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Retirement, Other Postretirement Benefits, And Defined Contribution Plans (Notes)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Text Block] RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has defined benefit qualified pension plans, including the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III (Plan III), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan VI), and the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan).  The Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan I effective January 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, Non-Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Non-Bargaining Plan VI. Effective January 1, 2025, Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Entergy Corporation Plan VI for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan VI). The Bargaining Cash Balance Plan was merged with and into Bargaining Plan I also effective January 1, 2025.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Plan III, Non-Bargaining Plan VI, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan.

Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire was prior to June 30, 2014 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) participate in a noncontributory final average pay formula that provides pension benefits based on the employee’s credited service and compensation during employment. Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 and before January 1, 2021 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) do not participate in a final average pay formula, but instead participate in a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2021, the Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan were amended to close participation in each plan to those employees whose most recent hire date is after December 31, 2020 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement). Employees hired after this date instead may be eligible to participate in and receive a discretionary employer contribution under an Entergy sponsored tax-qualified defined contribution plan that includes a 401(k) feature.

The assets of the defined benefit qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trust are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in the trust to the various participating pension plans in the trust.  The fair value of the trust’s assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.
Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e., interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$93,468 $101,182 $138,085 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation249,757 298,281 235,805 
Expected return on assets(338,619)(388,030)(402,504)
Recognized net loss58,590 81,919 188,683 
Settlement charges328,277 160,387 230,389 
Net pension cost$391,473 $253,739 $390,458 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Net (gain) loss
($101,445)($213,636)$6,113 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:   
Amortization of net loss(58,590)(81,919)(188,683)
Settlement charges(328,277)(160,387)(230,389)
Total($488,312)($455,942)($412,959)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($96,839)($202,203)($22,501)
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$16,398 $22,204 $5,135 $1,760 $3,846 $5,525 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Expected return on assets(72,620)(77,786)(20,451)(8,814)(16,308)(18,485)
Recognized net loss22,983 10,407 4,562 1,881 1,574 4,638 
Settlement charges— — — — — 615 
Net pension cost$19,631 $10,668 $3,330 $1,103 $436 $5,818 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($49,352)($55,010)($10,857)($8,990)($6,190)($9,812)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(22,983)(10,407)(4,562)(1,881)(1,574)(4,638)
Settlement charges— — — — — (615)
Total($72,335)($65,417)($15,419)($10,871)($7,764)($15,065)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($52,704)($54,749)($12,089)($9,768)($7,328)($9,247)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$18,461 $24,716 $5,775 $1,955 $4,328 $5,749 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Expected return on assets(70,574)(75,757)(19,423)(8,798)(16,641)(17,585)
Recognized net loss19,400 19,797 5,719 1,694 4,075 4,236 
Settlement charges26,137 40,437 12,242 2,080 11,230 6,375 
Net pension cost$49,450 $69,539 $19,715 $3,678 $15,718 $12,627 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($30,674)($71,016)($20,220)($3,183)($16,759)($3,268)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(19,400)(19,797)(5,719)(1,694)(4,075)(4,236)
Settlement charges(26,137)(40,437)(12,242)(2,080)(11,230)(6,375)
Total($76,211)($131,250)($38,181)($6,957)($32,064)($13,879)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($26,761)($61,711)($18,466)($3,279)($16,346)($1,252)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$25,210 $33,520 $8,043 $2,745 $5,999 $7,746 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation45,378 49,330 12,979 5,491 10,729 11,286 
Expected return on assets(75,820)(82,478)(20,168)(9,920)(18,317)(18,173)
Recognized net loss43,597 41,711 12,594 4,787 9,013 10,938 
Settlement charges36,409 58,550 15,786 6,676 22,411 9,905 
Net pension cost$74,774 $100,633 $29,234 $9,779 $29,835 $21,702 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net (gain) loss
$28,365 ($15,604)($4,743)$525 $13,363 ($7,063)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(43,597)(41,711)(12,594)(4,787)(9,013)(10,938)
Settlement charges(36,409)(58,550)(15,786)(6,676)(22,411)(9,905)
Total($51,641)($115,865)($33,123)($10,938)($18,061)($27,906)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$23,133 ($15,232)($3,889)($1,159)$11,774 ($6,204)
Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)  
Balance at January 1$5,915,404 $6,166,106 
Service cost93,468 101,182 
Interest cost249,757 298,281 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(156,248)123,237 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Balance at December 31$4,520,691 $5,915,404 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$5,460,601 $5,242,098 
Actual return on plan assets283,816 724,903 
Employer contributions270,005 267,002 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Fair value of assets at December 31$4,432,732 $5,460,601 
Funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
  
Non-current assets
$70,671 $— 
Non-current liabilities (a)
(158,630)(454,803)
Total funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
  
Net loss (b)
$1,217,402 $1,447,978 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Net loss$89,531 $347,268 

(a)Includes ($4.0) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes $13.9 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Service cost16,398 22,204 5,135 1,760 3,846 5,525 
Interest cost52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Actuarial gain(48,020)(46,895)(10,071)(6,098)(6,102)(8,908)
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Balance at December 31$1,061,063 $1,123,024 $283,071 $127,133 $229,942 $275,117 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Actual return on plan assets73,952 85,900 21,237 11,706 16,395 19,389 
Employer contributions55,112 48,401 14,980 4,931 8,272 16,650 
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Fair value of assets at December 31$1,043,188 $1,111,601 $294,458 $125,805 $228,053 $269,899 
Funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
      
Non-current assets
$29,521 $10,010 $19,666 $3,299 $6,064 $3,135 
Non-current liabilities (b)
(47,396)(21,433)(8,279)(4,627)(7,953)(8,353)
Total funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
      
Net loss (c)
$412,777 $256,316 $86,790 $34,039 $55,902 $96,932 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $10,680 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($2.1) million at System Energy.
(b)Includes ($2.0) million at Entergy Louisiana and ($1.2) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes $4.5 million at Entergy Louisiana and $6.7 million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,168,098 $1,256,422 $320,994 $140,436 $265,565 $288,302 
Service cost18,461 24,716 5,775 1,955 4,328 5,749 
Interest cost56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Actuarial (gain) loss
39,643 1,925 (328)4,590 (1,416)14,522 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Balance at December 31$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$961,178 $1,035,574 $265,736 $119,710 $226,417 $240,392 
Actual return on plan assets140,891 148,698 39,315 16,571 31,984 35,375 
Employer contributions54,468 44,565 21,110 1,420 5,314 15,543 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Fair value of assets at December 31$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Funded status($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)      
Non-current liabilities($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset      
Net loss$485,113 $319,116 $102,208 $44,911 $63,665 $111,996 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $13,296 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($68.7) million at Entergy Arkansas, ($103.1) million at Entergy Louisiana, ($31.4) million at Entergy Mississippi, ($5.3) million at Entergy New Orleans, ($29.4) million at Entergy Texas, and ($16.7) million at System Energy.

The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations; partially offset by asset losses resulting from an actual return on assets lower than the expected return on assets in some plans. The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to asset gains resulting from an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $4.1 billion and $5.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$912,174 $2,508,990 
Fair value of plan assets $864,795 $2,300,937 

Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$2,701,323 $4,385,472 
Fair value of plan assets $2,542,693 $3,898,434 

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas$980,559 $1,048,901 
Entergy Louisiana$1,024,433 $1,085,318 
Entergy Mississippi$257,759 $273,338 
Entergy New Orleans$118,620 $125,878 
Entergy Texas$212,935 $225,379 
System Energy$252,397 $267,432 

Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$304,518 $123,735 $105,285 $58,082 $44,286 
Fair value of plan assets$297,161 $115,446 $103,380 $55,953 $40,146 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$612,788 $658,373 $202,182 $125,878 $70,680 $127,606 
Fair value of plan assets$554,362 $607,471 $196,500 $117,922 $61,495 $109,266 
Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,009,496 $580,451 $111,659 $108,354 $128,652 $247,186 
Fair value of plan assets$962,101 $559,017 $103,380 $103,727 $120,700 $238,833 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,117,586 $1,173,284 $213,098 $133,949 $146,511 $286,558 
Fair value of plan assets$991,894 $1,058,711 $196,500 $117,922 $128,991 $255,443 

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

In March 2020, Entergy announced changes to its other postretirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2021, certain retired, former non-bargaining employees age 65 and older who are eligible for Entergy-sponsored retiree welfare benefits, and their eligible spouses who are age 65 and older (collectively, Medicare-eligible participants), are eligible to participate in an Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, and are no longer eligible for retiree coverage under the Entergy Corporation Companies’ Benefits Plus Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. Under the Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, Medicare-eligible participants are eligible to participate in a health reimbursement arrangement which they may use towards the purchase of various types of qualified insurance offered through a Medicare exchange provider and for other qualified medical expenses. The changes affecting active bargaining unit employees were negotiated with the unions prior to implementation, where necessary, and to the extent required by law.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefits costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefits costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with employees who work or worked at Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the plans’ investment accounts. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for
the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$12,503 $14,654 $24,734 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefits obligation (APBO)39,408 42,272 27,306 
Expected return on assets(42,277)(36,732)(43,420)
Amortization of prior service credit(22,880)(22,558)(25,550)
Recognized net (gain) loss
(11,045)(11,446)4,333 
Net other postretirement benefits income($24,291)($13,810)($12,597)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)($858)
Net gain(73,123)(44,441)(131,524)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:   
Amortization of prior service credit22,880 22,558 25,550 
Amortization of net gain (loss)
11,045 11,446 (4,333)
Total($39,198)($14,871)($111,165)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($63,489)($28,681)($123,762)
Total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits (income) costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:     
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,569 $2,800 $736 $205 $670 $699 
Interest cost on APBO7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Expected return on assets(17,535)— (5,486)(5,915)(10,156)(2,912)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,097 (4,544)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss— (6,952)61 74 591 — 
Net other postretirement benefits income
($5,538)($701)($3,699)($5,540)($10,855)($913)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($20,074)($7,273)($3,915)($2,217)($4,683)($3,476)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:     
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,097)4,544 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)— 6,952 (61)(74)(591)— 
Total($22,171)$4,223 ($3,021)($1,375)($903)($3,183)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($27,709)$3,522 ($6,720)($6,915)($11,758)($4,096)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,965 $3,379 $878 $235 $809 $754 
Interest cost on APBO8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Expected return on assets(15,113)— (4,716)(5,263)(8,776)(2,535)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,096 (3,804)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss171 (7,057)85 466 914 — 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($1,879)$1,449 ($2,538)($4,318)($8,827)($348)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain(23,033)(458)(6,883)(7,606)(8,790)(3,942)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,096)3,804 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(171)7,057 (85)(466)(914)— 
Total($25,300)$5,969 ($6,013)($7,156)($5,333)($3,649)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($27,179)$7,418 ($8,551)($11,474)($14,160)($3,997)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$4,457 $5,633 $1,354 $397 $1,322 $1,239 
Interest cost on APBO5,050 5,770 1,401 694 1,596 1,116 
Expected return on assets(17,930)— (5,575)(5,997)(10,273)(3,162)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)1,885 (4,630)(1,772)(916)(4,371)(319)
Recognized net (gain) loss873 (744)222 (898)648 121 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($5,665)$6,029 ($4,370)($6,720)($11,078)($1,005)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Prior service cost (credit) for the period$273 $323 ($1,300)$— $— $141 
Net (gain) loss12,894 (65,501)6,629 17,334 22,323 1,208 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(1,885)4,630 1,772 916 4,371 319 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(873)744 (222)898 (648)(121)
Total$10,409 ($59,804)$6,879 $19,148 $26,046 $1,547 
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$4,744 ($53,775)$2,509 $12,428 $14,968 $542 
Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO  
Balance at January 1$837,644 $865,854 
Service cost12,503 14,654 
Interest cost39,408 42,272 
Plan amendments— (4,434)
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Actuarial gain(66,320)(4,303)
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Medicare Part D subsidy received466 280 
Balance at December 31$754,682 $837,644 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$673,141 $623,824 
Actual return on plan assets49,080 76,870 
Employer contributions45,400 49,126 
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Fair value of assets at December 31$698,602 $673,141 
Funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
  
Current liabilities($42,530)($45,706)
Non-current liabilities (a)
(13,550)(118,797)
Total funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset (b)
  
Prior service credit($12,729)($21,465)
Net gain(78,520)(33,617)
 ($91,249)($55,082)
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Prior service credit($20,755)($34,899)
Net gain(133,253)(116,078)
 ($154,008)($150,977)

(a)Includes $14.7 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned
sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Service cost2,569 2,800 736 205 670 699 
Interest cost7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Plan participant contributions4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Actuarial gain(17,007)(7,273)(3,008)(1,063)(3,763)(2,897)
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Medicare Part D subsidy received49 77 14 14 17 
Balance at December 31$138,212 $156,831 $38,143 $19,701 $45,609 $30,553 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Actual return on plan assets20,602 — 6,393 7,069 11,076 3,491 
Employer contributions(604)16,907 (23)134 690 741 
Plan participant contributions 4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Fair value of assets at December 31$284,095 $— $89,144 $105,600 $167,744 $46,997 
Funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
      
Non-current assets (a)
$145,883 $— $51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Current liabilities— (14,377)— — — — 
Non-current liabilities (b)
— (142,454)— — — — 
Total funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset (c)
      
Prior service cost (credit)
$2,886 $— ($1,727)($1,066)($7,419)($203)
Net loss (gain)
(38,054)— (8,791)(8,134)9,268 (3,364)
 ($35,168)$— ($10,518)($9,200)$1,849 ($3,567)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($8,101)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (76,030)— — — — 
 $— ($84,131)$— $— $— $— 

(a)Includes $19.5 million of non-current assets at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the
planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($2.5) million of non-current liabilities at Entergy Louisiana as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$164,018 $183,126 $44,365 $23,971 $53,482 $35,274 
Service cost2,965 3,379 878 235 809 754 
Interest cost8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Plan amendments— (4,434)— — — — 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(6,403)(458)(1,650)(1,676)337 (1,075)
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Medicare Part D subsidy received33 46 10 11 13 
Balance at December 31$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$255,117 $— $79,496 $91,140 $148,799 $42,434 
Actual return on plan assets31,743 — 9,949 11,193 17,903 5,402 
Employer contributions582 20,451 646 213 235 480 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Fair value of assets at December 31$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet      
Current liabilities$— ($15,049)$— $— $— $— 
Non-current liabilities118,827 (155,090)44,318 78,851 109,701 11,624 
Total funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset       
Prior service cost (credit)
$4,983 $— ($2,682)($1,982)($11,790)($496)
Net loss (gain)
(17,980)— (4,815)(5,843)14,542 112 
 ($12,997)$— ($7,497)($7,825)$2,752 ($384)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($12,645)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (75,709)— — — — 
 $— ($88,354)$— $— $— $— 

The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations and an actual return on assets higher than the expected return on assets. The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to updated demographic assumptions and census data coupled with an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, partially offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.
Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $12.2 million in 2024, $43.8 million in 2023, and $30.9 million in 2022.  In 2024, 2023, and 2022, Entergy recognized $1.5 million, $27.9 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.

The projected benefit obligation was $94.1 million as of December 31, 2024 of which $22.3 million was a current liability and $71.8 million was a non-current liability. The projected benefit obligation was $88.6 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $13.8 million was a current liability and $74.8 million was a non-current liability.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $81.2 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($29.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.7 million at December 31, 2023) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($4.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023).

A Rabbi Trust was established for the benefit of certain participants in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. The Rabbi Trust assets were invested in money-market funds which were recorded at fair value with all gains and losses recognized immediately in income. All of the investments were classified as Level 1 investments for purposes of Fair Value Measurements. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust was $35 million. In August 2023 the Rabbi Trust assets were used to pay benefits due under the non-qualified pension plans.

The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022, was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$269 $256 $326 $122 $248 
2023$637 $99 $808 $132 $253 
2022$282 $102 $321 $114 $1,320 

Included in the 2024 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $55 thousand for Entergy Louisiana related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2023 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $379 thousand and $453 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2022 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1 thousand, $2 thousand, and $1 million for Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,721 $1,405 $3,566 $1,143 $2,734 
2023$2,313 $2,574 $3,369 $1,034 $3,762 
The accumulated benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,468 $1,197 $3,322 $939 $2,710 
2023$1,935 $2,494 $3,187 $814 $3,701 

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($524)($190)($419)($104)($386)
Non-current liabilities(1,197)(1,215)(3,147)(1,039)(2,348)
Total funded status($1,721)($1,405)($3,566)($1,143)($2,734)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$119 $493 $1,292 $9 ($3,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $21 $— $— $— 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($276)($308)($474)($106)($448)
Non-current liabilities(2,037)(2,266)(2,895)(928)(3,314)
Total funded status($2,313)($2,574)($3,369)($1,034)($3,762)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$857 $1,604 $1,303 $5 ($2,526)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $67 $— $— $— 

The non-qualified pension plans incurred an actuarial loss during 2024 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions, as well as salary increases in excess of expectations. The non-qualified pension plans incurred a small actuarial loss during 2023 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2024:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,055 ($159)$13,896 
Amortization of gain (loss)(2,820)10,459 (312)7,327 
Settlement loss(319,920)— (58)(319,978)
($322,740)$24,514 ($529)($298,755)
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $4,544 $— $4,544 
Amortization of gain (loss)(416)6,952 (3)6,533 
Settlement loss— — (2)(2)
($416)$11,496 ($5)$11,075 

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2023:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,038 ($452)$13,586 
Amortization of gain (loss)(4,407)11,590 (593)6,590 
Settlement loss(7,844)— (3,004)(10,848)
($12,251)$25,628 ($4,049)$9,328 
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $3,804 $— $3,804 
Amortization of gain (loss)(792)7,057 (2)6,263 
Settlement loss(1,617)— — (1,617)
($2,409)$10,861 ($2)$8,450 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefits costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefits obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior
service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefits obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of its pension plan assets, except for the long duration fixed income assets, by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns. For the long duration fixed income assets in the pension trust and for its other postretirement benefits plan assets Entergy uses fair value as the MRV.

In accordance with accounting standards, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.

Qualified Pension Settlement Costs

In May 2024, Entergy Corporation entered into a commitment agreement by and between Entergy Corporation, Newport Trust Company, LLC, as independent fiduciary of Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees (the Pension Plans), and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), under which the Pension Plans purchased a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract from MetLife to settle approximately $1.2 billion of benefit liabilities of the Pension Plans.

The group annuity contract primarily covers a population that includes approximately 3,400 non-utility business retirees, joint annuitants, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who commenced benefit payments from the Pension Plans on or before March 1, 2024 (Transferred Participants). MetLife irrevocably guarantees and assumes the sole obligation to make future monthly pension benefit payments to the Transferred Participants as provided under its group annuity contract, with direct payments that began September 1, 2024. The aggregate amount of each Transferred Participant’s payment under the group annuity contract will be equal to the amount of each individual’s payment under the Pension Plans.

The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the Pension Plans. The transferred pension liability required no additional funding prior to transfer, as the liability was fully funded. As a result of the transaction, Entergy recognized a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $328 million in 2024, of which $8 million was recorded at Utility, as described below, and $320 million was recorded at Parent & Other. The $320 million settlement charge at Parent & Other is reflected in Miscellaneous - net in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated income statements.

Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Plan II, and Bargaining Plan II exceeded the sum of the Plans’ service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs during 2023 and 2022. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy participate in one or both of Non-Bargaining Plan I and Bargaining Plan I and incurred settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Mississippi Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the MPSC, Entergy Mississippi was directed to cease including other postretirement benefit credits in other operation and maintenance expense or allocating to capital expenditures for ratemaking purposes effective January 1, 2024. The credits are being deferred as a regulatory liability. In addition, beginning in July 2024, Entergy Mississippi is recovering the December 31, 2023 other postretirement benefit asset in rate base over five years and accruing a regulatory liability. At December 31, 2024, the balance in these regulatory liability accounts was approximately $7.4 million.

Entergy New Orleans Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the City Council, Entergy New Orleans received approval to exclude other postretirement benefit expense credits from the formula rate plan evaluation filing. To comply with the order, Entergy New Orleans began recording the other postretirement benefit expense credits to a regulatory liability account in September 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this regulatory liability account was approximately $1 million.

Entergy Texas Reserve

In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded are evaluated in each rate case filed by Entergy Texas and an amortization period is determined at that time. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this reserve was approximately $15 million.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the funded status of each plan within the trust. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases.  The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.

For postretirement assets the target and range asset allocations (as shown below) reflect recommendations made in the latest optimization study. The target asset allocations for postretirement assets adjust dynamically based on the funded status of each sub-account within each trust. The current weighted-average targets shown below represent the aggregate of all targets for all sub-accounts within all trusts.
Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the target asset allocation and ranges for 2024 are as follows:
Pension Asset AllocationTargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities22%18%to26%23%33%
International Equity Securities13%10%to16%13%18%
Intermediate Fixed Income Securities4%3%to5%5%9%
Long Duration Fixed Income Securities61%57%to65%59%40%
Other—%—%to10%—%—%

Postretirement Asset AllocationNon-Taxable and Taxable
 TargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities14%9%to19%16%28%
International Equity Securities10%5%to15%9%17%
Fixed Income Securities76%71%to81%75%55%
Other—%—%to5%—%—%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long-dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the aggregate asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation, in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other postretirement assets (as described above), and with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area, and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2024, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of credit risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-    inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$932 (b)$— $— $932 
Common403,146 (b)— — 403,146 
Common collective trusts (c) 1,206,983 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,145,994 (a)— 1,145,994 
Corporate debt instruments—  307,666 (a)— 307,666 
Registered investment companies (e)30,293 (d)2,735 (d)— 1,512,994 
Other— 44,691 (f)— 44,691 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,918 (g)— 5,918 
Total investments$434,371  $1,507,004  $— $4,628,324 
Cash     2,026 
Other pending transactions     (133,550)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,068)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $4,432,732 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$10,827 (b)$— $— $10,827 
Common715,452 (b)— — 715,452 
Common collective trusts (c) 2,066,247 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,085,231 (a)— 1,085,231 
Corporate debt instruments—  924,904 (a)— 924,904 
Registered investment companies (e)34,364 (d)2,718 (d)— 657,691 
Other774 78,883 (f)— 79,657 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,899 (g)— 5,899 
Total investments$761,417  $2,097,635  $— $5,545,908 
Cash     1,488 
Other pending transactions     (22,404)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,391)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $5,460,601 
Other Postretirement Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $161,726 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$107,547 (b)$112,780 (a)$— 220,327 
Corporate debt instruments—  166,208 (a)— 166,208 
Registered investment companies2,295 (d)—  — 2,295 
Other—  80,561 (f)— 80,561 
Total investments$109,842  $359,549  $— $631,117 
Other pending transactions     3,417 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,068 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $698,602 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $276,560 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$80,219 (b)$84,521 (a)$— 164,740 
Corporate debt instruments—  106,523 (a)— 106,523 
Registered investment companies548 (d)—  — 548 
Other—  57,511 (f)— 57,511 
Total investments$80,767  $248,555  $— $605,882 
Other pending transactions     2,868 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,391 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $673,141 

(a)Certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)Common stocks, preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value. Common collective trusts are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(d)Registered investment companies are money market mutual funds with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share. Registered investment companies may hold investments in domestic and international bond markets or domestic equities valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price. The money market mutual funds held by the trusts are deemed to be actively traded. Certain registered investment companies are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.
(e)Certain of these registered investment companies are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(f)The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefits obligations at December 31, 2024, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:
 Estimated Future Benefits Payments
 Qualified PensionNon-Qualified PensionOther Postretirement
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)   
2025$396,881 $22,324 $68,754 
2026$373,969 $7,975 $65,668 
2027$374,332 $14,666 $63,067 
2028$374,818 $8,905 $60,746 
2029$372,728 $7,532 $58,225 
2030 - 2034
$1,852,026 $36,035 $279,644 

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees will be as follows:
Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$92,997 $99,646 $26,600 $10,879 $22,865 $24,910 
2026$91,164 $94,614 $25,540 $11,107 $22,419 $22,420 
2027$91,175 $93,456 $25,272 $10,658 $21,251 $23,235 
2028$89,535 $95,546 $24,923 $10,775 $20,135 $22,540 
2029$88,244 $93,857 $25,038 $10,242 $20,474 $22,790 
2030 - 2034$437,940 $458,211 $118,197 $50,337 $93,989 $112,086 
Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)     
2025$524 $190 $419 $104 $386 
2026$103 $173 $309 $84 $360 
2027$94 $159 $764 $263 $335 
2028$175 $146 $578 $210 $310 
2029$143 $141 $436 $167 $284 
2030 - 2034$634 $552 $1,582 $609 $1,081 

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$12,198 $14,377 $3,329 $2,082 $4,542 $2,645 
2026$11,754 $13,757 $3,218 $1,941 $4,168 $2,434 
2027$11,280 $13,172 $3,109 $1,789 $3,989 $2,339 
2028$11,012 $12,531 $3,110 $1,655 $3,787 $2,288 
2029$10,896 $12,089 $3,014 $1,575 $3,627 $2,278 
2030 - 2034$53,047 $57,646 $14,486 $7,164 $17,113 $11,340 

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $240 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $42.8 million to its other postretirement plans in 2025.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently expect to contribute the following approximate amounts to their qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their current and former employees in 2025:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Pension Contributions$35,544 $41,253 $8,064 $5,016 $7,725 $15,668 
Other Postretirement Contributions$529 $14,377 $178 $205 $156 $34 

The 2025 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2025 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2025.
Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefits APBO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
 20242023
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Qualified pension
5.67% - 5.89%
Blended 5.75%
5.02% - 5.10%
Blended 5.06%
Other postretirement5.66%5.01%
Non-qualified pension5.23%4.68%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.45%
3.98% - 4.40%
Interest crediting rate4.80%4.00%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-658.15%6.95%
Post-6510.13%7.88%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-6520352032
    Post-6520352032
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
 202420232022
Weighted-average discount rate:   
Qualified pension:
    Service cost5.08%5.26%3.07%
    Interest cost4.97%5.16%2.49%
Other postretirement:
    Service cost4.82%5.00%3.20%
    Interest cost4.91%5.09%2.31%
Non-qualified pension:
    Service cost5.01%5.31%4.94%
    Interest cost4.86%5.30%5.03%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:   
Pension assets
6.00% - 7.25%
Blended 6.75%
7.00%6.75%
Other postretirement non-taxable assets
6.50% - 7.25%
6.00% - 7.00%
5.75% - 6.75%
Other postretirement taxable assets5.25%5.25%4.75%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-656.95%6.65%5.65%
Post-657.88%7.50%5.90%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-65203220322032
    Post-65203220322032
    
With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the Pri-2012 Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 pension plans’ PBOs and the Pri.H 2012 (headcount weighted) Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 other postretirement benefits APBO.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (Savings Plan VI) (established in April 2007) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (Savings Plan VII) (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. Effective
December 31, 2023, employees participating in Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VIII (established January 2021) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IX (established January 2021) to which company contributions are made. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to these defined contribution plans for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 5% of their eligible earnings per pay period. Eligible participants may also receive a discretionary annual company contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible earnings (subject to vesting).

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $72.3 million in 2024, $65.1 million in 2023, and $62.1 million in 2022.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2024, 2023, and 2022 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:
Year
Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$6,822 $8,784 $4,048 $1,584 $3,907 
2023$5,866 $7,757 $3,534 $1,383 $3,380 
2022$5,124 $7,138 $3,194 $1,223 $2,938 
Entergy Arkansas [Member]  
Retirement Benefits [Text Block] RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has defined benefit qualified pension plans, including the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III (Plan III), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan VI), and the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan).  The Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan I effective January 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, Non-Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Non-Bargaining Plan VI. Effective January 1, 2025, Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Entergy Corporation Plan VI for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan VI). The Bargaining Cash Balance Plan was merged with and into Bargaining Plan I also effective January 1, 2025.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Plan III, Non-Bargaining Plan VI, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan.

Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire was prior to June 30, 2014 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) participate in a noncontributory final average pay formula that provides pension benefits based on the employee’s credited service and compensation during employment. Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 and before January 1, 2021 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) do not participate in a final average pay formula, but instead participate in a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2021, the Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan were amended to close participation in each plan to those employees whose most recent hire date is after December 31, 2020 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement). Employees hired after this date instead may be eligible to participate in and receive a discretionary employer contribution under an Entergy sponsored tax-qualified defined contribution plan that includes a 401(k) feature.

The assets of the defined benefit qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trust are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in the trust to the various participating pension plans in the trust.  The fair value of the trust’s assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.
Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e., interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$93,468 $101,182 $138,085 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation249,757 298,281 235,805 
Expected return on assets(338,619)(388,030)(402,504)
Recognized net loss58,590 81,919 188,683 
Settlement charges328,277 160,387 230,389 
Net pension cost$391,473 $253,739 $390,458 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Net (gain) loss
($101,445)($213,636)$6,113 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:   
Amortization of net loss(58,590)(81,919)(188,683)
Settlement charges(328,277)(160,387)(230,389)
Total($488,312)($455,942)($412,959)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($96,839)($202,203)($22,501)
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$16,398 $22,204 $5,135 $1,760 $3,846 $5,525 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Expected return on assets(72,620)(77,786)(20,451)(8,814)(16,308)(18,485)
Recognized net loss22,983 10,407 4,562 1,881 1,574 4,638 
Settlement charges— — — — — 615 
Net pension cost$19,631 $10,668 $3,330 $1,103 $436 $5,818 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($49,352)($55,010)($10,857)($8,990)($6,190)($9,812)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(22,983)(10,407)(4,562)(1,881)(1,574)(4,638)
Settlement charges— — — — — (615)
Total($72,335)($65,417)($15,419)($10,871)($7,764)($15,065)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($52,704)($54,749)($12,089)($9,768)($7,328)($9,247)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$18,461 $24,716 $5,775 $1,955 $4,328 $5,749 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Expected return on assets(70,574)(75,757)(19,423)(8,798)(16,641)(17,585)
Recognized net loss19,400 19,797 5,719 1,694 4,075 4,236 
Settlement charges26,137 40,437 12,242 2,080 11,230 6,375 
Net pension cost$49,450 $69,539 $19,715 $3,678 $15,718 $12,627 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($30,674)($71,016)($20,220)($3,183)($16,759)($3,268)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(19,400)(19,797)(5,719)(1,694)(4,075)(4,236)
Settlement charges(26,137)(40,437)(12,242)(2,080)(11,230)(6,375)
Total($76,211)($131,250)($38,181)($6,957)($32,064)($13,879)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($26,761)($61,711)($18,466)($3,279)($16,346)($1,252)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$25,210 $33,520 $8,043 $2,745 $5,999 $7,746 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation45,378 49,330 12,979 5,491 10,729 11,286 
Expected return on assets(75,820)(82,478)(20,168)(9,920)(18,317)(18,173)
Recognized net loss43,597 41,711 12,594 4,787 9,013 10,938 
Settlement charges36,409 58,550 15,786 6,676 22,411 9,905 
Net pension cost$74,774 $100,633 $29,234 $9,779 $29,835 $21,702 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net (gain) loss
$28,365 ($15,604)($4,743)$525 $13,363 ($7,063)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(43,597)(41,711)(12,594)(4,787)(9,013)(10,938)
Settlement charges(36,409)(58,550)(15,786)(6,676)(22,411)(9,905)
Total($51,641)($115,865)($33,123)($10,938)($18,061)($27,906)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$23,133 ($15,232)($3,889)($1,159)$11,774 ($6,204)
Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)  
Balance at January 1$5,915,404 $6,166,106 
Service cost93,468 101,182 
Interest cost249,757 298,281 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(156,248)123,237 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Balance at December 31$4,520,691 $5,915,404 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$5,460,601 $5,242,098 
Actual return on plan assets283,816 724,903 
Employer contributions270,005 267,002 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Fair value of assets at December 31$4,432,732 $5,460,601 
Funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
  
Non-current assets
$70,671 $— 
Non-current liabilities (a)
(158,630)(454,803)
Total funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
  
Net loss (b)
$1,217,402 $1,447,978 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Net loss$89,531 $347,268 

(a)Includes ($4.0) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes $13.9 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Service cost16,398 22,204 5,135 1,760 3,846 5,525 
Interest cost52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Actuarial gain(48,020)(46,895)(10,071)(6,098)(6,102)(8,908)
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Balance at December 31$1,061,063 $1,123,024 $283,071 $127,133 $229,942 $275,117 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Actual return on plan assets73,952 85,900 21,237 11,706 16,395 19,389 
Employer contributions55,112 48,401 14,980 4,931 8,272 16,650 
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Fair value of assets at December 31$1,043,188 $1,111,601 $294,458 $125,805 $228,053 $269,899 
Funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
      
Non-current assets
$29,521 $10,010 $19,666 $3,299 $6,064 $3,135 
Non-current liabilities (b)
(47,396)(21,433)(8,279)(4,627)(7,953)(8,353)
Total funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
      
Net loss (c)
$412,777 $256,316 $86,790 $34,039 $55,902 $96,932 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $10,680 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($2.1) million at System Energy.
(b)Includes ($2.0) million at Entergy Louisiana and ($1.2) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes $4.5 million at Entergy Louisiana and $6.7 million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,168,098 $1,256,422 $320,994 $140,436 $265,565 $288,302 
Service cost18,461 24,716 5,775 1,955 4,328 5,749 
Interest cost56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Actuarial (gain) loss
39,643 1,925 (328)4,590 (1,416)14,522 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Balance at December 31$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$961,178 $1,035,574 $265,736 $119,710 $226,417 $240,392 
Actual return on plan assets140,891 148,698 39,315 16,571 31,984 35,375 
Employer contributions54,468 44,565 21,110 1,420 5,314 15,543 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Fair value of assets at December 31$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Funded status($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)      
Non-current liabilities($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset      
Net loss$485,113 $319,116 $102,208 $44,911 $63,665 $111,996 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $13,296 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($68.7) million at Entergy Arkansas, ($103.1) million at Entergy Louisiana, ($31.4) million at Entergy Mississippi, ($5.3) million at Entergy New Orleans, ($29.4) million at Entergy Texas, and ($16.7) million at System Energy.

The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations; partially offset by asset losses resulting from an actual return on assets lower than the expected return on assets in some plans. The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to asset gains resulting from an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $4.1 billion and $5.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$912,174 $2,508,990 
Fair value of plan assets $864,795 $2,300,937 

Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$2,701,323 $4,385,472 
Fair value of plan assets $2,542,693 $3,898,434 

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas$980,559 $1,048,901 
Entergy Louisiana$1,024,433 $1,085,318 
Entergy Mississippi$257,759 $273,338 
Entergy New Orleans$118,620 $125,878 
Entergy Texas$212,935 $225,379 
System Energy$252,397 $267,432 

Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$304,518 $123,735 $105,285 $58,082 $44,286 
Fair value of plan assets$297,161 $115,446 $103,380 $55,953 $40,146 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$612,788 $658,373 $202,182 $125,878 $70,680 $127,606 
Fair value of plan assets$554,362 $607,471 $196,500 $117,922 $61,495 $109,266 
Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,009,496 $580,451 $111,659 $108,354 $128,652 $247,186 
Fair value of plan assets$962,101 $559,017 $103,380 $103,727 $120,700 $238,833 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,117,586 $1,173,284 $213,098 $133,949 $146,511 $286,558 
Fair value of plan assets$991,894 $1,058,711 $196,500 $117,922 $128,991 $255,443 

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

In March 2020, Entergy announced changes to its other postretirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2021, certain retired, former non-bargaining employees age 65 and older who are eligible for Entergy-sponsored retiree welfare benefits, and their eligible spouses who are age 65 and older (collectively, Medicare-eligible participants), are eligible to participate in an Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, and are no longer eligible for retiree coverage under the Entergy Corporation Companies’ Benefits Plus Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. Under the Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, Medicare-eligible participants are eligible to participate in a health reimbursement arrangement which they may use towards the purchase of various types of qualified insurance offered through a Medicare exchange provider and for other qualified medical expenses. The changes affecting active bargaining unit employees were negotiated with the unions prior to implementation, where necessary, and to the extent required by law.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefits costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefits costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with employees who work or worked at Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the plans’ investment accounts. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for
the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$12,503 $14,654 $24,734 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefits obligation (APBO)39,408 42,272 27,306 
Expected return on assets(42,277)(36,732)(43,420)
Amortization of prior service credit(22,880)(22,558)(25,550)
Recognized net (gain) loss
(11,045)(11,446)4,333 
Net other postretirement benefits income($24,291)($13,810)($12,597)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)($858)
Net gain(73,123)(44,441)(131,524)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:   
Amortization of prior service credit22,880 22,558 25,550 
Amortization of net gain (loss)
11,045 11,446 (4,333)
Total($39,198)($14,871)($111,165)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($63,489)($28,681)($123,762)
Total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits (income) costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:     
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,569 $2,800 $736 $205 $670 $699 
Interest cost on APBO7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Expected return on assets(17,535)— (5,486)(5,915)(10,156)(2,912)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,097 (4,544)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss— (6,952)61 74 591 — 
Net other postretirement benefits income
($5,538)($701)($3,699)($5,540)($10,855)($913)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($20,074)($7,273)($3,915)($2,217)($4,683)($3,476)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:     
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,097)4,544 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)— 6,952 (61)(74)(591)— 
Total($22,171)$4,223 ($3,021)($1,375)($903)($3,183)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($27,709)$3,522 ($6,720)($6,915)($11,758)($4,096)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,965 $3,379 $878 $235 $809 $754 
Interest cost on APBO8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Expected return on assets(15,113)— (4,716)(5,263)(8,776)(2,535)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,096 (3,804)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss171 (7,057)85 466 914 — 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($1,879)$1,449 ($2,538)($4,318)($8,827)($348)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain(23,033)(458)(6,883)(7,606)(8,790)(3,942)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,096)3,804 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(171)7,057 (85)(466)(914)— 
Total($25,300)$5,969 ($6,013)($7,156)($5,333)($3,649)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($27,179)$7,418 ($8,551)($11,474)($14,160)($3,997)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$4,457 $5,633 $1,354 $397 $1,322 $1,239 
Interest cost on APBO5,050 5,770 1,401 694 1,596 1,116 
Expected return on assets(17,930)— (5,575)(5,997)(10,273)(3,162)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)1,885 (4,630)(1,772)(916)(4,371)(319)
Recognized net (gain) loss873 (744)222 (898)648 121 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($5,665)$6,029 ($4,370)($6,720)($11,078)($1,005)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Prior service cost (credit) for the period$273 $323 ($1,300)$— $— $141 
Net (gain) loss12,894 (65,501)6,629 17,334 22,323 1,208 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(1,885)4,630 1,772 916 4,371 319 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(873)744 (222)898 (648)(121)
Total$10,409 ($59,804)$6,879 $19,148 $26,046 $1,547 
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$4,744 ($53,775)$2,509 $12,428 $14,968 $542 
Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO  
Balance at January 1$837,644 $865,854 
Service cost12,503 14,654 
Interest cost39,408 42,272 
Plan amendments— (4,434)
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Actuarial gain(66,320)(4,303)
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Medicare Part D subsidy received466 280 
Balance at December 31$754,682 $837,644 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$673,141 $623,824 
Actual return on plan assets49,080 76,870 
Employer contributions45,400 49,126 
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Fair value of assets at December 31$698,602 $673,141 
Funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
  
Current liabilities($42,530)($45,706)
Non-current liabilities (a)
(13,550)(118,797)
Total funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset (b)
  
Prior service credit($12,729)($21,465)
Net gain(78,520)(33,617)
 ($91,249)($55,082)
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Prior service credit($20,755)($34,899)
Net gain(133,253)(116,078)
 ($154,008)($150,977)

(a)Includes $14.7 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned
sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Service cost2,569 2,800 736 205 670 699 
Interest cost7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Plan participant contributions4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Actuarial gain(17,007)(7,273)(3,008)(1,063)(3,763)(2,897)
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Medicare Part D subsidy received49 77 14 14 17 
Balance at December 31$138,212 $156,831 $38,143 $19,701 $45,609 $30,553 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Actual return on plan assets20,602 — 6,393 7,069 11,076 3,491 
Employer contributions(604)16,907 (23)134 690 741 
Plan participant contributions 4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Fair value of assets at December 31$284,095 $— $89,144 $105,600 $167,744 $46,997 
Funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
      
Non-current assets (a)
$145,883 $— $51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Current liabilities— (14,377)— — — — 
Non-current liabilities (b)
— (142,454)— — — — 
Total funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset (c)
      
Prior service cost (credit)
$2,886 $— ($1,727)($1,066)($7,419)($203)
Net loss (gain)
(38,054)— (8,791)(8,134)9,268 (3,364)
 ($35,168)$— ($10,518)($9,200)$1,849 ($3,567)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($8,101)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (76,030)— — — — 
 $— ($84,131)$— $— $— $— 

(a)Includes $19.5 million of non-current assets at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the
planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($2.5) million of non-current liabilities at Entergy Louisiana as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$164,018 $183,126 $44,365 $23,971 $53,482 $35,274 
Service cost2,965 3,379 878 235 809 754 
Interest cost8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Plan amendments— (4,434)— — — — 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(6,403)(458)(1,650)(1,676)337 (1,075)
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Medicare Part D subsidy received33 46 10 11 13 
Balance at December 31$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$255,117 $— $79,496 $91,140 $148,799 $42,434 
Actual return on plan assets31,743 — 9,949 11,193 17,903 5,402 
Employer contributions582 20,451 646 213 235 480 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Fair value of assets at December 31$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet      
Current liabilities$— ($15,049)$— $— $— $— 
Non-current liabilities118,827 (155,090)44,318 78,851 109,701 11,624 
Total funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset       
Prior service cost (credit)
$4,983 $— ($2,682)($1,982)($11,790)($496)
Net loss (gain)
(17,980)— (4,815)(5,843)14,542 112 
 ($12,997)$— ($7,497)($7,825)$2,752 ($384)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($12,645)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (75,709)— — — — 
 $— ($88,354)$— $— $— $— 

The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations and an actual return on assets higher than the expected return on assets. The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to updated demographic assumptions and census data coupled with an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, partially offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.
Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $12.2 million in 2024, $43.8 million in 2023, and $30.9 million in 2022.  In 2024, 2023, and 2022, Entergy recognized $1.5 million, $27.9 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.

The projected benefit obligation was $94.1 million as of December 31, 2024 of which $22.3 million was a current liability and $71.8 million was a non-current liability. The projected benefit obligation was $88.6 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $13.8 million was a current liability and $74.8 million was a non-current liability.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $81.2 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($29.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.7 million at December 31, 2023) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($4.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023).

A Rabbi Trust was established for the benefit of certain participants in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. The Rabbi Trust assets were invested in money-market funds which were recorded at fair value with all gains and losses recognized immediately in income. All of the investments were classified as Level 1 investments for purposes of Fair Value Measurements. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust was $35 million. In August 2023 the Rabbi Trust assets were used to pay benefits due under the non-qualified pension plans.

The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022, was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$269 $256 $326 $122 $248 
2023$637 $99 $808 $132 $253 
2022$282 $102 $321 $114 $1,320 

Included in the 2024 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $55 thousand for Entergy Louisiana related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2023 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $379 thousand and $453 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2022 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1 thousand, $2 thousand, and $1 million for Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,721 $1,405 $3,566 $1,143 $2,734 
2023$2,313 $2,574 $3,369 $1,034 $3,762 
The accumulated benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,468 $1,197 $3,322 $939 $2,710 
2023$1,935 $2,494 $3,187 $814 $3,701 

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($524)($190)($419)($104)($386)
Non-current liabilities(1,197)(1,215)(3,147)(1,039)(2,348)
Total funded status($1,721)($1,405)($3,566)($1,143)($2,734)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$119 $493 $1,292 $9 ($3,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $21 $— $— $— 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($276)($308)($474)($106)($448)
Non-current liabilities(2,037)(2,266)(2,895)(928)(3,314)
Total funded status($2,313)($2,574)($3,369)($1,034)($3,762)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$857 $1,604 $1,303 $5 ($2,526)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $67 $— $— $— 

The non-qualified pension plans incurred an actuarial loss during 2024 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions, as well as salary increases in excess of expectations. The non-qualified pension plans incurred a small actuarial loss during 2023 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2024:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,055 ($159)$13,896 
Amortization of gain (loss)(2,820)10,459 (312)7,327 
Settlement loss(319,920)— (58)(319,978)
($322,740)$24,514 ($529)($298,755)
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $4,544 $— $4,544 
Amortization of gain (loss)(416)6,952 (3)6,533 
Settlement loss— — (2)(2)
($416)$11,496 ($5)$11,075 

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2023:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,038 ($452)$13,586 
Amortization of gain (loss)(4,407)11,590 (593)6,590 
Settlement loss(7,844)— (3,004)(10,848)
($12,251)$25,628 ($4,049)$9,328 
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $3,804 $— $3,804 
Amortization of gain (loss)(792)7,057 (2)6,263 
Settlement loss(1,617)— — (1,617)
($2,409)$10,861 ($2)$8,450 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefits costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefits obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior
service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefits obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of its pension plan assets, except for the long duration fixed income assets, by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns. For the long duration fixed income assets in the pension trust and for its other postretirement benefits plan assets Entergy uses fair value as the MRV.

In accordance with accounting standards, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.

Qualified Pension Settlement Costs

In May 2024, Entergy Corporation entered into a commitment agreement by and between Entergy Corporation, Newport Trust Company, LLC, as independent fiduciary of Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees (the Pension Plans), and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), under which the Pension Plans purchased a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract from MetLife to settle approximately $1.2 billion of benefit liabilities of the Pension Plans.

The group annuity contract primarily covers a population that includes approximately 3,400 non-utility business retirees, joint annuitants, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who commenced benefit payments from the Pension Plans on or before March 1, 2024 (Transferred Participants). MetLife irrevocably guarantees and assumes the sole obligation to make future monthly pension benefit payments to the Transferred Participants as provided under its group annuity contract, with direct payments that began September 1, 2024. The aggregate amount of each Transferred Participant’s payment under the group annuity contract will be equal to the amount of each individual’s payment under the Pension Plans.

The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the Pension Plans. The transferred pension liability required no additional funding prior to transfer, as the liability was fully funded. As a result of the transaction, Entergy recognized a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $328 million in 2024, of which $8 million was recorded at Utility, as described below, and $320 million was recorded at Parent & Other. The $320 million settlement charge at Parent & Other is reflected in Miscellaneous - net in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated income statements.

Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Plan II, and Bargaining Plan II exceeded the sum of the Plans’ service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs during 2023 and 2022. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy participate in one or both of Non-Bargaining Plan I and Bargaining Plan I and incurred settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Mississippi Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the MPSC, Entergy Mississippi was directed to cease including other postretirement benefit credits in other operation and maintenance expense or allocating to capital expenditures for ratemaking purposes effective January 1, 2024. The credits are being deferred as a regulatory liability. In addition, beginning in July 2024, Entergy Mississippi is recovering the December 31, 2023 other postretirement benefit asset in rate base over five years and accruing a regulatory liability. At December 31, 2024, the balance in these regulatory liability accounts was approximately $7.4 million.

Entergy New Orleans Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the City Council, Entergy New Orleans received approval to exclude other postretirement benefit expense credits from the formula rate plan evaluation filing. To comply with the order, Entergy New Orleans began recording the other postretirement benefit expense credits to a regulatory liability account in September 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this regulatory liability account was approximately $1 million.

Entergy Texas Reserve

In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded are evaluated in each rate case filed by Entergy Texas and an amortization period is determined at that time. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this reserve was approximately $15 million.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the funded status of each plan within the trust. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases.  The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.

For postretirement assets the target and range asset allocations (as shown below) reflect recommendations made in the latest optimization study. The target asset allocations for postretirement assets adjust dynamically based on the funded status of each sub-account within each trust. The current weighted-average targets shown below represent the aggregate of all targets for all sub-accounts within all trusts.
Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the target asset allocation and ranges for 2024 are as follows:
Pension Asset AllocationTargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities22%18%to26%23%33%
International Equity Securities13%10%to16%13%18%
Intermediate Fixed Income Securities4%3%to5%5%9%
Long Duration Fixed Income Securities61%57%to65%59%40%
Other—%—%to10%—%—%

Postretirement Asset AllocationNon-Taxable and Taxable
 TargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities14%9%to19%16%28%
International Equity Securities10%5%to15%9%17%
Fixed Income Securities76%71%to81%75%55%
Other—%—%to5%—%—%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long-dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the aggregate asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation, in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other postretirement assets (as described above), and with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area, and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2024, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of credit risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-    inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$932 (b)$— $— $932 
Common403,146 (b)— — 403,146 
Common collective trusts (c) 1,206,983 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,145,994 (a)— 1,145,994 
Corporate debt instruments—  307,666 (a)— 307,666 
Registered investment companies (e)30,293 (d)2,735 (d)— 1,512,994 
Other— 44,691 (f)— 44,691 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,918 (g)— 5,918 
Total investments$434,371  $1,507,004  $— $4,628,324 
Cash     2,026 
Other pending transactions     (133,550)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,068)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $4,432,732 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$10,827 (b)$— $— $10,827 
Common715,452 (b)— — 715,452 
Common collective trusts (c) 2,066,247 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,085,231 (a)— 1,085,231 
Corporate debt instruments—  924,904 (a)— 924,904 
Registered investment companies (e)34,364 (d)2,718 (d)— 657,691 
Other774 78,883 (f)— 79,657 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,899 (g)— 5,899 
Total investments$761,417  $2,097,635  $— $5,545,908 
Cash     1,488 
Other pending transactions     (22,404)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,391)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $5,460,601 
Other Postretirement Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $161,726 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$107,547 (b)$112,780 (a)$— 220,327 
Corporate debt instruments—  166,208 (a)— 166,208 
Registered investment companies2,295 (d)—  — 2,295 
Other—  80,561 (f)— 80,561 
Total investments$109,842  $359,549  $— $631,117 
Other pending transactions     3,417 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,068 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $698,602 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $276,560 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$80,219 (b)$84,521 (a)$— 164,740 
Corporate debt instruments—  106,523 (a)— 106,523 
Registered investment companies548 (d)—  — 548 
Other—  57,511 (f)— 57,511 
Total investments$80,767  $248,555  $— $605,882 
Other pending transactions     2,868 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,391 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $673,141 

(a)Certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)Common stocks, preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value. Common collective trusts are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(d)Registered investment companies are money market mutual funds with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share. Registered investment companies may hold investments in domestic and international bond markets or domestic equities valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price. The money market mutual funds held by the trusts are deemed to be actively traded. Certain registered investment companies are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.
(e)Certain of these registered investment companies are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(f)The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefits obligations at December 31, 2024, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:
 Estimated Future Benefits Payments
 Qualified PensionNon-Qualified PensionOther Postretirement
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)   
2025$396,881 $22,324 $68,754 
2026$373,969 $7,975 $65,668 
2027$374,332 $14,666 $63,067 
2028$374,818 $8,905 $60,746 
2029$372,728 $7,532 $58,225 
2030 - 2034
$1,852,026 $36,035 $279,644 

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees will be as follows:
Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$92,997 $99,646 $26,600 $10,879 $22,865 $24,910 
2026$91,164 $94,614 $25,540 $11,107 $22,419 $22,420 
2027$91,175 $93,456 $25,272 $10,658 $21,251 $23,235 
2028$89,535 $95,546 $24,923 $10,775 $20,135 $22,540 
2029$88,244 $93,857 $25,038 $10,242 $20,474 $22,790 
2030 - 2034$437,940 $458,211 $118,197 $50,337 $93,989 $112,086 
Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)     
2025$524 $190 $419 $104 $386 
2026$103 $173 $309 $84 $360 
2027$94 $159 $764 $263 $335 
2028$175 $146 $578 $210 $310 
2029$143 $141 $436 $167 $284 
2030 - 2034$634 $552 $1,582 $609 $1,081 

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$12,198 $14,377 $3,329 $2,082 $4,542 $2,645 
2026$11,754 $13,757 $3,218 $1,941 $4,168 $2,434 
2027$11,280 $13,172 $3,109 $1,789 $3,989 $2,339 
2028$11,012 $12,531 $3,110 $1,655 $3,787 $2,288 
2029$10,896 $12,089 $3,014 $1,575 $3,627 $2,278 
2030 - 2034$53,047 $57,646 $14,486 $7,164 $17,113 $11,340 

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $240 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $42.8 million to its other postretirement plans in 2025.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently expect to contribute the following approximate amounts to their qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their current and former employees in 2025:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Pension Contributions$35,544 $41,253 $8,064 $5,016 $7,725 $15,668 
Other Postretirement Contributions$529 $14,377 $178 $205 $156 $34 

The 2025 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2025 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2025.
Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefits APBO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
 20242023
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Qualified pension
5.67% - 5.89%
Blended 5.75%
5.02% - 5.10%
Blended 5.06%
Other postretirement5.66%5.01%
Non-qualified pension5.23%4.68%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.45%
3.98% - 4.40%
Interest crediting rate4.80%4.00%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-658.15%6.95%
Post-6510.13%7.88%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-6520352032
    Post-6520352032
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
 202420232022
Weighted-average discount rate:   
Qualified pension:
    Service cost5.08%5.26%3.07%
    Interest cost4.97%5.16%2.49%
Other postretirement:
    Service cost4.82%5.00%3.20%
    Interest cost4.91%5.09%2.31%
Non-qualified pension:
    Service cost5.01%5.31%4.94%
    Interest cost4.86%5.30%5.03%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:   
Pension assets
6.00% - 7.25%
Blended 6.75%
7.00%6.75%
Other postretirement non-taxable assets
6.50% - 7.25%
6.00% - 7.00%
5.75% - 6.75%
Other postretirement taxable assets5.25%5.25%4.75%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-656.95%6.65%5.65%
Post-657.88%7.50%5.90%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-65203220322032
    Post-65203220322032
    
With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the Pri-2012 Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 pension plans’ PBOs and the Pri.H 2012 (headcount weighted) Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 other postretirement benefits APBO.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (Savings Plan VI) (established in April 2007) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (Savings Plan VII) (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. Effective
December 31, 2023, employees participating in Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VIII (established January 2021) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IX (established January 2021) to which company contributions are made. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to these defined contribution plans for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 5% of their eligible earnings per pay period. Eligible participants may also receive a discretionary annual company contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible earnings (subject to vesting).

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $72.3 million in 2024, $65.1 million in 2023, and $62.1 million in 2022.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2024, 2023, and 2022 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:
Year
Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$6,822 $8,784 $4,048 $1,584 $3,907 
2023$5,866 $7,757 $3,534 $1,383 $3,380 
2022$5,124 $7,138 $3,194 $1,223 $2,938 
Entergy Louisiana [Member]  
Retirement Benefits [Text Block] RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has defined benefit qualified pension plans, including the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III (Plan III), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan VI), and the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan).  The Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan I effective January 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, Non-Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Non-Bargaining Plan VI. Effective January 1, 2025, Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Entergy Corporation Plan VI for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan VI). The Bargaining Cash Balance Plan was merged with and into Bargaining Plan I also effective January 1, 2025.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Plan III, Non-Bargaining Plan VI, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan.

Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire was prior to June 30, 2014 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) participate in a noncontributory final average pay formula that provides pension benefits based on the employee’s credited service and compensation during employment. Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 and before January 1, 2021 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) do not participate in a final average pay formula, but instead participate in a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2021, the Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan were amended to close participation in each plan to those employees whose most recent hire date is after December 31, 2020 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement). Employees hired after this date instead may be eligible to participate in and receive a discretionary employer contribution under an Entergy sponsored tax-qualified defined contribution plan that includes a 401(k) feature.

The assets of the defined benefit qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trust are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in the trust to the various participating pension plans in the trust.  The fair value of the trust’s assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.
Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e., interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$93,468 $101,182 $138,085 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation249,757 298,281 235,805 
Expected return on assets(338,619)(388,030)(402,504)
Recognized net loss58,590 81,919 188,683 
Settlement charges328,277 160,387 230,389 
Net pension cost$391,473 $253,739 $390,458 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Net (gain) loss
($101,445)($213,636)$6,113 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:   
Amortization of net loss(58,590)(81,919)(188,683)
Settlement charges(328,277)(160,387)(230,389)
Total($488,312)($455,942)($412,959)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($96,839)($202,203)($22,501)
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$16,398 $22,204 $5,135 $1,760 $3,846 $5,525 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Expected return on assets(72,620)(77,786)(20,451)(8,814)(16,308)(18,485)
Recognized net loss22,983 10,407 4,562 1,881 1,574 4,638 
Settlement charges— — — — — 615 
Net pension cost$19,631 $10,668 $3,330 $1,103 $436 $5,818 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($49,352)($55,010)($10,857)($8,990)($6,190)($9,812)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(22,983)(10,407)(4,562)(1,881)(1,574)(4,638)
Settlement charges— — — — — (615)
Total($72,335)($65,417)($15,419)($10,871)($7,764)($15,065)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($52,704)($54,749)($12,089)($9,768)($7,328)($9,247)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$18,461 $24,716 $5,775 $1,955 $4,328 $5,749 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Expected return on assets(70,574)(75,757)(19,423)(8,798)(16,641)(17,585)
Recognized net loss19,400 19,797 5,719 1,694 4,075 4,236 
Settlement charges26,137 40,437 12,242 2,080 11,230 6,375 
Net pension cost$49,450 $69,539 $19,715 $3,678 $15,718 $12,627 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($30,674)($71,016)($20,220)($3,183)($16,759)($3,268)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(19,400)(19,797)(5,719)(1,694)(4,075)(4,236)
Settlement charges(26,137)(40,437)(12,242)(2,080)(11,230)(6,375)
Total($76,211)($131,250)($38,181)($6,957)($32,064)($13,879)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($26,761)($61,711)($18,466)($3,279)($16,346)($1,252)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$25,210 $33,520 $8,043 $2,745 $5,999 $7,746 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation45,378 49,330 12,979 5,491 10,729 11,286 
Expected return on assets(75,820)(82,478)(20,168)(9,920)(18,317)(18,173)
Recognized net loss43,597 41,711 12,594 4,787 9,013 10,938 
Settlement charges36,409 58,550 15,786 6,676 22,411 9,905 
Net pension cost$74,774 $100,633 $29,234 $9,779 $29,835 $21,702 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net (gain) loss
$28,365 ($15,604)($4,743)$525 $13,363 ($7,063)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(43,597)(41,711)(12,594)(4,787)(9,013)(10,938)
Settlement charges(36,409)(58,550)(15,786)(6,676)(22,411)(9,905)
Total($51,641)($115,865)($33,123)($10,938)($18,061)($27,906)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$23,133 ($15,232)($3,889)($1,159)$11,774 ($6,204)
Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)  
Balance at January 1$5,915,404 $6,166,106 
Service cost93,468 101,182 
Interest cost249,757 298,281 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(156,248)123,237 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Balance at December 31$4,520,691 $5,915,404 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$5,460,601 $5,242,098 
Actual return on plan assets283,816 724,903 
Employer contributions270,005 267,002 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Fair value of assets at December 31$4,432,732 $5,460,601 
Funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
  
Non-current assets
$70,671 $— 
Non-current liabilities (a)
(158,630)(454,803)
Total funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
  
Net loss (b)
$1,217,402 $1,447,978 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Net loss$89,531 $347,268 

(a)Includes ($4.0) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes $13.9 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Service cost16,398 22,204 5,135 1,760 3,846 5,525 
Interest cost52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Actuarial gain(48,020)(46,895)(10,071)(6,098)(6,102)(8,908)
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Balance at December 31$1,061,063 $1,123,024 $283,071 $127,133 $229,942 $275,117 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Actual return on plan assets73,952 85,900 21,237 11,706 16,395 19,389 
Employer contributions55,112 48,401 14,980 4,931 8,272 16,650 
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Fair value of assets at December 31$1,043,188 $1,111,601 $294,458 $125,805 $228,053 $269,899 
Funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
      
Non-current assets
$29,521 $10,010 $19,666 $3,299 $6,064 $3,135 
Non-current liabilities (b)
(47,396)(21,433)(8,279)(4,627)(7,953)(8,353)
Total funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
      
Net loss (c)
$412,777 $256,316 $86,790 $34,039 $55,902 $96,932 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $10,680 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($2.1) million at System Energy.
(b)Includes ($2.0) million at Entergy Louisiana and ($1.2) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes $4.5 million at Entergy Louisiana and $6.7 million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,168,098 $1,256,422 $320,994 $140,436 $265,565 $288,302 
Service cost18,461 24,716 5,775 1,955 4,328 5,749 
Interest cost56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Actuarial (gain) loss
39,643 1,925 (328)4,590 (1,416)14,522 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Balance at December 31$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$961,178 $1,035,574 $265,736 $119,710 $226,417 $240,392 
Actual return on plan assets140,891 148,698 39,315 16,571 31,984 35,375 
Employer contributions54,468 44,565 21,110 1,420 5,314 15,543 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Fair value of assets at December 31$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Funded status($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)      
Non-current liabilities($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset      
Net loss$485,113 $319,116 $102,208 $44,911 $63,665 $111,996 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $13,296 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($68.7) million at Entergy Arkansas, ($103.1) million at Entergy Louisiana, ($31.4) million at Entergy Mississippi, ($5.3) million at Entergy New Orleans, ($29.4) million at Entergy Texas, and ($16.7) million at System Energy.

The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations; partially offset by asset losses resulting from an actual return on assets lower than the expected return on assets in some plans. The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to asset gains resulting from an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $4.1 billion and $5.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$912,174 $2,508,990 
Fair value of plan assets $864,795 $2,300,937 

Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$2,701,323 $4,385,472 
Fair value of plan assets $2,542,693 $3,898,434 

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas$980,559 $1,048,901 
Entergy Louisiana$1,024,433 $1,085,318 
Entergy Mississippi$257,759 $273,338 
Entergy New Orleans$118,620 $125,878 
Entergy Texas$212,935 $225,379 
System Energy$252,397 $267,432 

Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$304,518 $123,735 $105,285 $58,082 $44,286 
Fair value of plan assets$297,161 $115,446 $103,380 $55,953 $40,146 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$612,788 $658,373 $202,182 $125,878 $70,680 $127,606 
Fair value of plan assets$554,362 $607,471 $196,500 $117,922 $61,495 $109,266 
Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,009,496 $580,451 $111,659 $108,354 $128,652 $247,186 
Fair value of plan assets$962,101 $559,017 $103,380 $103,727 $120,700 $238,833 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,117,586 $1,173,284 $213,098 $133,949 $146,511 $286,558 
Fair value of plan assets$991,894 $1,058,711 $196,500 $117,922 $128,991 $255,443 

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

In March 2020, Entergy announced changes to its other postretirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2021, certain retired, former non-bargaining employees age 65 and older who are eligible for Entergy-sponsored retiree welfare benefits, and their eligible spouses who are age 65 and older (collectively, Medicare-eligible participants), are eligible to participate in an Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, and are no longer eligible for retiree coverage under the Entergy Corporation Companies’ Benefits Plus Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. Under the Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, Medicare-eligible participants are eligible to participate in a health reimbursement arrangement which they may use towards the purchase of various types of qualified insurance offered through a Medicare exchange provider and for other qualified medical expenses. The changes affecting active bargaining unit employees were negotiated with the unions prior to implementation, where necessary, and to the extent required by law.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefits costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefits costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with employees who work or worked at Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the plans’ investment accounts. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for
the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$12,503 $14,654 $24,734 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefits obligation (APBO)39,408 42,272 27,306 
Expected return on assets(42,277)(36,732)(43,420)
Amortization of prior service credit(22,880)(22,558)(25,550)
Recognized net (gain) loss
(11,045)(11,446)4,333 
Net other postretirement benefits income($24,291)($13,810)($12,597)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)($858)
Net gain(73,123)(44,441)(131,524)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:   
Amortization of prior service credit22,880 22,558 25,550 
Amortization of net gain (loss)
11,045 11,446 (4,333)
Total($39,198)($14,871)($111,165)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($63,489)($28,681)($123,762)
Total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits (income) costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:     
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,569 $2,800 $736 $205 $670 $699 
Interest cost on APBO7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Expected return on assets(17,535)— (5,486)(5,915)(10,156)(2,912)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,097 (4,544)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss— (6,952)61 74 591 — 
Net other postretirement benefits income
($5,538)($701)($3,699)($5,540)($10,855)($913)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($20,074)($7,273)($3,915)($2,217)($4,683)($3,476)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:     
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,097)4,544 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)— 6,952 (61)(74)(591)— 
Total($22,171)$4,223 ($3,021)($1,375)($903)($3,183)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($27,709)$3,522 ($6,720)($6,915)($11,758)($4,096)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,965 $3,379 $878 $235 $809 $754 
Interest cost on APBO8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Expected return on assets(15,113)— (4,716)(5,263)(8,776)(2,535)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,096 (3,804)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss171 (7,057)85 466 914 — 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($1,879)$1,449 ($2,538)($4,318)($8,827)($348)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain(23,033)(458)(6,883)(7,606)(8,790)(3,942)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,096)3,804 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(171)7,057 (85)(466)(914)— 
Total($25,300)$5,969 ($6,013)($7,156)($5,333)($3,649)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($27,179)$7,418 ($8,551)($11,474)($14,160)($3,997)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$4,457 $5,633 $1,354 $397 $1,322 $1,239 
Interest cost on APBO5,050 5,770 1,401 694 1,596 1,116 
Expected return on assets(17,930)— (5,575)(5,997)(10,273)(3,162)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)1,885 (4,630)(1,772)(916)(4,371)(319)
Recognized net (gain) loss873 (744)222 (898)648 121 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($5,665)$6,029 ($4,370)($6,720)($11,078)($1,005)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Prior service cost (credit) for the period$273 $323 ($1,300)$— $— $141 
Net (gain) loss12,894 (65,501)6,629 17,334 22,323 1,208 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(1,885)4,630 1,772 916 4,371 319 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(873)744 (222)898 (648)(121)
Total$10,409 ($59,804)$6,879 $19,148 $26,046 $1,547 
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$4,744 ($53,775)$2,509 $12,428 $14,968 $542 
Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO  
Balance at January 1$837,644 $865,854 
Service cost12,503 14,654 
Interest cost39,408 42,272 
Plan amendments— (4,434)
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Actuarial gain(66,320)(4,303)
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Medicare Part D subsidy received466 280 
Balance at December 31$754,682 $837,644 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$673,141 $623,824 
Actual return on plan assets49,080 76,870 
Employer contributions45,400 49,126 
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Fair value of assets at December 31$698,602 $673,141 
Funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
  
Current liabilities($42,530)($45,706)
Non-current liabilities (a)
(13,550)(118,797)
Total funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset (b)
  
Prior service credit($12,729)($21,465)
Net gain(78,520)(33,617)
 ($91,249)($55,082)
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Prior service credit($20,755)($34,899)
Net gain(133,253)(116,078)
 ($154,008)($150,977)

(a)Includes $14.7 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned
sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Service cost2,569 2,800 736 205 670 699 
Interest cost7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Plan participant contributions4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Actuarial gain(17,007)(7,273)(3,008)(1,063)(3,763)(2,897)
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Medicare Part D subsidy received49 77 14 14 17 
Balance at December 31$138,212 $156,831 $38,143 $19,701 $45,609 $30,553 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Actual return on plan assets20,602 — 6,393 7,069 11,076 3,491 
Employer contributions(604)16,907 (23)134 690 741 
Plan participant contributions 4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Fair value of assets at December 31$284,095 $— $89,144 $105,600 $167,744 $46,997 
Funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
      
Non-current assets (a)
$145,883 $— $51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Current liabilities— (14,377)— — — — 
Non-current liabilities (b)
— (142,454)— — — — 
Total funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset (c)
      
Prior service cost (credit)
$2,886 $— ($1,727)($1,066)($7,419)($203)
Net loss (gain)
(38,054)— (8,791)(8,134)9,268 (3,364)
 ($35,168)$— ($10,518)($9,200)$1,849 ($3,567)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($8,101)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (76,030)— — — — 
 $— ($84,131)$— $— $— $— 

(a)Includes $19.5 million of non-current assets at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the
planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($2.5) million of non-current liabilities at Entergy Louisiana as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$164,018 $183,126 $44,365 $23,971 $53,482 $35,274 
Service cost2,965 3,379 878 235 809 754 
Interest cost8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Plan amendments— (4,434)— — — — 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(6,403)(458)(1,650)(1,676)337 (1,075)
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Medicare Part D subsidy received33 46 10 11 13 
Balance at December 31$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$255,117 $— $79,496 $91,140 $148,799 $42,434 
Actual return on plan assets31,743 — 9,949 11,193 17,903 5,402 
Employer contributions582 20,451 646 213 235 480 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Fair value of assets at December 31$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet      
Current liabilities$— ($15,049)$— $— $— $— 
Non-current liabilities118,827 (155,090)44,318 78,851 109,701 11,624 
Total funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset       
Prior service cost (credit)
$4,983 $— ($2,682)($1,982)($11,790)($496)
Net loss (gain)
(17,980)— (4,815)(5,843)14,542 112 
 ($12,997)$— ($7,497)($7,825)$2,752 ($384)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($12,645)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (75,709)— — — — 
 $— ($88,354)$— $— $— $— 

The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations and an actual return on assets higher than the expected return on assets. The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to updated demographic assumptions and census data coupled with an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, partially offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.
Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $12.2 million in 2024, $43.8 million in 2023, and $30.9 million in 2022.  In 2024, 2023, and 2022, Entergy recognized $1.5 million, $27.9 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.

The projected benefit obligation was $94.1 million as of December 31, 2024 of which $22.3 million was a current liability and $71.8 million was a non-current liability. The projected benefit obligation was $88.6 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $13.8 million was a current liability and $74.8 million was a non-current liability.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $81.2 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($29.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.7 million at December 31, 2023) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($4.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023).

A Rabbi Trust was established for the benefit of certain participants in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. The Rabbi Trust assets were invested in money-market funds which were recorded at fair value with all gains and losses recognized immediately in income. All of the investments were classified as Level 1 investments for purposes of Fair Value Measurements. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust was $35 million. In August 2023 the Rabbi Trust assets were used to pay benefits due under the non-qualified pension plans.

The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022, was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$269 $256 $326 $122 $248 
2023$637 $99 $808 $132 $253 
2022$282 $102 $321 $114 $1,320 

Included in the 2024 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $55 thousand for Entergy Louisiana related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2023 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $379 thousand and $453 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2022 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1 thousand, $2 thousand, and $1 million for Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,721 $1,405 $3,566 $1,143 $2,734 
2023$2,313 $2,574 $3,369 $1,034 $3,762 
The accumulated benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,468 $1,197 $3,322 $939 $2,710 
2023$1,935 $2,494 $3,187 $814 $3,701 

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($524)($190)($419)($104)($386)
Non-current liabilities(1,197)(1,215)(3,147)(1,039)(2,348)
Total funded status($1,721)($1,405)($3,566)($1,143)($2,734)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$119 $493 $1,292 $9 ($3,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $21 $— $— $— 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($276)($308)($474)($106)($448)
Non-current liabilities(2,037)(2,266)(2,895)(928)(3,314)
Total funded status($2,313)($2,574)($3,369)($1,034)($3,762)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$857 $1,604 $1,303 $5 ($2,526)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $67 $— $— $— 

The non-qualified pension plans incurred an actuarial loss during 2024 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions, as well as salary increases in excess of expectations. The non-qualified pension plans incurred a small actuarial loss during 2023 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2024:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,055 ($159)$13,896 
Amortization of gain (loss)(2,820)10,459 (312)7,327 
Settlement loss(319,920)— (58)(319,978)
($322,740)$24,514 ($529)($298,755)
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $4,544 $— $4,544 
Amortization of gain (loss)(416)6,952 (3)6,533 
Settlement loss— — (2)(2)
($416)$11,496 ($5)$11,075 

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2023:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,038 ($452)$13,586 
Amortization of gain (loss)(4,407)11,590 (593)6,590 
Settlement loss(7,844)— (3,004)(10,848)
($12,251)$25,628 ($4,049)$9,328 
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $3,804 $— $3,804 
Amortization of gain (loss)(792)7,057 (2)6,263 
Settlement loss(1,617)— — (1,617)
($2,409)$10,861 ($2)$8,450 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefits costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefits obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior
service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefits obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of its pension plan assets, except for the long duration fixed income assets, by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns. For the long duration fixed income assets in the pension trust and for its other postretirement benefits plan assets Entergy uses fair value as the MRV.

In accordance with accounting standards, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.

Qualified Pension Settlement Costs

In May 2024, Entergy Corporation entered into a commitment agreement by and between Entergy Corporation, Newport Trust Company, LLC, as independent fiduciary of Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees (the Pension Plans), and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), under which the Pension Plans purchased a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract from MetLife to settle approximately $1.2 billion of benefit liabilities of the Pension Plans.

The group annuity contract primarily covers a population that includes approximately 3,400 non-utility business retirees, joint annuitants, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who commenced benefit payments from the Pension Plans on or before March 1, 2024 (Transferred Participants). MetLife irrevocably guarantees and assumes the sole obligation to make future monthly pension benefit payments to the Transferred Participants as provided under its group annuity contract, with direct payments that began September 1, 2024. The aggregate amount of each Transferred Participant’s payment under the group annuity contract will be equal to the amount of each individual’s payment under the Pension Plans.

The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the Pension Plans. The transferred pension liability required no additional funding prior to transfer, as the liability was fully funded. As a result of the transaction, Entergy recognized a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $328 million in 2024, of which $8 million was recorded at Utility, as described below, and $320 million was recorded at Parent & Other. The $320 million settlement charge at Parent & Other is reflected in Miscellaneous - net in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated income statements.

Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Plan II, and Bargaining Plan II exceeded the sum of the Plans’ service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs during 2023 and 2022. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy participate in one or both of Non-Bargaining Plan I and Bargaining Plan I and incurred settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Mississippi Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the MPSC, Entergy Mississippi was directed to cease including other postretirement benefit credits in other operation and maintenance expense or allocating to capital expenditures for ratemaking purposes effective January 1, 2024. The credits are being deferred as a regulatory liability. In addition, beginning in July 2024, Entergy Mississippi is recovering the December 31, 2023 other postretirement benefit asset in rate base over five years and accruing a regulatory liability. At December 31, 2024, the balance in these regulatory liability accounts was approximately $7.4 million.

Entergy New Orleans Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the City Council, Entergy New Orleans received approval to exclude other postretirement benefit expense credits from the formula rate plan evaluation filing. To comply with the order, Entergy New Orleans began recording the other postretirement benefit expense credits to a regulatory liability account in September 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this regulatory liability account was approximately $1 million.

Entergy Texas Reserve

In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded are evaluated in each rate case filed by Entergy Texas and an amortization period is determined at that time. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this reserve was approximately $15 million.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the funded status of each plan within the trust. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases.  The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.

For postretirement assets the target and range asset allocations (as shown below) reflect recommendations made in the latest optimization study. The target asset allocations for postretirement assets adjust dynamically based on the funded status of each sub-account within each trust. The current weighted-average targets shown below represent the aggregate of all targets for all sub-accounts within all trusts.
Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the target asset allocation and ranges for 2024 are as follows:
Pension Asset AllocationTargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities22%18%to26%23%33%
International Equity Securities13%10%to16%13%18%
Intermediate Fixed Income Securities4%3%to5%5%9%
Long Duration Fixed Income Securities61%57%to65%59%40%
Other—%—%to10%—%—%

Postretirement Asset AllocationNon-Taxable and Taxable
 TargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities14%9%to19%16%28%
International Equity Securities10%5%to15%9%17%
Fixed Income Securities76%71%to81%75%55%
Other—%—%to5%—%—%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long-dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the aggregate asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation, in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other postretirement assets (as described above), and with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area, and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2024, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of credit risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-    inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$932 (b)$— $— $932 
Common403,146 (b)— — 403,146 
Common collective trusts (c) 1,206,983 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,145,994 (a)— 1,145,994 
Corporate debt instruments—  307,666 (a)— 307,666 
Registered investment companies (e)30,293 (d)2,735 (d)— 1,512,994 
Other— 44,691 (f)— 44,691 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,918 (g)— 5,918 
Total investments$434,371  $1,507,004  $— $4,628,324 
Cash     2,026 
Other pending transactions     (133,550)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,068)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $4,432,732 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$10,827 (b)$— $— $10,827 
Common715,452 (b)— — 715,452 
Common collective trusts (c) 2,066,247 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,085,231 (a)— 1,085,231 
Corporate debt instruments—  924,904 (a)— 924,904 
Registered investment companies (e)34,364 (d)2,718 (d)— 657,691 
Other774 78,883 (f)— 79,657 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,899 (g)— 5,899 
Total investments$761,417  $2,097,635  $— $5,545,908 
Cash     1,488 
Other pending transactions     (22,404)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,391)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $5,460,601 
Other Postretirement Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $161,726 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$107,547 (b)$112,780 (a)$— 220,327 
Corporate debt instruments—  166,208 (a)— 166,208 
Registered investment companies2,295 (d)—  — 2,295 
Other—  80,561 (f)— 80,561 
Total investments$109,842  $359,549  $— $631,117 
Other pending transactions     3,417 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,068 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $698,602 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $276,560 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$80,219 (b)$84,521 (a)$— 164,740 
Corporate debt instruments—  106,523 (a)— 106,523 
Registered investment companies548 (d)—  — 548 
Other—  57,511 (f)— 57,511 
Total investments$80,767  $248,555  $— $605,882 
Other pending transactions     2,868 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,391 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $673,141 

(a)Certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)Common stocks, preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value. Common collective trusts are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(d)Registered investment companies are money market mutual funds with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share. Registered investment companies may hold investments in domestic and international bond markets or domestic equities valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price. The money market mutual funds held by the trusts are deemed to be actively traded. Certain registered investment companies are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.
(e)Certain of these registered investment companies are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(f)The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefits obligations at December 31, 2024, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:
 Estimated Future Benefits Payments
 Qualified PensionNon-Qualified PensionOther Postretirement
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)   
2025$396,881 $22,324 $68,754 
2026$373,969 $7,975 $65,668 
2027$374,332 $14,666 $63,067 
2028$374,818 $8,905 $60,746 
2029$372,728 $7,532 $58,225 
2030 - 2034
$1,852,026 $36,035 $279,644 

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees will be as follows:
Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$92,997 $99,646 $26,600 $10,879 $22,865 $24,910 
2026$91,164 $94,614 $25,540 $11,107 $22,419 $22,420 
2027$91,175 $93,456 $25,272 $10,658 $21,251 $23,235 
2028$89,535 $95,546 $24,923 $10,775 $20,135 $22,540 
2029$88,244 $93,857 $25,038 $10,242 $20,474 $22,790 
2030 - 2034$437,940 $458,211 $118,197 $50,337 $93,989 $112,086 
Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)     
2025$524 $190 $419 $104 $386 
2026$103 $173 $309 $84 $360 
2027$94 $159 $764 $263 $335 
2028$175 $146 $578 $210 $310 
2029$143 $141 $436 $167 $284 
2030 - 2034$634 $552 $1,582 $609 $1,081 

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$12,198 $14,377 $3,329 $2,082 $4,542 $2,645 
2026$11,754 $13,757 $3,218 $1,941 $4,168 $2,434 
2027$11,280 $13,172 $3,109 $1,789 $3,989 $2,339 
2028$11,012 $12,531 $3,110 $1,655 $3,787 $2,288 
2029$10,896 $12,089 $3,014 $1,575 $3,627 $2,278 
2030 - 2034$53,047 $57,646 $14,486 $7,164 $17,113 $11,340 

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $240 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $42.8 million to its other postretirement plans in 2025.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently expect to contribute the following approximate amounts to their qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their current and former employees in 2025:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Pension Contributions$35,544 $41,253 $8,064 $5,016 $7,725 $15,668 
Other Postretirement Contributions$529 $14,377 $178 $205 $156 $34 

The 2025 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2025 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2025.
Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefits APBO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
 20242023
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Qualified pension
5.67% - 5.89%
Blended 5.75%
5.02% - 5.10%
Blended 5.06%
Other postretirement5.66%5.01%
Non-qualified pension5.23%4.68%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.45%
3.98% - 4.40%
Interest crediting rate4.80%4.00%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-658.15%6.95%
Post-6510.13%7.88%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-6520352032
    Post-6520352032
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
 202420232022
Weighted-average discount rate:   
Qualified pension:
    Service cost5.08%5.26%3.07%
    Interest cost4.97%5.16%2.49%
Other postretirement:
    Service cost4.82%5.00%3.20%
    Interest cost4.91%5.09%2.31%
Non-qualified pension:
    Service cost5.01%5.31%4.94%
    Interest cost4.86%5.30%5.03%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:   
Pension assets
6.00% - 7.25%
Blended 6.75%
7.00%6.75%
Other postretirement non-taxable assets
6.50% - 7.25%
6.00% - 7.00%
5.75% - 6.75%
Other postretirement taxable assets5.25%5.25%4.75%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-656.95%6.65%5.65%
Post-657.88%7.50%5.90%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-65203220322032
    Post-65203220322032
    
With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the Pri-2012 Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 pension plans’ PBOs and the Pri.H 2012 (headcount weighted) Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 other postretirement benefits APBO.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (Savings Plan VI) (established in April 2007) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (Savings Plan VII) (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. Effective
December 31, 2023, employees participating in Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VIII (established January 2021) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IX (established January 2021) to which company contributions are made. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to these defined contribution plans for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 5% of their eligible earnings per pay period. Eligible participants may also receive a discretionary annual company contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible earnings (subject to vesting).

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $72.3 million in 2024, $65.1 million in 2023, and $62.1 million in 2022.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2024, 2023, and 2022 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:
Year
Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$6,822 $8,784 $4,048 $1,584 $3,907 
2023$5,866 $7,757 $3,534 $1,383 $3,380 
2022$5,124 $7,138 $3,194 $1,223 $2,938 
Entergy Mississippi [Member]  
Retirement Benefits [Text Block] RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has defined benefit qualified pension plans, including the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III (Plan III), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan VI), and the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan).  The Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan I effective January 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, Non-Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Non-Bargaining Plan VI. Effective January 1, 2025, Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Entergy Corporation Plan VI for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan VI). The Bargaining Cash Balance Plan was merged with and into Bargaining Plan I also effective January 1, 2025.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Plan III, Non-Bargaining Plan VI, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan.

Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire was prior to June 30, 2014 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) participate in a noncontributory final average pay formula that provides pension benefits based on the employee’s credited service and compensation during employment. Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 and before January 1, 2021 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) do not participate in a final average pay formula, but instead participate in a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2021, the Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan were amended to close participation in each plan to those employees whose most recent hire date is after December 31, 2020 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement). Employees hired after this date instead may be eligible to participate in and receive a discretionary employer contribution under an Entergy sponsored tax-qualified defined contribution plan that includes a 401(k) feature.

The assets of the defined benefit qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trust are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in the trust to the various participating pension plans in the trust.  The fair value of the trust’s assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.
Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e., interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$93,468 $101,182 $138,085 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation249,757 298,281 235,805 
Expected return on assets(338,619)(388,030)(402,504)
Recognized net loss58,590 81,919 188,683 
Settlement charges328,277 160,387 230,389 
Net pension cost$391,473 $253,739 $390,458 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Net (gain) loss
($101,445)($213,636)$6,113 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:   
Amortization of net loss(58,590)(81,919)(188,683)
Settlement charges(328,277)(160,387)(230,389)
Total($488,312)($455,942)($412,959)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($96,839)($202,203)($22,501)
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$16,398 $22,204 $5,135 $1,760 $3,846 $5,525 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Expected return on assets(72,620)(77,786)(20,451)(8,814)(16,308)(18,485)
Recognized net loss22,983 10,407 4,562 1,881 1,574 4,638 
Settlement charges— — — — — 615 
Net pension cost$19,631 $10,668 $3,330 $1,103 $436 $5,818 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($49,352)($55,010)($10,857)($8,990)($6,190)($9,812)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(22,983)(10,407)(4,562)(1,881)(1,574)(4,638)
Settlement charges— — — — — (615)
Total($72,335)($65,417)($15,419)($10,871)($7,764)($15,065)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($52,704)($54,749)($12,089)($9,768)($7,328)($9,247)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$18,461 $24,716 $5,775 $1,955 $4,328 $5,749 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Expected return on assets(70,574)(75,757)(19,423)(8,798)(16,641)(17,585)
Recognized net loss19,400 19,797 5,719 1,694 4,075 4,236 
Settlement charges26,137 40,437 12,242 2,080 11,230 6,375 
Net pension cost$49,450 $69,539 $19,715 $3,678 $15,718 $12,627 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($30,674)($71,016)($20,220)($3,183)($16,759)($3,268)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(19,400)(19,797)(5,719)(1,694)(4,075)(4,236)
Settlement charges(26,137)(40,437)(12,242)(2,080)(11,230)(6,375)
Total($76,211)($131,250)($38,181)($6,957)($32,064)($13,879)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($26,761)($61,711)($18,466)($3,279)($16,346)($1,252)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$25,210 $33,520 $8,043 $2,745 $5,999 $7,746 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation45,378 49,330 12,979 5,491 10,729 11,286 
Expected return on assets(75,820)(82,478)(20,168)(9,920)(18,317)(18,173)
Recognized net loss43,597 41,711 12,594 4,787 9,013 10,938 
Settlement charges36,409 58,550 15,786 6,676 22,411 9,905 
Net pension cost$74,774 $100,633 $29,234 $9,779 $29,835 $21,702 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net (gain) loss
$28,365 ($15,604)($4,743)$525 $13,363 ($7,063)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(43,597)(41,711)(12,594)(4,787)(9,013)(10,938)
Settlement charges(36,409)(58,550)(15,786)(6,676)(22,411)(9,905)
Total($51,641)($115,865)($33,123)($10,938)($18,061)($27,906)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$23,133 ($15,232)($3,889)($1,159)$11,774 ($6,204)
Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)  
Balance at January 1$5,915,404 $6,166,106 
Service cost93,468 101,182 
Interest cost249,757 298,281 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(156,248)123,237 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Balance at December 31$4,520,691 $5,915,404 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$5,460,601 $5,242,098 
Actual return on plan assets283,816 724,903 
Employer contributions270,005 267,002 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Fair value of assets at December 31$4,432,732 $5,460,601 
Funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
  
Non-current assets
$70,671 $— 
Non-current liabilities (a)
(158,630)(454,803)
Total funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
  
Net loss (b)
$1,217,402 $1,447,978 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Net loss$89,531 $347,268 

(a)Includes ($4.0) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes $13.9 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Service cost16,398 22,204 5,135 1,760 3,846 5,525 
Interest cost52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Actuarial gain(48,020)(46,895)(10,071)(6,098)(6,102)(8,908)
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Balance at December 31$1,061,063 $1,123,024 $283,071 $127,133 $229,942 $275,117 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Actual return on plan assets73,952 85,900 21,237 11,706 16,395 19,389 
Employer contributions55,112 48,401 14,980 4,931 8,272 16,650 
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Fair value of assets at December 31$1,043,188 $1,111,601 $294,458 $125,805 $228,053 $269,899 
Funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
      
Non-current assets
$29,521 $10,010 $19,666 $3,299 $6,064 $3,135 
Non-current liabilities (b)
(47,396)(21,433)(8,279)(4,627)(7,953)(8,353)
Total funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
      
Net loss (c)
$412,777 $256,316 $86,790 $34,039 $55,902 $96,932 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $10,680 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($2.1) million at System Energy.
(b)Includes ($2.0) million at Entergy Louisiana and ($1.2) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes $4.5 million at Entergy Louisiana and $6.7 million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,168,098 $1,256,422 $320,994 $140,436 $265,565 $288,302 
Service cost18,461 24,716 5,775 1,955 4,328 5,749 
Interest cost56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Actuarial (gain) loss
39,643 1,925 (328)4,590 (1,416)14,522 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Balance at December 31$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$961,178 $1,035,574 $265,736 $119,710 $226,417 $240,392 
Actual return on plan assets140,891 148,698 39,315 16,571 31,984 35,375 
Employer contributions54,468 44,565 21,110 1,420 5,314 15,543 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Fair value of assets at December 31$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Funded status($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)      
Non-current liabilities($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset      
Net loss$485,113 $319,116 $102,208 $44,911 $63,665 $111,996 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $13,296 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($68.7) million at Entergy Arkansas, ($103.1) million at Entergy Louisiana, ($31.4) million at Entergy Mississippi, ($5.3) million at Entergy New Orleans, ($29.4) million at Entergy Texas, and ($16.7) million at System Energy.

The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations; partially offset by asset losses resulting from an actual return on assets lower than the expected return on assets in some plans. The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to asset gains resulting from an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $4.1 billion and $5.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$912,174 $2,508,990 
Fair value of plan assets $864,795 $2,300,937 

Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$2,701,323 $4,385,472 
Fair value of plan assets $2,542,693 $3,898,434 

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas$980,559 $1,048,901 
Entergy Louisiana$1,024,433 $1,085,318 
Entergy Mississippi$257,759 $273,338 
Entergy New Orleans$118,620 $125,878 
Entergy Texas$212,935 $225,379 
System Energy$252,397 $267,432 

Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$304,518 $123,735 $105,285 $58,082 $44,286 
Fair value of plan assets$297,161 $115,446 $103,380 $55,953 $40,146 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$612,788 $658,373 $202,182 $125,878 $70,680 $127,606 
Fair value of plan assets$554,362 $607,471 $196,500 $117,922 $61,495 $109,266 
Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,009,496 $580,451 $111,659 $108,354 $128,652 $247,186 
Fair value of plan assets$962,101 $559,017 $103,380 $103,727 $120,700 $238,833 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,117,586 $1,173,284 $213,098 $133,949 $146,511 $286,558 
Fair value of plan assets$991,894 $1,058,711 $196,500 $117,922 $128,991 $255,443 

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

In March 2020, Entergy announced changes to its other postretirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2021, certain retired, former non-bargaining employees age 65 and older who are eligible for Entergy-sponsored retiree welfare benefits, and their eligible spouses who are age 65 and older (collectively, Medicare-eligible participants), are eligible to participate in an Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, and are no longer eligible for retiree coverage under the Entergy Corporation Companies’ Benefits Plus Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. Under the Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, Medicare-eligible participants are eligible to participate in a health reimbursement arrangement which they may use towards the purchase of various types of qualified insurance offered through a Medicare exchange provider and for other qualified medical expenses. The changes affecting active bargaining unit employees were negotiated with the unions prior to implementation, where necessary, and to the extent required by law.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefits costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefits costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with employees who work or worked at Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the plans’ investment accounts. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for
the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$12,503 $14,654 $24,734 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefits obligation (APBO)39,408 42,272 27,306 
Expected return on assets(42,277)(36,732)(43,420)
Amortization of prior service credit(22,880)(22,558)(25,550)
Recognized net (gain) loss
(11,045)(11,446)4,333 
Net other postretirement benefits income($24,291)($13,810)($12,597)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)($858)
Net gain(73,123)(44,441)(131,524)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:   
Amortization of prior service credit22,880 22,558 25,550 
Amortization of net gain (loss)
11,045 11,446 (4,333)
Total($39,198)($14,871)($111,165)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($63,489)($28,681)($123,762)
Total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits (income) costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:     
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,569 $2,800 $736 $205 $670 $699 
Interest cost on APBO7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Expected return on assets(17,535)— (5,486)(5,915)(10,156)(2,912)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,097 (4,544)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss— (6,952)61 74 591 — 
Net other postretirement benefits income
($5,538)($701)($3,699)($5,540)($10,855)($913)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($20,074)($7,273)($3,915)($2,217)($4,683)($3,476)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:     
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,097)4,544 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)— 6,952 (61)(74)(591)— 
Total($22,171)$4,223 ($3,021)($1,375)($903)($3,183)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($27,709)$3,522 ($6,720)($6,915)($11,758)($4,096)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,965 $3,379 $878 $235 $809 $754 
Interest cost on APBO8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Expected return on assets(15,113)— (4,716)(5,263)(8,776)(2,535)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,096 (3,804)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss171 (7,057)85 466 914 — 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($1,879)$1,449 ($2,538)($4,318)($8,827)($348)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain(23,033)(458)(6,883)(7,606)(8,790)(3,942)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,096)3,804 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(171)7,057 (85)(466)(914)— 
Total($25,300)$5,969 ($6,013)($7,156)($5,333)($3,649)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($27,179)$7,418 ($8,551)($11,474)($14,160)($3,997)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$4,457 $5,633 $1,354 $397 $1,322 $1,239 
Interest cost on APBO5,050 5,770 1,401 694 1,596 1,116 
Expected return on assets(17,930)— (5,575)(5,997)(10,273)(3,162)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)1,885 (4,630)(1,772)(916)(4,371)(319)
Recognized net (gain) loss873 (744)222 (898)648 121 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($5,665)$6,029 ($4,370)($6,720)($11,078)($1,005)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Prior service cost (credit) for the period$273 $323 ($1,300)$— $— $141 
Net (gain) loss12,894 (65,501)6,629 17,334 22,323 1,208 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(1,885)4,630 1,772 916 4,371 319 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(873)744 (222)898 (648)(121)
Total$10,409 ($59,804)$6,879 $19,148 $26,046 $1,547 
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$4,744 ($53,775)$2,509 $12,428 $14,968 $542 
Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO  
Balance at January 1$837,644 $865,854 
Service cost12,503 14,654 
Interest cost39,408 42,272 
Plan amendments— (4,434)
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Actuarial gain(66,320)(4,303)
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Medicare Part D subsidy received466 280 
Balance at December 31$754,682 $837,644 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$673,141 $623,824 
Actual return on plan assets49,080 76,870 
Employer contributions45,400 49,126 
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Fair value of assets at December 31$698,602 $673,141 
Funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
  
Current liabilities($42,530)($45,706)
Non-current liabilities (a)
(13,550)(118,797)
Total funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset (b)
  
Prior service credit($12,729)($21,465)
Net gain(78,520)(33,617)
 ($91,249)($55,082)
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Prior service credit($20,755)($34,899)
Net gain(133,253)(116,078)
 ($154,008)($150,977)

(a)Includes $14.7 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned
sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Service cost2,569 2,800 736 205 670 699 
Interest cost7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Plan participant contributions4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Actuarial gain(17,007)(7,273)(3,008)(1,063)(3,763)(2,897)
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Medicare Part D subsidy received49 77 14 14 17 
Balance at December 31$138,212 $156,831 $38,143 $19,701 $45,609 $30,553 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Actual return on plan assets20,602 — 6,393 7,069 11,076 3,491 
Employer contributions(604)16,907 (23)134 690 741 
Plan participant contributions 4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Fair value of assets at December 31$284,095 $— $89,144 $105,600 $167,744 $46,997 
Funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
      
Non-current assets (a)
$145,883 $— $51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Current liabilities— (14,377)— — — — 
Non-current liabilities (b)
— (142,454)— — — — 
Total funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset (c)
      
Prior service cost (credit)
$2,886 $— ($1,727)($1,066)($7,419)($203)
Net loss (gain)
(38,054)— (8,791)(8,134)9,268 (3,364)
 ($35,168)$— ($10,518)($9,200)$1,849 ($3,567)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($8,101)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (76,030)— — — — 
 $— ($84,131)$— $— $— $— 

(a)Includes $19.5 million of non-current assets at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the
planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($2.5) million of non-current liabilities at Entergy Louisiana as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$164,018 $183,126 $44,365 $23,971 $53,482 $35,274 
Service cost2,965 3,379 878 235 809 754 
Interest cost8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Plan amendments— (4,434)— — — — 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(6,403)(458)(1,650)(1,676)337 (1,075)
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Medicare Part D subsidy received33 46 10 11 13 
Balance at December 31$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$255,117 $— $79,496 $91,140 $148,799 $42,434 
Actual return on plan assets31,743 — 9,949 11,193 17,903 5,402 
Employer contributions582 20,451 646 213 235 480 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Fair value of assets at December 31$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet      
Current liabilities$— ($15,049)$— $— $— $— 
Non-current liabilities118,827 (155,090)44,318 78,851 109,701 11,624 
Total funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset       
Prior service cost (credit)
$4,983 $— ($2,682)($1,982)($11,790)($496)
Net loss (gain)
(17,980)— (4,815)(5,843)14,542 112 
 ($12,997)$— ($7,497)($7,825)$2,752 ($384)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($12,645)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (75,709)— — — — 
 $— ($88,354)$— $— $— $— 

The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations and an actual return on assets higher than the expected return on assets. The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to updated demographic assumptions and census data coupled with an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, partially offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.
Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $12.2 million in 2024, $43.8 million in 2023, and $30.9 million in 2022.  In 2024, 2023, and 2022, Entergy recognized $1.5 million, $27.9 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.

The projected benefit obligation was $94.1 million as of December 31, 2024 of which $22.3 million was a current liability and $71.8 million was a non-current liability. The projected benefit obligation was $88.6 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $13.8 million was a current liability and $74.8 million was a non-current liability.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $81.2 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($29.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.7 million at December 31, 2023) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($4.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023).

A Rabbi Trust was established for the benefit of certain participants in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. The Rabbi Trust assets were invested in money-market funds which were recorded at fair value with all gains and losses recognized immediately in income. All of the investments were classified as Level 1 investments for purposes of Fair Value Measurements. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust was $35 million. In August 2023 the Rabbi Trust assets were used to pay benefits due under the non-qualified pension plans.

The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022, was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$269 $256 $326 $122 $248 
2023$637 $99 $808 $132 $253 
2022$282 $102 $321 $114 $1,320 

Included in the 2024 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $55 thousand for Entergy Louisiana related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2023 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $379 thousand and $453 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2022 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1 thousand, $2 thousand, and $1 million for Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,721 $1,405 $3,566 $1,143 $2,734 
2023$2,313 $2,574 $3,369 $1,034 $3,762 
The accumulated benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,468 $1,197 $3,322 $939 $2,710 
2023$1,935 $2,494 $3,187 $814 $3,701 

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($524)($190)($419)($104)($386)
Non-current liabilities(1,197)(1,215)(3,147)(1,039)(2,348)
Total funded status($1,721)($1,405)($3,566)($1,143)($2,734)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$119 $493 $1,292 $9 ($3,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $21 $— $— $— 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($276)($308)($474)($106)($448)
Non-current liabilities(2,037)(2,266)(2,895)(928)(3,314)
Total funded status($2,313)($2,574)($3,369)($1,034)($3,762)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$857 $1,604 $1,303 $5 ($2,526)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $67 $— $— $— 

The non-qualified pension plans incurred an actuarial loss during 2024 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions, as well as salary increases in excess of expectations. The non-qualified pension plans incurred a small actuarial loss during 2023 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2024:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,055 ($159)$13,896 
Amortization of gain (loss)(2,820)10,459 (312)7,327 
Settlement loss(319,920)— (58)(319,978)
($322,740)$24,514 ($529)($298,755)
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $4,544 $— $4,544 
Amortization of gain (loss)(416)6,952 (3)6,533 
Settlement loss— — (2)(2)
($416)$11,496 ($5)$11,075 

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2023:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,038 ($452)$13,586 
Amortization of gain (loss)(4,407)11,590 (593)6,590 
Settlement loss(7,844)— (3,004)(10,848)
($12,251)$25,628 ($4,049)$9,328 
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $3,804 $— $3,804 
Amortization of gain (loss)(792)7,057 (2)6,263 
Settlement loss(1,617)— — (1,617)
($2,409)$10,861 ($2)$8,450 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefits costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefits obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior
service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefits obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of its pension plan assets, except for the long duration fixed income assets, by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns. For the long duration fixed income assets in the pension trust and for its other postretirement benefits plan assets Entergy uses fair value as the MRV.

In accordance with accounting standards, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.

Qualified Pension Settlement Costs

In May 2024, Entergy Corporation entered into a commitment agreement by and between Entergy Corporation, Newport Trust Company, LLC, as independent fiduciary of Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees (the Pension Plans), and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), under which the Pension Plans purchased a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract from MetLife to settle approximately $1.2 billion of benefit liabilities of the Pension Plans.

The group annuity contract primarily covers a population that includes approximately 3,400 non-utility business retirees, joint annuitants, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who commenced benefit payments from the Pension Plans on or before March 1, 2024 (Transferred Participants). MetLife irrevocably guarantees and assumes the sole obligation to make future monthly pension benefit payments to the Transferred Participants as provided under its group annuity contract, with direct payments that began September 1, 2024. The aggregate amount of each Transferred Participant’s payment under the group annuity contract will be equal to the amount of each individual’s payment under the Pension Plans.

The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the Pension Plans. The transferred pension liability required no additional funding prior to transfer, as the liability was fully funded. As a result of the transaction, Entergy recognized a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $328 million in 2024, of which $8 million was recorded at Utility, as described below, and $320 million was recorded at Parent & Other. The $320 million settlement charge at Parent & Other is reflected in Miscellaneous - net in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated income statements.

Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Plan II, and Bargaining Plan II exceeded the sum of the Plans’ service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs during 2023 and 2022. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy participate in one or both of Non-Bargaining Plan I and Bargaining Plan I and incurred settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Mississippi Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the MPSC, Entergy Mississippi was directed to cease including other postretirement benefit credits in other operation and maintenance expense or allocating to capital expenditures for ratemaking purposes effective January 1, 2024. The credits are being deferred as a regulatory liability. In addition, beginning in July 2024, Entergy Mississippi is recovering the December 31, 2023 other postretirement benefit asset in rate base over five years and accruing a regulatory liability. At December 31, 2024, the balance in these regulatory liability accounts was approximately $7.4 million.

Entergy New Orleans Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the City Council, Entergy New Orleans received approval to exclude other postretirement benefit expense credits from the formula rate plan evaluation filing. To comply with the order, Entergy New Orleans began recording the other postretirement benefit expense credits to a regulatory liability account in September 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this regulatory liability account was approximately $1 million.

Entergy Texas Reserve

In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded are evaluated in each rate case filed by Entergy Texas and an amortization period is determined at that time. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this reserve was approximately $15 million.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the funded status of each plan within the trust. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases.  The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.

For postretirement assets the target and range asset allocations (as shown below) reflect recommendations made in the latest optimization study. The target asset allocations for postretirement assets adjust dynamically based on the funded status of each sub-account within each trust. The current weighted-average targets shown below represent the aggregate of all targets for all sub-accounts within all trusts.
Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the target asset allocation and ranges for 2024 are as follows:
Pension Asset AllocationTargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities22%18%to26%23%33%
International Equity Securities13%10%to16%13%18%
Intermediate Fixed Income Securities4%3%to5%5%9%
Long Duration Fixed Income Securities61%57%to65%59%40%
Other—%—%to10%—%—%

Postretirement Asset AllocationNon-Taxable and Taxable
 TargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities14%9%to19%16%28%
International Equity Securities10%5%to15%9%17%
Fixed Income Securities76%71%to81%75%55%
Other—%—%to5%—%—%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long-dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the aggregate asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation, in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other postretirement assets (as described above), and with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area, and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2024, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of credit risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-    inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$932 (b)$— $— $932 
Common403,146 (b)— — 403,146 
Common collective trusts (c) 1,206,983 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,145,994 (a)— 1,145,994 
Corporate debt instruments—  307,666 (a)— 307,666 
Registered investment companies (e)30,293 (d)2,735 (d)— 1,512,994 
Other— 44,691 (f)— 44,691 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,918 (g)— 5,918 
Total investments$434,371  $1,507,004  $— $4,628,324 
Cash     2,026 
Other pending transactions     (133,550)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,068)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $4,432,732 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$10,827 (b)$— $— $10,827 
Common715,452 (b)— — 715,452 
Common collective trusts (c) 2,066,247 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,085,231 (a)— 1,085,231 
Corporate debt instruments—  924,904 (a)— 924,904 
Registered investment companies (e)34,364 (d)2,718 (d)— 657,691 
Other774 78,883 (f)— 79,657 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,899 (g)— 5,899 
Total investments$761,417  $2,097,635  $— $5,545,908 
Cash     1,488 
Other pending transactions     (22,404)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,391)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $5,460,601 
Other Postretirement Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $161,726 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$107,547 (b)$112,780 (a)$— 220,327 
Corporate debt instruments—  166,208 (a)— 166,208 
Registered investment companies2,295 (d)—  — 2,295 
Other—  80,561 (f)— 80,561 
Total investments$109,842  $359,549  $— $631,117 
Other pending transactions     3,417 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,068 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $698,602 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $276,560 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$80,219 (b)$84,521 (a)$— 164,740 
Corporate debt instruments—  106,523 (a)— 106,523 
Registered investment companies548 (d)—  — 548 
Other—  57,511 (f)— 57,511 
Total investments$80,767  $248,555  $— $605,882 
Other pending transactions     2,868 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,391 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $673,141 

(a)Certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)Common stocks, preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value. Common collective trusts are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(d)Registered investment companies are money market mutual funds with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share. Registered investment companies may hold investments in domestic and international bond markets or domestic equities valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price. The money market mutual funds held by the trusts are deemed to be actively traded. Certain registered investment companies are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.
(e)Certain of these registered investment companies are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(f)The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefits obligations at December 31, 2024, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:
 Estimated Future Benefits Payments
 Qualified PensionNon-Qualified PensionOther Postretirement
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)   
2025$396,881 $22,324 $68,754 
2026$373,969 $7,975 $65,668 
2027$374,332 $14,666 $63,067 
2028$374,818 $8,905 $60,746 
2029$372,728 $7,532 $58,225 
2030 - 2034
$1,852,026 $36,035 $279,644 

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees will be as follows:
Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$92,997 $99,646 $26,600 $10,879 $22,865 $24,910 
2026$91,164 $94,614 $25,540 $11,107 $22,419 $22,420 
2027$91,175 $93,456 $25,272 $10,658 $21,251 $23,235 
2028$89,535 $95,546 $24,923 $10,775 $20,135 $22,540 
2029$88,244 $93,857 $25,038 $10,242 $20,474 $22,790 
2030 - 2034$437,940 $458,211 $118,197 $50,337 $93,989 $112,086 
Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)     
2025$524 $190 $419 $104 $386 
2026$103 $173 $309 $84 $360 
2027$94 $159 $764 $263 $335 
2028$175 $146 $578 $210 $310 
2029$143 $141 $436 $167 $284 
2030 - 2034$634 $552 $1,582 $609 $1,081 

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$12,198 $14,377 $3,329 $2,082 $4,542 $2,645 
2026$11,754 $13,757 $3,218 $1,941 $4,168 $2,434 
2027$11,280 $13,172 $3,109 $1,789 $3,989 $2,339 
2028$11,012 $12,531 $3,110 $1,655 $3,787 $2,288 
2029$10,896 $12,089 $3,014 $1,575 $3,627 $2,278 
2030 - 2034$53,047 $57,646 $14,486 $7,164 $17,113 $11,340 

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $240 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $42.8 million to its other postretirement plans in 2025.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently expect to contribute the following approximate amounts to their qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their current and former employees in 2025:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Pension Contributions$35,544 $41,253 $8,064 $5,016 $7,725 $15,668 
Other Postretirement Contributions$529 $14,377 $178 $205 $156 $34 

The 2025 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2025 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2025.
Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefits APBO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
 20242023
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Qualified pension
5.67% - 5.89%
Blended 5.75%
5.02% - 5.10%
Blended 5.06%
Other postretirement5.66%5.01%
Non-qualified pension5.23%4.68%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.45%
3.98% - 4.40%
Interest crediting rate4.80%4.00%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-658.15%6.95%
Post-6510.13%7.88%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-6520352032
    Post-6520352032
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
 202420232022
Weighted-average discount rate:   
Qualified pension:
    Service cost5.08%5.26%3.07%
    Interest cost4.97%5.16%2.49%
Other postretirement:
    Service cost4.82%5.00%3.20%
    Interest cost4.91%5.09%2.31%
Non-qualified pension:
    Service cost5.01%5.31%4.94%
    Interest cost4.86%5.30%5.03%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:   
Pension assets
6.00% - 7.25%
Blended 6.75%
7.00%6.75%
Other postretirement non-taxable assets
6.50% - 7.25%
6.00% - 7.00%
5.75% - 6.75%
Other postretirement taxable assets5.25%5.25%4.75%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-656.95%6.65%5.65%
Post-657.88%7.50%5.90%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-65203220322032
    Post-65203220322032
    
With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the Pri-2012 Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 pension plans’ PBOs and the Pri.H 2012 (headcount weighted) Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 other postretirement benefits APBO.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (Savings Plan VI) (established in April 2007) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (Savings Plan VII) (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. Effective
December 31, 2023, employees participating in Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VIII (established January 2021) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IX (established January 2021) to which company contributions are made. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to these defined contribution plans for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 5% of their eligible earnings per pay period. Eligible participants may also receive a discretionary annual company contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible earnings (subject to vesting).

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $72.3 million in 2024, $65.1 million in 2023, and $62.1 million in 2022.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2024, 2023, and 2022 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:
Year
Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$6,822 $8,784 $4,048 $1,584 $3,907 
2023$5,866 $7,757 $3,534 $1,383 $3,380 
2022$5,124 $7,138 $3,194 $1,223 $2,938 
Entergy New Orleans [Member]  
Retirement Benefits [Text Block] RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has defined benefit qualified pension plans, including the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III (Plan III), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan VI), and the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan).  The Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan I effective January 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, Non-Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Non-Bargaining Plan VI. Effective January 1, 2025, Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Entergy Corporation Plan VI for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan VI). The Bargaining Cash Balance Plan was merged with and into Bargaining Plan I also effective January 1, 2025.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Plan III, Non-Bargaining Plan VI, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan.

Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire was prior to June 30, 2014 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) participate in a noncontributory final average pay formula that provides pension benefits based on the employee’s credited service and compensation during employment. Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 and before January 1, 2021 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) do not participate in a final average pay formula, but instead participate in a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2021, the Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan were amended to close participation in each plan to those employees whose most recent hire date is after December 31, 2020 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement). Employees hired after this date instead may be eligible to participate in and receive a discretionary employer contribution under an Entergy sponsored tax-qualified defined contribution plan that includes a 401(k) feature.

The assets of the defined benefit qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trust are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in the trust to the various participating pension plans in the trust.  The fair value of the trust’s assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.
Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e., interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$93,468 $101,182 $138,085 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation249,757 298,281 235,805 
Expected return on assets(338,619)(388,030)(402,504)
Recognized net loss58,590 81,919 188,683 
Settlement charges328,277 160,387 230,389 
Net pension cost$391,473 $253,739 $390,458 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Net (gain) loss
($101,445)($213,636)$6,113 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:   
Amortization of net loss(58,590)(81,919)(188,683)
Settlement charges(328,277)(160,387)(230,389)
Total($488,312)($455,942)($412,959)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($96,839)($202,203)($22,501)
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$16,398 $22,204 $5,135 $1,760 $3,846 $5,525 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Expected return on assets(72,620)(77,786)(20,451)(8,814)(16,308)(18,485)
Recognized net loss22,983 10,407 4,562 1,881 1,574 4,638 
Settlement charges— — — — — 615 
Net pension cost$19,631 $10,668 $3,330 $1,103 $436 $5,818 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($49,352)($55,010)($10,857)($8,990)($6,190)($9,812)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(22,983)(10,407)(4,562)(1,881)(1,574)(4,638)
Settlement charges— — — — — (615)
Total($72,335)($65,417)($15,419)($10,871)($7,764)($15,065)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($52,704)($54,749)($12,089)($9,768)($7,328)($9,247)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$18,461 $24,716 $5,775 $1,955 $4,328 $5,749 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Expected return on assets(70,574)(75,757)(19,423)(8,798)(16,641)(17,585)
Recognized net loss19,400 19,797 5,719 1,694 4,075 4,236 
Settlement charges26,137 40,437 12,242 2,080 11,230 6,375 
Net pension cost$49,450 $69,539 $19,715 $3,678 $15,718 $12,627 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($30,674)($71,016)($20,220)($3,183)($16,759)($3,268)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(19,400)(19,797)(5,719)(1,694)(4,075)(4,236)
Settlement charges(26,137)(40,437)(12,242)(2,080)(11,230)(6,375)
Total($76,211)($131,250)($38,181)($6,957)($32,064)($13,879)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($26,761)($61,711)($18,466)($3,279)($16,346)($1,252)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$25,210 $33,520 $8,043 $2,745 $5,999 $7,746 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation45,378 49,330 12,979 5,491 10,729 11,286 
Expected return on assets(75,820)(82,478)(20,168)(9,920)(18,317)(18,173)
Recognized net loss43,597 41,711 12,594 4,787 9,013 10,938 
Settlement charges36,409 58,550 15,786 6,676 22,411 9,905 
Net pension cost$74,774 $100,633 $29,234 $9,779 $29,835 $21,702 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net (gain) loss
$28,365 ($15,604)($4,743)$525 $13,363 ($7,063)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(43,597)(41,711)(12,594)(4,787)(9,013)(10,938)
Settlement charges(36,409)(58,550)(15,786)(6,676)(22,411)(9,905)
Total($51,641)($115,865)($33,123)($10,938)($18,061)($27,906)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$23,133 ($15,232)($3,889)($1,159)$11,774 ($6,204)
Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)  
Balance at January 1$5,915,404 $6,166,106 
Service cost93,468 101,182 
Interest cost249,757 298,281 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(156,248)123,237 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Balance at December 31$4,520,691 $5,915,404 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$5,460,601 $5,242,098 
Actual return on plan assets283,816 724,903 
Employer contributions270,005 267,002 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Fair value of assets at December 31$4,432,732 $5,460,601 
Funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
  
Non-current assets
$70,671 $— 
Non-current liabilities (a)
(158,630)(454,803)
Total funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
  
Net loss (b)
$1,217,402 $1,447,978 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Net loss$89,531 $347,268 

(a)Includes ($4.0) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes $13.9 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Service cost16,398 22,204 5,135 1,760 3,846 5,525 
Interest cost52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Actuarial gain(48,020)(46,895)(10,071)(6,098)(6,102)(8,908)
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Balance at December 31$1,061,063 $1,123,024 $283,071 $127,133 $229,942 $275,117 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Actual return on plan assets73,952 85,900 21,237 11,706 16,395 19,389 
Employer contributions55,112 48,401 14,980 4,931 8,272 16,650 
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Fair value of assets at December 31$1,043,188 $1,111,601 $294,458 $125,805 $228,053 $269,899 
Funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
      
Non-current assets
$29,521 $10,010 $19,666 $3,299 $6,064 $3,135 
Non-current liabilities (b)
(47,396)(21,433)(8,279)(4,627)(7,953)(8,353)
Total funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
      
Net loss (c)
$412,777 $256,316 $86,790 $34,039 $55,902 $96,932 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $10,680 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($2.1) million at System Energy.
(b)Includes ($2.0) million at Entergy Louisiana and ($1.2) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes $4.5 million at Entergy Louisiana and $6.7 million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,168,098 $1,256,422 $320,994 $140,436 $265,565 $288,302 
Service cost18,461 24,716 5,775 1,955 4,328 5,749 
Interest cost56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Actuarial (gain) loss
39,643 1,925 (328)4,590 (1,416)14,522 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Balance at December 31$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$961,178 $1,035,574 $265,736 $119,710 $226,417 $240,392 
Actual return on plan assets140,891 148,698 39,315 16,571 31,984 35,375 
Employer contributions54,468 44,565 21,110 1,420 5,314 15,543 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Fair value of assets at December 31$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Funded status($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)      
Non-current liabilities($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset      
Net loss$485,113 $319,116 $102,208 $44,911 $63,665 $111,996 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $13,296 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($68.7) million at Entergy Arkansas, ($103.1) million at Entergy Louisiana, ($31.4) million at Entergy Mississippi, ($5.3) million at Entergy New Orleans, ($29.4) million at Entergy Texas, and ($16.7) million at System Energy.

The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations; partially offset by asset losses resulting from an actual return on assets lower than the expected return on assets in some plans. The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to asset gains resulting from an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $4.1 billion and $5.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$912,174 $2,508,990 
Fair value of plan assets $864,795 $2,300,937 

Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$2,701,323 $4,385,472 
Fair value of plan assets $2,542,693 $3,898,434 

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas$980,559 $1,048,901 
Entergy Louisiana$1,024,433 $1,085,318 
Entergy Mississippi$257,759 $273,338 
Entergy New Orleans$118,620 $125,878 
Entergy Texas$212,935 $225,379 
System Energy$252,397 $267,432 

Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$304,518 $123,735 $105,285 $58,082 $44,286 
Fair value of plan assets$297,161 $115,446 $103,380 $55,953 $40,146 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$612,788 $658,373 $202,182 $125,878 $70,680 $127,606 
Fair value of plan assets$554,362 $607,471 $196,500 $117,922 $61,495 $109,266 
Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,009,496 $580,451 $111,659 $108,354 $128,652 $247,186 
Fair value of plan assets$962,101 $559,017 $103,380 $103,727 $120,700 $238,833 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,117,586 $1,173,284 $213,098 $133,949 $146,511 $286,558 
Fair value of plan assets$991,894 $1,058,711 $196,500 $117,922 $128,991 $255,443 

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

In March 2020, Entergy announced changes to its other postretirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2021, certain retired, former non-bargaining employees age 65 and older who are eligible for Entergy-sponsored retiree welfare benefits, and their eligible spouses who are age 65 and older (collectively, Medicare-eligible participants), are eligible to participate in an Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, and are no longer eligible for retiree coverage under the Entergy Corporation Companies’ Benefits Plus Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. Under the Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, Medicare-eligible participants are eligible to participate in a health reimbursement arrangement which they may use towards the purchase of various types of qualified insurance offered through a Medicare exchange provider and for other qualified medical expenses. The changes affecting active bargaining unit employees were negotiated with the unions prior to implementation, where necessary, and to the extent required by law.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefits costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefits costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with employees who work or worked at Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the plans’ investment accounts. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for
the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$12,503 $14,654 $24,734 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefits obligation (APBO)39,408 42,272 27,306 
Expected return on assets(42,277)(36,732)(43,420)
Amortization of prior service credit(22,880)(22,558)(25,550)
Recognized net (gain) loss
(11,045)(11,446)4,333 
Net other postretirement benefits income($24,291)($13,810)($12,597)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)($858)
Net gain(73,123)(44,441)(131,524)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:   
Amortization of prior service credit22,880 22,558 25,550 
Amortization of net gain (loss)
11,045 11,446 (4,333)
Total($39,198)($14,871)($111,165)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($63,489)($28,681)($123,762)
Total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits (income) costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:     
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,569 $2,800 $736 $205 $670 $699 
Interest cost on APBO7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Expected return on assets(17,535)— (5,486)(5,915)(10,156)(2,912)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,097 (4,544)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss— (6,952)61 74 591 — 
Net other postretirement benefits income
($5,538)($701)($3,699)($5,540)($10,855)($913)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($20,074)($7,273)($3,915)($2,217)($4,683)($3,476)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:     
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,097)4,544 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)— 6,952 (61)(74)(591)— 
Total($22,171)$4,223 ($3,021)($1,375)($903)($3,183)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($27,709)$3,522 ($6,720)($6,915)($11,758)($4,096)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,965 $3,379 $878 $235 $809 $754 
Interest cost on APBO8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Expected return on assets(15,113)— (4,716)(5,263)(8,776)(2,535)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,096 (3,804)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss171 (7,057)85 466 914 — 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($1,879)$1,449 ($2,538)($4,318)($8,827)($348)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain(23,033)(458)(6,883)(7,606)(8,790)(3,942)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,096)3,804 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(171)7,057 (85)(466)(914)— 
Total($25,300)$5,969 ($6,013)($7,156)($5,333)($3,649)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($27,179)$7,418 ($8,551)($11,474)($14,160)($3,997)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$4,457 $5,633 $1,354 $397 $1,322 $1,239 
Interest cost on APBO5,050 5,770 1,401 694 1,596 1,116 
Expected return on assets(17,930)— (5,575)(5,997)(10,273)(3,162)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)1,885 (4,630)(1,772)(916)(4,371)(319)
Recognized net (gain) loss873 (744)222 (898)648 121 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($5,665)$6,029 ($4,370)($6,720)($11,078)($1,005)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Prior service cost (credit) for the period$273 $323 ($1,300)$— $— $141 
Net (gain) loss12,894 (65,501)6,629 17,334 22,323 1,208 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(1,885)4,630 1,772 916 4,371 319 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(873)744 (222)898 (648)(121)
Total$10,409 ($59,804)$6,879 $19,148 $26,046 $1,547 
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$4,744 ($53,775)$2,509 $12,428 $14,968 $542 
Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO  
Balance at January 1$837,644 $865,854 
Service cost12,503 14,654 
Interest cost39,408 42,272 
Plan amendments— (4,434)
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Actuarial gain(66,320)(4,303)
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Medicare Part D subsidy received466 280 
Balance at December 31$754,682 $837,644 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$673,141 $623,824 
Actual return on plan assets49,080 76,870 
Employer contributions45,400 49,126 
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Fair value of assets at December 31$698,602 $673,141 
Funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
  
Current liabilities($42,530)($45,706)
Non-current liabilities (a)
(13,550)(118,797)
Total funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset (b)
  
Prior service credit($12,729)($21,465)
Net gain(78,520)(33,617)
 ($91,249)($55,082)
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Prior service credit($20,755)($34,899)
Net gain(133,253)(116,078)
 ($154,008)($150,977)

(a)Includes $14.7 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned
sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Service cost2,569 2,800 736 205 670 699 
Interest cost7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Plan participant contributions4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Actuarial gain(17,007)(7,273)(3,008)(1,063)(3,763)(2,897)
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Medicare Part D subsidy received49 77 14 14 17 
Balance at December 31$138,212 $156,831 $38,143 $19,701 $45,609 $30,553 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Actual return on plan assets20,602 — 6,393 7,069 11,076 3,491 
Employer contributions(604)16,907 (23)134 690 741 
Plan participant contributions 4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Fair value of assets at December 31$284,095 $— $89,144 $105,600 $167,744 $46,997 
Funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
      
Non-current assets (a)
$145,883 $— $51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Current liabilities— (14,377)— — — — 
Non-current liabilities (b)
— (142,454)— — — — 
Total funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset (c)
      
Prior service cost (credit)
$2,886 $— ($1,727)($1,066)($7,419)($203)
Net loss (gain)
(38,054)— (8,791)(8,134)9,268 (3,364)
 ($35,168)$— ($10,518)($9,200)$1,849 ($3,567)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($8,101)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (76,030)— — — — 
 $— ($84,131)$— $— $— $— 

(a)Includes $19.5 million of non-current assets at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the
planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($2.5) million of non-current liabilities at Entergy Louisiana as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$164,018 $183,126 $44,365 $23,971 $53,482 $35,274 
Service cost2,965 3,379 878 235 809 754 
Interest cost8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Plan amendments— (4,434)— — — — 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(6,403)(458)(1,650)(1,676)337 (1,075)
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Medicare Part D subsidy received33 46 10 11 13 
Balance at December 31$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$255,117 $— $79,496 $91,140 $148,799 $42,434 
Actual return on plan assets31,743 — 9,949 11,193 17,903 5,402 
Employer contributions582 20,451 646 213 235 480 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Fair value of assets at December 31$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet      
Current liabilities$— ($15,049)$— $— $— $— 
Non-current liabilities118,827 (155,090)44,318 78,851 109,701 11,624 
Total funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset       
Prior service cost (credit)
$4,983 $— ($2,682)($1,982)($11,790)($496)
Net loss (gain)
(17,980)— (4,815)(5,843)14,542 112 
 ($12,997)$— ($7,497)($7,825)$2,752 ($384)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($12,645)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (75,709)— — — — 
 $— ($88,354)$— $— $— $— 

The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations and an actual return on assets higher than the expected return on assets. The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to updated demographic assumptions and census data coupled with an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, partially offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.
Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $12.2 million in 2024, $43.8 million in 2023, and $30.9 million in 2022.  In 2024, 2023, and 2022, Entergy recognized $1.5 million, $27.9 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.

The projected benefit obligation was $94.1 million as of December 31, 2024 of which $22.3 million was a current liability and $71.8 million was a non-current liability. The projected benefit obligation was $88.6 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $13.8 million was a current liability and $74.8 million was a non-current liability.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $81.2 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($29.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.7 million at December 31, 2023) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($4.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023).

A Rabbi Trust was established for the benefit of certain participants in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. The Rabbi Trust assets were invested in money-market funds which were recorded at fair value with all gains and losses recognized immediately in income. All of the investments were classified as Level 1 investments for purposes of Fair Value Measurements. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust was $35 million. In August 2023 the Rabbi Trust assets were used to pay benefits due under the non-qualified pension plans.

The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022, was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$269 $256 $326 $122 $248 
2023$637 $99 $808 $132 $253 
2022$282 $102 $321 $114 $1,320 

Included in the 2024 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $55 thousand for Entergy Louisiana related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2023 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $379 thousand and $453 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2022 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1 thousand, $2 thousand, and $1 million for Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,721 $1,405 $3,566 $1,143 $2,734 
2023$2,313 $2,574 $3,369 $1,034 $3,762 
The accumulated benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,468 $1,197 $3,322 $939 $2,710 
2023$1,935 $2,494 $3,187 $814 $3,701 

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($524)($190)($419)($104)($386)
Non-current liabilities(1,197)(1,215)(3,147)(1,039)(2,348)
Total funded status($1,721)($1,405)($3,566)($1,143)($2,734)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$119 $493 $1,292 $9 ($3,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $21 $— $— $— 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($276)($308)($474)($106)($448)
Non-current liabilities(2,037)(2,266)(2,895)(928)(3,314)
Total funded status($2,313)($2,574)($3,369)($1,034)($3,762)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$857 $1,604 $1,303 $5 ($2,526)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $67 $— $— $— 

The non-qualified pension plans incurred an actuarial loss during 2024 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions, as well as salary increases in excess of expectations. The non-qualified pension plans incurred a small actuarial loss during 2023 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2024:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,055 ($159)$13,896 
Amortization of gain (loss)(2,820)10,459 (312)7,327 
Settlement loss(319,920)— (58)(319,978)
($322,740)$24,514 ($529)($298,755)
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $4,544 $— $4,544 
Amortization of gain (loss)(416)6,952 (3)6,533 
Settlement loss— — (2)(2)
($416)$11,496 ($5)$11,075 

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2023:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,038 ($452)$13,586 
Amortization of gain (loss)(4,407)11,590 (593)6,590 
Settlement loss(7,844)— (3,004)(10,848)
($12,251)$25,628 ($4,049)$9,328 
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $3,804 $— $3,804 
Amortization of gain (loss)(792)7,057 (2)6,263 
Settlement loss(1,617)— — (1,617)
($2,409)$10,861 ($2)$8,450 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefits costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefits obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior
service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefits obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of its pension plan assets, except for the long duration fixed income assets, by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns. For the long duration fixed income assets in the pension trust and for its other postretirement benefits plan assets Entergy uses fair value as the MRV.

In accordance with accounting standards, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.

Qualified Pension Settlement Costs

In May 2024, Entergy Corporation entered into a commitment agreement by and between Entergy Corporation, Newport Trust Company, LLC, as independent fiduciary of Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees (the Pension Plans), and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), under which the Pension Plans purchased a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract from MetLife to settle approximately $1.2 billion of benefit liabilities of the Pension Plans.

The group annuity contract primarily covers a population that includes approximately 3,400 non-utility business retirees, joint annuitants, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who commenced benefit payments from the Pension Plans on or before March 1, 2024 (Transferred Participants). MetLife irrevocably guarantees and assumes the sole obligation to make future monthly pension benefit payments to the Transferred Participants as provided under its group annuity contract, with direct payments that began September 1, 2024. The aggregate amount of each Transferred Participant’s payment under the group annuity contract will be equal to the amount of each individual’s payment under the Pension Plans.

The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the Pension Plans. The transferred pension liability required no additional funding prior to transfer, as the liability was fully funded. As a result of the transaction, Entergy recognized a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $328 million in 2024, of which $8 million was recorded at Utility, as described below, and $320 million was recorded at Parent & Other. The $320 million settlement charge at Parent & Other is reflected in Miscellaneous - net in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated income statements.

Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Plan II, and Bargaining Plan II exceeded the sum of the Plans’ service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs during 2023 and 2022. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy participate in one or both of Non-Bargaining Plan I and Bargaining Plan I and incurred settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Mississippi Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the MPSC, Entergy Mississippi was directed to cease including other postretirement benefit credits in other operation and maintenance expense or allocating to capital expenditures for ratemaking purposes effective January 1, 2024. The credits are being deferred as a regulatory liability. In addition, beginning in July 2024, Entergy Mississippi is recovering the December 31, 2023 other postretirement benefit asset in rate base over five years and accruing a regulatory liability. At December 31, 2024, the balance in these regulatory liability accounts was approximately $7.4 million.

Entergy New Orleans Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the City Council, Entergy New Orleans received approval to exclude other postretirement benefit expense credits from the formula rate plan evaluation filing. To comply with the order, Entergy New Orleans began recording the other postretirement benefit expense credits to a regulatory liability account in September 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this regulatory liability account was approximately $1 million.

Entergy Texas Reserve

In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded are evaluated in each rate case filed by Entergy Texas and an amortization period is determined at that time. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this reserve was approximately $15 million.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the funded status of each plan within the trust. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases.  The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.

For postretirement assets the target and range asset allocations (as shown below) reflect recommendations made in the latest optimization study. The target asset allocations for postretirement assets adjust dynamically based on the funded status of each sub-account within each trust. The current weighted-average targets shown below represent the aggregate of all targets for all sub-accounts within all trusts.
Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the target asset allocation and ranges for 2024 are as follows:
Pension Asset AllocationTargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities22%18%to26%23%33%
International Equity Securities13%10%to16%13%18%
Intermediate Fixed Income Securities4%3%to5%5%9%
Long Duration Fixed Income Securities61%57%to65%59%40%
Other—%—%to10%—%—%

Postretirement Asset AllocationNon-Taxable and Taxable
 TargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities14%9%to19%16%28%
International Equity Securities10%5%to15%9%17%
Fixed Income Securities76%71%to81%75%55%
Other—%—%to5%—%—%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long-dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the aggregate asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation, in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other postretirement assets (as described above), and with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area, and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2024, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of credit risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-    inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$932 (b)$— $— $932 
Common403,146 (b)— — 403,146 
Common collective trusts (c) 1,206,983 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,145,994 (a)— 1,145,994 
Corporate debt instruments—  307,666 (a)— 307,666 
Registered investment companies (e)30,293 (d)2,735 (d)— 1,512,994 
Other— 44,691 (f)— 44,691 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,918 (g)— 5,918 
Total investments$434,371  $1,507,004  $— $4,628,324 
Cash     2,026 
Other pending transactions     (133,550)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,068)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $4,432,732 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$10,827 (b)$— $— $10,827 
Common715,452 (b)— — 715,452 
Common collective trusts (c) 2,066,247 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,085,231 (a)— 1,085,231 
Corporate debt instruments—  924,904 (a)— 924,904 
Registered investment companies (e)34,364 (d)2,718 (d)— 657,691 
Other774 78,883 (f)— 79,657 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,899 (g)— 5,899 
Total investments$761,417  $2,097,635  $— $5,545,908 
Cash     1,488 
Other pending transactions     (22,404)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,391)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $5,460,601 
Other Postretirement Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $161,726 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$107,547 (b)$112,780 (a)$— 220,327 
Corporate debt instruments—  166,208 (a)— 166,208 
Registered investment companies2,295 (d)—  — 2,295 
Other—  80,561 (f)— 80,561 
Total investments$109,842  $359,549  $— $631,117 
Other pending transactions     3,417 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,068 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $698,602 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $276,560 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$80,219 (b)$84,521 (a)$— 164,740 
Corporate debt instruments—  106,523 (a)— 106,523 
Registered investment companies548 (d)—  — 548 
Other—  57,511 (f)— 57,511 
Total investments$80,767  $248,555  $— $605,882 
Other pending transactions     2,868 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,391 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $673,141 

(a)Certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)Common stocks, preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value. Common collective trusts are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(d)Registered investment companies are money market mutual funds with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share. Registered investment companies may hold investments in domestic and international bond markets or domestic equities valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price. The money market mutual funds held by the trusts are deemed to be actively traded. Certain registered investment companies are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.
(e)Certain of these registered investment companies are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(f)The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefits obligations at December 31, 2024, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:
 Estimated Future Benefits Payments
 Qualified PensionNon-Qualified PensionOther Postretirement
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)   
2025$396,881 $22,324 $68,754 
2026$373,969 $7,975 $65,668 
2027$374,332 $14,666 $63,067 
2028$374,818 $8,905 $60,746 
2029$372,728 $7,532 $58,225 
2030 - 2034
$1,852,026 $36,035 $279,644 

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees will be as follows:
Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$92,997 $99,646 $26,600 $10,879 $22,865 $24,910 
2026$91,164 $94,614 $25,540 $11,107 $22,419 $22,420 
2027$91,175 $93,456 $25,272 $10,658 $21,251 $23,235 
2028$89,535 $95,546 $24,923 $10,775 $20,135 $22,540 
2029$88,244 $93,857 $25,038 $10,242 $20,474 $22,790 
2030 - 2034$437,940 $458,211 $118,197 $50,337 $93,989 $112,086 
Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)     
2025$524 $190 $419 $104 $386 
2026$103 $173 $309 $84 $360 
2027$94 $159 $764 $263 $335 
2028$175 $146 $578 $210 $310 
2029$143 $141 $436 $167 $284 
2030 - 2034$634 $552 $1,582 $609 $1,081 

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$12,198 $14,377 $3,329 $2,082 $4,542 $2,645 
2026$11,754 $13,757 $3,218 $1,941 $4,168 $2,434 
2027$11,280 $13,172 $3,109 $1,789 $3,989 $2,339 
2028$11,012 $12,531 $3,110 $1,655 $3,787 $2,288 
2029$10,896 $12,089 $3,014 $1,575 $3,627 $2,278 
2030 - 2034$53,047 $57,646 $14,486 $7,164 $17,113 $11,340 

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $240 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $42.8 million to its other postretirement plans in 2025.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently expect to contribute the following approximate amounts to their qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their current and former employees in 2025:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Pension Contributions$35,544 $41,253 $8,064 $5,016 $7,725 $15,668 
Other Postretirement Contributions$529 $14,377 $178 $205 $156 $34 

The 2025 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2025 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2025.
Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefits APBO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
 20242023
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Qualified pension
5.67% - 5.89%
Blended 5.75%
5.02% - 5.10%
Blended 5.06%
Other postretirement5.66%5.01%
Non-qualified pension5.23%4.68%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.45%
3.98% - 4.40%
Interest crediting rate4.80%4.00%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-658.15%6.95%
Post-6510.13%7.88%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-6520352032
    Post-6520352032
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
 202420232022
Weighted-average discount rate:   
Qualified pension:
    Service cost5.08%5.26%3.07%
    Interest cost4.97%5.16%2.49%
Other postretirement:
    Service cost4.82%5.00%3.20%
    Interest cost4.91%5.09%2.31%
Non-qualified pension:
    Service cost5.01%5.31%4.94%
    Interest cost4.86%5.30%5.03%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:   
Pension assets
6.00% - 7.25%
Blended 6.75%
7.00%6.75%
Other postretirement non-taxable assets
6.50% - 7.25%
6.00% - 7.00%
5.75% - 6.75%
Other postretirement taxable assets5.25%5.25%4.75%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-656.95%6.65%5.65%
Post-657.88%7.50%5.90%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-65203220322032
    Post-65203220322032
    
With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the Pri-2012 Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 pension plans’ PBOs and the Pri.H 2012 (headcount weighted) Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 other postretirement benefits APBO.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (Savings Plan VI) (established in April 2007) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (Savings Plan VII) (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. Effective
December 31, 2023, employees participating in Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VIII (established January 2021) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IX (established January 2021) to which company contributions are made. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to these defined contribution plans for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 5% of their eligible earnings per pay period. Eligible participants may also receive a discretionary annual company contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible earnings (subject to vesting).

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $72.3 million in 2024, $65.1 million in 2023, and $62.1 million in 2022.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2024, 2023, and 2022 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:
Year
Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$6,822 $8,784 $4,048 $1,584 $3,907 
2023$5,866 $7,757 $3,534 $1,383 $3,380 
2022$5,124 $7,138 $3,194 $1,223 $2,938 
Entergy Texas [Member]  
Retirement Benefits [Text Block] RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has defined benefit qualified pension plans, including the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III (Plan III), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan VI), and the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan).  The Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan I effective January 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, Non-Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Non-Bargaining Plan VI. Effective January 1, 2025, Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Entergy Corporation Plan VI for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan VI). The Bargaining Cash Balance Plan was merged with and into Bargaining Plan I also effective January 1, 2025.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Plan III, Non-Bargaining Plan VI, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan.

Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire was prior to June 30, 2014 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) participate in a noncontributory final average pay formula that provides pension benefits based on the employee’s credited service and compensation during employment. Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 and before January 1, 2021 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) do not participate in a final average pay formula, but instead participate in a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2021, the Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan were amended to close participation in each plan to those employees whose most recent hire date is after December 31, 2020 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement). Employees hired after this date instead may be eligible to participate in and receive a discretionary employer contribution under an Entergy sponsored tax-qualified defined contribution plan that includes a 401(k) feature.

The assets of the defined benefit qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trust are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in the trust to the various participating pension plans in the trust.  The fair value of the trust’s assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.
Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e., interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$93,468 $101,182 $138,085 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation249,757 298,281 235,805 
Expected return on assets(338,619)(388,030)(402,504)
Recognized net loss58,590 81,919 188,683 
Settlement charges328,277 160,387 230,389 
Net pension cost$391,473 $253,739 $390,458 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Net (gain) loss
($101,445)($213,636)$6,113 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:   
Amortization of net loss(58,590)(81,919)(188,683)
Settlement charges(328,277)(160,387)(230,389)
Total($488,312)($455,942)($412,959)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($96,839)($202,203)($22,501)
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$16,398 $22,204 $5,135 $1,760 $3,846 $5,525 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Expected return on assets(72,620)(77,786)(20,451)(8,814)(16,308)(18,485)
Recognized net loss22,983 10,407 4,562 1,881 1,574 4,638 
Settlement charges— — — — — 615 
Net pension cost$19,631 $10,668 $3,330 $1,103 $436 $5,818 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($49,352)($55,010)($10,857)($8,990)($6,190)($9,812)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(22,983)(10,407)(4,562)(1,881)(1,574)(4,638)
Settlement charges— — — — — (615)
Total($72,335)($65,417)($15,419)($10,871)($7,764)($15,065)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($52,704)($54,749)($12,089)($9,768)($7,328)($9,247)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$18,461 $24,716 $5,775 $1,955 $4,328 $5,749 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Expected return on assets(70,574)(75,757)(19,423)(8,798)(16,641)(17,585)
Recognized net loss19,400 19,797 5,719 1,694 4,075 4,236 
Settlement charges26,137 40,437 12,242 2,080 11,230 6,375 
Net pension cost$49,450 $69,539 $19,715 $3,678 $15,718 $12,627 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($30,674)($71,016)($20,220)($3,183)($16,759)($3,268)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(19,400)(19,797)(5,719)(1,694)(4,075)(4,236)
Settlement charges(26,137)(40,437)(12,242)(2,080)(11,230)(6,375)
Total($76,211)($131,250)($38,181)($6,957)($32,064)($13,879)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($26,761)($61,711)($18,466)($3,279)($16,346)($1,252)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$25,210 $33,520 $8,043 $2,745 $5,999 $7,746 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation45,378 49,330 12,979 5,491 10,729 11,286 
Expected return on assets(75,820)(82,478)(20,168)(9,920)(18,317)(18,173)
Recognized net loss43,597 41,711 12,594 4,787 9,013 10,938 
Settlement charges36,409 58,550 15,786 6,676 22,411 9,905 
Net pension cost$74,774 $100,633 $29,234 $9,779 $29,835 $21,702 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net (gain) loss
$28,365 ($15,604)($4,743)$525 $13,363 ($7,063)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(43,597)(41,711)(12,594)(4,787)(9,013)(10,938)
Settlement charges(36,409)(58,550)(15,786)(6,676)(22,411)(9,905)
Total($51,641)($115,865)($33,123)($10,938)($18,061)($27,906)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$23,133 ($15,232)($3,889)($1,159)$11,774 ($6,204)
Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)  
Balance at January 1$5,915,404 $6,166,106 
Service cost93,468 101,182 
Interest cost249,757 298,281 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(156,248)123,237 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Balance at December 31$4,520,691 $5,915,404 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$5,460,601 $5,242,098 
Actual return on plan assets283,816 724,903 
Employer contributions270,005 267,002 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Fair value of assets at December 31$4,432,732 $5,460,601 
Funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
  
Non-current assets
$70,671 $— 
Non-current liabilities (a)
(158,630)(454,803)
Total funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
  
Net loss (b)
$1,217,402 $1,447,978 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Net loss$89,531 $347,268 

(a)Includes ($4.0) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes $13.9 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Service cost16,398 22,204 5,135 1,760 3,846 5,525 
Interest cost52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Actuarial gain(48,020)(46,895)(10,071)(6,098)(6,102)(8,908)
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Balance at December 31$1,061,063 $1,123,024 $283,071 $127,133 $229,942 $275,117 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Actual return on plan assets73,952 85,900 21,237 11,706 16,395 19,389 
Employer contributions55,112 48,401 14,980 4,931 8,272 16,650 
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Fair value of assets at December 31$1,043,188 $1,111,601 $294,458 $125,805 $228,053 $269,899 
Funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
      
Non-current assets
$29,521 $10,010 $19,666 $3,299 $6,064 $3,135 
Non-current liabilities (b)
(47,396)(21,433)(8,279)(4,627)(7,953)(8,353)
Total funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
      
Net loss (c)
$412,777 $256,316 $86,790 $34,039 $55,902 $96,932 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $10,680 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($2.1) million at System Energy.
(b)Includes ($2.0) million at Entergy Louisiana and ($1.2) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes $4.5 million at Entergy Louisiana and $6.7 million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,168,098 $1,256,422 $320,994 $140,436 $265,565 $288,302 
Service cost18,461 24,716 5,775 1,955 4,328 5,749 
Interest cost56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Actuarial (gain) loss
39,643 1,925 (328)4,590 (1,416)14,522 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Balance at December 31$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$961,178 $1,035,574 $265,736 $119,710 $226,417 $240,392 
Actual return on plan assets140,891 148,698 39,315 16,571 31,984 35,375 
Employer contributions54,468 44,565 21,110 1,420 5,314 15,543 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Fair value of assets at December 31$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Funded status($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)      
Non-current liabilities($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset      
Net loss$485,113 $319,116 $102,208 $44,911 $63,665 $111,996 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $13,296 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($68.7) million at Entergy Arkansas, ($103.1) million at Entergy Louisiana, ($31.4) million at Entergy Mississippi, ($5.3) million at Entergy New Orleans, ($29.4) million at Entergy Texas, and ($16.7) million at System Energy.

The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations; partially offset by asset losses resulting from an actual return on assets lower than the expected return on assets in some plans. The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to asset gains resulting from an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $4.1 billion and $5.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$912,174 $2,508,990 
Fair value of plan assets $864,795 $2,300,937 

Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$2,701,323 $4,385,472 
Fair value of plan assets $2,542,693 $3,898,434 

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas$980,559 $1,048,901 
Entergy Louisiana$1,024,433 $1,085,318 
Entergy Mississippi$257,759 $273,338 
Entergy New Orleans$118,620 $125,878 
Entergy Texas$212,935 $225,379 
System Energy$252,397 $267,432 

Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$304,518 $123,735 $105,285 $58,082 $44,286 
Fair value of plan assets$297,161 $115,446 $103,380 $55,953 $40,146 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$612,788 $658,373 $202,182 $125,878 $70,680 $127,606 
Fair value of plan assets$554,362 $607,471 $196,500 $117,922 $61,495 $109,266 
Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,009,496 $580,451 $111,659 $108,354 $128,652 $247,186 
Fair value of plan assets$962,101 $559,017 $103,380 $103,727 $120,700 $238,833 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,117,586 $1,173,284 $213,098 $133,949 $146,511 $286,558 
Fair value of plan assets$991,894 $1,058,711 $196,500 $117,922 $128,991 $255,443 

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

In March 2020, Entergy announced changes to its other postretirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2021, certain retired, former non-bargaining employees age 65 and older who are eligible for Entergy-sponsored retiree welfare benefits, and their eligible spouses who are age 65 and older (collectively, Medicare-eligible participants), are eligible to participate in an Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, and are no longer eligible for retiree coverage under the Entergy Corporation Companies’ Benefits Plus Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. Under the Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, Medicare-eligible participants are eligible to participate in a health reimbursement arrangement which they may use towards the purchase of various types of qualified insurance offered through a Medicare exchange provider and for other qualified medical expenses. The changes affecting active bargaining unit employees were negotiated with the unions prior to implementation, where necessary, and to the extent required by law.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefits costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefits costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with employees who work or worked at Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the plans’ investment accounts. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for
the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$12,503 $14,654 $24,734 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefits obligation (APBO)39,408 42,272 27,306 
Expected return on assets(42,277)(36,732)(43,420)
Amortization of prior service credit(22,880)(22,558)(25,550)
Recognized net (gain) loss
(11,045)(11,446)4,333 
Net other postretirement benefits income($24,291)($13,810)($12,597)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)($858)
Net gain(73,123)(44,441)(131,524)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:   
Amortization of prior service credit22,880 22,558 25,550 
Amortization of net gain (loss)
11,045 11,446 (4,333)
Total($39,198)($14,871)($111,165)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($63,489)($28,681)($123,762)
Total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits (income) costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:     
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,569 $2,800 $736 $205 $670 $699 
Interest cost on APBO7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Expected return on assets(17,535)— (5,486)(5,915)(10,156)(2,912)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,097 (4,544)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss— (6,952)61 74 591 — 
Net other postretirement benefits income
($5,538)($701)($3,699)($5,540)($10,855)($913)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($20,074)($7,273)($3,915)($2,217)($4,683)($3,476)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:     
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,097)4,544 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)— 6,952 (61)(74)(591)— 
Total($22,171)$4,223 ($3,021)($1,375)($903)($3,183)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($27,709)$3,522 ($6,720)($6,915)($11,758)($4,096)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,965 $3,379 $878 $235 $809 $754 
Interest cost on APBO8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Expected return on assets(15,113)— (4,716)(5,263)(8,776)(2,535)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,096 (3,804)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss171 (7,057)85 466 914 — 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($1,879)$1,449 ($2,538)($4,318)($8,827)($348)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain(23,033)(458)(6,883)(7,606)(8,790)(3,942)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,096)3,804 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(171)7,057 (85)(466)(914)— 
Total($25,300)$5,969 ($6,013)($7,156)($5,333)($3,649)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($27,179)$7,418 ($8,551)($11,474)($14,160)($3,997)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$4,457 $5,633 $1,354 $397 $1,322 $1,239 
Interest cost on APBO5,050 5,770 1,401 694 1,596 1,116 
Expected return on assets(17,930)— (5,575)(5,997)(10,273)(3,162)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)1,885 (4,630)(1,772)(916)(4,371)(319)
Recognized net (gain) loss873 (744)222 (898)648 121 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($5,665)$6,029 ($4,370)($6,720)($11,078)($1,005)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Prior service cost (credit) for the period$273 $323 ($1,300)$— $— $141 
Net (gain) loss12,894 (65,501)6,629 17,334 22,323 1,208 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(1,885)4,630 1,772 916 4,371 319 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(873)744 (222)898 (648)(121)
Total$10,409 ($59,804)$6,879 $19,148 $26,046 $1,547 
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$4,744 ($53,775)$2,509 $12,428 $14,968 $542 
Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO  
Balance at January 1$837,644 $865,854 
Service cost12,503 14,654 
Interest cost39,408 42,272 
Plan amendments— (4,434)
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Actuarial gain(66,320)(4,303)
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Medicare Part D subsidy received466 280 
Balance at December 31$754,682 $837,644 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$673,141 $623,824 
Actual return on plan assets49,080 76,870 
Employer contributions45,400 49,126 
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Fair value of assets at December 31$698,602 $673,141 
Funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
  
Current liabilities($42,530)($45,706)
Non-current liabilities (a)
(13,550)(118,797)
Total funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset (b)
  
Prior service credit($12,729)($21,465)
Net gain(78,520)(33,617)
 ($91,249)($55,082)
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Prior service credit($20,755)($34,899)
Net gain(133,253)(116,078)
 ($154,008)($150,977)

(a)Includes $14.7 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned
sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Service cost2,569 2,800 736 205 670 699 
Interest cost7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Plan participant contributions4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Actuarial gain(17,007)(7,273)(3,008)(1,063)(3,763)(2,897)
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Medicare Part D subsidy received49 77 14 14 17 
Balance at December 31$138,212 $156,831 $38,143 $19,701 $45,609 $30,553 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Actual return on plan assets20,602 — 6,393 7,069 11,076 3,491 
Employer contributions(604)16,907 (23)134 690 741 
Plan participant contributions 4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Fair value of assets at December 31$284,095 $— $89,144 $105,600 $167,744 $46,997 
Funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
      
Non-current assets (a)
$145,883 $— $51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Current liabilities— (14,377)— — — — 
Non-current liabilities (b)
— (142,454)— — — — 
Total funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset (c)
      
Prior service cost (credit)
$2,886 $— ($1,727)($1,066)($7,419)($203)
Net loss (gain)
(38,054)— (8,791)(8,134)9,268 (3,364)
 ($35,168)$— ($10,518)($9,200)$1,849 ($3,567)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($8,101)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (76,030)— — — — 
 $— ($84,131)$— $— $— $— 

(a)Includes $19.5 million of non-current assets at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the
planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($2.5) million of non-current liabilities at Entergy Louisiana as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$164,018 $183,126 $44,365 $23,971 $53,482 $35,274 
Service cost2,965 3,379 878 235 809 754 
Interest cost8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Plan amendments— (4,434)— — — — 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(6,403)(458)(1,650)(1,676)337 (1,075)
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Medicare Part D subsidy received33 46 10 11 13 
Balance at December 31$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$255,117 $— $79,496 $91,140 $148,799 $42,434 
Actual return on plan assets31,743 — 9,949 11,193 17,903 5,402 
Employer contributions582 20,451 646 213 235 480 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Fair value of assets at December 31$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet      
Current liabilities$— ($15,049)$— $— $— $— 
Non-current liabilities118,827 (155,090)44,318 78,851 109,701 11,624 
Total funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset       
Prior service cost (credit)
$4,983 $— ($2,682)($1,982)($11,790)($496)
Net loss (gain)
(17,980)— (4,815)(5,843)14,542 112 
 ($12,997)$— ($7,497)($7,825)$2,752 ($384)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($12,645)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (75,709)— — — — 
 $— ($88,354)$— $— $— $— 

The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations and an actual return on assets higher than the expected return on assets. The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to updated demographic assumptions and census data coupled with an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, partially offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.
Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $12.2 million in 2024, $43.8 million in 2023, and $30.9 million in 2022.  In 2024, 2023, and 2022, Entergy recognized $1.5 million, $27.9 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.

The projected benefit obligation was $94.1 million as of December 31, 2024 of which $22.3 million was a current liability and $71.8 million was a non-current liability. The projected benefit obligation was $88.6 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $13.8 million was a current liability and $74.8 million was a non-current liability.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $81.2 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($29.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.7 million at December 31, 2023) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($4.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023).

A Rabbi Trust was established for the benefit of certain participants in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. The Rabbi Trust assets were invested in money-market funds which were recorded at fair value with all gains and losses recognized immediately in income. All of the investments were classified as Level 1 investments for purposes of Fair Value Measurements. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust was $35 million. In August 2023 the Rabbi Trust assets were used to pay benefits due under the non-qualified pension plans.

The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022, was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$269 $256 $326 $122 $248 
2023$637 $99 $808 $132 $253 
2022$282 $102 $321 $114 $1,320 

Included in the 2024 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $55 thousand for Entergy Louisiana related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2023 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $379 thousand and $453 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2022 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1 thousand, $2 thousand, and $1 million for Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,721 $1,405 $3,566 $1,143 $2,734 
2023$2,313 $2,574 $3,369 $1,034 $3,762 
The accumulated benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,468 $1,197 $3,322 $939 $2,710 
2023$1,935 $2,494 $3,187 $814 $3,701 

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($524)($190)($419)($104)($386)
Non-current liabilities(1,197)(1,215)(3,147)(1,039)(2,348)
Total funded status($1,721)($1,405)($3,566)($1,143)($2,734)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$119 $493 $1,292 $9 ($3,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $21 $— $— $— 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($276)($308)($474)($106)($448)
Non-current liabilities(2,037)(2,266)(2,895)(928)(3,314)
Total funded status($2,313)($2,574)($3,369)($1,034)($3,762)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$857 $1,604 $1,303 $5 ($2,526)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $67 $— $— $— 

The non-qualified pension plans incurred an actuarial loss during 2024 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions, as well as salary increases in excess of expectations. The non-qualified pension plans incurred a small actuarial loss during 2023 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2024:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,055 ($159)$13,896 
Amortization of gain (loss)(2,820)10,459 (312)7,327 
Settlement loss(319,920)— (58)(319,978)
($322,740)$24,514 ($529)($298,755)
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $4,544 $— $4,544 
Amortization of gain (loss)(416)6,952 (3)6,533 
Settlement loss— — (2)(2)
($416)$11,496 ($5)$11,075 

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2023:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,038 ($452)$13,586 
Amortization of gain (loss)(4,407)11,590 (593)6,590 
Settlement loss(7,844)— (3,004)(10,848)
($12,251)$25,628 ($4,049)$9,328 
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $3,804 $— $3,804 
Amortization of gain (loss)(792)7,057 (2)6,263 
Settlement loss(1,617)— — (1,617)
($2,409)$10,861 ($2)$8,450 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefits costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefits obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior
service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefits obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of its pension plan assets, except for the long duration fixed income assets, by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns. For the long duration fixed income assets in the pension trust and for its other postretirement benefits plan assets Entergy uses fair value as the MRV.

In accordance with accounting standards, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.

Qualified Pension Settlement Costs

In May 2024, Entergy Corporation entered into a commitment agreement by and between Entergy Corporation, Newport Trust Company, LLC, as independent fiduciary of Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees (the Pension Plans), and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), under which the Pension Plans purchased a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract from MetLife to settle approximately $1.2 billion of benefit liabilities of the Pension Plans.

The group annuity contract primarily covers a population that includes approximately 3,400 non-utility business retirees, joint annuitants, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who commenced benefit payments from the Pension Plans on or before March 1, 2024 (Transferred Participants). MetLife irrevocably guarantees and assumes the sole obligation to make future monthly pension benefit payments to the Transferred Participants as provided under its group annuity contract, with direct payments that began September 1, 2024. The aggregate amount of each Transferred Participant’s payment under the group annuity contract will be equal to the amount of each individual’s payment under the Pension Plans.

The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the Pension Plans. The transferred pension liability required no additional funding prior to transfer, as the liability was fully funded. As a result of the transaction, Entergy recognized a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $328 million in 2024, of which $8 million was recorded at Utility, as described below, and $320 million was recorded at Parent & Other. The $320 million settlement charge at Parent & Other is reflected in Miscellaneous - net in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated income statements.

Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Plan II, and Bargaining Plan II exceeded the sum of the Plans’ service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs during 2023 and 2022. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy participate in one or both of Non-Bargaining Plan I and Bargaining Plan I and incurred settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Mississippi Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the MPSC, Entergy Mississippi was directed to cease including other postretirement benefit credits in other operation and maintenance expense or allocating to capital expenditures for ratemaking purposes effective January 1, 2024. The credits are being deferred as a regulatory liability. In addition, beginning in July 2024, Entergy Mississippi is recovering the December 31, 2023 other postretirement benefit asset in rate base over five years and accruing a regulatory liability. At December 31, 2024, the balance in these regulatory liability accounts was approximately $7.4 million.

Entergy New Orleans Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the City Council, Entergy New Orleans received approval to exclude other postretirement benefit expense credits from the formula rate plan evaluation filing. To comply with the order, Entergy New Orleans began recording the other postretirement benefit expense credits to a regulatory liability account in September 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this regulatory liability account was approximately $1 million.

Entergy Texas Reserve

In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded are evaluated in each rate case filed by Entergy Texas and an amortization period is determined at that time. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this reserve was approximately $15 million.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the funded status of each plan within the trust. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases.  The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.

For postretirement assets the target and range asset allocations (as shown below) reflect recommendations made in the latest optimization study. The target asset allocations for postretirement assets adjust dynamically based on the funded status of each sub-account within each trust. The current weighted-average targets shown below represent the aggregate of all targets for all sub-accounts within all trusts.
Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the target asset allocation and ranges for 2024 are as follows:
Pension Asset AllocationTargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities22%18%to26%23%33%
International Equity Securities13%10%to16%13%18%
Intermediate Fixed Income Securities4%3%to5%5%9%
Long Duration Fixed Income Securities61%57%to65%59%40%
Other—%—%to10%—%—%

Postretirement Asset AllocationNon-Taxable and Taxable
 TargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities14%9%to19%16%28%
International Equity Securities10%5%to15%9%17%
Fixed Income Securities76%71%to81%75%55%
Other—%—%to5%—%—%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long-dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the aggregate asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation, in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other postretirement assets (as described above), and with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area, and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2024, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of credit risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-    inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$932 (b)$— $— $932 
Common403,146 (b)— — 403,146 
Common collective trusts (c) 1,206,983 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,145,994 (a)— 1,145,994 
Corporate debt instruments—  307,666 (a)— 307,666 
Registered investment companies (e)30,293 (d)2,735 (d)— 1,512,994 
Other— 44,691 (f)— 44,691 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,918 (g)— 5,918 
Total investments$434,371  $1,507,004  $— $4,628,324 
Cash     2,026 
Other pending transactions     (133,550)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,068)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $4,432,732 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$10,827 (b)$— $— $10,827 
Common715,452 (b)— — 715,452 
Common collective trusts (c) 2,066,247 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,085,231 (a)— 1,085,231 
Corporate debt instruments—  924,904 (a)— 924,904 
Registered investment companies (e)34,364 (d)2,718 (d)— 657,691 
Other774 78,883 (f)— 79,657 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,899 (g)— 5,899 
Total investments$761,417  $2,097,635  $— $5,545,908 
Cash     1,488 
Other pending transactions     (22,404)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,391)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $5,460,601 
Other Postretirement Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $161,726 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$107,547 (b)$112,780 (a)$— 220,327 
Corporate debt instruments—  166,208 (a)— 166,208 
Registered investment companies2,295 (d)—  — 2,295 
Other—  80,561 (f)— 80,561 
Total investments$109,842  $359,549  $— $631,117 
Other pending transactions     3,417 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,068 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $698,602 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $276,560 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$80,219 (b)$84,521 (a)$— 164,740 
Corporate debt instruments—  106,523 (a)— 106,523 
Registered investment companies548 (d)—  — 548 
Other—  57,511 (f)— 57,511 
Total investments$80,767  $248,555  $— $605,882 
Other pending transactions     2,868 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,391 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $673,141 

(a)Certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)Common stocks, preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value. Common collective trusts are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(d)Registered investment companies are money market mutual funds with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share. Registered investment companies may hold investments in domestic and international bond markets or domestic equities valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price. The money market mutual funds held by the trusts are deemed to be actively traded. Certain registered investment companies are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.
(e)Certain of these registered investment companies are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(f)The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefits obligations at December 31, 2024, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:
 Estimated Future Benefits Payments
 Qualified PensionNon-Qualified PensionOther Postretirement
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)   
2025$396,881 $22,324 $68,754 
2026$373,969 $7,975 $65,668 
2027$374,332 $14,666 $63,067 
2028$374,818 $8,905 $60,746 
2029$372,728 $7,532 $58,225 
2030 - 2034
$1,852,026 $36,035 $279,644 

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees will be as follows:
Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$92,997 $99,646 $26,600 $10,879 $22,865 $24,910 
2026$91,164 $94,614 $25,540 $11,107 $22,419 $22,420 
2027$91,175 $93,456 $25,272 $10,658 $21,251 $23,235 
2028$89,535 $95,546 $24,923 $10,775 $20,135 $22,540 
2029$88,244 $93,857 $25,038 $10,242 $20,474 $22,790 
2030 - 2034$437,940 $458,211 $118,197 $50,337 $93,989 $112,086 
Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)     
2025$524 $190 $419 $104 $386 
2026$103 $173 $309 $84 $360 
2027$94 $159 $764 $263 $335 
2028$175 $146 $578 $210 $310 
2029$143 $141 $436 $167 $284 
2030 - 2034$634 $552 $1,582 $609 $1,081 

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$12,198 $14,377 $3,329 $2,082 $4,542 $2,645 
2026$11,754 $13,757 $3,218 $1,941 $4,168 $2,434 
2027$11,280 $13,172 $3,109 $1,789 $3,989 $2,339 
2028$11,012 $12,531 $3,110 $1,655 $3,787 $2,288 
2029$10,896 $12,089 $3,014 $1,575 $3,627 $2,278 
2030 - 2034$53,047 $57,646 $14,486 $7,164 $17,113 $11,340 

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $240 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $42.8 million to its other postretirement plans in 2025.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently expect to contribute the following approximate amounts to their qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their current and former employees in 2025:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Pension Contributions$35,544 $41,253 $8,064 $5,016 $7,725 $15,668 
Other Postretirement Contributions$529 $14,377 $178 $205 $156 $34 

The 2025 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2025 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2025.
Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefits APBO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
 20242023
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Qualified pension
5.67% - 5.89%
Blended 5.75%
5.02% - 5.10%
Blended 5.06%
Other postretirement5.66%5.01%
Non-qualified pension5.23%4.68%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.45%
3.98% - 4.40%
Interest crediting rate4.80%4.00%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-658.15%6.95%
Post-6510.13%7.88%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-6520352032
    Post-6520352032
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
 202420232022
Weighted-average discount rate:   
Qualified pension:
    Service cost5.08%5.26%3.07%
    Interest cost4.97%5.16%2.49%
Other postretirement:
    Service cost4.82%5.00%3.20%
    Interest cost4.91%5.09%2.31%
Non-qualified pension:
    Service cost5.01%5.31%4.94%
    Interest cost4.86%5.30%5.03%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:   
Pension assets
6.00% - 7.25%
Blended 6.75%
7.00%6.75%
Other postretirement non-taxable assets
6.50% - 7.25%
6.00% - 7.00%
5.75% - 6.75%
Other postretirement taxable assets5.25%5.25%4.75%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-656.95%6.65%5.65%
Post-657.88%7.50%5.90%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-65203220322032
    Post-65203220322032
    
With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the Pri-2012 Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 pension plans’ PBOs and the Pri.H 2012 (headcount weighted) Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 other postretirement benefits APBO.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (Savings Plan VI) (established in April 2007) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (Savings Plan VII) (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. Effective
December 31, 2023, employees participating in Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VIII (established January 2021) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IX (established January 2021) to which company contributions are made. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to these defined contribution plans for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 5% of their eligible earnings per pay period. Eligible participants may also receive a discretionary annual company contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible earnings (subject to vesting).

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $72.3 million in 2024, $65.1 million in 2023, and $62.1 million in 2022.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2024, 2023, and 2022 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:
Year
Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$6,822 $8,784 $4,048 $1,584 $3,907 
2023$5,866 $7,757 $3,534 $1,383 $3,380 
2022$5,124 $7,138 $3,194 $1,223 $2,938 
System Energy [Member]  
Retirement Benefits [Text Block] RETIREMENT, OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS, AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS (Entergy Corporation, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy)
Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy has defined benefit qualified pension plans, including the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan I), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan II), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III (Plan III), the Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan VI for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Plan VI), and the Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Cash Balance Plan).  The Entergy Corporation Cash Balance Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees (Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan) was merged with and into Non-Bargaining Plan I effective January 1, 2022. Effective January 1, 2024, Non-Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Non-Bargaining Plan VI. Effective January 1, 2025, Bargaining Plan I was amended to spin-off predominately inactive participants into a new qualified pension plan, Entergy Corporation Plan VI for Bargaining Employees (Bargaining Plan VI). The Bargaining Cash Balance Plan was merged with and into Bargaining Plan I also effective January 1, 2025.

The Registrant Subsidiaries participate in these plans: Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Plan III, Non-Bargaining Plan VI, and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan.

Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire was prior to June 30, 2014 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) participate in a noncontributory final average pay formula that provides pension benefits based on the employee’s credited service and compensation during employment. Non-bargaining and bargaining employees whose most recent date of hire is after June 30, 2014 and before January 1, 2021 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement) do not participate in a final average pay formula, but instead participate in a cash balance formula. Effective January 1, 2021, the Non-Bargaining Cash Balance Plan and Bargaining Cash Balance Plan were amended to close participation in each plan to those employees whose most recent hire date is after December 31, 2020 (or such later date provided for in their applicable collective bargaining agreement). Employees hired after this date instead may be eligible to participate in and receive a discretionary employer contribution under an Entergy sponsored tax-qualified defined contribution plan that includes a 401(k) feature.

The assets of the defined benefit qualified pension plans are held in a master trust established by Entergy. Each pension plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in the master trust that is maintained by a trustee.  Use of the master trust permits the commingling of the trust assets of the pension plans of Entergy Corporation and its Registrant Subsidiaries for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets in the master trust are commingled, the trustee maintains supporting records for the purpose of allocating the trust level equity in net earnings (loss) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts in the trust to the various participating pension plans in the trust.  The fair value of the trust’s assets is determined by the trustee and certain investment managers.  The trustee calculates a daily earnings factor, including realized and unrealized gains or losses, collected and accrued income, and administrative expenses, and allocates earnings to each plan in the master trust on a pro rata basis.
Within each pension plan, the record of each Registrant Subsidiary’s beneficial interest in the plan assets is maintained by the plan’s actuary and is updated quarterly.  Assets for each Registrant Subsidiary are increased for investment net income and contributions and are decreased for benefit payments.  A plan’s investment net income/loss (i.e., interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses) is allocated to the Registrant Subsidiaries participating in that plan based on the value of assets for each Registrant Subsidiary at the beginning of the quarter adjusted for contributions and benefit payments made during the quarter.

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries fund pension plans in an amount not less than the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The assets of the plans include common and preferred stocks, fixed-income securities, interest in a money market fund, and insurance contracts.  The Registrant Subsidiaries’ pension costs are recovered from customers as a component of cost of service in each of their respective jurisdictions.

Components of Qualified Net Pension Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$93,468 $101,182 $138,085 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation249,757 298,281 235,805 
Expected return on assets(338,619)(388,030)(402,504)
Recognized net loss58,590 81,919 188,683 
Settlement charges328,277 160,387 230,389 
Net pension cost$391,473 $253,739 $390,458 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Net (gain) loss
($101,445)($213,636)$6,113 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:   
Amortization of net loss(58,590)(81,919)(188,683)
Settlement charges(328,277)(160,387)(230,389)
Total($488,312)($455,942)($412,959)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($96,839)($202,203)($22,501)
The Registrant Subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 qualified pension costs and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, including amounts capitalized, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$16,398 $22,204 $5,135 $1,760 $3,846 $5,525 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Expected return on assets(72,620)(77,786)(20,451)(8,814)(16,308)(18,485)
Recognized net loss22,983 10,407 4,562 1,881 1,574 4,638 
Settlement charges— — — — — 615 
Net pension cost$19,631 $10,668 $3,330 $1,103 $436 $5,818 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($49,352)($55,010)($10,857)($8,990)($6,190)($9,812)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(22,983)(10,407)(4,562)(1,881)(1,574)(4,638)
Settlement charges— — — — — (615)
Total($72,335)($65,417)($15,419)($10,871)($7,764)($15,065)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($52,704)($54,749)($12,089)($9,768)($7,328)($9,247)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$18,461 $24,716 $5,775 $1,955 $4,328 $5,749 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Expected return on assets(70,574)(75,757)(19,423)(8,798)(16,641)(17,585)
Recognized net loss19,400 19,797 5,719 1,694 4,075 4,236 
Settlement charges26,137 40,437 12,242 2,080 11,230 6,375 
Net pension cost$49,450 $69,539 $19,715 $3,678 $15,718 $12,627 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($30,674)($71,016)($20,220)($3,183)($16,759)($3,268)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(19,400)(19,797)(5,719)(1,694)(4,075)(4,236)
Settlement charges(26,137)(40,437)(12,242)(2,080)(11,230)(6,375)
Total($76,211)($131,250)($38,181)($6,957)($32,064)($13,879)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($26,761)($61,711)($18,466)($3,279)($16,346)($1,252)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Net periodic pension cost:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$25,210 $33,520 $8,043 $2,745 $5,999 $7,746 
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation45,378 49,330 12,979 5,491 10,729 11,286 
Expected return on assets(75,820)(82,478)(20,168)(9,920)(18,317)(18,173)
Recognized net loss43,597 41,711 12,594 4,787 9,013 10,938 
Settlement charges36,409 58,550 15,786 6,676 22,411 9,905 
Net pension cost$74,774 $100,633 $29,234 $9,779 $29,835 $21,702 
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net (gain) loss
$28,365 ($15,604)($4,743)$525 $13,363 ($7,063)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic pension cost in the current year:      
Amortization of net loss(43,597)(41,711)(12,594)(4,787)(9,013)(10,938)
Settlement charges(36,409)(58,550)(15,786)(6,676)(22,411)(9,905)
Total($51,641)($115,865)($33,123)($10,938)($18,061)($27,906)
Total recognized as net periodic pension cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$23,133 ($15,232)($3,889)($1,159)$11,774 ($6,204)
Qualified Pension Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)  
Balance at January 1$5,915,404 $6,166,106 
Service cost93,468 101,182 
Interest cost249,757 298,281 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(156,248)123,237 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Balance at December 31$4,520,691 $5,915,404 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$5,460,601 $5,242,098 
Actual return on plan assets283,816 724,903 
Employer contributions270,005 267,002 
Benefits paid (including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($1,205,195) in 2024 and ($410,110) in 2023)
(1,581,690)(773,402)
Fair value of assets at December 31$4,432,732 $5,460,601 
Funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
  
Non-current assets
$70,671 $— 
Non-current liabilities (a)
(158,630)(454,803)
Total funded status($87,959)($454,803)
Amount recognized as a regulatory asset
  
Net loss (b)
$1,217,402 $1,447,978 
Amount recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Net loss$89,531 $347,268 

(a)Includes ($4.0) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes $13.9 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
Qualified pension obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts recognized in the Balance Sheets for the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Service cost16,398 22,204 5,135 1,760 3,846 5,525 
Interest cost52,870 55,843 14,084 6,276 11,324 13,525 
Actuarial gain(48,020)(46,895)(10,071)(6,098)(6,102)(8,908)
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Balance at December 31$1,061,063 $1,123,024 $283,071 $127,133 $229,942 $275,117 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Actual return on plan assets73,952 85,900 21,237 11,706 16,395 19,389 
Employer contributions55,112 48,401 14,980 4,931 8,272 16,650 
Benefits paid (a)
(77,770)(81,411)(22,019)(8,755)(19,110)(21,583)
Fair value of assets at December 31$1,043,188 $1,111,601 $294,458 $125,805 $228,053 $269,899 
Funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)
      
Non-current assets
$29,521 $10,010 $19,666 $3,299 $6,064 $3,135 
Non-current liabilities (b)
(47,396)(21,433)(8,279)(4,627)(7,953)(8,353)
Total funded status($17,875)($11,423)$11,387 ($1,328)($1,889)($5,218)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset
      
Net loss (c)
$412,777 $256,316 $86,790 $34,039 $55,902 $96,932 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $10,680 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($2.1) million at System Energy.
(b)Includes ($2.0) million at Entergy Louisiana and ($1.2) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of non-current liabilities related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes $4.5 million at Entergy Louisiana and $6.7 million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the respective natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the respective consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO)      
Balance at January 1$1,168,098 $1,256,422 $320,994 $140,436 $265,565 $288,302 
Service cost18,461 24,716 5,775 1,955 4,328 5,749 
Interest cost56,026 60,346 15,402 6,747 12,726 13,852 
Actuarial (gain) loss
39,643 1,925 (328)4,590 (1,416)14,522 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Balance at December 31$1,117,585 $1,173,283 $295,942 $133,950 $239,984 $286,558 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$961,178 $1,035,574 $265,736 $119,710 $226,417 $240,392 
Actual return on plan assets140,891 148,698 39,315 16,571 31,984 35,375 
Employer contributions54,468 44,565 21,110 1,420 5,314 15,543 
Benefits paid (a)(164,643)(170,126)(45,901)(19,778)(41,219)(35,867)
Fair value of assets at December 31$991,894 $1,058,711 $280,260 $117,923 $222,496 $255,443 
Funded status($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet (funded status)      
Non-current liabilities($125,691)($114,572)($15,682)($16,027)($17,488)($31,115)
Amounts recognized as regulatory asset      
Net loss$485,113 $319,116 $102,208 $44,911 $63,665 $111,996 
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)      
Net loss$— $13,296 $— $— $— $— 

(a)Including settlement lump sum benefit payments of ($68.7) million at Entergy Arkansas, ($103.1) million at Entergy Louisiana, ($31.4) million at Entergy Mississippi, ($5.3) million at Entergy New Orleans, ($29.4) million at Entergy Texas, and ($16.7) million at System Energy.

The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations; partially offset by asset losses resulting from an actual return on assets lower than the expected return on assets in some plans. The qualified pension plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to asset gains resulting from an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.

The accumulated benefit obligation for Entergy’s qualified pension plans was $4.1 billion and $5.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$912,174 $2,508,990 
Fair value of plan assets $864,795 $2,300,937 

Information for Entergy’s qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$2,701,323 $4,385,472 
Fair value of plan assets $2,542,693 $3,898,434 

The qualified pension accumulated benefit obligation for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Entergy Arkansas$980,559 $1,048,901 
Entergy Louisiana$1,024,433 $1,085,318 
Entergy Mississippi$257,759 $273,338 
Entergy New Orleans$118,620 $125,878 
Entergy Texas$212,935 $225,379 
System Energy$252,397 $267,432 

Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$304,518 $123,735 $105,285 $58,082 $44,286 
Fair value of plan assets$297,161 $115,446 $103,380 $55,953 $40,146 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Accumulated benefit obligation$612,788 $658,373 $202,182 $125,878 $70,680 $127,606 
Fair value of plan assets$554,362 $607,471 $196,500 $117,922 $61,495 $109,266 
Information for each of the Registrant Subsidiaries qualified pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,009,496 $580,451 $111,659 $108,354 $128,652 $247,186 
Fair value of plan assets$962,101 $559,017 $103,380 $103,727 $120,700 $238,833 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Projected benefit obligation$1,117,586 $1,173,284 $213,098 $133,949 $146,511 $286,558 
Fair value of plan assets$991,894 $1,058,711 $196,500 $117,922 $128,991 $255,443 

Other Postretirement Benefits

Entergy also currently offers retiree medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits (other postretirement benefits) for eligible retired employees.  Employees who commenced employment before July 1, 2014 and who satisfy certain eligibility requirements (including retiring from Entergy after a certain age and/or years of service with Entergy and immediately commencing their Entergy pension benefit), may become eligible for other postretirement benefits.

In March 2020, Entergy announced changes to its other postretirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2021, certain retired, former non-bargaining employees age 65 and older who are eligible for Entergy-sponsored retiree welfare benefits, and their eligible spouses who are age 65 and older (collectively, Medicare-eligible participants), are eligible to participate in an Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, and are no longer eligible for retiree coverage under the Entergy Corporation Companies’ Benefits Plus Medical, Dental and Vision Plans. Under the Entergy-sponsored retiree health plan, Medicare-eligible participants are eligible to participate in a health reimbursement arrangement which they may use towards the purchase of various types of qualified insurance offered through a Medicare exchange provider and for other qualified medical expenses. The changes affecting active bargaining unit employees were negotiated with the unions prior to implementation, where necessary, and to the extent required by law.

Effective January 1, 1993, Entergy adopted an accounting standard requiring a change from a cash method to an accrual method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy have received regulatory approval to recover accrued other postretirement benefits costs through rates.  The LPSC ordered Entergy Louisiana to continue the use of the pay-as-you-go method for ratemaking purposes for postretirement benefits other than pensions.  However, the LPSC retains the flexibility to examine individual companies’ accounting for other postretirement benefits to determine if special exceptions to this order are warranted. Pursuant to regulatory directives, Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy contribute the other postretirement benefits costs collected in rates into external trusts.  System Energy is funding, on behalf of Entergy Operations, other postretirement benefits associated with employees who work or worked at Grand Gulf.

Trust assets contributed by participating Registrant Subsidiaries are in master trusts, established by Entergy Corporation and maintained by a trustee.  Each plan has an undivided beneficial interest in each of the investment accounts in its respective master trust that is maintained by a trustee. Each participating Registrant Subsidiary holds a beneficial interest in the plans’ investment accounts. The assets in the master trusts are commingled for investment and administrative purposes.  Although assets are commingled, supporting records are maintained for
the purpose of allocating the beneficial interest in net earnings/(losses) and the administrative expenses of the investment accounts to the various participating plans and participating Registrant Subsidiaries. Beneficial interest in an investment account’s net income/(loss) is comprised of interest and dividends, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses.  Beneficial interest from these investments is allocated to the plans and participating Registrant Subsidiary based on their portion of net assets in the pooled accounts.

Components of Net Other Postretirement Benefits Cost and Other Amounts Recognized as a Regulatory Asset and/or AOCI

Entergy Corporation’s and its subsidiaries’ total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits income, including amounts capitalized and amounts recognized as a regulatory asset and/or other comprehensive income, included the following components:
 202420232022
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:   
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$12,503 $14,654 $24,734 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefits obligation (APBO)39,408 42,272 27,306 
Expected return on assets(42,277)(36,732)(43,420)
Amortization of prior service credit(22,880)(22,558)(25,550)
Recognized net (gain) loss
(11,045)(11,446)4,333 
Net other postretirement benefits income($24,291)($13,810)($12,597)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)   
Arising this period:   
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)($858)
Net gain(73,123)(44,441)(131,524)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:   
Amortization of prior service credit22,880 22,558 25,550 
Amortization of net gain (loss)
11,045 11,446 (4,333)
Total($39,198)($14,871)($111,165)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($63,489)($28,681)($123,762)
Total 2024, 2023, and 2022 other postretirement benefits (income) costs of the Registrant Subsidiaries, including amounts capitalized and deferred, for their current and former employees included the following components:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:     
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,569 $2,800 $736 $205 $670 $699 
Interest cost on APBO7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Expected return on assets(17,535)— (5,486)(5,915)(10,156)(2,912)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,097 (4,544)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss— (6,952)61 74 591 — 
Net other postretirement benefits income
($5,538)($701)($3,699)($5,540)($10,855)($913)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Net gain($20,074)($7,273)($3,915)($2,217)($4,683)($3,476)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:     
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,097)4,544 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)— 6,952 (61)(74)(591)— 
Total($22,171)$4,223 ($3,021)($1,375)($903)($3,183)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement benefits income, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)
($27,709)$3,522 ($6,720)($6,915)($11,758)($4,096)
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$2,965 $3,379 $878 $235 $809 $754 
Interest cost on APBO8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Expected return on assets(15,113)— (4,716)(5,263)(8,776)(2,535)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)2,096 (3,804)(955)(916)(4,371)(293)
Recognized net (gain) loss171 (7,057)85 466 914 — 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($1,879)$1,449 ($2,538)($4,318)($8,827)($348)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:
Prior service credit for the period$— ($4,434)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain(23,033)(458)(6,883)(7,606)(8,790)(3,942)
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(2,096)3,804 955 916 4,371 293 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(171)7,057 (85)(466)(914)— 
Total($25,300)$5,969 ($6,013)($7,156)($5,333)($3,649)
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)($27,179)$7,418 ($8,551)($11,474)($14,160)($3,997)
2022Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Other postretirement costs:      
Service cost - benefits earned during the period$4,457 $5,633 $1,354 $397 $1,322 $1,239 
Interest cost on APBO5,050 5,770 1,401 694 1,596 1,116 
Expected return on assets(17,930)— (5,575)(5,997)(10,273)(3,162)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)1,885 (4,630)(1,772)(916)(4,371)(319)
Recognized net (gain) loss873 (744)222 (898)648 121 
Net other postretirement benefits (income) cost($5,665)$6,029 ($4,370)($6,720)($11,078)($1,005)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized as a regulatory asset and/or AOCI (before tax)      
Arising this period:      
Prior service cost (credit) for the period$273 $323 ($1,300)$— $— $141 
Net (gain) loss12,894 (65,501)6,629 17,334 22,323 1,208 
Amounts reclassified from regulatory asset and/or AOCI to net periodic benefit cost in the current year:      
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)(1,885)4,630 1,772 916 4,371 319 
Amortization of net gain (loss)(873)744 (222)898 (648)(121)
Total$10,409 ($59,804)$6,879 $19,148 $26,046 $1,547 
Total recognized as net periodic other postretirement (income) cost, regulatory asset, and/or AOCI (before tax)$4,744 ($53,775)$2,509 $12,428 $14,968 $542 
Other Postretirement Benefits Obligations, Plan Assets, Funded Status, and Amounts Not Yet Recognized and Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of Entergy Corporation and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
 20242023
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO  
Balance at January 1$837,644 $865,854 
Service cost12,503 14,654 
Interest cost39,408 42,272 
Plan amendments— (4,434)
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Actuarial gain(66,320)(4,303)
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Medicare Part D subsidy received466 280 
Balance at December 31$754,682 $837,644 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of assets at January 1$673,141 $623,824 
Actual return on plan assets49,080 76,870 
Employer contributions45,400 49,126 
Plan participant contributions21,473 18,669 
Benefits paid(90,492)(95,348)
Fair value of assets at December 31$698,602 $673,141 
Funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
  
Current liabilities($42,530)($45,706)
Non-current liabilities (a)
(13,550)(118,797)
Total funded status($56,080)($164,503)
Amounts recognized as a regulatory asset (b)
  
Prior service credit($12,729)($21,465)
Net gain(78,520)(33,617)
 ($91,249)($55,082)
Amounts recognized as AOCI (before tax)  
Prior service credit($20,755)($34,899)
Net gain(133,253)(116,078)
 ($154,008)($150,977)

(a)Includes $14.7 million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of non-current assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution businesses classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned
sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.

Other postretirement benefits obligations, plan assets, funded status, and amounts not yet recognized and recognized in the Balance Sheets of the Registrant Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Service cost2,569 2,800 736 205 670 699 
Interest cost7,331 7,995 1,945 1,012 2,411 1,593 
Plan participant contributions4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Actuarial gain(17,007)(7,273)(3,008)(1,063)(3,763)(2,897)
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Medicare Part D subsidy received49 77 14 14 17 
Balance at December 31$138,212 $156,831 $38,143 $19,701 $45,609 $30,553 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Actual return on plan assets20,602 — 6,393 7,069 11,076 3,491 
Employer contributions(604)16,907 (23)134 690 741 
Plan participant contributions 4,200 5,867 696 519 681 1,297 
Benefits paid(14,917)(22,774)(3,584)(2,658)(6,021)(3,934)
Fair value of assets at December 31$284,095 $— $89,144 $105,600 $167,744 $46,997 
Funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet
      
Non-current assets (a)
$145,883 $— $51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Current liabilities— (14,377)— — — — 
Non-current liabilities (b)
— (142,454)— — — — 
Total funded status$145,883 ($156,831)$51,001 $85,899 $122,135 $16,444 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset (c)
      
Prior service cost (credit)
$2,886 $— ($1,727)($1,066)($7,419)($203)
Net loss (gain)
(38,054)— (8,791)(8,134)9,268 (3,364)
 ($35,168)$— ($10,518)($9,200)$1,849 ($3,567)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($8,101)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (76,030)— — — — 
 $— ($84,131)$— $— $— $— 

(a)Includes $19.5 million of non-current assets at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the
planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(b)Includes ($2.5) million of non-current liabilities at Entergy Louisiana as of December 31, 2024 related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
(c)Includes ($1.9) million at Entergy New Orleans as of December 31, 2024 of regulatory assets related to the natural gas distribution business classified as held for sale and included in “Non-current assets held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet. See Note 14 to the financial statements for further discussion of the planned sale of the Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana natural gas distribution businesses and the classification as held for sale.
2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Change in APBO      
Balance at January 1$164,018 $183,126 $44,365 $23,971 $53,482 $35,274 
Service cost2,965 3,379 878 235 809 754 
Interest cost8,002 8,931 2,170 1,160 2,597 1,726 
Plan amendments— (4,434)— — — — 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Actuarial (gain) loss
(6,403)(458)(1,650)(1,676)337 (1,075)
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Medicare Part D subsidy received33 46 10 11 13 
Balance at December 31$155,987 $170,139 $41,344 $21,685 $51,617 $33,778 
Change in Plan Assets      
Fair value of assets at January 1$255,117 $— $79,496 $91,140 $148,799 $42,434 
Actual return on plan assets31,743 — 9,949 11,193 17,903 5,402 
Employer contributions582 20,451 646 213 235 480 
Plan participant contributions3,131 4,317 1,386 374 680 994 
Benefits paid(15,759)(24,768)(5,815)(2,384)(6,299)(3,908)
Fair value of assets at December 31$274,814 $— $85,662 $100,536 $161,318 $45,402 
Funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet      
Current liabilities$— ($15,049)$— $— $— $— 
Non-current liabilities118,827 (155,090)44,318 78,851 109,701 11,624 
Total funded status$118,827 ($170,139)$44,318 $78,851 $109,701 $11,624 
Amounts recognized in regulatory asset       
Prior service cost (credit)
$4,983 $— ($2,682)($1,982)($11,790)($496)
Net loss (gain)
(17,980)— (4,815)(5,843)14,542 112 
 ($12,997)$— ($7,497)($7,825)$2,752 ($384)
Amounts recognized in AOCI (before tax)      
Prior service credit$— ($12,645)$— $— $— $— 
Net gain— (75,709)— — — — 
 $— ($88,354)$— $— $— $— 

The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2024 primarily due to liability gains due to a rise in bond yields that resulted in increases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations and an actual return on assets higher than the expected return on assets. The other postretirement plans incurred net actuarial gains during 2023 primarily due to updated demographic assumptions and census data coupled with an actual return on assets much higher than the expected return on assets, partially offset by liability losses due to a decline in bond yields that resulted in decreases to the discount rates used to develop the benefit obligations.
Non-Qualified Pension Plans

Entergy also sponsors non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  Entergy recognized net periodic pension cost related to these plans of $12.2 million in 2024, $43.8 million in 2023, and $30.9 million in 2022.  In 2024, 2023, and 2022, Entergy recognized $1.5 million, $27.9 million, and $12.2 million, respectively, in settlement charges related to the payment of lump sum benefits out of the plan that is included in the non-qualified pension plan cost above.

The projected benefit obligation was $94.1 million as of December 31, 2024 of which $22.3 million was a current liability and $71.8 million was a non-current liability. The projected benefit obligation was $88.6 million as of December 31, 2023 of which $13.8 million was a current liability and $74.8 million was a non-current liability.  The accumulated benefit obligation was $81.2 million and $77.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unamortized prior service cost and net loss are recognized in regulatory assets ($29.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $29.7 million at December 31, 2023) and accumulated other comprehensive income before taxes ($4.7 million at December 31, 2024 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2023).

A Rabbi Trust was established for the benefit of certain participants in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans. The Rabbi Trust assets were invested in money-market funds which were recorded at fair value with all gains and losses recognized immediately in income. All of the investments were classified as Level 1 investments for purposes of Fair Value Measurements. At December 31, 2022, the fair value of the assets held in the Rabbi Trust was $35 million. In August 2023 the Rabbi Trust assets were used to pay benefits due under the non-qualified pension plans.

The following Registrant Subsidiaries participate in Entergy’s non-qualified, non-contributory defined benefit pension plans that provide benefits to certain key employees.  The net periodic pension cost for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans for 2024, 2023, and 2022, was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$269 $256 $326 $122 $248 
2023$637 $99 $808 $132 $253 
2022$282 $102 $321 $114 $1,320 

Included in the 2024 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $55 thousand for Entergy Louisiana related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2023 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $379 thousand and $453 thousand for Entergy Arkansas and Entergy Mississippi, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan. Included in the 2022 net periodic pension cost above are settlement charges of $1 thousand, $2 thousand, and $1 million for Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy Texas, respectively, related to the lump sum benefits paid out of the plan.

The projected benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,721 $1,405 $3,566 $1,143 $2,734 
2023$2,313 $2,574 $3,369 $1,034 $3,762 
The accumulated benefit obligation for their current and former employees for the non-qualified plans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$1,468 $1,197 $3,322 $939 $2,710 
2023$1,935 $2,494 $3,187 $814 $3,701 

The following amounts were recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
2024Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($524)($190)($419)($104)($386)
Non-current liabilities(1,197)(1,215)(3,147)(1,039)(2,348)
Total funded status($1,721)($1,405)($3,566)($1,143)($2,734)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$119 $493 $1,292 $9 ($3,429)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $21 $— $— $— 

2023Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Current liabilities($276)($308)($474)($106)($448)
Non-current liabilities(2,037)(2,266)(2,895)(928)(3,314)
Total funded status($2,313)($2,574)($3,369)($1,034)($3,762)
Regulatory asset (liability)
$857 $1,604 $1,303 $5 ($2,526)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (before taxes)$— $67 $— $— $— 

The non-qualified pension plans incurred an actuarial loss during 2024 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions, as well as salary increases in excess of expectations. The non-qualified pension plans incurred a small actuarial loss during 2023 primarily as a result of liability losses due to differences in recent retirement and lump sum experience relative to actuarial assumptions.
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2024:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,055 ($159)$13,896 
Amortization of gain (loss)(2,820)10,459 (312)7,327 
Settlement loss(319,920)— (58)(319,978)
($322,740)$24,514 ($529)($298,755)
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $4,544 $— $4,544 
Amortization of gain (loss)(416)6,952 (3)6,533 
Settlement loss— — (2)(2)
($416)$11,496 ($5)$11,075 

Entergy and Entergy Louisiana reclassified the following costs out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (before taxes and including amounts capitalized) as of December 31, 2023:
 Qualified Pension CostsOther Postretirement CostsNon-Qualified Pension CostsTotal
 (In Thousands)
Entergy  
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)$— $14,038 ($452)$13,586 
Amortization of gain (loss)(4,407)11,590 (593)6,590 
Settlement loss(7,844)— (3,004)(10,848)
($12,251)$25,628 ($4,049)$9,328 
Entergy Louisiana  
Amortization of prior service credit
$— $3,804 $— $3,804 
Amortization of gain (loss)(792)7,057 (2)6,263 
Settlement loss(1,617)— — (1,617)
($2,409)$10,861 ($2)$8,450 

Accounting for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Accounting standards require an employer to recognize in its balance sheet the funded status of its benefit plans.  This is measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation.  Entergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other postretirement plans.  Employers are to record previously unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs, and any remaining transition asset or obligation (that resulted from adopting prior pension and other postretirement benefits accounting standards) as comprehensive income and/or as a regulatory asset reflective of the recovery mechanism for pension and other postretirement benefits costs in the Registrant Subsidiaries’ respective regulatory jurisdictions.  For the portion of Entergy Louisiana that is not regulated, the unrecognized prior service cost, gains and losses, and transition asset/obligation for its pension and other postretirement benefits obligations are recorded as other comprehensive income.  Entergy Louisiana recovers other postretirement benefits costs on a pay-as-you-go basis and records the unrecognized prior
service cost, gains and losses, and transition obligation for its other postretirement benefits obligation as other comprehensive income.  Accounting standards also require that changes in the funded status be recorded as other comprehensive income and/or a regulatory asset in the period in which the changes occur.

With regard to pension and other postretirement costs, Entergy calculates the expected return on pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets by multiplying the long-term expected rate of return on assets by the market-related value (MRV) of plan assets.  Entergy determines the MRV of its pension plan assets, except for the long duration fixed income assets, by calculating a value that uses a 20-quarter phase-in of the difference between actual and expected returns. For the long duration fixed income assets in the pension trust and for its other postretirement benefits plan assets Entergy uses fair value as the MRV.

In accordance with accounting standards, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations and are presented by Entergy in miscellaneous - net in other income.

Qualified Pension Settlement Costs

In May 2024, Entergy Corporation entered into a commitment agreement by and between Entergy Corporation, Newport Trust Company, LLC, as independent fiduciary of Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Non-Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan II for Bargaining Employees, Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan III, and Entergy Corporation Retirement Plan IV for Bargaining Employees (the Pension Plans), and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), under which the Pension Plans purchased a nonparticipating single premium group annuity contract from MetLife to settle approximately $1.2 billion of benefit liabilities of the Pension Plans.

The group annuity contract primarily covers a population that includes approximately 3,400 non-utility business retirees, joint annuitants, beneficiaries, and alternate payees who commenced benefit payments from the Pension Plans on or before March 1, 2024 (Transferred Participants). MetLife irrevocably guarantees and assumes the sole obligation to make future monthly pension benefit payments to the Transferred Participants as provided under its group annuity contract, with direct payments that began September 1, 2024. The aggregate amount of each Transferred Participant’s payment under the group annuity contract will be equal to the amount of each individual’s payment under the Pension Plans.

The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the Pension Plans. The transferred pension liability required no additional funding prior to transfer, as the liability was fully funded. As a result of the transaction, Entergy recognized a one-time non-cash pension settlement charge of $328 million in 2024, of which $8 million was recorded at Utility, as described below, and $320 million was recorded at Parent & Other. The $320 million settlement charge at Parent & Other is reflected in Miscellaneous - net in Other income (deductions) on the consolidated income statements.

Year-to-date lump sum benefit payments from Non-Bargaining Plan I, Bargaining Plan I, Non-Bargaining Plan II, and Bargaining Plan II exceeded the sum of the Plans’ service and interest cost, resulting in settlement costs during 2023 and 2022. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, Entergy New Orleans, Entergy Texas, and System Energy participate in one or both of Non-Bargaining Plan I and Bargaining Plan I and incurred settlement costs. In accordance with accounting standards, settlement accounting requires immediate recognition of the portion of previously unrecognized losses associated with the settled portion of the plan’s pension liability. Similar to other pension costs, the settlement costs were included with employee labor costs and charged to expense and capital in the same manner that labor costs were charged. Entergy Arkansas, Entergy Louisiana, Entergy Mississippi, and Entergy New Orleans each received regulatory approval to defer the expense portion of settlement costs, with future amortization of the deferred settlement expense over the period in which the expense otherwise would be recorded had the immediate recognition not occurred.
Entergy Mississippi Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the MPSC, Entergy Mississippi was directed to cease including other postretirement benefit credits in other operation and maintenance expense or allocating to capital expenditures for ratemaking purposes effective January 1, 2024. The credits are being deferred as a regulatory liability. In addition, beginning in July 2024, Entergy Mississippi is recovering the December 31, 2023 other postretirement benefit asset in rate base over five years and accruing a regulatory liability. At December 31, 2024, the balance in these regulatory liability accounts was approximately $7.4 million.

Entergy New Orleans Other Postretirement Benefits

Pursuant to an order from the City Council, Entergy New Orleans received approval to exclude other postretirement benefit expense credits from the formula rate plan evaluation filing. To comply with the order, Entergy New Orleans began recording the other postretirement benefit expense credits to a regulatory liability account in September 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this regulatory liability account was approximately $1 million.

Entergy Texas Reserve

In September 2020, Entergy Texas elected to establish a reserve, in accordance with PUCT regulations, to track the surplus or deficit in the annual amount of actuarially determined pension and other postretirement benefits chargeable to Entergy Texas’s expense. The reserve amounts recorded are evaluated in each rate case filed by Entergy Texas and an amortization period is determined at that time. At December 31, 2024, the balance in this reserve was approximately $15 million.

Qualified Pension and Other Postretirement Plans’ Assets

The Plan Administrator’s trust asset investment strategy is to invest the assets in a manner whereby long-term earnings on the assets (plus cash contributions) provide adequate funding for retiree benefit payments.  The mix of assets is based on an optimization study that identifies asset allocation targets in order to achieve the maximum return for an acceptable level of risk, while minimizing the expected contributions and pension and postretirement expense.

In the optimization studies, the Plan Administrator formulates assumptions about characteristics, such as expected asset class investment returns, volatility (risk), and correlation coefficients among the various asset classes.  The future market assumptions used in the optimization study are determined by examining historical market characteristics of the various asset classes and making adjustments to reflect future conditions expected to prevail over the study period.

The target asset allocation for pension adjusts dynamically based on the funded status of each plan within the trust. The current targets are shown below. The expectation is that the allocation to fixed income securities will increase as the pension plans’ funded status increases.  The following ranges were established to produce an acceptable, economically efficient plan to manage around the targets.

For postretirement assets the target and range asset allocations (as shown below) reflect recommendations made in the latest optimization study. The target asset allocations for postretirement assets adjust dynamically based on the funded status of each sub-account within each trust. The current weighted-average targets shown below represent the aggregate of all targets for all sub-accounts within all trusts.
Entergy’s qualified pension and postretirement weighted-average asset allocations by asset category at December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the target asset allocation and ranges for 2024 are as follows:
Pension Asset AllocationTargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities22%18%to26%23%33%
International Equity Securities13%10%to16%13%18%
Intermediate Fixed Income Securities4%3%to5%5%9%
Long Duration Fixed Income Securities61%57%to65%59%40%
Other—%—%to10%—%—%

Postretirement Asset AllocationNon-Taxable and Taxable
 TargetRange
Actual 2024
Actual 2023
Domestic Equity Securities14%9%to19%16%28%
International Equity Securities10%5%to15%9%17%
Fixed Income Securities76%71%to81%75%55%
Other—%—%to5%—%—%

In determining its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in the calculation of benefit plan costs, Entergy reviews past performance, current and expected future asset allocations, and capital market assumptions of its investment consultant and some investment managers.

The expected long-term rate of return for the qualified pension plans’ assets is based primarily on the geometric average of the historical annual performance of a representative portfolio weighted by the target asset allocation defined in the table above, along with other indications of expected return on assets. The time period reflected is a long-dated period spanning several decades.

The expected long-term rate of return for the non-taxable postretirement trust assets is determined using the same methodology described above for pension assets, but the aggregate asset allocation specific to the non-taxable postretirement assets is used.

For the taxable postretirement trust assets, the investment allocation includes tax-exempt fixed income securities.  This asset allocation, in combination with the same methodology employed to determine the expected return for other postretirement assets (as described above), and with a modification to reflect applicable taxes, is used to produce the expected long-term rate of return for taxable postretirement trust assets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Entergy’s investment guidelines mandate the avoidance of risk concentrations.  Types of concentrations specified to be avoided include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country, geographic area, and individual security issuance.  As of December 31, 2024, all investment managers and assets were materially in compliance with the approved investment guidelines, therefore there were no significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10 percent of plan assets) of credit risk in Entergy’s pension and other postretirement benefits plan assets.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards provide the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements).
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Plan has the ability to access at the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are, either directly or indirectly, observable for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Assets are valued based on prices derived by an independent party that uses inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads.  Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value.  Level 2 inputs include the following:

-     quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
-     quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
-     inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or
-    inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

If an asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Level 3 refers to securities valued based on significant unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, a summary of the investments held in the master trusts for Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement plans in which the Registrant Subsidiaries participate.
Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$932 (b)$— $— $932 
Common403,146 (b)— — 403,146 
Common collective trusts (c) 1,206,983 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,145,994 (a)— 1,145,994 
Corporate debt instruments—  307,666 (a)— 307,666 
Registered investment companies (e)30,293 (d)2,735 (d)— 1,512,994 
Other— 44,691 (f)— 44,691 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,918 (g)— 5,918 
Total investments$434,371  $1,507,004  $— $4,628,324 
Cash     2,026 
Other pending transactions     (133,550)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,068)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $4,432,732 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Corporate stocks:      
Preferred$10,827 (b)$— $— $10,827 
Common715,452 (b)— — 715,452 
Common collective trusts (c) 2,066,247 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities— 1,085,231 (a)— 1,085,231 
Corporate debt instruments—  924,904 (a)— 924,904 
Registered investment companies (e)34,364 (d)2,718 (d)— 657,691 
Other774 78,883 (f)— 79,657 
Other:      
Insurance company general account (unallocated contracts)—  5,899 (g)— 5,899 
Total investments$761,417  $2,097,635  $— $5,545,908 
Cash     1,488 
Other pending transactions     (22,404)
Less: Other postretirement assets included in total investments     (64,391)
Total fair value of qualified pension assets     $5,460,601 
Other Postretirement Trusts

2024Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $161,726 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$107,547 (b)$112,780 (a)$— 220,327 
Corporate debt instruments—  166,208 (a)— 166,208 
Registered investment companies2,295 (d)—  — 2,295 
Other—  80,561 (f)— 80,561 
Total investments$109,842  $359,549  $— $631,117 
Other pending transactions     3,417 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,068 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $698,602 

2023Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Total
 (In Thousands)
Equity securities:      
Common collective trust (c) $276,560 
Fixed income securities:      
U.S. Government securities$80,219 (b)$84,521 (a)$— 164,740 
Corporate debt instruments—  106,523 (a)— 106,523 
Registered investment companies548 (d)—  — 548 
Other—  57,511 (f)— 57,511 
Total investments$80,767  $248,555  $— $605,882 
Other pending transactions     2,868 
Plus: Other postretirement assets included in the investments of the qualified pension trust     64,391 
Total fair value of other postretirement assets     $673,141 

(a)Certain fixed income debt securities (corporate, government, and securitized) are stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(b)Common stocks, preferred stocks, and certain fixed income debt securities (government) are stated at fair value determined by quoted market prices.
(c)The common collective trusts hold investments in accordance with stated objectives.  The investment strategy of the trusts is to capture the growth potential of equity markets by replicating the performance of a specified index.  The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Net asset value per share of common collective trusts estimate fair value. Common collective trusts are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(d)Registered investment companies are money market mutual funds with a stable net asset value of one dollar per share. Registered investment companies may hold investments in domestic and international bond markets or domestic equities valued at the daily closing price as reported by the fund. These funds are required to publish their daily net asset value and to transact at that price. The money market mutual funds held by the trusts are deemed to be actively traded. Certain registered investment companies are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.
(e)Certain of these registered investment companies are not publicly quoted and are valued by the fund administrators using net asset value as a practical expedient. The issuer of these funds allows daily trading at the net asset value and trades settle at a later date, with no other trading restrictions. Accordingly, these funds are not assigned a level in the fair value table, but are included in the total.
(f)The other remaining assets are U.S. municipal and foreign government bonds stated at fair value as determined by broker quotes.
(g)The unallocated insurance contract investments are recorded at contract value, which approximates fair value.  The contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest, less funds used to pay benefits and contract expenses, and less distributions to the master trust.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Based upon the assumptions used to measure Entergy’s qualified pension and other postretirement benefits obligations at December 31, 2024, and including pension and other postretirement benefits attributable to estimated future employee service, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for Entergy Corporation and its subsidiaries will be as follows:
 Estimated Future Benefits Payments
 Qualified PensionNon-Qualified PensionOther Postretirement
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)   
2025$396,881 $22,324 $68,754 
2026$373,969 $7,975 $65,668 
2027$374,332 $14,666 $63,067 
2028$374,818 $8,905 $60,746 
2029$372,728 $7,532 $58,225 
2030 - 2034
$1,852,026 $36,035 $279,644 

Based upon the same assumptions, Entergy expects that benefits to be paid over the next ten years for the Registrant Subsidiaries for their current and former employees will be as follows:
Estimated Future Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$92,997 $99,646 $26,600 $10,879 $22,865 $24,910 
2026$91,164 $94,614 $25,540 $11,107 $22,419 $22,420 
2027$91,175 $93,456 $25,272 $10,658 $21,251 $23,235 
2028$89,535 $95,546 $24,923 $10,775 $20,135 $22,540 
2029$88,244 $93,857 $25,038 $10,242 $20,474 $22,790 
2030 - 2034$437,940 $458,211 $118,197 $50,337 $93,989 $112,086 
Estimated Future Non-Qualified Pension Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)     
2025$524 $190 $419 $104 $386 
2026$103 $173 $309 $84 $360 
2027$94 $159 $764 $263 $335 
2028$175 $146 $578 $210 $310 
2029$143 $141 $436 $167 $284 
2030 - 2034$634 $552 $1,582 $609 $1,081 

Estimated Future Other Postretirement Benefits PaymentsEntergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Year(s)      
2025$12,198 $14,377 $3,329 $2,082 $4,542 $2,645 
2026$11,754 $13,757 $3,218 $1,941 $4,168 $2,434 
2027$11,280 $13,172 $3,109 $1,789 $3,989 $2,339 
2028$11,012 $12,531 $3,110 $1,655 $3,787 $2,288 
2029$10,896 $12,089 $3,014 $1,575 $3,627 $2,278 
2030 - 2034$53,047 $57,646 $14,486 $7,164 $17,113 $11,340 

Contributions

Entergy currently expects to contribute approximately $240 million to its qualified pension plans and approximately $42.8 million to its other postretirement plans in 2025.  The Registrant Subsidiaries currently expect to contribute the following approximate amounts to their qualified pension and other postretirement plans for their current and former employees in 2025:
 Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy TexasSystem Energy
 (In Thousands)
Pension Contributions$35,544 $41,253 $8,064 $5,016 $7,725 $15,668 
Other Postretirement Contributions$529 $14,377 $178 $205 $156 $34 

The 2025 required pension contributions will be known with more certainty when the January 1, 2025 valuations are completed, which is expected by April 1, 2025.
Actuarial Assumptions

The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the pension PBO and the other postretirement benefits APBO as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
 20242023
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Qualified pension
5.67% - 5.89%
Blended 5.75%
5.02% - 5.10%
Blended 5.06%
Other postretirement5.66%5.01%
Non-qualified pension5.23%4.68%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.45%
3.98% - 4.40%
Interest crediting rate4.80%4.00%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-658.15%6.95%
Post-6510.13%7.88%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-6520352032
    Post-6520352032
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs for 2024, 2023, and 2022 were as follows:
 202420232022
Weighted-average discount rate:   
Qualified pension:
    Service cost5.08%5.26%3.07%
    Interest cost4.97%5.16%2.49%
Other postretirement:
    Service cost4.82%5.00%3.20%
    Interest cost4.91%5.09%2.31%
Non-qualified pension:
    Service cost5.01%5.31%4.94%
    Interest cost4.86%5.30%5.03%
Weighted-average rate of increase in future compensation levels
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
3.98% - 4.40%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets:   
Pension assets
6.00% - 7.25%
Blended 6.75%
7.00%6.75%
Other postretirement non-taxable assets
6.50% - 7.25%
6.00% - 7.00%
5.75% - 6.75%
Other postretirement taxable assets5.25%5.25%4.75%
Assumed health care trend rate:
Pre-656.95%6.65%5.65%
Post-657.88%7.50%5.90%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
4.75%4.75%4.75%
Year ultimate health care cost trend rate is reached and beyond:
    Pre-65203220322032
    Post-65203220322032
    
With respect to the mortality assumptions, Entergy used the Pri-2012 Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 pension plans’ PBOs and the Pri.H 2012 (headcount weighted) Employee and Healthy Annuitant Table, projected generationally using Scale MP-2021 with Aon’s Endemic Adjustment, in determining its December 31, 2024 and 2023 other postretirement benefits APBO.

Defined Contribution Plans

Entergy sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries (System Savings Plan).  The System Savings Plan is a defined contribution plan covering eligible employees of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to the System Savings Plan for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to either 70% or 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 6% of their eligible earnings per pay period.  The matching contribution is allocated to investments as directed by the employee.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VI (Savings Plan VI) (established in April 2007) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VII (Savings Plan VII) (established in April 2007) to which matching contributions are also made.  The plans are defined contribution plans that cover eligible employees, as defined by each plan, of Entergy and certain of its subsidiaries. Effective
December 31, 2023, employees participating in Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII were transferred into the System Savings Plan when Savings Plan VI and Savings Plan VII merged into the System Savings Plan.

Entergy also sponsors the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries VIII (established January 2021) and the Savings Plan of Entergy Corporation and Subsidiaries IX (established January 2021) to which company contributions are made. The participating Entergy subsidiary makes matching contributions to these defined contribution plans for all eligible participating employees in an amount equal to 100% of the participants’ basic contributions, up to 5% of their eligible earnings per pay period. Eligible participants may also receive a discretionary annual company contribution up to 4% of the participant’s eligible earnings (subject to vesting).

Entergy’s subsidiaries’ contributions to defined contribution plans collectively were $72.3 million in 2024, $65.1 million in 2023, and $62.1 million in 2022.  The majority of the contributions were to the System Savings Plan.

The Registrant Subsidiaries’ 2024, 2023, and 2022 contributions to defined contribution plans for their employees were as follows:
Year
Entergy ArkansasEntergy LouisianaEntergy MississippiEntergy New OrleansEntergy Texas
 (In Thousands)
2024$6,822 $8,784 $4,048 $1,584 $3,907 
2023$5,866 $7,757 $3,534 $1,383 $3,380 
2022$5,124 $7,138 $3,194 $1,223 $2,938