0000110019FALSE2023Q2December 31http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent00001100192023-01-012023-06-3000001100192023-08-02xbrli:shares0000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasUsRegulatedMember2023-04-012023-06-30iso4217:USD0000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasUsRegulatedMember2022-04-012022-06-300000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasUsRegulatedMember2023-01-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasUsRegulatedMember2022-01-012022-06-300000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasStorageMember2023-04-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasStorageMember2022-04-012022-06-300000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasStorageMember2023-01-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:NaturalGasStorageMember2022-01-012022-06-300000110019us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2023-04-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2022-04-012022-06-300000110019us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2023-01-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2022-01-012022-06-3000001100192023-04-012023-06-3000001100192022-04-012022-06-3000001100192022-01-012022-06-3000001100192023-06-3000001100192022-12-310000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMember2022-12-310000110019us-gaap:NonrelatedPartyMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:NonrelatedPartyMember2022-12-310000110019us-gaap:MemberUnitsMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:MemberUnitsMember2023-03-310000110019us-gaap:MemberUnitsMember2022-03-310000110019us-gaap:MemberUnitsMember2022-06-300000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-03-310000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-03-310000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-04-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-04-012022-06-300000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-06-3000001100192022-06-300000110019us-gaap:MemberUnitsMember2022-12-310000110019us-gaap:MemberUnitsMember2021-12-310000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-12-310000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-12-310000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-01-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-01-012022-06-3000001100192021-12-3100001100192023-03-3100001100192022-03-310000110019nwp:PerformanceObligationsRelatedToContractLiabilitiesMember2023-04-012023-06-300000110019nwp:RemainingPerformanceObligationsMember2023-04-012023-06-3000001100192023-04-012023-06-300000110019nwp:PerformanceObligationsRelatedToContractLiabilitiesMember2024-01-012023-06-300000110019nwp:RemainingPerformanceObligationsMember2024-01-012023-06-3000001100192024-01-012023-06-3000001100192025-01-01nwp:RemainingPerformanceObligationsMember2023-06-300000110019nwp:PerformanceObligationsRelatedToContractLiabilitiesMember2025-01-012023-06-3000001100192025-01-012023-06-300000110019nwp:RemainingPerformanceObligationsMember2026-01-012023-06-300000110019nwp:PerformanceObligationsRelatedToContractLiabilitiesMember2026-01-012023-06-3000001100192026-01-012023-06-300000110019nwp:PerformanceObligationsRelatedToContractLiabilitiesMember2027-01-012023-06-300000110019nwp:RemainingPerformanceObligationsMember2027-01-012023-06-3000001100192027-01-012023-06-3000001100192028-01-01nwp:RemainingPerformanceObligationsMember2023-06-300000110019nwp:PerformanceObligationsRelatedToContractLiabilitiesMember2028-01-012023-06-3000001100192028-01-012023-06-3000001100192023-01-01iso4217:USDnwp:dekatherm00001100192023-01-310000110019us-gaap:EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:EnvironmentalRestorationCostsMember2022-12-310000110019nwp:WashingtonStateClimateCommitmentActMember2023-06-300000110019nwp:WashingtonStateClimateCommitmentActMember2023-01-012023-06-300000110019nwp:WashingtonStateClimateCommitmentActMember2023-04-012023-06-300000110019nwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2023-06-300000110019nwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMembersrt:ScenarioForecastMemberus-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2026-10-080000110019us-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:CommercialPaperMembernwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2023-06-300000110019nwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember2022-12-310000110019us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember2022-12-310000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMembernwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2023-06-300000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMembernwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2022-12-3100001100192023-06-302023-06-30xbrli:pure0000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMembernwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2023-04-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMembernwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2023-01-012023-06-300000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMembernwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2022-04-012022-06-300000110019us-gaap:RelatedPartyMembernwp:WilliamsCompaniesIncMember2022-01-012022-06-30nwp:employee0000110019us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2023-07-012023-07-31
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________
Commission file number 1-7414

Northwest Pipeline LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware26-1157701
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Williams Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma
74172-0172
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 945-5426
NO CHANGE
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filer¨Non-accelerated filerþSmaller reporting companyEmerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes      No  þ
THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS H(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-Q WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.


Northwest Pipeline LLC
Index
 
Page
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The reports, filings, and other public announcements of Northwest Pipeline LLC may contain or incorporate by reference statements that do not directly or exclusively relate to historical facts. Such statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management’s plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings, market conditions, and other matters.
All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this report that address activities, events, or developments that we expect, believe, or anticipate will exist or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by various forms of words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “continues,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “might,” “goals,” “objectives,” “targets,” “planned,” “potential,” “projects,” “scheduled,” “will,” “assumes,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “in-service date,” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and include, among others, statements regarding:
Our and our affiliates’ future credit ratings;

Amounts and nature of future capital expenditures;

Expansion and growth of our business and operations;

Expected in-service dates for capital projects;
1


Financial condition and liquidity;

Business strategy;

Cash flow from operations or results of operations;

Rate case filings;

Natural gas prices, supply, and demand; and

Demand for our services.
Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this report. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

The impact of operational and developmental hazards and unforeseen interruptions;

Development and rate of adoption of alternative energy sources;

The strength and financial resources of our competitors and the effects of competition;

Availability of supplies, including lower than anticipated volumes from third parties, and market demand;

Volatility of pricing including the effect of lower than anticipated energy commodity prices;

Changes in maintenance and construction costs, as well as our ability to obtain sufficient construction-related inputs, including skilled labor;

The impact of existing and future laws and regulations, the regulatory environment, environmental matters, and litigation, as well as our ability to obtain necessary permits and approvals, and achieve favorable rate proceeding outcomes;

Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social, and governance practices;

The physical and financial risks associated with climate change;

Our exposure to the credit risk of our customers and counterparties;

Our ability to successfully expand our facilities and operations;

Whether we are able to successfully identify, evaluate, and timely execute our capital projects and investment opportunities;

Risks related to financing, including restrictions stemming from debt agreements, future changes in credit ratings as determined by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, and the availability and cost of capital;

Inflation, interest rates, and general economic conditions (including future disruptions and volatility in the global credit markets and the impact of these events on customers and suppliers);
2


Our costs for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans sponsored by our affiliates;

The risks resulting from outbreaks or other public health crises, including COVID-19;

Changes in the current geopolitical situation, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine;

Changes in U.S. governmental administration and policies;

Risks associated with weather and natural phenomena, including climate conditions and physical damage to our facilities;

Acts of terrorism, cybersecurity incidents, and related disruptions; and

Additional risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, we caution investors not to unduly rely on our forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligations to and do not intend to update the above list or announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.
In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above and referred to below may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in this report. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions, or otherwise.
Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, we caution that there are important factors, in addition to those listed above, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. For a detailed discussion of those factors, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as filed with the SEC on February 27, 2023 as may be supplemented by disclosure in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.



3

                                        
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Statement of Net Income
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2023202220232022
(Thousands)
Operating Revenues:
Natural gas transportation$100,459 $104,213 $206,555 $213,920 
Natural gas storage4,563 3,223 8,038 6,407 
Other2,366 422 5,191 1,350 
Total operating revenues107,388 107,858 219,784 221,677 
Operating Expenses:
Operation and maintenance20,158 22,741 39,674 40,486 
General and administrative12,495 13,030 25,353 24,789 
Depreciation and amortization28,176 28,507 56,053 57,149 
Taxes — other than income taxes4,017 4,349 7,636 8,430 
Regulatory charges resulting from tax rate changes 5,879  11,693 
Other (income) expense, net(4,437)308 (9,009)723 
Total operating expenses60,409 74,814 119,707 143,270 
Operating Income46,979 33,044 100,077 78,407 
Other (Income) and Other Expenses:
Interest expense6,790 7,691 14,220 15,319 
Allowance for equity and borrowed funds used during construction (AFUDC)(536)(769)(1,382)(1,469)
Miscellaneous other (income) expense, net(2,167)(802)(4,691)(1,601)
Total other (income) and other expenses4,087 6,120 8,147 12,249 
Net Income$42,892 $26,924 $91,930 $66,158 

See accompanying notes.

4

                                        
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
 
June 30,
2023
December 31,
2022
(Thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash$ $ 
Receivables:
Advances to affiliate174,405 310,641 
Trade34,701 39,746 
Affiliates1,622 1,829 
Other492 606 
Materials and supplies, at average cost8,919 8,925 
Exchange gas due from others3,086 35,851 
Regulatory assets1,855 13,565 
Prepayments and other2,035 3,627 
Total current assets227,115 414,790 
Property, plant and equipment3,875,124 3,836,254 
Less-Accumulated depreciation and amortization1,984,851 1,941,806 
Total property, plant and equipment, net1,890,273 1,894,448 
Other Assets:
Regulatory assets26,274 15,951 
Right-of-use assets9,175 9,621 
Deferred charges and other long-term assets17,229 15,167 
Total other assets52,678 40,739 
Total assets$2,170,066 $2,349,977 

(continued)

See accompanying notes.
5

                                        

Northwest Pipeline LLC
Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
 
June 30,
2023
December 31,
2022
(Thousands)
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Payables:
Trade$24,773 $25,761 
Affiliates9,102 12,115 
Accrued liabilities:
Exchange gas due to others4,427 42,451 
Regulatory liabilities21,027 145,243 
Taxes — other than income taxes7,443 10,853 
Interest5,505 5,505 
Customer advances3,345 4,415 
Other7,141 4,011 
Total current liabilities82,763 250,354 
Long-Term Debt580,625 580,083 
Other Long-Term Liabilities:
Regulatory liabilities262,028 271,706 
Asset retirement obligations132,768 129,306 
Lease liability7,519 7,857 
Other1,956 2,394 
Total other long-term liabilities404,271 411,263 
Contingent Liabilities and Commitments (Note 4)
Member’s Equity:
Member’s capital1,073,892 1,073,892 
Retained earnings28,515 34,385 
Total member’s equity1,102,407 1,108,277 
Total liabilities and member’s equity$2,170,066 $2,349,977 

See accompanying notes.

6

                                        
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Statement of Changes in Member’s Equity
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
20232022
(Thousands)
Member’s Capital:
Balance at beginning and end of period$1,073,892 $1,073,892 
Retained Earnings:
Balance at beginning of period47,623 32,745 
Net income42,892 26,924 
Cash distributions to parent(62,000)(36,500)
Balance at end of period28,515 23,169 
Total Member’s Equity$1,102,407 $1,097,061 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
20232022
(Thousands)
Member’s Capital:
Balance at beginning and end of period$1,073,892 $1,073,892 
Retained Earnings:
Balance at beginning of period34,385 35,511 
Net income91,930 66,158 
Cash distributions to parent(97,800)(78,500)
Balance at end of period28,515 23,169 
Total Member’s Equity$1,102,407 $1,097,061 


See accompanying notes.

7

                                        
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
20232022
(Thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income$91,930 $66,158 
Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization56,053 57,149 
Regulatory charges resulting from tax rate changes 11,693 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (equity AFUDC)(1,134)(1,138)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Trade and other accounts receivable5,159 4,259 
Affiliate receivables207 17 
Materials and supplies6 (979)
Regulatory assets(71)(290)
Other current assets1,175 1,225 
Trade accounts payable(1,126)889 
Affiliate payables(3,013)(5,069)
Regulatory liabilities(125,505)(1)
Other accrued liabilities(370)(2,955)
Other, including changes in long-term assets and liabilities(22,050)2,282 
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities1,261 133,240 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Cash distributions to parent(97,800)(78,500)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities(97,800)(78,500)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant and equipment:
Capital expenditures (1)(40,133)(29,699)
Contributions and advances for construction costs2,804 8,492 
Disposal of property, plant and equipment, net(2,368)(1,760)
Advances to affiliate, net136,236 (31,773)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities96,539 (54,740)
Increase (decrease) in cash  
Cash at beginning of period  
Cash at end of period$ $ 
____________________________________
(1) Increases to property, plant and equipment, exclusive of equity AFUDC$(37,377)$(29,161)
Changes in related accounts payable and accrued liabilities(2,756)(538)
Capital expenditures$(40,133)$(29,699)

See accompanying notes.
8

                                        
Northwest Pipeline LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
In this report, Northwest Pipeline LLC (Northwest) is at times referred to in the first person as “we,” “us,” or “our.”
Northwest is indirectly owned by The Williams Companies, Inc. (Williams), a publicly traded Delaware corporation. We own and operate an interstate natural gas pipeline system that is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
General
Our accompanying interim financial statements do not include all the notes in our annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2022, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying unaudited financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments and others that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our interim financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note 2 – Revenue Recognition
Revenue by Category
Our revenue disaggregation by major service line includes Natural gas transportation, Natural gas storage, and Other, which are separately presented on the Statement of Net Income.
Contract Assets
The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract assets:
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,June 30,
2023202220232022
(Thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$13,554 $9,064 $12,490 $7,943 
Revenue recognized in excess of amounts invoiced1,076 1,134 2,140 2,255 
Balance at end of period$14,630 $10,198 $14,630 $10,198 
9

Notes (Continued)
Contract Liabilities
The following table presents a reconciliation of our contract liabilities:
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,June 30,
2023202220232022
(Thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$2,353 $3,418 $2,643 $3,672 
Recognized in revenue(293)(257)(583)(511)
Balance at end of period$2,060 $3,161 $2,060 $3,161 
Remaining Performance Obligations
Our remaining performance obligations primarily include reservation charges on contracted capacity on our firm transportation and storage contracts with customers. Amounts from certain contracts included in the table below, which are subject to periodic review and approval by the FERC, reflect the rates for such services in our current FERC tariffs for the life of the related contracts; however, these rates may change based on future rate cases or settlements approved by the FERC. This table excludes the variable consideration component for commodity charges. Certain of our contracts contain evergreen and other renewal provisions for periods beyond the initial term of the contract. The remaining performance obligations as of June 30, 2023 do not consider potential future performance obligations for which the renewal has not been exercised and exclude contracts with customers for which the underlying facilities have not received FERC authorization to be placed into service.
The following table presents the amount of the contract liabilities balance expected to be recognized as revenue when performance obligations are satisfied and the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under certain contracts as of June 30, 2023.
Contract LiabilitiesRemaining Performance Obligations
(Thousands)
2023 (six months)
$592 $199,670 
2024 (one year)
1,178 382,253 
2025 (one year)
290 338,676 
2026 (one year)
 322,915 
2027 (one year)
 319,144 
Thereafter
 2,204,169 
Total
$2,060 $3,766,827 
Accounts Receivable
Receivables from contracts with customers are included within Receivables - Trade and Receivables - Affiliates, and receivables that are not related to contracts with customers are included within the balance of Receivables - Advances to affiliate and Receivables - Other on our Balance Sheet.
10

Notes (Continued)
Note 3 – Rate and Regulatory Matters
Rate Case Settlement
On November 15, 2022, the FERC approved our Petition for Approval of Pre-Filing Stipulation and Settlement Agreement (Settlement) in Docket No. RP22-1155. The Settlement establishes a new general system firm Rate Schedule TF-1 (Large Customer) daily reservation rate of $0.37250 per dekatherm (Dth) with a $0.00935/Dth commodity rate, effective January 1, 2023, resolves other rate issues, establishes a Modernization and Emission Reduction Program and satisfies our rate case filing obligation under our settlement in Docket No. RP17-346. Provisions were included in the Settlement that establish a moratorium on any Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended (NGA) Section 4 or 5 proceedings that would seek to place new rates in effect any earlier than January 1, 2026. The Settlement also provides that we file an NGA Section 4 general rate case with rates to be effective not later than April 1, 2028, unless (a) we have entered into a pre-filing settlement or (b) a Section 5 general rate case has been filed on or before April 1, 2028.
As a result of the Settlement, in January 2023, we refunded approximately $126 million, including interest, associated with the decrease in federal tax rates due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (Tax Reform), which was recorded in Accrued liabilities - Regulatory liabilities on our Balance Sheet.
Note 4 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
Environmental Matters
Beginning in the mid-1980s, we evaluated many of our facilities for the presence of toxic and hazardous substances to determine to what extent, if any, remediation might be necessary. We identified polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in air compressor systems, soils, and related properties at certain compressor station sites. Similarly, we identified hydrocarbon impacts at these facilities due to the former use of earthen pits, lubricating oil leaks or spills, and excess pipe coating released to the environment. In addition, heavy metals have been identified at these sites due to the former use of mercury containing meters and paint and welding rods containing lead, cadmium, and arsenic. The PCBs were remediated pursuant to a Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the late 1980s, and we conducted a voluntary clean-up of the hydrocarbon and mercury impacts in the early 1990s. In 2005, the Washington Department of Ecology required us to re-evaluate our previous clean-ups in Washington. During 2006 to 2015, 129 meter stations were evaluated, of which 82 required remediation. As of June 30, 2023, two meter stations are still being remediated. During 2006 to 2018, 14 compressor stations were evaluated, of which 11 required remediation. As of June 30, 2023, four compressor stations are still being remediated. At June 30, 2023, we had accrued liabilities totaling approximately $1.0 million, $0.1 million of which is recorded in Accrued liabilities - Other and $0.9 million of which is recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities - Other on the Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2022, we had accrued liabilities totaling approximately $1.0 million, $0.1 million of which is recorded in Accrued liabilities - Other and $0.9 million of which is recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities - Other on the Balance Sheet. We are conducting environmental assessments and implementing a variety of remedial measures that may result in increases or decreases in the total estimated costs.
The EPA and various state regulatory agencies routinely propose and promulgate new rules, and issue updated guidance to existing rules. These rulemakings include, but are not limited to, rules for reciprocating internal combustion engine and combustion turbine maximum achievable control technology, review and updates to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and rules for new and existing source performance standards for volatile organic compounds and methane. We continuously monitor these regulatory changes and how they may impact our operations. Implementation of new or modified regulations may result in impacts to our operations and increase the cost of additions to Total property, plant, and equipment, net on the Balance Sheet for both new and existing facilities in affected areas; however, due to regulatory uncertainty on final rule content and applicability timeframes, we are unable to reasonably estimate the cost of these regulatory impacts at this time.
11

Notes (Continued)
Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit and potential for rate recovery. We believe that, with respect to any expenditures required to meet applicable standards and regulations, the FERC would grant the requisite rate relief so that substantially all of such expenditures would be permitted to be recovered through rates.
Washington State Climate Commitment Act
In 2021, the state of Washington passed its Climate Commitment Act establishing a market-based cap-and-invest program to reduce carbon emissions. This program took effect on January 1, 2023, and sets a limit, or cap, on overall carbon emissions in the state and requires businesses like ours to obtain allowances equal to their annual covered carbon emissions. The state’s cap will be reduced over time to meet the state’s carbon emissions reduction targets, which means fewer carbon emissions allowances will be available to purchase each year. These allowances can be purchased through quarterly auctions hosted by the state or bought and sold on a secondary market. In 2023, we began purchasing allowances for the carbon emissions from nine of our thirteen compressor stations within the state whose annual carbon emissions exceed 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. We also began purchasing allowances for our delivery of natural gas to certain of our customers and certain of our facilities in the state whose annual carbon emissions are insufficient to require their direct participation in the program. Our Settlement allows us to recover the costs of purchasing allowances under the program in our next rate case.
We record the purchased emission allowances at cost and the associated accumulated interest to a regulatory asset. The difference between the allowances held and the allowances required based on actual emissions for the period are measured using an estimate based on our most recent cost of allowances and accrued to a current liability and to a regulatory asset. At June 30, 2023, $3.7 million was included in Accrued liabilities - Other on our Balance Sheet as the estimate difference. A total of $11.3 million was included in Other Assets - Regulatory assets on our Balance Sheet, and the interest income component of the regulatory asset is reflected in Miscellaneous other (income) expense, net on our Statement of Net Income and was $0.1 million for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.
Other Matters
Various other proceedings are pending against us and are considered incidental to our operations.
Summary
We have disclosed all significant matters for which we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. We estimate that for all matters for which we are able to reasonably estimate a range of loss, including those noted above and others that are not individually significant, our aggregate reasonably possible losses beyond amounts accrued for all of our contingent liabilities are immaterial to our expected future annual results of operations, liquidity and financial position. These calculations have been made without consideration of any potential recovery from third parties. 
12

Notes (Continued)
Note 5 – Debt and Financing Arrangements
Credit Facility
We, along with Williams and Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC (Transco), are party to a credit agreement with aggregate commitments available of $3.75 billion, with up to an additional $500 million increase in aggregate commitments available under certain circumstances. In the second quarter of 2023, the maturity date of our credit agreement was extended one year and now expires October 8, 2027. One participating lender, Credit Suisse AG, New York Branch, with a commitment of approximately $194 million did not extend their commitment beyond October 8, 2026. The amended credit agreement allows the co-borrowers to request up to two extensions of the maturity date each for an additional one-year period to allow a maturity date as late as October 8, 2029, under certain circumstances. Additionally, the amended credit agreement replaces the London Interbank Offered Rate with Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate as the benchmark interest rate index. We and Transco are each able to borrow up to $500 million under this credit facility to the extent not otherwise utilized by the other co-borrowers. At June 30, 2023, no letters of credit have been issued and no loans were outstanding under the credit facility.
Commercial Paper
Williams participates in a $3.5 billion commercial paper program, and Williams’ management considers amounts outstanding under this program to be a reduction of available capacity under the credit facility. At June 30, 2023, Williams had no outstanding commercial paper.
Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Methods
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Short-term financial assets: The carrying values of short-term financial assets that have variable interest rates (advances to affiliate), accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Long-term debt: The disclosed fair value of our long-term debt, which we consider as a level 2 measurement, is determined by a market approach using broker quoted indicative period-end bond prices. The quoted prices are based on observable transactions in less active markets for our debt or similar instruments. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of our long-term debt were $580.6 million and $560.9 million, respectively, at June 30, 2023, and $580.1 million and $560.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022.
Note 7 – Transactions with Affiliates
We are a participant in Williams’ cash management program, and we make advances to and receive advances from Williams. At June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our advances to Williams totaled approximately $174.4 million and $310.6 million, respectively. These advances are represented by demand notes and are classified as Receivables - Advances to affiliate on the Balance Sheet. The interest rate on these intercompany demand notes is based upon the daily overnight investment rate paid on Williams’ excess cash at the end of each month, which was approximately 4.9 percent at June 30, 2023. The interest income from these advances was $1.9 million and $4.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, and $0.5 million for each of the three and six months ended June 30, 2022. Such interest income is included in Other (Income) and Other Expenses – Miscellaneous other (income) expense, net on the Statement of Net Income.
We have no employees. Services necessary to operate our business are provided to us by Williams and certain affiliates of Williams. We reimburse Williams and its affiliates for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments made (including salary, bonus, incentive compensation and benefits) in connection with these services.
13

Notes (Continued)
Employees of Williams also provide general, administrative and management services to us, and we are charged for certain administrative expenses incurred by Williams. These charges are either directly identifiable or allocated to our assets. Direct charges are for goods and services provided by Williams at our request. Allocated charges are based on a three-factor formula, which considers revenues; property, plant, and equipment; and payroll. In management’s estimation, the allocation methodologies used are reasonable and result in a reasonable allocation to us of our costs of doing business incurred by Williams. We have recorded $20.9 million and $43.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively and $21.9 million and $42.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively, for these service expenses, which are primarily included in Operation and maintenance and General and administrative expenses on the Statement of Net Income.
During July 2023, we declared and paid a cash distribution of $37 million to our parent.

14

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our historical Financial Statements and accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K and with the Financial Statements and accompanying notes contained in this Form 10-Q.
Results of Operations
This analysis discusses financial results of our operations for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. Variances due to changes in natural gas prices and transportation volumes have little impact on revenues, because under our rate design methodology, the majority of overall cost of service is recovered through firm capacity reservation charges in our transportation rates.
Net Income for the first six months of 2023 of $91.9 million increased by $25.7 million, or 39 percent when compared to the $66.2 million recognized during the first six months of 2022 due to the following significant variances:
Operating Revenues decreased $1.9 million, or 1 percent, primarily driven by:
a decrease in Natural gas transportation revenues due to new rates that became effective January 1, 2023 as a result of the approval of our Settlement (also see Note 3 – Rate and Regulatory Matters), which was partially offset by higher short-term firm transportation;
an increase in Other revenues from higher park and loan services; and
an increase in Natural gas storage revenues due to an increase in storage rates effective January 1, 2023 as a result of our Settlement and an increase in liquifaction.
Operating Expenses decreased $23.6 million, or 16 percent, primarily due to the items below, which were also associated with the approval of our Settlement:
a decrease in Regulatory charges resulting from tax rate changes due to the absence of the accrual for refund related to the regulatory liability associated with Tax Reform that ended in 2022 and was refunded to customers in January 2023; and
a favorable change in Other (income) expense, net related to the amortization of our regulatory liabilities associated with deferred taxes that were established as a result of decreases in the estimated effective federal and state income tax rates.
Other (Income) and Other Expenses had a $4.1 million favorable change primarily due to an increase in interest income on our advances to Williams due to rising interest rates.
15

Table of Contents

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Senior Vice President and our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended) (Disclosure Controls) or our internal control over financial reporting (Internal Controls) will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. We monitor our Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls and make modifications as necessary; our intent in this regard is that the Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls will be modified as systems change and conditions warrant.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls was performed as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Senior Vice President and our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our Senior Vice President and our Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that these Disclosure Controls are effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes during the second quarter of 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Environmental
While it is not possible for us to predict the final outcome of any pending legal proceedings involving governmental authorities under federal, state, and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, we do not anticipate a material effect on our financial position if we were to receive an unfavorable outcome in any one or more of such proceedings. Our threshold for disclosing material environmental legal proceedings involving a governmental authority where potential monetary sanctions are involved is $1 million.
Other
The additional information called for by this item is provided in Note 4 – Contingent Liabilities and Commitments, included in the Notes to Financial Statements included under Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q, which information is incorporated by reference into this item.
16

Table of Contents

Item 1A. Risk Factors
    Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, includes certain risk factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results. Those Risk Factors have not materially changed.





17

Table of Contents


Item 6. Exhibits
The following instruments are included as exhibits to this report.
 
ExhibitDescription
2
3.1
3.2
31.1*
31.2*
32**
101.INS*XBRL Instance Document. The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File. The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document (contained in Exhibit 101).
*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.


18

Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
NORTHWEST PIPELINE LLC
(Registrant)
Date:August 2, 2023By:/s/ Billeigh W. Mark
Billeigh W. Mark
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)