[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 151 (Wednesday, August 6, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42284-42331]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20240]
[[Page 42283]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Department of Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
Rural Utilities Service
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7 CFR Part 1767
Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric Borrowers; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 151 / Wednesday, August 6, 1997 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 42284]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
7 CFR Part 1767
RIN 0572-AB36
Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric Borrowers
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This final rule amends the Rural Utilities Service's
regulations on accounting policies and procedures for RUS electric
borrowers. This final rule amends the regulations pertaining to
departures from the prescribed RUS Uniform System of Accounts (USoA),
by allowing RUS borrowers to implement certain revenue and expense
deferral plans without obtaining prior RUS approval. It also institutes
activity-based costing (functional accounting) requirements for
employee pensions and benefits, payroll taxes, and insurance and
establishes a new accounting interpretation that addresses the
accounting requirements set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of, within the framework of
the RUS USoA. This final rule also establishes uniform accounting
procedures for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's
(NRECA) Split-Dollar life insurance program, the NRECA Special Early
Retirement program, and the automatic meter reading system developed by
Hunt Technologies, Inc., global positioning systems, and radio-based
remote meter reading systems. This final rule also amends Accounting
Interpretation No. 104 to record plant contributed by an RUS electric
cooperative as an intangible asset.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 5, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Roberta D. Purcell, Director,
Program Accounting Services Division, Rural Utilities Service, Stop
1523, Room 2221, South Building, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1523, telephone number
(202) 720-9450.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This final rule has been determined to be not significant for the
purposes of Executive Order 12866 and therefore has not been reviewed
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
The Administrator of RUS has determined that a rule relating to the
RUS electric loan program is not a rule as defined in the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), and, therefore, the Regulatory
Flexibility Act does not apply to this final rule.
Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements
The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this
final rule were approved by OMB pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended) under control number 0572-
0002.
Send questions or comments regarding this burden or any aspect of
this information collection, including suggestions for reducing the
burden to F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Support and
Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1522, Room 4034,
Washington, DC 20250-1522.
National Environment Policy Act Certification
The Administrator, RUS, has determined that this final rule will
not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as
defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental
impact statement or assessment.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The program described by this final rule is listed in the Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance Program under number 10.850--Rural
Electrification Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on
a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, the United
States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325.
Executive Order 12372
This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation. A notice of final rule entitled
Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 12372
(50 FR 47034) exempts RUS electric loans and loan guarantees to
governmental and nongovernmental entities from coverage under this
order.
National Performance Review
This regulatory action is being taken as part of the National
Performance Review program to eliminate unnecessary regulations and
improve those that remain in force.
Civil Justice Reform
This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988,
Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this final rule meets the
applicable standards provided in Sec. 3, of the Executive Order.
Background
In order to facilitate the effective and economical operation of a
business enterprise, adequate and reliable financial records must be
maintained. Accounting records must provide a clear, accurate picture
of current economic conditions from which management can make informed
decisions in charting the company's future. The rate-regulated
environment in which an electric utility operates causes an even
greater need for financial information that is accurate, complete, and
comparable with that of other electric utilities.
RUS, as a Federal lender and mortgagee, and in furthering the
objectives of the Rural Electrification Act (RE Act) (7 U.S.C. 901 et
seq.) has a legitimate programmatic interest and a substantial
financial interest in requiring adequate records to be maintained. In
order to provide RUS with financial information that can be analyzed
and compared with the operations of other borrowers in the RUS program,
all RUS borrowers must maintain financial records that utilize uniform
accounts and uniform accounting policies and procedures. The standard
RUS security instrument, therefore, requires borrowers to maintain
their books, records, and accounts in accordance with methods and
principles of accounting prescribed by RUS in the RUS USoA for its
electric borrowers.
To ensure that borrowers consistently account for their financial
operations and keep pace with the ever-changing environment in which
they operate, as well as apply the provisions of recent pronouncements
of the Financial Accounting Standards Boards, the USoA must be revised
and updated as changes in the industry and generally accepted
accounting principles occur. RUS is, therefore, revising Section
1767.13, Departures from the Prescribed RUS Uniform System of Accounts,
to identify certain revenue and expense deferral plans that may be
implemented without the prior written approval of RUS. When RUS adopted
the requirements set forth in Section 1767.13 in 1993, RUS borrowers
were implementing a variety of revenue and expense deferral plans,
[[Page 42285]]
many without RUS knowledge or approval. Since the adoption of these
requirements, RUS has been able to better determine the types of
deferral plans being routinely adopted by its borrowers and the impact
of these plans on loan security. History has shown that RUS has
routinely approved the deferral of certain revenues and expenses and
the accelerated amortization of previously deferred costs that have a
minimal impact on loan security, provided that the information
necessary for RUS to evaluate the action was submitted. In an effort to
reduce paperwork requirements for both RUS and its borrowers, RUS is
eliminating the requirement to obtain prior RUS approval to implement
certain specific types of deferrals and accelerated amortizations of
previously deferred expenses that have been routinely approved for all
borrowers in the past.
With the issuance, by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC), of Orders 888 and 889 on April 24, 1996 (61 FR 21540-21736;
21737-21854 (May 10, 1996) on open access, it is essential that rural
electric cooperatives effectively and efficiently cost their products
and services if they are to compete in an open market. Before products
and services may be effectively priced in an open market, management
must have reliable financial information concerning the actual cost of
the products and services it provides. Costs, therefore, must be
accumulated on a functional basis. Salaries, materials, and many other
expenses incurred in utility operations are already accounted for on a
functional basis. Employee pensions and benefits, payroll taxes, and
insurance costs, however, are not, except to the extent that they are
charged to construction and retirement activities. RUS is, therefore,
revising its USoA to require borrowers to allocate employee pensions
and benefits expense, as well as payroll taxes and insurance costs
currently recorded in Accounts 408, Taxes Other than Income Taxes; 924,
Property Insurance; 925, Injuries and Damages; and 926, Employee
Pensions and Benefits; to the appropriate functional operations,
maintenance, and administrative expense accounts. Additionally, RUS is
amending the operations, maintenance, and administrative expense
accounts to which labor charges are accrued to reflect this activity-
based costing methodology. Accordingly, RUS is also amending the
accounting interpretations that address insurance and pensions and
benefits expense to reflect this cost allocation procedure.
This rule also revises Section 1767.41 by establishing a new
accounting interpretation that addresses the provisions of the recently
issued pronouncement of the Financial Accounting Standards Board,
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed of. RUS instructs its borrowers, with qualifying assets, as to
the proper accounts to be used within the framework of the RUS USoA.
Copies of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards may be obtained
from the Order Department of the Financial Accounting Standards Board,
401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwalk, Connecticut 06856-5116.
RUS is also adopting new accounting interpretations that establish
the accounting policies and procedures for the NRECA Split-Dollar life
insurance program and the NRECA Special Early Retirement (SERP)
program. The Split-Dollar life insurance program and the Special Early
Retirement program are benefits packages established by NRECA for
borrowers to offer to their employees. The benefits provided under the
Split-Dollar life insurance program consist of two components, the face
value of the insurance policy which is payable to the employee's heirs
and the accumulated cash surrender value. While the employee is the
owner of the policy, the employee must sign a collateral assignment
that gives the employer, the RUS borrower, an 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 borrower are deducted from the death
benefits payable to the policy beneficiary. The accounting
interpretation details the accounting journal entries necessary to
record the cash surrender value of the policy and the expenses incurred
by the borrower in providing the policy.
The SERP is 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 chooses to retire before the employee's 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 accounting interpretation details the
accounting for the benefits package, itself, as well as the reduction
in postretirement benefit costs that may result from an employee
accepting the SERP.
This rule also establishes an accounting interpretation for the
automatic meter reading system developed by Hunt Technologies, Inc. The
system transmits continuous information one way from the meter to a
receiver located in the substation. The receiver constantly monitors
each meter served by the substation. The data is then transmitted to
the headquarters monitoring equipment via telephone line or an
equivalent communication system. The accounting records the various
components of the system in the primary plant accounts based upon their
functions.
This rule establishes an accounting interpretation for Global
Positioning Systems (GPS). The GPS is a worldwide radio-navigation
system formed from a network of 24 satellites and their ground stations
that utilities are using 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.
The accounting records the various components of the system in the
primary plant accounts based upon their functions.
This rule also adopts an accounting interpretation for 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 ``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. The
accounting records the various components of the system in the primary
plant accounts based upon their functions.
This rule revises Interpretation No. 104, Terminal Facilities, to
comply with guidance provided by FERC for public utilities on the
accounting for plant contributed by one electric cooperative to
another. Previously, contributed plant was recorded as a deferred
charge in Account 186, Miscellaneous Deferred Debits. FERC issuances,
however, direct public utilities to record contributed plant as an
intangible asset in Account 303, Miscellaneous Intangible Plant. Upon
review, RUS has determined that
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the classification of contributed plant as an intangible asset is more
appropriate and is, therefore, revising its accounting interpretations
for RUS borrowers found in Interpretation No. 104.
Comments
A proposed rule entitled Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric
Borrowers, published April 29, 1997, at 62 FR 23298, invited interested
parties to submit comments on or before May 29, 1997. Twenty-seven
comments were received which included submissions from NRECA, RUS
electric borrowers, certified public accounting firms, and a statewide
organization. The comments submitted by NRECA were based upon a joint
review of the proposed rule by the Generation and Transmission
Managers' Accounting and Depreciation Subcommittee and the Distribution
Systems Accounting and Tax Committee. The following paragraphs address
the various topics that were discussed by the commenters.
Implementation Date
Comment. The majority of commenters requested that RUS recognize
that implementing the functional accounting requirements set forth in
the proposed rule would require borrowers to make significant computer
programming and accounting changes and, as a consequence, requested
that implementation be delayed until no earlier than January 1, 1998.
One borrower recommended a transition period of from 1 to 3 years for
implementation, during which time either the current accounting
methodologies or the functional approach could be utilized provided
that adequate disclose of the method utilized was made. One commenter
recommended an implementation date of January 1, 1999, with earlier
implementation encouraged and one commenter requested 3 years to allow
borrowers to implement the required accounting systems without unduly
interfering with their other required workloads. No commenters
expressed a need to delay the other proposed revisions to the USoA.
Response. RUS is sympathetic to the commenters' concerns and
believes, as do the majority of commenters, that a January 1, 1998,
implementation date is appropriate and achievable. The vast majority of
RUS borrowers' accounting systems are based upon computerized
accounting models designed by a few data processing centers. Because of
the importance, to their clients, of adopting a functional approach to
accounting for expenses, these centers have already begun reformatting
their accounting systems and software. Several are previewing the new
systems within the next 30 to 60 days.
It is also important to note that the managerial benefits to be
derived from a functional accounting system should not be delayed. The
sooner these systems are providing RUS borrowers' management with the
cost data critical to operating in a deregulated industry, the greater
benefits that are to be derived.
It is for these reasons that RUS will grant an automatic departure
from the functional accounting requirements of this final rule for any
borrower electing to delay implementation until January 1, 1998.
Comment. Many of the commenters requested relief from restating
prior periods' financial statements in the RUS Form 7, Financial and
Statistical Report; the RUS Form 12, Operating Report--Financial; and
the audited financial statements prepared and submitted in accordance
with 7 CFR part 1773, Policy on Audits of RUS Borrowers (part 1773).
Response. The security instruments utilized by RUS 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 form and substance satisfactory to RUS,
audited and certified by an independent CPA satisfactory to RUS, and
accompanied by a report of such audit, in form and substance
satisfactory to RUS. RUS has implemented these requirements through
regulations published in part 1773. In Section 8 of part 1773,
borrowers are required to prepare comparative financial statements for
the 12-month period as of their audit date and for the immediately
preceding 12-month period. It is this comparative financial information
that permits RUS to analyze a borrower's financial progress and monitor
any changes, either positive or negative, in operations from one year
to the next. We believe the importance of this information to RUS in
analyzing a borrower's continuing loan security status significantly
outweighs the cost to the borrowers of providing this information.
After adoption of the functional accounting requirements, borrowers
will be able to determine the percentage of general and administrative
costs allocated to the various functional operations, maintenance, and
administrative expense accounts. These same percentages could be
applied to the prior year's financial statements to prepare comparative
data. Since there is no net effect on a borrower's operating or net
margins for the year, we believe the impact will be immaterial to the
financial statements taken as a whole, thereby allowing CPAs to provide
the audit opinions necessary to allow borrowers to comply with the
requirements set forth in part 1773 and, ultimately, their security
instrument provisions. To alleviate any further reporting burden,
however, RUS will not require restatement of prior years' financial
statements in the RUS Forms 7 and 12.
Functional Accounting
Comment. A majority of the commenters disagreed with RUS'' proposal
to allocate labor related expenses such as employee pensions and
benefits, payroll taxes, and employee insurance on the basis of direct
labor hours. Rather, commenters recommended that those costs
specifically identifiable with a particular employee be charged to the
same accounts charged with that employee's labor and that those costs
not specifically identifiable be allocated on the basis of direct labor
dollars or hours, depending upon which allocation technique provides
the most equitable distribution.
Response. RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment. Two commenters argued that property taxes and property
insurance are more typically grouped with other types of fixed costs
such as depreciation and interest and that either all of these ``fixed
costs'' should be allocated or none.
Response. Property taxes and property insurance are costs that are
readily identifiable with the various components of generation,
transmission, and distribution plant thereby making their allocation a
rational and elementary step toward a true functional accounting of
costs. While we agree that depreciation expense should be readily
identifiable with the various plant components, RUS has not required
such specific identification in the past and to do so currently would
dramatically change the depreciation accounting methodology for the
majority of RUS borrowers. Depreciation expense is currently recorded
by overall function; for example, steam production plant, nuclear
production plant, hydraulic production plant, other production plant,
transmission plant, distribution plant, and general plant and RUS has
determined that the cost of requiring any further allocation by primary
plant account would, for the majority of RUS borrowers, outweigh the
benefits to be derived. For those borrowers that have this capability,
however, RUS would, on
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an individual borrower basis, consider requests for approval of a
further allocation of depreciation expense.
With regard to interest expense, this allocation process would not
only be cumbersome but would, more importantly, render invalid RUS'
financial test requirements as set forth in its security instruments.
For these reasons, RUS will not adopt an allocation procedure for
depreciation or interest expense in this final rule.
Comment. One commenter recommended that property insurance premiums
be charged directly to the operations expense accounts associated with
insured substations and lines rather than to the miscellaneous
transmission and distribution operations expense account. The commenter
believes that this further allocation of these costs would be
beneficial in establishing rates and in developing cost of service
studies in the future.
Response. RUS agrees with this recommendation; however, believes
that additional informational benefits could be derived by extending
the allocation process beyond substations and lines. We have,
therefore, revised the final rule to require the allocation of property
insurance premiums and reserve accruals to the individual generation,
transmission, and distribution operating expense accounts associated
with the plant items insured. Property insurance premiums or reserve
accruals associated with general plant items will continue to be
charged to the miscellaneous administrative expense accounts as no
further allocation is available under the current USoA.
Comment. Two commenters recommended that additional general and
administrative costs be allocated to operations and maintenance
activities; specifically, Accounts 920, Administrative and General
Salaries; 921, Office Supplies and Expenses; 923, Outside Services
Employed;, 930, General Advertising Expense; 931, Rents; and 935,
Maintenance of General Plant.
Response. The descriptions of the aforementioned accounts, as
currently set forth in the USoA, allow general and administrative costs
that are assignable to specific functions to be so charged. Only those
costs attributable to the general administration of the borrowers'
activities must remain unallocated in these accounts. While some may
argue that all general and administrative costs could be allocated on
an indirect basis to the specific functional accounts, the USoA is
structured so as to maintain the integrity of the administrative and
general costs incurred in the overall operations of the cooperative.
For these reasons, no revisions were made to the final rule.
Comment. One commenter recommended that the administrative and
accounting fees related to 401(k) plans be allocated to the functional
operations and maintenance accounts.
Response. As previously indicated, the current USoA allows for the
assignment of general and administrative costs when a direct functional
relationship exists. Therefore, if a borrower can specifically assign
accounting and administrative fees associated with 401(k) plans to the
applicable operations, maintenance, and administrative accounts, no
further revision to the USoA is required. Costs that cannot be
specifically assigned are more accurately reflected as costs applicable
to the general administration of the borrowers' operations and should
remain in the general and administrative account categories.
Comment. One commenter recommended that Account 405, Amortization
of Other Electric Plant, be subaccounted similarly to Account 403,
Depreciation Expense, to facilitate cost identification between the
plant categories and facilities.
Response. While RUS encourages the use of subaccounts to provide
borrower management with the level of detail necessary to make informed
business decisions, we are reluctant to require specific subaccounts
that may not be reflective of an individual borrower's intangible or
other electric plant facilities. For this reason, no revision was made
in the final rule.
Comment. Two commenters recommended the use of subaccounts to
facilitate specific cost identification.
Response. While RUS encourages the use of subaccounts to provide
borrower management with the level of detail needed to make informed
business decisions, we are reluctant to require specific subaccounts
that may not apply or be easily adaptable to an individual borrower's
accounting system. For this reason, no revision was made in the final
rule.
Comment. Two commenters noted that payments made under workmen's
compensation laws were excluded from allocation to the maintenance
accounts.
Response. RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised the
final rule to allocate all costs of injuries and damages to the various
operations, maintenance, and administrative expense accounts.
Section 1767.13, Departures From the Prescribed RUS USoA
Comment. In its proposed rule, RUS advocated eliminating the
requirement for RUS borrowers to obtain prior RUS approval to implement
certain, specific types of deferrals. Included among the deferrals
proposed to be exempted was the deferral of any current period expense
provided that a borrower would have met its financial tests (Times
Interest Earned Ratio (TIER) or Debt Service Charge (DSC) ratio) for
the year had the deferral not been made. Two commenters pointed out
that several generation and transmission borrowers have or are
negotiating new indentures that invoke a Margins for Interest
requirement rather that the standard TIER requirement. In addition, in
the new form of mortgage and loan contract applicable to RUS
distribution borrowers, borrowers not only have a TIER and DSC
requirement but an Operating TIER and DSC requirement. The commenters
recommended language that would focus on the financial covenants or
financial tests applicable to each borrower during the year the
deferral is made.
Response. RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
To further clarify this exemption, it was RUS' intent to apply this
provision to the cumulative total of all individual deferrals made
pursuant to this exemption during the reporting year. That is, not only
must each deferral made during the year meet this requirement but the
cumulative total of all deferrals made pursuant to this exemption
during the reporting year must meet this requirement.
Comment. Two commenters recommended that RUS exempt from its
approval process, all revenue deferral plans provided that the borrower
continued to meet RUS financial covenants after consideration of the
revenue deferral. In addition, one of these commenters recommended
exempting revenue deferrals that would be fully amortized within 12
months.
Response. RUS' purpose in exempting, from RUS approval
requirements, certain, specific revenue and expense deferral plans was
to minimize the paperwork requirements for both RUS and its borrowers.
The deferral plans selected for exemption were ordinary in the course
of business and provided little risk to RUS' loan security interests.
Requests for approvals of revenue deferral plans other than those
associated with the NRECA moratorium on pension plan payments are
minimal. Due to the
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infrequency of the requests and typically, the special nature of the
requests, RUS has determined that all other revenue deferral plans
should continue to be approved by RUS.
Comment. One commenter recommended a revision to the language
exempting, from RUS approval requirements, revenue deferrals coincident
with a moratorium imposed by NRECA on its Retirement and Security
Program. The proposed language exempted the deferral of revenues
coincident with a moratorium imposed by the NRECA on its Retirement and
Security Program, provided, however, that the deferral is for the sole
purpose of offsetting future pension cost increases. The commenter
requested that ``increases'' be deleted from the provision.
Response. RUS has no objection to this recommendation and has
revised the final rule accordingly.
Comment. Two commenters recommended that RUS clarify that those
deferrals exempted from the RUS approval process must still comply with
the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 71,
Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation, and that the
entities implementing such deferrals must continue to meet the
requirements for doing so.
Response. RUS agrees with this recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Comment. One commenter recommended that the expense deferral plans
exempted from RUS approval requirements be cross-referenced to the
appropriate accounting interpretations.
Response. RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Section 1767.41, Accounting Methods and Procedures Required of All RUS
Borrowers
Comment. One commenter expressed its concerns that RUS should not
interpret generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) through its
accounting interpretations but should merely require its borrowers to
follow GAAP. The commenter expressed concern that any interpretation
that does not mirror a standard issued by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board provides the opportunity for a conflict to exist.
Response. Each accounting interpretation addressing a FASB standard
includes a synopsis of the requirements of the standard. While we
understand the commenter's concern that this synopsis could alter the
intent of the FASB standard, we expose, for public comment, all
interpretations to ensure that no apparent conflicts exist. The purpose
of the interpretations is to alert borrowers to recent issuances that
may impact upon their operations and to provide guidance on recording
the applicable transactions within the framework of the USoA. Our
purpose is not to alter the FASB standard unless it is necessary to do
so to accommodate the cooperative organizational structure of our
borrowers. To ensure that our intent was clear, we proposed
introductory language to Section 1767.41 detailing our purpose and
allowing borrowers to request a specific interpretation if they feel a
conflict exists. For this reason, we have made no revision to the final
rule.
Comment. One commenter recommended that the introductory language
to Section 1767.41 be amended. The commenter focused on the language
concerning requests for interpretations when a borrower feels that the
accounting prescribed in the USoA conflicts with GAAP. The proposed
language requires a borrower to request this interpretation in writing.
The commenter is concerned that requiring only written requests may
stifle questions posed to RUS and recommended language that focuses on
resolution of issues.
Response. It is and has always been RUS' intention to encourage
borrower questions, not to stifle them and we are receptive to any
action that will enhance interaction between RUS and its borrowers.
Therefore, we are revising the final rule to incorporate the
commenter's recommended language. We would, however, caution borrowers
that, due to the regulatory nature of the USoA, specific
interpretations thereof or departures therefrom must be requested, in
writing, in accordance with Sections 1767.13 and 1767.14. Written
interpretations of this USoA ensure consistency in the application of
accounting methodologies among RUS borrowers, thereby enhancing
financial analysis and ultimately, loan security.
Interpretation No. 137, Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Comment. While agreeing with our accounting interpretation, one
commenter recommended that we expand our guidance to address the
potential impairment of a distribution cooperative's investment in a
generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative. The commenter expressed
concern that with the changes occurring in the electric utility
industry, additional guidance should be formulated to indicate what
accounting should be applied if an investment in a G&T becomes
impaired.
Response. The interrelationship between a G&T and its distribution
members is a complex one and encompasses many far-ranging issues in
addition to the distribution cooperatives' investments in their G&Ts.
While we share the commenter's concern, due to this complex
interrelationship and the electric utility industry's constantly
changing environment, we believe any guidance issued at this time may
prove imprudent. It is our intention, therefore, to monitor the
deregulation process closely, review all of the accounting
consequences, and issue guidance in future rulemakings as more of the
issues are resolved.
Interpretation No. 104, Terminal Facilities
Comment. One commenter stated that it is probable that power supply
contracts resulting in the construction of terminal facilities will not
be renewed. This commenter recommended that the amortization period be
associated with contract life if it is shorter than the average service
life of the plant constructed.
Response. RUS agrees with the recommendation and has revised the
final rule accordingly.
Interpretations No. 138, Automatic Meter Reading Systems--Turtles, and
140, Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading Systems
Comment. Several commenters requested reconsideration of
Interpretations 138, Automatic Meter Reading Systems--Turtles, and 140,
Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading Systems. The commenters addressed a
number of concerns including the functional classification of
equipment, depreciation period of equipment, and the need for a generic
interpretation to address all types of automatic meter reading devices.
The commenters believe that the primary purpose of both the Turtle and
Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading Systems are to facilitate the meter
reading function and should be recorded in Account 370, Meters. They
expressed concern, however, that the depreciation rate applicable to
metering equipment was not reflective of the average service lives of
these devices and the associated computer software.
Response. RUS agrees with the commenters that the underlying
function of these systems is meter reading and that these types of
devices and the associated software have vastly different service lives
than the other
[[Page 42289]]
equipment recorded in Account 370. RUS has, therefore, revised
Interpretations 138 and 140 to require that all equipment be classified
in a separate subaccount of Account 370, Meters. RUS has further
revised its interpretation to require depreciation of the meter reading
devices over the manufacturer's suggested service life and, in
accordance with Interpretation No. 401, Computer Software Costs,
depreciation of the associated software over its estimated useful
service life not to exceed 5 years.
In response to the commenters' request that we provide a generic
accounting interpretation to address all types of automatic meter
reading devices, RUS is hesitant to provide generic interpretations
that may be inappropriately applied to differing types of equipment. As
technologies constantly improve, many of the systems and equipment that
are in use in today's environment may be replaced by significantly
different devices that provide a range of functions currently
unanticipated by the industry. To avoid the application of accounting
instructions to systems or devices to which they do not apply, RUS has
decided to continue its practice of addressing specific, new
technologies as they arise.
Interpretation No. 610, Financial Forecasts
Comment. One commenter expressed the view that labor and related
expenses pertaining to the completion of a financial forecast should be
capitalized.
Response. While comments on Interpretation No. 610 were outside the
scope of this proposal, the preparation of financial forecasts are
necessary in the normal and usual operations of any business enterprise
and are considered common business practice. Financial forecasts are
managerial tools used to direct the course of an enterprise and to
evaluate its performance. Costs incurred in the normal course of
business are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Interpretation No. 627, Postretirement Benefits
Comment. One commenter suggested that the accounting journal
entries for the transition obligation associated with postretirement
benefits be amended to require the various operations, maintenance, and
administrative expense accounts to be charged rather than Account 926,
Employee Pensions and Benefits.
Response. The adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pension (Statement No. 106), was effective for most RUS
borrowers beginning with fiscal years after December 15, 1994. The
journal entry reference by the commenter addresses the current period
expensing of the transition obligation, which, due to the passage of
time, is no longer an appropriate option for borrowers. Borrowers that
failed to adopt Statement No. 106 within the required timeframe have
erred in the preparation of their financial statements and must account
for such error as a prior period adjustment. For this reason, no
revision was made to the final rule.
Interpretation No. 630, Split Dollar Life Insurance
Comment. Two commenters recommended that Interpretation No. 630,
Split Dollar Life Insurance, be revised to apply to all split dollar
life insurance programs, regardless of the service provider.
Response. While there are a number of split dollar life insurance
programs available in the marketplace, the majority of RUS borrowers
participate in the program offered by NRECA. The accounting guidance
provided in Interpretation No. 630 is based upon information provided
by NRECA on their program and is, therefore, specific to their plan.
If, however, a borrower is currently participating in a program offered
by another provider that parallels the NRECA program, the borrower
should use the accounting provided in this interpretation. If the
borrower's current program differs from that provided by NRECA, the
borrower should request specific accounting guidance for that program.
For this reason, no revision was made in the final rule.
Comment. One commenter recommended that Interpretation No. 630,
Split Dollar Life Insurance, be expanded to provide a standard expense
reference. This commenter recommended the use of Account 926, Employee
Pensions and Benefits, or Account 165, Prepayaments.
Response. RUS agrees that an expense account reference should be
added to this interpretation. However, in keeping with the functional
approach to accounting established in this rule, RUS will revise the
final rule to require that various operations, maintenance, and
administrative expense accounts be charged for the expenses associated
with split dollar life insurance.
Interpretation No. 631, Special Early Retirement Plan
Comment. One commenter recommended that Interpretation No. 631,
Special Early Retirement Plan (SERP), be revised to apply to all plans,
regardless of the provider of the service.
Response. While there are a number of SERP programs available, the
vast majority of RUS borrowers participate in the program offered by
NRECA. The accounting guidance provided in Interpretation No. 631 is
based upon information provided by NRECA on their program and is,
therefore, specific to their plan. If, however, a borrower is currently
participating in a program offered by another provider that mirrors the
NRECA program, the borrower should use the accounting provided in this
interpretation. If the borrower's current program differs from that
provided by NRECA, the borrower should request specific accounting
guidance for that program. For this reason, no revision was made in the
final rule.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1767
Electric power, Loan programs--energy, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Rural areas, Uniform System of Accounts.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, RUS hereby amends 7 CFR
chapter XVII as follows:
PART 1767--ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS ELECTRIC BORROWERS
1. The authority citation for part 1767 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.
2. Section 1767.13 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (d) to
read as follows:
Sec. 1767.13 Departures from the prescribed RUS Uniform System of
Accounts.
(a) No departures are to be made to the prescribed RUS USoA without
the prior written approval of RUS. RUS grants a departure to any
borrower electing to delay implementation of the functional (activity-
based) accounting requirements of this part through December 31, 1997.
Requests for departures from the RUS USoA shall be addressed, in
writing, to the Director, Program Accounting Services Division (PASD).
* * * * *
(d) RUS borrowers will not implement the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71, Accounting for the
Effects of Certain
[[Page 42290]]
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.
* * * * *
3. Section 1767.17 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to
read as follows:
Sec. 1767.17 Operating expense instructions.
(a) Supervision and engineering. The supervision and engineering
includible in the operating expense accounts shall 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.
* * * * *
4. Section 1767.21 is amended by revising Account 408 to read as
follows:
Sec. 1767.21 Operating income.
* * * * *
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
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
[[Page 42291]]
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
* * * * *
5. Section 1767.27 is amended by revising Accounts 500, 501, 502,
505, 506, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 517, 519, 520, 523, 524, 528, 529,
530, 531, 532, 535, 537, 538, 539, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 548,
549, 551, 552, 553, 554, 556, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 566, 568, 569,
570, 571, 572, 573, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 590,
591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, and 598 to read as follows:
Sec. 1767.27 Operation and maintenance expense.
* * * * *
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 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.
[[Page 42292]]
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-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.
* * * * *
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.
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
[[Page 42293]]
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 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.
* * * * *
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
[[Page 42294]]
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
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).)
* * * * *
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).)
* * * * *
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.
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.
[[Page 42295]]
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.
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.
* * * * *
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.
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 42296]]
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.
* * * * *
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).)
* * * * *
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).)
* * * * *
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
[[Page 42297]]
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 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.
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.
[[Page 42298]]
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.
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.
* * * * *
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
[[Page 42299]]
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.
* * * * *
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).)
* * * * *
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:
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 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 42300]]
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.
* * * * *
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).)
* * * * *
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 Account 561, Load
Dispatching, and Account 581, Load Dispatching.
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.
[[Page 42301]]
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.
* * * * *
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 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, materials used, and
expenses incurred in load dispatching operations pertaining to the
transmission of electricity.
Items
Labor:
1. Direct switching.
2. Arranging and controlling clearances for construction,
maintenance, test, and emergency purposes.
3. Controlling system voltages.
4. Obtaining reports on the weather and special events.
5. Preparing operating reports and data for billing and budget
purposes.
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.
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
[[Page 42302]]
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 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.
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.
* * * * *
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.
[[Page 42303]]
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.
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.
* * * * *
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).)
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.
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:
[[Page 42304]]
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.
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).)
* * * * *
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
[[Page 42305]]
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.
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.
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
[[Page 42306]]
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.
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.
[[Page 42307]]
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.
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.
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 42308]]
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.
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.
[[Page 42309]]
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.
5. Miscellaneous office supplies and expenses, printing and
stationery, maps and records, and first-aid supplies.
6. Research, development, and demonstration expenses.
* * * * *
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
[[Page 42310]]
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.
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.
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,
[[Page 42311]]
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.
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.
6. Section 1767.28 is amended by revising Accounts 901, 902, 903,
and 905 to read as follows:
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, 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 42312]]
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.
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.
* * * * *
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,
[[Page 42313]]
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. Miscellaneous office supplies and expenses and stationery and
printing other than those specifically provided for in Account 902 and
Account 903.
7. Section 1767.29 is amended by revising Accounts 907, 908, 909,
and 910 to read as follows:
Sec. 1767.29 Customer service and informational expenses.
* * * * *
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.
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.
[[Page 42314]]
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.)
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.
[[Page 42315]]
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.
8. Section 1767.30 is amended by revising Accounts 911, 912, 913,
and 916 to read as follows:
Sec. 1767.30 Sales expenses
* * * * *
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.
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
[[Page 42316]]
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 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.
[[Page 42317]]
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.
9. Section 1767.31 is amended by revising Accounts 920, 924, 925,
926, 930.1, 930.2, and 935 to read as follows:
Sec. 1767.31 Administrative and general expenses.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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 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
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
[[Page 42318]]
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.
* * * * *
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.
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
[[Page 42319]]
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.
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.
* * * * *
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.
10. In Sec. 1767.41, the introductory text preceding the Numerical
Index is revised to read as follows:
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
[[Page 42320]]
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.
* * * * *
11.-20. In Sec. 1767.41, make the following changes:
a. In the Numerical Index, the entries No. 137, No. 138, No. 139,
No. 140, No. 630, and No. 631, are added in numerical order.
b. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``A'', entries for
``Automatic Meter Reading Systems--Radio-Based'' and ``Automatic Meter
Reading Systems--Turtles'' are added in alphabetical order.
c. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``E'', an entry for
``Early Retirement Plan'' is added in alphabetical order.
d. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``G'', an entry for
``Global Positioning Systems'' is added in alphabetical order.
e. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``I'', entries for
``Impairment of Long-Lived Assets'' and ``Insurance--Split Dollar'' are
added in alphabetical order.
f. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``L'', entries for
``Life Insurance--Split Dollar'' and ``Long-Lived Assets--Impairment''
are added in alphabetical order.
g. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``M'', entries for
``Meter Reading Systems--Radio-Based'' and ``Meter Reading Systems--
Turtles'' are added in alphabetical order.
h. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``R'', an entry for
``Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading Systems'' is added in
alphabetical order.
i. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``S'', entries for
``Special Early Retirement Plan'' and ``Split Dollar Life Insurance''
are added in alphabetical order.
j. In the Subject Matter Index listing under ``T'', an entry for
``Turtles-Automatic Meter Reading Systems'' is added in alphabetical
order.
The additions read as follows:
* * * * *
Numerical Index
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
137....................................... Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets.
138....................................... Automatic Meter Reading
Systems-Turtles.
139....................................... Global Positioning Systems.
140....................................... Radio-Based Automatic Meter
Reading Systems.
* * * * *
630....................................... Split Dollar Life Insurance.
631....................................... Special Early Retirement
Plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject Matter Index
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A
* * * * *
Automatic Meter Reading Systems-Radio- 140.
Based.
Automatic Meter Reading Systems-Turtles... 138.
* * * * *
E
Early Retirement Plan..................... 631.
* * * * *
G
* * * * *
Global Positioning Systems................ 139.
I
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets........... 137.
* * * * *
Insurance--Split Dollar................... 630.
* * * * *
L
* * * * *
Life Insurance--Split Dollar.............. 630.
* * * * *
Long-Lived Assets-Impairment.............. 137.
M
* * * * *
Meter Reading Systems--Radio-Based........ 140.
Meter Reading Systems--Turtles............ 138.
* * * * *
R
Radio-Based Automatic Meter Reading 140.
Systems.
* * * * *
S
* * * * *
Special Early Retirement Plan............. 631.
* * * * *
Split Dollar Life Insurance............... 630.
* * * * *
T
* * * * *
Turtles--Automatic Meter Reading Systems.. 138.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
21. In Sec. 1767.41, Interpretation No. 104 is revised to read as
follows:
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
22. In Sec. 1767.41, Interpretation Nos. 137, 138, 139 and 140 are
added in numerical order to read as follows:
* * * * *
[[Page 42321]]
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;
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;
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
[[Page 42322]]
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 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
[[Page 42323]]
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.
* * * * *
23. In Section 1767.41, Interpretations Nos. 601, 602, 603, 604,
606, 608, 618, 627, and 628 are revised to read as follows:
* * * * *
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.
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.
[[Page 42324]]
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 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.
* * * * *
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 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
[[Page 42325]]
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 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
[[Page 42326]]
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.
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
[[Page 42327]]
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.
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.
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.
* * * * *
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
[[Page 42328]]
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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 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
[[Page 42329]]
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
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
[[Page 42330]]
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 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.
* * * * *
23. In Sec. 1767.41, Interpretation Nos. 630 and 631 are added in
numerical order to read as follows:
* * * * *
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).
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).
[[Page 42331]]
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.
Dated: July 28, 1997.
Jill Long Thompson,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 97-20240 Filed 8-5-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P