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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
(K) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

UIL Holdings utilizes an income approach valuation technique to value the majority of its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value.  As required by ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety, based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  UIL Holdings’ assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
 
The following tables set forth UIL Holdings’ financial assets and liabilities, other than pension benefits and OPEB, which were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
  
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
  
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
  
Total
 
June 30, 2011
 
(In Thousands)
 
Assets:
            
Derivative assets
 $-  $-  $84,294  $84,294 
Noncurrent investments available for sale
  10,111   -   -   10,111 
Deferred Compensation Plan
  3,694   -   -   3,694 
Supplemental retirement benefit trust life insurance policies (Note G)
  5,930   -   -   5,930 
   $19,735  $-  $84,294  $104,029 
                  
Liabilities:
                
Derivative liabilities
 $-  $-  $269,506  $269,506 
                  
Net fair value assets/(liabilities), June 30, 2011
 $19,735  $-  $(185,212) $(165,477)
                  
                  
December 31, 2010
   
Assets:
                
Derivative assets
 $-  $-  $34,188  $34,188 
Noncurrent investments available for sale
  9,774   -   -   9,774 
Deferred Compensation Plan
  3,725   -   -   3,725 
Supplemental retirement benefit trust life insurance policies (Note G)
  5,665   -   -   5,665 
   $19,164  $-  $34,188  $53,352 
                  
Liabilities:
                
Derivative liabilities
 $-  $-  $142,806  $142,806 
                  
Net fair value assets/(liabilities), December 31, 2010
 $19,164  $-  $(108,618) $(89,454)
 
The determination of fair value of the derivative assets and liabilities, which primarily consist of contracts for differences, was based on a probability-based expected cash flow analysis that was discounted at the June 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010 risk-free interest rates, as applicable, and an adjustment for non-performance risk using credit default swap rates.  Certain management assumptions were required, including development of pricing that extended over the term of the contracts.  In addition, UIL performed an assessment of risks related to obtaining regulatory, legal and siting approvals, as well as obtaining financing resources and ultimately attaining commercial operation.   PURA has determined that changes in fair value associated with the contracts for differences are fully recoverable.  As a result, such changes have no impact on UIL Holdings’ net income.
 
The fair value of the noncurrent investments available for sale is determined using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.  The investments primarily consist of money market funds.
 
Under the UIL Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), directors, named executive officers and certain other executives may elect to defer certain elements of compensation.  Participants in the DCP are permitted to direct investments of their elective deferral accounts into ‘deemed’ investments consisting of non-publicly traded mutual funds available through variable insurance products, and Company common stock equivalents.  These investments, which are actively traded in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis, are marked-to-market in accordance with ASC 815 based upon such pricing information.

The following tables set forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the assets and liabilities above that are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the six month period ended June 30, 2011.
 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
     
Net derivative assets/(liabilities), December 31, 2010
 $(108,618)
Unrealized gains and (losses), net
    
     Included in earnings
  (408)
     Included in other comprehensive income
  90 
     Included in regulatory assets/(liabilities)
  (76,276)
Net derivative assets/(liabilities), June 30, 2011
 $(185,212)
      
      
Change in unrealized gains (losses), net relating to net derivative assets/(liabilities), still held as of June 30, 2011
 $(76,594)
 
 
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the net regulatory asset/(liability) balances that were established to recover any unrealized gains/(losses) associated with the contracts for differences for the six month period ended June 30, 2011.  The amounts offset the net contract for differences liabilities included in the derivative liabilities detailed above.

 
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
     
Net regulatory assets/(liabilities), December 31, 2010
 $108,976 
Unrealized (gains) and losses, net
  76,276 
Net regulatory assets/(liabilities), June 30, 2011
 $185,252