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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH include the accounts of each of their respective subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Eversource, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and the financial statements of CL&P are herein collectively referred to as the "financial statements."  

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

CYAPC and YAEC are inactive regional nuclear power companies engaged in the long-term storage of their spent nuclear fuel. Eversource consolidates the operations of CYAPC and YAEC because CL&P's, NSTAR Electric's and PSNH's combined ownership and voting interests in each of these entities is greater than 50 percent.  Intercompany transactions between CL&P, NSTAR Electric, PSNH and the CYAPC and YAEC companies have been eliminated in consolidation of the Eversource financial statements.  

Eversource holds equity ownership interests that are not consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method. During 2024, Eversource sold its 50 percent ownership interests in three offshore wind projects that had been accounted for under the equity method. See Note 6, “Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates,” for further information.

In accordance with accounting guidance on noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements, the Preferred Stock of CL&P and the Preferred Stock of NSTAR Electric, which are not owned by Eversource or its consolidated subsidiaries and are not subject to mandatory redemption, have been presented as noncontrolling interests in the financial statements of Eversource.  The Preferred Stock of CL&P and the Preferred Stock of NSTAR Electric are considered to be temporary equity and have been classified between liabilities and permanent shareholders' equity on the balance sheets of Eversource, CL&P and NSTAR Electric due to a provision in the preferred stock agreements of both CL&P and NSTAR Electric that grant preferred stockholders the right to elect a majority of the CL&P and NSTAR Electric Boards of Directors, respectively, should certain conditions exist, such as if preferred dividends are in arrears for a specified amount of time.  The Net Income reported in the statements of income and cash flows represents net income prior to apportionment to noncontrolling interests, which is represented by dividends on preferred stock of CL&P and NSTAR Electric.
Eversource's utility subsidiaries' electric, natural gas and water distribution and transmission businesses are subject to rate-regulation that is based on cost recovery and meets the criteria for application of accounting guidance for entities with rate-regulated operations, which considers the effect of regulation on the differences in the timing of the recognition of certain revenues and expenses from those of other businesses and industries. See Note 2, "Regulatory Accounting," for further information.
Accounting Standards Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted: On January 1, 2025, the Company retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires entities to disclose significant segment expenses, other segment items, and the title and position of the chief operating decision maker (CODM). Additionally, the ASU requires entities to disclose how the CODM assesses segment performance and allocates resources, among certain other required disclosures. Furthermore, disclosures are required in interim periods. The modified disclosures are included in Note 23, “Segment Information.”

On January 1, 2026, the Company prospectively adopted ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires enhanced income tax disclosures, primarily requiring consistent categories and greater detailed disclosure information in the tax rate reconciliation as well as income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The modified disclosures are included in Note 12, “Income Taxes.”

Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted: In September 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) - Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, to modernize and clarify the accounting for software costs. The ASU’s provisions change the criteria for capitalization of software development costs by eliminating consideration of “project development stages” and instead requiring consideration of the probability of software project completion for its intended use. The new accounting guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. Entities are permitted to apply one of three transition approaches: prospective, modified transition that is based on the status of the project and whether software costs were capitalized before the date of adoption, or retrospective. Eversource is currently reviewing the requirements of ASU 2025-06.
Cash Cash
Cash includes cash on hand. At the end of each reporting period, any overdraft amounts are reclassified from Cash to Accounts Payable on the balance sheets.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
Receivables, Net on the balance sheets primarily includes trade receivables from retail customers and customers related to wholesale transmission contracts, wholesale market sales, sales of RECs, and property rentals. Receivables, Net also includes customer receivables for the purchase of electricity from a competitive third-party supplier, the current portion of customer energy efficiency loans, property damage receivables and other miscellaneous receivables. There is no material concentration of receivables.

Receivables are recorded at amortized cost, net of a credit loss provision (or allowance for uncollectible accounts). The current expected credit loss (CECL) model is applied to receivables for purposes of calculating the allowance for uncollectible accounts. This model is based on expected losses and results in the recognition of estimated expected credit losses, including uncollectible amounts for both billed and unbilled revenues, over the life of the receivable at the time a receivable is recorded.

The allowance for uncollectible accounts is determined based upon various judgments and factors, including an aging-based quantitative assessment that applies an estimated uncollectible percentage to each receivable aging category. Factors in determining credit loss include historical collection, write-off experience, analysis of delinquency statistics, and management's assessment of collectability from customers, including current economic conditions, customer payment trends, the impact on customer bills because of energy usage trends and changes in rates, flexible payment plans and financial hardship arrearage management programs offered to customers, reasonable forecasts, and expectations of future collectability and collection efforts. Management continuously assesses the collectability of receivables and adjusts estimates based on actual experience and future expectations based on economic conditions, collection efforts and other factors. Management also monitors the aging analysis of receivables to determine if there are changes in the collections of accounts receivable. Receivable balances are written off against the allowance for uncollectible accounts when the customer accounts are no longer in service and these balances are deemed to be uncollectible. Management concluded that the reserve balance as of December 31, 2025 adequately reflected the collection risk and net realizable value for its receivables.

The PURA allows CL&P and Yankee Gas to accelerate the recovery of accounts receivable balances attributable to qualified customers under financial or medical duress (uncollectible hardship accounts receivable) outstanding for greater than 180 days and 90 days, respectively.  The DPU allows NSTAR Electric, NSTAR Gas and EGMA to recover in rates amounts associated with certain uncollectible hardship accounts receivable.
These uncollectible hardship customer account balances are included in Regulatory Assets or Other Long-Term Assets on the balance sheets. Hardship customers are protected from shut off in certain circumstances, and historical collection experience has reflected a higher default risk as compared to the rest of the receivable population. Management uses a higher credit risk profile for this pool of trade receivables as compared to non-hardship receivables. The allowance for uncollectible hardship accounts is included in the total uncollectible allowance balance.  
The total allowance for uncollectible accounts is included in Receivables, Net on the balance sheets.
Transfer of Energy Efficiency Loans Transfer of Energy Efficiency LoansCL&P transferred a portion of its energy efficiency customer loan portfolio to outside lenders in order to make additional loans to customers.  CL&P remains the servicer of the loans and will transmit customer payments to the lenders, with a maximum amount outstanding under this program of $50 million as of December 31, 2025 and $70 million as of December 31, 2024.  The amounts of the loans are included in Receivables, Net and Other Long-Term Assets, and are offset by Other Current Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities on CL&P’s balance sheet.
Materials, Supplies, Natural Gas and REC Inventory Materials, Supplies, Natural Gas and REC InventoryMaterials, Supplies, Natural Gas and REC Inventory include materials and supplies purchased primarily for construction or operation and maintenance purposes, natural gas purchased for delivery to customers, and RECs.  Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. RECs are purchased from suppliers of renewable sources of generation and are used to meet state mandated Renewable Portfolio Standards requirements.
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements
Fair value measurement guidance is applied to derivative contracts that are not elected or designated as "normal purchases" or "normal sales" (normal) and to marketable securities held in trusts. Fair value measurement guidance is also applied to valuations of the investments used to calculate the funded status of pension and PBOP plans, the nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets such as goodwill, long-lived assets, equity method investments, AROs, and in the valuation of business combinations and asset acquisitions. The fair value measurement guidance was also applied in estimating the fair value of preferred stock, long-term debt and RRBs.

Fair Value Hierarchy:  In measuring fair value, Eversource uses observable market data when available in order to minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  Inputs used in fair value measurements are categorized into three fair value hierarchy levels for disclosure purposes.  The entire fair value measurement is categorized based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Eversource evaluates the classification of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a quarterly basis.  

The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting 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 - Inputs are quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable.

Level 3 - Quoted market prices are not available.  Fair value is derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or assumptions are unobservable.  Where possible, valuation techniques incorporate observable market inputs that can be validated to external sources such as industry exchanges, including prices of energy and energy-related products.  

Uncategorized - Investments that are measured at net asset value are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.

Determination of Fair Value:  The valuation techniques and inputs used in Eversource's fair value measurements are described in Note 4, "Derivative Instruments," Note 5, "Marketable Securities," Note 6, "Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates," Note 7, "Asset Retirement Obligations," Note 11A, "Employee Benefits – Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension," Note 15, "Fair Value of Financial Instruments," and Note 25, “Goodwill,” to the financial statements.
Derivative Accounting Derivative Accounting
The electric and natural gas companies enter into contracts to purchase and procure energy and energy-related products for their customers, the costs of which are recoverable from customers in future rates.  The accounting treatment for energy contracts entered into varies and depends on the intended use of the particular contract and on whether or not the contract is a derivative.  Many of the electric and natural gas companies' contracts for the purchase and sale of energy or energy-related products for delivery to customers in the normal course of business are derivatives that are designated as “normal purchases” or “normal sales” and follow accrual accounting. If a contract is a derivative and the energy is settled in the energy market rather than delivered to customers, it is recorded at fair value on the balance sheet.

The application of derivative accounting is complex and requires management judgment in the following respects: identification of derivatives and embedded derivatives, election and designation of a contract as normal, and determination of the fair value of derivative contracts.  All of these judgments can have a significant impact on the financial statements.  The judgment applied in the election of a contract as normal (and resulting accrual accounting) includes the conclusion that it is probable at the inception of the contract and throughout its term that it will result in physical delivery of the underlying product and that the quantities will be used or sold by the business in the normal course of business.  If facts and
circumstances change and management can no longer support this conclusion, then a contract cannot be considered normal, accrual accounting is terminated, and fair value accounting is applied prospectively.  

The fair value of derivative contracts is based upon the contract terms and conditions and the underlying market price or fair value per unit.  When quantities are not specified in the contract, the Company determines whether the contract has a determinable quantity by using amounts referenced in default provisions and other relevant sections of the contract.  The fair values of derivative contracts are estimated based on the best market information available, including valuation models that estimate future energy and energy-related prices. Fair value estimates involve assumptions, uncertainties and matters of judgment. The fair value of derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty are offset and recorded as a net derivative asset or liability on the balance sheets.  

Regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities are recorded to offset the fair values of these derivative contracts related to energy and energy-related products, as contract settlements are recovered from, or refunded to, customers in future rates. All changes in the fair value of these derivative contracts are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities on the balance sheets and do not impact net income.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
AFUDC represents the cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction and is included in the cost of the electric, natural gas and water companies' utility plant on the balance sheet.  The portion of AFUDC attributable to borrowed funds is recorded as a reduction of Interest Expense, and the AFUDC related to equity funds is recorded as Other Income, Net on the statements of income.  AFUDC costs are recovered from customers over the service life of the related plant in the form of increased revenue collected as a result of higher depreciation expense.

The average AFUDC rate is based on a FERC-prescribed formula using the cost of a company's short-term financings and capitalization (preferred stock, long-term debt and common equity), as appropriate.  The average rate is applied to average eligible CWIP amounts to calculate AFUDC.

As part of the annual FERC Transmission Formula Rate protocols process, the AFUDC calculation methodology utilized in formula transmission rates was updated effective January 1, 2025. This calculation methodology resulted in an adjustment to the AFUDC equity and AFUDC debt amounts recognized on the statement of income in the third quarter of 2025 in accordance with the AFUDC policy.
Other Taxes Other TaxesEversource's companies that serve customers in Connecticut collect gross receipts taxes levied by the state of Connecticut from their customers. As agents for state and local governments, Eversource's companies that serve customers in Connecticut and Massachusetts collect certain sales taxes that are recorded on a net basis with no impact on the statements of income.
Related Parties Related Parties
Eversource Service, Eversource's service company, provides centralized accounting, administrative, engineering, financial, information technology, legal, operational, planning, purchasing, tax, and other services to Eversource's companies.  The Rocky River Realty Company and Properties, Inc., two other Eversource subsidiaries, construct, acquire or lease some of the property and facilities used by Eversource's companies.

Included in the CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 were Accounts Receivable from Affiliated Companies and Accounts Payable to Affiliated Companies relating to transactions between CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH and other subsidiaries that are wholly-owned by Eversource.  These amounts have been eliminated in consolidation on the Eversource financial statements.

Included in the PSNH balance sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 and the CL&P balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 were Notes Payable to Eversource Parent. These amounts have been eliminated in consolidation on the Eversource financial statements. See Note 8, “Short-Term Debt” for intercompany borrowing amounts.

The Eversource Energy Foundation is an independent not-for-profit charitable entity and is not included in the consolidated financial statements of Eversource as the Company does not have title to, and cannot receive contributions back from, the Eversource Energy Foundation's assets. Eversource made contributions to the Eversource Energy Foundation of $7.0 million in 2025, and $20.0 million in 2023. Eversource did not make any contributions in 2024.