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Asset Retirement Obligations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]  
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

We have recorded AROs primarily for asbestos abatement at certain generation and substation facilities, the removal and dismantlement of biomass and hydro generation facilities, and the closure of fly-ash landfills at our generation facilities. We establish regulatory assets and liabilities to record the differences between ongoing expense recognition under the ARO accounting rules and the rate-making practices for retirement costs authorized by the PSCW.

On our balance sheets, AROs are recorded within other long-term liabilities. The following table shows changes to our AROs during the years ended December 31:
(in millions)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Balance as of January 1
 
$
70.7

 
$
68.3

 
$
61.5

Accretion
 
3.6

 
3.3

 
3.2

Additions and revisions to estimated cash flows
 
(8.4
)
*
1.0

 
5.5

Liabilities settled
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(1.9
)
Balance as of December 31
 
$
65.0

 
$
70.7

 
$
68.3


*
AROs decreased $7.3 million due to revisions made to estimated cash flows for the abatement of asbestos.