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Fair Value Measurements
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements

12. Fair Value Measurements

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Accounting guidance governing fair value measurements and disclosures provides that fair value represents the amount that would be received in selling an asset or the amount that would be paid in transferring a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As a basis for considering assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, accounting guidance also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1:      Observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2:      Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3:      Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The fair value of financial instruments is determined by using various market data and other valuation techniques. TEC’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis are derivative assets and liabilities, which are classified as Level 2. Natural gas swaps are OTC swap instruments. The fair value of the swaps is estimated utilizing the market approach. The price of swaps is calculated using observable NYMEX quoted closing prices of exchange-traded futures. These prices are applied to the notional quantities of active positions to determine the reported fair value (see Note 11).

TEC considered the impact of nonperformance risk in determining the fair value of derivatives. TEC considered the net position with each counterparty, past performance of both parties, the intent of the parties, indications of credit deterioration and whether the markets in which TEC transacts have experienced dislocation. As of June 30, 2018, the fair value of derivatives was not materially affected by nonperformance risk. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities for the periods presented.

As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the carrying value of TEC’s short-term debt was not materially different from the fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments and because the stated rates approximate market rates. The fair value of TEC’s short-term debt is determined using Level 2 measurements. See Note 7 for information regarding the fair value of long-term debt.