements used in connection with hydraulic power
generation, reservoirs, dams and waterways, water wheels, turbines,
generators, accessory electric equipment, roads, railroads, and bridges
and structures and improvements used in connection with fish and
wildlife, and recreation.
(p) Nuclear fuel records required. Each utility shall keep all the
necessary records to support the entries to the various nuclear fuel
plant accounts classified under ``Assets and Other Debits,'' Utility
Plant Accounts 120.1 through 120.5, inclusive; Account 518, Nuclear Fuel
Expense; and Account 157, Nuclear Materials Held for Sale. These records
shall be so kept as to readily furnish the basis of the computation of
the net nuclear fuel costs.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 73 FR 30281, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.17 Operating expense instructions.
(a) Supervision and engineering. The supervision and engineering
includible in the operating expense accounts shall
[[Page 36]]
consist of the salary, employee pensions and benefits, social security
and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages, and other expenses of
superintendents, engineers, clerks, other employees, and consultants
engaged in supervising and directing the operation and maintenance of
each utility function. Whenever 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.
(1) Labor items:
(i) Special tests to determine efficiency of equipment operation;
(ii) Preparing or reviewing budgets, estimates, and drawings
relating to operation or maintenance for departmental approval;
(iii) Preparing instructions for operations and maintenance
activities;
(iv) Reviewing and analyzing operating results;
(v) Establishing organizational setup of departments and executing
changes therein;
(vi) Formulating and reviewing routines of departments and executing
changes therein;
(vii) General training and instruction of employees by supervisors
whose pay is chargeable hereto. Specific instructions and training in a
particular type of work is chargeable to the appropriate functional
account (See paragraph (c)(19) of this section); and
(viii) Secretarial work for supervisory personnel, but not general
clerical and stenographic work chargeable to other accounts.
(2) Expense items:
(i) Employee pensions and benefits;
(ii) Social security and other payroll taxes;
(iii) Injuries and damages;
(iv) Consultants' fees and expenses; and
(v) Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
(b) Maintenance. (1) The cost of maintenance chargeable to the
various operating expense and clearing accounts includes labor, employee
pensions and benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries
and damages, materials, overheads, and other expenses incurred in
maintenance work. A list of work operations applicable generally to
utility plant is included in this paragraph (b). Other work operations
applicable to specific classes of plant are listed in functional
maintenance expense accounts.
(2) Materials recovered in connection with the maintenance of
property shall be credited to the same account to which the maintenance
cost was charged.
(3) If the book cost of any property is carried in Account 102,
Electric 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 electric plant
in service accounts. Maintenance of property leased from others shall be
treated as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.
(4) Items:
(i) Direct field supervision of maintenance;
(ii) 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;
(iii) Work performed specifically for the purpose of preventing
failure, restoring serviceability or maintaining life of plant;
(iv) Rearranging and changing the location of plant not retired;
(v) Repairing for reuse materials recovered from plant;
(vi) Testing for, locating, and clearing trouble;
(vii) Net cost of installing, maintaining, and removing temporary
facilities to prevent interruptions in service; and
(viii) Replacing or adding minor items of plant which do not
constitute a retirement unit.
(c) Rents. (1) 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 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
[[Page 37]]
expense item and included in the appropriate function account and rents
which are chargeable to clearing accounts, and distributed therefrom to
the appropriate account.
(2) If rents cover property used for more than one function such as
production and transmission, 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) The cost incurred by the lessee of additions and replacements to
electric plant leased from others shall be account for as provided in
Sec. 1767.16 (f).
(d) Training costs. (1) When it is necessary that employees be
trained to specifically operate or maintain plant facilities that are
being constructed, the related costs shall be accounted for as a current
operating and maintenance expense.
(2) These expenses shall be charged to the appropriate functional
accounts currently as they are incurred.
(3) When the training costs involved relate to facilities which are
not conventional in nature, or are new to the company's operations, see
Sec. 1767.16 (c)(19), for the accounting.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 42290, Aug. 6, 1997]
Sec. 1767.18 Assets and other debits.
The asset and other debits accounts identified in this section shall
be used by all RUS borrowers.
Assets and Other Debits
Utility Plant
101 Electric Plant in Service
101.1 Property Under Capital Leases
102 Electric Plant Purchased or Sold
103 Experimental Electric Plant Unclassified
104 Electric Plant Leased to Others
105 Electric Plant Held for Future Use
106 Completed Construction not Classified--Electric
107 Construction Work in Progress--Electric
107.1 Construction Work in Progress--Contract
107.2 Construction Work in Progress--Force Account
107.3 Construction Work in Progress--Special Equipment
108 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Electric Utility Plant
108.1 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Steam Production Plant
108.2 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Nuclear Production Plant
108.3 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Hydraulic Production
Plant
108.4 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Other Production Plant
108.5 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Transmission Plant
108.6 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Distribution Plant
108.7 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of General Plant
108.8 Retirement Work in Progress
108.9 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Asset Retirement
109-110 [Reserved]
111 Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric Utility Plant
112-113 [Reserved]
114 Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments
115 Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric Plant Acquisition
Adjustments
116 Other Electric Plant Adjustments
118 Other Utility Plant
119 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation and Amortization of Other
Utility Plant
120.1 Nuclear Fuel in Process of Refinement, Conversion, Enrichment, and
Fabrication
120.2 Nuclear Fuel Materials and Assemblies--Stock Account
120.3 Nuclear Fuel Assemblies in Reactor
120.4 Spent Nuclear Fuel
120.5 Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Nuclear Fuel Assemblies
120.6 Nuclear Fuel Under Capital Leases
Other Property and Investments
121 Nonutility Property
122 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation and Amortization of
Nonutility Property
[[Page 38]]
123 Investment in Associated Companies
123.1 Patronage Capital from Associated Cooperatives
123.3 Investment in Associated Organizations--Federal Economic
Development Loans
123.4 Investment in Associated Organizations--Non-Federal Economic
Development Loans
123.11 Investment in Subsidiary Companies
123.21 Subscriptions to Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental
Financing
123.22 Investments in Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental Financing
123.23 Other Investments in Associated Organizations
124 Other Investments
124.1 Other Investments--Federal Economic Development Loans
124.2 Other Investments--Non-Federal Economic Development Loans
125 Sinking Funds
126 Depreciation Fund
128 Other Special Funds
Current and Accrued Assets
131 Cash
131.1 Cash--General
131.2 Cash--Construction Fund--Trustee
131.3 Cash--Installation Loan and Collection Fund
131.4 Transfer of Cash
131.12 Cash--General--Economic Development Loan Funds
131.13 Cash--General--Economic Development Grant Funds
131.14 Cash--General--Economic Development Non-Federal Revolving Funds
132 Interest Special Deposits
133 Dividend Special Deposits
134 Other Special Deposits
135 Working Funds
136 Temporary Cash Investments
141 Notes Receivable
141.1 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Notes--Credit
142 Customer Accounts Receivable
142.1 Customer Accounts Receivable--Electric
142.2 Customer Accounts Receivable--Other
143 Other Accounts Receivable
144 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Accounts--Credit
144.1 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Customer Accounts--Credit
144.2 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Merchandising Accounts--
Credit
144.3 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Accounts, Officers and
Employees--Credit
144.4 Accumulated Provision for Other Uncollectible Accounts--Credit 145
Notes Receivable from Associated Companies
145 Notes Receivable from Associated Companies
146 Accounts Receivable from Associated Companies
151 Fuel Stock
152 Fuel Stock Expenses Undistributed
153 Residuals
154 Plant Materials and Operating Supplies
155 Merchandise
156 Other Materials and Supplies
157 Nuclear Materials Held for Sale
158.1 Allowance Inventory
158.2 Allowances Withheld
163 Stores Expense Undistributed
165 Prepayments
165.1 Prepayments--Insurance
165.2 Other Prepayments
171 Interest and Dividends Receivable
172 Rents Receivable
173 Accrued Utility Revenues
174 Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Assets
175 Derivative Instrument Assets
176 Derivative Instrument Assets--Hedges
Deferred Debits
181 Unamortized Debt Expense
182.1 Extraordinary Property Losses
182.2 Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory Study Costs
182.3 Other Regulatory Assets
183 Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges
184 Clearing Accounts
184.1 Transportation Expense--Clearing
184.2 Clearing Accounts--Other
185 Temporary Facilities
186 Miscellaneous Deferred Debits
187 Deferred Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant
188 Research, Development, and Demonstration Expenditures
189 Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt
190 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes
Assets and Other Debits
Utility Plant
101 Electric Plant in Service
A. This account shall include the original cost of electric plant,
included in Accounts 301 to 399, prescribed herein, owned and used by
the utility in its electric 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.
B. (See also Account 106 for unclassified construction costs of
completed plant actually in service.)
C. 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 Sec. 1767.16 (f).)
[[Page 39]]
101.1 Property Under Capital Leases
A. This account shall include the amount recorded under capital
leases for plant leased from others and used by the utility in its
utility operations.
B. The electric property included in this account shall be
classified separately according to the detailed accounts (301 to 399)
prescribed for electric plant in service.
C. Records shall be maintained with respect to each capital lease
reflection:
(1) Name of lessor, (2) basic details of lease, (3) terminal date,
(4) original cost or fair market value of property leased, (5) future
minimum lease payments, (6) executory costs, (7) present value of
minimum lease payments, (8) the amount representing interest and the
interest rate used, and (9) expenses paid. Records shall also be
maintained for plant under a lease, to identify the asset retirement
obligation and cost originally recognized for each lease and the
periodic charges and credits made to the asset retirement obligations
and asset retirement costs.
102 Electric Plant Purchased or Sold
A. This account shall be charged with the cost of electric 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 Sec. 1767.16
(e).
B. Within 6 months from the date of acquisition or sale of property
recorded herein, the borrower shall file with RUS the proposed journal
entries to clear from this account the amounts recorded herein.
103 Experimental Electric Plant Unclassified
A. This account shall include the cost of electric plant which was
constructed as a research, development, and demonstration plant under
the provisions of Paragraph C, Account 107, Construction Work in
Progress--Electric, and due to the nature of the plant, it is desirous
to operate it for a period of time in an experimental status.
B. Amounts in this account shall be transferred to Account 101,
Electric Plant in Service, or Account 121, Nonutility Property, as
appropriate when the project is no longer considered as experimental.
C. The depreciation on property in this account shall be charged to
Account 403.8, Depreciation Expense, for asset retirement costs, as
appropriate, and credited to Account 108, Accumulated Provision for
Depreciation of Electric Utility Plant. The amounts herein shall be
depreciated over a period which would correspond to the estimated useful
life of the relevant project considering the characteristics involved.
However, when projects are transferred to Account 101, Electric Plant in
Service, a new depreciation rate based upon the remaining service life
and undepreciated amounts, will be established.
D. Records shall be maintained with respect to each unit of
experiment so that full details may be obtained as to the cost,
depreciation, and the experimental status.
E. Should it be determined that experimental plant recorded in this
account will fail to satisfactorily perform its function, the costs
thereof shall be accounted for as directed or authorized by RUS.
104 Electric Plant Leased to Others
A. This account shall include the original cost of electric 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 (301 to 399) prescribed for electric
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 Electric Plant Held for Future Use
A. This account shall include the original cost of electric plant
(except land and land rights) owned and held for future use in electric
service under a definite plan for such use, to include: (1) Property
acquired (except land and land rights) but never used by the utility in
electric service, but held for such service in the future under a
definite plan, and (2) property (except land and land rights) previously
used by the utility in service but retired from such service and held
pending its reuse in the future, under a definite plan, in electric
service.
B. This account shall also include the original cost of land and
land rights owned and held for future use in electric service under a
plan for such use, to include land and land rights: (1) Acquired but
never used by the utility in electric service, but held for such service
in the future under a plan, and (2) previously held by the utility in
service, but retired from such service and held pending its reuse in the
future under a plan, in electric service. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g).)
C. In the event that property recorded in this account shall no
longer be needed or appropriate for future utility operations, the
borrower shall notify RUS of such condition and request approval of
journal entries to remove such property from this account.
D. Gains or losses from the sale of land and land rights or other
disposition of such property previously recorded in this account and not
placed in utility service shall be recorded directly in Accounts 411.6
or 411.7, as appropriate, except when determined to be
[[Page 40]]
significant by RUS. Upon such a determination, the amounts shall be
transferred to Account 256, Deferred Gains from Disposition of Utility
Plant, or Account 187, Deferred Losses from Disposition of Utility
Plant, and amortized to Account 411.6, Gains from Disposition of Utility
Plant, or Account 411.7, Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant, as
appropriate.
E. The property included in this account shall be classified
according to the detail accounts (301 to 399) prescribed for electric
plant in service and the account shall be maintained in such detail as
though the property were in service.
Note: Materials and supplies, meters and transformers held in
reserve, and normal spare capacity of plant in service shall not be
included in this account.
106 Completed Construction not Classified--Electric
At the end of the year or such other date as a balance sheet may be
required by RUS, this account shall include the total of the balances of
work orders for electric plant which has been completed and placed in
service but which work orders have not been classified for transfer to
the detailed electric plant accounts.
Note: For the purpose of reporting to RUS, the classification of
electric plant in service by accounts is required, the utility shall
also report the balance in this account tentatively classified as
accurately as practicable according to prescribed account
classifications. The purpose of this provision is to avoid any
significant omissions in reported amounts of electric plant in service.
107 Construction Work in Progress--Electric
A. This account shall include the total of the balances of work
orders for electric plant in process of construction.
B. Work orders shall be cleared from this account as soon as
practicable, after completion of the job. Further, if a project, such as
a hydroelectric project, a steam station, or a transmission line, is
designed to consist of two or more units or circuits 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 electric 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.
C. Expenditures on research, development, and demonstration projects
for construction of utility facilities are to be included in a separate
subdivision in this account. Records must be maintained to show
separately each project along with complete detail of the nature and
purpose of the research, development, and demonstration project together
with the related costs.
D. Account 107 shall be subaccounted as follows:
107.1 Construction Work in Progress--Contract
107.2 Construction Work in Progress--Force Account
107.3 Construction Work in Progress--Special Equipment
108 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Electric Utility Plant
A. This account shall be credited with the following:
1. Amounts charged to Account 403, Depreciation Expense, or to
clearing accounts for current depreciation expense for electric plant in
service.
2. Amounts charged to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating
Income, for depreciation expense on property included in Account 105,
Electric Plant Held for Future Use. Include, also, the balance of
accumulated provision for depreciation on property when transferred to
Account 105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, from other property
accounts. Normally, Account 108 will not be used for current
depreciation provision because, as provided herein, the service life
during which depreciation is computed commences with the date property
is includible in electric 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.
3. Amounts charged to Account 413, Expenses of Electric Plant Leased
to Others, for electric plant included in Account 104, Electric Plant
Leased to Others.
4. Amounts charged to Account 416, Costs and Expenses of
Merchandising, Jobbing, and Contract Work, or to clearing accounts for
current depreciation expense.
5. Amounts of depreciation applicable to electric properties
acquired as operating units or systems. (See Sec. 1767.16 (e).)
6. Amounts charged to Account 182.1, Extraordinary Property Losses,
when authorized by RUS.
7. Amounts of depreciation applicable to electric plant donated to
the utility.
The utility shall maintain separate subaccounts for depreciation
applicable to electric plant in service, electric plant leased to
others, and electric plant held for future use.)
B. At the time of retirement of depreciable electric utility plant,
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.
[[Page 41]]
When retirement, costs 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. Account 108 shall be subaccounted as follows:
108.1 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Steam Production Plant
108.2 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Nuclear Production Plant
108.3 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Hydraulic Production
Plant
108.4 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Other Production Plant
108.5 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Transmission Plant
108.6 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Distribution Plant
108.7 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of General Plant
108.8 Retirement Work in Progress
108.9 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation of Asset Retirement Costs
These subsidiary records shall reflect the current credits and
debits to this account in sufficient detail to show separately for each
such functional classification: (1) the amount of accrual for
depreciation, (2) the book cost of property retired, (3) cost of
removal, (4) salvage, and (5) other items, including recoveries from
insurance.
D. When transfers of plant are made from one electric plant account
to another, or from or to another utility department, of from or to
nonutility property accounts, the accounting for depreciation shall be
as provided in Sec. 1767.16 (l).
E. The utility is restricted in its use of the accumulated provision
for depreciation to the purposes set forth above. It shall not transfer
any portion of this account to retained earnings or make any other use
thereof without authorization by RUS.
109-110 [Reserved]
111 Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric Utility Plant
A. This account shall be credited with the following:
1. Amounts charged to Account 404, Amortization of Limited-Term
Electric Plant, for the current amortization of limited-term electric
plant investments.
2. Amounts charged to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating
Income, for amortization expense on property included in Account 105,
Electric Plant Held for Future Use. Include also the balance of
accumulated provision for amortization on property when transferred to
Account 105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, from other property
accounts. See also Paragraph A(2), Account 108, Accumulated Provision
for Depreciation of Electric Utility Plant.
3. Amounts charged to Account 405, Amortization of Other Electric
Plant.
4. Amounts charged to Account 413, Expenses of Electric Plant Leased
to Others, for the current amortization of limited-term or other
investments subject to amortization included in Account 104, Electric
Plant Leased to Others.
5. Amounts charged to Account 425, Miscellaneous Amortization, for
the amortization of intangible or other electric plant which does not
have a definite or terminable life and is not subject to charges for
depreciation expense, with RUS approval.
(The utility shall maintain subaccounts of this account for the
amortization applicable to electric plant in service, electric plant
leased to others and electric plant held for future use.)
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 421.1, Gain on Disposition of Property, or Account
421.2, Loss on Disposition of Property, as appropriate.
C. For general ledger and balance sheet purposes, this account shall
be regarded and treated as a single composite provision for
amortization. For purposes of analysis, however, each utility shall
maintain subsidiary records in which this account is segregated
according to the following functional classification for electric plant:
(1) Steam production, (2) Nuclear production, (3) Hydraulic production,
(4) Other production, (5) Transmission, (6) Distribution, and (7)
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: (1) the amount of accrual for
amortization, (2) the book cost of property retired, (3) cost of
removal, (4) salvage, and (5) other items, including recoveries from
insurance.
D. The utility is restricted in its use of the accumulated provision
for amortization to the purposes set forth above. It shall not transfer
any portion of this account to retained earnings or make any other use
thereof without authorization by RUS.
112-113 [Reserved]
114 Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments
A. This account shall include the difference between the cost to the
accounting utility of electric plant acquired as an operating unit or
system by purchase, merger,
[[Page 42]]
consolidation, liquidation, or otherwise, and 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 and
contributions in aid of construction with respect to such property.
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 to electric
plant in service, electric plant held for future use, and electric plant
leased to others. (See Sec. 1767.16 (e).)
C. Debit amounts recorded in this account related to plant and land
acquisition may be amortized to Account 425, Miscellaneous Amortization,
over a period not longer than the estimated remaining life of the
properties to which such amounts relate. Amounts related to the
acquisition of land only may be amortized to Account 425 over a period
of not more than 15 years. Should a utility wish to account for debit
amounts in this account in any other manner, it shall petition RUS for
authority to do so. Credit amounts recorded in this account shall be
accounted for as directed by RUS.
115 Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric Plant Acquisition
Adjustments
This account shall be credited or debited with amounts which are
includible in Account 406, Amortization of Electric Plant Acquisition
Adjustments, or Account 425, Miscellaneous Amortization, for the purpose
of providing for the extinguishment of amounts in Account 114, Electric
Plant Acquisition Adjustments, in instances where the amortization of
Account 114 is not being made by direct write-off of the account.
116 Other Electric Plant Adjustments
A. This account shall include the difference between the original
cost, estimated if not known, and the book cost of electric plant to the
extent that such difference is not properly includible in Account 114,
Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments. (See Sec. 1767.16 (a)(3))
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
RUS may approve or direct.
Note: The provisions of this account shall not be construed as
approving or authorizing the recording of appreciation of electric
plant.
118 Other Utility Plant
This account shall include the balances in accounts for utility
plant, other than electric plant, such as gas, or railway.
119 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation and Amortization of Other
Utility Plant
This account shall include the accumulated provision for
depreciation and amortization applicable to utility property other than
electric plant.
120.1 Nuclear Fuel in Process of Refinement, Conversion, Enrichment, and
Fabrication
A. This account shall include the original cost to the utility of
nuclear fuel materials while in process of refinement, conversion,
enrichment, and fabrication into nuclear fuel assemblies and components,
including processing, fabrication, and necessary shipping costs. This
account shall also include the salvage value of nuclear materials which
are actually being reprocessed for use and were transferred from Account
120.5, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Nuclear Fuel
Assemblies. (See Sec. 1767.10 (a)(27).)
B. This account shall be credited and Account 120.2, Nuclear Fuel
Materials and Assemblies--Stock Account, shall be debited for the cost
of completed fuel assemblies delivered for use in refueling or to be
held as spares. In the case of the initial core loading, the transfer
shall be made directly to Account 120.3, Nuclear Fuel Assemblies in
Reactor, upon the conclusion of the experimental or test period of the
plant prior to its becoming available for service.
Items
1. Cost of natural uranium, uranium ores concentrates or other
nuclear fuel sources, such as thorium, plutonium, and U-233.
2. Value of recovered nuclear materials being reprocessed for use.
3. Milling process costs.
4. Sampling and weighing, and assaying costs.
5. Purification and conversion process costs.
6. Costs of enrichment by gaseous diffusion or other methods.
7. Costs of fabrication into fuel forms suitable for insertion in
the reactor.
8. All shipping costs of materials and components, including
shipping of fabricated fuel assemblies to the reactor site.
9. Use charges on leased nuclear materials while in process of
refinement, conversion, enrichment, and fabrication.
120.2 Nuclear Fuel Materials and Assemblies--Stock Account
A. This account shall be debited and Account 120.1, Nuclear Fuel in
Process of Refinement, Conversion, Enrichment and Fabrication, shall be
credited with the cost of fabricated fuel assemblies delivered for use
in refueling or to be carried in stock as spares. It shall also include
the original cost of fabricated fuel assemblies purchased in
[[Page 43]]
completed form. This account shall also include the original cost of
partially irradiated fuel assemblies being held in stock for reinsertion
in a reactor which had been transferred from Account 120.3, Nuclear Fuel
Assemblies in Reactor.
B. When fuel assemblies included in this account are inserted in a
reactor, this account shall be credited and Account 120.3, Nuclear Fuel
Assemblies in Reactor, debited for the cost of such assemblies.
C. This account shall also include the cost of nuclear materials and
byproduct materials being held for future use and not actually in
process in Account 120.1, Nuclear Fuel in Process of Refinement,
Conversion, Enrichment and Fabrication.
120.3 Nuclear Fuel Assemblies in Reactor
A. This account shall include the cost of nuclear fuel assemblies
when inserted in a reactor for the production of electricity. The
amounts included herein shall be transferred from Account 120.2, Nuclear
Fuel Materials and Assemblies--Stock Account, except for the initial
core loading which will be transferred directly from Account 120.1,
Nuclear Fuel in Process of Refinement, Conversion, Enrichment and
Fabrication.
B. Upon removal of fuel assemblies from a reactor, the original cost
of the assemblies removed shall be transferred to Account 120.4, Spent
Nuclear Fuel, or Account 120.2, Nuclear Fuel Materials and Assemblies--
Stock Account, as appropriate.
120.4 Spent Nuclear Fuel
A. This account shall include the original cost of nuclear fuel
assemblies, in the process of cooling, transferred from Account 120.3,
Nuclear Fuel Assemblies in Reactor, upon removal from a reactor pending
reprocessing.
B. This account shall be credited and Account 120.5, Accumulated
Provision for Amortization of Nuclear Fuel Assemblies, debited for fuel
assemblies, after the cooling period is over, at the cost recorded in
this account.
120.5 Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Nuclear Fuel Assemblies
A. This account shall be credited and Account 518, Nuclear Fuel
Expense, shall be debited for the amortization of the net cost of
nuclear fuel assemblies used in the production of energy. The net cost
of nuclear fuel assemblies subject to amortization shall be the original
cost of nuclear fuel assemblies, plus or less the expected net salvage
value of uranium, plutonium, and other by-products.
B. This account shall be credited with the net salvage value of
uranium, plutonium, and other nuclear by-products when such items are
sold, transferred or otherwise disposed. Account 120.1, Nuclear Fuel in
Process of Refinement, Conversion, Enrichment and Fabrication, shall be
debited with the net salvage value of nuclear materials to be
reprocessed. Account 157, Nuclear Materials Held for Sale, shall be
debited for the net salvage value of nuclear materials not to be
reprocessed but to be sold or otherwise disposed of and Account 120.2,
Nuclear Fuel Materials and Assemblies--Stock Account, will be debited
with the net salvage value of nuclear materials that will be held for
future use and not actually in process, in Account 120.1, Nuclear Fuel
in Process of Refinement, Conversion, Enrichment, and Fabrication.
C. This account shall be debited and Account 120.4, Spent Nuclear
Fuel, shall be credited with the cost of fuel assemblies at the end of
the cooling period.
120.6 Nuclear Fuel Under Capital Leases
A. This account shall include the amount recorded under capital
leases for nuclear fuel leased from others for use by the utility in its
utility operations.
B. Records shall be maintained with respect to each capital lease
reflecting: (1) name of lessor, (2) basic details of lease, (3) terminal
date, (4) original cost or fair market value of nuclear fuel leased, (5)
future minimum lease payments, (6) the amount representing interest and
the interest rate used, and (7) expenses paid.
Other Property and Investments
121 Nonutility Property
A. This account shall include the book cost of land, structure, and
equipment or other tangible or intangible property owned by the utility,
but used in utility service and not properly includible in Account 105,
Electric Plant Held for Future Use. This account shall also include,
where applicable, amounts recorded for asset retirement costs associated
with nonutility plant.
B. This account shall also include the amount recorded under capital
leases for property leased from others and used by the utility in its
nonutility operations. Records shall be maintained with respect to each
lease reflecting: (1) name of lessor, (2) basic details of lease, (3)
terminal date, (4) original cost or fair market value of property
leased, (5) future minimum lease payments, (6) executory costs, (7)
present value of minimum lessee payments, (8) the amount representing
interest and the interest rate used, and (9) expenses paid.
C. 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
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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.
Note: The gain from the sale or other disposition of property
included in this account which had been previously recorded in Account
105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, shall be accounted for in
accordance with Paragraph C of Account 105.
122 Accumulated Provision for Depreciation and Amortization of
Nonutility Property
This account shall include the accumulated provision for
depreciation and amortization applicable to nonutility property.
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, provided that the
investment does not relate to a subsidiary company. (If the investment
relates to a subsidiary company, it shall be included in Account 123.11,
Investment in Subsidiary Companies.) Include herein the offsetting entry
to the recording of amortization of discount or premium on interest
bearing investments. (See Account 419, Interest and Dividend Income.)
B. This 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 cash
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 is 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 426.5,
Other Deductions, or to an appropriate account for accumulated
provisions for loss in value established as a separate subdivision of
this account.
C. Account 123 shall be subaccounted as follows:
123.1 Patronage Capital from Associated Cooperatives
123.3 Investment in Associated Organizations--Federal Economic
Development Loans
123.4 Investment in Associated Organizations--Non-Federal Economic
Development Loans
123.11 Investment in Subsidiary Companies
123.21 Subscriptions to Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental
Financing
123.22 Investment in Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental Financing
123.23 Other Investments in Associated Organizations
123.1 Patronage Capital from Associated Cooperatives
This account shall include patronage capital credits allocated to
the accounting borrower by G&T cooperatives. It shall also include
capital credits, deferred patronage refunds, or like items from other
associated cooperatives. The account shall be maintained so as to
reflect separately, the allocations of patronage capital and patronage
refunds from each organization that makes such allocations to the
borrower.
123.3 Investment in Associated Organizations--Federal Economic
Development Loans
This account shall include investment advances of Federal funds
received from a Rural Economic Development Grant to associated
organizations for authorized rural economic development projects.
123.4 Investment in Associated Organizations--Non-Federal Economic
Development Loans
This account shall include investment advances of non-Federal funds
from the Rural Economic Development Grant revolving fund to associated
organizations for authorized rural economic development projects.
123.11 Investment in Subsidiary Companies
A. This account shall include the cost of investments in securities
issued or assumed by subsidiary companies and investment advances to
such companies, including interest accrued thereon when such interest is
not subject to current settlement, plus the equity in undistributed
earnings or losses of such subsidiary companies since acquisition. This
account shall be credited with any dividends declared by such
subsidiaries.
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B. This account shall be maintained in such a manner as to show
separately for each subsidiary: the cost of such investments in the
securities of the subsidiary at the time of acquisition; the amount of
equity in the subsidiary's undistributed net earnings or net losses
since acquisition; advances or loans to such subsidiary; and full
particulars regarding any such investments that are pledged.
123.21 Subscriptions to Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental
Financing
This account shall include the total subscriptions to capital term
certificates of CFC. When subscriptions are paid, this account shall be
credited and Account 123.22, Investments in Capital Term Certificates--
Supplemental Financing, debited.
123.22 Investments in Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental Financing
This account shall include paid subscriptions in capital term
certificates of CFC or other supplemental lenders.
123.23 Other Investments in Associated Organizations
This account shall include investments in capital stock, securities,
membership fees, and investment advances to associated organizations
other than provided for elsewhere. This account shall be maintained in
such a manner as to show the investment in stock and securities of and
advances to each associated organization.
Items
1. Investments in capital stock of associated organizations.
2. Investments in securities issued by associated organizations.
3. Membership fees in associated organizations, including NRECA, and
Statewide associations of RUS-financed borrowers.
4. Investment advances to associated organizations.
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. This account shall also included unrealized holding gains and
losses on trading and available-for-sale types of security investments.
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 records shall be maintained in such manner as to show the
amount of each investment and the investment advances to each person.
C. Account 124 shall be subaccounted as follows:
124.1 Other Investments--Federal Economic Development Loans
124.2 Other Investments--Non-Federal Economic Development Loans
Note A: Securities owned and pledged shall be included in this
account, but securities held in special deposits 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 cash investments shall not be
included in this account.
Note C: See Note D of Account 123.
124.1 Other Investments--Federal Economic Development Loans
This account shall include investment advances of Federal funds
received from a Rural Economic Development Grant to nonassociated
organizations for authorized rural economic development projects.
124.2 Other Investments--Non-Federal Economic Development Loans
This account shall include investment advances of non-Federal funds
from the Rural Economic Development Grant revolving fund to
nonassociated organizations for authorized rural economic development
projects.
125 Sinking Funds
This account shall include the amount of cash and book cost of
investments held in sinking funds. This account shall also include
unrealized holding gains and losses on trading and available-for-sale
types of investments. A separate account, with appropriate title, shall
be kept for each sinking fund. Transfers from this account to special
deposit accounts, may be 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. This account shall also include unrealized holding gains
and losses on trading and available-for-sale types of security
investments.
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
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elsewhere. This account shall also include unrealized holding gains and
losses on trading and available-for-sale types of security investments.
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.
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 category 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
A. This account shall include the amount of current cash funds
except working funds.
B. Account 131 shall be subaccounted as follows:
131.1 Cash--General
131.2 Cash--Construction Fund--Trustee
131.3 Cash--Installation Loan and Collection Fund
131.4 Transfer of Cash
131.12 Cash--General--Economic Development Loan Funds
131.13 Cash--General--Economic Development Grant Funds
131.14 Cash--General--Economic Development Non-Federal Revolving Funds
131.1 Cash--General
This account shall include all cash of the organization not provided
for elsewhere. Separate subaccounts may be maintained for each bank
account in which general cash is maintained. Funds held by others for
current obligations shall be recorded in Account 134, Other Special
Deposits.
131.2 Cash--Construction Fund--Trustee
This account shall include the cash received from the Rural
Utilities Service, CFC, and any other source of supplemental financing
for financing the construction, purchase, and operation of electric
facilities. RUS construction loan fund advances shall be charged to this
account and credited to Account 224.4, RUS Notes Executed--
Construction--Debit. CFC and other supplemental lender construction loan
fund advances shall be charged to this account and credited to Account
224.13, Supplemental Financing Notes Executed--Debit.
131.3 Cash--Installation Loan and Collection Fund
A. This account shall include the cash advanced on installation
loans made subsequent to September 13, 1957. Such advances shall be
debited to this account as received and credited to Account 224.10, RUS
Notes Executed--Installation--Debit. This account shall also include
interest and principal collections received on consumers' loans financed
from RUS loans made subsequent to September 13, 1957.
B. Payments shall be made from this account solely for financing
consumers' loans for the purpose of wiring of consumers' premises, and
the acquisition and installation of electrical and plumbing appliances
and equipment by consumers. The cash in this account is also used for
the payment of principal and interest on installation loans made by RUS,
subsequent to September 13, 1957, in accordance with the terms of the
loan agreement.
131.4 Transfer of Cash
This account shall be used in transferring funds from one bank
account to another. This account is charged when the check is drawn for
the transfer and entered in the check register, and credited when the
amount transferred is entered in the cash receipts book. This account is
to be used as a clearing account and should not have a balance at the
end of an accounting period.
131.12 Cash--General--Economic Development Funds
This account shall include the cash received from the Rural
Utilities Service for Rural Economic Development Loans. Economic
development loan advances shall be charged to this account and credited
to Account 224.17, RUS Notes Executed--Economic Development--Debit.
131.13 Cash--General--Economic Development Grant Funds
This account shall include cash received from the Rural Utilities
Service for Rural Economic Development Grants. Economic development
grant funds shall be charged to this account and credited to Account
224.18, Other Long-Term Debt--Grant Funds; Account 208, Donated Capital;
or Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, as appropriate. This
account shall be credited and
[[Page 47]]
either Account 123.3, Investment in Associated Organizations--Federal
Economic Development Loans, or Account 124.1, Other Investments--Federal
Economic Development Loans, shall be debited, as appropriate, with the
amount of an economic development revolving fund loan.
131.14 Cash--General--Economic Development Non-Federal Revolving Funds
This account shall include all non-Federal funds comprising the
economic development revolving fund. It shall include all funds supplied
by the borrower as well as all cash received from the repayment of loans
made from the economic development revolving fund. This account shall be
credited and either Account 123.4, Investment in Associated
Organizations--Non-Federal Economic Development Loans, or Account 124.2,
Other Investments--Non-Federal Economic Development Loans, shall be
debited, as appropriate, with the amount of an economic development
revolving fund loan.
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; and 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. 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
A. 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 the financial statements of any
contingent liability arising from such transactions.
B. Account 141 shall be subaccounted as follows:
141.1 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Notes--Credit
141.1 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Notes--Credit
This account shall be credited with amounts provided for losses on
notes receivable which may become uncollectible, and also with
collections on notes previously charged hereto. Concurrent charges shall
be made to Account 904, Uncollectible Accounts.
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 the amounts due for merchandising, jobbing, and contract
work.
C. Account 142 shall be subaccounted as follows:
142.1 Customer Accounts Receivable--Electric
142.2 Customer Accounts Receivable--Other
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142.1 Customer Accounts Receivable--Electric
This account shall include amounts due from customers for utility
service.
142.2 Customer Accounts Receivable--Other
This account shall include amounts due from customers 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.
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--Credit
A. This account shall include 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. Account 144 shall be subaccounted as follows:
144.1 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Customer Accounts--Credit
144.2 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Merchandising Accounts--
Credit
144.3 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Accounts, Officers and
Employees--Credit
144.4 Accumulated Provision for Other Uncollectible Accounts--Credit
144.1 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Customer Accounts--Credit
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.
144.2 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Merchandising Accounts--
Credit
This account shall be credited with amounts provided for losses on
merchandising, jobbing, and contract work 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.
144.3 Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible Accounts, Officers and
Employees--Credit
This account shall be credited with amounts provided for losses on
accounts receivable from officers and employees which may become
uncollectible and also with collections on accounts previously charged
hereto. Concurrent charges shall be made to Account 904, Uncollectible
Accounts.
144.4 Accumulated Provision for Other Uncollectible Accounts--Credit
This account shall be credited with amounts provided for losses on
accounts receivable which may become uncollectible and for which the
recording of this credit has not been provided for elsewhere. This
account shall also be credited 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.
145 Notes Receivable from Associated Companies
This account shall include notes upon which associated companies are
liable, and which mature and are expected to be paid in full not later
than one year from the 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: 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 the financial statements of any
contingent liability arising from such transactions.
[[Page 49]]
146 Accounts Receivable from Associated Companies
This account shall include drafts upon which associated companies
are liable, and which mature and are expected to be paid in full not
later than one year from the 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: On the balance sheet, accounts receivable from an associated
company may be offset against accounts payable to the same company.
151 Fuel Stock
This account shall include the book cost of fuel on hand.
Items
1. Invoice price of fuel less any cash or other discounts.
2. Freight, switching, demurrage, and other transportation charges,
not including, however, any charges for unloading from the shipping
medium.
3. Excise taxes, purchasing agents' commissions, insurance, and
other expenses directly assignable to cost of fuel.
4. Operating, maintenance and depreciation expenses, and ad valorem
taxes on utility-owned transportation equipment used to transport fuel
from the point of acquisition to the unloading point.
5. Lease or rental costs of transportation equipment used to
transport fuel from the point of acquisition to the unloading point.
152 Fuel Stock Expenses Undistributed
A. This account may include the cost of labor and of supplies used
and expenses incurred in unloading fuel from the shipping medium and in
the handling thereof prior to its use, if such expenses are sufficiently
significant in amount to warrant being treated as a part of the cost of
fuel inventory rather than being charged direct to expense as incurred.
B. Amounts included herein shall be charged to expense as the fuel
is used to the end that the balance herein shall not exceed the expenses
attributable to the inventory of fuel on hand.
Items
Labor:
1. Procuring and handling of fuel.
2. All routine fuel analyses.
3. Unloading from shipping facility and placing in storage.
4. Moving of fuel in storage and transferring from one station to
another.
5. Handling from storage or shipping facility to first bunker,
hopper, bucket, tank, or holder of boiler house structure.
6. Operation of mechanical equipment such as locomotives, trucks,
cars, boats, barges, and cranes.
Supplies and Expenses:
1. Tools, lubricants and other supplies.
2. Operating supplies for mechanical equipment.
3. Transportation and other expenses in moving fuel.
4. Stores expenses applicable to fuel.
153 Residuals
This account shall include the book cost of any residuals produced
in the production or manufacturing processes.
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 also include 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,
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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 purchases, they shall be charged to
Account 163, Stores Expense Undistributed.
155 Merchandise
This account shall include the book cost of materials and supplies
and appliances and equipment held primarily for merchandising, jobbing,
and contract work. The principles prescribed in accounting for utility
materials and supplies shall be observed with 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 with
respect to items carried in this account.
157 Nuclear Materials Held for Sale
This account shall include the net salvage value of uranium,
plutonium, and other nuclear materials held by the company for sale or
other disposition that are not to be reused by the company in its
electric utility operations. This account shall be debited and Account
120.5, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Nuclear Fuel
Assemblies, credited for such net salvage value. Any difference between
the amount recorded in this account and the actual amount realized from
the sale of materials shall be debited or credited, as appropriate, to
Account 518, Nuclear Fuel Expense, at the time of such sale.
158.1 Allowance Inventory
A. This account shall include the cost of allowances owned by the
utility and not withheld by the Environmental Protection Agency. See
Sec. 1767.15 (u) and Account 158.2, Allowances Withheld.
B. This account shall be credited and Account 509, Allowances, shall
be debited concurrent with the monthly emission of sulfur dioxide.
C. Separate subdivisions of this account shall be maintained so as
to separately account for those allowances usable in the current year
and in each subsequent year. The underlying records of these
subdivisions shall be maintained in sufficient detail so as to identify
each allowance included; the origin of each allowance; and the
acquisition cost, if any, of the allowance.
158.2 Allowances Withheld
A. This account shall include the cost of allowances owned by the
utility but withheld by the Environmental Protection Agency. (See Sec.
1767.15 (u).)
B. The inventory cost of the allowances released by the
Environmental Protection Agency for use by the utility shall be
transferred to Account 158.1, Allowance Inventory.
C. The underlying records of this account shall be maintained in
sufficient detail so as to identify each allowance included; the origin
of each allowance; and the acquisition cost, if any, of the allowances.
163 Stores Expense Undistributed
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,
exclusive of fuel, as any amount applicable to fuel costs should be
included in Account 152, Fuel Stock Expenses Undistributed.
Items
Labor:
1. Inspecting and testing materials and supplies when not assignable
to specific items.
2. Unloading from shipping facility and placing 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
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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 be included in
administrative and general expenses.)
7. Maintaining stores equipment.
8. Cleaning and tidying storerooms and stores offices.
9. Keeping stock records, including the recording and posting of
material receipts and issues and maintaining inventory records of stock.
10. Collecting and handling scrap materials in stores.
Supplies and Expenses:
1. Adjustments of inventories of materials and supplies but not
including large differences which can readily be assigned to important
classes of materials and equitably distributed among the accounts to
which such classes of materials have been charged since the previous
inventory.
2. Cash and other discounts not practically assignable to specific
materials.
3. Freight and express charges when not assignable to specific
items.
4. Heat, light, and power for storerooms and store offices.
5. Brooms, brushes, sweeping compounds and other supplies used in
cleaning and tidying storerooms and stores offices.
6. Injuries and damages.
7. Insurance on materials and supplies and on stores equipment.
8. 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.
9. Postage, printing, stationery, and office supplies.
10. Rent of storage space and facilities.
11. Communication service.
12. Excise and other similar taxes not assignable to specific
materials.
13. 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 the
cost of removal.
Note: A physical inventory of each class of materials and supplies
shall be made at least every two years.
165 Prepayments
A. 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.
B. Account 165 shall be subaccounted as follows:
165.1 Prepayments--Insurance
165.2 Other Prepayments
171 Interest and Dividends Receivable
This account shall include the amount of interest on bonds,
mortgages, notes, commercial paper, loans, open accounts, and deposits,
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 the associated
principle is recorded.
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. If accruals are made for unbilled revenues,
accruals shall also be made for unbilled expenses, such as 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.
175 Derivative Instrument Assets
This account shall include the amounts paid for derivative
instruments, and the change in the fair value hedges. Account 421,
Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, shall be credited or debited, as
appropriate, with the corresponding amount of the change in the fair
value of the derivative instrument.
176 Derivative Instrument Assets--Hedges
A. This account shall include the amounts paid for derivative
instruments, and the change in the fair value of derivative instrument
assets designated by the utility as cash flow or fair value hedges.
B. When a utility designates a derivative instrument asset as a cash
flow hedge it will record the change in the fair value of the derivative
instrument in this account with a
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concurrent charge to Account 209, Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income, with the effective portion of the gain or loss. The ineffective
portion of the cash flow hedge shall be charged to the same income or
expense account that will be used when the hedged item enters into the
determination of net income.
C. When a utility designates a derivative instrument as a fair value
hedge it shall record the change in the fair value of the derivative
instrument in this account with a concurrent charge to a subaccount of
the asset or liability that carries the item being hedged. The
ineffective portion of the fair value hedge shall be charged to the same
income or expense account that will be used when the hedged item enters
into the determination of net income.
Deferred Debits
181 Unamortized Debt Expense
This account shall include expenses related to the issuance or
assumption of debt securities. Amounts recorded in this account shall be
amortized over the life of each respective issue under a plan which will
distribute the amount equitably over the life of the security. The
amortization shall be on a monthly basis, and the amounts thereof shall
be charged to Account 428, Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense.
Any unamortized amounts outstanding at the time that the related debt is
prematurely reacquired shall be accounted for as indicated in Sec.
1767.15 (q).
182.1 Extraordinary Property Losses
A. When authorized or directed by RUS, this account shall include
extraordinary losses which could not reasonably have been anticipated
and which are not covered by insurance or other provisions, such as
unforeseen damages to property.
B. Application to RUS for permission to use this 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.
182.2 Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory Study Costs
A. This account shall include: (1) nonrecurring costs of studies and
analyses mandated by regulatory bodies related to plants in service,
transferred from Account 183, Preliminary Survey and Investigations
Charges, and not resulting in construction; and (2) when authorized by
RUS, significant unrecovered costs of plant facilities where
construction has been cancelled or which have been prematurely retired.
B. This account shall be credited and Account 407, Amortization of
Property Losses, Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory Study Costs, shall be
debited over the period specified by RUS.
C. Any additional costs incurred, relative to the cancellation or
premature retirement, may be included in this account and amortized over
the remaining period of the original amortization period. Should any
gains or recoveries be realized relative to the cancelled or prematurely
retired plant, such amounts shall be used to reduce the unamortized
amount of the costs recorded herein.
D. In the event that the recovery of costs included herein is
disallowed in the rate proceedings, the disallowed costs shall be
charged to Account 426.5, Other Deductions, in the year of such
disallowance.
182.3 Other Regulatory Assets
A. This account shall include the amounts of regulatory-created
assets, not includable in other accounts, resulting from the ratemaking
actions of regulatory agencies. (See the definition of regulatory assets
and liabilities.)
B. The amounts included in this account are to be established by
those charges which would have been included in net income, or
accumulated other comprehensive income, determinations in the current
period under the general requirements of the Uniform System of Accounts
but for it being probable that such items will be included in a
different period(s) for purposes of developing the rates that the
utility is authorized to charge for its utility services. When specific
identification of the particular source of a regulatory asset cannot be
made, such as in plant phase-ins, rate moderation plans, or rate
levelization plans, Account 407.4, Regulatory Credits, shall be
credited. The amounts recorded in this account are generally to be
charged, concurrently with the recovery of the amounts in rates, to the
same account that would have been charged if included in income when
incurred, except all regulatory assets established through the use of
Account 407.4 shall be charged to Account 407.3, Regulatory Debits,
concurrent with the recovery of the amounts in rates.
C. If rate recovery of all or part of an amount included in this
account is disallowed, the disallowed amount shall be charged to Account
426.5, Other Deductions, or Account 435, Extraordinary Deductions, in
the year of the disallowance.
D. The records supporting the entries to this account shall be kept
so that the utility can furnish full information as to the nature and
amount of each regulatory asset included in this account, including
justification for inclusion of such amounts in this account.
[[Page 53]]
183 Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges
A. This account shall be charged with all expenditures for
preliminary surveys, plans, and investigations made for the purpose of
determining the feasibility of utility 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 made to Account 426.5, Other Deductions, or to the appropriate
operating expense account.
B. This account shall also include costs of studies and analyses
mandated by regulatory bodies related to plant in service. If
construction results from such studies, this account shall be credited
and the appropriate utility plant account charged with an equitable
portion of such study costs directly attributable to new construction.
The portion of such study costs not attributable to new construction or
the entire cost if construction does not result shall be charged to
Account 182.2, Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory Study Costs, or the
appropriate operating expense account. The costs of such studies
relative to plant under construction shall be included directly
inAccount 107, Construction Work in Progress--Electric.
C. 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 sever 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
A. This caption shall include undistributed balances in clearing
accounts at the date of the balance sheet. Balances in clearing account
shall be substantially cleared not later than the end of the calendar
year unless items held therein relate to a future period.
B. Account 184 shall be subaccounted as follows:
184.1 Transportation Expense--Clearing
184.2 Clearing Accounts--Other
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
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.
187 Deferred Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant
This account shall include losses from the sale or other disposition
of property previously recorded in Account 105, Electric Plant Held for
Future Use, under the provisions of Paragraphs B, C, and D thereof,
where such losses are significant and are to be amortized over a period
of 5 years, unless otherwise authorized by RUS. The amortization of the
amounts in this account shall be made by debits to Account 411.7, Losses
from Disposition of Utility Plant. (See Account 105, Electric Plant Held
for Future Use.)
188 Research, Development, and Demonstration Expenditures
A. This account shall be charged with the cost of all expenditures
coming within the meaning of Research, Development, and Demonstration
(RD&D) of this USoA (See Sec. 1767.10 (a)(34)) except those
expenditures properly chargeable to Account 107, Construction Work in
Progress--Electric.
B. Costs that are minor or of a general or recurring nature shall be
transferred from this account to the appropriate operating expense
function or if such costs are common to the overall operations or cannot
be feasibly allocated to the various operating accounts, such costs
shall be recorded in Account 930.2, Miscellaneous General Expenses.
C. In certain instances, a company may incur large and significant
research, development, and demonstration expenditures which are
nonrecurring and which would distort the annual research, development,
and demonstration charges for the period. In such a case, the portion of
such amounts that cause the distortion may be amortized to the
appropriate operating expense account over a period not to exceed 5
years unless otherwise authorized by RUS.
D. The entries in this account must be so maintained as to show
separately each project along with complete detail of the nature and
purpose of the research, development, and demonstration project together
with the related costs.
189 Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt
This account shall include the losses on long-term debt reacquired
or redeemed. The
[[Page 54]]
amounts in this account shall be amortized in accordance with Sec.
1767.15 (q).
190 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes
A. This account shall be debited and Account 411.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, or Account
411.2, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate, shall be credited with an amount equal to
that by which income taxes payable for the year are higher because of
the inclusion of certain items in income for tax purposes, which items
for general accounting purposes will not be fully reflected in the
utility's determination of annual net income until subsequent years.
B. This account shall be credited and Account 410.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income, or Account 410.2,
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions, as
appropriate, shall be debited with an amount equal to that by which
income taxes payable for the year are lower because of prior payment of
taxes as provided by Paragraph A above, because of difference in timing
for tax purposes of particular items of income or income deductions from
that recognized by the utility for general accounting purposes. Such
credit to this account and debit to Account 410.1 or Account 410.2
shall, in general, represent the effect on taxes payable in the current
year of the smaller amount of book income recognized for tax purposes as
compared to the amount recognized in the utility's current accounts with
respect to the item or class of items for which deferred tax accounting
by the utility was authorized by RUS.
C. Vintage year records with respect to entries to this account, as
described above, and the account balance, shall be so maintained as to
show the factor of calculation with respect to each annual amount of the
item or class of items for which deferred tax accounting by the utility
is utilized.
D. The utility is restricted in its use of this account to the
purpose set forth above. It shall not make use of the balance in this
account or any portion thereof except as provided in the text of this
account, without prior approval of RUS. Any remaining deferred tax
account balance with respect to an amount for any prior year's tax
deferral, the amortization of which or other recognition in the
utility's income accounts has been completed, or other disposition made,
shall be debited to Account 410.1, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes,
Utility Operating Income, or Account 410.2, Provision for Deferred
Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions, as appropriate, or otherwise
disposed of as RUS may authorize or direct. (See Sec. 1767.15 (t).)
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 27436, May 27, 1994; 60
FR 55429, 55430, Nov. 1, 1995; 73 FR 30282, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.19 Liabilities and other credits.
The liabilities and other credit accounts identified in this section
shall be used by all RUS borrowers.
Liabilities and Other Credits
Margins and Equities
200 Memberships
200.1 Memberships Issued
200.2 Memberships Subscribed But Unissued
201 Patronage Capital
201.1 Patronage Capital Credits
201.2 Patronage Capital Assignable
202-207 [Reserved]
208 Donated Capital
209 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
210 [Reserved]
211 Consumers' Contributions for Debt Service
212-214 [Reserved]
215 Appropriated Margins
215.1 Unrealized Gains and Losses--Debt and Equity Securities
216 [Reserved]
216.1 Unappropriated Undistributed Subsidiary Earnings
217 Retired Capital Credits--Gain
218 Capital Gains and Losses
219 Other Margins and Equities
219.1 Operating Margins
219.2 Nonoperating Margins
219.3 Other Margins
219.4 Other Margins and Equities--Prior Periods
Long-Term Debt
221 Bonds
222 Reacquired Bonds
223 Advances from Associated Companies
224 Other Long-Term Debt
224.1 Long-Term Debt--RUS Construction Loan Contract
224.2 RUS Loan Contract--Construction--Debit
224.3 Long-Term Debt--RUS Construction Notes Executed
224.4 RUS Notes Executed--Construction--Debit
224.5 Interest Accrued--Deferred--RUS Construction
224.6 Advance Payments Unapplied--RUS Long-Term Debt--Debit
224.7 Long-Term Debt--Installation Loan Contract
224.8 RUS Loan Contract--Installation--Debit
224.9 Long-Term Debt--Installation Notes Executed
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224.10 RUS Notes Executed--Installation--Debit
224.11 Other Long-Term Debt--Subscriptions
224.12 Other Long-Term Debt--Supplemental Financing
224.13 Supplemental Financing Notes Executed--Debit
224.14 Other Long-Term Debt--Miscellaneous
224.15 Notes Executed--Other--Debit
224.16 Long-Term Debt--RUS Economic Development Notes Executed
224.17 RUS Notes Executed--Economic Development--Debit
224.18 Other Long-Term Debt--Grant Funds
225 Unamortized Premium on Long-Term Debt
226 Unamortized Discount on Long-Term Debt--Debit
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
227 Obligations Under Capital Leases--Noncurrent
228.1 Accumulated Provision for Property Insurance
228.2 Accumulated Provision for Injuries and Damages
228.3 Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
228.4 Accumulated Miscellaneous Operating Provisions
229 Accumulated Provision for Rate Refunds
Current and Accrued Liabilities
231 Notes Payable
232 Accounts Payable
232.1 Accounts Payable--General
232.2 Accounts Payable--RUS Construction
232.3 Accounts Payable--Other
233 Notes Payable to Associated Companies
234 Accounts Payable to Associated Companies
235 Customer Deposits
236 Taxes Accrued
236.1 Accrued Property Taxes
236.2 Accrued U.S. Social Security Tax--Unemployment
236.3 Accrued U.S. Social Security Tax--F.I.C.A.
236.4 Accrued State Social Security Tax--Unemployment
236.5 Accrued State Sales Tax--Consumers
236.6 Accrued Gross Revenue or Gross Receipts Tax
236.7 Accrued Taxes--Other
237 Interest Accrued
238 Patronage Capital and Patronage Refunds Payable
238.1 Patronage Capital Payable
238.2 Patronage Refunds Payable
239 Matured Long-Term Debt
240 Matured Interest
241 Tax Collections Payable
242 Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Liabilities
242.1 Accrued Rentals
242.2 Accrued Payroll
242.3 Accrued Employees' Vacations and Holidays
242.4 Accrued Insurance
242.5 Other Current and Accrued Liabilities
243 Obligations Under Capital Leases--Current
Deferred Credits
251 [Reserved]
252 Customer Advances for Construction
253 Other Deferred Credits
253.1 Other Deferred Credits--Consumers' Energy Prepayments
254 Other Regulatory Liabilities
255 Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits
256 Deferred Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant
257 Unamortized Gain on Reacquired Debt
281 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Accelerated Amortization Property
282 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Other Property
283 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Other
Liabilities and Other Credits
Margins and Equities
200 Memberships
A. This account shall include the total amount of memberships issued
and subscribed.
B. Account 200 shall be subaccounted as follows:
200.1 Memberships Issued
200.2 Memberships Subscribed But Unissued
200.1 Memberships Issued
A. This account shall include the face value of membership
certificates outstanding. A detailed record shall be maintained to show
for each member, the name, address, date of payment, amount paid, and
certificate number.
B. If membership fees are applied against energy bills, this account
shall be debited for the full amount of the membership with the
offsetting credit to the appropriate accounts receivable, and to
accounts payable for any refundable amounts. Any balances that cannot be
refunded, due to inability to locate the member or because of bylaw
restrictions, shall be credited to Account 208, Donated Capital. If
determination of the ultimate disposition of the fees cannot be made
immediately, the amount involved should be transferred to Account 253,
Other Deferred Credits, until the determination is made.
[[Page 56]]
C. When a transfer fee is collected, the transaction shall be
recorded by debiting Account 131.1, Cash--General, and crediting Account
451, Miscellaneous Service Revenues, with the fee collected.
200.2 Memberships Subscribed But Unissued
This account shall include the face value of memberships subscribed
for but not issued. When certificates are issued, the amount of the
memberships shall be transferred to Account 200.1, Memberships Issued.
201 Patronage Capital
A. This account shall include the total amount of patronage capital
assignable and assigned.
B. Account 201 shall be subaccounted as follows:
201.1 Patronage Capital Credits
201.2 Patronage Capital Assignable
201.1 Patronage Capital Credits
A. This account shall include the amounts of patronage capital which
have been assigned to individual patrons. A subsidiary record,
``patronage capital ledger,'' shall be maintained, containing an account
for each patron who has furnished capital under a capital credits plan.
B. When the return of patrons' capital to individual patrons has
been authorized by the board of directors (or trustees), the amounts
authorized shall be transferred to Account 238.1, Patronage Capital
Payable. (See also Account 217, Retired Capital Credits-Gain.)
201.2 Patronage Capital Assignable
A. This account shall include all amounts transferred from Account
219.1, Operating Margins; Account 219.2, Nonoperating Margins; Account
219.3, Other Margins; and Account 219.4, Other Margins and Equities--
Prior Periods, which are assignable to individual patrons' capital
accounts.
B. Entries to this account shall be made so as to clearly disclose
the nature and source of each transaction. Amounts so assigned shall be
transferred to Account 201.1, Patronage Capital Credits.
202-207 [Reserved]
208 Donated Capital
This account shall include credits arising from forfeiture of
membership fees and from donations of capital not otherwise provided
for. Entries to this account shall be made so as to clearly disclose the
nature and source of each transaction.
209 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
A. This account shall include revenues, expenses, gains, and losses
that are properly includable in other comprehensive income during the
period. Examples of other comprehensive income include foreign currency
items, minimum pension liability adjustment, unrealized gains and losses
on certain investments in debt and equity securities, and cash flow
hedges. Records supporting the entries to this account shall be
maintained so that the utility can furnish the amount of other
comprehensive income for each item included in this account.
B. This account shall also be debited or credited, as appropriate,
with amounts of accumulated other comprehensive income that have been
included in the determination of net income during the period and in
accumulated other comprehensive income in prior periods. Separate
records for each category of items shall be maintained to identify the
amount of the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other
comprehensive income to earning made during the period.
210 [Reserved]
211 Consumers' Contributions for Debt Service
This account shall include the amounts billed to consumers as
``amortization charges'' for the purpose of servicing long-term debt.
212-214 [Reserved]
215 Appropriated Margins
This account shall include all amounts appropriated as reserves from
margins. The account shall be so maintained as to show the amount of
each separate reserve and the nature and amounts of the debits and
credits thereto.
215.1 Unrealized Gains and Losses--Debt and Equity Securities
This account shall include the unrealized holding gains and losses
for available-for-sale securities.
216 [Reserved]
216.1 Unappropriated Undistributed Subsidiary Earnings
This account shall include the balances, either debit or credit, of
undistributed retained earnings of subsidiary companies since their
acquisition. When dividends are received from subsidiary companies
relating to amounts included in this account, this account shall be
debited and Account 219.2, Nonoperating Margins, credited.
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217 Retired Capital Credits--Gain
A. This account shall include credits resulting from the retirement
of patronage capital through settlement of individual patrons' capital
credits at less than 100 percent of the capital assigned to the patron.
The portion of patronage capital not returned to the patrons, under such
settlements, shall be debited to Account 201.1, Patronage Capital
Credits, and credited to this account.
B. This account shall also include amounts representing patronage
capital authorized to be retired to patrons who cannot be located.
Returned checks issued for retirements of patronage capital, after an
appropriate waiting period, shall be credited to this account, and a
record maintained adequate to enable the cooperative to make payment to
the patron if and when a claim has been established by the consumer.
218 Capital Gains and Losses
No entries shall be made to this account without the prior approval
of RUS unless it is to distribute past capital gains and losses as
capital credits or to eliminate accumulated capital losses in
conformance with the bylaws of the cooperative.
219 Other Margins and Equities
A. This account shall include total amount of margins and equities
from all sources.
B. Account 219 shall be subaccounted as follows:
219.1 Operating Margins
219.2 Nonoperating Margins
219.3 Other Margins
219.4 Other Margins and Equities--Prior Periods
219.1 Operating Margins
This account shall be debited or credited with the balances arising
from transactions, the details of which have been recorded in Accounts
400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 412, 413, 414, 423, 424,
425, 426, 427, 428, and 431. Accounts 400, 401, and 402 are control
accounts and, at the option of the borrower may or may not be used. If
they are not used, the detailed revenue and expense accounts shall be
closed directly to this account.
219.2 Nonoperating Margins
This account shall be debited or credited with the balances arising
from transactions, the details of which have been recorded in Accounts
415, 416, 417, 417.1, 418, 419, 419.1, 421, 421.1, 421.2, 422, 434, and
435.
219.3 Other Margins
No entries shall be made to this account unless it is to distribute
or eliminate prior balances in conformance with the bylaws of the
cooperative.
219.4 Other Margins and Equities--Prior Periods
A. This account shall include significant nonrecurring transactions
relating to prior periods. To be significant, the transaction must be of
sufficient magnitude to justify redistribution of patronage capital
credits already allocated for such prior periods.
B. All entries to this account must receive RUS prior approval.
C. These transactions are limited to items to (1) correct an error
in the financial statements of a prior year, and (2) make adjustments
that result from realization of income tax benefits of preacquisition
operating loss carryforwards. This account shall also include the
related income taxes (state and Federal) on items included herein.
D. Amounts in this account shall be transferred at the end of the
year to Account 219.1, Operating Margins, or Account 219.2, Nonoperating
Margins, as appropriate. Also, at the end of the year, these amounts
should be transferred from Account 219.1, or Account 219.2 to Account
201.2, Patronage Capital Assignable, when appropriate.
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 cancelled; 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 retired or
cancelled. 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, expenses or premium, and the amount
paid upon reacquisition, shall be included in Account 189, Unamortized
Loss on Reacquired Debt, or Account 257, Unamortized Gain on Reacquired
Debt, as appropriate. (See Sec. 1767.15 (q).)
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
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Companies, or Account 234, Accounts Payable to Associated Companies.
B. The records supporting the entries to this account 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 long-term 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 the date of
issue or assumption.
B. Account 224 shall be subaccounted as follows:
224.1 Long-Term Debt--RUS Construction Loan Contract
224.2 RUS Loan Contract--Construction--Debit
224.3 Long-Term Debt--RUS Construction Notes Executed
224.4 RUS Notes Executed--Construction--Debit
224.5 Interest Accrued--Deferred--RUS Construction
224.6 Advance Payments Unapplied--RUS Long-Term Debt--Debit
224.7 Long-Term Debt--Installation Loan Contract
224.8 RUS Loan Contract--Installation--Debit
224.9 Long-Term Debt--Installation Notes Executed
224.10 RUS Notes Executed--Installation--Debit
224.11 Other Long-Term Debt--Subscriptions
224.12 Other Long-Term Debt--Supplemental Financing
224.13 Supplemental Lender Notes Executed--Debit
224.14 Other Long-Term Debt--Miscellaneous
224.15 Notes Executed--Other--Debit
224.16 Long-Term Debt--RUS Economic Development Notes Executed
224.17 RUS Notes Executed--Economic Development--Debit
224.18 Other Long-Term Debt--Grant Funds
224.1 Long-Term Debt--RUS Construction Loan Contract
A. This account shall include the contractual obligation to RUS on
construction loans covered by loan contract but not by executed notes.
B. This account is to be used at the option of the borrower.
224.2 RUS Loan Contract--Construction--Debit
A. This account shall include the total loans (for construction
purposes) which are covered by loan contract but not by executed notes.
B. This account is to be used at the option of the borrower.
224.3 Long-Term Debt--RUS Construction Notes Executed
This account shall include the contractual liability to RUS on
construction notes executed. Records shall be maintained to show
separately for each class of obligation all details as to the date of
obligation, date of maturity, interest date and rate, and securities for
the obligation.
224.4 RUS Notes Executed--Construction--Debit
This account shall include the total amount of the unadvanced RUS
loans for construction purposes, which are covered by executed notes.
When advances are received from the RUS for construction, this account
shall be credited and Account 131.2, Cash--Construction Fund--Trustee,
debited with the amount of cash advanced.
224.5 Interest Accrued--Deferred--RUS Construction
This account shall include interest on RUS construction obligations
deferred by the terms of mortgage notes or extension agreements.
224.6 Advance Payments Unapplied--RUS Long-Term Debt--Debit
A. This account shall include principal payments on mortgage notes
paid in advance of the date due and not applied to a specific note.
Also, include in this account interest savings which are accrued and
added to the advance payment unapplied.
B. At such time as these payments are applied to a specific note or
loan balances, this account shall be credited and the long-term debt
account debited with the amount so applied.
224.7 Long-Term Debt--Installation Loan Contract
A. This account shall include the contractual obligation to RUS on
installation loans covered by loan contract but not covered by executed
notes.
B. This account is to be used at the option of the borrower.
224.8 RUS Loan Contract--Installation--Debit
A. This account shall include the total loans for installation
purposes which are
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covered by loan contract but not by executed notes.
B. This account is to be used at the option of the borrower.
224.9 Long-Term Debt--Installation Notes Executed
This account shall include the contractual liability to RUS on
installation notes executed.
224.10 RUS Notes Executed--Installation--Debit
This account shall include the total amount of unadvanced loans for
installation purposes, which are covered by executed note. When advances
are received from RUS, this account shall be credited and Account 131.3,
Cash--Installation Loan and Collection Fund, debited with the amount of
cash advanced.
224.11 Other Long-Term Debt--Subscriptions
This account shall include the contractual obligation to purchase
CFC Capital Term Certificates and any other similar obligation relating
to supplemental financing.
224.12 Other Long-Term Debt--Supplemental Financing
This account shall include the contractual liability to CFC or other
supplemental lenders for that portion of funds borrowed which mature in
more than one year.
224.13 Supplemental Financing Notes Executed--Debit
This account shall include the total amount of the unadvanced loans
for construction purposes, which are covered by executed notes to CFC or
other supplemental lender. This account shall be debited with the face
amount of notes executed. When advances are received from a supplemental
lender for construction, this account shall be credited and Account
131.2, Cash--Construction Fund--Trustee, debited with the amount of cash
advanced.
224.14 Other Long-Term Debt--Miscellaneous
This account shall include the amount of other long-term debt not
provided for elsewhere.
224.15 Notes Executed--Other--Debit
This account shall include the total amount of the unadvanced loans
for construction purposes, which are covered by executed notes to others
not included in the foregoing accounts. When advances are received from
such supplemental lender, this account shall be credited and Account
131.2, Cash--Construction Fund--Trustee, debited with the amount of cash
so advanced.
224.16 Long-Term Debt--RUS Economic Development Notes Executed
This account shall include the contractual liability to RUS on rural
economic development notes executed. Records shall be maintained to show
separately for each class of obligation all details as to the date of
obligation, date of maturity, interest date and rate, and securities for
the obligation.
224.17 RUS Notes Executed--Economic Development--Debit
This account shall include the total amount of the unadvanced RUS
loans for rural economic development purposes, which are covered by
executed notes. When advances are received from the RUS for rural
economic development projects, this account shall be credited and
Account 131.12, Cash--General--Economic Development Funds, debited with
the amount of cash advanced.
224.18 Other Long-Term Debt--Grant Funds
This account shall include the total amount of Rural Development
grant funds awarded for rural economic development purposes, which are
subject to repayment at the conclusion of the project. (See Sec.
1767.41, Interpretation 626, Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant
Program.)
225 Unamortized Premium on Long-Term Debt
A. This account shall include the excess of the cash value of
consideration received over the face value upon the issuance or
assumption of long-term debt securities.
B. Amounts recorded in this account shall be amortized over the life
of each respective issue under a plan which will distribute the amount
equitably over the life of the security. The amortization shall be on a
monthly basis, with the amounts thereof to be credited to Account 429,
Amortization of Premium on Debt--Credit. (See Sec. 1767.15 (q).)
226 Unamortized Discount on Long-Term Debt--Debit
A. This account shall include the excess of the face value of long-
term debt securities over the cash value of consideration received
therefor, related to the issue or assumption of all types and classes of
debt.
B. Amounts recorded in this account shall be amortized over the life
of the respective issues under a plan which will distribute the amount
equitably over the life of the securities. The amortization shall be on
a monthly basis, wit the amounts thereof charged to Account 428,
Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense. (See Sec. 1767.15 (q).)
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Other Noncurrent Liabilities
227 Obligations Under Capital Leases--Noncurrent
This account shall include the portion not due within one year, of
the obligations recorded for the amounts applicable to leased property
recorded as assets in Account 101.1, Property Under Capital Leases;
Account 120.6, Nuclear Fuel Under Capital Leases; or Account 121,
Nonutility Property.
Special Instructions
No amounts shall be credited to Accounts 228.1 through 228.4 unless
authorized by a regulatory authority or authorities to be collected in
the utility's rates.
228.1 Accumulated Provision for Property Insurance
A. This account shall include amounts reserved by the utility for
losses through accident, fire, flood, or other hazards to its own
property or property leased from others, not covered by insurance. 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 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, not to
exceed the account balance. Details of these charges shall be maintained
according to the year the casualty occurred which gave rise to the loss.
228.2 Accumulated Provision for Injuries and Damages
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 current 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.
228.3 Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
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 are included in the assets of the utility either in general or
in segregated fund accounts.
B. Amounts paid by the utility for the purpose for which this
liability is established shall be charged hereto.
C. A separate account shall be kept for each kind of provision
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.
228.4 Accumulated Miscellaneous Operating Provisions
A. This account shall include all operating provisions which are not
provided for elsewhere.
B. This account shall be maintained in such a manner as to show the
amount of each separate provision and the nature and amounts of the
debits and credits thereto.
Note: This account includes only provisions as may be created for
operating purposes and does not include any reservations of income, the
credits for which should be recorded in Account 215, Appropriated
Margins.
229 Accumulated Provision for Rate Refunds
A. This account shall be credited with amounts charged to Account
449.1, Provision for Rate Refunds, to provide for estimated refunds
where the utility is collecting amounts in rates subject to refund.
B. When a refund of any amount recorded in this account is ordered
by a regulatory authority, such amount shall be charged hereto and
credited to Account 242, Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Liabilities.
C. Records supporting the entries to this account shall be kept so
as to identify each amount recorded by the respective rate filing docket
number.
Current and Accrued Liabilities
Current and accrued liabilities are those obligations which have
either matured or which become due within 1 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
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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 1
year from the 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.
230 Asset Retirement Obligations
A. This account shall include the amount of liabilities for the
recognition of asset retirement obligations related to electric utility
plant and nonutility plant that gives rise to the obligations. This
account shall be credited for the amount of the liabilities for asset
retirement obligations with amounts charged to the appropriate electric
utility plant accounts or nonutility plant account to record the related
asset retirement costs.
B. The utility shall charge the accretion expense to Account 411.10,
Accretion Expense, for electric utility plant, Account 413, Expenses for
Electric Plant Leased to Others, for electric plant leased to others, or
Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, for nonutility plant, as
appropriate, and credit Account 230, Asset Retirement Obligations.
C. This account shall be debited with amounts paid to settle the
asset retirement obligations recorded herein.
D. The utility shall clear from this account any gains or losses
resulting from the settlement of asset retirement obligations in
accordance with the instruction prescribed in Sec. 1767.15(y).
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 1 year from the date of issue, to
other than associated companies.
232 Accounts Payable
A. This account shall include all amounts payable by the utility
within 1 year, which are not provided for in other accounts.
B. Account 232 shall be subaccounted as follows:
232.1 Accounts Payable--General
232.2 Accounts Payable--RUS Construction
232.3 Accounts Payable--Other
233 Notes Payable to Associated Companies
This account shall include amounts owing to associated companies on
notes, drafts, acceptances, or other similar evidences of indebtedness
payable on demand or not more than 1 year from the date of issue or
creation.
Note: Notes which are includible in Account 223, Advances from
Associated Companies, shall be excluded from this account.
234 Accounts Payable to Associated Companies
This account shall include amounts owing to associated companies on
open accounts payable on demand.
Note: Accounts which are includible in Account 223, Advances from
Associated Companies, shall be excluded from this account.
235 Customer Deposits
This account shall include all amounts deposited with the utility by
its 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.
C. Accruals for taxes shall be based upon the net amounts payable
after credit for any discounts, and 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. Account 236 shall be subaccounted as follows:
236.1 Accrued Property Taxes
236.2 Accrued U.S. Social Security Tax--Unemployment
236.3 Accrued U.S. Social Security Tax--F.I.C.A.
236.4 Accrued State Social Security Tax--Unemployment
236.5 Accrued State Sales Tax--Consumers
236.6 Accrued Gross Revenue or Gross Receipts Tax
236.7 Accrued Taxes--Other
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
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records shall be maintained so as to show the amount of interest accrued
on each obligation.
238 Patronage Capital and Patronage Refunds Payable
A. This account shall include the total amount of patronage capital
authorized to be returned and paid to patrons.
B. Account 238 shall be subaccounted as follows:
238.1 Patronage Capital Payable
238.2 Patronage Refunds Payable
238.1 Patronage Capital Payable
This account shall include the amount of patronage capital which has
been authorized to be returned to the patron.
238.2 Patronage Refunds Payable
This account shall include the amount of patronage refunds which
have been authorized to be paid to patrons.
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 collected by the
utility through payroll deductions or otherwise, pending transmittal of
such taxes to the proper taxing authority.
Note: Do not include liabilities 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
A. 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.
B. Account 242 shall be subaccounted as follows:
242.1 Accrued Rentals
242.2 Accrued Payroll
242.3 Accrued Employees' Vacations and Holidays
242.4 Accrued Insurance
242.5 Other Current and Accrued Liabilities
242.1 Accrued Rentals
This account shall include unpaid joint use pole rentals and other
rentals. The records supporting the entries to this account shall be
maintained so as to show for each class of rental, the amount accrued,
the basis for the accrual, the accounts to which charged, and the amount
of rentals paid.
242.2 Accrued Payroll
This account shall include the accrued liability for salaries and
wages at the end of an accounting period for which the appropriate
expense or other accounts have been charged. This account is to be used
whether salaries and wages are paid on a weekly, semimonthly, or monthly
basis.
242.3 Accrued Employees' Vacations and Holidays
This account shall include the liability for accrued wages for
employees' vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
242.4 Accrued Insurance
A. This account shall most commonly be used in case of workmen's
compensation and public liability insurance for recording the excess
amounts of earned premium over the advance premiums. Earned premiums are
computed each month by applying the insurance rates to the actual
payrolls.
B. Until the amount of the advance premiums is exhausted, the earned
premium is credited to Account 165, Prepayments. Earned premiums in
excess of the advance premiums are credited to this account.
242.5 Other Current and Accrued Liabilities
This account shall include current and accrued liabilities not
provided for elsewhere.
243 Obligations Under Capital Leases--Current
This account shall include the portion, due within 1 year, of the
obligations recorded for the amounts applicable to leased property
recorded as assets in Account 101.1, Property Under Capital Leases;
Account 120.6, Nuclear Fuel Under Capital Leases; or Account 121,
Nonutility Property.
244 Derivative Instrument Liabilities
This account shall include the change in the fair value of all
derivative instrument liabilities not designated as cash flow or fair
value hedges. Account 426, Other Deductions, shall be debited or
credited as appropriate with the corresponding amount of the change in
the fair value of the derivative instrument.
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245 Derivative Instrument Liabilities--Hedges
A. This account shall include the change in the fair value of
derivative instrument liabilities designated by the utility as cash flow
or fair value hedges.
B. A utility shall record the change in the fair value of a
derivative instrument liability related to a cash flow hedge in this
account, with a concurrent charge to Account 209, Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income, with the effective portion of the derivative's
gain or loss. The ineffective portion of the cash flow hedge shall be
charged to the same income or expense account that will be used when the
hedged item enters into the determination of net income.
C. A utility shall record the change in the fair value of a
derivative instrument liability related to a fair value hedge in this
account, with a concurrent charge to a subaccount of the asset or
liability that carries the item being hedged. The ineffective portion or
the fair value hedge shall be charged to the same income or expense
account that will be used when the hedged item enters into the
determination of net income.
Deferred Credits
251 [Reserved]
252 Customer Advances for Construction
This account shall include consumer advances for construction which
are to be refunded either wholly or in part. When a customer 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 plant accounts.
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.
253.1 Other Deferred Credits--Consumers' Energy Prepayments
This account shall include the amount of advance payments made by
consumers in connection with electric service.
254 Other Regulatory Liabilities
A. This account shall include the amounts of regulatory liabilities,
not includible in other accounts, imposed on the utility by the
ratemaking actions of regulatory agencies.
B. The amounts included in this account are to be established by
those credits which would have been included in net income, or
accumulated other comprehensive income, determinations in the current
period under the general requirements of the Uniform System of Accounts
but for it being probable that: (1) Such items will be included in a
different period(s) for purposes of developing the rates that the
utility is authorized to charge for its utility services; or (2) refunds
to customers, not provided for in other accounts, will be required. When
specific identification of the particular source of the regulatory
liability cannot be made or when the liability arises from revenues
collected pursuant to tariffs on file at a regulatory agency, Account
407.3, Regulatory Debits, shall be debited. The amounts recorded in this
account generally are to be credited to the same account that would have
been credited if included in income when earned except: (1) All
regulatory liabilities established through the use of Account 407.3
shall be credited to Account 407.4, Regulatory Credits; and (2) in the
case of refunds, a cash account or other appropriate account should be
credited when the obligation is satisfied.
C. If it is later determined that the amounts recorded in this
account will not be returned to customers through rates or refunds, such
amounts shall be credited to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating
Income, or Account 434, Extraordinary Income, as appropriate, in the
year such determination is made.
D. The records supporting the entries to this account shall be kept
in such a manner that the utility can furnish full information as to the
nature and amount of each regulatory liability included in this account,
including justification for inclusion of such amounts in this account.
255 Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credits
A. This account shall be credited with all investment tax credits
deferred by companies which have elected to follow deferral accounting,
partial or full, rather than recognizing, in the income statement, the
total benefits of the tax credit as realized. After such election, a
company may not transfer amounts from this account, except as authorized
herein and in Account 411.4, Investment Tax Credit Adjustments, Utility
Operations; Account 411.5, Investment Tax Credit Adjustments, Nonutility
Operations; and Account 420, Investment Tax Credits, or with approval of
RUS.
B. Where the company's accounting provides that investment tax
credits are to be passed on to customers, this account shall be debited
and Account 411.4 credited with a proportionate amount determined in
relation to the average useful life of electric utility property to
which the tax credits relate or such lesser period of time as allowed
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by a regulatory agency having rate jurisdiction. If, however, the
deferral procedure provides that investment tax credits are not to be
passed on to customers, the proportionate restorations to income shall
be credited to Account 420.
C. Subdivisions of this account, by department, shall be maintained
for deferred investment tax credits that are related to nonelectric
utility or other operations. Contra entries affecting such account
subdivisions shall be appropriately recorded in Account 413, Expenses of
Electric Plant Leased to Others; or Account 414, Other Utility Operating
Income. Use of deferral or nondeferral accounting procedures adopted for
nonelectric utility or other operations are to be followed on a
consistent basis.
D. Separate records for electric and nonelectric utility or other
operations 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 Utility Plant
This account shall include gains from the sale or other disposition
of property previously recorded in Account 105, Electric Plant Held for
Future Use, under the provisions of Paragraphs B, C, and D thereof,
where such gains are significant and are to be amortized over a period
of 5 years, unless otherwise authorized by RUS. The amortization of the
amounts in this account shall be made by credits to Account 411.6, Gains
from Disposition of Utility Plant. (See Account 105, Electric Plant Held
for Future Use.)
257 Unamortized Gain on Reacquired Debt
This account shall include the amounts of discount realized upon
reacquisition or redemption of long-term debt. The amounts in this
account shall be amortized in accordance with Sec. 1767.15 (q).
Special Instructions
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes
Before using the deferred tax accounts provided below, refer to
Sec. 1767.15 (r), Comprehensive Interperiod Income Tax Allocation. The
text of these accounts are designed primarily to cover deferrals of
Federal income taxes. However, they are also to be used when making
deferrals of state and local income taxes. Utilities and licensees
which, in addition to an electric utility department, have another
utility department, gas or water and nonutility property, and which have
deferred taxes on income with respect thereto shall separately classify
such deferrals in the accounts provided below so as to allow ready
identification of items relating to each utility deductions.
281 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Accelerated Amortization Property
A. This account shall include tax deferrals resulting from adoption
of the principles of comprehensive interperiod tax allocation described
in Sec. 1767.15 (s) that relate to property for which the utility has
availed itself of the use of accelerated (5-year) amortization of (1)
certified defense facilities as permitted by Section 168 of the Internal
Revenue Code, and (2) certified pollution control facilities as
permitted by Section 169 of the Internal Revenue Code.
B. This account shall be credited and Account 410.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income, or Account 410.2,
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions, as
appropriate, shall be debited with tax effects related to property
described in Paragraph A above where taxable income is lower than pretax
accounting income due to differences between the periods in which
revenue and expense transactions affect taxable income and the periods
in which they enter into the determination of pretax accounting income.
C. This account shall be debited and Account 411.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, or Account
411.2, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes-Credit, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate, shall be credited with taxes related to
property described in Paragraph A above where taxable income is higher
than pretax accounting income due to differences between the periods in
which revenue and expense transactions affect taxable income and the
periods in which they enter into the determination of pretax accounting
income.
D. 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 RUS. Upon the disposition by sale, exchange, transfer,
abandonment, or premature retirement of plant on which there is a
related balance therein, this account shall be charged with an amount
equal to the related income tax expense, if any, arising from such
disposition and Account 411.1, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--
Credit, Utility Operating Income, or Account 411.2, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Other Income and Deductions, as
appropriate, shall be credited. When the remaining balance, after
consideration of any related income tax expense, is less than $25,000,
this account shall be charged and Account 411.1 or Account 411.2, as
appropriate, credited with such balance. If after consideration of any
related income tax expense, there is a remaining amount of $25,000 or
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more, RUS shall authorize or direct how such amount shall be accounted
for at the time approval for the disposition of accounting is granted.
When plant is disposed of by transfer to a wholly owned subsidiary, the
related balance in this account shall also be transferred. When the
disposition relates to retirement of an item or items under a group
method of depreciation where there is no tax effect in the year of
retirement, no entries are required in this account if it can be
determined that the related balances would be necessary to be retained
to offset future group item tax deficiencies.
282 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Other Property
A. This account shall include the tax deferrals resulting from
adoption of the principle of comprehensive interperiod income tax
allocation described in Sec. 1767.15 (r) which are related to all
property other than accelerated amortization property.
B. This account shall be credited and Account 410.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income, or Account 410.2,
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions, as
appropriate, shall be debited with tax effects related to property
described in Paragraph A above where taxable income is lower than pretax
accounting income due to differences between the periods in which
revenue and expense transactions affect taxable income and the periods
in which they enter into the determination of pretax accounting income.
C. This account shall be debited and Account 411.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, or Account
411.2, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate, shall be credited with tax effects related
to property described in Paragraph A above where taxable income is
higher than pretax accounting income due to differences between the
periods in which revenue and expense transactions affect taxable income
and the periods in which they enter into the determination of pretax
accounting income.
D. 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 RUS. Upon the disposition by sale, exchange, transfer,
abandonment, or premature retirement of plant on which there is a
related balance herein, this account shall be charged with an amount
equal to the related income tax expense, if any, arising from such
disposition and Account 411.1, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--
Credit, Utility Operating Income, or Account 411.2, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Other Income and Deductions, shall be
credited. When the remaining balance after consideration of any related
tax expenses, is less than $25,000, this account shall be charged and
Account 411.1 or Account 411.2, as appropriate, credited with such
balance. If after consideration any related income tax expense, there a
remaining amount of $25,00 or more, RUS shall authorize or direct how
such amount shall be accounted for at the time approval for the
disposition of accounting is granted. When plant is disposed of by
transfer to a wholly owned subsidiary, the related balance in this
account shall also be transferred. When the disposition relates to
retirement of an item or items under a group method of depreciation
where there is no tax effect in the year of retirement, no entries are
required in this account if it can be determined that the related
balance would be necessary to be retained to offset future group item
tax deficiencies.
283 Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--Other
A. This account shall include all credit tax deferrals resulting
from the adoption of the principles of comprehensive interperiod income
tax allocation described in Sec. 1767.15 (r) other than those deferrals
which are includible in Account 281, Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes--
Accelerated Amortization Property, and Account 282, Accumulated Deferred
Income Taxes--Other Property.
B. This account shall be credited and Account 410.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income, or Account 410.2,
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions, as
appropriate, shall be debited with tax effects related to items
described in Paragraph A above where taxable income is lower than pretax
accounting income due to differences between the periods in which
revenue and expense transactions affect taxable income and the periods
in which they enter into the determination of pretax accounting income.
C. This account shall be debited and Account 411.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income or Account
411.2, Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate, shall be credited with tax effects related
to items described in Paragraph A above where taxable income is higher
than pretax accounting income due to differences between the periods in
which revenue and expense transactions affect taxable income and the
periods in which they enter into the determination of pretax accounting
income.
D. 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.
[[Page 66]]
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 to any other
account or make any use thereof except as provided in the text of this
account, without prior approval of RUS. Upon the disposition by sale,
exchange, transfer, abandonment, or premature retirement of items on
which there is a related balance herein, this account shall be charged
with an amount equal to the related income tax effect, if any, arising
from such disposition and Account 411.1, Provision For Deferred Income
Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, or Account 411.2, Provision For
Deferred Income Taxes-Credit, Other Income and Deductions, as
appropriate, shall be credited. When the remaining balance, after
consideration of any related tax expenses, is less than $25,000, this
account shall be charged and Account 411.1 or Account 411.2, as
appropriate, credited with such balance. If after consideration of any
related income tax expense, there is a remaining amount of $25,000 or
more, RUS shall authorize or direct how such amount shall be accounted
for at the time approval for the disposition of accounting is granted.
When plant is disposed of by transfer to a wholly owned subsidiary,
the related balance in this account shall also be transferred. When the
disposition relates to retirement of an item or items under a group
method of depreciation where there is no tax effect in the year of
retirement, no entries are required in this account if it can be
determined that the related balance would be necessary to be retained to
offset future group item tax deficiencies.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 27436, May 27, 1994; 60
FR 55430, Nov. 1, 1995; 73 FR 30283, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.20 Plant accounts.
The plant accounts identified in this section shall be used by all
Rural Development borrowers.
Intangible Plant
301 Organization
302 Franchises and Consents
303 Miscellaneous Intangible Plant
Production Plant
Steam Production
310 Land and Land Rights
311 Structures and Improvements
312 Boiler Plant Equipment
313 Engines and Engine Driven Generators
314 Turbogenerator Units
315 Accessory Electric Equipment
316 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
317 Asset Retirement Costs for Steam Production Plant
Nuclear Production
320 Land and Land Rights
321 Structures and Improvements
322 Reactor Plant Equipment
323 Turbogenerator Units
324 Accessory Electric Equipment
325 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
326 Asset Retirement Costs for Nuclear Production Plant
Hydraulic Production
330 Land and Land Rights
331 Structures and Improvements
332 Reservoirs, Dams and Waterways
333 Water Wheels, Turbines and Generators
334 Accessory Electric Equipment
335 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
336 Roads, Railroads and Bridges
337 Asset Retirement Costs for Hydraulic Production Plant
Other Production
340 Land and Land Rights
341 Structures and Improvements
342 Fuel Holders, Producers and Accessories
343 Prime Movers
344 Generators
345 Accessory Electric Equipment
346 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
347 Asset Retirement Costs for Other Production Plant
Transmission Plant
350 Land and Land Rights
351 [Reserved]
352 Structures and Improvements
353 Station Equipment
354 Tower and Fixtures
355 Poles and Fixtures
356 Overhead Conductors and Devices
357 Underground Conduit
358 Underground Conductors and Devices
359 Roads and Trails
359.1 Asset Retirement Costs for Transmission Plant
Distribution Plant
360 Land and Land Rights
361 Structures and Improvements
362 Station Equipment
363 Storage Battery Equipment
364 Poles, Towers and Fixtures
365 Overhead Conductors and Devices
366 Underground Conduit
367 Underground Conductors and Devices
368 Line Transformers
369 Services
370 Meters
371 Installations on Customers' Premises
372 Leased Property on Customers' Premises
373 Street Lighting and Signal Systems
[[Page 67]]
374 Asset Retirement Costs for Distribution Plant
Regional Transmission Market Operation Plant
380 Land and Land Rights
381 Structures and Improvements
382 Computer Hardware
383 Computer Software
384 Communication Equipment
385 Miscellaneous Regional Transmission and Market Operation Plant
386 Asset Retirement Costs for Regional Transmission and Market
Operation Plant
General Plant
389 Land and Land Rights
390 Structures and Improvements
391 Office Furniture and Equipment
392 Transportation Equipment
393 Stores Equipment
394 Tools, Shop and Garage Equipment
395 Laboratory Equipment
396 Power Operated Equipment
397 Communication Equipment
398 Miscellaneous Equipment
399 Other Tangible Property
399.1 Asset Retirement Costs for General Plant
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, or 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. When 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, water power licenses, 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, water power licenses, 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, water power license, 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 426.5, Other Deductions.
C. When any franchise has expired, the book cost thereof shall be
credited hereto and charged to Account 426.5, Other Deductions, or to
Account 111, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric Utility
Plant, 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 426.5,
Other Deductions, or Account 111, Accumulated Provision for Amortization
of Electric Utility Plant, 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.
[[Page 68]]
Production Plant
Steam Production
310 Land and Land Rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in
connection with steam-power generation. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g).)
311 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost, in place, of structures and
improvements used in connection with steam-power generation. (See Sec.
1767.16 (h).)
Note: Include steam production roads and railroads in this account.
312 Boiler Plant Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of furnaces, boilers,
coal and ash handling and coal preparing equipment, steam and feed water
piping, boiler apparatus, and accessories used in the production of
steam, mercury, or other vapor, to be used primarily for generating
electricity.
Items
1. Ash handling equipment, including hoppers, gates, cars,
conveyors, hoists, sluicing equipment, including pumps and motors,
sluicing water pipe and fittings, sluicing trenches and accessories,
except sluices which are a part of a building.
2. Boiler feed system, including feed water heaters, evaporator
condensers, heater drain pumps, heater drainers, deaerators, and vent
condensers, boiler feed pumps, surge tanks, feed water regulators, feed
water measuring equipment, and all associated drives.
3. Boiler plant cranes and hoists and associated drives.
4. Boilers and equipment, including boilers and baffles,
economizers, superheaters, soot blowers, foundations and settings, water
walls, arches, grates, insulation, blowdown system, drying out of new
boilers, also associated motors or other power equipment.
5. Breeching and accessories, including breeching, dampers, soot
spouts, hoppers and gates, cinder eliminators, breeching insulation,
soot blowers and associated motors.
6. Coal handling and storage equipment, including coal towers, coal
lorries, coal cars, locomotives and tracks when devoted principally to
the transportation of coal, hoppers, downtakes, unloading and hoisting
equipment, skip hoists and conveyors, weighing equipment, magnetic
separators, cable ways, and housings and supports for coal handling
equipment.
7. Draft equipment, including air preheaters and accessories,
induced and forced draft fans, air ducts, combustion control mechanisms,
and associated motors or other power equipment.
8. Gas-burning equipment, including holders, burner equipment and
piping, and control equipment.
9. Instruments and devices, including all measuring, indicating, and
recording equipment for boiler plant service together with mountings and
supports.
10. Lighting systems.
11. Oil-burning equipment, including tanks, heaters, pumps with
drive, burner equipment and piping, and control equipment.
12. Pulverized fuel equipment, including pulverizers, accessory
motors, primary air fans, cyclones and ducts, dryers, pulverized fuel
bins, pulverized fuel conveyors and equipment, burners, burner piping,
priming equipment, air compressors, and motors.
13. Stacks, including foundations and supports, stack steel and
ladders, stack brickwork, stack concrete, stack lining, stack painting
(first), when set on separate foundations, independent of substructures
or superstructures of building.
14. Station piping, including pipe, valves, fittings, separators,
traps, desuperheaters, hangers, excavation, and covering for station
piping system, including all steam, condensate, boiler feed and water
supply piping, but not condensing water, plumbing, building heating,
oil, gas, air piping or piping specifically provided for in Account 313.
15. Stoker or equivalent feeding equipment, including stokers and
accessory motors, clinker grinders, fans and motors.
16. Ventilating equipment.
17. Water purification equipment, including softeners and
accessories, evaporators and accessories, heat exchanges, filters, tanks
for filtered or softened water, pumps, and motors.
18. Water-supply systems, including pumps, motors, strainers, raw-
water storage tanks, boiler wash pumps, intake and discharge pipes, and
tunnels not a part of a building.
19. Wood fuel equipment, including hoppers, fuel hogs and
accessories, elevators and conveyors, bins and gates, spouts, measuring
equipment and associated drives.
Note: When the system for supplying boiler or condenser water is
elaborate, and when it includes a dam, reservoir, canal, pipe line,
cooling ponds, or where gas or oil is used as a fuel for producing steam
and is supplied through a pipe line system owned by the utility, the
cost of such special facilities shall be charged to a subdivision of
Account 311, Structures and Improvements.
313 Engines and Engine Driven Generators
This account shall include the cost installed of steam engines,
reciprocating or rotary, and their associated auxiliaries; and engine-
driven main generators, except turbogenerator units.
[[Page 69]]
Items
1. Air cleaning and cooling apparatus, including blowers, drive
equipment, air ducts, not a part of building, louvers, pumps, and hoods.
2. Belting, shafting, pulleys, and reduction gearing.
3. Circulating pumps, including connections between condensers and
intake and discharge tunnels.
4. Cooling system, including towers, pumps, tank, and piping.
5. Condensers, including condensate pumps, air and vacuum pumps,
ejector unloading valves and vacuum breakers, expansion devices, and
screens.
6. Cranes and hoists, including items wholly identified with items
listed herein.
7. Engines, reciprocating or rotary.
8. Fire-extinguishing systems.
9. Foundations and settings, especially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
10. Generators-Main, a.c. or d.c., including field rheostats and
connections for self-excited units, and excitation systems when
identified with the generating unit.
11. Governors.
12. Lighting systems.
13. Lubricating systems, including gauges, filters, tanks, pumps,
piping, and motors.
14. Mechanical meters, including gauges, recording instruments,
sampling and testing equipment.
15. Piping-main exhaust, including connections between generator and
condenser and between condenser and hotwell.
16. Piping-main stream, including connections from main throttle
valve to turbine inlet.
17. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to
apparatus listed herein.
18. Pressure oil system, including accumulators, pumps, piping, and
motors.
19. Throttle and inlet valve.
20. Tunnels, intake and discharge, for condenser system, when not a
part of a structure.
21. Water screens and motors.
314 Turbogenerator Units
This account shall include the cost installed of main turbine-driven
units and accessory equipment used in generating electricity by steam.
Items
1. Air leaning and cooling apparatus, including blowers, drive
equipment, air ducts not a part of building, louvers, pumps, and hoods.
2. Circulating pumps, including connections between condensers and
intake and discharge tunnels.
3. Condensers, including condensate pumps, air and vacuum pumps,
ejectors, unloading valves and vacuum breakers, expansion devices, and
screens.
4. Generator hydrogen, gas piping, and detrainment equipment.
5. Cooling system, including towers, pumps, tanks, and piping.
6. Cranes and hoists, including items wholly identified with items
listed herein.
7. Excitation system, when identified with main generating units.
8. Fire-extinguishing systems.
9. Foundations and settings, especially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
10. Governors.
11. Lighting systems.
12. Lubricating systems, including gauges, filters, water
separators, tanks, pumps, piping, and motors.
13. Mechanical meters, including gauges, recording instruments,
sampling and testing equipment.
14. Piping-main exhaust, including connections between
turbogenerator and condenser and between condenser and hotwell.
15. Piping-main steam, including connections from main throttle
valve to turbine inlet.
16. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to
apparatus listed herein.
17. Pressure oil systems, including accumulators, pumps, and piping
motors.
18. Steelwork, specially constructed for apparatus listed herein.
19. Throttle and inlet valve.
20. Tunnels, intake and discharge, for condenser system, when not a
part of structure, and water screens.
21. Turbogenerators-main, including turbine and generator, field
rheostats and electric connections for self-excited units.
22. Water screens and motors.
23. Moisture separator for turbine steam.
24. Turbine lubricating oil (initial charge).
315 Accessory Electric Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of auxiliary
generating apparatus, conversion equipment, and equipment used primarily
in connection with the control and switching of electric energy produced
by steam power, and the protection of electric circuits and equipment,
except electric motors used to drive equipment included in other
accounts. Such motors shall be included in the account in which the
equipment with which they are associated is included.
Items
1. Auxiliary generators, including boards, compartments, switching
equipment, control equipment, and connections to auxiliary power bus.
[[Page 70]]
2. Excitation system, including motor, turbine and dual-drive
exciter sets and rheostats, storage batteries and charging equipment,
circuit breakers, panels and accessories, knife switches and
accessories, surge arresters, instrument shunts, conductors and conduit,
special supports for conduit, generator field and exciter switch panels,
exciter bus tie panels, generator and exciter rheostats and special
housing and protective screens.
3. Generator main connections, including oil circuit breakers and
accessories, disconnecting switches and accessories, operating
mechanisms and interlocks, current transformers, potential transformers,
protective relays, isolated panels and equipment, conductors and
conduit, special supports for generator main leads, grounding switch,
and special housings and protective screens.
4. Station buses including main, auxiliary, transfer, synchronizing
and fault ground buses, including oil circuit breakers and accessories,
disconnecting switches and accessories, operating mechanisms and
interlocks, reactors and accessories, voltage regulators and
accessories, compensators, resistors, starting transformers, current
transformers, potential transformers, protective relays, storage
batteries and charging equipment, isolated panels and equipment,
conductors and conduit, special supports, special housings, concrete
pads, general station grounding system, special fire-extinguishing
system, and test equipment.
5. Station control system, including station switchboards with panel
wiring, panels with instruments and control equipment only, panels with
switching equipment mounted or mechanically connected, truck-type boards
complete, cubicles, station supervisory control boards, generator and
exciter signal stands, temperature recording devices, frequency-control
equipment, master clocks, watt-hour meters and synchronoscope in the
turbine room, station totalizing wattmeter, boiler-room load indicator
equipment, storage batteries, panels and charging sets, instrument
transformers for supervisory metering, conductors and conduit, special
supports for conduit, switchboards, batteries, special housing for
batteries, protective screens, and doors.
Note A: Do not include in this account transformers and other
equipment used for changing the voltage or frequency of electricity for
the purposes of transmission or distribution.
Note B: When any item of equipment listed herein is used wholly to
furnish power to equipment included in another account, its cost shall
be included in such other account.
316 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of miscellaneous
equipment in and about the steam generating plant devoted to general
station use, and which is not properly includible in any of the
foregoing steam-power production accounts.
Items
1. Compressed air and vacuum cleaning systems, including tanks,
compressors, exhausters, air filters, and piping.
2. Cranes and hoisting equipment, including cranes, cars, crane
rails, monorails, and hoists with electric and mechanical connections.
3. Fire-extinguishing equipment for general station use.
4. Foundations and settings specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
5. Locomotive cranes not includible elsewhere.
6. Locomotives not includible elsewhere.
7. Marine equipment, including boats and barges.
8. Miscellaneous belts, pulleys, and countershafts.
9. Miscellaneous equipment, including atmospheric and weather
indicating devices, intrasite communication equipment, laboratory
equipment, signal systems, callophones, emergency whistles and sirens,
fire alarms, insect-control equipment, and other similar equipment.
10. Railway cars not includible elsewhere.
11. Refrigerating systems, including compressors, pumps, and cooling
coils.
12. Station maintenance equipment, including lathes, shapers,
planers, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and grinders with motors,
shafting, hangers, and pulleys.
13. Ventilating equipment, including items wholly identified with
apparatus listed herein.
Note: When any item of equipment listed herein is wholly used in
connection with equipment included in another account, its cost shall be
included in such other account.
317 Asset Retirement Costs for Steam Production Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on plant included
in the steam production function.
Nuclear Production
320 Land and Land Rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in
connection with nuclear power generation. (See Sec. 1767.16(g).)
321 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost, in place, of structures and
improvements used and useful in connection with nuclear power
generation. (See Sec. 1767.16 (h).)
[[Page 71]]
Note: Include vapor containers and nuclear production roads and
railroads in this account.
322 Reactor Plant Equipment
This account shall include the installed cost of reactors, reactor
fuel handling and storage equipment, pressurizing equipment, coolant
charging equipment, purification and discharging equipment, radioactive
waste treatment and disposal equipment, boilers, steam and feed water
piping, reactor and boiler apparatus and accessories and other reactor
plant equipment used in the production of steam to be used primarily for
generating electricity, including auxiliary superheat boilers and
associated equipment in systems which change temperatures or pressure of
steam from the reactor system.
Items
1. Auxiliary superheat boilers and associated fuel storage handling
preparation and burning equipment. (See Account 312, Boiler Plant
Equipment, for items, but exclude water supply, water flow lines, and
steam lines, as well as other equipment not strictly within the
superheat function.)
2. Boiler feed system, including feed water heaters, evaporator
condensers, heater drain pumps, heater drainers, deaerators, and vent
condensers, boiler feed pumps, surge tanks, feed water regulators, feed
water measuring equipment, and all associated drivers.
3. Boilers and heat exchangers.
4. Instruments and devices, including all measuring, indicating, and
recording equipment for reactor and boiler plant service together with
mountings and supports.
5. Lighting systems.
6. Moderators, such as heavy water, and graphite, initial charge.
7. Reactor coolant; primary and secondary systems, initial charge.
8. Radioactive waste treatment and disposal equipment, including
tanks, ion exchangers, incinerators, condensers, chimneys, and diluting
fans and pumps.
9. Foundations and settings, especially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
10. Reactor including shielding, control rods and mechanisms.
11. Reactor fuel handling equipment, including manipulating and
extraction tools, underwater viewing equipment, seal cutting and welding
equipment, fuel transfer equipment, and fuel disassembly machinery.
12. Reactor fuel element failure detection system.
13. Reactor emergency poison container and injection system.
14. Reactor pressuring and pressure relief equipment, including
pressurizing tanks and immersion heaters.
15. Reactor coolant or moderator circulation charging, purification,
and discharging equipment, including tanks, pumps, heat exchangers,
demineralizers, and storage.
16. Station piping, including pipes, valves, fittings, separators,
traps, desuperheaters, hangers, excavation, and covering for station
piping system, including all-reactor coolant, steam, condensate, boiler
feed and water supply piping, but not condensing water, plumbing,
building heating, oil, gas, or air piping.
17. Ventilating equipment.
18. Water purification equipment, including softeners,
demineralizers and accessories, evaporators and accessories, heat
exchangers, filters, tanks for filtered or softened water, pumps, and
motors.
19. Water supply systems, including pumps, motors, strainers, raw-
water storage tanks, boiler wash pumps, intake and discharge pipes and
tunnels not a part of a building.
20. Reactor plant cranes and hoists, and associated drives.
Note: When the system for supplying boiler or condenser water is
elaborate, as when it includes a dam, reservoir, canal, pipe lines, or
cooling ponds, the cost of such special facilities shall be charged to a
subdivision of Account 321, Structures and Improvements.
323 Turbogenerator Units
This account shall include the cost installed of main turbine-driven
units and accessory equipment used in generating electricity by steam.
Items
1. Air cleaning and cooling apparatus, including blowers, drive
equipment, air ducts, not a part of building, louvers, pumps, and hoods.
2. Circulating pumps, including connections between condensers, and
intake and discharge tunnels.
3. Condensers, including condensate pumps, air and vacuum pumps,
ejectors, unloading valves and vacuum breakers, expansion devices, and
screens.
4. Generator hydrogen gas piping system and hydrogen detrainment
equipment, and bulk hydrogen gas storage equipment.
5. Cooling system, including towers, pumps, tanks, and piping.
6. Cranes and hoists, including items wholly identified with items
listed herein.
7. Excitation system, when identified with main generating units.
8. Fire extinguishing systems.
9. Foundations and settings, especially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
10. Governors.
11. Lighting systems.
[[Page 72]]
12. Lubricating systems, including gauges, filters, water
separators, tanks, pumps, piping, and motors.
13. Mechanical meters, including gauges, recording instruments,
sampling and testing equipment.
14. Piping-main steam, including connections between turbogenerator
and condenser and between condenser and hotwell.
15. Piping-main steam, including connections from main throttle
valve to turbine inlet.
16. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to
apparatus listed herein.
17. Pressure oil systems, including accumulators, pumps, piping, and
motors.
18. Steelwork, specially constructed for apparatus listed herein.
19. Throttle and inlet valve.
20. Tunnels, intake and discharge, for condenser system, when not a
part of structure, and water screens.
21. Turbogenerators-main, including turbine and generator, field
rheostats and electric connections for self-excited units.
22. Water screens and motors.
23. Moisture separators for turbine steam.
24. Turbine lubricating oil, initial charge.
324 Accessory Electric Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of auxiliary
generating apparatus, conversion equipment, and equipment used primarily
in connection with the control and switching of electric energy produced
by nuclear power, and the protection of electric circuits and equipment,
except electric motors used to drive equipment included in other
accounts. Such motors shall be included in the account in which the
equipment with which they are associated is included.
Note: Do not include in this account transformers and other
equipment used for changing the voltage or frequency of electric energy
for the purpose of transmission or distribution.
Items
1. Auxiliary generators, including boards, compartments, switching
equipment, control equipment, and connections to auxiliary power bus.
2. Excitation system, including motor, turbine and dual-drive
exciter sets and rheostats, storage batteries, and charging equipment,
circuit breakers, panels and accessories, knife switches and
accessories, surge arresters, instrument shunts, conductors and conduit,
special supports for conduit, generator field and exciter switch panels,
exciter bus tie panels, generator and exciter rheostats and special
housing and protective screens.
3. Generator main connections, including oil circuit breakers and
accessories, disconnecting switches and accessories, operating
mechanisms and interlocks, current transformers, potential transformers,
protective relays, isolated panels and equipment, conductors and
conduit, special supports for generator main leads, grounding switch,
special housings and protective screens.
4. Station buses, including main, auxiliary, transfer, synchronizing
and fault ground buses, including oil circuit breakers and accessories,
operating mechanisms and interlocks, reactors and accessories, voltage
regulators and accessories, compensators, resistors, starting
transformers, current transformers, potential transformers, protective
relays, storage batteries and charging equipment, isolated panels and
equipment, conductors and conduit, special supports, special housings,
concrete pads, general station grounding system, fire-extinguishing
system, and test equipment.
5. Station control system, including station switchboards with panel
wiring, panels with instruments and control equipment only, panels with
switching equipment mounted or mechanically connected, truck-type boards
complete, cubicles, station supervisory control boards, generator and
exciter signal stands, temperature recording devices, frequency-control
equipment, master clocks, watt-hour meters and synchronoscope in the
turbine room, station totalizing wattmeter, boiler-room load indicator
equipment, storage batteries, panels and charging sets, instrument
transformers for supervisory metering, conductors and conduit, special
supports for conduit, switchboards, batteries, special housing for
batteries, protective screens, and doors.
Note: When any item of equipment listed herein is used wholly to
furnish power to equipment included in another account, its cost shall
be included in such other account.
325 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of miscellaneous
equipment in and about the nuclear generating plant devoted to general
station use, which is not properly includible in any of the foregoing
nuclear-power production accounts.
Items
1. Compressed air and vacuum cleaning systems, including tanks,
compressors, exhausters, air filters, and piping.
2. Cranes and hoisting equipment, including cranes, cars, crane
rails, monorails, and hoists with electric and mechanical connections.
3. Fire-extinguishing equipment for general station and site use.
4. Foundations and settings specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
[[Page 73]]
5. Locomotive cranes not includible elsewhere.
6. Locomotives not included elsewhere.
7. Marine equipment, including boats and barges.
8. Miscellaneous belts, pulleys, and countershafts.
9. Miscellaneous equipment, including atmospheric and weather
recording devices, intrasite communication equipment, laboratory
equipment, signal systems, callophones, emergency whistles and sirens,
fire alarms, insect-control equipment, and other similar equipment.
10. Railway cars or special shipping containers not includible
elsewhere.
11. Refrigerating systems, including compressors, pumps, and cooling
coils.
12. Station maintenance equipment, including lathes, shapers,
planers, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and grinders with motors,
shafting, hangers, and pulleys.
13. Ventilating equipment, including items wholly identified with
apparatus listed herein.
14. Station and area radiation monitoring equipment.
Note: When any item of equipment listed herein is wholly used in
connection with equipment included in another account, its cost shall be
included in such other account.
326 Asset Retirement Costs for Nuclear Production Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on plant included
in the nuclear production function.
Hydraulic Production
330 Land and Land Rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in
connection with hydraulic power generation. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g).) It
shall also include the cost of land and land rights used in connection
with (1) the conservation of fish and wildlife, and (2) recreation.
Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for each of the above.
331 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost, in place, of structures and
improvements used in connection with hydraulic power generation. (See
Sec. 1767.16 (h).) It shall also include the cost, in place, of
structures and improvements used in connection with (1) the conservation
of fish and wildlife, and (2) recreation. Separate subaccounts shall be
maintained for each of the above.
332 Reservoirs, Dams, and Waterways
This account shall include the cost in place of facilities used for
impounding, collecting, storage, diversion, regulation, and delivery of
water used primarily for generating electricity. It shall also include
the cost in place of facilities used in connection with (1) the
conservation of fish and wildlife, and (2) recreation. Separate
subaccounts shall be maintained for each of the above. (See Sec.
1767.16 (h)(3).)
Items
1. Bridges and culverts, when not a part of roads or railroads.
2. Clearing and preparing land.
3. Dams, including wasteways, spillways, flash boards, spillway
gates with operating and control mechanisms, tunnels, gate houses, and
fish ladders.
4. Dikes and embankments.
5. Electric system, including conductors, control system,
transformers, and lighting fixtures.
6. Excavation, including shoring, bracing, bridging, refill, and
disposal of excess excavated material.
7. Foundations and settings specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
8. Intakes, including trash racks, rack cleaners, control gates and
valves with operating mechanisms, and intake house when not a part of
station structure.
9. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to
structures listed herein.
10. Power line wholly identified with items included herein.
11. Retaining walls.
12. Water conductors and accessories, including canals, tunnels,
flumes, penstocks, pipe conductors, forebays, tailraces, navigation
locks and operating mechanisms, water-hammer and surge tanks, and
supporting trestles and structures.
13. Water storage reservoirs, including dams, flashboards, spillway
gates and operating mechanisms, inlet and outlet tunnels, regulating
valves and valve towers, silt and mud sluicing tunnels with valve or
gate towers, and all other structures wholly identified with any of the
foregoing items.
333 Water Wheels, Turbines and Generators
This account shall include the cost installed of water wheels and
hydraulic turbines (from connection with penstock or flume to tailrace)
and generators driven thereby devoted to the production of electricity
by water power or for the production of power for industrial or other
purposes, if the equipment used for such purposes is a part of the
hydraulic power plant works.
Items
1. Exciter water wheels and turbines, including runners, gates,
governors, pressure regulators, oil pumps, operating mechanisms, scroll
cases, draft tubes, and draft-tube supports.
2. Fire-extinguishing equipment.
[[Page 74]]
3. Foundations and settings, specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
4. Generator cooling system, including air cooling and washing
apparatus, air fans and accessories, and air ducts.
5. Generators-main, a.c. or d.c., including field rheostats and
connections for self-excited units and excitation system when identified
with the generating unit.
6. Lighting systems.
7. Lubricating systems, including gauges, filters, tanks, pumps, and
piping.
8. Main penstock valves and appurtenances, including main valves,
control equipment, bypass valves and fittings, and other accessories.
9. Main turbines and water wheels, including runners, gates,
governors, pressure regulators, oil pumps, operating mechanisms, scroll
cases, draft tubes, and draft-tube supports.
10. Mechanical meters and recording instruments.
11. Miscellaneous water-wheel equipment, including gauges,
thermometers, meters, and other instruments.
12. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to
apparatus listed herein.
13. Scroll case filling and drain system, including gates, pipe,
valves, and fittings.
14. Water-actuated pressure-regulator system, including tanks and
housings, pipes, valves, fittings and insulators, piers and anchorage,
and excavation and backfill.
334 Accessory Electric Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of auxiliary
generating apparatus, conversion equipment, and equipment used primarily
in connection with the control and switching of electric energy produced
by hydraulic power and the protection of electric circuits and
equipment, except electric motors used to drive equipment included in
other accounts, such motors being included in the account in which the
equipment with which they are associated is included.
Items
1. Auxiliary generators, including boards, compartments, switching
equipment, control equipment, and connections to auxiliary power bus.
2. Excitation system, including motor, turbine, and dual-drive
exciter sets and rheostats, storage batteries and charging equipment,
circuit breakers, panels and accessories, knife switches and
accessories, surge arresters, instrument shunts, conductors and conduit,
special supports for conduit, generator field and exciter switch panels,
exciter bus tie panels, generator and exciter rheostats and special
housings and protective screens.
3. Generator main connections, including oil circuit breakers and
accessories, disconnecting switches and accessories, operating
mechanisms and interlocks, current transformers, potential transformers,
protective relays, isolated panels and equipment, conductors and
conduit, special supports for generator main leads, grounding switch,
and special housings and protective screens.
4. Station buses, including main, auxiliary, transfer,
synchronizing, and fault ground buses, including oil circuit breakers
and accessories, disconnecting switches and accessories, operating
mechanisms and interlocks, reactors and accessories, voltage regulators
and accessories, compensators, resistors starting transformers, current
transformers, potential transformers, protective relays, storage
batteries, and charging equipment, isolated panels and equipment,
conductors and conduit, special supports, special fire-extinguishing
system, and test equipment.
5. Station control system, including station switchboards with panel
wiring, panels with instruments and control equipment only, panels with
switching equipment mounted for mechanically connected, truck-type
boards complete, cubicles, station supervisory control devices,
frequency control equipment, master clocks, watt-hour meter, station
totalizing watt-meter, storage batteries, panels and charging sets,
instrument transformers for supervisory metering, conductors and
conduit, special supports for conduit, switchboards, batteries, special
housings for batteries, protective screens, and doors.
Note A: Do not include in this account transformers and other
equipment used for changing the voltage or frequency of electricity for
the purpose of transmission or distribution.
Note B: When any item of equipment listed herein is used wholly to
furnish power to equipment, it shall be included in such equipment
account.
335 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of miscellaneous
equipment in and about the hydroelectric generating plant which is
devoted to general station use and is not properly includible in other
hydraulic production accounts. It shall also include the cost of
equipment used in connection with (1) the conservation of fish and
wildlife, and (2) recreation. Separate subaccounts shall be maintained
for each of the above.
Items
1. Compressed air and vacuum cleaning systems, including tanks,
compressors, exhausters, air filters, and piping.
2. Cranes and hoisting equipment, including cranes, cars, crane
rails, monorails, and
[[Page 75]]
hoists with electric and mechanical connections.
3. Fire-extinguishing equipment for general station use.
4. Foundations and settings, specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
5. Locomotive cranes not includible elsewhere.
6. Locomotives not includible elsewhere.
7. Marine equipment, including boats and barges.
8. Miscellaneous belts, pulleys, and countershafts.
9. Miscellaneous equipment, including atmospheric and weather
indicating devices. Intrasite communication equipment, laboratory
equipment, insect control equipment, signal systems, callophones,
emergency whistles and sirens, fire alarms, and other similar equipment.
10. Railway cars, not includible elsewhere.
11. Refrigerating system, including compressors, pumps, and cooling
coils.
12. Station maintenance equipment, including lathes, shapers,
planers, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and grinders with motors,
shafting, hangers, and pulleys.
13. Ventilating equipment, including items wholly identified with
apparatus listed herein.
Note: When any item of equipment, listed herein, is used wholly in
connection with equipment included in another account, its cost shall be
included in such other account.
336 Roads, Railroads, and Bridges
This account shall include the cost of roads, railroads, trails,
bridges, and trestles used primarily as production facilities. It also
includes those roads necessary to connect the plant with highway
transportation systems, except when such roads are dedicated to public
use and maintained by public authorities.
Items
1. Bridges, including foundations, piers, girders, trusses, and
flooring.
2. Clearing land.
3. Railroads, including grading, ballast, ties, rails, culverts, and
hoists.
4. Roads, including grading, surfacing, and culverts.
5. Structures, constructed and maintained in connection with items
listed herein.
6. Trails, including grading, surfacing, and culverts.
7. Trestles, including foundations, piers, girders, trusses, and
flooring.
Note A: Roads intended primarily for connecting employees' houses
with the power plant, and roads used primarily in connection with fish
and wildlife, and recreation activities, shall not be included herein
but in Account 331, Structures and Improvements.
Note B: The cost of temporary roads and bridges necessary during the
period of construction but abandoned or dedicated to public use upon
completion of the plant, shall not be included herein but shall be
charged to the accounts appropriate for the construction.
337 Asset Retirement Costs for Hydraulic Production Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on plant included
in the hydraulic production function.
Other Production
340 Land and Land Rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in
connection with other power generation. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g).)
341 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost in place of structures and
improvements used in connection with other power generation. (See Sec.
1767.16 (h).)
342 Fuel Holders, Producers, and Accessories
This account shall include the cost installed of fuel handling and
storage equipment used between the point of fuel delivery to the station
and the intake pipe through which fuel is directly drawn to the engine,
also the cost of gas producers and accessories devoted to the production
of gas for use in prime movers driving main electric generators.
Items
1. Blower and fans.
2. Boilers and pumps.
3. Economizers.
4. Exhauster outfits.
5. Flues and piping.
6. Pipe system.
7. Producers.
8. Regenerators.
9. Scrubbers.
10. Steam injectors.
11. Tanks for storage of oil and gasoline.
12. Vaporizers.
343 Prime Movers
This account shall include the cost installed of Diesel or other
prime movers devoted to the generation of electric energy, together with
their auxiliaries.
Items
1. Air-filtering system.
2. Belting, shafting, pulleys, and reduction gearing.
[[Page 76]]
3. Cooling system, including towers, pumps, tanks, and piping.
4. Cranes and hoists, including items wholly identified with
apparatus listed herein.
5. Engines, Diesel, gasoline, gas, or other internal combustion.
6. Foundations and settings specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
7. Governors.
8. Ignition system.
9. Inlet valve.
10. Lighting systems.
11. Lubricating systems, including filters, tanks, pumps, and
piping.
12. Mechanical meters, including gauges, recording instruments,
sampling, and testing equipment.
13. Mufflers.
14. Piping.
15. Starting systems, compressed air, or other, including
compressors and drives, tanks, piping, motors, boards and connections,
and storage tanks.
16. Steelwork, specially constructed for apparatus listed herein.
17. Waste heat boilers and antifluctuators.
344 Generators
This account shall include the cost installed of Diesel or other
power driven main generators.
Items
1. Cranes and hoists, including items wholly identified with such
apparatus.
2. Fire-extinguishing equipment.
3. Foundations and settings, specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
4. Generator cooling system, including air cooling and washing
apparatus, air fans and accessories, and air ducts.
5. Generators-main, a.c. or d.c., including field rheostats and
connections for self-excited units and excitation system when identified
with the generating unit.
6. Lighting systems.
7. Lubricating system, including tanks, filters, strainers, pumps,
piping, and coolers.
8. Mechanical meters and recording instruments.
9. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to apparatus
listed herein.
Note: If prime movers and generators are so integrated that it is
not practical to classify them separately, the entire unit may be
included in Account 344, Generators.
345 Accessory Electric Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of auxiliary
generating apparatus, conversion equipment, and equipment used primarily
in connection with the control and switching of electric energy produced
in other power generating stations, and the protection of electric
circuits and equipment, except electric motors used to drive equipment
included in other accounts. Such motors shall be included in the account
in which the equipment with which it is associated is included.
Items
1. Auxiliary generators, including boards, compartments, switching
equipment, control equipment, and connections to auxiliary power bus.
2. Excitation system, including motor, turbine and dual-drive
exciter sets and rheostats, storage batteries and charging equipment,
circuit breakers, panels and accessories, knife switches and
accessories, surge arresters, instrument shunts, conductors and conduit,
special supports for conduit, generator field and exciter switch panels,
exciter bus tie panels, generator and exciter rheostats and special
housings and protective screens.
3. Generator main connections, including oil circuit breakers and
accessories, disconnecting switches and accessories, operating
mechanisms and interlocks, current transformers, potential transformers,
protective relays, isolated panels and equipment, conductors and
conduit, special supports for generator main leads, grounding switch,
and special housing and protective screens.
4. Station control system, including station switchboards with panel
wiring, panels with instruments and control equipment only, panels with
switching equipment mounted or mechanically connected, trunk-type boards
complete, cubicles, station supervisory control boards, generator and
exciter signal stands, temperature-recording devices, frequency control
equipment, master clocks, watt-hour meter, station totalizing wattmeter,
storage batteries, panels and charging sets, instrument transformers for
supervisory metering, conductors and conduit, special supports for
conduit, switchboards, batteries, special housing for batteries,
protective screens, and doors.
5. Station buses, including main, auxiliary, transfer, synchronizing
and fault ground buses, including oil circuit breakers and accessories,
disconnecting switches and accessories, operating mechanisms and
interlocks, reactors and accessories, voltage regulators and
accessories, compensators, resistors, starting transformers, current
transformers, potential transformers, protective relays, storage
batteries and charging equipment, isolated panels and equipment,
conductors and conduit, special supports, special housings, concrete
pads, general station ground system, special fire-extinguishing system,
and test equipment.
Note A: Do not include in this account transformers and other
equipment used for changing the voltage or frequency of electric
[[Page 77]]
energy for the purpose of transmission or distribution.
Note B: When any item of equipment listed herein is used wholly to
furnish power to equipment included in another account, its cost shall
be included in such other account.
346 Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of miscellaneous
equipment in and about the other power generating plant, devoted to
general station use, and not properly includible in any of the foregoing
other power production accounts.
Items
1. Compressed air and vacuum cleaning systems, including tanks,
compressors, exhausters, air filters, and piping.
2. Cranes and hoisting equipment, including cranes, cars, crane
rails, monorails, and hoists with electric and mechanical connections.
3. Fire-extinguishing equipment for general station use.
4. Foundations and settings, specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
5. Miscellaneous equipment, including atmospheric and weather
indicating devices, intrasite communication equipment, laboratory
equipment, signal systems, callophones, emergency whistles and sirens,
fire alarms, and other similar equipment.
6. Miscellaneous belts, pulleys, and countershafts.
7. Refrigerating systems including compressors, pumps, and cooling
coils.
8. Station maintenance equipment, including lathes, shapers,
planters, drill presses, hydraulic presses, and grinders with motors,
shafting, hangers, or pulleys.
9. Ventilating equipment, including items wholly identified with
apparatus listed herein.
Note: When any item of equipment, listed herein is used wholly in
connection with equipment included in another account, its cost shall be
included in such other account.
347 Asset Retirement Costs for Other Production Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on plant included
in the other production function.
Transmission Plant
350 Land and Land Rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in
connection with transmission operations. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g).)
351 [Reserved]
352 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost, in place, of structures and
improvements used in connection with transmission operations. (See Sec.
1767.16 (h).)
353 Station Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of transforming,
conversion, and switching equipment used for the purpose of changing the
characteristics of electricity in connection with its transmission or
for controlling transmission circuits.
Items
1. Bus compartments, concrete, brick, and sectional steel, including
items permanently attached thereto.
2. Conduit, including concrete and iron duct runs not a part of a
building.
3. Control equipment, including batteries, battery charging
equipment, transformers, remote relay boards, and connections.
4. Conversion equipment, including transformers, indoor and outdoor,
frequency changers, motor generator sets, rectifiers, synchronous
converters, motors, cooling equipment, and associated connections.
5. Fences.
6. Fixed and synchronous condensers, including transformers,
switching equipment, blowers, motors and connections.
7. Foundations and settings, specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
8. General station equipment, including air compressors, motors,
hoists, cranes, test equipment, and ventilating equipment.
9. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to apparatus
listed herein.
10. Primary and secondary voltage connections, including bus runs
and supports, insulators, potheads, lightning arresters, cable and wire
runs from and to outdoor connections or to manholes and the associated
regulators, reactors, resistors, surge arresters, and accessory
equipment.
11. Switchboards, including meters, relays, and control wiring.
12. Switching equipment, indoor and outdoor, including oil circuit
breakers and operating mechanisms, truck switches, and disconnect
switches.
13. Tools and appliances.
354 Towers and Fixtures
This account shall include the cost installed of towers and
appurtenant fixtures used for supporting overhead transmission
conductors.
Items
1. Anchors, guys, and braces.
2. Brackets.
[[Page 78]]
3. Crossarms, including braces.
4. Excavation, backfill, and disposal of excess excavated material.
5. Foundations.
6. Guards.
7. Insulator pins and suspension bolts.
8. Ladder and steps.
9. Railings.
10. Towers.
355 Poles and Fixtures
This account shall include the cost installed of transmission line
poles, wood, steel, concrete, or other material, together with
appurtenant fixtures used for supporting overhead transmission
conductors.
Items
1. Anchors, head arm and other guys, including guy guards, guy
clamps, strain insulators, and pole plates.
2. Brackets.
3. Crossarms and braces.
4. Excavation and backfill, including disposal of excess excavated
material.
5. Extension arms.
6. Gaining, roofing, stenciling, and tagging.
7. Insulator pins and suspension belts.
8. Paving.
9. Pole steps.
10. Poles, wood, steel, concrete, or other material.
11. Racks complete with insulators.
12. Reinforcing and stubbing.
13. Settings.
14. Shaving and painting.
356 Overhead Conductors and Devices
This account shall include the cost installed of overhead conductors
and devices used for transmission purposes.
Items
1. Circuit breakers.
2. Conductors, including insulated and bare wires and cables.
3. Ground wires and ground clamps.
4. Insulators, including pin, suspension, and other types.
5. Lightning arresters.
6. Switches.
7. Other line devices.
357 Underground Conduit
This account shall include the cost installed of underground conduit
and tunnels used for housing transmission cables or wires. (See Sec.
1767.16 (n).)
Items
1. Conduit, concrete, brick or tile, including iron pipe, fiber
pipe, Murray duct, and standpipe on pole or tower.
2. Excavation, including shoring, bracing, bridging, backfill, and
disposal of excess excavated material.
3. Foundations and settings specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
4. Lighting systems.
5. Manholes, concrete or brick, including iron or steel, frames and
covers, hatchways, gratings, ladders, cable racks and hangers,
permanently attached to manholes.
6. Municipal inspection.
7. Pavement disturbed, including cutting and replacing pavement,
pavement base and sidewalks.
8. Permits.
9. Protection of street openings.
10. Removal and relocation of subsurface obstructions.
11. Sewer connections, including drains, traps, tide valves, and
check valves.
12. Sumps, including pumps.
13. Ventilating equipment.
358 Underground Conductors and Devices
This account shall include the cost installed of underground
conductors and devices used for transmission purposes.
Items
1. Armored conductors, buried, including insulators, insulating
materials, splices, potheads, and trenching.
2. Armored conductors, submarine, including insulators, insulating
materials, splices in terminal chambers, and potheads.
3. Cables in standpipe, including pothead and connection from
terminal chamber of manhole to insulators on pole.
4. Circuit breakers.
5. Fireproofing, in connection with any items listed herein.
6. Hollow-core oil-filled cable, including straight or stop joints,
pressure tanks, auxiliary air tanks, feeding tanks, terminals, potheads
and connections, and ventilating equipment.
7. Lead and fabric covered conductors, including insulators,
compound filled, oil filled, or vacuum splices, and potheads.
8. Lightning arresters.
9. Municipal inspection.
10. Permits.
11. Protection of street openings.
12. Racking of cables.
13. Switches.
14. Other line devices.
359 Roads and Trails
This account shall include the cost of roads, trails, and bridges
used primarily as transmission facilities.
Items
1. Bridges, including foundation piers, girders, trusses, and
flooring.
2. Clearing land.
3. Roads, including grading, surfacing, and culverts.
[[Page 79]]
4. Structures, constructed and maintained in connection with items
included herein.
5. Trails, including grading, surfacing, and culverts.
Note: The cost of temporary roads, and bridges necessary during the
period of construction but abandoned or dedicated to public use upon
completion of the plant, shall be charged to the accounts appropriate
for the construction.
359.1 Asset Retirement Costs for Transmission Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on plant included
in the transmission plant function.
Distribution Plant
360 Land and Land Rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in
connection with distribution operations. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g).)
Note: Do not include the cost of permits to erect poles, or towers
or to trim trees in this account. (See Account 364, Poles, Towers and
Fixtures, and Account 365, Overhead Conductors and Devices.)
361 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost, in place, of structures and
improvements used in connection with distribution operations. (See Sec.
1767.16 (h).)
362 Station Equipment
This account shall include the cost installed of station equipment,
including transformer banks, which are used for the purpose of changing
the characteristics of electricity in connection with its distribution.
Items
1. Bus compartments, concrete, brick and sectional steel, including
items permanently attached thereto.
2. Conduit, including concrete and iron duct runs not part of
building.
3. Control equipment, including batteries, battery charging
equipment, transformers, remote relay boards, and connections.
4. Conversion equipment, indoor and outdoor, frequency changers,
motor generator sets, rectifiers, synchronous converters, motors,
cooling equipment, and associated connections.
5. Fences.
6. Fixed and synchronous condensers, including transformers,
switching equipment, blowers, motors, and connections.
7. Foundations and settings, specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which provided.
8. General station equipment, including air compressors, motors,
hoists, cranes, test equipment, and ventilating equipment.
9. Platforms, railings, steps, and gratings appurtenant to apparatus
listed herein.
10. Primary and secondary voltage connections, including bus runs
and supports, insulators, potheads, lightning arresters, cable and wire
runs from and to outdoor connections or to manholes and the associated
regulators, reactors, resistors, surge arresters, and accessory
equipment.
11. Switchboards, including meters, relays, and control wiring.
12. Switching equipment, indoor and outdoor, including oil circuit
breakers and operating mechanisms, truck switches, disconnect switches.
Note: The cost of rectifiers, series transformers, and other special
station equipment devoted exclusively to street lighting service shall
not be included in this account, but in Account 373, Street Lighting and
Signal Systems.
363 Storage Battery Equipmentis account shall include the cost installed
of storage battery equipment used for the purpose of supplying
electricity to meet emergency or peak demands.
Items
1. Batteries, including elements, tanks, and tank insulators.
2. Battery room connections, including cable or bus runs and
connections.
3. Battery room flooring, when specially laid for supporting
batteries.
4. Charging equipment, including motor generator sets and other
charging equipment and connections, and cable runs from generator or
station bus to battery room connections.
5. Miscellaneous equipment, including instruments, and water stills.
6. Switching equipment, including endcell switches and connections,
boards and panels, used exclusively for battery control, not part of
general station switchboard.
7. Ventilating equipment, including fans and motors, louvers, and
ducts not part of building.
Note: Storage batteries used for control and general station
purposes shall not be included in this account but in the account
appropriate for their use.
364 Poles, Towers and Fixtures
This account shall include the cost installed of poles, towers, and
appurtenant fixtures used for supporting overhead distribution
conductors and service wires.
[[Page 80]]
Items
1. Anchors, head arm, and other guys, including guy guards, guy
clamps, strain insulators, and pole plates.
2. Brackets.
3. Crossarms and braces.
4. Excavation and backfill, including disposal of excess excavated
material.
5. Extension arms.
6. Foundations.
7. Guards.
8. Insulator pins and suspension bolts.
9. Paving.
10. Permits for construction.
11. Pole steps and ladders.
12. Poles, wood, steel, concrete, or other material.
13. Racks complete with insulators.
14. Railings.
15. Reinforcing and stubbing.
16. Settings.
17. Shaving, painting, gaining, roofing, stenciling, and tagging.
18. Towers.
19. Transformer racks and platforms.
365 Overhead Conductors and Devices
This account shall include the cost installed of overhead conductors
and devices used for distribution purposes.
Items
1. Circuit breakers.
2. Conductors, including insulated and bare wires and cables.
3. Ground wires and clamps.
4. Insulators, including pin, suspension, and other types, and tie
wire or clamps.
5. Lightning arresters.
6. Railroad and highway crossing guards.
7. Splices.
8. Switches.
9. Tree trimming, initial cost including the cost of permits
therefor.
10. Other line devices.
11. Oil circuit reclosers (OCR).
12. Sectionalizers.
13. Labor costs for installation of OCRs and Sectionalizers, first
only.
Note: The cost of conductors used solely for street lighting or
signal systems shall not be included in this account but in Account 373,
Street Lighting and Signal Systems.
366 Underground Conduit
This account shall include the cost installed of underground conduit
and tunnels used for housing distribution cables or wires.
Items
1. Conduit, concrete, brick and tile, including iron pipe, fiber
pipe, Murray duct, and standpipe on pole or tower.
2. Excavation, including shoring, bracing, bridging, backfill, and
disposal of excess excavated material.
3. Foundations and settings specially constructed for and not
expected to outlast the apparatus for which constructed.
4. Lighting systems.
5. Manholes, concrete or brick, including iron or steel frames and
covers, hatchways, gratings, ladders, cable racks, and hangers
permanently attached to manholes.
6. Municipal inspection.
7. Pavement disturbed, including cutting and replacing pavement,
pavement base, and sidewalks.
8. Permits.
9. Protection of street openings.
10. Removal and relocation of subsurface obstructions.
11. Sewer connections, including drains, traps, tide valves, and
check valves.
12. Sumps, including pumps.
13. Ventilating equipment.
Note: The cost of underground conduit used solely for street
lighting or signal systems shall be included in Account 373, Street
Lighting and Signal Systems.
367 Underground Conductors and Devices
This account shall include the cost installed of underground
conductors and devices used for distribution purposes.
Items
1. Armored conductors, buried, including insulators, insulating
materials, splices, potheads, and trenching.
2. Armored conductors, submarine, including insulators, insulating
materials, splices in terminal chamber, and potheads.
3. Cables in standpipe, including pothead and connection from
terminal chamber or manhole to insulators on pole.
4. Circuit breakers.
5. Fireproofing, in connection with any items listed herein.
6. Hollow-core oil-filled cable, including straight or stop joints,
pressure tanks, auxiliary air tanks, feeding tanks, terminals, potheads
and connections.
7. Lead and fabric covered conductors, including insulators,
compound-filled, oil-filled or vacuum splices, and potheads.
8. Lightning arresters.
9. Municipal inspection.
10. Permits.
11. Protection of street openings.
12. Racking of cables.
13. Switches.
14. Other line devices.
Note: The cost of underground conductors and devices used solely for
street lighting or signal systems shall be included in Account 373,
Street Lighting and Signal Systems.
[[Page 81]]
368 Line Transformers
A. This account shall include the cost installed of overhead and
underground distribution line transformers and pole-type and underground
voltage regulators owned by the utility, for use in transforming
electricity to the voltage at which it is to be used by the customer,
whether actually in service or held in reserve.
B. When a transformer is permanently retired from service, the
original installed cost thereof shall be credited to this account.
C. The records covering line transformers shall be so kept that the
utility can furnish the number of transformers of various capacities in
service and those in reserve, and the location and the use of each
transfer.
Items
1. Installation, labor of (first installation only).
2. Transformer cut-out boxes.
3. Transformer lightning arresters.
4. Transformers, line and network.
5. Capacitors.
6. Network protectors.
7. Voltage regulators.
Note: The cost of removing and resetting line transformers shall not
be charged to this account but to Account 583, Overhead Line Expenses,
or Account 584, Underground Line Expenses, as appropriate. The cost of
line transformers used solely for street lighting or signal systems
shall be included in Account 373, Street Lighting and Signal Systems.
369 Services
This account shall include the cost installed of overhead and
underground conductors leading from a point where wires leave the last
pole of the overhead system or the distribution box or manhole, or the
top of the pole of the distribution line, to the point of connection
with the customer's outlet or wiring. Conduit used for underground
service conductors shall be included herein.
Items
1. Brackets.
2. Cables and wires.
3. Conduit.
4. Insulators.
5. Municipal inspection.
6. Overhead to underground, including conduit or standpipe and
conductor from last splice on pole to connection with customer's wiring.
7. Pavement disturbed, including cutting and replacing pavement,
pavement base, and sidewalks.
8. Permits.
9. Protection of street openings.
10. Service switch.
11. Suspension wire.
370 Meters
A. This account shall include the cost installed of meters or
devices and appurtenances thereto, for use in measuring the electricity
delivered to its users, whether actually in service or held in reserve.
B. When a meter is permanently retired from service, the installed
cost included herein shall be credited to this account.
C. The records covering meters shall be so kept that the utility can
furnish information as to the number of meters of various capacities in
service and in reserve as well as the location of each meter owned.
Items
1. Alternate current, watt-hour meters.
2. Current limiting devices.
3. Demand indicators.
4. Demand meters.
5. Direct current watt-hour meters.
6. Graphic demand meters.
7. Installation, labor of (first installation only).
8. Instrument transformers.
9. Maximum demand meters.
10. Meter badges and their attachments.
11. Meter boards and boxes.
12. Meter fittings, connections, and shelves (first set).
13. Meter switches and cut-outs.
14. Prepayment meters.
15. Protective devices.
16. Testing new meters.
Note A: This account shall not include meters for recording output
of a generating station, or substation meters. It includes only those
meters used to record energy delivered to customers.
Note B: The cost of removing and resetting meters shall be charged
to Account 586, Meter Expenses.
371 Installations on Customers' Premises
This account shall include the cost installed of equipment on the
customer's side of a meter 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. (See Account 372, Leased Property on
Customers' Premises.)
Items
1. Cable vaults.
2. Commercial lamp equipment.
3. Foundations and settings specially provided for equipment
included herein.
4. Frequency changer sets.
5. Motor generator sets.
6. Motors.
7. Switchboard panels, high or low tension.
8. Wire and cable connections to incoming cables.
[[Page 82]]
Note: Do not include in this account any costs incurred in
connection with merchandising, jobbing, or contract work activities.
372 Leased Property on Customers' Premises
This account shall include the cost of electric motors,
transformers, and other equipment on customers' premises (including
municipal corporations), leased or loaned to customers, but not
including property held for sale.
Note A: 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 587, Customer Installations Expenses.
Note B: Do not include in this account any costs incurred in
connection with merchandising, jobbing, or contract work activities.
373 Street Lighting and Signal Systems
This account shall include the cost installed of equipment used
wholly for public street and highway lighting or traffic, fire alarm,
police, and other signal systems.
Items
1. Armored conductors, buried or submarine, including insulators,
insulating materials, splices, and trenching.
2. Automatic control equipment.
3. Conductors, overhead or underground, including lead or fabric
covered, parkway cables, including splices, and insulators.
4. Lamps, arc, incandescent, or other types, including glassware,
suspension fixtures, and brackets.
5. Municipal inspection.
6. Ornamental lamp posts.
7. Pavement disturbed, including cutting and replacing pavement,
pavement base, and sidewalks.
8. Permits.
9. Posts and standards.
10. Protection of street openings.
11. Relays or time clocks.
12. Series contactors.
13. Switches.
14. Transformers, pole or underground.
374 Asset Retirement Costs for Distribution Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on plant included
in the distribution plant function.
Regional Transmission and Market Operation Plant
380 Land and Land Rights
This account shall include the cost of land and land rights used in
connection with regional transmission and market operations.
381 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost in place of structures and
improvement used for regional transmission and market operations.
382 Computer Hardware
This account shall include the cost of computer hardware and
miscellaneous information technology equipment to provide scheduling,
system control and dispatching, system planning, standards development,
market monitoring, and market administration activities. Records shall
be maintained identifying to the maximum extent practicable computer
hardware owned and used for:
(1) Scheduling, system control and dispatching, (2) System planning
and standards development, and (3) Market monitoring and market
administration activities.
Items
1. Personal computers
2. Servers
3. Workstations
4. Energy Management System (EMS) hardware
5. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system hardware
6. Peripheral equipment
7. Networking components
383 Computer Software
This account shall include the cost of off-the-shelf and in-house
developed software purchased and used to provide scheduling, system
control and dispatching, system planning, standards development, market
monitoring, and market administration activities. Records shall be
maintained identifying to the maximum extent practicable the cost of
software used for:
(1) Scheduling, system control and dispatching,
(2) System planning and standards development, and
(3) Market monitoring and market administration activities.
Items
1. Software licenses
2. User interface software
3. Modeling software
4. Database software
5. Tracking and monitoring software
6. Energy Management System (EMS) software
7. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system software
8. Evaluation and assessment system software
9. Operating, planning and transaction scheduling software
10. Reliability applications
11. Market application software
[[Page 83]]
384 Communication Equipment
This account shall include the cost of communication equipment owned
and used to acquire or share data and information used to control and
dispatch the system.
Items
1. Fiber optic cable
2. Remote terminal units
3. Microwave towers
4. Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment
5. Servers
6. Workstations
7. Telephones
385 Miscellaneous Regional Transmission and Market Operation Plant
This account shall include the cost of regional transmission and
market operation plant and equipment not provided for elsewhere.
386 Asset Retirement Costs for Regional Transmission and Market
Operation Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on regional
transmission and market operations plant and equipment.
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
land and land rights accounts. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g).)
390 Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost, in place, of structures and
improvements used for utility purposes, the cost of which is not
properly includible in other structures and improvements accounts. (See
Sec. 1767.16 (h).)
391 Office Furniture and Equipment
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.
Items
1. Bookcases and shelves.
2. Desks, chairs, and desk equipment.
3. Drafting-room equipment.
4. Filing, storage, and other cabinets.
5. Floor covering.
6. Library and library equipment.
7. Mechanical office equipment, such as accounting machines, and
typewriters.
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
This account shall include the cost of equipment used for the
receiving, shipping, handling, and storage of materials and supplies.
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.
[[Page 84]]
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
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 plant
accounts.
Items
1. Ammeters.
2. Current batteries.
3. Frequency changers.
4. Galvanometers.
5. Inductometers.
6. Laboratory standard millivolt meters.
7. Laboratory standard volt meters.
8. Meter-testing equipment.
9. Millivolt meters.
10. Motor generator sets.
11. Panels.
12. Phantom loads.
13. Portable graphic ammeters, voltmeters, and wattmeters.
14. Portable loading devices.
15. Potential batteries.
16. Potentiometers.
17. Rotating standards.
18. Standard cell, reactance, resistor, and shunt.
19. Switchboards.
20. Synchronous timers.
21. Testing panels.
22. Testing resistors.
23. Transformers.
24. Voltmeters.
25. Other testing, laboratory, or research equipment not provided
for elsewhere.
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 movable 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. Distributing boards.
5. Extension cords.
6. Gongs.
7. Hand sets, manual and dial.
8. Insulators.
9. Intercommunicating sets.
10. Loading coils.
11. Operators' desks.
12. Poles and fixtures used wholly for telephone or telegraph wire.
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, and apparatus used
in the utility operations, which is not includible in other accounts.
Items
1. Hospital and infirmary equipment.
2. Kitchen equipment.
3. Employees' recreation equipment.
4. Radios.
5. Restaurant equipment.
6. Soda fountains.
7. Operators' cottage furnishings.
8. Other miscellaneous equipment.
[[Page 85]]
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.
399.1 Asset Retirement Costs for General Plant
This account shall include asset retirement costs on plant included
in the general plant function.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 73 FR 30284, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.21 Operating income.
The operating income accounts identified in this section shall be
used by all RUS borrowers.
Utility Operating Income
400 Operating Revenues
401 Operation Expense
402 Maintenance Expense
403 Depreciation Expense
403.1 Depreciation Expense--Steam Production Plant
403.2 Depreciation Expense--Nuclear Production Plant
403.3 Depreciation Expense--Hydraulic Production Plant
403.4 Depreciation Expense--Other Production Plant
403.5 Depreciation Expense--Transmission Plant
403.6 Depreciation Expense--Distribution Plant
403.7 Depreciation Expense--General Plant
403.8 Depreciation Expense-Asset Retirement Costs
403.9 Depreciation Expense-Regional Transmission and Market Operation
Plant
404 Amortization of Limited-Term Electric Plant
405 Amortization of Other Electric Plant
406 Amortization of Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments
407 Amortization of Property Losses, Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory
Study Costs
407.3 Regulatory Debits
407.4 Regulatory Credits
408 Taxes Other than Income Taxes
408.1 Taxes--Property
408.2 Taxes--U.S. Social Security--Unemployment
408.3 Taxes--U.S. Social Security--F.I.C.A.
408.4 Taxes--State Social Security--Unemployment
408.5 Taxes--State Sales--Consumers
408.6 Taxes--Gross Revenue or Gross Receipts Tax
408.7 Taxes--Other
409 [Reserved]
409.1 Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income
409.2 Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions
409.3 Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items
410 [Reserved]
410.1 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income
410.2 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions
411 [Reserved]
411.1 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating
Income
411.2 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Other Income and
Deductions
411.3 [Reserved]
411.4 Investment Tax Credit Adjustments, Utility Operations
411.5 Investment Tax Credit Adjustments, Nonutility Operations
411.6 Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant
411.7 Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant
411.8 Gains from Disposition of Allowances
411.9 Losses from Disposition of Allowances
411.10 Accretion Expense
412 Revenues from Electric Plant Leased to Others
413 Expenses of Electric Plant Leased to Others
414 Other Utility Operating Income
Utility Operating Income
400 Operating Revenues
There shall be shown under this caption the total amount included in
the electric operating revenue accounts provided herein.
401 Operation Expense
There shall be shown under this caption the total amount included in
the electric operation expense accounts provided herein. (See note to
Sec. 1767.17 (c).)
402 Maintenance Expense
There shall be shown under this caption the total amount included in
the electric maintenance expense accounts provided herein.
403 Depreciation Expense
A. This account shall include the amount of depreciation expense for
all classes of depreciable electric 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
[[Page 86]]
appropriate methods; and also such records as will reflect the
percentage of salvage and costs of removal for property retired from
each account, or subdivision thereof, for depreciable electric plant.
Note A: Depreciation expense applicable to property included in
Account 104, Electric Plant Leased to Others, shall be charged to
Account 413, Expenses of Electric Plant Leased to Others.
Note B: Depreciation expenses applicable to transportation
equipment, shop equipment, tools, work equipment, 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.
Note C: Depreciation expense applicable to transportation equipment
used for transportation of fuel from the point of acquisition to the
unloading point shall be charged to Account 151, Fuel Stock.
C. Account 403 shall be subaccounted as follows:
403.1 Depreciation Expense--Steam Production Plant
403.2 Depreciation Expense--Nuclear Production Plant
403.3 Depreciation Expense--Hydraulic Production Plant
403.4 Depreciation Expense--Other Production Plant
403.5 Depreciation Expense--Transmission Plant
403.6 Depreciation Expense--Distribution Plant
403.7 Depreciation Expense--General Plant
403.8 Depreciation Expense-Asset Retirement Costs
403.9 Depreciation Expense-Regional Transmission and Market Operation
Plant
404 Amortization of Limited-Term Electric Plant
This account shall include amortization charges applicable to
amounts included in the electric 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 111, Accumulated Provision for Amortization of Electric Utility
Plant.)
405 Amortization of Other Electric Plant
A. When authorized by RUS, this account shall include charges for
amortization of intangible or other electric utility plant 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 Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments
This account shall be debited or credited, as appropriate, with
amounts includible in operating expenses, pursuant to approval or order
of RUS, for the purpose of providing for the extinguishment of the
amount in Account 114, Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments.
407 Amortization of Property Losses, Unrecovered Plant and Recovery
Study Costs
This account shall be charged with amounts credited to Account
182.1, Extraordinary Property Losses, when RUS has authorized the amount
in the latter account to be amortized by charges to electric operations.
407.3 Regulatory Debits
This account shall be debited, when appropriate, with the amounts
credited to Account 254, Other Regulatory Liabilities, to record
regulatory liabilities imposed on the utility by the ratemaking actions
of regulatory agencies. This account shall also be debited, when
appropriate, with the amounts credited to Account 182.3, Other
Regulatory Assets, concurrent with the recovery of such amounts in
rates.
407.4 Regulatory Credits
This account shall be credited, when appropriate, with the amounts
debited to Account 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets, to establish
regulatory assets. This account shall also be credited, when
appropriate, with the amounts debited to Account 254, Other Regulatory
Liabilities, concurrent with the return of such amounts to customers
through rates.
408 Taxes Other Than Income Taxes
A. This account shall include the amounts 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. These accounts shall be charged in each accounting period with
the amounts of taxes which are 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 amounts of
taxes, the amounts shall be estimated and adjustments made in current
[[Page 87]]
accruals as the actual tax levies become known.
C. The charges to these accounts 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 more than one utility service,
taxes of the kind includible in these accounts 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 after
appropriate study to determine such basis.
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 and retirement
activities shall be included in the cost of construction or the
retirement.
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 payroll taxes shall be
charged to nonutility operations, the specific functional operations,
maintenance, and administrative expense accounts, and to construction
and retirement activities on a basis related to payroll either directly
or by transfers from this account.
Note E: Property taxes applicable to the various utility functions
shall be charged to the specific functional operations and
administrative expense accounts either directly or by transfers from
this account.
Note F: Interest on tax refunds or deficiencies shall not be
included in these accounts but in Account 419, Interest and Dividend
Income, or Account 431, Other Interest Expense, as appropriate.
D. Account 408 shall be subaccounted as follows:
408.1 Taxes--Property
408.2 Taxes--U.S. Social Security--Unemployment
408.3 Taxes--U.S. Social Security--F.I.C.A.
408.4 Taxes--State Social Security--Unemployment
408.5 Taxes--State Sales--Consumers
408.6 Taxes--Gross Revenue or Gross Receipts Tax
408.7 Taxes--Other
409 [Reserved]
Special Instructions
Accounts 409.1, 409.2, and 409.3
A. These accounts shall include the amount of local, 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 amounts of taxes become known, the
current tax accruals shall be adjusted by charges or credits to these
accounts.
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 tax effects relating to interest charges shall be
allocated between utility and nonutility operations. The basis for this
allocation shall be the ratio of net investment in utility plant to net
investment in nonutility plant.
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 these accounts 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 local, state, and
Federal 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), Utility Plant Leased to Others, and Other
Utility Operating Income.
409.2 Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions
This account shall include the amount of those local, state, and
Federal income taxes (both positive and negative), which relate to Other
Income and Deductions.
409.3 Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items
This account shall include the amount of those local, state, and
Federal income taxes (both positive and negative), which relate to
Extraordinary Items.
410 [Reserved]
Special Instructions
Accounts 410.1, 410.2, 411.1, and 411.2
A. Accounts 410.1 and 410.2 shall be debited, and Accumulated
Deferred Income Taxes, shall be credited, with amounts equal to any
current deferrals of taxes on income or any allocations of deferred
taxes originating in
[[Page 88]]
prior periods, as provided by the texts of Accounts 190, 281, 282, and
283. There shall not be netted against entries required to be made to
these accounts any credit amounts appropriately includible in Account
411.1 or Account 411.2.
B. Accounts 411.1 or 411.2 shall be credited, and Accumulated
Deferred Income Taxes, shall be debited, with amounts equal to any
allocations of deferred taxes originating in prior periods or any
current deferrals of taxes on income, as provided by the texts of
Accounts 190, 281, 282, and 283. There shall not be netted against
entries required to be made to these accounts any debit amounts
appropriately includible in Account 410.1 or Account 410.2.
410.1 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income
This account shall include the amounts of those deferrals of taxes
and allocations of deferred taxes which relate to Utility Operating
Income (by department).
410.2 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions
This account shall include the amounts of those deferrals of taxes
and allocations of deferred taxes which relate to Other Income and
Deductions.
411 [Reserved]
411.1 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating
Income
This account shall include the amounts of those allocations of
deferred taxes and deferrals of taxes, credit, which relate to Utility
Operating Income (by department).
411.2 Provision for Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Other Income and
Deductions
This account shall include the amounts of those allocations of
deferred taxes and deferrals of taxes, credit, which relate to Other
Income and Deductions.
411.3 [Reserved]
Special Instructions
Accounts 411.4 and 411.5
A. Account 411.4 shall be debited with the amounts of investment tax
credits related to electric 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. Account 411.4 shall be credited with the amounts debited to
Account 255 for proportionate amounts of tax credit deferrals allocated
over the average useful life of electric 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. Account 411.5 shall be debited and credited as directed in
paragraphs A and B, for investment tax credits related to nonutility
property.
411.4 Investment Tax Credit Adjustments, Utility Operations
This account shall include the amount of those 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 related to property used in Nonutility Operations.
411.6 Gains from Disposition of Utility Plant
A. This account shall include, as approved by RUS, amounts relating
to gains from the disposition of future use utility plant including
amounts which were previously recorded in and transferred from Account
105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, under the Provisions of
Paragraphs B, C, and D thereof. Income taxes relating to gains recorded
in this account shall be recorded in Account 409.1, Income Taxes,
Utility Operating Income.
B. The utility shall record in this account gains resulting from the
settlement of asset retirement obligations related to utility plant in
accordance with the accounting prescribed in Sec. 1767.15(y).
411.7 Losses from Disposition of Utility Plant
A. This account shall include, as approved by RUS, amounts relating
to losses from the disposition of future use utility plant including
amounts which were previously recorded in and transferred from Account
105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, under the provisions of
Paragraphs B, C, and D thereof. Income taxes relating to losses recorded
in this account shall be recorded in Account 409.1, Income Taxes,
Utility Operating Income.
B. The utility shall record in this account losses resulting from
the settlement of asset retirement obligations related to utility plant
in accordance with the accounting prescribed in Sec. 1767.15(y).
411.8 Gains from Disposition of Allowances
This account shall be credited with the gain on the sale, exchange,
or other disposition of allowances in accordance with Sec. 1767.15
(u)(8). Income taxes relating to gains recorded in this account shall be
recorded in
[[Page 89]]
Account 409.1, Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income.
411.9 Losses from Disposition of Allowances
This account shall be debited with the loss on the sale, exchange,
or other disposition of allowances in accordance with Sec. 1767.15
(u)(8). Income taxes relating to losses recorded in this account shall
be recorded in Account 409.1, Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income.
411.10 Accretion Expense
This account shall be charged for accretion expense on the
liabilities associated with asset retirement obligations included in
Account 230, Asset Retirement Obligations, relating to electric utility
plant.
412 Revenues from Electric Plant Leased to Others
This account shall include revenues from electric property
constituting a distinct operating unit or system leased by the utility
to others, and which property is properly includible in Account 104,
Electric Plant Leased to Others.
Note: Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.1, Income Taxes, Utility Operating
Income, as appropriate.
413 Expenses of Electric Plant Leased to Others
A. This account shall include expenses from electric property
constituting a distinct operating unit or system leased by the utility
to others, and which property is properly includible in Account 104,
Electric Plant Leased to Others.
B. The detail of expenses shall be kept or supported so as to show
separately the following:
1. Operation.
2. Maintenance.
3. Depreciation.
4. Amortization.
Note: Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.1, Income Taxes, Utility Operating
Income, as appropriate.
414 Other Utility Operating Income
A. This account shall include the revenues received and expenses
incurred in connection with the operations of utility plant, the book
cost of which is included in Account 118, Other Utility Plant.
B. The expenses shall include every element of cost incurred in such
operations, including depreciation, rents, and insurance.
Note: Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.1, Income Taxes, Utility Operating
Income, as appropriate.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 42290, Aug. 6, 1997; 73
FR 30285, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.22 Other income and deductions.
The other income and deductions accounts identified in this section
shall be used by all RUS borrowers.
Other Income and Deductions
415 Revenues from Merchandising, Jobbing, and Contract Work
416 Costs and Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing, and Contract Work
417 Revenues from Nonutility Operations
417.1 Expenses of Nonutility Operations
418 Nonoperating Rental Income
418.1 Equity in Earnings of Subsidiary Companies
419 Interest and Dividend Income
419.1 Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
420 Investment Tax Credits
421 Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income
421.1 Gain on Disposition of Property
421.2 Loss on Disposition of Property
422 Nonoperating Taxes
423 Generation and Transmission Cooperative Capital Credits
424 Other Capital Credits and Patronage Capital Allocations
425 Miscellaneous Amortization
426 [Reserved]
426.1 Donations
426.2 Life Insurance
426.3 Penalties
426.4 Expenditures for Certain Civic, Political, and Related Activities
426.5 Other Deductions
Other Income and Deductions
415 Revenues from Merchandising, Jobbing and Contract Work
A. This account shall include 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. Interest related income from
installment sales shall be recorded in Account 419, Interest and
Dividend Income.
B. Records in support of this account shall be so kept as to permit
ready summarization of revenues by such major items as are feasible.
Note: The classification of revenues of merchandising, jobbing, and
contract work as nonoperating, and thus included in this account, is for
accounting purposes. It does
[[Page 90]]
not preclude consideration of justification to the contrary for
ratemaking or other purposes.
Items
1. Revenues from sale of merchandise and from jobbing and contract
work.
2. Discounts and allowances made in settlement of bills for
merchandise and jobbing work.
416 Costs and Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing and Contract Work
A. This account shall include all expenses derived from the sale of
merchandise and jobbing or contract work.
B. Records in support of this account shall be so kept as to permit
ready summarization of costs and expenses by such major items as are
feasible.
Note: The classification of costs and expenses of merchandising,
jobbing, and contract work as nonoperating, and thus included in this
account, is for accounting purposes. It does not preclude consideration
of justification to the contrary for ratemaking or other purposes.
Items
Labor:
1. Canvassing and demonstrating appliances in homes and other places
for the purpose of selling appliances.
2. Demonstrating and selling activities in sales rooms.
3. Installing appliances on customer premises where such work is
done only for purchasers of appliances from the utility.
4. Installing wire, piping, or other property work, on a jobbing or
contract basis.
5. Preparing advertising materials for appliance sales purposes.
6. Receiving and handling customer orders for merchandise or for
jobbing services.
7. Cleaning and tidying sales rooms.
8. Maintaining display counters and other equipment used in
merchandising.
9. Arranging merchandise in sales rooms and decorating display
windows.
10. Reconditioning repossessed appliances.
11. Bookkeeping and other clerical work in connection with
merchandise and jobbing activities.
12. Supervising merchandise and jobbing operations.
13. Advertising in newspapers, periodicals, radio, and television.
14. Cost of merchandise sold and of materials used in jobbing work.
15. Stores expenses on merchandise and jobbing stocks.
16. Fees and expenses of advertising and commercial artists'
agencies.
17. Printing booklets, dodgers, and other advertising data.
18. Premiums given as inducement to buy appliances.
19. Light, heat, and power.
20. Depreciation on equipment used primarily for merchandise and
jobbing operations.
21. Rent of sales rooms or of equipment.
22. Transportation expense in delivery and pick-up of appliances by
utility's facilities or by others.
23. Stationery and office supplies and expenses.
24. Losses from uncollectible merchandise and jobbing accounts.
417 Revenues from Nonutility Operations
This account shall include revenues applicable to operations which
are nonutility in character but nevertheless constitute a distinct
operating activity of the enterprise as a whole, such as the operation
of an ice department where applicable statutes do not define such
operation as a utility, or the operation of a servicing organization for
furnishing supervision, management, engineering, and similar services to
others.
Note: Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.2, Income Taxes, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate.
417.1 Expenses of Nonutility Operations
A. This account shall include expenses applicable to operations
which are nonutility in character but nevertheless constitute a distinct
operating activity of the enterprise as a whole, such as the operation
of an ice department where applicable statutes do not define such
operation as a utility, or the operation of a servicing organization for
furnishing supervision, management, engineering, and similar services to
others.
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:
1. Operation.
2. Maintenance.
3. Rents.
4. Depreciation.
5. Amortization.
Note: Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.2, Income Taxes, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate.
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 Account
417 or Account 417.1.
B. The expenses shall include all elements of costs incurred in the
ownership and rental
[[Page 91]]
of property and the accounts shall be maintained so as to permit ready
summarization as follows:
1. Operation.
2. Maintenance.
3. Rents.
4. Depreciation.
5. Amortization.
Note: Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.2, Income Taxes, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate.
418.1 Equity in Earnings of Subsidiary Companies
This account shall include the utility's equity in the earnings or
losses of subsidiary companies for the year.
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.
Note A: Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.2, Income Taxes, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate.
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 this account.
419.1 Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
This account shall include concurrent credits for allowance for
funds other than borrowed funds used for construction purposes during
the period of construction, based upon a reasonable rate. (See Sec.
1767.16 (c)(17).)
420 Investment Tax Credits
This account shall be credited as follows with investment tax credit
amounts not passed on to customers:
1. By amounts equal to debits to Account 411.4, Investment Tax
Credit Adjustments, Utility Operations, and Account 411.5, Investment
Tax Credit Adjustments, Nonutility Operations, for investment tax
credits used in calculating income taxes for the year when the company's
accounting provides for non-deferral of all or a portion of such
credits.
2. By amounts equal to debits to Account 255, Accumulated Deferred
Investment Tax Credits, for proportionate amounts of tax credit
deferrals allocated over the average useful life of the property to
which the tax credits relate, or such lesser period of time as may be
adopted and consistently used by the company.
421 Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income
This account shall include all revenue and expense items, except
taxes properly includible in the income account, not provided for
elsewhere. Related taxes shall be recorded in Account 408, Taxes Other
Than Income Taxes, or Account 409.2, Income Taxes, Other Income and
Deductions, as appropriate.
Items
1. Profit on sale of timber. (See Sec. 1767.16 (g)(3).)
2. Profits from operations of others realized by the utility under
contracts.
3. Gains on disposition of investments. Also, gains on reacquisition
and resale or retirement of the utility's debt securities when the gain
is not amortized or used by a jurisdictional regulatory agency to reduce
embedded debt cost in establishing rates. (See Sec. 1767.15 (q).)
4. This account shall include the accretion expense on the liability
for an asset retirement obligation included in Account 230, Asset
Retirement Obligations, related to nonutility plant.
5. This account shall include the depreciation expense for asset
retirement costs related to nonutility plant.
6. The utility shall record in this account gains resulting from the
settlement of asset retirement obligations related to nonutility plant
in accordance with the accounting prescribed in Sec. 1767.15(y).
421.1 Gain on Disposition of Property
This account shall be credited with the gain on the sale,
conveyance, exchange, or transfer of utility or other property to
another. Amounts relating to gains on land and land rights held for
future use recorded in Account 105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use,
will be accounted for as prescribed in Paragraphs B, C, and D thereof.
(See Sec. 1767.16 (e)(6), (g)(5), and (j)(5).) Income taxes on gains
recorded in this account shall be recorded in Account 409.2, Income
Taxes, Other Income and Deductions.
421.2 Loss on Disposition of Property
This account shall be charged with the loss on the sale, conveyance,
exchange, or transfer of utility or other property to another. Amounts
relating to losses on land and land rights held for future use recorded
in Account 105, Electric Plant Held for Future Use, will be accounted
for as prescribed in Paragraphs B, C, and D thereof. (See Sec. 1767.16
[[Page 92]]
(e)(6), (g)(5), and (j)(5).) The reduction in income taxes relating to
losses recorded in this account shall be recorded in Account 409.2,
Income Taxes, Other Income and Deductions.
422 Nonoperating Taxes
This account shall be charged with taxes relating to nonoperating
income.
423 Generation and Transmission Cooperative Capital Credits
This account shall be credited with the annual capital furnished the
power supply cooperative through payment of power bills. The amount of
capital furnished the power supply cooperative should be recorded in the
applicable year even though, in most cases, the power supplier's notice
of the allocation will not have been received until after the close of
the year to which it relates.
424 Other Capital Credits and Patronage Capital Allocations
This account shall be credited with the capital furnished in
connection with patronage of cooperative or mutual-type service
organization such as CFC and other financing cooperatives, and
insurance, oil product, telephone, and data processing cooperatives.
This account should be credited in the year in which the notice of the
capital credit or patronage capital allocation is received.
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 RUS.
2. Other miscellaneous amortization charges allowed to be included
in this account by RUS.
426 [Reserved]
Special Instructions
Accounts 426.1, 426.2, 426.3, 426.4, and 426.5
These accounts shall include miscellaneous expense items which are
nonoperating in nature but which are properly deductible before
determining total income before interest charges.
Note: The classification of expenses as nonoperating and their
inclusion in these accounts is for accounting purposes. It does not
preclude RUS consideration of proof to the contrary for ratemaking or
other purposes.
426.1 Donations
This account shall include all payments or donations for charitable,
social, or community welfare purposes.
426.2 Life Insurance
This account shall include all payments for life insurance of
officers and employees where the company is the beneficiary (net
premiums less the increase in the cash surrender value of policies.)
426.3 Penalties
This account shall include payments by the company for penalties or
fines for violation of any regulatory statutes by the company or its
officials.
426.4 Expenditures for Certain Civic, Political, and Related Activities
This account shall include expenditures for the purpose of
influencing public opinion with respect to the election or appointment
of public officials, referenda, legislation, or ordinances (either with
respect to the possible adoption of new referenda, legislation or
ordinances or repeal or modification of existing referenda, legislation
or ordinances) or approval, modification, or revocation of franchises;
or for the purpose of influencing the decisions of public officials, but
shall not include such expenditures which are directly related to
appearances before regulatory or other governmental bodies in connection
with the reporting utility's existing or proposed operations.
426.5 Other Deductions
This account shall include other miscellaneous expenses which are
nonoperating in nature, but which are properly deductible before
determining total income before interest charges.
Items
1. Loss relating to investments in securities written-off or
written-down.
2. Loss on sale of investments.
3. Loss on reacquisition, resale, or retirement of the utility's
debt securities, when the loss is not amortized and used by a
jurisdictional regulatory agency to increase embedded debt cost in
establishing rates. (See Sec. 1767.15 (q).)
4. Preliminary survey and investigation expenses related to
abandoned projects, when not written-off to the appropriate operating
expense account.
5. Costs of preliminary abandonment costs recorded in Account 182.1,
Extraordinary
[[Page 93]]
Property Losses, and Account 182.2, Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory
Study Costs, not allowed to be amortized to Account 407, Amortization of
Property Losses, Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory Study Costs.
6. The utility shall record in this account losses resulting from
the settlement of asset retirement obligations related to nonutility
plant in accordance with the accounting prescribed in Sec. 1767.15(y).
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 73 FR 30285, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.23 Interest charges.
The interest charges accounts identified in this section shall be
used by all RUS borrowers.
Interest Charges
427 Interest on Long-Term Debt
427.3 Interest Charged to Construction--Credit
428 Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense
428.1 Amortization of Loss on Reacquired Debt
429 Amortization of Premium on Debt--Credit
429.1 Amortization of Gain on Reacquired Debt--Credit
430 Interest on Debt to Associated Companies
431 Other Interest Expense
432 Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction--Credit
Interest Charges
427 Interest on Long-Term Debt
A. This account shall include the amount of interest on outstanding
long-term debt issued or assumed by the utility, the liability for which
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.
427.3 Interest Charged to Construction--Credit
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.
428 Amortization of Debt Discount and Expense
A. This account shall include the amortization of unamortized debt
discount and expense on outstanding long-term debt. Amounts charged to
this account shall be credited concurrently to Account 181, Unamortized
Debt Expense, and Account 226, Unamortized Discount on Long-Term Debt--
Debit.
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.
428.1 Amortization of Loss on Reacquired Debt
A. This account shall include the amortization of the losses on
reacquisition of debt. Amounts charged to this account shall be credited
concurrently to Account 189, Unamortized Loss on Reacquired Debt.
B. This account shall be maintained so as to allow ready
identification of the loss amortized applicable to each class and series
of long-term debt reacquired. (See Sec. 1767.15 (q).)
429 Amortization of Premium on Debt--Credit
A. This account shall include the amortization of unamortized net
premium on outstanding long-term debt. Amounts credited to this account
shall be charged concurrently to Account 225, Unamortized Premium on
Long-Term Debt.
B. This account shall be so kept or supported as to show the premium
on each class and series of long-term debt.
429.1 Amortization of Gain on Reacquired Debt--Credit
A. This account shall include the amortization of the gains realized
from reacquisition of debt. Amounts credited to this account shall be
charged concurrently to Account 257, Unamortized Gain on Reacquired
Debt.
B. This account shall be maintained so as to allow ready
identification of the amortized gains applicable to each class and
series of long-term debt reacquired. (See Sec. 1767.15 (q).)
430 Interest on Debt to Associated Companies
A. This account shall include the 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
[[Page 94]]
other obligations on which the interest is accrued.
431 Other Interest Expense
This account shall include 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 the utility and
assumed by it.
432 Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction--Credit
This account shall include concurrent credits for allowance for
borrowed funds used during construction, not to exceed amounts computed
in accordance with the formula prescribed in Sec. 1767.16(c)(17).
Note: This account shall not be recorded in Account 427.3, Interest
Charged to Construction--Credit.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 73 FR 30285, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.24 Extraordinary items.
The extraordinary items accounts identified in this section shall be
used by all RUS borrowers.
Extraordinary Items
434 Extraordinary Income
435 Extraordinary Deductions
435.1 Cumulative Effect on Prior Years of a Change in Accounting
Principle
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. Income tax relating to the amounts
recorded in this account shall be recorded in Account 409.3, Income
Taxes, Extraordinary Items. (See Sec. 1767.15 (g).)
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. Income tax relating to the amounts
recorded in this account shall be recorded in Account 409.3, Income
Taxes, Extraordinary Items. (See Sec. 1767.15 (f).)
435.1 Cumulative Effect on Prior Years of a Change in Accounting
Principle
This account shall include the cumulative effect on margins of prior
periods as a result of a change in accounting principle from one that is
no longer generally accepted to one that is generally accepted.
Sec. 1767.25 Retained earnings.
The retained earnings accounts identified in this section shall be
used by all RUS borrowers.
Retained Earnings
433-439 [Reserved]
Retained Earnings
433-439 [Reserved]
Sec. 1767.26 Operating revenue.
The operating revenue accounts identified in this section shall be
used by all RUS borrowers.
Operating Revenue
Sales of Electricity
440 Residential Sales
440.1 Residential Sales--Excluding Seasonal
440.2 Residential Sales--Seasonal
441 Irrigation Sales
442 Commercial and Industrial Sales
442.1 Commercial and Industrial Sales--1000 kVA or Less
442.2 Commercial and Industrial Sales--Over 1000 kVA
444 Public Street and Highway Lighting
445 Other Sales to Public Authorities
446 Sales to Railroads and Railways
447 Sales for Resale
447.1 Sales for Resale--RUS Borrowers
447.2 Sales for Resale--Other
448 Interdepartmental Sales
449.1 Provision for Rate Refunds
Other Operating Revenues
450 Forfeited Discounts
451 Miscellaneous Service Revenues
453 Sales of Water and Water Power
454 Rent from Electric Property
455 Interdepartmental Rents
456 Other Electric Revenues
456.1 Revenues from Transmission of Electricity of Others
457.1 Regional Transmission Service Revenues
457.2 Miscellaneous Revenue
[[Page 95]]
Operating Revenue
Sales of Electricity
440 Residential Sales
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied for residential or domestic purposes.
Note: When electricity supplied through a single meter is used for
both residential and commercial purposes, the total revenue shall be
included in this account, or Account 442, Commercial and Industrial
Sales, according to the rate schedule that is applied. If the same rate
schedules apply to residential and commercial and industrial service,
classification shall be made according to principal use.
B. Account 440 shall be subaccounted as follows:
440.1 Residential Sales--Excluding Seasonal
440.2 Residential Sales--Seasonal
440.1 Residential Sales--Excluding Seasonal
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied for residential and domestic purposes.
B. This account shall also include net billings for single phase
service to schools, churches, lodges, and other public buildings.
C. Records shall be maintained so that the quantity of electricity
sold and the revenue received under each rate schedule shall be readily
available.
Note: Net billings for multiphase service to schools, churches,
lodges, and other public buildings shall be included in the appropriate
subaccount of Account 442, Commercial and Industrial Sales.
440.2 Residential Sales--Seasonal
This account shall include the net billings for electricity supplied
for residential and domestic purposes to seasonal consumers.
441 Irrigation Sales
This account shall include the net billings for electricity supplied
for irrigation pumping. It need not be used unless such service is
provided under a special irrigation rate.
442 Commercial and Industrial Sales
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied to customers for commercial and industrial purposes.
Note A: If the utility classifies large commercial and industrial
customers and related revenues on a lesser basis than 1000 kilowatts of
demand, or segregates industrial customers and related revenues
according to a recognized definition of an industrial customer, such
classifications are acceptable in lieu of those otherwise required by
the text of this account on the basis of 1000 kilowatts of demand.
Note B: When electricity supplied through a single meter is used for
both commercial and residential purposes, the total revenue shall be
included in this account, or Account 440, Residential Sales, according
to the rate schedule that is applied. If the same rate schedules apply
to residential and commercial and industrial service, classification
shall be made according to principal use.
B. Account 442 shall be subaccounted as follows:
442.1 Commercial and Industrial Sales--1000 kVA or Less
442.2 Commercial and Industrial Sales--Over 1000 kVA
442.1 Commercial and Industrial Sales--1000 kVA or Less
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied to consumers for commercial and industrial purposes requiring
transformer capacity of 1000 kVA or less.
B. Records shall be maintained so that the quantity of electricity
sold and the revenue received under each rate schedule shall be readily
available.
Note: When electricity supplied through a single meter is used for
both commercial and residential purposes, the total revenue shall be
included in this account or in Account 440, Residential Sales, based
upon primary use.
442.2 Commercial and Industrial Sales--Over 1000 kVA
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied to consumers for commercial and industrial purposes requiring
transformer capacity in excess of 1000 kVA.
B. Records shall be maintained so that the quantity of electricity
sold and the revenue received under each rate schedule shall be readily
available.
444 Public Street and Highway Lighting
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied and services rendered for the purposes of lighting streets,
highways, parks, and other public places or for traffic or signal system
service, for municipalities or other divisions or agencies of state of
Federal Governments.
B. Records shall be maintained so that the quantity of electricity
sold and the revenue received from each customer shall be readily
available. In addition, the records shall be maintained so as to show
the revenues from (1) contracts which include both electricity and
services, and (2) contracts which include sales of electricity only.
[[Page 96]]
445 Other Sales to Public Authorities
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
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, except such
revenues as are includible in Account 444 and Account 447.
B. Records shall be maintained so as to show the quantity of
electricity sold and the revenues received from each customer.
446 Sales to Railroads and Railways
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied to railroads and interurban and street railways, for general
railroad use, including the propulsion of cars or locomotives, where
such electricity is supplied under separate and distinct rate schedules.
B. Records shall be maintained so that the quantity of electricity
sold and the revenue received from each customer shall be readily
available.
Note: Revenues from incidental use of electricity furnished under a
contract for propulsion of cars or locomotives shall be included herein.
447 Sales for Resale
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied to other electric utilities or to public authorities for resale
purposes.
Note: Revenues from electricity supplied to other utilities for use
by them and not for distribution, shall be included in Account 442,
Commercial and Industrial Sales, unless supplied under the same
contracts as and not readily separable from revenues includible in this
account.
B. Account 447 shall be subaccounted as follows:
447.1 Sales for Resale--RUS Borrowers
447.2 Sales for Resale--Other
447.1 Sales for Resale--RUS Borrowers
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied to RUS borrowers for resale.
B. Records shall be maintained so as to show the quantity of
electricity sold and the revenue received from each customer.
Note: Revenues from electricity supplied to other utilities for use
by them and not for distribution, shall be included in Account 442,
Commercial and Industrial Sales, unless supplied under the same contract
as and not readily separable from revenues includible in this account.
447.2 Sales for Resale--Other
A. This account shall include the net billing for electricity
supplied for resale to utilities not financed by RUS.
B. Records shall be maintained so as to show the quantity of
electricity sold and the revenue received from each customer.
Note: Revenues from electricity supplied to other utilities for use
by them and not for distribution, shall be included in Account 442,
Commercial and Industrial Sales, unless supplied under the same contract
as and not readily separable from revenues includible in this account.
448 Interdepartmental Sales
A. This account shall include amounts charged by the electric
department at tariff or other specified rates for electricity supplied
by it to other utility departments.
B. Records shall be maintained so that the quantity of electricity
supplied each other department and the charges therefor shall be readily
available.
449.1 Provision for Rate Refunds
A. This account shall be charged with provisions for the estimated
pretax effects on net income of the portions of amounts being collected
subject to refund which are estimated to be required to be refunded.
Such provisions shall be credited to Account 229, Accumulated Provision
for Rate Refunds.
B. This account shall also be charged with amounts refunded when
such amounts had not been previously accrued.
C. Income tax effects relating to the amounts recorded in this
account shall be recorded in Account 410.1, Provision for Deferred
Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income, or Account 411.1, Provision for
Deferred Income Taxes--Credit, Utility Operating Income, as appropriate.
Other Operating Revenues
450 Forfeited Discounts
This account shall include the amount of discounts forfeited or
additional charges imposed because of the failure of customers to pay
their electric bills on or before a specified date.
451 Miscellaneous Service Revenues
This account shall include revenues for all miscellaneous services
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 appliances, wiring, piping, or other
installations on customers' premises.
[[Page 97]]
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.)
4. Recovery of expenses in connection with current diversion cases
(billing for the electricity consumed shall be included in the
appropriate electric revenue account).
453 Sales of Water and Water Power
A. This account shall include revenues derived from the sale of
water for irrigation, domestic, industrial, or other uses or for the
development by others of water power or for headwater benefits; also,
revenues derived from furnishing water power for mechanical purposes
when the investment in the property used in supplying such water or
water power is carried as electric plant in service.
B. The records for this account shall be kept in such manner as to
permit an analysis of the rates charged and the purposes for which the
water was used.
454 Rent from Electric Property
A. This account shall include rents received for the use by others
of land, buildings, and other property devoted to electric operations by
the utility.
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 amount received by the utility
for interest or return or in 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 Electric Plant Leased to Others.)
455 Interdepartmental Rents
This account shall include rents credited to the electric department
on account of rental charges made against other departments (gas, water,
etc.) of the utility. In the case of property operated under a definite
arrangement to allocate the costs among the departments using the
property, any reimbursement to the electric department for interest or
return and depreciation and taxes shall be credited to this account.
456 Other Electric Revenues
This account shall include revenues derived from electric operations
not includible in any of the foregoing accounts. It shall also include,
in a separate subaccount, revenues received from operation of fish and
wildlife and recreation facilities whether operated by the company or by
contract concessionaires, such as revenues from leases or rentals of
land for cottages, homes, or campsites.
Items
1. Commission on sale or distribution of electricity of others when
sold under rates filed by such others.
2. Compensation for minor or incidental services provided for others
such as customer billing, and engineering.
3. Profit or loss on the sale of material and supplies not
ordinarily purchased for resale and not handled through merchandising
and jobbing accounts.
4. Sale of steam, but not including sales made by a steamheating
department or transfers of steam under joint facility operations.
5. Include in a separate subaccount, revenues in payment for rights
and/or benefits received from others which are realized through
research, development, and demonstration ventures. In the event the
amounts received are so large as to distort revenues for the year in
which received (5 percent of net income before application of the
benefit), the amounts shall be credited to Account 253, Other Deferred
Credits, and amortized by credits to this account over a period not to
exceed 5 years.
456.1 Revenues From Transmission of Electricity of Others
This account shall include revenues from transmission of electricity
of others over transmission facilities of the utility.
457.1 Regional Transmission Service Revenues
This account shall include revenues derived from providing
scheduling, system control and dispatching services. Include also in
this account reimbursements for system planning, standards development,
and market monitoring and market compliance activities. Records shall be
maintained so as to show: (1) The services supplied and revenues
received from each customer and (2) the amounts billed by tariff or
specified rates.
457.2 Miscellaneous Revenues
This account shall include revenues and reimbursements for costs
incurred by regional transmission service providers not provided for
elsewhere. Records shall be maintained so as to show: (1) The services
supplied and revenues received from each customer, and (2) the amounts
billed by tariff or specified rates.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 73 FR 30285, May 27, 2008]
[[Page 98]]
Sec. 1767.27 Operation and maintenance expenses.
The operation and maintenance expense accounts identified in this
section shall be used by all RUS borrowers.
Operation and Maintenance Expense Accounts
Power Production Expenses
Steam Power Generation
(Operation)
500 Operation Supervision and Engineering
501 Fuel
502 Steam Expenses
503 Steam from Other Sources
504 Steam Transferred--Credit
505 Electric Expenses
506 Miscellaneous Steam Power Expenses
507 Rents
509 Allowances
(Maintenance)
510 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
511 Maintenance of Structures
512 Maintenance of Boiler Plant
513 Maintenance of Electric Plant
514 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Steam Plant
Nuclear Power Generation
(Operation)
517 Operation Supervision and Engineering
518 Nuclear Fuel Expense
519 Coolants and Water
520 Steam Expenses
521 Steam from Other Sources
522 Steam Transferred--Credit
523 Electric Expenses
524 Miscellaneous Nuclear Power Expenses
525 Rents
(Maintenance)
528 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
529 Maintenance of Structures
530 Maintenance of Reactor Plant Equipment
531 Maintenance of Electric Plant
532 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Nuclear Plant
Hydraulic Power Generation
(Operation)
535 Operation Supervision and Engineering
536 Water for Power
537 Hydraulic Expenses
538 Electric Expenses
539 Miscellaneous Hydraulic Power Generation Expenses
540 Rents
(Maintenance)
541 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
542 Maintenance of Structures
543 Maintenance of Reservoirs, Dams, and Waterways
544 Maintenance of Electric Plant
545 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Hydraulic Plant
Other Power Generation
(Operation)
546 Operation Supervision and Engineering
547 Fuel
548 Generation Expenses
549 Miscellaneous Other Power Generation Expenses
550 Rents
(Maintenance)
551 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
552 Maintenance of Structures
553 Maintenance of Generating and Electric Equipment
554 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Other Power Generation Plant
Other Power Supply Expenses
555 Purchased Power
556 System Control and Load Dispatching
557 Other Expenses
Transmission Expenses
(Operation)
560 Operation Supervision and Engineering
561.1 Load Dispatch-Reliability
561.2 Load Dispatch-Monitor and Operate Transmission System
561.3 Load Dispatch-Transmission Service and Scheduling
561.4 Scheduling, System Control and Dispatching Services
561.5 Reliability, Planning and Standards Development
561.6 Transmission Service Studies
561.7 Generation Interconnection Studies
561.8 Reliability Planning and Standards Development Services
561 Load Dispatching
562 Station Expenses
563 Overhead Line Expenses
564 Underground Line Expenses
565 Transmission of Electricity by Others
566 Miscellaneous Transmission Expenses
567 Rents
(Maintenance)
568 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
569 Maintenance of Structures
569.1 Maintenance of Computer Hardware
[[Page 99]]
569.2 Maintenance of Computer Software
569.3 Maintenance of Communication Equipment
569.4 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Regional Transmission Plant
570 Maintenance of Station Equipment
571 Maintenance of Overhead Lines
572 Maintenance of Underground Lines
573 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Transmission Plant
Regional Market Expenses
(Operation)
575.1 Operation Supervision
575.2 Day-Ahead and Real-Time Market Administration
575.3 Transmission Rights Market Administration
575.4 Capacity Market Administration
575.5 Ancillary Services Market Administration
575.6 Market Monitoring and Compliance
575.7 Market Administration, Monitoring and Compliance Services
575.8 Rents
(Maintenance)
576.1 Maintenance of Structures and Improvements
576.2 Maintenance of Computer Hardware
576.3 Maintenance of Computer Software
576.4 Maintenance of Communication Equipment
576.5 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Market Operation Plant
Distribution Expenses
(Operation)
580 Operation Supervision and Engineering
581 Load Dispatching
582 Station Expenses
583 Overhead Line Expenses
584 Underground Line Expenses
585 Street Lighting and Signal System Expenses
586 Meter Expenses
587 Customer Installations Expenses
588 Miscellaneous Distribution Expenses
589 Rents
(Maintenance)
590 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
591 Maintenance of Structures
592 Maintenance of Station Equipment
593 Maintenance of Overhead Lines
594 Maintenance of Underground Lines
595 Maintenance of Line Transformers
596 Maintenance of Street Lighting and Signal Systems
597 Maintenance of Meters
598 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Distribution Plant
Operation and Maintenance Expense Accounts
Power Production Expenses
Steam Power Generation
(Operation)
500 Operation Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
operation of steam power generating stations. Direct supervision of
specific activities, such as fuel handling, boiler-room operations, and
generator operations shall be charged to the appropriate account. (See
Sec. 1767.17(a).)
501 Fuel
A. This account shall include the cost of fuel used in the
production of steam for the generation of electricity, including
expenses in unloading fuel from the shipping media and handling thereof
up to the point where the fuel enters the first boiler plant bunker,
hopper, bucket, tank, or holder of the boiler-house structure. Records
shall be maintained to show the quantity, B.t.u. content and cost of
each type of fuel used.
B. The cost of fuel shall be charged initially to Account 151, Fuel
Stock, and cleared to this account on the basis of the fuel used. Fuel
handling expenses may be charged to this account as incurred or charged
initially to Account 152, Fuel Stock Expenses Undistributed. In the
latter event, they shall be cleared to this account on the basis of the
fuel used. Respective amounts of fuel stock and fuel stock expenses
shall be readily available.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising, purchasing, and handling of fuel.
2. All routine fuel analyses.
3. Unloading from shipping facility and placing in storage.
4. Moving of fuel in storage and transferring fuel from one station
to another.
5. Handling from storage or shipping facility to first bunker,
hopper, bucket, tank, or holder of boiler-house structure.
6. Operation of mechanical equipment, such as locomotives, trucks,
cars, boats, barges, and cranes.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor
[[Page 100]]
costs charged herein or, in the absence of specific employee
identification, the portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated
on the more equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct
labor hours, applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Operating, maintenance, and depreciation expenses and ad valorem
taxes on utility-owned transportation equipment used to transport fuel
from the point of acquisition to the unloading point.
2. Lease or rental costs of transportation equipment used to
transport fuel from the point of acquisition to the unloading point.
3. Cost of fuel including freight, switching, demurrage, and other
transportation charges.
4. Excise taxes, insurance, purchasing commissions, and similar
items.
5. Stores expenses to extent applicable to fuel.
6. Transportation and other expenses in moving fuel in storage.
7. Tools, lubricants, and other supplies.
8. Operating supplies for mechanical equipment.
9. Residual disposal expenses less any proceeds from sale of
residuals.
Note: Abnormal fuel handling expenses occasioned by emergency
conditions shall be charged to expense as incurred.
502 Steam Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in production of steam for electric generation. This includes
all expenses of handling and preparing fuel beginning at the point where
the fuel enters the first boiler plant bunker, hopper, tank, or holder
of the boiler-house structure.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising steam production.
2. Operating fuel conveying, storage, weighing, and processing
equipment within boiler plant.
3. Operating boiler and boiler auxiliary equipment.
4. Operating boiler feed water purification and treatment equipment.
5. Operating ash-collecting and disposal equipment located inside
the plant.
6. Operating boiler plant electrical equipment.
7. Keeping boiler plant log and records and preparing reports on
boiler plant operations.
8. Testing boiler water.
9. Testing, checking, and adjusting meters, gauges, and other
instruments and equipment in boiler plant.
10. Cleaning boiler plant equipment when not incidental to
maintenance work.
11. Repacking glands and replacing gauge glasses where the work
involved is of a minor nature and is performed by regular operating
crews. Where the work is of a major character, such as that performed on
high-
[[Page 101]]
pressure boilers, the item should be considered as maintenance.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Chemicals and boiler inspection fees.
2. Lubricants.
3. Boiler feed water purchased and pumping supplies.
503 Steam from Other Sources
This account shall include the cost of steam purchased or
transferred from another department of the utility or from others under
a joint facility operating arrangement for use in prime movers devoted
to the production of electricity.
Note: The records shall be so kept as to show separately for each
company from which stem is purchased, the point of delivery, the
quantity, the price, and the total charge. When steam is transferred
from another department or from others under a joint operating
arrangement, the utility shall be prepared to show full details of the
cost of producing such steam, the basis of the charge to electric
generation, and the extent and manner of use by each department or party
involved.
504 Steam Transferred--Credit
A. This account shall include credits for expenses of producing
steam which are charged to others or to other utility departments under
a joint operating arrangement. Include also credits for steam expenses
chargeable to other electric accounts outside of the steam generation
group. Full details of the basis of determination of the cost of steam
transferred shall be maintained.
B. If the charges to others or to other departments of the utility
include an amount for depreciation, taxes, and return on the joint steam
facilities, such portion of the charge shall be credited, in the case of
others, to Account 454, Rent from Electric Property, and in the case of
other departments of the utility, to Account 455, Interdepartmental
Rents.
505 Electric Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, and materials used, and expenses
incurred in operating prime movers, generators, and their auxiliary
apparatus, switch gear, and other electric equipment to the points where
electricity leaves for conversion for transmission or distribution.
[[Page 102]]
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising electric production.
2. Operating turbines, engines, generators, and exciters.
3. Operating condensers, circulating water systems, and other
auxiliary apparatus.
4. Operating generator cooling system.
5. Operating lubrication and oil control system, including oil
purification.
6. Operating switchboards, switch gear and electric control, and
protective equipment.
7. Keeping electric plant log and records and preparing reports on
electric plant operations.
8. Testing, checking, and adjusting meters, gauges, and other
instruments, relays, controls, and other equipment in the electric
plant.
9. Cleaning electric plant equipment when not incidental to
maintenance work.
10. Repacking glands and replacing gauge glasses.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Taxes.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Lubricants and control system oils.
2. Generator cooling gases.
3. Circulating water purification supplies.
4. Cooling water purchased.
5. Motor and generator brushes.
506 Miscellaneous Steam Power Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and materials used and expenses incurred which are not specifically
provided for or not readily assignable to other steam generation
operation expense accounts.
Items
Labor:
1. General clerical and stenographic work.
2. Guarding and patrolling plant and yard.
3. Building service.
4. Care of grounds including snow removal, and grass cutting.
5. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct
[[Page 103]]
labor dollars or direct labor hours, applicable to the labor items
detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. General operating supplies, such as tools, gaskets, packing
waste, gauge glasses, hose, indicating lamps, record and report forms.
2. First-aid supplies and safety equipment.
3. Employees' service facilities expenses.
4. Building service supplies.
5. Communication service.
6. Miscellaneous office supplies and expenses, printing, and
stationery.
7. Transportation expenses.
8. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
9. Research, development, and demonstration expenses.
507 Rents
This account shall include all rents of property of others used,
occupied or operated in connection with steam power generation. (See
Sec. 1767.17 (c).)
509 Allowances
This account shall include the cost of allowances expensed
concurrent with the monthly emission of sulfur dioxide. (See Sec.
1767.15 (u).)
(Maintenance)
510 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of
maintenance of steam generation facilities. Direct field supervision of
specific jobs shall be charged to the appropriate maintenance account.
(See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
511 Maintenance of Structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and materials used and expenses incurred in the maintenance of steam
structures, the book cost of which is includible in Account 311,
Structures and Improvements. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
512 Maintenance of Boiler Plant
A. This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions
and benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and
damages, and materials used and expenses incurred in the maintenance of
steam plant, the book cost of which is includible in Account 312, Boiler
Plant Equipment. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
B. For the purpose of making charges hereto and to Account 513,
Maintenance of Electric Plant, the point at which steam plant is
distinguished from electric plant is defined as follows:
1. Inlet flange of throttle valve on prime mover.
2. Flange of all steam extraction lines on prime mover.
3. Hotwell pump outlet on condensate lines.
4. Inlet flange of all turbine-room auxiliaries.
5. Connection to line side of motor starter for all boiler-plant
equipment.
513 Maintenance of Electric Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and
[[Page 104]]
damages, and materials used and expenses incurred in the maintenance of
electric plant, the book cost of which is includible in Account 313,
Engines and Engine-Driven Generators; Account 314, Turbogenerator Units;
and Account 315, Accessory Electric Equipment. (See Sec. 1767.17(b) and
Paragraph B of Account 512.)
514 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Steam Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and materials used and expenses incurred in maintenance of miscellaneous
steam generation plant, the book cost of which is includible in Account
316, Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
Nuclear Power Generation
(Operation)
517 Operation Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
operation of nuclear power generating stations. Direct supervision of
specific activities, such as fuel handling, reactor operations, and
generator operations shall be charged to the appropriate account. (See
Sec. 1767.17(a).)
518 Nuclear Fuel Expense
A. This account shall be debited and Account 120.5, Accumulated
Provision for Amortization of Nuclear Fuel Assemblies, credited for the
amortization of the net cost of nuclear fuel assemblies used in the
production of energy. The net cost of nuclear fuel assemblies subject to
amortization shall be the cost of nuclear fuel assemblies plus or less
the expected net salvage of uranium, plutonium, and other byproducts and
unburned fuel. The utility shall adopt the necessary procedures to
assure that charges to this account are distributed according to the
thermal energy produced in such periods.
B. This account shall also include the costs involved when fuel is
leased.
C. This account shall also include the cost of other fuels, used for
ancillary steam facilities, including superheat.
D. This account shall be debited or credited as appropriate for
significant changes in the amounts estimated as the net salvage value of
uranium, plutonium, and other byproducts contained in Account 157,
Nuclear Materials Held for Sale, and the amount realized upon the final
disposition of the materials. Significant declines in the estimated
realizable value of items carried in Account 157 may be recognized at
the time of market price declines by charging this account and crediting
Account 157. When the declining change occurs while the fuel is recorded
in Account 120.3, Nuclear Fuel Assemblies in Reactor, the effect shall
be amortized over the remaining life of the fuel.
519 Coolants and Water
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, and materials used and expenses
incurred for heat transfer materials and water used for steam and
cooling purposes.
Items
Labor:
1. Operation of water supply facilities.
2. Handling of coolants and heat transfer materials.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Taxes.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
[[Page 105]]
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Chemicals.
2. Additions to or refining of fluids used in reactor systems.
3. Lubricants.
4. Pumping supplies and expenses.
5. Miscellaneous supplies and expenses.
6. Purchased water.
Note: Do not include in this account water for general station use
or the initial charge for coolants, heat transfer, or moderator fluids,
chemicals, or other supplies capitalized.
520 Steam Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, and materials used and expenses
incurred in production of steam through nuclear processes, and similar
expenses for operation of any auxiliary superheat facilities.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising steam production.
2. Fuel handling including removal, insertion, disassembly, and
preparation for cooling operations and shipment.
3. Testing instruments and gauges.
4. Health, safety, monitoring, and decontamination activities.
5. Waste disposal.
6. Operating steam boilers and auxiliary steam, superheat
facilities.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
[[Page 106]]
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Chemical supplies.
2. Charts and logs.
3. Health, safety, monitoring, and decontamination supplies.
4. Boiler inspection fees.
5. Lubricants.
521 Steam from Other Sources
This account shall include the cost of steam purchased or
transferred from another department of the utility or from others under
a joint facility operating arrangement for use in prime movers devoted
to the production of electricity.
Note: The records shall be so kept as to show separately for each
company from which steam is purchased, the point of delivery, the
quantity, the price, and the total charge. When steam is transferred
from another operating department, the utility shall be prepared to show
full details of the cost of producing such steam, the basis of the
charges to electric generation, and the extent and manner of use by each
department involved.
522 Steam Transferred--Credit
A. This account shall include credits for expenses of producing
steam which are charged to others or to other utility departments under
a joint operating arrangement. Include also credits for steam expenses
chargeable to other electric accounts outside of the steam generation
group. Full details of the basis of determination of the cost of steam
transferred shall be maintained.
B. If the charges to others or to other departments of the utility
include an amount for depreciation, taxes, and return on the joint steam
facilities, such portion of the charge shall be credited in the case of
others, to Account 454, Rent from Electric Property, and in the case of
other departments of the utility, to Account 455, Interdepartmental
Rents.
523 Electric Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in operating turbogenerators, steam turbines and their
auxiliary apparatus, switch gear, and other electric equipment to the
points where electricity leaves for conversion for transmission or
distribution.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising electric production.
2. Operating turbines, engines, generators, and exciters.
3. Operating condensers, circulating water systems, and other
auxiliary apparatus.
4. Operating generator cooling system.
5. Operating lubrication and oil control system, including oil
purification.
6. Operating switchboards, switch gear, and electric control and
protective equipment.
7. Keeping plant log and records and preparing reports on electric
plant operations.
8. Testing, checking and adjusting meters, gauges, and other
instruments, relays, controls, and other equipment in the electric
plant.
9. Cleaning electric plant equipment when not incidental to
maintenance.
10. Repacking glands and replacing gauge glasses.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
[[Page 107]]
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Lubricants and control system oils.
2. Generator cooling gases.
3. Log sheets and charts.
4. Motor and generator brushes.
524 Miscellaneous Nuclear Power Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred which are not specifically
provided for or are not readily assignable to other nuclear generation
operation accounts.
Items
Labor:
1. General clerical and stenographic work.
2. Plant security.
3. Building service.
4. Care of grounds, including snow removal, and grass cutting
5. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. General operating supplies, such as tools, gaskets, hose,
indicating lamps, records and reports forms.
2. First-aid supplies and safety equipment.
3. Employees' service facilities expenses.
4. Building service supplies.
5. Communication service.
6. Miscellaneous office supplies and expenses, printing and
stationery.
7. Transportation expenses.
8. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
9. Research, development, and demonstration expenses.
525 Rents
This account shall include all rents of property of others used,
occupied, or operated in connection with nuclear generation. (See Sec.
1767.17 (c).)
[[Page 108]]
(Maintenance)
528 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of
maintenance of nuclear generation facilities. Direct field supervision
of specific jobs shall be charged to the appropriate maintenance
account. (See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
529 Maintenance of Structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of structures,
the book cost of which is includible in Account 321, Structures and
Improvements. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
530 Maintenance of Reactor Plant Equipment
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of reactor
plant, the book cost of which is includible in Account 322, Reactor
Plant Equipment. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
531 Maintenance of Electric Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of electric
plant, the book cost of which is includible in Account 323,
Turbogenerator Units, and Account 324, Accessory Electric Equipment.
(See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
532 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Nuclear Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of miscellaneous
nuclear generating plant, the book cost of which is includible in
Account 325, Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment. (See Sec.
1767.17(b).)
Hydraulic Power Generation
(Operation)
535 Operation Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
operation of hydraulic power generating stations. Direct supervision of
specific activities, such as hydraulic operation, and generator
operation shall be charged to the appropriate account. (See Sec.
1767.17(a).)
536 Water for Power
This account shall include the cost of water used for hydraulic
power generation.
Items
1. Cost of water purchased from others, including water tolls paid
reservoir companies.
2. Periodic payments for licenses or permits from any governmental
agency for water rights, or payments based on the use of the water.
3. Periodic payments for riparian rights.
4. Periodic payments for headwater benefits or for detriments to
others.
5. Cloud seeding.
537 Hydraulic Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in operating hydraulic works including reservoirs, dams, and
waterways, and in activities directly relating to the hydroelectric
development outside the generating station. It shall also include the
cost of labor, materials used, and other expenses incurred in connection
with the operation of (1) fish and wildlife, and (2) recreation
facilities. Separate subaccounts shall be maintained for each of the
above.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising hydraulic operation.
2. Removing debris and ice from trash racks, reservoirs, and
waterways.
3. Patrolling reservoirs and waterways.
4. Operating intakes, spillways, sluiceways, and outlet works.
5. Operating bubbler, heater, or other deicing systems.
6. Ice and log jam work.
7. Operating navigation facilities.
8. Operations relating to conservation of game, fish, and forests.
9. Insect control activities.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion
[[Page 109]]
of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more equitable basis
of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours, applicable to the
labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Insect control materials.
2. Lubricants, packing, and other supplies used in the operation of
hydraulic equipment.
3. Transportation expense.
538 Electric Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in operating prime movers, generators, and their auxiliary
apparatus, switchgear, and other electric equipment, to the point where
electricity leaves for conversion for transmission or distribution.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising electric production.
2. Operating prime movers, generators, and auxiliary equipment.
3. Operating generator cooling system.
4. Operating lubrication and oil control systems, including oil
purification.
5. Operating switchboards, switchgear, and electric control and
protection equipment.
6. Keeping plant log and records and preparing reports on plant
operations.
7. Testing, checking and adjusting meters, gauges, and other
instruments, relays, controls, and other equipment in the plant.
8. Cleaning plant equipment when not incidental to maintenance work.
9. Repacking glands.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
[[Page 110]]
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Lubricants and control system oils.
2. Motor and generator brushes.
539 Miscellaneous Hydraulic Power Generation Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred which are not specifically
provided for or are not readily assignable to other hydraulic generation
operation expense accounts.
Items
Labor:
1. General clerical and stenographic work.
2. Guarding and patrolling plant and yard.
3. Building service.
4. Care of grounds including snow removal, and grass cutting.
5. Snow removal from roads and bridges.
6. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. General operating supplies, such as tools, gaskets, packing,
waste, hose, indicating lamps, record and report forms.
2. First-aid supplies and safety equipment.
3. Employees' service facilities expenses.
[[Page 111]]
4. Building service supplies.
5. Communication service.
6. Office supplies, printing and stationery.
7. Transportation expenses.
8. Fuel.
9. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
10. Research, development, and demonstration expenses.
540 Rents
This account shall include all rents of property of others used,
occupied, or operated in connection with hydraulic power generation,
including amounts payable to the United States for the occupancy of
public lands and reservations for reservoirs, dams, flumes, forebays,
penstocks, and power houses but not including transmission right-of-way.
(See Sec. 1767.17 (c).)
(Maintenance)
541 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
maintenance of hydraulic power generating stations. Direct field
supervision of specific jobs shall be charged to the appropriate
maintenance account. (See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
542 Maintenance of Structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of hydraulic
structures, the book cost of which is includible in Account 331,
Structures and Improvements. (See Sec. 1767.17 (b).) However, the cost
of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of
fish and wildlife and recreation facilities, the book cost of which is
includible in Account 331, Structures and Improvements, shall be charged
to Account 545, Maintenance of Miscellaneous Hydraulic Plant.
543 Maintenance of Reservoirs, Dams, and Waterways
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of plant includible
in Account 332, Reservoirs, Dams, and Waterways. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
However, the cost of labor, materials used, and expenses incurred in the
maintenance of fish and wildlife and recreation facilities, the book
cost of which is includible in Account 332, Reservoirs, Dams, and
Waterways, shall be charged to Account 545, Maintenance of Miscellaneous
Hydraulic Plant.
544 Maintenance of Electric Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of plant includible
in Account 333, Water Wheels, Turbines and Generators, and Account 334,
Accessory Electric Equipment, (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
545 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Hydraulic Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of plant, the book
cost of which is includible in Account 335, Miscellaneous Power Plant
Equipment, and Account 336, Roads Railroads and Bridges. (See Sec.
1767.17(b).) It shall also include the cost of labor, materials used,
and other expenses incurred in the maintenance of (1) fish and wildlife,
and (2) recreation facilities. Separate subaccounts shall be maintained
for each of the above.
Other Power Generation
(Operation)
546 Operation Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
operation of other power generating stations. Direct supervision of
specific activities, such as fuel handling and engine and generator
operation shall be charged to the appropriate account. (See Sec.
1767.17(a).)
547 Fuel
This account shall include the cost delivered at the station (See
Account 151, Fuel Stock) of all fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, and
gasoline used in other power generation.
548 Generation Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in operating prime movers, generators, and electric equipment
in other power generating stations, to the point where electricity
leaves for conversion for transmission or distribution.
Items
Labor:
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1. Supervising other power generation operation.
2. Operating prime movers, generators, and auxiliary apparatus and
switching and other electric equipment.
3. Keeping plant log and records and preparing reports on plant
operations.
4. Testing, checking, cleaning, oiling, and adjusting equipment.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Dynamo, motor, and generator brushes.
2. Lubricants and control system oils.
3. Water for cooling engines and generators.
549 Miscellaneous Other Power Generation Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the operation of other power
generating stations which are not specifically provided for or are not
readily assignable to other generation expense accounts.
Items
Labor:
1. General clerical and stenographic work.
2. Guarding and patrolling plant and yard.
3. Building service.
4. Care of grounds, including snow removal, and grass cutting.
5. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result
[[Page 113]]
of occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Building service supplies.
2. First-aid supplies and safety equipment.
3. Communication service.
4. Employees' service facilities expenses.
5. Office supplies, printing and stationery.
6. Transportation expense.
7. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
8. Fuel for heating.
9. Water for fire protection or general use.
10. Miscellaneous supplies, such as hand tools, drills, saw blades,
and files.
11. Research, development, and demonstration expenses.
550 Rents
This account shall include all rents of property of others used,
occupied, or operated in connection with other power generation. (See
Sec. 1767.17 (c).)
(Maintenance)
551 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
maintenance of other power generating stations. Direct field supervision
of specific jobs shall be charged to the appropriate maintenance
account. (See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
552 Maintenance of Structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of facilities used
and expenses incurred in maintenance of facilities used in other power
generation, the book cost of which is includible in Account 341,
Structures and Improvements, and Account 342, Fuel Holders, Producers
and Accessories. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
553 Maintenance of Generating and Electric Equipment
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of plant, the book
cost of which is includible in Account 343, Prime Movers; Account 344,
Generators; and Account 345, Accessory Electric Equipment. (See Sec.
1767.17(b).)
554 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Other Power Generation Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of other power
generation plant, the book cost of which is includible in Account 346,
Miscellaneous Power Plant Equipment. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
Other Power Supply Expenses
555 Purchased Power
A. This account shall include the cost at point of receipt by the
utility of electricity purchased for resale. It shall also include, net
settlements for exchange of electricity or power, such as economy
energy, off-peak energy for on-peak energy, and spinning reserve
capacity. In addition, the account shall include the net settlements for
transactions under pooling or interconnection agreements wherein there
is a balancing of debits and credits for energy, or capacity. Distinct
purchases and sales shall not be recorded as exchanges and net amounts
only recorded merely because debit and credit amounts are combined in
the voucher settlement.
B. The records supporting this account shall show, by months, the
demands and demand charges, kilowatt-hours and prices thereof under each
purchase contract and the charges and credits under each exchange or
power pooling contract.
Note: The records supporting this account shall provide information
pertaining to the
[[Page 114]]
purchase of power from renewable energy sources.
556 System Control and Load Dispatching
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, and expenses incurred in load
dispatching activities for system control. Utilities having an
interconnected electric system or operating under a central authority
which controls the production and dispatching of electricity may
apportion these costs to this account and transmission expense Account
561.1 through 561.4, and Account 581, Load Dispatching--Distribution.
Items
Labor:
1. Allocating loads to plants and interconnections with others.
2. Directing switching.
3. Arranging and controlling clearances for construction,
maintenance, test, and emergency purposes.
4. Controlling system voltages.
5. Recording loadings, and water conditions.
6. Preparing operating reports and data for billing and budget
purposes.
7. Obtaining reports on the weather and special events.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Expenses:
1. Communication service provided for system control purposes.
2. System record and report forms.
3. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
4. Obtaining weather and special events reports.
557 Other Expenses
A. This account shall be charged with any production expenses
including expenses incurred directly in connection with the purchase of
electricity, which are not specifically provided for in other production
expense accounts. Charges to this account shall be supported so that a
description of each type of charge will be readily available.
B. Recoveries from insurance companies, under use and occupancy
provisions of policies, of amounts in reimbursement of excessive or
added productions costs for which the insurance company is liable under
the terms of the policy shall be credited to this account.
[[Page 115]]
Transmission Expenses
(Operation)
560 Operation Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
operation of the transmission system as a whole. Direct supervision of
specific activities, such as station operation and line operation shall
be charged to the appropriate account. (See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
561.1 Load Dispatch--Reliability
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred by a regional transmission service provider or other
transmission provider to manage the reliability coordination function as
specified by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) and
individual reliability organizations. These activities shall include
performing current and next day reliability analysis. This account shall
include the costs incurred to calculate load forecasts, and performing
contingency analysis.
561.2 Load Dispatch--Monitor and Operate Transmission System
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred by a regional transmission service provider or other
transmission provider to monitor, assess and operate the power system
and individual transmission facilities in real-time to maintain safe and
reliable operation of the transmission system. This account shall also
include the expense incurred to manage transmission facilities to
maintain system reliability and to monitor real-time flows and direct
actions according to regional plans and tariffs if necessary.
Items
1. Receive and analyze outage requests
2. Reschedule outage plans
3. Monitor solution quality field data values, providing model updates
to NERC and coordinating network model changes across all
systems
4. Conduct operating training related to NERC Certification
5. Monitor generation resources and communicate expected dispatch
actions
6. Ensure ancillary service requirements are met
7. Directing switching
8. Controlling system voltages
9. Obtaining reports on the weather and special events
10. Preparing operating reports and data for billing and budget purposes
561.3 Load Dispatch--Transmission Service and Scheduling
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred by a regional transmission service provider or other
transmission provider to process hourly, daily, weekly and monthly
transmission service requests using an automated system such as an Open
Access Same-Time Information System (OASIS). It shall include the
expenses incurred to operate the automated transmission service request
system and to monitor the status of all scheduled energy transactions.
561.4 Scheduling, System Control and Dispatching Services
This account shall include the costs billed to the transmission
owner, load serving entity or generator for scheduling, system control
and dispatching service. Include in this account service billings for
system control to maintain the reliability of the transmission area in
accordance with reliability standards, maintaining defined voltage
profiles, and monitoring operations of the transmission facilities.
561.5 Reliability, Planning and Standards Development
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred for the system planning of the interconnected bulk electric
transmission system within a planning authority area.
Items
1. Developing and maintaining transmission system models to evaluate
transmission system performance.
2. Maintaining and applying methodologies and tools for the analysis
and simulation of the transmission systems for the assessment and
development of transmission expansion plans.
3. Assessing, developing and documenting transmission expansion
plans.
4. Maintaining transmission system models (steady-state, dynamics,
and short circuit).
5. Collecting transmission information and transmission facility
characteristics and ratings.
[[Page 116]]
6. Notifying participants of any planned transmission changes that
may impact their facilities.
7. Developing and reporting on transmission expansion plans for
assessment and compliance with reliability standards.
8. Developing reliability standards for the planning and operation
of the interconnected bulk electric transmission systems that serve the
United States, Canada and Mexico.
9. Developing criteria and certification procedures for reliability
authorities, transmission operators and others.
10. Outside services employed.
Note: The cost of supervision, customer records and collection
expenses, administrative and general salaries, regulatory commission
expenses, general advertising, and rents shall be charged to the
customer accounts, service, administrative and general expense accounts
contained in the Uniform System of Accounts.
561.6 Transmission Service Studies
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred to conduct generation interconnection studies for proposed
interconnections with the transmission system. Detailed records shall be
maintained for each study undertaken and all reimbursements received for
conducting such a study.
561.7 Generation Interconnection Studies
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred to conduct generation interconnection studies for proposed
interconnections with the transmission system. Detailed records shall be
maintained for each study undertaken and all reimbursements received for
conducting such a study.
561.8 Reliability Planning and Standards Development Services
This account shall include the costs billed to the transmission
owner, load serving entity, or generator for system planning of the
interconnected bulk electric transmission service provider for system
reliability and resource panning to develop long-term strategies to meet
customer demand and energy requirements. This account shall also include
fees and expenses for outside services incurred by the regional
transmission service provider and billed to the load serving entity,
transmission owner or generator.
562 Station Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in operating transmission substations and switching stations.
If transmission station equipment is located in or adjacent to a
generating station, the expenses applicable to transmission station
operations shall nevertheless be charged to this account.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising station operation.
2. Adjusting station equipment where such adjustment primarily
affects performance, such as regulating the flow of cooling water,
adjusting current in fields of a machine or changing voltage of
regulators, changing station transformer taps.
3. Inspecting, testing, and calibrating station equipment for the
purpose of checking its performance.
4. Keeping station log and records and preparing records on station
operation.
5. Operating switching and other station equipment.
6. Standing watch, guarding, and patrolling station and station
yard.
7. Sweeping, mopping, and tidying station.
8. Care of grounds, including snow removal, and grass cutting.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
[[Page 117]]
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Building service expenses.
2. Operating supplies, such as lubricants, commutator brushes,
water, and rubber goods.
3. Station meter and instrument supplies, such as ink and charts.
4. Station record and report forms.
5. Tool expense.
6. Transportation expenses.
7. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
563 Overhead Line Expenses
564 Underground Line Expenses
A. These accounts shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions
and benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and
damages, property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and
expenses incurred in the operation of transmission lines.
B. If the expenses are not substantial for both overhead and
underground lines, these accounts may be combined.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising line operation.
2. Inspecting and testing lightning arresters, circuit breakers,
switches, and grounds.
3. Load tests of circuits.
4. Routine line patrolling.
5. Routine voltage surveys made to determine the condition or
efficiency of transmission system.
6. Transferring loads, switching and reconnecting circuits and
equipment for operating purposes. (Switching for construction or
maintenance purposes is not includible in this account.)
7. Routine inspection and cleaning of manholes, conduit, network,
and transformer vaults.
8. Electrolysis surveys.
9. Inspecting and adjusting line-testing equipment, such as
voltmeters, ammeters, and wattmeters.
10. Regulation and addition of oil or gas in high-voltage cable
systems.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
[[Page 118]]
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Transportation expenses.
2. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
3. Tool expenses.
4. Operating supplies, such as instrument charts, and rubber goods.
565 Transmission of Electricity by Others
This account shall include amounts payable to others for the
transmission of the utility's electricity over transmission facilities
owned by others.
566 Miscellaneous Transmission Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damage,
materials used, and expenses incurred in transmission map and record
work, transmission office expenses, and other transmission expenses not
provided for elsewhere.
Items
Labor:
1. General records of physical characteristics of lines and
stations, such as capacities.
2. Ground resistance records.
3. Janitor work at transmission office buildings, including care of
grounds, snow removal, and grass cutting.
4. Joint pole maps and records.
5. Line load and voltage records.
6. Preparing maps and prints.
7. General clerical and stenographic work.
8. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
[[Page 119]]
Materials and Expenses:
1. Communication service.
2. Building service supplies.
3. Map and record supplies.
4. Transmission office supplies and expenses, printing and
stationery.
5. First-aid supplies.
6. Research, development, and demonstration expenses.
567 Rents
This account shall include rents of property of others used,
occupied, or operated in connection with the transmission system,
including payments to the United States and others for use of public or
private lands and reservations for transmission line rights-of-way. (See
Sec. 1767.17 (c).)
(Maintenance)
568 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of
maintenance of the transmission system. Direct field supervision of
specific jobs shall be charged to the appropriate maintenance account.
(See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
569 Maintenance of Structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of structures,
the book cost of which is includible in Account 352, Structures and
Improvements. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
569.1 Maintenance of Computer Hardware
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used and expenses incurred in the maintenance of computer
hardware serving the transmission function.
569.2 Maintenance of Computer Software
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used and expenses incurred for annual computer software
license renewals, annual software update services and the cost of
ongoing support for software products serving the transmission function.
Items
1. Telephone Support
2. Onsite support
3. Software updates and minor revisions
569.3 Maintenance of Communication Equipment
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used and expenses incurred in the maintenance of communication
equipment serving the transmission function.
569.4 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Regional Transmission Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used and expenses incurred in the maintenance of miscellaneous
regional transmission plant serving the transmission function.
570 Maintenance of Station Equipment
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of station
equipment, the book cost of which is includible in Account 353, Station
Equipment. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
571 Maintenance of Overhead Lines
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of transmission
plant, the book cost of which is includible in Accounts 354, Towers and
Fixtures; 355, Poles and Fixtures; 356, Overhead Conductors and Devices;
and 359, Roads and Trails. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
Items
1. Work of the following character on poles, towers, and fixtures:
a. Installing or removing additional clamps or strain insulators on
guys in place.
b. Moving line or guy pole in relocation of the same pole or section
of line.
c. Painting poles, towers, crossarms, or pole extensions.
d. Readjusting and changing position of guys or braces.
e. Realigning and straightening poles, crossarms braces, and other
pole fixtures.
f. Reconditioning reclaimed pole fixtures.
g. Relocating crossarms, racks, brackets, and other fixtures on
poles.
h. Repairing or realigning pins, racks, or brackets.
i. Repairing pole supported platform.
j. Repairs by others to jointly owned poles.
k. Shaving, cutting rot, or testing poles or crossarms in use or
salvaged for reuse.
l. Stubbing poles already in service.
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m. Supporting fixtures and conductors and transferring them to new
poles during pole replacements.
n. Maintenance of pole signs, stencils, and tags.
2. Work of the following character on overhead conductors and
devices:
a. Overhauling and repairing line cutouts, line switches, and line
breakers.
b. Cleaning insulators and bushings.
c. Refusing cutouts.
d. Repairing line oil circuit breakers and associated relays and
control wiring.
e. Repairing grounds.
f. Resagging, retyping, or rearranging position or spacing of
conductors.
g. Standing by phones, going to calls, cutting faulty lines clear,
or similar activities at times of emergencies.
h. Sampling, testing, changing, purifying, and replenishing
insulating oil.
i. Repairing line testing equipment.
j. Transferring loads, switching and reconnecting circuits and
equipment for maintenance purposes.
k. Trimming trees and clearing brush.
l. Chemical treatment of right of way areas when occurring
subsequent to construction of line.
3. Work of the following character on roads and trails:
a. Repairing roadways and bridges.
b. Trimming trees and brush to maintain previous roadway clearance.
c. Snow removal from roads and trails.
d. Maintenance work on publicly owned roads and trails when done by
utility at its expense.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital services and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
572 Maintenance of Underground Lines
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of transmission
plant, the book cost of which is includible in Accounts 357, Underground
Conduit, and Account 358, Underground Conductors and Devices. (See Sec.
1767.17(b).)
Items
1. Work of the following character on underground conduit:
a. Cleaning ducts, manholes, and sewer connections.
b. Minor alterations of handholes, manholes, or vaults.
c. Refastening, repairing, or moving racks, ladders, hangers in
manholes, or vaults.
d. Plugging and shelving or replugging ducts.
e. Repairs to sewers and drains, walls and floors, rings and covers.
2. Work of the following character on underground conductors and
devices:
a. Repairing oil circuit breakers, switches, cutouts, and control
wiring.
b. Repairing grounds.
c. Retraining and reconnecting cables in manholes, including
transfer of cables from one duct to another.
d. Repairing conductors and splices.
e. Repairing or moving junction boxes and potheads.
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f. Refireproofing of cables and repairing supports.
g. Repairing electrolysis preventive devices for cables.
h. Repairing cable bonding systems.
i. Sampling, testing, changing, purifying, and replenishing
insulating oil.
j. Transferring loads, switching and reconnecting circuits, and
equipment for maintenance purposes.
k. Repairing line testing equipment.
l. Repairs to oil or gas equipment in high-voltage cable system and
replacement of oil or gas.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
573 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Transmission Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of owned or leased
plant which is assignable to transmission operations and is not provided
for elsewhere. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
Regional Market Expenses
(Operational)
575.1 Operation Supervision
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
regional energy markets.
575.2 Day-Ahead and Real-Time Market Administration
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred to facilitate the Day-Ahead and Real-Time markets.
This account shall also include the costs incurred to manage the real-
time deployment of resources to meet generation needs and to provide
capacity adequacy verification. Include in this account the costs
incurred to maintain related sections of the tariff, market rules,
operating procedures, and standards and coordinating with neighboring
areas.
Items
1. Consultant fees and expenses
2. System record and report forms
3. Meals, traveling and incidental expenses
Note: The cost of supervision, customer records and collection
expenses, administrative and general salaries, regulatory commission
expenses, general advertising, and rents shall be charged to the
customer accounts, service, administrative and general expense accounts
contained in the Uniform System of Accounts.
575.3 Transmission Rights Market Administration
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred to manage
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the allocation and auction of transmission rights.
575.4 Capacity Market Administration
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred to manage the allocation of capacity rights.
575.5 Ancillary Services Market Administration
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred to manage all other ancillary services market
functions
575.6 Market Monitoring and Compliance
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred to review market data and operational decisions
for compliance with market rules. It shall also include the costs
incurred to interface with external market monitors.
575.7 Market Administration, Monitoring and Compliance Services
This account shall include the cost billed to the transmission
owner, load serving entity or generator for market administration,
monitoring and compliance services.
575.8 Rents
This account shall include all rents of property of others used,
occupied, or operated in connection with market administration and
monitoring. (See Sec. 1767.17(c).) (Maintenance)
576.1 Maintenance of Structures and Improvements
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the maintenance of structures used in market
administration and monitoring. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
576.2 Maintenance of Computer Hardware
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the maintenance of computer hardware used in
market administration and monitoring.
576.3 Maintenance of Computer Software
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred for annual computer software license renewals,
annual software update services and the cost of ongoing support for
software products used in market administration and monitoring.
Items
1. Telephone support
2. Onsite support
3. Software updates and minor revisions
576.4 Maintenance of Communication Equipment
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the maintenance of communication equipment used
in market administration and monitoring.
576.5 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Market Operation Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the maintenance of miscellaneous market
operation plant used in market administration and monitoring.
Distribution Expenses
(Operation)
580 Operation Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of the
operation of the distribution system. Direct supervision of specific
activities, such as station operation, line operation, and meter
department operation shall be charged to the appropriate account. (See
Sec. 1767.17(a).)
581 Load Dispatching
This account (the keeping of which is optional with the utility)
shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and benefits, social
security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages, property
insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses incurred in load
dispatching operations pertaining to the distribution of electricity.
Items
Labor:
1. Direct switching.
2. Arranging and controlling clearances for construction,
maintenance, test, and emergency purposes.
3. Controlling system voltages.
4. Preparing operating reports.
5. Obtaining reports on the weather and special events.
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Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Expenses:
1. Communication service provided for system control purposes.
2. System record and report forms.
3. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
582 Station Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in the operation of distribution substations.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising station operation.
2. Adjusting station equipment where such adjustment primarily
affects performance, such as regulating the flow of cooling water,
adjusting current in fields of a machine, changing voltage of
regulators, or changing station transformer taps.
3. Keeping station log and records and preparing reports on station
operation.
4. Inspecting, testing, and calibrating station equipment for the
purpose of checking its performance.
5. Operating switching and other station equipment.
6. Standing watch, guarding, and patrolling station and station
yard.
7. Sweeping, mopping, and tidying station.
8. Care of grounds, including snow removal, and grass cutting.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
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5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Building service expenses.
2. Operating, supplies, such as lubricants, commutator brushes,
water, and rubber goods.
3. Station meter and instrument supplies, such as ink and charts.
4. Station record and report forms.
5. Tool expense.
6. Transportation expense.
7. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
Note: If the utility owns storage battery equipment used for
supplying electricity to customers in periods of emergency, the cost of
operating labor and of supplies, such as acid, gloves, hydrometers,
thermometers, soda, automatic cell fillers, and acid proof shoes shall
be included in this account. If significant in amount, a separate
subdivision shall be maintained for such expenses.
583 Overhead Line Expenses
584 Underground Line Expenses
These accounts shall include, respectively, the cost of labor,
employee pensions and benefits, social security and other payroll taxes,
injuries and damages, property insurance, property taxes, materials
used, and expenses incurred in the operation of overhead and underground
distribution lines.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising line operation.
2. Changing line transformer taps.
3. Inspecting and testing lightning arresters, line circuit
breakers, switches, and grounds.
4. Inspecting and testing line transformers for the purpose of
determining load, temperature, or operation performance.
5. Patrolling lines.
6. Load tests and voltage surveys of feeders, circuits, and line
transformers.
7. Removing line transformers and voltage regulators with or without
replacement.
8. Installing line transformers or voltage regulators with or
without change in capacity provided that the cost of first installation
of these items is included in Account 368, Line Transformers.
9. Voltage surveys, either routine or upon request of customers,
including voltage tests at customer's main switch.
10. Transferring loads, switching and reconnecting circuits and
equipment for operation purpose.
11. Electrolysis surveys.
12. Inspecting and adjusting line testing equipment.
Taxes:
1. Federal and State unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A,
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
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4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Tool expense.
2. Transportation expense.
3. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
4. Operating supplies, such as instrument charts, and rubber goods.
585 Street Lighting and Signal System Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in: (1) The operation of street lighting and signal system
plant which is owned or leased by the utility; and (2) the operation and
maintenance of such plant owned by customers where such work is done
regularly as a part of the street lighting and signal system service.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising street lighting and signal systems operation.
2. Replacing lamps and incidental cleaning of glassware and fixtures
in connection therewith.
3. Routine patrolling for lamp outages, extraneous nuisances, or
encroachments.
4. Testing lines and equipment including voltage and current
measurement.
5. Winding and inspection of time switch and other controls.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
[[Page 126]]
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Street lamp renewals.
2. Transportation and tool expense.
3. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
586 Meter Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in the operation of customer meters and associated equipment.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising meter operation.
2. Clerical work on meter history and associated equipment record
cards, test cards, and reports.
3. Disconnecting and reconnecting, removing and reinstalling,
sealing and unsealing meters and other metering equipment in connection
with initiating or terminating services including the cost of obtaining
meter readings, if incidental to such operation.
4. Consolidating meter installations due to elimination of separate
meters for different rates of service.
5. Changing or relocating meters, instrument transformers, time
switches, and other metering equipment.
6. Resetting time controls, checking operation of demand meters and
other metering equipment, when done as an independent operation.
7. Inspecting and adjusting meter testing equipment.
8. Inspecting and testing meters, instrument transformers, time
switches, and other metering equipment on premises or in shops excluding
inspecting and testing incidental to maintenance.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
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10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses
1. Meter seals and miscellaneous meter supplies.
2. Transportation expenses.
3. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
4. Tool expenses.
Note: The cost of the first setting and testing of a meter is
chargeable to utility plant, Account 370, Meters.
587 Customer Installations Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, 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.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervising customer installations work.
2. Inspecting premises, including the check of wiring for code
compliance.
3. Investigating, locating, and clearing grounds on customers'
wiring.
4. Investigating service complaints, including load tests of motors
and lighting and power circuits on customers' premises; field
investigations of complaints on bills or of voltage.
5. Installing, removing, renewing, and changing lamps and fuses.
6. Radio, television, and similar interference work including
erection of new aerials on customers' premises and patrolling of lines,
testing of lightning arresters, inspection of pole hardware, and
examination on or off premises of customers' appliances, wiring, or
equipment to locate cause of interference.
7. Installing, connecting, reinstalling, or removing leased property
on customers' premises.
8. Testing, adjusting, and repairing customers' fixtures and
appliances in the shop or on premises.
9. Cost of changing customers' equipment due to changes in service
characteristics.
10. Investigation of current diversion including setting and removal
of check meters and securing special readings thereon; special calls by
employees in connection with discovery and settlement of current
diversion; changes in customer wiring; and any other labor cost
identifiable as caused by current diversion.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
[[Page 128]]
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Lamp and fuse renewals.
2. Materials used in servicing customers' fixtures, appliances, and
equipment.
3. Power, light, heat, telephone, and other expenses of the
appliance repair department.
4. Tool expense.
5. Transportation expense, including pickup and delivery charges.
6. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
7. Rewards paid for discovery of current diversion.
Note A: Amounts billed customers for any work, the cost of which is
charged to this account, shall be credited to this account. Any excess
over costs resulting therefrom, shall be transferred to Account 451,
Miscellaneous Service Revenues.
Note B: Do not include in this account expenses incurred in
connection with merchandising, jobbing, and contract work.
588 Miscellaneous Distribution Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in distribution system operation
not provided for elsewhere.
Items
Labor:
1. General records of physical characteristics of lines and
substations, such as capacities.
2. Ground resistance records.
3. Joint pole maps and records.
4. Distribution system voltage and load records.
5. Preparing maps and prints.
6. Service interruption and trouble records.
7. General clerical and stenographic work except that chargeable to
Account 586, Meter Expenses.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Expenses:
1. Operating records covering poles, transformers, manholes, cables,
and other distribution facilities. Exclude meter records chargeable to
Account 586, Meter Expenses, and station records chargeable to Account
582, Station Expenses, and stores records chargeable to Account 163,
Stores Expense Undistributed.
2. Janitor work at distribution office buildings including snow
removal and grass cutting.
3. Communication service.
4. Building service expenses.
[[Page 129]]
5. Miscellaneous office supplies and expenses, printing and
stationery, maps and records, and first-aid supplies.
6. Research, development, and demonstration expenses.
589 Rents
This account shall include rents of property of others used,
occupied, or operated in connection with the distribution system,
including payments to the United States and others for the use and
occupancy of public lands and reservations for distribution line rights
of way. (See Sec. 1767.17 (c).)
(Maintenance)
590 Maintenance Supervision and Engineering
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general supervision and direction of
maintenance of the distribution system. Direct field supervision of
specific jobs shall be charged to the appropriate maintenance account.
(See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
591 Maintenance of Structures
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of structures, the
book cost of which is includible in Account 361, Structures and
Improvements. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
592 Maintenance of Station Equipment
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of plant, the book
cost of which is includible in Account 362, Station Equipment, and
Account 363, Storage Battery Equipment. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
593 Maintenance of Overhead Lines
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of overhead
distribution line facilities, the book cost of which is includible in
Account 364, Poles, Towers and Fixtures; Account 365, Overhead
Conductors and Devices; and Account 369, Services. (See Sec.
1767.17(b).)
Items
1. Work of the following character on poles, towers, and fixtures:
a. Installing additional clamps or removing clamps or strain
insulators on guys in place.
b. Moving line or guy pole in relocation of pole or section of line.
c. Painting poles, towers, crossarms, or pole extensions.
d. Readjusting and changing position of guys or braces.
e. Realigning and straightening poles, crossarms, braces, pins,
racks, brackets, and other pole fixtures.
f. Reconditioning reclaimed pole fixtures.
g. Relocating crossarms, racks, brackets, and other fixtures on
poles.
h. Repairing pole supported platform.
i. Repairs by others to jointly owned poles.
j. Shaving, cutting rot, or treating poles or crossarms in use or
salvaged for reuse.
k. Stubbing poles already in service.
l. Supporting conductors, transformers, and other fixtures and
transferring them to new poles during pole replacements.
m. Maintaining pole signs, stencils, and tags.
2. Work of the following character on overhead conductors and
devices:
a. Overhauling and repairing line cutouts, line switches, line
breakers, and capacitor installations.
b. Cleaning insulators and bushings.
c. Refusing line cutouts.
d. Repairing line oil circuit breakers and associated relays and
control wiring.
e. Repairing grounds.
f. Resagging, retying, or rearranging position or spacing of
conductors.
g. Standing by phones, going to calls, cutting faulty lines clear,
or similar activities at times of emergency.
h. Sampling, testing, changing, purifying, and replenishing
insulating oil.
i. Transferring loads, switching, and reconnecting circuits and
equipment for maintenance purposes.
j. Repairing line testing equipment.
k. Trimming trees and clearing brush.
l. Chemical treatment of right-of-way area when occurring subsequent
to construction of line.
3. Work of the following character on overhead services:
a. Moving position of service either on pole or on customers'
premises.
b. Pulling slack in service wire.
c. Retying service wire.
d. Refastening or tightening service bracket.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion
[[Page 130]]
of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more equitable basis
of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours, applicable to the
labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
594 Maintenance of Underground Lines
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of underground
distribution line facilities, the book cost of which is includible in
Account 366, Underground Conduit; Account 367, Underground Conductors
and Devices; and Account 369, Services. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
Items
1. Work of the following character on underground conduit:
a. Cleaning ducts, manholes, and sewer connections.
b. Moving or changing position of conduit or pipe.
c. Minor alterations of handholes, manholes, or vaults.
d. Refastening, repairing, or moving racks, ladders, or hangers in
manholes or vaults.
e. Plugging and shelving ducts.
f. Repairs to sewers, drains, walls, and floors, rings, and covers.
2. Work of the following character on underground conductors and
devices:
a. Repairing circuit breakers, switches, cutouts, network
protectors, and associated relays and control wiring.
b. Repairing grounds.
c. Retraining and reconnecting cables in manholes including transfer
of cables from one duct to another.
d. Repairing conductors and splices.
e. Repairing or moving junction boxes and potheads.
f. Refireproofing cables and repairing supports.
g. Repairing electrolysis preventive devices for cables.
h. Repairing cable bonding systems.
i. Sampling, testing, changing, purifying, and replenishing
insulating oil.
j. Transferring loads, switching and reconnecting circuits and
equipment for maintenance purposes.
k. Repairing line testing equipment.
l. Repairing oil or gas equipment in high voltage cable systems and
replacement of oil or gas.
3. Work of the following character on underground services:
a. Cleaning ducts.
b. Repairing any underground service plant.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
[[Page 131]]
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
595 Maintenance of Line Transformers
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of distribution
line transformers, the book cost of which is includible in Account 368,
Line Transformers. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
596 Maintenance of Street Lighting and Signal Systems
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of plant, the book
cost of which is includible in Account 373, Street Lighting and Signal
Systems. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
597 Maintenance of Meters
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in the maintenance of meters and
meter testing equipment, the book cost of which is includible in Account
370, Meters, and Account 395, Laboratory Equipment, respectively. (See
Sec. 1767.17(b).)
598 Maintenance of Miscellaneous Distribution Plant
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in maintenance of plant, the book
cost of which is includible in Accounts 371, Installations on Customers'
Premises, and Account 372, 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 Sec.
1767.17(b).)
Items
1. Work of similar nature to that listed in other distribution
maintenance accounts.
2. Maintenance of office furniture and equipment used by
distribution system department.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
[[Page 132]]
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 42291, Aug. 6, 1997; 73
FR 20286, May 27, 2008]
Sec. 1767.28 Customer accounts expenses.
The customer accounts expense accounts identified in this section
shall be used by all RUS borrowers.
Customer Accounts Expenses
(Operation)
901 Supervision
902 Meter Reading Expenses
903 Customer Records and Collection Expenses
904 Uncollectible Accounts
905 Miscellaneous Customer Accounts Expenses
Customer Accounts Expenses
(Operation)
901 Supervision
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general direction and supervision of
customer accounting and collecting activities. Direct supervision of a
specific activity shall be charged to Account 902, Meter Reading
Expenses, or Account 903, Customer Records and Collection Expenses, as
appropriate. (See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
902 Meter Reading Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in reading customer meters, and
determining consumption when performed by employees engaged in reading
meters.
Items
Labor:
1. Addressing forms for obtaining meter readings by mail.
2. Changing and collecting meter charts used for billing purposes.
3. Inspecting time clocks and checking seals when performed by meter
readers and the work represents a minor activity incidental to regular
meter reading routine.
4. Reading meters, including demand meters, and obtaining load
information for billing purposes. Exclude and charge to Account 586,
Meter Expenses, or to Account 903, Customer Records and Collection
Expenses, as applicable, the cost of obtaining meter readings, first and
final, if incidental to the operation of removing or resetting, sealing
or locking, and disconnecting or reconnecting meters.
5. Computing consumption from meter reader's book or from reports by
mail when done by employees engaged in reading meters.
6. Collecting from prepayment meters when incidental to meter
reading.
7. Maintaining record of customers' keys.
8. Computing estimated or average consumption when performed by
employees engaged in reading meters.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others,
[[Page 133]]
such as public liability, property damages, casualty, employee
liability, etc., and amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated
Provision for Injuries and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Badges, lamps, and uniforms.
2. Demand charts, meter books and binders and forms for recording
readings, but not the cost of preparation.
3. Postage and supplies used in obtaining meter readings by mail.
4. Transportation, meals, and incidental expenses.
903 Customer Records and Collection Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in work on customer applications,
contracts, orders, credit investigations, billing and accounting,
collections and complaints.
Items
Labor:
1. Receiving, preparing, recording, and handling routine orders for
service, disconnections, transfers or meter tests initiated by the
customer, excluding the cost of carrying out such orders, which is
chargeable to the account appropriate for the work called for by such
orders.
2. Investigations of customers' credit and keeping of records
pertaining thereto, including records of uncollectible accounts written
off.
3. Receiving, refunding, or applying customer deposits and
maintaining customer deposit, line extension, and other miscellaneous
records.
4. Checking consumption shown by meter readers' reports where
incidental to preparation of billing date.
5. Preparing address plates and addressing bills and delinquent
notices.
6. Preparing billing data.
7. Operating billing and bookkeeping machines.
8. Verifying billing records with contracts or rate schedules.
9. Preparing bills for delivery and mailing or delivering bills.
10. Collecting revenues, including collection from prepayment
meters, unless incidental to meter-reading operations.
11. Balancing collections, preparing collections for deposit, and
preparing cash reports.
12. Posting collections and other credits or charges to customer
accounts and extending unpaid balances.
13. Balancing customer accounts and controls.
14. Preparing, mailing, or delivering delinquent notices and
preparing reports of delinquent accounts.
15. Final meter reading of delinquent accounts when done by
collectors incidental to regular activities.
16. Disconnecting and reconnecting service because of nonpayment
bills.
17. Receiving, recording, and handling of inquiries, complaints, and
requests for investigations from customers, including preparation of
necessary orders, but excluding the cost of carrying out such orders,
which is chargeable to the account appropriate for the work called for
by such orders.
18. Statistical and tabulating work on customer accounts and
revenues, but not including special analyses for sales department, rate
department, or other general purposes, unless incidental to regular
customer accounting routines.
19. Preparing and periodically rewriting meter reading sheets.
20. Determining consumption and computing estimated or average
consumption when performed by employees other than those engaged in
reading meters.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
[[Page 134]]
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Address plates and supplies.
2. Cash overages and shortages.
3. Commissions or fees to others for collecting.
4. Payments to credit organizations for investigations and reports.
5. Postage.
6. Transportation expenses, including transportation of customer
bills and meter books under centralized billing procedures.
7. Transportation, meals expenses, and incidental expenses.
8. Bank charges, exchange, and other fees for cashing and depositing
customers' checks.
9. Forms for recording orders for services, or removals.
10. Rent of mechanical equipment.
Note: The cost of work on meter history and meter location records
in chargeable to Account 586, Meter Expenses.
904 Uncollectible Accounts
This amount 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--
Credit. Losses from uncollectible accounts shall be charged to Account
144.
905 Miscellaneous Customer Accounts Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred not provided for in other accounts.
Items
Labor:
1. General clerical and stenographic work.
2. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein, or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others,
[[Page 135]]
such as public liability, property damages, casualty, employee
liability, etc., and amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated
Provision for Injuries and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Communication service.
2. Miscellaneous office supplies and expenses and stationery and
printing other than those specifically provided for in Account 902 and
Account 903.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 42311, Aug. 6, 1997; 62
FR 43201, Aug. 12, 1997]
Sec. 1767.29 Customer service and informational expenses.
The customer service and informational expense accounts identified
in this section shall be used by all RUS borrowers.
Customer Service and Informational Expenses
(Operation)
907 Supervision
908 Customer Assistance Expenses
909 Informational and Instructional Advertising Expenses
910 Miscellaneous Customer Service and Informational Expenses
Customer Service and Informational Expenses
(Operation)
907 Supervision
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
and expenses incurred in the general direction and supervision of
customer service activities, the object of which is to encourage safe,
efficient, and economical use of the utility's service. Direct
supervision of a specific activity within customer service and
informational expense classification shall be charged to the account
wherein the costs of such activity are included. (See Sec. 1767.17(a).)
908 Customer Assistance Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in providing instructions or
assistance to customers, the object of which is to encourage safe,
efficient, and economical use of the utility's service.
Items
Labor:
1. Direct supervision of department.
2. Processing customer inquiries relating to the proper use of
electric equipment, the replacement of such equipment, and information
related to such equipment.
3. Advice directed to customers as to how they may achieve the most
efficient and safest use of electric equipment.
4. Demonstrations, exhibits, lectures, and other programs designed
to instruct customers in the safe, economical, or efficient use of
electric service, and/or oriented toward conservation of energy.
5. Engineering and technical advice to customers, the object of
which is to promote safe, efficient, and economical use of the utility's
service.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
[[Page 136]]
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Supplies and expenses pertaining to demonstrations, exhibits,
lectures, and other programs.
2. Loss in value on equipment and appliances used for customer
assistance programs.
3. Office supplies and expenses.
4. Transportation, meals, and incidental expenses.
Note: Do not include in this account expenses that are provided for
elsewhere, such as Accounts 416, Costs and Expenses of Merchandising,
Jobbing, and Contract Work; 587, Customer Installations Expenses; and
912, Demonstrating and Selling Expenses.
909 Informational and Instructional Advertising Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in activities which primarily
convey information as to what the utility urges or suggests customers
should do in utilizing electric service to protect health and safety, to
encourage environmental protection, to utilize their electric equipment
safely and economically, or to conserve electric energy.
Items
Labor:
1. Direct supervision of information activities.
2. Preparing informational materials for newspapers, periodicals,
and billboards and preparing and conducting informational motion
pictures, radio and television programs.
3. Preparing informational booklets and bulletins used in direct
mailings.
4. Preparing informational window and other displays.
5. Employing agencies, selecting media, and conducting negotiations
in connection with the placement and subject matter of information
programs.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
[[Page 137]]
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Use of newspapers, periodicals, billboards, and radio for
informational purposes.
2. Postage on direct mailings to customers exclusive of postage
related to billings.
3. Printing of informational booklets, dodgers, and bulletins.
4. Supplies and expenses in preparing informational materials by the
utility.
5. Office supplies and expenses.
Note A: Exclude from this account and charge to Account 930.2,
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. Also
exclude all expenses of a promotional, institutional, goodwill, or
political nature, which are includible in such accounts as 913,
Advertising Expenses; 930.1, General Advertising Expenses; and 426.4,
Expenditures for Certain Civic, Political and Related Activities.
Note B: Entries relating to informational advertising included in
this account shall contain or refer to supporting documents which
identify the specific advertising message. If references are used,
copies of the advertising message shall be readily available.
910 Miscellaneous Customer Service and Informational Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in connection with customer service and informational
activities which are not includible in other customer information
expense accounts.
Items
Labor:
1. General clerical and stenographic work not assigned to specific
customer service and informational programs.
2. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Communication service.
2. Printing, postage, and office supplies expenses.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 42313, Aug. 6, 1997]
[[Page 138]]
Sec. 1767.30 Sales expenses.
The sales expense accounts identified in this section shall be used
by all RUS borrowers.
Sales Expenses
(Operation)
911 Supervision
912 Demonstrating and Selling Expenses
913 Advertising Expenses
916 Miscellaneous Sales Expenses
Sales Expenses
(Operation)
911 Supervision
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
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 Sec. 1767.17(a).)
912 Demonstrating and Selling Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
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.
Items
Labor:
1. Demonstrating uses of utility services.
2. Conducting cooking schools, preparing recipes, and related home
service activities.
3. Exhibitions, displays, lectures, and other programs designed to
promote use of utility services.
4. Experimental and development work in connection with new and
improved appliances and equipment, prior to general public acceptance.
5. Solicitation of new customers or of additional business from old
customers, including commissions paid employees.
6. Engineering and technical advice to present or prospective
customers in connection with promoting or retaining the use of utility
services.
7. Special customer canvasses when their primary purpose is the
retention of business or the promotion of new business.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Supplies and expenses pertaining to demonstration, experimental,
and development activities.
2. Booth and temporary space rental.
3. Loss in value on equipment and appliances used for demonstration
purposes.
4. Transportation, meals, and incidental expenses.
[[Page 139]]
913 Advertising Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
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.
Items
Labor:
1. Direct supervision of department.
2. Preparing advertising material for newspapers, periodicals, and
billboards, and preparing and conducting motion pictures, radio, and
television programs.
3. Preparing booklets and bulletins used in direct mail advertising.
4. Preparing window and other displays.
5. Clerical and stenographic work.
6. Investigating advertising agencies and media and conducting
negotiations in connection with the placement and subject matter of
sales advertising.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Advertising in newspapers, periodicals, billboards, and radio for
sales promotion purposes, but not including institutional or goodwill
advertising includible in Account 930.1, General Advertising Expenses.
2. Materials and services given as prizes or otherwise in connection
with civic lighting contests, canning, or cooking contests, and bazaars
in order to publicize and promote the use of utility services.
3. Fees and expenses of advertising agencies and commercial artists.
4. Novelties for general distribution.
5. Postage on direct mail advertising.
6. Premiums distributed generally, such as recipe books when not
offered as inducement to purchase appliances.
7. Printing booklets, dodgers, and bulletins.
8. Supplies and expenses in preparing advertising material.
9. Office supplies and expenses.
Note A: The cost of advertisements which set forth the value or
advantages of utility service without reference to specific appliances,
or, if reference is made to appliances, invites the reader to purchase
appliances from his dealer or refer to appliances not carried for sale
by the utility, shall be considered sales promotion advertising and
charged to this account. However, advertisements which are limited to
specific makes of appliances sold by the utility and price and terms,
thereof, without referring to the value or advantages of utility
service, shall be considered as merchandise advertising and the cost
shall be charged to Costs and Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing and
Contract Work, Account 416.
Note B: Advertisements which substantially mention or refer to the
value or advantages of utility service, together with specific reference
to makes of appliance sold by the utility and the price, and terms,
thereof, and designed for the joint purpose of increasing the use of
utility service and the sales of
[[Page 140]]
appliances, shall be considered as a combination advertisement and the
costs shall be distributed between this account and Account 416 on the
basis of space, time, or other proportional factors.
Note C: Exclude from this account and charge to Account 930.2,
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. Also
exclude all institutional or goodwill advertising. (See Account 930.1,
General Advertising Expenses.)
916 Miscellaneous Sales Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, materials used, and expenses
incurred in connection with sales activities, except merchandising,
which are not includible in other sales expense accounts.
Items
Labor:
1. General clerical and stenographic work not assigned to specific
functions.
2. Special analysis of customer accounts and other statistical work
for sales purposes not a part of the regular customer accounting and
billing routine.
3. Miscellaneous labor.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Communication service.
2. Printing, postage, office supplies, and expenses applicable to
sales activities, except those chargeable to Account 913, Advertising
Expenses.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 42315, Aug. 6, 1997]
Sec. 1767.31 Administrative and general expenses.
The administrative and general expense accounts identified in this
section shall be used by all RUS borrowers.
Administrative and General
(Operation)
920 Administrative and General Salaries
921 Office Supplies and Expenses
922 Administrative Expenses Transferred--Credit
923 Outside Services Employed
924 Property Insurance
925 Injuries and Damages
[[Page 141]]
926 Employee Pensions and Benefits
927 Franchise Requirements
928 Regulatory Commission Expenses
929 Duplicate Charges--Credit
930.1 General Advertising Expenses
930.2 Miscellaneous General Expenses
931 Rents
(Maintenance)
935 Maintenance of General Plant
Administrative and General
(Operation)
920 Administrative and General Salaries
A. This account shall include the compensation (salaries, bonuses,
employee pensions and benefits, social security and other payroll taxes,
injuries and damages, 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 Expenses
A. This account shall include office supplies and 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 category
of operating expenses other than the administrative and general category
shall be included in the appropriate account in such category. Further,
general expenses which apply to the utility as a whole rather than to a
particular administrative function, shall be included in Account 930.2,
Miscellaneous General Expenses.
Items
1. Automobile service, including charges through clearing account.
2. Bank messenger and service charges.
3. Books, periodicals, bulletins, and subscriptions to newspapers,
newsletters, and tax services.
4. Building service expenses for customer accounts, sales, and
administrative and general purposes.
5. Communication service expenses.
6. Cost of individual items of office equipment used by general
departments which are of small value or short life.
7. Membership fees and dues in trade, technical, and professional
associations paid by a utility for employees. (Company memberships are
includible in Account 930.2.)
8. Office supplies and expenses.
9. Payment of court costs, witness fees, and other expenses of legal
department.
10. Postage, printing, and stationery.
11. Meals, traveling, and incidental expenses.
922 Administrative Expenses Transferred--Credit
This account shall be credited with administrative expenses recorded
in Account 920 and Account 921 which are transferred to construction
costs or to nonutility accounts. (See Sec. 1767.16 (d).)
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 or 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, and tax consultants.
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 also include
the cost of labor, employee pensions and benefits, social security and
other payroll taxes, injuries and
[[Page 142]]
damages, and the related supplies and expenses incurred in property
insurance activities.
B. Recoveries from insurance companies or others 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.
Items
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
Note A: The cost of insurance or reserve accruals capitalized, shall
be charged to construction and retirement either directly or by
transfers to construction and retirement 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, supplies, and stores equipment to Account 163, Stores
Expense Undistributed, or appropriate materials account.
2. Transportation and other general equipment to appropriate
clearing accounts that may be maintained.
3. Electric plant leased to others to Account 413, Expenses of
Electric 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.
Note C: The cost of labor, employee pensions and benefits, social
security and other payroll taxes, and the related supplies and expenses
of administrative and general employees who are only incidentally
engaged in property insurance work may be included in Account 920 and
Account 921, as appropriate.
Note D: The cost of insurance or reserve accruals applicable to the
various utility functions shall be charged to the specific functional
operations and the appropropriate miscellaneous administrative expense
accounts either directly or by transfers from this account.
925 Injuries and Damages
A. This account shall include the cost of insurance or reserve
accruals to protect the utility against injuries and damages 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, employee pensions and benefits,
social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages, 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, damages, and insurance dividends
or refunds shall be credited to this account.
Items
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Note A: Payments to or in behalf of employees for accident or death
benefits, hospital expenses, medical expenses, or for salaries while
incapacitated for service or on leave 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 and retirement activities
either directly or by transfers from this account to the applicable
construction and retirement work orders.
Note C: The cost of insurance or reserve accruals applicable to the
various utility functions shall be charged to the specific
[[Page 143]]
functional operations and the appropropriate miscellaneous
administrative expense accounts either directly or by transfers from
this account.
Note D: 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 E: The cost of labor, employee pensions and benefits, social
security and other payroll taxes, and the related supplies and expenses
of administrative and general employees who are only incidentally
engaged in injuries and damages activities, may be included in Account
920 and Account 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 this 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,
or insurance therefor. Include, also, expenses incurred 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 RUS
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, the
specific functional operations, maintenance, and administrative expense
accounts, and to construction and retirement activities 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 the operations, maintenance, administrative,
construction or retirement accounts will be readily available.
Items
1. Payment of pensions to retirees on a nonaccrual basis.
2. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
3. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
4. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
5. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
6. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
7. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Note A: The cost of labor, employee pensions and benefits, social
security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages, and the 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 Account 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 at 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 made to Account 929, Duplicate Charges--Credit.
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 408.1, Taxes Other Than Income Taxes, Utility Operating Income.
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 expense (except pay of regular
employees only incidentally engaged in such work) properly includible in
utility operating expenses, incurred by the utility in connection with
formal cases before regulatory commissions or
[[Page 144]]
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, and also including payments made to the
United States for the administration of the Federal Power Act.
B. Amounts of regulatory commission expenses which, by approval or
direction of RUS, are to be spread over future periods shall be charged
to Account 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets, and amortized by charges to
this account.
C. The utility shall be prepared to show the cost of each formal
case.
Items
1. Salaries, fees, retainers, and expenses of counsel, solicitors,
attorneys, accountants, engineers, clerks, attendants, witnesses, and
others engaged in the prosecution of or defence against petitions or
complaints presented to regulatory bodies or in the valuation of
property owned or used by the utility in connection with such cases.
2. Office supplies and expenses, payments to public service or other
regulatory commissions, stationery and printing, traveling expenses, and
other expenses incurred directly in connection with formal cases before
regulatory commissions.
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, Unamortized Debt Expense; or
Account 214, Capital Stock Expense.
929 Duplicate Charges--Credit
This account shall include concurrent credits for charges which may
be made to operating expenses or to other accounts 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.
930.1 General Advertising Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
materials used, and expenses incurred in advertising and related
activities, the cost of which by their content and purpose are not
provided for elsewhere.
Items
Labor:
1. Supervision.
2. Preparing advertising material for newspapers, periodicals, and
billboards and preparing or conducting motion pictures, radio, and
television programs.
3. Preparing booklets and bulletins used in direct mail advertising.
4. Preparing window and other displays.
5. Clerical and stenographic work.
6. Investigating and employing advertising agencies, selecting
media, and conducting negotiations in connection with the placement and
subject matter of advertising.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
2. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
3. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
4. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
5. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
6. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
[[Page 145]]
7. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
8. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Materials and Expenses:
1. Advertising in newspapers, periodicals, billboards, and radios.
2. Advertising matter such as posters, bulletins, booklets, and
related items.
3. Fees and expenses of advertising agencies and commercial artists.
4. Postage and direct mail advertising.
5. Printing of booklets, dodgers, and bulletins.
6. Supplies and expenses in preparing advertising materials.
7. Office supplies and expenses.
Note A: Properly includible in this account is the cost of
advertising activities on a local or national basis of a goodwill or
institutional nature, which is primarily designed to improve the image
of the utility or the industry, including advertisements which inform
the public concerning matters affecting the company's operations, such
as, the cost of providing service, the company's efforts to improve the
quality of service, and the company's efforts to improve and protect the
environment. Entries relating to advertising included in this account
shall contain or refer to supporting documents which identify the
specific advertising message. If references are used, copies of the
advertising message shall be readily available.
Note B: Exclude from this account and include in Account 426.4,
Expenditures for Certain Civic, Political and Related Activities,
expenses for advertising activities, which are designed to solicit
public support or the support of public officials in matters of a
political nature.
930.2 Miscellaneous General Expenses
This account shall include the cost of labor, employee pensions and
benefits, social security and other payroll taxes, injuries and damages,
property insurance, property taxes, 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.
Taxes:
1. Federal and state unemployment.
2. F.I.C.A.
3. Property.
Employee Pensions and Benefits: The portion of employee pensions and
benefits specifically identifiable with employees' labor costs charged
herein or, in the absence of specific employee identification, the
portion of employee pensions and benefits, allocated on the more
equitable basis of either direct labor dollars or direct labor hours,
applicable to the labor items detailed above, including:
1. Accruals for or payments to pension funds or to insurance
companies for pension purposes.
2. Group and life insurance premiums (credit dividends received).
3. Payments for medical and hospital services and expenses of
employees when not the result of occupational injuries.
4. Payments for accident, sickness, hospital, and death benefits or
insurance.
5. Payments to employees incapacitated for service or on leave of
absence beyond periods normally allowed when not the result of
occupational injuries or in excess of statutory awards.
6. Expenses in connection with educational and recreational
activities for the benefit of employees.
Insurance:
1. Premiums payable to insurance companies for fire, storm,
burglary, boiler explosion, lightning, fidelity, riot, and similar
insurance.
2. Amounts credited to Account 228.1, Accumulated Provision for
Property Insurance, for similar protection.
3. Special costs incurred in procuring insurance.
4. Insurance inspection service.
5. Insurance counsel, brokerage fees, and expenses.
6. Premiums payable to insurance companies for protection against
claims from injuries and damages by employees or others, such as public
liability, property damages, casualty, employee liability, etc., and
amounts credited to Account 228.2, Accumulated Provision for Injuries
and Damage, for similar protection.
7. Losses not covered by insurance or reserve accruals on account of
injuries or deaths to employees or others and damages to the property of
others.
8. Fees and expenses of claim investigators.
9. Payment of awards to claimants for court costs and attorneys'
services.
10. Medical and hospital service and expenses for employees as the
result of occupational injuries or resulting from claims of others.
11. Compensation payments under workmen's compensation laws.
12. Compensation paid while incapacitated as the result of
occupational injuries. (See Account 924, Note A.)
13. Cost of safety, accident prevention, and similar educational
activities.
Expenses:
1. Industry association dues for company memberships.
[[Page 146]]
2. Contributions for conventions and meetings of the industry.
3. Research, development, and demonstration expenses not charged to
other operation and maintenance expense accounts on a functional basis.
4. Communication service not chargeable to other accounts.
5. Trustee, registrar, and transfer agent fees and expenses.
6. Stockholders meeting expenses.
7. Dividend and other financial notices.
8. Printing and mailing dividend checks.
9. Directors' fees and expenses.
10. Publishing and distributing annual reports to stockholders.
11. 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.
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, customer service and
informational, sales, general, and administrative functions of the
utility. (See Sec. 1767.17 (c).)
(Maintenance)
935 Maintenance of General Plant
A. This account shall include the cost assignable to customer
accounts, sales, administrative, and general functions of labor,
employee pensions and benefits, social security and other payroll taxes,
injuries and damages, 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. (See Sec. 1767.17(b).)
B. Maintenance expenses on office furniture and equipment used
elsewhere than in general, commercial, and sales offices shall be
charged to the following accounts:
1. Steam Power Generation, Account 514.
2. Nuclear Power Generation, Account 532.
3. Hydraulic Power Generation, Account 545.
4. Other Power Generation, Account 554.
5. Transmission, Account 573.
6. Distribution, Account 598.
7. Merchandise and Jobbing, Account 416.
8. Garages, Shops, etc., Appropriate clearing account, if used.
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.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 42317, Aug. 6, 1997]
Sec. Sec. 1767.32-1767.40 [Reserved]
Sec. 1767.41 Accounting methods and procedures required of all RUS borrowers.
All RUS borrowers shall maintain and keep their books of accounts
and all other books and records which support the entries in such books
of accounts in accordance with the accounting principles prescribed in
this section. Interpretations Nos. 133, 134, 137, 403, 404, 602, 606,
618, 627, 628, and 629 adopt and implement the provisions of standards
issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Each
interpretation includes a synopsis of the requirements of the standard
as well as specific accounting requirements and interpretations required
by RUS. The synopsis provides general information to assist borrowers in
determining whether the standard applies to an individual cooperative's
operations. The synopsis is not intended to change the requirements of
the FASB standards unless it is set forth in the section entitled RUS
Accounting Requirements in each interpretation. If a particular borrower
believes a conflict exists between the FASB standard and an RUS
interpretation, the borrower shall contact the Director, PASD, to seek
resolution of the issue.
Numerical Index
Num- ber Title
101 Work Order Procedures
102 Line Conversion
103 Sacrificial Anodes and the Replacement
of a Neutral
104 Terminal Facilities
105 Pole Top Disconnect Switch
106 Steel Pole Reinforcers
107 Mobile Substations
108 Security Lights
109 Joint Use
110 First Clearing and Grading of Land and
Rights of Way
111 Engineering Contracts for System
Planning
112 Determination of Availability of
Service
113 Temporary Facilities (Services)
[[Page 147]]
114 Construction Work-in-Progress Damaged
or Destroyed by Storm
115 Liquidated Damages
116 Nonrefundable Payments for
Construction
117 Refunds of Overpayments for Materials
and Equipment
118 Load Control Equipment
119 Special Equipment
120 Meter Sockets and Meters
121 Minimum--Maximum Voltmeters
122 Retrofitting Demand Meters
123 Transformer Conversions
124 Transclosures
125 Retirement Units
126 Establishment of Continuing Property
Records
127 Continuing Property Records for
Buildings
128 Sale of Property
129 Gain or Loss on the Sale of an Office
Building
130 Salvage and Obsolete Material
131 Plant Acquisition Adjustments
132 General Plant
133 Plant Abandonments and Disallowances
of Plant Cost
134 Utility Plant Phase-in Plans
135 Accounting for Removal or Relocation
of Electric Facilities Resulting from
the Action of Others
136 Storm Damage
137 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.
138 Automatic Meter Reading Systems-
Turtles.
139 Global Positioning Systems.
140 Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading
Systems.
201 Supplemental Financing
301 Forfeited Customers' Deposits
401 Computer Software Costs
402 Legal Expenses
403 Leases
404 Consolidated Financial Statements
501 Patronage Capital Assignments
502 Patronage Capital Retirements
503 Operating and Nonoperating Margins
504 Patronage Capital from G&T
Cooperatives
505 Patronage Capital Furnished by Other
Cooperative Service Organizations
506 Forfeited Membership Fees
601 Employee Benefits
602 Compensated Absences
603 Employee Retirement and Group
Insurance
604 Deferred Compensation
605 Life Insurance Premium on Life of a
Borrower Employee
606 Pension Costs
607 Unproductive Time
608 Training Costs, Attendance at
Meetings, etc.
609 Maintenance and Operations
610 Financial Forecast
611 Advertising Expense
612 Special Power Cost Study
613 Mapping Costs
614 Member Relations Costs
615 Statewide Fees
616 Power Supply/Distribution Cooperative
Borrowings
617 Rate Discount Allowed by the Power
Cooperative to Distribution
Cooperative Owning Connecting
Transmission Lines
618 Theft Losses not Covered by Insurance
619 Self Billing
620 Purchase Rebates
621 Integrity Fund
622 In-Substance Defeasance
623 Satellite or Cable Television Services
624 Pollution Control Bonds
625 Prepayment of Debt
626 Rural Economic Development Loan and
Grant Program
627 Postretirement Benefits
628 Postemployment Benefits
629 Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities
630 Split Dollar Life Insurance.
631 Special Early Retirement Plan.
633 Cushion of Credit.
Subject Matter Index
Number
A
Abandonments--Plant............................................. 133
Acquisition Adjustments--Plant.................................. 131
Advertising Expenses............................................ 611
Assignments--Patronage Capital.................................. 501
Attendance at Meetings.......................................... 608
Automatic Meter Reading Systems--Radio-Based.................... 140
Automatic Meter Reading Systems--Turtles........................ 138
Availability of Service--Determination of....................... 112
B
Benefits--Employee.............................................. 601
Bonds--Pollution Control........................................ 624
Borrowing--Power Supply Cooperative/Distribution Cooperative.... 616
Buildings--Continuing Property Records.......................... 127
[[Page 148]]
Buildings, Office--Gain or Loss on Sale of...................... 129
C
Cable Television Services....................................... 623
Capital Credits--Assignment..................................... 501
Capital Credits--G&T Cooperative................................ 504
Capital Credits--Other Service Cooperatives..................... 505
Capital Credits--Retirement..................................... 502
Compensated Absences............................................ 602
Computer Software Costs......................................... 401
Consolidated Financial Statements............................... 404
Construction Work in Progress Damaged or Destroyed by Storm..... 114
Continuing Property Records--Buildings.......................... 127
Continuing Property Records--Establishment of................... 126
Contributions--Nonrefundable.................................... 116
Conversion--Line................................................ 102
Conversion--Transformer......................................... 123
Cushion of Credit............................................... 633
Customers' Deposits--Forfeited.................................. 301
D
Damaged or Destroyed Construction Work in Progress.............. 114
Damages--Liquidated............................................. 115
Debt--Prepayment of............................................. 625
Debt Securities--Investments in................................. 629
Deferred Compensation........................................... 604
Demand Meters--Retrofitting..................................... 122
Determination of Availability of Service........................ 113
Disallowances of Plant Costs.................................... 133
Disconnect Switch--Pole Top..................................... 105
Discounts Allowed by Power Cooperative to Distribution 617
Cooperative Owning Transmission Lines..........................
Distribution Cooperative/Power Supply Cooperative Borrowing..... 616
E
Early Retirement Plan........................................... 631.
Economic Development Loan and Grant Program..................... 626
Employee Benefits............................................... 601
Equity Securities--Investments in............................... 629
F
Fees--Statewide................................................. 615
Financial Forecast.............................................. 610
Financial Statements--Consolidated.............................. 404
Financing--Supplemental......................................... 201
First Clearing and Grading of Land and Rights of Way............ 110
Forfeited Customer Deposits..................................... 301
Forfeited Membership Fees....................................... 506
G
Gain or Loss on Sale of Office Building......................... 129
General Plant................................................... 132
Generation and Transmission (G&T) Capital Credits............... 504
Global Positioning Systems...................................... 139
I
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets................................. 137
In-substance Defeasance......................................... 622
Insurance--Employee Retirement and Group........................ 603
Insurance--Premium on Life of a Borrower Employee............... 605
Insurance--Split Dollar......................................... 630
Integrity Fund.................................................. 621
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities....................... 629
J
Joint Use....................................................... 109
L
Land--First Clearing and Grading................................ 110
Leases.......................................................... 403
Legal Expenses.................................................. 402
Life Insurance Premiums on Life of a Borrower Employee.......... 605
Life Insurance--Split Dollar.................................... 630
Line Conversion................................................. 102
Line Relocations................................................ 135
Liquidated Damages.............................................. 115
Load Control Equipment.......................................... 118
Long-Lived Assets-Impairment.................................... 137
M
Maintenance and Operations...................................... 609
Mapping Costs................................................... 613
Margins--Operating and Nonoperating............................. 503
Material--Salvage and Obsolete.................................. 130
Materials and Supplies--Refund for Overpayments................. 117
Member Relation Costs........................................... 614
Membership Fees--Forfeited...................................... 506
Meter Reading Systems--Radio-Based.............................. 140
Meter Reading Systems--Turtles.................................. 138
Meter Sockets and Meters........................................ 120
Minimum--Maximum Voltmeters..................................... 121
Mobile Substations.............................................. 107
N
Neutral--Replacement of......................................... 103
Nonoperating Margins............................................ 503
Nonrefundable Payments for Construction......................... 116
O
Obsolete Material............................................... 130
Operating and Nonoperating Margins.............................. 503
Operations Costs................................................ 609
P
Patronage Capital Assignments................................... 501
Patronage Capital Furnished by Other Cooperative Service 505
Organizations..................................................
Patronage Capital from G&T Cooperatives......................... 504
Patronage Capital Retirements................................... 502
[[Page 149]]
Payments for Construction--Nonrefundable........................ 116
Pension Costs................................................... 606
Phase-in Plans.................................................. 134
Plant Abandonments.............................................. 133
Plant Acquisition Adjustments................................... 131
Plant Costs--Disallowances...................................... 133
Plant--General.................................................. 132
Pole Reinforcers--Steel......................................... 106
Pole Top Disconnect Switch...................................... 105
Pollution Control Bonds......................................... 624
Postemployment Benefits......................................... 628
Postretirement Benefits......................................... 627
Power Cost Study................................................ 612
Power Supply/Distribution Cooperative Borrowing................. 616
Prepayment of Debt.............................................. 625
Property--Sale of............................................... 128
Purchase Rebates................................................ 620
R
Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading Systems..................... 140
Rate Discount Allowed by Power Cooperative to a Distribution 617
Cooperative Owning Transmission Lines..........................
Rebates--Purchase............................................... 620
Refunds for Overpayments for Materials and Supplies............. 117
Reimbursement for Line Relocations.............................. 135
Relocations of Lines............................................ 135
Replacement of a Neutral........................................ 103
Retirement Units................................................ 125
Retirements--Patronage Capital.................................. 502
Retrofitting Demand Meters...................................... 122
Rights of Way--First Clearing and Grading....................... 110
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program............... 626
S
Sacrificial Anodes and the Replacement of a Neutral............. 103
Sale of an Office Building...................................... 129
Sale of Property................................................ 128
Salvage and Obsolete Material................................... 130
Satellite Television Services................................... 623
Securities--Investments in Debt and Equity...................... 136
Security Lights................................................. 108
Self Billing.................................................... 619
Software Costs.................................................. 401
Special Early Retirement Plan................................... 631
Special Equipment............................................... 119
Special Power Cost Study........................................ 612
Split Dollar Life Insurance..................................... 630
Statewide Fees.................................................. 615
Steel Pole Reinforcers.......................................... 106
Storm Damage.................................................... 136
Substation--Mobile.............................................. 107
Supplemental Financing.......................................... 201
System Planning--Engineering Contracts.......................... 111
T
Temporary Facilities (Services)................................. 113
Terminal Facilities............................................. 104
Theft Losses not Covered by Insurance........................... 618
Training Costs, Attendance at Meetings, etc..................... 608
Transclosures................................................... 124
Transformer Conversions......................................... 123
Turtles--Automatic Meter Reading Systems........................ 138
U
Unproductive Time............................................... 607
V
Voltmeters--Minimum/Maximum..................................... 121
W
Work Order Procedures........................................... 101
101 Work Order Procedures
When a minor item of property is removed from service and not
replaced, a retirement work order is not required except in the case of
a conductor. The cost of the minor item shall remain in the appropriate
plant account until the retirement unit, of which it is a part, is
retired. However, as conductor is recorded in feet and is not part of
any specific retirement unit, conductor shall be retired even though the
amount taken down and not replaced is less than a retirement unit (two
spans).
When minor items of plant are removed and not replaced, material
salvaged shall be recorded on a material salvage ticket. Items of
material recorded on this ticket shall be charged to the materials and
supplies account and credited in the miscellaneous columns of the
Materials Register to the Accumulated Provision for Depreciation. In
this example, it is assumed that the cost of removal is nil. If,
however, costs are incurred during the removal of minor items of plant,
these costs shall reduce the credit to the Accumulated Provision for
Depreciation.
When a staking sheet supporting a single work order reflects a
combination of new construction and replacements, or system
improvements, the predominant cost shall be the governing factor in
determining the amount of cost RUS will finance. To illustrate, assume
that a service is to be run to a new home near the end of an existing
line. On inspection, the pole from which the service is to be run is
found to be in very poor physical condition and must be replaced. In
addition, a single span of wire and a service are presently connected to
this pole which serve no purpose. The home originally served has been
demolished and the existing span, pole, and service were retired. In
other
[[Page 150]]
words, what started out to be simply the installation of a new service
now includes the retirement of a span of wire, a pole, and a service;
the replacement of a pole; and the running of a new service. Assuming
the replacement of the pole is the costliest part of this project, the
construction and retirement activity shall be classified as an ordinary
replacement even though the work includes new construction and
retirements without replacement.
102 Line Conversion
If it is necessary to move a conductor from one location to another
on a pole assembly during the conversion of a line from one phase to
another phase, the cost of moving the conductor is capitalizable as a
system improvement.
103 Sacrificial Anodes and the Replacement of a Neutral
Many utilities conduct studies to determine whether sacrificial
anodes are needed to protect underground cable against corrosion. The
following procedures shall be followed to account for sacrificial anodes
and the replacement of a neutral:
1. If the study results in the installation of sacrificial anodes,
the cost of the study shall be capitalized to Account 367, Underground
Conductors and Devices. If the study does not result in the installation
of anodes, the cost shall be charged to Account 594, Maintenance of
Underground Lines.
2. Costs incurred in the first installation are capitalizable even
though anodes are considered minor items of property. However, only the
first costs of installation shall be capitalized. All subsequent
replacements of anodes shall be expensed.
3. Sacrificial anodes do not constitute a record unit; therefore,
the cost of anodes shall be added to the cost of the underground cable
unit.
4. Because a neutral is part of an underground cable record unit,
and is not, in and of itself, a record unit, the cost to replace a
corroded neutral shall be charged to Account 594, Maintenance of
Underground Lines.
104 Terminal Facilities
Borrowers are sometimes required to construct terminal facilities in
the transmission line of another utility in order to receive power from
their power supplier. The document executed between the borrower and the
utility is normally referred to as a ``License Agreement''. The license
agreement may stipulate that certain items of the terminal facilities
are to be transferred to, and become the property of, the other utility
upon completion of the construction. The accounting for this type of
transaction shall be as follows:
1. All construction costs incurred shall be charged to a work order.
Upon completion of the construction and accumulation of all costs, the
cost of the facilities that become the property of another utility shall
be transferred from construction work-in-progress to Account 303,
Miscellaneous Intangible Plant. The cost of the plant for which the
borrower retains title shall be charged to the appropriate plant
accounts.
2. The cost of the facilities recorded in Account 303 shall be
amortized to Account 405, Amortization of Other Electric Plant, over the
contract term or the estimated useful service life of the plant,
whichever is shorter. If the related contract or contracts for this
power supply are terminated, the unamortized balance shall be expensed,
in the current period, in Account 557.
105 Pole Top Disconnect Switch
The installation of pole top service disconnect switches, where
title is retained by the utility, shall be capitalized in Account 371,
Installations on Customers' Premises. If a switch cabinet is purchased
with a current transformer included as an integral part of the cabinet,
the entire cost of the switch shall be charged to Account 371. If the
current transformer is installed outside of the switch cabinet, the
transformer, meter, and meter base, together with the first installation
costs, shall be capitalized, upon purchase, in Account 370, Meters.
Payments received from the customer toward construction costs shall
be credited to Account 371, Installations on Customers' Premises. Such
payments, together with any amount not financed by RUS, shall be entered
in column 9 of the RUS Form 219, Inventory of Work Orders. The
associated maintenance costs shall be charged to Account 587, Customer
Installations Expenses, or to Account 597, Maintenance of Meters, as
appropriate.
When pole top disconnect switches are installed and title is held by
the customer, the cost of the material shall be charged to Account 456,
Other Electric Revenues and the receipts from the sale of line material
shall be credited to Account 456. The portion of the receipts for resale
material as well as that for installation shall be credited to Account
415, Revenues from Merchandising, Jobbing, and Contract Work. The cost
of resale material sold and the cost of installation shall be charged to
Account 416, Costs and Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing and Contract
Work.
Future maintenance costs incurred by the cooperative that are not
billed to the customer shall be charged to Account 587, Customer
Installations Expenses.
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106 Steel Pole Reinforcers
The cost associated with the purchase and installation of steel pole
reinforcers shall be charged to Account 593, Maintenance of Overhead
Lines.
107 Mobile Substations
Mobile substations shall be accounted for in a manner similar to
that for a spare and are, therefore, included as part of transmission or
distribution station equipment, depending upon the use of the mobile
substation. The mobile substation, together with the trailer on which it
is permanently mounted, shall be capitalized upon purchase. A general
purpose truck or tractor used to relocate a mobile substation and
trailer shall be classified as transportation equipment.
The composite depreciation rate used for transmission plant or
distribution plant, as appropriate, shall be applied to the mobile
substation.
108 Security Lights
Where a pole supports both a secondary wire and a security light,
the cost of the pole shall be charged to Account 364, Poles, Towers, and
Fixtures, even though the plant investment in security lights is
recorded in Account 371, Installations on Customers' Premises.
109 Joint Use
There are many cases in which an electric utility and a
communications utility enter into an agreement that provides for joint
use of poles. Under the terms of these agreements, either utility may
occupy the poles of the other upon payment of a stipulated annual
rental. If such joint occupancy necessitates the use of a higher than
standard pole, the new pole shall be provided at the expense of the
utility having the need for the higher pole.
When an electric utility replaces, at its own expense, a standard
pole belonging to the communications utility with a higher pole, the
cost of the higher pole, less net salvage (if any) of the pole replaced,
shall be charged to the account in which the pole rental is included.
Contributions made to an electric utility by a communications
utility for the costs incurred in stubbing joint use electric poles
shall be credited to Account 593, Maintenance of Overhead Lines. The
cost of pole stubbing on electric plant distribution facilities shall be
charged to Account 593.
An investment in outside plant that is held in joint ownership shall
be recorded in the appropriate plant accounts at its cost to the
utility. For continuing property record purposes, jointly owned property
units shall be priced at their cost to the utility and shall be
appropriately segregated in the CPRs to indicate joint ownership.
110 First Clearing and Grading of Land and Rights of Way
Utility accounting practice requires the costs associated with the
first clearing and grading of land and rights of way and any resulting
damage thereto, to be included in the accounts for structures and
improvements or equipment to which such costs relate. Since the first
clearing, as well as clearing which is ``directly occasioned by the
building of a structure,'' is done, not for the purpose of enhancing the
value of the land or the rights of way, but for the purpose of
constructing plant, these costs are more directly related to the
construction of plant than to the purchase of land or rights of way. The
accounts shall be charged as follows:
1. For overhead transmission pole lines, Account 356, Overhead
Conductors and Devices;
2. For overhead distribution lines, Account 365, Overhead Conductors
and Devices; and
3. For underground distribution lines, Account 366, Underground
Conduit, for a conduit installation; or Account 367, Underground
Conductors and Devices, for a direct burial installation.
111 Engineering Contracts for System Planning
Engineering costs for long-range system plans shall be charged to
Account 183, Preliminary Survey and Investigation Charges, as incurred.
The cost of engineering services incurred in preparing a long-range
system plan represents a legitimate component of the total cost of
construction of all system improvements detailed in the plan. The amount
of engineering costs to be associated with any specific system
improvement is the annual costs incurred up to the time of the
allocation (not previously allocated), plus that portion of the initial
cost which relates to the particular construction in question. If any
major system improvement included in the engineering plan is not
constructed, or if the study is superseded by another complete study,
the cost of that portion of the original study not resulting in
construction shall be charged to Account 182.2, Unrecovered Plant and
Regulatory Study Costs, if the costs are to be recovered through future
rates. Costs recorded in Account 182.2 shall be amortized to Account
407, Amortization of Property Losses, Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory
Study Costs, as the costs are recovered through the rates. Any costs
included in Account 182.2 that are disallowed for rate-making purposes
shall be charged to Account 426.5, Other Deductions.
The allocation of engineering services to the various construction
projects requires
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the exercise of judgment. In some cases, system improvements are
continuous over a period of months or years, thus permitting the
engineering cost to be spread monthly as overhead in relation to the
direct costs incurred in construction. (If a substantial amount of
retirement work is performed in connection with system improvements, a
proportionate share of the engineering cost shall be allocated on the
basis of direct retirement labor.) If the system improvements detailed
in the plan are not performed in a continuous manner, the engineering
cost shall be allocated on the basis of the estimated costs of the
various larger system improvement projects which result from the long-
range plan.
If construction is performed by contract, the engineering cost
applicable thereto shall be transferred from Account 183 to Account 107,
Construction Work-in-Progress--Electric, and thereby spread to the
appropriate plant accounts on the basis of contract costs.
In the case of system improvement construction performed on the
basis of work orders, engineering costs shall be transferred to Account
107, Construction Work-in-Progress--Electric, and included in total work
order costs as either overhead or special services. If engineering
services are not readily identifiable with individual work orders, they
shall be capitalized as overhead. If engineering costs for each work
order are readily separable from the engineering costs for all other
work orders, they shall be capitalized as special services.
In summarizing system improvement work orders on the RUS Form 219,
Inventory of Work Orders, the amount of engineering costs previously
approved for advance on the long range plan, if any, shall be deducted
to determine the balance of loan funds subject to advance by RUS.
112 Determination of Availability of Service
Costs relating to the determination of availability of service,
rates, and similar items for individual applicants shall be charged to
Account 912, Demonstrating and Selling Expenses. If it is expected that
construction will result, the costs incurred to provide service,
including staking, shall be charged to Account 107, Construction Work-
in-Progress--Electric. If construction does not result, Account 107
shall be credited and Account 426.5, Other Deductions, shall be charged.
113 Temporary Facilities (Services)
Plant installed for temporary use, a period of less than 1.ar, shall
be recorded in Account 185, Temporary Facilities, net of any payments
received from customers. Upon retirement, this net cost plus cost of
removal, less any salvage value, shall be cleared to Account 451,
Miscellaneous Service Revenues.
When a temporary service is installed at the site of a building
under construction, the location of the permanent service entrance and
the load and its characteristics are usually known. The temporary
service is of the proper capacity and is so located or has sufficient
slack, that it can be relocated to serve the new building as a permanent
service. Under these conditions, the service shall be charged to Account
369, Services, when first installed. The cost of moving and attaching
the service to the permanent service entrance shall be charged to
Account 593, Maintenance of Overhead Lines or Account 594, Maintenance
of Underground Lines, as appropriate.
114 Construction Work-in-Progress Damaged or Destroyed by Storm
When installed plant, not yet completed or completed but not yet
placed in service, has been damaged or destroyed by storm, the cost of
the repair and restoration shall be added to the cost of construction
and capitalized if the plant was constructed under force account or work
order construction, and the utility paid for the cost of the repairs. If
the plant was constructed under contract, the contractor is required to
deliver the plant in new condition. Therefore, any repairs required
prior to the completion of construction and acceptance by the utility,
are ordinarily borne by the contractor.
115 Liquidated Damages
Liquidated damages are amounts paid by or assessed against
contractors for the completion of construction after an agreed upon
date. Liquidated damages shall be credited to Account 107, Construction
Work-in-Progress--Electric. Since these damages accrue during the
construction period, they become one of the components of construction
cost. Even though a portion of these damages may compensate the utility
for costs which are not ``identifiable,'' no portion of the damages
shall be credited to revenue or expense.
When a contractor has been paid in full from loan funds or from
funds to be reimbursed by loan funds without a deduction for liquidated
damages, the amount of liquidated damages received shall be deposited in
the Construction Fund. This amount shall be reflected by a decrease in
column 5, ``Total Expenditures to Date,'' of the RUS Form 595, Financial
Requirement and Expenditure Statement, and as an increase in column 6,
``Cash Balance.'' If liquidated damages are obtained by withholding an
equivalent amount from the contractor's payment, the net result will be
the same.
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116 Nonrefundable Payments for Construction
Nonrefundable payments (contributions) from customers and developers
for underground construction shall first be credited to Account 107.2,
Construction Work-in-Progress--Force Account. When the constructed plant
is unitized and distributed to the individual plant accounts, the
contributions shall be credited to those plant accounts which gave rise
to the contribution.
When a customer or developer furnishes a trench or other service in
connection with buried plant, the cooperative shall debit Account 107.2
with the actual or estimated cost of the service performed, and account
for the credit as set forth above.
117 Refunds of Overpayments for Materials and Equipment
Refunds of overpayments for materials and equipment previously
purchased are occasionally received as the result of legal action
brought against electrical suppliers for price fixing in violation of
antitrust laws. Such refunds shall be accounted for as follows:
1. The refund shall first be applied to any litigation costs that
were incurred.
2. Refunds for special equipment items shall be accounted for, in
detail, on the Summary of Special Equipment Costs and credited against
the appropriate plant accounts.
3. Other material or equipment items that were installed through
work orders or a materials furnished contract shall be adjusted on an
amended work order. The amended work order shall include full details of
the refund.
4. Continuing property records shall be adjusted to reflect the
above transactions.
5. Amounts approved for advance on the RUS Form 595, Financial
Requirement and Expenditure Statement, and on the loan budget records,
shall be adjusted. For special equipment items, the adjustment shall be
requested in a letter to RUS. For materials installed by work order or
contract, the adjustments shall be made through credits shown on the RUS
Form 219, Inventory of Work Orders.
6. Refunds for material currently in stock shall be credited to
Account 154, Plant Materials and Operating Supplies.
7. If the material was used in maintenance activities or operations,
the refund shall be credited to the appropriate maintenance or
operations expense account.
8. Refunds for materials or equipment financed from loan funds shall
be deposited in the Construction Fund--Trustee Account or remitted to
RUS as a special payment on a note. Other refunds shall be deposited in
the general funds.
118 Load Control Equipment
The primary purpose of a Load Management System is to optimize load
dispatch and to reduce or minimize system peaks in order to reduce
purchases of power or to delay or eliminate the need for construction of
new plant. A Load Management System may be used on integrated systems,
or on generation, transmission, or distribution systems separately. The
telemetry equipment used for data acquisition and interpretation may be
included at various points on a system, such as generation,
transmission, or distribution substation, switchyards or on consumers'
premises.
An effective load control program should be coordinated with the G&T
and requires full participation of all member distribution systems. The
G&T monitors the power load of the total member distribution system to
predict the time of the system's peak load. An optimal load control
strategy is developed by the G&T and is passed on from the G&T computer
system to the load control computer systems of the member distribution
cooperatives.
The equipment at the member distribution system level is the type
actually being used by an integrated power system to operate a load
control program. The equipment used may vary from one integrated power
system to another. The selection of equipment used is determined by the
information needs of the integrated power system, and the method
selected to operate the load control system.
Some equipment performs only SCADA-type functions. This equipment is
included with the equipment that performs only load control functions
because SCADA-type equipment is an integral part of a load control
program. An effective load control strategy requires current information
on loads so that member distribution systems can determine the actual
loads to be shed and the duration of the load control.
The function and location of the load control equipment are the
primary factors in determining the account in which the equipment shall
be recorded. The following example depicts a common load control system
and the associated accounting. Equipment type may vary, thereby
necessitating the use of accounts not prescribed below. In all
instances, however, the function and location of the equipment shall
dictate the appropriate account classification.
G&T Borrower
1. Coordinating System Equipment
Coordinating System Equipment is the data acquisition, processing
and control hardware and software used to coordinate the load control
efforts of the member distribution system. Generally, this equipment
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is dedicated to load control use and is not shared with other electric
utility activities.
The purpose of the G&T load control computer system is to reduce or
minimize the peak power requirements of the entire member distribution
system. This involves load dispatching to control transmission circuits
and breakers. The computer system for load control shall, therefore, be
recorded in Account 353, Station Equipment, with the associated
operating expenses recorded in Account 561, Load Dispatching, and
maintenance expenses recorded in Account 570, Maintenance of Station
Equipment.
2. Coordinating System Communications Link
The G&T load control computer system is usually linked to the load
control computer system for each member distribution system by a radio
or telephone link that is dedicated to that purpose and is not shared
with other communication activities. Under such circumstances,
communications equipment shall be classified in Account 353, Station
Equipment. If the communications equipment is shared with general use or
voice communications equipment, however, the equipment shall be
classified in Account 397, Communication Equipment.
3. Depreciation
Load control equipment shall be recorded in separate subaccounts of
the primary plant accounts detailed above and shall be depreciated based
upon the owner's estimate of the equipment's useful service life.
Distribution Borrower
1. Member System Equipment
Member system equipment is the data acquisition, processing and
control hardware and software used as a subset to the overall load
control efforts by the integrated power system.
The member system computer for each distribution member system
accepts the control strategy from the G&T coordinating system and
develops the tables that determine the control loads that are to be shed
and the duration of the load control. The member system computer for
each distribution system monitors the usage at each of its delivery
points. This usage data is then transmitted to the G&T coordinating
system for use in developing load projects and evaluating control
strategies for the integrated power system. The member system computer
is generally dedicated to load control use and is not shared with other
electric utility operations.
The member computer system shall be recorded in Account 362, Station
Equipment. The associated operating expenses shall be recorded in
Account 581, Load Dispatching, and maintenance expenses shall be
recorded in Account 592, Maintenance of Station Equipment.
2. Substation Remote Controllers
Substation Remote Controllers are located at the distribution
substation. They accept control signals from the member system computer
and couple the signal to the portion of the distribution system to which
it is connected. Substation Remote Controllers also serve as a receiver
of inbound signals from transponders located in the distribution system.
They also send data back to the member system computer.
Substation Remote Controllers shall be recorded in Account 362,
Station Equipment. The associated operating expenses shall be recorded
in Account 582, Station Expenses, and maintenance expenses shall be
recorded in Account 592, Maintenance of Station Equipment.
3. Substation Injection Units
Substation Injection Units are used only in power line based systems
and are located in distribution substations. A major function of the
Substation Injection Unit is to receive load control signals from the
member system computer and inject them into the power line based system
to be transmitted to the Load Control Receivers. Substation Injection
Units can also perform control and SCADA functions similar to those
performed by Substation Remote Controllers.
Substation Injection Units shall be recorded in Account 362, Station
Equipment. The associated operating expenses shall be recorded in
Account 582, Station Expenses, and maintenance expenses shall be
recorded in Account 592, Maintenance of Station Equipment.
4. Remote Terminal Units
Remote Terminal Units perform electric utility SCADA functions in a
distribution substation or delivery point. These functions include
monitoring equipment for abnormal operating conditions, monitoring
analog quantities such as conductor voltage or substation load, and
controlling of certain equipment within the substation.
Remote Terminal Units shall be recorded in Account 362, Station
Equipment. The associated operating expenses shall be recorded in
Account 582, Station Expenses, and maintenance expenses shall be
recorded in Account 592, Maintenance of Station Equipment.
5. Line Device Transponder
A Line Device Transponder directly controls a piece of distribution
apparatus, such as a voltage regulator or a power factor correction
capacitor, located on a distribution feeder and not accessible to a
Remote Terminal Unit. The Line Device Transponder actuates the control
functions and reports back to the member system computer upon completion
of the requested action. This transponder is located at the site of the
distribution apparatus being controlled.
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Line Device Transponders shall be recorded in Account 368, Line
Transformers. The associated operating expense shall be recorded in
Account 583, Overhead Line Expenses, or Account 584, Underground Line
Expenses, as appropriate, and maintenance expenses shall be recorded in
Account 595, Maintenance of Line Transformers.
6. Communications Verification Transponders
Communication Verification Transponders are used to respond to
inquiries from Substation Remote Controllers. In power line based
systems, these transponders are used to verify the performance of the
communications system. They are also used during adverse system
operations to isolate sections of the distribution system that are
experiencing an outage.
Communication Verification Transponders shall be recorded in Account
362, Station Equipment. The associated operating expenses shall be
recorded in Account 582, Station Expenses, and maintenance expenses
shall be recorded in Account 592, Maintenance of Station Equipment.
7. Load Control Receivers
The Load Control Receiver, also known as a load control switch, is
located at the site of the consumer's load. These receivers directly
control the electric supply to an end-use appliance, such as an electric
water heater, central air conditioning compressor, or irrigation pump.
The amount of time that an appliance will be turned off by the load
control receiver is preset. When the member system computer determines
that load shedding is necessary, it sends a signal to the communication
link which then sends signals directly to the Load Control Receivers. In
a power line based system, the signal from the communications link is
sent by radio or telephone line to the Substation Injection Units, which
then signals the Load Control Receivers to shut down the appliances for
the present time. In nonpower line based systems, the signal from the
communications link is sent by radio directly to the Load Control
Receivers.
Load Control Receivers are located on the consumer's side of the
meter. When the member distribution system retains title to the Load
Control Receivers and assumes full responsibility for maintenance and
replacement of the equipment, it shall be classified in Account 371,
Installations on Customer's Premises. Load Control Receivers that are
donated or given to consumers shall be charged to Account 908, Customer
Assistance Expenses.
Operating and maintenance expenses applicable to Load Control
Receivers recorded in Account 371 shall be charged to Account 587,
Customer Installations Expenses, and Account 598, Maintenance of
Miscellaneous Distribution Plant, respectively. Expenses applicable to
Load Control Receivers donated or given to consumers shall be recorded
in Account 908, Customer Assistance Expenses.
Load Control Receivers may be moved on a continual basis from one
customer location to another and are, therefore, considered to be
special equipment items. When ownership is maintained by the member
distribution cooperative, Load Control Receivers shall be accounted for
in accordance with the special equipment procedures outlined in
Accounting Interpretation No. 119 of this section.
8. Communication Links
The communication link in the member distribution systems between
the Member System Computer, the Substation Remote Controllers or
Substation Injection Units, Remote Terminal Units, Line Device
Transponders, Communication Verification Transponders, and Load Control
Receivers is usually accomplished by radio, telephone line, or power
line based system. The communication links are normally dedicated to the
SCADA and load control functions being served. Under such circumstances,
communications equipment shall be recorded in Account 362, Station
Equipment. If, however, the communication equipment used is shared with
general use or voice communications equipment, the equipment shall be
charged to Account 397, Communication Equipment.
9. Depreciation
Load control equipment shall be recorded in separate subaccounts of
the primary plant accounts detailed above and shall be depreciated based
upon the manufacturer's estimate of the equipment's useful service life.
119 Special Equipment
Special Equipment items are classified as such because they are
continually being moved from one location to another due to load changes
and maintenance practices. The USoA provides accounting that differs
from that used for other types of materials. The cost, new, of special
equipment items shall be capitalized at the time of purchase; it shall
not be charged to Account 154 as is the case with other materials. The
first installation cost, as well as all incidental costs necessary to
prepare the equipment for use, shall be capitalized with the material
upon purchase. All subsequent costs of removing, resetting, changing,
renewing oil, and repairing constitute operations and maintenance
expenses. The capitalized cost of special equipment items, including the
first installation, shall be removed from the electric plant accounts
only when the items are abandoned or retired from the system.
Meters, line-type transformers, oil circuit reclosers,
sectionalizers, current and potential transformers, meter sockets, and
other metering equipment listed in Account 370, Meters, as well as pole-
type and underground voltage regulators in Account 368, Line
Transformers, are considered to be special
[[Page 156]]
equipment items. Similarly, load control receivers (load control
switches) recorded in Account 371, Installations on Customers' Premises,
are considered to be items of special equipment. (See Interpretation No.
118.) Transformers, voltage regulators, metering equipment, and current
and potential transformers for substations are not.
Special equipment items which are classified as nonusable shall be
segregated in the warehouse and retired from service. The Summary of
Special Equipment Costs shall be retitled Summary of Special Equipment
Costs Retired and used for this purpose. A journal entry reflecting this
information shall be prepared and posted to the books. Since loan funds
for special equipment, including first installation costs, are approved
for advance by the Rural Development upon receipt of the borrower's
written estimate of funds required, and not on the basis of an Inventory
of Work Orders, it is improper to take a credit for any salvage involved
in the retirement of special equipment on the Inventory of Work Orders.
Electric borrowers that wish to receive a waiver from the special
equipment accounting requirements should submit a letter request to
Rural Development. In order to expedite these requests the letter to
Rural Development should state that the borrower will adhere to the
following requirements to account for special equipment using the work
order procedure rather than the special equipment accounting procedures
prescribed by Rural Development:
1. New purchases of special equipment items are to be charged to
Account 154, Materials and Supplies, upon purchase.
2. Labor, material and overhead costs associated with the initial
installation and all subsequent installations of special equipment are
recorded on construction work orders and charged to the appropriate
plant accounts upon closeout of the construction work order.
3. Labor and overhead costs associated with the removal of special
equipment items, whether the items removed are placed in inventory or
permanently retired and disposed of, are recorded on retirement work
orders and charged or credited to the depreciation reserve account upon
closeout of the retirement work order.
4. The special equipment items retired and salvaged for reuse are
returned to the materials and supplies account at the average material
cost in the materials and supplies account and credited to the
depreciation reserve upon closeout of the retirement work order.
In addition to recognition of the requirements noted above, the
borrower should indicate how it plans to account for the items of
special equipment that have been charged to the plant accounts but not
installed (in inventory). Two acceptable methods to account for this
equipment are: (1) Leave the equipment in the plant accounts until the
inventory is depleted and charge only new purchases to materials and
supplies, or (2) credit the plant accounts for the installed cost of the
equipment in inventory, charge the equipment cost to materials and
supplies, and charge the installation cost to the appropriate operations
expense account. Also, under the second method, the borrower must submit
a ``negative'' special equipment summary to Rural Development to return
to the balance in reserve for the current loan the installed cost of
special equipment in inventory on the date of transition.
120 Meter Sockets and Meters
When a utility furnishes meter sockets, ownership by the utility of
the meter socket or base, as well as the meter itself, is established by
virtue of them being furnished without cost to the consumer by the
cooperative. While no agreement as to ownership between the cooperative
and the property owner exists, cooperative ownership is implied by long
standing practice and tradition in the electric utility industry.
121 Minimum--Maximum Voltmeters
A minimum--maximum voltmeter is used to record the minimum and
maximum voltages at a specific line location over a period of time. It
is normally installed on a pole in connection with a 1\1/2\ kVA
transformer, a meter base and connecting wires, and other small items of
materials. Meter bases are ordinarily set for these voltmeters
throughout the system, and a lesser number of voltmeters are rotated
among them periodically to obtain voltage readings. An average system
may have one voltmeter to two installations, with a maximum of 20 or 25
voltmeters for the whole system.
Minimum--maximum voltmeters shall be recorded, through work orders,
in Account 370, Meters, when installed. The cost of the transformers
shall remain in Account 368, Line Transformers, with the cost of the
meter bases remaining in Account 370, Meters. The miscellaneous material
used in installing the transformer and the meter base shall be charged
to Account 370, Meters.
Maintenance expense shall be charged to either Account 595,
Maintenance of Line Transformers, or Account 597, Maintenance of Meters,
as appropriate. Costs associated with reading the voltmeters shall be
charged to Account 583, Overhead Line Expenses, and the cost of
relocating or changing the complete installation or any part thereof,
other than retirement of the meter base, shall be charged to Account
583, Overhead Line Expenses, or Account 586, Meter Expenses.
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122 Retrofitting Demand Meters
A demand meter measures the amount of electricity used over a period
of time in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and indicates the maximum kilowatts (kW)
required at any one time by means of a pointer.
Electronic or solid state demand meters have a direct readout which
reads kilowatt demand to two decimal places. The use of a direct readout
demand meter may result in increased revenues as pointer readings tend
to register lower than actual usages.
The process of retrofitting a demand meter replaces the pointer with
a direct readout. The cost of such a replacement is usually expensed as
a minor item of property; however, since the use of a direct readout
results in a substantial betterment, the excess cost of the replacement
over the estimated cost, at current prices, of replacing the pointer
without the betterment is capitalized.
123 Transformer Conversions
The conversion of an overhead transformer to an underground
transformer constitutes a betterment and shall, therefore, be
capitalized.
124 Transclosures
Transclosures are enclosures or cabinets in which line transformers
are mounted. The cost of transclosures that are purchased separately
from the transformer shall be charged to Account 154, Plant Materials
and Operating Supplies, when received, and capitalized, upon
installation, to Account 368, Line Transformers, as a separate unit of
property. If the case and the transformer are inseparable, the unit is
considered a transformer and shall be capitalized upon purchase.
125 Retirement Units
Services
A retirement unit shall consist of a complete service rather than
the individual wires comprising that service. If each separate wire of a
service were treated as a retirement unit, the retirement unit would
represent a comparatively small cost. Such a small unit of property
would substantially increase the number of retirement work orders. The
complete service shall, therefore, be considered a retirement unit.
Minor Items
When minor items of property are added separately from complete
retirement units, the costs of these items shall be included in work
orders, and by unitizing all costs of completed construction for a
month, these minor items shall be spread to the retirement units of
which they normally form a part. For example, to convert a two-phase
line to a three-phase line requires the addition of a conductor, an
insulator and a pole-top pin. A pole-top pin is typically capitalized as
a component of the cost of the pole to which it is attached. Assuming
this is the only work order for the month, the cost of this pin shall be
charged to the conductor, so that its cost is included in the total cost
of the project. In actual practice, however, this does not happen as it
is normal to have a number of work orders for a given month, which
include the setting of poles. In allocating the cost of all construction
projects for the month, part of the cost of pole-top pins shall be
allocated to poles even though the work orders on which they were
capitalized did not include poles.
The retirement and replacement of isolated single retirement units
cannot be charged to maintenance; a retirement and construction work
order shall be used.
126 Establishment of Continuing Property Records
The costs of installing a system of continuing property records
shall be charged to Account 930.2, Miscellaneous General Expenses, and
may include:
1. Labor and expenses incurred in developing an inventory of
property;
2. Labor and material costs incurred in connection with developing
pole records including map preparation and pole cards; and
3. Labor and material costs (ledger sheets, etc.) incurred in
connection with the installation of the record system.
127 Continuing Property Records for Buildings
When establishing continuing property records for a building where
there is no detailed breakdown of contract costs, it is necessary to
estimate the cost of the each component part. It should be noted that
the establishment of continuing property records is not required for
buildings; however, if CPRs are not maintained, all repairs including
the replacement of major component parts shall be expensed in the period
incurred.
128 Sale of Property
All proceeds deposited in the Construction Fund account from the
sale of property, regardless of materiality, shall be reflected on the
RUS Form 595, Financial Requirement and Expenditure Statement. Proceeds
from the sale of property shall be reported on the Form 595, by budget
purpose, as a reduction in total expenditures to date, column 5; and an
increase in the cash balance, column 6.
Proceeds from the sale of property shall not be used to maintain an
``Employee Fund.'' A utility may, pursuant to board policy, use general
funds for employee welfare equivalent in amount to proceeds received
from the sale of scrap property. If general
[[Page 158]]
funds, in an amount equivalent to proceeds received from the sale of
scrap property, are used for employee welfare, Account 926, Employee
Pensions and Benefits, shall be charged.
129 Gain or Loss on the Sale of an Office Building
A gain on the sale of an office building shall be recorded in
Account 421.1, Gain on the Disposition of Property, with a loss recorded
in Account 421.2, Loss on the Disposition of Property. If the gain or
loss will materially distort current year's net margins, such gain or
loss is reportable as an extraordinary item in Account 434,
Extraordinary Income, or Account 435, Extraordinary Deductions.
130 Salvage and Obsolete Material
The value of material salvaged from the retirement of units of
property reduces the loss on the retirement and shall be so applied. The
value assigned to salvage shall be credited to Account 108.8, Retirement
Work-in-Progress, which results in reducing net charges to the provision
for depreciation when the work order is completed and cleared.
If salvage is sold, any difference between the realized value and
the estimated value of the salvaged material shall be charged or
credited to the appropriate provision for depreciation.
Salvage resulting from maintenance where no retirement units are
involved shall be debited to the materials and supplies account, and
credited to the appropriate maintenance account.
Occasionally a utility will have a loss due to obsolescence of
materials on hand. If the loss is due to obsolescence of new material,
the loss shall be charged to Account 426.5, Other Deductions. If the
loss is due to obsolescence of used material, the loss shall be charged
to the appropriate subaccount of Account 108, Accumulated Provision for
Depreciation.
131 Plant Acquisition Adjustments
Plant acquisition adjustments shall be amortized to the operating
expense accounts. These adjustments are recorded in Account 114,
Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments, and amortized to Account 406,
Amortization of Electric Plant Acquisition Adjustments, or Account 425,
Miscellaneous Amortization, as required by the regulatory commission
having jurisdiction. Accounts 406 and 425 shall be closed to operating
margins.
132 General Plant
When the unit method of depreciation is used for general plant
items, gains and losses on sales, trades or disposals of equipment shall
be recorded as such. If the composite method of depreciation is used,
gains or losses on the disposal of general plant items shall be recorded
in the appropriate depreciation reserve account.
A truck which is used only for transporting power operated equipment
mounted thereon shall be charged, together with the installed equipment,
to Account 396, Power Operated Equipment. If the same type of truck is
used for transporting materials and supplies, tools and work equipment,
personnel, or other items, the cost of the truck shall be charged to
Account 392, Transportation Equipment.
Depreciation and other expenses relating to power operated equipment
shall be accumulated in a subaccount of Account 184, Clearing Accounts,
and distributed monthly on an equitable basis to the accounts properly
chargeable.
Depreciation expense on vehicles and other work equipment, furniture
and office equipment, and other such plant used in the construction of
utility plant, is a proper component of construction cost. To avoid a
duplicate advance of funds, however, the amount of depreciation on such
items that has previously been financed from loan funds shall be
deducted from Inventories of Work Orders submitted to RUS. This amount
shall be specifically identified, and shown either monthly or annually
as a single item in column 9 on the RUS Form 219, Inventory of Work
Orders.
133 Plant Abandonments and Disallowances of Plant Costs
In December 1986, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 90, Regulated
Enterprises--Accounting for Abandonments (Statement No. 90) and
Disallowances of Plant Costs. This section provides an overview of the
requirements outlined in Statement No. 90 together with the specific
accounts that shall be used to record a plant abandonment or a
disallowance of plant costs.
Plant Abandonments
When an abandonment becomes probable, the cost of the abandoned
asset shall be removed from Construction Work-in-Progress or Plant-in-
Service, as applicable. Before making this transfer, however, a
determination must be made as to whether recovery of the allowed cost is
likely to be provided with a full return on the investment during the
period from the time the abandonment becomes probable, to the time when
recovery is completed, or with a partial or no return on the investment.
This determination shall be made based upon the facts and circumstances
of the specific abandonment, and past practices and current policies of
regulatory jurisdiction.
[[Page 159]]
If a full return on the investment is likely to be provided, any
disallowance of all or part of the cost of abandoned plant that is both
probable and reasonably estimated shall be recognized as a loss in the
current year with the carrying basis of the asset reduced by an equal
amount. The remaining cost of abandoned plant shall be recorded as a
separate new asset.
If partial or no return on the investment is likely to be provided,
any disallowance of abandoned plant costs that is both probable and
reasonably estimated shall be recognized as a loss. The present value of
the future revenues expected to be provided to recover the allowable
cost of the abandoned plant and return on the investment, if any, shall
be reported as a separate new asset. The discount rate used to compute
the present value shall be the borrower's incremental borrowing rate,
which is the rate that the borrower would have to pay to borrow an
equivalent amount for a period equal to the expected recovery period. In
determining the value of expected future revenues, the borrower shall
consider the probable time period before the recovery is expected to
begin and the probable time period over which recovery is expected to be
provided.
The amount of the new asset shall be adjusted from time to time, as
necessary, if new information indicates that the estimates used to
record the new asset have changed. The carrying value of the new asset,
however, shall not be adjusted for changes in the incremental borrowing
rate. The amount of any adjustments shall be recorded as a gain or loss.
During the period between the date on which a new asset is
recognized and the date on which recovery begins, the carrying amount
shall be increased by accruing a carrying charge. The rate used to
accrue the carrying charge shall be:
1. If a full return on the investment is likely, a rate equal to the
allowed overall cost of capital in the jurisdiction in which recovery is
expected to be provided shall be used.
2. If partial or no return is likely, the asset shall be amortized
in a manner that will produce a constant return on the unamortized
investment in the new asset equal to the rate at which the expected
revenues were discounted.
Due to the nonprofit environment in which electric cooperatives
operate, full recovery of interest expense on plant related long-term
debt equates to full recovery of the rate of return for an investor-
owned utility. Therefore, if a cooperative is permitted full recovery of
the interest expense incurred on the long-term debt borrowed to finance
construction of an abandoned plant, no discounting of the asset is
required nor is accrual of the carrying charge permitted.
If, at the time the provisions of Statement No. 90 are first
applied, the borrower elects to restate the financial statements, the
financial statements for all periods presented shall be restated and the
financial statements shall disclose the nature of the restatement and
its effect on margins before extraordinary items, net margins, and
patronage capital at the beginning of the earliest period presented. If
the borrower elects not to restate the financial statements, the effect
of applying Statement No. 90 shall be reported as a change in accounting
principle and the financial statements shall disclose the nature of the
change and the effect of applying Statement No. 90 on margins before
extraordinary items and net margins.
The specific accounts that shall be used to record transactions
involving plant abandonments are as follows:
1. In the year of the abandonment, the unrecoverable portion of the
cost of abandoned plant included in construction work-in-progress shall
be recognized as a loss by a charge to Account 426.5, Other Deductions,
and a credit to Account 107, Construction Work-in-Progress.
2. The balance of the cost remaining in the construction work-in-
progress account shall be credited to Account 107 and charged to Account
182.2, Unrecovered Plant and Regulatory Study Costs.
3. The difference between the charge to Account 182.2 and the
present value of expected future revenues for recovery of the new asset,
shall be recorded as a credit to Account 182.2 and a debit to Account
426.5. The credit to Account 182.2 shall be segregated from the amount
charged to Account 182.2 by the use of a separate subaccount. Statement
No. 90 does not require this segregation; however, it is necessary under
the USoA to provide for the appropriate segregation of operating and
nonoperating income.
4. During the waiting period for recovery of the new asset to begin,
carrying charges shall be accrued by a debit toAccount 182.2 with a
concurrent credit to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income.
Debits to Account 182.2 shall be treated as reductions to the credit
subaccount of Account 182.2.
5. The borrower shall amortize the amount debited to Account 182.2
by charges to operating income, consistent with the way the amortized
amounts are recovered through rates. These charges to income shall be
recorded in Account 407, Amortization of Property Losses, Unrecovered
Plant and Regulatory Study Costs.
6. As the recoverable amount recorded in Account 182.2 is recovered
through rates, the borrower shall accrue income by charges to Account
182.2 and credits to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income.
Accruals shall be computed by applying the same rate used to derive the
present value of the asset established in Account 182.2, to the
[[Page 160]]
unamortized balance in that account. Accrued amounts charged to Account
182.2 shall be treated as reductions to the credit subaccount
withinAccount 182.2.
Prior to implementing the accounting prescribed above, the borrower
shall submit the details of each plant abandonment to RUS for approval.
Disallowances of Costs of Recently Completed Plant
When it becomes probable that a portion of the cost of recently
completed plant will be disallowed for rate making purposes and a
reasonable estimate of the amount of the disallowance can be made, the
estimated amount of the probable disallowance shall be deducted from the
reported cost of the plant and recognized as a loss. If a portion of the
costs is explicitly, but indirectly disallowed, the equivalent amount of
the cost shall be deducted from the reported cost of the plant and
recognized as a loss. The specific accounts that shall be used to record
transactions involving the disallowance of plant costs are as follows:
1. Estimated disallowed plant costs which the borrower records as a
credit to Account 101, Electric Plant-in-Service, shall be charged to
Account 426.5, Other Deductions.
2. If the loss qualifies as an extraordinary item under the criteria
set forth in General Instruction No. 7 of the USoA, the borrower shall
record the loss in Account 435, Extraordinary Deductions. To be
considered extraordinary, an item shall be more than five percent of
income computed before extraordinary items. If a borrower believes that
a loss of less than five percent should be treated as an extraordinary
item; the borrower shall, with commission approval, record the loss in
Account 435 and report the loss as an extraordinary item. If the
borrower is not subject to state commission jurisdiction, RUS approval
is required.
134 Utility Plant Phase-in Plans
In August 1987, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 92, Regulated
Enterprises--Accounting for Phase-in Plans (Statement No. 92). This
section provides an overview of the requirements outlined in Statement
No. 92.
The term phase-in plan is used to refer to any method of recognition
of allowable costs in rates that meets all of the following criteria:
1. The method was adopted by the regulator in connection with a
major, newly completed plant of the regulated enterprise or one of its
suppliers or a major plant scheduled for completion in the near future.
2. The method defers the rates intended to recover allowable costs
beyond the period in which those allowable costs would be charged to
expense under generally accepted accounting principles applicable to
enterprises in general.
3. The method defers the rates intended to recover allowable costs
beyond the period in which those rates would have been ordered under the
rate-making methods routinely used prior to 1982 by that regulator for
similar allowable costs of that regulated enterprise.
If a phase-in plan is ordered by a regulator in connection with a
plant on which no substantial physical construction had been performed
before January 1, 1988, none of the allowable costs that are deferred
for future recovery by the regulator under the plan for rate-making
purposes, shall be capitalized for general-purpose financial reporting
purposes (financial reporting).
If a phase-in plan is ordered by a regulator in connection with a
plant completed before January 1, 1988, or a plant on which substantial
physical construction had been performed before January 1, 1988, the
criteria specified below shall be applied to that plan. If the phase-in
plan meets all of those criteria, all allowable costs that are deferred
for future recovery by the regulator under the plan shall be capitalized
for financial reporting purposes as a separate asset (a deferred
charge). If any one of those criteria is not met, none of the allowable
costs that are deferred for future recovery by the regulator under the
plan shall be capitalized for financial reporting. The criteria for
determining whether capitalization is appropriate are:
1. The allowable costs in question are deferred pursuant to a formal
plan that has been agreed to by the regulator;
2. The plan specifies the timing of recovery of all allowable costs
that will be deferred under the plan;
3. All allowable costs deferred under the plan are scheduled for
recovery within 10 years of the date when the deferral began; and
4. The percentage increase in rates scheduled under the plan for
each future year is no greater than the percentage increase in rates
scheduled under the plan for each immediately preceding year. That is,
the scheduled percentage increase in year two is no greater than the
percentage increase granted in year one, the scheduled percentage
increase in year three is no greater than the percentage increase in
year two, etc.
By definition, a phase-in plan approved prior to 1982 that contains
provisions contrary to those detailed above is not subject to the
provisions of Statement No. 92. This exemption, however, only relates to
a specific utility and a specific regulator. For example, a utility
cannot use a phase-in plan
[[Page 161]]
approved by its regulator for a different utility as justification for
its phase-in plan exceeding the 10-year limit imposed by Statement No.
92.
A phase-in plan is a method of rate making intended to moderate a
sudden increase in rates while providing the regulated enterprise with
recovery of its investment and a return on that investment during the
recovery period. A disallowance is a rate-making action that prevents
the regulated enterprise from recovering either some amount of its
investment or some amount of return on its investment. Statement No. 90
specifies the accounting for disallowances of plant costs (see item 133
of this regulation). If a method of rate making that meets the criteria
for a phase-in plan includes an indirect disallowance of plant costs,
that disallowance shall be accounted for in accordance with Statement
No. 90. Cumulative amounts capitalized under phase-in plans shall be
reported as a separate asset in the balance sheet. The net amount
capitalized in each period or the net amount of previously capitalized
allowable costs recovered during each period shall be reported as a
separate item of other income or expense in the income statement.
Allowable costs capitalized shall not be reported as reductions of other
expenses.
The terms of any phase-in plan in effect during the year or ordered
for future years shall be disclosed in the financial statements.
Statement No. 92 does not permit capitalization for financial reporting
of allowable costs deferred for future recovery by the regulator
pursuant to a phase-in plan that does not meet the criteria or a phase-
in plan related to plant on which substantial physical construction was
not completed before January 1, 1988. Nevertheless, the financial
statements shall include disclosures of the net amount deferred at the
balance sheet date for rate-making purposes, and the net change in
deferrals for rate-making purposes during the year for those plans.
If the provisions of Statement No. 92 are applied retroactively, the
financial statements of all periods presented shall be restated. In
addition, the restated financial statements shall, in the year that
Statement No. 92 is first applied, disclose the nature of any
restatement and its effect on margins before extraordinary items, net
margins, and on patronage capital at the beginning of the earliest
period presented. If the financial statements for prior years are not
restated, the effects of applying Statement No. 92 to existing phase-in
plans shall be reported as a change in accounting principle and the
financial statements shall disclose the effect of adopting Statement No.
92 on margins before extraordinary items and net margins.
The application of Statement No. 92 to an existing phase-in plan
shall be delayed if both of the following conditions are met:
1. The enterprise has filed a rate application to have the plan
amended to meet the criteria of Statement No. 92 or intends to do so as
soon as practicable; and
2. It is reasonably possible that the regulator will change the
terms of the phase-in plan so that it will meet the criteria of
Statement No. 92.
If the above conditions are met, the provisions of Statement No. 92
shall be applied to the existing phase-in plan on the earlier of the
date when one of the conditions ceases to be met or the date when the
final rate order is received, amending or refusing to amend the phase-in
plan. However, if the enterprise delays filing its application for the
amendment or the regulator does not process the application in the
normal period of time, the application of Statement No. 92 shall not be
further delayed.
In applying the criteria of Statement No. 92 to a plan that was in
existence prior to the first fiscal year beginning after December 15,
1987, and that was revised to meet that criteria, the 10-year criterion
and the requirement concerning the percentage increase shall be measured
from the date of the amendment rather than from the date of the first
scheduled deferrals under the original plan. All phase-in plans must
receive RUS approval prior to implementation.
135 Accounting for Removal or Relocation of Electric Facilities
Resulting from the Action of Others
Under arrangements with another party, a borrower agrees, or is
obliged, to remove, relocate, rearrange, or otherwise make changes in
utility property, other than for the purpose of rendering utility
service to the other party, for which the utility is reimbursed for all
or a portion of the costs incurred.
Plant Accounting
The relocation of the line shall be accounted for as follows:
1. If all of the assemblies in the line are retired or completely
removed and later reinstalled or if the line is constructed in a new
location before the old line is removed, construction and retirement
work orders shall be prepared except for the costs relating to special
equipment items (transformers, oil circuit reclosers, etc.) which shall
be charged to operations expense.
2. If a line is moved in its entirety to a new location except for
isolated retirement units (such as at the end of the line) or poles not
suitable for resetting, the cost of moving the portion of line that is
moved intact shall be charged to maintenance expense while the cost
related to the change in isolated retirement units or the replacement of
poles not suitable for resetting shall be accounted for
[[Page 162]]
through use of construction and retirement work orders.
3. If a line is moved intact without any change in assemblies, the
cost shall be charged to maintenance expense.
Reimbursement
If the borrower receives reimbursement for the costs related to the
relocation of the line, the reimbursement shall be accounted for by
crediting operation and maintenance expenses to the extent of actual
expenses occasioned by the plant changes and crediting the remainder to
the accumulated provision for depreciation, unless contractual terms
definitely characterize residual or specific amounts as applicable to
the cost of replacement. In the latter event, appropriate credits shall
be entered in the plant accounts.
Reimbursement received from a telephone company for adding a pole or
replacing a present pole with a taller pole under joint use contracts
falls within this latter category. In this instance, appropriate credits
are charged against the plant accounts.
Financing
The total reimbursement, less any portion for operations and
maintenance costs, shall be entered in the ``Contributions in Aid of
Construction'' section at the bottom of the Construction Work Order.
When the Inventory of Work Orders (RUS Form 219) is prepared, enter only
enough of the contribution in column 9 to reduce to zero the amount in
column 10, ``Loan Funds Subject to Advance by RUS.'' This entry is made
although none of the reimbursement received is recorded in the
accounting records as a contribution in aid of construction.
136 Storm Damage
As a result of recent hurricane, flood, and ice storm damage, the
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has received several inquiries concerning
the proper accounting for storm damage costs and the associated funds
received from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA).
Storm damage costs should be accounted for under the work order
procedure. Units of property destroyed or otherwise removed from service
must be reflected on retirement work orders and units of property
installed must be shown on construction work orders. To ensure that the
accounting for construction and retirement costs is as accurate as
possible, an effort should be made to accurately accumulate material,
labor, and overhead costs. Even when extreme care has been exercised,
however, it may still be necessary to use estimates to develop the
appropriate cost figures.
When a storm occurs, a utility typically incurs a large retirement
loss, all or a part of which should be charged to the accumulated
provision for depreciation. Storm damage costs over and above
construction and retirement costs represent maintenance expense.
Maintenance costs include the costs of resagging lines, straightening
poles, and replacing minor items of property. When extensive damage has
occurred, the need to restore the property to an operating condition
without delay usually results in excessive costs being incurred.
Standard property unit costs may be used as a guide in determining the
amount to be capitalized. It should be noted, however, that when
standard property unit costs are used, all excess costs are charged to
maintenance expense.
Because of the storm's destruction, property is retired prematurely
and as a result, extraordinary retirement losses occur. When such
extraordinary losses occur, they should be recorded in the year in which
the losses are incurred. If the recording of such losses will materially
distort the income statement, such losses may be charged to Account 435,
Extraordinary Deductions. These costs may be deferred and amortized to
future periods only if the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types
of Regulation (Statement No. 71), are applied. Under the provisions of
Statement No. 71, a utility may defer certain costs, provided such costs
are included in the utility's rate base and recovered through future
rates. If an RUS borrower elects to apply the provisions of Statement
No. 71, RUS approval is required. To obtain RUS approval, a borrower
must submit:
a. A detailed description of the plan including the nature of the
expense item, the amount of the deferral, the specific time period for
rate recovery, and justifying support for the time period selected;
b. The accounting journal entries being used by the cooperative to
record the expense deferral and amortization of deferred costs; and
c. A copy of the state Commission order authorizing recovery of the
deferred costs through future rates, or in the absence of commission
jurisdiction, a resolution from the cooperative's board of directors
authorizing such recovery.
To assist in the restoration of the damaged facilities, the Federal
government often provides assistance through Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
Under current FEMA procedures, FEMA provides funds for the
restoration of facilities based upon the cost estimates submitted by the
entity requesting assistance. If the FEMA grant is for less than 100
percent of the cost estimates, and does not specify offset expenses,
thereby providing the borrower with the maximum opportunity to utilize
Rural Development Utilities Program loan funds to finance capitalizable
costs. When
[[Page 163]]
the funds are received, they should be accounted for by first applying
the funds received as a credit to maintenance expense and administrative
and general costs. Any remaining funds should then be applied as a
credit to construction and retirement costs.
Accounting Journal Entries
Dr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in Progress-- $1,015.17
Storm Damage...........................
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $1,015.17
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To transfer the removal costs recorded in Column 11 of Retirement Work
Order 4401X to Account 108.8X.................................
Dr. 107.4, Construction Work in $4,141.55
Progress--Storm Damage.................
Cr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in .............. $4,141.55
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To remove material salvaged in the -------------------- rebuild from
Account 107.4. The original entry debited Account 154, Plant Materials
and Operating Supplies, and credited Account 107.4. (See Column 12 of
Retirement Work Order 4401X.).................................
Dr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in Progress-- $312,230.41
Storm Damage...........................
Cr. 364, Poles Towers and Fixtures.. .............. $133,377.55
Cr. 365, Overhead Conductors and .............. 59,683.08
Devices............................
Cr. 368, Lines Transformers......... .............. 19,704.60
Cr. 369, Services................... .............. 97,651.23
Cr. 373, Street Lighting and Signal .............. 1,813.95
Systems............................
To remove the original cost of property destroyed and retired from the
classified plant accounts. This retirement is recorded, in detail, on
Retirement Work Order 4401X. It is understood that this
retirement covers all distribution property retired or destroyed in the
-------------------- area exclusive of substations and special
equipment items (meters, meter sockets, current and potential
transformers, transformers, voltage regulators, oil circuit reclosers
(OCR), and sectionalizers).............................................
Dr. 108.6, Accumulated Provision for $309,104.03
Depreciation of Distribution Plant.....
Cr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in .............. $309,104.03
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To record the net loss due to the retirement of distribution lines in
the -------------------- area. (See Retirement Work Order 4401X.)..............................................................
Dr. 364, Poles, Towers and Fixtures..... $99,075.40
Dr. 365, Overhead Conductors and Devices 104,142.22
Dr. 368, Line Transformers.............. 25,036.07
Dr. 369, Services....................... 28,865.08
Dr. 373, Street Lighting and Signal 2,101.60
Systems................................
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $259,220.37
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To record, in the proper classified plant accounts, Construction Work
Order 4401 covering the -------------------- rebuild..........
This entry includes:
Material Issued..................... $150,336.49
Less: Materials Returned............ 15,631.39
-------------------------------
Net Material Used................... 134,705.10
Labor and overhead estimated by 124,515.27
using standard record unit costs...
-------------------------------
Total............................. 259,220.37
===============================
Dr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in Progress-- 2,384.00
Storm Damage...........................
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $2,384.00
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To transfer the removal costs associated with the retirement of old
transmission lines ($1,966) and substations ($418) to Account 107.4.
This cost is shown in Column 11 of Retirement Work Order 4400X)...............................................................
Dr. 107.4, Construction Work in $1,939.74
Progress--Storm Damage.................
Cr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in .............. $1,939.74
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To remove material salvaged from transmission lines ($1,545.74) and
substations ($394.00) from Account 107.4. The original entry debited
Account 154 and credited Account 107.4. (See Column 12 of Retirement
Work Order 4400X.)............................................
Dr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in Progress-- $162,172.06
Storm Damage...........................
Cr. 355, Poles and Fixtures......... .............. $47,738.45
Cr. 356, Overhead Conductors & .............. 80,304.11
Devices............................
Cr. 362, Station Equipment.......... .............. 34,129.50
To remove the original cost of transmission lines and substations
destroyed and retired from the classified plant accounts. (See
Retirement Work Order 4400X.) (New substations were built and
separately accounted for on Work Order 4406.).................
[[Page 164]]
Dr. 108.5, Accumulated Provision for $128,462.82
Depreciation of Transmission Plant.....
Dr. 108.6, Accumulated Provision for 34,153.50
Depreciation of Distribution Plant.....
Cr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in .............. $162,616.32
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To record the net loss due to the retirement of transmission lines
($128,462.82) and substations ($34,153.50). (See Retirement Work Order
4400X):.......................................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmission
Substations plant
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original Cost........................... $34,129.50 $128,042.56
Add: Cost of Removal.................... 418.00 1,966.00
-------------------------------
34,547.50 130,008.56
Less: Material Salvaged................. 394.00 1,545.74
-------------------------------
Total............................. 34,153.50 128,462.82
===============================
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. 355, Poles and Fixtures............. $161,784.05
Dr. 356, Overhead Conductors and Devices 124,704.77
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $286,488.82
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To record, in the proper classified plant accounts, the costs of a 69 kV
transmission line (--------------------) as detailed in Work Order
4400. This work order includes construction costs as follows:.
Material Used (Net)..................... $171,665.62
Labor and overhead estimated by 114,823.20
using standard record unit costs...
-------------------------------
Total............................. 286,488.82
===============================
Dr. 107.4, Construction Work in $329.40
Progress--Storm Damage.................
Cr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in .............. $329.40
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To correct the journal entry for cash received from the sale of scrapped
meters and transformers. The original entry credited Account 107.4 at
the time of receipt....................................................
Transformers........................ $318.00
Meters.............................. 11.40
-------------------------------
Net Materials Used.................. 329.40
===============================
Dr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in Progress-- .............. $137,671.22
Storm Damage...........................
Cr. 365, Overhead Conductors and .............. $4,557.00
Devices............................
Cr. 368, Line Transformers.......... .............. 112,815.22
Cr. 370, Meters..................... .............. 20,299.00
To remove the cost of meters, transformers, and OCRs lost or destroyed
from the primary plant accounts. (See Retirement Work Order 4402X.)..............................................................
737 Transformers.................... $112,815.22
31 OCRs............................. 4,557.00
1,532 Meters........................ 20,299.00
-------------------------------
Total............................. 137,671.22
===============================
Dr. 108.6, Accumulated Provision for $137,341.82
Depreciation of Distribution Plant.....
Cr. 108.8X, Retirement Work in .............. $137,341.82
Progress...........................
To record the net loss due to the retirement of meters, transformers,
and OCRs. (See Retirement Work Order 4402X.)..................
Original Cost....................... $137,671.22
Salvaged Realized................... 329.40
-------------------------------
Total............................. 137,341.82
===============================
Dr. 186, Miscellaneous Deferred Debits.. $1,319.85
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $1,319.85
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To record the engineering costs associated with future construction work
in the -------------------- area.......................................
[[Page 165]]
Dr. 593, Maintenance of Overhead Lines.. $607.24
Dr. 595, Maintenance of Line 19,365.86
Transformers...........................
Dr. 597, Maintenance of Meters.......... 6,595.56
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $26,568.66
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To charge the costs of repairing damaged meters, transformers, voltage
regulators, and OCRs to the appropriate expense accounts. Repair costs
were originally charged to Account 107.4...............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
593 595 597
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meters.......................................................... .............. .............. $6,595.56
Transformers.................................................... .............. $18,869.95 ..............
Voltage Regulators.............................................. .............. 495.91 ..............
Oil Circuit Reclosers........................................... $607.24 .............. ..............
-----------------------------------------------
Total..................................................... 607.24 19,365.86 6,595.56
===============================================
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. 920, Administrative and General $32,000.00
Salaries...............................
Dr. 921, Office Supplies and Expenses... 4,421.69
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $36,421.69
Progress--Storm Damage.............
To charge the administrative costs incurred to obtain the FEMA grant to
the appropriate expense accounts. Administrative costs were originally
charged to Account 107.4...............................................
Salaries............................ $32,000.00
Office Supplies..................... 4,421.69
-------------------------------
Total............................. $36,421.69
===============================
Dr. 571, Maintenance of Overhead Lines.. $3,675.60
Dr. 593, Maintenance of Overhead Lines.. 33,080.40
Cr. 107.4, Construction Work in .............. $36,756.00
Progress Storm Damage..............
To allocate expenses remaining in Account 107.4 to distribution and
transmission maintenance expense. It was estimated that only 10 percent
is applicable to transmission..........................................
Dr. 426.5, Other Deductions............. $275,000.00
Dr. 435, Extraordinary Deductions
Dr. 182.1, Extraordinary Property Losses
Cr. 108.5, Accumulated Provision for .............. $35,000.00
Depreciation of Transmission Plant.
Cr. 108.6, Accumulated Provision for .............. 240,000.00
Depreciation of Distribution Plant.
To restore the accumulated provisions for depreciation to their
appropriate levels based upon a study of plant currently in service....
Note: Account 426.5, Other Deductions, should be used to record the
retirement loss as a current period expense. Account 435, Extraordinary
Deductions, may be used when the loss will materially distort the income
statement. Account 182.1, Extraordinary Property Losses, should be used
when such costs are being deferred under the provisions of Statement No.
71. Costs recorded in this account should be amortized to Account 407,
Amortization of Property Losses, as the costs are recovered through
rates.
Dr. 131.1, Cash--General................ $1,000,000.00
Cr. 253, Other Deferred Credits..... .............. $1,000,000.00
To record the receipt of funds from the Federal Emergency Management
Administration (FEMA)..................................................
Dr. 253, Other Deferred Credits......... $1,000,000.00
Cr. 108.5, Accumulated Provision for .............. $74,205.00
Depreciation of Transmission Plant.
Cr. 108.6, Accumulated Provision for .............. 191,575.00
Depreciation of Distribution Plant.
Cr. 186, Miscellaneous Deferred .............. 872.00
Debits.............................
Cr. 355, Poles and Fixtures......... .............. 129,056.00
Cr. 356, Overhead Conductors and .............. 99,408.00
Devices............................
Cr. 364, Poles, Towers and Fixtures. .............. 78,916.00
Cr. 365, Overhead Conductors and .............. 82,840.00
Devices............................
Cr. 368, Line Transformers.......... .............. 20,056.00
Cr. 369, Services................... .............. 23,108.00
Cr. 373, Street Lighting and Signal .............. 1,744.00
Systems............................
Cr. 426.5, Other Deductions......... .............. 219,220.00
Cr. 571, Maintenance of Overhead .............. 2,900.00
Lines..............................
Cr. 593, Maintenance of Overhead .............. 26,600.00
Lines..............................
[[Page 166]]
Cr. 595, Maintenance of Line .............. 15,300.00
Transformers.......................
Cr. 597, Maintenance of Meters...... .............. 5,200.00
Cr. 920, Administrative and General .............. 25,491.00
Salaries...........................
Cr. 921, Office Supplies and .............. 3,509.00
Expenses...........................
To allocate FEMA funds to the proper accounts...........
Summary of Costs
Maintenance:
Account 571, Maintenance of Overhead Lines.......... $3,675.60
Account 593, Maintenance of Overhead Lines.......... 33,687.24
Account 595, Maintenance of Line Transformers....... 19,365.86
Account 597, Maintenance of Meters.................. 6,595.56
---------------
Total Maintenance Costs........................... 63,324.26
===============
Retirement Loss:
Account 108.5, Accumulated Provision for 93,462.82
Depreciation of Transmission Plant.................
Account 108.6, Accumulated Provision for 240,599.35
Depreciation of Distribution Plant.................
Account 426.5, Other Deductions..................... 275,000.00
---------------
Total Retirement Loss............................. 609,062.17
===============
Construction:
Account 186, Miscellaneous Deferred Debits.......... 1,319.85
Account 355, Poles and Fixtures..................... 161,784.05
Account 356, Overhead Conductors and Devices........ 124,704.77
Account 364, Poles, Towers and Fixtures............. 99,075.40
Account 365, Overhead Conductor and Devices......... 104,142.22
Account 368, Line Transformers...................... 25,036.07
Account 369, Services............................... 28,865.08
Account 373, Street Lighting and Signal Systems..... 2,101.60
---------------
Total Construction Cost........................... 547,029.04
===============
Administrative:
Account 920, Administrative and General Salaries.... $32,000.00
Account 921, Office Supplies and Expenses........... 4,421.69
---------------
Total Administrative Cost......................... 36,421.69
===============
Maintenance......................................... 63,324.26
Retirement Loss..................................... 609,062.17
Construction........................................ 547,029.04
Administrative...................................... 36,421.69
---------------
Total Costs....................................... 1,255,837.16
===============
Distribution of FEMA Funds
Maintenance: 63,324.26 / 1,255,837.16 = .0504 = 5.0%
Retirement: 609,062.17 / 1,255,837.16 = .4850 = 48.5%
Construction: 547,029.04 / 1,255,837.16 = .4356 = 43.6%
Administrative: 36,421.69 / 1,255,837.16 = .0290 = 2.9%
Maintenance: $1,000,000.00 x 5.0% =..................... $50,000.00
Retirement: $1,000,000.00 x 48.5% =..................... 485,000.00
Construction: $1,000,000.00 x 43.6% =................... 436,000.00
Administrative: $1,000,000.00 x 2.9% =.................. 29,000.00
---------------
Total............................................. 1,000,000.00
===============
Distribution of FEMA Funds--Maintenance
Account 571: 3,675.60 / 63,324.26 = .0580 = 5.8%
Account 593: 33,687.24 / 63,324.26 = .5320 = 53.2%
Account 595: 19,365.86 / 63,324.26 = .3058 = 30.6%
Account 597: 6,595.56 / 63,324.26 = .1041 = 10.4%
Account 571: $50,000.00 x 5.8% =........................ $2,900.00
Account 593: $50,000.00 x 53.2% =....................... 26,600.00
[[Page 167]]
Account 595: $50,000.00 x 30.6% =....................... 15,300.00
Account 597: $50,000.00 x 10.4% =....................... 5,200.00
---------------
Total............................................. 50,000.00
===============
Distribution of FEMA Funds--Retirement Loss
Account 108.5: 93,462.82 / 609,062.17 = .1535 = 15.3%
Account 108.6: 240,599.35 / 609,062.17 = .3950 = 39.5%
Account 426.5: 275,000.00 / 609,062.17 = .4515 = 45.2%
Account 108.5: $485,000.00 x 15.3% =.................... $74,205.00
Account 108.6: $485,000.00 x 39.5% =.................... 191,575.00
Account 426.5: $485,000.00 x 45.2% =.................... 219,220.00
---------------
Total............................................. 485,000.00
===============
Distribution of FEMA Funds--Construction
Account 186: 1,319.85 / 547,029.04 = .0024 = .2%
Account 355: 161,784.05 / 547,029.04 = .2958 = 29.6%
Account 356: 124,704.77 / 547,029.04 = .2280 = 22.8%
Account 364: 99,075.40 / 547,029.04 = .1811 = 18.1%
Account 365: 104,142.22 / 547,029.04 = .1904 = 19.0%
Account 368: 25,036.07 / 547,029.04 = .0457 = 4.6%
Account 369: 28,865.08 / 547,029.04 = .0528 = 5.3%
Account 373: 2,101.67 / 547,029.04 = .0038 = .4%
Account 186: $436,000.00 x .2% =........................ $872.00
Account 355: $436,000.00 x 29.6% =...................... 129,056.00
Account 356: $436,000.00 x 22.8% =...................... 99,408.00
Account 364: $436,000.00 x 18.1% =...................... 78,916.00
Account 365: $436,000.00 x 19.0% =...................... 82,840.00
Account 368: $436,000.00 x 4.6% =....................... 20,056.00
Account 369: $436,000.00 x 5.3% =....................... 23,108.00
Account 373: $436,000.00 x .4% =........................ 1,744.00
---------------
Total............................................. 436,000.00
===============
Distribution of FEMA Funds--Administrative
Account 920: 32,000.00 / 36,421.69 = .8786 = 87.9%
Account 921: 4,421.69 / 36,421.69 = .1213 = 12.1%
Account 920: $29,000.00 x 87.9% =....................... $25,491.00
Account 921: $29,000.00 x 12.1% =....................... 3,509.00
---------------
Total............................................. 29,000.00
===============
137 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed of (Statement No. 121), requires reporting entities to review
all long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles that are to
be held, used, or disposed of by that entity for impairment whenever
events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
the asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future cash
flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the
carrying value of the asset, the entity must recognize an impairment
loss. The impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the
carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. The
impairment loss is reported as a component of income from continuing
operations before income taxes for entities presenting an income
statement and in the statement of activities of not-for-profit
organizations. Statement No. 121 does not apply to assets included in
the scope of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 90,
Regulated Enterprises--Accounting for Abandonments and Disallowances of
Plant Costs.
Assets To Be Held or Used
Entities are required to review long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.
For example:
1. A significant decrease in the market value of an asset;
2. A significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is
used;
3. A significant physical change in an asset;
[[Page 168]]
4. A significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business
climate that could affect the value of an asset;
5. An adverse action or assessment by a regulator;
6. An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount
originally expected to acquire or construct an asset; and
7. A current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a
history of operating or cash flow losses or a projection or forecast
that demonstrates continued losses associated with an asset used for the
purpose of producing revenue.
The impairment of the asset is measured by estimating the future
cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its
disposition. Assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are
identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows
of other groups of assets. Future cash flows are those cash inflows that
are expected to be generated by the asset less the cash outflows
expected to be necessary to maintain those inflows. If the future cash
flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) are less than the
carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss must be recognized. If
the expected future cash flows are greater than the carrying value of
the asset, no impairment loss exists.
The impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount
(acquisition cost less accumulated depreciation) of the asset exceeds
the fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is the amount
for which the asset could be bought or sold in an arms-length
transaction between willing parties. A quoted market price is the best
evidence of fair value. If this information is not available, the fair
value should be based upon the best information available. Consideration
should be given to the price of similar assets and valuation techniques
such as the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted
at a rate representative of the risk involved, option-pricing models,
matrix pricing, option-adjusted spread models, and fundamental analysis.
All available information should be considered when using the above
pricing techniques.
If an impairment is recognized, the carrying value of the asset is
reduced to the lower of its fair value or its carrying value and, if
depreciable, depreciated over the remaining useful life. Previously
recognized impairment losses cannot be restored. If the asset was
acquired in a business combination and there is goodwill resulting from
the transaction, the goodwill is included in the asset grouping and
reduced or eliminated before any adjustment is made to the carrying
value of the asset.
The following financial statement disclosures are required in the
period in which the impairment is recognized:
1. A description of the impaired assets and the facts and
circumstances surrounding the impairment;
2. The amount of the impairment and how fair value was determined;
3. The caption in the income statement or the statement of
activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated if that loss has
not been presented as a separate caption or reported parenthetically on
the face of the statement; and
4. If applicable, the business segment(s) affected.
Assets To Be Disposed
Statement No. 121 also applies to all long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles for which management, having the authority to
approve the action, has committed to a plan of disposal except those
assets covered by APB No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations--
Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and
Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and
Transactions. An asset to be disposed of is carried at the lower of its
carrying amount (acquisition cost less accumulated depreciation) or its
fair value less cost to sell.
The fair value of the asset to be disposed of is computed in the
same manner as that for an asset to be held or used by the entity.
Selling costs include the incremental direct cost to transact the sale--
broker commissions, legal fees, title transfer, and other closing costs
that must be incurred before legal title can be transferred. Costs such
as insurance, security service, and utilities are generally excluded
unless these costs are part of a contractual agreement that obligates
the entity to incur such costs in the future. If the asset's fair value
is based upon current market price or the current selling price for a
similar asset, the fair value is considered a current amount and is not
discounted. If, however, the fair value is based upon discounted
expected future cash flows and if the sale is to occur beyond one year,
the cost to sell must also be discounted. Assets covered by this
statement are not depreciated (amortized) while being held for disposal.
Subsequent revisions in estimates of fair value less cost to sell
are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount of the asset to be
disposed of as long as the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed
the original carrying amount.
The following financial statement disclosures are required in the
period in which the impairment is recognized:
1. A description of the assets to be disposed of including the facts
and circumstances leading to the expected disposal, the expected
disposal date, and the carrying amount of those assets;
[[Page 169]]
2. If applicable, the business segment(s) in which the assets to be
disposed of are held;
3. The amount, if any, of the impairment loss resulting from the
adoption of this statement;
4. The gain or loss, if any, resulting from subsequent revisions in
the estimates of fair value less cost to sell;
5. The caption in the income statement or statement of activities in
which the gains or losses are aggregated if those gains or losses have
not been presented as a separate caption or reported parenthetically on
the face of the statement; and
6. The results of operations for assets to be disposed of to the
extent that those results are included in the entity's results of
operations for the period and can be identified.
Accounting Requirements
All borrowers must adopt the accounting prescribed by Statement No.
121.
Effective Date and Implementation
Statement No. 121 is effective for financial statements for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1995. Impairment losses resulting
from the application of this statement to assets that are held or used
by the entity must be reported in the period in which the recognition
criteria are first applied and met. Impairment losses attributable to
assets to be disposed of must be reported as the cumulative effect of a
change in accounting principle as prescribed in Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes.
Accounting Journal Entries--Implementation Date
If a borrower has impaired assets that are held or used at the
implementation date, the following entry should be recorded:
Dr. 426.5, Other Deductions
Cr. 300 Series of Accounts, Plant Accounts
To record the adoption of Statement No. 121 for the impairment of assets
that are held or used.
If a borrower has impaired assets to be disposed of at the
implementation date, the following entry should be recorded:
Dr. 435.1, Cumulative Effect on Prior Years of a Change in Accounting
Principle
Cr. 300 Series--Plant Accounts
To record the adoption of Statement No. 121 for assets that are to be
disposed.
Accounting Journal Entries--Subsequent to Implementation Date
If an asset that is either held, used or to be disposed of becomes
impaired, the following entry should be recorded:
Dr. 426.5, Other Deductions
Cr. 300 Series--Plant Accounts
To record the impairment of a plant asset.
If a borrower makes a subsequent revision in the estimate of the
fair value less the cost to sell of an asset to be disposed of, the
following entry should be recorded:
Dr. 300 Series--Plant Accounts
Cr. 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income
To revise the fair value of an asset to be disposed.
138 Automatic Meter Reading Systems--Turtles
Automatic meter reading systems were developed from technology
called power line carrier communication systems. One such system,
developed by Hunt Technologies, Inc., is called by its brand name, the
Turtle system. In addition to its function as an automated reading
device, the Turtle can provide outage detection, power failure counts,
and other potential applications. The current Turtle system does not
have the capability for applications such as collection of load survey
or interval data. A Turtle system consists of:
1. A meter reader mounted (retrofitted) inside the meter;
2. A receiver located in each substation; and
3. Monitoring and programming equipment (software and personal
computer) usually located in the headquarters building.
The system transmits continuous information one way from the meter
to a receiver located in the substation. The receiver constantly
monitors every Turtle meter served by the substation. The substation
receiver can be sized to monitor up to 3,000 Turtle meter readers at the
same time. The data is then transmitted to the headquarters monitoring
equipment via telephone line or an equivalent communication system.
The technical literature and other information provided by the
manufacturer indicates that this system can only be used for remote
meter reading, outage detection, power failure counts, and phase
identification. At this time, there is no indication that the system
supports other functions such as home security. Therefore, the
accounting prescribed for the Turtle meter reading devices and support
equipment relates only to electric utility operations.
Accounting Requirements
The function of the equipment is the primary factor in determining
the account in which the equipment shall be recorded. The components of
the Turtle automatic meter reading system shall be recorded in Account
370, Meters. The cost of the meter reader encoding device and
retrofitting the meter with the meter reader unit shall be capitalized
to the cost of the existing meter. Any associated operating expenses
shall be
[[Page 170]]
charged to Account 586, Meter Expenses, with maintenance expenses
charged to Account 597, Maintenance of Meters.
Separate continuing property records shall be established for the
meters, either fitted or retrofitted with the device; the receiver; the
personal computer; and the system software. The meters, receivers, and
personal computer shall be depreciated over the manufacturer's estimated
useful service life. The system software shall be depreciated over the
estimated useful service life of the program not to exceed 5 years.
139 Global Positioning Systems
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio-navigation
system formed from a network of 24 satellites and their ground stations.
Utilities are using this advanced technology geographic data collection
system to update and modernize their system maps. GPS uses a system of
satellites orbiting the earth to establish plant locations with pinpoint
accuracy. By triangulating from three satellites and using radio signals
to measure distances and locate items, system-wide maps can be created
of the utility's service area. A field inventory is then taken of the
utility's plant and plotted onto the map. The GPS consists of base
station equipment, remote station equipment, the GPS program, and
mapping conversion software.
All equipment associated with GPS is dedicated to the mapping
effort. The base station is installed at a fixed location and ties
satellite measurements into a solid local reference. The remote station
is a portable receiver that is taken into the field to determine
locations and is moved from site to site. The GPS program is the
application software that operates the station equipment and is used by
layout technicians to gather information of existing and new facilities
in the field. The conversion software is used for converting the GPS and
inventory information gathered in the field into a form usable by the
mapping program.
Accounting Requirements
The function and location of the equipment are the primary factors
in determining the account in which the equipment shall be recorded. The
components of the GPS shall be accounted for as follows:
1. Remote and Base Station Equipment. The cost of the equipment,
both remote and fixed, shall be capitalized in a subaccount of Account
391, Office Furniture and Equipment.
2. GPS Program and Conversion Software for Mapping. The cost of GPS
program and conversion software shall be capitalized in a subaccount of
Account 391, Office Furniture and Equipment.
3. GPS/GIS Field Inventory of System. The cost of performing a GPS/
GIS survey and field inventory of the existing system, by either a
consultant or the utility's own forces, shall be charged to Account 588,
Miscellaneous Distribution Expenses.
140 Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading Systems
Radio-based automatic meter reading technology allows meters
equipped with a low-power radio device called an ERT (Encoder, Receiver,
Transmitter) to be read from a remote location. The ERT device can
either be retrofitted to an existing meter or purchased installed in a
new meter. The ERT device ``encodes'' energy consumption and transmits
this information to a radio transceiver equipped handheld computer. The
data collected and stored in the handheld computer is then uploaded to a
billing computer using specialized software for that purpose.
Accounting Requirements
The function of the equipment is the primary factor in determining
the account in which the equipment shall be recorded. The components of
the radio-based automatic meter reading system shall be recorded in
Account 370, Meters. The cost of the meter reader encoding device and
retrofitting the meter with the meter reader unit shall be capitalized
to the cost of the existing meter. Any associated operating expenses
shall be charged to Account 586, Meter Expenses, with maintenance
expenses charged to Account 597, Maintenance of Meters.
Separate continuing property records shall be established for the
meters, either fitted or retrofitted with the device; the handheld
computer; and the upload software. The meters and handheld computer
shall be depreciated over the manufacturer's estimated useful service
life. The upload software shall be depreciated over the estimated useful
service life of the program not to exceed 5 years.
201 Supplemental Financing
Many borrowers secure additional financing from sources other than
RUS. CFC was established to provide a source of supplemental financing.
Although the accounting provided in this section refers to CFC, it is
applicable to other sources of supplemental financing as well.
1. Membership Fees
When a membership fee is paid to CFC, the payment shall be recorded
as a debit to Account 123.23, Other Investments in Associated
Organizations.
2. Subscriptions
The subscription agreement to purchase Capital Term Certificates
(CTCs) is a binding obligation to pay an initial subscription in equal
annual payments over the first three
[[Page 171]]
years and an additional annual subscription payable in the fourth
through fifteenth years.
The annual subscriptions to CFC for the fourth through fifteenth
years is 2.0 percent of total operating revenues after deducting the
cost of power. Using the best data available, each borrower shall
estimate the amount of CTCs that are required to be purchased. Estimates
are not expected to be precise and adjustments shall be made when future
projections indicate a change is needed. When the agreement to purchase
CTCs is made, an entry shall be recorded debiting Account 123.21,
Subscriptions to Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental Financing, and
crediting Account 224.11, Other Long-Term Debit--Subscriptions. When the
CTCs are actually purchased, the following entries shall be recorded:
Dr. 224.11, Other Long-Term Debt--Subscriptions
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
Dr. 123.22, Investments in Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental
Financing
Cr. 123.21, Subscriptions to Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental
Financing
3. Interest Receipts
Interest accrues monthly to the holder of CTCs at a rate in
accordance with the terms of the CFC Invitation to Subscribe. The
accrual of interest and the receipt of interest proceeds shall be
recorded as follows:
Dr. 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable
Cr. 419, Interest and Dividend Income
To record the monthly accrual of interest.
Dr. 131.1, Cash--General
Cr. 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable
To record the receipt of interest proceeds from the investment in CTCs.
Note: Any amounts received in excess of the previous accruals shall
be credited to Account 419.
Interest penalties may be charged by CFC for late payments on any
subscription from the date that the payment was due to the date that the
payment was actually received. Such charges shall be expensed to Account
431, Other Interest Expense.
4. Notes
If a note is due more than one year after the date of the note, the
appropriate subaccount of Account 224, Other Long-Term Debt, shall be
credited. If the note is due less than one year from the date of the
note, Account 231, Notes Payable, shall be credited.
When a loan from CFC has been consummated and a note is executed,
Account 224.13, Supplemental Financing Notes Executed--Debit, shall be
debited; and Account 224.12, Other Long-Term Debt--Supplemental
Financing, credited. When a loan from another source has been
consummated, Account 224.15, Notes Executed--Other--Debit, shall be
debited; and Account 224.14, Other Long-Term Debt--Miscellaneous,
credited.
5. Loan Proceeds
Cash proceeds from unsecured short-term loans shall be deposited
into the General Fund Account. Cash proceeds from all secured loans
shall be deposited into the Construction Fund Trustee Account.
From two to seven percent, depending upon the class of borrower and
its debt-equity ratio, of each CFC loan is applied to the purchase of
Capital Term Certificates. At the time of a borrower's first requisition
under the CFC loan, the following entry shall be recorded:
Dr. 131.2, Cash--Construction Fund--Trustee
Dr. 123.22, Investments in Capital Term Certificates--Supplemental
Financing
Cr. 224.13, Supplemental Financing Notes Executed--Debit
To record the requisition of funds from CFC.
6. Capital Credits
As a result of borrowing from CFC or other lenders organized on a
cooperative basis, a borrower may receive capital credit allocations.
These allocations are usually based upon the borrower's participation in
the lending program with participation measured by the amount of
interest expense and conversion costs incurred.
To account for patronage capital allocations from cooperative
lenders, the following journal entries shall be recorded:
Dr. 123.1, Patronage Capital from Associated Cooperatives
Cr. 424, Other Capital Credits and Patronage Capital Allocations
To record the allocation of capital credits from a cooperative lender.
Note: If any portion of the interest expense was capitalized as a
component of construction cost, a similar portion of the capital credit
allocation shall be credited to construction rather than to Account 424.
The portion credited to construction shall be determined by applying the
percentage of interest expense charged to construction for that
particular lender to the interest expense incurred for that lender.
Dr. 131.1, Cash--General
Cr. 123.1, Patronage Capital from Associated Cooperatives
To record the cash receipt of patronage capital credits from cooperative
lenders.
301 Forfeited Customers' Deposits
Customers may be required to make deposits to guarantee payment of
amounts billed for electric service. When a customer discontinues
service, the customer's deposit shall first be applied to unpaid energy
bills, with the balance remitted by check to the customer. If the check
is returned, it shall be voided and the original entry that was made
when the check was issued shall be reversed.
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Unclaimed balances of customer deposits shall remain in Account 235,
Customer Deposits, until the legal liability of the cooperative to make
such a refund has elapsed. When there is no further legal liability to
refund the deposit and if it does not escheat to the state, it shall be
transferred to Account 144, Accumulated Provision for Uncollectible
Customer Accounts--Credit, retaining full information of all
particulars.
401 Computer Software Costs
Computer software consists of programs and routines (sets of
computer instructions) which direct the operation of the computer.
Software may refer to generalized routines useful in computer operations
or to programs for specific applications such as payroll.
The distinction between generalized software and application
software is important. Generalized software provides operating support
for individual applications. This would include programs for such tasks
as making printouts of machine-readable records, sorting records,
organizing and maintaining files, translating programs written in a
symbolic language into machine-language instructions, and scheduling
jobs through the computer. These programs are generally furnished by the
manufacturer.
Application software consists of a set of instructions for
performing a particular data processing task. Application programs are
generally written by the user installation, but are frequently obtained
as prewritten packages from software vendors. Application software
includes programs such as payroll, billing, general ledger, as well as
engineering or managerial applications.
Costs incurred with the purchase or development of computer software
shall be accounted for as follows:
1. Capitalize in a subaccount of Account 391, Office Furniture and
Equipment, all costs for generalized software. Depreciate the cost over
the service life (or remaining life) of the main hardware (i.e.,
containing central processor). If the purchase invoice does not break
out or assign a cost to the ``generalized software,'' it is appropriate
to include the full amount in hardware costs. Capitalize in a separate
subaccount of Account 391, all costs for applications software
determined to have a service life of over one year. Depreciate the cost
over the estimated useful service life of the program. This depreciation
period shall not exceed five (5) years. RUS realizes, however, that
there may be circumstances that justify a useful life longer than 5
years. When this is the case and it is management's intent to utilize
these programs over an extended period, written justification shall be
submitted to RUS for approval.
2. Expense in Account 921, Office Supplies and Expenses, in the
period incurred, all costs associated with the maintenance, updating,
and conversion of files or revision of all software, and all costs for
software with a useful life of less than 1 year. Also expense in Account
921, the unamortized cost of all software determined, during the year,
to be no longer used by or useful to the cooperative. Such costs that
are clearly applicable to any category of operating expenses other than
the administrative and general category, however, shall be included in
the appropriate account in such category. In accordance with the USoA,
no portion of such costs shall be capitalized to construction or
retirement activities.
In determining the total cost of purchased or internally developed
software, the following items shall be included:
a. Costs incurred for feasibility studies if they result in the
purchase or development of software;
b. All costs related to the actual purchase or development of the
software. These costs must be specifically identifiable with the
software and properly supported by time cards, invoices, or other
documents; and
c. All costs incurred in ``testing and debugging'' the software.
Computer software costs are properly chargeable to Account 107,
Construction Work in Progress, provided that the following criteria are
met:
1. The computer program is specifically dedicated to performing a
construction related activity, and
2. The cost of the software is itemized separate and apart from
other hardware and software costs.
The cost of software programs meeting the above requirements and
having an estimated useful service life in excess of 1 year shall be
recorded in Account 186, Miscellaneous Deferred Debits, and amortized to
Account 107, Construction Work in Progress, over the estimated service
life of the program not to exceed 5 years.
All costs related to training personnel in the use of software shall
be expensed as incurred.
The accounting in this section is not intended to apply to
immaterial amounts. When it is deemed that the costs of the
recordkeeping necessary to amortize these costs outweigh the benefits to
the members, software costs shall be expensed in the year incurred.
For computer costs relating to load control equipment, refer to Item
118 of this section.
402 Legal Expenses
Utilities may incur legal expenses which pertain to construction
activities, loan activities, or general services. The proper accounting
treatment for legal expenses is as follows:
[[Page 173]]
1. Legal fees incurred in connection with a construction project,
including the court costs directly related thereto, which can be
identified and supported as such, shall be capitalized in Account 107,
Construction Work-in-Progress, as a cost of construction.
2. Legal fees specifically identified and properly supported as
resulting from activities designed to obtain long-term debt, shall be
deferred in Account 181, Unamortized Debt Expense.
3. Legal fees for all other services and fees which cannot be
properly identified will require expensing to either Account 417.1,
Expenses of Nonutility Operations, or Account 923, Outside Services
Employed, as appropriate.
To properly support the capitalization or deferral of legal fees,
the attorney shall provide an itemization of services performed and the
corresponding costs. Only those costs specifically identified by the
attorney as being related to construction or loan activities shall be
capitalized or deferred as described above.
403 Leases
Lease transactions shall be accounted for as either a capital lease
or an operating lease depending upon whether or not the lease meets the
criteria for classification as a capital lease. The definitions for
capital and operating leases and the criteria used to determine which
method shall be used are as follows:
Definitions
1. Capital Lease: A lease that transfers substantially all of the
benefits and risks inherent in the ownership of the property to the
lessee, who accounts for the lease as an acquisition of an asset and the
incurrence of a liability.
2. Operating Lease: An operating lease is a simple rental agreement
which does not meet the criteria for a capital lease. Under the terms of
an operating lease, the lessee records the rental payments due over the
term of the lease as rent expense.
Criteria
A lease agreement shall be classified as a capital lease if one or
more of the following criteria is met:
1. Ownership of the property is transferred to the lessee by the end
of the lease term;
2. The lease contains a bargain purchase option;
3. The lease term is equal to 75 percent or more of the estimated
useful life of the leased property; or
4. The present value of the lease payments at the inception of the
lease equals or exceeds 90 percent of the fair market value of the
leased property.
A lease agreement qualifying as a capital lease shall be recorded in
either Account 101.1, Property Under Capital Leases;Account 120.6,
Nuclear Fuel Under Capital Leases; or Account 121, Nonutility Property,
as appropriate, at the present value (at the beginning of the lease
term) of the minimum lease payments. If, however, this amount exceeds
the fair value of the leased property at the inception of the lease, the
asset shall be recorded at its fair market value. An offsetting credit
shall be recorded in Account 227, Obligations Under Capital Leases--
Noncurrent, with the current portion recorded in Account 243,
Obligations Under Capital Leases--Current. Assets recorded in Account
101.1 shall be classified separately according to the detailed accounts
(301-399) provided for electric plant in service.
Monthly payments made under the lease obligation shall be charged to
rent expense, fuel expense, or construction work-in-progress as they
become payable. Similarly, the leased asset and the associated
obligation shall be reduced by the current amount due.
The following journal entries shall be used by the lessee to record
capital lease transactions:
Dr. 101.1, Property Under Capital Leases
Cr. 243, Obligations Under Capital Leases--Current
Cr. 227, Obligations Under Capital Leases--Noncurrent
To record the capital lease agreement.
Dr. 550, Rents
Cr. 232, Accounts Payable
Dr. 243, Obligations Under Capital Leases--Current
Cr. 101.1, Property Under Capital Leases
To record the monthly rental payment due.
Dr. 232, Accounts Payable
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the monthly lease payment.
Operating leases which are simple rental agreements do not require
the recording of an asset or a liability. The entries that are required
to record an operating lease by the lessee are as follows:
Dr. 550, Rents
Cr. 232, Accounts Payable
To record the monthly rental payment due.
Dr. 232, Accounts Payable
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the monthly lease payment.
For purposes of illustration, the journal entries presented in this
interpretation debit Account 550, Rents. However, Account 507, Rents
(steam power generation); Account 525, Rents (nuclear power generation);
Account 540, Rents (hydraulic power generation); Account 550, Rents
(other power production); Account 567, Rents (transmission expense);
Account 589, Rents (distribution expense); and Account 931, Rents
(general
[[Page 174]]
and administrative), should be charged, as appropriate, depending upon
the function of the equipment being leased.
404 Consolidated Financial Statements
In October 1987, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 94, Consolidation of All
Majority-Owned Subsidiaries (Statement No. 94). For purposes of
reporting to RUS, Statement No. 94 shall be applied as follows:
1. An RUS borrower that is a subsidiary of another entity shall
prepare and submit to RUS separate financial statements even though this
financial information is presented in the parent's consolidated
statements.
2. In those cases in which an RUS borrower has a majority-ownership
in a subsidiary, the borrower must prepare consolidated financial
statements in accordance with the requirements of Statement No. 94.
These consolidated statements must also include supplementary schedules
presenting a Balance Sheet and Income Statement for each majority-owned
subsidiary included in the consolidated statements.
Although Statement No. 94 requires the consolidation of majority-
owned subsidiaries, Forms 7 and 12 must be prepared on a basis
consistent with the equity method of accounting for investments. For
distribution borrowers, this requires that the investment be shown on
Form 7 in Part C, Balance Sheet, on line 7, Investments in Subsidiary
Companies, or line 9, Investments in Associated Organizations--Other--
General Funds, as appropriate. The result of operation is shown in Part
A, Statement of Operations, on line 23, Income (Loss) from Equity
Investments. For generation and transmission borrowers, the investments
should be shown on Form 12, in Section C, Balance Sheet, on Line 7,
Investments in Subsidiary Companies, or Line 9, Investments in
Associated Organizations--Other--General Funds, as appropriate. The
result of operations should be shown in Section A, Statement of
Operations, on line 30, Income (Loss) from Equity Investments.
501 Patronage Capital Assignments
Accounting for patronage capital and margins may vary depending upon
the individual cooperative's bylaws. The comments contained in this
section relate to the application of the standard bylaw provisions.
The entries required, at year's end, to record patronage capital
transactions where there is no major merchandising program are as
follows:
Dr. 219.1, Operating Margins
Dr. 219.2, Nonoperating margins
Cr. 201.2, Patronage Capital Assignable
To record the amount of patronage capital assignable.
Dr. 201.2, Patronage Capital Assignable
Cr. 201.1, Patronage Capital Credits
To record the allocation of patronage capital to the patrons' accounts.
The procedure for determining the amount of patronage capital
assignable to the individual patron on a total dollar basis is as
follows:
1. Determine the total amount to be assigned for the year (Account
201.2).
2. Determine patronage from electric service, the total of
consumers' billings (Accounts 440-447).
3. Determine the percentage factor to be used in calculating
patronage capital to be credited to each consumer account. Divide ``1''
by ``2''.
4. Determine the amount of capital to be credited to each consumer.
Multiply the individual consumer's billings for the year by the
percentage factor obtained in ``3'' above.
The procedure for determining the amount of patronage capital
assignable to the individual patron on a dollar basis, less the cost of
power, is as follows:
1. Determine the total amount to be assigned for the year.
2. Determine the total amount of revenue received from each
classification of customers.
3. Determine the total cost of power for each classification of
customers. (For example, use cost per kWh sold).
4. For each classification of customers subtract the amount obtained
in ``3'' from the amount obtained in ``2,'' to obtain the total amount
received, less cost of power, by classification of customers.
5. Add the amounts obtained in ``4'' to obtain the total amount of
revenue, less cost of power.
6. Divide the total amount received, less cost of power for each
classification of customers (amounts obtained in ``4''), by the total
amount received, less cost of power for all customers (amount obtained
in ``5'') to obtain the prorata percentage for each classification of
customers.
7. Multiply the total amount to be allocated (amount obtained in
``1'') by the prorata percentage for each classification of customers
(obtained in ``6'') to obtain the amount to be assigned each
classification of customers.
8. Divide the amount to be assigned each classification of customers
(amount obtained in ``7'') by the total amount received from the
classification of customers (amount obtain in ``2'') to obtain the
percentage factor for each classification of customers.
9. Determine the total amount received from each individual
customer.
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10. Multiply the total amount received from each individual customer
(amount obtained in ``9'') by the percentage factor for his
classification (amount obtained in ``8'') to obtain the amount of
capital to be assigned each individual customer.
After calculating the patronage capital to be credited to each
customer, there is usually a small balance remaining. This small balance
shall remain in Account 201.2, Patronage Capital Assignable, and shall
be added to the amount to be assigned in the following year.
Proper records shall be maintained to support all capital credit
transactions. As a minimum, these records shall show, for each patron,
the amount of capital credited for each year as well as the amount and
date retired for each year.
The process of transferring capital credits from the Patronage
Capital Assignable accounts to the Patrons' Capital Credits Assigned
accounts or to the Patrons' Capital Credits accounts and the making of
entries to individual patron's records constitutes an assignment of
capital credits. This holds true for recordkeeping purposes as well as
from a legal point of view. This assignment shall be followed by formal
notification to patrons within a reasonable period of time.
In the event that a distribution cooperative incurs a net loss, that
loss shall not be allocated to its members (patrons). The loss shall be
accumulated and offset by future nonoperating margins.
502 Patronage Capital Retirements
As the board of directors has the responsibility for determining
whether the financial condition of the cooperative will permit
retirement of capital credits and whether the proposed retirement
complies with mortgage and bylaw provisions, the authorization for the
retirement shall be set forth in the board minutes. The entries to
record the general retirement of capital credits shall be as follows:
Dr. 201.1, Patronage Capital Credits
Cr. 238.1, Patronage Capital Payable
To record the board of directors' authorization to make payments of
capital credits.
Dr. 238.1, Patronage Capital Payable
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General.
To record actual cash payments of capital credits.
Note: To provide better control over the payment of patronage
capital credits, a special checking account should be established in an
amount equal to the authorized general retirement. Special prenumbered
checks shall be used for each general retirement of patronage capital.
To strengthen internal control and to facilitate the settlement of
estates, the board should adopt a policy specifying exactly how payments
of capital credits shall be made to the estates of deceased patrons.
Payments made to estates shall be recorded as follows:
Dr. 201.1, Patronage Capital Credits
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the payment of capital credits when an estate is settled by
refunding 100 cents on the dollar.
Dr. 201.1, Patronage Capital Credits
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
Cr. 217, Retired Capital Credits--Gain
To record the payment of capital credits when an estate is settled for
less than the full amount of capital credited to the deceased
customer's account.
Dr. 217, Retired Capital Credits--Gain
Cr. 201.2, Patronage Capital Assignable
To record the reallocation to current patrons of the amount of the
discount, if provided for in the bylaws.
If a capital credit check is returned due to an inability to locate
the patron, it shall be held pending a recheck of available records to
ascertain the correct address of the patron. If it is determined that
the patron cannot be located, the check shall be cancelled and the
amount of the check debited to Account 131.1, Cash--General, and
credited to Account 217, Retired Capital Credits--Gain. If the state,
however, has unclaimed property laws to which the amount is subject, the
amount shall be credited to Account 253, Other Deferred Credits, until
final disposition has been made. A notation shall be made in the records
of the former patron to facilitate payment if his or her whereabouts is
subsequently determined.
If the records show that a number of former patrons have moved and
left no forwarding address, it is not necessary to prepare a capital
credit retirement check for these patrons when a general retirement of
capital credits is made. When setting funds aside to make a general
retirement, however, appropriate amounts shall be included to cover
payments due these patrons. The cooperative shall then make a reasonable
effort to locate these patrons through publication of their names in the
newsletter or local newspaper. If the patrons are not located, the
amounts set aside and the credits to their accounts shall be handled in
a manner similar to those for whom payment checks are returned.
Under the standard bylaw provisions recommended by RUS, it is not
proper to use capital credits that were assigned to former patrons to
liquidate their delinquent bills. When the standard bylaws are in effect
and collection efforts have failed, the balance of an uncollectible
bill, after application of customers deposits and membership fees, shall
be charged against the accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts.
If the patron has capital credits assigned to him or her, these remain
untouched except for a notation to indicate the amount of the unpaid
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bill. When a general retirement of capital credits is made at some
future date, amounts which would otherwise be due the patron may be
applied to satisfy the unpaid bill with the balance refunded to him or
her.
503 Operating and Nonoperating Margins
Occasionally questions arise concerning the accounting for the
balances in Accounts 218, Capital Gains and Losses; 219.3, Other
Margins; 219.4, Other Margins and Equities-Prior Periods; 434,
Extraordinary Income; and 435, Extraordinary Deductions. The balance in
these accounts shall be accounted for as follows:
1. The balance in Account 219.4, Other Margins and Equities--Prior
Periods, shall be transferred, at year's end, to Account 219.1 or 219.2,
as appropriate. Accounts 219.1 and 219.2 are then closed to Account
201.2, Patronage Capital Assignable, unless otherwise provided for in
the bylaws.
2. The balances in Account 434, Extraordinary Income, and Account
435, Extraordinary Deductions, shall be cleared to Account 219.2 at
year's end.
3. The balances in Account 219.3, Other Margins, and Account 218,
Capital Gains and Losses, shall remain in these accounts unless they are
allocated to patrons or used to absorb future losses as provided for in
the bylaws of the cooperative.
When a cooperative is engaged in a major merchandising activity, all
costs properly chargeable to the merchandising activity shall be
allocated as such to offset the associated revenue. Nonoperating margins
generated from this source shall be prorated annually on a patronage
basis and credited to those patrons accounts from whom such amounts were
obtained. Merchandising activities of this nature may require a bylaw
provision allowing for the allocation of margins generated by a major
merchandising activity separate from other operating or nonoperating
margins.
If, at the time of the adoption of the bylaw provisions for the
allocation of nonoperating margins, there are prior years' losses
resulting in debit balances in Accounts 218, Capital Gains and Losses;
219.1, Operating Margins; 219.2, Nonoperating Margins; or 219.3, Other
Margins; the credit balances in Accounts 218, 219.2, or 219.3 resulting
from prior years' operations shall be transferred, to the extent
necessary, to offset such deficits. If the board determines that amounts
shall be allocated to prior years' patrons, the credit balances
remaining in these accounts shall be transferred to Account 201.2,
Patronage Capital Assignable.
If there are current year's losses resulting in debit balances in
either Account 219.1 or 219.2, credit balances in Accounts 219.2, 219.3,
and 218 shall be transferred, to the extent necessary, to offset such
deficits. Remaining credit balances allocable to patrons shall be
transferred to Account 1.2.
504 Patronage Capital from G&T Cooperatives
When a cooperative receives capital credits from a G&T cooperative,
the transaction shall be recorded by a debit to Account 123.1, Patronage
Capital from Associated Cooperatives, and a credit to Account 423,
Generation and Transmission Cooperative Capital Credits. This entry
shall be made priorto the closing of the cooperative's books even
though, in most cases, the notice of the G&T allocation is not received
until after the close of the year to which it relates. If precise
information cannot be obtained from the G&T within a reasonable time,
capital credits shall be recorded on an estimated basis. The difference
between the estimated amount and the actual shall be recognized in the
following year unless the difference is material.
A distribution cooperative shall not recognize its proportionate
share of losses incurred by the G&T. G&T losses shall be accumulated and
offset as provided for in the bylaws. Unlike distribution cooperatives,
a G&T has the option to offset accumulated losses with future operating
and/or nonoperating margins.
505 Patronage Capital Furnished by Other Cooperative Service
Organizations
Utilities may obtain long-term and short-term loans, telephone or
data processing services, or may purchase oil, gasoline, materials,
insurance, and various items from cooperative or mutual enterprises.
These enterprises often make patronage refunds or provide evidence that
an amount equal to such a refund has been credited to the utility as an
investment of capital. The refund may be in the form of cash in the year
following the purchase or it may be deducted from the next invoice. The
notice of patronage credited to the borrower's account may indicate that
such capital may be retired at some future date upon certain conditions
having been met. The following provides the accounting journal entries
for these types of transactions:
1. Insurance policy refunds from mutual companies, in cash or as
credits against subsequent purchases, shall be credited to the
appropriate expense account. If sufficient information is not available
to credit the refunds to the appropriate expense accounts, they shall be
credited to Account 165, Prepayments, and reduce premiums for the
current year.
2. Patronage capital allocations from cooperatives, other than
mutual insurance companies, shall be credited, in the year that the
allocation notice is received, to Account
[[Page 177]]
424, Other Capital Credits and Patronage Allocations, or to construction
work-in-progress, as appropriate. The allocation of patronage capital
credits between Account 424 and construction work-in-progress shall be
made on an equitable basis. For example, patronage capital allocations
received from a cooperative money lender are allocated between Account
424 and construction work-in-progress based upon the ratio of interest
charged to construction for that particular lender to total interest
expense incurred for that lender. Patronage capital allocations received
from a material supplier are allocated based upon the ratio of materials
charged to construction to total materials purchased.
3. The face amount of patronage capital certificates received by the
cooperative from the purchase of goods or services from cooperative
money lenders (CFC), oil dealers, material suppliers, pole treating
plants, communications services, and others shall be charged to either
Account 123.1, Patronage Capital from Associated Cooperatives, or
Account 124, Other Investments, as appropriate. Account 123.1 shall
include investments in only those cooperatives, or enterprises, that are
directly related to the electric utility industry and controlled by the
electric cooperatives. These include statewide cooperatives, power
cooperatives, and NRECA. Other investments in oil cooperatives and
insurance companies shall be charged to Account 124.
506 Forfeited Membership Fees
The bylaws of each cooperative prescribe certain rules and
regulations concerning membership in the cooperative. Among these are
provisions for forfeiture of membership fees. Some bylaws provide for
application of membership fees against any unpaid accounts at the time
of termination of service. Any remaining balance may be refunded to the
member. Balances that cannot be refunded to the member due to an
inability to locate the member or due to bylaw restriction, shall be
credited to Account 208, Donated Capital, provided they do not escheat
to the state. If disposition of the fees cannot be determined
immediately, the amount involved shall be transferred to Account 253,
Other Deferred Credits, until the determination is made.
601 Employee Benefits
The costs of employees' fringe benefits (hospitalization,
retirement, holiday, sick and vacation pay, etc.) shall be accumulated
in an appropriate clearing account and allocated monthly on the basis of
payroll. Vacation costs shall be accrued monthly by appropriate credits
to an accrual account. These monthly accruals shall be allocated on the
basis of direct payroll costs to construction, retirement, and the
applicable operations, maintenance, and administrative expense accounts.
Sick leave costs are not normally accrued unless the employee is
entitled to be paid for accumulated sick leave at the termination of
employment. Salary payments and the associated employee pensions and
benefits and social security and other payroll taxes for an employee who
is actually sick shall be charged to the same account or accounts to
which his or her salary is normally charged.
602 Compensated Absences
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 43, Accounting for
Compensated Absences (Statement No. 43), requires employers to accrue a
liability as an employee earns the right to be paid for future absences.
Four criteria were established for this accrual:
1. The employer's obligation for payment for future absences is
attributable to employees' services already performed.
2. The obligation relates to employee rights which vest or
accumulate. Vested rights are considered those for which the employer is
obligated to make payment even if the employee terminates. Rights which
accumulate are those earned but unused rights to compensated absences
which may be carried forward to one or more periods, subsequent to the
period in which they are earned.
3. Payment of the compensation is probable.
4. The amount can be reasonably estimated.
A company's liability shall be estimated based upon payments it
expects to make as a result of employees' work already performed. If a
reasonable estimate cannot be made, the company shall disclose that fact
in the financial statements.
Statement No. 43 does not apply to severance or termination pay,
postretirement benefits, deferred compensation, stock or stock options,
group insurance, or other long-term fringe benefits.
The entries required to account for the accrual of compensated
absences are as follows:
Dr. 435.1, Cumulative Effect on Prior Years of a Change in Accounting
Principle
Cr. 242.3, Accrued Employees' Vacation and Holidays
To record the liability for benefits earned in prior years.
Dr. 107, Construction Work in Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work in Progress
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Cr. 242.3, Accrued Employees Vacation and Holidays
To record the liability for benefits earned in the current period.
[[Page 178]]
603 Employee Retirement and Group Insurance
Some borrowers have group insurance or retirement plans or both for
their employees. As a general rule the cost of these programs is borne
partially by the cooperative and partially by its employees. The
cooperative may pay the full cost in advance and recover the employee's
share through payroll deductions. The accounting for these transactions
is as follows:
1. The cooperative's advanced payment of premiums on insurance and
retirement agreements shall be charged to Account 165, Prepayments, for
the employers portion, and Account 143, Other Accounts Receivable, for
the employee's portion.
2. The cost of the employer's portion of a retirement and group
insurance program shall be charged to construction and retirement
activities and the applicable operations, maintenance, and
administrative expense accounts based upon a specific identification
with employees' labor costs charged therein or, in the absence of
specific employee identification, based upon direct labor dollars or
direct labor hours depending upon which allocation technique provides
the most equitable distribution of costs.
604 Deferred Compensation
Many utilities participate in the NRECA Deferred Compensation
Program. Based upon the provisions of the program, the following
accounting entries shall be made:
Dr. 186.XX, Miscellaneous Deferred Debits--Deferred Compensation
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To increase the deferred compensation provision by the amount of the
annual deposit to NRECA's Deferred Compensation Fund.
Dr. 128, Other Special Funds--Deferred Compensation
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the annual deposit to NRECA's Deferred Compensation Fund.
Dr. Construction Work in Progress, Retirement Work in Progress, or the
Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts, as
appropriate.
Cr. 186.XX, Miscellaneous Deferred Debits--Deferred Compensation
To record monthly accrual of deferred compensation.
Note: If an employee joins the deferred compensation program during
the year, use entry 1 to record the additional deposit to the
NRECA Deferred Compensation Fund and increase the monthly accrual in
entry 2 to reflect this deposit.
NRECA provides borrowers that participate in the deferred
compensation program with an annual account statement disclosing the
activity for each Homestead Fund investment including the number of
shares owned, interest income, dividend income, capital gains/losses,
and the value of the shares owned at statement date. Funds may be
invested in the Short-term Bond Fund, the Value Fund, the Short-term
Government Securities Fund, and the Daily Income Fund. Depending upon
the Homestead Fund selected, invested funds may earn interest and
dividend income and may experience unrealized holding gains or losses.
Based upon the information provided on the annual statement, the
following journal entries shall be recorded to recognize the increase or
decrease in the fund assets:
Dr. 128, Other Special Funds--Deferred Compensation
Cr. 419, Interest and Dividend Income
Cr. 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income
To record an increase in the fund value as of December 31, 19xx,
resulting from interest and dividend income and from unrecognized
holding gains on trading securities.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To record an increase in the liability to the employee resulting from an
increase in the investment account.
Dr. 426.5, Other Deductions
Cr. 128, Other Special Funds--Deferred Compensation
To record a decrease in fund value as of December 31, 19xx, resulting
from unrecognized holding losses on trading securities.
Dr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
Cr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
To record a decrease in the liability to the employee resulting from a
decrease in the investment account.
Payments made to participating employees because of retirement or
separation for other reasons shall be recorded using the following
entries:
Dr. 131.1, Cash--General
Cr. 128, Other Special Funds--Deferred Compensation
To record the receipt of funds from NRECA.
and
Dr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record payment to employee for deferred compensation.
If the borrower has elected to bear the market risk of the funds
which guarantee that the amount of money an employee receives will not
be less than the amount of salary deferred, the following entry shall be
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recorded if total payment(s) from NRECA are less than the amount of
salary deferred:
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record payment to employee for deferred compensation. Payment was
made because amount returned did not equal salary deferred.
Appropriate disclosure of the terms of the program shall be made in
the notes to the financial statements.
605 Life Insurance Premium on Life of a Borrower Employee
Some borrowers insure the life of the manager and/or key employees
with the borrower being named as the beneficiary. Such arrangements
shall be accounted for as follows:
1. Charge Account 426.2, Life Insurance, for the net amount of the
premium paid each year on the insurance policy.
2. At the anniversary date of the policy each year, charge Account
124, Other Investments, and credit Account 426.2, Life Insurance, with
the amount of the annual increase in the cash surrender value of the
policy; provided such increase is less than the net premium paid for
that year. If the annual increase in the surrender value exceeds the net
premium paid for the same year, only that portion of the surrender value
increase equal to the net premium paid shall be credited to Account
426.2. The remainder is to be credited to Account 419, Interest and
Dividend Income.
3. Upon retirement of the insured employee and surrender of the
insurance policy, charge Account 131.1, Cash--General, and credit
Account 124, Other Investments, for the amount received from the
insurance company. If it is decided to grant to the retiring insured
employee all, or any portion, of the cash received upon surrender of the
policy, Account 926, Employee Pensions and Benefits, shall be charged
and Account 131.1 credited for the amount paid to the retiring employee.
4. If the insured employee dies within his term of service, charge
Account 131.1, Cash--General, for the face amount of the policy paid by
the insurance company. Credit Account 124, Other Investments, for the
cash surrender value previously charged thereto, and credit the
remainder to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income.
606 Pension Costs
With the issuance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions (Statement No. 87), there have
been significant changes in the accounting and reporting requirements
relating to pension costs. This section will highlight the accounting
and reporting requirements for the major types of pension plans. It
should be noted, however, that the definitions and accounting procedures
outlined in this section relate to financial accounting and they may
differ from those used for tax accounting.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
A defined benefit pension plan is a plan that defines an amount of
pension benefit to be provided, usually as a function of one or more
factors such as age, years of service, or compensation. In a defined
benefit plan, the employer promises to provide, in addition to current
wages, retirement income payments in future years after the employee
retires or terminates service. Generally, the amount of benefit to be
paid depends upon a number of future events that are incorporated into
the plan's benefit formula, after including how long the employee and
any survivors live, how many years of service the employee renders, and
the employee's compensation in the years immediately before retirement
or termination.
Under a defined benefit plan, the determination of pension costs,
assets, liabilities, and the disclosures in the financial statements
require many calculations and assumptions to be made. This section
provides a general overview of the accounting and reporting requirements
associated with a defined benefit pension plan. Consult Statement No. 87
for guidance in making the necessary calculations and assumption.
The accounting and reporting requirements related to a defined
benefit pension plan are as follows:
1. The following components shall be included in the periodic
recognition of net pension cost by an employer sponsoring a defined
benefit pension plan:
a. The service cost component recognized in a period shall be
determined as the actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the
pension plan formula to employee service during that period. The
measurement of the service cost component requires use of an attribution
method and assumptions.
b. The interest cost component recognized in a period shall be
determined as the increase in the projected benefit obligation due to
the passage of time. Measuring the projected benefit obligation as a
present value requires accrual of an interest cost at rates equal to the
assumed discount rates.
c. For a funded plan, the actual return on plan assets, if any,
shall be determined based upon the fair value of plan assets at the
beginning and the end of the period, adjusted for contributions and
benefit payments.
d. Plan amendments (including initiation of a plan) often include
provisions that grant increased benefits based upon services rendered in
prior period. Because plan amendments are granted with the expectation
that the employer will realize economic benefits in future period,
Statement No. 87 does not
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require the cost of providing such retroactive benefits (prior service
cost) to be included in net periodic pension cost entirely in the year
of the amendment but provides for recognition during the future service
periods of those employees active at the date of the amendment who are
expected to receive benefits under the plan.
The cost of retroactive benefits (including benefits that are
granted to retirees) is the increase in the projected benefit obligation
at the date of the amendment. Except as noted below, prior service cost
shall be amortized by assigning an equal amount to each future period of
service of each employee active at the date of the amendments who is
expected to receive benefits under the plan. If all or almost all of the
plan's participants are inactive, the cost of retroactive plan
amendments affecting benefits of inactive participants shall be
amortized based upon the remaining life expectancy of those participants
rather than the remaining service period.
To reduce the complexity and detail of the computations required,
consistent use of an alternative amortization approach that more rapidly
reduces the unrecognized cost of retroactive amendments is acceptable.
For example, a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average
remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under
the plan is acceptable. The alternative method used shall be disclosed.
In some situations, a history of regular plan amendments and other
evidence may indicate that the period during which the employee expects
to realize economic benefits from an amendment granting retroactive
benefits is shorter than the entire remaining service period of the
active employees. Identification of such situations requires an
assessment of the individual circumstances and the substance of the
particular plan situation. In those circumstances, the amortization of
prior service cost shall be accelerated to reflect the more rapid
expiration of the employer's economic benefits and to recognize the cost
in the periods benefited.
A plan amendment can reduce rather than increase the projected
benefit obligation. Such a reduction shall be used to reduce an existing
unrecognized prior service cost, and the excess, if any, shall be
amortized on the same basis as the cost of benefit increases.
e. Gains and losses are changes in the amount of either the
projected benefit obligation or plan assets resulting from experience
different from that assumed and changes in assumptions. Gains and losses
include amounts that have been realized. Because gains and losses may
reflect refinements in estimates as well as real changes in economic
values, and because some gains in one period may be offset by losses in
another or vice versa, the recognition of gains and losses as components
of net pension cost of the period in which they arise is not required.
The expected return on plan assets shall be determined based upon
the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-
related value of plan assets. The market-related value of plan assets
shall be either fair value or a calculated value that recognizes changes
in fair value in a systematic and rational manner over not more than 5
years. Different ways of calculating market-related value may be used
for different classes of assets but the manner of determining market-
related value shall be applied consistently from year to year for each
asset class.
Asset gains and losses are the differences between the actual return
on assets during a period and the expected return on assets for that
period. Assets gains and losses include both changes reflected in the
market-related value of assets and changes not yet reflected in the
market-related value (that is, the difference between the fair value of
assets and the market-related value). Asset gains and losses not yet
reflected in market-related values are not required to be amortized.
As a minimum, amortization of an unrecognized gain or loss
(excluding asset gains and losses not yet reflected in market-related
value) shall be included as a component of net pension cost for a year
if, as of the beginning of the year, that unrecognized net gain or loss
exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or
the market-related value of plan assets. If amortization is required,
the minimum amortization shall be that excess divided by the average
remaining service period of active employees expected to receive
benefits under the plan. If all or almost all of a plan's participants
are inactive, the average remaining life expectancy of the inactive
participants shall be used instead of average remaining service life.
Any systematic method of amortization of gains and losses may be
used in lieu of the minimum specified in the previous paragraph provided
that the minimum is used in any period in which the minimum is greater
(i.e., reduces the net balance by more), the method is applied
consistently, the method is applied similarly to both gains and losses,
and the method is disclosed.
The gain or loss component of net periodic pension cost shall
consist of the difference between the actual return on plan assets and
the expected return on plan assets and amortization of the unrecognized
net gain or loss from previous periods.
2. A liability (unfunded accrued pension cost) shall be recognized
if the net periodic pension cost recognized pursuant to Statement No. 87
exceeds amounts the employer has contributed to the plan. An asset
(prepaid pension cost) shall be recognized if the net periodic pension
cost is less than the
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amounts the employer has contributed to the plan.
If the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan
assets, the employer shall recognize a liability (including unfunded
accrued pension cost) that is at least equal to the unfunded accumulated
benefit obligation. Recognition of an additional minimum liability is
required if an unfunded accumulated benefit obligation exists and an
asset has been recognized as a prepaid pension cost, the liability
already recognized as unfunded accrued pension cost is less than the
unfunded accumulated benefit obligation, or no accrued or prepaid
pension cost has been recognized.
If an additional minimum liability is recognized, an equal amount
shall be recognized as an intangible asset, provided that the asset does
not exceed the amount of unrecognized prior service cost. If an
additional liability required to be recognized exceeds unrecognized
prior service cost, the excess (which represents a net loss not yet
recognized as a net periodic pension cost) shall be reported as a
separate component (reduction) of equity.
When a new determination of the amount of additional liability is
made to prepare a balance sheet, the related intangible asset and
separate component of equity shall be eliminated or adjusted, as
necessary.
3. An employer sponsoring a defined benefit pension plan shall
disclose the following information:
a. A description of the plan including employee groups covered, type
of benefit formula, funding policy, types of assets held and significant
nonbenefit liabilities, if any, and the nature and effect of significant
matters affecting comparability of information for all period presented.
b. The amount of net periodic pension cost for the period showing
separately the service cost component, the interest cost component, the
actual return on assets for the period, and the net total of other
components.
c. A schedule reconciling the funded status of the plan with amounts
reported in the employer's balance sheet, showing separately, the fair
value of plan assets, the projected benefit obligation identifying the
accumulated benefit obligation and the vested benefit obligation, the
amount of unrecognized prior service cost, the amount of unrecognized
net gain or loss including asset gains and losses not yet reflected in
market-related value), the amount of any remaining unrecognized net
obligation or net asset existing at the date of initial application of
Statement No. 87, the amount of any additional liability recognized, and
the amount of net pension asset or liability recognized in the balance
sheet (which is the net result of combining the previous six items).
d. The weighted-average assumed discount rate and rate of
compensation increase (if applicable) used to measure the projected
benefit obligation and the weighted-average expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets.
e. If applicable, the amount and type of securities of the employer
and related parties included in plan assets, and the approximate amount
of annual benefits of employees and retirees covered by annuity
contracts issued by the employer and related parties. Also, if
applicable, the alternative amortization periods used.
f. An employer that sponsors two or more separate defined benefit
pension plans shall determine net periodic pension cost, liabilities,
and assets by separately applying the provisions of Statement No. 87 to
each plan. In particular, unless an employer clearly has a right to use
the assets of one plan to pay benefits of another, a liability required
to be recognized for one plan shall not be reduced or eliminated because
another plan has assets in excess of its accumulated benefit obligation
or because the employer has prepaid pension cost related to another
plan.
The required disclosures may be aggregated for all of an employer's
single-employer defined benefit plans, or plans may be disaggregated
into groups so as to provide the most useful information. Plans with
assets in excess of the accumulated benefit obligation, however, shall
not be aggregated with plans that have accumulated benefit obligations
that exceed plan assets.
Annuity Contracts
An annuity contract is a contract in which an insurance company
unconditionally undertakes a legal obligation to provide specified
benefits to specific individuals in return for a fixed consideration or
premium. An annuity contract is irrevocable and involves the transfer of
significant risk from the employer to the insurance company. Some
annuity contracts (participating annuity contracts) provide that the
purchaser (either the plan or the employer) may participate in the
experience of the insurance company. Under these contracts, the
insurance company ordinarily pays dividends to the purchaser. If the
substance of a participating contract is such that the employer remains
subject to all or most of the risks and rewards associated with the
benefit obligation covered and the assets transferred to the insurance
company, that contract is not an annuity contract for purposes of
Statement No. 87.
To the extent that benefits currently earned are covered by annuity
contracts, the cost of these benefits shall be the cost of purchasing
the contracts, except as noted below. That is, if all benefits
attributed by the plan's benefits formula to service in the current
period are covered by nonparticipating annuity contracts, the cost of
the contracts determines the service cost component of net pension cost
for that period.
[[Page 182]]
Benefits provided by the pension benefit formula beyond benefits
provided by annuity contracts (for example, benefits related to future
compensation levels) shall be accounted for according to the provisions
applicable to plans not involving insurance contracts.
Benefits covered by annuity contracts shall be excluded from the
projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation.
Except as noted below, annuity contracts shall be excluded from plan
assets.
Some annuity contracts provide that the purchaser (either the plan
or the employer) may participate in the experience of the insurance
company. Under these contracts, the insurance company ordinarily pays
dividends to the purchaser, the effect of which is to reduce the cost of
the plan. The purchase price of a participating annuity contract
ordinarily is higher than the price of an equivalent contract without
participation rights. The cost of the participation right shall be
recognized, at the date of purchase, as an asset. In subsequent periods,
the participation right shall be measured at its fair value if the
contract is such that the fair value is reasonably estimable. Otherwise,
the participation right shall be measured at its amortized cost (not in
excess of its net realizable value), and the cost shall be amortized
systematically over the expected dividend period under the contract.
Other Contracts with Insurance Companies
Insurance contracts that are, in substance, equivalent to the
purchase of annuities shall be accounted for as such. Other contracts
with insurance companies shall be accounted for as investments and
measured at fair value. For some contracts, the best available evidence
of fair value may be contract value. If a contract has a determinable
cash surrender value or conversion value, that is presumed to be its
fair value.
Defined Contribution Plans
A defined contribution pension plan is a plan that provides pension
benefits in return for services rendered, provides an individual account
for each participant, and has terms that specify how contributions to
the individual's accounts are to be determined rather than the amount of
pension benefits the individual is to receive. Under a defined
contribution plan, the pension benefits a participant will receive
depend only upon the amount contributed to the participant's account,
the returns earned on investments of those contributions, and
forfeitures of other participants' benefits that may be allocated to the
participant's account.
To the extent that a plan's defined contributions to an individual's
account are to be made for periods in which that individual renders
services, the net pension cost for a period shall be the contribution
called for in that period. If a plan calls for contributions for periods
after an individual retires or terminates, the estimated cost shall be
accrued during the employee's service period.
An employer that sponsors one or more defined contribution plans
shall disclose the following separately from its defined benefit plan
disclosures:
1. A description of the plan(s) including employee groups covered,
the basis for determining contributions, and the nature and effect of
significant matters affecting comparability of information for all
periods presented.
2. The amount of cost recognized during the period.
A pension plan having characteristics of both a defined benefit plan
and a defined contribution plan requires careful analysis. If the
substance of the plan is to provide a defined benefit, as may be the
case with some ``target benefit'' plans, the accounting and disclosure
requirements shall be determined in accordance with the provisions
applicable to a defined benefit plan.
Multiemployer Plans
A multiemployer plan is a pension plan to which two or more
unrelated employers contribute, usually pursuant to one or more
collective-bargaining agreements. A characteristic of multiemployer
plans is that assets contributed by one participating employer may be
used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers
since assets contributed by an employer are not segregated in a separate
account or restricted to provide benefits only to employees of that
employer.
An employer participating in a multiemployer plan shall recognize as
net pension cost, the required contribution for the period and shall
recognize as a liability, any contributions due and unpaid. The required
contribution includes both current costs and prior service costs. If an
employer elects to fund prior service cost in full at the inception of
the plan, the total payment becomes the employer's required
contribution, and accordingly, its pension cost for the period.
The following provisions are applicable to RUS borrowers
participating in a multiemployer pension plan:
1. An electric utility participating in a multiemployer plan may
defer current period pension expenses if the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 71 (Statement No. 71), Accounting for
the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, are applied.
Under the provisions of Statement No. 71, pension costs may be
deferred provided such costs are recovered through future rates.
[[Page 183]]
2. An electric utility instituting an amendment to the NRECA
Retirement and Security plan enters into a contractual agreement to pay
the costs incurred (prior service pension costs) for the amendment. In
such cases, the agreement is noncancelable and payable regardless of
continued participation in the plan.
Since the utility is unconditionally committed to making these
payments and such payments are not contingent upon the utility's
continued participation in the plan, the recognition of that liability
is appropriate. The costs associated with this liability shall be
expensed, in their entirety, when the liability is recognized.
The accounting journal entries required to record the transactions
associated with a multiemployer pension plan are as follows:
Sample 1--Current Pension Expense
The journal entry required to record the normal costs associated
with the NRECA Retirement and Security Program is as follows:
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the payment of pension costs to NRECA.
Note: This entry shall not be recorded during the moratorium.
Sample 2--Prior Service Pension Expense
The journal entries required to record the prior service costs
associated with the NRECA Retirement and Security Program are as
follows:
1. If the RUS borrower elects to pay the prior service pension costs
in full, and there is no deferral of costs under the provision of
Statement No. 71, the following entry shall be recorded:
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the payment of prior service pension costs to NRECA.
2. If the RUS borrower elects to finance prior service pension costs
over a period of years and there is no deferral of costs under the
provisions of Statement No. 71, the following entries shall be recorded:
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 224, Other Long-Term Debt
To record the liability to NRECA for prior service pension costs.
Dr. 224, Other Long-Term Debt
Dr. 427, Interest on Long-Term Debt
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the annual payment to NRECA for prior service pension costs.
3. If the RUS borrower elects to finance prior service pension costs
over a period of years and such costs are being deferred and amortized
in accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 71, the following
entries shall be recorded:
Dr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
Cr. 224, Other Long-Term Debt
To record the liability to NRECA for prior service pension costs.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
To record the amortization of deferred prior service pension costs.
Dr. 224, Other Long-Term Debt
Dr. 427, Interest on Long-Term Debt
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the annual payment to NRECA for prior service pension costs.
4. If the RUS borrower elects to pay the prior service pension costs
in full and such costs are being deferred and amortized in accordance
with the provisions of Statement No. 71, the following entries shall be
recorded:
Dr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the payment to NRECA for prior service pension costs.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
To record the amortization of deferred prior service pension costs.
It should be noted that although the above entries relate
specifically to the NRECA Retirement and Security Program, they are
applicable to all multiemployer pension plans.
An employer that participates in one or more multiemployer plans
shall disclose the following separately from disclosures for a single-
employer plan:
1. A description of the multiemployer plan(s) including the employee
groups covered, the type of benefits provided (defined benefit or
defined contribution), and the nature and effect of significant matters
affecting comparability of information for all periods presented.
2. The amount of cost recognized during the period.
[[Page 184]]
Multiple-Employer Plans
A multiple-employer plan is, in substance, aggregations of single-
employer plans combined to pool their assets for investment purposes to
reduce the cost of plan administration. Under a multiple-employer plan,
assets are segregated and specifically identified to an employer. In
addition, such plans may have features that allow participating
employers to have different benefit formulas. Such plans shall be
considered single-employer plans for financial accounting purposes and
each employer's accounting shall be based upon its respective interest
in the plan.
607 Unproductive Time
Lost time relating to construction, operations and maintenance shall
be allocated on the basis of direct payroll costs to the appropriate
construction, operations or maintenance accounts in the month incurred.
Lost time is defined as time on duty during which productive work is not
performed due to inclement weather conditions, material shortages,
machine repairs, or other reasons.
If lost time attributable to construction has a material effect on
the construction accounts in any one month, these costs shall be
deferred and distributed over a reasonable period of time by means of a
predetermined percentage based upon direct labor.
608 Training Costs, Attendance at Meetings, Etc.
Utilities engage in many types of training programs. Seminars are
conducted for directors, managers, office managers, attorneys,
engineers, and others. Bookkeepers and office managers attend
accountants' meetings. Safety engineers attend safety schools and
subsequently conduct regular safety meetings at the cooperative. Costs
incurred for the various types of training activities shall be accounted
for as follows:
1. Managers' and directors' expenses to attend the NRECA national
and state conventions shall be charged to Account 930.2, Miscellaneous
General Expenses.
2. Management or engineering seminar fees, salary time attending
such seminars including the associated pensions and benefits expense and
payroll taxes, and the related per diem and expenses shall be charged to
the functional expense accounts. Salaries paid to employees shall also
be charged to the appropriate functional expense account. Fees and
expenses for directors' attendance shall be charged to Account 930.2,
Miscellaneous General Expenses.
3. When the office manager, bookkeeper, or work order clerk attends
a state or regional accounting meeting, their salary time and the
associated employee pensions and benefits and social security and other
payroll taxes shall be charged to the account to which the employees'
time is ordinarily charged.
4. Employees' salary time employee and the associated pensions and
benefits and social security and other payroll taxes spent attending
regular safety meetings conducted by the cooperative shall be charged to
the account to which the employees' time is ordinarily charged.
5. A safety engineer's salary time and the associated employee
pensions and benefits and social security and other payroll taxes spent
attending a statewide safety school shall be charged to Account 925,
Injuries and Damages.
6. The salary time and the associated employee pensions and benefits
and social security and other payroll taxes spent by a manager or line
foreman conducting weekly safely meetings shall be charged to the
appropriate functional expense accounts including Account 590,
Maintenance, Supervision and Engineering, and Account 920,
Administrative and General Services.
609 Maintenance and Operations
``Operations'' is the general term used to describe activities
involved in the delivery of electric service, by means of a distribution
system, to the end user. It pertains to the use of the utility's
electric plant facilities and does not include activities intended to
prevent or remedy an impending or actual breakdown of those facilities.
These activities are classified as maintenance.
``Maintenance'' is the general term used to describe the activities
involved in the upkeep and repair, but not the enlargement or
improvement, of property owned or leased and operated by the company. It
does not include the replacement of retirement units.
610 Financial Forecast
Costs incurred and salaries paid to perform a 10-year financial
forecast shall be charged to Account 920, Administrative and General
Salaries. Related office supplies and expenses shall be charged to
Account 921, Office Supplies and Expenses. When a forecast is performed
by an outside consultant, the cost shall be charged to Account 923,
Outside Services Employed.
611 Advertising Expense
The cost of advertising and the cost of informing the public about
the electric cooperative's activities shall be charged to Account 930.2,
Miscellaneous General Expenses.
Most of a cooperative's advertising is instructional in nature and
relates the cooperative's history and current activities. This type of
advertising activity should not be confused with that directed towards
the enactment of a specific law or laws directed toward obtaining a
specific decision from a regulatory body. Political advertising of the
[[Page 185]]
type defined above shall be charged to Account 426.4, Expenditures for
Certain Civic, Political, and Related Activities.
612 Special Power Cost Study
A special power cost study is defined as a study to determine
whether sufficient power will be available in the future. If additional
power or power sources are needed, the study determines whether
generation or purchase will supply the lesser cost. The study also
indicates when additional power will be needed. As costs are incurred,
they shall be charged to a subaccount of Account 186, Miscellaneous
Deferred Debits. Upon completion of the study, the costs shall be
charged to Account 557, Other Expenses, or amortized to Account 557 over
a period of time not to exceed 5 years.
613 Mapping Costs
The purpose of posting completed work orders to system maps is to
improve the operation of the system. These costs shall, therefore, be
charged to Account 588, Miscellaneous Distribution Expenses. However,
the cost of system mapping in the planning stage of construction is an
acceptable overhead cost of the resulting construction.
614 Member Relations Costs
Many electric cooperatives hire employees whose duties concern a
mixture of power use and member relations activities. The salaries for
these employees shall be charged to Account 930.2, Miscellaneous General
Expenses, except as provided below:
1. Account 912, Demonstrating and Selling Expenses, shall be charged
with all labor, material, advertising, and other expenses incurred in
promotional, demonstrating, and selling activities; the objective of
which is to promote or retain the use of utility services by present or
prospective customers.
2. Account 930.1, General Advertising Expenses, shall be charged
with labor, material, and other expenses incurred in advertising and
related activities, the cost of which by their content and purpose, are
not provided for elsewhere.
3. Account 416, Costs and Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing, and
Contract Work, shall be charged with all costs specifically related to
merchandising activities when the utility is engaged in a major
merchandising program.
4. Account 426.4, Expenditures for Certain Civic, Political, and
Related Activities, shall be charged with expenditures for the purpose
of influencing public opinion with respect to the election or
appointment of public officials, referenda, legislation, or ordinances
(either with respect to the possible adoption of new referenda,
legislation or ordinances or repeal or modification of existing
referenda, legislation or ordinances); or approval, modification, or
revocation of franchises; or for the purpose of influencing the
decisions of public officials. Account 426.4 shall not include
expenditures which are directly related to appearances before regulatory
or other governmental bodies in connection with the borrower's existing
or proposed operations.
615 Statewide Fees
Additional fees collected by a statewide association from its
members for construction of a statewide building shall be charged to
Account 930.2, Miscellaneous General Expenses. Any amounts that are to
be repaid by the state association shall be charged to Account 143,
Other Accounts Receivable, or Account 123.23, Other Investments in
Associated Organizations, depending upon the terms of the repayment.
616 Power Supply/Distribution Cooperative Borrowings
When a power supply cooperative borrows money from a distribution
cooperative as the result of a long-term loan agreement, the money shall
be recorded on the books of the power supply cooperative as general
funds unless restricted to a specific purpose. If restricted, the funds
shall be recorded in Account 128, Other Special Funds. The resulting
liability shall be recorded in Account 224, Other Long-Term Debt.
The transaction shall be charged to Account 123.23, Other
Investments in Associated Organizations, on the books of the
distribution cooperative.
617 Rate Discount Allowed by the Power Cooperative to Distribution
Cooperatives Owning Connecting Transmission Lines
A distribution cooperative purchases power from a power cooperative.
The distribution cooperative owns and operates the transmission line
between the power cooperative's facilities and the distribution
facilities. Because of this, power is sold at the standard rate at which
the power cooperative sells to other distribution cooperatives who do
not own their transmission lines, less a discount. The discount or
reduction in rate is based upon the distribution cooperative's expense
in operating and maintaining its transmission facilities. The contract
between the power cooperative and the distribution cooperative must
specifically state that the member shall receive a reduced rate or
discount from the seller's rate to other member cooperatives.
Under this type of arrangement, the distribution cooperative shall
record the cost of purchased power by charging the net amount to Account
555, Purchased Power.
[[Page 186]]
618 Theft Losses not Covered by Insurance
Utilities may suffer losses as a result of thefts of cash, materials
and supplies, equipment, or electric plant-in-service that is not
covered by insurance. The charges for nominal uninsured losses shall be
recorded in the following accounts:
1. Cash--Account 924, Property Insurance, shall be charged.
2. Plant materials and operating supplies--Account 163, Stores
Expense Undistributed, shall be charged.
3. Equipment--Account 163, Stores Expense Undistributed, shall be
charged for stores equipment; and Account 184, Transportation Expense--
Clearing, for transportation and garage equipment. The appropriate
miscellaneous operations or administrative expense account (Account 506,
524, 539, 549, 566, 588, 905, 910, 916, or 930.2, as appropriate) shall
be charged for all other equipment.
4. Electric Plant-in-Service--A retirement work order shall be
prepared for electric plant constituting a unit of property. The loss
due to retirement shall be charged to Account 108.6, Accumulated
Provision for Depreciation of Distribution Plant. If the plant does not
constitute a retirement unit, the loss shall be charged to the
appropriate maintenance expense account.
619 Self Billing
To maintain the books of accounts on an accrual basis, bills for
customers who self bill and have not sent in a reading or remittance,
shall be estimated. A journal entry shall be made to record the
estimated revenue and kWh sold by debiting accounts receivable and
crediting the appropriate revenue accounts. The estimated bill shall be
posted to the customer's account and identified by an appropriate symbol
indicating that it is an estimate. Reconciliation with the general
ledger control is made in the usual manner.
620 Purchase Rebates
Some vendors from which electric cooperatives purchase plant
materials and supplies and merchandise for resale are making purchase
rebates based upon the quantity or dollar volume of purchases. These
``quantity discounts'' may be in the form of cash or credit memoranda,
in the form of prepaid package travel arrangements, or a combination of
such methods. The rebate shall be accounted for as a reduction in the
cost of the material or appliances upon which it was based.
In some instances, the rebate may be for material or appliances that
are no longer in stock or cannot be identified. If the rebate is based
upon the purchase of plant materials and operating supplies that are
normally charged to Account 154, Plant Materials and Operating Supplies,
a credit shall be made to Account 163, Stores Expense Undistributed. If
the rebate is based upon appliances and equipment held for merchandising
or contract work, the credit shall be spread over the items in Account
155, Merchandise. To avoid materially distorting the cost of the
remaining appliances, if a portion of the items upon which the rebate
was based are no longer in stock, a portion of the credit shall be
prorated to Account 416, Cost and Expenses of Merchandising, Jobbing,
and Contract Work, on the basis of the number of items sold to the
quantity remaining in stock.
If the rebate is in the form of a travel package or travel
arrangements, the value of the rebate shall be estimated and recorded as
a reduction of the cost of the material or appliances upon which it was
based in a manner similar to that of the cash rebates discussed above.
The beneficiary of the travel or travel allowance shall be designated by
or in accordance with policy established by the board of directors. The
contra charge to the reduction in cost shall be to an appropriate
account depending upon the relationship of the recipient to the
cooperative. For employees, this shall be Account 926, Employee Pensions
and Benefits; for directors or patrons, Account 930.2, Miscellaneous
General Expenses.
621 Integrity Fund
The CFC Integrity Fund was established to assist borrowers in their
attempts to stop takeover bids by investor-owned utilities. A borrower
makes a contribution to the Integrity Fund in the form of cash or
patronage capital refunds. CFC retains the contribution for a 5-year
period during which time the borrower earns interest on the balance in
its account. Each year, the borrower receives a statement indicating
(both for the total fund and the individual borrower's share) the amount
contributed, interest earned, disbursements made, and the ending
balance. The disbursements from the fund are allocated to each
contributing borrower's account based upon their individual account
balances. At the end of the 5-year period, the balance in the account,
if any, is refunded to the contributing borrower.
Since the contributing borrower will receive a refund only if its
funds are not totally disbursed, the contribution shall be charged to
expense in Account 426.1, Donations. If any part of the contribution is
returned at the end of the 5-year period, the refund shall be credited
to Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income.
622 In-Substance Defeasance
An in-substance defeasance has been defined as the process whereby a
debtor irrevocably places cash or other assets in a trust to be used
solely for the purpose of satisfying
[[Page 187]]
scheduled payments of both principal and interest related to a specific
debt obligation. Under the structural arrangements of an in-substance
defeasance, the probability that the debtor will be required to make
additional future debt payments is remote. In these specific
circumstances, debt has been determined to be extinguished even though
the debtor has not been legally released from his obligations under the
debt instrument.
The trust established in a defeasance transaction is restricted as
to the nature of the assets held. The trust must be funded with monetary
assets that are essentially risk free as to the amount, timing, and
collection of interest and principal. For debt denominated in United
States dollars, ``risk free'' assets are limited to:
1. Direct obligations of the United States government;
2. Obligations guaranteed by the United States government; and
3. Securities that are backed by United States government
obligations as collateral under an arrangement by which the interest and
principal payments on the collateral, flow immediately through to the
holder of the security.
The monetary assets of the trust must provide cash flows sufficient
to coincide with the scheduled interest and principal payments on the
defeased debt. If the trust is expected to pay the costs associated with
the defeasance, such as trustee fees, these costs must be considered in
determining the amount of funds required by the trust.
The principles of in-substance defeasance apply only to debt with
specific maturities and fixed payment schedules and, as such, do not
apply to debt with variable terms in which advance determination of debt
service requirements is not possible.
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) address the
extinguishment of debt in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 26,
and Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 76, Extinguishment of
Debt. In accordance with these two statements, debt which has been
defeased remains recorded in the regulated books of account as do the
assets placed in the irrevocable trust. They are not, however,
recognized as an asset and liability for financial reporting purposes.
The transaction, including the total amount of debt outstanding and the
total amount of debt that is considered extinguished at the end of the
period, must be disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements
as long as the debt remains outstanding.
Debt is frequently extinguished before its scheduled maturity. Debt
may be extinguished by the use of the borrower's general funds, or by
the reacquisition of another debt issue at a different interest rate or
varying terms. As these assets are expected to be revenue producing
during those years, both the assets and the revenue they generate may be
utilized to meet maturing debt payments. Therefore, in most instances,
the dollar value of the assets initially placed in the trust do not
equal the dollar value of the outstanding principal balance. The
difference represents an ``economic '' gain or loss to the borrower.
To provide consistency in reporting among all RUS borrowers, any
gain or loss that is recognized for financial statement purposes should
be reported in accordance with the provisions of General Instruction No.
17 of this part. Therefore, the gain or loss should be amortized (for
reporting purposes) in equal monthly amounts over the remaining life of
the original debt issue or the remaining life of the new issue. The gain
or loss may be reported in the current period only in those instances in
which it is immaterial to the financial statements.
The RUS Form 7, Financial and Statistical Report, and the RUS Form
12, Operating Report--Financial, must, however, reflect the actual
amounts recorded in the books and records of the borrower.
623 Satellite or Cable Television Services
Many electric borrowers have become involved in either providing
satellite or cable television services or obtaining satellite or cable
television services for their own use. This section outlines the
accounting to be followed when recording transactions involving
satellite or cable television services.
1. Separate Subsidiary
If a borrower provides satellite or cable television services
through a separate subsidiary, the investment in the subsidiary shall be
recorded in Account 123.11, Investment in Subsidiary Companies. The net
income or loss of the subsidiary shall be debited or credited to Account
123.11, as appropriate, with an offsetting entry to Account 418.1,
Equity in Earnings of Subsidiary Companies.
2. Segment of Current Operations
If a borrower provides satellite or cable television services as
part of its normal operations, the investment in satellite or cable
television equipment shall be recorded in Account 121, Nonutility
Property. All income associated with these services shall be recorded in
Account 417, Revenues from Nonutility Operations, and the associated
expenses shall be charged to Account 417.1, Expenses of Nonutility
Operations.
3. Sale and Installation of Satellite or Cable Television Equipment
If a borrower sells or installs satellite or cable television
equipment, the equipment purchased for resale shall be recorded in
Account 156, Other Materials and Supplies, until sold. The revenues
generated from such
[[Page 188]]
sales or installations shall be recorded in Account 415, Revenues from
Merchandising, Jobbing, and Contract Work, and the associated expenses
shall be charged to Account 416, Costs and Expenses of Merchandising,
Jobbing, and Contract Work.
4. Equipment Purchased for Own Use
If a borrower purchases satellite or cable television equipment for
its own use, the investment in the equipment shall be recorded in
Account 397, Communication Equipment.
624 Pollution Control Bonds
The construction and installation of pollution control facilities
are often financed by issuing tax exempt municipal securities. The funds
generated from the sale of these securities are deposited into an
account that is controlled by a designated trustee. The funds under the
control of the trustee are usually invested, earning interest, until
they are needed.
Interest expense accrued on the pollution control bonds during the
construction period shall be capitalized in Account 107, Construction
Work-in-Progress. After construction is complete, all subsequent
accruals of interest expense shall be charged to Account 427, Interest
on Long-Term Debt.
Interest income earned during the construction period shall be
recorded as a debit to Account 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable,
and a credit to Account 107, Construction Work-in-Progress. Upon
notification of receipt of the interest in the trustee account, Account
221.XX, Long-Term Debt--Pollution Control Bonds, shall be debited and
Account 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable shall be credited. Upon
completion of construction, Account 419, Interest and Dividend Income,
shall be credited for the amount of interest income earned during the
period.
The entries required to account for the transactions associated with
the issuance of pollution control bonds are as follows:
Dr. 221.XX, Long-Term Debt--Pollution Control Bonds--Trustee
Cr. Account 221.X1, Long-Term Debt--Pollution Control Bonds
To record the sale of pollution control bonds.
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Cr. 232, Accounts Payable
To record costs incurred in construction of pollution control
facilities.
Dr. 131.1, Cash--General Funds
Cr. 221.XX, Long-Term Debt--Pollution Control Bonds--Trustee
To record the transfer of funds from the trustee.
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Cr. 221.XX, Long-Term Debt--Pollution Control Bonds--Trustee
To record interest expense on pollution control bonds.
Dr. 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable
Cr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
To record earnings from investments made by the trustee.
Dr. 221.XX, Long-Term Debt--Pollution Control Bonds--Trustee
Cr. 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable
To record receipt of interest income by the trustee account.
Dr. XXX, Various Plant Accounts
Cr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
To close completed construction to the primary plant accounts.
625 Prepayment of Debt
Many RUS borrowers have decided to redeem (prepay) their issues of
long-term debt. As a result of this redemption, the borrower may incur a
gain (discount) or a loss (penalty) on the early extinguishment of debt.
The accounting for this gain or loss is highlighted in this section.
If debt is redeemed without refunding (paid with general funds), the
gain or loss incurred shall be recorded in Account 189, Unamortized Loss
on Reacquired Debt, or Account 257, Unamortized Gain on Reacquired Debt,
as appropriate. The borrower shall amortize the recorded deferral on a
monthly basis over the remaining life of the old debt issue. Amounts so
amortized shall be charged to Account 428.1, Amortization of Loss on
Reacquired Debt, or credited to Account 429.1, Amortization of Gain on
Reacquired Debt--Credit, as appropriate.
If the debt is redeemed with refunding (refinanced), the gain or
loss incurred shall be recorded in Account 189 or Account 257, as
appropriate. The borrower may elect to account for the deferrals as
follows:
1. Write them off immediately when the amounts are insignificant;
2. Amortize them by equal monthly amounts over the remaining life of
the old debt issue; or
3. Amortize them by equal monthly amounts over the life of the new
debt issue.
Once an election has been made, it shall be applied on a consistent
basis. Regardless of the option selected, the amortization shall be
charged to either Account 428.1 or 429.1, as appropriate.
Where a regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the borrower
specifically disallows the rate principle of amortizing gains or losses
on the redemption of long-term debt without refunding, and does not
apply the gain or loss to interest charges in computing the borrower's
rates, the alternative method may be used to account for gains or losses
relating to the redemption of long-term debt with or without refunding.
The alternative method requires that gains or losses be recorded in
Account 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, or Account 426.5, Other
Deductions, as incurred. When the alternative method is used, the
borrower
[[Page 189]]
shall include a footnote to the financial statements stating the reason
for using this method and its treatment for rate making purposes.
626 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program
On December 21, 1987, Section 313, Cushion of Credits Payments
Program, was added to the Rural Electrification Act. Section 313
establishes a Rural Economic Development Subaccount and authorizes the
Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service to provide zero interest
loans or grants to RE Act borrowers for the purpose of promoting rural
economic development and job creation projects.
Subpart B, Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, 7 CFR
Part 1703, sets forth the policies and procedures relating to the zero
interest loan program and for approving and administering grants. The
accounting journal entries required to record the transactions
associated with a rural economic development loan are as follows:
Dr. 224.17, RUS Notes Executed--Economic Development--Debit
Cr. 224.16, Long-Term Debt--RUS Economic Development Notes Executed
To record the contractual obligation to RUS for the Economic
Development Notes.
Dr. 131.12, Cash--General--Economic Development Funds
Cr. 224.17, RUS Notes Executed--Economic Development--Debit
To record the receipt of the economic development loan funds.
Dr. 123, Investment in Associated Organizations or
Dr. 124, Other Investments
Cr. 131.12, Cash--General--Economic Development Funds
To record the disbursement of Economic development loan funds to the
project.
Dr. 131.1, Cash--General Funds
Cr. 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income
To record payment received from the project for loan servicing
charges.
Dr. 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable
Cr. 419, Interest and Dividend Income
To record the interest earned on the investment of rural economic
development loan funds.
Dr. 426.1, Donations or
Dr. 426.5, Other Deductions
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General Funds
To record the payment of interest earned in excess of $500.00 on the
investment of rural economic development loan funds.
Note: Interest earned in excess of $500.00 must be used for the
rural economic development project for which the loan funds were
received or returned to RUS.
Dr. 131.12, Cash--General--Economic Development Funds
Cr. 123, Investment in Associated Organizations or
Cr. 124, Other Investments
To record receipt of the repayment, by the project, of economic
development loan funds.
Dr. 426.5, Other Deductions
Cr. 123, Investment in Associated Organizations or
Cr. 124, Other Investments
To record the default, by a project, of economic development loan
funds.
Dr. 224.16, Long-Term Debt--RUS Economic Development Notes Executed
Cr. 131.12, Cash--General--Economic Development Funds
To record the repayment, to RUS, of the economic development loan
funds.
The accounting journal entries required to record the transactions
associated with a rural economic development grant are as follows:
Dr. 131.13, Cash--General--Economic Development Grant Funds
Cr. 224.18, Other Long-Term Debt--Grant Funds;
Cr. 208, Donated Capital; or
Cr. 421, Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income
To record grant funds disbursed by RUS. If the grant agreement
requires repayment of the funds upon termination of the revolving loan
program, Account 224.18 should be credited. If the grant agreement
states that there is absolutely no obligation for repayment upon
termination of the revolving loan program, the funds should be accounted
for as a permanent infusion of capital by crediting Account 208. If,
however, the grant agreement is silent as to the final disposition of
the grant funds, Account 421 should be credited.
Dr. 123.3, Investment in Associated Organizations--Federal Economic
Development Loans
Cr. 131.13, Cash--General--Economic Development Grant Funds
To record advances of Federal funds to associated organizations for
authorized rural economic development projects.
Dr. 124.1, Other Investments--Federal Economic Development Loans
Cr. 131.13, Cash--General--Economic Development Grant Funds
To record advances of Federal funds to nonassociated organizations
for authorized rural economic development projects.
Dr. 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable
Cr. 419, Interest and Dividend Income
[[Page 190]]
To record the accrual of interest on loans made to associated and
nonassociated organizations with Federal funds for authorized rural
economic development projects.
Dr. 131.14, Cash--General--Economic Development Non-Federal Revolving
Funds
Cr. 123.3, Investment in Associated Organizations--Federal Economic
Development Loans or
Cr. 124.1, Other Investments--Federal Economic Development Loans
To record repayment of loans made with Federal funds.
Dr. 123.4, Investment in Associated Organizations--Non-Federal Economic
Development Loans
Cr. 131.14, Cash--General--Economic Development Non-Federal
Revolving Funds
To record advances of non-Federal funds to associated organizations
for authorized rural economic development projects.
Dr. 124.2, Other Investments--Non-Federal Economic Development Loans
Cr. 131.14, Cash--General--Economic Development Non-Federal
Revolving Funds
To record advances of non-Federal funds to nonassociated
organizations for authorized rural economic development projects.
Dr. 171, Interest and Dividends Receivable
Cr. 419, Interest and Dividend Income
To record the accrual of interest on loans made to associated and
nonassociated organizations with non-Federal funds for authorized rural
economic development projects.
Dr. 131.14, Cash--General--Economic Development Non-Federal Revolving
Funds
Cr. 123.4, Investment in Associated Organizations--Non-Federal
Economic Development Loans or
Cr. 124.2, Other Investments--Non-Federal Economic Development Loans
To record repayment of loans made with non-Federal funds.
627 Postretirement Benefits
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions (Statement
No. 106), requires reporting entities to accrue the expected cost of
postretirement benefits during the years the employee provides service
to the entity. For purposes of applying the provisions of Statement No.
106, members of the board of directors are considered to be employees of
the cooperative. Prior to the issuance of Statement No. 106, most
reporting entities accounted for postretirement benefit costs on a
``pay-as-you-go'' basis; that is, costs were recognized when paid, not
when the employee provided service to the entity in exchange for the
benefits.
As defined in Statement No. 106, a postretirement benefit plan is a
deferred compensation arrangement in which an employer promises to
exchange future benefits for an employee's current services.
Postretirement benefit plans may be funded or unfunded. Postretirement
benefits include, but are not limited to, health care, life insurance,
tuition assistance, day care, legal services, and housing subsidies
provided outside of a pension plan.
This statement applies to both written plans and to plans whose
existence is implied from a practice of paying postretirement benefits.
An employer's practice of providing postretirement benefits to selected
employees under individual contracts with specified terms determined on
an employee-by-employee basis does not, however, constitute a
postretirement benefit plan under the provisions of this statement.
Postretirement benefit plans generally fall into three categories:
single-employer defined benefit plans, multi-employer plans, and
multiple-employer plans.
The accounting requirements set forth in this interpretation focus
on single-and multiple-employer plans. The accounting requirements set
forth in Statement No. 106 for multiemployer plans or defined
contribution plans shall be adopted for borrowers electing those types
of plans.
Under the provisions of Statement No. 106, there are two components
of the postretirement benefit cost: the current period cost and the
transition obligation. The transition obligation is a one-time accrual
of the costs resulting from services already provided. Statement No. 106
allows the transition obligation to be deferred and amortized on a
straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the
active employees. If the average remaining service life of the employees
is less than 20 years, a 20-year amortization period may be used.
Accounting Requirements
All RUS borrowers must adopt the accrual accounting provisions and
reporting requirements set forth in Statement No. 106. The transition
obligation and accrual of the current period cost must be based upon an
actuarial study. This study must be updated to allow the borrower to
comply with the measurement date requirements of Statement No. 106;
however, the study must, at a minimum, be updated every five years. RUS
will not allow electric borrowers to account for postretirement benefits
on a ``pay-as-you-go'' basis.
The deferral and amortization of the transition obligation does not
require RUS approval provided that it complies with the provisions of
Statement No. 106. If, however, a borrower elects to expense the
transition obligation in the current period and subsequently defer this
expense in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 71, Accounting for the Effects
[[Page 191]]
of Certain Types of Regulation, the deferral must be approved by RUS. In
those states in which the commission will not allow the recovery of the
transition obligation through future rates, the transition obligation
must be expensed, in its entirety, in the year in which Statement No.
106 is adopted. A portion of the transition obligation may be charged to
construction and retirement activities provided such charges are
properly supported.
Effective Date and Implementation
For plans outside the United States and for defined benefit plans of
employers that (a) are nonpublic enterprises and (b) sponsor defined
benefit postretirement plans with no more than 500 plan participants in
the aggregate, Statement No. 106 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1994. For all other plans, Statement No. 106 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1992.
RUS borrowers must comply with the implementation dates set forth in
Statement No. 106. At the time of the adoption of Statement No. 106,
rates must be in place sufficient to recover the current period expense
and any amortization of the transition obligation. A copy of a board
resolution or commission order, as appropriate, indicating that the
transition obligation and current period expense have been included in
the borrower's rates must be submitted to RUS.
Accounting Journal Entries--Transition Obligation
The journal entries required to record the transition obligation are
as follows:
1. If the borrower elects to expense the transition obligation in
the current period and there is no deferral of costs, the following
entry shall be recorded:
Dr. 435.1, Cumulative Effect on Prior Years of a Change in Accounting
Principle
or
Dr. 926, Employee Pensions and Benefits
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To record the current period recognition of the transition obligation
for postretirement benefits. Note: A portion of the transition
obligation may be charged to construction and retirement activities
provided such charges are properly supported.
2. If the borrower elects to defer and amortize the transition
obligation in accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 71, the
following entry shall be recorded:
Dr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To record the deferral of the transition obligation under the provisions
of Statement No. 71.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
To record the amortization of postretirement benefits expenses as they
are recovered through rates in accordance with Statement No. 71.
3. The deferral and amortization of the transition obligation under
the provisions of Statement No. 106 is considered to be an off balance
sheet item. If, therefore, the borrower elects to defer and amortize the
transition obligation on a straight-line basis over the average
remaining service period of the active employees or 20 years in
accordance with Statement No. 106, no entry is required. Instead, the
transition obligation is recognized as a component of postretirement
benefit cost as it is amortized. It should be noted, however, that the
amount of the unamortized transition obligation must be disclosed in the
notes to the financial statements.
Accounting Journal Entries--Current Period Expense
The current period postretirement expense should be recorded by the
following entry:
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To record current period postretirement benefit expense.
Dr. 228.3X, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits--Funded
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record cash payments on a ``pay-as-you-go'' basis for postretirement
benefits.
Accounting Journal Entry--Funding
If a borrower elects to voluntarily fund its postretirement benefits
obligation in an external, irrevocable trust, the following entry shall
be recorded:
Dr. 228.3X, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits--Funded
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the funding of postretirement benefits expense into an
external, irrevocable trust.
If a borrower elects to voluntarily fund its postretirement benefits
obligation in an investment vehicle other than an external, irrevocable
trust, the following entry shall be recorded:
Dr. 128, Other Special Funds
[[Page 192]]
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the funding of postretirement benefits expense into an
investment vehicle other than an external, irrevocable trust.
628 Postemployment Benefits
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112, Employers'
Accounting for Postemployment Benefits (Statement No. 112) establishes
the standards of financial accounting and reporting for employers who
provide benefits to former or inactive employees after employment but
before retirement. Inactive employees are those who are not currently
rendering service to the employer but who have not been terminated,
including employees who are on disability leave, regardless of whether
they are expected to return to active service. For purposes of applying
the provisions of Statement No. 112, former members of the board of
directors are considered to be employees of the cooperative.
Postemployment benefits include benefits provided to former or
inactive employees, their beneficiaries, and covered dependents. They
include, but are not limited to, salary continuation, supplemental
benefits (including workmen's compensation), health care, job training
and counseling, and life insurance coverage. Benefits may be provided in
cash or in kind and may be paid upon cessation of active employment or
over a specified period of time.
The cost of providing postemployment benefits is considered to be a
part of the compensation provided to an employee in exchange for current
service and should, therefore, be accrued as the employee earns the
right to be paid for future postemployment benefits. Applying the
criteria set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
43, Accounting for Compensated Absences, a postemployment benefit
obligation is accrued when all of the following conditions are met:
1. The employer's obligation for payment for future absences is
attributable to employees' services already performed;
2. The obligation relates to employee rights that vest or
accumulate. Vested rights are considered those rights for which the
employer is obligated to make payment even if the employee terminates.
Rights that accumulate are those earned, but unused rights to
compensated absences that may be carried forward to one or more periods
subsequent to the period in which they are earned;
3. Payment of the compensation is probable; and
4. The amount can be reasonably estimated.
If all of these conditions are not met, the employer must account
for its postemployment benefit obligation in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies
(Statement No. 5) when it becomes probable that a liability has been
incurred and the amount of that liability can be reasonably estimated.
If an obligation for postemployment benefits is not accrued in
accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 5 or Statement No. 43
only because the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, the financial
statements should disclose that fact.
Accounting Requirements
All RUS borrowers must adopt the accrual accounting provisions and
reporting requirements set forth in Statement No. 112 as of the
statement's implementation date. A portion of the cumulative effect may
be charged to construction and retirement activities provided such
charges are properly supported. If a borrower elects to defer the
cumulative effect of implementing Statement No. 112 in accordance with
the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71,
Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, the deferral
must be approved by RUS.
Effective Date and Implementation
Statement No. 112 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1993. Previously issued financial statements should not be
restated.
RUS borrowers must comply with the implementation date set forth in
Statement No. 112. At the time of the adoption of Statement No. 112,
rates must be in place sufficient to recover the current period expense.
Accounting Journal Entries
The journal entries required to account for postemployment benefits
are as follows:
Dr. 435.1, Cumulative Effect on Prior Years of a Change in Accounting
Principle
Dr. 107, Construction Work in Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work in Progress
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To record the cumulative effect of implementing Statement No. 112.
Note: A portion of the cumulative effect may be charged to
construction and retirement activities provided such charges are
properly supported. Account 435.1 is closed to Account 219.2,
Nonoperating Margins.
If the borrower elects to defer and amortize the cumulative effect
in accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 71, the following
entry shall be recorded:
Dr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To record the deferral of the cumulative effect of implementing
Statement No. 112 in
[[Page 193]]
accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 71.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work in Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work in Progress
Cr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
To record the amortization of the cumulative effect of implementing
Statement No. 112 as it is recovered through rates in accordance with
Statement No. 71.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work in Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work in Progress
Cr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
To record current period postemployment benefit expense.
Note: If postemployment benefits are accrued under the criteria set
forth in Statement No. 43, this journal entry is made on a monthly
basis. If, however, the accrual is based upon the provisions of
Statement No. 5, this is a one-time entry unless the liability is
reevaluated and subsequently adjusted.
629 Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (Statement No. 115),
establishes the standards of financial accounting and reporting for
investments in debt securities and for investments in equity securities
that have readily determinable fair values. Statement No. 115 does not
apply to investments in equity securities accounted for under the equity
method nor to investments in consolidated subsidiaries.
At the time of acquisition, an entity must classify debt and equity
securities into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-
for-sale, or trading. At the balance sheet date, the appropriateness of
the classifications must be reassessed.
Investments in debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity
and are measured at amortized cost in the balance sheet only if the
reporting entity has the positive intent and ability to hold these
securities to maturity. Debt securities are not classified as held-to-
maturity if the entity has the intent to hold the security only for an
indefinite period; for example, if the security would become available
for sale in response to changes in market interest rates and related
changes in the security's prepayment risk, needs for liquidity, changes
in the availability of and the yield on alternative investments, changes
in funding sources and terms, and changes in foreign currency risk.
Investments in debt securities that are not classified as held-to-
maturity and equity securities that have readily determinable fair
values are classified as either trading securities or available-for-sale
securities and are measured at fair value in the balance sheet. Trading
securities are those securities that are bought and held principally for
the purpose of selling them in the near future. Trading generally
reflects active and frequent buying and selling and trading securities
are generally used with the objective of generating profits on short-
term differences in prices. Available-for-sale securities are those
investments not classified as either trading securities or held-to-
maturity securities.
Statement No. 115 requires unrealized holding gains and losses for
trading securities to be included in earnings in the current period.
Unrealized holding gains and losses for available-for-sale securities
are excluded from earnings; however, they are reported as a net amount
in a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized.
For individual securities classified as either available-for sale or
held-to-maturity, an entity must determine whether a decline in the
security's fair value below the amortized cost is other than temporary.
If the decline in fair value is determined to be permanent, that is, it
is probable that the entity will not be able to collect all amounts due
under the contractual terms of the security, the realized loss is
accounted for in earnings of the current period. The new cost basis is
not adjusted upward for subsequent recoveries in the fair value.
Subsequent increases in the fair value of available-for-sale securities
are included in the separate component of equity. Subsequent decreases
are also included in the separate component of equity.
All trading securities are reported as current assets in the balance
sheet and individual held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities
are classified as either current or noncurrent, as appropriate. Cash
flows from the purchase, sale, or maturity of available-for-sale
securities and held-to-maturity securities are classified in the
statement of cash flows as cash flows from investing activities and
reported gross for each security classification.
Accounting Requirements
All RUS borrowers must adopt the accounting, reporting, and
disclosure requirements set forth in Statement No. 115 as of the
statement's implementation date. Unrealized holding gains or losses for
trading securities shall be recorded in either Account 421,
Miscellaneous Nonoperating Income, or Account 426.5, Other Deductions,
as appropriate. Unrealized holding gains or losses for available-for-
sale securities held by the corporate entity are recognized as a
component of stockholder's equity in Account 215.1, Unrealized Gains and
Losses--Debt and Equity Securities. A contra account of the investment
account shall be debited or credited accordingly. Unrealized gains and
losses for
[[Page 194]]
available-for-sale securities held in a decommissioning fund shall
increase or decrease, as appropriate, the reported value of the fund.
Effective Date and Implementation
Statement No. 115 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1993. At the beginning of the entity's fiscal year, the
entity must classify its debt and equity securities on the basis of the
entity's current intent. This statement may not be applied retroactively
to prior years' financial statements. For fiscal years beginning prior
to December 16, 1993, reporting entities are permitted to apply
Statement No. 115 as of the end of a fiscal year for which annual
financial statements have not previously been issued.
630 Split Dollar Life Insurance
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Split Dollar
Life Insurance provides life insurance benefits to cooperative
employees. The benefits provided under this policy consist of two
components, the face value of the insurance policy and the accumulated
cash surrender value. While the employee is the owner of the policy, the
employee must sign a collateral assignment giving the cooperative
absolute right to the cash surrender value of the policy. Under the
terms of this collateral assignment, the employee must reimburse the
cooperative for the premiums paid upon the employee's termination of
employment or attainment of the age of 62 if the employee wishes to
maintain the insurance coverage. If death occurs prior to either of
these events, the premiums paid to date by the cooperative are deducted
from the death benefits payable to the policy beneficiary.
Accounting Requirements
Financial Accounting Standards Board Technical Bulletin 85-4,
Accounting for Purchase of Life Insurance (Bulletin 85-4), states that
the amount that could be realized under an insurance contract as of the
date of the financial statements should be reported as an asset. The
change in the cash surrender or contract value of that asset during the
period should be reported as an adjustment to the premiums paid in
determining the expense or income to be recognized for the period. The
cooperative shall, therefore, record the cash surrender value of the
policy as an asset because of its absolute right to receive that value
based upon the employee's collateral assignment. Any receivable that may
occur as a result of the employee reimbursement for the premiums paid is
contingent upon the employee electing to maintain the insurance coverage
after termination of employment or reaching the age of 62 and is not
recorded as an asset on the cooperative's records.
Accounting Journal Entries
The journal entries required to account for the NRECA Split Dollar
Life Insurance Program are as follows:
Dr. 124, Other Investments
Cr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
To record an increase in the cash surrender value of the insurance
contract.
or
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Cr. 124, Other Investments
To record a decrease in the cash surrender value of the insurance
contract.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
To record the premium cost of the insurance contract.
631 Special Early Retirement Plan
The Special Early Retirement Plan (SERP) being offered through the
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) constitutes an
amendment to its Retirement and Security (R&S) program. The SERP is
often chosen as a vehicle through which the cooperative may reduce the
size of its workforce or replace more highly paid employees with lower
paid entry level employees. If an employee covered by an NRECA
retirement plan chose to retire before his/her normal retirement date,
that employee would receive an actuarially reduced benefit. However,
when a cooperative elects to offer a SERP, no such reduction is
required. The cooperative selects the criteria under which an employee
will be eligible to participate such as age, years of service, or a
combination of age and benefit service requirements. As with other
amendments to the R&S program, NRECA calculates the cost of the plan
based upon the criteria selected by the cooperative and allows the
cooperative to pay the cost immediately or on an installment basis.
Under this plan, the employee receives full retirement benefits in
the form of either an immediate lump-sum settlement or annuity payments.
It is not unusual for the cooperative to add an incentive to encourage
participation such as medical or life insurance, either in whole or in
part, until age 65. The actuarial analysis provided by NRECA includes
the cost of the SERP and the estimated reduction and/or increase in
costs associated with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
106, Employer's Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions (Statement No. 106).
[[Page 195]]
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, Employer's
Accounting for Pensions (Statement No. 87)
In accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 87, the costs
associated with an amendment to a multiemployer plan are recognized when
they become due and payable. Since NRECA calculates the amount due and
payable at the time of the amendment, the entire amount due, whether
paid immediately or financed through NRECA or any other institution,
must be recognized as an expense at that time. This cost may, however,
be deferred in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types
of Regulation (Statement No. 71).
Accounting Journal Entries
The journal entry required to record the additional pension costs
associated with the SERP is as follows:
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
or
Cr. 224, Other Long-Term Debt
To record the prior service pension costs incurred as a result of
adopting the SERP.
If the borrower elects to defer and amortize the cost in accordance
with Statement No. 71, the following entries shall be recorded:
Dr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
or
Cr. 224, Other Long-Term Debt
To record, under the provisions of Statement No. 71, the deferral of the
prior service pension costs incurred as a result of adopting the SERP.
Dr. Various Operations, Maintenance, and Administrative Expense Accounts
Dr. 107, Construction Work-in-Progress
Dr. 108.8, Retirement Work-in-Progress
Cr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
To record the amortization of deferred prior service pension costs as
they are recovered through rates in accordance with Statement No. 71.
Statement No. 106
In the event that net reductions in postretirement benefits result
from this plan amendment, the reductions are recognized as follows:
1. The amount of the reduction shall first reduce any existing
unrecognized prior service cost;
2. Any remaining reductions shall next reduce any unrecognized
transition obligation; and
3. Any remaining reduction shall be recognized in a manner
consistent with the accounting for prior service postretirement benefit
costs.
In accordance with Statement No. 106, prior service postretirement
benefit costs are recognized in equal amounts in each remaining year of
service for active plan participants. Because it is an off-balance sheet
item, only a memorandum entry is required to reduce the amount of
unrecognized prior service cost.
At adoption, Statement No. 106 permitted the recognition of the
transition obligation in one of two ways. The transition obligation was
recognized over the longer of the average remaining service period of
current plan participants or 20 years, or it may have been recognized
immediately. If the delayed recognition option was chosen under
Statement No. 106, this, too, was an off-balance sheet item that
requires only a memorandum entry to reduce the amount of unrecognized
transition obligation. However, if the immediate recognition option was
chosen, the cooperative either recorded the expense in that year or,
with RUS approval, deferred the expense under the provisions of
Statement No. 71. If the expense were recorded, in total, in the year of
adoption, no unrecognized transition obligation remains to reduce. If,
however, the transition obligation was deferred in accordance with
Statement No. 71, the journal entry required to effect the reduction in
Statement No. 106 expense is as follows:
Dr. 228.3, Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits
Cr. 182.3, Other Regulatory Assets
To record a reduction in the deferred Statement No. 106 transition
obligation resulting from the adoption of the SERP.
Note: The dollar value of this entry must not exceed the deferral
shown on the balance sheet.
If, after the two previous reductions have been made, any net credit
remains, it shall be recognized in a manner consistent with prior
service costs; that is, as an off balance sheet item that is amortized
over the remaining service lives (to full eligibility) of the active
plan participants. The annual amortization reduces amounts normally
charged to the various operations, maintenance, and administrative
expense accounts and Account 228.3 as postretirement benefit expenses.
633 Cushion of Credit
On December 21, 1987, Section 313, Cushion of Credits Payments
Program, was added to the Rural Electrification Act. Cushion of
[[Page 196]]
credit regulations are located in The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
7 CFR part 1785. A cushion of credit payment is a voluntary unscheduled
payment by a borrower in excess of amounts due and payable. A cushion of
credit account is automatically established by Rural Development for
each borrower who makes a payment after October 1, 1987, in excess of
amounts then due on a Rural Development note. Payments received in the
month in which an installment is due will be applied to the installment
due. However, if the regular installment payment is received at a later
date in the month, the first payment received will be applied
retroactively to the cushion of credit account and the second will be
applied to the installment due. By law, cushion of credit accounts earn
five per cent interest annually, accrued daily and posted quarterly.
Although the interest earned will appear as a reduction in the interest
billed on the borrower's Rural Development notes and will be separately
shown on Form 694, Statement of Interest and Principal Due, interest
billed must be adjusted by adding back the interest earned while
principal is reduced by the amount of the interest earned before
recording the debt payment. Below is an example of the adjustment
required:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As billed Adjustment Adjusted
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payment Billed.................................................. $1,000 .............. $1,000
Principal....................................................... 800 -$50 750
Interest........................................................ * 200 50 250
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes reduction of $50 for interest earned on cushion of credit account.
Cushion of credit is intended to enable the borrower to deposit
funds and have those funds available to make scheduled payments (or
installments) only. A borrower may not have more cushion of credit
funds, including accrued interest, than their entire Rural Development
debt which includes loans made in Rural Electric and Telephone (RET) and
Federal Financing Bank (FFB). If a borrower makes less than or no
payment when their billing invoice is due, cushion of credit will
automatically add to or make their payment systematically for them.
Cushion of credit is not available to use for prepayment of loan
accounts before maturity except for the following situations:
1. The total amount of cushion of credit principal with accrued
interest equals the borrower's total debt
2. The borrower intends to prepay all remaining debt using a
combination of payment with all cushion of credit funds available.
Accounting Requirements
All payments made to a cushion of credit account should be recorded
as follows:
Dr. 224.6, Advance Payments Unapplied--Long-Term Debt--Debit
Cr. 131.1, Cash--General
All interest earned on the balance of funds in the account should be
recorded as follows:
Dr. 224.6, Advance Payments Unapplied--Long-Term Debt--Debit
Cr. 419, Interest and Dividend Income
Reporting Requirements
Previously, Rural Development required that the balance in the
cushion of credit account be reported, on the Form 7, Financial and
Statistical Report, as a reduction of the Rural Development long-term
debt balance. On January 15, 2003, Rural Development issued letter
guidance permitting a proportionate share of the cushion of credit
balance be reported as a reduction in Current Maturities Long-Term Debt.
Additionally, beginning with calendar year 2006 submissions, Form 7 has
been revised to include a separate line for cushion of credit balances
within the long-term debt section of Part C.
For purposes of the audited financial statements, presentation of
the balance of the cushion of credit account as a long-term investment
is an acceptable alternative to Rural Development.
[58 FR 59825, Nov. 10, 1993, as amended at 59 FR 27436, May 27, 1994; 60
FR 55430, 55435, Nov. 1, 1995; 62 FR 42319, 42323, 42330, Aug. 6, 1997;
73 FR 30288, May 27, 2008]
Sec. Sec. 1767.42-1767.45 [Reserved]
Subpart C--Depreciation Rates and Procedures [Reserved]
Sec. Sec. 1767.46-1767.65 [Reserved]
Subpart D_Preservation of Records
Source: 73 FR 30290, May 27, 2008, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 1767.66 Purpose.
This subpart establishes policies and procedures for the effective
preservation and efficient maintenance of financial records of Electric
borrowers.
[[Page 197]]
Sec. 1767.67 General.
(a) Rural Development endorses the guidelines as described by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) ``Regulations to Govern
the Preservation of Records of Public Utilities and Licensees.'' The
FERC guidelines can be found in 18 CFR part 125.
(b) The regulations prescribed in this part apply to all books of
account, contracts, records, memoranda, documents, papers, and
correspondence prepared by or on behalf of the borrower as well as those
which come into its possession in connection with the acquisition of
property by purchase, consolidation, merger, etc.
(c) The regulations prescribed in this part shall not be construed
as excusing compliance with any other lawful requirements for the
preservation of records.
Sec. 1767.68 Designation of a supervisory official.
Each borrower shall designate one or more officials to supervise the
preservation of its records.
Sec. 1767.69 Index of records.
(a) Each borrower shall maintain a master index of records. The
master index shall identify the records retained, the related retention
period, and the locations where the records are maintained. The master
index shall be subject to review by Rural Development and Rural
Development shall reserve the right to add records, or lengthen
retention periods upon finding that retention periods may be
insufficient for its purposes.
(b) At each office where records are kept or stored the borrower
shall arrange, file, and index the records currently at that site so
that they may be readily identified and made available to
representatives of Rural Development.
Sec. 1767.70 Record storage media.
The media used to capture and store the data will play an important
part of each Rural Development borrower. Each borrower has the
flexibility to select its own storage media. The following are required:
(a) The storage media shall have a life expectancy at least equal to
the applicable retention period provided for in the master index of
records, unless there is a quality transfer from one media to another
with no loss of data. Each transfer of data from one media to another
shall be verified for accuracy and documented.
(b) Each borrower shall implement internal control procedures that
assure the reliability of, and ready access to, data stored on machine-
readable media. The borrower's internal control procedures shall be
documented by a responsible supervisory official.
(c) Records shall be indexed and retained in such a manner that they
are easily accessible.
(d) The borrower shall have the hardware and software available to
locate, identify, and reproduce the records in readable form without
loss of clarity.
(e) At the expiration of the retention period, the borrower may use
any appropriate method to destroy records.
(f) When any records are lost or destroyed before the expiration of
the retention period set forth in the master index, a certified
statement shall be added to the master index listing, as far as may be
determined, the records lost or destroyed and describing the
circumstances of the premature loss or destruction.
Sec. 1767.71 Periods of retention.
(a) Records of Rural Development borrowers of a kind not listed in
the FERC regulations should be governed by those applicable to the
closest similar records. Financial requirement and expenditure
statements, which are not specifically covered by FERC regulations, are
recommended to be kept for one year after the ``as of date'' of Rural
Development's loan fund and accounting review.
(b) Consumer accounts' records should be kept for those years for
which patronage capital has not been allocated.
(c) Records supporting construction financed by Rural Development
shall be retained until audited and approved by Rural Development.
(d) Records related to plant in service must be retained until the
facilities are permanently removed from utility service, all removal and
restoration activities are completed, and all costs are
[[Page 198]]
retired from the accounting records unless accounting adjustments
resulting from reclassification and original costs studies have been
approved by Rural Development or other regulatory body having
jurisdiction.
(e) Life and mortality study data for depreciation purposes must be
retained for 25 years or for 10 years after plant is retired, whichever
is longer.
Sec. Sec. 1767.72-1767.85 [Reserved]
PART 1770_ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS
--Table of Contents
Subpart A_Preservation of Records
Sec.
1770.1 General.
1770.2 Designation of a supervisory official.
1770.3 Index of records.
1770.4 Record storage media.
1770.5 Periods of retention.
1770.6-1770.9 [Reserved]
Subpart B_Uniform System of Accounts
1770.10 General.
1770.11 Accounting system requirements.
1770.12 Supplementary accounts.
1770.13 Accounting requirements.
1770.14 Continuing property records.
1770.15 Supplementary accounts required of all borrowers.
1770.16 Supplementary accounts required of nonprofit organizations.
1770.17 Expense matrix.
1770.18-1770.24 [Reserved]
1770.25 Unusual items and contingent liabilities.
Subpart C_Accounting Interpretations
1770.26 General.
1770.27 Definitions.
1770.28-1770.45 [Reserved]
Appendix to Subpart C of Part 1770--Accounting Methods and Procedures
Required of All Borrowers
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.; 7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.; Pub. L. 103-
354, 108 Stat. 3178 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.).
Source: 55 FR 3388, Feb. 1, 1990, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_Preservation of Records
Source: 70 FR 25755, May 16, 2005, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 1770.1 General.
(a) This subpart establishes RUS polices and procedures for the
preservation of records of telecommunications borrowers.
(b) The regulations prescribed in this part apply to all books of
account, contracts, records, memoranda, documents, papers, and
correspondence prepared by or on behalf of the borrower as well as those
which come into its possession in connection with the acquisition of
property by purchase, consolidation, merger, etc.
(c) The regulations prescribed in this part shall not be construed
as excusing compliance with any other lawful requirements for the
preservation of records.
Sec. 1770.2 Designation of a supervisory official.
Each borrower shall designate one or more officials to supervise the
preservation of its records.
Sec. 1770.3 Index of records.
(a) Each borrower shall maintain a master index of records. The
master index shall identify the records retained, the related retention
period, and the locations where the records are maintained. The master
index shall be subject to review by RUS and RUS shall reserve the right
to add records, or lengthen retention periods upon finding that
retention periods may be insufficient for its purposes.
(b) At each office where records are kept or stored the borrower
shall arrange, file, and index the records currently at that site so
that they may be readily identified and made available to
representatives of RUS.
Sec. 1770.4 Record storage media.
Each RUS borrower has the flexibility to select its own storage
media subject to the following conditions:
(a) The storage media must have a life expectancy at least equal to
the applicable retention period provided
[[Page 199]]
for in the master index of records, unless there is quality transfer
from one media to another with no loss of data. Each transfer of data
from one media to another must be verified for accuracy and documented.
(b) Each borrower is required to implement internal control
procedures that assure the reliability of, and ready access to, data
stored on machine-readable media. Internal control procedures must be
documented by a responsible supervisory official.
(c) The records shall be indexed and retained in such a manner that
they are easily accessible.
(d) The borrower shall have the hardware and software available to
locate, identify, and reproduce the records in readable form without
loss of clarity.
(e) At the expiration of the retention period, the borrower may use
any appropriate method to destroy records.
(f) When any records are lost or destroyed before the expiration of
the retention period set forth in the master index, a certified
statement shall be added to the master index listing, as far as may be
determined, the records lost or destroyed and describing the
circumstances of the premature loss or destruction.
Sec. 1770.5 Periods of retention.
(a) Except as provided for in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this
section, record retention shall be consistent with Prudent Utility
Practice. Prudent Utility Practice shall mean any of the practices,
methods, and acts which, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, in
light of the facts, including but not limited to, the practices,
methods, and acts engaged in or approved by a significant portion of the
telecommunications industry prior thereto, known at the time the
decision was made, would have been expected to accomplish the desired
result consistent with cost effectiveness, reliability, safety, and
expeditiousness. It is recognized that Prudent Utility Practice is not
intended to be limited to optimum practice, method, or act to the
exclusion of all others, but rather is a spectrum of possible practices,
methods, or acts which could have been expected to accomplish the
desired result at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with cost
effectiveness, reliability, safety, and expedition.
(b) Records supporting construction financed by RUS shall be
retained until audited and approved by RUS.
(c) Records related to plant in service must be retained until the
facilities are permanently removed from utility service, all removal and
restoration activities are completed, and all costs are retired from the
accounting records unless accounting adjustments resulting from
reclassification and original costs studies have been approved by RUS or
other regulatory body having jurisdiction.
(d) Life and mortality study data for depreciation purposes must be
retained for 25 years or for 10 years after plant is retired whichever
is longer.
Sec. Sec. 1770.6-1770.9 [Reserved]
Subpart B_Uniform System of Accounts
Sec. 1770.10 General.
This subpart implements provisions of the standard RUS loan
documents with respect to the accounting system accounts to be
maintained by telecommunications borrowers of the Rural Utilities
Service.
Sec. 1770.11 Accounting system requirements.
(a) Each RUS borrower subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) or a State regulatory body shall
maintain its accounts and records in accordance with the rules and
regulations prescribed by that regulatory body.
(b) Each RUS borrower not subject to regulatory control as specified
in Sec. 1770.11(a) shall maintain its accounts and records in
accordance with the FCC Uniform System of Accounts as set forth in part
32 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations.
(1) RUS borrowers maintaining the accounts prescribed in 47 CFR part
32 for Class A companies as of June 15, 2005, shall continue to do so.
RUS suspends implementation of the reduced number of Class A and B
accounts, until the Federal-State Joint Conference has reviewed them.
[[Page 200]]
(2) New borrowers under the RUS telecommunications program shall
maintain the accounts prescribed in 47 CFR part 32 for Class A
companies.
(3) RUS borrowers maintaining the accounts prescribed for Class B
companies may adopt the Class A accounts if they desire more detailed
and sophisticated accounting records.
[55 FR 3388, Feb. 1, 1990, as amended at 70 FR 25756, May 16, 2005]
Sec. 1770.12 Supplementary accounts.
(a) All borrowers shall maintain the supplementary accounts set
forth in Sec. 1770.15. These accounts conform in number and title with
accounts prescribed in the FCC Uniform System of Accounts. In those
instances in which a State regulatory body having jurisdiction over an
RUS borrower has prescribed a system of accounts differing from that of
the FCC, the account titles prescribed by RUS in Sec. 1770.15 shall
remain unchanged; however, the supplementary account numbers shall be
changed to conform with the State's accounting system.
(b) In addition to the accounts set forth in Sec. 1770.15,
cooperative or other nonprofit borrowers shall maintain the
supplementary accounts set forth in Sec. 1770.16.
(c) Borrowers are permitted to deviate from the specific subaccount
numbers detailed in Sec. Sec. 1770.15 and 1770.16 provided that the
primary account numbers and account descriptions conform with those
prescribed.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number
0572-0003)
Sec. 1770.13 Accounting requirements.
(a) Each borrower shall maintain its books of accounts on the
accrual basis of accounting. All transactions shall be recorded in the
period in which they occur and reconciled monthly. The books of accounts
shall be closed at the end of each fiscal year and financial statements
shall be prepared for the period and audited in accordance with the
provisions of 7 CFR part 1773, RUS Policy on Audits of Electric and
Telephone Borrowers.
(b) All books of accounts, records, and memoranda shall be
maintained in such a manner as to fully support the journal entries to
which they relate. The books and records referred to herein shall
include records of a nontechnical nature such as minute books, stock and
membership records, reports, correspondence, and memoranda.
(c) Interpretations of Federal or State requirements shall be
referred to the applicable commission exercising jurisdiction over the
borrower.
(d) Interpretations of RUS accounting requirements shall be referred
to the Assistant Administrator, Program Accounting and Regulatory
Analysis, Rural Utilities Service.
[55 FR 3388, Feb. 1, 1990, as amended at 70 FR 25756, May 16, 2005]
Sec. 1770.14 Continuing property records.
Each borrower shall maintain continuing property records which
detail the date of placement, location, description of property, and the
original cost of the property record units. The continuing property
record and other underlying records of construction costs shall be
maintained so that upon retirement of one or more retirement units or of
minor items without replacement when not included in the costs of
retirement units, the actual cost of the plant retired can be
determined.
Sec. 1770.15 Supplementary accounts required of all borrowers.
Accounts prescribed in the Stockholders' Equity and Patronage
Capital section shall be maintained by stock companies and cooperatives
as appropriate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of company
---------------------
Account No. Account title
---------------------
A B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
......... Current Assets
1130.1 1120.11 Cash--General Fund.
[[Page 201]]
1130.2 1120.12 Cash--Construction Fund Trustee.
1130.3 1120.13 Cash--Transfer of Funds.
1120.21 Special Cash Deposits.
1150.1 1120.31 Petty Cash Fund
......... This account shall include funds in the custody of
employees or agents for making minor
disbursements. The fund shall be operated on an
imprest basis. Expenditures shall be supported by
receipts, and reimbursements to the fund shall be
for the exact amount of such expenditures and
shall be charged to the various accounts to which
the expenditures are allocable. At all times, the
total of the cash on hand and the unreimbursed
expenditures shall equal the amount of the fund.
1150.2 1120.32 Change Fund.
......... Supplies
1220.1 1220.1 Materials and Supplies.
1220.2 1220.2 Property Held for Sale or Lease.
1220.3 1220.3 Exempt Materials--Clearing.
......... Prepayments
1280.1 Prepaid Rents.
1280.2 Prepaid Taxes.
1280.3 Prepaid Insurance.
1280.4 Prepaid Directory Expenses.
1280.5 Other Prepayments.
......... Investments
1402.1 1402.1 Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class B
RTB Stock.
1402.11 1402.11 Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class B
RTB Stock--Cr.
1402.2 1402.2 Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class C
RTB Stock.
1402.3 1402.3 Other Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies.
......... Property, Plant, and Equipment
2001.1 2001.1 Telecommunications Plant in Service--Classified.
2001.2 2001.2 Telecommunications Plant in Service--Unclassified.
2003.1 2003.1 Telecommunications Plant Under Construction--
Contract
2003.2 2003.2 Telecommunications Plant Under Construction--Force
Account
2003.3 2003.3 Telecommunications Plant Under Construction--Work
Orders
......... Telecommunications Plant in Service
2210.11 Central Office Switching--Analog.
2210.21 Central Office Switching--Digital.
2210.31 Central Office Switching--Electro-Mechanical--Step-
by-Step.
2210.32 Central Office Switching--Electro-Mechanical--
Crossbar.
2210.33 Central Office Switching--Electro-Mechanical--
Other.
2212.1 2212.1 Digital Electronic Switching--Circuit.
2212.2 2212.2 Digital Electronic Switching--Packet.
2230.11 Central Office Transmission--Radio Systems--
Satellite and Earth Station Facilities.
2230.12 Central Office Transmission--Radio Systems--Other.
2230.21 Central Office Transmission--Circuit Equipment.
......... Depreciation and Amortization
3100x 3100x Retirement Work in Progress.
......... Current Liabilities
2232.1 2232.1 Circuit Equipment--Electronic.
2232.2 2232.2 Circuit Equipment--Optical.
4010.11 4010.11 Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies.
4010.21 4010.21 Accounts Payable to Nonaffiliated Companies.
4010.22 4010.22 Accounts Payable--Employees' Income Tax Withheld.
4010.23 4010.23 Accounts Payable--FICA Taxes Withheld.
4010.24 4010.24 Accounts Payable--Federal Excise Taxes.
4010.25 4010.25 Accounts Payable--Payroll.
4070.1 4070.1 Income Taxes Accrued--Federal.
4070.2 4070.2 Income Taxes Accrued--State and Local
4080.1 4080.1 Other Taxes Accrued--Property.
4080.2 4080.2 Other Taxes Accrued--Employer's Portion--FICA.
4080.3 4080.3 Other Taxes Accrued--Federal Unemployment.
4080.4 4080.4 Other Taxes Accrued--State Unemployment.
4080.5 4080.5 Other Taxes Accrued--Miscellaneous.
4120.1 4120.1 Unmatured Interest Accrued--RUS Notes.
4120.2 4120.2 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Telephone Bank Notes.
4120.3 4120.3 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Federal Financing Bank
Notes.
4120.4 4120.4 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Bank for Cooperatives
Notes.
4120.5 4120.5 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Rural Telephone
Finance Cooperative Notes.
4120.6 4120.6 Other Accrued Liabilities.
[[Page 202]]
......... Long-Term Debt
4210.11 4210.11 Funded Debt--Other.
4210.12 4210.12 RUS Notes.
4210.13 4210.13 Telephone Bank Notes.
4210.14 4210.14 Federal Financing Bank Notes.
4210.15 4210.15 Bank for Cooperatives Notes.
4210.16 4210.16 Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative Notes.
4210.17 4210.17 RUS Notes--Deferred Interest.
4210.18 4210.18 RUS Notes--Advance Payments, Dr.
4210.19 4210.19 Funded Debt--Other--Unadvanced, Dr.
4210.20 4210.20 RUS Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
4210.21 4210.21 Telephone Bank Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
4210.22 4210.22 Federal Financing Bank Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
4210.23 4210.23 Bank for Cooperatives Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
4210.24 4210.24 Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative Notes--
Unadvanced, Dr.
......... Stockholders' Equity and Patronage Capital
4540.11 4540.11 Capital Stock Subscribed.
4540.12 4540.12 Memberships Subscribed but Unissued.
4540.13 4540.13 Members' Equity Certificates Subscribed but
Unissued.
4540.21 4540.21 Memberships Issued.
4540.22 4540.22 Members' Equity Certificates Issued.
4540.23 4540.23 Members' Equity--Other.
4540.31 4540.31 Installments Paid on Capital Stock.
4540.32 4540.32 Installments Paid on Memberships Subscribed.
4540.33 4540.33 Installments Paid on Equity Certificates
Subscribed.
4540.41 4540.41 Other Capital--Miscellaneous.
4550.1 4550.1 Operating Margins.
4550.2 4550.2 Nonoperating Margins.
4550.3 4550.3 Other Margins.
4550.4 4550.4 Patronage Capital Assignable.
4550.5 4550.5 Patrons' Capital Credits Assigned.
4550.6 4550.6 Gain on the Retirement of Capital Credits.
......... Plant Specific Operations Expense
6210.11 Analog Electronic Expense.
6210.21 Digital Electronic Expense.
6210.31 Electro-Mechanical Expense.
6212.1 6212.1 Digital Electronic Switching Expense--Circuit.
6212.2 6212.2 Digital Electronic Switching Expense--Packet.
6230.11 Radio Systems Expense.
6230.21 Circuit Equipment Expense.
6232.1 6232.1 Circuit Equipment Expense--Electronic.
6232.2 6232.2 Circuit Equipment Expense--Optical.
......... Plant Nonspecific Operations Expense
6560.1 Depreciation Expense.
6560.2 Amortization Expense.
6620.1 6620.1 Services--Wholesale.
6620.2 6620.2 Services--Retail.
......... Operating Taxes.
7200.1 Operating Investment Tax Credits--Net.
7200.2 Operating Federal Income Taxes.
7200.3 Operating State and Local Income Taxes.
7240.1 7200.41 Operating Taxes--Property.
7240.2 7200.42 Operating Taxes--Miscellaneous.
7200.5 Provision for Deferred Operating Income Taxes--
Net.
......... Nonoperating Income and Expense
7300.1 Dividend Income.
7300.2 Interest Income.
7300.3 Income From Sinking and Other Funds.
7300.4 Allowance for Funds Used During Construction.
7300.5 Gains or Losses from the Disposition of Certain
Property.
7300.6 Other Nonoperating Income and Expense.
......... Nonoperating Taxes
7400.1 Nonoperating Investment Tax Credits--Net.
7400.2 Nonoperating Federal Income Taxes.
7400.3 Nonoperating State and Local Income Taxes.
7400.4 Nonoperating Other Taxes.
7400.5 Provision for Deferred Nonoperating Income Taxes--
Net.
......... Extraordinary Items
[[Page 203]]
7600.1 Extraordinary Income Credits.
7600.2 Extraordinary Income Charges.
7600.3 Current Income Tax Effect of Extraordinary Items--
Net.
7600.4 Provision for Deferred Income Tax Effect of
Extraordinary Items--Net.
1130.1 1120.11 Cash--General Fund
......... This account shall include all unrestricted funds
derived from revenues and other sources which are
on deposit in banks or other financial
institutions and available on demand. It shall
also include funds in transit to the depository
for which customers and agents have received
credit on their accounts. Separate subaccounts
should be maintained for each bank account in
which general fund cash is deposited.
1130.2 1120.12 Cash--Construction Fund Trustee
......... This account shall include all loan funds received
from RUS, the Rural Telephone Bank, the Federal
Financing Bank, the Bank for Cooperatives, the
Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative, and all non-
loan funds supplied by the borrower under the
terms of the loan contract or otherwise required
by RUS. The offsetting credit for funds received
from RUS shall be to Account 4210.20, RUS Notes--
Unadvanced, Dr.; funds received from the Rural
Telephone Bank, to Account 4210.21, Telephone
Bank Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.; funds received from
the Federal Financing Bank, to Account 4210.22,
Federal Financing Bank Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.;
funds received from the Bank for Cooperatives, to
Account 4210.23, Bank for Cooperatives Notes--
Unadvanced, Dr.; and funds received from the
Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative, to Account
4210.24, Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative
Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
1130.3 1120.13 Cash--Transfer of Funds
......... This account shall include all transfers of funds
from one bank account to another. This account
shall be charged with the amount of a check drawn
for the transfer, and credited when the amount
transferred is entered into the Cash Receipts
Book.
1120.21 Special Cash Deposits
......... This account shall include all cash on special
deposit, other than in sinking and other special
funds provided for elsewhere, to pay dividends,
interest, and other debts, when such payments are
due one year or less from the date of deposit;
the amount of cash deposited to insure the
performance of contracts to be performed within
one year from the date of the deposit; and other
cash deposits of a special nature not provided
for elsewhere. This account shall include the
amount of cash deposited with trustees to be held
until mortgaged property sold, destroyed, or
otherwise disposed of is replaced, and also cash
realized from the sale of the company's
securities and deposited with trustees to be held
until invested in physical property of the
company or for disbursement when the purposes for
which the securities were sold are accomplished.
1150.1 1120.31 Petty Cash Fund
......... This account shall include funds in the custody of
employees or agents for making minor
disbursements. The fund shall be operated on an
inprest basis. Expenditures shall be supported by
receipts, and reimbursements to the fund shall be
for the exact amount of such expenditures and
shall be charged to the various accounts to which
the expenditures are allocable. At all times, the
total of the cash on hand and the unreimbursed
expenditures shall equal the amount of the fund.
1150.2 1120.32 Change Fund
......... This account shall include funds in the custody of
employees or agents for making change. Records
shall be kept of the amount held by each person.
Disbursements shall not be made from the fund.
1220.1 1220.1 Materials and Supplies*
......... This account shall include the cost of materials
and supplies held in stock including plant
supplies, motor vehicles supplies, tools, fuel,
other supplies and material and articles of the
company in process of manufacture for supply
stock.
......... Transportation charges and sales and use taxes, as
far as practicable, shall be included as a part
of the cost of the particular material to which
they relate. Transportation and sales and use
taxes which are not included as part of the cost
of particular material shall be equitably
apportioned among the accounts to which material
is charged.
......... As far as practicable, cash and other discounts on
material shall be deducted in determining cost of
the particular material to which they relate or
credited to the account to which the material is
charged. When such deduction is not practicable,
discounts shall be equitably apportioned among
the accounts to which material is charged.
......... Material recovered in connection with
construction, maintenance or retirement of
property shall be charged to this account as
follows:
......... --Reusable items that, when installed or in
service, were retirement units shall be included
in this account at the original cost.
......... --Reusable minor items that, when installed or
in service, were not retirement units shall be
included in this account at current prices new.
......... --The cost of repairing reusable material shall
be charged to the appropriate Plant Specific
Operations Expense accounts.
[[Page 204]]
......... --Scrap and nonusable material included in this
account shall be carried at the estimated amount
which will be received therefor. The difference
between the amounts realized for scrap and
nonusable material sold, and the amounts at which
it is carried in this account shall be adjusted in
the accounts credited when the material was taken
up in this account.
......... Interest paid on material bills, the payments of
which are delayed, shall be charged to Account
7540, Other Interest Deductions.
......... Inventories of materials and supplies shall be
taken during each calendar year and the
adjustments to this account shall be charged or
credited to Account 6512, Provisioning Expense.
1220.2 1220.2 Property Held for Sale or Lease*
......... This account shall include the cost of all items
purchased for resale or lease. The cost shall
include applicable transportation charges, sales
and use taxes, and cash and other purchase
discounts. Inventory shortages and overages shall
be charged and credited, respectively to Account
7991, Other Nonregulated Revenues.
......... *These accounts shall not include items which
are related to a nonregulated activity unless that
activity involves joint or common use of assets
and resources in the provision of regulated and
nonregulated products and services.
1220.3 1220.3 Exempt Materials--Clearing
......... This account shall include the cost of materials
and supplies designated as exempt material on the
carrier's ``Exempt Material List''. Charges to
this account shall be cleared monthly to the
primary plant and maintenance accounts in
accordance with percentages developed by the
individual carriers.
......... When there is a substantial amount of exempt
material on hand at the end of the year,
substantial enough to distort net income or
margins, a physical inventory may be taken. The
cost of the inventory on hand shall be debited to
this account and credited to the appropriate
primary plant and maintenance accounts on a pro-
rata basis related to the original charges to
these accounts. This entry shall be reversed at
the first of the year.
1280.1 Prepaid Rents
......... This account shall include the amount of rents
paid in advance of the period in which it is
chargeable to income, except amounts chargeable
to telecommunications plant under construction
and minor amounts which may be charged directly
to the final accounts. As the term expires for
which the rents are paid, this account shall be
credited monthly and the appropriate account
charged.
1280.2 Prepaid Taxes
......... This account shall include the balance of all
taxes paid in advance of the period in which they
are chargeable to income, except amounts
chargeable to telecommunications plant under
construction and minor amounts which may be
charged directly to the final accounts. As the
term expires for which the taxes are paid, this
account shall be credited monthly and the
appropriate account charged.
1280.3 Prepaid Insurance
......... This account shall include the amount of insurance
premiums paid in advance of the period in which
they are chargeable to income, except premiums
chargeable to telecommunications plant under
construction and minor amounts which may be
charged directly to the final accounts. As the
term expires for which the premiums are paid,
this account shall be credited monthly and the
appropriate account charged.
1280.4 Prepaid Directory Expenses
......... This account shall include the cost of preparing,
printing, binding, and delivering directories and
the cost of soliciting advertisements for
directories, except minor amounts which may be
charged directly to Account 6620, Services.
Amounts in this account, shall be cleared to
Account 6620 by monthly charges representing that
portion of the expenses applicable to each month.
1280.5 Other Prepayments
......... This amount shall include prepayments, other than
those includable in Accounts 1280.1 through
1280.4 except minor amounts which may be charged
directly to the final accounts. As the term
expires for which the payments apply, this
account shall be credited monthly and the
appropriate account charged.
1402.1 1402.1 Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class B
RTB Stock
......... This account shall include the par value of the
required purchase of Class B Rural Telephone Bank
stock and the par value of the Class B Rural
Telephone Bank stock received as a patronage
refund. This account shall be debited at the time
the refund is received and Account 1402.11,
Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class B
RTB Stock--Cr., credited.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 1402.11
debited when the patronage refund is redeemed.
1402.11 1402.11 Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class B
RTB Stock--Cr.
......... This account shall include the par value of Class
B Rural Telephone Bank stock received as a
patronage refund. This account shall be credited
at the time the refund is received and Account
1402.1, Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--
Class B RTB Stock, debited.
......... This account shall be debited and Account 1402.1
credited when the patronage refund is redeemed.
1402.2 1402.2 Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class C
RTB Stock
[[Page 205]]
......... This account shall include the par value of the
company's investment in Class C Rural Telephone
Bank stock. Cash dividends on Class C stock shall
be recorded in Account 7310/7300.1, Dividend
Income, when declared.
1402.3 1402.3 Other Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies
......... This account shall include the acquisition cost of
the company's investment in securities issued by
non-affiliated companies, other than securities
held in special funds which shall be charged to
Account 1408, Sinking Funds, and also its
investment advances to such parties and special
deposits of cash for more than one year from the
date of deposit.
......... Declines in value of investments shall be charged
to Account 4540.41, Other Capital, if temporary
and as a current period loss if permanent.
Detailed records shall be maintained to reflect
unrealized losses for each investment.
2001.1 2001.1 Telecommunications Plant in Service--Classified
......... This account shall include the original cost of
the property capitalized in Accounts 2110 through
2690.
2001.2 2001.2 Telecommunications Plant in Service--Unclassified
......... This account shall include the original cost of
telecommunications property which has been
completed and placed in service but which has not
been classified pending completion of final
inventories of construction, final cost
summaries, etc. The balance in this account is
subject to depreciation charges.
2003.1 2003.1 Telecommunications Plant Under Construction--Short
Term--Contract
......... This account shall include all costs incurred in
the construction of telecommunications plant
performed under contract and the cost of software
development projects that are not yet ready for
their intended use. Included among these costs
are contractor payments and charges for
engineering, supervision, taxes, insurance,
transportation, and other costs incurred in
contract construction. This account shall be
maintained such that the various items of cost
are readily identifiable.
2003.2 2003.2 Telecommunications Plant Under Construction--Short
Term--Force Account
......... This account shall include all costs incurred in
the construction of telecommunications plant
performed by the borrowers' own employees and the
cost of software development projects performed
by the borrowers' own employees that are not yet
ready for their intended use. Included among
these costs are charges for material, labor,
engineering, supervision, taxes, insurance,
transportation, supply expense, and other costs
incurred in the construction. This account shall
be maintained such that the various items of cost
are readily identified. Specific subaccounts
should be maintained to distinguish individual
projects.
2003.3 2003.3 Telecommunications Plant Under Construction--Short
Term--Work Orders
......... This account shall include all costs incurred in
the construction of telecommunication plant
performed under a work order system or line
extension contract. This type of construction
generally includes service installations,
subscriber extensions, and minor plant
improvements after the completion of the initial
system. Included among these costs are charges
for labor, material and supplies, transportation,
payroll taxes, insurance, supervision, and other
costs incurred in the construction. Subsidiary
records shall be maintained to reflect the cost
of the individual jobs. These records shall be
reconciled periodically with the general ledger
control account. Specific subaccounts should be
maintained to accumulate costs incurred under
line extension contracts.
2210.11 Central Office Switching--Analog*
......... This account shall include the original cost of
stored program control analog circuit-switching
and associated equipment. This account shall also
include the original cost of remote analog
electronic circuit switches.
2210.21 Central Office Switching--Digital*
......... This account shall include the original cost of
stored program control digital switches and their
associated equipment. Included in this account is
the original cost of digital switches which
utilize either dedicated or non-dedicated
circuits. This account shall also include the
original cost of remote digital electronic
switches.
2210.31 Central Office Switching--Electro-Mechanical--Step-
by-Step*
......... This account shall include the original cost of
step-by-step and associated circuit-switching
equipment.
2210.32 Central Office Switching--Electro-Mechanical--
Crossbar*
......... This account shall include the original cost of
crossbar and associated circuit switching
equipment. Also included in this account is the
original cost of electronic translator system
equipment used in switching.
2210.33 Central Office Switching--Electro-Mechanical--
Other*
......... This account shall include the original cost of
all other types of non-electronic circuit-
switching equipment such as panel systems and
their associated circuit-switching equipment.
......... *Switching plant excludes switchboards which
perform operator assistance functions and
equipment which is an integral part thereof. It
does not exclude equipment used solely for the
recording of calling telephone numbers in
connection with customer dialed charged traffic,
dial tandem switches, and special switchboards
used in conjunction with private line service;
such equipment shall be classified to the
particular switch that it serves.
[[Page 206]]
2230.11 Central Office Transmission--Radio Systems--
Satellite and Earth Station Facilities
......... This account shall include the original cost of an
ownership interest in satellites (including land-
side spares), other spare parts, materials, and
supplies. It shall include launch insurance and
other satellite launch costs. This account shall
also include the original cost of earth stations
and spare parts, materials, and supplies
therefor.
2230.12 Central Office Transmission--Radio Systems--Other
......... This account shall include the original cost of
radio equipment used to provide radio
communication channels. Radio equipment is that
equipment which is used for the generation,
amplification, propagation, reception,
modulation, and demodulation of radio waves in
free space over which communications channels can
be provided. This account shall also include the
associated carrier and auxiliary equipment and
patch bay equipment which is an integral part of
the radio equipment. Such equipment may be
located in central office buildings, terminal
rooms, or repeater stations or may be mounted on
towers, masts, or other supports.
2230.21 Central Office Transmission--Circuit Equipment
......... This account shall include the original cost of
equipment which is used to reduce the number of
physical pairs otherwise required to serve a
given number of subscribers by utilizing carrier
systems, concentration stages or combinations of
both. It shall include equipment that provides
for simultaneous use of a number of interoffice
channels on a single transmission path. This
account shall also include the original cost of
equipment which is used for the amplification,
modulation, regeneration, circuit patching,
balancing or control of signals transmitted over
interoffice communications transmission channels.
This account shall include the original cost of
equipment which utilizes the message path to
carry signaling information or which utilizes
separate channels between switching offices to
transmit signaling information independent of the
subscribers' communication paths or transmission
channels. This account shall also include the
original cost of associated material used in the
construction of such plant. Circuit equipment may
be located in central offices, in manholes, on
poles, in cabinets or huts or at other locations.
......... This account excludes carrier and auxiliary
equipment and patch bay which are recorded in
Account 2230.12, Central Office Transmission--
Radio Systems--Other
3100x 3100x Retirement Work in Progress
......... This account shall be charged with the original
cost of property retired from the
telecommunications plant accounts. It shall also
be charged with all of the costs incurred in
removing the retired plant from service. This
account shall be credited with the salvage value
of materials recovered in the retirement of the
telecommunications plant. At such time as the
retirement work order is complete, the net income/
loss resulting therefrom shall be transferred
from this account to the appropriate primary
plant depreciation reserve account.
4010.11 4010.11 Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies
......... This account shall include all amounts currently
due to affiliated companies for recurring trade
obligations, and not provided for in other
accounts, such as those for traffic settlements,
material and supplies, repairs to
telecommunications plant, matured rents, and
interest payable under monthly settlements on
short-term loans, advances, and open accounts.
4010.21 4010.21 Accounts Payable to Nonaffiliated Companies
......... This account shall include all amounts currently
due to nonaffiliated companies for recurring
trade obligations, and not provided for in other
accounts, such as those for traffic settlements,
materials and supplies, repairs to
telecommunications plant, matured rents, and
interest payable under monthly settlements on
short-term loans, advances, and open accounts.
4010.22 4010.22 Accounts Payable--Employees' Income Tax Withheld
......... This account shall include income taxes payable
that have been withheld from employees' salaries.
4010.23 4010.23 Accounts Payable--FICA Taxes Withheld
......... This account shall include FICA taxes payable that
have been withheld from employees' salaries.
4010.24 4010.24 Accounts Payable--Federal Excise Taxes
......... This account shall include Federal excise taxes
payable.
4010.25 4010.25 Accounts Payable--Payroll
......... This account shall include amounts payable to the
company's employees in the form of salaries or
wages.
4070.1 4070.1 Income Taxes Accrued--Federal
......... For Class A companies, this account shall be
credited and Accounts 7220, 7420, and 7630, as
appropriate, shall be debited for the amount of
Federal income taxes accrued during the current
operating period.
......... For Class B companies, this account shall be
credited and Accounts 7220.2, 7400.2, and 7600.3,
as appropriate, shall be debited for the amount
of Federal income taxes accrued during the
current operating period.
4070.2 4070.2 Income Taxes Accrued--State and Local
[[Page 207]]
......... For Class A companies, this account shall be
credited and Accounts, 7230, 7430, and 7630, as
appropriate, shall be debited for the amount of
state and local income taxes accrued during the
current operating period.
......... For Class B companies, this account shall be
credited and Accounts, 7200.3, 7400.3, and
7600.3, as appropriate, shall be debited for the
amount of state and local income taxes accrued
during the current operating period.
4080.1 4080.1 Other Taxes Accrued--Property
......... This account shall be credited and Account 7240.1/
7200.41, Operating Taxes--Property, shall be
debited for the amount of property taxes accrued
during the current operating period.
4080.2 4080.2 Other Taxes Accrued--Employer's Portion--FICA
......... This account shall be credited and the appropriate
construction, depreciation, or expense account
shall be debited for the employer's portion of
FICA taxes accrued during the current operating
period.
4080.3 4080.3 Other Taxes Accrued--Federal Unemployment
......... This account shall be credited and the appropriate
construction, removal, or expense account shall
be debited for the amount of Federal unemployment
taxes accrued during the current operating
period.
4080.4 4080.4 Other Taxes Accrued--State Unemployment
......... This account shall be credited and the appropriate
construction, removal, or expense account shall
be debited for the amount of state unemployment
taxes accrued during the current operating
period.
4080.5 4080.5 Other Taxes Accrued--Miscellaneous
......... This account shall be credited and Account 7240.2/
7200.42, Operating Taxes--Miscellaneous, shall be
debited for the amount of all other taxes accrued
during the current operating period and not
provided for elsewhere such as a gross receipts
tax, franchise taxes, and capital stock taxes.
4120.1 4120.1 Unmatured Interest Accrued--RUS Notes
......... This account shall include the interest accrued as
of the balance sheet date but not payable until
after that date on RUS mortgage notes.
......... Interest expense incurred during the period of
construction of telecommunications plant shall be
charged to Account 2004, Telecommunications Plant
Under Construction--Long Term, and credited to
Account 7340/7300.4, Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction.
4120.2 4120.2 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Telephone Bank Notes
......... This account shall include the interest accrued as
of the balance sheet date but not payable until
after that date on Rural Telephone Bank mortgage
notes.
......... Interest expense incurred during the period of
construction of telecommunications plant shall be
charged to Account 2004, Telecommunications Plant
Under Construction--Long Term, and credited to
Account 7340/7300.4, Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction.
4120.3 4120.3 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Federal Financing Bank
Notes
......... This account shall include the interest accrued as
of the balance sheet date but not payable until
after that date on Federal Financing Bank
mortgage notes.
......... Interest expense incurred during the period of
construction of telecommunications plant shall be
charged to Account 2004, Telecommunications Plant
Under Construction--Long Term, and credited to
Account 7340/7300.4, Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction.
4120.4 4120.4 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Bank for Cooperatives
Notes
......... This account shall include the interest accrued as
of the balance sheet date but not payable until
after that date on Bank for Cooperatives mortgage
notes.
......... Interest expense incurred during the period of
construction of telecommunications plant shall be
charged to Account 2004, Telecommunications Plant
Under Construction--Long Term, and credited to
Account 7340/7300.4, Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction.
4120.5 4120.5 Unmatured Interest Accrued--Rural Telephone
Finance Cooperative Notes
......... This account shall include the interest accrued as
of the balance sheet date but not payable until
after that date on Rural Telephone Finance
Cooperative mortgage notes.
......... Interest expense incurred during the period of
construction of telecommunications plant shall be
charged to Account 2004, Telecommunications Plant
Under Construction--Long Term, and credited to
Account 7340/7300.4, Allowance for Funds Used
During Construction.
4120.6 4120.6 Other Accrued Liabilities
......... This account shall include the amount of wages,
compensated absences, interest on indebtedness of
the company, dividends on capital stock, and
rents accrued as of the balance sheet date but
not payable until after the date.
......... This account shall not include interest accrued on
RUS, Rural Telephone Bank, Bank for Cooperatives,
Federal Financing Bank, or Rural Telephone
Finance Cooperative debt.
4210.11 4210.11 Funded Debt--Other
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of unmatured debt, maturing more than one year
from the date of issue, issued by the company and
not retired, and the total face amount of similar
unmatured debt of other companies, the payment of
which has been assumed by the company, including
funded debt the maturity of which has been
extended by specific agreement.
[[Page 208]]
......... This account shall not include unmatured RUS,
Rural Telephone Bank, Federal Financing Bank,
Bank for Cooperatives, or Rural Telephone Finance
Cooperative debt.
4210.12 4210.12 RUS Notes
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of unmatured RUS mortgage notes. Account 4210.20,
RUS Notes--Unadvanced, Dr., shall be charged and
this account credited upon execution of the
notes.
......... If principal installments are not paid at the
maturity date, the amount due shall be
transferred to Account 4050, Current Maturities--
Long-Term Debt.
4210.13 4210.13 Telephone Bank Notes
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of unmatured Rural Telephone Bank mortgage notes.
Account 4210.21, Telephone Bank Notes--
Unadvanced, Dr., shall be changed and this
account credited upon execution of the notes.
......... If principal installments are not paid at the
maturity date, the amount due shall be
transferred to Account 4050, Current Maturities--
Long-Term Debt.
4210.14 4210.14 Federal Financing Bank Notes
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of unmatured Federal Financing Bank mortgage
notes. Account 4210.22, Federal Financing Bank
Notes--Unadvanced, Dr., shall be charged and this
account credited upon execution of the notes.
......... If principal installments are not paid at the
maturity date, the amount due shall be
transferred to Account 4050, Current Maturities--
Long-Term Debt.
4210.15 4210.15 Bank for Cooperatives Notes
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of unmatured Bank for Cooperatives mortgage
notes. Account 4210.23, Bank for Cooperatives
Notes--Unadvanced, Dr., shall be charged and this
account credited upon execution of the notes.
......... If principal installments are not paid at the
maturity date, the amount due shall be
transferred to Account 4050, Current Maturities--
Long-Term Debt.
4210.16 4210.16 Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative Notes
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of unmatured Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative
mortgage notes. Account 4210.24, Rural Telephone
Finance Cooperative Notes--Unadvanced, Dr., shall
be charged and this account credited upon
execution of the notes.
......... If principal installments are not paid at the
maturity date, the amount due shall be
transferred to Account 4050, Current Maturities--
Long-Term Debt.
4210.17 4210.17 RUS Notes--Deferred Interest
......... This account shall include interest accrued on RUS
mortgage notes, the payment of which has been
deferred in accordance with the terms of the
notes or extension agreements. The offsetting
charge shall be to Account 7510, Interest on
Funded Debt, for Class A companies and Account
7500, Interest and Related Items, for Class B
companies.
......... If interest payments are not made at the due date,
this account shall be debited and Account
4010.21, Accounts Payable to Nonaffiliated
Companies, credited with the amount of the
matured interest.
4210.18 4210.18 RUS Notes--Advance Payments, Dr.
......... This account shall include all payments on RUS
mortgage notes made in advance of the due date
and not applied to a specific quarterly payment.
As these payments are applied to specific notes,
this account shall be credited and the long-term
debt and interest liability accounts debited.
4210.19 4210.19 Funded Debt--Other--Unadvanced, Dr.
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of notes executed to others, for which funds have
not been received.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 1130.1/
1120.11, Cash--General Funds, debited when funds
are received from the lender.
4210.20 4210.20 RUS Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of RUS mortgage notes for which funds have not
been received.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 1130.2/
1120.12, Cash--Construction Fund Trustee, debited
when funds are received from RUS.
4210.21 4210.21 Telephone Bank Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of Rural Telephone Bank mortgage notes for which
funds have not been received.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 1130.2/
1120.12, Cash--Construction Fund Trustee, debited
when funds are received from the Rural Telephone
Bank.
4210.22 4210.22 Federal Financing Bank Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of Federal Financing Bank mortgage notes for
which funds have not been received.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 1130.2/
1120.12, Cash--Construction Fund Trustee, debited
when funds are received from the Federal
Financing Bank.
4210.23 4210.23 Bank for Cooperatives Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
[[Page 209]]
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of Bank for Cooperatives mortgage notes for which
funds have not been received.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 1130.2/
1120.12, Cash--Construction Fund Trustee, debited
when funds are received from the Bank for
Cooperatives.
4210.24 4210.24 Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative Notes--
Unadvanced, Dr.
......... This account shall include the total face amount
of Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative mortgage
notes for which funds have not been received.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 1130.2/
1120.12, Cash--Construction Fund Trustee, debited
when funds are received from the Rural Telephone
Finance Cooperative.
4540.11 4540.11 Capital Stock Subscribed.
......... This account shall include the par value of
capital stock for which legally enforceable
subscriptions have been received but for which,
at the date of the balance sheet, stock
certificates have not been issued.
......... This account shall be debited and Account 4510,
Capital Stock, credited when a subscriber has
paid the subscription in full and stock
certificates are issued.
4540.12 4540.12 Memberships Subscribed but Unissued.
......... This account shall include the face amount of
memberships subscribed but not issued. This
account shall be credited at the time the
subscription is received and Account 1350.2,
Subscriptions to Memberships, debited.
......... This account shall be debited and Account 4540.21,
Memberships Issued, credited when a subscriber
has paid the subscription in full and the
membership certificates are issued.
4540.13 4540.13 Members' Equity Certificates Subscribed but
Unissued.
......... This account shall include the face amount of
members' equity certificates subscribed but not
issued. This account shall be credited at the
time the subscription is received and Account
1350.3, Subscriptions to Members' Equity
Certificates, debited.
......... This account shall be debited and Account 4540.22,
Members' Equity Certificates Issued, credited
when a subscriber has paid the subscription in
full and the members' equity certificates are
issued.
4540.21 4540.21 Memberships Issued.
......... This account shall include the face amount of
membership certificates outstanding. A subsidiary
membership certificate record shall be maintained
to reflect the detail of the balance in this
account.
4540.22 4540.22 Member's Equity Certificates Issued.
......... This account shall include the face amount of
members' equity certificates outstanding. A
subsidiary members' equity certificate record
shall be maintained to reflect the detail of the
balance in this account.
4540.23 4540.23 Members' Equity--Other.
......... This account shall include credit amounts arising
from donations, forfeitures of membership fees,
forgiveness of debts of the cooperative, and
member's equities not otherwise provided for.
4540.31 4540.31 Installments Paid on Capital Stock.
......... This account shall include the amount of
installments paid on capital stock on a partial
or installment payment plan by subscribers
against whom there is no legally enforceable
subscription contract, and who are entitled to be
reimbursed the principal amount of their
payments, with or without interest, in the event
they fail to complete payment for the stock and
receive certificates therefore.
......... This account shall be debited and Account 4510,
Capital Stock, credited with the par value of
capital stock when the total subscription is
received and the stock certificates are issued.
Any difference between the purchase price of the
subscription and the par value of the stock shall
be credited to Account 4520, Additional Paid-In
Capital.
......... A subsidiary ledger shall be maintained to record
for each subscriber, the amount subscribed,
payments made, and the balance due. The balance
in this account shall be reconciled monthly with
the subscription ledger.
4540.32 4540.32 Installments Paid on Memberships Subscribed.
......... This account shall include the amount of
installments paid by prospective members on
membership subscriptions against whom there is no
legally enforceable subscription contract, and
who are entitled to be reimbursed for the
principal amount of their payments, with or
without interest, in the event they fail to
complete payment for the membership and receive
certificates therefor.
......... This account shall be debited and Account 4540.21,
Memberships Issued, credited with the face amount
of the membership when the total subscription is
received and the membership certificates are
issued.
......... A subsidiary ledger shall be maintained to record
for each subscriber, the amount subscribed,
payments made, and the balance due. The balance
in this account shall be reconciled monthly with
the subscription ledger.
4540.33 4540.33 Installments Paid on Equity Certificates
Subscribed
......... This account shall include the amount of
installments paid by prospective members on
equity certificate subscriptions against whom
there is no legally enforceable subscription
contract, and who are entitled to be reimbursed
for the principal amount of their payments, with
or without interest, in the event they fail to
complete payment for the membership and receive
equity certificates therefor.
[[Page 210]]
......... This account shall be debited and Account 4540.22,
Members' Equity Certificates Issued, credited
with the face amount of the memberships when the
total subscription is received and the equity
certificates are issued.
......... A subsidiary ledger shall be maintained to record
for each subscriber, the amount subscribed,
payments made, and the balance due. The balance
in this account shall be reconciled monthly with
the subscription ledger.
4540.41 4540.41 Other Capital--Miscellaneous
......... This account shall include amounts which are
credits arising from capital recorded upon the
reorganization or recapitalization of the company
and temporary declines in the value of marketable
securities held for investment purposes.
4550.1 4550.1 Operating Margins
......... This account shall include amounts received or
receivable from the furnishing of
telecommunications service in excess of costs
incurred in the furnishing of such service. If
costs exceed revenues, the excess cost of
furnishing telecommunications service shall be
recorded as a debit to this account.
4550.2 4550.2 Nonoperating Margins
......... This account shall include margins arising from
transactions or activities not related to the
furnishing of telecommunications service.
Included in this account are receipts from
investments, income from investments, income from
nonoperating plant, and revenues derived from
services performed for others incident to the
company's regulated telecommunications
operations.
4550.3 4550.3 Other Margins
......... This account shall include patronage capital
credits assigned to the cooperative by other
nonprofit organizations prior to January 1, 1970,
which were not credited directly to an operating
expense account as a reduction in the cost of
furnishing telecommunications service.
......... No entries shall be made to this account unless it
is to distribute or eliminate prior balances in
conformance with the bylaws of the cooperative.
4550.4 4550.4 Patronage Capital Assignable
......... This account shall include all amounts transferred
from operating margins, nonoperating margins, and
other margin accounts which are assignable to
individual patrons.
4550.5 4550.5 Patrons' Capital Credits Assigned
......... This account shall include the amounts of
patronage capital which have been credited to
individual patrons. A subsidiary patronage
capital ledger shall be maintained so as to
reflect the amount of capital furnished by each
patron and the amount of such capital returned to
the patron.
4550.6 4550.6 Gain on the Retirement of Capital Credits
......... This account shall include credits resulting from
the retirement of patronage capital through
settlement of individual patrons' accounts at
less than 100 percent of the capital assigned to
the patron. The portion of patronage capital not
returned to patrons under such settlements shall
be debited to Account 4550.5, Patrons' Capital
Credits Assigned, and credited to this account.
......... This account shall also include amounts
representing patronage capital authorized to be
retired to patrons who cannot be located.
Returned checks issued for retirements of
patronage capital, after an appropriate waiting
period, shall be credited to this account and a
record shall be maintained adequate to enable the
cooperative to make payment to the patron if and
when a claim has been established by the patron.
6210.11 Analog Electronic Expense
......... This account shall include expenses associated
with analog electronic switching.
6210.21 Digital Electronic Expense
......... This account shall include expenses associated
with digital electronic switching.
6210.31 Electro-Mechanical Expense
......... This account shall include expenses associated
with electro-mechanical switching.
6230.11 Radio Systems Expense
......... This account shall include expenses associated
with radio systems.
6230.21 Circuit Equipment Expense
......... This account shall include expenses associated
with circuit equipment.
6560.1 Depreciation Expense
......... This account shall include the depreciation
expense associated with telecommunications plant
in service (Accounts 2112 through 2441) and
property held for future telecommunications use
(Account 2002).
6560.2 Amortization Expense
......... This account shall include the amortization
expense associated with capital leases and
leasehold improvements (Accounts 2681 and 2682),
intangibles (Account 2690), and
telecommunications plant adjustments (Account
2005).
7200.1 Operating Investment Tax Credits--Net
[[Page 211]]
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4320,
Unamortized Operating Investment Tax Credits--
Net, shall be credited with investment tax
credits generated from qualified expenditures
related to regulated operations which the company
defers rather than recognizes currently in
income.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 4320
shall be charged ratably with the amortization of
each year's investment tax credits included in
Account 4320 for investment services for
ratemaking purposes. Such amortization shall be
determined in relation to the period of time used
for computing book depreciation on the property
with respect to which the tax credits relate.
7200.2 Operating Federal Income Taxes
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4070.1,
Income Taxes Accrued--Federal, shall be credited
for the amount of Federal income tax expense
incurred in the current operating period. This
account shall also reflect subsequent adjustments
to amounts previously charged.
......... Taxes should be accrued each month on an estimated
basis and adjustments made as later data becomes
available.
7200.3 Operating State and Local Income Taxes
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4070.2,
Income Taxes Accrued--State and Local, shall be
credited for the amount of state and local income
tax expense incurred in the current operating
period. This account shall also reflect
subsequent adjustments to amounts previously
charged.
......... Taxes should be accrued each month on an estimated
basis and adjustments made as later data becomes
available.
7240.1 7200.41 Operating Taxes--Property
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4080.1,
Other Taxes Accrued--Property, shall be credited
for the amount of property tax expense incurred
in the current operating period. This account
shall also reflect subsequent adjustments to
amounts previously charged.
......... Taxes should be accrued each month on an estimated
basis and adjustments made as later data becomes
available.
7240.2 7200.42 Operating Taxes--Miscellaneous
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4080.5,
Other Taxes Accrued--Miscellaneous, shall be
credited for the amount of all other taxes
accrued during the current operating period and
not provided for elsewhere such as gross
receipts, franchise, and capital stock tax
expense incurred in the current operating period.
This account shall also reflect subsequent
adjustments to amounts previously charged.
......... Taxes should be accrued each month on an estimated
basis and adjustments made as later data becomes
available.
7200.5 Provision for Deferred Operating Income Taxes-Net
......... This account shall be charged or credited, as
appropriate, with contra entries recorded in
either Account 4100, Net Current Deferred
Operating Income Taxes, or Account 4340, Net
Noncurrent Deferred Operating Income Taxes, as
appropriate, for income tax expense that has been
deferred.
......... Subsidiary record categories shall be maintained
to distinguish between property and nonproperty
related deferrals and so that the company may
separately report the amounts contained herein
that relate to Federal, state, and local income
taxes.
7300.1 Dividend Income
......... This account shall include dividends on
investments in common and preferred stock, which
is the property of the company, whether such
stock is owned by the company and held in its
treasury, or deposited in trust, or otherwise
controlled.
......... This account shall not include dividends or other
returns on securities issued or assumed by the
company and held by or for it, whether pledged as
collateral, or held in its treasury, in special
deposits, or in sinking or other funds.
......... Dividends on stocks of other companies held in
sinking or other funds shall be credited to
Account 7300.3, Income from Sinking and Other
Funds.
......... Dividends received and receivable from affiliated
companies accounted for on the equity method
shall be included in Account 1401, Investments in
Affiliated Companies, as a reduction of the
carrying value of the investments.
7300.2 Interest Income
......... This account shall include interest on securities,
including notes and other evidences of
indebtedness which are the property of the
company, whether such securities are owned by the
company and held in its treasury, or deposited in
trust (except in sinking or other funds) or
otherwise controlled. It shall also include
interest on bank balances, certificates of
deposits, open accounts, and other analogous
items. There shall be included in this account
for each month, the applicable amount requisite
to extinguish, during the interval between the
date of acquisition and the date of maturity, the
difference between the purchase price and the par
value of securities owned, the income from which
is includable in this account. Amounts thus
credited or charged shall be concurrently
included in the accounts in which the securities
are carried. Any such difference remaining
unextinguished at the sale or upon the maturity
and satisfaction of such securities shall be
cleared to Account 7300.6. Other Nonoperating
Income and Expense.
7300.3 Income from Sinking and Other Funds
[[Page 212]]
......... This account shall include the income accrued on
cash, securities issued by other companies, and
other assets (not including securities issued or
assumed by the company) held in sinking and other
funds.
......... There shall be included in this account for each
month the applicable amount requisite to
extinguish, during the interval between the date
of acquisition and the date of maturity, the
difference between the purchase price and the par
value of securities held in sinking or other
funds. Amounts thus credited or charged shall be
concurrently included in the accounts in which
the securities are carried. Any such differences
remaining unextinguished upon the maturity and
satisfaction of such securities shall be cleared
to Account 7300.6. Other Nonoperating Income and
Expense.
7300.4 Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
......... This account shall be credited with such amounts
as are charged to the telecommunications plant
accounts for the purpose or recording an
allowance for funds used for construction
purposes.
7300.5 Gains or Losses from the Disposition of Certain
Property
......... This account shall include gains or losses
resulting from the disposition of land or
artworks; plant with traffic, and nonoperating
telecommunications plant not previously used in
the provision of telecommunication services.
7300.6 Other Nonoperating Income and Expense
......... This account shall include all other items of
income and gains or losses from activities not
specifically provided for elsewhere such as gains
or losses realized on the sale of temporary cash
investments or marketable equity securities; fees
collected in connection with the exchange of
coupon bonds for registered bonds; uncollectible
amounts previously credited to Accounts 7300.1,
7300.2, 7300.3, 7300.4, 7300.5, and 7300.6, gains
or losses from the extinguishment of debt made to
satisfy sinking fund requirements; gains or
losses of a nonoperating nature arising from the
exchange or translation of foreign currency; net
unrealized losses on investments in current
marketable equity securities; write-downs or
write-offs of the book costs of investments in
equity securities due to permanent impairment;
amortization of goodwill; the company's share of
earnings or losses of affiliated companies
accounted for on the equity method; and the net
balance of the revenue from and the expenses of
property, plant, and equipment, the cost of which
is includable in Account 2006, Nonoperating
Plant.
7400.1 Nonoperating Investment Tax Credits--Net
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4330,
Unamortized Nonoperating Investment Tax Credits--
Net, shall be credited with nonoperating
investment tax credits generated from qualified
expenditures related to other operations which
the company has elected to defer rather than
recognize currently in income.
......... This account shall be credited and Account 4330,
Unamortized Nonoperating Investment Tax Credits--
Net, shall be charged with the amortization of
each year's investment tax credits included in
such accounts relating to amortization of
previously deferred investment tax credits of
other property or regulated property, the
amortization of which does not serve to reduce
costs of service (but the unamortized balance
does reduce rate base) for ratemaking purposes.
Such amortization shall be determined with
reference to the period of time used for
computing book depreciation on the property with
respect to which the tax credits relate.
7400.2 Nonoperating Federal Income Taxes
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4070.1,
Income Taxes Accrued--Federal, shall be credited
for the amount of nonoperating Federal income
taxes for the current period. This account shall
also reflect subsequent adjustments to amounts
previously charged.
......... Taxes shall be accrued each month on an estimated
basis and adjustments made as later data becomes
available. Companies that adopt the flowthrough
method of accounting for investment tax credits
shall reduce the calculated provision in this
account by the entire amount of the credit
realized during the year. Tax credits, if
normalized, shall be recorded consistent with the
accounting for investment tax credits.
......... No entries shall be made to this account to
reflect interperiod tax allocation.
7400.3 Nonoperating State and Local Income Taxes
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4070.2,
Income Taxes Accrued--State and Local, shall be
credited for the amount of nonoperating state and
local income taxes for the current period. This
account shall also reflect subsequent adjustments
to amounts previously charged.
......... Taxes shall be accrued each month on an estimated
basis and adjustments made as later data becomes
available.
......... No entries shall be made to this account to
reflect interperiod tax allocation.
7400.4 Nonoperating Other Taxes
......... This account shall be charged and Account 4080.5,
Other Taxes Accrued--Miscellaneous, shall be
credited for all nonoperating taxes, other than
Federal, state, and local income taxes, and
payroll related taxes for the current period.
Among the items includable in this account are
property, gross receipts, franchise and capital
stock taxes. This account shall also reflect
subsequent adjustments to amounts previously
charged.
7400.5 Provision for Deferred Nonoperating Income Taxes--
Net
[[Page 213]]
......... This account shall be charged or credited, as
appropriate, with contra entries recorded in
either Account 4110, Net Current Deferred
Nonoperating Income Taxes, or Account 4350, Net
Noncurrent Deferred Nonoperating Income Taxes, as
appropriate, for nonoperating tax expenses that
have been deferred.
......... Subsidiary record categories shall be maintained
to distinguish between property and nonproperty
related deferrals and so that the company may
separately report the amounts contained herein
that relate to Federal, state, and local income
taxes.
7600.1 Extraordinary Income Credits
......... This account shall be credited with nontypical,
noncustomary, and infrequently recurring gains
which would significantly distort the current
year's income computed before such extraordinary
items, if reported other than as extraordinary
items. Income tax relating to the amounts
recorded in this account shall be recorded in
Account 7600.3, Current Income Tax Effect for
Extraordinary Items--Net, and Account 7600.4,
Provision for Deferred Income Tax Effect of
Extraordinary Items--Net.
7600.2 Extraordinary Income Charges
......... This account shall be debited with nontypical,
noncustomary, and infrequently recurring losses
which would significantly distort the current
year's income computed before such extraordinary
items, if reported other than as extraordinary
items. Income tax relating to the amounts
recorded in this account shall be recorded in
Account 7600.3, Current Income Tax Effect for
Extraordinary Items--Net, and Account 7600.4,
Provision for Deferred Income Tax Effect of
Extraordinary Items--Net.
7600.3 Current Income Tax Effect of Extraordinary Items--
Net
......... This account shall be charged or credited and
Account 4070.1, Income Taxes Accrued--Federal, or
Account 4070.2, Income Taxes Accrued--State and
Local, shall be credited or charged, as
appropriate, for all current income tax effects
(Federal, state, and local) of items included in
Account 7600.1, Extraordinary Income Credits, and
Account 7600.2, Extraordinary Income Charges.
7600.4 Provision for Deferred Income Tax Effect of
Extraordinary Items--Net
......... This account shall be charged or credited, as
appropriate, with a contra amount recorded in
Account 4350, Net Noncurrent Deferred
Nonoperating Income Taxes, or Account 4110, Net
Current Deferred Nonoperating Income Taxes, for
the income tax effects (Federal, state, and
local) of items included in Account 7600.1,
Extraordinary Income Credits, and Account 7600.2,
Extraordinary Income Charges, that have been
deferred.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[55 FR 3388, Feb. 1, 1990; 55 FR 17352, Apr. 24, 1990, as amended at 55
FR 53488, Dec. 31, 1990; 70 FR 25757, May 16, 2005]
Sec. 1770.16 Supplementary accounts required of nonprofit organizations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of company
---------------------
Account No. Account title
---------------------
A B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
......... Current Assets
1350.1 1350.1 Subscriptions to Capital Stock.
1350.2 1350.2 Subscriptions to Memberships.
1350.3 1350.3 Subscriptions to Members' Equity Certificates.
1350.4 1350.4 Other Current Assets.
......... Current Liabilities
4130.1 4130.1 Patronage Capital Payable.
4130.2 4130.2 Other Current Liabilities--Miscellaneous.
......... Long-Term Debt
4270.1 4270.1 Members' Redeemable Equity Certificates Subscribed
but Unissued.
4270.2 4270.2 Members' Redeemable Equity Certificates Issued.
4270.3 4270.3 Other Long-Term Debt.
1350.1 1350.1 Subscriptions to Capital Stock
......... This account shall include the balance due from
subscribers upon legally enforceable
subscriptions to capital stock.
......... The purchase price of subscriptions shall be
charged to this account at the time the
subscription is received. The par value of the
stock subscribed shall be credited to Account
4540.11, Capital Stock Subscribed, and the
difference between the purchase price and the par
value shall be credited to Account 4520,
Additional Paid-In Capital.
1350.2 1350.2 Subscriptions to Memberships
......... This account shall include the balance due on
memberships subscribed. The face amount of
memberships subscribed shall be charged to this
account at the time the subscription is received.
The offsetting credit shall be to Account
4540.12, Memberships Subscribed but Unissued.
[[Page 214]]
......... A subscription ledger shall be maintained to
record for each subscriber, the amount
subscribed, payments made, and the balance due.
The balance in this account shall be reconciled
monthly with the subscription ledger.
1350.3 1350.3 Subscriptions to Members' Equity Certificates
......... This account shall include the balance due on
member's equity certificates subscribed. The face
amount of certificates subscribed shall be
charged to this account at the time the
subscription is received. The offsetting credit
shall be to Account 4540.13, Members' Equity
Certificates Subscribed but Unissued, or to
Account 4270.1, Members' Redeemable Equity
Certificates Subscribed but Unissued.
......... A subscription ledger shall be maintained to
record for each subscriber, the amount
subscribed, payments made, and the balance due.
The balance in this account shall be reconciled
monthly with the subscription ledger. The
subscription ledger shall be maintained in such a
manner as to separately identify redeemable and
nonredeemable certificates.
1350.4 1350.4 Other Current Assets
......... This account shall include the amount of all
current assets which are not includable in
Accounts 1120 through 1350.3.
4130.1 4130.1 Patronage Capital Payable
......... This account shall include the amount of patronage
capital which has been authorized to be returned
to patrons.
4130.2 4130.2 Other Current Liabilities--Miscellaneous
......... This account shall include liabilities of current
character which are not includable in Accounts
4010 through 4130.1.
4270.1 70.1 Members' Redeemable Equity Certificates Subscribed
but Unissued
......... This account shall include the face amount of
members' equity certificates which are redeemable
at some specified future date for which
subscriptions have been received but for which
certificates have not been issued. This account
shall be credited at the time the subscription is
received and Account 1350.3, Subscriptions to
Members' Equity Certificates, debited.
......... This account shall be debited and Account 4270.2,
Members' Redeemable Equity Certificates Issued,
credited when a subscriber has paid the
subscription in full and the equity certificates
are issued.
4270.2 4270.2 Members' Redeemable Equity Certificates Issued
......... This account shall include the face amount of
outstanding members' equity certificates which
are redeemable at some specified future date. A
subsidiary members' redeemable equity certificate
record shall be maintained to reflect the detail
of the balance in this account.
4270.3 4270.3 Other Long-Term Debt
......... This account shall include long-term debt not
provided for elsewhere.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 1770.17 Expense matrix.
The expense accounts shall be maintained by the following subsidiary
record categories, as appropriate to each account. Such subsidiary
record categories shall be reported as required by 47 CFR part 43.
(a) Salaries and wages. This subsidiary record category shall
include compensation to employees, such as wages, salaries, commissions,
bonuses, incentive awards, and termination payments.
(b) Benefits. This subsidiary record category shall include payroll
related benefits on behalf of employees such as the following:
(1) Pensions;
(2) Savings plan contributions (company portion);
(3) Worker's compensation required by law;
(4) Life, hospital, medical, dental, and vision plan insurance, and
(5) Social Security and other payroll taxes.
(c) Rents. (1) This subsidiary record category shall include amounts
paid for the use of real and personal operating property. Amounts paid
for real property shall be included in Account 6121, Land and Buildings
Expense. This category includes payments for operating leases but does
not include payments for capital leases.
(2) This subsidiary record category is applicable only to the Plant
Specific Operations Expense accounts. Incidental rents, e.g., short-term
rental car expense, shall be categorized as Other Expenses (see
paragraph (d) of this section) under the account which reflects
[[Page 215]]
the function for which the incidental rent was incurred.
(d) Other expenses. This subsidiary record category shall include
costs which cannot be classified to the other subsidiary record
categories. Included are material and supplies, including provisioning
(note also Account 6512, Provisioning Expense); contracted services;
accident and damage payments, insurance premiums; traveling expenses and
other miscellaneous costs.
(e) Clearances. This subsidiary record category shall include
amounts transferred to Construction accounts (see 47 CFR
32.2000(c)(2)(iii)), other Plant Specific Operations Expense accounts
and/or Account 3100, Accumulated Depreciation (cost of removal; see 47
CFR 32.2000(g)(1)(iii)), as appropriate, from Accounts 6112, Motor
Vehicles Expense, 6114, Tools and Other Work Equipment Expense, 6534,
Plant Operations and Administration Expense, and 6535, Engineering
Expense. There shall also be transfers to Construction or other Plant
Specific Operations Expense accounts, as appropriate, from Account 6512,
Provisioning Expense. With respect to these expenses, companies may
establish such clearing accounts as they deem necessary to accomplish
substantially the same results, provided that within thirty (30) days of
the opening of such accounts, companies shall notify the FCC of the
nature and purpose thereof. Additional clearing accounts affecting other
expense areas may be established with prior approval of the FCC. Should
companies elect, the initial incurred subsidiary record category
identification may be carried through to the final accounts without FCC
approval.
[70 FR 25757, May 16, 2005]
Sec. Sec. 1770.18-1770.24 [Reserved]
Sec. 1770.25 Unusual items and contingent liabilities.
Extraordinary items, prior period adjustments and contingent
liabilities shall be submitted to RUS for review before being recorded
in the company's books of account. The materiality of corrections of
errors in prior periods shall be measured in relation to the summary
account level used for reporting purposes for Class A companies, or in
relation to total operating revenues or total operating expenses for
Class B companies. For Class A companies, no correction in excess of one
percent of the aggregate summary account dollars or one million dollars,
whichever is higher, may be recorded in current operating accounts
without prior approval. For Class B companies, no correction which
exceeds one percent of total operating revenues or one percent of total
operating expenses, depending on the nature of the item, may be recorded
in current operating accounts without prior approval.
[70 FR 25758, May 16, 2005]
Subpart C_Accounting Interpretations
Source: 61 FR 39847, July 31, 1996, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 1770.26 General.
(a) The standard provisions of the security instruments utilized by
the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) for
all telecommunications borrowers require borrowers to at all times keep
and safely preserve, proper books, records, and accounts in which full
and true entries will be made of all of the dealings, business, and
affairs of the borrower in accordance with the methods and principles of
accounting prescribed by the state regulatory body having jurisdiction
over the borrower and by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in
its Uniform System of Accounts for telecommunications companies (47 CFR
part 32), as those methods and principles of accounting are supplemented
from time to time by RUS.
(b) This subpart implements those standard provisions of the RUS and
RTB security instruments by prescribing accounting principles,
methodologies, and procedures applicable to all telecommunications
borrowers for particular situations.
Sec. 1770.27 Definitions.
As used in this part:
Borrower is an RUS telecommunications borrower.
[[Page 216]]
Cushion of Credit Account is a 5 percent interest bearing account
established by RUS in which all voluntary payments or overpayments on
Rural Electric and Telephone Revolving Funds after October 1, 1987, are
deposited.
FCC is the Federal Communications Commission.
Part 32 is 47 CFR part 32, Uniform System of Accounts, issued by the
Federal Communications Commission.
RAO is the Responsible Accounting Officer of the Federal
Communications Commission.
RE Act is the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7
U.S.C. 901 et seq.).
RETRF is the Rural Electric and Telephone Revolving Fund.
RTB is the Rural Telephone Bank.
RUS is the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the United States
Department of Agriculture, or its predecessor or successor.
Sec. Sec. 1770.28-1770.45 [Reserved]
Sec. Appendix to Subpart C of Part 1770--Accounting Methods and
Procedures Required of All Borrowers
All borrowers shall maintain and keep their books of accounts and
all other books and records which support the entries in such books of
accounts in accordance with the accounting principles prescribed in this
appendix.
Numerical Index
Number and Title
101 Postretirement Benefits
102 Rural Telephone Bank Stock
103 Cushion of Credit Investments
104 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program
105 Satellite and Cable Television Services
106 Consolidated Financial Statements
107 Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
108 Reporting Comprehensive Income
109 Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
Subject Matter Index Number
A
AFUDC--107.................................................
C
Cable Television Services.................................. 105
Comprehensive Income--108..................................
Consolidated Financial Statements.......................... 106
Cushion of Credit Investments.............................. 103
D
Disclosures--109...........................................
E
Economic Development Loan and Grant Program................ 104
F
Financial Statements--Consolidated......................... 106
I
Income, Other Comprehensive--108...........................
Investments--Cushion of Credit............................. 103
O
Other Postretirement Benefits--109.........................
P
Pensions--109..............................................
Postretirement Benefits.................................... 101
R
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.......... 104
Rural Telephone Bank Stock................................. 102
S
Satellite Television Services.............................. 105
Stock--Rural Telephone Bank................................ 102
101 Postretirement Benefits
A. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions (Statement
No. 106), requires reporting entities to accrue the expected cost of
postretirement benefits during the years the employee provides service
to the entity. For purposes of applying the provisions of Statement No.
106, members of the board of directors are considered to be employees of
the cooperative. Prior to the issuance of Statement No. 106, most
reporting entities accounted for postretirement benefit costs on a
``pay-as-you-go'' basis; that is, costs were recognized when paid, not
when the employee provided service to the entity in exchange for the
benefits. (Statement 106 is available from the Financial Accounting
Standards Board, 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwalk, CT. 06856-5116.)
B. As defined in Statement No. 106, a postretirement benefit plan is
a deferred compensation arrangement in which an employer promises to
exchange future benefits for an employee's current services.
Postretirement benefit plans may be funded or unfunded. Postretirement
benefits include, but are not limited to, health care, life insurance,
tuition assistance, day care, legal services, and housing subsidies
provided outside of a pension plan.
[[Page 217]]
C. Statement No. 106 applies to both written plans and to plans
whose existence is implied from a practice of paying postretirement
benefits. An employer's practice of providing postretirement benefits to
selected employees under individual contracts with specific terms
determined on an employee-by-employee basis does not, however,
constitute a postretirement benefit plan under the provisions of this
statement.
D. Postretirement benefit plans generally fall into three
categories: single-employer defined benefit plans, multiemployer plans,
and multiple-employer plans.
E. A single-employer plan is a postretirement benefit plan that is
maintained by one employer. The term may also be applied to a plan that
is maintained by related parties such as a parent and its subsidiaries.
A multiemployer plan is a postretirement benefit plan in which two or
more unrelated employers contribute, usually pursuant to one or more
collective-bargaining agreements. One characteristic of a multiemployer
plan is that the assets contributed by one participating employer may be
used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers
since assets contributed by an employer are not segregated in a separate
account or restricted to provide benefits only to employees of that
employer.
F. A multiple-employer plan is a postretirement benefit plan that is
maintained by more than one employer but is not a multiemployer plan. A
multiple-employer plan is generally not collectively bargained and is
intended to allow participating employers to pool their plan assets for
investment purposes and reduce the cost of plan administration. A
multiple-employer plan maintains separate accounts for each employer so
that contributions provide benefits only for employees of the
contributing employer.
G. The accounting requirements set forth in this interpretation
focus on single- and multiple-employer plans. The accounting
requirements set forth in Statement No. 106 for multiemployer plans or
defined contribution plans shall be adopted for borrowers electing those
types of plans.
H. Under the provisions of Statement No. 106, there are two
components of the postretirement benefit cost: the current period cost
and the transition obligation. The transition obligation is a one-time
accrual of the costs resulting from services already provided. Statement
No. 106 allows the transition obligation to be deferred and amortized on
a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the
active employees. If the average remaining service period of the active
employees is less than 20 years, a 20-year amortization period may be
used.
I. Accounting Requirements
A. All borrowers shall adopt the accrual accounting provisions and
reporting requirements as set forth in Statement No. 106. The transition
obligation and accrual of the current period cost must be based upon an
actuarial study. This study must be updated to allow the borrower to
comply with the measurement date requirements of Statement No. 106;
however, the study must, at a minimum, be updated every five years.
Borrowers may not account for postretirement benefits on a ``pay-as-you-
go'' basis.
B. Under the provisions of Statement No. 106, an entity may
recognize the transition obligation, in its entirety, when Statement No.
106 is first adopted or the entity may elect to delay the recognition of
the transition obligation. On December 26, 1991, however, the FCC issued
6 FCC Rcd 7560, which requires telecommunications carriers to recognize
the transition obligation on a delayed basis. RUS reviewed this issuance
and has determined that borrowers must comply with this ruling and
recognize the transition obligation on a delayed basis.
C. The deferral and amortization of the transition obligation on a
delayed basis is considered to be an off balance sheet item. As a
result, an accounting entry is not required at the time of adoption of
Statement No. 106. Instead, the transition obligation is recognized as a
component of postretirement benefit cost as it is amortized. The amount
of the unamortized transition obligation must be disclosed in the notes
to the financial statements.
D. In accordance with the provisions of Responsible Accounting
Officer (RAO) Letter 20, released by the FCC on April 24, 1992, Account
4310, Other Long-Term Liabilities, shall be used to record the liability
accrued for postretirement benefits. (RAO Letter 20 is available from
the Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, NW., Washington,
DC 20554.) Borrowers shall credit this account for the net periodic cost
of postretirement benefits for the current year and shall debit this
account for any fund payments made during the current year.
E. Net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes current period
service cost, interest cost, return on plan assets, amortization of
prior service cost, gains and losses, and amortization of the transition
obligation. If fund payments create a debit balance in the
postretirement benefits portion of Account 4310, the debit balance
applicable to postretirement benefits shall be reported in Account 1410,
Other Noncurrent Assets. Account 1410 shall also be used to record any
prepaid postretirement benefit cost.
F. The benefits portion of the expense matrix for the appropriate
Part 32 expense accounts shall be used to record the current period
service cost component of the current year's net periodic postretirement
benefit cost. The interest cost component, return on plan assets,
amortization of prior service cost, gains and losses, and amortization
of
[[Page 218]]
the transition obligation shall be charged to the benefits portion of
the expense matrix of Account 6728, Other General and Administrative.
II. Effective Date and Implementation
A. For plans outside the United States and for defined benefit plans
of employers that (a) are nonpublic enterprises and (b) sponsor defined
benefit postretirement plans with no more than 500 plan participants in
the aggregate, Statement No. 106 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1994. For all other plans, Statement No. 106 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1992.
102 Rural Telephone Bank Stock
A. Capital stock issued by the Rural Telephone Bank consists of
Class A, Class B, and Class C stock. Class A stock is issued only to the
Administrator of RUS on behalf of the United States in exchange for
capital furnished to RTB.
B. Class B stock is issued only to recipients of loans under Section
408 of the Rural Electrification Act (RE Act). Borrowers receiving loan
funds pursuant to Section 408(a) (1) or (2) of the RE Act are required
to invest 5 percent of the amount of loan funds approved in Class B
stock. No dividends are payable on Class B stock. All holders of Class B
stock are entitled to patronage refunds in the form of Class B stock
under the terms and conditions specified in the bylaws of the RTB.
C. Class C stock is available for purchase by borrowers,
corporations, and public bodies eligible to borrow under Section 408 of
the RE Act, or by organizations controlled by such borrowers,
corporations and public bodies. The payment of dividends is in
accordance with the bylaws of the RTB.
Accounting Requirements
A. The purchase of RTB stock required by the RE Act shall be debited
to Account 1402.1, Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class B RTB
Stock. Patronage refunds in the form of additional shares of RTB Class B
Stock shall be debited to Account 1402.1 and credited to Account
1402.11, Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class B RTB Stock--Cr.
B. Purchases of Class C RTB stock shall be debited to Account
1402.2, Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class C RTB Stock. Cash
dividends received on Class C RTB stock shall be credited to Account
7310, Dividend Income.
C. Once a borrower has repaid all of its RTB loans, it may request
that its Class B stock be converted to Class C stock. When the
conversion is made, Account 1402.2 shall be debited and Account 1402.1
shall be credited for the face value of the stock converted. Account
1402.21, Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Class C RTB Stock--Cr.,
shall be credited and Account 1402.11 shall be debited for the face
value of the Class B stock that has been received as patronage refunds.
103 Cushion of Credit Investments
A. The RUS Cushion of Credit account is an investment account
bearing an interest rate of 5 percent. All voluntary payments or
overpayments on Rural Electric and Telephone Revolving Fund (RETRF)
loans made after October 1, 1987, are deposited into this account in the
appropriate borrower's name.
Accounting Requirements
A. The following journal entries shall be used by RUS borrowers to
record the transactions associated with cushion of credit payment:
1. Dr. 4210.18, RUS Notes--Advance Payments, Dr. Cr. 1130.1/1120.11,
Cash--General Fund. To record the cushion of credit payment.
2. Dr. 4210.18, RUS Notes--Advance Payments, Dr. Cr. 7320/7300.2,
Interest Income. To record interest earned on cushion of
credit deposits.
3. Dr. 4210.12, RUS Notes, Cr. 4210.18, RUS Notes--Advance Payments, Dr.
To apply cushion of credit payments (and interest) to the RUS
note.
104 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program
A. On December 21, 1987, Section 313, Cushion of Credit Payments
Program (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), was added to the RE Act. Section 313
establishes a Rural Economic Development Subaccount and authorizes the
Administrator of the RUS to provide zero interest loans or grants to RE
Act borrowers for the purpose of promoting rural economic development
and job creation projects. Effective December 5, 1994, this authority
was assigned to the Administrator, Rural Business and Cooperative
Development Service.
B. 7 CFR part 1703, Subpart B, Rural Economic Development Loan and
Grant Program, sets forth the policies and procedures relating to the
zero interest loan program and for approving and administering grants.
Accounting Requirements
A. The accounting journal entries required to record the
transactions associated with a Rural Economic Development grant are as
follows:
1. Dr. 1130.4/1120.14, Cash--General Fund--Economic Development Grant
Funds. Cr. 4210.25, RUS Notes--Economic Development Grant; Cr.
4540.41, Other Capital--Miscellaneous; or Cr. 7360/7300.6,
Other Nonoperating Income. To record grant
[[Page 219]]
funds disbursed by RUS. If the grant agreement requires
repayment of the funds upon termination of the revolving loan
program, Account 4210.25 shall be credited. If the grant
agreement states that there is absolutely no obligation for
repayment upon termination of the revolving loan program, the
funds shall be accounted for as a permanent infusion of
capital by crediting Account 4540.41. If, however, the grant
agreement is silent as to the final disposition of the grant
funds, Account 7360/7300.6 shall be credited.
2. Dr. 1401.1, Other Investments in Affiliated Companies--Federal
Economic Development Grant Loans or Dr. 1402.4, Other
Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Federal Economic
Development Grant Loans Cr. 1130.4/1120.14, Cash--General
Fund--Economic Development Grant Funds. To record a Federal
revolving loan to an economic development project.
3. Dr. 1130.1/1120.11, Cash--General Fund. Cr. 7360/7300.6, Other
Nonoperating Income. To record payment of loan servicing fees
charged to the economic development project.
4. Dr. 1130.5/1120.15, Cash--General Fund--Economic Development Non-
Federal Revolving Funds. Cr. 1401.1, Other Investments in
Affiliated Companies--Federal Economic Development Grant Loans
or Cr. 1402.4, Other Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--
Federal Economic Development Grant Loans. To record the
repayment, by the project, of the Federal revolving loan.
5. Dr. 1401.2, Other Investments in Affiliated Companies--Non-Federal
Economic Development Grant Loans or Dr. 1402.5, Other
Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Non-Federal Economic
Development Grant Loans. Cr. 1130.5/1120.15, Cash--General
Fund--Economic Development Non-Federal Revolving Funds. To
record a Non-Federal revolving loan to an economic development
project.
6. Dr. 1210, Interest and Dividends Receivable Cr. 7320/7300.2, Interest
Income. To record the interest earned on a Non-Federal
revolving loan to an economic development project.
7. Dr. 1130.5/1120.15, Cash--General Fund--Economic Development Non-
Federal Revolving Funds. CR. 1401.2, Other Investments in
Affiliated Companies--Non-Federal Economic Development Grant
Loans or Cr. 1402.5, Other Investments in Nonaffiliated
Companies--Non-Federal Economic Development Grant Loans. To
record the repayment, by the project, of the Non-Federal
revolving loan.
B. The accounting journal entries required to record the
transactions associated with a Rural Economic Development loan are as
follows:
1. Dr. 4210.26, Economic Development Notes--Unadvanced, Fr. Cr. 4210.25,
Economic Development Notes. To record the contractual
obligation to RUS for the Economic Development Notes.
2. Dr. 1130.6/1120.16, Cash--General Fund--Economic Development Loan
Funds Cr. 4210.26, Economic Development Notes--Unadvanced, Dr.
To record the receipt of the economic development loan funds.
3. Dr. 1401.3, Other Investments in Affiliated Companies--Federal
Econmic Development Loans or Dr. 1402.6, Other Investments in
Nonaffilitated Companies--Federal Economic Development Loans.
Cr. 1130.6/1120.16, Cash--General Fund--Ecoomice Development
Loan Funds. To record the discursement of economci development
loand funds to the project.
4. Dr. 1130.1/1120.11, Cash--General Fund. Cr. 7360/7300.6, Other
Nonoperating Income. To record payment of loan servicing fees
charged to the economic development project.
5. Dr. 1210, Interest and Dividends Receivable Cr. 7320/7300.2, Interest
Income. To record the interest earned on the investment of
rural economic development loan funds.
6. Dr. 7370, Special Charges. Cr. 1130.1, Cash--General Funds. To record
the payment of interest earned in excess of $500 on the
investment of rural economic development loan funds. Note:
Interest earned in excess of $500 must be used for the rural
economic development project for which the loan funds were
received or returned to RUS.
7. Dr. 1130.6/1120.16, Cash--General Fund--Economic Development Loan
Funds. Cr. 1401.3, Other Investments in Affiliated Companies--
Federal Economic Development Loans or Cr. 1402.6, Other
Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies--Federal Economic
Development Loans. To record repayment, by the project, of the
economic development loan.
8. Dr. 4210.25, Economic Development Notes. Cr. 1130.6/1120.16, Cash--
General Fund--Economic Development Loan Funds. To record the
repayment, to RUS, of the economic development loan funds.
105 Satellite and Cable Television Services
A. Many RUS borrowers have become involved in providing either
satellite or cable television services to their members and others
through subsidiaries, joint ventures, or as segments of their current
operations.
Accounting Requirements
A. This section outlines the accounting to be followed when
recording transactions involving satellite or cable television services.
[[Page 220]]
1. Separate Subsidiary. If a borrower provides satellite or cable
television services through a separate subsidiary, the investment in the
subsidiary shall be debited to Account 1401, Investments in Affiliated
Companies. The net income or loss of the subsidiary shall be debited or
credited to Account 1401, as appropriate, with an offsetting entry to
Account 7360, Other Nonoperating Income.
2. Joint Venture. i. If a borrower provides satellite or cable
television services through a joint venture, the borrower's ownership
interest dictates the accounting methodology. If the borrower has less
than a 20 percent ownership interest in the joint venture, the
investment is accounted for under the cost method of accounting in
Account 1402, Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies. Under the cost
method, the joint venture's net income or loss is not recorded in the
borrower's records. Income is recognized only to the extent of any
dividends declared by the joint venture. When a dividend is declared,
the borrower shall debit Account 1210, Interest and Dividends
Receivable, and credit Account 7310, Dividend Income. When the dividend
is received in cash, the borrower shall debit Account 1130.1, Cash--
General Fund, and credit Account 1210.
ii. If a borrower has a 20-percent or more ownership interest in the
joint venture, the investment is accounted for under the equity method
in Account 1401, Investments in Affiliated Companies. The borrower's
proportionate share of the joint venture's net income or loss shall be
debited or credited to Account 1401, as appropriate, with an offsetting
entry to Account 7360, Other Nonoperating Income.
3. Segment of Current Operations. i. If a borrower provides
satellite or cable television service as a segment of its current
operations and there are no shared assets between this activity and the
regulated telecommunications activities of the borrower, the investment
shall be debited to Account 1406.1, Nonregulated Investments--Permanent
Investment. The net income or loss from providing such service shall be
debited or credited, as appropriate, to Account 1406.3, Nonregulated
Investments--Current Net Income, with an offsetting entry to Account
7990, Nonregulated Net Income.
ii. If a borrower provides satellite or cable television service as
a segment of current operations and shares assets between this activity
and the regulated telecommunications activities of the borrower, the
franchise and application fees shall be debited to a subaccount of
Account 2690, Intangibles. The cost of the satellite or cable television
equipment shall be debited to a subaccount of Account 2231, Radio
Systems. Revenues earned from providing satellite or cable service shall
be credited to Account 5280, Nonregulated Operating Revenue, while the
associated expenses shall be recorded in a subaccount of the applicable
regulated expense accounts.
4. Sale and Installation of Satellite or Cable Television Equipment.
i. If a borrower sells or installs satellite or cable television
equipment as a segment of its current operations and there are no shared
assets between this activity and the regulated telecommunications
activities of the borrower, the purchase of the equipment shall be
debited to Account 1406.1, Nonregulated Investments--Permanent
Investment. The net income or loss from providing such services shall be
debited or credited, as appropriate, to Account 1406.3, Nonregulated
Investments--Current Net Income, with an offsetting entry to Account
7990, Nonregulated Net Income.
ii. If a borrower sells or installs satellite or cable television
equipment as a segment of its current operations and shares assets
between this activity and the regulated telecommunications activities of
the borrower, the purchase of the equipment shall be debited to Account
1220.2, Property Held for Sale or Lease. Revenues received for the sale
or installation of the equipment shall be credited to Account 5280,
Nonregulated Operating Revenue, while the associated expenses shall be
debited to a subaccount of the applicable regulated expense accounts.
106 Consolidated Financial Statements
A. In October 1987, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 94, Consolidation of All Majority-Owned Subsidiaries
(Statement No. 94). (Statement 94 is available from the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwalk, CT
06856-5116.) For purposes of reporting to RUS, Statement No. 94 shall be
applied as follows:
1. A borrower that is a subsidiary of another entity shall prepare
and submit to RUS separate financial statements even though this
financial information is presented in the parent's consolidated
statements.
2. In those cases in which a borrower has a majority-ownership in a
subsidiary, the borrower shall prepare consolidated financial statements
in accordance with the requirements of Statement No. 94. These
consolidated statements must also include supplementary schedules
presenting a Balance Sheet and Income Statement for each majority-owned
subsidiary included in the consolidated statements.
B. Although Statement No. 94 requires the consolidation of majority-
owned subsidiaries, the RUS Form 479, Financial and Statistical Report
for Telecommunications Borrowers, shall be prepared on an unconsolidated
basis by all borrowers.
[[Page 221]]
107 Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
A. Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 34, Capitalization
of Interest Cost, established the standards for capitalizing interest
cost as a part of the historical cost of acquiring certain assets. In
order to capitalize interest, the asset must require a period of time to
complete or to get it ready for its intended use. This standard applies
to all entities that construct facilities for their own use and should
be applied by RUS Telecommunications borrowers as follows:
1. Only actual interest costs incurred on external borrowings
qualify to be capitalized. The interest rate used to calculate the
amount of interest to be capitalized is based on the companies external
borrowings. If a construction project is associated with specific debt,
the interest rate on that debt is used to calculate interest cost to be
capitalized. If the project is not associated with a specific debt, a
weighted average of the rates of all existing debt shall be applied to
expenditures for the project. There is no materiality threshold for
adoption of this standard (47 CFR 32.26).
2. If a borrower is involved in a joint construction project, all
determinations as to the amount of interest incurred and qualified for
capitalization must be based on individual financing arrangements with
regard to the Interest During Construction rules.
3. The capitalization period shall end when the asset is
substantially complete and ready for its intended use.
Disclosures
A. The following information with respect to interest cost shall be
disclosed in the financial statements or related notes:
1. For an accounting period in which no interest cost is
capitalized, the amount of interest cost incurred and charged to expense
during the period.
2. For an accounting period in which some interest cost is
capitalized, the total amount of interest cost incurred during the
period and the amount thereof that has been capitalized.
108 Reporting Comprehensive Income
A. In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, Reporting
Comprehensive Income. This statement requires that all items that meet
the definition of the components of comprehensive income be reported in
the financial statements for the period in which they are recognized.
Statement 130 establishes a distinction between comprehensive income and
other comprehensive income.
1. Comprehensive income is composed of net income and other
comprehensive income. The net income is the result of operations
resulting from the aggregation of revenues, expenses, gains and losses
that are not items that comprise other comprehensive income.
2. Other comprehensive income is composed of the following:
(a) Foreign currency items,
(b) Minimum pension liability adjustments, and
(c) Unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and
equity securities. Gains or losses on investment securities included in
the net income of the current period that also had been included in
other comprehensive income as unrealized holding gains or losses in a
prior period must be adjusted (called reclassification adjustments) in
the presentation of other comprehensive income in the current period.
B. Comprehensive income expressed as a formula would be:
Net Income items of other comprehensive income =
comprehensive income
While Statement 130 requires that comprehensive income should be
divided into two broad display classifications, net income and other
comprehensive income, it does not prescribe a specific format for
displaying comprehensive income in the financial statements.
C. RUS Telecommunications borrowers that present a single Statement
of Operations and Patronage Capital should present the components of
other comprehensive income below the total for net income and then
present the reconciliation of patronage capital (Retained Earnings).
Borrowers that present a separate Statement of Patronage Capital (or
Retained Earnings) should display the beginning balance of patronage
capital (or retained earnings), net income for the period, other items
of comprehensive income and total comprehensive income before the
presentation of other items of patronage capital (or retained earnings)
for the period.
109 Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
A. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 132,
Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,
issued in February 1998, is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998. This statement revises employers' disclosure
requirements for pension and other postretirement benefit plans. It does
not change the measurement or recognition of those plans. The statement
also permits reduced disclosures for nonpublic entities, which are
defined as any entity other than one:
1. Whose debt or equity securities trade in a public market either
on a domestic or foreign stock exchange or in the over-the-counter
market, including securities quoted only locally or regionally,
[[Page 222]]
2. That makes a filing with a regulatory agency in preparation for
the sale of any class of debt or equity securities in a public market,
or
3. That is controlled by an entity covered by 1 or 2 above.
Public Entities and Those Controlled by Public Entities
A. A commercial RUS Telecommunications borrower that meets the
definition of a public entity and sponsors one or more defined benefit
pension or postretirement benefit plan shall provide the following
information on a comparative basis for the statements presented:
1. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the benefit
obligation showing separately, if applicable, the effects during the
period attributable to each of the following:
(a) Service cost,
(b) Interest cost,
(c) Contributions by plan participants,
(d) Actuarial gains and losses,
(e) Foreign currency exchange rate changes,
(f) Benefits paid,
(g) Plan amendments,
(h) Business combinations,
(i) Divestitures,
(j) Curtailments,
(k) Settlements, and
(l) Special termination benefits.
2. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the fair
value of plan assets showing separately, if applicable, the effects
during the period attributable to each of the following:
(a) Actual return on plan assets,
(b) Foreign currency exchange rate changes,
(c) Contributions by the employer,
(d) Contributions by plan participants,
(e) Benefits paid,
(f) Business combinations,
(g) Divestitures, and
(h) Settlements.
3. The funded status of the plans, the amounts not recognized in the
statement of financial position, and the amounts recognized in the
statement of financial position, including:
(a) The amount of any unamortized prior service cost.
(b) The amount of any unrecognized net gain or loss (including asset
gains and losses not yet reflected in market-related value).
(c) The amount of any remaining unamortized, unrecognized net
obligation or net asset existing at the initial date of application of
SFAS No. 87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions, or SFAS No. 106,
Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions.
(d) The net pension or other postretirement benefit prepaid assets
or accrued liabilities.
(e) Any intangible asset and the amount of accumulated other
comprehensive income recognized pursuant to paragraph 37 of SFAS No. 87,
as amended.
4. The amount of net periodic benefit cost recognized, showing
separately:
(a) The service cost component,
(b) The interest cost component,
(c) The expected return on plan assets for the period,
(d) The amortization of the unrecognized transition obligation or
transition asset,
(e) The amount of recognized gains and losses, the amount of prior
service cost recognized, and
(f) The amount of gain or loss recognized due to a settlement or
curtailment.
5. The amount included within other comprehensive income for the
period arising from a change in the additional minimum pension liability
recognized pursuant to paragraph 37 of SFAS No. 87, as amended.
6. On a weighted-average basis, the following assumptions used in
the accounting for the plans:
(a) Assumed discount rate,
(b) Rate of compensation increase (for pay-related plans), and
(c) Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.
7. The assumed health care cost trend rate(s) for the next year used
to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross
eligible charges) and a general description of the direction and pattern
of change in the assumed trend rates thereafter, together with the
ultimate trend rate(s) and when that rate is expected to be achieved.
8. The effect of a one-percentage-point increase and the effect of a
one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend
rates on (for purposes of this disclosure, all other assumptions shall
be held constant, and the effects shall be measured based on the
substantive plan that is the basis for the accounting):
(a) The aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net
periodic postretirement health care benefit cost, and
(b) The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for health
care benefits.
9. If applicable, the amounts and types of securities of the
employer and related parties included in plan assets, the approximate
amount of future annual benefits of plan participants covered by
insurance contracts issued by the employer or related parties, and any
significant transactions between the employer or related parties and the
plan during the period.
10. If applicable, any alternative amortization method used to
amortize prior service amounts or unrecognized net gains and
[[Page 223]]
losses pursuant to paragraphs 26 and 33 of SFAS No. 87 or paragraphs 53
and 60 of SFAS No. 106.
11. If applicable, any substantive commitment, such as past practice
or a history of regular benefit increases, used as the basis for
accounting for the benefit obligation.
12. If applicable, the cost of providing special or contractual
termination benefits recognized during the period and a description of
the nature of the event.
13. An explanation of any significant change in the benefit
obligation or plan assets not otherwise apparent in the other
disclosures.
B. RUS Telecommunications borrowers that sponsor two or more pension
or postretirement plans may aggregate the required disclosures. If the
disclosures are aggregated, the aggregate benefit obligation and
aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with benefit obligations
in excess of plan assets must be disclosed.
C. RUS Telecommunications borrowers sponsoring defined contribution
plans shall disclose the amount of cost recognized for defined
contribution pension or other postretirement benefit plans during the
period separately from the amount of cost recognized for defined benefit
plans. The disclosures shall include a description of the nature and
effect of any significant changes during the period affecting
comparability, such as a change in the rate of employer contributions, a
business combination, or a divestiture.
Nonpublic Entities
A. RUS commercial and cooperative type borrowers that meet the
definition of a nonpublic entity, as previously defined, may elect to
meet the following reduced disclosure requirements:
1. The benefit obligation.
2. Fair value of plan assets.
3. Funded status of the plan.
4. Employer contributions.
5. Participant contributions.
6. Benefits paid.
7. The amounts recognized in the statement of financial position,
including the net pension and other postretirement benefit prepaid
assets or accrued liabilities and any intangible asset and the amount of
accumulated other comprehensive income recognized pursuant to paragraph
37 of SFAS No. 87, as amended.
8. The amount of net periodic benefit cost recognized and the amount
included within other comprehensive income arising from a change in the
minimum pension liability recognized pursuant to paragraph 37 of SFAS
No. 87, as amended.
9. On a weighted-average basis, the following assumptions used in
the accounting for the plans: Assumed discount rate, rate of
compensation increase (for pay-related plans), and expected long-term
rate of return on plan assets.
10. The assumed health care cost trend rate(s) for the next year
used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan (gross
eligible charges) and a general description of the direction and pattern
of change in the assumed trend rates thereafter, together with the
ultimate trend rate(s) and when that rate is expected to be achieved.
11. If applicable, the amounts and types of securities of the
employer and related parties included in plan assets, the approximate
amount of future annual benefits of plan participants covered by
insurance contracts issued by the employer or related parties, and any
significant transactions between the employer or related parties and the
plan during the period.
12. The nature and effect of significant nonroutine events, such as
amendments, combinations, divestitures, curtailments, and settlements.
B. The majority of RUS Telecommunications borrowers will fall within
the definition of nonpublic entities with exception of those held by
publicly traded holding companies.
Multiemployer Plans
A. An RUS Telecommunications borrower shall disclose the amount of
contributions to multiemployer plans during the period. The borrower may
disclose total contributions to multiemployer plans without
disaggregating the amounts attributable to pensions and other
postretirement benefits. The disclosures shall include a description of
the nature and effect of any changes affecting comparability, such as a
change in the rate of employer contributions, a business combination, or
a divestiture.
B. In some cases, withdrawal from a multiemployer plan results in an
obligation to the plan for a portion of the plan's unfunded accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation. If it is either probable or
reasonably possible that (a) an employer would withdraw from the plan
under circumstances that would give rise to an obligation or (b) an
employer's contribution to the fund would be increased during the
remainder of the contract period to make up a shortfall in the funds
necessary to maintain the negotiated level of benefit coverage, the
employer shall apply the provisions of SFAS No. 5, Accounting for
Contingencies.
Disclosure Matrix
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Nonpublic
entities entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation beginning of year........ X ............
Service Cost................................ X ............
[[Page 224]]
Interest Cost............................... X ............
Actuarial Gain.............................. X ............
Plan Amendments............................. X ............
Benefits Paid............................... X ............
Benefit obligation at end of year........... X X
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets beginning of year. X ............
Actual return on plan assets................ X ............
Employer Contribution....................... X X
Contributions by plan participants.......... X X
Benefits Paid............................... X X
Fair value of plan assets at end of year.... X X
Funded status:
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)...... X X
Unamortized prior service cost.............. X X
Unrecognized transition obligation.......... X X
Prepaid (Accrued) benefit cost.............. X X
Weighted-average assumptions as of December
31:
Discount rate............................... X X
Expected return on plan assets.............. X X
Rate of compensation increase............... X X
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost................................ X ............
Interest cost............................... X ............
Expected return on plan assets.............. X ............
Amortization of prior service cost.......... X X
Amortization of transition obligation....... X X
Recognized net actuarial loss............... X X
Net periodic benefit cost................... X X
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[61 FR 39847, July 31, 1996, as amended at 70 FR 25758, May 16, 2005]
PART 1773_POLICY ON AUDITS OF RUS BORROWERS--Table of Contents
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec.
1773.1 General.
1773.2 Definitions.
Subpart B_RUS Audit Requirements
1773.3 Annual audit.
1773.4 Borrower responsibilities.
1773.5 Qualifications of CPA.
1773.6 Auditor communication.
1773.7 Audit standards.
1773.8 Audit date.
1773.9 Disclosure of fraud, illegal acts, and other noncompliance.
1773.10 Access to audit-related documents.
1773.11-1773.19 [Reserved]
Subpart C_RUS Requirements for the Submission and Review of the
Auditor's Report, Report on Compliance and on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting, and Management Letter
1773.20 CPA's submission of the auditor's report, report on compliance,
report on compliance and on internal controls over financial
reporting, and management letter.
1773.21 Borrower's review and submission of the auditor's report, report
on compliance and on internal control over financial
reporting, and management letter.
1773.22-1773.29 [Reserved]
Subpart D_RUS Reporting Requirements
1773.30 General.
1773.31 Auditor's report.
1773.32 Report on compliance and on internal control over financial
reporting.
1773.33 Management letter.
1773.34-1773.37 [Reserved]
Subpart E_RUS Required Audit Procedures and Documentation
1773.38 Scope of engagement.
1773.39 Utility plant and accumulated depreciation.
1773.40 Regulatory assets.
1773.41 Extraordinary retirement losses.
1773.42 Clearing accounts.
1773.43 Capital and equity accounts.
1773.44 Long-term debt.
1773.45 Regulatory liabilities.
1773.46-1773.49 [Reserved]
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.
Source: 56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, unless otherwise noted.
Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 1773 appear at 63 FR
38722, July 17, 1998.
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec. 1773.1 General.
(a) This part implements those standard provisions of the security
instrument utilized by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for both
electric and telecommunications borrowers and by the Rural Telephone
Bank (RTB) for its telecommunications borrowers. The provisions require
borrowers to prepare and furnish to RUS, at least once during each 12-
month period, a full and complete report of its financial condition,
operations, and cash flows, in
[[Page 225]]
form and substance satisfactory to RUS, audited and certified by an
independent certified public accountant (CPA), satisfactory to RUS, and
accompanied by a report of such audit, in form and substance
satisfactory to RUS.
(b) This part 1773 applies to both RUS and RTB borrowers. For the
purposes of RTB borrowers, as used in this part 1773, RUS means RTB and
Administrator means Governor unless the text indicates otherwise.
(c) This complies with the 1994 revision of Government Auditing
Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States,
United States General Accounting Office, including amendments dated May
13, 1999, and July 30, 1999.
(d) An auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal
control over financial reporting, and management letter are required to
meet the reporting provisions of the RUS security instrument.
(1) The auditor's report must state that the audit was conducted in
accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards
(GAGAS).
(2) The management letter must state that the audit was conducted in
accordance with this part.
(3) A report of the audit, in form and substance satisfactory to
RUS, cannot be issued unless and until an audit has been performed in
accordance with GAGAS and this part.
(4) A borrower is in violation of provisions of its security
instrument with RUS if the borrower fails to provide an audit performed
in compliance with GAGAS and this part. RUS security instruments
normally provide for notice and an opportunity to cure such violations
before RUS can exercise certain remedies.
(5) A report prepared in connection with a review or compilation of
financial statements, as defined in Statement of Standards for
Accounting and Review Services No. 1, Compilation and Review of
Financial Statements, does not satisfy the requirements of the RUS
security instrument.
(6) A report, as described in Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS)
No. 62, entitled ``Special Reports'', or in SAS No. 75, entitled
``Engagements to Apply Agreed-upon Procedures to Specified Elements,
Accounts, or Items of a Financial Statement'', does not satisfy the RUS
loan security instrument requirements.
(7) An annual report containing audited financial statements does
not satisfy the RUS security instrument requirements.
(e) This part further implements those provisions of the standard
RUS security instrument by setting forth the criteria for CPAs to be
deemed satisfactory to RUS and the audit procedures and documentation
standards that must be performed before a report of the audit
satisfactory to RUS can be prepared and issued.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 107, Jan. 3, 1996; 66 FR
27835, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.2 Definitions.
As used in this part:
AA-PARA means Assistant Administrator, Program Accounting and
Regulatory Analysis.
Administrator means the Administrator of RUS and, as provided in
Sec. 1773.2 (b), Governor.
AICPA means the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Audit means an examination of financial statements by an independent
CPA for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the fairness with which
those statements present financial position, results of operations, and
changes in cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) and for determining whether the borrower has complied
with applicable laws, regulations, and contracts for those transactions
and events reflected in the financial statements.
Borrower means an entity that has an outstanding RUS, RTB, or FFB
loan or loan guarantee, or that has received a grant for electric,
telecommunications, distance learning, or telemedicine purposes under
the act.
CPA means certified public accountant. The terms CPA and CPA firm
are used interchangeably.
FFB means the Federal Financing Bank, an instrumentality and wholly
owned corporation of the United States.
[[Page 226]]
Fraud has the same meaning prescribed in SAS No. 82 entitled
``Consideration of Fraud in Financial Statements''.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles.
GAGAS means generally accepted government auditing standards as set
forth in Government Auditing Standards, Standards for Audit of
Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions, issued
by the Comptroller General of the United States.
GAO means the General Accounting Office.
Governor means the Governor of the RTB.
Illegal act has the meaning prescribed in SAS No. 54, entitled
``Illegal Acts by Clients''.
OIG means the Office of Inspector General, United States Department
of Agriculture.
OMB means the Office of Management and Budget.
Regulatory asset means an asset resulting from an action of a
regulator as prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 71, entitled ``Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of
Regulation''.
Regulatory liability means a liability imposed on a regulated
enterprise by an action of a regulator as prescribed in SFAS No. 71,
entitled ``Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation''.
Related party has the meaning prescribed in SFAS No. 57, entitled
``Related Party Disclosures''.
Related party transaction has the meaning prescribed in SFAS No. 57,
entitled ``Related Party Disclosures''.
Reportable condition has the meaning prescribed in SAS No. 60,
entitled ``Communication of Internal Control Structure Related Matters
Noted in an Audit''.
RTB means the Rural Telephone Bank.
RUS means the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the United
States Department of Agriculture established pursuant to Section 232 of
the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-354, 108 Stat. 3178), successor
to REA with respect to administering certain electric and
telecommunications programs. See 7 CFR 1700.1.
RUS Bulletin 1773-1, Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers, is a
publication prepared by RUS that contains the RUS regulation 7 CFR part
1773 and exhibits of sample audit reports, financial statements, and a
management letter used in preparing audit of RUS borrowers. This
bulletin is available from USDA, Rural Utilities Service, Program
Development and Regulatory Analysis, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Stop
1522, Washington, DC 20250, or available on the internet at http://
www.usda.gov/rus/.
SAS means Statement on Auditing Standards as prescribed by the
AICPA.
SEC Practice Section means the Securities and Exchange Commission
Practice Section of the AICPA.
SFAS means Statements of Financial Accounting Standards as
prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
State means any state or territory of the United States, or the
District of Columbia.
Uniform System of Accounts means, for telecommunications borrowers,
the Uniform System of Accounts for Telecommunications Companies,
prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission and published at 47
CFR part 32, as supplemented by RUS pursuant to 7 CFR part 1770,
Accounting Requirements for RUS Telephone Borrowers, subpart B, Uniform
System of Accounts, and for electric borrowers, as contained in 7 CFR
part 1767, Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric Borrowers, subpart
B, Uniform System of Accounts.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 66440, Dec. 27, 1994; 60
FR 2874, Jan. 12, 1995; 63 FR 38722, July 17, 1998; 66 FR 27835, May 21,
2001]
Subpart B_RUS Audit Requirements
Sec. 1773.3 Annual audit.
(a) Each borrower must have its financial statements audited
annually by a CPA selected by the borrower and approved by RUS as set
forth in Sec. 1773.4.
(b) Each borrower must establish an annual as of audit date within
twelve
[[Page 227]]
months of the date of receipt of the first advance of funds from grants
and insured and guaranteed loans approved by RUS and RTB and must
prepare financial statements as of the date established.
(c) Until all loans made or guaranteed by RUS have been repaid, the
borrower must furnish three copies of the auditor's report, report on
compliance and on internal control over financial reporting, and
management letter to RUS within 120 days of the as of audit date.
(d) A borrower that qualifies as a unit of state or local government
or Indian tribe as such terms are defined in the Single Audit Act of
1984 (31 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.), the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996
(31 U.S.C. 7505 et seq.) and OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States and
Local Government, and Non Profit Organizations (which applies for audits
of fiscal years beginning prior to December 26, 2014) and Subpart F of 2
CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements, as adopted by USDA though 2 CFR 400 (which applies for
fiscal years beginning on or after December 26, 2014) must comply with
this part as follows:
(1) A borrower that expends $500,000 under OMB Circular A-133 (for
audits of fiscal years beginning prior to December 26, 2014) and
$750,000 under Subpart F of 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2
CFR part 400 (for audits for fiscal years beginning after December 26,
2014) or more in a year in Federal awards must have an audit performed
and submit an auditor's report meeting the requirements of the
respective Single Audit Act requirements
(2) An entity with loans less than $500,000 under OMB Circular A-133
(for audits of fiscal years beginning prior to December 26, 2014) and
$750,000 under Subpart F of 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2
CFR part 400 (for audits for fiscal years beginning on or after December
26, 2014) in Federal awards during the year must have an audit performed
in accordance with the requirements of this part.
(3) A borrower must notify RUS, in writing, within 30 days of the as
of audit date, of the total Federal awards expended during the year and
must state whether it will have an audit performed in accordance with
OMB Circular A-133 (for audits of fiscal years beginning prior to
December 26, 2014) or Subpart F of 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA
through 2 CFR part 400 (for audits for fiscal years beginning on or
after December 26, 2014) or this part.
(i) A borrower that elects to comply with this part must select a
CPA that meets the qualifications set forth in Sec. 1773.5.
(ii) If an audit is performed in accordance with OMB Circular A-133
(for audits of fiscal years beginning prior to December 26, 2014) or
Subpart F of 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400
(for audits for fiscal years beginning after December 26, 2014, an
auditor's report that meets the requirements of the respective single
Audit Act requirements, will be sufficient to satisfy that borrower's
obligations under this part.
(e) OMB Circular A-133 and Subpart F of 2 CFR part 200, as adopted
by USDA through 2 CFR part 400 do not apply to audits of RUS electric
and telecommunications cooperatives and commercial telecommunications
borrowers.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 659, Jan. 6, 1994; 63 FR
38722, July 17, 1998; 66 FR 27835, May 21, 2001; 79 FR 76004, Dec. 19,
2014]
Sec. 1773.4 Borrower responsibilities.
(a) Selection of a qualified CPA. The borrower's board of directors
is responsible for the selection of a qualified CPA that meets the
requirements set forth in Sec. 1773.5. When selecting a CPA, the
borrower should consider, among other matters:
(1) The qualifications of CPAs available to do the work;
(2) The CPA's experience in performing audits of utilities; and
(3) The CPA's ability to complete the audit and submit the reports
and management letter within 90 days of the as of audit date.
(b) Board approval of selection. The board's approval of a CPA must
be recorded by a board resolution that states:
(1) The CPA meets RUS's qualifications to perform an audit; and
[[Page 228]]
(2) The borrower and CPA will enter into an audit agreement in
accordance with Sec. 1773.6.
(c) Notification of selection. When the initial selection or
subsequent change of a CPA by a borrower has been made, the borrower
must notify RUS, in writing, at least 90 days prior to the as of audit
date.
(1) RUS will notify the borrower, in writing, within 30 days of the
date of receipt of such notice, if the selection or change in CPA is not
satisfactory.
(2) Notification to RUS that the same CPA has been selected for
succeeding audits of the borrower's financial statements is not
required; however, the procedures outlined in this part must be followed
for each new CPA selected, even though such CPA may previously have been
approved by RUS to audit records of other RUS borrowers. Changes in the
name of a CPA firm are considered to be a change in the CPA.
(d) Audit engagement letter. The borrower must enter into an audit
engagement letter with the CPA that complies with Sec. 1773.6.
(e) Debarment certification. The borrower is responsible for the
receipt, from the selected CPA, of a lower tier covered transaction
certification, as required under the provisions of Executive Orders
12549 and 12689, Debarment and Suspension, and any rules or regulations
issued thereunder.
(f) Submission of auditor's report. The borrower must submit to RUS
the required auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal
control over financial reporting, and management letter as set forth in
Sec. 1773.21.
(1) An annual auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal
control over financial reporting, and management letter that fail to
meet the requirements detailed in this part will be returned to the
borrower with a written explanation of noncompliance.
(2) The borrower must, within 60 days of the date of the letter
detailing the noncompliance, submit corrected reports to RUS.
(3) If corrected reports are not received within 60 days of the date
of the letter detailing the noncompliance, RUS may notify the borrower
that a default has occurred under its security instrument or take other
appropriate action. The default notice will set forth the period of time
during which the default will be remedied.
(g) Submission of plan of corrective action. The borrower must
submit written comments to RUS on the findings and recommendations in
the auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal control over
financial reporting, and management letter. The borrower must also
submit to RUS:
(1) A written plan for corrective action taken or planned; and
(2) Comments on the status of corrective action taken on previously
reported findings and recommendations.
If corrective action is not necessary, a written statement
describing the reason it is not should accompany the auditor's report.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 27835, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.5 Qualifications of CPA.
For purposes of the RUS standard security instrument, any CPA that
meets the qualifications criteria of this section and enters into an
audit agreement with the borrower that complies with Sec. 1773.6, will
be considered satisfactory to RUS.
(a) Certification. The accountant that audits the financial
statements of an RUS borrower must be a CPA in good standing of some
state. The CPA does not have to be licensed by the state in which the
borrower is located; however, the CPA must abide by the rules and
regulations of professional conduct promulgated by the accountancy board
of the state in which the borrower is located.
(b) Independence. The CPA must be independent. A CPA will be
considered independent if the CPA:
(1) Meets the standards for independence contained in the AICPA Code
of Professional Conduct in effect at the time the CPA's independence is
under review;
(2) Does not have and has not had any direct financial interest or
any material indirect financial interest in the borrower during the
period covered by the audit; and
(3) Is not and was not, during the period under audit, connected
with the borrower as a promoter, underwriter, trustee, director,
officer, or employee.
[[Page 229]]
(c) Peer review requirement. The CPA must belong to and participate
in a peer review program, and must have undergone a satisfactory peer
review of the accounting and audit practice conducted by an approved
peer review program under paragraph (c)(4) of this section, unless a
waiver is granted under paragraph (c)(7) of this section. The reviewing
organization must not be affiliated with or have had its most recent
peer review conducted by the organization currently being reviewed
(reciprocal reviews). After the initial peer review has been performed,
the CPA must undergo a peer review of the accounting and audit practice
within 36 months of the issuance of the previous peer review or at such
additional times as designated by the peer review executive committee.
(1) A CPA that receives an unqualified peer review report will be
satisfactory to RUS provided that the CPA meets the other criteria set
forth in this section.
(2) If a CPA receives a qualified or adverse peer review report, the
CPA must undergo a second peer review within 18 months of the date of
the qualified or adverse report. A CPA that receives an unqualified
second peer review report will be satisfactory to RUS provided that the
CPA meets the other criteria set forth in this section.
(3) A CPA that receives a second qualified or adverse peer review
report will not be satisfactory to RUS.
(4) Approved peer review programs. The following peer review
programs are approved by RUS:
(i) The peer review programs conducted by the AICPA;
(ii) The peer review program conducted by the regulated audit
program group of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners; and
(iii) An independent peer review program that, in RUS's
determination, requires its members to:
(A) Ensure that the CPA can legally engage in the practice of
certified public accounting;
(B) Adhere to the quality control standards established by the
AICPA;
(C) Submit to peer reviews of the CPA's accounting and audit
practice every 36 months or at such additional times as designated by
its own executive committee; and
(D) Ensure that all professionals in the firm, including CPAs and
nonCPAs, take part in the qualifying continuing professional education
requirements of GAGAS, as set forth in paragraphs (c)(4)(iii)(D)(1) and
(c)(4)(iii)(D)(2). A qualified continuing professional education course
is one which meets the standards of the AICPA.
(1) An auditor responsible for planning, directing, conducting, or
reporting on government audits must complete, every two years, at least
eighty hours of continuing education and training which contributes to
the auditor's professional proficiency. At least twenty hours must be
completed in any one year of the two-year period; and
(2) An individual responsible for planning, directing, and
conducting substantial portions of the field work, or reporting on the
government audit must complete at least 24 of the 80 hours of continuing
education and training in subjects directly related to the government
environment and to government auditing. If the audited entity operates
in a specific or unique environment, auditors must receive training that
is related to that environment.
(5) Submission of reports. The CPA must submit to the Assistant
Administrator, Program Accounting and Regulatory Analysis, a copy of any
peer review report and accompanying letter of comment, if any, within 60
days of the date such report and letter of comment are released by the
peer review group.
(i) If the peer review report indicates that a follow-up review will
be made, the CPA must submit subsequent reports to the Assistant
Administrator, Program Accounting and Regulatory Analysis, within 60
days of the date such reports are released by the peer review group.
(ii) A peer review report must be submitted to the Assistant
Administrator, Program Accounting and Regulatory Analysis, at least once
every 36 months, or more frequently, if required by the peer review
program.
(iii) A copy of the peer review report, accompanying letter of
comment, and the partners' inspections must be made available to OIG,
upon request.
[[Page 230]]
(6) Waiver of the peer review requirement. (i) A CPA may request
that the Administrator, RUS, waive the peer review requirement. To be
eligible for a waiver, the following criteria must be met:
(A) The firm has been in existence for less than 1 year from the
date of the request and has not been previously organized under a
different name;
(B) One of the partners organizing the firm has previously, within
18 months preceding the request, worked for a firm that has been peer
reviewed and the partner was partner-in-charge of audits of RUS
borrowers in the previous firm;
(C) The firm has enrolled in an approved peer review program; and
(D) The firm agrees to have the peer review conducted within 18
months of the date of the RUS waiver.
(ii) Waiver requests must address each of the criteria in paragraph
(c)(7)(i) of this section and should be submitted to the Assistant
Administrator, Program Accounting and Regulatory Analysis'.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 107, Jan. 3, 1996; 63 FR
38722, July 17, 1998; 66 FR 27835, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.6 Auditor communication.
(a) During the planning stages of a financial statement audit, GAGAS
and AICPA standards require the auditor to communicate certain
information regarding the nature and extent of testing and reporting on
compliance with laws and regulations and internal control over financial
reporting. The communication must include the nature of any additional
testing of compliance and internal control required by laws and
regulations or otherwise requested, and whether the auditors are
planning to provide opinions on compliance with laws and regulations and
internal control over financial reporting. This communication must take
the form of an audit engagement letter prepared by the CPA and formally
accepted by the board of directors or an audit committee representing
the board of directors. The engagement letter must also encompass those
items prescribed in SAS 83, entitled ``Establishing an Understanding
with the Client''. It must also include the following:
(1) The borrower and the CPA acknowledge that the audit is being
performed and the auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal
control over financial reporting, and management letter is being issued
in order to enable the borrower to comply with the provisions of RUS's
security instrument;
(2) The borrower and CPA acknowledge that RUS will consider the
borrower to be in violation of its security instrument with RUS if the
borrower fails to have an audit performed and documented in compliance
with GAGAS and this part;
(3) The CPA represents that he/she meets the requirements under this
part to be satisfactory to RUS;
(4) The CPA will perform the audit and will prepare the auditor's
report, report on compliance and on internal control over financial
reporting, and management letter in accordance with the requirements of
this part;
(5) The CPA will document the audit work performed in accordance
with GAGAS, the professional standards of the AICPA, and the
requirements of this part;
(6) The CPA will make all audit-related documents, including
auditor's reports, workpapers, and management letters available to RUS
or its representatives (OIG and GAO), upon request, and will permit the
photocopying of all audit-related documents; and
(7) The CPA will follow the requirements of reporting fraud and
illegal acts as outlined in Sec. 1773.9.
(b) The audit agreement may include such additional terms and
conditions as the CPA and borrower deem appropriate, including, but not
limited to:
(1) The CPA will report all audit findings to the board of directors
as required in Sec. 1773.20(b); and
(2) The auditor's report, report on compliance, report on compliance
and on internal controls over financial reporting, and management letter
with copies for transmittal to RUS, and supplemental lenders, if
applicable, will be submitted to the borrower's board of directors
within 90 days of the as of audit date;
[[Page 231]]
(c) A copy of the audit agreement must be available at the
borrower's office for inspection by RUS personnel. One copy of the
current audit agreement must be maintained in the CPA's workpapers or
permanent file.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 108, Jan. 3, 1996; 63 FR
38722, July 17, 1998; 66 FR 27835, 27836, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.7 Audit standards.
(a) The audit must be performed in accordance with GAGAS and this
part. The audit must be performed in accordance with GAGAS in effect at
the audit date unless the borrower is directed otherwise, in writing, by
RUS.
(b) The audit must include such tests of the accounting records and
such other auditing procedures that are sufficient to enable the CPA to
express an opinion on the financial statements and to issue the required
report on compliance and on internal control over financial reporting
and the management letter.
(c) Audit scope limitation. (1) The borrower will not limit the
scope of the audit to the extent that the CPA is unable to meet RUS's
audit requirements or to provide an unqualified opinion that the
financial statements are presented fairly in conformity with GAAP.
(2) The security instrument provision requiring the submission of a
report of the audit is not satisfied if the CPA must qualify the opinion
in the auditor's report due to limitations placed on the scope of the
audit by the borrower.
(3) If the CPA determines during the audit that an unqualified
opinion cannot be issued due to a scope limitation imposed by the
borrower, the CPA should use professional judgment to determine what
levels of the borrower's management should be informed.
(4) After informing the borrower's management, if the scope
limitation is not adequately resolved, the CPA should immediately
contact the AA-PARA, RUS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
20250-1523. The AA-PARA will endeavor to resolve the matter with the
borrower.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 27836, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.8 Audit date.
(a) The annual audit must be performed as of the end of the same
calendar month each year unless prior approval to change the as of audit
date is obtained, in writing, from RUS.
(1) A borrower may request a change in the as of audit date by
writing to the AA-PARA at least 60 days prior to the newly requested as
of audit date.
(2) The time period between the prior as of audit date and the newly
requested as of audit date must be no longer than twenty-four months.
For example, a borrower that wishes to change its as of audit date from
December 31, 20X1, to June 30, must make the change effective no later
than June 30, 20X3.
(b) Comparative financial statements must be prepared and audited
for the twelve months ending as of the new audit date and for the twelve
months immediately preceding that period.
(c) A borrower that changes its as of audit date from December 31,
20X1, to June 30, 20X3, must have the CPA report on statements in the
following manner:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statements prepared as of
Previously issued statements new audit date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/31/20X1; 12/31/20X0 (Statement need not 6/30/20X3; 6/30/20X2.
be reissued).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ 56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 27835, 27836, May 21,
2001]
Sec. 1773.9 Disclosure of fraud, illegal acts, and other noncompliance.
(a) In accordance with GAGAS, the auditor must design the audit to
provide reasonable assurance of detecting fraud that is material to the
financial statements and material misstatements resulting from direct
and material illegal acts, and noncompliance with the provisions of
contracts or grant agreements that could have a direct and material
effect on financial statements amounts.
(b) If specific information comes to the auditor's attention that
provides evidence concerning the existence of possible illegal acts that
could have a material indirect effect on the financial statements or
material noncompliance with the provisions of contracts
[[Page 232]]
or grant agreements that could have a material indirect effect on the
financial statements, auditors should apply audit procedures
specifically directed to ascertaining whether an illegal act or
noncompliance with provisions of contract or grant agreements has
occurred.
(c) Pursuant to the terms of its audit engagement letter with the
borrower, the CPA must immediately report, in writing, all instances of
fraud and all indications or instances of illegal acts, whether material
or not, to:
(1) The president of the borrower's board of directors;
(2) The Assistant Administrator, Program Accounting and Regulatory
Analysis; and
(3) OIG, as follows:
(i) For the States of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode
Island, Vermont and the Virgin Islands, report to USDA-OIG-Audit,
Northeast Region, Regional Inspector General, 6505 Belcrest Road, room
428-A, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782;
(ii) For the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, report to
USDA-OIG-Audit, Southeast Region, Regional Inspector General, 401 W.
Peachtree Street, NW., room 2328, Atlanta, Georgia 30365-3520;
(iii) For the States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota,
Ohio, and Wisconsin, report to USDA-OIG-Audit, Midwest Region, Regional
Inspector General, 111 N. Canal Street, Suite 1130, Chicago, Illinois
60606;
(iv) For the States of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
and Texas, report to USDA-OIG-Audit, Southwest Region, Regional
Inspector General, 101 South Main, room 324, Temple, Texas 76501;
(v) For the States of Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana,
Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah, report to USDA-
OIG-Audit, Great Plains Region, Regional Inspector General, P.O. Box
293, Kansas City, Missouri 64141; and
(vi) For the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho,
Nevada, Oregon, Territory of Guam, Trust Territories of Pacific, and
Washington, report to USDA-OIG-Audit, Western Region, Regional Inspector
General, 555 Battery Street, room 511, San Francisco, California 94111.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 108, Jan. 3, 1996; 66 FR
27836, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.10 Access to audit-related documents.
Pursuant to the terms of the audit agreement, the CPA must make all
audit-related documents, including auditors' reports, workpapers, and
management letters available to RUS, or its designated representative,
upon request and must permit RUS, or its designated representative, to
photocopy all audit-related documents.
Sec. Sec. 1773.11-1773.19 [Reserved]
Subpart C_RUS Requirements for the Submission and Review of the
Auditor's Report, Report on Compliance and on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting, and Management Letter
Sec. 1773.20 CPA's submission of the auditor's report, report on compliance,
report on compliance and on internal controls over financial reporting, and
management letter.
(a) Time limit. As soon as possible after completion of the audit,
but within 90 days of the as of audit date, the CPA should deliver the
auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal control over
financial reporting, and management letter to the president of the
borrower's board of directors. As a minimum, copies should be provided
for each member of the board of directors and the manager. Further,
three copies must be provided to the borrower for transmittal to RUS.
(b) Communication with the board of directors. In addition to
providing sufficient copies of the auditor's report, report on
compliance and on internal control over financial reporting, and
management letter for each member of the borrower's board of directors,
RUS requires that the CPA report all audit findings to the borrower's
board of directors. RUS recommends that audit
[[Page 233]]
findings be communicated orally; however, the communication may be oral
or written, at the borrower's discretion. If the information is
communicated orally, the CPA must document the communication by
appropriate memoranda or notations in the workpapers. If the CPA
communicates in writing, a copy of the written communication must be
included in the CPA's audit workpapers or permanent file.
(c) Matters to be communicated. Matters communicated to the board of
directors must include, but are not limited to the matters to be
communicated to the audit committee as prescribed in SAS No. 61,
entitled ``Communication with Audit Committee'',:
(1) The initial selection of and changes in significant accounting
policies;
(2) The methods used to account for significant or unusual
transactions and the effects of significant accounting policies in
controversial or emerging areas;
(3) The process utilized by management to formulate significant
accounting estimates and the basis for the CPA's conclusions regarding
the reasonableness of these estimates;
(4) Audit findings and recommendations, including audit adjustments
that either individually or in the aggregate have a significant effect
on the borrower's financial statements;
(5) The CPA's responsibility for other information presented with
the audited financial statements, any audit procedures performed, and
the results thereof;
(6) Any disagreements with management, whether or not satisfactorily
resolved, concerning matters that individually or in the aggregate may
be significant to the borrower's financial statements or the auditor's
report, report on compliance and on internal control over financial
reporting, or management letter;
(7) Significant matters that were the subject of consultations with
other accountants;
(8) Significant issues discussed with management with regard to the
initial or recurring retention of the CPA; and
(9) Any serious difficulties encountered in dealing with management
during the performance of the audit.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 659, Jan. 6, 1994; 66 FR
27835, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.21 Borrower's review and submission of the auditor's report,
report on compliance and on internal control over financial reporting, and
management letter.
(a) The borrower's board of directors should note and record receipt
of the auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal control
over financial reporting, and management letter and any action taken in
response to the reports or management letter in the minutes of the board
meeting at which such reports and management letter are presented.
(b) The borrower must furnish RUS with three copies of the auditor's
report, report on compliance and on internal control over financial
reporting, and management letter within 120 days of the as of audit
date. Any provision in RUS's security instrument that requires such
documents to be furnished to RUS in a shorter period of time may be
disregarded.
(c) The borrower must furnish RUS with three copies of its plan for
corrective action, if any, within 180 days of the as of audit date.
(d) The borrower must furnish RUS, within 120 days of the as of
audit date, with a copy of each special report, summary of
recommendations or similar communications, if any, received from the CPA
as a result of the audit.
(e) All required submissions to RUS described in paragraphs (a)
through (d) of this section should be sent to: Assistant Administrator,
Program Accounting and Regulatory Analysis, Stop 1523, 1400 Independence
Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-1523.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 659, Jan. 6, 1994; 66 FR
27835, 27836, May 21, 2001]
[[Page 234]]
Sec. Sec. 1773.22-1773.29 [Reserved]
Subpart D_RUS Reporting Requirements
Sec. 1773.30 General.
(a) The CPA must prepare the following (examples of which are set
forth in RUS Bulletin 1773-1):
(1) An auditor's report;
(2) A report on compliance and on internal control over financial
reporting; and
(3) A management letter.
(b) The CPA should deliver the auditor's report, report on
compliance and on internal control over financial reporting, and
management letter (with copies as required in Sec. 1773.20) to the
borrower as soon as possible after completion of the audit but not more
than 90 days after the as of audit date.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 63 FR 38723, July 17, 1998; 66
FR 27835, 27836, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.31 Auditor's report.
The CPA must prepare a written report on comparative balance sheets,
statements of revenue and patronage capital (or income and retained
earnings, depending upon the structure of the borrower) and statements
of cash flows. This report must be signed by the CPA, cover all
statements presented, and refer to the separate report on compliance and
on internal control over financial reporting issued in conjunction with
the auditor's report. The auditor's report should also state that the
report on compliance and on internal control over financial reporting is
an integral part of a GAGAS audit, and in considering the results of the
audit, this report should be read along with the auditor's report on the
financial statements.
[66 FR 27836, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.32 Report on compliance and on internal control over
financial reporting.
As required by GAGAS, the CPA must prepare a written report
describing the auditors testing of compliance with applicable laws,
regulations, contracts, and grants, and on internal control over
financial reporting and present the results of those tests. This report
must be signed by the CPA and must include, as a minimum:
(a) The scope of the CPA's testing of compliance with laws and
regulations and internal control over financial reporting including
whether or not the tests performed provided sufficient evidence to
support an opinion on compliance or internal control over financial
reporting and whether the CPA is providing such opinions;
(b) If conditions believed to be material weaknesses considered to
be reportable conditions are disclosed, the report should identify the
material weaknesses that have come to the CPA's attention;
(c) If no reportable instances of non-compliance and no reportable
conditions were found, the CPA must issue a report as illustrated in RUS
Bulletin 1773-1.
(d) If material instances of non-compliance and reportable
conditions are identified, the CPA must issue a report as illustrated in
RUS Bulletin 1773-1.
(e) Other nonmaterial instances of noncompliance should not be
disclosed in the report on compliance and on internal control over
financial reporting, but should be reported in a separate communication
to the board of directors, preferably in writing. All such
communications must be documented in the workpapers and submitted to RUS
in compliance with Sec. 1773.21.
(f) If the CPA has issued a separate letter detailing immaterial
instances of noncompliance, the report on compliance and on internal
control over financial reporting must be modified to include a statement
such as:
We noted certain immaterial instances of noncompliance, which we
have reported to the management of (borrower's name) in a separate
letter dated (month, day, year).
(g) If the CPA has issued a separate letter to management to
communicate other matters involving the design and operation of the
internal control over financial reporting, the report on compliance and
on internal control over financial reporting must be modified to include
a statement such as:
However, we noted other matters involving the internal control over
financial reporting that we have reported to the management of
[[Page 235]]
(borrower's name) in a separate letter dated (month, day, year).
(h) The report must contain the status of known but uncorrected
significant or material findings and recommendations from prior audits
that affect the current audit objective.
[63 FR 38723, July 17, 1998, as amended at 66 FR 27836, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.33 Management letter.
The CPA must prepare a management letter that includes, at a
minimum, comments on:
(a) Audit procedures. State whether the audit has been performed in
accordance with this part;
(b) Special reports. State whether any special reports, summaries of
recommendations, or similar communications were furnished to the
borrower's management during the course of the audit or during interim
audit work, and provide a description of the information furnished;
(c) Accounting and records. Comment on the adequacy and
effectiveness of the borrower's accounting procedures, discuss the
general condition of the records, and outline any recommendations for
improvement. Comment on the adequacy and fairness of the methods used in
accumulating and recording labor, material, and overhead costs, and the
distribution of these costs to construction, retirement, and maintenance
or other expense accounts, and where appropriate, include:
(1) Whether continuing property records (CPRs) have been
established, are updated on a current basis, at least annually, and are
reconciled with the controlling general ledger plant accounts;
(2) Whether construction clearing accounts are cleared promptly of
costs of completed construction to the proper classified plant accounts
and whether depreciation was accrued on such completed construction from
the date the plant was placed in service;
(3) Whether retirements of plant are currently and systematically
recorded and properly priced;
(4) Whether all costs associated with retirements of plant are
properly accounted for in the accumulated provision for depreciation
accounts and comment on any unusual charges or credits to such accounts;
and
(5) Whether RUS approval was obtained for the sale, lease or
transfer of capital assets secured under the mortgage when approval is
required, and whether proceeds from the sale or lease of plant, material
or scrap were handled in conformance with RUS requirements.
(d) Materials control. Comment on the adequacy of the control over
materials and supplies.
(e) Compliance with RUS loan and security instrument provisions.
State whether the following provisions of RUS' loan and security
instruments have been complied with:
(1) For electric borrowers, provisions related to:
(i) The requirements for a borrower to obtain written approval of
mortgagees to enter into any contract for the management, operation, or
maintenance of the borrower's system if the contract covers all or
substantially all (90 percent) of the electric system. For purposes of
this part, the following contracts shall be deemed as requiring RUS
approval:
(A) Management contracts in which the borrower has contracted to
have another borrower or other entity manage its affairs;
(B) Management contracts in which the borrower has contracted to
manage another borrower or other utility system;
(C) Operations and maintenance contracts in which the borrower has
contracted to have another borrower or other entity operate and/or
maintain all or substantially all (90 percent) of the physical plant
facilities of the borrower.
(D) Operations and maintenance contracts in which the borrower has
contracted to operate and maintain the physical plant facilities of
another borrower or other utility system; and
(ii) The requirement for a borrower to prepare and furnish
mortgagees annual financial and statistical reports on the borrower's
financial condition and operations. For borrowers with a December 31
year end, the CPA must state whether the information represented by the
borrower as having
[[Page 236]]
been submitted to RUS in its most recent December 31 RUS Form 7 or Form
12 is in agreement with the borrower's audited records. For borrowers
with a year end other than December 31, the CPA must state whether the
information appears reasonable based upon the audit procedures
performed. If the borrower represents that an amended report has been
filed as of December 31, the comments must relate to the amended report.
(2) For telecommunications borrowers, provisions relating to the
requirement for a borrower to obtain written approval of the mortgagees
to enter into:
(i) Any contract, agreement or lease between the borrower and an
affiliate other than as allowed under 7 CFR part 1744, subpart E;
(ii) The requirement for a borrower to prepare and furnish
mortgagees annual financial and statistical reports on the borrower's
financial condition and operations. For borrowers with a December 31
year end, the CPA must state whether the information represented by the
borrower as having been submitted to RUS in its most recent December 31
RUS Form 479 is in agreement with the borrower's audited records. For
borrowers with a year end other than December 31, the CPA must state
whether the information appears reasonable based upon the audit
procedures performed. If the borrower represents that an amended report
has been filed as of December 31, the comments must relate to the
amended report.
(f) Related party transactions. State whether all material related
party transactions have been disclosed in the notes to the financial
statements in accordance with SFAS No. 57, entitled ``Related Party
Disclosures''. If the audit did not disclose any related party
transactions considered to be material, either individually or in the
aggregate, so state;
(g) Depreciation rates. For electric borrowers, comment when the
depreciation rates used in computing monthly accruals are not in
compliance with RUS requirements (See RUS Bulletin 183-1, Depreciation
Rates and Procedures), which require the use of depreciation rates that
are within the ranges established by RUS for each primary plant account,
or with the requirements of the State regulatory body having
jurisdiction over the borrower's depreciation rates; and
(h) Deferred debits and deferred credits. For electric borrowers,
provide a detailed analysis of the totals reported as deferred debits
and deferred credits, including, but not limited to, margin
stabilization plans, revenue deferral plans, and expense deferrals. The
CPA must state whether RUS has approved, in writing, each regulatory
asset and liability.
(i) Investments. For electric and telecommunications borrowers,
provide a detailed schedule of all investments in subsidiary and
affiliated companies accounted for on either the cost or equity basis.
This requirement includes investments in corporations, limited liability
corporations and partnerships, joint ventures, etc. For all investments
list the name of the entity, ownership percentage, and the principal
business in which the entity is engaged. For investments recorded on the
cost basis include the original investment, advances, dividends declared
or paid in the current and prior years and the net investment. For
investments recorded on the equity basis include the ownership
percentage, original investment, advances, and current and prior years'
earnings and losses, including accumulated losses in excess of the
original investment.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 659, Jan. 6, 1994; 61 FR
108, Jan. 3, 1996. Redesignated and amended at 63 FR 38723, July 17,
1998; 63 FR 40169, July 28, 1998; 66 FR 27830, May 21, 2001]
Sec. Sec. 1773.34-1773.37 [Reserved]
Subpart E_RUS Required Audit Procedures and Documentation
Sec. 1773.38 Scope of engagement.
(a) RUS requires that the audit procedures set forth in Sec. Sec.
1773.39 through 1773.45 be performed annually by the CPA during the
audit of the RUS borrowers' financial statements, which audit procedures
may be in addition to the conduct of a GAGAS audit.
[[Page 237]]
(b) The CPA must exercise professional judgment in determining
whether any auditing procedures in addition to those mandated by GAGAS
or this part should be performed in order to afford a reasonable basis
for rendering the auditor's report, report on compliance and on internal
control over financial reporting, and management letter.
[56 FR 63360, Dec. 3, 1991, as amended at 66 FR 27835, May 21, 2001]
Sec. 1773.39 Utility plant and accumulated depreciation.
(a) General. The audit of these accounts must include tests of
additions, replacements, retirements, and changes. Based upon the CPA's
determination of materiality, an appropriate sample of transactions must
be selected for testing. The CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(1) Examined direct labor and material transactions to determine
whether the borrower's accounting records reflect a complete
accumulation of costs;
(2) Examined indirect costs and overhead charges to determine if
they conform to the Uniform System of Accounts;
(3) Reviewed the costs of completed construction and retirement
projects to determine if they were cleared promptly from the work in
progress accounts to the classified plant in service accounts and the
related depreciation reserves;
(4) Examined direct purchases of special equipment and general
plant;
(5) Determined the degree of accuracy and control of costing
retirements, including tests of salvage and removal costs;
(6) Reviewed the borrower's work order procedures; and
(7) Reviewed depreciation rates for adequate support, compared them
to RUS guidelines, and determined if they are in compliance.
(b) Construction work in progress. (1) The workpapers must include a
summary of open work orders reconciled to the general ledger. The CPA
must note on the summary any unusual or nontypical projects.
(2) Based upon the CPA's determination of materiality, an
appropriate sample of work orders must be selected for testing. The
CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(i) Reviewed equipment purchases charged to work orders, including
payments and receiving reports;
(ii) Reviewed contracts showing the scope of the work, the nature of
the contract, the contract amount, and scheduled payments and reviewed
supporting documents to determine that all services contracted for were
in fact rendered;
(iii) Reviewed time cards and pay rates for several employees who
allocate their time to work orders;
(iv) Reviewed the nature of material and supplies issued to the
project, traced amounts and quantities to supporting documents, and
reviewed the reasonableness of clearing rates for assignment of stores
expense to the work order;
(v) Reviewed the accuracy of the computation of overheads applied to
the work order; and
(vi) Reviewed other costs charged to the work order for support and
propriety.
(3) Based upon the CPA's determination of materiality, an
appropriate sample of completed contracts must be selected for testing.
The CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(i) Scheduled payments to contractors and traced to verify payments
and supporting invoices;
(ii) Traced contract costs to final closeout documents, to the
general ledger, and to the continuing property records; and
(iii) Verified the costs of owner furnished materials, if
applicable.
(4) The CPA must review the borrower's procedures for unitization
and classification of work order and contract costs. Based upon the
CPA's determination of materiality, an appropriate sample of
transactions must be selected for testing. The CPA's workpapers must
document that he/she:
(i) Reviewed the tabulation of record units for construction from
the work order staking sheets to the tabulation of record units, to the
unitization sheets, and to the continuing property records;
[[Page 238]]
(ii) Reviewed the procedures for unitizing and distributing costs of
completed construction to the plant accounts;
(iii) Verified that standard costs were being used;
(iv) Evaluated the basis for development of standard costs; and
(v) Determined that costs of completed construction were cleared
promptly from work in progress accounts.
(c) Continuing property records. Based upon the CPA's determination
of materiality, an appropriate sample of transactions must be selected
for testing. The CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(1) Determined whether the subsidiary plant records agree with the
controlling general ledger plant accounts;
(2) Noted differences in the workpapers; and
(3) Commented, in the management letter, on any discrepancies.
(d) Retirement work-in-progress. Based upon the CPA's determination
of materiality, an appropriate sample of transactions must be selected
for testing. The CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(1) Determined that plant retirements are currently and
systematically recorded and priced on the basis of the continuing
property records, and determined that costs of removal have been
properly accounted for;
(2) Explained the method used in computing the cost of units of
plant retired if continuing property records have not been established
and determined whether costs appeared reasonable; and
(3) Determined the manner in which net losses due to retirements
were accounted for and traced clearing entries to the depreciation
reserve, the plant accounts, and the continuing property records.
(e) Provision for accumulated depreciation. The CPA's workpapers
must include an analysis of transactions. Based upon the CPA's
determination of materiality, an appropriate sample of transactions must
be selected for testing. The CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(1) Verified the depreciation accruals for the period, including the
depreciation base;
(2) Reviewed the basis of the depreciation rates, any change in
rates and the reason therefor, and, if appropriate, determined whether
the rates are in compliance with RUS requirements or with the
requirements of the state regulatory body having jurisdiction over the
borrower's depreciation rates;
(3) Reviewed salvage and removal costs; and
(4) Searched for unrecorded retirements.
(f) Other reserves. The CPA's workpapers must include an account
analysis for all other material plant reserves, such as the reserve for
the amortization of plant acquisition adjustments. Based upon the CPA's
determination of materiality, an appropriate sample of transactions must
be selected for testing. The CPA's workpapers must document that
appropriate tests of transactions were performed.
(g) Narrative. The CPA must prepare and include in the workpapers a
comprehensive narrative on the scope of work performed, observations
made, and conclusions reached. Specific matters covered in this
narrative must include:
(1) The nature of construction and other additions;
(2) The control over, and the accuracy of pricing retirements;
(3) The accuracy of distributing costs to classified utility plant
accounts;
(4) An evaluation of the method of:
(i) Capitalizing the direct loadings on labor and material costs;
(ii) Distributing transportation costs and other expense clearing
accounts; and
(iii) Capitalizing overhead costs;
(5) The tests of depreciation;
(6) A review of agreements such as those relating to acquisitions,
property sales, and leases which affect the plant accounts; and
(7) Notations, if applicable, of RUS approval of property sales and
the propriety of the disposition of the proceeds.
[[Page 239]]
Sec. 1773.40 Regulatory assets.
The CPA's workpapers must document whether all regulatory assets
comply with the requirements of SFAS No. 71. For electric borrowers
only, the CPA's workpapers must document whether all regulatory assets
have received RUS approval.
[59 FR 660, Jan. 6, 1994]
Sec. 1773.41 Extraordinary retirement losses.
The CPA's workpapers must contain an analysis of retirement losses,
including any required approval by a regulatory commission with
jurisdiction in the matter, or RUS, in the absence of commission
jurisdiction.
Sec. 1773.42 Clearing accounts.
The CPA's workpapers must contain an analysis of all clearing
accounts. Based upon the CPA's determination of materiality, an
appropriate sample of transactions should be selected for testing. The
CPA's workpapers must document that transactions were reviewed for
proper allocation between expense and capital accounts.
Sec. 1773.43 Capital and equity accounts.
(a) Capital stock. For privately owned companies, the workpapers
must include analyses of all stock transactions during the audit period.
Based upon the CPA's determination of materiality, an appropriate sample
of transactions must be selected for testing. The CPA's workpapers must
document that he/she:
(1) Reviewed the subsidiary records and reconciled them to the
general ledger control account;
(2) Reviewed authorizations and issuances or redemptions of capital
stock for proper approvals by the board of directors, stockholders, and
regulatory commissions;
(3) Determined that transactions were made in accordance with the
appropriate provisions of the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and RUS
loan documents; and
(4) Determined that transactions were recorded in accordance with
the Uniform System of Accounts.
(b) Memberships. For cooperative organizations, the workpapers must
include an analysis of the membership transactions during the audit
period. Based upon the CPA's determination of materiality, an
appropriate sample of transactions must be selected for testing. The
CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(1) Reviewed the subsidiary records and reconciled them to the
general ledger control account; and
(2) Determined that transactions were made in accordance with the
appropriate provisions of the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and RUS
loan documents.
(c) Patronage capital, retained earnings, margins, and other
equities. The workpapers must include an analysis of the patronage
capital, retained earnings, margins and other equities, and any related
reserve accounts. Based upon the CPA's determination of materiality, an
appropriate sample of transactions must be selected for testing. The
CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(1) Determined that the transactions were made in accordance with
the appropriate provisions of the articles of incorporation, bylaws, RUS
loan documents, Uniform System of Accounts, or orders of regulatory
commissions;
(2) Traced payments to underlying support; and
(3) Determined whether, under the terms of the RUS security
instrument, restrictions of retained earnings or margins are required
and, if so, whether they have been properly recorded.
Sec. 1773.44 Long-term debt.
The CPA's workpapers must document that he/she:
(a) Confirmed RUS, FFB, and RTB debt to the appropriate confirmation
schedule (RUS Form 690, Confirmation Schedule Obligation to the FFB as
of: or Form 691, Confirmation Schedule--Long-term Obligation to RUS as
of; or RTB Form 12, Confirmation Schedule);
(b) Confirmed other long-term debt directly with the lender;
(c) Examined notes executed or canceled during the audit period; and
(d) Tested accrued interest computations.
[[Page 240]]
Sec. 1773.45 Regulatory liabilities.
The CPA's workpapers must document whether all regulatory
liabilities comply with the requirements of SFAS No. 71. For electric
borrowers only, the CPA's workpapers must document whether all
regulatory liabilities have received RUS approval.
[59 FR 660, Jan. 6, 1994]
Sec. Sec. 1773.46-1773.49 [Reserved]
PART 1774_SPECIAL EVALUATION ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES AND HOUSEHOLDS
PROGRAM (SEARCH)--Table of Contents
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec.
1774.1 General.
1774.2 Definitions.
1774.3 Availability of forms and regulations.
1774.4 Allocation of funds.
1774.5-1774.6 [Reserved]
1774.6 Equal opportunity requirements.
1774.7 Environmental requirements.
1774.8 Other Federal Statutes.
1774.9 [Reserved]
Subpart B_Grant Application Processing
1774.10 Applications.
1774.11 [Reserved]
1774.12 Eligibility.
1774.13 Limitations.
1774.14 Eligible grant purposes.
1774.15 Selection criteria.
1774.16 Grant application processing and approval.
1774.17 Grant closing and disbursement.
1774.18 Reporting requirements, accounting methods and audits.
1774.19 Applications determined ineligible.
1774.20 Conflict of Interest.
1774.21-1774.23 [Reserved]
1774.24 Exception Authority.
1774.25-1774.99 [Reserved]
1774.100 OMB Control Number.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(C).
Source: 75 FR 35963, June 24, 2010, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec. 1774.1 General.
The purpose of the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural
Communities and Household (SEARCH) Grant program is to provide financial
assistance to the neediest, eligible communities, who lack financial
resources to pay for feasibility studies, design assistance and
technical assistance. This subpart sets forth the general policies and
procedures for making and processing predevelopment planning SEARCH
grants for water and waste projects.
Sec. 1774.2 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to subparts A and B of this part.
Agency. The Rural Utilities Service of the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) within the Rural Development mission area of the
Under Secretary for Rural Development. The Processing Official will
administer this water and waste program on behalf of the Rural Utilities
Service.
Approval official. The Agency official at the State level who has
been delegated the authority to approve grants.
ConAct. Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1926(a)(2)).
Design assistance. Preliminary design and engineering analysis
necessary for an application for funding. Design assistance does not
include financial assistance for development of plans, specifications,
or bidding documents.
DUNS Number. Data Universal Numbering System number obtained from
Dun and Bradstreet and used when applying for Federal grants or
cooperative agreements. A DUNS number may be obtained at no cost, by
calling 1-866-705-5711.
Eligible entity. Entity that meets eligibility requirements to
obtain a loan, loan guarantee or grant under Paragraphs 1, 2 or 24 of
Section 306(a) of the ConAct (codified at 7 U.S.C. Section 1926(a)(1)(2)
and (24)).
Feasibility study. Documentation associated with an objective
analysis of project-related technical engineering or environmental
impact analyses required to support applications for funding water or
waste disposal projects through USDA, Rural Utilities Service or other
agencies.
Financially distressed area. An area is considered financially
distressed if the median household income of the area to be served is
either below the poverty
[[Page 241]]
line or below 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median
household income according to the 5-year income data from the American
Community Survey (ACS) or, if needed, other Census Bureau data. If there
is reason to believe that the ACS or other Census Bureau data does not
accurately represent the median household income of the area to be
served, the reasons will be documented and the borrower may furnish, or
RD may obtain, additional information regarding such median household
income data. Information must consist of reliable data from local,
regional, State or Federal sources or from a survey conducted by a
reliable impartial source.
Grantee. The applicant receiving financial assistance directly from
the RUS to carry out the project or program under this program.
Poverty line. The level of income for a family of four, as defined
in section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C.
9902(2)).
Processing Official. The Agency official designated by the approval
official as having the authority to accept and process applications for
water and waste disposal assistance.
Rural area. For the purposes of this SEARCH program, any area not in
a city or town with a population of 2,500 or fewer, according to the
most recent decennial Census of the United States (decennial Census). If
the applicable population figure cannot be obtained from the most recent
decennial Census, RD will determine the applicable population figure
based on available population data.
State. Any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands.
Technical Assistance. Supervision, oversight, or training by an
organization for the development of an application for financial
assistance.
[75 FR 35963, June 24, 2010, as amended at 80 FR 9862, Feb. 24, 2015]
Sec. 1774.3 Availability of forms and regulations.
Information about the forms, instructions, regulations, bulletins,
OMB Circulars, Treasury Circulars, standards, documents and publications
cited in this part is available from any UDSA/Rural Development Office
or the United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-
1500 and at http://www.grants.gov.
Sec. 1774.4 Allocation of funds.
The Secretary may use not more than four percent of the total amount
of funds made available for a fiscal year for water and waste disposal
activities for SEARCH grants.
Sec. Sec. 1774.5-1774.6 [Reserved]
Sec. 1774.7 Environmental requirements.
The policies and regulations contained in 7 CFR part 1794 of this
title apply to grants made in accordance with this part.
Sec. 1774.8 Other Federal Statutes.
Other Federal statutes and regulations are applicable to grants
awarded under this part. These include but are not limited to:
(a) 7 CFR part 1, subpart A--USDA implementation of Freedom of
Information Act.
(b) 7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129
regarding debt collection.
(c) 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
(d) 7 CFR part 1794, RUS Implementation of the National
Environmental Policy Act.
(e) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E--Civil Rights Compliance
Requirements.
(f) 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400,
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal.
(g) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 417,
Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension, implementing Executive Order
12549 on debarment and suspension.
(h) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying, prohibiting the
use of appropriated funds to influence Congress
[[Page 242]]
or a Federal agency in connection with the making of any Federal grant
and other Federal contracting and financial transactions.
(i) 2 CFR part 421, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial
Assistance), implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C
8101 et. seq.).
(j) 29 U.S.C. 794, section 504--Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7
CFR part 15B (USDA implementation of statute), prohibiting
discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally
assisted programs.
[75 FR 35963, June 24, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1774.9 [Reserved]
Subpart B_Grant Application Processing
Sec. 1774.10 Applications.
(a) To file an application, an organization must provide their DUNS
number. An organization may obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet
by calling (1-866-705-5711). To file a complete application, the
following information should be submitted:
(1) Standard Form 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance (For
Non-Construction).''
(2) Standard Form 424A & B, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs.''
(3) Supporting documentation necessary to make an eligibility
determination such as financial statements, audits, organizational
documents, or existing debt instruments. The Processing Official will
advise applicants regarding the required documents. Applicants that are
indebted to RUS will not need to submit documents already on file with
the Processing Official as long as such documents are current and valid.
(4) Project narrative detailing the project to be financed with the
SEARCH grant funds. The narrative will also provide details on the
activities or tasks to be accomplished, objectives, timetables for task
completion, and anticipated results.
(5) The applicant's Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Identification
Number (TIN).
(6) Other Forms and certifications. Applicants will be required to
submit the following items to the Processing Official, upon notification
from the Processing Official to proceed with further development of the
full application:
(i) Form RD 442-7, ``Operating Budget'';
(ii) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement'';
(iii) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement'';
(iv) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension
and other Responsibility Matters'';
(v) Form AD-1049, Certification regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants) Alternative I For Grantees Other Than Individuals;
(vi) Certifications for Contracts, Grants, and Loans (Regarding
Lobbying); and
(vii) Certification regarding prohibited tying arrangements.
Applicants that provide electric service must provide the Agency a
certification that they will not require users of a water or waste
facility financed under this part to accept electric service as a
condition of receiving assistance.
(b) Applicants are encouraged to contact the State Office or the
Processing Official to find out how to file electronically. The
application and supporting documentation must be sent or delivered to
the Processing Official, unless it is filed electronically.
Sec. 1774.11 [Reserved]
Sec. 1774.12 Eligibility.
The following eligibility requirements must be met:
(a) The applicant must be:
(1) A public body, such as a municipality, county, district,
authority, or other political subdivision or a State, territory or
commonwealth, or
(2) An organization operated on a not-for-profit basis, such as an
association, cooperative, or private corporation. The organization must
be an association controlled by a local public body or bodies, or have a
broadly based ownership by or membership of people of the local
community, or
[[Page 243]]
(3) Indian Tribes on Federal and State reservations and other
Federally recognized Indian Tribes.
(b) The area to be served must be financially distressed and rural
as defined in Sec. 1774.2 of this part.
Sec. 1774.13 Limitations.
Grant funds may not be used to:
(a) Fund political or lobbying activities.
(b) Pay for work already completed.
(c) Purchase real estate or vehicles, improve or renovate office
space, or repair and maintain privately owned property.
(d) Construct or furnish a building.
(e) Intervene in the Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings.
(f) Sue the Federal Government or any other government entities.
(g) Pay for any other costs that are not allowable under 2 CFR part
200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400.
(h) Make contributions or donations to others.
(i) Fund projects that duplicate technical assistance given to
implement action plans under the National Forest-Dependent Rural
Communities Economic Diversification Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6613).
Applicants cannot receive both grants made under this part and grants
that the Forest Service makes to implement the action plans for five
continuous years from the date of grant approval by the Forest Service.
(j) To pay an outstanding judgment obtained by the United States in
a Federal Court (other than in the United States Tax Court), which has
been recorded. An applicant will be ineligible to receive a loan or
grant until the judgment is paid in full or otherwise satisfied.
[75 FR 35963, June 24, 2010, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1774.14 Eligible grant purposes.
(a) Eligible predevelopment planning costs are feasibility studies,
preliminary design assistance, and technical assistance as each is
defined in Sec. 1774.2. The eligible predevelopment activities funded
with these grant funds must be agreed to and accepted by the Agency
prior to the disbursement of the SEARCH grant. The predevelopment
planning costs must be related to a proposed project that meets the
following requirements:
(1) To construct, enlarge, extend, or otherwise improve rural water,
sanitary sewage, solid waste disposal, and storm wastewater disposal
facilities.
(2) To construct or relocate public buildings, roads, bridges,
fences, or utilities, and to make other public improvements necessary
for the successful operation or protection of facilities authorized in
paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(3) To relocate private buildings, roads, bridges, fences, or
utilities, and other private improvements necessary for the successful
operation or protection of facilities authorized in paragraph (a)(1) of
this section.
(b) The Secretary, subject to the limitation in Sec. 1774.4 of this
part, may fund up to 100 percent of the eligible grant costs, not to
exceed $30,000.
Sec. 1774.15 Selection Criteria.
Projects will be selected based primarily on the funding priorities
in 7 CFR 1780.17. The Program Official discretionary points stated in 7
CFR1780.17 (e) can also include consideration of the following criteria:
(a) Systems with limited resources.
(b) Smallest systems with lowest incomes.
(c) Funds availability.
Sec. 1774.16 Grant application processing and approval.
(a) Before starting to assemble the full application, the applicant
should arrange through the Processing Official an application conference
to provide a basis for orderly application assembly. The processing
office will explain program requirements, public information
requirements and provide guidance on preparation of items necessary for
final determination.
(b) The Processing Official will determine if the application is
properly assembled. If not, the applicant will be notified within
fifteen Federal working days as to what additional submittal items are
needed.
(c) The Processing Official and Approval Official will coordinate
their reviews to ensure that the applicant is
[[Page 244]]
advised about eligibility and anticipated fund availability within 45
days of the receipt of a completed application.
(d) The Processing Official will submit the following to the
Approval Official:
(1) ``Water and Waste Project Information Summary'';
(2) Form RD 442-3, ``Balance Sheet'' or a financial statement or
audit that includes a balance sheet;
(3) Letter of Conditions;
(4) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions'';
(5) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds'';
Sec. 1774.17 Grant closing and disbursement.
(a) Grant closing. RUS Bulletin 1780-12 ``Water or Waste System
Grant Agreement'' will be completed and executed in accordance with the
requirements of grant approval. The grant will be considered closed when
RUS Bulletin 1780-12 has been properly executed. Processing officials or
Approval officials are authorized to sign the grant agreement on behalf
of RUS.
(b) Grant disbursements. Agency policy is not to disburse grant
funds from the Treasury until they are actually needed by the applicant.
If an approved grant includes applicant or other contributions, then
these funds will be disbursed before the disbursal of any Agency grant
funds.
(c) Payment for project costs. Project costs will be monitored by
the RUS processing office. Invoices will be approved by the borrower and
submitted to the Processing Official for concurrence. The review and
acceptance of project costs by the Agency does not attest to the
correctness of the amounts, the quantities shown or that the work has
been performed under the terms of the agreements or contracts.
(d) Use of remaining funds. Funds remaining after all costs incident
to the basic project have been paid or provided for will not include
applicant contributions if SEARCH grants funds are financing less than
100 percent of the project. Funds remaining may be considered in direct
proportion to the amounts obtained from each source. Remaining funds
will be handled as follows:
(1) Remaining funds may be used for eligible grant purposes as
described in 1774.14 of this subpart, or
(2) Grant funds not expended will be canceled. Prior to the actual
cancellation, the borrower, its attorney and its engineer will be
notified of RUS' intent to cancel the remaining funds.
Sec. 1774.18 Reporting requirements, accounting methods and audits.
All Agency grantees will follow the reporting requirements as
outlined in 7 CFR 1780.47.
Sec. 1774.19 Applications determined ineligible.
If at any time an application is determined ineligible, the
processing office will notify the applicant in writing of the reasons.
The notification to the applicant will state that an appeal of this
decision may be made by the applicant under 7 CFR part 11.
Sec. 1774.20 Conflict of Interest.
Any processing or servicing activity conducted pursuant to this part
involving authorized assistance to Rural Development employees with
Water and Environmental Programs responsibility, members of their
families, known close relatives, or business or close personal
associates, is subject to the provisions of subpart D of part 1900 of
this title. Applicants of this assistance are required to identify any
known relationship or association with an RUS employee.
Sec. Sec. 1774.21-1774.23 [Reserved]
Sec. 1774.24 Exception authority.
The Administrator may, in individual cases, make an exception to any
requirement or provision of this part which is not inconsistent with the
authorizing statute or other applicable law and is determined to be in
the Government's interest. Requests for exceptions must be made in
writing by the State Director and supported with documentation to
explain the adverse effect on the Government's interest, propose
alternative course(s) of action, and show how the adverse affect will be
[[Page 245]]
eliminated or minimized if the exception is granted. The exception
decision will be documented in writing, signed by the Administrator, and
retained in the files.
Sec. Sec. 1774.25-1774.99 [Reserved]
Sec. 1774.100 OMB Control Number.
The information collection requirements in this part will not be
effective until approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB),
subject to the submission of a paperwork package to OMB and assigned an
OMB Control Number.
PART 1775_TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS--Table of Contents
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec.
1775.1 General.
1775.2 Definitions.
1775.3 Availability of forms and regulations.
1775.4 Allocation of funds.
1775.5 Limitations.
1775.6 Equal opportunity requirements.
1775.7 Environmental requirements.
1775.8 Other Federal Statutes.
1775.9 OMB control number.
Subpart B_Grant Application Processing
1775.10 Applications.
1775.11 Priority.
1775.12 Grant processing.
1775.13 Grant agreement.
1775.14-1775.17 [Reserved]
1775.18 Fund disbursement.
1775.19 Grant cancellation or major changes.
1775.20 Reporting.
1775.21 Audit or financial statements.
1775.22 [Reserved]
1775.23 Grant servicing.
1775.24 Delegation of authority.
1775.25-1775.30 [Reserved]
Subpart C_Technical Assistance and Training Grants
1775.31 Authorization.
1775.32 [Reserved]
1775.33 Objectives.
1775.34 Source of funds.
1775.35 Eligibility.
1775.36 Purpose.
1775.37 Allocation of funds.
1775.38-1775.60 [Reserved]
Subpart D_Solid Waste Management Grants
1775.61 Authorization.
1775.62 [Reserved]
1775.63 Objectives.
1775.64 [Reserved]
1775.65 Eligibility.
1775.66 Purpose.
1775.67 Allocation of funds.
1775.68 Exception authority.
1775.69-1775.99 [Reserved]
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005.
Source: 70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_General Provisions
Sec. 1775.1 General.
This subpart sets forth the general policies and procedures for the
Technical Assistance and Training and the Solid Waste Management Grant
Programs. Any processing or servicing activity conducted pursuant to
this part involving authorized assistance to Rural Development employees
with Water and Environmental Program responsibility, members of their
families, known close relatives, or business or close personal
associates, is subject to the provisions of subpart D of part 1900 of
this title. Applicants for this assistance are required to identify any
known relationship or association with an RUS employee.
Sec. 1775.2 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to subparts A through D of this
part.
Association. An entity, including a small city or town, that is
eligible for RUS Water and Waste Disposal financial assistance in
accordance with 7 CFR 1780.7 (a).
Approval official. Any individual with administrative and legal
responsibility for Rural Development programs.
DUNS Number. Data Universal Numbering System number obtained from
Dun and Bradstreet and used when applying for Federal grants or
cooperative agreements. A DUNS number may be obtained at no cost, by
calling 1-866-705-5711.
Grant agreement. RUS Guide 1775-1. The agreement outlines the terms
and
[[Page 246]]
conditions of the grant awards and establishes the guidelines for
administering the grant awards.
Grantee. The entity or organization receiving financial assistance
directly from the RUS to carry out the project or program under these
programs.
Low Income. Median household income (MHI) below 100 percent of the
statewide non-metropolitan median household income (SNMHI).
Regional. A multi-State area or any multi-jurisdictional area within
a State.
Rural area. Any area not in a city or town with a population in
excess of 10,000, according to the most recent decennial Census of the
United States. If the applicable population figure cannot be obtained
from the most recent decennial Census, RD will determine the applicable
population figure based on available population data.
RUS. The Rural Utilities Service, an Agency of the United States
Department of Agriculture.
Solid Waste Management. Refers to the operations, maintenance and
the recycling of materials disposed of in landfills.
State. Any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the
Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands.
Technical Assistance. Supervision, oversight, or training by an
organization for the practical solution of a problem or need of an
association as defined in this section.
[70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, as amended at 80 FR 9862, Feb. 24, 2015]
Sec. 1775.3 Availability of forms and regulations.
Information about the forms, instructions, regulations, bulletins,
OMB Circulars, Treasury Circulars, standards, documents and publications
cited in this part is available from any UDSA/Rural Development Office
or the Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture,
Washington, DC 20250-1500.
Sec. 1775.4 Allocation of funds.
The National Office of the Rural Utilities Service will administer
grant funds and will allocate them on a competitive basis.
Sec. 1775.5 Limitations.
Grant funds may not be used to:
(a) Duplicate current services or replace or substitute support
normally provided by other means, such as those performed by an
association's consultant in developing a project, including feasibility,
design, and cost estimates.
(b) Fund political or lobbying activities.
(c) Purchase real estate or vehicles, improve or renovate office
space, or repair and maintain privately owned property.
(d) Pay the costs for construction, improvement, rehabilitation,
modification, or operation and maintenance of water, wastewater, and
solid waste disposal facilities.
(e) Construct or furnish a building.
(f) Intervene in the Federal regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings.
(g) Sue the Federal Government or any other government entities.
(h) Pay for any other costs that are not allowable under 2 CFR part
200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400.
(i) Make contributions or donations to others.
(j) Fund projects that duplicate technical assistance given to
implement action plans under the National Forest-Dependent Rural
Communities Economic Diversification Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6613).
Applicants cannot receive both grants made under this part and grants
that the Forest Service makes to implement the action plans for five
continuous years from the date of grant approval by the Forest Service.
(1) The Forest Service helps rural communities that are dependent
upon national forest resources diversify existing industries and
economies. It establishes rural forestry and economic diversification
action teams that prepare technical assistance plans for these rural
communities to expand their local economies and reduce their dependence
on national forest resources. The Forest Service provides assistance to
implement the action
[[Page 247]]
plans through grants, loans, cooperative agreements, or contracts.
(2) To avoid duplicate assistance, applicants must contact the
Forest Service to find out if any geographical areas or local areas in a
State have received grants for technical assistance to an economically
disadvantaged community. These areas are defined as national forest-
dependent communities under 7 U.S.C. 6612. Applicants will provide
documentation to the Forest Service and Rural Utilities Service that
they have contacted each agency.
(k) To pay an outstanding judgment obtained by the United States in
a Federal Court (other than in the United States Tax Court), which has
been recorded. An applicant will be ineligible to receive a loan or
grant until the judgment is paid in full or otherwise satisfied.
(l) Recruit applications for the RUS's water and waste loan or any
other loan or grant program. Grant funds cannot be used to create new
business; however, they can be used to assist with application
preparation.
[70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1775.6 Equal opportunity requirements.
The policies and regulations contained in subpart E of part 1901 of
this title apply to grants made under this part.
Sec. 1775.7 Environmental requirements.
The policies and regulations contained in part 1794 of this title
apply to grants made for the purposes in Sec. Sec. 1775.36 and 1775.66.
Sec. 1775.8 Other Federal statutes.
Other Federal statutes and regulations are applicable to grants
awarded under this part. These include but are not limited to:
(a) 7 CFR part 1, subpart A--USDA implementation of Freedom of
Information Act.
(b) 7 CFR part 3--USDA implementation of OMB Circular No. A-129
regarding debt collection.
(c) 7 CFR part 15, subpart A--USDA implementation of Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
(d) 7 CFR part 1794, RUS Implementation of the National
Environmental Policy Act.
(e) 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E--Civil Rights Compliance
Requirements.
(f) 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400,
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal.
(g) [Reserved]
(h) 2 CFR part 180, as implemented by USDA through 2 CFR part 417,
Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension, implementing Executive Order
12549 on debarment and suspension.
(i) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying, prohibiting the
use of appropriated funds to influence Congress or a Federal agency in
connection with the making of any Federal grant and other Federal
contracting and financial transactions.
(j) 2 CFR 421, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial
Assistance), implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C
701).
(k) [Reserved]
(l) 29 U.S.C. 794, section 504--Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7
CFR part 15B (USDA implementation of statute), prohibiting
discrimination based upon physical or mental handicap in Federally
assisted programs.
[70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1775.9 OMB control number.
The information collection requirements contained in this part have
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and have been
assigned OMB control number 0572-0112.
Subpart B_Grant Application Processing
Sec. 1775.10 Applications.
(a) Filing period. Applications may be filed on or after October 1
and must be received by close of business or postmarked by midnight
December 31. If an application is received either before October 1 or
after December 31, the receiving office will return it to the applicant.
(b) Where to file. (1) An applicant will apply to the appropriate
State Office of
[[Page 248]]
Rural Development if the project will serve a single state.
(2) An applicant will apply to the National Office if the project
will serve multiple states. The application must be submitted to the
following address: Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental
Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, DC 20250-1570.
(3) Electronic applications will be accepted prior to the filing
deadline through the Federal Government's eGrants Web site (Grants.gov)
at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants should refer to instructions found
on the Grants.gov Web site to submit an electronic application. A DUNS
number and a Central Contractor Registry (CCR) registration is required
prior to electronic submission. The sign-up procedures, required by
Grants.gov, may take several business days to complete.
(c) Application requirements. To file an application, an
organization must provide their DUNS number. An organization may obtain
a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet by calling (1-866-705-5711). To
file a complete application, the following information should be
submitted:
(1) Standard Form 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance (For
Non-Construction).''
(2) Standard Form 424A & B, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction
Programs.''
(3) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transaction.''
(4) Form AD 1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace
Requirements (Grants) Alternative I--For Grantees Other Than
Individuals.''
(5) Form AD 1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment.''
(6) Attachment regarding assistance provided to Rural Development
Employees as required by RD Instruction 1900-D.
(7) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.''
(8) Form RD 400-1, ``Equal Opportunity Agreement.''
(9) Indirect cost documentation such as cost rate proposals, cost
allocation plans, or other election for indirect costs and appropriate
certification of indirect costs in accordance with Cost Principles in 2
CFR 200, subpart E, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400.
(10) Statement of Compliance for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964.
(11) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities'' (include only if
grant is over $100,000).
(12) Certification regarding Forest Service grant.
(d) Supporting information. All applications shall be accompanied
by:
(1) Evidence of applicant's legal existence and authority in the
form of:
(i) Certified copies of current authorizing and organizational
documents for new applicants or former grantees where changes were made
since the last legal opinion was obtained in conjunction with receipt of
an RUS grant, or, certification that no changes have been made in
authorizing or organizing documents since receipt of last RUS grant by
applicant.
(ii) Current annual corporation report, Certificate of Good
Standing, or statement they are not required.
(iii) For public nonprofits, Certificate of Continued Status from
local attorney (if applicable).
(iv) Certified list of directors/officers with their respective
terms.
(2) Evidence of tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS), if applicable.
(3) Narrative of applicant's experience in providing services
similar to those proposed. Provide brief description of successfully
completed projects including the need that was identified and objectives
accomplished.
(4) Latest financial information to show the applicant's financial
capacity to carry out the proposed work. A current audit report is
preferred, however applicants can submit a balance sheet and an income
statement in lieu of an audit report.
(5) List of proposed services to be provided.
(6) Estimated breakdown of costs (direct and indirect) including
those to be funded by grantee as well as other sources. Sufficient
detail should be provided to permit the approval official to determine
reasonableness, applicability, and allowability.
[[Page 249]]
(7) Evidence that a Financial Management System is in place or
proposed.
(8) Documentation on each of the priority ranking criteria listed in
Sec. 1775.11 as follows:
(i) List of the associations to be served and the State or States
where assistance will be provided. Identify associations by name, or
other characteristics such as size, income, location, and provide MHI
and population.
(ii) Description of the type of technical assistance and/or training
to be provided and the tasks to be contracted.
(iii) Description of how the project will be evaluated and provide
clearly stated goals and the method proposed to measure the results that
will be obtained.
(iv) Documentation of need for proposed service. Provide detailed
explanation of how the proposed services differ from other similar
services being provided in the same area.
(v) Personnel on staff or to be contracted to provide the service
and their experience with similar projects.
(vi) Statement indicating the number of months it takes to complete
the project or service.
(vii) Documentation on cost effectiveness of project. Provide the
cost per association to be served or proposed cost of personnel to
provide assistance.
(viii) Other factors for consideration, such as emergency situation,
training need identified, health or safety problems, geographic
distribution, Rural Development Office recommendations, etc.
[70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1775.11 Priority.
The application and supporting information will be used to determine
the applicant's priority for available funds. All applications will be
reviewed and scored for funding priority in accordance with RUS Guide
1775-2. Points will be given only for factors that are well documented
in the application package and, in the opinion of the RUS, meet the
objective outlined under each factor. The following is a listing of the
criteria that will be used to select the applications that meet the
objectives of the technical assistance program.
(a) Projects proposing to give priority for available services to
rural communities having a population less than 5,500 and/or below
2,500.
(b) Projects proposing to give priority for available services to
low income communities.
(c) Projects that will provide assistance in a multi-State area.
(d) Points will be awarded for work plans that clearly describe the
goals and objectives of the project, how they will be accomplished in
targeted communities, and what measurement of accomplishment will be
used.
(e) Projects containing needs assessment (i.e. actual issue or
problem being addressed) clearly defined and supported by data.
(f) Projects containing evaluation methods that are specific to the
activity, clearly defined, measurable, and with projected outcomes.
(g) Applicants proposing to use at least 75 percent of the total
grant amount for their own staff, or the staff of an affiliated
organization to provide services for a project instead of contracting
with an outside organization for the services.
(h) Projects providing technical assistance/training that accomplish
the objective within a 12-month or less timeframe.
(i) Projects primarily providing ``hands on'' technical assistance
and training, i.e., on-site assistance as opposed to preparation and
distribution of printed material, to communities with existing water and
waste systems which are experiencing operation and maintenance or
management problems.
(j) Cash or in kind support of project from non-federal sources.
(k) Ability to demonstrate sustainability of project without Federal
financial support.
Sec. 1775.12 Grant processing.
(a) Single State applications. (1) Grant applications submitted at
the State level will receive a letter acknowledging receipt and
confirmation that all information required for a full application was
included in the packet. The State will notify the applicant of
[[Page 250]]
missing information. The applicant will have 14 business days to
respond.
(2) The State Office will review applications for eligibility. Those
applicants that are deemed ineligible will be notified. Applicants
deemed eligible will be forwarded to the National Office for funding
consideration.
(3) The National Office will review all applications received from
State Offices. Applications will compete on a priority basis and will be
scored and ranked. The applications receiving the highest scores and
subject to the availability of funds will be selected for final
processing. The National Office will send these applications back to the
State Office for processing. The State Office will notify the
applicant(s) that they have been selected for funding.
(4) Applicants not selected for funding due to low priority rating
shall be notified by the State Office.
(b) National and multi-State applications. (1) National and multi-
State applications submitted to the National Office will receive a
letter acknowledging receipt and confirmation that all information
required for a full application was included in the packet. The National
Office shall notify the applicant of missing information. The applicant
will have 14 business days to respond.
(2) The National Office will review applications for eligibility.
Those applications that are deemed ineligible will be notified.
Applications deemed eligible will be reviewed and given a rating score.
Applications receiving the highest scores will be grouped with those
received from State Offices for funding consideration.
(3) The National Office will review all applications received.
Applications will compete on a priority basis and will be scored and
ranked. The applications receiving the highest scores and subject to the
availability of funds will be notified by the National Office that they
have been selected for funding. The National Office shall conduct final
processing of multi-State and national applications.
(4) Multi-State and National applicants not selected for funding due
to low priority rating will be notified by the National Office.
(c) Low priority applications. Applications that cannot be funded in
the fiscal year received will not be retained for consideration in the
following fiscal year and will be handled as outlined in paragraph
(a)(4) or (b)(4) of this section.
Sec. 1775.13 Grant agreement.
Applicants selected for funding will complete a grant agreement, RUS
Guide 1775-1, which outlines the terms and conditions of the grant
award.
Sec. Sec. 1775.14-1775.17 [Reserved]
Sec. 1775.18 Fund disbursement.
Grantees will be reimbursed as follows:
(a) SF-270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement,'' will be
completed by the grantee and submitted to either the State or National
Office not more frequently than monthly.
(b) Upon receipt of a properly completed SF-270, the funds will be
requested through the field office terminal system. Ordinarily, payment
will be made within 30 days after receipt of a proper request for
reimbursement.
(c) Grantees are encouraged to use women- and minority-owned banks
(a bank which is owned at least 50 percent by women or minority group
members) for the deposit and disbursement of funds.
Sec. 1775.19 Grant cancellation or major changes.
Any change in the scope of the project, budget adjustments of more
than 10 percent of the total budget, or any other significant change in
the project must be reported to and approved by the approval official by
written amendment to RUS Guide 1775-1. Any change not approved may be
cause for termination of the grant.
Sec. 1775.20 Reporting.
(a) Grantees shall constantly monitor performance to ensure that
time schedules are being met, projected work by time periods is being
accomplished, and other performance objectives are being achieved.
[[Page 251]]
(b) SF-425,'' Federal Financial Report,'' and a project performance
activity report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis,
due 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter.
(c) A final project performance report will be required with the
last SF-425 due 90 days after the end of the last quarter in which the
project is completed. The final report may serve as the last quarterly
report.
(d) All multi-State grantees are to submit an original of each
report to the National Office. Grantees serving only one State are to
submit an original of each report to the State Office. The project
performance reports should detail, preferably in a narrative format,
activities that have transpired for the specific time period and shall
include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period (i.e. number of meetings held, number of
people contacted, results of activity);
(2) Analysis of challenges or setbacks that occurred during the
grant period;
(3) Copies of fliers, news releases, news articles, announcements
and other information used to promote services or projects;
(4) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will affect
attainment of overall project objectives, prevent meeting time schedules
or objectives, or preclude the attainment of particular project work
elements during established time periods. This disclosure shall be
accompanied by a statement of the action taken or planned to resolve the
situation; and
(5) Activities planned for the next reporting period.
[70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1775.21 Audit or financial statements.
The grantee will provide an audit report or financial statements as
follows:
(a) Grantees expending $750,000 or more Federal funds per fiscal
year will submit an audit conducted in accordance with Subpart F of 2
CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400. The audit will
be submitted with 9 months of the grantee's fiscal year. Additional
audits may be required if the project period covers more than one fiscal
year.
(b) Grantees expending less than $750,000 will provide annual
financial statement covering the grant period, consisting of the
organization's statement of income and expense and balance sheet signed
by an appropriate official of the organization. Financial statement will
be submitted within 90 days after the grantees fiscal year.
[70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1775.22 [Reserved]
Sec. 1775.23 Grant servicing.
Grants will be serviced in accordance with RUS Guide 1775-1 and
subpart E of part 1951 of this title. When grants are terminated for
cause, 7 CFR part 11 will be followed.
Sec. 1775.24 Delegation of authority.
The authority under this part is re-delegated to the Assistant
Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs, except for the
discretionary authority contained in Sec. Sec. 1775.34 and 1775.68. The
Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs may re-
delegate the authority in this part.
Sec. Sec. 1775.25-1775.30 [Reserved]
Subpart C_Technical Assistance and Training Grants
Sec. 1775.31 Authorization.
This subpart sets forth additional policies and procedures for
making Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) grants authorized under
Section 306(a)(14)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
(CONACT) (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq., as amended.
Sec. 1775.32 [Reserved]
Sec. 1775.33 Objectives.
The objectives of the program are to:
(a) Identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems in
rural areas.
(b) Assist applicants in preparing applications for water and waste
disposal loans/grants.
[[Page 252]]
(c) Assist associations in improving operation and maintenance of
existing water and waste facilities in rural areas.
Sec. 1775.34 Source of funds.
Grants will be made from not less than 1 percent or not more than 3
percent of any appropriations for grants under Section 306(a)(2) of the
CONACT. Funds not obligated by September 1 of each fiscal year will be
used for water and waste disposal grants made in accordance with part
1780 of this chapter.
Sec. 1775.35 Eligibility.
(a) Entities eligible for grants must be private nonprofit
organizations with tax exempt status, designated by the Internal Revenue
Service. A nonprofit organization is defined as any corporation, trust,
association, cooperative, or other organization that:
(1) Is operated primarily for scientific, education, service,
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest.
(2) Is not organized primarily for profit.
(3) Uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve, and/or expand its
operations.
(b) Entities must be legally established and located within a state
as defined in Sec. 1775.2.
(c) Organizations must be incorporated by December 31 of the year
the application period occurs to be eligible for funds.
(d) Private businesses, Federal agencies, public bodies, and
individuals are ineligible for these grants.
(e) Applicants must also have the proven ability, background,
experience (as evidenced by the organization's satisfactory completion
of project(s) similar to those proposed), legal authority, and actual
capacity to provide technical assistance and/or training on a regional
basis to associations as provided in Sec. 1775.33. To meet the
requirement of actual capacity, an applicant must either:
(1) Have the necessary resources to provide technical assistance
and/or training to associations in rural areas through its staff, or
(2) Be assisted by an affiliate or member organization which has
such background and experience and which agrees, in writing, that it
will provide the assistance, or
(3) Contract with a nonaffiliated organization for not more than 49
percent of the grant to provide the proposed assistance.
Sec. 1775.36 Purpose.
Grants may be made to organizations as defined in Sec. 1775.35 to
enable such organizations to assist associations to:
(a) Identify and evaluate solutions to water problems of
associations in rural areas relating to source, storage, treatment, and/
or distribution.
(b) Identify and evaluate solutions to waste problems of
associations in rural areas relating to collection, treatment, and/or
disposal.
(c) Prepare water and/or waste disposal loan/grant applications.
(d) Provide technical assistance/training to association personnel
that will improve the management, operation, and maintenance of water
and waste facilities.
(e) Pay the expenses associated with providing the technical
assistance and/or training authorized in paragraphs (a) through (d) of
this section.
Sec. 1775.37 Allocation of funds.
At least 10 percent of available funds will be used for funding
single State projects based on the priority criteria.
Sec. Sec. 1775.38-1775.60 [Reserved]
Subpart D_Solid Waste Management Grants
Sec. 1775.61 Authorization.
This subpart sets forth the policies and procedures for making Solid
Waste Management (SWM) grants authorized under section 310B of the
CONACT.
Sec. 1775.62 [Reserved]
Sec. 1775.63 Objectives.
The objectives of the program are to:
(a) Reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources, and
(b) Improve planning and management of solid waste sites.
[[Page 253]]
Sec. 1775.64 [Reserved]
Sec. 1775.65 Eligibility.
(a) Entities eligible for grants must be either:
(1) Private nonprofit organizations with tax exempt status
designated by the Internal Revenue Service. A nonprofit organization is
defined as any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other
organization that:
(i) Is operated primarily for scientific, education, service,
charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest.
(ii) Is not organized primarily for profit.
(iii) Uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve, and/or expand its
operations.
(2) Public bodies.
(3) Federally acknowledged or State-recognized Native American tribe
or group.
(4) Academic institutions.
(b) Entities must be legally established and located within a state
as defined in Sec. 1775.2.
(c) Organizations must be incorporated by December 31 of the year
the application period occurs to be eligible for funds.
(d) Private businesses, Federal agencies, and individuals are
ineligible for these grants.
(e) Applicants must also have the proven ability; background;
experience, as evidenced by the organization's satisfactory completion
of project(s) similar to those proposed; legal authority; and actual
capacity to provide technical assistance and/or training on a regional
basis to associations as provided in Sec. 1775.63. To meet the
requirement of actual capacity, an applicant must either:
(1) Have the necessary resources to provide technical assistance
and/or training to associations in rural areas through its staff, or
(2) Be assisted by an affiliate or member organization which has
such background and experience and which agrees, in writing, that it
will provide the assistance, or
(3) Contract with a nonaffiliated organization for not more than 49
percent of the grant to provide the proposed assistance.
Sec. 1775.66 Purpose.
Grants may be made to organizations as defined in Sec. 1775.65 to
enable such organizations to assist associations to:
(a) Provide technical assistance and/or training to reduce the solid
waste stream through reduction, recycling, and reuse.
(b) Provide training to enhance operator skills in maintaining and
operating active landfills.
(c) Provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of
landfills which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the
development/implementation of closure plans, future land use plans,
safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit
requirements.
(d) Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine the threats to
water resources.
(e) Pay the expenses associated with providing the technical
assistance and/or training authorized in paragraphs (a) through (d) of
this section.
Sec. 1775.67 Allocation of funds.
The maximum amount for a single applicant for a Solid Waste
Management project will be 25 percent of available grant funds.
Sec. 1775.68 Exception authority.
The Administrator may, in individual cases, make an exception to any
requirement or provision of this part which is not inconsistent with the
authorizing statute or other applicable law and is determined to be in
the Government's interest.
Sec. Sec. 1775.69-1775.99 [Reserved]
PART 1776_HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM--Table of Contents
Subpart A_General
Sec.
1776.1 Purpose.
1776.2 Uniform Federal Assistance Provisions.
1776.3 Definitions.
1776.4 [Reserved]
Subpart B_HWWS Grants
1776.5 Eligibility to receive a HWWS grant.
1776.6 Notice of availability of funds.
[[Page 254]]
1776.7 HWWS grant application process.
1776.8 Methods for submitting applications.
1776.9 Scoring applications.
1776.10 Grant agreement.
1776.11 Revolving loan fund.
1776.12 Use of HWWS grant proceeds.
1776.13 Administrative expenses.
Subpart C_HWWS Loans
1776.14 Eligibility to receive a HWWS loan.
1776.15 Terms of loans.
1776.16 Loan servicing.
1776.17 Revolving loan fund maintenance.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1926e.
Source: 70 FR 28788, May 19, 2005, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_General
Sec. 1776.1 Purpose.
This part sets forth the policies and procedures for making grants
to private, non-profit organizations to finance the construction,
refurbishing and servicing of individually-owned household water well
systems in rural areas for individuals with low or moderate income.
Sec. 1776.2 Uniform Federal Assistance Provisions.
This program is subject to the general provisions that apply to all
grants made by USDA and that are set forth in 2 CFR part 200, Uniform
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for
Federal Awards, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400.
[79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. 1776.3 Definitions.
Administrative expenses means expenses incurred by a grant recipient
that are of the type more particularly described in Section 13 of this
part.
Applicant means a private, non-profit organization that applies for
a HWWS grant under this part.
Centralized Servicing Center (CSC) means the centralized loan
servicing center within the United States Department of Agriculture,
Rural Development. CSC provides nationwide services for borrowers that
have received financing from Rural Development programs.
Construction means building or assembling a water well system or
portion thereof, that is not a water well system or portion thereof
being constructed in connection with a new building.
Eligible individual means an individual who is a member of a
household the members of which have a combined income (for the most
recent 12-month period for which the information is available) that is
not more than 100 percent of the median nonmetropolitan household income
for the State or territory in which the individual resides, according to
5-year income data from the American Community Survey (ACS) or, if
needed, other Census Bureau data. If there is reason to believe that the
ACS or other Census Bureau data does not accurately represent the median
nonmetropolitan household income for the State or territory in which the
individual resides, the reasons will be documented and the applicant may
furnish, or RD may obtain, additional information regarding such median
household income data. Information must consist of reliable data from
local, regional, State or Federal sources or from a survey conducted by
a reliable impartial source.
Grant agreement means the contract between RUS and the grant
recipient which sets forth the terms and conditions governing a
particular grant awarded under this part.
Grant recipient means an applicant that has been awarded a HWWS
grant under this part.
HWWS means household water well system.
HWWS grant means a grant awarded by RUS to a grant recipient under
this part.
HWWS loan means a loan made by a grant recipient to a loan recipient
using the direct or indirect proceeds of a HWWS grant awarded under this
part.
Loan recipient means an eligible individual who has received a HWWS
loan.
Refurbishing means to renovate or to restore a water well system or
portion thereof to near new condition.
Revolved funds means the cash portion of the revolving loan fund
that is not composed of HWWS grant funds, including repayments of
revolving HWWS loans, fees, and interest collected on HWWS loans.
[[Page 255]]
Revolving loan fund means the loan fund established by the grant
recipient to carry out the purposes of this part, such fund comprising
the proceeds of a HWWS grant and other related assets.
Rural area means any area other than a city or town that has a
population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants; and the urbanized area
contiguous and adjacent to such city or town.
RUS means the Rural Utilities Service, a Federal agency delivering
the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development
Utilities Program.
Servicing means making repairs or performing maintenance on a water
well system or portion thereof.
USDA means the United States Department of Agriculture.
[70 FR 28788, May 19, 2005, as amended at 80 FR 9862, Feb. 24, 2015]
Sec. 1776.4 [Reserved]
Subpart B_HWWS Grants
Sec. 1776.5 Eligibility to receive a HWWS grant.
(a) The applicant must be a private organization.
(b) The applicant must be organized as a non-profit organization.
(c) The applicant must have legal capacity and lawful authority to
perform the obligations of a grant recipient under this part. Example 1:
If the organization is incorporated as a non-profit corporation, it must
have corporate authority under state law and its corporate charter to
engage in the practice of making loans to individuals. Example 2: if the
organization is an unincorporated association, state law may prevent the
organization from entering into binding contracts, such as a grant
agreement.
(d) The applicant must have sufficient expertise and experience in
lending and in promoting the safe and productive use of individually-
owned household water well systems and ground water to assure the
likelihood that the objectives of this part can be achieved.
Sec. 1776.6 Notice of availability of funds.
(a) In Fiscal Year 2005, applications will be accepted for this
program from May 19, 2005, until July 18, 2005, at which time the
application period will close. An applicant may withdraw, substitute,
amend or supplement its application at any time before the application
period closes. Once the application period has closed, all applications
will be final.
(b) For subsequent fiscal years, if any funds for this program are
available, the Secretary will publish a notice to that effect. The
notice will establish the period during which applications for such
funds may be submitted for consideration.
Sec. 1776.7 HWWS Grant application process.
(a) The applicant must complete and submit the following standard
forms to RUS to apply for a HWWS grant under this part:
(1) Application for Federal Assistance: Standard Form 424,
(2) Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs: Standard Form
424A, and
(3) Assurances--Non-Construction Programs: Standard Form 424B.
(b) The applicant must submit a written work plan that demonstrates
the feasibility of the applicant's lending program to meet the
objectives of this part.
(c) The applicant should submit a narrative establishing the basis
for any claims that it has substantial expertise in promoting the safe
and productive use of individually-owned household water well systems.
The Secretary will give priority to an applicant that demonstrates it
has substantial experience of this type.
(d) The applicant must submit:
(1) A pro forma balance sheet at start-up and projected balance
sheets for at least three additional years,
(2) Financial statements for the last three years, or from inception
of the operations of the grant recipient if less than three years, and
(3) Projected cash flow and earnings statements for at least three
years, supported by a list of assumptions showing the basis for the
projections. The projected earnings statement and balance sheets must
include one set of projections specific to the revolving
[[Page 256]]
loan fund, and a separate set of projections that detail the proposed
applicant organization's total operations.
(e) The applicant may submit such additional information as it
elects to support and describe its plan for achieving the objectives of
this part.
Sec. 1776.8 Methods for submitting applications.
(a) Applications may be filed in either paper or electronic format.
RUS will not accept applications by fax or e-mail.
(b) Paper applications for HWWS grants may be delivered by the U.S.
Postal Service (USPS) or courier delivery services. Applications
submitted by mail or courier must be postmarked no later than the filing
deadline to be considered for the grant period. Applications delivered
by mail or courier must be addressed to the attention of the Assistant
Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs as follows: ATTN:
Assistant Administrator, WEP, Rural Utilities Service, Stop 1548 Room
5145 South, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-1548.
(c) Electronic applications may be filed through Grants.gov, the
official Federal Government Web site at http://www.grants.gov. The
applicant must be registered with Grants.gov before they can submit a
grant applicant. The applicant should refer to instructions found on the
Grants.gov Web site for procedures for registering and using this
facility. An applicant who is not registered on Grants.gov should allow
a sufficient number of business days to complete the process.
Applications submitted electronically must be show an electronic date
and time stamp on or before the filing deadline to be considered for the
grant period.
(d) The methods of submitting applications may be changed from time
to reflect changes in addresses and electronic submission procedures.
The applicant should refer to the most recent notice of funding
availability for notice of any such changes. In the event of any
discrepancy, the notice must be followed.
Sec. 1776.9 Scoring applications.
(a) Applications that are incomplete or ineligible will be returned
to the applicant, accompanied by a statement explaining why the
application is being returned.
(b) Promptly after an application period closes, all applications
that are complete and eligible will be ranked competitively based on the
following scoring criteria:
(1) Degree of expertise and experience in promoting the safe and
productive use of individually-owned household water well systems and
ground water. Up to 30 points
(2) Degree of expertise and successful experience in making and
servicing loans to individuals. Up to 20 points
(3) Percentage of applicant contributions. Points allowed under this
paragraph will be based on written evidence of the availability of funds
from sources other than the proceeds of a HWWS grant to pay part of the
cost of a loan recipient's project. In-kind contributions will not be
considered. Funds from other sources as a percentage of the HWWS grant
and points corresponding to such percentages are as follows:
(i) 0 to 9 percent--ineligible;
(ii) 10 to 25 percent--5 points;
(iii) 26 to 30 percent--10 points;
(iv) 31 to 50 percent--15 points; and
(v) 51 percent or more--20 points
(4) Extent to which the work plan demonstrates a well thought out,
comprehensive approach to accomplishing the objectives of this part,
clearly defines who will be served by the project, and appears likely to
be sustainable. Up to 20 points
(5) Extent to which the goals and objectives are clearly defined,
tied to the work plan, and measurable. Up to 10 points
(6) Lowest ratio of projected administrative expenses to loans
advanced. 10 points
(7) Administrator's discretion, considering such factors as creative
outreach ideas for marketing HWWS loans to rural residents, the amount
of funds requested in relation to the amount of needs demonstrated in
the work plan, previous experiences demonstrating excellent utilization
of a revolving loan fund grant, and optimizing the use of agency
resources. Up to 10 points
(c) All qualifying applications under this part will be scored based
on the
[[Page 257]]
criteria contained in this section. Awards will be made based on the
highest ranking applications and the amount of financial assistance
available for HWWS grants. All applicants will be notified in writing of
the score each application receives.
Sec. 1776.10 Grant agreement.
(a) RUS and the grantee will enter into an agreement setting forth
the terms and conditions governing a particular HWWS grant award. RUS
will furnish the form of grant agreement. No funds awarded under this
part shall be disbursed to the grant recipient before the grant
agreement is binding and RUS has received a fully executed counterpart
of the grant agreement.
(b) The grantee or RUS may initiate an amendment or modification to
the grant agreement to provide for a loan limit up to $11,000. No change
in the grant agreement requested by the grant recipient will be
effective unless approved in writing by RUS.
[73 FR 68294, Nov. 18, 2008]
Sec. 1776.11 Revolving loan fund.
The grant recipient shall establish and maintain a revolving loan
fund for the purposes set forth in Sec. 1776.12. All loans made to loan
recipients shall be drawn from the revolving loan fund. The loans shall
be serviced, and the revolving loan fund shall be maintained, as set
forth in Sec. 1776.17.
Sec. 1776.12 Use of HWWS grant proceeds.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the next paragraph, HWWS grant
proceeds shall be used solely for the purpose of providing loans to
eligible individuals for the construction, refurbishing, and servicing
of individual household water well systems in rural areas that are or
will be owned by the eligible individuals.
(b) A grant recipient may use HWWS grant funds to pay administrative
expenses associated with providing the assistance described in the
immediately preceding paragraph.
(c) A grant recipient may not use grant funds in any manner
inconsistent with the terms of the grant agreement.
Sec. 1776.13 Administrative expenses.
(a) Subject to the limitations provided in paragraphs (b), (c) and
(d) of this section, the grant recipient may use grant funds to pay
administrative expenses associated with providing HWWS loans.
(b) Administrative expenses incurred in any calendar year which
exceed 10 percent of the HWWS loans made by the grant recipient during
that same period do not qualify for reimbursement.
(c) Administrative expenses incurred prior to the execution of the
grant agreement by RUS do not qualify for reimbursement.
(d) Allowability of administrative expense costs shall be determined
in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part
400.
[70 FR 28788, May 19, 2005, as amended at 79 FR 76005, Dec. 19, 2014]
Subpart C_HWWS Loans
Sec. 1776.14 Eligibility to receive a HWWS loan.
(a) The loan recipient must be an eligible individual.
(b) The loan recipient must either own and occupy the home being
improved with the proceeds of the HWWS loan, or be occupying the home as
the purchaser under a legally enforceable land purchase contract which
is not in default by either the seller or the purchaser.
(c) The home using the water well system being funded from proceeds
of the HWWS loan must be located in a rural area.
(d) The water well system being funded from the proceeds of the HWWS
loan may not be associated with the construction of a new dwelling.
(e) The water well system being funded from the proceeds of the HWWS
loan may not be used to substitute for water service available from
collective water systems. Example: Loan recipient wishes to restore an
old well which had been abandoned when the dwelling was connected to a
water line belonging to a water district.
(f) A loan recipient must not be suspended or debarred from
participation in Federal programs.
[[Page 258]]
Sec. 1776.15 Terms of loans.
(a) HWWS loans under this part--
(1) Shall have an interest rate of 1 percent;
(2) Shall have a term not to exceed 20 years; and
(3) Shall not exceed $11,000 for each household water well system.
(b) The grant recipient must set forth the HWWS loan terms in
written documentation signed by the loan recipient.
(c) Grant recipients must develop and use HWWS loan documentation
that conforms to the terms of this part, the grant agreement, and the
laws of the state or states having jurisdiction.
[70 FR 28788, May 19, 2005, as amended at 73 FR 68295, Nov. 18, 2008]
Sec. 1776.16 Loan servicing.
(a) If RUS determines that HWWS loans may be serviced by CSC, then
the grant recipient will enter into an agreement with the Centralized
Servicing Center for servicing all HWWS loans made from the revolving
loan fund. All HWWS loan payments will be received by and processed at
the Centralized Servicing Center. The grant recipient will be charged a
fee for this service, and such fee should be included in the projected
financial statements and work plan submitted as part of the grant
application. This fee may be reimbursed as an administrative expense as
provided in Sec. 1776.13.
(b) If RUS determines that CSC is not able to service HWWS loans,
then the grant recipient shall be responsible for servicing, or causing
to be serviced, all HWWS loans. Servicing will include preparing loan
agreements, processing loan payments, reviewing financial statements and
debt reserves balances, and other responsibilities such as enforcement
of loan terms. Loan servicing will be in accordance with the work plan
RUS approved when the grant was awarded. It will continue as long as any
loan made in whole or in part with RUS grant funds is outstanding.
Sec. 1776.17 Revolving loan fund maintenance.
As long as any part of the HWWS grant remains available for lending,
and loans made from the revolving loan fund have an outstanding balance
due, the grant recipient must maintain the revolving loan fund for the
purposes set forth in Sec. 1776.13.
(a) All HWWS grant funds received by a grant recipient must be
deposited into the revolving loan fund.
(b) The grant recipient may transfer additional assets into the
revolving loan fund.
(c) All cash and other assets of the revolving loan fund shall be
deposited in a separate bank account or accounts.
(d) No cash or other assets of any other fund maintained by the
grant recipient shall be commingled with the cash and other assets of
the revolving loan fund.
(e) All moneys deposited in such bank account or accounts shall be
money of the revolving loan fund.
(f) Loans to loan recipients are advanced from the revolving loan
fund.
(g) The revolving loan fund will consist of receivables created by
making loans, the grant recipient's security interest in collateral
pledged by loan recipients, collections on the receivables, interest,
fees, and any other income or assets derived from the operation of the
revolving loan fund.
(h) The portion of the revolving loan fund that consists of HWWS
grant funds, on a last-in-first-out basis, may be used for only those
purposes set forth in this part.
(i) The grant recipient must submit an annual budget of proposed
administrative costs for RUS approval. The amount removed from the
revolving loan fund for administrative costs in any year must be
reasonable; must not exceed the actual cost of operating the revolving
loan fund, including loan servicing and providing technical assistance;
and must not exceed the amount approved by RUS in the grant recipient's
annual budget.
(j) A reasonable amount of revolved funds must be used to create a
reserve for bad debts. Reserves should be accumulated over a period of
years. The total amount should not exceed maximum expected losses,
considering the quality of the grant recipient's portfolio of loans.
Unless the grant recipient provides loss and delinquency records that,
in the opinion of RUS,
[[Page 259]]
justifies different amounts, a reserve for bad debts of 6 percent of
outstanding loans must be accumulated over three years and then
maintained as set forth in the grant agreement.
(k) Any cash in the revolving loan fund from any source that is not
needed for debt service, approved administrative costs, or reasonable
reserves must be available for additional loans to loan recipients.
(l) All reserves and other cash in the revolving loan fund not
immediately needed for loans to loan recipients or other authorized uses
must be deposited in accounts in banks or other financial institutions.
Such accounts must be fully covered by Federal deposit insurance or
fully collateralized with U.S. Government obligations, and must be
interest bearing. Any interest earned thereon remains a part of the
revolving loan fund.
PART 1777_SECTION 306C WWD LOANS AND GRANTS--Table of Contents
Sec.
1777.1 General.
1777.2 [Reserved]
1777.3 Objective.
1777.4 Definitions.
1777.5-1777.10 [Reserved]
1777.11 Making, processing, and servicing loans and grants.
1777.12 Eligibility.
1777.13 Project priority.
1777.14-1777.20 [Reserved]
1777.21 Use of funds.
1777.22-1777.30 [Reserved]
1777.31 Rates.
1777.32-1777.40 [Reserved]
1777.41 Individual loans and grants.
1777.42 Delegation of authority.
1777.43 Bulletins.
1777.44-1777.99 [Reserved]
1777.100 OMB control number.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005.
Source: 62 FR 33473, June 19, 1997, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 1777.1 General.
(a) This part outlines Rural Utilities Service (RUS) policies and
procedures for making Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) loans and grants
authorized under section 306C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(c)), as amended.
(b) Agency officials will maintain liaison with officials of other
Federal, State, regional, and local development agencies to coordinate
related programs to achieve rural development objectives.
(c) Agency officials shall cooperate with appropriate State agencies
in making loans and/or grants that support State strategies for rural
area development.
(d) Funds allocated in accordance with this part will be considered
for use by Indian tribes within the State regardless of whether State
development strategies include Indian reservations within the State's
boundaries. Indians residing on such reservations must have an equal
opportunity to participate in this program.
(e) Federal statutes provide for extending the Agency's financial
programs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
marital status, age, or physical/mental handicap (provided the
participant possesses the capacity to enter into legal contracts).
Sec. 1777.2 [Reserved]
Sec. 1777.3 Objective.
The objective of the Section 306C WWD Loans and Grants program is to
provide water and waste disposal facilities and services to low-income
rural communities whose residents face significant health risks.
Sec. 1777.4 Definitions.
Applicant. Entity that receives the Agency loan or grant under this
part. The entities can be public bodies such as municipalities,
counties, districts, authorities, or other political subdivisions of a
State, and organizations operated on a not-for-profit basis such as
associations, cooperatives, private corporations, or Indian tribes on
Federal and State reservations, and other Federally recognized Indian
tribes.
Colonia. Any identifiable community designated in writing by the
State or county in which it is located; determined to be a colonia on
the basis of objective criteria including lack of potable water supply,
lack of adequate sewage systems, and lack of decent, safe, and sanitary
housing, inadequate
[[Page 260]]
roads and drainage; and existed and was generally recognized as a
colonia before October 1, 1989.
Cooperative. A cooperative formed specifically for the purpose of
the installation, expansion, improvement, or operation of water supply
or waste disposal facilities or systems.
Individual. Recipient of a loan or grant through the applicant to
facilitate use of the applicant's water and/or waste disposal system.
Rural areas. Includes unincorporated areas and any city or town with
a population not in excess of 10,000 inhabitants located in any of the
50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Western Pacific
Territories, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic
of Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The population figure is obtained
from the most recent decennial Census of the United States. If the
applicable population figure cannot be obtained from the most recent
decennial Census, RD will determine the applicable population figure
based on available population data.
Statewide Nonmetropolitan Median Household Income (SNMHI). Median
household income of the State's nonmetropolitan counties and portions of
metropolitan counties outside of cities, towns or places of 50,000 or
more population.
[62 FR 33473, June 19, 1997, as amended at 69 FR 65519, Nov. 15, 2004;
80 FR 9862, Feb. 24, 2015]
Sec. Sec. 1777.5-1777.10 [Reserved]
Sec. 1777.11 Making, processing, and servicing loans and grants.
Unless specifically modified by this part, loans and/or grants will
be made, processed, and serviced in accordance with part 1780 of this
chapter.
Sec. 1777.12 Eligibility.
(a) The provisions of paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section do
not apply to a rural area recognized as a colonia. Otherwise, the
facility financed under this part must provide water and/or waste
disposal services to rural areas of a county where, on the date
preapplication is received by the Agency, the:
(1) Per capita income of the residents is not more than 70 percent
of the most recent national average per capita income, as determined by
5-year income data from the American Community Survey (ACS) or, if
needed, other Census Bureau data. If there is reason to believe that the
ACS or other Census Bureau data does not accurately represent the per
capita income of the residents, the reasons will be documented and the
borrower/applicant may furnish, or RD may obtain, additional information
regarding such per capita income data. Information must consist of
reliable data from local, regional, State or Federal sources or from a
survey conducted by a reliable impartial source, and
(2) Unemployment rate of the residents is not less than 125 percent
of the most recent national average unemployment rate, as determined by
the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(b) Residents of the rural area to be served must face significant
health risks due to the fact that a significant proportion of the
community's residents do not have access to, or are not served by,
adequate, affordable, water and/or waste disposal systems. The file
should contain documentation to support this determination. The
following requirements regarding the documentation must be followed:
(1) The originating documentation must come from an independent
third party source that has the experience in specifying the health or
sanitary problem that currently exists.
(2) The documentation must state specifically the health or sanitary
problems that exist. General statements of problems or support for the
project are not acceptable.
(3) Current users of the facility must be experiencing the current
health or sanitary problem and not future or possible users.
(4) If no facility exists, documentation must include specific
health and sanitary problems associated with individual facilities that
currently exist to warrant the health and sanitary determination.
[62 FR 33473, June 19, 1997, as amended at 77 FR 43150, July 24, 2012;
80 FR 9863, Feb. 24, 2015]
[[Page 261]]
Sec. 1777.13 Project priority.
Paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section indicate items and
conditions which must be considered in selecting applications for
further development. When ranking eligible applications for
consideration for limited funds, Agency officials must consider the
priority items met by each application and the degree to which those
priorities are met.
(a) Applications. The application and supporting information
submitted with it will be used to determine applicant eligibility and
the proposed project's priority for available funds. Applicants
determined ineligible will be advised of their appeal rights in
accordance with 7 CFR part 11.
(b) State Office review. All applications will be processed and
scored in the area office and then reviewed for funding priority at the
State Office using RUS Bulletin 1777-2. Eligible applicants that cannot
be funded will be advised that funds are not available and advised of
their appeal rights as set forth in 7 CFR part 11.
(c) National Office. The National Office will allocate funds on a
project-by-project basis as requests are received from the State Office.
If the amount of funds requested exceeds the amount of funds available,
the total project score will be used to select projects for funding. The
RUS Administrator may assign up to 35 additional points which will be
considered in the total points for items such as geographic distribution
of funds, severity of health risks, etc. Unobligated funds will be
pooled by mid-August of each year and made available to all States with
eligible colonias applicants on a case-by-case basis.
(d) Selection priorities. The priorities described below will be
used to rate applications and in selecting projects for funding. Points
will be distributed as indicated in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(6) of
this section and will be used in selecting projects for funding.
(1) Population. The proposed project will serve an area with a rural
population:
(i) Not in excess of 1,500--30 points.
(ii) More than 1,500 and not in excess of 3,000--20 points.
(iii) More than 3,000 and not in excess of 5,500--10 points.
(2) Income. The median household income of population to be served
by the proposed project is:
(i) Not in excess of 50 percent of the statewide nonmetropolitan
median household income--40 points.
(ii) More than 50 percent and not in excess of 60 percent of the
statewide nonmetropolitan median household income--20 points.
(iii) More than 60 percent and not in excess of 70 percent of the
statewide nonmetropolitan median household income--10 points.
(3) Joint financing. The amount of joint financing committed to the
proposed project is:
(i) Twenty percent or more private, local, or State funds except
Federal funds channeled through a State agency--10 points.
(ii) Five to 19 percent private, local, or State funds except
Federal funds channeled through a State agency--5 points.
(4) Colonia. (See definition in Sec. 1777.4). The proposed project
will provide water and/or waste disposal services to the residents of a
colonia:--50 points. Additional points will be assigned as follows:
(5) Access and health risks for colonias. (i) A colonia that lacks
access to both water and waste disposal facilities, resulting in a
significant health risk--50 points.
(ii) A colonia that lacks access to either water or waste disposal
facilities, resulting in a significant health risk--40 points.
(iii) A colonia that has access to water and waste disposal
facilities, but is facing a significant health risk--15 points.
(6) Discretionary. In certain cases, and when a written
justification is prepared, the State Program Official with loan/grant
approval authority may assign up to 15 points for items such as natural
disaster, to improve compatibility/coordination between RUS' and other
agencies' selection systems, to assist those projects that are the most
cost effective, high unemployment rate, severity of health risks, etc.
[77 FR 43151, July 24, 2012]
[[Page 262]]
Sec. Sec. 1777.14-1777.20 [Reserved]
Sec. 1777.21 Use of funds.
(a) Applicant. Funds may be used to:
(1) Construct, enlarge, extend, or otherwise improve community water
and/or waste disposal systems. Otherwise improve would include extending
service lines to and/or connecting residence's plumbing to the system.
(2) Make loans and grants to individuals for extending service lines
to and/or connecting residences to the applicant's system. The approval
official must determine that this is a practical and economical method
of connecting individuals to the community water and/or waste disposal
system. Loan funds can only be used for loans, and grant funds can only
be used for grants.
(3) Make improvements to individual's residence when needed to allow
use of the water and/or waste disposal system.
(4) Grants can be made up to 100 percent of eligible project costs.
(b) Individuals. Funds may be used to:
(1) Extend service lines to residence.
(2) Connect service lines to residence's plumbing.
(3) Pay reasonable charges or fees for connecting to a community
water and/or waste disposal system.
(4) Pay for necessary installation of plumbing and related fixtures
within dwellings lacking such facilities. This is limited to one
bathtub, sink, commode, kitchen sink, water heater, and outside spigot.
(5) Construction and/or partitioning off a portion of dwelling for a
bathroom, not to exceed 4.6 square meters (48 square feet) in size.
(6) Pay reasonable costs for closing abandoned septic tanks and
water wells when necessary to protect the health and safety of
recipients of a grant in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section and
is required by local or State law.
Sec. Sec. 1777.22-1777.30 [Reserved]
Sec. 1777.31 Rates.
(a) Applicant loans will bear interest at the rate of 5 percent per
annum.
(b) Individual loans will bear interest at the rate of:
(1) Five percent per annum; or
(2) The Federal Financing Bank rate for loans of a similar term at
the time of Agency loan approval, whichever is less.
Sec. Sec. 1777.32-1777.40 [Reserved]
Sec. 1777.41 Individual loans and grants.
(a) The amount of loan and grant funds approved by the Agency will
be based on the need shown in the application and an implementation plan
submitted by the applicant. The implementation plan will include such
things as: purpose, how funds will be used, proposed application
process, construction requirements, control and disbursement of funds,
etc. The implementation plan will be attached to RUS Bulletin 1777-1.
(b) RUS Bulletin 1777-1 is a Memorandum of Agreement which sets
forth the procedures and regulations for making and servicing loans and
grants made by applicants to individuals. The State Program Official is
authorized to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with any applicant
providing loans and/or grants to individuals. The Memorandum of
Agreement can be amended to comply with State law and recommendations by
the Office of General Counsel. It may also be amended to eliminate
references to loans and/or grants if no loan and/or grant is involved.
The State Program Official is responsible for:
(1) Ensuring that all provisions of the Agreement are understood.
(2) Determining that the applicant has the ability to make and
service loans and/or grants in the manner outlined in the Agreement.
(c) Agency funds remaining after providing individual loans and/or
grants will be returned to the Agency. The funds should be disbursed to
individuals within 1 year from the date water and/or waste disposal
service is available to the individuals. The State Program Official can
make an exception to this 1 year requirement if written justification is
provided by the applicant.
Sec. 1777.42 Delegation of authority.
The State Program Official is responsible for the overall
implementation of the authorities contained in this part
[[Page 263]]
and may redelegate any such authority to appropriate Agency employees.
Sec. 1777.43 Bulletins.
RUS Bulletin 1780-12 referenced in part 1780 of this chapter and RUS
Bulletin 1777-1, 1777-2 and 1777-3 are for use in administering loans
and/or grants made under this part. Bulletins, instructions and forms
are available from any USDA/Rural Development office or the Rural
Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington,
DC 20250-1500.
Sec. Sec. 1777.44-1777.99 [Reserved]
Sec. 1777.100 OMB control number.
The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this part
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned
OMB control number 0570-0001. Public reporting burden for this
collection of information is estimated to vary from 5 to 30 hours per
response with an average of 17.5 hours per response, including the time
for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including
suggestions for reducing this burden, to U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Clearance Officer, OIRM, Room 404-W, Washington, DC 20250; and to the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and
Budget, Washington, DC 20503.
PART 1778_EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANTS
--Table of Contents
Sec.
1778.1 General.
1778.2 [Reserved]
1778.3 Objective.
1778.4 Definitions.
1778.5 [Reserved]
1778.6 Eligibility.
1778.7 Project priority.
1778.8 [Reserved]
1778.9 Uses.
1778.10 Restrictions.
1778.11 Maximum grants.
1778.12 [Reserved]
1778.13 Set-aside.
1778.14 Other considerations.
1778.15-1778.20 [Reserved]
1778.21 Application processing.
1778.22 Planning development and procurement.
1778.23 Grant closing and disbursement of funds.
1778.24-1778.30 [Reserved]
1778.31 Performing development.
1778.32-1778.33 [Reserved]
1778.34 Grant servicing.
1778.35 Subsequent grants.
1778.36 [Reserved]
1778.37 Forms, Instructions and Bulletins.
1778.38-1778.99 [Reserved]
1778.100 OMB control number.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005.
Source: 68 FR 46078, Aug. 5, 2003, unless otherwise noted.
Sec. 1778.1 General.
(a) This part outlines policies and procedures for making Emergency
Community Water Assistance Grants (ECWAG) authorized under Section 306A
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)),
as amended. Any processing or servicing activity conducted pursuant to
this part involving authorized assistance to Agency employees, members
of their families, known close relatives, or business or close personal
associates, is subject to the provisions of subpart D of part 1900 of
this title. Applicants for this assistance are required to identify any
known relationship or association with an Agency employee.
(b) Agency officials will maintain liaison with officials of other
Federal, State, regional and local development agencies to coordinate
related programs to achieve rural development objectives.
(c) Agency officials shall cooperate with appropriate State agencies
in making grants that support State strategies for rural area
development.
(d) Funds allocated for use in accordance with this part are also to
be considered for use by Indian tribes within the State regardless of
whether State development strategies include Indian reservations within
the State's boundaries. Indians residing on such reservations must have
an equal opportunity along with other rural residents to participate in
the benefits of this program.
[[Page 264]]
This includes equal application of outreach activities of Field Offices.
(e) Federal statutes provide for extending the Agency financial
programs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
marital status, age, or physical/mental handicap (provided the
participant possesses the capacity to enter into legal contracts).
Sec. 1778.2 [Reserved]
Sec. 1778.3 Objective.
The objective of the ECWAG Program is to assist the residents of
rural areas that have experienced a significant decline in quantity or
quality of water, or in which such a decline is considered imminent, to
obtain or maintain adequate quantities of water that meets the standards
set by the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.) (SDWA).
Sec. 1778.4 Definitions.
Acute shortage. An acute shortage is a situation in which the system
either cannot deliver water at all through its distribution system or
can only deliver water on a sporadic basis.
Emergency. Occurrence of an incident such as, but not limited to, a
drought; earthquake; flood; tornado; hurricane; disease outbreak; or
chemical spill, leakage, or seepage.
Rural areas. Includes any area not in a city or town with a
population in excess of 10,000 inhabitants located in any of the fifty
States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Western Pacific
Territories, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic
of Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The population figure is obtained
from the most recent decennial Census of the United States (decennial
Census). If the applicable population figure cannot be obtained from the
most recent decennial Census, RD will determine the applicable
population figure based on available population data.
Significant decline in quality. A significant decline in quality of
potable water occurs when the present community source or delivery
system does not meet, as a result of an emergency, the current SDWA
requirements. For a private source or delivery system a significant
decline in quality occurs when the water is no longer potable as a
result of an emergency. As used in this Subpart, the term significant
decline in quality may also include a situation where a significant
decline is likely to occur within one year from the date of the filing
of an application.
Significant decline in quantity. A significant decline in the
quantity is caused by a disruption of the potable water supply by an
emergency. The disruption in quantity of water prevents the present
source or delivery system from supplying potable water needs to rural
residents. This would not include a decline in excess water capacity. As
used in this Subpart, the term significant decline in quantity may also
include a situation where a significant decline is likely to occur
within one year from the date of the filing of an application.
Statewide Nonmetropolitan Median Household Income (SNMHI). Median
household income of the State's nonmetropolitan counties and portions of
metropolitan counties outside of cities, towns or places of 50,000 or
more population.
[68 FR 46078, Aug. 5, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 65519, Nov. 15, 2004; 80
FR 9863, Feb. 24, 2015]
Sec. 1778.5 [Reserved]
Sec. 1778.6 Eligibility.
(a) Grants may be made to public bodies and private nonprofit
corporations serving rural areas. Public bodies include counties,
cities, townships, incorporated towns and villages, boroughs,
authorities, districts, and other political subdivisions of a State.
Public bodies also include Indian tribes on Federal and State
reservations and other Federally recognized Indian Tribal groups in
rural areas.
(b) In the case of grants made to alleviate a significant decline in
quantity or quality of water available from the water supplies of rural
residents, the applicant must demonstrate that the decline occurred
within two years of the date the application was filed with the Agency.
This would not apply to grants made for repairs, partial replacement, or
significant maintenance on an established water system. In situations
involving imminent decline,
[[Page 265]]
evidence must be presented to demonstrate that the decline is likely to
occur within one year of the date the application is filed with the
Agency.
Sec. 1778.7 Project priority.
Paragraph (d) of this section indicates items and conditions which
must be considered in selecting applications for further development.
When ranking eligible applications for consideration for limited funds,
Agency officials must consider the priority items met by each
application and the degree to which those priorities are met.
(a) Applications. The application and supporting information
submitted with it will be used to determine the proposed project's
priority for available funds.
(b) State Office review. All applications will be reviewed and
scored for funding priority using RUS Bulletin 1778-1. Eligible
applicants that cannot be funded should be advised that funds are not
available.
(c) National Office review. Each year all funding requests will be
reviewed by the National Office beginning 30 days after funds from the
annual appropriation are made available to the Agency. Reviews will
continue throughout the fiscal year as long as funds are available.
Projects selected for funding will be considered based on the priority
criteria and available funds. Projects must compete on a national basis
for available funds, and the National Office will allocate funds to
State offices on a project by project basis.
(d) Selection priorities. The priorities described below will be
used by the State Program Official to rate applications and by the
Assistant Administrator of Water and Environmental Programs to select
projects for funding. Points will be distributed as indicated in
paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(5) of this section and will be considered
in selecting projects for funding. A copy of RUS Bulletins 1778-1 and
1778-2 used to rate applications, should be placed in the case file for
future reference.
(1) Population. The proposed project will serve an area with a rural
population:
(i) Not in excess of 1,500--30 points.
(ii) More than 1,500 and not in excess of 3,000--20 points.
(iii) More than 3,000 and not in excess of 5,000--15 points.
(iv) Over 5,000--0 points.
(2) Income. The median household income of population to be served
by the proposed project is:
(i) Not in excess of 70% of the statewide nonmetropolitan median
household income--30 points.
(ii) More than 70% and not in excess of 80% of the statewide
nonmetropolitan median household income--20 points.
(iii) More than 80% and not in excess of 90% of the statewide
nonmetropolitan median household income--10 points.
(iv) Over 90% of the statewide nonmetropolitan median household
income--0 points.
(3) Significant decline. Points will be assigned for only one of the
following paragraphs when the primary purpose of the proposed project is
to correct a significant decline that has occurred in the:
(i) Quantity of water available from private individually owned
wells or other individual sources of water--30 points; or
(ii) Quantity of water available from an established system's source
of water--20 points; or
(iii) Quality of water available from private individually owned
wells or other individual sources of water--30 points; or
(iv) Quality of water available from an established system's source
of water--20 points.
(4) Imminent decline. The proposed project will attempt to avert an
imminent decline expected to occur during the one-year period following
the filing of an application--10 points.
(Note: If points were assigned above for a significant decline, no
points will be awarded for imminent decline.)
(5) Acute shortage. Grants made in accordance with Sec. 1778.11(b)
of this part to assist an established water system remedy an acute
shortage of quality water or correct a significant decline in the
quantity or quality of water that is available--10 points.
(6) Discretionary. In certain cases the Administrator may assign up
to 30
[[Page 266]]
points for items such as geographic distribution of funds, rural
residents hauling water, severe contamination levels, etc.
Sec. 1778.8 [Reserved]
Sec. 1778.9 Uses.
Grant funds may be used for the following purposes:
(a) Waterline extensions from existing systems.
(b) Construction of new waterlines.
(c) Repairs to an existing system.
(d) Significant maintenance to an existing system.
(e) Construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines,
treatment plants, and other sources of water.
(f) Equipment replacement.
(g) Connection and/or tap fees.
(h) Pay costs that were incurred within six months of the date an
application was filed with the Agency to correct an emergency situation
that would have been eligible for funding under this part.
(i) Any other appropriate purpose such as legal fees, engineering
fees, recording costs, environmental impact analyses, archaeological
surveys, possible salvage or other mitigation measures, planning,
establishing or acquiring rights associated with developing sources of,
treating, storing, or distributing water.
(j) Assist rural water systems to comply with the requirements of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) (FWPCA)
or the SDWA when such failure to comply is directly related to a recent
decline in quality of potable water. This would not apply to changes in
the requirements of FWPCA or SDWA.
(k) Provide potable water to communities through means other than
those covered above for not to exceed 120 days when a more permanent
solution is not feasible in a shorter time frame.
Sec. 1778.10 Restrictions.
(a) Grant funds may not be used to:
(1) Assist any city or town with a population in excess of 10,000
inhabitants. The population figure is obtained from the most recent
decennial Census. If the applicable population figure cannot be obtained
from the most recent decennial Census, RD will determine the applicable
population figure based on available population data. Facilities
financed by RUS may be located in non-rural areas. However, loan and
grant funds may be used to finance only that portion of the facility
serving rural areas, regardless of facility location.
(2) Assist a rural area that has a median household income in excess
of the statewide nonmetropolitan median household income as determined
by 5-year income data from the American Community Survey (ACS) or, if
needed, other Census Bureau data. If there is reason to believe that the
ACS or other Census Bureau data does not accurately represent the median
household income of the rural area, the reasons will be documented and
the applicant may furnish, or RD may obtain, additional information
regarding such median household income data. Information must consist of
reliable data from local, regional, State or Federal sources or from a
survey conducted by a reliable impartial source.
(3) Finance facilities which are not modest in size, design, cost,
and are not directly related to correcting the potable water quantity or
quality problem.
(4) Pay loan or grant finder's fees.
(5) Pay any annual recurring costs that are considered to be
operational expenses.
(6) Pay rental for the use of equipment or machinery owned by the
rural community.
(7) Purchase existing systems.
(8) Refinance existing indebtedness, except for short-term debt
incurred in accordance with Sec. 1778.9(h).
(9) Make reimbursement for projects developed with other grant
funds.
(10) Finance facilities that are not for public use.
(b) Nothing in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall preclude rural
areas from submitting joint proposals for assistance under this part.
Each entity applying for financial assistance under this part to fund
their share of a joint project will be considered individually.
[68 FR 46078, Aug. 5, 2003, as amended at 80 FR 9863, Feb. 24, 2015]
[[Page 267]]
Sec. 1778.11 Maximum grants.
(a) Grants not to exceed $500,000 may be made to alleviate a
significant decline in quantity or quality of water available to a rural
area that occurred within two years of filing an application with the
Agency, or to attempt to avoid a significant decline that is expected to
occur during the twelve month period following the filing of an
application.
(b) Grants made for repairs, partial replacement, or significant
maintenance on an established system to remedy an acute shortage or
significant decline in the quality or quantity of potable water, or an
anticipated acute shortage or significant decline, cannot exceed
$150,000.
(c) Grants under this part, subject to paragraphs (a) and (b) of
this section, shall be made for 100 percent of eligible project costs.
Sec. 1778.12 [Reserved]
Sec. 1778.13 Set-aside.
(a) At least 70 percent of all grants made under this grant program
shall be for projects funded in accordance with Sec. 1778.11(a).
(b) At least 50 percent of the funds appropriated for this grant
program shall be allocated to rural areas with populations not in excess
of 3,000 inhabitants according to the most recent decennical Census.
[68 FR 46078, Aug. 5, 2003, as amended at 80 FR 9863, Feb. 24, 2015]
Sec. 1778.14 Other considerations.
(a) Civil rights compliance requirements. All grants made under this
part are subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C.
2000d et seq.) as outlined in subpart E of part 1901 of this title.
(b) Environmental requirements. All projects must have appropriate
environmental reviews in accordance with RUS requirements.
(c) Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act
(42 U.S.C. 4601 et seq.). All projects must comply with the requirements
set forth in 7 CFR part 21.
(d) Flood and mudslide hazard area precautions. If the project is
located in a flood or mudslide area, then flood or mudslide insurance
must be provided as required in subpart A of part 1806 of this title (RD
Instruction 426.2).
(e) Governmentwide debarment and suspension (nonprocurement) and
requirements for drug-free work place. All projects must comply with the
requirements set forth in the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations
2 CFR part 417, 2 CFR part 421, and RD Instruction 1940-M.
(f) Intergovernmental review. All projects funded under this part
are subject to Executive Order 12372 (3 CFR, 1983 Comp., p. 197), which
requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials.
These requirements are found at 2 CFR part 415, subpart C,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Agriculture Programs and
Activities'' and RD Instruction 1970-I, `Intergovernmental Review,'
available in any Agency office or on the Agency's Web site.
[68 FR 46078, Aug. 5, 2003, as amended at 76 FR 80730, Dec. 27, 2011; 79
FR 76006, Dec. 19, 2014]
Sec. Sec. 1778.15-1778.20 [Reserved]
Sec. 1778.21 Application processing.
(a) The material submitted with the application should include the
Preliminary Engineering Report, population and median household income
of the area to be served, description of project, and nature of
emergency that caused the problem(s) being addressed by the project. The
documentation must clearly show that the applicant has had a significant
decline in the quantity or quality of potable water or an acute shortage
of potable water, or that such a decline or shortage is imminent, and
that the proposed project will eliminate or alleviate the problem. For
projects to be funded in accordance with Sec. 1778.11 (a), evidence
must be furnished that a significant decline in quantity or quality
occurred within two years before filing the application with the Agency,
or is expected to occur within one year after filing the application.
(b) When favorable action will not be taken on an application, the
applicant will be notified in writing by the State Program Official of
the reasons why
[[Page 268]]
the request was not favorably considered. Notification to the applicant
will state that a review of this decision by the Agency may be requested
by the applicant in accordance with 7 CFR part 11.
Sec. 1778.22 Planning development and procurement.
Planning development and procurement for grants made under this part
will be in accordance with subpart C of Part 1780 of this chapter. A
certification should be obtained from the State agency or the
Environmental Protection Agency if the State does not have primacy,
stating that the proposed improvements will be in compliance with
requirements of the SDWA.
Sec. 1778.23 Grant closing and disbursement of funds.
(a) Grants will be closed in accordance with Sec. 1780.45 of part
1780 of this chapter.
(b) RUS Bulletin 1780-12, ``Water or Waste Grant Agreement,'' will
be executed by all applicants.
(c) The Agency's policy is not to disburse grant funds from the
Treasury until they are actually needed by the applicant. Grant funds
will be disbursed by using multiple advances.
Sec. Sec. 1778.24-1778.30 [Reserved]
Sec. 1778.31 Performing development.
(a) Applicable provisions of subpart C of part 1780 of this chapter
will be followed in performing development for grants made under this
part.
(b) After filing an application in accordance with Sec. 1778.21 and
when immediate action is necessary, the State Program Official may
concur in an applicant's request to proceed with construction before
funds are obligated provided the RUS environmental requirements are
complied with. The applicant must be advised in writing that:
(1) Any authorization to proceed or any concurrence in bid awards,
contract concurrence, or other project development activity, is not a
commitment by the Agency to provide grant funds under this part.
(2) The Agency is not liable for any debt incurred by the applicant
in the event that funds are not provided under this part.