# notes_to_financial_statements_122_1_duration

entity_id: C000986
filing_name: Ruby_Pipeline,_L.L.C._form2_Q4_1712793189
publication_time: 2024-04-10 23:53:09.000000
start_date: 2023-01-01
end_date: 2023-12-31
disclosure_of_important_disclosures_regarding_the_financial_statements_text_block:
  <div style="margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">1. Description of Business</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby Pipeline, L.L.C. ("Ruby") is a Delaware limited liability company that owns and operates an approximately 684-mile pipeline system and is engaged in the transmission of natural gas for others in interstate commerce from Opal, Wyoming to Malin, Oregon. As of January 13, 2023, the sole member of Ruby is Tallgrass MLP Operations, LLC ("MLP Ops"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tallgrass Energy Partners, LP ("TEP"). </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Prior to January 13, 2023, Ruby was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Ruby Pipeline Holding Company, L.L.C. (“Ruby Holding”), whose ownership was comprised of a 50% common interest held by an indirect subsidiary of Kinder Morgan, Inc. ("KMI") and a 50% preferred interest indirectly held by a U.S. subsidiary of Pembina Pipeline Corporation ("Pembina"). </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On March 31, 2022, Ruby filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, Case No. 22-10278. On January 9, 2023, Ruby filed its Third Amended Chapter 11 Plan of Ruby Pipeline, L.L.C. (the "Ruby Pipeline Plan"), which provided that MLP Ops would acquire a 100% membership interest in Ruby pursuant to that certain Investment Agreement dated as of December 16, 2022 by and between Ruby, MLP Ops, and, solely in respect of Section 12.24 thereof, TEP (the "Investment Agreement"). The Ruby Pipeline Plan further provided that upon closing of the Investment Agreement, 100% of the equity interests in reorganized Ruby would vest in MLP Ops, free and clear of all liens, claims, charges, interests, or other encumbrances. On January 13, 2023, the Delaware Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Ruby Pipeline Plan and the transactions contemplated under the Investment Agreement closed. The effectiveness of the Ruby Pipeline Plan on January 13, 2023 resulted in the repayment in full of the $475 million unsecured senior notes due April 2022 (the "Notes"), including interest in full of $50.5 million, partial repayment of $18.5 million of Ruby's outstanding affiliate subordinate notes, and the resolution of various other prepetition liabilities, all of which were paid from (i) the proceeds from the Investment Agreement transaction, as directed under the Ruby Pipeline Plan, (ii) cash on hand, and (iii) proceeds from a settlement of certain causes of action by Ruby against KMI and Pembina. The Ruby Pipeline Plan resulted in a change in ownership of Ruby, which had no impact on the regulatory basis of the Ruby's assets and liabilities. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</span></div><div style="margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Basis of Presentation</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with the accounting requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") as set forth in its applicable Uniform System of Accounts and published accounting releases, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Use of Estimates</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Certain amounts included in or affecting these financial statements and related disclosures must be estimated, requiring management to make certain assumptions with respect to values or conditions which cannot be known with certainty at the time the financial statements are prepared. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses during the reporting period, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods it considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. These estimates and other factors, including those outside of Ruby's control, such as the impact of commodity price volatility associated with global economic factors, could have a significant adverse impact on its business, financial position, or results of operations. Any impact of revisions to these estimates is recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Cash Equivalents and Supplemental Cash Flow Information</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Non-cash investing activities during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 include accruals of property, plant, and equipment of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accounts Receivable and Reserves for Credit Losses</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Accounts receivable are carried at their estimated collectible amounts. Current expected credit losses for trade receivables are estimated using a combination of the probability-of-default methodology and review of aging schedules. Trade receivables are measured collectively, with customers grouped on the basis of their credit profile and line of business, and consideration is given to individual receivables that may have different risk profiles. Probability of default rates are assigned to customers based on actual credit ratings or estimated ratings based on available financial metrics. Outstanding receivables are periodically reviewed and for any specific receivables deemed uncollectible, a reserve for current expected credit losses is recorded. Ruby's reserves for current expected credit losses associated with trade receivables totaled $0.2 million at December 31, 2023.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Fuel Recovery Mechanism</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby obtains natural gas quantities from its shippers as reimbursement for fuel consumed at compressor stations and other locations on its system, as well as for natural gas quantities lost and otherwise unaccounted for, in accordance with its tariff and applicable contract terms. Ruby tracks the volume and value of associated over-or under-collections of fuel and lost and unaccounted for quantities through a tracking mechanism referred to as "fuel tracker." Those amounts are recorded as an addition or reduction to a regulatory asset or liability balance representing the amounts to be recovered from or refunded to customers through the fuel tracker mechanisms. Fuel tracker volumes are valued using a weighted-average monthly index price.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accounting for Regulatory Activities</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Regulatory assets and liabilities represent probable future revenues or expenses to Ruby associated with certain charges and credits that will be recovered from or refunded to customers through the ratemaking process. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Ruby's regulatory assets (Account 182.3) totaled $46.0 million and $46.0 million, respectively, and are primarily attributable to the tax gross-up on the allowance for equity funds used during construction, Ruby's fuel and power cost trackers, and costs associated with the FERC annual charge adjustment. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Ruby's regulatory liabilities (Account 254) totaled $51.2 million and $72.3 million, respectively, and are primarily attributable to regulatory liabilities associated with the remeasurement of Ruby's deferred income tax liability and fuel and power cost trackers.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Gas Imbalances</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Gas imbalances receivable and payable represent the difference between customer nominations and actual gas receipts from and gas deliveries to interconnecting pipelines under various operational balancing agreements. Gas imbalances are made up in-kind or settled in cash, subject to the terms of the various agreements and are valued at the average market index prices of $5.94 per MMBtu as of December 31, 2023.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Property, Plant and Equipment</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Utility Plant is stated at historical cost, which for a constructed plant includes indirect costs such as payroll taxes, other employee benefits, allowance for funds used during construction and other costs directly related to the projects. Expenditures that increase capacities, improve efficiencies or extend useful lives are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset or major asset component. Ruby also capitalizes certain costs related to the construction of assets, including internal labor costs, interest and engineering costs.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Routine maintenance, repairs and renewal costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of normal retirements of depreciable utility property, plant and equipment, plus the cost of removal less salvage value and any gain or loss recognized, is recorded in accumulated depreciation with no effect on current period earnings. Gains or losses are recognized upon retirement of utility property, plant and equipment constituting an operating unit or system, and land, when sold or abandoned, and costs of removal or salvage are expensed when incurred.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby maintains natural gas in its pipeline, known as "line pack," which serves to maintain the necessary pressure to allow efficient transmission of natural gas. Line pack is capitalized within Utility Plant and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the pipeline.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Depreciation and Amortization</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Depreciation is computed based on the composite method over the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment. The annual composite rate of depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 2.86%.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Impairment of Long-Lived Assets </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss results when the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the asset's use and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any such impairment losses at Ruby would be recorded as a regulatory asset until regulatory review regarding recoverability through the rate-making process is complete, at which time Ruby will recognize the loss if it is determined to be unrecoverable or retain it as a regulatory asset and recover through its rates.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Examples of long-lived asset impairment indicators include:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">a significant decrease in the market value of a long-lived asset or group;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">a significant adverse change in the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate could affect the value of a long-lived asset or asset group, including an adverse action or assessment by a regulator which would exclude allowable costs from the rate-making process;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the long-lived asset or asset group;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of operating cash flow losses or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group; and</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset or asset group will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">When an impairment indicator is present, Ruby first assesses the recoverability of the long-lived assets by comparing the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to the carrying amount of the asset. If the carrying amount is higher than the undiscounted future cash flows, the fair value of the asset is assessed using a discounted cash flow analysis and used to determine the amount of impairment, if any, to be recognized.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Allowance for Funds Used During Construction</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Included in the cost of construction work in progress is an allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”). AFUDC represents the estimated cost of debt, from borrowed funds, or the estimated cost of capital, from equity funds, during the construction period.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Revenue Recognition</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby accounts for revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with the five-step model outlined in ASC Topic 606, </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Revenue from Contracts with Customers</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> ("ASC 606"). Under the five-step model, Ruby identifies the contract, identifies the performance obligations, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price, and recognizes revenue. Revenue is recognized when (or as) the performance obligations are satisfied. For additional information see Note 6 - </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Revenue from Contracts with Customers</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred Financing Costs</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred financing costs were amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt using the straight-line-method, which approximates the effective interest rate method. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Commitments and Contingencies</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby recognizes liabilities for other commitments and contingencies when, after fully analyzing the available information, Ruby determines it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of probable loss can be estimated, Ruby accrues the most likely amount, or if no amount is more likely than another, Ruby accrues the minimum of the range of probable loss.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Environmental Costs</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby expenses or capitalizes, as appropriate, environmental expenditures that relate to current operations. Ruby expenses amounts that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation. Ruby does not discount environmental liabilities to a net present value, and records environmental liabilities when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and costs can be reasonably estimated. Recording of these accruals coincides with the completion of a feasibility study or a commitment to a formal plan of action. Estimates of environmental liabilities are based on currently available facts and presently enacted laws and regulations taking into consideration the likely effects of other factors including Ruby's prior experience in remediating contaminated sites, other companies' clean-up experience and data released by government organizations. Ruby estimates are subject to revision in future periods based on actual cost or new information. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Income Taxes</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Changes in tax legislation are included in the relevant computations in the period in which such changes are effective. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance for the amount of any tax benefit Ruby does not expect to be realized. For more information regarding income taxes and the changes in tax legislation, see Note 4 - Income Taxes</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">3. Financing</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Debt</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total outstanding debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the following (in millions):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:96.875%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:56.657%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.483%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.875%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.485%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Year Ended December 31, </span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Senior Notes due April 2022</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">475.0 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">10.0% Affiliate Subordinated Notes due March 2026</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">234.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total Debt</span></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">709.0 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Less: Current portion of debt</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">475.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total long-term debt, net</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">234.0 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Debt Repayment</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">As discussed in Note 1 - </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Description of Business</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">, upon the effectiveness of the Ruby Pipeline Plan and the closing of the Investment Agreement on January 13, 2023, Ruby repaid the Notes, along with $19.0 million of pre-petition interest, and $31.5 million of post-petition interest. No gain or loss was recognized upon repayment. Also upon the effectiveness of the Ruby Pipeline Plan, the outstanding affiliate subordinated note balance was settled and fully resolved with a partial repayment of approximately $18.5 million, with the remaining balances of $215.9 million and accrued interest of $5.9 million being settled as a non-cash capital contribution from Ruby Holding.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">4. Income Taxes</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The acquisition of the equity interest in Ruby by MLP Ops pursuant to the Investment Agreement was treated as an acquisition of assets for income tax purposes. Temporary differences between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities that existed prior to the acquisition no longer exist. Therefore, deferred tax asset and liability balances existing prior to the closing under the Investment Agreement have been eliminated through a non-cash distribution to Ruby Holding pursuant to FERC petition approval (AC23-153). </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">As a single-member limited liability company, Ruby is classified as a disregarded entity for income tax purposes. As a disregarded entity, Ruby's annual taxable income or loss is included in the tax return filed by a parent entity. The parent entity is a limited partnership subject to pass-through treatment for federal and state income tax purposes. Although Ruby does not directly pay federal or state income taxes, it is allowed to treat the income tax paid by the ultimate owners of TEP as a cost component in rates allowed by the FERC. These taxes are calculated based on the composite federal and state tax rates of the ultimate owners of TEP and included in the applicable financial statements herein. On March 15, 2018, in Docket No. PL17-1-000, the FERC issued a revised Policy Statement finding that interstate natural gas pipelines held by Master Limited Partnerships are no longer permitted to recover an income tax allowance in their cost of service. The FERC stated that it would address income tax allowances for other pass-through entities that are not Master Limited Partnerships in future proceedings.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The computation of the current and deferred income tax expense assumes the use of an accelerated method for calculating tax depreciation. Ruby records deferred income taxes for significant differences between book and taxable income. Income taxes charged to Ruby and assignable to the ultimate owners of TEP are reflected in the accompanying Comparative Balance Sheet as taxes accrued (Account 236) and accumulated deferred income taxes (Accounts 190, 282 and 283). A portion of the change in Account 211, Miscellaneous Paid-In Capital (Account 211) reflects the income taxes assigned to the owners of TEP. Ruby settles accrued taxes recorded in Account 236 as a deemed contribution from or deemed distribution to its sole Member (a credit or debit to Additional Paid-in Capital or "APIC" (Account 211)). </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Components of the income tax expense applicable to federal and state income taxes are as follows (in millions):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:100.000%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:58.721%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.691%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.395%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.693%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Year Ended December 31, </span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Current income tax expense</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Federal</span></div></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">11.5 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">State</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total current income tax expense</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">12.5 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">— </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Deferred income tax expense</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Federal</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(19.5)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(26.0)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">State</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(1.5)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(2.0)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total deferred income tax expense</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(21.0)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(28.0)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total income tax expense</span></div></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(8.5)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(28.0)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The difference between the composite federal income tax expense and Ruby's effective income tax expense, and its effective income tax rate, are summarized as follows (in millions, except percentages):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:100.000%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:58.721%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.691%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.395%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.693%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Year Ended December 31, </span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Income tax expense at composite federal rate </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.47pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%;position:relative;top:-3.48pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span></div></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(6.0)</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(24.0)</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">State income tax, net of federal benefit</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(0.5)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(2.0)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Excess ADIT</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(2.0)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Regulatory liability amortization</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(2.0)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total tax expense</span></div></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(8.5)</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(28.0)</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Effective income tax rate</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:3pt double #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">26.6 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:3pt double #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:3pt double #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">24.0 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:3pt double #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:7.8pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;position:relative;top:-4.2pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:8.49pt">The composite federal tax rate used was 18.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The deferred tax assets and liabilities result from the following (in millions):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:99.702%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:58.601%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.750%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.397%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.752%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Year Ended December 31, </span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Account 190, Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes:</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Net operating loss carryforward</span></div></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">435.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Valuation allowance</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(366.0)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Regulatory liability</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">0.4 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">10.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Other</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total Account 190</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">0.4 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">81.0 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Account 282, Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes - Other Property:</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Property, plant and equipment</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1.3 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">235.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total Account 282</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1.3 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">235.0 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Account 283, Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes - Other:</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Regulatory assets</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">0.4 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">AFUDC equity income tax gross-up</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">10.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Property, plant and equipment</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">439.2 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total Account 283</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">439.6 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">10.0 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Net deferred income tax liability</span></div></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">440.5 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">164.0 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">5. Related Party Transactions</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby has no employees. Following the closing of the Investment Agreement on January 13, 2023, TEP and its subsidiaries provide and bill Ruby for various services including employee labor costs, information technology services, employee health and retirement benefits, and all other expenses necessary or appropriate to the conduct of Ruby's business. TEP pays costs and expenses incurred by Ruby, acting as Ruby's agent, and is reimbursed by Ruby for such payments through Ruby's participation in a cash management agreement.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Totals of transactions with affiliated companies are as follows (in millions):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:96.428%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:67.264%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:14.332%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.571%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:14.333%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Year Ended December 31,</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Charges from Affiliate</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">:</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Operating expenses</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">25.6 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">5.0 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1) </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">As discussed in Note 1 - </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Description of Business, </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">on January 13, 2023, ownership of the equity interests in reorganized Ruby vested in MLP Ops pursuant to the Ruby Pipeline Plan upon closing of the Investment Agreement. </span></div><div style="text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Advances of deferred income taxes to affiliates in the accompanying Comparative Balance Sheet include an amount of $188.0 million as of December 31, 2022.</span></div><div style="margin-top:10pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-22.5pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Affiliate Notes</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On March 31, 2017, Ruby closed on a subordinated note purchase agreement with EP Ruby, LLC, an affiliate of Ruby, and Pembina U.S. Corporation, a subsidiary of Pembina, with a maturity date of March 31, 2026. Loans under this agreement incurred interest at 10% per annum, payable quarterly, and were used solely to pay regularly scheduled principal amortization payments and the principal balance owing at the maturity date under Ruby's term loan that matured in March 2021. The outstanding balances under these affiliate notes were settled and fully resolved as part of the Ruby Pipeline Plan, as further discussed in Note 3 -</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> Financing</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">6. Revenue from Contracts with Customers</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Disaggregated Revenue</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">A summary of Ruby's revenue by contract type is as follows (in millions):</span><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:99.702%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:58.601%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.750%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.397%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.752%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom">Year Ended December 31, </td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Transportation of gas for others (489.2 &amp; 489.3)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Firm transportation service</span></div></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">113.2 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">108.6 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Interruptible transportation service</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">0.3 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">0.9 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Park and loan service</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">6.4 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2.5 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:24.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total Transportation of gas for others</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">119.9 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">112.0 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Other gas revenues (490-496)</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">0.2 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:36pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Gas operating revenues (400)</span></div></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">120.1 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">112.0 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Performance Obligations</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account in ASC Topic 606. A contract's transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of Ruby's contracts have a single performance obligation and are billed and collected monthly. These performance obligations typically include an obligation to stand ready to provide natural gas transportation service over the life of the contract, which is a series. These performance obligations are satisfied over time using each day of service to measure progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby also engages in commodity sales, in which the performance obligations include an obligation to deliver the specified volume of a commodity to the designated receipt point. Revenue from commodity sales is recognized at a point in time when the customer obtains control of the commodity, typically upon delivery to the designated delivery point when the customer accepts and takes possession of the commodity.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On December 31, 2023, Ruby had $191.5 million of remaining performance obligations, which Ruby refers to as total backlog. Total backlog includes performance obligations under firm transportation contracts, and excludes variable consideration that is not estimated at contract inception, as discussed further below. Ruby expects to recognize the total backlog during future periods as follows (in millions):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:99.702%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:78.452%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.397%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.751%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Year</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Estimated Revenue</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2024</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">77.2 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2025</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">54.4 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2026</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">32.1 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2027</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3.8 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2028</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2.1 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Thereafter</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">21.9 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">191.5 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Contract Estimates</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accounting for long-term contracts involves the use of various techniques to estimate total contract revenue. Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that often span several years.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The nature of Ruby's contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including volumetric charges for actual volumes delivered, overrun charges, and other fees that are contingent on the actual volumes delivered by its customers. As the amount of variable consideration is allocable to each distinct performance obligation within the series of performance obligations that comprise the single performance obligation and the uncertainty related to the consideration is resolved each month as the distinct service is provided, Ruby does not estimate the total variable consideration for the single overall performance obligation. Consequently, Ruby is able to include in the transaction price each month the actual amount of variable consideration because no uncertainty exists surrounding the services provided that month.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">7. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Capital Expenditures</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Approximately $0.2 million had been committed for the future purchase of property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2023.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Other Purchase Obligations</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">At December 31, 2023, future minimum commitments under long-term, non-cancelable contracts for service contracts, right of way ("ROW") agreements not accounted for as leases, and other purchase obligations were as follows (in millions):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:99.702%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:78.452%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.397%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.751%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Year</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2024</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">1.1 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2025</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1.1 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2026</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1.1 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2027</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1.1 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2028</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1.1 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Thereafter</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">10.8 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="text-indent:11.25pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">16.3 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">8. Major Customers</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">During the year ended December 31, 2023, one non-affiliated shipper accounted for $80.8 million (67%) of Ruby's gas operating revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2022, one non-affiliated shipper accounted for approximately $92 million (82%) of Ruby's gas operating revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Ruby's top ten non-affiliated customers accounted for approximately 94% of Ruby's gas operating revenues. Ruby attempts to mitigate credit risk by seeking credit support, such as letters of credit, prepayments, or other financial guarantees, from customers with specific credit concerns.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">9. Regulatory Matters</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ratemaking Process</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Transportation services on interstate natural gas pipelines are contracted under one of three rate types: recourse, discount, or negotiated. Recourse rates are calculated based on the cost of service being provided and include an allowable rate of return for the pipeline. Recourse rates are established through a FERC rate proceeding and remain effective until a subsequent rate proceeding is filed and approved by the FERC. Discount rates are offered at a discount to the then-effective maximum recourse rate, subject to a minimum rate floor set forth in the pipeline's tariff. Discount rates are typically effective for an established term and can vary based on adjustments to the underlying recourse rate. Negotiated rates can be higher or lower than the then-effective maximum recourse rate, subject to agreement between the pipeline and shipper and approval by the FERC. Negotiated rates are also entered into for a defined term but do not change based on adjustments in the applicable recourse rate for that type of service.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The majority of services provided by Ruby are contracted under negotiated rate agreements. Currently, there are no regulatory proceedings challenging the transportation rates of Ruby.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">10. Legal and Environmental Matters</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Legal</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby may be involved in various lawsuits arising from the day-to-day operations of its business. Although no assurance can be given, Ruby believes, based on its experiences to date, that the ultimate resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse impact on its business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby has evaluated claims in accordance with the accounting guidance for contingencies that it deems both probable and reasonably estimable and, accordingly, has recorded no reserve for legal claims as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Nevada Property Tax Appeal</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby finalized an appeal of the 2022 tax year assessment of its Nevada property tax on August 24, 2023. Ruby made payments for the 2022 tax year in 2023 and anticipates making payments for the 2022 tax year in 2024 as required, based on the stipulated agreement.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby is currently challenging the 2023 tax year assessment of its Nevada property tax. Pending the outcome of the challenge, Ruby anticipates making payments for the 2023 tax year in 2024 and 2025 as required.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Environmental, Health and Safety</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Ruby is subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws that regulate permitted activities relating to air and water quality, waste disposal, and other environmental matters. Ruby currently believes that compliance with these laws will not have a material adverse impact on its business, cash flows, financial position or results of operations. However, there can be no assurances that future events, such as changes in existing laws, the promulgation of new laws, or the development of new facts or conditions, will not cause Ruby to incur significant costs.</span></div>

disclosure_of_subsequent_events_text_block:
  <div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:10pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">11. Subsequent Events</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Subsequent events, which are events or transactions that occurred after December 31, 2023 through the issuance date the accompanying financial statements, have been evaluated through April 10, 2024.</span></div>


entity_id: C000628
filing_name: Great_Lakes_Gas_Transmission_Limited_Partnership_form2_Q4_1712271959
publication_time: 2024-04-04 23:05:59.000000
start_date: 2023-01-01
end_date: 2023-12-31
disclosure_of_important_disclosures_regarding_the_financial_statements_text_block:
  <div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(1) DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership (the Partnership) is a Delaware limited partnership that owns 2,115 miles of natural gas pipeline system, which transports natural gas for delivery to wholesale customers in the midwestern and northeastern United States (U.S.) and eastern Canada. The partners’ ownership percentages in the Partnership at December 31, 2023 were as follows:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:95.386%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:84.391%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.409%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">Ownership<br/>percentage</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">General Partners:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">TransCanada GL LLC (TCGL)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">46.45</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">TC PipeLines, LP (TCP)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">46.45</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">Limited Partner:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">TransCanada American Investments Ltd (TAIL) (the Limited Partner Interest)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">7.10</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">TAIL, TCGL and TCP are wholly owned indirect subsidiaries of TC Energy Corporation (TC Energy).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">a.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Basis of Presentation</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The accompanying financial statements were prepared in conformity with the accounting practices prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as set forth in its applicable Uniform System of Accounts and published accounting releases, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The most significant differences between GAAP and the financial statements presented herein are the inclusion of an income tax provision as well as classifications of certain accounts on the balance sheets, statements of income and statements of cash flows.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">b.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Use of Estimates</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reported period. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Judgment is required in developing these estimates.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">c.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Cash and Cash Equivalents</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">d.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Trade Accounts Receivable</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest, except for those receivables subject to late charges. The Partnership maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on accounts receivable, if it is determined the Partnership will not collect all or part of the outstanding receivable balance. The Partnership regularly reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts and establishes or adjusts the allowance as necessary using the specific identification method. Account balances are charged to the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is no longer considered probable. There were no accounts charged to the allowance as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">e.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Natural Gas Imbalances</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Natural gas imbalances occur when the actual amount of natural gas delivered to or received from a pipeline system differs from the amount of natural gas scheduled to be delivered or received. The Partnership values these imbalances due to or from shippers and interconnecting parties at current index prices. Imbalances are settled in-kind, subject to the terms of the Partnership’s tariff.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Imbalances due from others are reported on the balance sheets as Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Assets (174). Imbalances owed to others are reported on the balance sheets as Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Liabilities (242). In addition, the Partnership classifies all imbalances as current as the Partnership expects to settle them within a year.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">f.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:10.68pt">Material and Supplies</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s inventories primarily consist of materials and supplies and are carried at lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">g.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Property, Plant, and Equipment</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Property, plant and equipment are recorded at their original cost of construction. For assets the Partnership constructs, direct costs, such as labor and materials, and indirect costs, such as overhead, interest, and an equity return component on regulated businesses as allowed by the FERC, are capitalized. The Partnership capitalizes major units of property replacements or improvements and expenses minor items.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership uses the composite (group) method to depreciate property, plant, and equipment. Under this method, assets with similar lives and characteristics are grouped and depreciated as one asset. The depreciation rate is applied to the total cost of the group until its net book value equals its salvage value. All asset groups are depreciated using the depreciation rates approved by FERC in the Partnership’s last rate proceeding. A substantial portion of the Partnership’s principal operating assets are being depreciated at an annual rate of 1.27%. The remaining assets are depreciated at annual rates ranging from 2.33% to 20.00% per year. Using these rates, the remaining depreciable life of these assets ranges from less than 1 years to 54 years. Depreciation rates are reevaluated each time the Partnership files with the FERC for a change in its transportation service rates.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership collects estimated future removal costs related to its transmission and gathering facilities in its current rates (also known as “negative salvage”). Estimated costs associated with the future removal of transmission and gathering facilities are collected through depreciation as allowed by the FERC. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">When property, plant, and equipment are retired, the Partnership charges accumulated depreciation and amortization for the original cost of the assets in addition to the cost to remove, sell, or dispose of the assets, less their salvage value. The Partnership does not recognize a gain or loss unless an entire operating unit is sold or retired. The Partnership includes gains or losses on dispositions of operating units in income.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership capitalizes a carrying cost on funds invested in the construction of long lived assets. This carrying cost includes a return on the investment financed by debt and equity allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). AFUDC is recorded based on the Partnership’s average cost of debt and equity. Capitalized carrying costs for AFUDC debt and equity are reflected as an increase in the cost of the asset on the balance sheets. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Capitalized AFUDC debt amounts are included as a reduction of interest and debt expense in the statements of income. Capitalized AFUDC equity amounts are included as other income in the statements of income and is a non-cash expenditure adjustment in the operating cash flows of the statements of cash flow. Debt amounts capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $0.1 million. Equity amounts capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Amounts included in construction work in progress are not amortized until transferred into service.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">h.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Revenue Recognition</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s revenues are generated from contractual arrangements for committed capacity and from transportation of natural gas which are treated as a single performance obligation. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, effectively all the Partnership’s revenues were from capacity arrangements and transportation contracts with customers.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Revenues earned from firm contracted capacity arrangements are recognized over the term of the contract regardless of the amount of natural gas that is transported. Transportation revenues for interruptible or volumetric-based services are recognized when the service is performed. The Partnership utilizes the practical expedient of recognizing revenue as invoiced. In the application of the right to invoice practical expedient, the Partnership's revenues from regulated capacity arrangements are recognized based on rates specified in the contract or the Partnership's FERC tariff. Therefore, the amount invoiced, which includes the capacity contracted and variable volume of natural gas transported, corresponds directly to the value the customer received. These revenues are recognized monthly once invoiced.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s pipeline systems do not take ownership of the natural gas that is transported for customers. Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities.The Partnership’s contract balances consist primarily of receivables from contracts with customers reported under Customer Accounts Receivable (142) and Accounts Receivable from Associated Companies (146) on the Partnership’s balance sheet. Additionally, the Partnership’s accounts receivable represents the Partnership’s unconditional right to consideration for services completed which includes billed and unbilled accounts.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership's pipeline systems are subject to FERC regulations and, as a result, a portion of revenues collected may be subject to refund if invoiced during an interim period when a rate proceeding is ongoing. Allowances for these potential refunds are recognized using management's best estimate based on the facts and circumstances of </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">the proceeding. Any allowances that are recognized during the proceeding process are refunded or retained, as applicable, at the time a regulatory decision becomes final. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there are no refund provisions reflected in these financial statements.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">i.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:11.34pt">Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership accounts for asset retirement obligations pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 410-20, </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Asset Retirement Obligations</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">. ASC 410-20 requires the Partnership to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. ASC 410-20 also requires the Partnership to record a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is to be adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recorded during the period in which the liability is incurred and if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The Partnership has determined that asset retirement obligations exist for certain of its transmission assets; however, the fair value of the obligations cannot be determined because the end of the transmission system's life is not determinable with the degree of accuracy necessary to currently establish a liability for the obligations.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership has determined it has legal obligations associated with its natural gas pipelines and related transmission facilities. The obligations relate primarily to purging and sealing the pipelines if they are abandoned. The Partnership is also required to operate and maintain its natural gas pipeline system and intends to do so as long as supply and demand for natural gas exists, which the Partnership expects for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the Partnership believes its natural gas pipeline system assets have indeterminate lives and, accordingly, has recorded no asset retirement obligation as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Partnership continues to evaluate its asset retirement obligations and future developments that could impact amounts it records.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">j.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:11.34pt">Income Taxes</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Income taxes are recorded in accordance with the Revised Policy Statement on Income Tax Allowances permitting the accrual of income taxes on pass-through entities and associated taxes accrued are treated as deemed contributions/distributions recorded in Other Paid in Capital. Deferred income taxes are recognized for differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law or results from the final review of tax returns by federal or state tax authorities.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates at the balance sheet date that are anticipated to apply to taxable income in the years which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Changes to these balances are recognized in income in the period during which they occur, except for changes in balances subject to rate-regulated accounting, which are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets. Unamortized deferred investment tax credits are amortized over the regulatory life of the the assets in rates. The statute of limitations in each of the state jurisdictions in which the Partnership operates remain open until the years are settled for federal income tax purposes, at which time amended state income tax returns reflecting all federal income tax adjustments are filed. As of December 31, 2023, there were no state income tax audits in progress. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">k.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Fair Value Measurements</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">For cash and cash equivalents, related party and trade accounts receivable, accounts payable and certain accrued expenses, the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these instruments. For long-term debt instruments, fair value is estimated based upon market values (if applicable) or on the current interest rates available to the Partnership for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Judgment is required in developing these estimates.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(3) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">a.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Contingencies</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership is subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The accounting for contingencies covers a variety of business activities, including contingencies for legal and environmental liabilities. The Partnership accrues for these contingencies when the assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset will not be recovered, and an amount can be reasonably estimated in accordance with ASC 450, </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Contingencies</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">. The Partnership bases these estimates on currently available facts and the estimates of the ultimate outcomes or resolution. Actual results may vary from estimates resulting in an impact, positive or negative, on results of operations and cash flows. The Partnership is not aware of any contingent liabilities that would have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">b.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Regulatory Matters</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The FERC regulates the rates and charges for transportation of natural gas in interstate commerce. Natural gas companies may not charge rates that have been determined to be unjust and unreasonable by the FERC. Generally, rates for interstate pipelines are based on the cost of service, including recovery of and a return on the pipeline's actual prudent historical cost investment. The rates and terms and conditions for service are found in each pipeline's FERC-approved tariff. Under its tariff, an interstate pipeline is allowed to charge for its services on the basis of stated transportation rates. Transportation rates are established periodically in FERC proceedings known as rate </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">cases. The tariff also allows the interstate pipeline to provide services under negotiated and discounted rates.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership previously operated under a settlement approved by the FERC in Docket No. RP17-598 effective January 1, 2018 (2017 Settlement). On March 18, 2022, the Partnership filed a rate settlement (2022 Settlement) with FERC that satisfies the obligation from the 2017 Settlement that the Partnership file for rates to become effective no later than October 1, 2022. The 2022 Settlement, approved by FERC on April 26, 2022, maintains the Partnership’s existing maximum transportation rates through the term of the 2022 Settlement. The Partnership’s annual depreciation rates remain unchanged. The 2022 Settlement contains a moratorium until October 31, 2025. The Partnership will be required to file for new rates no later than April 30, 2025, with such new rates effective no later than November 1, 2025.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">c.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Legal Proceedings</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership is not a party in any material legal proceedings as of December 31, 2023.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">d.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Environmental Matters</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership is not aware of any material contingent liabilities with respect to compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">e.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Rights-of-Way Agreements with Native American Tribes</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The majority of the land on which the Partnership operates is leased pursuant to easements, rights-of-way and other land use rights from individual landowners, Native American tribes, governmental authorities and other third parties, the majority of which are perpetual and obtained through agreement with land owners or legal process, if necessary. Certain rights, however, are subject to renewal and, with respect to tribal land held in trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), approval by the applicable tribal governing authorities and the BIA. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">During the second quarter of 2018, rights-of-way expired for approximately 16.68 miles of the Partnership’s pipeline system on tribal land located within the Fond du Lac Reservation and Leech Lake Reservation in Minnesota and the Bad River Reservation in Wisconsin. As a result, beginning the second quarter of 2018, the Partnership began accruing the estimated costs and associated liability related to these pending agreements. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">While the Partnership has progressed on the renewal process, the Partnership cannot predict the full outcome of these negotiations. If the Partnership is unable to obtain new easements or rights-of-way across all or a portion of the tribal lands at reasonable rates, or at all, the Partnership may be required to acquire the necessary rights at significant cost or remove and re-route portions of the pipeline at significant capital costs and disruption to operations that could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership acquired a tribal resolution granting consent for the right-of-way renewal with Leech Lake in the 3rd quarter of 2020. The grant of right-of-way for 2 of 4 </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">tracts of Leech Lake were approved in September 2023 and the remaining tracts were approved on March 26, 2024. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership acquired a tribal resolution granting consent for the right-of-way renewal with the Fond du Lac in the 3rd quarter of 2022. The grant of right-of-way for the thirteen tracts of Fond du Lac were approved by BIA on April 3, 2024. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership is actively working through right-of-way application completeness with Bad River.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(4) INCOME TAXES</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">a.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Components of Income Taxes</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, (in thousands of dollars):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:56.845%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:52.041%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.842%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:3.873%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.844%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Current expense </span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Federal</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">23,068</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">10,752 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">State</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">4,616</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2,011 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total current expense </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">27,684</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">12,763 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Deferred expense </span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Federal</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">4,359</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">15,184 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">State</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">944</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">3,298 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total deferred expense</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">5,303</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">18,482 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total income tax expense </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">32,987</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">31,245 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Current income taxes are settled as a contribution of capital and recorded in Other Paid in Capital (FERC Account No. 211).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">b.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Book income before income taxes as shown is reflective of the full year’s activity for the periods ending December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2023. Reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Partnership's effective income tax rate is as follows at December 31, (in thousands of dollars):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:87.053%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:67.959%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:12.746%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:2.147%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:12.748%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Book Income Before Income Taxes</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">137,018</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">129,373 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Tax Expense at statutory federal income tax rate</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">28,774</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">27,168 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Increases/(decreases) in taxes resulting from:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">4,392</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">4,194 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Other, net</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">(179)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(117)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total Income Tax Expense</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">32,987</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">31,245 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Effective tax rate</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">24.1%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">24.2%</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">c.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The income tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to the net deferred income tax liability is as follows at December 31, (in thousands of dollars):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:60.565%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:54.919%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.556%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:3.568%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.557%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Deferred tax assets</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="padding-left:12pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Non Utility Property</span></div></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">28,162</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">32,382 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Other</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">3,673</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2,785 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total deferred tax assets</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">31,835</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">35,167 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Property, plant &amp; equipment</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">88,654</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">86,509 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Regulatory assets</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">153</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">89 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 13pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Other</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">237</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">208 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">89,044</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">86,806 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Net Deferred Tax Liability</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">57,209</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">51,639 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0e32e1;border-top:1pt solid #330e74;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(5) LONG-TERM DEBT</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s outstanding long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31,:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:82.142%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:61.218%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.740%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.742%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">Year Ending</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="6" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">6.95% Series B Senior Notes due 2019 to 2028</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">55,000</span><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">66,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">8.08% Senior Notes due 2021 to 2030</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">70,000</span><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">80,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total</span></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">125,000</span><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">146,000 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Less: Current maturities of long-term debt</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">21,000</span><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">21,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;text-indent:6.75pt;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Total long-term debt, net</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">104,000</span><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">125,000 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On January 31, 2023, the Partnership made a long-term debt principal payment of $10 million towards the 8.08% Series B Senior Notes. On March 27, 2023, the Partnership made a long-term debt principal payment of $11 million towards the 6.95% Senior Notes.</span></div><div style="padding-left:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s long-term debt repayments consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 (in thousands of dollars):</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:50.744%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:75.439%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:22.361%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">Year Ending</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2024</span></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">21,000 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2025</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">21,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2026</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">21,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2027</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">21,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2028</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">21,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Thereafter</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">20,000 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0d2e82;border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0d2e82;border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">125,000 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0d2e82;border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership is required to comply with certain financial, operational, and legal covenants. Under the most restrictive covenants in the Senior Notes Agreements, approximately $67.3 million of partners’ capital was restricted as to distributions as of </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Partnership was in compliance with all of its financial covenants.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(6) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">a.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Fair Value Hierarchy</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Under ASC 820, </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Fair Value Measurement</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">, fair value measurements are characterized in one of three levels based upon the input used to arrive at the measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:54pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Partnership has the ability to access at the measurement date.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:54pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:54pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">•</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;padding-left:13.8pt">Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:54pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors including credit considerations. Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">b.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Fair Value of Financial Instruments</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, demand loan receivable to related parties, accrued interest, and all current receivable and payable accounts, except for natural gas imbalances approximate their fair values because of the short maturity or duration of these instruments.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s natural gas imbalances, which are reported as part of accounts receivable, accounts payable and related party accounts, are classified as a Level 2 in the “Fair Value Hierarchy,” as the valuation approach includes quoted prices in the market index and observable volumes for the imbalance.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership values these imbalances by applying the difference between the measured quantities of natural gas delivered to or received from our shippers and operators to the current Emerson Viking GL index price. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the total estimated fair value of our third party natural gas imbalance was a net payable of approximately $0.2 million (2022 - net payable of $1.1 million). For the year ended December 31, 2023, the total estimated fair value of our related party natural gas imbalance was a net receivable of approximately $0.7 million (2022 - net receivable of $2.4 million).</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">For the year ended December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Partnership’s long-term debt was $140 million (2022 - $162 million). The fair value was estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities, which is classified as Level 2 in the “Fair Value Hierarchy”, where the fair value is determined by using valuation techniques that refer to observable market data.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(7) TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">a.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:8pt">Cash Management Program</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:9pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership participates in TC Energy’s Cash Management Program through TC Energy’s subsidiary TransCanada PipeLine USA Ltd. (TCPL USA), which matches short‑term cash surpluses and needs of participating related parties, thus minimizing total borrowings from outside sources. Monies advanced under the program are considered loans, accruing interest and repayable on demand.The Partnership receives interest on monies advanced to TCPL USA at the rate of interest earned by TCPL USA on its short-term cash investments. The Partnership pays interest on monies advanced from TCPL USA based on TCPL USA’s short-term borrowing costs. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net interest income on this arrangement is $4.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Partnership had a demand loan receivable from TCPL USA of $117.2 million and $73.4 million, respectively.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">b.</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;padding-left:7.34pt">Related Party Revenues and Expenses</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership earns significant transportation revenues from TC Energy and its related parties under contracts, which provide for negotiated, discounted and maximum recourse rates. The contracts are on the same terms as would be available to other shippers and the majority of the Partnership’s related party revenue is derived from both short-haul and long-haul transportation services.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Pursuant to the Partnership’s Operating Agreement, day-to-day operation of partnership activities is the responsibility of the Partnership. The Partnership is charged by TC Energy and related parties for services such as legal, tax, treasury, human resources, other administrative functions, and for other costs incurred on its behalf. These include, but are not limited to, employee benefit costs and property and liability insurance costs. These costs are based on direct assignment to the extent practicable, or by using allocation methods that are reasonable reflections of the utilization of services provided to or for the benefits received by the Partnership.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The following table shows revenues and charges from the Partnership’s related parties for the years ended December 31,:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:98.809%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:68.930%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:14.562%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.208%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="6" style="border-top:1pt solid #0d2e82;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Transportation revenues from related parties:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="padding-left:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. (Canadian Mainline) </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:7.8pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%;position:relative;top:-4.2pt;vertical-align:baseline">(a)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">$75,371</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">$101,869</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><div style="padding-left:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">ANR Pipeline Company (ANR) </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:7.8pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%;position:relative;top:-4.2pt;vertical-align:baseline">(a)</span></div></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">59,420</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">51,386</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">     TC Energy Marketing</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">400</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">5 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Costs charged to TC Energy's subsidiaries: </span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">     Capital costs</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">4,105</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">4,162 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">     Operating costs</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">34,948</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">33,399 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:72pt;text-align:justify;text-indent:-14.4pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:7.8pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%;position:relative;top:-4.2pt;vertical-align:baseline">(a) </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">No single customer accounted for more than 10% of the Partnership's revenue in 2023 or 2022 other than Canadian Mainline and ANR noted above.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership holds a 10-year transportation agreement with Canadian Mainline, a related entity, effective from November 1, 2017, for transporting up to 711,000 dekatherms (Dth) of natural gas daily. The contract includes options to reduce volumes from the third year onwards. The shipper opted to decrease the transport volume to 346,000 Dth/day starting November 1, 2022, and further to 306,537 Dth/day effective November 1, 2024. Annual volume reduction is permissible November 1 of any year with 349 days' notice..</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:36pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Additionally, the Partnership holds multiple long-term service contracts with ANR, also a related party, including one 15-year service contract, initially effective from April 16, 2018, for transporting up to 160,000 Dth of natural gas daily. Over time, the service contract was amended to decrease the transport volume capacity to 155,407 Dth/day starting October 1, 2022, the anticipated in-service date of ANR’s Alberta XPress Project. The Alberta XPress Project was placed in-service on January 19, 2023, resulting in an amendment which terminated the aforementioned service contract, but also the execution of a 16-year Capacity Lease Agreement for the same capacity associated with the firm transportation service of 155,407 Dth/day, with fees according to the Partnership’s tariff rates for firm transportation from the Western to Central zone.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(8) DISTRIBUTIONS</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Partnership’s distribution policy generally results in a quarterly cash distribution equal to 100 percent of distributable cash flow based upon earnings before income taxes, depreciation, AFUDC less capital expenditures and debt repayments not funded with cash calls to its partners. The resulting distribution amount and timing are subject to Management Committee modification and approval after considering business risks as well as ensuring minimum cash balances, equity balances, and ratios are maintained.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Partnership paid distributions to its general partners of $80.1 million and $66.2 million, respectively.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(9) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:77.678%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:64.608%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:14.991%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.907%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:14.994%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(in thousands of dollars)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Interest paid, net of capitalized interest</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">10,174</span><span style="color:#0a2299;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">11,732 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #0a2299;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">Accruals for property, plant, and equipment, net</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:112%">7,535</span><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">(4,818)</span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:top"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#0d2e82;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(10) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On January 29, 2024, the Partnership made a long-term debt principal payment of $10 million towards the 8.08% Series B Senior Notes. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On January 11, 2024, the Management Committee of the Partnership declared a cash distribution in the amount of $41.2 million to the partners. The distribution was paid on January 31, 2024.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On March 25, 2024, the Partnership made a long-term debt payment of $11 million toward the 6.95% Series B Senior Notes. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Subsequent events have been assessed through April 4, 2024, which is the date the financial statements were issued, and the Partnership concluded there were no events or </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:7pt;padding-left:18pt;text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">transactions during this period that would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements other than those already reflected.</span></div>


entity_id: C000581
filing_name: Viking_Gas_Transmission_Company_form2_Q4_1712623717
publication_time: 2024-04-09 00:48:37.000000
start_date: 2023-01-01
end_date: 2023-12-31
disclosure_of_unsettled_rate_proceedings_text_block:
  <div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">G.    VIKING PIPELINE COMPANY RATE CASE</span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">In July 2023, Viking filed with the FERC in Docket No. RP23-917-000 a proposed increase in rates pursuant to Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act of 1938. In February 2024, the participants reached a settlement in principle and in an update to Part 5, Statement of Rates under Docket No. RP23-917-005, the FERC Chief Administrative Law Judge approved placing the rates from the settlement in principle in effect February 1, 2024, on an interim basis. The interim rates represent an average increase of approximately 50% in firm transportation maximum reservation rates compared to rates in effect as of December 31, 2023. Viking’s settlement agreement is expected to be filed with the FERC by the end of April 2024 and is pending FERC approval.</span></div>

disclosure_of_important_disclosures_regarding_the_financial_statements_text_block:
  <div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-left:36pt;padding-right:18pt;text-indent:-36pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">A.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-left:36pt;padding-right:18pt;text-indent:-36pt"><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Organization and Nature of Operations</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - Viking Gas Transmission Company (Viking) owns a bi-directional 674-mile interstate natural gas pipeline extending from the U.S.-Canadian border near Emerson, Manitoba, to Marshfield, Wisconsin. Viking connects to other major pipeline systems, including TC Energy’s Canadian Mainline, Northern Natural Gas Company, Great Lakes Gas Transmission Company and ANR Pipeline Company, to provide service to markets in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. “We”, “our” or “us” refer to Viking.</span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">ONEOK, Inc. (ONEOK), through its subsidiaries, owns 100% of Viking. ONEOK does not guarantee any of our debts, liabilities or obligations. “Parent” refers to ONEOK. Through a services agreement (Services Agreement), ONEOK provides to us similar services that it provides to other affiliates and operates our assets according to our pipeline’s operating agreement. ONEOK and its affiliates provide a variety of services to us under the Services Agreement, including cash management and financial services, employee benefits provided through ONEOK’s benefit plans, legal and administrative services, insurance and office space leased in ONEOK’s headquarters building and other field locations. Where costs are specifically incurred on behalf of us, the costs are billed directly to us by ONEOK. In other situations, the costs may be allocated to us through a variety of methods, depending upon the nature of the expense and activities. For example, a service that applies equally to all employees is allocated based upon the number of employees; however, an expense benefiting us, but which has no direct basis for allocation, is allocated by the modified Distrigas method, a widely recognized method of allocating cost, which uses a combination of ratios that includes gross plant and investment, operating income and payroll expense. </span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">We hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that authorizes us to construct and operate our pipeline system, which includes performing routine construction/abandonment activities and providing transportation service for our customers.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Government Regulation</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - The accompanying regulatory-basis financial statements are presented in accordance with the accounting requirements of the FERC as set forth in its applicable Uniform System of Accounts and published accounting releases, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The accounting requirements of the FERC are subject to review by the FERC staff. Because many types of transactions are susceptible to varying interpretations under the Uniform System of Accounts and published accounting releases, the amounts and classifications reported in the accompanying regulatory-basis financial statements may be subject to change at a later date upon final determination by the FERC staff.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Use of Estimates</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - The preparation of our financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with the accounting requirements of the FERC requires us to make estimates and assumptions with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty that affect the reported amounts on our financial statements. Items that may be estimated include, but are not limited to, the economic useful lives of assets, expenses for services received but for which no invoice has been received, provision for income taxes, including any deferred tax valuation allowances, the results of litigation and various other recorded or disclosed amounts.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods we consider reasonable based on the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from the estimates. Any effects on our financial position or results of operations from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period when the facts that give rise to the revision become known.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Revenue Recognition </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">-</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Transportation revenues are collected pursuant to a FERC tariff through transportation service agreements. The tariff specifies the general terms and conditions of transportation service on our natural gas pipeline system. Revenues are recognized as services are provided to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to receive in exchange for those services. Our payment terms vary by contract type, including requirements to issue payment before services are delivered. However, the term between customer prepayments, completion of our performance obligations, invoicing and receipt of payment due is not significant.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Firm service transportation contracts</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - We reserve a stated transportation capacity and transport natural gas for our customers. The capacity reservation and transportation services are considered a bundled service, as we integrate them into one stand-ready obligation provided on a daily basis over the life of the agreement and satisfied over time. Fixed capacity reservation fees are allocated and evenly recognized in revenue. Capacity reservation fees that vary based on a stated or implied economic index and correspond with the costs to provide our services are recognized in revenue based on a daily effective fee rate. If the capacity reservation fees vary solely as a contract feature, contract assets or liabilities are recorded for the difference between the amount recorded in revenue and the amount billed to the customer. Transportation fees are recognized in revenue as those services are provided and are dependent on the volume transported by our customer, which is at our customer’s discretion. We use the output method based on the passage of time to measure satisfaction of the </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">performance obligation associated with our daily stand-ready services. Our firm service agreements extend for various terms with termination dates through October 2032.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Interruptible transportation contracts - </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">We agree to transport natural gas on our pipelines between the customer’s specified nominated-receipt and delivery points if capacity is available after satisfying firm transportation service obligations. The transaction price is based on the transportation fees times the volumes transported. We use the output method based on delivery of product to the customer to measure satisfaction of the performance obligation. The total consideration for delivered volumes is recorded in revenue at the time of delivery, when the customer obtains control. We have interruptible transportation service agreements and other transportation service agreements with numerous shippers. Revenues from interruptible transportation contracts were immaterial and $2.2 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Park-and-loan service</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - A service offered to customers where we agree to receive (park) or deliver (loan) natural gas at a nominated point for delivery to or receipt from the customer at the same point at a specified later date. Customers reserve the right to park or loan natural gas based on a specified quantity when capacity is available on the pipeline. Revenues from park-and-loan services were immaterial in 2023 and 2022.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Under the capacity release provisions of our tariff, shippers under firm contracts are allowed to release all or part of their capacity either permanently for the full term of the contract or temporarily. A temporary capacity release does not relieve the original contract shipper from its payment obligations if the replacement shipper fails to pay for the capacity temporarily released to it.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">See Note D for our revenue disclosures.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Operations and Maintenance - </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Operations and maintenance primarily includes (i) payroll and benefit costs, (ii) third-party costs for operations, maintenance and integrity management, regulatory compliance and environmental safety, and (iii) other business-related service costs.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Customer Accounts Receivable </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- Customer accounts receivable represent valid claims against nonaffiliated customers for services rendered. We assess the creditworthiness of our counterparties on an ongoing basis and require security, including prepayments and other forms of collateral, when appropriate. Outstanding customer receivables are reviewed regularly for possible nonpayment indicators, and allowances for credit losses are recorded based upon management’s estimate of collectability, current conditions and supportable forecasts at each balance sheet date. We have not recorded allowances for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Inventory -</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> Account 154 “Plant materials and operating supplies” are valued at average cost. Account 117.4 "Gas owed to system gas", which represents the net position of commodity imbalances, is valued at the current market price. Noncurrent natural gas is classified as property and valued at cost. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Commodity Imbalances </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- Imbalances occur when the actual amount of natural gas delivered from or received by a pipeline system differs from the contractual amount of natural gas to be delivered or received. These imbalances can be settled through cash outs (purchases or sales at the current month index price) or in-kind (with natural gas at some time in the future), subject to the terms of our tariff agreement. Commodity imbalances can include imbalances with associated companies. We account for our fuel cost, which represents the difference between gas retained from our customers and the gas consumed in operations, through a tracking mechanism and record it as an imbalance. Our fuel costs are expected to be recovered or refunded in subsequent periods. We value these imbalances due to or from shippers and operators each month at the current market price.</span><span style="color:#3051f2;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Imbalances due from others are reported on our Balance Sheets in Account 174 “Miscellaneous current and accrued assets.” Imbalances owed to others are reported on our Balance Sheets in Account 242 “Miscellaneous current and accrued liabilities.”</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Property, Plant and Equipment </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">-</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Our properties are stated at cost, including allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). Generally, the cost of property retired or sold, plus removal costs, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. Gains and losses from sales or transfers of an entire operating unit or system of our properties are recognized in income. Maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The debt portion of AFUDC represents the cost of borrowed funds used to finance construction activities. We capitalize interest costs during the construction or upgrade of qualifying assets. The debt portion of AFUDC is recorded as a reduction to interest expense. The equity portion of AFUDC represents the capitalization of the estimated average cost of equity used during the construction of major projects and is recorded in the cost of our properties and as a credit to the allowance for equity funds used during construction.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Our properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Generally, we apply depreciation rates to functional groups of property having similar economic lives.</span><span style="color:#3051f2;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">We periodically conduct depreciation studies to assess the economic lives of our assets. These depreciation studies are completed as a part of our rate proceedings or tariff filings, and the changes in economic lives, if applicable, are implemented prospectively as of the approved effective date. Changes in the estimated economic lives of our property, plant and equipment could have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The composite depreciation rate, including negative salvage, for transmission plant ranged from 1.6% to 6.9% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The rates for general plant range from 2.3% to 9.4% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">We collect estimated future removal costs related to our transmission facilities in our tariff rates (also known as negative salvage). Estimated costs associated with the future removal of transmission facilities are collected through depreciation as allowed by the FERC. These amounts do not represent asset retirement obligations as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 410, </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Property, plant and equipment on our Balance Sheets include construction work in process for capital projects that have not yet been placed in service and, therefore, are not being depreciated. Assets are transferred out of construction work in process when they are substantially complete and ready for their intended use.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable were $28.8 million and $13.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which are not included in capital expenditures on our Statements of Cash Flows. Firm purchase commitments related to capital projects not included in our Balance Sheets were immaterial and $17.4 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Impairment of Long-Lived Assets </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- We assess our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is indicated if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment is indicated, we adjust the carrying value of the asset, if necessary and upon regulatory approval, to its estimated recoverable value. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">In 2023, there were no events or changes in circumstances to indicate that our assets’ carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We continue to experience stable earnings with all of our transportation capacity fully contracted with firm commitments, and have not experienced any indicators that this will change in the future. We determined that there were no asset impairments in 2023 and 2022.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Our impairment tests require the use of assumptions and estimates such as industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates or our assumptions and estimates change due to new information, we may be exposed to future impairment charges.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Regulation </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">-</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">During the rate-making process, regulatory authorities set the framework for what we can charge customers for our services and establish the manner that our costs are accounted for, including allowing us to defer recognition of certain costs and permitting recovery of the amounts through rates over time as opposed to expensing such costs as incurred. Certain examples of types of regulatory guidance include costs for fuel and losses, acquisition costs, contributions in aid of construction, charges for depreciation, and gains or losses on disposition of assets. This allows us to stabilize rates over time rather than passing such costs on to the customer for immediate recovery. Actions by regulatory authorities could have an effect on the amount we may charge our customers. Any difference in the amount recoverable and the amount deferred is recorded as income or expense at the time of the regulatory action.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded regulatory assets of $2.0 million and $0.8 million respectively. Our regulatory assets are included in Account 182.3 “Other regulatory assets" and Account 186 "Miscellaneous deferred debits" on our Balance Sheets. Our regulatory assets are related to our Load Management Services tracker, the deferred tax liability for the equity component of AFUDC, and deferred regulatory commission and rate case expenses, which are being recovered or are expected to be recovered from our customers as a result of approved rate proceedings over varying time periods up to 45 years. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded regulatory liabilities of $9.9 million and $10.5 million in Account 254 “Other regulatory liabilities,” respectively. Regulatory liabilities include cash out penalties, which are distributed to non-offending customers, and a regulatory liability arising from the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Due to the extensive changes to U.S. tax laws and corporate tax rates with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, we revalued our existing accumulated deferred income tax (ADIT) liabilities in Account 283 “Accumulated deferred income taxes - other.” This revaluation resulted in an $8.9 million adjustment (before gross-up)</span><span style="color:#3051f2;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">to our ADIT, which was charged through Account 254 “Other regulatory liabilities” in the fourth quarter 2017. All of the excess ADIT relates to utility plant and is protected and will be included as a component of rate base until the excess is fully amortized.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, $0.5 million of the balance in Account 254 “Other regulatory liabilities” has been amortized to Account 410.1 "Provision for deferred income taxes" and Account 411.1 “Provision for deferred income taxes - Credit, utility operating income” through a normalization method of accounting. These amounts include the tax gross-up on the regulatory liability. The remaining balance will be amortized over the life of the underlying assets that created the reserve, which is approximately 23 years. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Income Taxes</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> -We are included in the consolidated tax return of Border Midwestern Company, our direct parent company. In our Balance Sheets, our income tax liabilities have been calculated as if we were filing a separate return.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred income taxes are provided for the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and carryforward items based on income tax laws and rates existing at the time the temporary differences are expected to reverse. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">We utilize a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position that is taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. We reflect penalties and interest as they become applicable for tax provisions that do not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold and measurement attribute. During 2023 and 2022, we had no uncertain tax positions that required the establishment of a reserve.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Border Midwestern Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns with federal tax authorities of the United States along with tax authorities of several states. We are not under any United States federal audits or statute waivers at this time.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:115%">Retirement and Other Postretirement Employee Benefits</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:115%"> – ONEOK maintains a defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees and former employees, which closed to new participants in 2005. In addition, ONEOK maintains a supplemental executive retirement plan for the benefit of certain officers who participate in its defined benefit pension plan. All ONEOK employees are eligible to make salary deferrals and receive company matching contributions under ONEOK’s 401(k) Plan, and employees that do not participate in the defined benefit pension plan are also eligible to receive quarterly and annual profit sharing contributions under ONEOK’s 401(k) Plan. ONEOK sponsors welfare plans that provide postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to certain employees hired prior to 2017 who retire with at least five years of service. ONEOK is responsible for benefits accrued under its plans and allocates certain costs based on payroll charged to its affiliates. Costs recognized for these plans were $1.4 million and immaterial for 2023 and 2022, respectively.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Fair Value Measurements </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">-</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Our financial instruments consist of accounts receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of the financial instruments approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Asset Retirement Obligations</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - Asset retirement obligations represent legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development and/or normal use of the asset. We recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period when it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of the fair value can be made. We are not able to estimate reasonably the fair value of the asset retirement obligations for our pipeline assets, because the settlement dates are indeterminable given our expected continued use of the assets with proper maintenance. We expect our pipeline assets, for which we are unable to estimate reasonably the fair value of the asset retirement obligation, will continue in operation as long as supply and demand for natural gas exists. Based on the widespread use of natural gas for heating and cooking activities for residential users and electric-power generation for commercial users, we expect supply and demand to exist for the foreseeable future.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Contingencies</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> -</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Our accounting for contingencies covers a variety of business activities, including contingencies for legal and environmental exposures. We accrue these contingencies when our assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset will not be recovered and an amount can be estimated reasonably. We expense legal fees as incurred and base our legal liability estimates on currently available facts and our estimates of the ultimate outcome or resolution. Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of a remediation feasibility study. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable. Our expenditures for environmental evaluation, mitigation, remediation and compliance to date have not been significant in relation to our financial position or results of operations, and our expenditures related to environmental matters had no significant effect on earnings or cash flows during 2023 and 2022. Actual results may differ from our estimates resulting in an impact, positive or negative, on earnings. </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">See Note E for additional discussion of contingencies.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Presentation of Cash Flows Associated with Cash Management Program </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- ONEOK provides us with cash management services, which allows us the ability to sweep cash to or from ONEOK. ONEOK uses the cash management program to settle intercompany transactions between participating affiliates. An associated company payable results when cash is swept to us from ONEOK, while an associated company receivable results when cash is swept from us to ONEOK. Associated company payables and receivables are recorded and deemed settled to a cash account. Our policy is to present the net cash sweep activity in financing activities when the associated company balance to ONEOK is in a payable position, and as investing activities when the associated company balance from ONEOK is in a receivable position.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Presentation of Cash Flows Related to Contributions and Distributions with Associated Companies </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">-</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%"> </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Contributions from and distributions to the parent are deemed cash settled through our accounts with associated companies and are recorded between us and ONEOK. Our policy is to present these contributions and distributions gross in the Statements of Cash Flows as sources or uses of cash flows from financing activities, as appropriate. In 2023 and 2022, we received capital contributions from the parent of $61.7 million and $13.5 million, respectively. Proceeds were used by Viking to fund capital expenditures. We recorded distributions by us to the parent of $4.0 million in 2023 and no distribution in 2022.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Reclassifications</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Subsequent Event</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">s - We have evaluated subsequent events through April 8, 2024, the date our financial statements were available, and we believe all required subsequent events disclosures have been made.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Recently Issued Accounting Standards Update</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - Changes to GAAP are established by the FASB in the form of accounting standards updates (ASUs) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not discussed herein were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or clarifications of ASUs previously issued. Except as discussed below, there have been no new accounting pronouncements that have become effective or have been issued that are of significance or potential significance to us.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires for entities other than public business entities, on an annual basis, to provide qualitative disclosure about specific categories of reconciling items and individual jurisdictions that result in a significant difference between the statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate, as well as information on income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on us.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">B.    LONG-TERM DEBT</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The following table sets forth our long-term debt recorded in Account 223 "Advances from associated companies" and Account 224 "Other long-term debt" for the periods indicated: </span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:100.000%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:68.394%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.780%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.544%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.782%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">December 31,</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">December 31,</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Thousands of dollars)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Long-term affiliate note payable</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">—</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">45,180 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Term loan payable</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">60,000</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">— </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/><td colspan="3" style="display:none"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Long-term debt</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">60,000</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">45,180 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">In March 2023, we entered into a $60 million senior unsecured loan agreement that matures in March 2026, and bears interest at the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus an applicable margin, based on Viking’s credit rating at the time of determination (based on the credit rating as of December 31, 2023, the applicable margin is 125 basis points), plus an adjustment of 10 basis points. At December 31, 2023, the interest rate was 6.71%. This agreement allows prepayment of all or any portion outstanding without penalty or premium. We drew $50 million of the $60 million available under the agreement in March 2023 and the remaining $10 million in June 2023. Based on the terms of the agreement, we used the proceeds to repay a long-term promissory note with ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership in full and to fund capital expenditures. The loan agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary events of default, the occurrence of which could result in a termination of lenders’ commitments and the accelerations of all of our obligations thereunder.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%">In the three months ended March 31, 2023, and the year ended December 31, 2022, interest on long-term debt to the Partnership was calculated at an annual percentage rate which approximated the Parent’s borrowing rate for long-term notes as of the date of the agreement. The annual interest rate charged on the long-term debt payable to the Partnership was 5.48% for the year ended December 31, 2022, and 5.50% for the three months ended March 31, 2023, at which time the long-term promissory note with the Partnership was repaid. Total interest paid to the Partnership was $0.6 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:112%"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">C.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">    </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">INCOME TAXES</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The following table sets forth our provision for income taxes for the periods indicated:</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:100.000%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:72.692%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:11.637%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.532%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:11.639%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Years Ended December 31,</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Thousands of dollars)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Current income tax expense</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Federal </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">608</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2,098 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">State</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">124</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">427 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 12.25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total current income tax expense</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">732</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2,525 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred income tax benefit</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Federal</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">378</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(1,609)</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">State</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">77</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(327)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 12.25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">455</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(1,936)</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total provision for income taxes</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">1,187</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">589 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="text-align:center"><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The following table is a reconciliation of our provision for income taxes for the periods indicated:</span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:100.000%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:72.692%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:11.637%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.532%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:11.639%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Years Ended December 31,</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Thousands of dollars)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Income before income taxes</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">8,480</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">8,984 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Federal statutory income tax rate</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">21.0</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">21.0 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Provision for federal income taxes</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">1,781</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1,887 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">State income taxes, net of federal benefit</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">201</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">100 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Other, net</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">(795)</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(1,398)</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Income tax provision</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">1,187</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">589 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The following table sets forth the tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the dates indicated:</span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:100.000%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:68.394%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.780%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.544%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.782%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">December 31,</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">December 31,</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Thousands of dollars)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred tax assets</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Employee benefits and other accrued liabilities</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">1,412</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">1,044 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Regulatory liabilities</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2,485</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2,616 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 12.25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total deferred tax assets</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">3,897</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3,660 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accelerated depreciation and other plant-related differences</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">16,624</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">15,415 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Regulatory assets</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">1,058</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">192 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 12.25pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">17,682</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">15,607 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Net deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">13,785</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">11,947 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-36pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">D.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">    </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">REVENUES</span></div><div style="padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-36pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Accounting Policies - </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">See Note A for revenue recognition accounting policies. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Unsatisfied Performance Obligations</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) variable consideration on contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The following table presents aggregate value allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations as of December 31, 2023, and the amounts we expect to recognize in revenue in future periods based on rates in effect as of December 31, 2023, related to firm transportation contracts with remaining contract terms ranging from one month to approximately nine years:</span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt;text-align:center"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:99.851%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:73.862%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.545%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:23.193%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Expected Period of Recognition in Revenue</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Thousands of dollars)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2024</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">35,905 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2025</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">26,774 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2026</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">21,951 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2027</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">17,467 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.75pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2028 and beyond</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">11,059 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Total estimated transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">113,156 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:3pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The table above excludes variable consideration allocated entirely to wholly unsatisfied promises to transfer distinct goods or services that are part of a single performance obligation. Information on the nature of the variable consideration excluded and the nature of the performance obligations to which the variable consideration relates can be found in the description of the major contract types discussed in Note A.</span></div>

disclosure_of_significant_financial_changes_text_block:
  <div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">F.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">    </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">ACQUISITION BY PARENT</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">On May 14, 2023, ONEOK, Inc. (ONEOK), the parent company of Viking, announced an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common units of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (Magellan) in a cash-and-stock transaction. The transaction was completed on September 25, 2023.</span></div>

disclosure_of_significant_contingent_assets_or_liabilities_text_block:
  <div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">E.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">    </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Environmental Matters and Pipeline Safety</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> - The operation of pipelines for the transportation of natural gas is subject to numerous and complex laws and regulations pertaining to health, safety and the environment. As an owner and operator of these pipelines, we must comply with laws and regulations that relate to air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste management and disposal, cultural resource protection and other environmental and safety matters. The cost of planning, designing, constructing and operating pipelines must incorporate compliance with these laws, regulations and safety standards. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and potentially criminal enforcement measures, including citizen suits, which can include the assessment of monetary penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of injunctions or restrictions on operations or construction. Management is not aware, based on currently known information, of any noncompliance with these laws and regulations that would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Legal Proceedings </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of the normal course of our operations, we are not currently a party to any litigation or claims, or aware of any such litigation or claims contemplated to be brought against us, that would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In addition, management is not aware, based on currently known information, of any legal or governmental proceedings against us, or contemplated to be brought against us, under the various environmental protection statutes to which we are subject that would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.</span></div>


