10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13, 15(d), OR 37 OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

OR

 o 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 000-52313

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

A corporate agency of the United States created by an act of Congress (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	62-0474417  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
400 W. Summit Hill Drive Knoxville, Tennessee  (Address of principal executive offices)	37902  (Zip Code)

(865) 632-2101

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
N/A	N/A	N/A

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13, 15(d), or 37 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 x No o

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 x No o

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  o                                                                                    Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer    x   Smaller reporting company  o        

Emerging growth company o

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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o   No x

1

Table of Contents
	Page
GLOSSARY OF COMMON ACRONYMS......................................................................................................................................	3
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION.........................................................................................................................................	5
GENERAL INFORMATION............................................................................................................................................................	6
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.............................................................................................................................................	7
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)............................................................................................................	7
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)............................................................................	7
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)...........................................................................................................................	8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)..........................................................................................................	10
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Proprietary Capital (Unaudited)............................................................................	11
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)....................................................................................................	12
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...	43
Executive Overview...............................................................................................................................................................	43
Results of Operations............................................................................................................................................................	44
Liquidity and Capital Resources............................................................................................................................................	51
Key Initiatives and Challenges..............................................................................................................................................	53
Environmental Matters..........................................................................................................................................................	63
Legal Proceedings................................................................................................................................................................	70
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements..........................................................................................................................................	70
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates...........................................................................................................................	70
New Accounting Standards and Interpretations....................................................................................................................	70
Legislative and Regulatory Matters.......................................................................................................................................	70
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK..............................................................	71
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES..................................................................................................................................	71
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.....................................................................................................................................	71
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting..........................................................................................................	71
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................................................................................................................	71
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS............................................................................................................................................................	72
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION..................................................................................................................................................	73
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS........................................................................................................................................................................	74
SIGNATURES...............................................................................................................................................................................	75

2

GLOSSARY OF COMMON ACRONYMS
Following are definitions of some of the terms or acronyms that may be used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 (the "Quarterly Report"):
Term or Acronym	Definition
ACE	Affordable Clean Energy
ANI	American Nuclear Insurers
AOCI	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
ARO	Asset retirement obligation
ART	Asset Retirement Trust
Bonds	Bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness
CAA	Clean Air Act
CCR	Coal combustion residuals
CEL	Chilling Effect Letter
CERCLA	Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
CME	Chicago Mercantile Exchange
CO2	Carbon dioxide
COVID-19	Coronavirus Disease 2019
CPP	Clean Power Plan
CSAPR	Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
CTs	Combustion turbine unit(s)
CVA	Credit valuation adjustment
CY	Calendar year
DCP	Deferred Compensation Plan
DER	Distributed energy resources
DOE	Department of Energy
EIS	Environmental Impact Statement
ELGs	Effluent Limitation Guidelines
EMP	Electromagnetic pulses
EO	Executive Order
EPA	Environmental Protection Agency
EPRI	Electric Power Research Institute
EPU	Extended Power Uprate
ESPA	Early Site Permit Application
FASB	Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC	Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FTP	Financial Trading Program
GAAP	Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
GHG	Greenhouse gas
GMDs	Geomagnetic disturbances
HAP	Hazardous Air Pollutants
IRP	Integrated Resource Plan
JSCCG	John Sevier Combined Cycle Generation LLC
kW	Kilowatts
kWh	Kilowatt hours
LPCs	Local power company customers
LTA	Long-Term Agreement
MATS	Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
MD&A	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

3

MLGW	Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division
mmBtu	Million British thermal unit(s)
MtM	Mark-to-market
MW	Megawatts
NAAQS	National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NAV	Net asset value
NDT	Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
NEIL	Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited
NEPA	National Environmental Policy Act
NERC	North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NES	Nashville Electric Service
NOx	Nitrogen oxide
NPDES	National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRC	Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NSR	New Source Review
NWP	Nationwide Permit
OCI	Other comprehensive income (loss)
OMB	Office of Management and Budget
PARRS	Putable Automatic Rate Reset Securities
PM	Particulate matter
QTE	Qualified technological equipment and software
RCRA	Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RECs	Renewable Energy Certificates
SCCG	Southaven Combined Cycle Generation LLC
SCRs	Selective catalytic reduction systems
SEC	Securities and Exchange Commission
SELC	Southern Environmental Law Center
SERP	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
SHLLC	Southaven Holdco LLC
SIPs	State implementation plans
SMR	Small modular reactor(s)
SO2	Sulfur dioxide
SPC	Summer Place Complex
SSSL	Seven States Southaven LLC
TDEC	Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
TVA Act	The Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended, 16 U.S.C. §§ 831-831ee
TVARS	Tennessee Valley Authority Retirement System
U.S. Treasury	United States Department of the Treasury
VIE	Variable interest entity
XBRL	eXtensible Business Reporting Language

4

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements relating to future events and future performance.  All statements other than those that are purely historical may be forward-looking statements.  In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "project," "plan," "predict," "assume," "forecast," "estimate," "objective," "possible," "probably," "likely," "potential," "speculate," the negative of such words, or other similar expressions.

Although the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") believes that the assumptions underlying any forward-looking statements are reasonable, TVA does not guarantee the accuracy of these statements.  Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements.  These factors include, among other things:

•The impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic on TVA's operating results, financial condition, and cash flows, the demand for electricity, TVA's workforce and operations, the availability of fuel and critical parts, supplies, and services, the financial markets, and the business and financial condition of TVA's customers and counterparties;

•The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its effects, and broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic and market conditions, including impacts on interest rates, commodity prices, investment performance, and foreign currency exchange rates;

•New, amended, or existing laws, regulations, executive orders, or administrative orders or interpretations, including those related to environmental matters, and the costs of complying with these laws, regulations, executive orders, or administrative orders or interpretations;

•The cost of complying with known, anticipated, or new emissions reduction requirements, some of which could render continued operation of many of TVA's aging coal-fired generation units not cost-effective or result in their removal from service, perhaps permanently;

•Significant reductions in demand for electricity produced through non-renewable or centrally located generation sources that may result from, among other things, economic downturns, increased energy efficiency and conservation, increased utilization of distributed generation and microgrids, and improvements in alternative generation and energy storage technologies;

•Changes in customer preferences for energy produced from cleaner generation sources;

•Changes in technology;

•Actions taken, or inaction, by the United States ("U.S.") government relating to the national or TVA debt ceiling or automatic spending cuts in government programs;

•Costs or liabilities that are not anticipated in TVA's financial statements for third-party claims, natural resource damages, environmental cleanup activities, or fines or penalties associated with unexpected events such as failures of a facility or infrastructure;

•Addition or loss of customers by TVA or TVA's local power company customers ("LPCs");

•Significant delays, cost increases, or cost overruns associated with the construction and maintenance of generation, transmission, navigation, flood control, or related assets;

•Requirements or decisions changing the amount or timing of funding obligations associated with TVA's pension plans, other post-retirement benefit plans, or health care plans;

•Increases in TVA's financial liabilities for decommissioning its nuclear facilities or retiring other assets;

•Risks associated with the operation of nuclear facilities or other generation and related facilities, including coal combustion residuals ("CCR") facilities;

•Physical attacks on TVA's assets;

•Cyber attacks on TVA's assets or the assets of third parties upon which TVA relies;

•The outcome of legal or administrative proceedings;

•The failure of TVA's generation, transmission, navigation, flood control, and related assets and infrastructure, including CCR facilities and spent nuclear fuel storage facilities, to operate as anticipated, resulting in lost revenues, damages, or other costs that are not reflected in TVA's financial statements or projections;

•Differences between estimates of revenues and expenses and actual revenues earned and expenses incurred;

•Weather conditions;

•Catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, solar events, electromagnetic pulses ("EMPs"), geomagnetic disturbances ("GMDs"), droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other casualty events or pandemics, wars, national emergencies, terrorist activities, or other similar events, especially if these events occur in or near TVA's service area;

•Events at a TVA facility, which, among other things, could result in loss of life, damage to the environment, damage to or loss of the facility, and damage to the property of others;

•Events or changes involving transmission lines, dams, and other facilities not operated by TVA, including those that affect the reliability of the interstate transmission grid of which TVA's transmission system is a part and those that increase flows across TVA's transmission grid;

•Disruption of fuel supplies, which may result from, among other things, economic conditions, weather conditions, production or transportation difficulties, labor challenges, or environmental laws or regulations affecting TVA's fuel suppliers or transporters;

5

•Purchased power price volatility and disruption of purchased power supplies;

•Events which affect the supply of water for TVA's generation facilities;

•Changes in TVA's determinations of the appropriate mix of generation assets;

•Ineffectiveness of TVA's efforts at adapting its organization to an evolving marketplace and remaining cost competitive;

•Inability to use regulatory accounting or loss of regulatory accounting approval for certain costs;

•Inability to obtain, or loss of, regulatory approval for the construction or operation of assets;

•The requirement or decision to make additional contributions to TVA's Nuclear Decommissioning Trust ("NDT") or Asset Retirement Trust ("ART");

•Limitations on TVA's ability to borrow money which may result from, among other things, TVA's approaching or substantially reaching the limit on bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness (collectively, "Bonds") specified in the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended ("TVA Act");

•An increase in TVA's cost of capital that may result from, among other things, changes in the market for TVA's debt securities, changes in the credit rating of TVA or the U.S. government, or, potentially, an increased reliance by TVA on alternative financing should TVA approach its debt limit;

•Changes in the economy and volatility in financial markets;

•Reliability or creditworthiness of counterparties;

•Changes in the market price of commodities such as coal, uranium, natural gas, fuel oil, crude oil, construction materials, reagents, electricity, or emission allowances;

•Changes in the market price of equity securities, debt securities, or other investments;

•Changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates, or inflation rates;

•Ineffectiveness of TVA's disclosure controls and procedures or its internal control over financial reporting;

•Inability to eliminate identified deficiencies in TVA's systems, standards, controls, or corporate culture;

•Inability to attract or retain a skilled workforce;

•Inability to respond quickly enough to current or potential customer demands or needs;

•Events at a nuclear facility, whether or not operated by or licensed to TVA, which, among other things, could lead to increased regulation or restriction on the construction, ownership, operation, or decommissioning of nuclear facilities or on the storage of spent fuel, obligate TVA to pay retrospective insurance premiums, reduce the availability and affordability of insurance, increase the costs of operating TVA's existing nuclear units, or cause TVA to forego future construction at these or other facilities;

•Loss of quorum of the TVA Board of Directors ("TVA Board");

•Changes in the priorities of the TVA Board or TVA senior management; or

•Other unforeseeable events.

See also Item 1A, Risk Factors, and Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in TVA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 (the "Annual Report"), and Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Quarterly Report for a discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statement.  New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for TVA to predict all such factors or to assess the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may impact TVA's business or cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.  TVA undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect developments that occur after the statement is made.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Fiscal Year

References to years (2021, 2020, etc.) in this Quarterly Report are to TVA's fiscal years ending September 30.  Years that are preceded by "CY" are references to calendar years.

Notes

References to "Notes" are to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report.

Available Information

TVA's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are available on TVA's website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").  TVA's website is www.tva.gov.  Information contained on TVA's website shall not be deemed to be incorporated into, or to be a part of, this Quarterly Report.  All TVA SEC reports are available to the public without charge from the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.  

6

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(in millions)

	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating revenues
Revenue from sales of electricity	$	2,533	$	2,489	$	4,803	$	5,021
Other revenue	39		32		73		78
Total operating revenues	2,572		2,521		4,876		5,099
Operating expenses
Fuel	413		429		782		852
Purchased power	225		252		431		471
Operating and maintenance	644		644		1,359		1,333
Depreciation and amortization	381		457		759		1,041
Tax equivalents	124		132		245		263
Total operating expenses	1,787		1,914		3,576		3,960
Operating income	785		607		1,300		1,139
Other income (expense), net	11		(1)		26		11
Other net periodic benefit cost	64		62		129		127
Interest expense	276		289		557		576
Net income (loss)	$	456	$	255	$	640	$	447
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)

(in millions)

	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income (loss)	$	456	$	255	$	640	$	447
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	22		(163)		123		(87)
Net unrealized (gain) loss reclassified to earnings from cash flow hedges	(5)		56		(50)		(3)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	17		(107)		73		(90)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	473	$	148	$	713	$	357
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

7

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in millions)

ASSETS
	March 31, 2021		September 30, 2020
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	500	$	500
Accounts receivable, net	1,284		1,529
Inventories, net	1,014		1,003
Regulatory assets	155		130
Other current assets	123		84
Total current assets	3,076		3,246
Property, plant, and equipment
Completed plant	65,679		64,970
Less accumulated depreciation	(34,172)		(33,550)
Net completed plant	31,507		31,420
Construction in progress	2,250		2,139
Nuclear fuel	1,471		1,504
Finance leases	725		516
Total property, plant, and equipment, net	35,953		35,579
Investment funds	3,723		3,198
Regulatory and other long-term assets
Regulatory assets	9,230		10,245
Operating lease assets, net of amortization	182		232
Other long-term assets	318		325
Total regulatory and other long-term assets	9,730		10,802
Total assets	$	52,482	$	52,825
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

8

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(in millions)

LIABILITIES AND PROPRIETARY CAPITAL
	March 31, 2021		September 30, 2020
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,786	$	1,844
Accrued interest	302		298
Asset retirement obligations	271		345
Current portion of leaseback obligations	87		198
Regulatory liabilities	141		141
Short-term debt, net	1,241		57
Current maturities of power bonds	304		1,787
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	42		41
Total current liabilities	4,174		4,711
Other liabilities
Post-retirement and post-employment benefit obligations	6,407		6,617
Asset retirement obligations	6,647		6,440
Finance lease liabilities	720		525
Other long-term liabilities	1,867		2,548
Leaseback obligations	—		25
Regulatory liabilities	5		23
Total other liabilities	15,646		16,178
Long-term debt, net
Long-term power bonds, net	17,995		17,956
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	1,028		1,048
Total long-term debt, net	19,023		19,004
Total liabilities	38,843		39,893
Contingencies and legal proceedings (Note 19)
Proprietary capital
Power program appropriation investment	258		258
Power program retained earnings	12,815		12,177
Total power program proprietary capital	13,073		12,435
Nonpower programs appropriation investment, net	544		548
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	22		(51)
Total proprietary capital	13,639		12,932
Total liabilities and proprietary capital	$	52,482	$	52,825
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

9

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 For the Six Months Ended March 31

 (in millions)

	2021		2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	640	$	447
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization(1)	770		1,052
Amortization of nuclear fuel cost	193		194
Non-cash retirement benefit expense	166		162
Other regulatory amortization and deferrals	(39)		83
Changes in current assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable, net	246		475
Inventories and other current assets, net	(43)		(101)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(70)		(218)
Accrued interest	6		13
Pension contributions	(155)		(155)
Other, net	(144)		(82)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,570		1,870
Cash flows from investing activities
Construction expenditures	(975)		(840)
Nuclear fuel expenditures	(129)		(184)
Loans and other receivables
Advances	(7)		(3)
Repayments	2		4
Other, net	17		13
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,092)		(1,010)
Cash flows from financing activities
Long-term debt
Redemptions and repurchases of power bonds	(1,501)		(1,218)
Redemptions of debt of variable interest entities	(20)		(20)
Short-term debt issues (redemptions), net	1,184		953
Payments on leases and leasebacks	(154)		(43)
Other, net	11		4
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(480)		(324)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2)		536
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	521		322
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$	519	$	858
Note (1) Includes amortization of debt issuance costs and premiums/discounts.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

10

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PROPRIETARY CAPITAL (Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

(in millions)

	Power Program Appropriation Investment		Power Program Retained Earnings		Nonpower Programs Appropriation Investment, Net		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	258	$	11,015	$	554	$	5	$	11,832
Net income (loss)	—		257		(2)		—		255
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		(107)		(107)
Return on power program appropriation investment	—		(1)		—		—		(1)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	258	$	11,271	$	552	$	(102)	$	11,979
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	258	$	12,358	$	546	$	5	$	13,167
Net income (loss)	—		458		(2)		—		456
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		17		17
Return on power program appropriation investment	—		(1)		—		—		(1)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	258	$	12,815	$	544	$	22	$	13,639
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PROPRIETARY CAPITAL (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

(in millions)

	Power Program Appropriation Investment		Power Program Retained Earnings		Nonpower Programs Appropriation Investment, Net		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	258	$	10,823	$	556	$	(12)	$	11,625
Net income (loss)	—		451		(4)		—		447
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		(90)		(90)
Return on power program appropriation investment	—		(3)		—		—		(3)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	258	$	11,271	$	552	$	(102)	$	11,979
Balance at September 30, 2020	$	258	$	12,177	$	548	$	(51)	$	12,932
Net income (loss)	—		644		(4)		—		640
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—		73		73
Return on power program appropriation investment	—		(2)		—		—		(2)
Implementation of new accounting standard(1)	—		(4)		—		—		(4)
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	258	$	12,815	$	544	$	22	$	13,639
Note (1) See Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

11

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions except where noted)

Note		Page
1	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	13
2	Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations	16
3	Accounts Receivable, Net	16
4	Inventories, Net	17
5	Plant Closures	17
6	Other Long-Term Assets	17
7	Regulatory Assets and Liabilities	19
8	Variable Interest Entities	19
9	Other Long-Term Liabilities	21
10	Asset Retirement Obligations	22
11	Debt and Other Obligations	23
12	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	24
13	Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions	25
14	Fair Value Measurements	30
15	Revenue	35
16	Other Income (Expense), Net	38
17	Supplemental Cash Flow Information	38
18	Benefit Plans	38
19	Contingencies and Legal Proceedings	39

12

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

The Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") is a corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States ("U.S.") that was created in 1933 by federal legislation in response to a proposal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  TVA was created to, among other things, improve navigation on the Tennessee River, reduce the damage from destructive flood waters within the Tennessee River system and downstream on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, further the economic development of TVA's service area in the southeastern U.S., and sell the electricity generated at the facilities TVA operates.

Today, TVA operates the nation's largest public power system and supplies power in most of Tennessee, northern Alabama, northeastern Mississippi, and southwestern Kentucky and in portions of northern Georgia, western North Carolina, and southwestern Virginia to a population of approximately 10 million people.

    TVA also manages the Tennessee River, its tributaries, and certain shorelines to provide, among other things, year-round navigation, flood damage reduction, and affordable and reliable electricity. Consistent with these primary purposes, TVA also manages the river system and public lands to provide recreational opportunities, adequate water supply, improved water quality, cultural and natural resource protection, and economic development.

The power program has historically been separate and distinct from the stewardship programs.  It is required to be self-supporting from power revenues and proceeds from power financings, such as proceeds from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness (collectively, "Bonds").  Although TVA does not currently receive congressional appropriations, it is required to make annual payments to the United States Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury") as a return on the government's appropriation investment in TVA's power facilities (the "Power Program Appropriation Investment").  In the 1998 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Congress directed TVA to fund essential stewardship activities related to its management of the Tennessee River system and nonpower or stewardship properties with power revenues in the event that there were insufficient appropriations or other available funds to pay for such activities in any fiscal year.  Congress has not provided any appropriations to TVA to fund such activities since 1999.  Consequently, during 2000, TVA began paying for essential stewardship activities primarily with power revenues, with the remainder funded with user fees and other forms of revenues derived in connection with those activities.  The activities related to stewardship properties do not meet the criteria of an operating segment under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").  Accordingly, these assets and properties are included as part of the power program, TVA's only operating segment.

Power rates are established by the TVA Board of Directors (the "TVA Board") as authorized by the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended ("TVA Act").  The TVA Act requires TVA to charge rates for power that will produce gross revenues sufficient to provide funds for operation, maintenance, and administration of its power system; payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes ("tax equivalents"); debt service on outstanding indebtedness; payments to the U.S. Treasury in repayment of and as a return on the Power Program Appropriation Investment; and such additional margin as the TVA Board may consider desirable for investment in power system assets, retirement of outstanding Bonds in advance of maturity, additional reduction of the Power Program Appropriation Investment, and other purposes connected with TVA's power business. TVA fulfilled its requirement to repay $1.0 billion of the Power Program Appropriation Investment with the 2014 payment; therefore, this item is no longer a component of rate setting.  In setting TVA's rates, the TVA Board is charged by the TVA Act to have due regard for the primary objectives of the TVA Act, including the objective that power shall be sold at rates as low as are feasible.  Rates set by the TVA Board are not subject to review or approval by any state or other federal regulatory body.

Fiscal Year

TVA's fiscal year ends September 30.  Years (2021, 2020, etc.) refer to TVA's fiscal years unless they are preceded by "CY," in which case the references are to calendar years.

Cost-Based Regulation

Since the TVA Board is authorized by the TVA Act to set rates for power sold to its customers, TVA is self-regulated. Additionally, TVA's regulated rates are designed to recover its costs.  Based on current projections, TVA believes that rates, set at levels that will recover TVA's costs, can be charged and collected.  As a result of these factors, TVA records certain assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities.  Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates.  Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds to customers for previous collections for costs that are not likely to be incurred or deferral of gains that will be credited to customers in future periods.  TVA assesses whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as applicable regulatory changes, potential legislation, and changes in technology.  Based on these assessments, TVA believes the existing regulatory assets are probable of recovery.  This determination reflects the current regulatory and political environment and is subject to change in the future.  If future recovery of regulatory assets ceases to be probable, or any of the other factors described above cease to be applicable, TVA would no longer be considered to be a regulated entity and would be required to

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write off these costs.  All regulatory asset write-offs would be required to be recognized in earnings in the period in which future recovery ceases to be probable.

Basis of Presentation

TVA prepares its consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP for consolidated interim financial information. Accordingly, TVA's consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. As such, they should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020, and the notes thereto, which are contained in TVA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 (the "Annual Report"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary for fair presentation are included on the consolidated interim financial statements.

    The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, include the accounts of TVA and variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which TVA is the primary beneficiary. See Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires TVA to estimate the effects of various matters that are inherently uncertain as of the date of the consolidated financial statements.  Although the consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, TVA is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses, including impacts from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, reported during the reporting period.  Each of these estimates varies in regard to the level of judgment involved and its potential impact on TVA's financial results.  Estimates are considered critical either when a different estimate could have reasonably been used, or where changes in the estimate are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, and such use or change would materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

    Cash includes cash on hand, non-interest bearing cash, and deposit accounts. All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted, as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements, are recorded in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted cash and cash equivalents includes cash held in trusts that are currently restricted for TVA economic development loans and for certain TVA environmental programs in accordance with agreements related to compliance with certain environmental regulations. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Agreements.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	500	$	500
Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in Other long-term assets	19		21
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	519	$	521

Due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents beginning in March 2020. TVA may continue to hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

    As described in Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, TVA adopted Financial Instruments - Credit Losses on October 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The standard, Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL"), requires TVA to recognize an allowance that reflects the current estimate for credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amounts. TVA has reviewed the current portfolio of financial receivables and developed a methodology to reasonably measure the estimate of credit losses for each major financial receivable type. The appropriateness of the allowance is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. TVA continues to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accounts and loans receivable balances to evaluate the allowance for uncollectible accounts.

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To determine the allowance for trade receivables, TVA considers historical experience and other currently available information, including events such as customer bankruptcy and/or a customer failing to fulfill payment arrangements by the due date. TVA's corporate credit department also performs an assessment of the financial condition of customers and the credit quality of the receivables. In addition, TVA reviews other reasonable and supportable forecasts to determine if the allowance for uncollectible amounts should be further adjusted in accordance with the accounting guidance for CECL.

To determine the allowance for loans receivables, TVA aggregates loans into the appropriate pools based on the existence of similar risk characteristics such as collateral types and internal assessed credit risks. In situations where a loan exhibits unique risk characteristics and is no longer expected to experience similar risks to the rest of its pool, the loan will be evaluated separately. TVA derives an annual loss rate based on historical loss and then adjusts the rate to reflect TVA's consideration of available information on current conditions and reasonable and supportable future forecasts. This information may include economic and business conditions, default trends, and other internal and external factors. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, TVA uses the current calculated long-term average historical loss rate for the remaining life of the loan portfolio.

    The allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at both March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, for trade accounts receivable. Additionally, loans receivable of $117 million and $105 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, are included in Accounts receivable, net and Other long-term assets, for the current and long-term portions, respectively. Loans receivables are reported net of allowances for uncollectible accounts of $5 million and less than $1 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively. The increase in allowances for uncollectible accounts is due to the adoption of CECL. See Note 2 - Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.

Revenues

TVA recognizes revenue from contracts with customers to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For the generation and transmission of electricity, this is generally at the time the power is delivered to a metered customer delivery point for the customer's consumption or distribution. As a result, revenues from power sales are recorded as electricity is delivered to customers. In addition to power sales invoiced and recorded during the month, TVA accrues estimated unbilled revenues for power sales provided to five customers whose billing date occurs prior to the end of the month.  Exchange power sales are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of sales of electricity. Exchange power sales are sales of excess power after meeting TVA native load and directly served requirements.  Native load refers to the customers on whose behalf a company, by statute, franchise, regulatory requirement, or contract, has undertaken an obligation to serve. TVA engages in other arrangements in addition to power sales. Certain other revenue from activities related to TVA's overall mission is recorded in Other revenue. Revenues that are not related to the overall mission are recorded in Other income (expense), net.

Depreciation    

    TVA accounts for depreciation of its properties using the composite depreciation convention of accounting. Under the composite method, assets with similar economic characteristics are grouped and depreciated as one asset. Depreciation is generally computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives of the various classes of assets. The estimation of asset useful lives requires management judgment, supported by external depreciation studies of historical asset retirement experience. Depreciation rates are determined based on the external depreciation studies. These studies are updated approximately every five years, with a study currently being performed in 2021. Depreciation expense was $346 million and $407 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Depreciation expense was $691 million and $946 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5 — Plant Closures for a discussion of the impact of plant closures.

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2.  Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations     

    The following are accounting standard updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that TVA adopted during 2021:

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
Description	This guidance eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and, instead, requires an allowance to be recorded for all expected credit losses for certain financial assets that are not measured at fair value. The allowance for credit losses is based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new standard also makes revisions to the other than temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities.
Effective Date for TVA	October 1, 2020
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	TVA adopted this standard on a modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings on October 1, 2020. TVA recorded an initial transition adjustment of $4 million to retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Fair Value Measurement Disclosure
Description	This guidance changes certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. It removes certain disclosure requirements, such as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of the transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements.  Some disclosure requirements are added, such as the change in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements.
Effective Date for TVA	October 1, 2020
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

The following accounting standard has been issued but at March 31, 2021, was not effective and had not been adopted by TVA:

Reference Rate Reform
Description	This guidance provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance in GAAP on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rates.
Effective Date for TVA	The new standard is effective for adoption at any time between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2022. TVA currently plans to adopt the standard by December 31, 2022.
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	TVA continues to review this standard and evaluate the impact of using an alternative reference rate instead of LIBOR in its interest rate swap contracts. TVA does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

3.  Accounts Receivable, Net

    Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due from customers for power sales.  The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's accounts receivable:

Accounts Receivable, Net
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Power receivables	$	1,204	$	1,401
Other receivables	80		128
Accounts receivable, net(1)	$	1,284	$	1,529

Note

(1) Allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, and therefore is not represented in the table

above. The allowance at March 31, 2021 includes the impact from adopting CECL on October 1, 2020.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TVA Board approved the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program in 2020. Through this program, TVA offered up to $1.0 billion of credit support to local power company customers ("LPCs") that demonstrated the need for temporary financial relief, through the deferral of a portion of LPCs' wholesale power payments owed to TVA.  The program ended on December 31, 2020, with a total of $1 million of credit support approved under the program. As of March 31, 2021, the $1 million had been fully repaid.

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4.  Inventories, Net

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's inventories:

Inventories, Net
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Materials and supplies inventory	$	767	$	770
Fuel inventory	263		253
Renewable energy certificates inventory, net	18		15
Allowance for inventory obsolescence	(34)		(35)
Inventories, net	$	1,014	$	1,003

5. Plant Closures

Background

TVA must continuously evaluate all generating assets to ensure an optimal energy portfolio that provides safe, clean, and reliable power while maintaining flexibility and fiscal responsibility to the people of the Tennessee Valley. During 2019, the TVA Board approved the Integrated Resource Plan, which recommended an action to evaluate the engineering end-of-life of aging fossil units. These assessments consider material condition, plant performance, system flexibility needs, environmental impacts, grid support, and other factors. Based on results of assessments presented to the TVA Board in 2019, the retirement of Paradise Fossil Plant ("Paradise") Unit 3 by December 2020 and Bull Run Fossil Plant ("Bull Run") by December 2023 was approved. Subsequent to the TVA Board approval, TVA determined that Paradise would not be restarted after January 2020 due to the plant's material condition. Paradise Fossil Plant Unit 3 was taken offline on February 1, 2020, effectively retiring the plant.

Financial Impact

TVA's policy is to adjust depreciation rates to reflect the most current assumptions, ensuring units will be fully depreciated by the applicable retirement dates. As a result of TVA's decision to accelerate the retirements of Paradise and Bull Run, TVA has recognized a cumulative $1.0 billion of accelerated depreciation. Of this amount, $34 million and $91 million was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $67 million and $316 million was recognized during the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

6.  Other Long-Term Assets

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's other long-term assets:

Other Long-Term Assets (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Loans and other long-term receivables, net	$	109	$	100
EnergyRight® receivables, net	62		69
Prepaid long-term service agreements	54		42
Commodity contract derivative assets	5		23
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	19		21
Prepaid capacity payments	8		11
Other	61		59
Total other long-term assets	$	318	$	325

EnergyRight® Receivables, Net. In association with the EnergyRight® program, TVA's LPCs offer financing to end-use customers for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment. Depending on the nature of the energy-efficiency project, loans may have a maximum term of five years or 10 years. TVA purchases the resulting loans receivable from its LPCs. The loans receivable are then transferred to a third-party bank with which TVA has agreed to repay in full any loans receivable that have been in default for 180 days or more or that TVA has determined are uncollectible. Given this continuing involvement, TVA accounts for the transfer of the loans receivable as secured borrowings. The current and long-term portions of the loans receivable are reported in Accounts receivable, net and Other long-term assets, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the loans receivable, net of discount, reported in Accounts receivable, net was approximately $16 million and $18 million, respectively. See Note 9 — Other Long-Term Liabilities for information regarding the associated financing obligation.

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    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers experiencing financial hardship could request a deferral of EnergyRight® loan payments for a period of up to six months. The deferral option began in April 2020 and ended October 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, all EnergyRight® loans approved for the deferral period had resumed payments. The deferred loans did not accrue interest during the deferral months and totaled less than $1 million.

Allowance for Loan Losses. As described in Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, TVA adopted CECL on October 1, 2020 to determine its allowance for loan loss. The allowance for loan loss is an estimate of expected credit losses, measured over the estimated life of the loan receivables, that considers reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to information about historical experience and current conditions. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts.

The allowance components, which consist of a collective allowance and specific loans allowance, are based on the risk characteristics of TVA's loans. Loans that share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on a collective basis in measuring credit losses, while loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are evaluated on an individual basis.

Allowance Components (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021
EneryRight® loan reserve	$	2
Economic development loan collective reserve	1
Economic development loan specific loan reserve	2
Total allowance for loan losses	$	5

    Prepaid Long-Term Service Agreements. TVA has entered into various long-term service agreements for major maintenance activities at certain of its combined cycle plants. TVA uses the direct expense method of accounting for these arrangements. TVA accrues for parts when it takes ownership and for contractor services when they are rendered. Under certain of these agreements, payments made exceed the value of parts received and services rendered. The current and long-term portions of the resulting prepayments are reported in Other current assets and Other long-term assets, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, prepayments of $11 million and $3 million, respectively, were recorded in Other current assets.

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7.  Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

    Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates.  Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds to customers for previous collections for costs that are not likely to be incurred or deferral of gains that will be credited to customers in future periods.  Components of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are summarized in the table below.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Current regulatory assets
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives	$	114	$	114
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives	—		4
Fuel cost adjustment receivable	41		12
Total current regulatory assets	155		130
Non-current regulatory assets
Deferred pension costs and other post-retirement benefits costs	5,009		5,193
Non-nuclear decommissioning costs	2,604		2,512
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives	986		1,506
Nuclear decommissioning costs	482		896
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives	4		—
Other non-current regulatory assets	145		138
Total non-current regulatory assets	9,230		10,245
Total regulatory assets	$	9,385	$	10,375
Current regulatory liabilities
Fuel cost adjustment tax equivalents	$	115	$	115
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives	26		26
Total current regulatory liabilities	141		141
Non-current regulatory liabilities
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives	5		23
Total regulatory liabilities	$	146	$	164

8.  Variable Interest Entities

A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of owning a controlling financial interest. When TVA determines that it has a variable interest in a VIE, a qualitative evaluation is performed to assess which interest holders have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could be significant to the entity. The evaluation considers the purpose and design of the business, the risks that the business was designed to create and pass along to other entities, the activities of the business that can be directed and which party can direct them, and the expected relative impact of those activities on the economic performance of the business through its life. TVA has the power to direct the activities of an entity when it has the ability to make key operating and financing decisions, including, but not limited to, capital investment and the issuance of debt. Based on the evaluation of these criteria, TVA has determined it is the primary beneficiary of certain entities and as such is required to account for the VIEs on a consolidated basis.

John Sevier VIEs

In 2012, TVA entered into a $1.0 billion construction management agreement and lease financing arrangement with John Sevier Combined Cycle Generation LLC ("JSCCG") for the completion and lease by TVA of the John Sevier Combined Cycle Facility ("John Sevier CCF"). JSCCG is a special single-purpose limited liability company formed in January 2012 to

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finance the John Sevier CCF through a $900 million secured note issuance ("JSCCG notes") and the issuance of $100 million of membership interests subject to mandatory redemption.  The membership interests were purchased by John Sevier Holdco LLC ("Holdco").  Holdco is a special single-purpose entity, also formed in January 2012, established to acquire and hold the membership interests in JSCCG.  A non-controlling interest in Holdco is held by a third party through nominal membership interests, to which none of the income, expenses, and cash flows are allocated. 

The membership interests held by Holdco in JSCCG were purchased with proceeds from the issuance of $100 million of secured notes ("Holdco notes") and are subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a schedule of amortizing, semi-annual payments due each January 15 and July 15, with a final payment due in January 2042. The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the Holdco notes. The sale of the JSCCG notes, the membership interests in JSCCG, and the Holdco notes closed in January 2012. The JSCCG notes are secured by TVA's lease payments, and the Holdco notes are secured by Holdco's investment in, and amounts receivable from, JSCCG. TVA's lease payments to JSCCG are equal to and payable on the same dates as JSCCG's and Holdco's semi-annual debt service payments. In addition to the lease payments, TVA pays administrative and miscellaneous expenses incurred by JSCCG and Holdco. Certain agreements related to this transaction contain default and acceleration provisions.

    Due to its participation in the design, business conduct, and credit and financial support of JSCCG and Holdco, TVA has determined that it has a variable interest in both of these entities. Based on its analysis, TVA has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of JSCCG and Holdco and, as such, is required to account for the VIEs on a consolidated basis. Holdco's membership interests in JSCCG are eliminated in consolidation.

Southaven VIE

In 2013, TVA entered into a $400 million lease financing arrangement with Southaven Combined Cycle Generation LLC ("SCCG") for the lease by TVA of the Southaven Combined Cycle Facility ("Southaven CCF"). SCCG is a special single-purpose limited liability company formed in June 2013 to finance the Southaven CCF through a $360 million secured notes issuance ("SCCG notes") and the issuance of $40 million of membership interests subject to mandatory redemption. The membership interests were purchased by Southaven Holdco LLC ("SHLLC"). SHLLC is a special single-purpose entity, also formed in June 2013, established to acquire and hold the membership interests in SCCG. A non-controlling interest in SHLLC is held by a third party through nominal membership interests, to which none of the income, expenses, and cash flows of SHLLC are allocated.

The membership interests held by SHLLC were purchased with proceeds from the issuance of $40 million of secured notes ("SHLLC notes") and are subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a schedule of amortizing, semi-annual payments due each February 15 and August 15, with a final payment due on August 15, 2033. The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the SHLLC notes, and the payment amounts are sufficient to provide returns on, as well as returns of, capital until the investment has been repaid to SHLLC in full. The rate of return on investment to SHLLC is 7.0 percent, which is reflected as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. SHLLC is required to pay a pre-determined portion of the return on investment to Seven States Southaven, LLC ("SSSL") on each lease payment date as agreed in SHLLC's formation documents (the "Seven States Return"). The current and long-term portions of the Membership interests of VIE subject to mandatory redemption are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively.

The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the SHLLC notes. The SCCG notes are secured by TVA's lease payments, and the SHLLC notes are secured by SHLLC's investment in, and amounts receivable from, SCCG. TVA's lease payments to SCCG are payable on the same dates as SCCG's and SHLLC's semi-annual debt service payments and are equal to the sum of (i) the amount of SCCG's semi-annual debt service payments, (ii) the amount of SHLLC's semi-annual debt service payments, and (iii) the amount of the Seven States Return. In addition to the lease payments, TVA pays administrative and miscellaneous expenses incurred by SCCG and SHLLC. Certain agreements related to this transaction contain default and acceleration provisions.

    In the event that TVA were to choose to exercise an early buy out feature of the Southaven facility lease, in part or in whole, TVA must pay to SCCG amounts sufficient for SCCG to repay or partially repay on a pro rata basis the membership interests held by SHLLC, including any outstanding investment amount plus accrued but unpaid return. TVA also has the right, at any time and without any early redemption of the other portions of the Southaven facility lease payments due to SCCG, to fully repay SHLLC's investment, upon which repayment SHLLC will transfer the membership interests to a designee of TVA.

    TVA participated in the design, business conduct, and financial support of SCCG and has determined that it has a direct variable interest in SCCG resulting from risk associated with the value of the Southaven CCF at the end of the lease term. Based on its analysis, TVA has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of SCCG and, as such, is required to account for the VIE on a consolidated basis.

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Impact on Consolidated Financial Statements

The financial statement items attributable to carrying amounts and classifications of JSCCG, Holdco, and SCCG at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, as reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are as follows:

Summary of Impact of VIEs on Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Current liabilities
Accrued interest	$	10	$	10
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3		3
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	42		41
Total current liabilities	55		54
Other liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	21		23
Long-term debt, net
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	1,028		1,048
Total liabilities	$	1,104	$	1,125

Interest expense of $13 million and $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and $26 million and $27 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, is included on the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to debt of VIEs and membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption.

    Creditors of the VIEs do not have any recourse to the general credit of TVA. TVA does not have any obligations to provide financial support to the VIEs other than as prescribed in the terms of the agreements related to these transactions.

9.  Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of liabilities related to certain derivative agreements, as well as for environmental remediation liabilities and liabilities under agreements related to compliance with certain environmental regulations. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations and Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment — Interest Rate Derivatives. The table below summarizes the types and amounts of Other long-term liabilities:

Other Long-Term Liabilities (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Interest rate swap liabilities	$	1,398	$	1,927
Operating lease liabilities	143		171
Currency swap liabilities	21		123
EnergyRight® financing obligations	71		78
Accrued long-term service agreements	40		56
Other	194		193
Total other long-term liabilities	$	1,867	$	2,548

    Interest Rate Swap Liabilities. TVA uses interest rate swaps to fix variable short-term debt to a fixed rate. The values of these derivatives are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, Accrued interest, and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At both March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the interest rate swap liabilities reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Accrued interest was $114 million. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment — Interest Rate Derivatives for information regarding the interest rate swap liabilities. As of March 31, 2021, interest rate swap liabilities decreased $529 million as compared to September 30, 2020, due to an increase in both market interest rates since September 30, 2020, and net settlement payments made during the six months ended March 31, 2021.

    EnergyRight® Financing Obligations. TVA purchases certain loans receivable from its LPCs in association with the EnergyRight® program. The current and long-term portions of the resulting financing obligation are reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the financing obligations reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

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was $18 million and $19 million, respectively. See Note 6 — Other Long-Term Assets for information regarding the associated loans receivable.

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers experiencing financial hardship could request a deferral of EnergyRight® loan payments for a period of up to six months. The deferral option began in April 2020 and ended October 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, all EnergyRight® loans approved for the deferral period had resumed payments. The deferred loans did not accrue interest during the deferral months and totaled less than $1 million.

    Accrued Long-Term Service Agreements. TVA has entered into various long-term service agreements for major maintenance activities at certain of its combined cycle plants. TVA uses the direct expense method of accounting for these arrangements. TVA accrues for parts when it takes ownership and for contractor services when they are rendered. Under certain of these agreements, parts received and services rendered exceed payments made. The current and long-term portions of the resulting obligation are reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021 and September 30, 2020, related liabilities of $20 million and $15 million, respectively, were recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

10.  Asset Retirement Obligations

During the six months ended March 31, 2021, TVA's total asset retirement obligations ("ARO") liability increased $133 million as a result of periodic accretion and revisions in estimate, partially offset by settlement projects that were conducted during the period. The nuclear and non-nuclear accretion amounts were deferred as regulatory assets.  During the six months ended March 31, 2021, $36 million of the related regulatory assets were amortized into expense as these amounts were collected in rates. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. TVA maintains investment trusts to help fund its decommissioning obligations. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds and Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Contingencies — Decommissioning Costs for disclosure of the current balances of the trusts and a discussion of the trusts' objectives.

Asset Retirement Obligation Activity
	Nuclear		Non-Nuclear		Total
Balance at September 30, 2020	$	3,278	$	3,507	$	6,785	(1)
Settlements	(3)		(77)		(80)
Revisions in estimate	2		106		108
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)	74		31		105
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	3,351	$	3,567	$	6,918	(1)

Note

(1) Includes $271 million and $345 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, in Current liabilities.

The revisions in non-nuclear estimates increased $106 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021. These increases were primarily driven by revisions of certain CCR closure liabilities at Shawnee, Paradise, and Colbert, resulting from revised engineering estimates for construction costs, new vendor bids, modified closure designs, and expected costs associated with post-closure care of the closed areas.

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11.  Debt and Other Obligations

Debt Outstanding

Total debt outstanding at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, consisted of the following:

Debt Outstanding  (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Short-term debt
Short-term debt, net	$	1,241	$	57
Current maturities of power bonds issued at par(1)	304		1,787
Current maturities of long-term debt of VIEs issued at par	42		41
Total current debt outstanding, net	1,587		1,885
Long-term debt
Long-term power bonds(2)	18,112		18,078
Long-term debt of VIEs, net	1,028		1,048
Unamortized discounts, premiums, issue costs, and other	(117)		(122)
Total long-term debt, net	19,023		19,004
Total debt outstanding	$	20,610	$	20,889

Notes

(1) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $56 million and $73 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

(2) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $46 million and $80 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

For the six months ended March 31, 2021, Short-term debt, net increased primarily due to funding a portion of the power bonds that matured in February 2021.

Debt Securities Activity

The table below summarizes the long-term debt securities activity for the period from October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021:

Debt Securities Activity
	Date	Amount (in millions)		Interest Rate
Redemptions/Maturities(1)
2009 Series B	December 2020	$	1	3.77	%
2011 Series A	February 2021	1,500		3.88	%
Total redemptions/maturities of power bonds		1,501
Debt of variable interest entities		20
Total redemptions/maturities of debt		$	1,521

Note

(1) All redemptions were at 100 percent of par.

Credit Facility Agreements

    TVA has funding available under four long-term revolving credit facilities totaling approximately $2.7 billion: a $1.0 billion credit facility that matures on June 13, 2023, a $1.0 billion credit facility that matures on September 28, 2023, a $150 million credit facility that matures on February 9, 2024, and a $500 million credit facility that matures on February 1, 2025. The interest rate on any borrowing under these facilities varies based on market factors and the rating of TVA's senior unsecured, long-term, non-credit-enhanced debt. TVA is required to pay an unused facility fee on the portion of the total $2.7 billion that TVA has not borrowed or committed under letters of credit. This fee, along with letter of credit fees, may fluctuate depending on the rating of TVA's senior unsecured, long-term, non-credit-enhanced debt. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, there were approximately $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding under these facilities, and there were no borrowings outstanding. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Other Derivative Instruments — Collateral.

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The following table provides additional information regarding TVA's funding available under the four long-term revolving credit facilities:

Summary of Long-Term Credit Facilities At March 31, 2021 (in millions)
Maturity Date	Facility Limit		Letters of Credit Outstanding		Cash Borrowings		Availability
June 2023	$	1,000	$	289	$	—	$	711
September 2023	1,000		326		—		674
February 2024	150		38		—		112
February 2025	500		500		—		—
Total	$	2,650	$	1,153	$	—	$	1,497

TVA and the U.S. Treasury, pursuant to the TVA Act, have entered into a memorandum of understanding under which the U.S. Treasury provides TVA with a $150 million credit facility. This credit facility was renewed for 2021 with a maturity date of September 30, 2021. Access to this credit facility or other similar financing arrangements with the U.S. Treasury has been available to TVA since the 1960s. TVA can borrow under the U.S. Treasury credit facility only if it cannot issue Bonds in the market on reasonable terms, and TVA considers the U.S. Treasury credit facility a secondary source of liquidity. The interest rate on any borrowing under this facility is based on the average rate on outstanding marketable obligations of the U.S. with maturities from date of issue of one year or less. There were no outstanding borrowings under the facility at March 31, 2021. The availability of this credit facility may be impacted by how the U.S. government addresses the possibility of approaching its debt limit.

Lease/Leasebacks

    TVA previously entered into leasing transactions to obtain third-party financing for 24 peaking combustion turbine units ("CTs") as well as certain qualified technological equipment and software ("QTE"). Due to TVA's continuing involvement with the combustion turbine facilities and the QTE during the leaseback term, TVA accounted for the lease proceeds as financing obligations. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the outstanding leaseback obligations related to the remaining CTs and QTE were $87 million and $223 million, respectively. In May 2020, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight CTs, and TVA had previously acquired the equity interest related to these transactions. Rent payments under the remaining CT lease/leaseback transactions are scheduled to be made through January 2022. TVA does have the option to acquire the equity interests related to transactions involving the remaining eight CTs for additional amounts. In addition, on October 30, 2019, TVA provided notice of its intent to purchase the ownership interest in certain QTE. Repurchase payments are being made through a series of installments in 2021 and 2022, after which the associated leases will be terminated.

12.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") represents market valuation adjustments related to TVA's currency swaps. The currency swaps are cash flow hedges and are the only derivatives in TVA's portfolio that have been designated and qualify for hedge accounting treatment. TVA records exchange rate gains and losses on its foreign currency-denominated debt and any related accrued interest in net income and marks its currency swap assets and liabilities to market through other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). TVA then reclassifies an amount out of AOCI into net income, offsetting the exchange gain/loss recorded on the debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, TVA reclassified $5 million of gains and $56 million of losses, respectively, related to its cash flow hedges from AOCI to Interest expense. During the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, TVA reclassified $50 million and $3 million of gains, respectively, related to its cash flow hedges from AOCI to Interest expense. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions.

    TVA records certain assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities. As such, certain items that would generally be reported in AOCI or that would impact the statements of operations are recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for a schedule of regulatory assets and liabilities.  See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions for a discussion of the recognition in AOCI of gains and losses associated with certain derivative instruments. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of the recognition of certain investment fund gains and losses as regulatory assets and liabilities.  See Note 18 — Benefit Plans for a discussion of the regulatory accounting related to components of TVA's benefit plans.    

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13.  Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions

TVA is exposed to various risks related to commodity prices, investment prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, and inflation as well as counterparty credit and performance risks.  To help manage certain of these risks, TVA has historically entered into various derivative transactions, principally commodity option contracts, forward contracts, swaps, swaptions, futures, and options on futures.  Other than certain derivative instruments in its trust investment funds, it is TVA's policy to enter into these derivative transactions solely for hedging purposes and not for speculative purposes. During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts because these contracts no longer met the criteria of net settlement, and, as a result, the associated net derivative liabilities were derecognized at that time. In addition, TVA suspended its Financial Trading Program ("FTP") in 2014 and is not currently using financial instruments to hedge risks related to commodity prices. TVA plans to continue managing fuel price volatility through other methods and is reevaluating its suspended FTP program for future use of financial instruments.

Overview of Accounting Treatment

TVA recognizes certain of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of these instruments depends on (1) whether TVA uses regulatory accounting to defer the derivative gains and losses, (2) whether the derivative instrument has been designated and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, and (3) if so, the type of hedge relationship (for example, cash flow hedge).

    The following tables summarize the accounting treatment that certain of TVA's financial derivative transactions receive:

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 1)  Amount of Mark-to-Market Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in millions)
			Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	Objective of Hedge Transaction	Accounting for Derivative Hedging Instrument	2021		2020		2021		2020
Currency swaps	To protect against changes in cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (exchange rate risk)	Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in AOCI and reclassified to Interest expense to the extent they are offset by gains and losses on the hedged transaction	$	22	$	(163)	$	123	$	(87)

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 2)(1) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Interest Expense (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	2021		2020		2021		2020
Currency swaps	$	5	$	(56)	$	50	$	3

Note

(1) There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for any of the periods presented. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $19 million of gains from AOCI to Interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in Interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt.

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Summary of Derivative Instruments That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives(1)
			Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivative Type	Objective of Derivative(2)	Accounting for Derivative Instrument	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest rate swaps	To fix short-term debt variable rate to a fixed rate (interest rate risk)	Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities Realized gains and losses are recognized in Interest expense when incurred during the settlement period and are presented in operating cash flow	$	(28)	$	(23)	$	(57)	$	(44)
Commodity contract derivatives	To protect against fluctuations in market prices of purchased coal or natural gas (price risk)	Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities Realized gains and losses due to contract settlements are recognized in Fuel expense as incurred	—		—		—		1

Notes

(1) All of TVA's derivative instruments that do not receive hedge accounting treatment have unrealized gains (losses) that would otherwise be recognized in income but instead are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. As such, there were no related gains (losses) recognized in income for these unrealized gains (losses) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

(2) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts.

Fair Values of TVA Derivatives (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021			At September 30, 2020
Derivatives That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation
Currency swaps
£200 million Sterling	$	(58)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(58)	$	(78)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(78)
£250 million Sterling	(8)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(4); Other long-term liabilities $(4)	(63)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(5); Other long-term liabilities $(58)
£150 million Sterling	(20)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3); Other long-term liabilities $(17)	(68)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3); Other long-term liabilities $(65)
Derivatives That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation
Interest rate swaps
$1.0 billion notional	$	(1,090)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(43); Accrued interest $(37); Other long-term liabilities $(1,010)	$	(1,449)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(43); Accrued interest $(37); Other long-term liabilities $(1,369)
$476 million notional	(419)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(22); Accrued interest $(10); Other long-term liabilities $(387)	(588)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(22); Accrued interest $(10); Other long-term liabilities $(556)
$42 million notional(1)	(3)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(1); Accrued interest $(1); Other long-term liabilities $(1)	(4)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(2); Other long-term liabilities $(2)
Commodity contract derivatives	27		Other current assets $27; Other long-term assets $5; Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(1); Other long-term liabilities $(4)	46		Other current assets $26; Other long-term assets $23; Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3)

Note

(1) Represents two interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $28 million and $14 million.

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Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Currency Swaps

To protect against exchange rate risk related to three British pound sterling denominated Bond transactions, TVA entered into foreign currency hedges at the time the Bond transactions occurred.  TVA had three currency swaps outstanding at March 31, 2021, with total currency exposure of £600 million and expiration dates ranging from 2021 to 2043.

    When the dollar strengthens against the British pound sterling, the exchange gain on the Bond liability and related accrued interest is offset by an equal amount of loss on the swap contract that is reclassified out of AOCI. Conversely, the exchange loss on the Bond liability and related accrued interest is offset by an equal amount of gain on the swap contract that is reclassified out of AOCI. All such exchange gains or losses on the Bond liability and related accrued interest are included in Long-term debt, net and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, respectively. The offsetting exchange losses or gains on the swap contracts are recognized in AOCI. If any gain (loss) were to be incurred as a result of the early termination of the foreign currency swap contract, the resulting income (expense) would be amortized over the remaining life of the associated Bond as a component of Interest expense. The values of the currency swap liabilities are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment

    Interest Rate Derivatives.  Generally TVA uses interest rate swaps to fix variable short-term debt to a fixed rate, and TVA uses regulatory accounting treatment to defer the mark-to-market ("MtM") gains and losses on its interest rate swaps. The net deferred unrealized gains and losses are classified as regulatory assets or liabilities on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are included in the ratemaking formula when gains or losses are realized. The values of these derivatives are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and realized gains and losses, if any, are included on TVA's Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the changes in fair market value of the interest rate swaps resulted in the deferral of unrealized gains of $386 million and unrealized losses of $556 million, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the changes in fair market value of the interest rate swaps resulted in the deferral of unrealized gains of $529 million and unrealized losses of $385 million, respectively. TVA may hold short-term debt balances lower than the notional amount of the interest rate swaps from time to time due to changes in business conditions and other factors. While actual balances vary, TVA generally plans to maintain average balances of short-term debt equal to or in excess of the combined notional amount of the interest rate swaps.

Commodity Derivatives. TVA enters into certain derivative contracts for natural gas that require physical delivery of the contracted quantity of the commodity. TVA marks to market natural gas contracts and defers the fair market values as regulatory assets or liabilities on a gross basis. At March 31, 2021, TVA's natural gas contract derivatives had terms of up to three years.

Commodity Contract Derivatives
	At March 31, 2021			At September 30, 2020
	Number of Contracts	Notional Amount	Fair Value (MtM)	Number of Contracts	Notional Amount	Fair Value (MtM)
Natural gas contract derivatives	27	274 million mmBtu	27	42	302 million mmBtu	46

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Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities

    The amounts of TVA's derivative instruments as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are shown in the table below:

Derivative Assets and Liabilities(1) (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Assets
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	$	32	$	49
Liabilities
Currency swaps(2)	$	86	$	209
Interest rate swaps(2)	1,512		2,041
Total derivatives subject to master netting or similar arrangement	1,598		2,250
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	5		3
Total liabilities	$	1,603	$	2,253

Notes

(1) Offsetting amounts primarily include counterparty netting of derivative contracts, margin account deposits for futures commission merchants transactions, and cash collateral received or paid in accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging transactions. There were no material offsetting amounts on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets at either March 31, 2021, or September 30, 2020.

(2) Letters of credit of approximately $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion were posted as collateral at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, to partially secure the liability positions of one of the currency swaps and one of the interest rate swaps in accordance with the collateral requirements for these derivatives.

Other Derivative Instruments

Investment Fund Derivatives.  Investment funds consist primarily of funds held in the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust ("NDT"), the Asset Retirement Trust ("ART"), the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), and the TVA Deferred Compensation Plan ("DCP"). See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds for a discussion of the trusts, plans, and types of investments. The NDT and ART may invest in derivative instruments which may include swaps, futures, options, forwards, and other instruments. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the NDT held investments in forward contracts to purchase debt securities. The fair values of these derivatives were in net asset positions totaling $8 million and $13 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Collateral.  TVA's interest rate swaps and currency swaps contain contract provisions that require a party to post collateral (in a form such as cash or a letter of credit) when the party's liability balance under the agreement exceeds a certain threshold.  At March 31, 2021, the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features that were in a liability position was $1.6 billion.  TVA's collateral obligations at March 31, 2021, under these arrangements were approximately $1.1 billion, for which TVA had posted approximately $1.2 billion in letters of credit. These letters of credit reduce the available balance under the related credit facilities.  TVA's assessment of the risk of its nonperformance includes a reduction in its exposure under the contract as a result of this posted collateral.

For all of its derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features:

•If TVA remains a majority-owned U.S. government entity but Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") downgrades TVA's credit rating to AA or Aa2, respectively, TVA's collateral obligations would likely increase by $22 million, and

•If TVA ceases to be majority-owned by the U.S. government, TVA's credit rating would likely be downgraded and TVA would be required to post additional collateral.

Counterparty Risk

    TVA may be exposed to certain risks when a counterparty has the potential to fail to meet its obligations in accordance with agreed terms. These risks may be related to credit, operational, or nonperformance matters. To mitigate certain counterparty risk, TVA analyzes the counterparty's financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establishes credit limits, monitors the appropriateness of those limits, as well as any changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparty, on an ongoing basis, and when required, employs credit mitigation measures, such as collateral or prepayment arrangements and master purchase and sale agreements.

Customers.  TVA is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with trade accounts receivable from delivered power sales to LPCs, and from industries and federal agencies directly served, all located in the Tennessee Valley region. Of the $1.2

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billion and $1.4 billion of receivables from power sales outstanding at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, nearly all counterparties were rated investment grade. The obligations of customers that are not investment grade are secured by collateral. TVA is also exposed to risk from exchange power arrangements with a small number of investor-owned regional utilities related to either delivered power or the replacement of open positions of longer-term purchased power or fuel agreements. TVA believes its policies and procedures for counterparty performance risk reviews have generally protected TVA against significant exposure related to market and economic conditions. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts, Note 3 — Accounts Receivable, Net, and Note 6 — Other Long-Term Assets.

    TVA had revenue from two LPCs that collectively accounted for 16 percent of total operating revenues for both the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and the three and six months ended March 31, 2020.

Suppliers.  TVA assesses potential supplier performance risks, including procurement of fuel, parts, and services. If suppliers are unable to perform under TVA's existing contracts or if TVA is unable to obtain similar services from other vendors, TVA could experience delays, disruptions, additional costs, or other operational outcomes that may impact generation,

maintenance, and capital programs. If one of TVA's fuel or purchased power suppliers fails to perform under the terms of its contract with TVA, TVA might lose the money that it paid to the supplier under the contract and have to purchase replacement fuel or power on the spot market, perhaps at a significantly higher price than TVA was entitled to pay under the contract. In addition, TVA might not be able to acquire replacement fuel or power in a timely manner and thus might be unable to satisfy its own obligations to deliver power.

Natural Gas. TVA purchases the majority of its natural gas requirements from a variety of suppliers under primarily short-term contracts. In the event of nonperformance by these suppliers, TVA believes that it can obtain replacement natural gas.

    Coal. To help ensure a reliable supply of coal, TVA had coal contracts with multiple suppliers at March 31, 2021. The contracted supply of coal is sourced from multiple geographic regions of the U.S. and is to be delivered via various transportation methods (e.g., barge, rail, and truck). Emerging technologies, environmental regulations, and low natural gas prices have contributed to weak demand for coal. As a result, coal suppliers are facing increased financial pressure, which has led to relatively poor credit ratings and bankruptcies. Continued difficulties by coal suppliers, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in consolidations, additional bankruptcies, restructuring, contract renegotiations, or other scenarios.

    Nuclear Fuel. Nuclear fuel is obtained predominantly through long-term uranium concentrate supply contracts, contracted conversion services, contracted enrichment services, or a combination thereof, and contracted fuel fabrication services. The supply markets for uranium concentrates and certain nuclear fuel services are subject to price fluctuations and availability restrictions. Supply market conditions may make procurement contracts subject to credit risk related to the potential nonperformance of counterparties. In the event of nonperformance by these or other suppliers, TVA believes that replacement uranium concentrate and nuclear fuel services can be obtained, although at prices that may be unfavorable when compared to the prices under the current supply agreements.

    Purchased Power. TVA acquires power from a variety of power producers through long-term and short-term power purchase agreements ("PPAs") as well as through spot market purchases. In order to meet customer preferences and requirements for cleaner and greener energy, TVA has entered into certain PPAs with renewable resource providers. TVA also has a PPA that expires on March 31, 2032, with a supplier of electricity for 440 megawatts ("MW") of summer net capability from a lignite-fired generating plant. TVA has determined that the supplier has the equivalent of a non-investment grade credit rating; therefore, the supplier has provided credit assurance to TVA under the terms of the agreement.

Other Suppliers. TVA has experienced minimal impacts due to force majeure events, with the exception of a manufacturing delay for a major turbine component. A mitigation strategy was developed by TVA and the vendor which reduced impacts to TVA's outage schedule. TVA will continue to monitor the supply base and remain in contact with suppliers to identify potential risks.

Derivative Counterparties.  TVA has entered into physical and financial contracts that qualify as derivatives for hedging purposes, and TVA's NDT, ART, and qualified defined benefit pension plan have entered into derivative contracts for investment purposes. If a counterparty to one of the physical or financial derivative transactions defaults, TVA might incur substantial costs in connection with entering into a replacement transaction. If a counterparty to the derivative contracts into which the NDT, the ART, or the qualified pension plan have entered for investment purposes defaults, the value of the investment could decline significantly or perhaps become worthless. TVA has concentrations of credit risk from the banking, coal, and gas industries because multiple companies in these industries serve as counterparties to TVA in various derivative transactions. At March 31, 2021, all of TVA's currency swaps and interest rate swaps as well as all of the derivatives in the NDT and ART were with banking counterparties whose Moody's credit ratings were A2 or higher.

    TVA classifies qualified forward natural gas contracts as derivatives. See Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment above. At March 31, 2021, the natural gas contracts were with counterparties whose ratings ranged from B1 to A1. TVA recognizes the slowdown in demand and the impacts on the oil and gas industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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TVA will continue to monitor the impacts and affected credit ratings and enforce contract performance assurance provisions when applicable.

14.  Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the asset or liability's principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. TVA uses market or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs.

Valuation Techniques

The measurement of fair value results in classification into a hierarchy by the inputs used to determine the fair value as follows:

Level 1	—	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible by the reporting entity for identical assets or liabilities.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing.
Level 2	—	Pricing inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are based on observable market data and that are directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.  These include quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, adjusted quoted market prices, inputs from observable data such as interest rate and yield curves, volatilities and default rates observable at commonly quoted intervals, and inputs derived from observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3	—	Pricing inputs that are unobservable, or less observable, from objective sources.  Unobservable inputs are only to be used to the extent observable inputs are not available.  These inputs maintain the concept of an exit price from the perspective of a market participant and should reflect assumptions of other market participants.  An entity should consider all market participant assumptions that are available without unreasonable cost and effort.  These are given the lowest priority and are generally used in internally developed methodologies to generate management's best estimate of the fair value when no observable market data is available.

A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy (where Level 1 is the highest and Level 3 is the lowest) is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement.

The following sections describe the valuation methodologies TVA uses to measure different financial instruments at fair value. Except for gains and losses on SERP and DCP assets, all changes in fair value of these assets and liabilities have been recorded as changes in regulatory assets, regulatory liabilities, or AOCI on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Except for gains and losses on SERP and DCP assets, there has been no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows related to these fair value measurements.

Investment Funds

At March 31, 2021, Investment funds were comprised of $3.7 billion of equity securities and debt securities classified as trading measured at fair value. Equity and trading debt securities are held in the NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP. The NDT holds funds for the ultimate decommissioning of TVA's nuclear power plants. The ART holds funds primarily for the costs related to the future closure and retirement of TVA's other long-lived assets. The balances in the NDT and ART were $2.6 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, at March 31, 2021.

TVA established a SERP to provide benefits to selected employees of TVA which are comparable to those provided by competing organizations. The DCP is designed to provide participants with the ability to defer compensation to future periods. The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP funds are invested in portfolios of securities generally designed to achieve a return in line with overall equity and debt market performance.

The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP are composed of multiple types of investments and are managed by external institutional investment managers. Most U.S. and international equities, U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, real estate investment trust securities, and cash securities and certain derivative instruments are measured based on quoted exchange prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1 valuations. Fixed-income investments, high-yield fixed-income investments, currencies, and most derivative instruments are non-exchange traded and are classified as Level 2 valuations. These measurements are based on market and income approaches with observable market inputs.

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    Private equity limited partnerships, private real asset investments, and private credit investments may include holdings of investments in private real estate, venture capital, buyout, mezzanine or subordinated debt, restructuring or distressed debt, and special situations through funds managed by third-party investment managers. These investments generally involve a three-to-four-year period where the investor contributes capital, followed by a period of distribution, typically over several years. The investment period is generally, at a minimum, 10 years or longer. The NDT had unfunded commitments related to private equity limited partnerships of $220 million, private real assets of $88 million, and private credit of $44 million at March 31, 2021. The ART had unfunded commitments related to limited partnerships in private equity of $129 million, private real assets of $69 million, and private credit of $22 million at March 31, 2021. These investments have no redemption or limited redemption options and may also impose restrictions on the NDT's and ART's ability to liquidate their investments. There are no readily available quoted exchange prices for these investments. The fair value of these investments is based on information provided by the investment managers. These investments are valued on a quarterly basis. TVA's private equity limited partnerships, private real asset investments, and private credit investments are valued at net asset values ("NAV") as a practical expedient for fair value. TVA classifies its interest in these types of investments as investments measured at NAV in the fair value hierarchy.

Commingled funds represent investment funds comprising multiple individual financial instruments. The commingled funds held by the NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP consist of either a single class of securities, such as equity, debt, or foreign currency securities, or multiple classes of securities. All underlying positions in these commingled funds are either exchange traded or measured using observable inputs for similar instruments. The fair value of commingled funds is based on NAV per fund share (the unit of account), derived from the prices of the underlying securities in the funds. These commingled funds can be redeemed at the measurement date NAV and are classified as Commingled funds measured at net asset value in the fair value hierarchy.

     Realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity and trading debt securities are recognized in current earnings and are based on average cost. The gains and losses of the NDT and ART are subsequently reclassified to a regulatory asset or liability account in accordance with TVA's regulatory accounting policy. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Cost-Based Regulation and Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. TVA recorded unrealized gains and losses related to its equity and trading debt securities held during each period as follows:

Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (in millions)
		Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Fund	Financial Statement Presentation	2021		2020		2021		2020
NDT	Regulatory asset	$	23	$	(357)	$	253	$	(246)
ART	Regulatory asset	28		(135)		120		(98)
SERP	Other income (expense)	1		(9)		5		(8)
DCP	Other income (expense)	—		(3)		1		(2)

Currency and Interest Rate Swap Derivatives

See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Currency Swaps and Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment for a discussion of the nature, purpose, and contingent features of TVA's currency swaps and interest rate swaps. These swaps are classified as Level 2 valuations and are valued based on income approaches using observable market inputs for similar instruments.

Commodity Contract Derivatives

See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions —Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment. Most of these contracts are valued based on market approaches which utilize short-term and mid-term market-quoted prices from an external industry brokerage service.

Nonperformance Risk

The assessment of nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk, considers changes in current market conditions, readily available information on nonperformance risk, letters of credit, collateral, other arrangements available, and the nature of master netting arrangements. TVA is a counterparty to currency swaps, interest rate swaps, commodity contracts, and other derivatives which subject TVA to nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk on the majority of investments and certain exchange-traded instruments held by TVA is incorporated into the exit price that is derived from quoted market data that is used to mark the investment to market.

Nonperformance risk for most of TVA's derivative instruments is an adjustment to the initial asset/liability fair value. TVA adjusts for nonperformance risk, both of TVA (for liabilities) and the counterparty (for assets), by applying credit valuation adjustments ("CVAs"). TVA determines an appropriate CVA for each applicable financial instrument based on the term of the

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instrument and TVA's or the counterparty's credit rating as obtained from Moody's. For companies that do not have an observable credit rating, TVA uses internal analysis to assign a comparable rating to the counterparty. TVA discounts each financial instrument using the historical default rate (as reported by Moody's for CY 1984 to CY 2020) for companies with a similar credit rating over a time period consistent with the remaining term of the contract. The application of CVAs resulted in a less than $1 million decrease in the fair value of assets and a $1 million decrease in the fair value of liabilities at March 31, 2021.

Fair Value Measurements

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, TVA's financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020. Financial assets and liabilities have been classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. TVA's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the determination of the fair value of the assets and liabilities and their classification in the fair value hierarchy levels.

Fair Value Measurements At March 31, 2021 (in millions)
	Quoted Prices in Active  Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Investments
Equity securities	$	617	$	—	$	—	$	617
Government debt securities(1)	528		32		—		560
Corporate debt securities(2)	—		409		—		409
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		30		—		30
Institutional mutual funds	222		—		—		222
Forward debt securities contracts	—		8		—		8
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		274
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		215
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		62
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		1,326
Total investments	1,367		479		—		3,723
Commodity contract derivatives	—		32		—		32
Total	$	1,367	$	511	$	—	$	3,755
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Liabilities
Currency swaps(4)	$	—	$	86	$	—	$	86
Interest rate swaps	—		1,512		—		1,512
Commodity contract derivatives	—		5		—		5
Total	$	—	$	1,603	$	—	$	1,603

Notes

(1) Includes obligations of government-sponsored entities.

(2) Includes both U.S. and foreign debt.

(3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)  TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

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Fair Value Measurements At September 30, 2020 (in millions)
	Quoted Prices in Active  Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Investments
Equity securities	$	500	$	—	$	—	$	500
Government debt securities(1)	485		40		—		525
Corporate debt securities(2)	—		356		—		356
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		27		—		27
Institutional mutual funds	188		—		—		188
Forward debt securities contracts	—		13		—		13
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		194
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		168
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		53
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		1,174
Total investments	1,173		436		—		3,198
Commodity contract derivatives	—		49		—		49
Total	$	1,173	$	485	$	—	$	3,247
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Liabilities
Currency swaps(4)	$	—	$	209	$	—	$	209
Interest rate swaps	—		2,041		—		2,041
Commodity contract derivatives	—		3		—		3
Total	$	—	$	2,253	$	—	$	2,253

Notes

(1) Includes obligations of government-sponsored entities.

(2) Includes both U.S. and foreign debt.

(3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)  TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

        The following table presents a reconciliation of all commodity contract derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (in millions)
	Commodity Contract Derivatives(1)
	Three Months Ended March 31		Six Months Ended March 31
Balance at beginning of period	$	(17)	$	(4)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities	10		(3)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	(7)	$	(7)

Note

(1) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts. Therefore, the fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs was zero at October 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

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Other Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value

TVA uses the methods and assumptions described below to estimate the fair value of each significant class of financial instruments. The fair value of the financial instruments held at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, may not be representative of the actual gains or losses that will be recorded when these instruments mature or are called or presented for early redemption. The estimated values of TVA's financial instruments not recorded at fair value at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, were as follows:

Estimated Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value (in millions)
		At March 31, 2021				At September 30, 2020
	Valuation Classification	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
EnergyRight® receivables, net (including current portion)	Level 2	$	78	$	78	$	87	$	86
Loans and other long-term receivables, net (including current portion)	Level 2	117		107		105		93
EnergyRight® financing obligations (including current portion)	Level 2	89		99		97		108
Unfunded loan commitments	Level 2	—		1		—		2
Membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption (including current portion)	Level 2	24		32		26		35
Long-term outstanding power bonds (including current maturities), net	Level 2	18,299		23,341		19,743		26,630
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net	Level 2	1,070		1,310		1,089		1,419

The carrying value of Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, net, and Short-term debt, net approximate their fair values.

The fair value for loans and other long-term receivables is estimated by determining the present value of future cash flows using a discount rate equal to lending rates for similar loans made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for similar remaining maturities, where applicable. The fair value of long-term debt and membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption is estimated by determining the present value of future cash flows using current market rates for similar obligations, giving effect to credit ratings and remaining maturities.

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15.  Revenue

Revenue from Sales of Electricity

TVA's revenue from contracts with customers is primarily derived from the generation and sale of electricity to its customers and is included in Revenue from sales of electricity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Electricity is sold primarily to LPCs for distribution to their end-use customers. In addition, TVA sells electricity to directly served industrial companies, federal agencies, and others.

LPC sales

Approximately 92 percent of TVA's revenue from sales of electricity for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 was to LPCs, which then distribute the power to their customers using their own distribution systems. Power is delivered to each LPC at delivery points within the LPC's service territory. TVA recognizes revenue when the customer takes possession of the power at the delivery point. For power sales, the performance obligation to deliver power is satisfied in a series over time because the sales of electricity over the term of the customer contract are a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. TVA has no continuing performance obligations subsequent to delivery. Using the output method for revenue recognition provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of electricity as customers obtain control of the power and benefit from its use at delivery. Additionally, TVA has an enforceable right to consideration for energy delivered at any discrete point in time and will recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which TVA is entitled for the energy delivered. The amount of revenue is based on contractual prices approved by the TVA Board. Customers are invoiced monthly for power delivered as measured by meters located at the delivery points. The net transaction price is offset by certain credits available to customers that are known at the time of billing. Credits are designed to achieve objectives of the TVA Act and include items such as hydro preference credits for residential customers of LPCs, economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley, wholesale bill credits to maintain long-term partnerships with LPCs, Pandemic Relief Credits created to support LPCs and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. Payments are typically due within approximately one month of invoice issuance.

Directly served customers

Directly served customers, including industrial customers, federal agencies, and other customers, take power for their own consumption. Similar to LPCs, power is delivered to a delivery point, at which time the customer takes possession and TVA recognizes revenue. For all power sales, the performance obligation to deliver power is satisfied in a series over time since the sales of electricity over the term of the customer contract are a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. TVA has no continuing performance obligations subsequent to delivery. Using the output method for revenue recognition provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of electricity as customers obtain control of the power and benefit from its use at delivery. Additionally, TVA has an enforceable right to consideration for energy delivered at any discrete point in time and will recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which TVA is entitled for the energy delivered. The amount of revenue is based on contractual prices approved by the TVA Board. Customers are invoiced monthly for power delivered as measured by meters located at the delivery points. The net transaction price is offset by certain credits available to customers that are known at the time of billing. Examples of credits include items such as economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley, Pandemic Relief Credits created to support directly served customers and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. Payments are typically due within approximately one month of invoice issuance.

Other Revenue

Other revenue consists primarily of wheeling and network transmission charges, sales of excess steam that is a by-product of power production, delivery point charges for interconnection points between TVA and the customer, and certain other ancillary goods or services.

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Disaggregated Revenues

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, revenues generated from TVA's electricity sales were $2.5 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively, and accounted for virtually all of TVA's revenues. TVA's operating revenues by state for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are detailed in the table below:

Operating Revenues By State (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Alabama	$	379	$	360	$	713	$	729
Georgia	66		64		124		127
Kentucky	157		158		294		315
Mississippi	237		227		449		464
North Carolina	18		19		34		37
Tennessee	1,663		1,648		3,164		3,324
Virginia	11		12		21		23
Subtotal	2,531		2,488		4,799		5,019
Off-system sales	2		1		4		2
Revenue from sales of electricity	2,533		2,489		4,803		5,021
Other revenue	39		32		73		78
Total operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	$	4,876	$	5,099

    TVA's operating revenues by customer type for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are detailed in the table below:

Operating Revenues by Customer Type (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenue from sales of electricity
Local power companies	$	2,337	$	2,301	$	4,428	$	4,658
Industries directly served	168		160		322		310
Federal agencies and other	28		28		53		53
Revenue from sales of electricity	2,533		2,489		4,803		5,021
Other revenue	39		32		73		78
Total operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	$	4,876	$	5,099

    TVA and LPCs continue to work together to meet the changing needs of consumers around the Tennessee Valley. In 2019, the TVA Board approved a Partnership Agreement option that better aligns the length of LPC power contracts with TVA's long-term commitments. Under the partnership arrangement, the LPC power contracts have a 20-year termination notice provision that renews each year after their initial effective date, contingent upon certain circumstances, including limited rate increases going forward. Participating LPCs receive benefits including a 3.1 percent wholesale bill credit in exchange for their long-term commitment, which enables TVA to recover its long-term financial commitments over a commensurate period. The total wholesale bill credits to LPCs participating in the long-term Partnership Agreement were $48 million and $36 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The total wholesale bill credits to LPCs participating in the long-term Partnership Agreement were $90 million and $70 million, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. In June 2020, TVA provided participating LPCs a flexibility option that allows them to locally generate up to approximately five percent of average total hourly energy sales over the prior five years in order to meet their individual customers' needs. As of May 3, 2021, 142 LPCs had signed the 20-year Partnership Agreement with TVA, and 71 LPCs had signed a Flexibility Agreement.

In August 2020, the TVA Board approved a Pandemic Relief Credit which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's LPCs, their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA directly served customers. Pandemic Relief Credits were

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$55 million and $104 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021. There were no Pandemic Relief Credits for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020.

    The number of LPCs by contract arrangement, the revenues derived from such arrangements for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, and the percentage those revenues comprised of TVA's total operating revenues for the same periods, are summarized in the tables below:

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	1,934	75.2	%
5-year termination notice	11	403		15.7	%
Total	153	$	2,337	90.9	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	3,654	74.9	%
5-year termination notice	11	774		15.9	%
Total	153	$	4,428	90.8	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

    TVA's two largest LPCs — Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division ("MLGW") and Nashville Electric Service ("NES") — have contracts with a five-year and a 20-year termination notice period, respectively. Sales to MLGW and NES each accounted for eight percent of TVA's total operating revenues for both the six months ended March 31, 2021 and the six months ended March 31, 2020. Certain LPCs, including MLGW, are evaluating options for future energy choices. In addition, in January 2021, four LPCs accounting for four percent of TVA's total operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2021, filed a complaint and petition with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") asking FERC to order TVA to provide transmission and interconnection service to the LPCs or other suppliers that want to serve them. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Challenge to Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment.

Contract Balances

    Contract assets represent an entity's right to consideration in exchange for goods and services that the entity has transferred to customers. TVA does not have any material contract assets at March 31, 2021.

    Contract liabilities represent an entity's obligations to transfer goods or services to customers for which the entity has received consideration (or an amount of consideration is due) from the customers. These contract liabilities are primarily related to upfront consideration received prior to the satisfaction of the performance obligation.

    Economic Development Incentives. Under certain economic development programs, TVA offers incentives to existing and potential power customers in targeted business sectors that make multi-year commitments to invest in the Tennessee Valley. TVA records those incentives as reductions of revenue. Incentives recorded as a reduction to revenue were $82 million and $84 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Incentives recorded as a reduction to revenue were $156 million and $160 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Incentives that have been approved but have not been paid are recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the outstanding unpaid incentives were $170 million and $172 million, respectively. Incentives that have been paid out may be subject to claw back if the customer fails to meet certain program requirements. Additionally, in May 2020, TVA established flexibility provisions to support the continued operations and recovery of participating customers experiencing financial and operational hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic downturn. These provisions were made available through the December 2020

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application period, which could provide flexibility to customers through 2021. The provisions have not had a material impact to TVA.

16.  Other Income (Expense), Net

Income and expenses not related to TVA's operating activities are summarized in the following table:

Other Income (Expense), Net
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest income	$	3	$	5	$	6	$	10
External services	3		3		7		6
Gains (losses) on investments	2		(11)		11		(6)
Miscellaneous	3		2		2		1
Total Other income (expense), net	$	11	$	(1)	$	26	$	11

17. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

    Construction in progress and Nuclear fuel expenditures included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at March 31, 2021 and 2020, were $394 million and $295 million, respectively, and are excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, as non-cash investing activities.

Excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2021, were non-cash investing and financing activities of $233 million related primarily to an increase in lease assets and liabilities incurred for a finance lease that was amended in March 2021.

18.  Benefit Plans

TVA sponsors a qualified defined benefit plan ("pension plan") that covers most of its full-time employees hired before July 1, 2014, a qualified defined contribution plan ("401(k) plan") that covers most of its full-time employees, two unfunded post-retirement health care plans that provide for non-vested contributions toward the cost of eligible retirees' medical coverage, other post-employment benefits, such as workers' compensation, and the SERP. The pension plan and the 401(k) plan are administered by a separate legal entity, the TVA Retirement System ("TVARS"), which is governed by its own board of directors.

The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized as changes in regulatory assets for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

Components of TVA's Benefit Plans(1)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31								For the Six Months Ended March 31
	Pension Benefits				Other Post-Retirement Benefits				Pension Benefits				Other Post-Retirement Benefits
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Service cost	$	14	$	15	$	4	$	4	$	28	$	27	$	9	$	8
Interest cost	93		104		4		4		184		208		8		8
Expected return on plan assets	(123)		(122)		—		—		(246)		(244)		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit	(25)		(24)		(4)		(6)		(49)		(48)		(9)		(12)
Recognized net actuarial loss	115		109		2		3		227		218		5		5
Total net periodic benefit cost as actuarially determined	74		82		6		5		144		161		13		9
Amount expensed / (capitalized) due to actions of regulator	2		(6)		—		—		9		(8)		—		—
Total net periodic benefit cost	$	76	$	76	$	6	$	5	$	153	$	153	$	13	$	9

Note

(1) The components of net benefit cost other than the service cost component are included in Other net periodic benefit cost on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    TVA's minimum required pension plan contribution for 2021 is $300 million. TVA contributes $25 million per month to TVARS and as of March 31, 2021, had contributed $150 million. The remaining $150 million will be contributed by September

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30, 2021. For the six months ended March 31, 2021, TVA also contributed $48 million to the 401(k) plan, $13 million (net of $1 million in rebates) to the other post-retirement plans, and $5 million to the SERP.

19.  Contingencies and Legal Proceedings

Contingencies

Nuclear Insurance.  Section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act, commonly known as the Price-Anderson Act, provides a layered framework of financial protection to compensate for liability claims of members of the public for personal injury and property damages arising from a nuclear incident in the U.S. This financial protection consists of two layers of coverage:

•The primary level is private insurance underwritten by American Nuclear Insurers ("ANI") and provides public liability insurance coverage of $450 million for each nuclear power plant licensed to operate. If this amount is not sufficient to cover claims arising from a nuclear incident, the second level, Secondary Financial Protection, applies.

•Within the Secondary Financial Protection level, the licensee of each nuclear reactor has a contingent obligation to pay a retrospective premium, equal to its proportionate share of the loss in excess of the primary level, regardless of proximity to the incident of fault, up to a maximum of approximately $138 million per reactor per incident. With TVA's seven reactors, the maximum total contingent obligation per incident is $963 million. This retrospective premium is payable at a maximum rate currently set at approximately $20 million per year per incident per reactor. Currently, 96 reactors are participating in the Secondary Financial Protection program.

In the event that a nuclear incident results in public liability claims, the primary level provided by ANI combined with the Secondary Financial Protection should provide up to approximately $13.7 billion in coverage.

    Federal law requires that each NRC power reactor licensee obtain property insurance from private sources to cover the cost of stabilizing and decontaminating a reactor and its station site after an accident. TVA carries property, decommissioning liability, and decontamination liability insurance from Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited ("NEIL"). The limits for each site vary depending on the site and range from up to $2.1 billion to $2.8 billion available for a loss at TVA's three sites. Some of this insurance may require the payment of retrospective premiums up to a maximum of approximately $145 million.

TVA purchases accidental outage (business interruption) insurance for TVA's nuclear sites from NEIL.  In the event that an accident covered by this policy takes a nuclear unit offline or keeps a nuclear unit offline, NEIL will pay TVA, after a waiting period, an indemnity (a set dollar amount per week) with a maximum indemnity of $490 million per unit.  This insurance policy may require the payment of retrospective premiums up to a maximum of approximately $43 million, but only to the extent the retrospective premium is deemed necessary by the NEIL Board of Directors to pay losses unable to be covered by NEIL's surplus.

Decommissioning Costs.  TVA recognizes legal obligations associated with the future retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets related primarily to nuclear generating plants, coal-fired generating plants, hydroelectric generating plants/dams, transmission structures, and other property-related assets. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

Nuclear Decommissioning.  Provision for decommissioning costs of nuclear generating units is based on options prescribed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC") procedures to dismantle and decontaminate the facilities to meet the NRC criteria for license termination. At March 31, 2021, $3.4 billion, representing the discounted value of future estimated decommissioning costs, was included in AROs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the derived estimates because of, among other things, changes in current assumptions, such as the assumed dates of decommissioning, changes in regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and changes in the cost of labor, materials, and equipment.  Utilities that own and operate nuclear plants are required to use different procedures in calculating nuclear decommissioning costs under GAAP than those that are used in calculating nuclear decommissioning costs when reporting to the NRC.  The two sets of procedures produce different estimates for the costs of decommissioning primarily because of differences in the underlying assumptions. Decommissioning costs studies are updated for each of TVA's nuclear units at least every five years.

TVA maintains a NDT to provide funding for the ultimate decommissioning of its nuclear power plants.  See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds. TVA monitors the value of its NDT and believes that, over the long term and before cessation of nuclear plant operations and commencement of decommissioning activities, adequate funds from investments and additional contributions, if necessary, will be available to support decommissioning.  TVA's operating nuclear power units are licensed through various dates between 2033-2055, depending on the unit.  It may be possible to extend the operating life of some of the units with approval from the NRC. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

Non-Nuclear Decommissioning.  At March 31, 2021, $3.6 billion, representing the discounted value of future estimated decommissioning costs, was included in AROs.  This decommissioning cost estimate involves estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures and making judgments concerning whether or not such costs are considered a legal obligation.  Estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures includes, among other things, making projections of the timing and duration of the

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asset retirement process and how costs will escalate with inflation.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the derived estimates because of changes in current assumptions, such as the assumed dates of decommissioning, changes in regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and changes in the cost of labor, materials, and equipment. TVA updates its underlying assumptions for non-nuclear decommissioning AROs at least every five years. However, material changes in underlying assumptions that impact the amount and timing of undiscounted cash flows are continuously monitored and incorporated into ARO balances in the period identified.

TVA maintains an ART to help fund the ultimate decommissioning of its non-nuclear power assets.  See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds. Estimates involved in determining if additional funding will be made to the ART include inflation rate, rate of return projections on the fund investments, and the planned use of other sources to fund decommissioning costs. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

Environmental Matters. TVA's power generation activities, like those across the utility industry and in other industrial sectors, are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.  Major areas of regulation affecting TVA's activities include air quality control, greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, water quality control, and management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.  In the future, regulations in all of these areas are expected to become more stringent.  Regulations are also expected to have a particular emphasis on climate change, renewable generation, and energy efficiency.

TVA has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, substantial capital and operating and maintenance costs to comply with evolving environmental requirements primarily associated with, but not limited to, the operation of TVA's coal-fired and natural gas-fired generating units in general.  Environmental requirements placed on the operation of TVA's coal-fired and other generating units will likely continue to become more restrictive over time. Litigation over the regulation of emissions or discharges from coal-fired generating units is also occurring.  Failure to comply with environmental and safety laws can result in TVA being subject to enforcement actions, which can lead to the imposition of significant civil liability, including fines and penalties, criminal sanctions, and/or the shutting down of non-compliant facilities.

TVA estimates that compliance with existing and future Clean Air Act ("CAA") requirements (excluding GHG requirements) could lead to additional costs of $144 million from 2021 to 2025, which include existing controls capital projects and air operations and maintenance projects. TVA also estimates additional expenditures of approximately $860 million from 2021 to 2025 relating to TVA's CCR Conversion Program, as well as expenditures of approximately $160 million from 2021 to 2025 relating to compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. Future costs could differ from these estimates if new environmental laws or regulations become applicable to TVA or the facilities it operates, or if existing environmental laws or regulations are revised or reinterpreted.  There could also be costs that cannot reasonably be predicted at this time, due to uncertainty of actions that could increase these estimates.

Compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA's") CCR rule required implementation of a groundwater monitoring program, additional engineering, and ongoing analysis. As further analyses are performed, including evaluation of monitoring results, there is the potential for additional costs for investigation and/or remediation. These costs cannot reasonably be predicted until a final remedy is selected, if necessary.

Liability for releases and cleanup of hazardous substances is primarily regulated by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and other federal and parallel state statutes.  In a manner similar to many other industries and power systems, TVA has generated or used hazardous substances over the years. TVA operations at some facilities have resulted in releases of contaminants that TVA has addressed or is addressing consistent with state and federal requirements.  At March 31, 2021 and September 30, 2020, TVA's estimated liability for cleanup and similar environmental work for those sites for which sufficient information is available to develop a cost estimate was approximately $15 million and $14 million, respectively, on a non-discounted basis, and was included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the potential inclusion of new hazardous substances under CERCLA and RCRA jurisdiction may significantly affect TVA's future liability for remediating historical releases.

    Potential Liability Associated with Workers' Exposure to CCR Materials. In response to the 2008 ash spill at Kingston, TVA hired Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. ("Jacobs") to oversee certain aspects of the cleanup. After the cleanup was completed, Jacobs was sued in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee ("Eastern District") by employees of a contractor involved in the cleanup and family members of some of the employees. The plaintiffs alleged that Jacobs had failed to take or provide proper health precautions and misled workers about the health risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash, which is a CCR material. The plaintiffs alleged that exposure to the fly ash caused a variety of significant health issues and illnesses, including in some cases death. The case was split into two phases, with the first phase considering, among other issues, general causation and the second determining specific causation and damages. On November 7, 2018, a jury hearing the first phase returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, including determinations that Jacobs failed to adhere to its contract with TVA or the Site Wide Safety and Health Plan; Jacobs failed to provide reasonable care to the plaintiffs; and Jacobs's failures were capable of causing a list of medical conditions, ranging from hypertension to cancer. On January 11, 2019, the Eastern District referred the parties to mediation. Mediation has concluded, but the parties did not resolve the matter. The litigation will now proceed to the second phase on the question of whether Jacobs's failures were the specific medical cause of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages.

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    Other contractor employees and family members have filed lawsuits against Jacobs that are pending in the Eastern District. These pending lawsuits are stayed and raise similar claims to those being litigated in the case referenced above.

    While TVA is not a party to any of these lawsuits, TVA may potentially have an indemnity obligation to reimburse Jacobs for some amounts that Jacobs is required to pay. TVA will continue monitoring the litigation to determine whether these or similar cases could have broader implications for the utility industry. TVA does not expect any potential liability to have a material adverse impact on its results of operations or financial condition.

Legal Proceedings

    From time to time, TVA is party to or otherwise involved in lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations, and other legal matters ("Legal Proceedings") that have arisen in the ordinary course of conducting TVA's activities, as a result of a catastrophic event or otherwise.  

General. At March 31, 2021, TVA had accrued $14 million of probable losses with respect to Legal Proceedings. Of the accrued amount, $12 million is included in Other long-term liabilities and $2 million is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. In addition, TVA believes that it is reasonably possible that it may incur additional losses, in an amount expected not to exceed $30 million, in connection with current Legal Proceedings. No assurance can be given that TVA will not be subject to significant additional claims and liabilities.  If actual liabilities significantly exceed the estimates made, TVA's results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Environmental Agreements. In April 2011, TVA entered into two substantively similar agreements, one with the EPA and the other with Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and three environmental advocacy groups: the Sierra Club, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Our Children's Earth Foundation (collectively, the "Environmental Agreements"). Under the Environmental Agreements, TVA committed to, among other things, take actions regarding coal units that have been completed. TVA also agreed to invest $290 million in certain TVA environmental projects of which TVA had spent approximately $280 million as of March 31, 2021. Additionally, TVA holds restricted cash in an interest earning trust to fund the remaining project commitments. Under the Environmental Agreements, any interest earned through the trust must also be spent on agreed upon environmental projects. The total remaining committed spend, including interest earned through the trust, is approximately $11 million as of March 31, 2021. In exchange for these commitments, most past claims against TVA based on alleged New Source Review ("NSR") and associated violations were waived and cannot be brought against TVA. Future claims, including those for sulfuric acid mist and GHG emissions, can still be brought against TVA.

    The liabilities related to the Environmental Agreements are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the March 31, 2021, Consolidated Balance Sheets. In conjunction with the approval of the Environmental Agreements, the TVA Board determined that it was appropriate to record TVA's obligations under the Environmental Agreements as regulatory assets, and they are included as such on the March 31, 2021 Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be recovered in rates in future periods.

    Class Action Lawsuit Involving Kingston Fossil Plant. On November 7, 2019, a resident of Roane County, Tennessee, filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Jacobs and TVA in the Eastern District. The complaint alleges that the class representative and all other members of the proposed class were damaged as a result of the 2008 ash spill at Kingston and the resulting cleanup activities. The complaint alleges, among other things, that (1) TVA was negligent in its construction and operation of the Kingston CCR facility, (2) TVA and Jacobs failed to take proper measures to mitigate environmental and health risks during the cleanup response, and (3) TVA and Jacobs misled the community about health and environmental risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash. The complaint seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief in the form of an order requiring the defendants to establish a blood testing program and medical monitoring protocol and to remediate damage to the properties of the proposed class. Briefing on complementary motions to dismiss filed by TVA and Jacobs closed July 1, 2020. The motions were referred to the magistrate judge for recommended dispositions, and in February 2021, the magistrate recommended the dismissal of all claims, except the plaintiff’s temporary nuisance claim. TVA and Jacobs filed objections to the recommendation to retain the temporary nuisance claim, and the plaintiff filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint that alleged only a nuisance claim. On March 29, 2021, the district court issued an opinion adopting the magistrate’s recommendations and granting the plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint, which the plaintiff did. On April 20, 2021, TVA and Jacobs filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint. Briefing on the motions is expected to close in May 2021.

    Case Involving Tennessee River Boat Accident. In July 2015, plaintiffs filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ("Northern District"), seeking recovery for personal injuries sustained when the plaintiffs' boat struck a TVA transmission line which was being raised from the Tennessee River during a repair operation. The Northern District dismissed the case, finding that TVA's exercise of its discretion as a governmental entity in deciding how to carry out the operation barred any liability for negligence. In August 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ("Eleventh Circuit") affirmed the decision. The plaintiffs petitioned the Supreme Court for review of the decision, arguing that the provision of the TVA Act which allows suit to be brought against TVA does not allow TVA to claim immunity for discretionary actions. In April 2019, the Supreme Court issued its opinion reversing the judgment of the Eleventh Circuit and remanding the case to the Eleventh Circuit. In July 2019, the Eleventh Circuit remanded the case to the district court for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's opinion. TVA filed a motion for summary judgment on all of the plaintiffs’ claims on November 23, 2020,

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and the plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary judgment. The court cancelled the trial scheduled for February 16, 2021, and stated that the trial would be rescheduled, if necessary, following the court’s ruling on the parties’ summary judgment motions. On April 9, 2021, the court issued a memorandum opinion and order granting in part and denying in part TVA’s summary judgment motion. The court denied in full the plaintiffs’ summary judgment motion. The court also asked the parties to agree on a trial date in August 2021, and the parties submitted an agreed trial date of August 19, 2021 to the court. The court has yet to issue an order setting the trial date. The parties also jointly requested that the court refer the case to a judicially-hosted mediation. The court agreed to the parties’ request and referred the case to a magistrate judge for a mediation, which has been scheduled for May 27, 2021.

    Case Involving Bellefonte Nuclear Plant. In November 2018, Nuclear Development, LLC, filed suit against TVA in the Northern District of Alabama. The plaintiff alleges that TVA breached its agreement to sell Bellefonte to the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks, among other things, (1) an injunction requiring TVA to maintain Bellefonte and the associated NRC permits until the case is concluded, (2) an order compelling TVA to complete the sale of Bellefonte to the plaintiff, and (3) if the court does not order TVA to complete the sale, monetary damages in excess of $30 million. In December 2018, Nuclear Development, LLC, and TVA filed a joint stipulation with the court. Under the stipulation, Nuclear Development, LLC, withdrew its request for an expedited hearing on its injunction in exchange for TVA's agreement to continue to maintain Bellefonte in accordance with the NRC permits and to give Nuclear Development, LLC, and the court five days prior notice of any filing by TVA to terminate the permits or sell the site. TVA filed a motion to dismiss the case in February 2019. In May 2019, the court denied TVA's motion. On September 23, 2020, the parties filed competing motions for summary judgment. On March 31, 2021, the court denied both parties' summary judgment motions. The court ruled as a matter of law that it would have been illegal under Section 101 of the Atomic Energy Act for TVA to close, relying on past NRC precedent to reach that conclusion. Notwithstanding the legal rulings, the court held that there are disputed issues of material fact on whether TVA satisfied its contractual obligations to use reasonable best efforts and to cooperate with Nuclear Development, LLC, in effectuating the close of the sale. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 16, 2021.

Case Involving Rate Changes. On June 9, 2020, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against TVA and one of its LPCs, Bristol Virginia Utilities Authority ("BVUA"), in federal court in Abingdon, Virginia, by a LPC customer, asserting claims for breach of contract and violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. The lawsuit alleges that the customers of TVA's LPCs are third-party beneficiaries under TVA's wholesale power contracts with its LPCs and that TVA’s rate changes dating back to 2010 violate Section 11 of the TVA Act. Section 11 of the TVA Act establishes the broad policy that TVA power projects shall be considered primarily for the benefit of the people of the Tennessee Valley and that service to industry is a secondary purpose to be used principally to secure a sufficiently high load factor and revenue returns to permit domestic and rural use at the lowest possible rates. The remedies requested include an injunction prohibiting TVA rate changes that violate Section 11, monetary damages, and repayment of rates charged in violation of Section 11. TVA and BVUA filed motions to dismiss the case on November 9, 2020, and filed supplemental motions to dismiss on December 21, 2020, in response to an amended complaint filed by the plaintiff. Oral argument on the motions was held on February 18, 2021, and on March 19, 2021, the court granted TVA’s and BVUA's motions to dismiss. The plaintiff appealed the district court's judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on April 15, 2021. Appellate proceedings are expected to occur this spring and summer.

Cases Involving Long-Term Agreements. On August 17, 2020, the Southern Environmental Law Center ("SELC") filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on behalf of three environmental groups alleging that, beginning in August 2019, TVA violated the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") and Section 10 of the TVA Act by offering a Long-Term Agreement ("LTA") to its LPCs. The environmental groups represented by SELC are Protect Our Aquifer, Energy Alabama, and Appalachian Voices.

The environmental groups claim that TVA violated NEPA because (1) TVA failed to perform an environmental review of the LTAs, which harmed the groups' advocacy efforts and their ability to participate in and to inform TVA's decision, and (2) the LTAs will have a negative effect on the environment by increasing TVA's reliance on coal and gas and impeding TVA's customers' efforts to institute renewable energy options. The groups also claim that the LTAs violate Section 10 of the TVA Act, which authorizes TVA to enter into power contracts "for a term not exceeding twenty years," because, the groups allege, the twenty-year rolling contract with a twenty-year notice of termination requirement makes the LTAs effectively "never ending."

The environmental groups request the federal court to (1) declare that TVA's entry into long-term power agreements without preparing an environmental review violated NEPA and the TVA Act, (2) vacate the long-term contracts, and (3) enjoin TVA from implementing "system-wide energy contract programs that significantly affect the environment." TVA filed a motion to dismiss the case on October 20, 2020, and filed a supplemental motion to dismiss on December 4, 2020, in response to an amended complaint filed by the plaintiffs. Oral argument on the motion was held on February 26, 2021.

On January 28, 2021, TVA was served with a lawsuit filed by the Glasgow Electric Plant Board ("GEPB") against TVA in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky seeking to rescind its LTA. The lawsuit advanced multiple legal theories in asking the court to rescind the LTA, declare it null and void, or, in the alternative, reinstate GEPB's 90-day review period under the LTA. The issues raised by GEPB were limited to its contract with TVA, and the lawsuit did not seek relief that would apply to other customers. On February 12, 2021, GEPB voluntarily dismissed all claims filed against TVA, thus ending the lawsuit.

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Challenge to Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment. On January 11, 2021, Athens Utilities Board, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Joe Wheeler EMC, and Volunteer Energy Cooperative filed a complaint and petition with FERC asking FERC to order TVA to provide transmission and interconnection service to the LPCs or other suppliers that want to serve them. The petitioners seek to avoid the limitations of the Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment ("ACPA") to the Federal Power Act ("FPA"), which prohibits FERC from ordering TVA to wheel power from another supplier if the power will be consumed within the TVA service territory. The petitioners argue that section 211A of the FPA, which gives FERC limited jurisdiction over the rates, terms, and conditions of transmission service provided by unregulated transmitting utilities such as TVA, provides an alternate grant of authority to enable FERC to order TVA to wheel power inside its service area unrestricted by the application of the ACPA. The petitioners also argue that the public power model is antiquated and TVA’s refusal to wheel power is not in the public interest because it stifles competition. On February 22, 2021, TVA filed its answer to the FERC petition and complaint, and on March 9, 2021, TVA filed a response to comments submitted by several environmental groups that intervened. On March 16, 2021, the petitioners filed a response to TVA's initial answer, and TVA filed a response to that pleading on March 31, 2021.

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in millions except where noted)

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") explains the results of operations and general financial condition of the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA"). The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and TVA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 (the "Annual Report").

Executive Overview

TVA's operating revenues were $2.6 billion and $4.9 billion for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared with operating revenues of $2.5 billion and $5.1 billion for the same periods of the prior year. The decrease in operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to lower base revenue attributable to lower effective rates and lower fuel cost recovery revenue as a result of lower fuel rates. Lower effective rates resulted primarily from the Pandemic Relief Credit that the TVA Board approved in August 2020, which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's local power companies ("LPCs"), their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA's directly served customers. For the six months ended March 31, 2021, these credits accounted for $104 million of the decrease to operating revenue.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $282 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in depreciation expense as a result of the decision in 2019 to accelerate the retirements of Bull Run Fossil Plant ("Bull Run") and Paradise Fossil Plant ("Paradise"). Fuel and purchased power expense decreased $110 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to lower fuel cost recovery resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets in both the six months ended March 31, 2021 and the six months ended March 31, 2020.

TVA continues to closely monitor developments associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact to TVA's base revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2021. It is uncertain at this time to what extent revenues may be impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. In addition, operations and delivery of energy to customers have not been materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. See Key Initiatives and Challenges - COVID-19 Pandemic for an expanded discussion of the impact to TVA and related initiatives.

    TVA continues to maintain 99.999 percent reliability in delivering energy to its customers. TVA's reliability, competitive rates, and economic development efforts continue to attract and encourage the expansion of business and industries in the Tennessee Valley, with over $3.9 billion in investments and more than 45,200 jobs created or retained through the second quarter of 2021.

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Results of Operations

Sales of Electricity

    Sales of electricity, which accounted for nearly all of TVA's operating revenues, were 39,759 million and 37,457 million of kWh for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Sales of electricity for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were 76,431 million and 74,123 million of kWh, respectively. TVA sells power at wholesale rates to LPCs that then resell the power to their customers at retail rates. TVA also sells power to directly served customers, consisting primarily of federal agencies and customers with large or nonstandard loads. In addition, power exceeding TVA's system needs is sold under exchange power arrangements with certain other power systems.

The following charts compare TVA's sales of electricity by customer type for the periods indicated:

    

The following charts show a breakdown of TVA's energy load:

    

Note

Information included in the charts above was derived from energy usage of directly served customers and customers served by LPCs during calendar year 2020, and these graphs will continue to be updated on a calendar year basis.

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Weather affects both the demand for TVA power and the price for that power. TVA uses degree days to measure the impact of weather on its power operations. Degree days measure the extent to which the TVA system 23-station average temperatures vary from 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

	Degree Days
	Variation from Normal								Variation from Prior Period
	2021	Normal	Percent Change		2020	Normal	Percent Change		Percent Change
Heating Degree Days
Three Months Ended March 31	1,743	1,870	(6.8)	%	1,456	1,870	(22.1)	%	19.7	%
Six Months Ended March 31	2,944	3,159	(6.8)	%	2,734	3,159	(13.5)	%	7.7	%
Cooling Degree Days
Three Months Ended March 31	2	9	(77.8)	%	24	9	166.7	%	(91.7)	%
Six Months Ended March 31	48	52	(7.7)	%	114	52	119.2	%	(57.9)	%

    Sales of electricity increased six percent for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The increased sales volume for LPCs was primarily due to an increase in heating degree days of 20 percent. TVA also experienced a reduction of energy sales for the three month period ended March 31, 2020, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to the change in sales of electricity for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Sales of electricity increased three percent for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. Sales of electricity from industries directly served increased as a result of certain customers shifting maintenance outages from December 2020 to the summer of 2020, while businesses were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, heating degree days increased eight percent for the six months ended March 31, 2021 resulting in an increase in energy sales.

Financial Results

    The following table compares operating results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:

Summary Consolidated Statements of Operations (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31						Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		Percent Change		2021		2020		Percent Change
Operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	2.0	%	$	4,876	$	5,099	(4.4)	%
Operating expenses	1,787		1,914		(6.6)	%	3,576		3,960		(9.7)	%
Operating income	785		607		29.3	%	1,300		1,139		14.1	%
Other income (expense), net	11		(1)		(1,200.0)	%	26		11		136.4	%
Other net periodic benefit cost	64		62		3.2	%	129		127		1.6	%
Interest expense	276		289		(4.5)	%	557		576		(3.3)	%
Net income (loss)	$	456	$	255	78.8	%	$	640	$	447	43.2	%

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Operating Revenues.  Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. Operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were $4.9 billion and $5.1 billion, respectively. The following charts compare TVA's operating revenues for the periods indicated:

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TVA's two largest LPCs — Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division ("MLGW") and Nashville Electric Service ("NES") — have contracts with a five-year and a 20-year termination notice period, respectively. Sales to MLGW and NES each accounted for eight percent of TVA's total operating revenues for both the six months ended March 31, 2021 and six months ended March 31, 2020. Certain LPCs, including MLGW, are evaluating options for future energy choices. In addition, in January 2021, four LPCs accounting for four percent of TVA's total operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2021, filed a complaint and petition with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") asking FERC to order TVA to provide transmission and interconnection service to the LPCs or other suppliers that want to serve them. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Challenge to Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment.

TVA's rate structure uses pricing signals to indicate seasons and hours of higher cost to serve its customers and to capture a portion of TVA's fixed costs in fixed charges.  The structure includes three base revenue components: time of use demand charges, time of use energy charges, and a grid access charge ("GAC").  The demand charges are based upon the customer's peak monthly usage and increase as the peak increases. The energy charges are based on time differentiated kWh used by the customer.  Both of these components can be significantly impacted by weather. The GAC captures a portion of fixed costs and is offset by a corresponding reduction to the energy rates.  The GAC also reduces the impact of weather variability to the overall rate structure.

In 2019, the TVA Board approved a Partnership Agreement option that better aligns the length of LPC power contracts with TVA's long-term commitments. Under the partnership arrangement, the LPC power contracts have a 20-year termination notice provision that renews each year after their initial effective date, contingent upon certain circumstances, including limited rate increases going forward. Participating LPCs receive benefits including a 3.1 percent wholesale bill credit in exchange for their long-term commitment, which enables TVA to recover its long-term financial commitments over a commensurate period. As of May 3, 2021, 142 LPCs had signed the 20-year Partnership Agreement with TVA.

In 2020, the TVA Board approved a Pandemic Relief Credit which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's LPCs, their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA directly served customers.

    In addition to base revenues, the rate structure includes a separate fuel rate that includes the costs of natural gas, fuel oil, purchased power, coal, emission allowances, nuclear fuel, and other fuel-related commodities; realized gains and losses on derivatives purchased to hedge the costs of such commodities; and payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes ("tax equivalents") associated with the fuel cost adjustments.

    The changes in revenue components for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, compared to the three and six months ended March 31, 2020, are summarized below:

Changes in Revenue Components (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31						Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		Change		2021		2020		Change
Base revenue
Energy revenue	$	1,195	$	1,112	$	83	$	2,255	$	2,179	$	76
Demand revenue	860		794		66		1,610		1,677		(67)
Grid access charge	149		149		—		298		299		(1)
Long-term partnership credits for LPCs	(48)		(36)		(12)		(90)		(70)		(20)
Pandemic relief credit	(55)		—		(55)		(104)		—		(104)
Other charges and credits(1)	(175)		(165)		(10)		(316)		(310)		(6)
Total base revenue	1,926		1,854		72		3,653		3,775		(122)
Fuel cost recovery	605		634		(29)		1,146		1,244		(98)
Off-system sales	2		1		1		4		2		2
Revenue from sales of electricity	2,533		2,489		44		4,803		5,021		(218)
Other revenue	39		32		7		73		78		(5)
Total operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	$	51	$	4,876	$	5,099	$	(223)

Note

(1) Includes economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley, hydro preference credits for residential customers of LPCs, and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. See Note 15 — Revenue.

    Operating revenues increased $51 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to a $72 million increase in base revenue partially offset by a $29 million decrease in fuel cost recovery revenue. The $72 million increase in base revenue was driven by an increase of $134 million primarily attributable to

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higher demand volume offset by a decrease of $62 million attributable to lower effective rates. Higher demand volume resulted primarily from the increase in heating degree days of 20 percent for the current period. Lower effective rates resulted primarily from the Pandemic Relief Credits that began in 2021, totaling $55 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact to TVA's base revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021. It is uncertain at this time to what extent revenues may be impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. The $29 million decrease in fuel cost recovery revenue was driven by a $68 million decrease attributable to lower fuel rates partially offset by a $39 million increase attributable to higher energy sales during the quarter.

Operating revenues decreased $223 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to a $122 million decrease in base revenue and a $98 million decrease in fuel cost recovery revenue. The $122 million decrease in base revenue was driven by a decrease of $138 million primarily attributable to lower effective rates partially offset by an increase of $16 million attributable to higher demand volume. Lower effective rates resulted primarily from the Pandemic Relief Credits that began in 2021, totaling $104 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021. Higher demand volume resulted primarily from the increase in heating degree days of eight percent for the six months ended March 31, 2021. Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact to TVA's base revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2021. It is uncertain at this time to what extent revenues may be impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. The $98 million decrease in fuel cost recovery revenue was driven by a $137 million decrease attributable to lower fuel rates partially offset by a $39 million increase attributable to higher energy sales during the six months ended March 31, 2021.

Operating Expenses. Operating expense components as a percentage of total operating expenses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, consisted of the following:

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Operating Expenses (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31						Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		Change		2021		2020		Change
Operating expenses
Fuel	$	413	$	429	$	(16)	$	782	$	852	$	(70)
Purchased power	225		252		(27)		431		471		(40)
Operating and maintenance	644		644		—		1,359		1,333		26
Depreciation and amortization	381		457		(76)		759		1,041		(282)
Tax equivalents	124		132		(8)		245		263		(18)
Total operating expenses	$	1,787	$	1,914	$	(127)	$	3,576	$	3,960	$	(384)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021, Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Fuel expense decreased $16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to lower fuel cost recovery of $89 million resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets in both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the three months ended March 31, 2020. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in effective fuel rates of $48 million due to higher natural gas prices, as well as an increase in fuel volume of $25 million due to higher demand primarily met by TVA-owned generation.

Purchased power expense decreased $27 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to lower fuel cost recovery of $45 million resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets in both the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the three months ended March 31, 2020. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in the effective rate of purchased power of $16 million resulting from higher market prices.

Operating and maintenance expense was flat for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to a $16 million decrease in planned outage expense driven by the timing of coal and nuclear outages as compared to the prior year. Partially offsetting this decrease was an $8 million increase in insurance expense and a $7 million increase in payroll and benefit costs due to labor escalation for cost of living increases.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $76 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year.  This was primarily driven by a net decrease in depreciation expense of $64 million related to the decision in 2019 to accelerate the retirements of Bull Run and Paradise. Paradise was fully depreciated in the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, amortization expense of non-nuclear decommissioning costs recovered in rates decreased $24 million. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase due to depreciation of additions to completed plant.

Tax equivalents expense decreased $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The change is primarily driven by a decrease in TVA's revenue from sales of electricity in 2020, which is used as the basis for calculating tax equivalent expense. Additionally, the amount of tax equivalents collected in the fuel cost recovery decreased during 2020.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2021, Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2020

Fuel expense decreased $70 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This decrease was primarily due to lower fuel cost recovery of $87 million resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets in both the six months ended March 31, 2021 and the six months ended March 31, 2020, as well as lower effective fuel rates of $13 million resulting from lower coal prices, improved nuclear fleet performance, and more hydroelectric generation. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in fuel volume of $30 million due to higher demand primarily met by TVA-owned generation.

Purchased power expense decreased $40 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to lower fuel cost recovery of $40 million resulting from volatility in the natural gas and purchased power markets in both the six months ended March 31, 2021 and the six months ended March 31, 2020, as well as a decrease in volume of $16 million due to higher availability of TVA-owned generation. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in the effective rate of purchased power of $16 million resulting from higher market prices.

Operating and maintenance expense increased $26 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. This was primarily due to an increase in planned outage expense of $31 million, driven by an increase in nuclear outage days, a $21 million increase in payroll and benefit costs due to labor escalation for cost of living increases, and an $8 million increase in insurance expense. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in forced outage expense of $18 million as a result of fewer nuclear and gas outage days and a reduction related to TVA's capital spare program of $15 million.

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Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $282 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year.  This was primarily driven by a net decrease in depreciation expense of $265 million related to the decision in 2019 to accelerate the retirements of Bull Run and Paradise. Paradise was fully depreciated in the second quarter of 2020. Additionally, amortization expense of non-nuclear decommissioning costs recovered in rates decreased $48 million. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase due to depreciation of additions to completed plant.

Tax equivalents expense decreased $18 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The change is primarily driven by a decrease in TVA's revenue from sales of electricity in 2020, which is used as the basis for calculating tax equivalent expense. Additionally, the amount of tax equivalents collected in the fuel cost recovery decreased during 2020.

The following table shows TVA's generation and purchased power by generating source as a percentage of all electrical power generated and purchased (based on kWh) for the periods indicated:

Total Power Supply by Generating Source
	Three Months Ended March 31
	2021			2020
	kWh (millions)	Percent of Power Supply		kWh (millions)	Percent of Power Supply		Change	Percentage Change
Coal-fired	5,842	14	%	3,762	10	%	2,080	55	%
Nuclear	16,904	42	%	16,801	44	%	103	1	%
Hydroelectric	4,598	11	%	4,941	13	%	(343)	(7)	%
Natural gas and/or oil-fired	8,368	21	%	8,007	21	%	361	5	%
Total TVA-operated generation facilities(1)	35,712	88	%	33,511	88	%	2,201	7	%
Purchased power (non-renewable)(2)	2,776	7	%	2,251	6	%	525	23	%
Purchased power (renewable)(3)	1,869	5	%	2,349	6	%	(480)	(20)	%
Total purchased power	4,645	12	%	4,600	12	%	45	1	%
Total power supply	40,357	100	%	38,111	100	%	2,246	6	%

Notes

(1) Generation from TVA-owned renewable resources (non-hydroelectric) is less than one percent for all periods shown and therefore is not represented in the table above.

(2) Purchased power (non-renewable) includes generation from Caledonia Combined Cycle Plant ("Caledonia CC"), which is currently a leased facility operated by TVA. Generation from Caledonia CC was 888 million kWh and 1,114 million kWh for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(3) Purchased power (renewable) includes purchased power from the following renewable sources: hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, and cogeneration.

Total Power Supply by Generating Source
	Six Months Ended March 31
	2021			2020
	kWh (millions)	Percent of Power Supply		kWh (millions)	Percent of Power Supply		Change	Percentage Change
Coal-fired	9,141	12	%	8,932	12	%	209	2	%
Nuclear	33,252	43	%	32,517	43	%	735	2	%
Hydroelectric	9,303	12	%	8,596	11	%	707	8	%
Natural gas and/or oil-fired	16,757	21	%	15,862	21	%	895	6	%
Total TVA-operated generation facilities(1)	68,453	88	%	65,907	87	%	2,546	4	%
Purchased power (non-renewable)(2)	5,312	7	%	5,205	7	%	107	2	%
Purchased power (renewable)(3)	3,849	5	%	4,299	6	%	(450)	(10)	%
Total purchased power	9,161	12	%	9,504	13	%	(343)	(4)	%
Total power supply	77,614	100	%	75,411	100	%	2,203	3	%

Notes

(1) Generation from TVA-owned renewable resources (non-hydroelectric) is less than one percent for all periods shown and therefore is not represented in the table above.

(2) Purchased power (non-renewable) includes generation from Caledonia Combined Cycle Plant ("Caledonia CC"), which is currently a leased facility operated by TVA. Generation from Caledonia CC was 1,959 million kWh and 1,919 million kWh for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(3) Purchased power (renewable) includes purchased power from the following renewable sources: hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, and cogeneration.

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In addition to power supply sources included here, TVA offers energy efficiency programs that effectively reduce energy needs. TVA estimates energy needs could be reduced by 2,500 million kWh in 2021 due to TVA's energy efficiency programs.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense and interest rates for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

Interest Expense and Rates
	Three Months Ended March 31								Six Months Ended March 31
	2021			2020			Percent  Change		2021			2020			Percent  Change
Interest expense(1)	$	276		$	289		(4.5)	%	$	557		$	576		(3.3)	%
Average blended debt balance(2)	20,939			21,846			(4.2)	%	21,113			22,038			(4.2)	%
Average blended interest rate(3)	5.12		%	5.11		%	0.2	%	5.15		%	5.08		%	1.4	%

Notes

(1) Includes amortization of debt discounts, issuance, and reacquisition costs, net.

(2) Includes average balances of long-term power bonds, debt of VIE, and discount notes.

(3) Includes interest on long-term power bonds, debt of VIE, and discount notes.

    Total interest expense decreased $13 million and $19 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year.  These decreases were primarily driven by lower average debt balances.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

TVA depends on various sources of liquidity to meet cash needs and contingencies. TVA's primary sources of liquidity are cash from operations and proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt in the form of discount notes, along with periodic issuances of long-term debt. TVA's balance of short-term debt typically changes frequently as TVA issues discount notes to meet short-term cash needs and pay scheduled maturities of discount notes and long-term debt. The periodic amounts of short-term debt issued are determined by near-term expectations for cash receipts, cash expenditures, and funding needs, while seeking to maintain a target range of cash and cash equivalents on hand.

In addition to cash from operations and proceeds from the issuance of short-term and long-term debt, TVA's sources of liquidity include a $150 million credit facility with the United States Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury"), four long-term revolving credit facilities totaling approximately $2.7 billion, and proceeds from other financings. See Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations — Credit Facility Agreements. Other financing arrangements may include sales of receivables, loans, or other assets.

The TVA Act authorizes TVA to issue bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness (collectively, "Bonds") in an amount not to exceed $30.0 billion outstanding at any time. Power bonds outstanding, excluding unamortized discounts and premiums and net exchange gains from foreign currency transactions, at March 31, 2021, were $19.8 billion (including current maturities). The balance of Bonds outstanding directly affects TVA's capacity to meet operational liquidity needs and to strategically use Bonds to fund certain capital investments as management and the TVA Board may deem desirable.  Other options for financing not subject to the limit on Bonds, including lease financings (see Lease Financings below and Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities), could provide supplementary funding if needed. Currently, TVA expects to have adequate capability to fund its ongoing operational liquidity needs and make planned capital investments over the next decade. See Lease Financings below, Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities, and Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations for additional information.

TVA may from time to time seek to retire or purchase its outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, TVA's liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents beginning in March 2020. TVA may continue to hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility. TVA has maintained continued debt market access since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Debt Securities.  TVA's Bonds are not obligations of the U.S., and the U.S. does not guarantee the payments of principal or interest on Bonds. TVA's Bonds consist of power bonds and discount notes. Power bonds have maturities of between one and 50 years. At March 31, 2021, the average maturity of long-term power bonds was 16.04 years, and the average interest rate was 4.61 percent. Discount notes have maturities of less than one year. Power bonds and discount notes

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have a first priority and equal claim of payment out of net power proceeds. Net power proceeds are defined as the remainder of TVA's gross power revenues after deducting the costs of operating, maintaining, and administering its power properties and payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes, but before deducting depreciation accruals or other charges representing the amortization of capital expenditures, plus the net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any power facility or interest therein. In addition to power bonds and discount notes, TVA had long-term debt associated with certain VIEs outstanding at March 31, 2021. See Lease Financings below, Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities, and Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations for additional information.

The following table provides additional information regarding TVA's short-term borrowings:

Short-Term Borrowing Table
	At March 31, 2021			Three Months Ended March 31, 2021			Six Months Ended March 31, 2021			At March 31, 2020			Three Months Ended March 31, 2020			Six Months Ended March 31, 2020
Gross Amount Outstanding (at End of Period) or Average Gross Amount Outstanding (During Period)
Discount Notes	$	1,241		$	832		$	485		$	1,875		$	810		$	789
Maximum Month-End Gross Amount Outstanding (During Period)
Discount Notes	N/A			$	1,316		$	1,316		N/A			$	1,875		$	1,875
Weighted Average Interest Rate
Discount Notes	0.02		%	0.04		%	0.04		%	0.40		%	1.15		%	1.42		%

Lease Financings. TVA has entered into certain leasing transactions with special purpose entities ("SPEs") to obtain third-party financing for its facilities. These SPEs are sometimes identified as VIEs of which TVA is determined to be the primary beneficiary. TVA is required to account for these VIEs on a consolidated basis. See Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities and Note 11 — Debt and Other Obligations for information about TVA's lease financing activities. During 2017 and 2016, TVA acquired 100 percent of the equity interests in certain SPEs created for the purpose of facilitating lease financing. TVA may seek to enter into similar arrangements in the future. In 2019, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight CTs and terminated these transactions. In 2020, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight additional CTs and anticipate these transactions will be terminated in 2021. TVA will continue making rent payments under the remaining lease/leaseback transactions through 2022.

Summary Cash Flows

    A major source of TVA's liquidity is operating cash flows resulting from the generation and sale of electricity. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash were $519 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $858 million at March 31, 2020. A summary of cash flow components for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, follows:

    Cash provided by (used in):

    Operating Activities. TVA's cash flows from operations are primarily driven by sales of electricity, fuel expense, and operating and maintenance expense. The timing and level of cash flows from operations can be affected by the weather, changes in working capital, commodity price fluctuations, outages, and other project expenses.

    Net cash flows provided by operating activities decreased $300 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to lower revenue collections from lower demand volume, lower effective rates as a result of the Pandemic Relief Credit, and lower fuel cost recovery revenue. These were

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partially offset by decreases in fuel and purchased power payments as a result of lower effective fuel rates and more availability of lower cost TVA-owned generation

    Investing Activities. The majority of TVA's investing cash flows are due to investments to acquire, upgrade, or maintain

generating and transmission assets, including environmental projects and the purchase of nuclear fuel. Nuclear fuel

expenditures vary depending on the number of outages and the prices and timing of purchases of uranium and enrichment

services.    

Net cash flows used in investing activities increased $82 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year driven by an increase in capacity expansion projects primarily related to two combustion turbine gas facilities at TVA’s Paradise and Colbert sites. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in expenditures for the Pickwick South Embankment remediation project nearing completion.

Financing Activities. TVA's cash flows provided by or used in financing activities are primarily driven by the timing and level of cash flows provided by operating activities, cash flows used in investing activities, and net issuance and redemption of debt instruments to maintain a strategic balance of cash on hand.

    Net cash used in financing activities increased $156 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021, as compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to TVA holding lower Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2021 as compared to March 31, 2020. As a result of higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target Cash and cash equivalents balance during the six months ended March 31, 2020, which resulted in a lower net use of cash in financing activities for that period.

Impact of COVID-19 to Liquidity    

Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact to TVA's base revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2021. It is uncertain at this time to what extent revenues may be impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. See Results of Operations — Financial Results — Operating Revenues and Key Initiatives and Challenges — Coronavirus Pandemic for an expanded discussion of the impact to TVA.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also created economic uncertainty for TVA's LPCs and the communities they serve. To

support LPCs and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA has created initiatives such as the

Public Power Support and Stabilization Program, Back-to-Business Credit Program, Community Care Fund, and Pandemic

Relief Credit. TVA has also provided regulatory flexibility for LPCs to halt disconnection of services. See Key Initiatives and Challenges — Coronavirus Pandemic for an expanded discussion of these initiatives.

    Contractual Obligations

    TVA has certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts. During the six months ended March 31, 2021, there were no material changes in TVA's contractual obligations outside of the ordinary course of business. TVA's contractual obligations are discussed in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 21 — Benefit Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.

Key Initiatives and Challenges

COVID-19 Pandemic

     In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus was reported. As this strain continued to spread across the globe, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In 2020, TVA performed risk analyses across the company to determine potential impacts, and TVA has continued to monitor risk and potential impacts throughout the situation. TVA implemented a company-wide pandemic plan to address specific aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pandemic plan continually evolves based on medical guidance and federal, regional, and local requirements and guidelines.

Based on ongoing monitoring, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant risk in the U.S. and in the Tennessee Valley region, and as a result TVA has extended the timeframe for workforce reintegration and continues to limit non-essential travel. Mandatory telework has been implemented for those employees who do not have to be physically present at a TVA facility or office building to provide mission-essential activities or produce safe, reliable power. TVA continues to implement strong physical and cybersecurity measures to ensure that systems remain functional to keep employees, customers, and communities safe and enable TVA to continue achieving its mission to serve the people of the Valley. In addition to measures to protect its workforce, stakeholders, and critical operations, TVA is actively monitoring generation, transmission, and distribution functions. Operations and delivery of energy to customers have not been materially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. Certain TVA recreation areas including TVA campgrounds, day use areas, trails, and undeveloped lands have reopened since TVA had

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initially closed them to slow the spread of the virus. However, for public and staff safety, restrooms and pavilions remain closed. These changes will continue until TVA believes it is safe to resume full operations.

Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact to TVA's base revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2021. It is uncertain at this time to what extent revenues may be impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TVA's financial condition depends on factors beyond TVA's knowledge or control, including the duration and severity, actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its effects, and broader impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country and region's economy. See Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Financial Results — Operating Revenues.

TVA also continues to assess potential supplier performance risks, including procurement of fuel, parts, and services. If suppliers are unable to perform under TVA's existing contracts or if TVA is unable to obtain similar services from other vendors, TVA could experience delays, disruptions, additional costs, or other operational outcomes that may impact generation, maintenance, and capital programs. TVA has experienced minimal impacts due to force majeure events, with the exception of a manufacturing delay for a major turbine component. A mitigation strategy was developed by TVA and the vendor which reduced impacts to TVA's outage schedule. TVA will continue to monitor the supply base and remain in contact with suppliers to identify potential risks.

Customer Pandemic Initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic uncertainty for TVA's customers and the communities they serve. To support and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA announced the following initiatives:

Regulatory Flexibility. TVA continues to provide regulatory flexibility for LPCs to halt disconnection of services and respond to the local needs of their customers and communities.

Program Flexibility. In 2020, TVA established flexibility provisions for certain economic development programs for participating customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions were made available through the December 2020 application period, which could provide flexibility to customers through 2021. TVA also offered deferral options for EnergyRight® program loan payments, through October 31, 2020, for customers experiencing financial hardship. As of March 31, 2021, all EnergyRight® loans approved for the deferral period had resumed payments. See Note 6 — Other Long-Term Assets, Note 9 — Other Long-Term Liabilities, and Note 15 — Revenue.

Financial Support. In 2020, the TVA Board approved the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program. Through this program, TVA offered up to $1.0 billion of credit support to LPCs that demonstrated the need for temporary financial relief, through the deferral of a portion of LPCs' wholesale power payments owed to TVA.  The program ended December 31, 2020, with a total of $1 million of credit support approved under the program. As of March 31, 2021, the $1 million had been fully repaid.

Back-to-Business Credit Program. TVA created the Back-to-Business Credit Program to enable TVA and LPCs to provide relief to certain large customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing certain credits when returning to operations. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had provided approximately $12 million in Back-to-Business credits under this program since its inception, with approximately $2 million provided for the six months ended March 31, 2021. This program is available through 2021.

Community Care Fund. TVA also continues to partner with LPCs through the Community Care Fund by making available over $4 million in TVA matching funds to support local initiatives that address hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 31, 2021, nearly $4 million in matching funds had been provided by TVA, with over $1 million provided for the six months ended March 31, 2021.

Pandemic Relief Credit. In August 2020, the TVA Board approved a Pandemic Relief Credit which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's LPCs, their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA directly served customers. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had provided approximately $104 million in Pandemic Relief Credits.

    These actions show TVA's commitment to support the financial integrity of LPCs along with communities and customers across the Tennessee Valley during these challenging economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation that may lead to extended disruption of economic activity and an adverse impact on TVA's results of operations. TVA continues to closely monitoring developments and will adjust its response as necessary to ensure reliable service while protecting the safety and health of its workforce.

Distributed Energy Resources

    Consumer desire for energy choice, among other things, is driving the expectation for flexible options in the electric industry. TVA and LPCs are working together to leverage the strengths of the Tennessee Valley public power model to provide

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distributed energy solutions that are economical, sustainable, and flexible. TVA will focus on the safety and reliability impacts of these resources as they are interconnected to the grid and will ensure that the pricing of electricity remains as low as feasible. Additional regulatory considerations and analysis may be required as the DER market, technologies, and programs evolve.

    Fiber Optic Network. In 2017, the TVA Board authorized up to $300 million to be spent over the next 10 years, subject to annual budget availability and necessary environmental reviews, to build an enhanced fiber optic network that will better connect TVA's operational assets. Fiber is a vital part of TVA's modern communication infrastructure. The new fiber optic lines will improve the reliability and resiliency of the generation and transmission system while enabling the system to better accommodate DER as they enter the market. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent $138 million on installation of the fiber optic lines and expects to spend an additional $162 million.

Electric Vehicles. TVA is partnering with LPCs and others to support the electrification of transportation in the Valley in a multi-year Electric Vehicle ("EV") initiative. The initiative focuses on reducing or eliminating EV market barriers by setting EV policies, improving charging infrastructure availability, and exploring EV programs. The TVA Board recently approved new policies and an optional wholesale EV rate aimed at encouraging the development of charging infrastructure in the Valley. The updated policies enable LPC investment in public charging infrastructure and allow for the conditional resale of electricity, for transportation purposes only, by any charging developer on a kWh basis. The optional wholesale rate was developed with high power EV charging in mind and provides a stable option for those developing charging infrastructure.

TVA is also working with state agencies, LPCs, and third-party charging developers to create a network of public fast charging stations along major travel routes in its seven-state region. In February 2021, TVA began a partnership with the State of Tennessee to develop a statewide electric vehicle fast charging network with plans for fast charging stations every 50 miles along Tennessee's interstates and major highways. In March 2021, TVA and five other major utilities formed the Electric Highway Coalition to develop a network of fast charging stations along all major highway routes within their service territories.

Changing Customer Preferences

    As more consumers and businesses are demanding cleaner energy, the utility industry is evolving to meet those needs. As TVA also evolves, it will see impacts to the way it does business through the pricing of products, transmission of energy, and development of new products and services for its customers in support of changing customer preferences and its economic development efforts. End-use customers are becoming more technologically sophisticated and want greater control over their energy usage. Many companies are focusing on sustainability and requiring more energy efficiency and renewable energy options. The continuing challenge for TVA and others is finding ways to meet the needs and preferences of customers while successfully developing flexible pricing models to accommodate the evolving markets.

    Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program. Through the Home Uplift Program, TVA is partnering with LPCs, state and local governments, non-profit agencies, energy efficiency advocates, and the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association to complete home evaluations and make high-impact home energy upgrades for qualifying homeowners. In addition, TVA and LPCs conduct workshops to educate homeowners about low and no-cost energy efficiency upgrades that improve their quality of life.

    Renewable Power Purchase Agreements.  In order to meet customer preferences and requirements for cleaner energy, TVA has entered into certain power purchase agreements ("PPAs") with renewable resource providers. In 2019, as a result of TVA's 2017 request for proposals for renewable energy, TVA signed four solar PPAs for 674 megawatts ("MW") of solar generation at sites in Tennessee and Alabama.  Of these four solar projects, one is expected to come online in 2021, one in 2022, and one in 2023. The fourth project is not moving forward, and the PPA for that project has been terminated decreasing the 674 MW to 524 MW. During 2020, as a result of TVA's 2019 request for proposals for renewable energy, TVA signed six PPAs for a total of 661 MW of solar generation with 50 MW of battery storage expected to come online in 2023. Due to transmission issues for one of the projects, the 661 MW will be decreased to 651 MW. TVA issued another request for proposal during the second quarter of 2020 for up to 200 MW of new renewable energy. During 2021, as a result of the 2020 request for proposal and increased customer demand, TVA signed seven additional PPAs for a total of 964 MW of solar generation with 130 MW of battery storage expected to come online in 2023. TVA anticipates making any remaining selections in the third quarter of 2021.

TVA will procure the renewable energy and sell the resulting Renewable Energy Certificates ("RECs") to specific customers, allowing TVA to increase its renewable energy portfolio without additional costs to other Tennessee Valley customers.  These agreements help to align the core values of TVA and the public power model with the desire of TVA's customers for renewable energy.

    Renewable Power Solutions. TVA encourages renewable power through various current offerings. Offerings include the Green Switch Program that allows customers to support wind, solar, and biomass renewable resources through purchasing renewable energy generated in the Tennessee Valley, sold in 200 kWh blocks. The Green Flex Program gives commercial and industrial customers the ability to meet sustainability goals and to make renewable energy claims through RECs from wind generation located outside TVA's service area. TVA also offers a utility-scale program and a mid-scale flexibility option that better equip TVA and LPCs with the flexibility to meet changing end-use customer needs. The utility-scale program, Green Invest,

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matches customer demand with renewable supply through a Green Invest Agreement. The goal of the Green Invest program is to meet the long-term sustainability needs of customers at scale. TVA will procure the needed renewable supply through a diversified approach, which could include a competitive procurement process, strategic partnerships, or TVA constructing its own renewable facilities to meet these needs. The mid-scale option, also known as the Flexibility Research Project, was a joint project with LPCs to enable solutions for situations where the end-use consumer needs onsite renewable or distributed generation. The Flexibility Research Project ceased accepting new applications in January 2021. Generation Flexibility, a solution available to long-term LPC partners, supports the deployment of up to 2,000 MW of distributed solar to provide clean, local generation. See Ratemaking below. In addition, TVA launched the Green Connect Program in January 2021 to connect residential customers interested in on-site solar installations with qualified solar installers.

Automated Energy Exchange Platform

TVA and other utilities across the southeastern United States are exploring the creation of an automated energy exchange platform across the region, to facilitate more short-term power exchanges. The energy exchange would be an enhancement to the existing bilateral market. The creation of this energy exchange platform requires approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates the transmission and wholesale sale of electricity in interstate commerce. The utilities under full FERC jurisdiction filed for approval of the energy exchange on February 12, 2021, and although not subject to FERC’s jurisdiction with respect to the energy exchange, TVA has intervened in support of the FERC proceeding and has joined with the other utilities in answering comments offered by interested parties. TVA’s participation would be subject to TVA Board approval and the completion of appropriate environmental reviews. These discussions demonstrate TVA's commitment to seeking new ways to continue to deliver low-cost power to the Tennessee Valley.

Sustainability Reports

    TVA completed its first Corporate Sustainability Report in 2020, which highlights the energy, environmental, economic and societal impacts of TVA’s everyday activities. Sustainability has been a critical part of TVA’s mission since the TVA Act was signed in 1933. In 2021, TVA anticipates continuing to highlight its sustainability efforts with issuances of its next Corporate Sustainability Report and Edison Electric Institute Environmental Social Governance and Sustainability Report, among others. TVA also anticipates issuing a supplemental Carbon Report in 2021.

Strategic Financial Plan

    In 2019, the TVA Board approved an annual budget that reflects the first year of a new Strategic Financial Plan. The Strategic Financial Plan, which extends from 2020 through 2030, is flexible in aligning customer preferences and TVA's mission while at the same time establishing a long-term forecast of financial results. Key focus areas of the Strategic Financial Plan include maintaining rates as low as feasible; establishing better alignment between the length of LPC contracts and TVA's long-term commitments; stabilizing debt, assuming 100 percent long-term partner participation; maintaining a target cash balance of $300 million; and pursuing operational efficiencies. As TVA executes the plan, key assumptions and performance may change estimated debt and cash balances. For example, TVA is continuing to evaluate its long-term asset needs. In addition, due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents in 2020. TVA may continue to hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility.

In 2021, TVA retained Lazard Frères & Co. LLC ("Lazard"), an international financial advisory and asset management firm, to evaluate TVA’s financial performance from 2014 through 2020 against TVA’s 2014 long range financial plan ("2014 Plan"). Further, Lazard also reassessed whether the public power model and TVA’s existing business structure are reasonable approaches to support TVA’s mission, consistent with the scope of analysis and findings from Lazard’s 2014 Strategic Assessment Report ("2014 Lazard Report"). In the 2021 report, Lazard concluded that TVA’s financial performance from 2014 through 2020 has been strong when measured against the financial performance objectives as set forth in TVA’s 2014 Plan and the performance of other large utility companies. Lazard also concluded that TVA’s performance in recent years and current positioning suggest that the public power model is a reasonable approach to support TVA’s mission. In addition, the 2021 report reaffirmed that Lazard’s previous conclusions from the 2014 Lazard Report with respect to the benefits and considerations of the public power model compared against alternative business models are still valid today.

Generation Resources

    Extreme Flooding Preparedness. Updates to the TVA analytical hydrology model completed in 2009 indicated that under "probable maximum flood" conditions, some of TVA's dams might not have been capable of regulating the higher flood waters.  A "probable maximum flood" is an extremely unlikely event; however, TVA has a responsibility to provide protection for its nuclear plants against such events.  As a result, TVA installed a series of modifications at four dams.

    Since 2009, TVA has performed further hydrology modeling of portions of the TVA watershed using updated modeling tools. The revised hydrology models were reviewed and approved by the NRC for Watts Bar Units 1 and 2. However, TVA identified an error in the modeling that will require the models for Watts Bar Units 1 and 2 to be resubmitted. TVA plans to resubmit models for Watts Bar Units 1 and 2 by the end of the fourth quarter of 2021.  In addition, TVA submitted models for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant ("Sequoyah") Units 1 and 2 in 2020.  TVA will subsequently address conditions at Browns Ferry as

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needed.  As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent $154 million on the modifications and improvements related to extreme flooding preparedness. TVA is deferring the decision on the need for additional modifications until after the modeling work is complete.

    Mitigation of Beyond-Design-Basis Events.  NRC rulemaking has been developed to codify the requirements promulgated by orders related to beyond-design-basis events. The NRC Commissioners approved the final rule in 2019.  TVA plans to implement the requirements for Sequoyah and Watts Bar by 2022 and for Browns Ferry by 2023.  A gap review of the revised rule has been performed, and no new gaps to compliance were identified. 

    Work Environment at Nuclear Plants. In 2016, the NRC issued a Chilling Effect Letter ("CEL") to TVA regarding work environment concerns identified at Watts Bar. In the mid-cycle assessment letter issued in 2018, the NRC issued a Cross Cutting Issue in safety conscious work environment ("CCI") and outlined the closure criteria for both the CEL and CCI.  In October 2019, TVA informed the NRC of its CEL and CCI closure criteria readiness, and the NRC completed its inspection, resulting in no additional findings with progress noted as documented in its December 2019 inspection report.  In March 2020, the NRC issued its Annual Assessment Letter for Watts Bar noting TVA's progress in addressing the CEL and CCI while stating that the NRC continues to monitor TVA's activities as they deliberate on the appropriate time to close the CEL and CCI. In February 2021, the NRC issued a letter to TVA closing the CEL. In the March 2021 Annual Assessment Letter for Watts Bar, the NRC also closed the CCI.

    Apparent Violations of NRC Regulations. On March 2, 2020, the NRC issued a letter to TVA identifying four apparent violations of NRC regulations that prohibit licensees from retaliating against employees for their having raised protected nuclear safety concerns. In June 2020, TVA participated in a pre-decisional enforcement conference before the NRC, and in August 2020, the NRC issued violations to TVA and a notice of proposed imposition of civil penalties in an amount less than $1 million. TVA submitted a written response to the NRC that denies the violations and opposes the imposition of civil penalties. In October 2020, the NRC issued an order imposing civil penalties in an amount less than $1 million. In November 2020, TVA requested an evidentiary hearing before the NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board. The evidentiary hearing is scheduled for October 2021.

On March 9, 2020, the NRC issued a letter to TVA identifying twelve apparent violations of NRC regulations: six relating

to operational activities and six relating to NRC regulations governing the completeness and accuracy of information. TVA

participated in a pre-decisional enforcement conference before the NRC in July 2020, and on November 6, 2020, the NRC

issued five violations to TVA and a notice of proposed imposition of civil penalties in an amount less than $1 million. TVA submitted a written response to the NRC violations in December 2020, accepting the violations in part and denying them in part, and requesting a reduction of the civil penalties consistent with the denial. The NRC is expected to issue its order imposing civil penalties at any time.

    Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rods. TVA was a cooperating agency in the 2016 Department of Energy ("DOE") Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Production of Tritium in a Commercial Light Water Reactor. In 2017, due to an anticipated need for more tritium-producing burnable absorber rods ("TPBARs"), the DOE announced its preferred alternative for irradiation services, which included use of an additional reactor. As a result of TVA's assessment of and concurrence with the DOE's alternative, TVA submitted a license amendment request to the NRC to authorize the irradiation of TPBARs in Watts Bar Unit 2. The NRC approved the request in 2019, and TVA began tritium production in Watts Bar Unit 2 in November 2020. The DOE's decision also allows for irradiation of TPBARs at Sequoyah in the future; however, TVA does not have plans to employ Sequoyah units for tritium production in the near term.

    Extended Power Uprate. TVA has undertaken an extended power uprate ("EPU") project at Browns Ferry to increase the amount of electrical generation capacity of its reactors. The license for each reactor was amended to allow reactor operation at the higher power level. The Browns Ferry EPU license amendments were approved by the NRC in 2017, following a nearly two-year review.

    The project involved extensive engineering analyses and modification and replacement of certain existing plant components to enable the units to produce the additional power requested by the license amendments. The project's total cost will be approximately $475 million. Physical work on all units was completed in 2019. The generating capacity is expected to increase by an estimated 465 MW that must be validated through operation of all units for four seasons and completion of additional testing. TVA is currently operating and testing the units through the required period to complete the validation of the increased generating capacity and will update the official capacity upon issuance of the engineering memos.

Watts Bar Unit 2. During the refueling outage in the first quarter of 2021, TVA identified degraded steam generator conditions on Watts Bar Unit 2. Based on a continued operation assessment, TVA submitted a License Amendment Request that supports unit operation until approximately August 2021, which was approved by the NRC in February 2021. A project team is in place to ensure operational assessments, analysis work, and regulatory interface occur to allow for a safe and efficient mid-cycle steam generator inspection. Watts Bar Unit 2 will remain at 90 percent of rated output until assessments are completed, defining the conditions required to operate the unit until the mid-cycle outage in the September 2021 timeframe. The mid-cycle outage will focus on an inspection protocol with multiple contingency repair strategies such that safe and reliable operation can be assured until the permanent steam generator replacement occurs, which is projected for March 2022.

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Plant Closures.  Results of assessments performed at Paradise and Bull Run were presented to the TVA Board at its February 2019 meeting. The TVA Board approved the retirement of Paradise Unit 3 by December 2020 and Bull Run by December 2023. Subsequent to the TVA Board approval, TVA determined that Paradise would not be restarted after January 2020 due to the plant's material condition. Paradise Fossil Plant Unit 3 was taken offline on February 1, 2020, effectively retiring the plant. See Note 5 — Plant Closures.

    Optimum Energy Portfolio. TVA must continuously evaluate all generating assets to ensure an optimal energy portfolio that provides safe, clean, and reliable power while maintaining flexibility and fiscal responsibility to the people of the Tennessee Valley. During 2019, the TVA Board approved the Integrated Resource Plan, which recommended an action to evaluate the engineering end-of-life of aging fossil units. These assessments consider material condition, plant performance, system flexibility needs, environmental impacts, grid support, and other factors. TVA is also considering plans for additional generating facilities to replace retiring or expiring capacity and to support a low cost, reliable, flexible, and increasingly clean power system. In addition, TVA will prepare environmental reviews pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") prior to retiring or building a plant.

Natural Gas-Fired Units. During 2019, the TVA Board approved an expansion of approximately 1,500 MW of peaking gas replacement capacity at two combustion turbine gas facilities, contingent on the successful completion of environmental reviews under NEPA and other applicable laws. In 2020, detailed design and engineering work began at TVA’s Paradise and Colbert sites to further scope out the projects and supply information needed for the NEPA review. Each project is expected to increase combustion turbine generation capacity by 750 MW at a cost not to exceed approximately $503 million per project. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $185 million on these expansions for the design and engineering work and for long lead time equipment that could be used at any site. TVA expects to spend an additional $821 million on these expansions and for both projects to enter commercial operations by the end of CY 2023.

During 2019, the TVA Board approved approximately 500 MW for an aeroderivative combustion turbine project, at a cost not to exceed $499 million, contingent on the successful completion of environmental reviews under NEPA and other applicable laws. In 2020, detailed design and engineering work began at TVA’s Johnsonville site to further scope out the project and supply information needed for the NEPA review. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $1 million on the design and engineering work and expects to spend an additional $498 million. The project is expected to enter commercial operations by the end of CY 2024.

    Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities. TVA has committed to a programmatic approach for the elimination of wet storage of coal combustion residuals ("CCR") within the TVA service area. Under this program ("CCR Conversion Program"), TVA is converting all operational coal-fired plants to dry CCR storage and closing all wet storage facilities.

    Dry generation and dewatering projects. Conversion of coal plant CCR wet processes to dry generation or dewatering is complete at Bull Run, Shawnee Fossil Plant ("Shawnee"), and Kingston Fossil Plant ("Kingston"). Construction at Gallatin Fossil Plant ("Gallatin") was completed during 2020. Construction of dewatering and dry generation facilities at Cumberland Fossil Plant ("Cumberland") was completed in the second quarter of 2021.

    Landfills. TVA has made strategic decisions to build and maintain lined and permitted dry storage facilities on TVA-owned property at some TVA locations, allowing these facilities to operate beyond existing dry storage capacity. Lined and permitted landfills are completed and operational at Bull Run, Kingston, Gallatin, and Shawnee; construction of a lined and permitted landfill at Cumberland is expected to start in 2022; and TVA is designing and permitting a lateral expansion of the existing landfill at Gallatin. TVA has withdrawn its permit applications for a new lined landfill at Bull Run and has stopped construction of a permitted lined landfill expansion at Kingston until TVA can determine its need for these landfills with certainty. Construction of additional lined and dry storage facilities may occur to support future business requirements.

    Wet CCR impoundment closures. TVA is working to close wet CCR impoundments in accordance with federal and state requirements. Closure project schedules and costs are driven by the selected closure methodology (such as closure-in-place or closure-by-removal). Closure initiation dates are driven by environmental regulations. TVA's predominant closure methodology is closure-in-place, with exceptions at certain facilities. TVA issued an environmental impact statement ("EIS") in June 2016 that addresses the closure of CCR impoundments at TVA's coal-fired plants. TVA issued its associated Record of Decision in July 2016. Although the EIS was designed to be programmatic in order to address the mode of impoundment closures, it specifically addressed closure methods at 10 impoundments. TVA subsequently decided to close those impoundments. The method of final closure for each of these facilities will depend on various factors, including approval by appropriate state regulators. Additional site-specific NEPA studies will be conducted as other facilities are designated for closure. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

    Groundwater monitoring. Compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA's") CCR rule ("CCR Rule") required implementation of a groundwater monitoring program, additional engineering, and ongoing analysis. As further analyses are performed, including evaluation of monitoring results, there is the potential for additional costs for investigation and/or remediation. These costs cannot reasonably be predicted until a final remedy is selected, if necessary.

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    The final Part A revision to the CCR rule became effective September 28, 2020. Among other things, the final Part A rule requires unlined CCR surface impoundments to stop receiving CCR and non-CCR wastestreams and to initiate closure or retrofit by no later than April 11, 2021. TVA ceased sending CCR and non-CCR wastestreams to unlined CCR surface impoundments by the specified deadline.

    In compliance with the CCR Rule, TVA published the results of 2020 groundwater testing at its CCR facilities during the second quarter of 2021. The results included values above groundwater protection standards for some constituents at certain CCR units. TVA previously identified several CCR units with constituents at statistically significant levels above site-specific groundwater protection standards. TVA has completed an assessment of corrective measures (“ACM”), which analyzes the effectiveness of potential corrective actions, and has published ACM reports to its CCR website. Based on the results of the ACM, TVA is required to select a remedy as soon as feasible. TVA continues to investigate and evaluate remedies and will continue posting semi-annual progress reports on the status of remedy selection until the final remedy is selected.

    As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $2.2 billion on its CCR Conversion Program. TVA expects to spend an additional $860 million on the CCR Conversion Program through 2025. These estimates may change depending on the final closure method selected for each facility. Once the CCR Conversion Program is completed, TVA will continue to undertake certain CCR projects, including building new landfill cells under existing permits and closing existing cells once they reach capacity.

    TVA was involved in two lawsuits concerning the CCR facilities at Gallatin. One of these cases was decided in TVA's favor by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the other case was resolved by the entry of a consent order that became effective July 24, 2019. Under the consent order, TVA agreed to close the existing wet ash impoundments by removal, either to an onsite landfill or to an offsite facility. TVA may also consider options for beneficial reuse of the CCR. TVA has submitted the removal plan to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation ("TDEC") and other applicable parties pursuant to the consent order. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

    In October 2019, TDEC released amendments to its regulations which govern solid waste disposal facilities, including TVA's active CCR facilities covered by a solid waste disposal permit and those which closed pursuant to a TDEC approved closure plan. Such facilities are generally subject to a 30-year post-closure care period during which the owner or operator must undertake certain activities, including monitoring and maintaining the facility. The amendments, among other things, add an additional 50-year period after the end of the post-closure care period, require TVA to submit recommendations as to what activities must be performed during this 50-year period to protect human health and the environment, and require TVA to submit revised closure plans every 10 years.

Potential Liability Associated with Workers' Exposure to CCR Materials. In response to the 2008 ash spill at Kingston, TVA hired Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. ("Jacobs") to oversee certain aspects of the cleanup. After the cleanup was completed, Jacobs was sued in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee ("Eastern District") by employees of a contractor involved in the cleanup and family members of some of the employees.  The plaintiffs alleged that Jacobs had failed to take or provide proper health precautions and misled workers about the health risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash, which is a CCR material. The plaintiffs alleged that exposure to the fly ash caused a variety of significant health issues and illnesses, including in some cases death. The case was split into two phases, with the first phase considering, among other issues, general causation and the second determining specific causation and damages. On November 7, 2018, a jury hearing the first phase returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, including determinations that Jacobs failed to adhere to its contract with TVA or the Site Wide Safety and Health Plan; Jacobs failed to provide reasonable care to the plaintiffs; and Jacobs's failures were capable of causing a list of medical conditions, ranging from hypertension to cancer. On January 11, 2019, the Eastern District referred the parties to mediation. Mediation has concluded, but the parties did not resolve the matter. The litigation will now proceed to the second phase on the question of whether Jacobs's breaches were the specific medical cause of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages.

Other contractor employees and family members have filed lawsuits against Jacobs that are pending in the Eastern District. These pending lawsuits are stayed and raise similar claims to those being litigated in the case referenced above.

While TVA is not a party to any of these lawsuits, TVA may potentially have an indemnity obligation to reimburse Jacobs for some amounts that Jacobs is required to pay. TVA will continue monitoring the litigation to determine whether these or similar cases could have broader implications for the utility industry. TVA does not expect any potential liability to have a material adverse impact on its results of operations or financial condition. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Contingencies.

    River Management. Rainfall and runoff in the Tennessee Valley through the second quarter of 2021 were 119 percent and 121 percent of normal, respectively. Above normal rainfall and runoff have continued to help TVA meet its river system commitments, including managing minimum river flows and minimum depths for navigation, generating low-cost hydroelectric power, maintaining flows that support habitat for fish and other aquatic species, maintaining water supply, and providing recreational opportunities for the Tennessee Valley.  In addition, having cool water available helps TVA to meet thermal compliance and support normal operation of TVA's nuclear and fossil-fueled plants, while oxygenating water helps fish species remain healthy.  Significant rainfall during the second half of March helped boost second quarter rainfall above normal. March

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rainfall totaled 9.85 inches across the Tennessee Valley. Rainfall and runoff in the Tennessee Valley during the second quarter of 2021 were 130 percent and 115 percent of normal, respectively.

Aquatic Vegetation. In July 2020, the unprecedented growth and breakaway of aquatic vegetation in Wheeler Lake challenged the Browns Ferry intake structures and impacted the source of cooling water for the plant. Two units were removed from operation and power was reduced on the third unit to accommodate the decreased capability of the cooling systems. Nuclear safety was not challenged during the event. Interim and permanent mitigation solutions have been identified to eliminate marine biofouling of the plant intake system. A permanent design solution is expected to be implemented by the end of CY 2025.

    Small Modular Reactors.  In 2015, the DOE entered into an Interagency Agreement with TVA to support site characterization activities and the development of an Early Site Permit Application ("ESPA") for a generic small modular reactor ("SMR"). The ESPA is based on the potential construction and operation of two or more SMR units at TVA's Clinch River Site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. TVA submitted the ESPA for review by the NRC in 2016.  NRC staff concluded their review and the permit was issued by the NRC in December 2019. The permit is valid through 2039 and therefore provides TVA a great deal of flexibility to make new nuclear decisions based on energy needs and economic factors.

TVA is in the process of evaluating new nuclear technology options and potential deployment scenarios.  TVA is exploring advanced reactor designs that would lead to economically viable, clean generating options that can compete with other generation alternatives in the 2030s and beyond. In addition, TVA has partnerships in place through memorandums of understanding that allow for collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, and other organizations. In the second quarter of 2021, TVA initiated a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to address the potential environmental effects associated with the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an advanced nuclear reactor technology park at the Clinch River Site. TVA plans to evaluate a variety of alternatives. Any decision to construct an SMR would require approval by the TVA Board and authorization from the NRC. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent $86 million on work regarding SMRs, including work to complete the ESPA for the Clinch River Site, of which the DOE had reimbursed TVA $29 million.  Additional expenditures will be determined based on future project development.

    System Operations Center. A new system operations center has been approved for $255 million. The new secured facility is being built to accommodate a new energy management system and to adapt to new regulatory requirements.  The facility is expected to be constructed by the second quarter of 2023 and fully operational by 2024. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent approximately $62 million on the project and expects to spend an additional $193 million.

Dam Safety and Remediation Initiatives

Assurance Initiatives. TVA has an established dam safety program, which includes procedures based on the Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety, with the objective of reducing the risk of a dam safety event. The program is comprised of various engineering activities for all of TVA's dams including safety reassessments using modern industry criteria and the new probable maximum flood and site-specific seismic load cases. One aspect of the guidelines is that dam structures will be periodically assessed to assure that TVA's dams meet current design criteria. These assessments include material sampling of the dam and foundational structures and detailed engineering analysis.  TVA will continue preventative and ongoing maintenance as a part of this safety program.

    Boone Dam Remediation. In 2015, a sinkhole was discovered near the base of the earthen embankment at Boone Dam, and a small amount of water and sediment was found seeping from the river bank below the dam. TVA identified underground pathways contributing to the seepage and prepared a plan to repair the dam, which consists of the construction of a composite seepage barrier wall in the dam's earthen embankment. TVA has completed grouting, construction of an upstream and downstream buttress, and installation of the concrete cut-off wall. Currently, the reservoir is being raised for fluctuation testing of the repair.  TVA plans to construct a floodwall to return the embankment to its original height during 2021.

    As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent $290 million related to this project and expects to spend an additional $145 million through 2023. TVA expects the reservoir to return to normal operations in 2022 and is continuing to work with the community to help mitigate local impacts of the extended drawdown.

    Pickwick South Embankment Remediation. Reassessments of Pickwick Landing Dam ("Pickwick") found low safety factors for post-earthquake stability indicating that the dam is at significant risk for slope stability failure following a seismic event in portions of the south embankment. Slope stability failure could lead to a breach of the south embankment and loss of the reservoir, resulting in loss of life and damage to property downstream, disruption to navigation, and loss of generation and recreation.

    TVA is nearing completion on constructing berms on the upstream and downstream slopes to upgrade the south embankment. TVA is also currently working on projects with the local water utility to relocate an affected water intake system, which will allow for completion of the remaining berms. This work is estimated to be complete in 2022. As of March 31, 2021, TVA had spent $118 million related to this project and expects to spend an additional $14 million through 2022.

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Real Property Portfolio

TVA continues to study its real property portfolio as part of the Strategic Real Estate Plan, which is aimed at reducing cost, right-sizing the portfolio and aligning real estate holdings with TVA's strategic direction. In addition, as TVA continues to implement mandatory telework for those who do not have to be physically present during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also assessing and reviewing the pandemic's long-term impacts to real estate.

Regional Consolidations. TVA completed consolidation of its Knoxville area employees into the West Tower of the Knoxville Office Complex and Greenway Drive Transmission Service Center in 2020. Consolidation of the centralized field offices in Norris, Tennessee and additional consolidations from the Greenway Area Office are expected to be completed in late 2021 or early 2022.

Regulatory Compliance

    Steam-Electric Effluent Guidelines. In 2015, the EPA published a final rule revising the existing steam-electric effluent limitation guidelines ("ELGs").  The ELGs updated the existing technology-based water discharge limitations for power plants.  Compliance with new requirements was required in the 2018-2023 timeframe and necessitated major upgrades to wastewater treatment systems at all coal-fired plants. Dry fly ash handling was mandated by the rule. The rule also required either dry bottom ash handling systems or "no discharge" recycle of bottom ash transport waters, and new technology-based limits on flue gas desulfurization ("FGD") (scrubber) wastewater required primary physical/chemical treatment and secondary biological treatment to meet extremely low limits for arsenic, mercury, and selenium.

    The EPA published a rule in 2017, postponing certain compliance/applicability dates to provide the EPA time to review and revise, as necessary, the 2015 ELGs for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water. The EPA delayed the compliance dates for these two waste streams from the 2018-2023 timeframe to 2020-2023. However, the 2018-2023 applicability dates and the accompanying requirements for fly ash transport water, flue gas mercury control wastewater, and gasification wastewater remain unchanged. While the EPA was reconsidering the limits for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water, states issued National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") permits for all of TVA's active coal facilities based on the 2015 ELGs, recognizing that the permits may need to be reopened to incorporate modifications to those ELGs.

    In October 2020, the EPA issued final revised ELGs for bottom ash transport water and FGD wastewater. The primary impact of these regulations for TVA is on the operation of existing coal-fired generation facilities. The revised ELGs could impact long-term investment decisions being made relative to the long-term compliance and operability of these plants. The revisions may require TVA to install additional wastewater treatment systems for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water, and TVA could incur substantial costs to comply with the new rule. In addition, the revised ELGs could cause TVA to reduce utilization of its coal-fired generation facilities or even close such facilities. The revision also includes a subcategory for which Cumberland would qualify that provides TVA greater flexibility in meeting the ELGs. The revision includes two additional subcategories for low utilization units and units that cease coal combustion by the end of 2028. TVA will evaluate the applicability of those subcategories to its plants as appropriate. Petitions for judicial review of the October 2020 ELG rule were filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ("D.C. Circuit") and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (the "Fourth Circuit") and have been consolidated in the Fourth Circuit in the case Appalachian Voices, et al. v. EPA.

Allen Groundwater Investigation.  The CCR Rule required TVA to implement a comprehensive groundwater monitoring program at units subject to the rule. As a result of this groundwater monitoring program, TVA reported to TDEC in 2017 elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and fluoride in groundwater samples collected from two shallow-aquifer groundwater monitoring wells around the Allen East Ash Disposal Area. TVA, under the oversight of TDEC, conducted a remedial investigation into the nature and extent of the contamination. In 2018, TVA submitted a draft Remedial Investigation Report to TDEC which was revised after discussions with TDEC and additional investigation. TVA submitted the Final Updated Remedial Investigation Report to TDEC in 2019.

    The remedial investigation confirmed that the high arsenic, fluoride, and lead concentrations are limited to the shallow alluvial aquifer in the north and south areas of the Allen East Ash Disposal Area. These areas are not adversely impacting the Memphis aquifer, which is the source of the public drinking water supply. All samples taken from the Memphis aquifer through TVA production wells were below the EPA drinking water standards. As the result of a pumping test conducted on TVA production wells at the nearby Allen Combined Cycle Plant ("Allen CC") by the United States Geological Survey and the University of Memphis, TVA is committed to not operating these production wells until additional data supports safe use. TVA constructed water tanks on site and is purchasing cooling water from MLGW. The use of water tanks rather than the wells may impose some operational restrictions on the Allen CC due to the lower availability of cooling water.

TVA is taking steps to remediate the groundwater at the East Ash Disposal Area. The Interim Response Action Plan will include a groundwater extraction system and a groundwater treatment system. TVA will also continue to dewater the East Ash Disposal Area and treat the water before it is discharged to the NPDES outfall. A feasibility study to evaluate remedial actions for the site was submitted to TDEC on September 4, 2020. A virtual public meeting to present the Interim Response Action as the Proposed Plan for the site was held on November 17, 2020. The public was invited to review the remediation documents and

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encouraged to comment on the Proposed Plan during the public comment period. After public comments are considered, TDEC will issue a Record of Decision. TVA is also preparing a Remedial Action Plan to move forward with the remediation at the site.

    TVA's Remedial Investigation/Interim Response Action Groundwater Monitoring Plan is reviewed and modified annually. The 2021 Remedial Investigation/Interim Response Action Groundwater Monitoring Plan was submitted to TDEC on April 1, 2021. TVA continues to sample the monitoring wells at the site as described by the plan quarterly. TVA prepares a memorandum after each quarterly event and prepares an annual report to evaluate the sampling results. The 2020 Remedial Investigation/Interim Response Action Groundwater Monitoring Report was submitted to TDEC on March 31, 2021.

TVA has evaluated closure options for the Allen East Ash Disposal Area, as well as the nearby West Ash Impoundment, through an EIS pursuant to NEPA. In March 2019, TVA released its public scoping report, which eliminated closure-in-place as an alternative. TVA published the final EIS on March 13, 2020 and its Record of Decision on April 14, 2020, which documents the final decision regarding the closure method for the CCR units at the Allen Fossil Plant. TVA has decided to remove CCR from the above identified areas and transport the CCR to an existing permitted offsite landfill.

Federal Contracting and Hiring Practices.  On August 3, 2020, the Trump administration issued an "Executive Order ("EO") on Aligning Federal Contracting and Hiring Practices With the Interests of American Workers." Among other things, the EO directs federal agencies to review contracts awarded in 2018 and 2019 to assess (i) whether temporary foreign labor was used and impacts from such use, and (ii) whether any offshoring occurred and its impacts. The EO also directs agencies to review employment policies for compliance with specific laws. TVA conducted a review and reported a summary of its findings to the Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") in December 2020.

Buy American Executive Order. On January 25, 2021, President Biden issued EO 14005, "Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers." EO 14005 imposes new reporting and procedural requirements, as well as additional executive oversight, for federal agency purchases of foreign goods and services. It also directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to consider proposing regulatory amendments (for notice, comment, and potential promulgation) that could further restrict federal agencies’ ability to buy foreign goods and services in some circumstances. TVA is evaluating and preparing for any anticipated impacts and continuing to monitor any guidance regarding the new requirements.

Ratemaking

    TVA, LPCs, and directly served industries have worked collaboratively in recent years to develop changes to rates that focus on TVA's long-term pricing efforts and the changing needs of customers in the Tennessee Valley. These changes have improved pricing by better aligning rates with underlying cost drivers and by sending improved pricing signals, while maintaining competitive industrial rates and keeping residential rates affordable.

TVA and LPCs continue to work together to meet the changing needs of consumers around the Tennessee Valley. In 2019, the TVA Board approved a Partnership Agreement option that better aligns the length of LPC power contracts with TVA's long-term commitments. Under the partnership arrangement, the LPC power contracts have a 20-year termination notice provision that renews each year after their initial effective date, contingent upon certain circumstances, including limited rate increases going forward. Participating LPCs receive benefits including a 3.1 percent wholesale bill credit in exchange for their long-term commitment, which enables TVA to recover its long-term financial commitments over a commensurate period. In June 2020, TVA provided participating LPCs a flexibility option that allows them to locally generate up to approximately five percent of average total hourly energy sales over the prior five years in order to meet their individual customers' needs. As of May 3, 2021, 142 LPCs had signed the 20-year Partnership Agreement with TVA, and 71 LPCs had signed a Flexibility Agreement.

Safeguarding Assets

    Physical Security — Non-Nuclear Asset Protection.  TVA utilizes a variety of security technologies, security awareness activities, and security personnel to prevent sabotage, vandalism, and thefts.  Any of these activities could negatively impact the ability of TVA to generate, transmit, and deliver power to its customers. TVA's Police and Emergency Management personnel are active participants with numerous professional and peer physical security organizations in both the electric industry and law enforcement communities.

    Physical attacks on transmission facilities across the country have heightened awareness of the need to physically protect facilities. TVA continues to work with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ("NERC"), the SERC Reliability Corporation, the North American Transmission Forum, and other utilities to implement industry approved recommendations and standards.

    Nuclear Security. Nuclear security is carried out in accordance with federal regulations as set forth by the NRC. These regulations are designed for the protection of TVA's nuclear power plants, the public, and employees from the threat of radiological sabotage and other nuclear-related terrorist threats. TVA has security forces to guard against such threats.

Cybersecurity. TVA operates in a highly regulated environment with respect to cybersecurity. TVA's cybersecurity program aligns or complies with the Federal Information Security Management Act, the NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection

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requirements, and the NRC requirements for cybersecurity, as well as industry best practices. As part of the U.S. government, TVA coordinates with and works closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ("CISA") and the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team ("US-CERT"). CISA serves as the agency assisting other federal entities in defending against threats and securing critical infrastructure. US-CERT functions as a liaison between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the public and private sectors to coordinate responses to security threats.

    The risk of cybersecurity events such as malicious code attacks, unauthorized access attempts, and social engineering attempts continues to intensify. While TVA and its third-party vendors and service providers have been, and will likely continue to be, subjected to such attacks and attempts to disrupt operations, to date the attacks have not impacted TVA's ability to operate as planned. See Item 1A, Risk Factors — Cybersecurity Risks — TVA's facilities and information infrastructure may not operate as planned due to cyber threats to TVA's assets and operations in the Annual Report.

In December 2020, TVA was notified of the SolarWinds breach by multiple sources including CISA. TVA cybersecurity personnel immediately responded to determine any impact and took measures intended to protect TVA from potential risks from the compromised software. TVA continues to receive and evaluate new information regarding the event and take the necessary actions to protect the computing environment. This event did not have a significant or material impact on business or operations.

    Over the last few years, there has been an increase of malicious cyber activity across all industries, including the energy sector. TVA has observed a significant increase in malicious activity related to the COVID-19 pandemic including phishing campaigns and malicious websites. These types of malicious activity are occurring across the industry and have also been observed by TVA's external vendors, stakeholders, and partners. This activity has caused the need for heightened awareness and preparedness. TVA is leveraging federal and other partners to better identify, detect, protect, and respond to these potential attacks. While there have been incidents of phishing and attempted fraud against TVA and its vendors and service providers, these events have not had a significant or material impact on business or operations.

    Transmission Assets. In addition to physical and cybersecurity attacks, TVA's transmission assets are vulnerable to various types of electrically charged energy disruptions such as those from geomagnetic disturbances ("GMDs") and electromagnetic pulses ("EMPs"). In September 2016, FERC approved a new standard to address GMD events, and in March 2020, FERC approved a revision to the standard. TVA has met the requirements of the original standard and subsequent revisions, and has evaluated the effects of solar storms ranging from NERC's reference case to possible extreme levels. TVA continues as an active participant with NERC in this field. The most serious threats from EMP are those caused by high-altitude nuclear explosions. Like others in the industry, TVA is coordinating with federal and state authorities, NERC, Electric Power Research Institute, and other grid owners and operators to address this concern.

    Bulk-Power System Assets. On May 1, 2020, the Trump administration issued EO 13920, "Securing the United States Bulk-Power System."  Among other things, the EO prohibits the acquisition or installation of any bulk-power system electric equipment where the transaction (1) involves any property in which any foreign country or a national thereof has any interest and (2) poses an undue risk to the bulk-power system in, or national security of, the United States. On December 17, 2020, DOE issued a Prohibition Order Securing Critical Defense Facilities, which was suspended and then revoked. On January 20, 2021, the Biden administration suspended EO 13920 for 90 days, which ended on April 20, 2021. EO 13990, "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis," directs DOE and OMB to consider whether to recommend the issuance of a replacement EO to EO 13920. DOE issued a Request for Information on April 22, 2021, to help inform any recommendation that it may make for a replacement EO. At this time, it is uncertain to what extent EO 13920 or a future EO that may potentially address risks associated with the bulk-power system may impact TVA's operations.

Environmental Matters

    TVA's activities, particularly its power generation activities, are subject to comprehensive regulation under environmental laws and regulations relating to air pollution, water pollution, and management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, among other matters. Emissions from all TVA-owned and operated units (including small combustion turbine units of less than 25 MW) have been reduced from historic peaks. Emissions of nitrogen oxide ("NOx") have been reduced by 97 percent below peak 1995 levels and emissions of sulfur dioxide ("SO2") have been reduced by 99 percent below 1977 levels through CY 2020. For CY 2020, TVA's emission of carbon dioxide ("CO2") from its sources was 38 million tons, a 64 percent reduction from 2005 levels. This amount includes 49 tons from units rated at less than 25 MW. For CY 2020, TVA’s emissions of CO2 with the addition of purchased power, including REC retirements, were 42.5 million tons, a 63 percent reduction from 2005 levels. To remain consistent and to align with the EPA's reporting requirements, TVA intends to continue reporting CO2 emissions on a calendar year basis.

Clean Air Act

    The Clean Air Act ("CAA") establishes a comprehensive program to protect and improve the nation's air quality and control sources of air pollution. The major CAA programs that affect TVA's power generation activities are described below.

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    National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The CAA requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards ("NAAQS") for certain air pollutants. The EPA has done this for ozone, particulate matter ("PM"), SO2, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead. Over the years, the EPA has made the NAAQS more stringent. Each state must develop a plan to be approved by the EPA for achieving and maintaining NAAQS within its borders. These plans impose limits on emissions from pollution sources, including TVA fossil fuel-fired plants. Areas meeting a NAAQS are designated as attainment areas. Areas not meeting a NAAQS are designated as non-attainment areas, and more stringent requirements apply in those areas, including stricter controls on industrial facilities and more complicated permitting processes. TVA fossil fuel-fired plants can be impacted by these requirements. All TVA generating units are located in areas designated as in attainment with NAAQS.

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. The EPA issued the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule ("CSAPR") in July 2011 requiring several states in the eastern U.S. to improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to pollution in other states.  In 2016, the EPA issued an update to CSAPR to address cross-state air pollution (the "CSAPR Update Rule"). The EPA subsequently issued an additional rule to resolve any remaining cross-state air pollutant issues ("CSAPR Close-Out Rule"). The D.C. Circuit remanded a portion of the CSAPR Update Rule back to the EPA to address its failure to require upwind states to eliminate substantial contributions to downwind non-attainment areas by the statutory deadline. The D.C. Circuit also vacated the CSAPR Close-Out Rule. On March 15, 2021, the EPA Administrator signed the final revisions to the CSAPR Update Rule. The revisions address the defects identified by the D.C. Circuit and will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. In this final action, the EPA reduced ozone-season NOx allowances for a group of 12 states, including Kentucky, and will require sources in those states to surrender most of their banked allowances. TVA’s Shawnee facility will be affected by these revisions, and TVA is in the process of analyzing the impacts.

    Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Electric Utility Units. In April 16, 2020, the EPA issued a final rule which revokes the agency's earlier finding that regulation of hazardous air pollutants ("HAP") emitted from steam electric utilities is appropriate and necessary. The rule does not remove electric generating units from the source categories listed under Section 112 of the CAA nor does it rescind the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ("MATS") requirements. Additionally, the EPA determined that further restrictions on HAP emissions are not warranted based on a residual risk and technology review ("RTR") for this source category. TVA does not anticipate that the final rule will change TVA's MATS compliance requirements or strategy. Certain states and environmental groups filed petitions in the D.C. Circuit challenging the "appropriate and necessary" finding and the RTR finding. On February 16, 2021, the EPA filed a motion requesting the D.C. Circuit to hold the cases in abeyance pending the agency's review of the final rule under EO 13990, which, among other things, requires the EPA to reconsider the final rule by August 2021. TVA cannot predict the outcome of these judicial petitions at this time.

    Environmental Agreements. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Agreements for a discussion of the Environmental Agreements, which discussion is incorporated herein by reference.

    Acid Rain Program. The Acid Rain Program is intended to help reduce emissions of SO2 and NOx, which are the primary pollutants implicated in the formation of acid rain. The program includes a cap-and-trade emission reduction program for SO2 emissions from power plants. TVA continues to reduce SO2 and NOx emissions from its coal-fired plants, and the SO2 allowances allocated to TVA under the Acid Rain Program are sufficient to cover the operation of its coal-fired plants. In the TVA service area, the limitations imposed on SO2 and NOx emissions by the CSAPR program are more stringent than the Acid Rain Program. Therefore, TVA does not anticipate that the Acid Rain Program will impose any additional material requirements on TVA.

    Regional Haze Program. The EPA issued the Clean Air Visibility Rule, which required certain older sources to install best available retrofit technology. No additional controls or lower operating limits are required for any TVA units to meet best available retrofit technology requirements. In 2017, the EPA published the final rule that changed some of the requirements for Regional Haze State Implementation Plans ("SIPs"). Specific impacts cannot be determined until future Regional Haze SIPs are developed for the next decennial review under the visibility haze provisions of the CAA. States must submit their Regional Haze SIPs to the EPA by July 31, 2021. In response to requests from state air pollution control agencies in Tennessee and Kentucky, TVA submitted regional haze analyses for Cumberland and Shawnee. The reports evaluate SO2 emission reduction options for these facilities and will be used by these state agencies in preparing their Regional Haze SIPs.

    Opacity. Opacity, or visible emissions, measures the denseness (or color) of power plant plumes and has traditionally been used by states as a means of monitoring good maintenance and operation of particulate control equipment. Under some conditions, retrofitting a unit with additional equipment to better control SO2 and NOx emissions can adversely affect opacity performance, and TVA and other utilities have addressed this issue. The evaluation of utilities' compliance with opacity requirements is coming under increased scrutiny, especially during periods of startup, shutdown, and malfunction. Historically, SIPs developed under the CAA typically excluded periods of startup, shutdowns, and malfunctions, but in June 2015, the EPA finalized a rule to eliminate such exclusions. The EPA rule required states to modify their implementation plans by November 2016. Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi submitted implementation plans, but Alabama has not. Environmental petitioners and several states filed petitions for judicial review of the EPA final rule before the D.C. Circuit. In April 2017, the D.C. Circuit, at the request of the new EPA Administrator, ordered this litigation to be suspended pending the EPA's review to determine whether to reconsider all or part of the rule. On October 9, 2020, the EPA issued a guidance memorandum that supersedes and replaces

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policy statements outlined in the EPA's June 2015 rule. TVA does not expect significant impacts from these rule changes at the state level.

    New York Petition to Address Impacts from Upwind High Emitting Sources. In March 2018, the State of New York filed a petition with the EPA under Section 126(b) of the CAA to address ozone impacts on New York from the NOx emissions from sources emitting at least 400 tons of NOx in CY 2017 from nine states including Kentucky. The New York petition requests that the EPA require daily NOx limits for utility units with selective catalytic reduction systems ("SCRs") such as Shawnee Units 1 and 4 and emission reductions from utility units without SCRs such as Shawnee Units 2, 3 and 5-9. Kentucky utility unit NOx emissions are already limited by the CSAPR Update Rule and are declining, and current EPA modeling projects no additional requirements to reduce Kentucky NOx emissions are necessary. In September 2019, the EPA finalized its denial of New York's petition because the state did not demonstrate, and the EPA could not independently establish, that sources in the states listed in the petition contribute to exceedances of the 2008 and 2015 ozone NAAQS in New York. The State of New York filed a petition in the D.C. Circuit for judicial review of the EPA's denial of the petition. In July 2020, the D.C. Circuit vacated the EPA's denial of the petition and remanded the petition to the EPA for reconsideration. Specific impacts to TVA cannot be determined until the EPA takes further action on the petition.

    Affordable Clean Energy Rule. In 2019, the EPA finalized the final Affordable Clean Energy ("ACE") rule and repealed the EPA's previous regulation addressing greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired units. The ACE rule established guidelines for GHG emissions from existing coal-fired units based on efficiency improvements that can be achieved at those units at reasonable cost. Several industry, environmental, and state and local petitioners filed for judicial review of the ACE rule. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated and remanded the ACE rule, holding, among other things, that the ACE rule rests on the erroneous legal premise that the text of the CAA expressly foreclosed consideration of emission reduction measures other than those that apply to the individual source. The court's order specifies that the mandate will not issue with regard to the portion of the ACE rule that repeals the Clean Power Plan until after the EPA develops a replacement for the ACE rule. TVA is unable to predict the future course of this litigation on appeal, nor the direction that the EPA may take in the future to regulate GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired units.

    New Source Performance Standards. In 2018, the EPA proposed revisions to the GHG emission standards for new, modified, and reconstructed electric utility generating units that were finalized by the EPA in 2015. For coal-fired units, the EPA proposes to revise the current new source standards such that carbon capture and sequestration technology is no longer necessary to meet the standards of performance that reflect the best system of emission reduction. The resulting limits are less stringent than limits under the current rule and can be met by modern coal-fired units (e.g., supercritical steam generators) in combination with best operating practices, but without carbon capture and sequestration. The EPA is not proposing to revise the new source performance standard for GHG emission from gas-fired units. If finalized as proposed, the revisions are not expected to significantly impact TVA since TVA does not currently plan to construct, modify, or reconstruct any coal-fired units.

Climate Change

    Executive Actions. In 2017, the Trump administration issued Executive Order ("EO") 13783, "Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth."  The EO reversed or altered many actions taken by the federal government in the last four years of the Obama Administration to address climate change and mandated that federal agencies review existing regulations and actions that potentially burden energy development and use.  EO 13783 did not, however, mandate that the EPA reconsider its finding under the CAA that GHG emissions cause climate change and therefore endanger public health and the environment.

    In 2018, EO 13834, "Efficient Federal Operations," was signed. EO 13834 emphasized meeting statutory requirements and gave agencies greater flexibility and discretion to decide how best to improve operations in order to "optimize energy and environmental performance, reduce waste, and cut costs." It called on the White House Council of Environmental Quality to streamline pre-existing environmental orders by "refocusing agencies on cost-effectively meeting mandates and goals" established by law. The order sought to consolidate requirements related to energy and water efficiency, high performance buildings, renewable energy consumption, and federal vehicle fleet management. TVA consistently seeks to improve its operations in order to optimize energy and environmental performance and did not experience any significant changes in its planning or operations as a result of the EO.

On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued EO 13990, "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis." EO 13990 revoked EO 13783 and most provisions of EO 13834, including the provisions discussed above, and directs federal agencies to review and revise regulations consistent with broad policy goals to improve public health and the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prioritize environmental justice. On March 8, 2021, a coalition of 12 states filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri challenging President Biden's authority to issue EO 13990. Specific impacts to TVA of EO 13990 and the related lawsuit cannot be determined at this time.

In addition, on January 27, 2021, President Biden issued EO 14008, "Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad." Among other things, EO 14008 expresses the following policies of the federal government: (1) to organize and deploy the full capacity of its agencies to combat the climate crisis to implement a government-wide approach that reduces climate pollution in every sector of the economy, (2) to align the management of federal procurement and real property, public

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lands and waters, and financial programs to support robust climate action, (3) to use all available procurement authorities to achieve or facilitate (a) a carbon pollution-free electricity sector no later than 2035 and (b) clean and zero-emission vehicles for federal, state, local, and tribal government fleets, (4) to put the U.S. on a path to achieve net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by no later than 2050, (5) to accelerate the deployment of clean energy and transmission projects in an environmentally stable manner, (6) to ensure that, to the extent consistent with applicable law, federal funding is not directly subsidizing fossil fuels, (7) to promote the flow of capital toward climate-aligned investments and away from high-carbon investments, and (8) improve air and water quality. TVA is closely monitoring these developments, including the Justice40 Initiative, the Department of Treasury effort to establish a carbon market, establishment and development of the Civilian Climate Corps, and establishment of several White House comprehensive plans. In addition, EO 14008 created the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and called for an early Leaders' Climate Summit aimed at raising climate ambition and making a positive contribution to the 26th United Nations Climate Change and beyond.  EO 14008 also stated the United States would reconvene the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, beginning with the Leader's Climate Summit. Aside from the directive to update TVA’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, specific impacts of EO 14008 on TVA cannot be determined at this time.

    International Accords. In September 2016, the U.S. formally accepted the Paris Agreement. The agreement met the threshold of at least 55 countries that account for at least 55 percent of global GHG emissions and formally entered into force in November 2016. On November 4, 2019, the U.S. formally notified the United Nations that it would withdraw from the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the effective date for the withdrawal was November 4, 2020. On January 20, 2021, President Biden formally accepted the Paris Agreement on behalf of the U.S. The metric for tracking emissions targets under the Paris Agreement is nationally determined contributions ("NDCs"). Each party to the treaty is asked to prepare successive NDCs that it plans to achieve. On April 22, 2021, the Biden Administration announced its greenhouse gas NDCs for 2030 under the Paris Agreement, and these NDCs establish a new target for the U.S. to achieve a 50 to 52 percent reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution in 2030. Specific impacts to TVA cannot be determined at this time.

    In response to the Trump administration's Paris withdrawal announcement, 25 states have formed the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to reducing GHG emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement. North Carolina and Virginia are the only states in the TVA region that are U.S. Climate Alliance members. Among other commitments, each state commits to implement policies that advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce GHG emissions by at least 26-28 percent below CY 2005 levels by CY 2025 and to accelerate new and existing policies to reduce carbon pollution and promote clean energy deployment at the state and federal level. In 2017, U.S. states, cities, and businesses representing more than half of the U.S. economy made a pledge to meet the GHG reduction targets of the Paris Agreement, called "America's Pledge." In September 2020, America's Pledge released its second economy-wide policy analysis with recommendations of how states, cities, businesses, and other stakeholders can influence U.S. decarbonization. It is premature to determine potential impacts to TVA.

    Litigation. In addition to legislative activity, climate change issues have been the subject of a number of lawsuits, including lawsuits against TVA. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings for additional information.

    Indirect Consequences of Regulation or Business Trends. Legal, technological, political, and scientific developments regarding climate change may create new opportunities and risks. The potential indirect consequences could include an increase or decrease in electricity demand, increased demand for clean generation from alternative energy sources, and subsequent impacts to business reputation and public opinion.

    Physical Impacts of Climate Change. TVA's Climate Change Adaptation Plan was last updated in July 2020. The goal of the adaptation planning process is to ensure TVA continues to achieve its mission and program goals and to operate in a secure, effective, and efficient manner in a changing climate by integrating climate change adaptation efforts in coordination with state and local partners, tribal governments, and private stakeholders. TVA manages the potential effects of climate change on its mission, programs, and operations within its environmental management processes.

    Actions Taken by TVA to Reduce GHG Emissions. TVA has reduced GHG emissions from both its generation facilities and its operations.  Recent TVA Board actions have focused on TVA's plan to balance its coal-fired generation by increasing its nuclear capacity, modernizing its hydroelectric generation system, increasing natural gas-fired generation, installing emission control equipment on certain of its coal-fired units, increasing its purchases of renewable energy, building solar facilities, and investing in energy efficiency initiatives to reduce energy use in the Tennessee Valley.  Additionally, TVA has invested to increase energy efficiency in its operations.  The combination of more stringent environmental regulations, lower natural gas prices, and lower demand for energy across the Tennessee Valley has reduced the utilization of coal-fired generation.  These factors have resulted in lower CO2 emissions from the TVA system, as previously discussed in this section.

Renewable/Clean Energy Standards

Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have established enforceable or mandatory requirements for electric utilities to generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources.  One state within the TVA service area, North Carolina, has a mandatory renewable standard that, while not applying directly to TVA, does apply to TVA's LPCs serving retail customers in that state.  TVA's policy is to provide compliance assistance to any distributor of TVA power, and TVA is providing assistance to the covered LPCs that sell TVA power in North Carolina.  In 2020, Virginia signed into law the Clean Economy Act.

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The Act establishes a mandatory requirement for utilities to generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable sources. At this time, TVA is not impacted by the legislation due to the relatively small amount of electricity that TVA provides in Virginia compared to other utilities. Likewise, the Mississippi Public Service Commission adopted an energy efficiency rule applying to electric and natural gas providers in the state, and TVA is supplying information on participation in TVA's energy efficiency programs to support the covered Mississippi LPCs.

Water Quality Control Developments

Waters of the United States. On April 21, 2020, the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA issued the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (“NWPR”), which established a new regulatory definition of waters of the United States (“WOTUS”) and replaced the definition set forth in the 2015 WOTUS Rule. The NWPR establishes four categories of waters considered jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act: (1) territorial seas and traditional navigable waters, (2) perennial and intermittent tributaries to those waters, (3) certain lakes and ponds, and impoundments of jurisdictional waters, and (4) wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. The rule excludes twelve categories of waters, including ephemerals, groundwater, many ditches, and waste treatment systems. The NWPR reduces the jurisdictional reach of the Clean Water Act and potentially reduces permitting and mitigation requirements for TVA projects that impact waters that were previously considered jurisdictional under the 2015 WOTUS Rule. The NWPR has been challenged in multiple courts and therefore its future impact to TVA cannot be ascertained fully at this time.    

Cooling Water Intake Structures. In 2014, the EPA released a final rule under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act relating to cooling water intake structures ("CWIS") for existing power generating facilities. The rule requires changes in CWIS used to cool the vast majority of coal, gas, and nuclear steam-electric generating plants and a wide range of manufacturing and industrial facilities in the U.S.  The final rule requires CWIS to reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impacts, primarily by reducing the amount of fish and shellfish that are impinged or entrained at a cooling water intake structure. These new requirements will potentially affect a number of TVA's fossil- and nuclear-fueled facilities and will likely require capital upgrades to ensure compliance. Most TVA facilities are projected to require retrofit of CWIS with "fish-friendly" screens and fish return systems to achieve compliance with the new rule. The rule is being implemented through permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("NPDES") in Section 402 of the Clean Water Act. State agencies administer the NPDES permit program in most states including those in which TVA's facilities are located.  In addition, the responsible state agencies must provide all permit applications to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a 60-day review prior to public notice and an opportunity to comment during the public notice. As a result, the permit may include requirements for additional studies of threatened and endangered species arising from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service comments and may require additional measures be taken to protect threatened and endangered species and critical habitats directly or indirectly related to the plant cooling water intake. TVA's review of the final rule indicates that the rule offers adequate flexibility for cost-effective compliance.  The required compliance timeframe is linked to plant specific NPDES permit renewal cycles (i.e., technology retrofits), and compliance is expected to be required beginning in the CY 2022-2024 timeframe.

    The EPA has never applied the requirements under Section 316(b) to hydroelectric facilities. However, two EPA regions that do not cover TVA's activities are proposing to include Section 316(b) requirements in NPDES permits for hydroelectric facilities in those regions that withdraw water used for cooling purposes. It is not clear whether the requirements will be adopted nationwide or, given the unique features of hydroelectric facilities and the manner in which they withdraw water for cooling purposes, how the best technology available standard would be applied to TVA's hydroelectric facilities. The specific impacts to TVA from this potential policy change cannot be determined at this time.

    Hydrothermal Discharges. The EPA and many states continue to focus regulatory attention on potential effects of hydrothermal discharges. Many TVA plants have variances from thermal standards under Section 316(a) of the Clean Water Act that are subject to review as NPDES permits are renewed. Specific data requirements in the future will be determined based on negotiations between TVA and state regulators. If plant thermal limits are made more stringent, TVA may have to install cooling towers at some of its plants and operate installed cooling towers more often. This could result in a substantial cost to TVA.

Steam-Electric Effluent Guidelines. In 2015, the EPA revised existing steam-electric effluent limitation guidelines ("ELGs"), which regulate water discharge pollutants and require the application of certain pollutant control technologies. The 2015 ELGs established more stringent performance standards for existing and new sources and required major upgrades to wastewater treatment options at all coal-fired plants. Compliance with new requirements was originally required in the CYs 2018-2023 timeframe, but the EPA delayed the compliance dates for flue gas desulfurization ("FGD") wastewater and bottom ash transport water until CYs 2020-2023 to allow the EPA time to review and potentially revise the ELGs with regard to these waste streams.

In October 2020, the EPA issued final revised ELGs for bottom ash transport water and FGD wastewater. The primary impact for TVA is on the operation of existing coal-fired generation facilities. The revised ELGs could impact long-term investment decisions being made relative to the long-term compliance and operability of these plants. The revisions may require TVA to install additional wastewater treatment systems for FGD wastewater and bottom ash transport water, and TVA could incur substantial costs to comply with the new rule.  In addition, the revised ELGs could cause TVA to reduce utilization of its coal-fired generation facilities or even close such facilities. The revision also includes a subcategory for which Cumberland would qualify that provides TVA greater flexibility in meeting the ELGs. The revision includes two additional subcategories for low utilization units and units that cease coal combustion by the end of 2028. TVA will evaluate the applicability of those subcategories to its

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plants as appropriate. Petitions for judicial review of the October 2020 ELG rule were filed in the D.C. Circuit and the Fourth Circuit and have been consolidated in the Fourth Circuit in the case Appalachian Voices, et al. v. EPA. On January 8, 2021, TVA submitted requests to state regulatory authorities to modify NPDES permits for Kingston, Cumberland, Shawnee, and Gallatin to incorporate into the permits limitations in the revised ELGs. TVA has met with TDEC and Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection to discuss the modification requests, and TVA anticipates receiving draft permits to review in the third quarter of 2021.

    Other Clean Water Act Requirements. As is the case in other industrial sectors, TVA and other utilities are also facing more stringent requirements related to the protection of wetlands, reductions in storm water impacts from construction activities, new water quality criteria for nutrients and other pollutants, new wastewater analytical methods, and changes in regulation of pesticide application.

Recent Clean Water Act Decisions

On April 15, 2020, in Northern Plains Resource Council v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana ("District Court of Montana") vacated the Nationwide Permit ("NWP") 12, which authorizes discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S., and enjoined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from authorizing projects nationwide under the permit. The District Court of Montana's decision was subsequently amended and the injunction was limited to the Keystone XL pipeline. As a result, the decision has no immediate effect on TVA. However, unless the District Court of Montana's decision is reversed on appeal, there remains a risk that NWP 12 will not be available to authorize impacts to waters of the U.S. for TVA projects in the future. On January 13, 2021, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published notice of a final rule in the Federal Register for the reissuance and modification of NWPs, including NWP 12. The final rule limits the applicability of NWP 12 to oil and natural gas pipelines, modifies certain pre-construction notification requirements, and creates new NWPs for certain utility line activities. The final rule is unlikely to have a material impact on TVA, but the impact cannot be evaluated fully until any legal challenges to the rule are resolved.

On April 23, 2020, in County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund, the Supreme Court held that the Clean Water Act requires a permit when there is a direct discharge of pollutants from a point source to waters of the U.S. and when there is the "functional equivalent" of a direct discharge to such waters.  The Court suggested seven factors for determining when such a discharge is the functional equivalent of a direct discharge and acknowledged that the new test would be somewhat difficult to apply, potentially requiring evaluation of multiple factors. The Court noted that "time and distance" of pollutant migration often will be the most important factor but that other relevant factors may include, for example, the nature of the material through which the pollutant travels and the extent to which the pollutant is diluted or chemically changed as it travels. TVA is evaluating what potential impact the decision and application of the test could have on its operations.

Cleanup of Solid and Hazardous Wastes

    Liability for releases and cleanup of hazardous substances is imposed under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and other federal and parallel state statutes. In a manner similar to many other industries and power systems, TVA has generated or used hazardous substances over the years.

    TVA Sites. TVA historical operations at certain facilities have resulted in releases of contaminants that TVA is addressing, including at TVA's Environmental Research Center at Muscle Shoals, Alabama. TVA has completed several removal, remedial, and characterization actions at the site, as required by a permit issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. At March 31, 2021, TVA's estimated liability for cleanup and similar environmental work for those sites for which sufficient information was available to develop a cost estimate is approximately $15 million and was included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. TVA is currently applying for a renewal of the RCRA permit, which may include additional mandates for further remedial activities. TVA is evaluating the potential impact that the permit renewal could have on its operations but does not have sufficient information at this time to fully evaluate the impacts and requirements. In addition, the Environmental Research Center has an active groundwater monitoring program as part of a permitted corrective action plan.

    Non-TVA Sites. TVA is aware of alleged hazardous-substance releases at certain non-TVA areas for which it may have some liability. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Environmental Matters.

    Coal Combustion Residuals. The EPA published its final rule governing CCR in 2015. The rule regulates CCR as nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the RCRA. While states may adopt the rule's requirements into their regulatory programs, the rule does not require states to adopt the requirements. The initial version of the rule provided for self-implementation by utilities and allows enforcement through citizen suits in federal court. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act ("WIIN Act") subsequently allowed state or federal-based permitting to implement the CCR rule as an alternative to self-implementation and citizen suits. See Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Initiatives and Challenges — Generation Resources — Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities in the Annual Report for a discussion of the impact on TVA's operations, including the cost and timing estimates of related projects.

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      In July 2018, the EPA issued a final CCR rule which provided additional flexibility and an extension of certain deadlines. In March 2019, the D.C. Circuit granted the EPA's request to remand the final rule to allow the EPA to reconsider the amendments. The remand also allowed the EPA time to complete a new rulemaking to establish revised timelines for unlined impoundments to initiate closure and to reexamine the October 2020 deadline for closing some unlined impoundments. In August 2019, the EPA issued a proposed rule to amend portions of the CCR Rule regarding beneficial use, temporary piles, and public access to information.

    On November 4, 2019, the EPA announced a proposed rule that will revise portions of the CCR Rule requiring closure of unlined surface impoundments. The final Part A rule was published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2020, and became effective September 28, 2020. Among other things, the final Part A rule requires all unlined CCR surface impoundments to stop receiving CCR and non-CCR wastestreams and to initiate closure or retrofit by no later than April 11, 2021, and TVA ceased doing so by the specified deadline. Additionally, the final rule provides a process for a utility to seek site-specific approval from the EPA to continue to use the unlined CCR surface impoundment until October 15, 2023, and possibly longer under certain circumstances. The final rule also includes requirements that enhance the public's access to groundwater monitoring and corrective action reports. TVA does not currently anticipate the final rule will have a significant impact because TVA is already planning to close its unlined CCR surface impoundments by the regulatory deadline and already makes groundwater monitoring and corrective action reports publicly available. A separate final Part B rule was published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2020.  This rule provides an alternative liner demonstration procedure for utilities with clay lined units which are being forced to close under the Part A rule.  However, TVA does not have any units which qualify for this demonstration.

    In August 2015, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation ("TDEC") issued an order that (1) established a process for TDEC to oversee TVA's implementation of the EPA's CCR rule and to ensure coordination and compliance with Tennessee laws and regulations that govern the management of CCR and (2) required TVA to investigate and assess CCR contamination risks at seven of TVA's eight coal-fired plants in Tennessee and to remediate any unacceptable risks.  The TDEC order does not allege that TVA is violating any CCR regulatory requirements nor does it assess TVA penalties.  The TDEC order sets out an iterative process through which TVA and TDEC will identify and evaluate any CCR contamination risks and, if necessary, respond to such risks. Currently, TVA is conducting environmental investigations of the seven sites in accordance with the TDEC-approved Environmental Investigation Plans for each site. Upon the completion of the investigations, TVA will submit an environmental assessment report for each site.

    Groundwater Contamination. Environmental groups and state regulatory agencies are increasing their attention on alleged groundwater contamination associated with CCR management activities. As a result, TVA may have to change how it manages CCR at some of its plants, potentially resulting in higher costs. See Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Initiatives and Challenges — Generation Resources — Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities and — Regulatory Compliance — Allen Groundwater Investigation and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

Environmental Investments

From 1970 to 2020, TVA spent approximately $6.8 billion on controls to reduce emissions from its coal-fired power plants. In addition, TVA has reduced emissions by idling or retiring coal-fired units and relying more on cleaner energy resources including natural gas and nuclear generation.

    TVA currently anticipates spending significant amounts on environmental projects in the future, including investments in new clean energy generation including renewables to reduce TVA's overall environmental footprint.  TVA environmental project expenditures also result from coal-fired plant decommissioning and from effective ash management modernization. Based on TVA's decisions regarding certain coal-fired units, the amount and timing of expenditures could change.

    SO2 Emissions and NOx Emissions. To reduce SO2 emissions, TVA operates scrubbers on 18 of its coal-fired units and switched to lower-sulfur coal at certain coal-fired units. To reduce NOx emissions, TVA operates SCRs on 18 coal-fired units, operates low-NOx burners or low-NOx combustion systems on 21 units, optimized combustion on all 25 units, and operates NOx control equipment year round when units are operating (except during start-up, shutdown, and maintenance periods). TVA has also retired 34 of 59 coal-fired units. Except for seven units at Shawnee, the remaining coal-fired units in the TVA fleet have scrubbers and SCRs.

    Particulate Emissions. To reduce particulate emissions of air pollutants, TVA has equipped all of its coal-fired units with scrubbers, mechanical collectors, electrostatic precipitators, and/or bag houses.

    Greenhouse Gas Emissions. There could be additional material costs if further reductions of GHGs, including CO2, are mandated by legislative, executive, regulatory, or judicial actions and if more stringent emission reduction requirements for conventional pollutants are established. These costs cannot reasonably be predicted at this time because of the uncertainty of these actions. The EPA may issue regulations establishing more stringent air, water, and waste requirements, and these requirements could result in significant changes in the structure of the U.S. power industry, especially in the eastern half of the country.

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Estimated Required Environmental Expenditures

The following table contains information about TVA's current estimates on projects related to environmental laws and regulations:

Estimated Potential Environmental Expenditures(1)(2) At March 31, 2021 (in millions)
	Remaining 2021		2022		Thereafter(3)(4)		Total
Coal Combustion Residual Conversion Program(5)	$	225	$	224	$	411	$	860
Clean Air Act control projects(6)	18		45		81		144
Clean Water Act requirements(7)	12		77		71		160

Notes

(1) These estimates are subject to change as additional information becomes available and as regulations change.

(2) These estimates include $75 million, $134 million, and $121 million for the remainder of 2021, 2022, and thereafter, respectively, in capital expenditures.

(3) See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Contingencies.

(4) These estimates include expenditures expected to be incurred during 2023, 2024, and 2025.

(5)  Includes costs associated with pond closures, conversion of wet to dry handling, and landfill activities. TVA is continuing to evaluate the rules and their impact on its operations, including the cost and timing estimates of related projects. See Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Initiatives and Challenges — Generation Resources — Coal Combustion Residuals Facilities and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

(6)  Includes air quality projects that TVA is currently performing to comply with existing air quality regulations, but does not include any projects that may be required to comply with potential GHG regulations or transmission upgrades.

(7)  Includes projects that TVA is currently planning to comply with revised rules under the CWA (regarding CWIS and ELGs for steam electric power plants).

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, TVA is party to or otherwise involved in lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations, and other legal matters ("Legal Proceedings") that have arisen in the ordinary course of conducting its activities, as a result of catastrophic events or otherwise. At March 31, 2021, TVA had accrued $14 million with respect to Legal Proceedings. In addition, TVA believes that it is reasonably possible that it may incur additional losses, in an amount expected not to exceed $30 million, in connection with current Legal Proceedings. No assurance can be given that TVA will not be subject to significant additional claims and liabilities. If actual liabilities significantly exceed the estimates made, TVA's results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

For a discussion of certain current material Legal Proceedings, see Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings, which discussions are incorporated into this Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

    At March 31, 2021, TVA had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires TVA to estimate the effects of various matters that are inherently uncertain as of the date of the financial statements. Although the financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., TVA is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses reported during the reporting period. Each of these estimates varies in regard to the level of judgment involved and its potential impact on TVA's financial results. Estimates are deemed critical either when a different estimate could have reasonably been used, or where changes in the estimate are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, and such use or change would materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. TVA's critical accounting policies are discussed in Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates and Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

For a discussion of new accounting standards and interpretations, see Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, which discussion is incorporated into this Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Legislative and Regulatory Matters

    TVA continues to monitor how regulatory agencies are interpreting and implementing the provisions of the Dodd-Frank

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Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which was enacted in July 2010.  As a result, TVA has become subject to

recordkeeping, reporting, and reconciliation requirements related to its derivative transactions. In addition, depending on how regulatory agencies interpret and implement the provisions, TVA's hedging costs may increase, and TVA may have to post additional collateral and margin in connection with its derivative transactions.

    TVA does not engage, and does not control any entity that is engaged, in any activity listed under Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), which requires certain issuers to disclose certain activities relating to Iran involving the issuer and its affiliates.  Based on information supplied by each such person, none of TVA's directors and executive officers are involved in any such activities.  While TVA is an agency and instrumentality of the U.S., TVA does not believe its disclosure obligations, if any, under Section 13(r) extend to the activities of any other departments, divisions, or agencies of the U.S.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

    There are no material changes related to market risks disclosed under Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management Activities in the Annual Report. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions for additional information regarding TVA's derivative transactions and risk management activities.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

TVA's management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and members of the Disclosure Control Committee, including the Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) (collectively "management"), evaluated the effectiveness of TVA's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2021.  Based on this evaluation, management concluded that TVA's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2021, to ensure that information required to be disclosed by TVA in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by TVA in such reports is accumulated and communicated to TVA's management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

    During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, there were no changes in TVA's internal control over financial reporting

that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, TVA's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, TVA is party to or otherwise involved in lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations, and other legal matters ("Legal Proceedings") that have arisen in the ordinary course of conducting its activities, as a result of catastrophic events or otherwise.  While the outcome of the Legal Proceedings to which TVA is a party cannot be predicted with certainty, any adverse outcome to a Legal Proceeding involving TVA may have a material adverse effect on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

For a discussion of certain current material Legal Proceedings, see Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings, which discussions are incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings.

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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

    The following risk factor describes an update from the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A, Risk Factors of the Annual Report. The following information should be read in conjunction with additional risk factors included in the Annual Report.

The COVID-19 pandemic has and may continue to adversely affect TVA's business, financial condition, and results of operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has and may continue to adversely affect TVA's business, financial condition, and results of operations. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reduced revenues primarily due to economic conditions surrounding COVID-19, including customers curtailing operations to reduce the spread of the outbreak as a result of quarantines, closures, or reduced operations of businesses or other institutions, among other things. TVA's revenues also decreased due to the deferral of revenues under programs offered by TVA to its LPCs to offset the impact of customers' inability to pay during the outbreak. TVA estimates base revenues were reduced by approximately $185 million for the year ended September 30, 2020. Based on current internal models, TVA estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has had little impact to TVA's base revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2021. It is uncertain at this time to what extent revenues may be impacted for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. See Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations— Results of Operations — Financial Results — Operating Revenues.

TVA could be further adversely affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and financial markets, including a prolonged recession and continued volatility in interest rates, commodity prices, investment performance, and foreign currency exchange rates. TVA has experienced fluctuations related to its pension plan assets and other investment portfolios during the year ended September 30, 2020 and the six months ended March 31, 2021. The ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pension plan and other investments depends on factors beyond TVA's knowledge or control. A long-term recession could impact access to capital and have other long-term negative effects on TVA's business or results of operations.

In addition, TVA's results of operations could be impacted by, among other things, social distancing to prevent illness from spreading within the workforce; travel restrictions; the availability of the workforce to perform essential functions; and the unavailability of fuel or critical parts, supplies, or services due to transportation restrictions or the shutdown, slowdown, or inability to meet contractual requirements of suppliers or other vendors in TVA's supply chain. In addition, the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely impact TVA's ability to develop, construct, and operate facilities; could delay or prevent the completion of projects; or could lead to impairments of TVA's long-lived assets and accounts or loans receivable.

To address specific aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA has implemented a company-wide pandemic plan, including limiting non-essential travel and mandatory telework for those who do not have to be physically present at a TVA facility or office building; implementing strong physical and cyber-security measures; keeping certain developed recreation areas closed; actively monitoring generation, transmission, and distribution functions; and maintaining an increased cash reserve. However, it is possible that these measures will not be successful in mitigating the impacts of the pandemic. At this time, operations and delivery of energy to customers have not been materially impacted, but there is no guarantee that there will not be a material impact in the future.

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will impact TVA's business, financial condition, and results of operations is uncertain and will depend on numerous evolving factors beyond TVA's knowledge or control including, among other things, the duration and severity of the pandemic, actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate its effects, including vaccination programs, and the broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country and region's economy. However, TVA reasonably anticipates that a prolonged outbreak could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, and results of operations, and could require TVA to change how it conducts certain operations, takes power under certain agreements, or dispatches its own facilities.

See Part I, Item 2, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Key Initiatives and Challenges — COVID-19 Pandemic for an expanded discussion of the impact to TVA and related initiatives.

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ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

Changes to TVA Compensation Plan

On April 29, 2021, the Board approved an amended and restated TVA Compensation Plan that enhances plan governance and provides clarification of current practices in the areas of philosophy, relevant labor market, and pay for performance and also includes minor administrative revisions. A copy of the amended and restated TVA Compensation Plan is attached as an exhibit to this report and is incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description is qualified in its entirety by reference to such document.

Changes to Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Goals

On April 29, 2021, the Board also approved revised performance goals for two performance measures associated with the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) for the 2019 - 2021 performance cycle: (1) External Measures and (2) External Performance Indicators for the TVA Nuclear Fleet. The Board approved the revised performance goals to account for the impacts of eelgrass intrusion at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant and steam generator degradation at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, both of which were beyond the control of management. The revised performance goals, as well as the other performance measures and goals (which, for the avoidance of doubt, were not changed), are set forth in the table below:

2019-2021 LTIP Performance Cycle

Performance Measure	Weight	Threshold (50%)	Target (100%)	Maximum (150%)
Non-Fuel Delivered Cost of Power(1)	40%	3.57	3.44	3.30
Load not Served(2)	30%	4.8	4.0	3.6
External Measures(3)	30%	81.5	89.4	97.1

Notes

(1) The Non-Fuel Delivered Cost of Power measure is equal to the sum of (i) operating and maintenance expense, (ii) base capital expense, (iii) interest expense,

and (iv) other expense divided by budgeted electric power sales. For the 2019-2021 LTIP performance cycle, the Non-Fuel Delivered Cost of Power measure will

be calculated using an average of the 2019, 2020, and 2021 results.

(2) Load Not Served is equal to the product of (i) the percentage of total load not served and (ii) the number of minutes in the period (excluding events during

declared major events, emergency forced outages, and prearranged outages and including distributor provided load not served estimates for distributor

connection point interruptions caused by TVA). For the 2019-2021 LTIP performance cycle, the Load Not Served measure will be calculated using an average of

the 2019, 2020, and 2021 results.

(3) For the 2019-2021 LTIP performance cycle, the External Measures metric will be calculated using an average of the 2019, 2020, and 2021 results, except for the

External Performance Indicators for the TVA Nuclear Fleet, which will be based only on the rating at the end of 2021. The External Measures metric will be based

on the following measures:

Performance Measure	Weight	Threshold	Target	Maximum
External Performance Indicators for the TVA Nuclear Fleet	25%	90.7	93.2	95.2
Media Tone	15%	86.7	90.0	93.0
Stakeholder Survey	15%	77.8	79.3	80.8
Customer Loyalty	15%	68.0	71.3	74.7
Board Level Significant Events	30%	Two Unfavorable (80)	Zero (100)	Two Favorable (120)
Composite Result		81.5	89.4	97.1

Changes to Enterprise Scorecard

On April 30, 2021, the CEO approved revised performance goals for the Nuclear Unit Capability Factor measure of the Enterprise Scorecard. The threshold, target, and stretch goals were changed from 91.3, 92.0, and 93.7, respectively, to 89.5, 90.2, and 91.9, respectively, to account for the steam generator degradation at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, which was beyond the control of management. The Enterprise Scorecard is used to determine payouts under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan and the Winning Performance Team Incentive Plan.

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibit  No.	Description
10.1	Executive Severance Plan Adopted as of February 10, 2021, and Amended as of February 11, 2021 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to TVA's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, File No. 000-52313)
10.2	Second Amendment Dated as of February 9, 2021, to December Maturity Community Bank Credit Agreement Dated as of December 12, 2016, and Amended as of December 11, 2018 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to TVA's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, File No. 000-52313)
10.3	Amended and Restated TVA Compensation Plan Approved by the TVA Board on April 29, 2021
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification Executed by the Chief Executive Officer
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification Executed by the Chief Financial Officer
32.1	Section 1350 Certification Executed by the Chief Executive Officer
32.2	Section 1350 Certification Executed by the Chief Financial Officer
101.INS	TVA XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	TVA XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL	TVA XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF	TVA XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB	TVA XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE	TVA XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13, 15(d), or 37 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.

Date:	May 3, 2021		TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
			(Registrant)
		By:	/s/ Jeffrey J. Lyash
			Jeffrey J. Lyash
			President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
		By:	/s/ John M. Thomas, III
			John M. Thomas, III
			Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

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EX-10.3

COMPENSATION PLAN

Approved May 2007

Last Revised August 2019

Amended and Restated May 2021

Tennessee Valley Authority

Compensation Plan

Principles

Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”) Compensation Plan provides the framework for Management, the People and Performance Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (“Board”) to establish and manage compensation for all TVA employees in a manner that is in compliance with the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended (“TVA Act”). The Board approves the Compensation Plan and ensures that it is consistent with the TVA Act and TVA’s strategic goals.

The TVA Act provides that the Board will approve and establish a compensation plan for TVA employees which:

•    Specifies all compensation (including salary or any other pay, bonuses, benefits, incentives, and any other form of remuneration) for the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and TVA employees;

•    Shall be based on an annual survey of the prevailing compensation for similar positions in private industry, including engineering and electric utility companies, publicly owned electric utilities, and Federal, State, and local governments; and

•    Shall provide that education, experience, level of responsibility, geographic differences, and retention and recruitment needs will be taken into account in determining compensation of employees.

The TVA Act also provides that:

•    The Board shall approve all compensation (including salary or any other pay, bonuses, benefits, incentives, and any other form of remuneration) of all managers and technical personnel that report directly to the CEO (including any adjustment to compensation);

•    On the recommendation of the CEO, the Board shall approve the salaries of employees whose annual salaries would be in excess of the annual rate payable for positions at Level IV of the Executive Schedule; and

•    The CEO shall determine the salary and benefits of employees whose annual salary is not greater than the annual rate payable for positions at Level IV of the Executive Schedule.

The Compensation Plan is reviewed annually to ensure consistency and alignment with TVA’s mission and strategic goals. The Compensation Plan includes the following key elements:

Philosophy

TVA’s Compensation Philosophy is based on certain statutory requirements and is designed to attract, engage, and retain highly skilled and coveted employees needed to accomplish the agency's broad mission. Under the TVA Act, TVA has its own personnel system; however, employees are public servants.

In their service, many employees are called on to accomplish specialized aspects of the Company’s mission safely, reliably, and efficiently, and must have the requisite education, experience and professional qualifications. These requirements make it necessary for TVA to offer compensation opportunities that enable TVA to attract, retain, and fully engage highly qualified candidates for positions similar to those in relevant industries.

Performance-based compensation is critical to TVA in achieving its strategic goals. A key component of the Compensation Philosophy is a strong orientation toward “pay for performance,” which rewards continuous improvement in TVA’s overall performance as well as that of individual business units and individual participants.

TVA’s Compensation Philosophy emphasizes a structured, market-based, and performance-based approach to determining pay levels and incentive opportunities. For those positions requiring specialization, compensation is designed to be competitive with the sectors from which TVA would recruit and those likely to recruit TVA employees.

•    Compensation is targeted at the median (50th percentile) of the applicable labor market for talent for most positions.

•    Compensation may be targeted above the median of the relevant labor market (typically between 50th and 75th percentiles) for certain positions due to market scarcity, recruitment and retention issues, or other business reasons.

•    Compensation may be targeted below the median of the relevant labor market for certain positions due to incumbent experience, position scope, or other business reasons.

Competitive compensation levels are determined using relevant labor market data obtained through surveys and public filing reviews and validated through recruitment and periodic supplemental benchmark activities.

Additionally, compensation for TVA trades and labor employees is based on prevailing pay for similar work. Section 3 of the TVA Act requires the prevailing rate of wages for work of a similar nature prevailing in the vicinity be paid to laborers and mechanics whether employed by contractors or directly by TVA. Compensation for other represented employees is based on total compensation levels, market rates, practices, and methods of payment for similar work in the relevant labor market consistent with applicable labor agreements.

TVA’s Employee Benefits program offers a competitive benefits package to attract and retain the workforce required for TVA to achieve its mission successfully while prudently managing costs, ensuring optimum use of benefit dollars, engaging employees and retirees to become informed consumers, and partnering in managing benefit costs.

TVA sponsors two qualified retirement plans for eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution (401(k)) plan, which provide competitive benefits in the relevant

labor market. Certain executives in critical positions also participate in a non-qualified pension plan that provides supplemental benefits at compensation levels that are higher than the limits specified by IRS regulations.

Strategy

Compensation Basis

Executives, Management & Specialist, and Excluded Employees

In accordance with the TVA Act, the level of compensation for Executives, Management and Specialists will be based on annual market survey data that represent prevailing competitive compensation for similar positions in private industry, including engineering and electric utility companies, publicly owned electric utilities, and Federal, State, and local governments.

Non-management and specialist employees who are not covered by one of TVA’s bargaining units due to the sensitive and confidential nature of their work are categorized as Excluded Employees. Compensation for employees in this category will be based on annual market survey data that represent prevailing competitive compensation for similar positions in the relevant labor market. Compensation for Excluded Employees will be targeted, in general, at the median of the relevant labor market for all positions.

Represented Employees

Trades and Labor Represented Employees

TVA annually conducts a wage survey within a specified geographic vicinity and negotiates with the Trades and Labor Project Agreement Council representing contractor employees from multiple building trades unions to establish an agreed upon prevailing wage rate. Any dispute over what the rate should be may be appealed to the Secretary of Labor under the TVA Act for a final decision. TVA contractors are required to pay these prevailing rates, and unions provide craftspersons to the contractor's job at these rates. The same total wage package applies to all work sites.

TVA also annually conducts a prevailing wage survey for work performed by TVA Trades and Labor employees directly. The prevailing wage rate is negotiated between TVA and the Annual Council representing multiple unions and the Teamsters for jobs each represents. Disputes over the prevailing rate may be appealed to the Secretary of Labor.

Salary Policy Represented Employees

As required by labor agreements, surveys, published data, and/or other sources are reviewed annually by TVA and the applicable unions to negotiate compensation budgets and pay adjustments. Disputes over monetary issues are resolved through binding arbitration.

Candidate Sourcing and Relevant Labor Markets

External recruiting areas are defined for specialized segments of TVA’s employees based on the most likely sources of qualified candidates and the sectors in which TVA is most vulnerable to external recruitment activities.

External recruitment sources for the most senior levels of Management (CEO, direct reports to the CEO, and other select executives) consist of both private and publicly-owned companies in the energy services industry that have similar revenue and scope as TVA due to the criticality of industry-specific knowledge, experience, and professional qualifications in carrying out the duties of these positions.

However, some positions which have less need for industry-specific knowledge and experience may have recruitment areas in general industry and governmental entities in addition to the energy services industry and public power.

External recruitment areas for other segments of TVA employees may include general industry, governmental entities, energy services companies, and investor-owned utilities.

Relevant labor markets for other segments of TVA employees are frequently reviewed and will reflect consideration of potential recruiting sources, external recruiting threats, geographic scope of recruitment activities, type of business/industry, type of position, etc.

Sources of Competitive Market Compensation Information

Competitive market compensation information is obtained from a variety of sources including:

•    Published and custom compensation surveys reflecting the relevant labor markets identified for designated positions; and

•    Publicly disclosed information from a custom peer group of energy services companies of comparable size and business complexity as reviewed and approved by the Committee annually.

The competitive market compensation information is used to:

•    Test competitiveness of compensation level and opportunity by position;

•    Serve as a point-of-reference for establishing pay packages for recruiting executives; and

•    Inform appropriate adjustments to compensation levels and opportunities to maintain the desired degree of market competitiveness.

The development of competitive market references that reflect the primary sources of candidates does not limit the potential candidates to those sources. For example, the fact that the market reference for a position reflects median compensation for energy services companies simply informs as to the likely pay levels necessary to attract and retain talent for that position and should not limit TVA’s recruiting efforts to energy services companies.

Compensation Components

Total direct compensation consists of the following components: 1) Salary, 2) Short-Term Incentive, and 3) Long-Term Incentive. Salary is considered a “fixed” compensation component that represents the annual base salary or rate of pay provided to an employee to reward day-to-day contributions to the Company.

The Short-Term Incentive and Long-Term Incentive are variable and/or “at-risk” compensation components. At TVA, the Short-Term Incentive is generally paid through the Winning Performance Team Incentive Plan or the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. It represents the primary element used to reward accomplishments against established business and individual goals within a given fiscal year. TVA provides Long-Term Incentive through the Long-Term Incentive Plan to TVA officers, executives, and select key managers. The Long-Term Incentive Plan focuses employees on longer-term performance and retention goals, and eligible participants may receive one or both components.

Consistent with TVA’s philosophy of tying pay to performance, the mix of fixed and variable pay components varies by level of position. In general, as the scope and responsibility of a position increases, the percentage of pay that is variable or at-risk also increases.

Pay for Performance

A key feature of the Compensation Plan is a strong orientation toward pay for performance for all employees. The at-risk, pay for performance elements play a substantial role in executive pay and are guided by TVA's business strategy to ensure appropriate alignment between accountability and motivation/reward. The Compensation Plan also seeks to strike the appropriate balance between achieving short-term annual results and ensuring TVA’s long-term success and viability.

TVA’s incentive plans are linked to strategic priorities emphasizing improvements in TVA's overall performance. The range of incentive opportunity for TVA executives is calibrated to the degree of difficulty in achievement of specific goals.

TVA continuously reviews the goals and measures that are used in its pay for performance plans to ensure they support the achievement of TVA's strategic goals. Generally, it is the intention of TVA that changes to the goals and measures will not be made during or at the conclusion of the performance period; however, the Board retains the right to do so, if necessary to ensure a fair and balanced outcome. Through pay for performance, the Compensation Plan recognizes individual performance and focuses attention on the achievement of business goals that are important to customers and the people TVA serves. TVA’s Short-Term Incentive achieves this objective through the use of a scorecard, while the Company’s Long-Term Incentive emphasizes a performance orientation by typically targeting a majority portion of long-term compensation in the form of at-risk, performance-based compensation tied to the achievement of measurable, predetermined goals.

Roles

EVP and Chief People and Communications Officer

•    Recommends the TVA Compensation Plan to provide the framework for TVA Management, the CEO, the People and Performance Committee, and the Board to manage compensation for all TVA employees in a manner which is in compliance with the TVA Act.

Chief Executive Officer

•    Evaluates the performance of the CEO’s direct reports and recommends executive pay adjustments to the People and Performance Committee and the Board as appropriate.

•    Approves, or delegates to others the authority to approve, all personnel and compensation actions not reserved for Board approval as defined by the delegations in this Compensation Plan.

•    Approves the TVA Retirement System (“TVARS”) Board's selection of trustees of TVARS and the 401(k) Plan and the trust agreements between TVARS and such trustees and any amendments thereto.

•    Approves the TVARS Board's selection of investment managers of TVARS and the 401(k) Plan and the investment management agreements between TVARS and such managers and any amendments thereto.

•    Receives notice of any amendments to the TVARS Rules and Regulations and the 401(k) Plan Provisions approved by the TVARS Board that do not have a direct cost impact on TVA and that do not increase the liabilities of TVARS and elects whether to veto or not to veto such amendments during a 30-day window following receipt of notice of amendments from TVARS.

•    Appoints three members to the TVARS Board.

People and Performance Committee

•    Reviews the TVA Compensation Plan that is required by Section 2(g)(1)(F) of the TVA Act and makes recommendations to the full Board for approval.

•    Reviews total compensation for the CEO and all executives who report directly to the CEO (including employment agreements dealing with such compensation and other matters, to the extent deemed appropriate) and the structure of the Company’s executive leadership team, including CEO specific quantitative and qualitative goals, and recommends such compensation and goals for the CEO to the full Board for approval.

•    Reviews the performance of the CEO and, on an annual basis, reviews a report by the CEO on the performance of the CEO's direct reports.

•    Monitors and recommends to the Board on an annual basis (on the recommendation of the CEO and as approved or delegated by the CEO throughout the year) the salaries of employees whose annual salaries would be in excess of the annual rate payable for positions at Executive Schedule Level IV.

•    Monitors the Company’s executive compensation to ensure its competitiveness and effectiveness in recruiting, retaining, and keeping capable executives fully engaged in service to TVA.

•    Periodically reviews the compensation and benefits programs for all TVA employees, including retirement benefits, annual opportunities under incentive plans, and other elements of compensation, to ensure prudent management of resources and competitiveness and effectiveness in recruiting, retaining, and fully engaging capable executives, managers, and employees.

•    Reviews and recommends to the full Board TVA’s annual contribution to TVARS.

•    Reviews amendments to the TVARS Rules and Regulations and 401(k) Plan Provisions approved by the TVARS Board that have a direct cost impact on TVA or that increase the liabilities of TVARS and recommends to the full Board whether to elect to veto or not to veto such amendments.

•    Coordinates with other Board committees as appropriate on any of the roles set out above.

TVA Board of Directors

•    Approves the TVA Compensation Plan and amendments to the plan for all employees, which includes TVA’s Compensation Philosophy and relevant labor market.

•    Approves all compensation (including salary, bonuses, benefits, incentives, and any other form of remuneration) for the CEO and all executives that report directly to the CEO.

•    Approves on an annual basis, on the recommendation of the People and Performance Committee as approved or delegated by the CEO throughout the year, the salaries of employees whose annual salaries would be in excess of the annual rate payable for positions at Executive Schedule Level IV.

•    Approves TVA’s annual contribution to TVARS.

•    Receives notice of any amendments to the TVARS Rules and Regulations and the 401(k) Plan Provisions approved by the TVARS Board that have a direct cost impact on TVA or that increase the liabilities of TVARS and elects whether to veto or not to veto such amendments during a 30-day window following receipt of notice of amendments from TVARS.

•    Receives notice of any change in asset allocation that would change TVARS’ assumed rate of investment return and elects whether to veto or not to veto such change during a 60-day window following receipt of notice of any such change from TVARS.

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, Jeffrey J. Lyash, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Tennessee Valley Authority;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 3, 2021	/s/ Jeffrey J. Lyash
		Jeffrey J. Lyash
		President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, John M. Thomas, III, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Tennessee Valley Authority;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	May 3, 2021	/s/ John M. Thomas, III
		John M. Thomas, III
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION FURNISHED PURSUANT TO

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(b)

 OR RULE 15d-14(b) AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Tennessee Valley Authority (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jeffrey J. Lyash, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, for the purposes of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Jeffrey J. Lyash

Jeffrey J. Lyash

President and Chief Executive Officer

May 3, 2021

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION FURNISHED PURSUANT TO

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(b)

 OR RULE 15d-14(b) AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Tennessee Valley Authority (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John M. Thomas, III, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, for the purposes of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ John M. Thomas, III

John M. Thomas, III

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

May 3, 2021

XML

DEI Document shares in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 shares	Mar. 31, 2021 shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name		TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Entity Central Index Key		0001376986
Current Fiscal Year End Date		--09-30
Entity Filer Category		Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business		false
Entity Emerging Growth Company		false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus		2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus		Q2
Amendment Flag		false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Entity Current Reporting Status		Yes
Entity Shell Company		false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report		false
Local Phone Number		632-2101
City Area Code		(865)
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code		37902 (Zip Code)
Entity Tax Identification Number		62-0474417
Entity File Number		000-52313
Entity Address, Address Line One		400 W. Summit Hill Drive
Entity Address, City or Town		Knoxville
Entity Address, State or Province		TN
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code		X1
Entity Interactive Data Current		Yes

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Operating revenues
Sales of Electricity	$ 2,533	$ 2,489	$ 4,803	$ 5,021
Other revenue	39	32	73	78
Revenues	2,572	2,521	4,876	5,099
Operating expenses
Fuel	413	429	782	852
Purchased power	225	252	431	471
Operating and maintenance	644	644	1,359	1,333
Depreciation and amortization	381	457	759	1,041
Tax equivalents	124	132	245	263
Total operating expenses	1,787	1,914	3,576	3,960
Operating income	785	607	1,300	1,139
Other income (expense), net	11	(1)	26	11
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Cost (Credit)	64	62	129	127
Interest expense
Interest expense	276	289	557	576
Net income (loss)	$ 456	$ 255	$ 640	$ 447

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020		Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Net income (loss)	$ 456,000,000	$ 255,000,000		$ 640,000,000		$ 447,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	22,000,000	(163,000,000)		123,000,000		(87,000,000)
Reclassification to earnings from cash flow hedges	(5,000,000)	56,000,000	[1]	(50,000,000)	[1]	(3,000,000)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	17,000,000	(107,000,000)		73,000,000		(90,000,000)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 473,000,000	$ 148,000,000		$ 713,000,000		$ 357,000,000

[1] There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for any of the periods presented. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $19 million of gains from AOCI to Interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in Interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt.

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Accounts receivable, net	1,284,000,000	1,529,000,000
Inventories, net	1,014,000,000	1,003,000,000
Regulatory assets	155,000,000	130,000,000
Other current assets	123,000,000	84,000,000
Total current assets	3,076,000,000	3,246,000,000
Property, plant, and equipment
Completed plant	65,679,000,000	64,970,000,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(34,172,000,000)	(33,550,000,000)
Net completed plant	31,507,000,000	31,420,000,000
Construction in progress	2,250,000,000	2,139,000,000
Nuclear fuel	1,471,000,000	1,504,000,000
Capital leases	725,000,000	516,000,000
Total property, plant, and equipment, net	35,953,000,000	35,579,000,000
Investment funds	3,723,000,000	3,198,000,000
Regulatory and other long-term assets
Regulatory assets	9,230,000,000	10,245,000,000
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	182,000,000	232,000,000
Other long-term assets	318,000,000	325,000,000
Total regulatory and other long-term assets	9,730,000,000	10,802,000,000
Total assets	52,482,000,000	52,825,000,000
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,786,000,000	1,844,000,000
Accrued interest	302,000,000	298,000,000
Asset Retirement Obligation, Current	271,000,000	345,000,000
Current portion of leaseback obligations	87,000,000	198,000,000
Regulatory liabilities	141,000,000	141,000,000
Short-term debt, net	1,241,000,000	57,000,000
Current maturities of power bonds	304,000,000	1,787,000,000
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	42,000,000	41,000,000
Total current liabilities	4,174,000,000	4,711,000,000
Other liabilities
Post-retirement and post-employment benefit obligations	6,407,000,000	6,617,000,000
Asset retirement obligations	6,647,000,000	6,440,000,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	720,000,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Current		525,000,000
Other long-term liabilities	1,867,000,000	2,548,000,000
Leaseback obligations	0	25,000,000
Regulatory liabilities	5,000,000	23,000,000
Total other liabilities	15,646,000,000	16,178,000,000
Long-term debt, net
Long-term power bonds, net	17,995,000,000	17,956,000,000
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	1,028,000,000	1,048,000,000
Total long-term debt, net	19,023,000,000	19,004,000,000
Total liabilities	38,843,000,000	39,893,000,000
Proprietary capital
Power program appropriation investment	258,000,000	258,000,000
Power program retained earnings	12,815,000,000	12,177,000,000
Total power program proprietary capital	13,073,000,000	12,435,000,000
Nonpower programs appropriation investment, net	544,000,000	548,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	22,000,000	(51,000,000)
Total proprietary capital	13,639,000,000	12,932,000,000
Total liabilities and proprietary capital	$ 52,482,000,000	$ 52,825,000,000

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 519		$ 858
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	640		447
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization (including amortization of debt issuance costs and premiums/discounts)	770		1,052
Amortization of nuclear fuel cost	193		194
Non-cash retirement benefit expense	166		162
Amortization of Regulatory Asset	(39)		(83)
Changes in current assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable, net	(246)		(475)
Inventories and other current assets, net	43		101
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable	(70)		(218)
Accrued interest	6		13
Pension contributions	(155)		(155)
Other, net	144		82
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,570		1,870
Cash flows from investing activities
Construction expenditures	(975)		(840)
Nuclear fuel expenditures	129		184
Loans and other receivables
Advances	(7)		(3)
Repayments	2		4
Other, net	(17)		(13)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,092)		(1,010)
Long-term debt
Redemptions and repurchases of power bonds	(1,501)	[1]	(1,218)
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	20		20
Short-term debt issues (redemptions), net	1,184		953
Payments on leases and leasebacks	(154)		(43)
Other, net	11		4
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(480)		(324)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect	(2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			$ 536
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 500

[1] (1) All redemptions were at 100 percent of par.

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PROPRIETARY CAPITAL (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Power Program Appropriation Investment	$ 258,000,000		$ 258,000,000			$ 258,000,000
Power Program Retained Earnings	12,815,000,000		12,815,000,000			12,177,000,000
Nonpower Programs Appropriation Investment, Net	544,000,000		544,000,000			548,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) from Net Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges	22,000,000		22,000,000			(51,000,000)
Total Proprietary Capital	13,639,000,000	$ 11,979,000,000	13,639,000,000	$ 11,979,000,000	$ 13,167,000,000	12,932,000,000	$ 11,832,000,000	$ 11,625,000,000
Net income (loss)	456,000,000	255,000,000	640,000,000	447,000,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	17,000,000	(107,000,000)	73,000,000	(90,000,000)
Return on power program appropriation investment	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)	(2,000,000)	(3,000,000)
New Accounting Standard - CECL	(4,000,000)
Power Program Appropriation Investment
Power Program Appropriation Investment	258,000,000	258,000,000	258,000,000	258,000,000	258,000,000	258,000,000	258,000,000	258,000,000
Net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Return on power program appropriation investment	0	0	0	0
New Accounting Standard - CECL	0
Power Program Retained Earnings
Power Program Retained Earnings	12,815,000,000	11,271,000,000	12,815,000,000	11,271,000,000	12,358,000,000	12,177,000,000	11,015,000,000	10,823,000,000
Net income (loss)	458,000,000	257,000,000	644,000,000	451,000,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Return on power program appropriation investment	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)	(2,000,000)	(3,000,000)
New Accounting Standard - CECL	(4,000,000)
Nonpower Programs Appropriation Investment, Net
Nonpower Programs Appropriation Investment, Net	544,000,000	552,000,000	544,000,000	552,000,000	546,000,000	548,000,000	554,000,000	556,000,000
Net income (loss)	(2,000,000)	(2,000,000)	(4,000,000)	(4,000,000)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Return on power program appropriation investment	0	0	0	0
New Accounting Standard - CECL	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) from Net Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) from Net Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges	22,000,000	(102,000,000)	22,000,000	(102,000,000)	$ 5,000,000	$ (51,000,000)	$ 5,000,000	$ (12,000,000)
Net income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	17,000,000	(107,000,000)	73,000,000	(90,000,000)
Return on power program appropriation investment	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
New Accounting Standard - CECL	$ 0

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Supplemental Cash Flow Information Statement - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$ 394	$ 295
Increase in lease assets/liabilities	$ 233

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Statement of Cash Flows, Supplemental Disclosures

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

    Construction in progress and Nuclear fuel expenditures included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at March 31, 2021 and 2020, were $394 million and $295 million, respectively, and are excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, as non-cash investing activities.

Excluded from the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2021, were non-cash investing and financing activities of $233 million related primarily to an increase in lease assets and liabilities incurred for a finance lease that was amended in March 2021.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General

The Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") is a corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States ("U.S.") that was created in 1933 by federal legislation in response to a proposal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  TVA was created to, among other things, improve navigation on the Tennessee River, reduce the damage from destructive flood waters within the Tennessee River system and downstream on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, further the economic development of TVA's service area in the southeastern U.S., and sell the electricity generated at the facilities TVA operates.

Today, TVA operates the nation's largest public power system and supplies power in most of Tennessee, northern Alabama, northeastern Mississippi, and southwestern Kentucky and in portions of northern Georgia, western North Carolina, and southwestern Virginia to a population of approximately 10 million people.

    TVA also manages the Tennessee River, its tributaries, and certain shorelines to provide, among other things, year-round navigation, flood damage reduction, and affordable and reliable electricity. Consistent with these primary purposes, TVA also manages the river system and public lands to provide recreational opportunities, adequate water supply, improved water quality, cultural and natural resource protection, and economic development.

The power program has historically been separate and distinct from the stewardship programs.  It is required to be self-supporting from power revenues and proceeds from power financings, such as proceeds from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness (collectively, "Bonds").  Although TVA does not currently receive congressional appropriations, it is required to make annual payments to the United States Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury") as a return on the government's appropriation investment in TVA's power facilities (the "Power Program Appropriation Investment").  In the 1998 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Congress directed TVA to fund essential stewardship activities related to its management of the Tennessee River system and nonpower or stewardship properties with power revenues in the event that there were insufficient appropriations or other available funds to pay for such activities in any fiscal year.  Congress has not provided any appropriations to TVA to fund such activities since 1999.  Consequently, during 2000, TVA began paying for essential stewardship activities primarily with power revenues, with the remainder funded with user fees and other forms of revenues derived in connection with those activities.  The activities related to stewardship properties do not meet the criteria of an operating segment under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").  Accordingly, these assets and properties are included as part of the power program, TVA's only operating segment.

Power rates are established by the TVA Board of Directors (the "TVA Board") as authorized by the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended ("TVA Act").  The TVA Act requires TVA to charge rates for power that will produce gross revenues sufficient to provide funds for operation, maintenance, and administration of its power system; payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes ("tax equivalents"); debt service on outstanding indebtedness; payments to the U.S. Treasury in repayment of and as a return on the Power Program Appropriation Investment; and such additional margin as the TVA Board may consider desirable for investment in power system assets, retirement of outstanding Bonds in advance of maturity, additional reduction of the Power Program Appropriation Investment, and other purposes connected with TVA's power business. TVA fulfilled its requirement to repay $1.0 billion of the Power Program Appropriation Investment with the 2014 payment; therefore, this item is no longer a component of rate setting.  In setting TVA's rates, the TVA Board is charged by the TVA Act to have due regard for the primary objectives of the TVA Act, including the objective that power shall be sold at rates as low as are feasible.  Rates set by the TVA Board are not subject to review or approval by any state or other federal regulatory body.

Fiscal Year

TVA's fiscal year ends September 30.  Years (2021, 2020, etc.) refer to TVA's fiscal years unless they are preceded by "CY," in which case the references are to calendar years.

Cost-Based Regulation

Since the TVA Board is authorized by the TVA Act to set rates for power sold to its customers, TVA is self-regulated. Additionally, TVA's regulated rates are designed to recover its costs.  Based on current projections, TVA believes that rates, set at levels that will recover TVA's costs, can be charged and collected.  As a result of these factors, TVA records certain assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities.  Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates.  Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds to customers for previous collections for costs that are not likely to be incurred or deferral of gains that will be credited to customers in future periods.  TVA assesses whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as applicable regulatory changes, potential legislation, and changes in technology.  Based on these assessments, TVA believes the existing regulatory assets are probable of recovery.  This determination reflects the current regulatory and political environment and is subject to change in the future.  If future recovery of regulatory assets ceases to be probable, or any of the other factors described above cease to be applicable, TVA would no longer be considered to be a regulated entity and would be required to

write off these costs.  All regulatory asset write-offs would be required to be recognized in earnings in the period in which future recovery ceases to be probable.

Basis of Presentation

TVA prepares its consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP for consolidated interim financial information. Accordingly, TVA's consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. As such, they should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020, and the notes thereto, which are contained in TVA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 (the "Annual Report"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary for fair presentation are included on the consolidated interim financial statements.

    The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, include the accounts of TVA and variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which TVA is the primary beneficiary. See Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires TVA to estimate the effects of various matters that are inherently uncertain as of the date of the consolidated financial statements.  Although the consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, TVA is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses, including impacts from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, reported during the reporting period.  Each of these estimates varies in regard to the level of judgment involved and its potential impact on TVA's financial results.  Estimates are considered critical either when a different estimate could have reasonably been used, or where changes in the estimate are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, and such use or change would materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

    Cash includes cash on hand, non-interest bearing cash, and deposit accounts. All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted, as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements, are recorded in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted cash and cash equivalents includes cash held in trusts that are currently restricted for TVA economic development loans and for certain TVA environmental programs in accordance with agreements related to compliance with certain environmental regulations. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Agreements.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	500	$	500
Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in Other long-term assets	19		21
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	519	$	521

Due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents beginning in March 2020. TVA may continue to hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

    As described in Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, TVA adopted Financial Instruments - Credit Losses on October 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The standard, Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL"), requires TVA to recognize an allowance that reflects the current estimate for credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amounts. TVA has reviewed the current portfolio of financial receivables and developed a methodology to reasonably measure the estimate of credit losses for each major financial receivable type. The appropriateness of the allowance is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. TVA continues to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accounts and loans receivable balances to evaluate the allowance for uncollectible accounts.

To determine the allowance for trade receivables, TVA considers historical experience and other currently available information, including events such as customer bankruptcy and/or a customer failing to fulfill payment arrangements by the due date. TVA's corporate credit department also performs an assessment of the financial condition of customers and the credit quality of the receivables. In addition, TVA reviews other reasonable and supportable forecasts to determine if the allowance for uncollectible amounts should be further adjusted in accordance with the accounting guidance for CECL.

To determine the allowance for loans receivables, TVA aggregates loans into the appropriate pools based on the existence of similar risk characteristics such as collateral types and internal assessed credit risks. In situations where a loan exhibits unique risk characteristics and is no longer expected to experience similar risks to the rest of its pool, the loan will be evaluated separately. TVA derives an annual loss rate based on historical loss and then adjusts the rate to reflect TVA's consideration of available information on current conditions and reasonable and supportable future forecasts. This information may include economic and business conditions, default trends, and other internal and external factors. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, TVA uses the current calculated long-term average historical loss rate for the remaining life of the loan portfolio.

    The allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at both March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, for trade accounts receivable. Additionally, loans receivable of $117 million and $105 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, are included in Accounts receivable, net and Other long-term assets, for the current and long-term portions, respectively. Loans receivables are reported net of allowances for uncollectible accounts of $5 million and less than $1 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively. The increase in allowances for uncollectible accounts is due to the adoption of CECL. See Note 2 - Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.

Revenues

TVA recognizes revenue from contracts with customers to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For the generation and transmission of electricity, this is generally at the time the power is delivered to a metered customer delivery point for the customer's consumption or distribution. As a result, revenues from power sales are recorded as electricity is delivered to customers. In addition to power sales invoiced and recorded during the month, TVA accrues estimated unbilled revenues for power sales provided to five customers whose billing date occurs prior to the end of the month.  Exchange power sales are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of sales of electricity. Exchange power sales are sales of excess power after meeting TVA native load and directly served requirements.  Native load refers to the customers on whose behalf a company, by statute, franchise, regulatory requirement, or contract, has undertaken an obligation to serve. TVA engages in other arrangements in addition to power sales. Certain other revenue from activities related to TVA's overall mission is recorded in Other revenue. Revenues that are not related to the overall mission are recorded in Other income (expense), net.

Depreciation    

    TVA accounts for depreciation of its properties using the composite depreciation convention of accounting. Under the composite method, assets with similar economic characteristics are grouped and depreciated as one asset. Depreciation is generally computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives of the various classes of assets. The estimation of asset useful lives requires management judgment, supported by external depreciation studies of historical asset retirement experience. Depreciation rates are determined based on the external depreciation studies. These studies are updated approximately every five years, with a study currently being performed in 2021. Depreciation expense was $346 million and $407 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Depreciation expense was $691 million and $946 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5 — Plant Closures for a discussion of the impact of plant closures.

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Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

The following are accounting standard updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that TVA adopted during 2021:

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
Description	This guidance eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and, instead, requires an allowance to be recorded for all expected credit losses for certain financial assets that are not measured at fair value. The allowance for credit losses is based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new standard also makes revisions to the other than temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities.
Effective Date for TVA	October 1, 2020
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	TVA adopted this standard on a modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings on October 1, 2020. TVA recorded an initial transition adjustment of $4 million to retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Fair Value Measurement Disclosure
Description	This guidance changes certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. It removes certain disclosure requirements, such as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of the transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements.  Some disclosure requirements are added, such as the change in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements.
Effective Date for TVA	October 1, 2020
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

The following accounting standard has been issued but at March 31, 2021, was not effective and had not been adopted by TVA:

Reference Rate Reform
Description	This guidance provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance in GAAP on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rates.
Effective Date for TVA	The new standard is effective for adoption at any time between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2022. TVA currently plans to adopt the standard by December 31, 2022.
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	TVA continues to review this standard and evaluate the impact of using an alternative reference rate instead of LIBOR in its interest rate swap contracts. TVA does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Accounts Receivable, Net

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due from customers for power sales.  The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's accounts receivable:

Accounts Receivable, Net
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Power receivables	$	1,204	$	1,401
Other receivables	80		128
Accounts receivable, net(1)	$	1,284	$	1,529

Note

(1) Allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, and therefore is not represented in the table

above. The allowance at March 31, 2021 includes the impact from adopting CECL on October 1, 2020.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TVA Board approved the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program in 2020. Through this program, TVA offered up to $1.0 billion of credit support to local power company customers ("LPCs") that demonstrated the need for temporary financial relief, through the deferral of a portion of LPCs' wholesale power payments owed to TVA.  The program ended on December 31, 2020, with a total of $1 million of credit support approved under the program. As of March 31, 2021, the $1 million had been fully repaid.

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Inventories, Net

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Inventories, Net

Inventories, Net

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's inventories:

Inventories, Net
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Materials and supplies inventory	$	767	$	770
Fuel inventory	263		253
Renewable energy certificates inventory, net	18		15
Allowance for inventory obsolescence	(34)		(35)
Inventories, net	$	1,014	$	1,003

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Other Long-Term Assets

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Other Long-Term Assets

Other Long-Term Assets

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's other long-term assets:

Other Long-Term Assets (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Loans and other long-term receivables, net	$	109	$	100
EnergyRight® receivables, net	62		69
Prepaid long-term service agreements	54		42
Commodity contract derivative assets	5		23
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	19		21
Prepaid capacity payments	8		11
Other	61		59
Total other long-term assets	$	318	$	325

EnergyRight® Receivables, Net. In association with the EnergyRight® program, TVA's LPCs offer financing to end-use customers for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment. Depending on the nature of the energy-efficiency project, loans may have a maximum term of five years or 10 years. TVA purchases the resulting loans receivable from its LPCs. The loans receivable are then transferred to a third-party bank with which TVA has agreed to repay in full any loans receivable that have been in default for 180 days or more or that TVA has determined are uncollectible. Given this continuing involvement, TVA accounts for the transfer of the loans receivable as secured borrowings. The current and long-term portions of the loans receivable are reported in Accounts receivable, net and Other long-term assets, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the loans receivable, net of discount, reported in Accounts receivable, net was approximately $16 million and $18 million, respectively. See Note 9 — Other Long-Term Liabilities for information regarding the associated financing obligation.

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers experiencing financial hardship could request a deferral of EnergyRight® loan payments for a period of up to six months. The deferral option began in April 2020 and ended October 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, all EnergyRight® loans approved for the deferral period had resumed payments. The deferred loans did not accrue interest during the deferral months and totaled less than $1 million.

Allowance for Loan Losses. As described in Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, TVA adopted CECL on October 1, 2020 to determine its allowance for loan loss. The allowance for loan loss is an estimate of expected credit losses, measured over the estimated life of the loan receivables, that considers reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions in addition to information about historical experience and current conditions. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts.

The allowance components, which consist of a collective allowance and specific loans allowance, are based on the risk characteristics of TVA's loans. Loans that share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on a collective basis in measuring credit losses, while loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are evaluated on an individual basis.

Allowance Components (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021
EneryRight® loan reserve	$	2
Economic development loan collective reserve	1
Economic development loan specific loan reserve	2
Total allowance for loan losses	$	5

    Prepaid Long-Term Service Agreements. TVA has entered into various long-term service agreements for major maintenance activities at certain of its combined cycle plants. TVA uses the direct expense method of accounting for these arrangements. TVA accrues for parts when it takes ownership and for contractor services when they are rendered. Under certain of these agreements, payments made exceed the value of parts received and services rendered. The current and long-term portions of the resulting prepayments are reported in Other current assets and Other long-term assets, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, prepayments of $11 million and $3 million, respectively, were recorded in Other current assets.

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Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

    Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates.  Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds to customers for previous collections for costs that are not likely to be incurred or deferral of gains that will be credited to customers in future periods.  Components of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are summarized in the table below.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Current regulatory assets
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives	$	114	$	114
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives	—		4
Fuel cost adjustment receivable	41		12
Total current regulatory assets	155		130
Non-current regulatory assets
Deferred pension costs and other post-retirement benefits costs	5,009		5,193
Non-nuclear decommissioning costs	2,604		2,512
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives	986		1,506
Nuclear decommissioning costs	482		896
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives	4		—
Other non-current regulatory assets	145		138
Total non-current regulatory assets	9,230		10,245
Total regulatory assets	$	9,385	$	10,375
Current regulatory liabilities
Fuel cost adjustment tax equivalents	$	115	$	115
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives	26		26
Total current regulatory liabilities	141		141
Non-current regulatory liabilities
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives	5		23
Total regulatory liabilities	$	146	$	164

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Variable Interest Entities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Text Block [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entity Disclosure

Variable Interest Entities

A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of owning a controlling financial interest. When TVA determines that it has a variable interest in a VIE, a qualitative evaluation is performed to assess which interest holders have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could be significant to the entity. The evaluation considers the purpose and design of the business, the risks that the business was designed to create and pass along to other entities, the activities of the business that can be directed and which party can direct them, and the expected relative impact of those activities on the economic performance of the business through its life. TVA has the power to direct the activities of an entity when it has the ability to make key operating and financing decisions, including, but not limited to, capital investment and the issuance of debt. Based on the evaluation of these criteria, TVA has determined it is the primary beneficiary of certain entities and as such is required to account for the VIEs on a consolidated basis.

John Sevier VIEs

In 2012, TVA entered into a $1.0 billion construction management agreement and lease financing arrangement with John Sevier Combined Cycle Generation LLC ("JSCCG") for the completion and lease by TVA of the John Sevier Combined Cycle Facility ("John Sevier CCF"). JSCCG is a special single-purpose limited liability company formed in January 2012 to

finance the John Sevier CCF through a $900 million secured note issuance ("JSCCG notes") and the issuance of $100 million of membership interests subject to mandatory redemption.  The membership interests were purchased by John Sevier Holdco LLC ("Holdco").  Holdco is a special single-purpose entity, also formed in January 2012, established to acquire and hold the membership interests in JSCCG.  A non-controlling interest in Holdco is held by a third party through nominal membership interests, to which none of the income, expenses, and cash flows are allocated. 

The membership interests held by Holdco in JSCCG were purchased with proceeds from the issuance of $100 million of secured notes ("Holdco notes") and are subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a schedule of amortizing, semi-annual payments due each January 15 and July 15, with a final payment due in January 2042. The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the Holdco notes. The sale of the JSCCG notes, the membership interests in JSCCG, and the Holdco notes closed in January 2012. The JSCCG notes are secured by TVA's lease payments, and the Holdco notes are secured by Holdco's investment in, and amounts receivable from, JSCCG. TVA's lease payments to JSCCG are equal to and payable on the same dates as JSCCG's and Holdco's semi-annual debt service payments. In addition to the lease payments, TVA pays administrative and miscellaneous expenses incurred by JSCCG and Holdco. Certain agreements related to this transaction contain default and acceleration provisions.

    Due to its participation in the design, business conduct, and credit and financial support of JSCCG and Holdco, TVA has determined that it has a variable interest in both of these entities. Based on its analysis, TVA has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of JSCCG and Holdco and, as such, is required to account for the VIEs on a consolidated basis. Holdco's membership interests in JSCCG are eliminated in consolidation.

Southaven VIE

In 2013, TVA entered into a $400 million lease financing arrangement with Southaven Combined Cycle Generation LLC ("SCCG") for the lease by TVA of the Southaven Combined Cycle Facility ("Southaven CCF"). SCCG is a special single-purpose limited liability company formed in June 2013 to finance the Southaven CCF through a $360 million secured notes issuance ("SCCG notes") and the issuance of $40 million of membership interests subject to mandatory redemption. The membership interests were purchased by Southaven Holdco LLC ("SHLLC"). SHLLC is a special single-purpose entity, also formed in June 2013, established to acquire and hold the membership interests in SCCG. A non-controlling interest in SHLLC is held by a third party through nominal membership interests, to which none of the income, expenses, and cash flows of SHLLC are allocated.

The membership interests held by SHLLC were purchased with proceeds from the issuance of $40 million of secured notes ("SHLLC notes") and are subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a schedule of amortizing, semi-annual payments due each February 15 and August 15, with a final payment due on August 15, 2033. The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the SHLLC notes, and the payment amounts are sufficient to provide returns on, as well as returns of, capital until the investment has been repaid to SHLLC in full. The rate of return on investment to SHLLC is 7.0 percent, which is reflected as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. SHLLC is required to pay a pre-determined portion of the return on investment to Seven States Southaven, LLC ("SSSL") on each lease payment date as agreed in SHLLC's formation documents (the "Seven States Return"). The current and long-term portions of the Membership interests of VIE subject to mandatory redemption are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively.

The payment dates for the mandatorily redeemable membership interests are the same as those of the SHLLC notes. The SCCG notes are secured by TVA's lease payments, and the SHLLC notes are secured by SHLLC's investment in, and amounts receivable from, SCCG. TVA's lease payments to SCCG are payable on the same dates as SCCG's and SHLLC's semi-annual debt service payments and are equal to the sum of (i) the amount of SCCG's semi-annual debt service payments, (ii) the amount of SHLLC's semi-annual debt service payments, and (iii) the amount of the Seven States Return. In addition to the lease payments, TVA pays administrative and miscellaneous expenses incurred by SCCG and SHLLC. Certain agreements related to this transaction contain default and acceleration provisions.

    In the event that TVA were to choose to exercise an early buy out feature of the Southaven facility lease, in part or in whole, TVA must pay to SCCG amounts sufficient for SCCG to repay or partially repay on a pro rata basis the membership interests held by SHLLC, including any outstanding investment amount plus accrued but unpaid return. TVA also has the right, at any time and without any early redemption of the other portions of the Southaven facility lease payments due to SCCG, to fully repay SHLLC's investment, upon which repayment SHLLC will transfer the membership interests to a designee of TVA.

    TVA participated in the design, business conduct, and financial support of SCCG and has determined that it has a direct variable interest in SCCG resulting from risk associated with the value of the Southaven CCF at the end of the lease term. Based on its analysis, TVA has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of SCCG and, as such, is required to account for the VIE on a consolidated basis.

Impact on Consolidated Financial Statements

The financial statement items attributable to carrying amounts and classifications of JSCCG, Holdco, and SCCG at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, as reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are as follows:

Summary of Impact of VIEs on Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Current liabilities
Accrued interest	$	10	$	10
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3		3
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	42		41
Total current liabilities	55		54
Other liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	21		23
Long-term debt, net
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	1,028		1,048
Total liabilities	$	1,104	$	1,125

Interest expense of $13 million and $14 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, and $26 million and $27 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, is included on the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to debt of VIEs and membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption.

    Creditors of the VIEs do not have any recourse to the general credit of TVA. TVA does not have any obligations to provide financial support to the VIEs other than as prescribed in the terms of the agreements related to these transactions.

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Other Long-Term Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of liabilities related to certain derivative agreements, as well as for environmental remediation liabilities and liabilities under agreements related to compliance with certain environmental regulations. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations and Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment — Interest Rate Derivatives. The table below summarizes the types and amounts of Other long-term liabilities:

Other Long-Term Liabilities (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Interest rate swap liabilities	$	1,398	$	1,927
Operating lease liabilities	143		171
Currency swap liabilities	21		123
EnergyRight® financing obligations	71		78
Accrued long-term service agreements	40		56
Other	194		193
Total other long-term liabilities	$	1,867	$	2,548

    Interest Rate Swap Liabilities. TVA uses interest rate swaps to fix variable short-term debt to a fixed rate. The values of these derivatives are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, Accrued interest, and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At both March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the interest rate swap liabilities reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Accrued interest was $114 million. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment — Interest Rate Derivatives for information regarding the interest rate swap liabilities. As of March 31, 2021, interest rate swap liabilities decreased $529 million as compared to September 30, 2020, due to an increase in both market interest rates since September 30, 2020, and net settlement payments made during the six months ended March 31, 2021.

    EnergyRight® Financing Obligations. TVA purchases certain loans receivable from its LPCs in association with the EnergyRight® program. The current and long-term portions of the resulting financing obligation are reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the carrying amount of the financing obligations reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

was $18 million and $19 million, respectively. See Note 6 — Other Long-Term Assets for information regarding the associated loans receivable.

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, customers experiencing financial hardship could request a deferral of EnergyRight® loan payments for a period of up to six months. The deferral option began in April 2020 and ended October 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, all EnergyRight® loans approved for the deferral period had resumed payments. The deferred loans did not accrue interest during the deferral months and totaled less than $1 million.

    Accrued Long-Term Service Agreements. TVA has entered into various long-term service agreements for major maintenance activities at certain of its combined cycle plants. TVA uses the direct expense method of accounting for these arrangements. TVA accrues for parts when it takes ownership and for contractor services when they are rendered. Under certain of these agreements, parts received and services rendered exceed payments made. The current and long-term portions of the resulting obligation are reported in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, respectively, on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021 and September 30, 2020, related liabilities of $20 million and $15 million, respectively, were recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

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Asset Retirement Obligations

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations

During the six months ended March 31, 2021, TVA's total asset retirement obligations ("ARO") liability increased $133 million as a result of periodic accretion and revisions in estimate, partially offset by settlement projects that were conducted during the period. The nuclear and non-nuclear accretion amounts were deferred as regulatory assets.  During the six months ended March 31, 2021, $36 million of the related regulatory assets were amortized into expense as these amounts were collected in rates. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. TVA maintains investment trusts to help fund its decommissioning obligations. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds and Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Contingencies — Decommissioning Costs for disclosure of the current balances of the trusts and a discussion of the trusts' objectives.

Asset Retirement Obligation Activity
	Nuclear		Non-Nuclear		Total
Balance at September 30, 2020	$	3,278	$	3,507	$	6,785	(1)
Settlements	(3)		(77)		(80)
Revisions in estimate	2		106		108
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)	74		31		105
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	3,351	$	3,567	$	6,918	(1)

Note

(1) Includes $271 million and $345 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, in Current liabilities.

The revisions in non-nuclear estimates increased $106 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021. These increases were primarily driven by revisions of certain CCR closure liabilities at Shawnee, Paradise, and Colbert, resulting from revised engineering estimates for construction costs, new vendor bids, modified closure designs, and expected costs associated with post-closure care of the closed areas.

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Debt and Other Obligations

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Other Obligations

Debt and Other Obligations

Debt Outstanding

Total debt outstanding at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, consisted of the following:

Debt Outstanding  (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Short-term debt
Short-term debt, net	$	1,241	$	57
Current maturities of power bonds issued at par(1)	304		1,787
Current maturities of long-term debt of VIEs issued at par	42		41
Total current debt outstanding, net	1,587		1,885
Long-term debt
Long-term power bonds(2)	18,112		18,078
Long-term debt of VIEs, net	1,028		1,048
Unamortized discounts, premiums, issue costs, and other	(117)		(122)
Total long-term debt, net	19,023		19,004
Total debt outstanding	$	20,610	$	20,889

Notes

(1) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $56 million and $73 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

(2) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $46 million and $80 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

For the six months ended March 31, 2021, Short-term debt, net increased primarily due to funding a portion of the power bonds that matured in February 2021.

Debt Securities Activity

The table below summarizes the long-term debt securities activity for the period from October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021:

Debt Securities Activity
	Date	Amount (in millions)		Interest Rate
Redemptions/Maturities(1)
2009 Series B	December 2020	$	1	3.77	%
2011 Series A	February 2021	1,500		3.88	%
Total redemptions/maturities of power bonds		1,501
Debt of variable interest entities		20
Total redemptions/maturities of debt		$	1,521

Note

(1) All redemptions were at 100 percent of par.

Credit Facility Agreements

    TVA has funding available under four long-term revolving credit facilities totaling approximately $2.7 billion: a $1.0 billion credit facility that matures on June 13, 2023, a $1.0 billion credit facility that matures on September 28, 2023, a $150 million credit facility that matures on February 9, 2024, and a $500 million credit facility that matures on February 1, 2025. The interest rate on any borrowing under these facilities varies based on market factors and the rating of TVA's senior unsecured, long-term, non-credit-enhanced debt. TVA is required to pay an unused facility fee on the portion of the total $2.7 billion that TVA has not borrowed or committed under letters of credit. This fee, along with letter of credit fees, may fluctuate depending on the rating of TVA's senior unsecured, long-term, non-credit-enhanced debt. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, there were approximately $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding under these facilities, and there were no borrowings outstanding. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Other Derivative Instruments — Collateral.

The following table provides additional information regarding TVA's funding available under the four long-term revolving credit facilities:

Summary of Long-Term Credit Facilities At March 31, 2021 (in millions)
Maturity Date	Facility Limit		Letters of Credit Outstanding		Cash Borrowings		Availability
June 2023	$	1,000	$	289	$	—	$	711
September 2023	1,000		326		—		674
February 2024	150		38		—		112
February 2025	500		500		—		—
Total	$	2,650	$	1,153	$	—	$	1,497

TVA and the U.S. Treasury, pursuant to the TVA Act, have entered into a memorandum of understanding under which the U.S. Treasury provides TVA with a $150 million credit facility. This credit facility was renewed for 2021 with a maturity date of September 30, 2021. Access to this credit facility or other similar financing arrangements with the U.S. Treasury has been available to TVA since the 1960s. TVA can borrow under the U.S. Treasury credit facility only if it cannot issue Bonds in the market on reasonable terms, and TVA considers the U.S. Treasury credit facility a secondary source of liquidity. The interest rate on any borrowing under this facility is based on the average rate on outstanding marketable obligations of the U.S. with maturities from date of issue of one year or less. There were no outstanding borrowings under the facility at March 31, 2021. The availability of this credit facility may be impacted by how the U.S. government addresses the possibility of approaching its debt limit.

Lease/Leasebacks

    TVA previously entered into leasing transactions to obtain third-party financing for 24 peaking combustion turbine units ("CTs") as well as certain qualified technological equipment and software ("QTE"). Due to TVA's continuing involvement with the combustion turbine facilities and the QTE during the leaseback term, TVA accounted for the lease proceeds as financing obligations. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the outstanding leaseback obligations related to the remaining CTs and QTE were $87 million and $223 million, respectively. In May 2020, TVA made final rent payments under lease/leaseback transactions involving eight CTs, and TVA had previously acquired the equity interest related to these transactions. Rent payments under the remaining CT lease/leaseback transactions are scheduled to be made through January 2022. TVA does have the option to acquire the equity interests related to transactions involving the remaining eight CTs for additional amounts. In addition, on October 30, 2019, TVA provided notice of its intent to purchase the ownership interest in certain QTE. Repurchase payments are being made through a series of installments in 2021 and 2022, after which the associated leases will be terminated.

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)     Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI") represents market valuation adjustments related to TVA's currency swaps. The currency swaps are cash flow hedges and are the only derivatives in TVA's portfolio that have been designated and qualify for hedge accounting treatment. TVA records exchange rate gains and losses on its foreign currency-denominated debt and any related accrued interest in net income and marks its currency swap assets and liabilities to market through other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI"). TVA then reclassifies an amount out of AOCI into net income, offsetting the exchange gain/loss recorded on the debt. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, TVA reclassified $5 million of gains and $56 million of losses, respectively, related to its cash flow hedges from AOCI to Interest expense. During the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, TVA reclassified $50 million and $3 million of gains, respectively, related to its cash flow hedges from AOCI to Interest expense. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions.    TVA records certain assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities. As such, certain items that would generally be reported in AOCI or that would impact the statements of operations are recorded as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities for a schedule of regulatory assets and liabilities.  See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions for a discussion of the recognition in AOCI of gains and losses associated with certain derivative instruments. See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements for a discussion of the recognition of certain investment fund gains and losses as regulatory assets and liabilities.  See Note 18 — Benefit Plans for a discussion of the regulatory accounting related to components of TVA's benefit plans.

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions

Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions

TVA is exposed to various risks related to commodity prices, investment prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, and inflation as well as counterparty credit and performance risks.  To help manage certain of these risks, TVA has historically entered into various derivative transactions, principally commodity option contracts, forward contracts, swaps, swaptions, futures, and options on futures.  Other than certain derivative instruments in its trust investment funds, it is TVA's policy to enter into these derivative transactions solely for hedging purposes and not for speculative purposes. During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts because these contracts no longer met the criteria of net settlement, and, as a result, the associated net derivative liabilities were derecognized at that time. In addition, TVA suspended its Financial Trading Program ("FTP") in 2014 and is not currently using financial instruments to hedge risks related to commodity prices. TVA plans to continue managing fuel price volatility through other methods and is reevaluating its suspended FTP program for future use of financial instruments.

Overview of Accounting Treatment

TVA recognizes certain of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of these instruments depends on (1) whether TVA uses regulatory accounting to defer the derivative gains and losses, (2) whether the derivative instrument has been designated and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, and (3) if so, the type of hedge relationship (for example, cash flow hedge).

    The following tables summarize the accounting treatment that certain of TVA's financial derivative transactions receive:

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 1)  Amount of Mark-to-Market Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in millions)
			Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	Objective of Hedge Transaction	Accounting for Derivative Hedging Instrument	2021		2020		2021		2020
Currency swaps	To protect against changes in cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (exchange rate risk)	Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in AOCI and reclassified to Interest expense to the extent they are offset by gains and losses on the hedged transaction	$	22	$	(163)	$	123	$	(87)

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 2)(1) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Interest Expense (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	2021		2020		2021		2020
Currency swaps	$	5	$	(56)	$	50	$	3

Note

(1) There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for any of the periods presented. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $19 million of gains from AOCI to Interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in Interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt.

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives(1)
			Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivative Type	Objective of Derivative(2)	Accounting for Derivative Instrument	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest rate swaps	To fix short-term debt variable rate to a fixed rate (interest rate risk)	Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities Realized gains and losses are recognized in Interest expense when incurred during the settlement period and are presented in operating cash flow	$	(28)	$	(23)	$	(57)	$	(44)
Commodity contract derivatives	To protect against fluctuations in market prices of purchased coal or natural gas (price risk)	Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities Realized gains and losses due to contract settlements are recognized in Fuel expense as incurred	—		—		—		1

Notes

(1) All of TVA's derivative instruments that do not receive hedge accounting treatment have unrealized gains (losses) that would otherwise be recognized in income but instead are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. As such, there were no related gains (losses) recognized in income for these unrealized gains (losses) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

(2) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts.

Fair Values of TVA Derivatives (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021			At September 30, 2020
Derivatives That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation
Currency swaps
£200 million Sterling	$	(58)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(58)	$	(78)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(78)
£250 million Sterling	(8)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(4); Other long-term liabilities $(4)	(63)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(5); Other long-term liabilities $(58)
£150 million Sterling	(20)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3); Other long-term liabilities $(17)	(68)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3); Other long-term liabilities $(65)
Derivatives That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation
Interest rate swaps
$1.0 billion notional	$	(1,090)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(43); Accrued interest $(37); Other long-term liabilities $(1,010)	$	(1,449)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(43); Accrued interest $(37); Other long-term liabilities $(1,369)
$476 million notional	(419)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(22); Accrued interest $(10); Other long-term liabilities $(387)	(588)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(22); Accrued interest $(10); Other long-term liabilities $(556)
$42 million notional(1)	(3)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(1); Accrued interest $(1); Other long-term liabilities $(1)	(4)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(2); Other long-term liabilities $(2)
Commodity contract derivatives	27		Other current assets $27; Other long-term assets $5; Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(1); Other long-term liabilities $(4)	46		Other current assets $26; Other long-term assets $23; Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3)

Note

(1) Represents two interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $28 million and $14 million.

Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Currency Swaps

To protect against exchange rate risk related to three British pound sterling denominated Bond transactions, TVA entered into foreign currency hedges at the time the Bond transactions occurred.  TVA had three currency swaps outstanding at March 31, 2021, with total currency exposure of £600 million and expiration dates ranging from 2021 to 2043.

    When the dollar strengthens against the British pound sterling, the exchange gain on the Bond liability and related accrued interest is offset by an equal amount of loss on the swap contract that is reclassified out of AOCI. Conversely, the exchange loss on the Bond liability and related accrued interest is offset by an equal amount of gain on the swap contract that is reclassified out of AOCI. All such exchange gains or losses on the Bond liability and related accrued interest are included in Long-term debt, net and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, respectively. The offsetting exchange losses or gains on the swap contracts are recognized in AOCI. If any gain (loss) were to be incurred as a result of the early termination of the foreign currency swap contract, the resulting income (expense) would be amortized over the remaining life of the associated Bond as a component of Interest expense. The values of the currency swap liabilities are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment

    Interest Rate Derivatives.  Generally TVA uses interest rate swaps to fix variable short-term debt to a fixed rate, and TVA uses regulatory accounting treatment to defer the mark-to-market ("MtM") gains and losses on its interest rate swaps. The net deferred unrealized gains and losses are classified as regulatory assets or liabilities on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are included in the ratemaking formula when gains or losses are realized. The values of these derivatives are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and realized gains and losses, if any, are included on TVA's Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the changes in fair market value of the interest rate swaps resulted in the deferral of unrealized gains of $386 million and unrealized losses of $556 million, respectively. For the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the changes in fair market value of the interest rate swaps resulted in the deferral of unrealized gains of $529 million and unrealized losses of $385 million, respectively. TVA may hold short-term debt balances lower than the notional amount of the interest rate swaps from time to time due to changes in business conditions and other factors. While actual balances vary, TVA generally plans to maintain average balances of short-term debt equal to or in excess of the combined notional amount of the interest rate swaps.

Commodity Derivatives. TVA enters into certain derivative contracts for natural gas that require physical delivery of the contracted quantity of the commodity. TVA marks to market natural gas contracts and defers the fair market values as regulatory assets or liabilities on a gross basis. At March 31, 2021, TVA's natural gas contract derivatives had terms of up to three years.

Commodity Contract Derivatives
	At March 31, 2021			At September 30, 2020
	Number of Contracts	Notional Amount	Fair Value (MtM)	Number of Contracts	Notional Amount	Fair Value (MtM)
Natural gas contract derivatives	27	274 million mmBtu	27	42	302 million mmBtu	46

Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities

    The amounts of TVA's derivative instruments as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are shown in the table below:

Derivative Assets and Liabilities(1) (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Assets
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	$	32	$	49
Liabilities
Currency swaps(2)	$	86	$	209
Interest rate swaps(2)	1,512		2,041
Total derivatives subject to master netting or similar arrangement	1,598		2,250
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	5		3
Total liabilities	$	1,603	$	2,253

Notes

(1) Offsetting amounts primarily include counterparty netting of derivative contracts, margin account deposits for futures commission merchants transactions, and cash collateral received or paid in accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging transactions. There were no material offsetting amounts on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets at either March 31, 2021, or September 30, 2020.

(2) Letters of credit of approximately $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion were posted as collateral at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, to partially secure the liability positions of one of the currency swaps and one of the interest rate swaps in accordance with the collateral requirements for these derivatives.

Other Derivative Instruments

Investment Fund Derivatives.  Investment funds consist primarily of funds held in the Nuclear Decommissioning Trust ("NDT"), the Asset Retirement Trust ("ART"), the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), and the TVA Deferred Compensation Plan ("DCP"). See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds for a discussion of the trusts, plans, and types of investments. The NDT and ART may invest in derivative instruments which may include swaps, futures, options, forwards, and other instruments. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the NDT held investments in forward contracts to purchase debt securities. The fair values of these derivatives were in net asset positions totaling $8 million and $13 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Collateral.  TVA's interest rate swaps and currency swaps contain contract provisions that require a party to post collateral (in a form such as cash or a letter of credit) when the party's liability balance under the agreement exceeds a certain threshold.  At March 31, 2021, the aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features that were in a liability position was $1.6 billion.  TVA's collateral obligations at March 31, 2021, under these arrangements were approximately $1.1 billion, for which TVA had posted approximately $1.2 billion in letters of credit. These letters of credit reduce the available balance under the related credit facilities.  TVA's assessment of the risk of its nonperformance includes a reduction in its exposure under the contract as a result of this posted collateral.

For all of its derivative instruments with credit-risk related contingent features:

•If TVA remains a majority-owned U.S. government entity but Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") downgrades TVA's credit rating to AA or Aa2, respectively, TVA's collateral obligations would likely increase by $22 million, and

•If TVA ceases to be majority-owned by the U.S. government, TVA's credit rating would likely be downgraded and TVA would be required to post additional collateral.

Counterparty Risk

    TVA may be exposed to certain risks when a counterparty has the potential to fail to meet its obligations in accordance with agreed terms. These risks may be related to credit, operational, or nonperformance matters. To mitigate certain counterparty risk, TVA analyzes the counterparty's financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establishes credit limits, monitors the appropriateness of those limits, as well as any changes in the creditworthiness of the counterparty, on an ongoing basis, and when required, employs credit mitigation measures, such as collateral or prepayment arrangements and master purchase and sale agreements.

Customers.  TVA is exposed to counterparty credit risk associated with trade accounts receivable from delivered power sales to LPCs, and from industries and federal agencies directly served, all located in the Tennessee Valley region. Of the $1.2

billion and $1.4 billion of receivables from power sales outstanding at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, nearly all counterparties were rated investment grade. The obligations of customers that are not investment grade are secured by collateral. TVA is also exposed to risk from exchange power arrangements with a small number of investor-owned regional utilities related to either delivered power or the replacement of open positions of longer-term purchased power or fuel agreements. TVA believes its policies and procedures for counterparty performance risk reviews have generally protected TVA against significant exposure related to market and economic conditions. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts, Note 3 — Accounts Receivable, Net, and Note 6 — Other Long-Term Assets.

    TVA had revenue from two LPCs that collectively accounted for 16 percent of total operating revenues for both the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and the three and six months ended March 31, 2020.

Suppliers.  TVA assesses potential supplier performance risks, including procurement of fuel, parts, and services. If suppliers are unable to perform under TVA's existing contracts or if TVA is unable to obtain similar services from other vendors, TVA could experience delays, disruptions, additional costs, or other operational outcomes that may impact generation,

maintenance, and capital programs. If one of TVA's fuel or purchased power suppliers fails to perform under the terms of its contract with TVA, TVA might lose the money that it paid to the supplier under the contract and have to purchase replacement fuel or power on the spot market, perhaps at a significantly higher price than TVA was entitled to pay under the contract. In addition, TVA might not be able to acquire replacement fuel or power in a timely manner and thus might be unable to satisfy its own obligations to deliver power.

Natural Gas. TVA purchases the majority of its natural gas requirements from a variety of suppliers under primarily short-term contracts. In the event of nonperformance by these suppliers, TVA believes that it can obtain replacement natural gas.

    Coal. To help ensure a reliable supply of coal, TVA had coal contracts with multiple suppliers at March 31, 2021. The contracted supply of coal is sourced from multiple geographic regions of the U.S. and is to be delivered via various transportation methods (e.g., barge, rail, and truck). Emerging technologies, environmental regulations, and low natural gas prices have contributed to weak demand for coal. As a result, coal suppliers are facing increased financial pressure, which has led to relatively poor credit ratings and bankruptcies. Continued difficulties by coal suppliers, including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, could result in consolidations, additional bankruptcies, restructuring, contract renegotiations, or other scenarios.

    Nuclear Fuel. Nuclear fuel is obtained predominantly through long-term uranium concentrate supply contracts, contracted conversion services, contracted enrichment services, or a combination thereof, and contracted fuel fabrication services. The supply markets for uranium concentrates and certain nuclear fuel services are subject to price fluctuations and availability restrictions. Supply market conditions may make procurement contracts subject to credit risk related to the potential nonperformance of counterparties. In the event of nonperformance by these or other suppliers, TVA believes that replacement uranium concentrate and nuclear fuel services can be obtained, although at prices that may be unfavorable when compared to the prices under the current supply agreements.

    Purchased Power. TVA acquires power from a variety of power producers through long-term and short-term power purchase agreements ("PPAs") as well as through spot market purchases. In order to meet customer preferences and requirements for cleaner and greener energy, TVA has entered into certain PPAs with renewable resource providers. TVA also has a PPA that expires on March 31, 2032, with a supplier of electricity for 440 megawatts ("MW") of summer net capability from a lignite-fired generating plant. TVA has determined that the supplier has the equivalent of a non-investment grade credit rating; therefore, the supplier has provided credit assurance to TVA under the terms of the agreement.

Other Suppliers. TVA has experienced minimal impacts due to force majeure events, with the exception of a manufacturing delay for a major turbine component. A mitigation strategy was developed by TVA and the vendor which reduced impacts to TVA's outage schedule. TVA will continue to monitor the supply base and remain in contact with suppliers to identify potential risks.

Derivative Counterparties.  TVA has entered into physical and financial contracts that qualify as derivatives for hedging purposes, and TVA's NDT, ART, and qualified defined benefit pension plan have entered into derivative contracts for investment purposes. If a counterparty to one of the physical or financial derivative transactions defaults, TVA might incur substantial costs in connection with entering into a replacement transaction. If a counterparty to the derivative contracts into which the NDT, the ART, or the qualified pension plan have entered for investment purposes defaults, the value of the investment could decline significantly or perhaps become worthless. TVA has concentrations of credit risk from the banking, coal, and gas industries because multiple companies in these industries serve as counterparties to TVA in various derivative transactions. At March 31, 2021, all of TVA's currency swaps and interest rate swaps as well as all of the derivatives in the NDT and ART were with banking counterparties whose Moody's credit ratings were A2 or higher.

    TVA classifies qualified forward natural gas contracts as derivatives. See Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment above. At March 31, 2021, the natural gas contracts were with counterparties whose ratings ranged from B1 to A1. TVA recognizes the slowdown in demand and the impacts on the oil and gas industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TVA will continue to monitor the impacts and affected credit ratings and enforce contract performance assurance provisions when applicable.

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the asset or liability's principal market, or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. TVA uses market or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs.

Valuation Techniques

The measurement of fair value results in classification into a hierarchy by the inputs used to determine the fair value as follows:

Level 1	—	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible by the reporting entity for identical assets or liabilities.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing.
Level 2	—	Pricing inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are based on observable market data and that are directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.  These include quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, adjusted quoted market prices, inputs from observable data such as interest rate and yield curves, volatilities and default rates observable at commonly quoted intervals, and inputs derived from observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3	—	Pricing inputs that are unobservable, or less observable, from objective sources.  Unobservable inputs are only to be used to the extent observable inputs are not available.  These inputs maintain the concept of an exit price from the perspective of a market participant and should reflect assumptions of other market participants.  An entity should consider all market participant assumptions that are available without unreasonable cost and effort.  These are given the lowest priority and are generally used in internally developed methodologies to generate management's best estimate of the fair value when no observable market data is available.

A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy (where Level 1 is the highest and Level 3 is the lowest) is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement.

The following sections describe the valuation methodologies TVA uses to measure different financial instruments at fair value. Except for gains and losses on SERP and DCP assets, all changes in fair value of these assets and liabilities have been recorded as changes in regulatory assets, regulatory liabilities, or AOCI on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Except for gains and losses on SERP and DCP assets, there has been no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows related to these fair value measurements.

Investment Funds

At March 31, 2021, Investment funds were comprised of $3.7 billion of equity securities and debt securities classified as trading measured at fair value. Equity and trading debt securities are held in the NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP. The NDT holds funds for the ultimate decommissioning of TVA's nuclear power plants. The ART holds funds primarily for the costs related to the future closure and retirement of TVA's other long-lived assets. The balances in the NDT and ART were $2.6 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, at March 31, 2021.

TVA established a SERP to provide benefits to selected employees of TVA which are comparable to those provided by competing organizations. The DCP is designed to provide participants with the ability to defer compensation to future periods. The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP funds are invested in portfolios of securities generally designed to achieve a return in line with overall equity and debt market performance.

The NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP are composed of multiple types of investments and are managed by external institutional investment managers. Most U.S. and international equities, U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, real estate investment trust securities, and cash securities and certain derivative instruments are measured based on quoted exchange prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1 valuations. Fixed-income investments, high-yield fixed-income investments, currencies, and most derivative instruments are non-exchange traded and are classified as Level 2 valuations. These measurements are based on market and income approaches with observable market inputs.

    Private equity limited partnerships, private real asset investments, and private credit investments may include holdings of investments in private real estate, venture capital, buyout, mezzanine or subordinated debt, restructuring or distressed debt, and special situations through funds managed by third-party investment managers. These investments generally involve a three-to-four-year period where the investor contributes capital, followed by a period of distribution, typically over several years. The investment period is generally, at a minimum, 10 years or longer. The NDT had unfunded commitments related to private equity limited partnerships of $220 million, private real assets of $88 million, and private credit of $44 million at March 31, 2021. The ART had unfunded commitments related to limited partnerships in private equity of $129 million, private real assets of $69 million, and private credit of $22 million at March 31, 2021. These investments have no redemption or limited redemption options and may also impose restrictions on the NDT's and ART's ability to liquidate their investments. There are no readily available quoted exchange prices for these investments. The fair value of these investments is based on information provided by the investment managers. These investments are valued on a quarterly basis. TVA's private equity limited partnerships, private real asset investments, and private credit investments are valued at net asset values ("NAV") as a practical expedient for fair value. TVA classifies its interest in these types of investments as investments measured at NAV in the fair value hierarchy.

Commingled funds represent investment funds comprising multiple individual financial instruments. The commingled funds held by the NDT, ART, SERP, and DCP consist of either a single class of securities, such as equity, debt, or foreign currency securities, or multiple classes of securities. All underlying positions in these commingled funds are either exchange traded or measured using observable inputs for similar instruments. The fair value of commingled funds is based on NAV per fund share (the unit of account), derived from the prices of the underlying securities in the funds. These commingled funds can be redeemed at the measurement date NAV and are classified as Commingled funds measured at net asset value in the fair value hierarchy.

     Realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity and trading debt securities are recognized in current earnings and are based on average cost. The gains and losses of the NDT and ART are subsequently reclassified to a regulatory asset or liability account in accordance with TVA's regulatory accounting policy. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Cost-Based Regulation and Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. TVA recorded unrealized gains and losses related to its equity and trading debt securities held during each period as follows:

Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (in millions)
		Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Fund	Financial Statement Presentation	2021		2020		2021		2020
NDT	Regulatory asset	$	23	$	(357)	$	253	$	(246)
ART	Regulatory asset	28		(135)		120		(98)
SERP	Other income (expense)	1		(9)		5		(8)
DCP	Other income (expense)	—		(3)		1		(2)

Currency and Interest Rate Swap Derivatives

See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Cash Flow Hedging Strategy for Currency Swaps and Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment for a discussion of the nature, purpose, and contingent features of TVA's currency swaps and interest rate swaps. These swaps are classified as Level 2 valuations and are valued based on income approaches using observable market inputs for similar instruments.

Commodity Contract Derivatives

See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions —Derivatives Not Receiving Hedge Accounting Treatment. Most of these contracts are valued based on market approaches which utilize short-term and mid-term market-quoted prices from an external industry brokerage service.

Nonperformance Risk

The assessment of nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk, considers changes in current market conditions, readily available information on nonperformance risk, letters of credit, collateral, other arrangements available, and the nature of master netting arrangements. TVA is a counterparty to currency swaps, interest rate swaps, commodity contracts, and other derivatives which subject TVA to nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk on the majority of investments and certain exchange-traded instruments held by TVA is incorporated into the exit price that is derived from quoted market data that is used to mark the investment to market.

Nonperformance risk for most of TVA's derivative instruments is an adjustment to the initial asset/liability fair value. TVA adjusts for nonperformance risk, both of TVA (for liabilities) and the counterparty (for assets), by applying credit valuation adjustments ("CVAs"). TVA determines an appropriate CVA for each applicable financial instrument based on the term of the

instrument and TVA's or the counterparty's credit rating as obtained from Moody's. For companies that do not have an observable credit rating, TVA uses internal analysis to assign a comparable rating to the counterparty. TVA discounts each financial instrument using the historical default rate (as reported by Moody's for CY 1984 to CY 2020) for companies with a similar credit rating over a time period consistent with the remaining term of the contract. The application of CVAs resulted in a less than $1 million decrease in the fair value of assets and a $1 million decrease in the fair value of liabilities at March 31, 2021.

Fair Value Measurements

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, TVA's financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020. Financial assets and liabilities have been classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. TVA's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the determination of the fair value of the assets and liabilities and their classification in the fair value hierarchy levels.

Fair Value Measurements At March 31, 2021 (in millions)
	Quoted Prices in Active  Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Investments
Equity securities	$	617	$	—	$	—	$	617
Government debt securities(1)	528		32		—		560
Corporate debt securities(2)	—		409		—		409
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		30		—		30
Institutional mutual funds	222		—		—		222
Forward debt securities contracts	—		8		—		8
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		274
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		215
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		62
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		1,326
Total investments	1,367		479		—		3,723
Commodity contract derivatives	—		32		—		32
Total	$	1,367	$	511	$	—	$	3,755
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Liabilities
Currency swaps(4)	$	—	$	86	$	—	$	86
Interest rate swaps	—		1,512		—		1,512
Commodity contract derivatives	—		5		—		5
Total	$	—	$	1,603	$	—	$	1,603

Notes

(1) Includes obligations of government-sponsored entities.

(2) Includes both U.S. and foreign debt.

(3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)  TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements At September 30, 2020 (in millions)
	Quoted Prices in Active  Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Investments
Equity securities	$	500	$	—	$	—	$	500
Government debt securities(1)	485		40		—		525
Corporate debt securities(2)	—		356		—		356
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		27		—		27
Institutional mutual funds	188		—		—		188
Forward debt securities contracts	—		13		—		13
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		194
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		168
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		53
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		1,174
Total investments	1,173		436		—		3,198
Commodity contract derivatives	—		49		—		49
Total	$	1,173	$	485	$	—	$	3,247
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Liabilities
Currency swaps(4)	$	—	$	209	$	—	$	209
Interest rate swaps	—		2,041		—		2,041
Commodity contract derivatives	—		3		—		3
Total	$	—	$	2,253	$	—	$	2,253

Notes

(1) Includes obligations of government-sponsored entities.

(2) Includes both U.S. and foreign debt.

(3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)  TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

        The following table presents a reconciliation of all commodity contract derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (in millions)
	Commodity Contract Derivatives(1)
	Three Months Ended March 31		Six Months Ended March 31
Balance at beginning of period	$	(17)	$	(4)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities	10		(3)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	(7)	$	(7)

Note

(1) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts. Therefore, the fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs was zero at October 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

Other Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value

TVA uses the methods and assumptions described below to estimate the fair value of each significant class of financial instruments. The fair value of the financial instruments held at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, may not be representative of the actual gains or losses that will be recorded when these instruments mature or are called or presented for early redemption. The estimated values of TVA's financial instruments not recorded at fair value at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, were as follows:

Estimated Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value (in millions)
		At March 31, 2021				At September 30, 2020
	Valuation Classification	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
EnergyRight® receivables, net (including current portion)	Level 2	$	78	$	78	$	87	$	86
Loans and other long-term receivables, net (including current portion)	Level 2	117		107		105		93
EnergyRight® financing obligations (including current portion)	Level 2	89		99		97		108
Unfunded loan commitments	Level 2	—		1		—		2
Membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption (including current portion)	Level 2	24		32		26		35
Long-term outstanding power bonds (including current maturities), net	Level 2	18,299		23,341		19,743		26,630
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net	Level 2	1,070		1,310		1,089		1,419

The carrying value of Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, net, and Short-term debt, net approximate their fair values.

The fair value for loans and other long-term receivables is estimated by determining the present value of future cash flows using a discount rate equal to lending rates for similar loans made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for similar remaining maturities, where applicable. The fair value of long-term debt and membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption is estimated by determining the present value of future cash flows using current market rates for similar obligations, giving effect to credit ratings and remaining maturities.

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Other Income (Expense), Net

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other Income (Expense), Net

Income and expenses not related to TVA's operating activities are summarized in the following table:

Other Income (Expense), Net
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest income	$	3	$	5	$	6	$	10
External services	3		3		7		6
Gains (losses) on investments	2		(11)		11		(6)
Miscellaneous	3		2		2		1
Total Other income (expense), net	$	11	$	(1)	$	26	$	11

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Benefit Plans

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans

TVA sponsors a qualified defined benefit plan ("pension plan") that covers most of its full-time employees hired before July 1, 2014, a qualified defined contribution plan ("401(k) plan") that covers most of its full-time employees, two unfunded post-retirement health care plans that provide for non-vested contributions toward the cost of eligible retirees' medical coverage, other post-employment benefits, such as workers' compensation, and the SERP. The pension plan and the 401(k) plan are administered by a separate legal entity, the TVA Retirement System ("TVARS"), which is governed by its own board of directors.

The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized as changes in regulatory assets for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

Components of TVA's Benefit Plans(1)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31								For the Six Months Ended March 31
	Pension Benefits				Other Post-Retirement Benefits				Pension Benefits				Other Post-Retirement Benefits
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Service cost	$	14	$	15	$	4	$	4	$	28	$	27	$	9	$	8
Interest cost	93		104		4		4		184		208		8		8
Expected return on plan assets	(123)		(122)		—		—		(246)		(244)		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit	(25)		(24)		(4)		(6)		(49)		(48)		(9)		(12)
Recognized net actuarial loss	115		109		2		3		227		218		5		5
Total net periodic benefit cost as actuarially determined	74		82		6		5		144		161		13		9
Amount expensed / (capitalized) due to actions of regulator	2		(6)		—		—		9		(8)		—		—
Total net periodic benefit cost	$	76	$	76	$	6	$	5	$	153	$	153	$	13	$	9

Note

(1) The components of net benefit cost other than the service cost component are included in Other net periodic benefit cost on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

    TVA's minimum required pension plan contribution for 2021 is $300 million. TVA contributes $25 million per month to TVARS and as of March 31, 2021, had contributed $150 million. The remaining $150 million will be contributed by September

30, 2021. For the six months ended March 31, 2021, TVA also contributed $48 million to the 401(k) plan, $13 million (net of $1 million in rebates) to the other post-retirement plans, and $5 million to the SERP.

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Contingencies and Legal Proceedings

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and Legal Proceedings

Contingencies and Legal Proceedings

Contingencies

Nuclear Insurance.  Section 170 of the Atomic Energy Act, commonly known as the Price-Anderson Act, provides a layered framework of financial protection to compensate for liability claims of members of the public for personal injury and property damages arising from a nuclear incident in the U.S. This financial protection consists of two layers of coverage:

•The primary level is private insurance underwritten by American Nuclear Insurers ("ANI") and provides public liability insurance coverage of $450 million for each nuclear power plant licensed to operate. If this amount is not sufficient to cover claims arising from a nuclear incident, the second level, Secondary Financial Protection, applies.

•Within the Secondary Financial Protection level, the licensee of each nuclear reactor has a contingent obligation to pay a retrospective premium, equal to its proportionate share of the loss in excess of the primary level, regardless of proximity to the incident of fault, up to a maximum of approximately $138 million per reactor per incident. With TVA's seven reactors, the maximum total contingent obligation per incident is $963 million. This retrospective premium is payable at a maximum rate currently set at approximately $20 million per year per incident per reactor. Currently, 96 reactors are participating in the Secondary Financial Protection program.

In the event that a nuclear incident results in public liability claims, the primary level provided by ANI combined with the Secondary Financial Protection should provide up to approximately $13.7 billion in coverage.

    Federal law requires that each NRC power reactor licensee obtain property insurance from private sources to cover the cost of stabilizing and decontaminating a reactor and its station site after an accident. TVA carries property, decommissioning liability, and decontamination liability insurance from Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited ("NEIL"). The limits for each site vary depending on the site and range from up to $2.1 billion to $2.8 billion available for a loss at TVA's three sites. Some of this insurance may require the payment of retrospective premiums up to a maximum of approximately $145 million.

TVA purchases accidental outage (business interruption) insurance for TVA's nuclear sites from NEIL.  In the event that an accident covered by this policy takes a nuclear unit offline or keeps a nuclear unit offline, NEIL will pay TVA, after a waiting period, an indemnity (a set dollar amount per week) with a maximum indemnity of $490 million per unit.  This insurance policy may require the payment of retrospective premiums up to a maximum of approximately $43 million, but only to the extent the retrospective premium is deemed necessary by the NEIL Board of Directors to pay losses unable to be covered by NEIL's surplus.

Decommissioning Costs.  TVA recognizes legal obligations associated with the future retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets related primarily to nuclear generating plants, coal-fired generating plants, hydroelectric generating plants/dams, transmission structures, and other property-related assets. See Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

Nuclear Decommissioning.  Provision for decommissioning costs of nuclear generating units is based on options prescribed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC") procedures to dismantle and decontaminate the facilities to meet the NRC criteria for license termination. At March 31, 2021, $3.4 billion, representing the discounted value of future estimated decommissioning costs, was included in AROs.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the derived estimates because of, among other things, changes in current assumptions, such as the assumed dates of decommissioning, changes in regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and changes in the cost of labor, materials, and equipment.  Utilities that own and operate nuclear plants are required to use different procedures in calculating nuclear decommissioning costs under GAAP than those that are used in calculating nuclear decommissioning costs when reporting to the NRC.  The two sets of procedures produce different estimates for the costs of decommissioning primarily because of differences in the underlying assumptions. Decommissioning costs studies are updated for each of TVA's nuclear units at least every five years.

TVA maintains a NDT to provide funding for the ultimate decommissioning of its nuclear power plants.  See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds. TVA monitors the value of its NDT and believes that, over the long term and before cessation of nuclear plant operations and commencement of decommissioning activities, adequate funds from investments and additional contributions, if necessary, will be available to support decommissioning.  TVA's operating nuclear power units are licensed through various dates between 2033-2055, depending on the unit.  It may be possible to extend the operating life of some of the units with approval from the NRC. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

Non-Nuclear Decommissioning.  At March 31, 2021, $3.6 billion, representing the discounted value of future estimated decommissioning costs, was included in AROs.  This decommissioning cost estimate involves estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures and making judgments concerning whether or not such costs are considered a legal obligation.  Estimating the amount and timing of future expenditures includes, among other things, making projections of the timing and duration of the

asset retirement process and how costs will escalate with inflation.  The actual decommissioning costs may vary from the derived estimates because of changes in current assumptions, such as the assumed dates of decommissioning, changes in regulatory requirements, changes in technology, and changes in the cost of labor, materials, and equipment. TVA updates its underlying assumptions for non-nuclear decommissioning AROs at least every five years. However, material changes in underlying assumptions that impact the amount and timing of undiscounted cash flows are continuously monitored and incorporated into ARO balances in the period identified.

TVA maintains an ART to help fund the ultimate decommissioning of its non-nuclear power assets.  See Note 14 — Fair Value Measurements — Investment Funds. Estimates involved in determining if additional funding will be made to the ART include inflation rate, rate of return projections on the fund investments, and the planned use of other sources to fund decommissioning costs. See Note 7 — Regulatory Assets and Liabilities and Note 10 — Asset Retirement Obligations.

Environmental Matters. TVA's power generation activities, like those across the utility industry and in other industrial sectors, are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations.  Major areas of regulation affecting TVA's activities include air quality control, greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, water quality control, and management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.  In the future, regulations in all of these areas are expected to become more stringent.  Regulations are also expected to have a particular emphasis on climate change, renewable generation, and energy efficiency.

TVA has incurred, and expects to continue to incur, substantial capital and operating and maintenance costs to comply with evolving environmental requirements primarily associated with, but not limited to, the operation of TVA's coal-fired and natural gas-fired generating units in general.  Environmental requirements placed on the operation of TVA's coal-fired and other generating units will likely continue to become more restrictive over time. Litigation over the regulation of emissions or discharges from coal-fired generating units is also occurring.  Failure to comply with environmental and safety laws can result in TVA being subject to enforcement actions, which can lead to the imposition of significant civil liability, including fines and penalties, criminal sanctions, and/or the shutting down of non-compliant facilities.

TVA estimates that compliance with existing and future Clean Air Act ("CAA") requirements (excluding GHG requirements) could lead to additional costs of $144 million from 2021 to 2025, which include existing controls capital projects and air operations and maintenance projects. TVA also estimates additional expenditures of approximately $860 million from 2021 to 2025 relating to TVA's CCR Conversion Program, as well as expenditures of approximately $160 million from 2021 to 2025 relating to compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. Future costs could differ from these estimates if new environmental laws or regulations become applicable to TVA or the facilities it operates, or if existing environmental laws or regulations are revised or reinterpreted.  There could also be costs that cannot reasonably be predicted at this time, due to uncertainty of actions that could increase these estimates.

Compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's ("EPA's") CCR rule required implementation of a groundwater monitoring program, additional engineering, and ongoing analysis. As further analyses are performed, including evaluation of monitoring results, there is the potential for additional costs for investigation and/or remediation. These costs cannot reasonably be predicted until a final remedy is selected, if necessary.

Liability for releases and cleanup of hazardous substances is primarily regulated by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA"), and other federal and parallel state statutes.  In a manner similar to many other industries and power systems, TVA has generated or used hazardous substances over the years. TVA operations at some facilities have resulted in releases of contaminants that TVA has addressed or is addressing consistent with state and federal requirements.  At March 31, 2021 and September 30, 2020, TVA's estimated liability for cleanup and similar environmental work for those sites for which sufficient information is available to develop a cost estimate was approximately $15 million and $14 million, respectively, on a non-discounted basis, and was included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the potential inclusion of new hazardous substances under CERCLA and RCRA jurisdiction may significantly affect TVA's future liability for remediating historical releases.

    Potential Liability Associated with Workers' Exposure to CCR Materials. In response to the 2008 ash spill at Kingston, TVA hired Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. ("Jacobs") to oversee certain aspects of the cleanup. After the cleanup was completed, Jacobs was sued in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee ("Eastern District") by employees of a contractor involved in the cleanup and family members of some of the employees. The plaintiffs alleged that Jacobs had failed to take or provide proper health precautions and misled workers about the health risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash, which is a CCR material. The plaintiffs alleged that exposure to the fly ash caused a variety of significant health issues and illnesses, including in some cases death. The case was split into two phases, with the first phase considering, among other issues, general causation and the second determining specific causation and damages. On November 7, 2018, a jury hearing the first phase returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, including determinations that Jacobs failed to adhere to its contract with TVA or the Site Wide Safety and Health Plan; Jacobs failed to provide reasonable care to the plaintiffs; and Jacobs's failures were capable of causing a list of medical conditions, ranging from hypertension to cancer. On January 11, 2019, the Eastern District referred the parties to mediation. Mediation has concluded, but the parties did not resolve the matter. The litigation will now proceed to the second phase on the question of whether Jacobs's failures were the specific medical cause of the plaintiffs' alleged injuries and damages.

    Other contractor employees and family members have filed lawsuits against Jacobs that are pending in the Eastern District. These pending lawsuits are stayed and raise similar claims to those being litigated in the case referenced above.

    While TVA is not a party to any of these lawsuits, TVA may potentially have an indemnity obligation to reimburse Jacobs for some amounts that Jacobs is required to pay. TVA will continue monitoring the litigation to determine whether these or similar cases could have broader implications for the utility industry. TVA does not expect any potential liability to have a material adverse impact on its results of operations or financial condition.

Legal Proceedings

    From time to time, TVA is party to or otherwise involved in lawsuits, claims, proceedings, investigations, and other legal matters ("Legal Proceedings") that have arisen in the ordinary course of conducting TVA's activities, as a result of a catastrophic event or otherwise.  

General. At March 31, 2021, TVA had accrued $14 million of probable losses with respect to Legal Proceedings. Of the accrued amount, $12 million is included in Other long-term liabilities and $2 million is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. In addition, TVA believes that it is reasonably possible that it may incur additional losses, in an amount expected not to exceed $30 million, in connection with current Legal Proceedings. No assurance can be given that TVA will not be subject to significant additional claims and liabilities.  If actual liabilities significantly exceed the estimates made, TVA's results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Environmental Agreements. In April 2011, TVA entered into two substantively similar agreements, one with the EPA and the other with Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and three environmental advocacy groups: the Sierra Club, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Our Children's Earth Foundation (collectively, the "Environmental Agreements"). Under the Environmental Agreements, TVA committed to, among other things, take actions regarding coal units that have been completed. TVA also agreed to invest $290 million in certain TVA environmental projects of which TVA had spent approximately $280 million as of March 31, 2021. Additionally, TVA holds restricted cash in an interest earning trust to fund the remaining project commitments. Under the Environmental Agreements, any interest earned through the trust must also be spent on agreed upon environmental projects. The total remaining committed spend, including interest earned through the trust, is approximately $11 million as of March 31, 2021. In exchange for these commitments, most past claims against TVA based on alleged New Source Review ("NSR") and associated violations were waived and cannot be brought against TVA. Future claims, including those for sulfuric acid mist and GHG emissions, can still be brought against TVA.

    The liabilities related to the Environmental Agreements are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the March 31, 2021, Consolidated Balance Sheets. In conjunction with the approval of the Environmental Agreements, the TVA Board determined that it was appropriate to record TVA's obligations under the Environmental Agreements as regulatory assets, and they are included as such on the March 31, 2021 Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be recovered in rates in future periods.

    Class Action Lawsuit Involving Kingston Fossil Plant. On November 7, 2019, a resident of Roane County, Tennessee, filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Jacobs and TVA in the Eastern District. The complaint alleges that the class representative and all other members of the proposed class were damaged as a result of the 2008 ash spill at Kingston and the resulting cleanup activities. The complaint alleges, among other things, that (1) TVA was negligent in its construction and operation of the Kingston CCR facility, (2) TVA and Jacobs failed to take proper measures to mitigate environmental and health risks during the cleanup response, and (3) TVA and Jacobs misled the community about health and environmental risks associated with exposure to coal fly ash. The complaint seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief in the form of an order requiring the defendants to establish a blood testing program and medical monitoring protocol and to remediate damage to the properties of the proposed class. Briefing on complementary motions to dismiss filed by TVA and Jacobs closed July 1, 2020. The motions were referred to the magistrate judge for recommended dispositions, and in February 2021, the magistrate recommended the dismissal of all claims, except the plaintiff’s temporary nuisance claim. TVA and Jacobs filed objections to the recommendation to retain the temporary nuisance claim, and the plaintiff filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint that alleged only a nuisance claim. On March 29, 2021, the district court issued an opinion adopting the magistrate’s recommendations and granting the plaintiff leave to file an amended complaint, which the plaintiff did. On April 20, 2021, TVA and Jacobs filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint. Briefing on the motions is expected to close in May 2021.

    Case Involving Tennessee River Boat Accident. In July 2015, plaintiffs filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ("Northern District"), seeking recovery for personal injuries sustained when the plaintiffs' boat struck a TVA transmission line which was being raised from the Tennessee River during a repair operation. The Northern District dismissed the case, finding that TVA's exercise of its discretion as a governmental entity in deciding how to carry out the operation barred any liability for negligence. In August 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ("Eleventh Circuit") affirmed the decision. The plaintiffs petitioned the Supreme Court for review of the decision, arguing that the provision of the TVA Act which allows suit to be brought against TVA does not allow TVA to claim immunity for discretionary actions. In April 2019, the Supreme Court issued its opinion reversing the judgment of the Eleventh Circuit and remanding the case to the Eleventh Circuit. In July 2019, the Eleventh Circuit remanded the case to the district court for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's opinion. TVA filed a motion for summary judgment on all of the plaintiffs’ claims on November 23, 2020,

and the plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary judgment. The court cancelled the trial scheduled for February 16, 2021, and stated that the trial would be rescheduled, if necessary, following the court’s ruling on the parties’ summary judgment motions. On April 9, 2021, the court issued a memorandum opinion and order granting in part and denying in part TVA’s summary judgment motion. The court denied in full the plaintiffs’ summary judgment motion. The court also asked the parties to agree on a trial date in August 2021, and the parties submitted an agreed trial date of August 19, 2021 to the court. The court has yet to issue an order setting the trial date. The parties also jointly requested that the court refer the case to a judicially-hosted mediation. The court agreed to the parties’ request and referred the case to a magistrate judge for a mediation, which has been scheduled for May 27, 2021.

    Case Involving Bellefonte Nuclear Plant. In November 2018, Nuclear Development, LLC, filed suit against TVA in the Northern District of Alabama. The plaintiff alleges that TVA breached its agreement to sell Bellefonte to the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks, among other things, (1) an injunction requiring TVA to maintain Bellefonte and the associated NRC permits until the case is concluded, (2) an order compelling TVA to complete the sale of Bellefonte to the plaintiff, and (3) if the court does not order TVA to complete the sale, monetary damages in excess of $30 million. In December 2018, Nuclear Development, LLC, and TVA filed a joint stipulation with the court. Under the stipulation, Nuclear Development, LLC, withdrew its request for an expedited hearing on its injunction in exchange for TVA's agreement to continue to maintain Bellefonte in accordance with the NRC permits and to give Nuclear Development, LLC, and the court five days prior notice of any filing by TVA to terminate the permits or sell the site. TVA filed a motion to dismiss the case in February 2019. In May 2019, the court denied TVA's motion. On September 23, 2020, the parties filed competing motions for summary judgment. On March 31, 2021, the court denied both parties' summary judgment motions. The court ruled as a matter of law that it would have been illegal under Section 101 of the Atomic Energy Act for TVA to close, relying on past NRC precedent to reach that conclusion. Notwithstanding the legal rulings, the court held that there are disputed issues of material fact on whether TVA satisfied its contractual obligations to use reasonable best efforts and to cooperate with Nuclear Development, LLC, in effectuating the close of the sale. Trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 16, 2021.

Case Involving Rate Changes. On June 9, 2020, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against TVA and one of its LPCs, Bristol Virginia Utilities Authority ("BVUA"), in federal court in Abingdon, Virginia, by a LPC customer, asserting claims for breach of contract and violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. The lawsuit alleges that the customers of TVA's LPCs are third-party beneficiaries under TVA's wholesale power contracts with its LPCs and that TVA’s rate changes dating back to 2010 violate Section 11 of the TVA Act. Section 11 of the TVA Act establishes the broad policy that TVA power projects shall be considered primarily for the benefit of the people of the Tennessee Valley and that service to industry is a secondary purpose to be used principally to secure a sufficiently high load factor and revenue returns to permit domestic and rural use at the lowest possible rates. The remedies requested include an injunction prohibiting TVA rate changes that violate Section 11, monetary damages, and repayment of rates charged in violation of Section 11. TVA and BVUA filed motions to dismiss the case on November 9, 2020, and filed supplemental motions to dismiss on December 21, 2020, in response to an amended complaint filed by the plaintiff. Oral argument on the motions was held on February 18, 2021, and on March 19, 2021, the court granted TVA’s and BVUA's motions to dismiss. The plaintiff appealed the district court's judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on April 15, 2021. Appellate proceedings are expected to occur this spring and summer.

Cases Involving Long-Term Agreements. On August 17, 2020, the Southern Environmental Law Center ("SELC") filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on behalf of three environmental groups alleging that, beginning in August 2019, TVA violated the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") and Section 10 of the TVA Act by offering a Long-Term Agreement ("LTA") to its LPCs. The environmental groups represented by SELC are Protect Our Aquifer, Energy Alabama, and Appalachian Voices.

The environmental groups claim that TVA violated NEPA because (1) TVA failed to perform an environmental review of the LTAs, which harmed the groups' advocacy efforts and their ability to participate in and to inform TVA's decision, and (2) the LTAs will have a negative effect on the environment by increasing TVA's reliance on coal and gas and impeding TVA's customers' efforts to institute renewable energy options. The groups also claim that the LTAs violate Section 10 of the TVA Act, which authorizes TVA to enter into power contracts "for a term not exceeding twenty years," because, the groups allege, the twenty-year rolling contract with a twenty-year notice of termination requirement makes the LTAs effectively "never ending."

The environmental groups request the federal court to (1) declare that TVA's entry into long-term power agreements without preparing an environmental review violated NEPA and the TVA Act, (2) vacate the long-term contracts, and (3) enjoin TVA from implementing "system-wide energy contract programs that significantly affect the environment." TVA filed a motion to dismiss the case on October 20, 2020, and filed a supplemental motion to dismiss on December 4, 2020, in response to an amended complaint filed by the plaintiffs. Oral argument on the motion was held on February 26, 2021.

On January 28, 2021, TVA was served with a lawsuit filed by the Glasgow Electric Plant Board ("GEPB") against TVA in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky seeking to rescind its LTA. The lawsuit advanced multiple legal theories in asking the court to rescind the LTA, declare it null and void, or, in the alternative, reinstate GEPB's 90-day review period under the LTA. The issues raised by GEPB were limited to its contract with TVA, and the lawsuit did not seek relief that would apply to other customers. On February 12, 2021, GEPB voluntarily dismissed all claims filed against TVA, thus ending the lawsuit.

Challenge to Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment. On January 11, 2021, Athens Utilities Board, Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Joe Wheeler EMC, and Volunteer Energy Cooperative filed a complaint and petition with FERC asking FERC to order TVA to provide transmission and interconnection service to the LPCs or other suppliers that want to serve them. The petitioners seek to avoid the limitations of the Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment ("ACPA") to the Federal Power Act ("FPA"), which prohibits FERC from ordering TVA to wheel power from another supplier if the power will be consumed within the TVA service territory. The petitioners argue that section 211A of the FPA, which gives FERC limited jurisdiction over the rates, terms, and conditions of transmission service provided by unregulated transmitting utilities such as TVA, provides an alternate grant of authority to enable FERC to order TVA to wheel power inside its service area unrestricted by the application of the ACPA. The petitioners also argue that the public power model is antiquated and TVA’s refusal to wheel power is not in the public interest because it stifles competition. On February 22, 2021, TVA filed its answer to the FERC petition and complaint, and on March 9, 2021, TVA filed a response to comments submitted by several environmental groups that intervened. On March 16, 2021, the petitioners filed a response to TVA's initial answer, and TVA filed a response to that pleading on March 31, 2021.

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Revenue (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]

Revenue

Revenue from Sales of Electricity

TVA's revenue from contracts with customers is primarily derived from the generation and sale of electricity to its customers and is included in Revenue from sales of electricity on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Electricity is sold primarily to LPCs for distribution to their end-use customers. In addition, TVA sells electricity to directly served industrial companies, federal agencies, and others.

LPC sales

Approximately 92 percent of TVA's revenue from sales of electricity for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 was to LPCs, which then distribute the power to their customers using their own distribution systems. Power is delivered to each LPC at delivery points within the LPC's service territory. TVA recognizes revenue when the customer takes possession of the power at the delivery point. For power sales, the performance obligation to deliver power is satisfied in a series over time because the sales of electricity over the term of the customer contract are a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. TVA has no continuing performance obligations subsequent to delivery. Using the output method for revenue recognition provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of electricity as customers obtain control of the power and benefit from its use at delivery. Additionally, TVA has an enforceable right to consideration for energy delivered at any discrete point in time and will recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which TVA is entitled for the energy delivered. The amount of revenue is based on contractual prices approved by the TVA Board. Customers are invoiced monthly for power delivered as measured by meters located at the delivery points. The net transaction price is offset by certain credits available to customers that are known at the time of billing. Credits are designed to achieve objectives of the TVA Act and include items such as hydro preference credits for residential customers of LPCs, economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley, wholesale bill credits to maintain long-term partnerships with LPCs, Pandemic Relief Credits created to support LPCs and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. Payments are typically due within approximately one month of invoice issuance.

Directly served customers

Directly served customers, including industrial customers, federal agencies, and other customers, take power for their own consumption. Similar to LPCs, power is delivered to a delivery point, at which time the customer takes possession and TVA recognizes revenue. For all power sales, the performance obligation to deliver power is satisfied in a series over time since the sales of electricity over the term of the customer contract are a series of distinct goods that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. TVA has no continuing performance obligations subsequent to delivery. Using the output method for revenue recognition provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of electricity as customers obtain control of the power and benefit from its use at delivery. Additionally, TVA has an enforceable right to consideration for energy delivered at any discrete point in time and will recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which TVA is entitled for the energy delivered. The amount of revenue is based on contractual prices approved by the TVA Board. Customers are invoiced monthly for power delivered as measured by meters located at the delivery points. The net transaction price is offset by certain credits available to customers that are known at the time of billing. Examples of credits include items such as economic development credits to promote growth in the Tennessee Valley, Pandemic Relief Credits created to support directly served customers and strengthen the public power response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand response credits allowing TVA to reduce industrial customer usage in periods of peak demand to balance system demand. Payments are typically due within approximately one month of invoice issuance.

Other Revenue

Other revenue consists primarily of wheeling and network transmission charges, sales of excess steam that is a by-product of power production, delivery point charges for interconnection points between TVA and the customer, and certain other ancillary goods or services.

Disaggregated Revenues

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, revenues generated from TVA's electricity sales were $2.5 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively, and accounted for virtually all of TVA's revenues. TVA's operating revenues by state for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are detailed in the table below:

Operating Revenues By State (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Alabama	$	379	$	360	$	713	$	729
Georgia	66		64		124		127
Kentucky	157		158		294		315
Mississippi	237		227		449		464
North Carolina	18		19		34		37
Tennessee	1,663		1,648		3,164		3,324
Virginia	11		12		21		23
Subtotal	2,531		2,488		4,799		5,019
Off-system sales	2		1		4		2
Revenue from sales of electricity	2,533		2,489		4,803		5,021
Other revenue	39		32		73		78
Total operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	$	4,876	$	5,099

    TVA's operating revenues by customer type for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are detailed in the table below:

Operating Revenues by Customer Type (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenue from sales of electricity
Local power companies	$	2,337	$	2,301	$	4,428	$	4,658
Industries directly served	168		160		322		310
Federal agencies and other	28		28		53		53
Revenue from sales of electricity	2,533		2,489		4,803		5,021
Other revenue	39		32		73		78
Total operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	$	4,876	$	5,099

    TVA and LPCs continue to work together to meet the changing needs of consumers around the Tennessee Valley. In 2019, the TVA Board approved a Partnership Agreement option that better aligns the length of LPC power contracts with TVA's long-term commitments. Under the partnership arrangement, the LPC power contracts have a 20-year termination notice provision that renews each year after their initial effective date, contingent upon certain circumstances, including limited rate increases going forward. Participating LPCs receive benefits including a 3.1 percent wholesale bill credit in exchange for their long-term commitment, which enables TVA to recover its long-term financial commitments over a commensurate period. The total wholesale bill credits to LPCs participating in the long-term Partnership Agreement were $48 million and $36 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. The total wholesale bill credits to LPCs participating in the long-term Partnership Agreement were $90 million and $70 million, respectively, for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. In June 2020, TVA provided participating LPCs a flexibility option that allows them to locally generate up to approximately five percent of average total hourly energy sales over the prior five years in order to meet their individual customers' needs. As of May 3, 2021, 142 LPCs had signed the 20-year Partnership Agreement with TVA, and 71 LPCs had signed a Flexibility Agreement.

In August 2020, the TVA Board approved a Pandemic Relief Credit which became effective beginning October 2020. The 2.5 percent monthly base rate credit, expected to approximate $200 million in total for 2021, applies to service provided to TVA's LPCs, their large commercial and industrial customers, and TVA directly served customers. Pandemic Relief Credits were

$55 million and $104 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021. There were no Pandemic Relief Credits for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020.

    The number of LPCs by contract arrangement, the revenues derived from such arrangements for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, and the percentage those revenues comprised of TVA's total operating revenues for the same periods, are summarized in the tables below:

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	1,934	75.2	%
5-year termination notice	11	403		15.7	%
Total	153	$	2,337	90.9	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	3,654	74.9	%
5-year termination notice	11	774		15.9	%
Total	153	$	4,428	90.8	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

    TVA's two largest LPCs — Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division ("MLGW") and Nashville Electric Service ("NES") — have contracts with a five-year and a 20-year termination notice period, respectively. Sales to MLGW and NES each accounted for eight percent of TVA's total operating revenues for both the six months ended March 31, 2021 and the six months ended March 31, 2020. Certain LPCs, including MLGW, are evaluating options for future energy choices. In addition, in January 2021, four LPCs accounting for four percent of TVA's total operating revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2021, filed a complaint and petition with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") asking FERC to order TVA to provide transmission and interconnection service to the LPCs or other suppliers that want to serve them. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Challenge to Anti-Cherrypicking Amendment.

Contract Balances

    Contract assets represent an entity's right to consideration in exchange for goods and services that the entity has transferred to customers. TVA does not have any material contract assets at March 31, 2021.

    Contract liabilities represent an entity's obligations to transfer goods or services to customers for which the entity has received consideration (or an amount of consideration is due) from the customers. These contract liabilities are primarily related to upfront consideration received prior to the satisfaction of the performance obligation.

    Economic Development Incentives. Under certain economic development programs, TVA offers incentives to existing and potential power customers in targeted business sectors that make multi-year commitments to invest in the Tennessee Valley. TVA records those incentives as reductions of revenue. Incentives recorded as a reduction to revenue were $82 million and $84 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Incentives recorded as a reduction to revenue were $156 million and $160 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Incentives that have been approved but have not been paid are recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, the outstanding unpaid incentives were $170 million and $172 million, respectively. Incentives that have been paid out may be subject to claw back if the customer fails to meet certain program requirements. Additionally, in May 2020, TVA established flexibility provisions to support the continued operations and recovery of participating customers experiencing financial and operational hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic downturn. These provisions were made available through the December 2020

application period, which could provide flexibility to customers through 2021. The provisions have not had a material impact to TVA.

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Plant Closures (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

Plant Closures Disclosure

Plant Closures

Background

TVA must continuously evaluate all generating assets to ensure an optimal energy portfolio that provides safe, clean, and reliable power while maintaining flexibility and fiscal responsibility to the people of the Tennessee Valley. During 2019, the TVA Board approved the Integrated Resource Plan, which recommended an action to evaluate the engineering end-of-life of aging fossil units. These assessments consider material condition, plant performance, system flexibility needs, environmental impacts, grid support, and other factors. Based on results of assessments presented to the TVA Board in 2019, the retirement of Paradise Fossil Plant ("Paradise") Unit 3 by December 2020 and Bull Run Fossil Plant ("Bull Run") by December 2023 was approved. Subsequent to the TVA Board approval, TVA determined that Paradise would not be restarted after January 2020 due to the plant's material condition. Paradise Fossil Plant Unit 3 was taken offline on February 1, 2020, effectively retiring the plant.

Financial Impact

TVA's policy is to adjust depreciation rates to reflect the most current assumptions, ensuring units will be fully depreciated by the applicable retirement dates. As a result of TVA's decision to accelerate the retirements of Paradise and Bull Run, TVA has recognized a cumulative $1.0 billion of accelerated depreciation. Of this amount, $34 million and $91 million was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $67 million and $316 million was recognized during the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

Mar. 31, 2020

Revenue Recognition [Line Items]

General

General

The Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") is a corporate agency and instrumentality of the United States ("U.S.") that was created in 1933 by federal legislation in response to a proposal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  TVA was created to, among other things, improve navigation on the Tennessee River, reduce the damage from destructive flood waters within the Tennessee River system and downstream on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, further the economic development of TVA's service area in the southeastern U.S., and sell the electricity generated at the facilities TVA operates.

Today, TVA operates the nation's largest public power system and supplies power in most of Tennessee, northern Alabama, northeastern Mississippi, and southwestern Kentucky and in portions of northern Georgia, western North Carolina, and southwestern Virginia to a population of approximately 10 million people.

    TVA also manages the Tennessee River, its tributaries, and certain shorelines to provide, among other things, year-round navigation, flood damage reduction, and affordable and reliable electricity. Consistent with these primary purposes, TVA also manages the river system and public lands to provide recreational opportunities, adequate water supply, improved water quality, cultural and natural resource protection, and economic development.

The power program has historically been separate and distinct from the stewardship programs.  It is required to be self-supporting from power revenues and proceeds from power financings, such as proceeds from the issuance of bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness (collectively, "Bonds").  Although TVA does not currently receive congressional appropriations, it is required to make annual payments to the United States Department of the Treasury ("U.S. Treasury") as a return on the government's appropriation investment in TVA's power facilities (the "Power Program Appropriation Investment").  In the 1998 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, Congress directed TVA to fund essential stewardship activities related to its management of the Tennessee River system and nonpower or stewardship properties with power revenues in the event that there were insufficient appropriations or other available funds to pay for such activities in any fiscal year.  Congress has not provided any appropriations to TVA to fund such activities since 1999.  Consequently, during 2000, TVA began paying for essential stewardship activities primarily with power revenues, with the remainder funded with user fees and other forms of revenues derived in connection with those activities.  The activities related to stewardship properties do not meet the criteria of an operating segment under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").  Accordingly, these assets and properties are included as part of the power program, TVA's only operating segment.

Power rates are established by the TVA Board of Directors (the "TVA Board") as authorized by the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933, as amended ("TVA Act").  The TVA Act requires TVA to charge rates for power that will produce gross revenues sufficient to provide funds for operation, maintenance, and administration of its power system; payments to states and counties in lieu of taxes ("tax equivalents"); debt service on outstanding indebtedness; payments to the U.S. Treasury in repayment of and as a return on the Power Program Appropriation Investment; and such additional margin as the TVA Board may consider desirable for investment in power system assets, retirement of outstanding Bonds in advance of maturity, additional reduction of the Power Program Appropriation Investment, and other purposes connected with TVA's power business. TVA fulfilled its requirement to repay $1.0 billion of the Power Program Appropriation Investment with the 2014 payment; therefore, this item is no longer a component of rate setting.  In setting TVA's rates, the TVA Board is charged by the TVA Act to have due regard for the primary objectives of the TVA Act, including the objective that power shall be sold at rates as low as are feasible.  Rates set by the TVA Board are not subject to review or approval by any state or other federal regulatory body.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year

TVA's fiscal year ends September 30.  Years (2021, 2020, etc.) refer to TVA's fiscal years unless they are preceded by "CY," in which case the references are to calendar years.

Cost-Based Regulation

Cost-Based Regulation

Since the TVA Board is authorized by the TVA Act to set rates for power sold to its customers, TVA is self-regulated. Additionally, TVA's regulated rates are designed to recover its costs.  Based on current projections, TVA believes that rates, set at levels that will recover TVA's costs, can be charged and collected.  As a result of these factors, TVA records certain assets and liabilities that result from the regulated ratemaking process that would not be recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities.  Regulatory assets generally represent incurred costs that have been deferred because such costs are probable of future recovery in customer rates.  Regulatory liabilities generally represent obligations to make refunds to customers for previous collections for costs that are not likely to be incurred or deferral of gains that will be credited to customers in future periods.  TVA assesses whether the regulatory assets are probable of future recovery by considering factors such as applicable regulatory changes, potential legislation, and changes in technology.  Based on these assessments, TVA believes the existing regulatory assets are probable of recovery.  This determination reflects the current regulatory and political environment and is subject to change in the future.  If future recovery of regulatory assets ceases to be probable, or any of the other factors described above cease to be applicable, TVA would no longer be considered to be a regulated entity and would be required to

write off these costs.  All regulatory asset write-offs would be required to be recognized in earnings in the period in which future recovery ceases to be probable.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

TVA prepares its consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP for consolidated interim financial information. Accordingly, TVA's consolidated interim financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. As such, they should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020, and the notes thereto, which are contained in TVA's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2020 (the "Annual Report"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of items of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary for fair presentation are included on the consolidated interim financial statements.

    The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, include the accounts of TVA and variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which TVA is the primary beneficiary. See Note 8 — Variable Interest Entities. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation

Use of Estimates

Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements requires TVA to estimate the effects of various matters that are inherently uncertain as of the date of the consolidated financial statements.  Although the consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, TVA is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses, including impacts from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic, reported during the reporting period.  Each of these estimates varies in regard to the level of judgment involved and its potential impact on TVA's financial results.  Estimates are considered critical either when a different estimate could have reasonably been used, or where changes in the estimate are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, and such use or change would materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Restricted cash

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash

    Cash includes cash on hand, non-interest bearing cash, and deposit accounts. All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted, as to withdrawal or use under the terms of certain contractual agreements, are recorded in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted cash and cash equivalents includes cash held in trusts that are currently restricted for TVA economic development loans and for certain TVA environmental programs in accordance with agreements related to compliance with certain environmental regulations. See Note 19 — Contingencies and Legal Proceedings — Legal Proceedings — Environmental Agreements.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	500	$	500
Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in Other long-term assets	19		21
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	519	$	521

Due to higher volatility in the financial markets associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, TVA increased its target balance of Cash and cash equivalents beginning in March 2020. TVA may continue to hold higher balances in future periods due to potential market volatility.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents	$	500	$	500
Restricted cash and cash equivalents included in Other long-term assets	19		21
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	$	519	$	521

Revenue Recognition [Table Text Block]

Revenues

TVA recognizes revenue from contracts with customers to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For the generation and transmission of electricity, this is generally at the time the power is delivered to a metered customer delivery point for the customer's consumption or distribution. As a result, revenues from power sales are recorded as electricity is delivered to customers. In addition to power sales invoiced and recorded during the month, TVA accrues estimated unbilled revenues for power sales provided to five customers whose billing date occurs prior to the end of the month.  Exchange power sales are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of sales of electricity. Exchange power sales are sales of excess power after meeting TVA native load and directly served requirements.  Native load refers to the customers on whose behalf a company, by statute, franchise, regulatory requirement, or contract, has undertaken an obligation to serve. TVA engages in other arrangements in addition to power sales. Certain other revenue from activities related to TVA's overall mission is recorded in Other revenue. Revenues that are not related to the overall mission are recorded in Other income (expense), net.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

    As described in Note 2 — Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations, TVA adopted Financial Instruments - Credit Losses on October 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. The standard, Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL"), requires TVA to recognize an allowance that reflects the current estimate for credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amounts. TVA has reviewed the current portfolio of financial receivables and developed a methodology to reasonably measure the estimate of credit losses for each major financial receivable type. The appropriateness of the allowance is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. TVA continues to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accounts and loans receivable balances to evaluate the allowance for uncollectible accounts.

To determine the allowance for trade receivables, TVA considers historical experience and other currently available information, including events such as customer bankruptcy and/or a customer failing to fulfill payment arrangements by the due date. TVA's corporate credit department also performs an assessment of the financial condition of customers and the credit quality of the receivables. In addition, TVA reviews other reasonable and supportable forecasts to determine if the allowance for uncollectible amounts should be further adjusted in accordance with the accounting guidance for CECL.

To determine the allowance for loans receivables, TVA aggregates loans into the appropriate pools based on the existence of similar risk characteristics such as collateral types and internal assessed credit risks. In situations where a loan exhibits unique risk characteristics and is no longer expected to experience similar risks to the rest of its pool, the loan will be evaluated separately. TVA derives an annual loss rate based on historical loss and then adjusts the rate to reflect TVA's consideration of available information on current conditions and reasonable and supportable future forecasts. This information may include economic and business conditions, default trends, and other internal and external factors. For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, TVA uses the current calculated long-term average historical loss rate for the remaining life of the loan portfolio.

    The allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at both March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, for trade accounts receivable. Additionally, loans receivable of $117 million and $105 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, are included in Accounts receivable, net and Other long-term assets, for the current and long-term portions, respectively. Loans receivables are reported net of allowances for uncollectible accounts of $5 million and less than $1 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively. The increase in allowances for uncollectible accounts is due to the adoption of CECL. See Note 2 - Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.

Depreciation

Depreciation        TVA accounts for depreciation of its properties using the composite depreciation convention of accounting. Under the composite method, assets with similar economic characteristics are grouped and depreciated as one asset. Depreciation is generally computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives of the various classes of assets. The estimation of asset useful lives requires management judgment, supported by external depreciation studies of historical asset retirement experience. Depreciation rates are determined based on the external depreciation studies. These studies are updated approximately every five years, with a study currently being performed in 2021. Depreciation expense was $346 million and $407 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Depreciation expense was $691 million and $946 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 5 — Plant Closures for a discussion of the impact of plant closures.

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Variable Interest Entities (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021
Text Block [Abstract]
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy	A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of owning a controlling financial interest. When TVA determines that it has a variable interest in a VIE, a qualitative evaluation is performed to assess which interest holders have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could be significant to the entity. The evaluation considers the purpose and design of the business, the risks that the business was designed to create and pass along to other entities, the activities of the business that can be directed and which party can direct them, and the expected relative impact of those activities on the economic performance of the business through its life. TVA has the power to direct the activities of an entity when it has the ability to make key operating and financing decisions, including, but not limited to, capital investment and the issuance of debt. Based on the evaluation of these criteria, TVA has determined it is the primary beneficiary of certain entities and as such is required to account for the VIEs on a consolidated basis.

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Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]

Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles

Impact of New Accounting Standards and Interpretations     

    The following are accounting standard updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that TVA adopted during 2021:

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
Description	This guidance eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current GAAP and, instead, requires an allowance to be recorded for all expected credit losses for certain financial assets that are not measured at fair value. The allowance for credit losses is based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The new standard also makes revisions to the other than temporary impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities.
Effective Date for TVA	October 1, 2020
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	TVA adopted this standard on a modified retrospective method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings on October 1, 2020. TVA recorded an initial transition adjustment of $4 million to retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Fair Value Measurement Disclosure
Description	This guidance changes certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. It removes certain disclosure requirements, such as the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of the transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements.  Some disclosure requirements are added, such as the change in unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements.
Effective Date for TVA	October 1, 2020
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

The following accounting standard has been issued but at March 31, 2021, was not effective and had not been adopted by TVA:

Reference Rate Reform
Description	This guidance provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance in GAAP on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rates.
Effective Date for TVA	The new standard is effective for adoption at any time between March 12, 2020, and December 31, 2022. TVA currently plans to adopt the standard by December 31, 2022.
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters	TVA continues to review this standard and evaluate the impact of using an alternative reference rate instead of LIBOR in its interest rate swap contracts. TVA does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on TVA's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Accounts Receivable, Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable, Net

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's accounts receivable:

Accounts Receivable, Net
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Power receivables	$	1,204	$	1,401
Other receivables	80		128
Accounts receivable, net(1)	$	1,284	$	1,529

Note

(1) Allowance for uncollectible accounts was less than $1 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, and therefore is not represented in the table

above. The allowance at March 31, 2021 includes the impact from adopting CECL on October 1, 2020.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TVA Board approved the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program in 2020. Through this program, TVA offered up to $1.0 billion of credit support to local power company customers ("LPCs") that demonstrated the need for temporary financial relief, through the deferral of a portion of LPCs' wholesale power payments owed to TVA.  The program ended on December 31, 2020, with a total of $1 million of credit support approved under the program. As of March 31, 2021, the $1 million had been fully repaid.

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Inventories, Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

Inventories, Net

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's inventories:

Inventories, Net
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Materials and supplies inventory	$	767	$	770
Fuel inventory	263		253
Renewable energy certificates inventory, net	18		15
Allowance for inventory obsolescence	(34)		(35)
Inventories, net	$	1,014	$	1,003

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Other Long-Term Assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Other Long-Term Assets

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of TVA's other long-term assets:

Other Long-Term Assets (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Loans and other long-term receivables, net	$	109	$	100
EnergyRight® receivables, net	62		69
Prepaid long-term service agreements	54		42
Commodity contract derivative assets	5		23
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	19		21
Prepaid capacity payments	8		11
Other	61		59
Total other long-term assets	$	318	$	325

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Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

Components of regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities are summarized in the table below.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Current regulatory assets
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives	$	114	$	114
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives	—		4
Fuel cost adjustment receivable	41		12
Total current regulatory assets	155		130
Non-current regulatory assets
Deferred pension costs and other post-retirement benefits costs	5,009		5,193
Non-nuclear decommissioning costs	2,604		2,512
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives	986		1,506
Nuclear decommissioning costs	482		896
Unrealized losses on commodity derivatives	4		—
Other non-current regulatory assets	145		138
Total non-current regulatory assets	9,230		10,245
Total regulatory assets	$	9,385	$	10,375
Current regulatory liabilities
Fuel cost adjustment tax equivalents	$	115	$	115
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives	26		26
Total current regulatory liabilities	141		141
Non-current regulatory liabilities
Unrealized gains on commodity derivatives	5		23
Total regulatory liabilities	$	146	$	164

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Variable Interest Entities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Variable Interest Entities

The financial statement items attributable to carrying amounts and classifications of JSCCG, Holdco, and SCCG at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, as reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are as follows:

Summary of Impact of VIEs on Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Current liabilities
Accrued interest	$	10	$	10
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3		3
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	42		41
Total current liabilities	55		54
Other liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	21		23
Long-term debt, net
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	1,028		1,048
Total liabilities	$	1,104	$	1,125

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Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]

Other Long-Term Liabilities

The table below summarizes the types and amounts of Other long-term liabilities:

Other Long-Term Liabilities (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Interest rate swap liabilities	$	1,398	$	1,927
Operating lease liabilities	143		171
Currency swap liabilities	21		123
EnergyRight® financing obligations	71		78
Accrued long-term service agreements	40		56
Other	194		193
Total other long-term liabilities	$	1,867	$	2,548

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Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]

Asset Retirement Obligation Activity

Asset Retirement Obligation Activity
	Nuclear		Non-Nuclear		Total
Balance at September 30, 2020	$	3,278	$	3,507	$	6,785	(1)
Settlements	(3)		(77)		(80)
Revisions in estimate	2		106		108
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)	74		31		105
Balance at March 31, 2021	$	3,351	$	3,567	$	6,918	(1)

Note

(1) Includes $271 million and $345 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, in Current liabilities.

The revisions in non-nuclear estimates increased $106 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021. These increases were primarily driven by revisions of certain CCR closure liabilities at Shawnee, Paradise, and Colbert, resulting from revised engineering estimates for construction costs, new vendor bids, modified closure designs, and expected costs associated with post-closure care of the closed areas.

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Debt and Other Obligations (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt Outstanding

Total debt outstanding at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, consisted of the following:

Debt Outstanding  (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Short-term debt
Short-term debt, net	$	1,241	$	57
Current maturities of power bonds issued at par(1)	304		1,787
Current maturities of long-term debt of VIEs issued at par	42		41
Total current debt outstanding, net	1,587		1,885
Long-term debt
Long-term power bonds(2)	18,112		18,078
Long-term debt of VIEs, net	1,028		1,048
Unamortized discounts, premiums, issue costs, and other	(117)		(122)
Total long-term debt, net	19,023		19,004
Total debt outstanding	$	20,610	$	20,889

Notes

(1) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $56 million and $73 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

(2) Includes net exchange gain from currency transactions of $46 million and $80 million at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Debt Securities Activity

Debt Securities Activity

The table below summarizes the long-term debt securities activity for the period from October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021:

Debt Securities Activity
	Date	Amount (in millions)		Interest Rate
Redemptions/Maturities(1)
2009 Series B	December 2020	$	1	3.77	%
2011 Series A	February 2021	1,500		3.88	%
Total redemptions/maturities of power bonds		1,501
Debt of variable interest entities		20
Total redemptions/maturities of debt		$	1,521

Note

(1) All redemptions were at 100 percent of par.

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment

The following tables summarize the accounting treatment that certain of TVA's financial derivative transactions receive:

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 1)  Amount of Mark-to-Market Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in millions)
			Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	Objective of Hedge Transaction	Accounting for Derivative Hedging Instrument	2021		2020		2021		2020
Currency swaps	To protect against changes in cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (exchange rate risk)	Unrealized gains and losses are recorded in AOCI and reclassified to Interest expense to the extent they are offset by gains and losses on the hedged transaction	$	22	$	(163)	$	123	$	(87)

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (part 2)(1) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Interest Expense (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationship	2021		2020		2021		2020
Currency swaps	$	5	$	(56)	$	50	$	3

Note

(1) There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for any of the periods presented. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $19 million of gains from AOCI to Interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in Interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt.

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment

Summary of Derivative Instruments That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives(1)
			Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Derivative Type	Objective of Derivative(2)	Accounting for Derivative Instrument	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest rate swaps	To fix short-term debt variable rate to a fixed rate (interest rate risk)	Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities Realized gains and losses are recognized in Interest expense when incurred during the settlement period and are presented in operating cash flow	$	(28)	$	(23)	$	(57)	$	(44)
Commodity contract derivatives	To protect against fluctuations in market prices of purchased coal or natural gas (price risk)	Mark-to-market gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities Realized gains and losses due to contract settlements are recognized in Fuel expense as incurred	—		—		—		1

Notes

(1) All of TVA's derivative instruments that do not receive hedge accounting treatment have unrealized gains (losses) that would otherwise be recognized in income but instead are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. As such, there were no related gains (losses) recognized in income for these unrealized gains (losses) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

(2) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts.

Fair Value of TVA Derivatives

Fair Values of TVA Derivatives (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021			At September 30, 2020
Derivatives That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation
Currency swaps
£200 million Sterling	$	(58)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(58)	$	(78)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(78)
£250 million Sterling	(8)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(4); Other long-term liabilities $(4)	(63)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(5); Other long-term liabilities $(58)
£150 million Sterling	(20)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3); Other long-term liabilities $(17)	(68)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3); Other long-term liabilities $(65)
Derivatives That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment:
	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation	Balance		Balance Sheet Presentation
Interest rate swaps
$1.0 billion notional	$	(1,090)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(43); Accrued interest $(37); Other long-term liabilities $(1,010)	$	(1,449)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(43); Accrued interest $(37); Other long-term liabilities $(1,369)
$476 million notional	(419)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(22); Accrued interest $(10); Other long-term liabilities $(387)	(588)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(22); Accrued interest $(10); Other long-term liabilities $(556)
$42 million notional(1)	(3)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(1); Accrued interest $(1); Other long-term liabilities $(1)	(4)		Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(2); Other long-term liabilities $(2)
Commodity contract derivatives	27		Other current assets $27; Other long-term assets $5; Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(1); Other long-term liabilities $(4)	46		Other current assets $26; Other long-term assets $23; Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $(3)

Commodity Contract Derivatives

Commodity Contract Derivatives
	At March 31, 2021			At September 30, 2020
	Number of Contracts	Notional Amount	Fair Value (MtM)	Number of Contracts	Notional Amount	Fair Value (MtM)
Natural gas contract derivatives	27	274 million mmBtu	27	42	302 million mmBtu	46

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The amounts of TVA's derivative instruments as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are shown in the table below:

Derivative Assets and Liabilities(1) (in millions)
	At March 31, 2021		At September 30, 2020
Assets
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	$	32	$	49
Liabilities
Currency swaps(2)	$	86	$	209
Interest rate swaps(2)	1,512		2,041
Total derivatives subject to master netting or similar arrangement	1,598		2,250
Commodity derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	5		3
Total liabilities	$	1,603	$	2,253

Notes

(1) Offsetting amounts primarily include counterparty netting of derivative contracts, margin account deposits for futures commission merchants transactions, and cash collateral received or paid in accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging transactions. There were no material offsetting amounts on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheets at either March 31, 2021, or September 30, 2020.

(2) Letters of credit of approximately $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion were posted as collateral at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, to partially secure the liability positions of one of the currency swaps and one of the interest rate swaps in accordance with the collateral requirements for these derivatives.

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Valuation Techniques

The measurement of fair value results in classification into a hierarchy by the inputs used to determine the fair value as follows:

Level 1	—	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible by the reporting entity for identical assets or liabilities.  Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing.
Level 2	—	Pricing inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are based on observable market data and that are directly or indirectly observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.  These include quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted market prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, adjusted quoted market prices, inputs from observable data such as interest rate and yield curves, volatilities and default rates observable at commonly quoted intervals, and inputs derived from observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3	—	Pricing inputs that are unobservable, or less observable, from objective sources.  Unobservable inputs are only to be used to the extent observable inputs are not available.  These inputs maintain the concept of an exit price from the perspective of a market participant and should reflect assumptions of other market participants.  An entity should consider all market participant assumptions that are available without unreasonable cost and effort.  These are given the lowest priority and are generally used in internally developed methodologies to generate management's best estimate of the fair value when no observable market data is available.

Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)

TVA recorded unrealized gains and losses related to its equity and trading debt securities held during each period as follows:

Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses) (in millions)
		Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
Fund	Financial Statement Presentation	2021		2020		2021		2020
NDT	Regulatory asset	$	23	$	(357)	$	253	$	(246)
ART	Regulatory asset	28		(135)		120		(98)
SERP	Other income (expense)	1		(9)		5		(8)
DCP	Other income (expense)	—		(3)		1		(2)

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements At March 31, 2021 (in millions)
	Quoted Prices in Active  Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Investments
Equity securities	$	617	$	—	$	—	$	617
Government debt securities(1)	528		32		—		560
Corporate debt securities(2)	—		409		—		409
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		30		—		30
Institutional mutual funds	222		—		—		222
Forward debt securities contracts	—		8		—		8
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		274
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		215
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		62
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		1,326
Total investments	1,367		479		—		3,723
Commodity contract derivatives	—		32		—		32
Total	$	1,367	$	511	$	—	$	3,755
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Liabilities
Currency swaps(4)	$	—	$	86	$	—	$	86
Interest rate swaps	—		1,512		—		1,512
Commodity contract derivatives	—		5		—		5
Total	$	—	$	1,603	$	—	$	1,603

Notes

(1) Includes obligations of government-sponsored entities.

(2) Includes both U.S. and foreign debt.

(3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)  TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements At September 30, 2020 (in millions)
	Quoted Prices in Active  Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets
Investments
Equity securities	$	500	$	—	$	—	$	500
Government debt securities(1)	485		40		—		525
Corporate debt securities(2)	—		356		—		356
Mortgage and asset-backed securities	—		27		—		27
Institutional mutual funds	188		—		—		188
Forward debt securities contracts	—		13		—		13
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		194
Private real asset funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		168
Private credit measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		53
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(3)	—		—		—		1,174
Total investments	1,173		436		—		3,198
Commodity contract derivatives	—		49		—		49
Total	$	1,173	$	485	$	—	$	3,247
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Liabilities
Currency swaps(4)	$	—	$	209	$	—	$	209
Interest rate swaps	—		2,041		—		2,041
Commodity contract derivatives	—		3		—		3
Total	$	—	$	2,253	$	—	$	2,253

Notes

(1) Includes obligations of government-sponsored entities.

(2) Includes both U.S. and foreign debt.

(3) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)  TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs

he following table presents a reconciliation of all commodity contract derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (in millions)
	Commodity Contract Derivatives(1)
	Three Months Ended March 31		Six Months Ended March 31
Balance at beginning of period	$	(17)	$	(4)
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities	10		(3)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	(7)	$	(7)

Note

(1) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts. Therefore, the fair value measurement using significant unobservable inputs was zero at October 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

Estimated Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value

The estimated values of TVA's financial instruments not recorded at fair value at March 31, 2021, and September 30, 2020, were as follows:

Estimated Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value (in millions)
		At March 31, 2021				At September 30, 2020
	Valuation Classification	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
EnergyRight® receivables, net (including current portion)	Level 2	$	78	$	78	$	87	$	86
Loans and other long-term receivables, net (including current portion)	Level 2	117		107		105		93
EnergyRight® financing obligations (including current portion)	Level 2	89		99		97		108
Unfunded loan commitments	Level 2	—		1		—		2
Membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption (including current portion)	Level 2	24		32		26		35
Long-term outstanding power bonds (including current maturities), net	Level 2	18,299		23,341		19,743		26,630
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net	Level 2	1,070		1,310		1,089		1,419

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Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Income (Expense), Net

16.  Other Income (Expense), Net

Income and expenses not related to TVA's operating activities are summarized in the following table:

Other Income (Expense), Net
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest income	$	3	$	5	$	6	$	10
External services	3		3		7		6
Gains (losses) on investments	2		(11)		11		(6)
Miscellaneous	3		2		2		1
Total Other income (expense), net	$	11	$	(1)	$	26	$	11

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Benefit Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Components of TVA's Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized as changes in regulatory assets for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:

Components of TVA's Benefit Plans(1)
	For the Three Months Ended March 31								For the Six Months Ended March 31
	Pension Benefits				Other Post-Retirement Benefits				Pension Benefits				Other Post-Retirement Benefits
	2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020		2021		2020
Service cost	$	14	$	15	$	4	$	4	$	28	$	27	$	9	$	8
Interest cost	93		104		4		4		184		208		8		8
Expected return on plan assets	(123)		(122)		—		—		(246)		(244)		—		—
Amortization of prior service credit	(25)		(24)		(4)		(6)		(49)		(48)		(9)		(12)
Recognized net actuarial loss	115		109		2		3		227		218		5		5
Total net periodic benefit cost as actuarially determined	74		82		6		5		144		161		13		9
Amount expensed / (capitalized) due to actions of regulator	2		(6)		—		—		9		(8)		—		—
Total net periodic benefit cost	$	76	$	76	$	6	$	5	$	153	$	153	$	13	$	9

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Revenue (Tables)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

State [Table Text Block]

TVA's operating revenues by state for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are detailed in the table below:

Operating Revenues By State (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Alabama	$	379	$	360	$	713	$	729
Georgia	66		64		124		127
Kentucky	157		158		294		315
Mississippi	237		227		449		464
North Carolina	18		19		34		37
Tennessee	1,663		1,648		3,164		3,324
Virginia	11		12		21		23
Subtotal	2,531		2,488		4,799		5,019
Off-system sales	2		1		4		2
Revenue from sales of electricity	2,533		2,489		4,803		5,021
Other revenue	39		32		73		78
Total operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	$	4,876	$	5,099

Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]

TVA's operating revenues by customer type for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are detailed in the table below:

Operating Revenues by Customer Type (in millions)
	Three Months Ended March 31				Six Months Ended March 31
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenue from sales of electricity
Local power companies	$	2,337	$	2,301	$	4,428	$	4,658
Industries directly served	168		160		322		310
Federal agencies and other	28		28		53		53
Revenue from sales of electricity	2,533		2,489		4,803		5,021
Other revenue	39		32		73		78
Total operating revenues	$	2,572	$	2,521	$	4,876	$	5,099

Schedule of Long-term Contracts for Purchase of Electric Power

The number of LPCs by contract arrangement, the revenues derived from such arrangements for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, and the percentage those revenues comprised of TVA's total operating revenues for the same periods, are summarized in the tables below:

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	1,934	75.2	%
5-year termination notice	11	403		15.7	%
Total	153	$	2,337	90.9	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	3,654	74.9	%
5-year termination notice	11	774		15.9	%
Total	153	$	4,428	90.8	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

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Revenue Local Power Company Contracts (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items]

Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block]

The number of LPCs by contract arrangement, the revenues derived from such arrangements for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, and the percentage those revenues comprised of TVA's total operating revenues for the same periods, are summarized in the tables below:

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	1,934	75.2	%
5-year termination notice	11	403		15.7	%
Total	153	$	2,337	90.9	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

TVA Local Power Company Contracts At or for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2021
Contract Arrangements(1)	Number of LPCs	Revenue from Sales of Electricity to LPCs (in millions)		Percentage of Total Operating Revenues
20-year termination notice	142	$	3,654	74.9	%
5-year termination notice	11	774		15.9	%
Total	153	$	4,428	90.8	%

Note

(1) Ordinarily, the LPCs and TVA have the same termination notice period; however, in contracts with two of the LPCs with five-year termination notices, TVA has a 10-year termination notice (which becomes a five-year termination notice if TVA loses its discretionary wholesale rate-setting authority). Certain LPCs have five-year termination notices or a shorter period if any act of Congress, court decision, or regulatory change requires or permits that election.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies General and Basis of Presentation (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) People	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) People	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Reclassification of Amounts on Cash Flow and Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 500		$ 500		$ 500
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	19		19		21
Regulatory Assets	9,385		9,385		10,375
Appropriation-investment power program					1,000
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 107		$ 107		93
Population of TVA's service area | People	10		10
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 1		$ 1
Depreciation expense	346	$ 407	691	$ 946
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 519	$ 858	$ 519	858	$ 521	$ 322
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)				$ 536

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 107	$ 93
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	1
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	5	1
Carrying Value
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 117	$ 105

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Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 1,204	$ 1,401
Other receivables	80	128
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	1
Accounts receivable, net	1,284	$ 1,529
Total available Credit on the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program	1,000
Subsequent Credit on the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program	$ 1

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Inventories, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Inventories, Net
Materials and supplies inventory	$ 767	$ 770
Fuel inventory	263	253
Renewable energy certificates/emission allowance inventory, net	18	15
Allowance for inventory obsolescence	(34)	(35)
Inventories, net	$ 1,014	$ 1,003

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Other Long-Term Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Long-Term Assets
EnergyRight® receivables, net	$ 78	$ 86
Prepaid Expense, Noncurrent	54	42
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	19	21
Total other long-term assets	318	325
Prepaid Expense, Current	11	3
Deferral of EnergyRight loans	1
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	5	1
EnergyRight loan reserve
Other Long-Term Assets
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	2
Economic development loan specific loan reserve
Other Long-Term Assets
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	2
Economic Development Loan Collective Reserve
Other Long-Term Assets
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	1
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Other Long-Term Assets
EnergyRight® receivables, net	16	18
Other long-term assets
Other Long-Term Assets
Loans and other long-term receivables, net	109	100
EnergyRight® receivables, net	62	69
Prepaid capacity payments	8	11
Other	61	59
Other long-term assets
Other Long-Term Assets
Commodity Contract Asset, Noncurrent	$ 5	$ 23
Energy Right
Other Long-Term Assets
Number of days in default	180 days
Energy Right | Minimum
Other Long-Term Assets
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Energy Right | Maximum
Other Long-Term Assets
Debt Instrument, Term	10 years

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Regulatory Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Current regulatory assets	$ 155	$ 130
Non-current regulatory assets	9,230	10,245
Regulatory assets	9,385	10,375
Current regulatory liabilities	141	141
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent	5	23
Regulatory Liabilities	146	164
Fuel cost adjustment tax equivalents
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Current regulatory liabilities	115	115
Unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Current regulatory liabilities	26	26
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent	5	23
Unrealized losses on interest rate derivatives [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Current regulatory assets	114	114
Non-current regulatory assets	986	1,506
Unrealized gains/losses on commodity derivatives
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Current regulatory assets	0	4
Non-current regulatory assets	4	0
Fuel cost adjustment receivable/liability
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Current regulatory assets	41	12
Pension Costs [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Non-current regulatory assets	5,009	5,193
Nuclear desommissioning costs [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Non-current regulatory assets	482	896
Non-nuclear decommissioning [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Non-current regulatory assets	2,604	2,512
Other non-current regulatory assets [Member]
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Non-current regulatory assets	$ 145	$ 138

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Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Variable Interest Entities
Other long-term liabilities	$ 1,867		$ 1,867		$ 2,548
Accrued interest	10		10		10
VIE Financing
Face amount	$ 40		$ 40			$ 360
Financial instruments subject to mandatory redemption, interest rate, stated percentage	7.00%		7.00%
Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	$ 42		$ 42		41
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	1,028		1,028		1,048
Liabilities, Current	4,174		4,174		4,711
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entities
Other long-term liabilities	21		21		23
Liabilities	1,104		1,104		1,125		$ 1,000
Liabilities
Liabilities, Current	55		55		54
Interest Expense	13	$ 14	26	$ 27
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	$ 3		$ 3		$ 3
JSCCG
VIE Financing
Face amount							900
Holdco
VIE Financing
Face amount							$ 100
SCCG
VIE Financing
Debt and Lease Obligation						$ 400

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Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		6 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Finance Lease, Liability		$ 143	$ 171
Interest rate swap liabilities		1,512	2,041
Capital lease obligations		0	25
Currency swap liabilities	[1]	86	209
EnergyRight® financing obligation		(99)	(108)
Total other long-term liabilities		1,867	2,548
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent		5	23
Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Liabilities		(529)
Deferral of EnergyRight loans		1
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Obligations under long-term service agreements		(20)	(15)
Interest rate swap liabilities		114
EnergyRight® financing obligation		(18)	(19)
Other long-term liabilities
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Obligations under long-term service agreements		(40)	(56)
Interest rate swap liabilities		1,398	1,927
Currency swap liabilities		21	123
EnergyRight® financing obligation		(71)	(78)
Other		$ 194	$ 193

[1] TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

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Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ 133
Amortization and Depreciation of Decontaminating and Decommissioning Assets	36
Asset Retirement Obligation, Beginning Balance	6,785
Settlements	(80)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate	108
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)	105
Asset Retirement Obligation, Ending Balance	6,918
Current portion of ARO	(271)	$ (345)
Nuclear
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Beginning Balance	3,278
Settlements	(3)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate	2
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)	74
Asset Retirement Obligation, Ending Balance	3,351
Non-nuclear
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Beginning Balance	3,507
Settlements	(77)
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate	106
Accretion (recorded as regulatory asset)	31
Asset Retirement Obligation, Ending Balance	$ 3,567
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Asset Retirement Obligations
Current portion of ARO		$ (345)

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Debt and Other Obligations Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Short-term debt
Short-term debt, net	$ 1,241	$ 57
Current maturities of power bonds	304	1,787
Current maturities of long-term debt of variable interest entities	42	41
Total current debt outstanding, net	1,587	1,885
Long-term debt
Long-term power bonds	18,112	18,078
Unamortized discounts, premiums, issues costs, and other	117	122
Total long-term debt, net	19,023	19,004
Total outstanding debt	20,610	20,889
Long-term debt of variable interest entities, net	1,028	1,048
Net exchange gain from currency transaction, current	56	73
Net exchange gain from currency transaction, noncurrent	$ 46	$ 80

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Debt and Other Obligations Debt Securities Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument
Total long-term debt, net			$ 19,004	$ 19,023
Redemptions and repurchases of power bonds				$ 1,501	[1]	$ 1,218
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Type				20
Total redemptions/maturities of debt	[1]			$ (1,521)
Total
Debt Instrument
Percent of par value				100.00%
2009 Series B [Member]
Debt Instrument
Redemptions and repurchases of power bonds		$ 1,500	$ 1
Debt of variable interest entities [Member]
Debt Instrument
Other Debt instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage
2009 Series B [Member]
Debt Instrument
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		3.88%	3.77%

[1] (1) All redemptions were at 100 percent of par.

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Debt and Other Obligations Credit Facility Agreements (Details)
$ in Millions

6 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2021

USD ($)

Credit_facilities

Sep. 30, 2020

USD ($)

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Summary of Long-Term Credit Facilities

The following table provides additional information regarding TVA's funding available under the four long-term revolving credit facilities:

Summary of Long-Term Credit Facilities At March 31, 2021 (in millions)
Maturity Date	Facility Limit		Letters of Credit Outstanding		Cash Borrowings		Availability
June 2023	$	1,000	$	289	$	—	$	711
September 2023	1,000		326		—		674
February 2024	150		38		—		112
February 2025	500		500		—		—
Total	$	2,650	$	1,153	$	—	$	1,497

Line of Credit

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Current borrowing capacity for credit facilities

$ 150

Revolving Credit Facilities

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Current borrowing capacity for credit facilities

$ 2,650

Number of revolving credit facilities | Credit_facilities

4

December 2019 Credit Facility

$ 150

February 2022 Credit Facility

1,000

June 2020 Credit Facility

500

September 2020 Credit Facility

1,000

Cash Borrowings-December 2019 Credit Facility

0

Cash Borrowings-June 2020 Credit Facility

0

Cash Borrowings-September 2020 Credit Facility

0

Total Cash Borrowings for Credit Facilities

0

Remaining Availability, December 2019 Credit Facility

112

Remaining Availability, February 2022 Credit Facility

711

Remaining Availability, June 2020 Credit Facility

674

Remaining Availability, September 2020 Credit Facility

0

Total Remaining Availability for Credit Facilities

1,497

Letter of Credit

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 1

500

Letter of Credit Outstanding, December 2019 Credit Facility

38

Letter of Credit Outstanding, February 2022 Credit Facility

326

Letter of Credit Outstanding, September 2020 Credit Facility

289

Amount of letters of credit outstanding for credit facilities

$ 1,153

$ 1,500

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Debt and Other Obligations Lease/Leaseback Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
CT and QTE outstanding leaseback obligation	$ 87	$ 223
Leasing transaction, number of units		24
CT and QTE outstanding leaseback obligation	$ 87	$ 223

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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020		Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Reclassification to earnings from cash flow hedges	$ (5)	$ 56	[1]	$ (50)	[1]	$ (3)	[1]

[1] There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for any of the periods presented. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $19 million of gains from AOCI to Interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in Interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt.

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020		Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Summary of Derivative Instruments That Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	$ 22	$ (163)		$ 123		$ (87)
Reclassification to earnings from cash flow hedges	$ 5	$ (56)	[1]	50	[1]	$ 3	[1]
Reclassification to earnings from cash flow hedges in the next 12 months				$ (19)

[1] There were no amounts excluded from effectiveness testing for any of the periods presented. Based on forecasted foreign currency exchange rates, TVA expects to reclassify approximately $19 million of gains from AOCI to Interest expense within the next 12 months to offset amounts anticipated to be recorded in Interest expense related to exchange gain on the debt.

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Derivative Instruments That Do Not Receive Hedge Accounting Treatment (Details)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Years	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Years		Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Derivative
Amount recognized for unrealized gains (losses)				$ 0
Change in Unrealized gains (losses) on Interest Rate Derivatives	$ (386,000,000)	$ 556,000,000		(529,000,000)		$ (385,000,000)
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives	(28,000,000)	(23,000,000)	[1]	(57,000,000)	[1]	(44,000,000)	[1]
Fair value	(419,000,000)			(419,000,000)				$ (588,000,000)
Commodity Contract Derivatives
Derivative
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives	0	$ 0		0	[1]	$ 1,000,000	[1]
Fair value	$ 27,000,000			$ 27,000,000				$ 46,000,000
Natural Gas [Member]
Derivative
Number of contracts	27			27				42
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	274,000,000			274,000,000				302,000,000
Fair value	$ 27,000,000			$ 27,000,000				$ 46,000,000
Number Commodity Contract Term Years | Years	3			3

[1] All of TVA's derivative instruments that do not receive hedge accounting treatment have unrealized gains (losses) that would otherwise be recognized in income but instead are deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities. As such, there were no related gains (losses) recognized in income for these unrealized gains (losses) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.(2) During the fourth quarter of 2020, TVA discontinued derivative accounting for forward coal contracts.

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Fair Values of TVA Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	1,598	2,250
$14 million notional [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value
Derivative, Notional Amount	14
$28 million notional [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value
Derivative, Notional Amount	28
200 million Sterling currency swap
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(58)	(78)
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	86	209
200 million Sterling currency swap | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(58)	(78)
250 million Sterling currency swap
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(8)	(63)
250 million Sterling currency swap | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(4)	(58)
250 million Sterling currency swap | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(4)	(5)
150 million Sterling currency swap
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(20)	(68)
150 million Sterling currency swap | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(17)	(65)
150 million Sterling currency swap | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(3)	(3)
$1.0 billion notional interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(1,090)	(1,449)
$1.0 billion notional interest rate swap | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(1,010)	(1,369)
$1.0 billion notional interest rate swap | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(43)	(43)
$1.0 billion notional interest rate swap | Interest payable, current
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(37)	(37)
$476 million notional interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(419)	(588)
$476 million notional interest rate swap | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(387)	(556)
$476 million notional interest rate swap | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(22)	(22)
$476 million notional interest rate swap | Interest payable, current
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(10)	(10)
$42 million notional interest rate swap
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(3)	(4)
$42 million notional interest rate swap | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(1)	(2)
$42 million notional interest rate swap | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(1)	(2)
$42 million notional interest rate swap | Interest payable, current
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(1)
Commodity contract derivatives
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	27	46
Commodity contract derivatives | Other long-term assets
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	5	23
Commodity contract derivatives | Other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	27	26
Commodity contract derivatives | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(1)
Commodity contract derivatives | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value
Fair value	(4)	(3)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Derivatives, Fair Value
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Currency Swaps Outstanding (Details) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Bond_issues	Jun. 30, 2020 Bond_issues
Derivative
Number of British pound sterling denominated bond transactions	3
Number of currency swaps outstanding		3
Associated TVA bond issues currency exposure | $	$ 600
Minimum
Derivative
Expiration date range of swaps	2021
Maximum
Derivative
Expiration date range of swaps	2043

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Derivatives Under FTP (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13
Natural Gas Contract Derivatives
Derivative
Fair value	27	46
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Derivative
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Offsetting of Derivative Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	$ 1,603	$ 2,253
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	1,598	2,250
Total derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	32	49
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	8	13
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	5	3
Letter of Credit
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Amount of letters of credit outstanding for credit facilities	1,153	1,500
Currency Swap
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	86	209
Interest Rate Contract
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	1,512	2,041
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Offsetting Assets [Line Items]
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Offsetting for Derivative Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020 Bond_issues
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of currency swaps outstanding | Bond_issues			3
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 1,204	$ 1,401
Total derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	32	49
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	1,598	2,250
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	5	3
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Including Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	1,603	2,253
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	8	13
Currency Swap
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	86	209
Interest Rate Contract
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	1,512	2,041
Letter of Credit
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Amount of letters of credit outstanding	1,153	1,500
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items]
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Collateral (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13
Likely cash collateral obligation increase	22
Collateralized Securities [Member]
Derivative
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	1,600
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	1,100
Letter of Credit
Derivative
Amount of letters of credit outstanding	1,153	1,500
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Derivative
Forward Contract Derivative Asset, at Fair Value	$ 8	$ 13

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Counterparty Credit Risk (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) megawatts	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) megawatts	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Derivative
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 1,204	$ 1,204	$ 1,401
Total derivatives not subject to master netting or similar arrangement	$ 32	$ 32	$ 49
Two Largest Customer Percentage of Total Operating Revenue	1600.00%
Moody's, A1 Rating [Member]
Derivative
Banking Counterparties Credit Rating		A2
Natural Gas Banking Counterparties Credit Rating		A1
Moody's, Caa1 Rating [Member]
Derivative
Natural Gas Banking Counterparties Credit Rating		B1
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain]
Derivative
Megawatts | megawatts	440	440

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Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions Cash Flow from Hedging (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Cash Flow from Hedging [Abstract]
Associated bond issues currency exposure	$ 600

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Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements - Investments (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Investment Gains (Losses)
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 107		$ 107		$ 93
Balance in NDT	$ 2,600		$ 2,600
Period of time where the investor contributes capital to an investment in a private partnership - minimum			three
Period of time where the investor contributes capital to an investment in a private partnership - maximum			four
Minimum investment period			10 years
Number of readily available quoted exchange prices for the investments	0		0
Investment funds	$ 3,723		$ 3,723		$ 3,198
LTDCP [Member]
Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	0	$ 3	(1)	$ 2
SERP
Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(1)	9	(5)	8
ART [Member]
Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(28)	135	(120)	98
NDT [Member]
Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(23)	$ 357	253	$ 246
Equity Funds
Investment Gains (Losses)
NDT unfunded commitments related to private equity and real estate	220		220
Real Estate Funds
Investment Gains (Losses)
NDT unfunded commitments related to private equity and real estate	88		88
Credit [Member]
Investment Gains (Losses)
NDT unfunded commitments related to private equity and real estate	44		44
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Investment Gains (Losses)
NDT unfunded commitments related to private equity and real estate	129		129
Private real estate funds [Member]
Investment Gains (Losses)
Fair value plan assets gross	69		69
Private Credit [Member]
Investment Gains (Losses)
NDT unfunded commitments related to private equity and real estate	$ 22		$ 22

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Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements - Nonperformance Risk (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Nonperformance Risk
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Assets	$ 1
Derivative Credit Risk Valuation Adjustment, Derivative Liabilities	$ 1

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Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss		$ 107	$ 93
Investments
Equity securities		617	500
Government debt securities		560	525
Corporate debt securities		409	356
Mortgage and asset-backed securities		30	27
Institutional mutual funds		222	188
Forward debt securities contracts		8	13
Private credit measured at net asset value		62	53
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(1)		274	194	[1]
Private real estate funds measured at net asset value(1)		215	168	[1]
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(1)		1,326	1,174	[1]
Total investments		3,723	3,198
Commodity contract derivatives		32	49
Total		3,755	3,247
Liabilities
Currency swaps	[2]	86	209
Interest rate swaps		1,512	2,041
Commodity contract derivatives		5	3
Total		1,603	2,253
Decommissioning Fund Investments		1,000
Balance in NDT		2,600
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Investments
Equity securities		617	500
Government debt securities		528	485
Corporate debt securities		0	0
Mortgage and asset-backed securities		0	0
Institutional mutual funds		222	188
Forward debt securities contracts		0	0
Private credit measured at net asset value		0	0
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(1)	[1]		0
Private real estate funds measured at net asset value(1)		0	0	[1]
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(1)		0	0	[1]
Total investments		1,367	1,173
Commodity contract derivatives		0	0
Total		1,367	1,173
Liabilities
Currency swaps		0	0	[2]
Interest rate swaps		0	0
Commodity contract derivatives		0	0
Total		0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Investments
Equity securities		0	0
Government debt securities		32	40
Corporate debt securities		409	356
Mortgage and asset-backed securities		30	27
Institutional mutual funds		0	0
Forward debt securities contracts		8	13
Private credit measured at net asset value		0	0
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(1)	[1]		0
Private real estate funds measured at net asset value(1)		0	0	[1]
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(1)		0	0	[1]
Total investments		479	436
Commodity contract derivatives		32	49
Total		511	485
Liabilities
Currency swaps		86	209	[2]
Interest rate swaps		1,512	2,041
Commodity contract derivatives		5	3
Total		1,603	2,253
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Investments
Equity securities		0	0
Government debt securities		0	0
Corporate debt securities		0	0
Mortgage and asset-backed securities		0	0
Institutional mutual funds		0	0
Forward debt securities contracts		0	0
Private credit measured at net asset value		0	0
Private equity funds measured at net asset value(1)	[1]		0
Private real estate funds measured at net asset value(1)		0	0	[1]
Commingled funds measured at net asset value(1)		0	0	[1]
Total investments		0	0
Commodity contract derivatives		0	0
Total		0	0
Liabilities
Currency swaps		0	0	[2]
Interest rate swaps		0	0
Commodity contract derivatives		0	0
Total		$ 0	$ 0

[1] Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

[2] TVA records currency swaps net of cash collateral received from or paid to the counterparty, to the extent such amount is not recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. See Note 13 — Risk Management Activities and Derivative Transactions — Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities.

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Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity contract derivatives		$ 32	$ 49
Commodity contract derivatives		5	3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Commodity contract derivatives		0	0
Commodity contract derivatives		0	0
Commodity Contract Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Balance	$ (7)		$ 0	$ (17)	$ (4)
Net unrealized gains (losses) deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities	$ 10	$ (3)

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Fair Value Measurements Estimated Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Estimated Values of Financial Intruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
EnergyRight® receivables, net (including current portion)	$ 78	$ 86
Loans and other long-term receivables, net (including current portion)	107	93
EnergyRight® financing obligations (including current portion)	99	108
Unfunded loan commitments	1	2
Membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption (including current portion)	32	35
Long-term outstanding power bonds (including current maturities), net	23,341	26,630
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net	1,310	1,419
Carrying Value
Estimated Values of Financial Intruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
EnergyRight® receivables, net (including current portion)	78	87
Loans and other long-term receivables, net (including current portion)	117	105
EnergyRight® financing obligations (including current portion)	89	97
Unfunded loan commitments	0	0
Membership interests of VIEs subject to mandatory redemption (including current portion)	24	26
Long-term outstanding power bonds (including current maturities), net		19,743
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net	18,299	$ 1,089
Long-term notes payable (including current maturities)	$ 1,070

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Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Other Income (Expense), Net
External services	$ 3	$ 3	$ 7	$ 6
Interest income	3	5	6	10
Gains (losses) on investments	2	(11)	11	(6)
Miscellaneous	3	2	2	1
Total other income (expense), net	$ 11	$ (1)	$ 26	$ 11

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Benefit Plans Components of Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) plans	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Number of unfunded post-retirement health care plans | plans			2
Pension Plan
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Service cost	$ 14	$ 15	$ 28	$ 27
Interest cost	93	104	184	208
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	(123)	122	(246)	244
Amortization of prior service cost	(25)	(24)	(49)	(48)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	115	(109)	227	(218)
Net periodic benefit cost as acutarially determined	74	82	144	161
Amount capitalized due to actions of regulator	(2)	6	(9)	(8)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	76	76	153	153
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Service cost	4	4	9	8
Interest cost	4	4	8	8
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	0		0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(4)	(6)	(9)	(12)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	2	(3)	5	(5)
Net periodic benefit cost as acutarially determined	6	5	13	9
Amount capitalized due to actions of regulator	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	$ 6	$ 5	$ 13	$ 9

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Benefit Plans Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Other Pension Plan
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions			$ 150
Pension Benefits
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Service cost	$ 14	$ 15	28	$ 27
Interest cost	93	104	184	208
Expected return on plan assets	123	(122)	246	(244)
Amortization of prior service cost	(25)	(24)	(49)	(48)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(115)	109	(227)	218
Total net periodic benefit cost as actuarially determined	74	82	144	161
Amount capitalized due to actions of regulator	2	(6)	9	8
Total net periodic benefit cost	76	76	153	153
Other Post-retirement Benefits
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions			13
Service cost	4	4	9	8
Interest cost	4	4	8	8
Expected return on plan assets	0		0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(4)	(6)	(9)	(12)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(2)	3	(5)	5
Total net periodic benefit cost as actuarially determined	6	5	13	9
Amount capitalized due to actions of regulator	0		0	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	$ 6	$ 5	$ 13	$ 9

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Benefit Plans Contributions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Remaining Employer Contributions		$ 150
Other Pension Plan
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions		150
defined benefit plan, plan assets, monthly contributions by employer		25
Other Post-retirement Benefits
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions		13
SERP
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions	$ 5
Rebates [Member]
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions		1
401K [Member]
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions		$ 48
Minimum | Other Pension Plan
Retirement Plan Disclosure
Defined benefit plan contributions	$ 300

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Contingencies and Legal Proceedings Contingencies (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Insurance_layers Procedures reactors	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies
Nuclear liability insurance	$ 450,000,000
Assessment from licensees for each licensed reactor	$ 138,000,000
Number of licensed reactors in US | reactors	96
Nuclear accident assessment limitation per year per unit	$ 20,000,000
Maximum assessment per nuclear incident	963,000,000
Total amount of protection available	13,700,000,000
Amount of insurance available for loss at any one site	2,100,000,000
Maximum amount of retrospective premiums	145,000,000
Maximum idemnity if a covered accident takes or keeps a nuclear unit offline	490,000,000
Maximum retrospective premiums	43,000,000
Estimated future decommissioning cost	$ 6,918,000,000	$ 6,785,000,000
Number of procedures for determining estimates for the costs of nuclear decommissioning | Procedures	2
Possible additional future costs for compliance with Clean Air Act requirements	$ 144,000,000
Possible additional future costs for compliance with CCR requirements	860,000,000
Possible additional future costs for compliance with Clean Water requirements.	160,000,000
Estimated liability for cleanup and environmental work	15,000,000	14,000,000
Amount of insurance available for loss at any one site (top range)	2,800,000,000
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net	1,310,000,000	1,419,000,000
Legal loss contingency accrual	$ 12,000,000
The U.S. Congress is required to take action if these layes are exhausted | Insurance_layers	2
Nuclear
Loss Contingencies
Estimated future decommissioning cost	$ 3,351,000,000	3,278,000,000
Non-nuclear
Loss Contingencies
Estimated future decommissioning cost	3,567,000,000	$ 3,507,000,000
Environmental Agreements
Loss Contingencies
Amount invested in certain environmental projects	280,000,000
General
Loss Contingencies
Long-term debt of VIEs (including current maturities), net	12,000,000
Legal loss contingency accrual	14,000,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	$ 2,000,000

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Contingencies and Legal Proceedings Legal Proceedings (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Groups Agreements Units
Legal Proceedings
Number of licensed nuclear units | Units	7
Legal loss contingency accrual	$ 12,000,000
Amount remaining to be spent under environmental agreements [Abstract]	11,000,000
General
Legal Proceedings
Legal loss contingency accrual	$ 14,000,000
Environmental Agreements
Legal Proceedings
Number of similar environmental agreements entered into | Agreements	2
Number of environmental agreements entered into with the EPA | Agreements	1
Number of environmental agreements entered into with environmental advocacy groups | Groups	3
Amount to be invested in certain TVA environmental projects	$ 290,000,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | General
Legal Proceedings
Legal loss contingency accrual	$ 30,000,000

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Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021		Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Redemptions and repurchases of power bonds	$ 1,501	[1]	$ 1,218
Subsequent Credit on the Public Power Support and Stabilization Program	$ 1

[1] (1) All redemptions were at 100 percent of par.

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Gallatin Coal Combustion Residual Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Current regulatory assets	$ 155	$ 130

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Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	$ (2,531)	$ (2,488)	$ (4,799)	$ (5,019)
Sales of Electricity	2,533	2,489	4,803	5,021
Off System Sales of Electricity	2		4	2
Other revenue	$ 39	32	$ 73	78
Total long duration contract revenue recognition	2,337		4,428
Revenues	$ 2,572	2,521	$ 4,876	5,099
Off system sales		1
Percent of wholesale Credit offered			310.00%
Percent of Pandemic Credit Offered			250.00%
ALABAMA
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	(379)	(360)	$ (713)	(729)
GEORGIA
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	(66)	(64)	(124)	(127)
KENTUCKY
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	(157)	(158)	(294)	(315)
MISSISSIPPI
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	(237)	(227)	(449)	(464)
NORTH CAROLINA
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	(18)	(19)	(34)	(37)
TENNESSEE
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	(1,663)	(1,648)	(3,164)	(3,324)
VIRGINIA
State [Line Items]
Electric revenue	(11)	$ (12)	(21)	$ (23)
20-year Termination Notice [Member]
State [Line Items]
Revenues	1,934		3,654
5-year termination notice [Member]
State [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 403		$ 774

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Revenue Customer Type (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Units	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Units	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
NES's % of operating revenues			800.00%
Sales of Electricity	$ 2,533	$ 2,489	$ 4,803	$ 5,021
Electric revenue	2,531	2,488	4,799	5,019
Off System Sales of Electricity	2		4	2
Other revenue	39	32	73	78
Revenues	2,572	2,521	4,876	5,099
Bill credits for LTA	$ 48	36	$ 90	70
Number of LPCs signed LTA | Units	142		142
Number of LPCs signed Flexibility Agreement | Units	71		71
Percent of sales of electricity to LPCs			92.00%
Pandemic Relief Credit	$ (55)		$ (104)		$ 200
lpcs [Domain]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	2,337	2,301	4,428	4,658
industries directly served [Domain]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	168	160	322	310
federal agencies and other [Domain]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	28	28	53	53
ALABAMA
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	379	360	713	729
GEORGIA
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	66	64	124	127
KENTUCKY
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	157	158	294	315
MISSISSIPPI
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	237	227	449	464
NORTH CAROLINA
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	18	19	34	37
TENNESSEE
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	1,663	1,648	3,164	3,324
VIRGINIA
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Electric revenue	$ 11	$ 12	$ 21	$ 23

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Revenue Unpaid Incentives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Paid Economic Incentives	$ 82	$ 84	$ 156	$ 160
Unpaid Economic Incentives	$ (170)		$ (170)		$ (172)

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Revenue Local Power Company Contracts (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Units	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($) Units	Mar. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	$ 2,572	$ 2,521	$ 4,876	$ 5,099
Total long-duration contracts revenue recognition	2,337		4,428
Total percentage of operating revenues	90.90%		90.80%
Number of LPCs signed LTA | Units	142		142
Total Number of LPCs | Units	153		153
Percent of op revenues of LPCs who filed complaint with FERC			400.00%
5-year Termination Notice [Member]
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	$ 403		$ 774
Percentage of total operating revenues	15.70%		15.90%
Number of LPCs signed LTA | Units	11		11
20-year Termination Notice [Member]
Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Line Items]
Long-Duration Contracts Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	$ 1,934		$ 3,654
Percentage of total operating revenues	75.20%		74.90%

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Plant Closures (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation	$ 34,000,000	$ 91,000,000	$ 67,000,000	$ 316,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000.0

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Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Amounts Recognized on TVA's Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability, Current		$ 525
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 720