# notes_to_financial_statements_122_1_duration

entity_id: C000581
filing_name: Viking_Gas_Transmission_Company_form2_Q4_1712623717
publication_time: 2024-04-09 00:48:37
start_date: 2023-01-01
end_date: 2023-12-31
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>

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_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_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>


entity_id: C000582
filing_name: Midwestern_Gas_Transmission_Company_form2_Q4_1712624013
publication_time: 2024-04-09 00:53:33
start_date: 2023-01-01
end_date: 2023-12-31
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%">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%">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>

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%">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%">ACQUISITION BY PARENT</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%">On May 14, 2023, ONEOK, Inc. (ONEOK), the parent company of Midwestern, 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_amounts_of_refunds_made_or_received_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%">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%">MIDWESTERN GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY RATE CASE</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%">In February 2021, we filed with the FERC in Docket No. RP21-525-000 a proposed increase in rates pursuant to Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act. The proposed rates went into effect, subject to refund, September 1, 2021. In December 2021, the participants reached a settlement and in an update to Part 5, Summary of Rates and Charges under Docket No. RP21-525-005, the FERC approved the allowance of settlement rates to take effect January 1, 2022, on an interim basis. In February 2022, we filed with the FERC a Stipulation and Settlement Agreement (Settlement). The FERC approved the Settlement in May 2022 and we issued $3.6 million in refunds in June 2022.</span></div>

disclosure_of_important_disclosures_regarding_the_financial_statements_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%">A.</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%">SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</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%">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%"> - Midwestern Gas Transmission Company (Midwestern) owns a 402-mile, 16-inch to 30-inch diameter bi-directional interstate natural gas transmission pipeline that extends from an interconnection with Columbia Gulf Transmission Company and East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC located near the City of Hartsville in Trousdale County, Tennessee, to a point of interconnection with several interstate pipeline systems near Joliet, Illinois. </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%">Midwestern serves markets in Chicago, Kentucky, southern Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee. “We”, “our” or “us” refer to Midwestern.</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%">ONEOK, Inc. (ONEOK), through its subsidiaries, owns 100% of Midwestern. 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-weight:400;line-height:120%">As a result of FERC regulations, 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 the proceedings. Any allowances that are recognized during the proceeding process are refunded or retained, as applicable, at the time a regulatory decision becomes final. We issued $3.6 million in rate refunds in June 2022 related to refund allowances accrued prior to 2022. </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 performance obligation associated with our daily stand-ready services. Our firm service agreements extend for various terms with termination dates through</span><span style="color:#cc0099;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%">October 2043.</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 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 C 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><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: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><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 interest 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. Capitalized interest 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:115%">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. 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:115%">The composite depreciation rate, including negative salvage, for transmission plant ranged from 1.90% to 2.00% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The rates for general plant ranged between 0.56% and 21.83% for the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 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:115%">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 $1.3 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which are not included in capital expenditures on our Statements of 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%">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 style="margin-bottom:6pt"><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 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 $4.7 million and $4.8 million, which 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 53 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 $15.7 million and $16.3 million in Account 254 “Other regulatory liabilities,” respectively. 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 a $12.6 million (before gross-up) adjustment 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, $0.6 million of the balance in Account 254 “Other regulatory liabilities” has been amortized to Account 410.1 “Provision for deferred income taxes, 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 29 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 </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:115%">immaterial fo</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:115%">r 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%">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 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 D 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 Recapitalization 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%">ONEOK periodically recapitalizes its wholly owned subsidiaries to maintain certain capitalization structures. The recapitalization amounts are deemed cash settled through our accounts to or with associated companies and are recorded between us and ONEOK to maintain certain capitalization structures. Our policy is to present the recapitalization activities gross in the statement of cash flows as sources or uses of cash flows from financing activities, as appropriate. ONEOK and its affiliates recorded an internal recapitalization entry in 2023 resulting in repayment of long-term borrowings to the parent of $1.2 million and a distribution by us to the parent of $11.9 million. The internal recapitalization entry in 2022 resulted in repayment of long-term borrowings to the parent of $37.5 million and a contribution to us from the parent of $25.7 million. </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%">Debt with Associated Companies </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- We finance our operations through the cash management program with the parent and borrowings with ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (Partnership). Interest on long-term debt to the Partnership is calculated at an annual percentage rate which approximates the Parent’s borrowing rate for long-term notes as of the date of the agreement.</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%">Account 223 “Advances from associated companies” had balances of $96.9 million and $98.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In January 2022, we entered into a long-term promissory note with the Partnership for a revolving line of credit which amended our previous note to increase our maximum principal amount to $300 million from $150 million and extended the term of the note to December 31, 2027.</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 annual interest rate charged on the long-term debt payable to the Partnership was 5.50% and 5.48% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Total interest paid to the Partnership was $5.4 million and $7.3 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: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><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 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.</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 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%">2,121</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%">973 </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%">687</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%">315 </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%">2,808</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%">1,288 </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 income tax expense</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%">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%">381</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%">233 </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%">123</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%">75 </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</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%">504</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%">308 </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%">3,312</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%">1,596 </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 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><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="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%">13,478</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%">11,874 </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</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 </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%">2,830</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%">2,494 </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%">810</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%">390 </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%">(328)</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%">(1,288)</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%">3,312</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%">1,596 </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 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:68.691%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.632%"/><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:13.633%"/><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%">1,436</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%">1,168 </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%">4,363</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%">4,527 </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%">5,799</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%">5,695 </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%">37,511</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%">36,314 </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%">1,475</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%">1,491 </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%">38,986</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%">37,805 </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:2pt solid #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.75pt;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%">Net deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:2pt solid #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:2pt solid #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%">33,187</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:2pt solid #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:2pt solid #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:2pt solid #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:2pt solid #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%">32,110 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:2pt solid #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 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%">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%">REVENUES</span></div><div style="padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-36pt"><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%">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><br/></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, related to firm transportation contracts with remaining contract terms ranging from two months to 20 years:</span></div><div style="margin-top:5pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:99.553%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:75.880%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.547%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:21.173%"/><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-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 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%">47,182 </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%">25,410 </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%">19,947 </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%">15,961 </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%">67,982 </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%">176,482 </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><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>


entity_id: C000583
filing_name: Guardian_Pipeline,_L.L.C._form2_Q4_1712624112
publication_time: 2024-04-09 00:55:12
start_date: 2023-01-01
end_date: 2023-12-31
disclosure_of_significant_contingent_assets_or_liabilities_text_block:
  <div><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><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%">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>

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 Guardian, 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_important_disclosures_regarding_the_financial_statements_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%">A.</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%">SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES</span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt;padding-right:18pt"><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt"><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%"> -</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%">Guardian Pipeline, L.L.C. (Guardian), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, owns a</span><span style="background-color:#ffffff;color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> 263</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">-mile, 20 to 36-inch diameter interstate natural gas pipeline system that transports natural gas from Joliet, Illinois, to the Green Bay, Wisconsin, area. “We”, “our” or “us” refer to Guardian.</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%"> </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 Guardian. 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:400;line-height:120%">WEC Energy Group accounted for 94% and 97% of our revenues for the years ended 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%">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 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 performance obligation associated with our daily stand-ready services. Our firm service agreements extend for various terms with termination dates through May 2043.</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 these services are not material.</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%">Contract Assets </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- Contract assets are recorded when the amount of revenue recognized from a contract with a customer is greater than the amount billed to the customer and recorded in accounts receivable. Our contract asset balances at the beginning and end of the period relate to our firm service transportation contracts with tiered rates.</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 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></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><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 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. AFUDC was not material 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%">Our properties are primarily transmission assets, which 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. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the depreciation rate for transmission plant was 2%. The rates for general plant ranged between 5% and 10% for the year ended December 31, 2023, and 2% and 20% for the year ended December 31, 2022. 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%">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></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 immaterial at December 31, 2023 and 2022. These additions are not included in capital expenditures on our Statements of Cash Flows.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Impairment of Goodwill and 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 goodwill for impairment at least annually as of July 1, unless events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred before that time. Our qualitative goodwill impairment analysis performed as of July 1, 2023, did not result in an impairment charge and subsequent to that date, no event has occurred indicating that the implied fair value of our reporting unit is less than the carrying value of our net assets. </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">As part of our goodwill impairment test, we assess qualitative factors (including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance) to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than the carrying amount. If further testing is necessary or a quantitative test is elected, we perform a Step 1 analysis. In a Step 1 analysis, an assessment is made by comparing the fair value of our reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill.</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%">Guardian has one reporting unit comprising the entire company. To estimate the fair value of our reporting unit, we use two generally accepted valuation approaches, an income approach and a market approach, using assumptions consistent with a market participant’s perspective. Under the income approach, we use anticipated cash flows over a period of years plus a terminal value and discount these amounts to their present value using appropriate discount rates. The forecasted cash flows are based on probability weighted-average possible future cash flows for our reporting unit over a period of years. Under the market approach, we apply EBITDA multiples to forecasted EBITDA. The multiples used are consistent with recent market transactions. </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%">Goodwill of $2.1 million was included in utility plant in our Balance Sheets 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: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><br/></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 $4.8 million, and $5.3 million; and regulatory liabilities of $56.7 million and $57.4 million, respectively. Our regulatory assets and liabilities are included in Account 182.3 “Other regulatory assets,” Account 186 "Miscellaneous deferred debits" and Account 254 "Other regulatory liabilities" on our Balance Sheets. Our regulatory assets/liabilities are related to the deferred tax liability for the equity component of AFUDC, deferred regulatory commission expenses, deferred rate case expenses and our fuel and electric cost recovery trackers, which are being recovered from/returned to our customers as a result of approved rate proceedings over varying time periods up to 50 years. Additionally, regulatory liabilities include 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 282 “Accumulated deferred income </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">taxes - other property.” This revaluation resulted in a $46.3 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, $1.3 million was debited to Account 254 “Other regulatory liabilities” with the offset to Account 411.1 “Provision for deferred income taxes-Cr, 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 50 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%"> -</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%">As a limited liability company, we do not directly pay federal income tax. Our taxable income or loss is included in the federal income tax returns of our parent. However, the FERC establishes the method of accounting for income taxes. In our balance sheet, income tax liabilities have been calculated as if we were a taxable entity. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are provided for the differences 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 would be expected to reverse if we were a taxpayer. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recorded as regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities in the period that includes the enactment date.</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 immaterial for 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%">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 </span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">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. </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%"> - We consider the applicability and impact of all accounting standards updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board when there is not specific accounting requirements on the topic provided by the FERC. 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><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 December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">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.</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%">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%">Our long-term debt recorded in Account 224 "Other long-term debt" was $120 million 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:700;line-height:120%">Issuances and Repayments </span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">- In June 2022, we entered into a $120 million unsecured term loan agreement that matures in June 2025, and bears interest at the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus an applicable margin, based on Guardian Pipeline’s credit rating at the time of determination (based on the credit rating as of December 31, 2023, the applicable margin is 112.5 basis points), plus an adjustment of 10 basis points. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the interest rate was 6.58% and 5.55% This agreement allows prepayment of all or any portion outstanding without penalty or premium. During the second quarter 2022, we drew the full $120 million available under the agreement and used the proceeds, along with proceeds from an equity contribution of $89.6 million from the parent, to repay the long-term promissory note with ONEOK Partners Intermediate Limited Partnership (Partnership) in full. The term 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. As of December 31, 2023, Guardian was in compliance with all covenants under the term loan agreement.</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 the six months ended June 30, 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 5.47% for the six months ended June 30, 2022, at which time the long-term promissory note with the Partnership was repaid. There was no interest paid to the Partnership recorded in Account 430 "Interest on debt to associated companies" in 2023 and $5.7 million was paid for the year ended December 31, 2022.</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 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:68.840%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.632%"/><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:13.633%"/><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%">8,301</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%">8,806 </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%">2,467</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%">2,617 </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%">10,768</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%">11,423 </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 income tax expense</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%">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%">(196)</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%">(1,227)</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%">(59)</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%">(365)</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%">(255)</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%">(1,592)</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 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 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%">10,513</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%">9,831 </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 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:68.691%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.632%"/><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:13.633%"/><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%">41,741</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%">43,558 </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%">8,766</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%">9,147 </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%">2,408</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%">2,252 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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;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%">Amortization of regulatory asset</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%">(926)</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%">(926)</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%">Other, net</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%">265</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%">(642)</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-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:#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%">10,513</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%">9,831 </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%">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:68.691%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:13.632%"/><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:13.633%"/><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 &amp; 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%">1,341</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%">1,141 </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%">Accelerated depreciation and other plant-related differences</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%">131</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%">— </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%">Regulatory liabilities</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%">15,260</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%">15,606 </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-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:#ffffff;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%">16,732</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:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">16,747 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;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;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:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></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%">Excess of tax over book depreciation</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%">103,897</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:#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%">102,893 </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%">Regulatory assets</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%">4,654</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%">4,746 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;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:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000;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:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000;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%">108,551</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-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000;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%">107,639 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;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:#cceeff;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:#cceeff;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%">91,819</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 #000;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 #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;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:#cceeff;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%">90,892 </span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;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><br/></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%">Contract Assets </span><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 changes in our contract asset balance 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:98.511%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:78.658%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.159%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.783%"/><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%">Contract Assets</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-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Thousands of dollars)</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%">Balance at January 1, 2022</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;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-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%">2,211 </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%">Amounts invoiced in excess of revenue recognized</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%">(1,035)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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"/></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%">Balance at December 31, 2022 (a)</span></td><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%">1,176 </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%">Amounts invoiced in excess of revenue recognized</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:700;line-height:120%">(789)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;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%">Balance at December 31, 2023 (b)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:2pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;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:#cceeff;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%">387</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 #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(a) - Contract assets of $0.8 million and $0.4 million are included in Account 174 "Miscellaneous current and accrued assets" and Account 186 "Miscellaneous deferred debits", respectively, on our Balance Sheet.</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(b) - Balance included in Account 174 "Miscellaneous current and accrued assets" on our Balance Sheet.</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%">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, related to firm transportation contracts with remaining contract terms ranging from 10 months to 19 years:</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:76.280%"/><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:20.776%"/><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-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(Thousands of dollars)</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%">2024</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#cceeff;border-top:2pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">69,041 </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="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%">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:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">13,224 </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;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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">10,969 </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%">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:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">6,437 </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;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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">38,458 </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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">138,129 </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><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>

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.</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%">GUARDIAN PIPELINE, L.L.C. RATE CASE</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">In April 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) commenced an investigation of Guardian Pipeline L.L.C.'s rates pursuant to Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act in Docket No. RP22-725-000. Guardian filed an agreed-upon Stipulation and Offer of Settlement (the Settlement) with the FERC in October 2022, which was approved by the FERC in February 2023.</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:2pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">The Settlement resulted in a decrease in revenue of approximately 5% for contracts for 9 customers which were under maximum tariff rates, compared to 2022. However, this decrease was offset by an increase in revenue from contracts under negotiated rates in 2022 that became maximum tariff rate contracts in 2023. For our contracts under maximum tariff rates, we anticipate that the impact of the Settlement will remain consistent through March 31, 2025, with an additional decrease of 10% in the period April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026, and a final additional decrease of 4% in the period April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027.</span></div>


entity_id: C000374
filing_name: Southern_Star_Central_Gas_Pipeline,_Inc._form2_Q4_1712770370
publication_time: 2024-04-10 17:32:50
start_date: 2023-01-01
end_date: 2023-12-31
disclosure_of_important_disclosures_regarding_the_financial_statements_text_block:
  <div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">1. CONTROL AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION</span></div><div style="margin-top:12pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. (Respondent) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Star Central Corp. (Southern Star). Southern Star is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Star Acquisition Corporation (SSAC), which is owned by Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Ullico Infrastructure Southern Star Holdco LLC (Ullico).</span></div><div style="margin-top:12pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The accompanying financial statements were prepared on a historical basis as required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in accordance with its Uniform System of Accounts and published accounting releases and do not reflect the application of purchase and pushdown accounting for acquisitions of the Respondent. The primary effects of purchase and pushdown accounting on the Respondent were the elimination of retained earnings and accumulated depreciation at the date of acquisition and the recording of goodwill for the excess of the purchase price over historical cost. Additionally, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), certain other accounting classifications and disclosures are required which differ from those required by the FERC.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Use of Estimates</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The preparation of the accompanying financial statements requires the Respondent to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the accompanying financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Revenue Recognition</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Revenues from services are recognized in the period the service is provided based on contractual terms and related volumes. The FERC regulatory processes and procedures govern the tariff and rates that the Respondent is permitted to charge to customers for its services. Key determinants in the ratemaking process are (i) contracted capacity assumptions, (ii) costs of providing service, including depreciation expense, and (iii) allowed rate of return, including the equity component of a pipeline’s capital structure and related income taxes. Accordingly, at any given time, some of the collected revenues may be subject to possible refunds required by final order of the FERC. The Respondent records estimates of rate refund liabilities based on its and other third-party regulatory proceedings, advice of counsel and estimated total exposure. See Note 3 for further information regarding revenue recognition. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Regulatory Assets and Liabilities</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">As a regulated enterprise, the Respondent meets the requirements for accounting under the Regulated Operations Topic 980 of the ASC (ASC 980). As such, certain costs that would otherwise be charged to expense are deferred as regulatory assets based on expected recovery from customers in future rates. Likewise, certain credits that would otherwise be recognized in income are deferred as regulatory liabilities pending potential refund or return to customers through future rates. Regulatory assets or liabilities are generally based on specific regulatory requirements or precedent for each such matter.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The following regulatory assets or liabilities are included on the accompanying Comparative Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022:</span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:81.101%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:55.597%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.084%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.266%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.084%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.269%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><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:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom: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:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr style="height:12pt"><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"/><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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Assets:</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"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Environmental costs</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">641 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">641 </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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Fuel costs</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">5,140</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">2,196</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Postretirement benefits other than pensions</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">12,234</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">14,068</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Income taxes on AFUDC equity</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">9,652</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">9,720</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Pensions</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">14,624</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">21,830</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Imbalance Cash Out Recoverable</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">2,822</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">1,753</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Asset retirement obligations</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">60</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">52</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Other</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">1,391</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">1,882</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25.02pt;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 Assets</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding: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%">46,564</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding: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%">52,142</span></td></tr><tr style="height:12pt"><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;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Liabilities:</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"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Imbalance Cash Out Refundable</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">2,538</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">2,365</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Postretirement benefits other than pensions</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">27,095</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">24,236</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt;padding-left:12pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Excess deferred taxes</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">56,567</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">60,918</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25.02pt;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 Liabilities</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">86,200 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">87,519 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt 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 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Net Regulatory Liabilities:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(39,636)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">(35,377)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:8pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(1) See Note 6 for further discussion of excess deferred taxes.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">These amounts are either included in the Respondent’s current rate filing, expected to be included in future rate proceedings, or covered by specific rate mechanisms, which govern the timing and amount of refunds or recovery. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Property, Plant and Equipment </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided primarily on the straight-line, composite and group methods, pursuant to rates authorized by the FERC. Gains or losses from the ordinary sale or retirement of property, plant and equipment generally are credited or charged to accumulated depreciation; other gains or losses are recorded in net income. Depreciation was $60.2 million and $55.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Gas Receivables/Payables</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In the course of providing transportation and storage services to customers, the Respondent may receive different quantities of natural gas from a shipper than quantities delivered on behalf of that shipper. These transactions result in imbalances, which are repaid or recovered in cash or through the receipt or delivery of natural gas in the future. Customer imbalances to be repaid or recovered in-kind are recorded in Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Liabilities (Account 242) or Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Assets (Account 174) on the accompanying Comparative Balance Sheets. Settlement of imbalances requires agreement between the pipeline and shippers as to allocations of volumes to specific transportation contracts and timing of delivery of natural gas based on operational conditions.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent also uses gas from its system for compressor fuel and incurs gas losses. This gas is repaid in-kind from customers via a fuel reimbursement charge placed on the volume of gas transported through the system. Volumes due to or from the system as a result of fuel use or gas loss are also included in Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Liabilities (Account 242) or Miscellaneous Current and Accrued Assets (Account 174) on the accompanying Comparative Balance Sheets.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Natural gas receivables/payables are valued using a current published natural gas index price.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Cash Equivalents</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent includes in cash equivalents any short-term highly-liquid investments that have an original maturity of three months or less when acquired.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Asset Retirement Obligations</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In accordance with the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic 410 of the ASC, the Respondent recorded an asset retirement obligation (ARO) for the remediation of asbestos existing on its system. The asbestos existing on the Respondent’s system is primarily in building materials and pipe coatings used prior to the promulgation in the 1970s of federal regulations prohibiting such uses of asbestos. The amount of the regulatory asset on the accompanying Balance Sheets was less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022 whereas the related ARO liability was approximately $2.7 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Long-Lived Assets</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Consistent with the Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Topic of the ASC, the Respondent evaluates long-lived assets for impairment and assesses their recoverability based upon anticipated future cash flows. If facts and circumstances lead management to believe that the cost of an asset may be impaired, the Respondent will evaluate the extent to which that cost is recoverable by comparing the future undiscounted cash flows estimated to be associated with that asset to the asset’s carrying amount and reduce the carrying amount to fair market value to the extent necessary. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Respondent did not identify an impairment of its long-lived assets.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Fair Value Measurements </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic 820 of the ASC (ASC 820) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements to include the methods and assumptions used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measures on earnings. ASC 820 requires the fair value of an asset or liability to be based on market-based measures which reflect the credit risk of the Respondent. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">3. REVENUE RECOGNITION</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent primarily earns revenues from contracts with customers by providing transportation and storage services for natural gas on a firm and interruptible basis. The Respondent had no contract assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2023 or 2022. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">4. FINANCING </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">At December 31, 2023 and 2022, long-term debt consisted of the following: </span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:68.750%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:49.332%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:23.791%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.882%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:22.495%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt;padding-left:4.5pt;padding-right:4.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">December 31, 2023</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom: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:700;line-height:120%">December 31, 2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Long-term debt:</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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3.79% Notes due 2030</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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="background-color:#ffffff;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%">250,000 </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 style="background-color:#ffffff;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="background-color:#ffffff;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%">250,000 </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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.66% Notes due 2026</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">100,000</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">100,000</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Term Loan due 2025</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">100,000</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">100,000</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;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</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">450,000 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">450,000 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">3.79% Notes</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">On July 14, 2020, the Respondent entered into $250.0 million of 3.79% Notes. Interest is payable semi-annually on January 14 and July 14. The related issuance costs are being amortized over the life of the 3.79% Notes utilizing the straight line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The 3.79% Notes will mature on July 14, 2030. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">4.66% Notes </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">On November 2, 2015, the Respondent entered into a commitment for $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.66% Notes. On June 1, 2016, the Respondent issued the 4.66% Notes. Interest is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1. The related issuance costs are being amortized over the life of the 4.66% Notes utilizing the straight line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The 4.66% Notes will mature on June 1, 2026. The 4.66% Notes are the Respondent’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment to all of its existing and future unsecured indebtedness and are effectively junior to the secured indebtedness of the Respondent to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, if any. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Term Loan </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">On October 31, 2022, the Respondent entered into an unsecured $100.0 million Term Loan, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Old National Bank, as administrative agent. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of the amount outstanding under the Respondent’s Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Term Loan bear interest at a per annum rate equal to a Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) determined for such day plus applicable margin. The related issuance costs are being amortized over the life of the Term Loan utilizing the straight line method, which approximates the effective interest method. The Term Loan will mature on July 14, 2025. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Term Loan includes negative covenants that, subject to significant exceptions, limit the ability of the Respondent to, among other things (i) incur debt, (ii) incur liens, (iii) engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions, (iv) dispose of substantially all of the assets of its property or business, (v) make certain restricted payments and (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates. The covenants require the Respondent to comply on a quarterly basis with a capitalization ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio, and a priority debt ratio. The Term Loan contains events of default that are customary for a facility of this nature. If an event of default occurs under the Term Loan, the maturity of the amounts outstanding thereunder may be accelerated.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Interest Rate Swap Agreement</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">On July 12, 2022, the Respondent entered into a pay-fixed receive-floating interest rate swap with a notional principal amount of $50.0 million set to mature on July 14, 2025. The interest rate swap is a cash flow hedge of the Respondent’s Term Loan that contains floating rate components. The objective of this agreement is to convert the variable rate component of the debt from a floating rate utilizing the one-month SOFR, a benchmark interest rate, to a fixed rate stated in interest rate swap agreement. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">On September 21, 2022, the Respondent entered into a pay-fixed receive-floating interest rate swap with a notional principal amount of $50.0 million set to mature on July 14, 2025. The interest rate swap is a cash flow hedge of the Respondent’s Term Loan that contains floating rate components. The objective of this agreement is to convert the variable rate component of the debt from a floating rate utilizing the one-month SOFR, a benchmark interest rate, to a fixed rate stated in interest rate swap agreement. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The fair value of the derivative instruments declared as a hedge under these strategies is recognized as either an asset or liability in the accompanying Balance Sheets. The fair value of these agreements were $1.3 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are recognized in Long-Term Portion of Derivative Assets - Hedges (Account 176) on the accompanying Balance Sheet and Other Comprehensive Income (Account 219). The related gains or losses on these contracts will initially be reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Account 219) on the accompanying Balance Sheets and subsequently reclassified into interest expense as an adjustment to yield when the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Respondent recognized approximately $1.6 million through interest expense on Long-Term Debt (Account 427) as a gain on the swap agreements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and approximately less than $0.1 million through interest expense on Long-Term Debt (Account 427) as a gain on the swap agreements ended December 31, 2022.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Debt Covenants</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent’s 3.79% Notes and 4.66% Notes each contain negative covenants that, subject to significant exceptions, limit the ability of the Respondent to, among other things, (i) incur debt, (ii) incur liens, (iii) engage in mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions, (iv) dispose of substantially all of the assets of the Respondent, (v) make certain restricted payments and (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates. The covenants require the Respondent to comply on a quarterly basis with a capitalization ratio. If an event of default occurs, the commitments of the Lenders to lend under the facility may be terminated and the maturity of the amounts outstanding may be accelerated.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Regulatory and Rate Matters and Related Litigation</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Fuel Filing</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent recovers the natural gas it uses for fuel on its operating system and gas losses it incurs on its system in-kind from its customers via a fuel reimbursement charge placed on the volumes of gas transported through the system. The reimbursement charge is established through an annual fuel tracker filed with the FERC.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">General Rate Issues</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent’s rates became effective November 1, 2021 pursuant to a general rate case settlement filed under FERC Docket No. RP21-778 on March 1, 2022, amended on April 11, 2022, and accepted by the FERC on May 25, 2022. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In accordance with the RP21-778 rate settlement, the Respondent agreed to revise the depreciation rates used on some of its fixed assets. The updated depreciation rates of certain assets were less than the previous depreciation rates used in the Respondent’s financial statements. The depreciation rates of transmission property that previously depreciated at 2% were revised to 1.74%, the depreciation rates of Intangible – software that previously depreciated at 20% were decreased to 10%, while storage property that previously depreciated at 2.2% was decreased to 1.95%.</span></div><div style="margin-top:9pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Environmental and Safety Matters</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Environmental </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent is subject to federal, state and local statutes, rules and regulations relating to environmental protection, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Compliance with these laws and regulations can result in capital, operating and other costs, which generally subject the Respondent to inspections and require it to obtain and comply with a wide variety of environmental licenses, permits and other approvals. In addition, the Respondent is subject to requirements to report, investigate and clean up releases of pollutants found on or under properties that the Respondent owns or operates and any impacted neighboring properties. Many of the environmental programs are subject to frequent changes, based upon new legislation, new regulations, court challenges to regulations and changes in conditions affecting the Respondent’s operations.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent has identified polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in air compressor systems, soils, and related properties at certain compressor station sites. All of the known areas of PCB contamination at compressor stations have been remediated except for two compressor station sites where PCB is encapsulated in concrete. The removal and remediation of PCBs at these two compressor stations will likely occur when the stations are decommissioned. The Respondent has accrued an undiscounted liability of approximately $0.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, representing the current estimate of future environmental testing and cleanup costs (relating to known and suspected contamination by PCBs). The Respondent considers environmental assessment, remediation, and costs associated with compliance with environmental standards to be recoverable through rates, as they are prudent costs incurred in the ordinary course of business. The costs </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">and timing of expenditures incurred will depend on the actual amount and extent of contamination discovered, the final cleanup standards mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or other governmental authorities, and the duration of related negotiations with governmental authorities, among other factors.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Greenhouse gases (GHG,) including methane and carbon dioxide, are currently federally regulated air pollutants. New or modified sources of greenhouse gases may require obtaining operating permits and implementation of controls to reduce GHG emissions. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In June 2016, the EPA expanded its 2012 New Source Performance Standards for the oil and gas industry, NSPS OOOOa, to achieve both methane reductions and additional reductions in volatile organic compounds. The rule’s focus is specific to the oil and natural gas sectors, setting emission standards for methane and adding requirements to previously unaffected sources. The rule requires reductions in emissions from the Respondent’s operations and imposes pollution control and other requirements that affect the Respondent’s ability to build, replace or modify equipment. The standards have been under continuous judicial review. Most recently, in November 2021, the EPA proposed changes to the existing rule OOOOa, and proposed two new rules, one for new sources going forward, OOOOb, and one for existing sources, OOOOc. At this time, the final rule has not been released, but final language was released in December 2023. The Respondent is evaluating impacts of the rule. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In February 2022, the EPA proposed a Federal Implementation Plan to control NOx from sources in 26 states in an effort to prevent non-attainment with the 2015 ozone standard in downwind states. The “Good Neighbor Rule” requires retrofits of engines over 1,000 hp in Oklahoma, Missouri and Wyoming. Until such changes are finalized, it is not possible to assess their impacts or predict the impacts on the Respondent’s business, financial position and operations. This rule, while still not finalized, is currently undergoing extensive litigation. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In June 2022, the EPA published updates to the Mandatory Reporting Rule for GHG. Changes include higher emission factors for fugitive leaks and combustion emissions. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">All of the Respondent’s facilities are located in areas currently designated as being in “attainment” of all National Ambient Air Quality Standards for all criteria air pollutants. These areas are subject to monitoring and periodic updates to their attainment classifications. Revised ambient air quality standards could result in certain areas being classified as non-attainment that were formerly in attainment status. If a non-attainment designation occurs in areas in which the Respondent operates, it could ultimately result in changes to the air pollution control requirements to which the Respondent is subject, and increase both its capital and operating costs.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Environmental laws and regulations are subject to frequent revisions through new legislation on the state or federal level, new regulations and court challenges and related decisions. The final results of any pending proposals and court cases, as well as future proposed legislative or regulatory changes, are generally difficult to predict until such changes are adopted in final legislation, regulations or court decisions. Until such changes are finalized, it is not possible to assess their impacts or predict the impacts on the Respondent’s business, financial position and operations.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Safety</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:130%">On October 12, 2021, the Respondent had a natural gas leak at its Webb Storage Field located in Grant County near the Kay County line. In connection with the leak, the Respondent sought reimbursement for the amount of gas lost. The Respondent and the insurance company agreed to an advance payment for reimbursement of the amounts incurred to fix the leak of approximately $0.8 million, which was received in the first quarter of 2022. During the third quarter of 2022, the Respondent reached an agreement with the insurance company for a payment of approximately $1.6 million for the amounts incurred to replace the gas lost, which was received in the third quarter of 2022. The Respondent received another $0.3 million for reimbursement of the amounts incurred to fix the leak in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Respondent is still seeking reimbursement for the additional costs incurred in fixing the leak which is not estimable at this time.</span></div><div style="text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:130%">On August 24, 2022, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published the third and final rule of the “three part” rule series. The most significant provisions of the rule include a management of change process, corrosion control requirements, inspections of pipelines following extreme weather events, integrity management provisions, assessment requirements, and new/revised repair criteria for both high-consequence and non-high consequence areas. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Summary of Commitments and Contingencies</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent is a party to various legal, regulatory and other matters arising from the day-to-day operations of our businesses that may result in claims against the Respondent. Although no assurance can be given, the Respondent believes, based on our experiences to date, that the ultimate resolution of such items will not have a material adverse impact to its business. The Respondent believes it has meritorious defenses to the matters to which it is a party and intends to vigorously defend itself. When the Respondent determines a loss is probable of occurring and is reasonably estimable, it accrues an undiscounted liability for such contingencies based on its best estimate using information available at that time. Because it presently is not possible to determine the outcome of these matters, no provision has been made in the financial statements for their ultimate resolution. In management’s opinion, the final resolution of all legal matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Respondent’s financial position.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent had been in negotiations with owners of property located within the Quapaw Nation in Ottawa County, Oklahoma for the renewal of an easement for an existing pipeline. On March 17, 2023, the Respondent received a letter from an attorney representing the landowners. The letter demanded financial consideration for the renewal of an easement alleged to have expired. In late Q4 2023, the Respondent negotiated a favorable resolution of this matter. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">6. INCOME TAXES</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">A summary of the income tax provision is as follows:</span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:68.005%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:50.759%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:22.313%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.894%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:22.534%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2023</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2022</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Current provision:</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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Federal</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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="background-color:#ffffff;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%">17,721 </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 style="background-color:#ffffff;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="background-color:#ffffff;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%">11,580 </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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2,152 </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="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">650</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;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%">19,873 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding: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%">12,230</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred provision:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Federal</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%">7,528 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">13,161</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">State</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%">52 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">3,922</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;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%">7,580 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding: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%">17,083</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Income tax provision</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">27,453 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">29,313 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Reconciliation of the normal statutory federal income tax rate to the Respondent’s effective income tax rate is as follows:</span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><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:58.670%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.057%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.949%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.824%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2023</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2022</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">U.S. statutory rate</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%">21.0 </span></td><td style="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="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:'Arial',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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits</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%">3.7 </span></td><td style="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="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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3.7 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Permanent items:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">State tax incentive benefits, net of federal tax benefits</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%">(1.0)</span></td><td style="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="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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(0.8)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Federal energy tax credit</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:'Arial',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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(0.4)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Revalue deferred tax liabilities due to state rate reduction</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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">(1.2)</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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="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:'Arial',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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Other, net</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%">0.2 </span></td><td style="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="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:'Arial',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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Income tax rate</span></td><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;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%">22.7 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;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="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;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%">23.5 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;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="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Generally, the effective tax rate in excess of or less than the federal statutory rate is primarily due to the impact of state income taxes, including state income tax incentives. On August 31, 2023, the Kansas Secretary of the Department of Revenue filed a notice in the Kansas Register announcing that the normal corporate income tax rate will be reduced from 4% to 3.5% effective January 1, 2024. The rate reduction stems from the APEX legislation enacted in Kansas in 2022. Under this law, the corporate income tax rate will be reduced by 0.5% for all businesses upon the commencement of a qualifying APEX Project in the state. The Respondent’s overall state rate decreased by 0.3%. As a result, deferred taxes were revalued affecting the comparability of the effective rate during the reported periods. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows: </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:52.233%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.394%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.489%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.394%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.394%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.396%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred tax assets:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accrued employee benefits</span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;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="background-color:#ffffff;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%">14,456 </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 style="background-color:#ffffff;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="background-color:#ffffff;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%">14,481 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Tax benefit carryforwards</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:'Arial',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="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">214</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accrued environmental costs</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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">157 </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="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">158</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">13,823 </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="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">15,031</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Other</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:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">757 </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="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">463</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25.02pt;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 deferred tax assets</span></td><td colspan="2" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">29,193 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding: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%">30,347</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Deferred tax liabilities:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Property, plant and equipment</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%">165,909 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">157,985</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Regulatory assets</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%">15,580 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">17,426</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Other</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%">1,769 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding: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%">1,522</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 25.02pt;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 deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;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%">183,258 </span></td><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding: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%">176,933</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Net deferred tax liabilities</span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;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-bottom:1pt solid #000;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%">154,065 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;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="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;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%">146,586 </span></td><td style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In April, 2023, the Internal Revenue Service released Revenue Procedure 2023-15, providing safe harbor guidance for applying the Section 263 tangible property regulations to costs incurred to repair, maintain, replace or improve natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. This Revenue Procedure is effective for tax years ending after May 1, 2023. The Respondent is currently evaluating its implementation strategy and potential financial impacts.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no income tax amounts due to or from Southern Star.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Pursuant to FERC Docket A1-7-2-000, the Respondent has not recorded expenses for tax penalties or interest related to uncertain tax positions to income tax accounts in 2023 and 2022.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">As of December 31, 2023, the Respondent remained subject to examination for the tax year 2020 and forward for federal jurisdictions and 2019 and forward for state jurisdictions.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent is included in the consolidated tax return of SSAC. The provision for income taxes is calculated by using a stand-alone return method. Under this method, the Respondent is assumed to file a stand-alone return with the taxing authority, thereby reporting taxable income or loss and paying the applicable tax to or receiving the appropriate refund from SSAC. The current provision is the amount of tax payable or refundable based on the hypothetical, current year stand-alone return. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences and on any carryforward that could be claimed on the hypothetical return.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent maintains two pension plans, the Union Pension Plan and the Non-Union Pension Plan, and a postretirement benefit other than pension (PBOP) plan. The PBOP plan is comprised of the Non-Union voluntary employees’ beneficiary association (Veba) trust and the Union Veba trust.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Union and Non-Union Pension Plans are provided to certain employees who retire under the Respondent’s pension retirement plans. The pension plans are noncontributory defined benefit plans. Eligible employees under these plans are those who were hired prior to June 1, 2017, who qualify for retirement benefits under these plans, and who meet certain service and other requirements.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The PBOP plan provides postretirement medical and life insurance benefits to certain employees who retire under the Respondent's PBOP retirement plan. The PBOP plan is contributory for medical and, for some retired employees, contributory for life insurance benefits in excess of specified limits. Eligible employees under this plan are those hired prior to various qualifying dates, the latest of which is December 31, 1995, who qualify for retirement benefits under this plan, and who meet certain service and other requirements.</span></div><div style="text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:133%">The terms of the RP21-778 rate settlement allow the Respondent to recover, in its rates, approximately $9.6 million annually for pension benefits and postretirement benefits other than pensions. The Respondent must fund the amounts recovered into irrevocable trusts established solely for the provision of the aforementioned benefits in a manner that permits the Respondent to maximize the tax deductibility of the deposits and adhere to minimum and maximum funding requirements. The Respondent’s $9.6 million annual funding requirement may only be reduced by amounts funded in excess of recoveries in prior years. As of December 31, 2023, the Respondent’s funding was approximately $4.8 million higher than its rate settlement recoveries, which it plans to recover during the term of its RP21-778 rate settlement.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Compensation - Retirement Benefits Topic 715 of the ASC (ASC 715) requires companies to recognize the funded status of their defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as a net liability or asset in their balance sheets and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which changes occur through comprehensive income. As it is appropriate for the Respondent to apply the accounting prescribed by ASC 980, the Respondent does not recognize changes in the funded status in comprehensive income but recognizes them as changes to the related regulatory asset or liability, pending future recovery or refund through its rates. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Pursuant to ASC 715, no portion of the related liabilities are classified as current because plan assets exceed the value of benefit obligations expected to be paid within the 12 months ending December 31, 2024. In </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">addition, no plan assets are expected to be returned to the Respondent during the 12 months ending December 31, 2024. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets and funded status for the pension and PBOP plans are as follows:</span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><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:39.261%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:12.755%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.402%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:12.755%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.402%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:15.014%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.553%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:12.758%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Pension Plans</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">PBOP Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Benefit obligation at end of period</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 colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">66.10</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%">$</span></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1.02pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">60.90</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">24.20</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 colspan="2" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">26.20</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Fair value of plan assets at end of period</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">56.3</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">46.2</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">36.4</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">33.9</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Funded status/Accrued benefit obligation</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">(9.8)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">(14.7)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">12.2</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">7.7</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Accumulated benefit obligation</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">53.1</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">49.1</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">24.2</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">26.2</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Retiree contributions</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">0.6</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">0.7</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Employer contributions</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">5.8</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Benefits paid</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">1.9</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">1.9</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">1.9</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">1.8</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Settlements</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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%">13.1</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 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></tr></table></div><div style="text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:130%">Beginning in 2022, the post-65 population went from being self-funded to being fully insured, which reduced future expenses by approximately $23.0 million.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">FERC allows the Respondent to recognize allowances for prudently incurred costs through recovery in its rates. As such, the related assets and liabilities recognized were offset with a corresponding regulatory asset or regulatory liability. The accrued benefit costs for the pension plans are reflected in Accrued pension on the accompanying Balance Sheets. The net accrued benefit costs for the Non-Union Veba portion of the PBOP plan are reflected in Postretirement benefits other than pensions on the Balance Sheets and the Union Veba portion of the PBOP plan are reflected in Other deferred and noncurrent assets on the accompanying Balance Sheets. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The investment objectives of the pension and PBOP plans are as follows:</span></div><div style="margin-top:3pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">To fully fund the Accumulated Benefit Obligation for the plans;</span></div><div style="margin-top:3pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(2)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">To maximize returns with reasonable and prudent levels of risk associated with long-term investment objectives;</span></div><div style="margin-top:3pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(3)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">To minimize fluctuations in dollar contributions from year to year, but this objective is subordinate to the other objectives; and</span></div><div style="margin-top:3pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(4)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">To accommodate the short-term liquidity requirements of the plans.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Periodically, in accordance with the Respondent's policy, these investment objectives are reviewed by the Respondent’s Benefits Investment Committee (Investment Committee). These objectives will remain in effect unless they are deemed inappropriate by the Investment Committee. The Investment Committee will also re-examine the applicability of these objectives in the event of significant changes in the Respondent’s structure, actuarial assumptions, contribution levels, economic conditions or any event which may significantly alter the pension and PBOP plans' characteristics.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The policy of the pension and PBOP plans is to invest assets in accordance with the minimum and maximum range for each asset class as stated below.</span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:57.886%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:52.113%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.828%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:21.265%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.828%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:21.266%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Pension Plans</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;text-decoration:underline">Asset Class</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">Minimum</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">Maximum</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Domestic equities</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">30.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">50.0%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">International equities</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">5.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">20.0%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;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 equities</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">35.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">70.0%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Fixed income and cash equivalents</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">25.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">55.0%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Alternatives</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">0.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">10.0%</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span><br/></span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:65.029%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:46.268%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.715%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:24.300%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.715%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:24.302%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Non-Union Veba</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;text-decoration:underline">Asset Class</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">Minimum</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">Maximum</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Domestic and international equities</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">0.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">30.0%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Fixed income and cash equivalents</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">70.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">100.0%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Alternatives</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">0.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">10.0%</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span><br/></span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:63.541%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:45.035%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.736%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:24.895%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.736%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:24.898%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Union Veba</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%;text-decoration:underline">Asset Class</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">Minimum</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">Maximum</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Fixed income and cash equivalents</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">100.0%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">100.0%</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Beginning in January 2023, the Union Veba’s Investment Policy Statement was updated to reflect a change in investment practices. Specifically, it is now reflective of an asset liability investment strategy where the liabilities of the plan are matched to the assets over time to reduce balance sheet volatility. These types of permitted fixed-income investments will be constrained by specifications on issuer limitations, sector limitation, maturity guidelines, and credit ratings.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The asset allocation range established by the plan’s Investment Policy Statement is based upon a long-term investment perspective. As such, rapid unanticipated market shifts or changes in economic conditions may cause the asset mix to fall outside the policy range. The Investment Committee is responsible for rebalancing the assets and ensuring that the Trustee and the Investment Managers, as applicable, minimize deviations from their target asset allocation mixes.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Common stock investments are restricted to high quality, readily marketable securities of corporations actively traded on the major U.S. and foreign national exchanges, including the NASDAQ. Investment in securities issued by (i) the Respondent, (ii) an entity in which the Respondent has a majority ownership interest, or (iii) an entity that has a majority ownership interest in the Respondent, is prohibited.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:25.2pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The framework for measuring fair value provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Valuation techniques maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Level 1 - Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as:</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">1.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:9.67pt">quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">2.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:9.67pt">quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">3.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:9.67pt">observable inputs other than quoted prices that are used in the valuation of the asset or liabilities (e.g., interest rate and yield curve quotes at commonly quoted intervals)</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;padding-left:72pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">4.</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:9.67pt">inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Level 3 - Inputs that are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The following are the fair values of the pension and PBOP plans' assets for the period indicated: </span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:98.958%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:24.915%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.551%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.328%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.551%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.779%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.551%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.328%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.551%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.478%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.551%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.779%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.401%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.337%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="33" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom: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:700;line-height:120%">Pension Plans</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">As of December 31, 2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:700;line-height:120%">As of December 31, 2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Asset Category</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Total Fair Value</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Quoted </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Prices in </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Active </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Markets for </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Identical </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Assets </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Significant </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Observable </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Inputs </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 2)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Total Fair Value</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Quoted </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Prices in </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Active </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Markets for </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Identical </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Assets </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Significant </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Observable </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Inputs </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 2)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">(In thousands)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><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"/><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"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><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"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Money Market Fund</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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="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%">2,658 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2,658 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="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="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3,704 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="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%">3,704 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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="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="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"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">U.S. Government Securities</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(2)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">7,696</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">4,557</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">3,139</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">4,865</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,982</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">1,883</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Corporate Debt Instruments</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(2)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">10,614</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">10,614</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">9,562</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">9,562</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Foreign Issues</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(2)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">95</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">95</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">92</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">92</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Mutual Funds</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">31,642</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">31,642</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">24,849</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">24,849</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding: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></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Revenue Bonds</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(2)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">3,457</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">3,457</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">3,028</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">3,028</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Other</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(4)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">144</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">40</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">104</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">123</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">29</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">94</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;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</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">56,306 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">38,897 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">17,409 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">46,223 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$    —</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">31,564 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$    —</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">14,659 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:3pt;padding-left:45pt;text-indent:-27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:14.78pt">Money market fund and mutual funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the Plan at year-end. </span></div><div style="padding-left:45pt;text-indent:-27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(2)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:14.78pt">U.S. government securities, corporate debt instruments, foreign issues, and revenue bonds are valued at prices of actual trades or bid/ask quotes made by broker-dealers gathered by a pricing service reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.</span></div><div style="padding-left:45pt;text-indent:-27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(3)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:14.78pt">There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers in or out of Level 3.</span></div><div style="padding-left:45pt;text-indent:-27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(4)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:14.78pt">Includes accrued income and other accruals.</span></div><div style="padding-left:45pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:98.363%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:24.618%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.405%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.397%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.556%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.851%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.556%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.397%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.556%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.397%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.556%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.851%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.556%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:10.404%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="33" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom: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:700;line-height:120%">PBOP Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" 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:700;line-height:120%">As of December 31, 2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" 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:700;line-height:120%">As of December 31, 2022</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Asset Category</span></td><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:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Total Fair Value</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Quoted </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Prices in </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Active </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Markets for </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Identical </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Assets </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Significant </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Observable </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Inputs </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 2)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td><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:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Total Fair Value</span></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Quoted </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Prices in </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Active </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Markets for </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Identical </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Assets </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Significant </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Observable </span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">Inputs </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:9pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">(Level 2)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:5.85pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.15pt;vertical-align:baseline">(3)</span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" 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%">(In thousands)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="15" 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%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr style="height:12pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Money Market Fund</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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="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%">18,063 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">18,063 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="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="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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%">$</span></td><td style="padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">6,787 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="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%">6,787 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="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="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="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"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">U.S. Government Securities</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(2)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">5,157</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">4,326</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">831</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,800</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">1,566</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">1,234</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Corporate Debt Instruments</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(2)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">7,649</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">7,649</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">5,843</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">5,843</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Mutual Funds</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(1)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,479</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,479</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">16,035</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">16,035</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Revenue Bonds</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(2)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,907</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,907</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,463</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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 colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">2,463</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:3.75pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%">Other</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:6.5pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%;position:relative;top:-3.5pt;vertical-align:baseline">(4)</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">158</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">37</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">121</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">(27)</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">18</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">(45)</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;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</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">36,413 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">24,905 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">11,508 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">33,901 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">$</span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">24,406 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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-bottom:3pt double #000000;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%">9,495 </span></td><td style="border-bottom:3pt double #000000;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:3pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(1)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">Money market fund and mutual funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the Plan at year-end. </span></div><div style="padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(2)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">U.S. government securities, corporate debt instruments, and revenue bonds are valued at prices of actual trades or bid/ask quotes made by broker-dealers gathered by a pricing service reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.</span></div><div style="padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(3)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers in or out of Level 3.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;padding-left:36pt;text-indent:-18pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">(4)</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%;padding-left:5.78pt">Includes accrued income and other accruals.</span></div><div style="margin-top:3pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The sponsor of the pension and PBOP plans, the Respondent, employs a building block approach in determining the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Historical markets are studied and the long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed-income securities are preserved consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term market assumptions are determined. The long-term portfolio return is established with proper consideration of diversification and rebalancing. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to check for reasonability and appropriateness.</span></div><div style="text-indent:27pt"><span><br/></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%"> The following table illustrates the estimated pension and PBOP plans' benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, that are projected to be paid:</span></div><div><span><br/></span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:47.767%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:43.448%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:26.002%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.046%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:26.004%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Pension Plans</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-bottom: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:700;line-height:120%">PBOP Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;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%">(In thousands)</span></td></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><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"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2024</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">$    2,305</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding: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%">$    1,479</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2025</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%">2,247 </span></td><td style="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="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%">1,516 </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 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">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%">2,428 </span></td><td style="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="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%">1,511 </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 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2027</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%">3,024 </span></td><td style="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="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%">1,542 </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 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2028</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%">3,414 </span></td><td style="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="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%">1,466 </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 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Years 2029 through 2033</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%">26,280 </span></td><td style="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="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%">7,516 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:bottom"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In 2024, the Respondent expects to contribute to the pension and PBOP plans $4.8 million pursuant to the Respondent's current rate filing. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The following are the weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation for the pension and PBOP plans for the periods indicated:</span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:61.755%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:48.779%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:22.032%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.004%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:23.719%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.766%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="12" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Pension Plans</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2023</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2022</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Discount rate:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Union</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.80 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Non-Union</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.80 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Rate of compensation increase:</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Union</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3.85 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 13.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Non-Union</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.25 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.40 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span><br/></span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:79.613%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:60.582%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.404%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.734%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.030%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.550%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="12" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">PBOP Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2023</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2022</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr style="height:12pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Discount rate</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.77 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.97 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next period</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">8.50 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">8.50 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">decline (the ultimate trend rate)</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.15 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.30 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Period that the rate reaches the ultimate trend</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2032</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2031</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Non-Union Pension Plan’s lump sum distributions of $8.4 million as of June 30, 2022 exceeded service and interest costs, triggering settlement accounting under Employer’s Accounting for Settlement and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits Topic of the ASC. The effects of the 2022 settlements were calculated as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2022. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The following are the weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the pension plans for the periods indicated:</span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:54.166%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:54.669%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:21.152%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:20.879%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="6" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Union Pension Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:8pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">For the Year Ended December 31, 2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:8pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">For the Year Ended December 31, 2022</span></td></tr><tr style="height:12pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Discount rate</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2.75 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Expected return on plan assets</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">7.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">7.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Rate of compensation increase</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.05 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr></table></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:61.309%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:40.404%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.074%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.770%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:18.074%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.770%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:16.133%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.775%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="18" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">Non-Union Pension Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:8pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">For the Year Ended December 31, 2023</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:8pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">For the Period July 1 through December 31, 2022*</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;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:8pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">For the Period January 1 through June 30, 2022*</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr style="height:12pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Discount rate</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.43 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2.71 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Expected return on plan assets</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">7.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">7.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">7.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Rate of compensation increase</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.40 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.40 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.45 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/></tr></table></div><div style="margin-top:9pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:8pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">*Changes in weighted-average assumptions related to settlement accounting under the Employer’s Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits Topic of the ASC.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The following are the various assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the PBOP plan for the periods indicated:</span></div><div style="padding-left:27pt"><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:70.982%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:57.600%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.235%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.638%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:19.027%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">PBOP Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2023</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2022</span></div></td></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Discount rate</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">4.97 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2.67 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Expected return on plan assets (union)</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3.80 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">7.00 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Expected return on plan assets (non-union)</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3.75 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">3.75 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><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="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span><br/></span></div><div style="text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Assumed health care cost trend rates for the PBOP plan for the periods indicated:</span></div><div><table style="border-collapse:collapse;display:inline-table;margin-bottom:5pt;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:79.315%"><tr><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:61.564%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:16.911%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:0.550%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/><td style="width:1.0%"/><td style="width:17.475%"/><td style="width:0.1%"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="9" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:120%">PBOP Plan</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2023</span></div></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:2px 1pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:bottom"><div style="margin-bottom:1.5pt;margin-top:2.75pt;text-align:center"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">For the Year Ended December 31,</span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Times New Roman',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-weight:400;line-height:100%"><br/></span><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:100%">2022</span></div></td></tr><tr style="height:15pt"><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;border-top:1pt solid #000000;padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next period</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">8.15 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">8.10 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:0 1pt"/></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 7.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">decline (the ultimate trend rate)</span></td><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.30 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="2" style="padding:2px 0 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">5.35 </span></td><td style="padding:2px 1pt 2px 0;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">%</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:2px 1pt 2px 1.02pt;text-align:left;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">Period that the rate reaches the ultimate trend</span></td><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2031</span></td><td colspan="3" style="background-color:#ffffff;padding:0 1pt"/><td colspan="3" style="padding:2px 1.02pt 2px 1pt;text-align:right;vertical-align:middle"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:120%">2030</span></td></tr></table></div><div style="text-indent:27pt"><span><br/></span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">Other</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent maintains a defined contribution plan covering all employees. The Respondent’s costs related to this plan were $3.8 million and $3.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.</span></div><div style="margin-top:12pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">8. MAJOR CUSTOMERS </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent is dependent on a limited number of customers for a significant percentage of our revenues and the loss of a large customer could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent’s two largest customers are Spire Missouri West (Spire) and Kansas Gas Service Company (KGS) a division of ONE Gas, Inc. Revenues, net of capacity released credits, received from Spire were $100.4 million and $97.8 million million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Revenues, net of capacity released credits, received from KGS were $88.0 million and $85.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Spire had a receivable balance of $8.9 million and $8.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. KGS had a receivable balance of $7.7 million and $7.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent is a party to a Federal and State Income Tax Policy with Southern Star.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">In 2023, the Respondent paid dividends of approximately $93.3 million to Southern Star.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">The Respondent utilizes a cash management program with Southern Star, whereby cash may be advanced to or from the Respondent, to be repaid at any time as needed to fund operations. The advances earn interest based on the daily advance balance computed at the three-month U.S. Treasury rate as stated on the first day of each month. The Respondent had an advance from Southern Star for $15.6 million and $36.9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Respondent had accounts receivable balances from associated companies for less than $0.1 million at December 31, 2022.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS </span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740).” The amendments in this ASU require qualitative disclosure about specific categories of reconciling items and individual jurisdictions that result in a significant difference between the statutory rate and the effective tax rate. Disclosures will be required for income taxes paid (net of refunds), broken out between federal, state/local and foreign, and amounts paid to an individual jurisdiction when 5.0% or more of the total income taxes paid. The amendments in this ASU will be effective for the Respondent’s annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Management is currently assessing the impact this ASU will have on the financial statements of the Respondent.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)”, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this Update apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after June 30, 2023, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments in the ASU are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management adopted this ASU as of December 31, 2022.</span></div><div style="margin-top:6pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:700;line-height:139%">11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">Management has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred from December 31, 2023 through April 10, 2024, the date these financial statements were available to be issued. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom:6pt;margin-top:6pt;text-indent:27pt"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:'Arial',sans-serif;font-size:10pt;font-weight:400;line-height:139%">There were no subsequent events that required adjustment to the financial statements or disclosures.</span></div>


