XML 155 R18.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3.a.u2
Asset retirement obligations
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract]  
Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company records obligations related to retirement costs of natural gas distribution mains and lines, natural gas transmission lines, natural gas storage wells, decommissioning of certain electric generating facilities, reclamation of certain aggregate properties, special handling and disposal of hazardous materials at certain electric generating facilities, natural gas distribution facilities and buildings, and certain other obligations as asset retirement obligations.
A reconciliation of the Company's liability, which is included in other accrued liabilities and deferred credits and other liabilities - other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
 
2019

2018

 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
375,553

$
341,969

Liabilities incurred
25,869

13,424

Liabilities acquired
486

1,002

Liabilities settled
(7,097
)
(3,699
)
Accretion expense*
19,789

18,242

Revisions in estimates
2,975

4,615

Balance at end of year
$
417,575

$
375,553


*
Includes $18.3 million and $16.8 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to regulatory assets.
 

The Company believes that largely all expenses related to asset retirement obligations at the Company's regulated operations will be recovered in rates over time and, accordingly, defers such expenses as regulatory assets. For more information on the Company's regulatory assets and liabilities, see Note 7.