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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UGI Utilities and its subsidiaries (collectively, “we” or the “Company”). We eliminate intercompany accounts when we consolidate.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). They include all adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items unless otherwise disclosed.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at their fair values, unless the derivative instruments qualify for the normal purchase and normal sale (“NPNS”) exception. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is subject to regulatory ratemaking mechanisms or is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.
Gains and losses on substantially all of the derivative instruments used by UGI Utilities (for which NPNS has not been elected) to hedge commodity prices are included in regulatory assets and liabilities. From time to time we enter into derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair values of the derivative financial instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), to the extent effective at offsetting changes in the hedged item, until earnings are affected by the hedged item. We discontinue cash flow hedge accounting if occurrence of the forecasted transaction is determined to be no longer probable. Hedge accounting is also discontinued for derivatives that cease to be highly effective. We do not currently have derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. Certain other commodity derivative financial instruments, although generally effective as hedges, do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Changes in the fair values of these derivative instruments are reflected in net income. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are included in cash flows from operating activities.
For a more detailed description of the derivative instruments we use, our accounting for derivatives, our objectives for using them and other information, see Note 11.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and costs. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events, historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may be different from these estimates and assumptions.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-period presentation.
Adoption of New Accounting Standard and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Costs. In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” This ASU requires entities to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net periodic benefit costs and present it with compensation costs for related employees in the income statement. The other components are required to be presented elsewhere in the income statement and outside of operating income. The amendments in this ASU permit only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The amendments in this ASU are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Fiscal 2019). The amendments in the ASU should generally be adopted on a retrospective basis. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact on its financial statements from the adoption of the new guidance.

Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash.” This ASU provides guidance on the classification of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Fiscal 2019). Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in the ASU are required to be adopted on a retrospective basis. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact on its financial statements from the adoption of the new guidance and determining the period in which the new guidance will be adopted.

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases." This ASU amends existing guidance to require entities that lease assets to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows from leases. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (Fiscal 2020). Early adoption is permitted. Lessees must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is in the process of assessing the impact on its financial statements from the adoption of the new guidance and determining the period in which the new guidance will be adopted but anticipates an increase in the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). The guidance provided under ASU 2014-09, as amended, supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC No. 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance included in the ASC. ASU 2014-09 requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (Fiscal 2019) and allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption.

The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of the new guidance using an integrated approach which includes evaluating differences in the amount and timing of revenue recognition from applying the requirements of the new guidance, reviewing its accounting policies and practices, and assessing the need for changes to its processes, accounting systems and design of internal controls. The Company has completed the assessment of a significant number of its contracts with customers under the new guidance to determine the effect of the adoption of the new guidance. Although the Company has not completed its assessment of the impact of the new guidance, the Company does not expect its adoption will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company continues to monitor developments associated with certain utility industry specific guidance for possible impacts on the recognition of revenue.

The Company currently anticipates that it will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective transition method effective October 1, 2018. The ultimate decision with respect to the transition method that it will use will depend upon the completion of the Company’s analysis including confirming its preliminary conclusion that the adoption of the new guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.