▪SDG & E & E & s和SoCalGas的客戶費率及其資本成本的負擔能力以及SDG & E & s、SoCalGas和Sempra Infrastructure將更高成本轉嫁給客戶的能力的影響,原因是(i)通貨膨脹、利率和大宗商品價格的波動,(ii)對於SDG & E & s和SoCalGas的業務,滿足加州低碳和可靠能源需求的成本,及(iii)就Sempra Infrastructure業務而言,外幣價位波動
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
Sempra
Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Sempra, a California-based holding company, and its consolidated entities, which invest in, develop and operate energy infrastructure in North America, and provide electric and gas services to customers.
Sempra has three separate reportable segments, which we describe in Note 12. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Sempra realigned its reportable segments to reflect changes in how the CODM oversees our three platforms: Sempra California, Sempra Texas Utilities and Sempra Infrastructure. Our former SDG&E and SoCalGas reportable segments were combined into one operating and reportable segment, Sempra California, which is consistent with how the CODM assesses performance due to the similarities of their operations, including geographic location and regulatory framework in California. Sempra’s historical segment disclosures have been restated to conform with the current presentation, so that all discussions reflect the revised segment information of its three reportable segments. All references in these Notes to our reportable segments are not intended to refer to any legal entity with the same or similar name.
SDG&E
SDG&E’s common stock is wholly owned by Enova Corporation, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra. SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides electric service to San Diego and southern Orange counties and natural gas service to San Diego County. SDG&E has one reportable segment.
SoCalGas
SoCalGas’ common stock is wholly owned by Pacific Enterprises, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sempra. SoCalGas is a regulated public natural gas distribution utility, serving customers throughout most of Southern California and part of central California. SoCalGas has one reportable segment.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
This is a combined report of Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas. We provide separate information for SDG&E and SoCalGas as required. We have eliminated intercompany accounts and transactions within the condensed consolidated financial statements of each Registrant.
We have prepared our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP and in accordance with the interim period reporting requirements of Form 10-Q and applicable rules of the SEC. The financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. These adjustments are only of a normal, recurring nature. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year or for any other period. We evaluated events and transactions that occurred after September 30, 2024 through the date the financial statements were issued and, in the opinion of management, the accompanying statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation.
All December 31, 2023 balance sheet information in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements has been derived from our audited 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the interim period reporting provisions of U.S. GAAP and the SEC.
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report and the impact of the adoption of new accounting standards on those policies in Note 2 below. We follow the same accounting policies for interim period reporting purposes.
The information contained in this report should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report.
SDG&E, SoCalGas and Sempra Infrastructure’s natural gas distribution utility, Ecogas, prepare their financial statements in accordance with the provisions of U.S. GAAP governing rate-regulated operations. We discuss revenue recognition and the effects of regulation at our utilities in Notes 3 and 4 below and in Notes 1, 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Our Sempra Texas Utilities segment is comprised of our equity method investments in holding companies that own interests in regulated electric transmission and distribution utilities in Texas.
Our Sempra Infrastructure segment includes the operating companies of our subsidiary, SI Partners, as well as certain holding companies and risk management activity. Certain business activities at Sempra Infrastructure are regulated by the CRE and the FERC and meet the regulatory accounting requirements of U.S. GAAP.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
We consolidate a VIE if we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Our determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary is based on qualitative and quantitative analyses, which assess:
▪the purpose and design of the VIE;
▪the nature of the VIE’s risks and the risks we absorb;
▪the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE; and
▪the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE.
We will continue to evaluate our VIEs for any changes that may impact our determination of whether an entity is a VIE and if we are the primary beneficiary.
SDG&E
SDG&E’s power procurement is subject to reliability requirements that may require SDG&E to enter into various PPAs that include variable interests. SDG&E evaluates the respective entities to determine if variable interests exist and, based on the qualitative and quantitative analyses described above, if SDG&E, and indirectly Sempra, is the primary beneficiary.
SDG&E has agreements under which it purchases power generated by facilities for which it supplies all of the natural gas to fuel the power plant (i.e., tolling agreements). SDG&E’s obligation to absorb natural gas costs may be a significant variable interest. In addition, SDG&E has the power to direct the dispatch of electricity generated by these facilities. Based on our analysis, the ability to direct the dispatch of electricity may have the most significant impact on the economic performance of the entity owning the generating facility because of the associated exposure to the cost of natural gas, which fuels the plants, and the value of electricity produced. To the extent that SDG&E (1) is obligated to purchase and provide fuel to operate the facility, (2) has the power to direct the dispatch, and (3) purchases all of the output from the facility for a substantial portion of the facility’s useful life, SDG&E may be the primary beneficiary of the entity owning the generating facility. SDG&E determines if it is the primary beneficiary in these cases based on a qualitative approach in which it considers the operational characteristics of the facility, including its expected power generation output relative to its capacity to generate and the financial structure of the entity, among other factors. If SDG&E determines that it is the primary beneficiary, SDG&E and Sempra consolidate the entity that owns the facility as a VIE.
In addition to tolling agreements, other variable interests involve various elements of fuel and power costs, and other components of cash flows expected to be paid to or received by our counterparties. In most of these cases, the expectation of variability is not substantial, and SDG&E generally does not have the power to direct activities, including the operation and maintenance activities of the generating facility, that most significantly impact the economic performance of the other VIEs. If our ongoing evaluation of these VIEs were to conclude that SDG&E becomes the primary beneficiary and consolidation by SDG&E becomes necessary, the effects could be significant to the financial position and liquidity of SDG&E and Sempra.
SDG&E determined that none of its PPAs and tolling agreements resulted in SDG&E being the primary beneficiary of a VIE at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. PPAs and tolling agreements that relate to SDG&E’s involvement with VIEs are primarily accounted for as finance leases. The carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities under these contracts are included in PP&E, net, and finance lease liabilities with balances of $1,144 million and $1,166 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. SDG&E recovers costs incurred on PPAs, tolling agreements and other variable interests through CPUC-approved long-term power procurement plans. SDG&E has no residual interest in the respective entities and has not provided or guaranteed any debt or equity support, liquidity arrangements, performance guarantees or other commitments associated with these contracts other than the purchase commitments described in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report. As a result, SDG&E’s potential exposure to loss from its variable interest in these VIEs is not significant.
Other Sempra
Oncor Holdings
Oncor Holdings is a VIE. Sempra is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE because of the structural and operational ring-fencing and governance measures in place that prevent us from having the power to direct the significant activities of Oncor Holdings. As a result, we do not consolidate Oncor Holdings and instead account for our ownership interest as an equity method investment. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report for additional information about our equity method investment in Oncor Holdings and restrictions on our ability to influence its activities. Our maximum exposure to loss, which fluctuates over time, from our interest in Oncor Holdings does not exceed the carrying value of our investment, which was $15,160 million and $14,266 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Cameron LNG JV
Cameron LNG JV is a VIE principally due to contractual provisions that transfer certain risks to customers. Sempra is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE because we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of Cameron LNG JV, including LNG production and operation and maintenance activities at the liquefaction facility. Therefore, we account for our investment in Cameron LNG JV under the equity method. The carrying value of our investment was $1,068 million at September 30, 2024 and $1,008 million at December 31, 2023. Our maximum exposure to loss, which fluctuates over time, includes the carrying value of our investment and our obligation under the SDSRA, which we discuss in Note 5.
CFIN
As we discuss in Note 5, in July 2020, Sempra entered into a Support Agreement for the benefit of CFIN, which is a VIE. Sempra is not the primary beneficiary of this VIE because we do not have the power to direct the most significant activities of CFIN, including modification, prepayment, and refinance decisions related to the financing arrangement with external lenders and Cameron LNG JV’s four project owners as well as the ability to determine and enforce remedies in the event of default. The conditional obligations of the Support Agreement represent a variable interest that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis (see Note 8). Sempra’s maximum exposure to loss under the terms of the Support Agreement is $979 million.
ECA LNG Phase 1
ECA LNG Phase 1 is a VIE because its total equity at risk is not sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. We expect that ECA LNG Phase 1 will require future capital contributions or other financial support to finance the construction of the facility. Sempra is the primary beneficiary of this VIE because we have the power to direct the activities related to the construction and future operation and maintenance of the liquefaction facility. As a result, we consolidate ECA LNG Phase 1. Sempra consolidated $1,715 million and $1,580 million of assets at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, consisting primarily of PP&E, net, attributable to ECA LNG Phase 1 that could be used only to settle obligations of this VIE and that are not available to settle obligations of Sempra, and $1,060 million and $1,029 million of liabilities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, consisting primarily of long-term debt attributable to ECA LNG Phase 1 for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Sempra. Additionally, as we discuss in Note 6, IEnova and TotalEnergies SE have provided guarantees for 83.4% and 16.6%, respectively, of the loan facility supporting construction of the liquefaction facility.
Port Arthur LNG is a VIE because its total equity at risk is not sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. We expect that Port Arthur LNG will require future capital contributions or other financial support to finance the construction of the PA LNG Phase 1 project. Sempra is the primary beneficiary of this VIE because we have the power to direct the activities related to the construction and future operation and maintenance of the liquefaction facility. As a result, we consolidate Port Arthur LNG. Sempra consolidated $5,446 million and $3,927 million of assets at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, consisting primarily of PP&E, net, attributable to Port Arthur LNG that could be used only to settle obligations of this VIE and that are not available to settle obligations of Sempra, and $865 million and $600 million of liabilities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, consisting primarily of accounts payable and long-term debt attributable to Port Arthur LNG for which creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Sempra.
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the sum of such amounts reported on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We provide information about the nature of restricted cash in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
RECONCILIATION OF CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Sempra:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
560
$
236
Restricted cash, current
22
49
Restricted cash, noncurrent
108
104
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows
$
690
$
389
CREDIT LOSSES
We are exposed to credit losses from financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade and other accounts receivable, amounts due from unconsolidated affiliates, our net investment in sales-type leases and a note receivable. We are also exposed to credit losses from off-balance sheet arrangements through Sempra’s guarantee related to Cameron LNG JV’s SDSRA, which we discuss in Note 5.
We regularly monitor and evaluate credit losses and record allowances for expected credit losses, if necessary, for trade and other accounts receivable using a combination of factors, including past-due status based on contractual terms, trends in write-offs, the age of the receivables and customer payment patterns, historical and industry trends, counterparty creditworthiness, economic conditions and specific events, such as bankruptcies, pandemics and other factors. We write off financial assets measured at amortized cost in the period in which we determine they are not recoverable. We record recoveries of amounts previously written off when it is known that they will be recovered.
The implementation of customer assistance programs and higher 2023 winter season customer billings have resulted in certain SDG&E and SoCalGas customers exhibiting slower payment and higher levels of nonpayment than has been the case historically. In January 2024, the CPUC directed SDG&E and SoCalGas to offer long-term repayment plans to eligible residential customers with past-due balances.
SDG&E and SoCalGas have regulatory mechanisms to recover credit losses and thus record changes in the allowances for credit losses related to Accounts Receivable – Trade that are probable of recovery in regulatory accounts. We discuss regulatory accounts in Note 4 below and in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Changes in allowances for credit losses for trade receivables and other receivables are as follows:
CHANGES IN ALLOWANCES FOR CREDIT LOSSES
(Dollars in millions)
2024
2023
Sempra:
Allowances for credit losses at January 1
$
533
$
181
Provisions for expected credit losses
149
374
Write-offs
(169)
(74)
Allowances for credit losses at September 30
$
513
$
481
SDG&E:
Allowances for credit losses at January 1
$
144
$
78
Provisions for expected credit losses
46
96
Write-offs
(63)
(34)
Allowances for credit losses at September 30
$
127
$
140
SoCalGas:
Allowances for credit losses at January 1
$
331
$
98
Provisions for expected credit losses
70
276
Write-offs
(107)
(40)
Allowances for credit losses at September 30
$
294
$
334
Allowances for credit losses related to trade receivables and other receivables are included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
ALLOWANCES FOR CREDIT LOSSES
(Dollars in millions)
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
Sempra:
Accounts receivable – trade, net
$
441
$
480
Accounts receivable – other, net
57
52
Other long-term assets
15
1
Total allowances for credit losses
$
513
$
533
SDG&E:
Accounts receivable – trade, net
$
94
$
116
Accounts receivable – other, net
26
27
Other long-term assets
7
1
Total allowances for credit losses
$
127
$
144
SoCalGas:
Accounts receivable – trade, net
$
255
$
306
Accounts receivable – other, net
31
25
Other long-term assets
8
—
Total allowances for credit losses
$
294
$
331
As we discuss below in “Note Receivable,” we have an interest-bearing promissory note due from KKR Pinnacle. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate credit losses and record allowances for expected credit losses on this note receivable, including compounded interest and unamortized transaction costs, based on published default rate studies, the maturity date of the instrument and an internally developed credit rating. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $5 million and $6 million, respectively, of expected credit losses are included in Other Long-Term Assets on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As we discuss in Note 5, Sempra provided a guarantee for the benefit of Cameron LNG JV related to amounts withdrawn by Sempra Infrastructure from the SDSRA. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate credit losses and record liabilities for expected credit losses on this off-balance sheet arrangement based on external credit ratings, published default rate studies and the maturity date of the arrangement. At both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $5 million of expected credit losses are included in Deferred Credits and Other on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We summarize amounts due from and to unconsolidated affiliates at the Registrants in the following table.
AMOUNTS DUE FROM (TO) UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Sempra:
Tax sharing arrangement with Oncor Holdings
$
8
$
25
Various affiliates
6
6
Total due from unconsolidated affiliates – current
$
14
$
31
TAG Pipelines – 5.5% Note due January 9, 2024(1)
$
—
$
(5)
Total due to unconsolidated affiliates – current
$
—
$
(5)
TAG Pipelines(1):
5.5% Note due January 14, 2025
$
—
$
(24)
5.5% Note due July 16, 2025
—
(23)
5.5% Note due January 14, 2026
(8)
(20)
5.5% Note due July 14, 2026
(12)
(11)
5.5% Note due January 19, 2027
(15)
(14)
5.5% Note due July 21, 2027
(18)
(17)
5.5% Note due January 19, 2028
(47)
—
5.5% Note due July 18, 2028
(41)
—
TAG Norte – 5.74% Note due December 17, 2029(1)
(206)
(198)
Total due to unconsolidated affiliates – noncurrent
$
(347)
$
(307)
SDG&E:
SoCalGas
$
8
$
—
Total due from unconsolidated affiliates – current
$
8
$
—
Sempra
$
(40)
$
(44)
SoCalGas
—
(21)
Various affiliates
(8)
(8)
Total due to unconsolidated affiliates – current
$
(48)
$
(73)
Income taxes due from Sempra(2)
$
251
$
246
SoCalGas:
SDG&E
$
—
$
21
Various affiliates
2
1
Total due from unconsolidated affiliates – current
$
2
$
22
Sempra
$
(35)
$
(38)
SDG&E
(8)
—
Total due to unconsolidated affiliates – current
$
(43)
$
(38)
Income taxes due from Sempra(2)
$
9
$
6
(1) U.S. dollar-denominated loans at fixed interest rates. Amounts include principal balances plus accumulated interest outstanding and VAT payable to the Mexican government.
(2)SDG&E and SoCalGas are included in the consolidated income tax return of Sempra, and their respective income tax expense is computed as an amount equal to that which would result from each company having always filed a separate return. Amounts include current and noncurrent income taxes due to/from Sempra.
We summarize income statement information from unconsolidated affiliates in the following table.
INCOME STATEMENT IMPACT FROM UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Revenues
$
11
$
10
$
31
$
34
Interest expense
5
3
12
11
SDG&E:
Revenues
$
6
$
5
$
17
$
15
Cost of sales
36
25
111
82
SoCalGas:
Revenues
$
43
$
29
$
124
$
91
Cost of sales(1)
(2)
2
(5)
37
(1) Includes net commodity costs from natural gas transactions with unconsolidated affiliates.
Guarantees
Sempra provides guarantees related to Cameron LNG JV’s SDSRA and CFIN’s Support Agreement. We discuss these guarantees in Note 5.
INVENTORIES
The components of inventories are as follows:
INVENTORY BALANCES
(Dollars in millions)
Sempra
SDG&E
SoCalGas
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Natural gas
$
166
$
174
$
1
$
1
$
153
$
155
LNG
13
9
—
—
—
—
Materials and supplies
340
299
181
152
130
122
Total
$
519
$
482
$
182
$
153
$
283
$
277
DEDICATED ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF CERTAIN BENEFITS PLANS
In support of its Supplemental Executive Retirement, Cash Balance Restoration and Deferred Compensation Plans, Sempra maintains dedicated assets, including a Rabbi Trust and investments in life insurance contracts, which totaled $585 million and $549 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
WILDFIRE FUND
In July 2019, the Wildfire Legislation was signed into law to address certain issues related to catastrophic wildfires in California and their impact on electric IOUs. We discuss the Wildfire Legislation further in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
SDG&E periodically evaluates the estimated period of benefit of the Wildfire Fund asset based on actual experience and changes in assumptions. In the second quarter of 2024, SDG&E revised its estimate of the period of benefit from 15 years to 25 years.
SDG&E submitted its request to the OEIS for its annual wildfire safety certification in October 2024. OEIS has until January 2025 to issue the certification or provide written notice explaining why additional time is needed. SDG&E’s existing certification remains valid until this pending request is resolved.
In November 2021, Sempra loaned $300 million to KKR Pinnacle in exchange for an interest-bearing promissory note that is due in full no later than October 2029 and bears compound interest at 5% per annum, which may be paid quarterly or added to the outstanding principal at the election of KKR Pinnacle. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Other Long-Term Assets includes $345 million and $332 million, respectively, of outstanding principal, compounded interest and unamortized transaction costs, net of allowance for credit losses, on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Sempra Infrastructure’s Sonora natural gas pipeline consists of two pipeline segments, the Sasabe-Puerto Libertad-Guaymas segment and the Guaymas-El Oro segment. Each segment has its own service agreement with the CFE. Following the start of commercial operations of the Guaymas-El Oro segment, Sempra Infrastructure reported damage to the pipeline in the Yaqui territory that has made that section inoperable since August 2017. Sempra Infrastructure and the CFE have agreed to an amendment to their transportation services agreement and to re-route the portion of the pipeline that is in the Yaqui territory, whereby the CFE would pay for the re-routing with a new tariff. This amendment will terminate if certain conditions are not met, and Sempra Infrastructure retains the right to terminate the transportation services agreement and seek to recover its reasonable and documented costs and lost profit. Sempra Infrastructure continues to acquire and pursue the necessary rights-of-way and permits for the re-routed portion of the pipeline. At September 30, 2024, Sempra Infrastructure had $404 million in PP&E, net, related to the Guaymas-El Oro segment of the Sonora pipeline, which could be subject to impairment if Sempra Infrastructure is unable to re-route a portion of the pipeline and resume operations or if Sempra Infrastructure terminates the contract and is unable to obtain recovery.
CAPITALIZED FINANCING COSTS
Capitalized financing costs include capitalized interest costs and AFUDC related to both debt and equity financing of construction projects. We capitalize interest costs incurred to finance capital projects and interest at equity method investments that have not commenced planned principal operations.
The table below summarizes capitalized financing costs, comprised of AFUDC and capitalized interest.
The following tables present the changes in AOCI by component and amounts reclassified out of AOCI to net income, after amounts attributable to NCI.
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) BY COMPONENT(1)
(Dollars in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Financial instruments
Pension and PBOP
Total AOCI
Three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Sempra:
Balance at June 30, 2024
$
(49)
$
35
$
(107)
$
(121)
OCI before reclassifications
(12)
(49)
—
(61)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
—
(5)
2
(3)
Net OCI
(12)
(54)
2
(64)
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
(61)
$
(19)
$
(105)
$
(185)
Balance at June 30, 2023
$
(38)
$
14
$
(97)
$
(121)
OCI before reclassifications
(5)
116
—
111
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(2)
—
(51)
1
(50)
Net OCI(2)
(5)
65
1
61
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
(43)
$
79
$
(96)
$
(60)
SDG&E:
Balance at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024
$
(8)
$
(8)
Balance at June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023
$
(7)
$
(7)
SoCalGas:
Balance at June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024
$
(10)
$
(11)
$
(21)
Balance at June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023
$
(11)
$
(11)
$
(22)
(1) All amounts are net of income tax, if subject to tax, and after NCI.
(2) Total AOCI includes $(46) of financial instruments associated with sale of NCI to KKR Denali in 2023, which we discuss in Note 9 in “Noncontrolling Interests – SI Partners Subsidiaries.” This transaction did not impact the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) BY COMPONENT(1) (CONTINUED)
(Dollars in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Financial instruments
Pension and PBOP
Total AOCI
Nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Sempra:
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
(36)
$
3
$
(117)
$
(150)
OCI before reclassifications
(25)
(1)
1
(25)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
—
(21)
11
(10)
Net OCI
(25)
(22)
12
(35)
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
(61)
$
(19)
$
(105)
$
(185)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
(59)
$
10
$
(86)
$
(135)
OCI before reclassifications
16
129
(13)
132
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(2)
—
(60)
3
(57)
Net OCI(2)
16
69
(10)
75
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
(43)
$
79
$
(96)
$
(60)
SDG&E:
Balance at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2024
$
(8)
$
(8)
Balance at December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2023
$
(7)
$
(7)
SoCalGas:
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
(11)
$
(12)
$
(23)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
1
1
2
Net OCI
1
1
2
Balance at September 30, 2024
$
(10)
$
(11)
$
(21)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
(12)
$
(12)
$
(24)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
1
1
2
Net OCI
1
1
2
Balance at September 30, 2023
$
(11)
$
(11)
$
(22)
(1) All amounts are net of income tax, if subject to tax, and after NCI.
(2) Total AOCI includes $(46) of financial instruments associated with sale of NCI to KKR Denali in 2023, which we discuss in Note 9 in “Noncontrolling Interests – SI Partners Subsidiaries.” This transaction did not impact the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (CONTINUED)
(Dollars in millions)
Details about AOCI components
Amounts reclassified from AOCI
Affected line item on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Sempra:
Financial instruments:
Interest rate instruments
$
(9)
$
1
Interest expense
Interest rate instruments
(20)
(33)
Equity earnings(1)
Foreign exchange instruments
(5)
—
Revenues: Energy-related businesses
(2)
1
Other income, net
Foreign exchange instruments
(5)
1
Equity earnings(1)
Interest rate and foreign exchange instruments
—
(1)
Interest expense
—
(6)
Other income, net
Total, before income tax
(41)
(37)
9
5
Income tax benefit (expense)
Total, net of income tax
(32)
(32)
11
18
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
Total, net of income tax and after NCI
$
(21)
$
(14)
Pension and PBOP(2):
Amortization of actuarial loss
$
5
$
2
Other income, net
Amortization of prior service cost
2
2
Other income, net
Settlement charges
9
—
Other income, net
Total, before income tax
16
4
(5)
(1)
Income tax benefit (expense)
Total, net of income tax
$
11
$
3
Total reclassifications for the period, net of income
tax and after NCI
$
(10)
$
(11)
SoCalGas:
Financial instruments:
Interest rate instruments
$
1
$
1
Interest expense
Pension and PBOP(2):
Amortization of prior service cost
$
1
$
1
Other income (expense), net
Total reclassifications for the period, net of income
tax
$
2
$
2
(1) Equity earnings at Oncor Holdings and our foreign equity method investees are recognized after tax.
(2) Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see “Pension and PBOP” below).
Reclassifications out of AOCI to net income were negligible in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 for SDG&E, and in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 for SoCalGas.
PENSION AND PBOP
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost. The components of net periodic benefit cost, other than the service cost component, are included in Other Income, Net.
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
39
$
35
$
114
$
105
Investment gains (losses), net(1)
29
(19)
48
(2)
Gains on interest rate and foreign exchange instruments, net
1
1
2
5
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains, net
(5)
(3)
(6)
1
Non-service components of net periodic benefit cost
(21)
(28)
(25)
(79)
Interest on regulatory balancing accounts, net
26
19
68
56
Sundry, net
(4)
(2)
(7)
(11)
Total
$
65
$
3
$
194
$
75
SDG&E:
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
21
$
21
$
60
$
67
Non-service components of net periodic benefit cost
(3)
(5)
4
(14)
Interest on regulatory balancing accounts, net
12
10
30
31
Sundry, net
—
(1)
(8)
(9)
Total
$
30
$
25
$
86
$
75
SoCalGas:
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
18
$
14
$
54
$
38
Non-service components of net periodic benefit cost
(16)
(22)
(12)
(60)
Interest on regulatory balancing accounts, net
14
9
38
25
Sundry, net
(3)
(3)
(7)
(12)
Total
$
13
$
(2)
$
73
$
(9)
(1) Represents net investment gains (losses) on dedicated assets in support of our executive retirement and deferred compensation plans. These amounts are offset by corresponding changes in compensation expense related to the plans, recorded in O&M on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We provide our calculations of ETRs in the following table.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) AND EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATES
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(105)
$
(52)
$
(63)
$
499
Income before income taxes and equity earnings
$
200
$
323
$
1,213
$
2,175
Equity earnings, before income tax(1)
132
133
426
418
Pretax income
$
332
$
456
$
1,639
$
2,593
Effective income tax rate
(32)
%
(11)
%
(4)
%
19
%
SDG&E:
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
15
$
(15)
$
89
$
(4)
Income before income taxes
$
276
$
259
$
759
$
712
Effective income tax rate
5
%
(6)
%
12
%
(1)
%
SoCalGas:
Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(52)
$
(5)
$
1
$
68
(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(66)
$
11
$
477
$
600
Effective income tax rate
79
%
(45)
%
—
%
11
%
(1) We discuss how we recognize equity earnings in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas record income taxes for interim periods utilizing a forecasted ETR anticipated for the full year. Unusual and infrequent items and items that cannot be reliably estimated are recorded in the interim period in which they occur, which can result in variability in the ETR.
For SDG&E and SoCalGas, the CPUC requires flow-through rate-making treatment for the current income tax benefit or expense arising from certain property-related and other temporary differences between the treatment for financial reporting and income tax, which will reverse over time. Under the regulatory accounting treatment required for these flow-through temporary differences, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are not recorded to deferred income tax expense, but rather to a regulatory asset or liability, which impacts the ETR. As a result, changes in the relative size of these items compared to pretax income, from period to period, can cause variations in the ETR. The following items are subject to flow-through treatment:
▪repairs expenditures related to a certain portion of utility plant fixed assets
▪the equity portion of AFUDC, which is non-taxable
▪a portion of the cost of removal of utility plant assets
▪utility self-developed software expenditures
▪depreciation on a certain portion of utility plant assets
▪state income taxes
AFUDC related to equity recorded for regulated construction projects at Sempra Infrastructure has similar flow-through treatment.
Under the IRA, in 2023, the scope of projects eligible for ITCs was expanded to include standalone energy storage projects, which are transferable under the IRA. The IRA also provided an election through 2024 that permits ITCs related to standalone energy storage projects to be returned to utility customers over a period that is shorter than the life of the applicable asset.
In April 2023, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting for gas repairs expenditures. As a result of this Revenue Procedure, SoCalGas updated its assessment of prior years’ unrecognized income tax benefits and, in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, recorded an income tax benefit of $43 million for previously unrecognized income tax benefits pertaining to gas repairs expenditures. Sempra elected this change in tax accounting method in its consolidated 2023 income tax return filing, and Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas have applied this methodology in the calculation of their 2024 forecasted ETRs.
Sempra, SDG&E, and SoCalGas record regulatory liabilities for benefits that will be flowed through to customers in the future.
NOTE 2. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
We describe below recent accounting pronouncements that have had or may have a significant effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or disclosures.
ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures”: ASU 2023-07 revises reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, public entities are required to disclose the title and position of the CODM and explain how the CODM uses the reported measures of profit or loss to assess segment performance. The standard also requires interim disclosure of certain segment-related disclosures that previously were required only on an annual basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. Entities must adopt the changes to the segment reporting disclosures on a retrospective basis. We plan to adopt the standard on December 31, 2024.
ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”: ASU 2023-09 improves the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring disaggregated information about each Registrant’s ETR reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. For each annual period, each Registrant will be required to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5% of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income or loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate). ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. We plan to adopt the standard on December 31, 2025 and are currently evaluating the effect of the standard on our financial reporting.
ASU 2024-03, “Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”: ASU 2024-03 mandates detailed disclosures on the disaggregation of income statement expenses. Public business entities are required to disclose in the notes to financial statements the amounts of purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and intangible asset amortization included in each relevant expense caption. The standard also requires disclosure of the amount, and a qualitative description of, other items remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted, and entities may adopt the standard on either a prospective or retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effect of the standard on our financial reporting and have not yet selected the year in which we will adopt the standard.
We discuss revenue recognition for revenues from contracts with customers and from sources other than contracts with customers in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
The following tables disaggregate our revenues from contracts with customers by major service line and market. We also provide a reconciliation to total revenues by segment for Sempra. The majority of our revenue is recognized over time.
Revenues from contracts with customers – Utilities
$
1,327
$
1,438
$
1,110
$
1,120
By market:
Gas
$
167
$
182
$
1,110
$
1,120
Electric
1,160
1,256
—
—
Revenues from contracts with customers
$
1,327
$
1,438
$
1,110
$
1,120
Revenues from contracts with customers
$
1,327
$
1,438
$
1,110
$
1,120
Utilities regulatory revenues
(84)
4
(56)
193
Total revenues
$
1,243
$
1,442
$
1,054
$
1,313
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
By major service line:
Revenues from contracts with customers – Utilities
$
3,836
$
4,603
$
4,416
$
6,252
By market:
Gas
$
658
$
988
$
4,416
$
6,252
Electric
3,178
3,615
—
—
Revenues from contracts with customers
$
3,836
$
4,603
$
4,416
$
6,252
Revenues from contracts with customers
$
3,836
$
4,603
$
4,416
$
6,252
Utilities regulatory revenues
141
(246)
(248)
322
Total revenues
$
3,977
$
4,357
$
4,168
$
6,574
REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Remaining Performance Obligations
For contracts greater than one year, at September 30, 2024, we expect to recognize revenue related to the fixed fee component of the consideration as shown below. Sempra’s remaining performance obligations primarily relate to capacity agreements for natural gas storage and transportation at Sempra Infrastructure and transmission line projects at SDG&E. SoCalGas did not have any remaining performance obligations for contracts greater than one year at September 30, 2024.
Contract Liabilities from Revenues from Contracts with Customers
Activities within Sempra’s and SDG&E’s contract liabilities are presented below. There were no contract liabilities at SoCalGas in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 or 2023. Sempra Infrastructure recorded a contract liability for funds held as collateral in lieu of a customer’s letters of credit primarily associated with its LNG storage and regasification agreement.
CONTRACT LIABILITIES
(Dollars in millions)
2024
2023
Sempra:
Contract liabilities at January 1
$
(198)
$
(252)
Revenue from performance obligations satisfied during reporting period
5
9
Payments received in advance
(3)
(21)
Contract liabilities at September 30(1)
$
(196)
$
(264)
SDG&E:
Contract liabilities at January 1
$
(75)
$
(79)
Revenue from performance obligations satisfied during reporting period
3
3
Contract liabilities at September 30(2)
$
(72)
$
(76)
(1) Balances at September 30, 2024 include $4 in Other Current Liabilities and $192 in Deferred Credits and Other.
(2) Balances at September 30, 2024 include $3 in Other Current Liabilities and $69 in Deferred Credits and Other.
Receivables from Revenues from Contracts with Customers
The table below shows receivable balances, net of allowances for credit losses, associated with revenues from contracts with customers on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
RECEIVABLES FROM REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Sempra:
Accounts receivable – trade, net(1)
$
1,490
$
1,951
Accounts receivable – other, net
20
15
Due from unconsolidated affiliates – current(2)
4
4
Other long-term assets(3)
20
—
Total
$
1,534
$
1,970
SDG&E:
Accounts receivable – trade, net(1)
$
867
$
870
Accounts receivable – other, net
19
13
Due from unconsolidated affiliates – current(2)
7
6
Other long-term assets(3)
6
—
Total
$
899
$
889
SoCalGas:
Accounts receivable – trade, net
$
557
$
985
Accounts receivable – other, net
1
2
Other long-term assets(3)
14
—
Total
$
572
$
987
(1)At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, includes $223 and $148, respectively, of receivables due from customers that were billed on behalf of Community Choice Aggregators, which are not included in revenues.
(2)Amount is presented net of amounts due to unconsolidated affiliates on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, when right of offset exists.
(3) In January 2024, the CPUC directed SDG&E and SoCalGas to offer long-term repayment plans to eligible residential customers with past-due balances.
We discuss regulatory matters in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report and provide updates to those discussions and information about new regulatory matters below. With the exception of regulatory balancing accounts, we generally do not earn a return on our regulatory assets until such time as a related cash expenditure has been made. Upon the occurrence of a cash expenditure associated with a regulatory asset, the related amounts are recoverable through a regulatory account mechanism for which we earn a return authorized by applicable regulators, which generally approximates the three-month commercial paper rate. The periods during which we recognize a regulatory asset while we do not earn a return vary by regulatory asset.
REGULATORY ASSETS (LIABILITIES)
(Dollars in millions)
Sempra
SDG&E
SoCalGas
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives
$
54
$
215
$
8
$
14
$
46
$
201
Deferred income taxes recoverable in rates
1,526
1,142
780
626
660
430
Pension and PBOP plan obligations
(255)
(212)
51
48
(306)
(260)
Employee benefit costs
24
24
3
3
21
21
Removal obligations
(3,261)
(3,082)
(2,650)
(2,468)
(611)
(614)
Environmental costs
148
139
115
105
33
34
Sunrise Powerlink fire mitigation
123
124
123
124
—
—
Regulatory balancing accounts(1)(2):
Commodity – electric
(223)
(233)
(223)
(233)
—
—
Commodity – gas, including transportation
(179)
(259)
46
52
(225)
(311)
Safety and reliability
1,192
959
276
207
916
752
Public purpose programs
(442)
(273)
(200)
(144)
(242)
(129)
Wildfire mitigation plan
811
685
811
685
—
—
Liability insurance premium
107
113
79
90
28
23
Other balancing accounts
306
373
(70)
(152)
376
525
Other regulatory (liabilities) assets,
net(2)
(188)
(10)
(5)
49
(181)
(58)
Total
$
(257)
$
(295)
$
(856)
$
(994)
$
515
$
614
(1) At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the noncurrent portion of regulatory balancing accounts – net undercollected for Sempra was $2,090 and $1,913, respectively, for SDG&E was $979 and $950, respectively, and for SoCalGas was $1,111 and $963, respectively.
(2) Includes regulatory assets earning a return authorized by applicable regulators, which generally approximates the three-month commercial paper rate.
CPUC GRC
The CPUC uses GRCs to set revenues to allow SDG&E and SoCalGas to recover their reasonable operating costs and to provide the opportunity to realize their authorized rates of return on their investments.
On October 18, 2024, the CPUC issued a proposed decision in the 2024 GRC for SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ test year revenue requirements for 2024 and attrition year adjustments for 2025 through 2027.
The 2024 GRC proposed decision adopts a 2024 test year revenue requirement of $2,800 million for SDG&E’s combined operations ($2,198 million for its electric operations and $602 million for its natural gas operations), which is $207 million lower than the $3,007 million that SDG&E had requested in its updated application. The proposed 2024 combined revenue requirement, if adopted, represents an increase of $267 million (10.5%) compared to its authorized 2023 combined revenue requirement. The proposed post-test year revenue requirement, if adopted, would be annual increases of approximately 3.9% for 2025-2027 at SDG&E.
The 2024 GRC proposed decision adopts a 2024 test year revenue requirement of $4,062 million for SoCalGas, which is $372 million lower than the $4,434 million that SoCalGas had requested in its May 2022 application. The proposed 2024 revenue requirement, if adopted, represents an increase of $523 million (14.8%) over its authorized 2023 revenue requirement. The proposed post-test year revenue requirement, if adopted, would be annual increases of approximately 3.9% for 2025-2027 at SoCalGas.
Because a final decision for the 2024 GRC was not issued by September 30, 2024, SDG&E and SoCalGas recorded CPUC-authorized base revenues in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 based on 2023 levels authorized under the 2019 GRC. The impact of the final decision, retroactive to January 1, 2024, as authorized by the CPUC, will be reflected in SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ financial statements in the period in which the final decision is issued. We expect the CPUC to issue a final decision by the end of this year.
2024 GRC Track 2
In October 2023, SDG&E submitted a separate request to the CPUC in its 2024 GRC, known as a Track 2 request. This request seeks review and recovery of $1.5 billion of wildfire mitigation plan costs incurred from 2019 through 2022 that were in addition to amounts authorized in the 2019 GRC. SDG&E expects to receive a proposed reasonableness review decision for its Track 2 request in the first half of 2025.
Revenues associated with the Track 2 request amounts described above have been recorded in a regulatory account. In February 2024, the CPUC approved an interim cost recovery mechanism that would permit SDG&E to recover in rates $194 million and $96 million of this regulatory account balance in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Such recovery of SDG&E’s wildfire mitigation plan regulatory account balance will be subject to refund, contingent on the reasonableness review decision for its Track 2 request.
2024 GRC Track 3
SDG&E expects to submit in the first half of 2025 an additional request to the CPUC in its 2024 GRC, known as a Track 3 request, for review and recovery of its 2023 wildfire mitigation plan costs.
CPUC COST OF CAPITAL
The CPUC approved the following cost of capital for SDG&E and SoCalGas that became effective on January 1, 2023 and was to remain in effect through December 31, 2025, subject to the CCM.
AUTHORIZED COST OF CAPITAL FOR 2023
SDG&E
SoCalGas
Authorized weighting
Return on rate base
Weighted
return on
rate base(1)
Authorized weighting
Return on rate base
Weighted return on rate base
45.25
%
4.05
%
1.83
%
Long-Term Debt
45.60
%
4.07
%
1.86
%
2.75
6.22
0.17
Preferred Equity
2.40
6.00
0.14
52.00
9.95
5.17
Common Equity
52.00
9.80
5.10
100.00
%
7.18
%
100.00
%
7.10
%
(1) Total weighted return on rate base does not sum due to rounding differences.
On September 30, 2023, the CCM was triggered for SDG&E and SoCalGas. In December 2023, the CPUC approved the following authorized rates of return effective January 1, 2024.
AUTHORIZED COST OF CAPITAL FOR 2024
SDG&E
SoCalGas
Authorized weighting
Return on rate base
Weighted return on rate base
Authorized weighting
Return on rate base
Weighted return on rate base
45.25
%
4.34
%
1.96
%
Long-Term Debt
45.60
%
4.54
%
2.07
%
2.75
6.22
0.17
Preferred Equity
2.40
6.00
0.14
52.00
10.65
5.54
Common Equity
52.00
10.50
5.46
100.00
%
7.67
%
100.00
%
7.67
%
In October 2023, the CPUC issued a ruling to initiate a second phase of the 2023-2025 cost of capital proceeding to evaluate potential modifications to the CCM. In October 2024, the CPUC issued a final decision to modify the CCM. The final decision reduces the upward or downward adjustment to authorized ROE, if the CCM is triggered, to 20% of the change in the benchmark rate during the measurement period from the current 50%. The final decision adopts this change effective January 1, 2025, reducing both SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ ROE by 42 bps to 10.23% and 10.08%, respectively, and allowing SDG&E and SoCalGas to update their respective costs of preferred equity and debt for 2025. SDG&E and SoCalGas intend to file advice letters in November 2024 to address the implementation, subject to approval, of the updated cost of capital.
FERC RATE MATTERS
SDG&E files separately with the FERC for its authorized transmission revenue requirement and ROE on FERC-regulated electric transmission operations and assets. SDG&E’s currently effective TO5 settlement provides for an ROE of 10.60%, consisting of a base ROE of 10.10% plus an additional 50 bps for participation in the California ISO (the California ISO adder). In May 2024, the CPUC and other parties filed a petition and complaint with the FERC seeking an order that directs SDG&E to remove the California ISO adder from its currently effective TO5 settlement and refund the California ISO adder retroactively from June 1, 2019. In June 2024, SDG&E exercised its right to terminate the TO5 settlement. Accordingly, in October 2024, SDG&E submitted its TO6 filing to the FERC to be effective January 1, 2025, subject to refund. SDG&E’s TO6 filing proposes, among other items, an increase to SDG&E’s currently authorized base ROE from 10.10% to 11.75% and continuation of the California ISO adder. SDG&E expects further proceedings on these two matters.
NOTE 5. SEMPRA – INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
We generally account for investments under the equity method when we have significant influence over, but do not have control of, these entities. Equity earnings and losses, both before and net of income tax, are combined and presented as Equity Earnings on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Distributions received from equity method investees are classified in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as either a return on investment in operating activities or a return of investment in investing activities based on the “nature of the distribution” approach. See Note 12 for information on equity earnings and losses, both before and net of income tax, by segment. See Note 1 for information on how equity earnings and losses before income taxes are factored into the calculations of our pretax income or loss and ETR.
We provide additional information concerning our equity method investments in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
ONCOR HOLDINGS
We account for our 100% equity ownership interest in Oncor Holdings, which owns an 80.25% interest in Oncor, as an equity method investment. Due to the ring-fencing measures, governance mechanisms and commitments in effect, we do not have the power to direct the significant activities of Oncor Holdings and Oncor. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report for additional information related to the restrictions on our ability to direct the significant activities of Oncor Holdings and Oncor.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, Sempra contributed $578 million and $270 million, respectively, to Oncor Holdings, and Oncor Holdings distributed $314 million and $323 million, respectively, to Sempra.
We provide summarized income statement information for Oncor Holdings in the following table.
SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION – ONCOR HOLDINGS
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Operating revenues
$
1,660
$
1,592
$
4,610
$
4,227
Operating expenses
(1,109)
(1,007)
(3,203)
(3,007)
Income from operations
551
585
1,407
1,220
Interest expense
(170)
(140)
(481)
(396)
Income tax expense
(75)
(81)
(179)
(148)
Net income
320
376
791
672
NCI held by Texas Transmission Investment LLC
(63)
(75)
(157)
(135)
Earnings attributable to Sempra(1)
257
301
634
537
(1) Excludes adjustments to equity earnings related to amortization of a tax sharing liability associated with a tax sharing arrangement and changes in basis differences in AOCI within the carrying value of our equity method investment.
CAMERON LNG JV
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, Sempra Infrastructure contributed $10 million and $11 million, respectively, to Cameron LNG JV, and Cameron LNG JV distributed $353 million and $339 million, respectively, to Sempra Infrastructure.
Sempra Promissory Note for SDSRA Distribution
Cameron LNG JV’s debt agreements require Cameron LNG JV to maintain the SDSRA, which is an additional reserve account beyond the Senior Debt Service Accrual Account, where funds accumulate from operations to satisfy senior debt obligations due and payable on the next payment date. Both accounts can be funded with cash or authorized investments. In June 2021, Sempra Infrastructure received a distribution of $165 million based on its proportionate share of the SDSRA, for which Sempra provided a promissory note and letters of credit to secure a proportionate share of Cameron LNG JV’s obligation to fund the SDSRA. Sempra’s maximum exposure to loss is replenishment of the amount withdrawn by Sempra Infrastructure from the SDSRA, or $165 million. We recorded a guarantee liability of $22 million in June 2021, with an associated carrying value of $18 million at September 30, 2024, for the fair value of the promissory note, which is being reduced over the duration of the guarantee through Sempra Infrastructure’s investment in Cameron LNG JV. The guarantee will terminate upon full repayment of Cameron LNG JV’s debt, scheduled to occur in 2039, or replenishment of the amount withdrawn by Sempra Infrastructure from the SDSRA.
Sempra Support Agreement for CFIN
In July 2020, CFIN entered into a financing arrangement with Cameron LNG JV’s four project owners and received aggregate proceeds of $1.5 billion from two project owners and from external lenders on behalf of the other two project owners (collectively, the affiliate loans), based on their proportionate ownership interest in Cameron LNG JV. CFIN used the proceeds from the affiliate loans to provide a loan to Cameron LNG JV. The affiliate loans mature in 2039. Principal and interest are paid from Cameron LNG JV’s project cash flows from its three-train natural gas liquefaction facility. Cameron LNG JV used the proceeds from its loan to return equity to its project owners.
Sempra Infrastructure’s $753 million proportionate share of the affiliate loans, based on SI Partners’ 50.2% ownership interest in Cameron LNG JV, was funded by external lenders comprised of a syndicate of eight banks (the bank debt) to whom Sempra has provided a guarantee pursuant to a Support Agreement under which:
▪Sempra has severally guaranteed repayment of the bank debt plus accrued and unpaid interest if CFIN fails to pay the external lenders;
▪the external lenders may exercise an option to put the bank debt to Sempra Infrastructure upon the occurrence of certain events, including a failure by CFIN to meet its payment obligations under the bank debt;
▪the external lenders will put some or all of the bank debt to Sempra Infrastructure on the fifth, tenth, or fifteenth anniversary date of the affiliate loans, except the portion of the debt owed to any external lender that has elected not to participate in the put option six months prior to the respective anniversary date;
▪Sempra Infrastructure also has a right to call the bank debt back from, or to refinance the bank debt with, the external lenders at any time; and
▪the Support Agreement will terminate upon full repayment of the bank debt, including repayment following an event in which the bank debt is put to Sempra Infrastructure.
In exchange for this guarantee, the external lenders pay a guarantee fee that is based on the credit rating of Sempra’s long-term senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt rating, which guarantee fee Sempra Infrastructure recognizes as interest income as earned. Sempra’s maximum exposure to loss is the bank debt plus any accrued and unpaid interest and related fees, subject to a liability cap of 130% of the bank debt, or $979 million. We measure the Support Agreement at fair value, net of related guarantee fees, on a recurring basis (see Note 8). At September 30, 2024, the fair value of the Support Agreement was $24 million, of which $7 million is included in Other Current Assets and $17 million is included in Other Long-Term Assets on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
TAG NORTE
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, TAG Norte distributed $62 million and $36 million, respectively, to Sempra Infrastructure.
IMG
In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, IMG distributed $6 million to Sempra Infrastructure.
NOTE 6. DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
The principal terms of our debt arrangements are described below and in Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
SHORT-TERM DEBT
Committed Lines of Credit
At September 30, 2024, Sempra had an aggregate capacity of $9.9 billion under seven primary committed lines of credit, which provide liquidity and support our commercial paper programs. Because our commercial paper programs are supported by some of these lines of credit, we reflect the amount of commercial paper outstanding, before reductions of any unamortized discounts, and any letters of credit outstanding as a reduction to the available unused credit capacity in the following table.
COMMITTED LINES OF CREDIT
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2024
Borrower
Expiration date of facility
Total facility
Commercial paper outstanding
Amounts outstanding
Letters of credit outstanding
Available unused credit
Sempra
October 2029(1)
$
4,000
$
(350)
$
—
$
—
$
3,650
SDG&E
October 2029(1)
1,500
(384)
—
—
1,116
SoCalGas
October 2029(1)
1,200
—
—
—
1,200
SI Partners and IEnova
September 2025
500
—
(390)
—
110
SI Partners and IEnova
August 2026
1,000
—
—
—
1,000
SI Partners and IEnova
August 2028
1,500
—
(551)
—
949
Port Arthur LNG
March 2030
200
—
—
(64)
136
Total
$
9,900
$
(734)
$
(941)
$
(64)
$
8,161
(1) In October 2024, Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas each amended their respective credit facility to extend the expiration date from October 2028 to October 2029.
Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas each must maintain a ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as defined in each of the applicable credit facilities) of no more than 65% at the end of each quarter. At September 30, 2024, each Registrant was in compliance with this ratio under its respective credit facility.
The three lines of credit that are shared by SI Partners and IEnova require that SI Partners maintain a ratio of consolidated adjusted net indebtedness to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (as defined in each credit facility) of no more than 5.25 to 1.00 at the end of each quarter. At September 30, 2024, SI Partners was in compliance with this ratio.
Uncommitted Line of Credit
ECA LNG Phase 1 has an uncommitted line of credit, which is generally used for working capital requirements. Borrowings can be in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. At September 30, 2024, an aggregate of $14 million, before reductions of any unamortized discounts, was outstanding, which were borrowed in Mexican pesos and bear interest at a variable rate based on the 28-day Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate plus the applicable margin. Borrowings made in U.S. dollars bear interest at a variable rate based on the one-month or three-month SOFR plus the applicable margin and a credit adjustment spread of 10 bps. In August 2024, the facility was amended to decrease the capacity from $200 million to $100 million, extend the expiration date to August 2026, and adjust the applicable margin to 154 bps for amounts borrowed in Mexican pesos and 164 bps for amounts borrowed in U.S. dollars.
Uncommitted Letters of Credit
Outside of our domestic and foreign credit facilities, we have bilateral unsecured standby letter of credit capacity with select lenders that is uncommitted and supported by reimbursement agreements. At September 30, 2024, we had $491 million in standby letters of credit outstanding under these agreements.
UNCOMMITTED LETTERS OF CREDIT OUTSTANDING
(Dollars in millions)
Expiration date range
September 30, 2024
SDG&E
January 2025 - November 2025
$
26
SoCalGas
October 2024 - November 2025
20
Other Sempra
October 2024 - November 2054
445
Total Sempra
$
491
Term Loan
In May 2024, SoCalGas entered into a $500 million, 364-day term loan facility with a maturity date of May 22, 2025. Upon execution, SoCalGas borrowed $300 million, net of negligible debt issuance costs, under the term loan facility and borrowed the remaining $200 million in August 2024. SoCalGas may request an increase in the term loan facility of up to $500 million prior to the maturity date, subject to lender approval. The outstanding borrowings bear interest at a per annum rate equal to term SOFR, plus 80 bps and a credit adjustment spread of 10 bps. SoCalGas used the proceeds to repay commercial paper and for other general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2024, the term loan is included in Short-Term Debt on SoCalGas’ Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Weighted-Average Interest Rates
The weighted-average interest rates on all short-term debt were as follows:
In March 2024, SDG&E issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.55% first mortgage bonds due in full upon maturity on April 15, 2054 and received proceeds of $587 million (net of debt discount, underwriting discounts and debt issuance costs of $13 million). The first mortgage bonds are redeemable prior to maturity, subject to their terms, and in certain circumstances subject to make-whole provisions. SDG&E used the net proceeds to repay commercial paper and for other general corporate purposes.
SoCalGas
In March 2024, SoCalGas issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.60% first mortgage bonds due in full upon maturity on April 1, 2054 and received proceeds of $491 million (net of debt discount, underwriting discounts and debt issuance costs of $9 million). The first mortgage bonds are redeemable prior to maturity, subject to their terms, and in certain circumstances subject to make-whole provisions. SoCalGas used the net proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
In August 2024, SoCalGas issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.05% first mortgage bonds due in full upon maturity on September 1, 2034 and received proceeds of $592 million (net of debt discount, underwriting discounts and debt issuance costs of $8 million). The first mortgage bonds are redeemable prior to maturity, subject to their terms, and in certain circumstances subject to make-whole provisions. SoCalGas used the net proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness and for other general corporate purposes.
Other Sempra
Sempra
In March 2024 and May 2024, Sempra issued $600 million and $500 million, respectively, of 6.875% fixed-to-fixed reset rate junior subordinated notes maturing on October 1, 2054. In March 2024, we received proceeds of $593 million (net of debt discount, underwriting discounts and debt issuance costs of $7 million). In May 2024, we received proceeds of $489 million (net of debt discount, underwriting discounts and debt issuance costs of $11 million, but excluding $7 million paid to us in respect of accrued interest from and including March 14, 2024 to, but excluding, May 31, 2024). In September 2024, Sempra issued $1.25 billion of 6.40% fixed-to fixed reset rate junior subordinated notes maturing on October 1, 2054, and we received proceeds of $1.235 billion (net of debt discounts, underwriting discounts and debt issuance costs of $15 million). We used, or plan to use, the proceeds from the offerings for general corporate purposes, including repayment of commercial paper and other indebtedness.
Interest on the notes accrues from and including March 14, 2024 (for the March 2024 and May 2024 issuances) and September 9, 2024 (for the September 2024 issuance) and is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on October 1, 2024 (for the March 2024 and May 2024 issuances) and April 1, 2025 (for the September 2024 issuance).
The notes bear interest, as follows:
▪from and including March 14, 2024 to, but excluding, October 1, 2029 at the rate of 6.875% per annum (for the March 2024 and May 2024 issuances), and from and including September 9, 2024 to, but excluding, October 1, 2034 at the rate of 6.40% per annum (for the September 2024 issuance); and
▪from and including October 1, 2029 (for the March 2024 and May 2024 issuances) and October 1, 2034 (for the September 2024 issuance), during each subsequent five-year period beginning on October 1 of every fifth year, at a rate per annum equal to the Five-year U.S. Treasury Rate (as defined in the notes) as of the day falling two business days before the first day of such five-year period plus a spread of 2.789% (for the March 2024 and May 2024 issuances) and 2.632% (for the September 2024 issuance), to be reset on October 1 of every fifth year beginning in 2029 (for the March 2024 and May 2024 issuances) and 2034 (for the September 2024 issuance).
We may redeem some or all of the notes before their maturity, as follows:
▪in whole or in part, (i) on any day in the period commencing on the date falling 90 days prior to, and ending on and including October 1, 2029 (for the March 2024 and May 2024 issuances) and October 1, 2034 (for the September 2024 issuance), and (ii) after those respective dates, on any interest payment date, at a redemption price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed, plus, subject to the terms of the notes, accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to be redeemed to, but excluding, the redemption date;
▪in whole but not in part, at any time following the occurrence and during the continuance of a tax event (as defined in the notes) at a redemption price in cash equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus, subject to the terms of the notes, accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to, but excluding, the redemption date; and
▪in whole but not in part, at any time following the occurrence and during the continuance of a rating agency event (as defined in the notes) at a redemption price in cash equal to 102% of the principal amount of the notes, plus, subject to the terms of the notes, accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to, but excluding, the redemption date.
The notes described above are unsecured obligations and rank junior and subordinate in right of payment to our existing and future senior indebtedness. The notes rank equally in right of payment with each other and with our existing 4.125% fixed-to-fixed reset rate junior subordinated notes due 2052 and 5.75% junior subordinated notes due 2079 and with any future unsecured indebtedness that we may incur if the terms of such indebtedness provide that it ranks equally with the notes in right of payment. The notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to any secured indebtedness we have incurred or may incur (to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness) and to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities and any preferred equity of our subsidiaries.
ECA LNG Phase 1
ECA LNG Phase 1 has a five-year loan agreement with a syndicate of seven external lenders that matures on December 9, 2025 for an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.3 billion. IEnova and TotalEnergies SE have provided guarantees for repayment of the loans plus accrued and unpaid interest of 83.4% and 16.6%, respectively. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $1.0 billion and $832 million, respectively, of borrowings from external lenders were outstanding under the loan agreement, with a weighted-average interest rate of 7.56% and 8.31%, respectively.
Port Arthur LNG
Port Arthur LNG has a seven-year term loan facility agreement with a syndicate of lenders that matures on March 20, 2030 for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $6.8 billion. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $420 million and $258 million, respectively, of borrowings were outstanding under the loan agreement, with an all-in weighted-average interest rate of 5.33% and 5.81%, respectively.
NOTE 7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We use derivative instruments primarily to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business. Our principal exposures are commodity market risk, benchmark interest rate risk and foreign exchange rate exposures. Our use of derivatives for these risks is integrated into the economic management of our anticipated revenues, anticipated expenses, assets and liabilities. Derivatives may be effective in mitigating these risks (1) that could lead to declines in anticipated revenues or increases in anticipated expenses, or (2) that could cause our asset values to fall or our liabilities to increase. Accordingly, our derivative activity summarized below generally represents an impact that is intended to offset associated revenues, expenses, assets or liabilities that are not included in the tables below.
In certain cases, we apply the normal purchase or sale exception to contracts that otherwise would have been accounted for as derivative instruments and have other commodity contracts that are not derivatives. These contracts are not recorded at fair value and are therefore excluded from the disclosures below.
In all other cases, we record derivatives at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We may have derivatives that are (1) cash flow hedges, (2) fair value hedges, or (3) undesignated. Depending on the applicability of hedge accounting and, for SDG&E and SoCalGas and other operations subject to regulatory accounting, the requirement to pass impacts through to customers, the impact of derivative instruments may be offset in OCI (cash flow hedges), on the balance sheet (regulatory offsets), or recognized in earnings (fair value hedges and undesignated derivatives not subject to rate recovery). We classify cash flows from the principal settlements of cross-currency swaps that hedge exposure related to Mexican peso-denominated debt and amounts related to terminations or early settlements of interest rate swaps as financing activities and settlements of other derivative instruments as operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
HEDGE ACCOUNTING
We may designate a derivative as a cash flow hedging instrument if it effectively converts anticipated cash flows associated with revenues or expenses to a fixed dollar amount. We may utilize cash flow hedge accounting for derivative commodity instruments, foreign currency instruments and interest rate instruments. Designating cash flow hedges is dependent on the business context in which the instrument is being used, the effectiveness of the instrument in offsetting the risk of variability of future cash flows of a given revenue or expense item, and other criteria.
Our market risk is primarily related to natural gas and electricity price volatility and the specific physical locations where we transact. We use energy derivatives to manage these risks. The use of energy derivatives in our various businesses depends on the particular energy market, and the operating and regulatory environments applicable to the business, as follows:
▪SDG&E and SoCalGas use natural gas derivatives and SDG&E uses electricity derivatives, for the benefit of customers, with the objective of managing price risk and basis risk, and stabilizing and lowering natural gas and electricity costs. These derivatives include fixed-price natural gas and electricity positions, options, and basis risk instruments, which are either exchange-traded or over-the-counter financial instruments, or bilateral physical transactions. This activity is governed by risk management and transacting activity plans limited by company policy. SDG&E’s risk management and transacting activity plans for electricity derivatives are also required to be filed with, and have been approved by, the CPUC. SoCalGas is also subject to certain regulatory requirements and thresholds related to natural gas procurement under the GCIM. Natural gas and electricity derivative activities are recorded as commodity costs that are offset by regulatory account balances and are recovered in rates. Net commodity cost impacts on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are reflected in Cost of Natural Gas or in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power.
▪SDG&E is allocated and may purchase CRRs, which serve to reduce the regional electricity price volatility risk that may result from local transmission capacity constraints. Unrealized gains and losses do not impact earnings, as they are offset by regulatory account balances. Realized gains and losses associated with CRRs, which are recoverable in rates, are recorded in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
▪Sempra Infrastructure may use natural gas and electricity derivatives, as appropriate, in an effort to optimize the earnings of its assets which support the following businesses: LNG, natural gas pipelines and storage, and power generation. Gains and losses associated with undesignated derivatives are recognized in Energy-Related Businesses Revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
▪From time to time, our various businesses, including SDG&E and SoCalGas, may use other derivatives to hedge exposures such as GHG allowances.
The following table summarizes net energy derivative volumes.
NET ENERGY DERIVATIVE VOLUMES
(Quantities in millions)
Commodity
Unit of measure
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Sempra:
Natural gas
MMBtu
455
361
Electricity
MWh
—
1
Congestion revenue rights
MWh
16
36
SDG&E:
Natural gas
MMBtu
18
17
Congestion revenue rights
MWh
16
36
SoCalGas:
Natural gas
MMBtu
405
268
INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES
We are exposed to interest rates primarily as a result of our current and expected use of financing. SDG&E and SoCalGas, as well as Sempra and its other subsidiaries and JVs, periodically enter into interest rate derivative agreements intended to moderate our exposure to interest rates and to lower our overall costs of borrowing. In addition, we may utilize interest rate swaps, typically designated as cash flow hedges, to lock in interest rates on outstanding debt or in anticipation of future financings.
In March 2023, Port Arthur LNG entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps maturing in 2048, which were designated as cash flow hedges. On September 30, 2024, Port Arthur LNG voluntarily de-designated those interest rate swaps that begin hedging interest payments in March 2026 to provide for future financing flexibility. At the time of de-designation, $40 million of deferred gains related to the de-designated notional amount were included in AOCI, which will remain in AOCI until the hedged interest payments impact earnings or such hedged interest payments become probable of not occurring. In October 2024, Port Arthur LNG received a cash settlement of $46 million, net of transaction costs, for the termination of $1.0 billion of the notional amount of both the designated and de-designated interest rate swaps, with the associated deferred gains remaining in AOCI.
The following table presents the notional amounts of our interest rate derivatives, excluding those in our equity method investments.
INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Notional amount
Maturities
Notional amount
Maturities
Sempra:
Cash flow hedges(1)
$
3,571
2024-2034
$
4,451
2024-2048
Undesignated derivatives(2)
4,163
2026-2048
—
—
(1) At September 30, 2024, cash flow hedges include Port Arthur LNG interest rate swaps with a maximum notional amount of $3,286 that mature in March 2026. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, cash flow hedges accrued interest based on a notional amount of $1,422 and $488, respectively.
(2) At September 30, 2024, undesignated derivatives consist of Port Arthur LNG de-designated interest rate swaps with a maximum notional amount of $4,163 that begin hedging interest payments in March 2026.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES
We may utilize cross-currency swaps to hedge exposure related to Mexican peso-denominated debt at our Mexican subsidiaries and JVs. These cash flow hedges exchange our Mexican peso-denominated principal and interest payments into the U.S. dollar and swap Mexican fixed interest rates for U.S. fixed interest rates. From time to time, Sempra Infrastructure and its JVs may use other foreign currency derivatives to hedge exposures related to cash flows associated with revenues from contracts denominated in Mexican pesos that are indexed to the U.S. dollar.
In May 2024, Oncor entered into cross-currency swaps designated as fair value hedges intended to offset foreign currency exchange rate risk related to its Euro-denominated debt.
We are also exposed to exchange rate movements at our Mexican subsidiaries and JVs, which have U.S. dollar-denominated cash balances, receivables, payables and debt (monetary assets and liabilities) that give rise to Mexican currency exchange rate movements for Mexican income tax purposes. They also have deferred income tax assets and liabilities denominated in the Mexican peso, which must be translated to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. In addition, monetary assets and liabilities and certain nonmonetary assets and liabilities are adjusted for Mexican inflation for Mexican income tax purposes. We may utilize foreign currency derivatives as a means to manage the risk of exposure to significant fluctuations in our income tax expense and equity earnings from these impacts; however, we generally do not hedge our deferred income tax assets and liabilities or for inflation.
The following table presents the notional amounts of our foreign currency derivatives, excluding those in our equity method investments.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the offsetting of net derivative positions and cash collateral with the same counterparty when a legal right of offset exists. The following tables provide the fair values of derivative instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, including the amount of cash collateral receivables that were not offset because the cash collateral was in excess of liability positions. We discuss the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities in Note 8.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS ON THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2024
Current assets: Fixed-price contracts and other derivatives(1)
Other long-term assets
Other current
liabilities
Deferred credits and other
Sempra:
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate instruments
$
14
$
23
$
—
$
(3)
Foreign exchange instruments
5
1
(1)
—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate instruments
—
40
—
—
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
22
37
(17)
(47)
Associated offsetting commodity contracts
(14)
(26)
14
26
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
5
7
(52)
(14)
Associated offsetting commodity contracts
(2)
(3)
2
3
Associated offsetting cash collateral
—
—
9
5
Net amounts presented on the balance sheet
30
79
(45)
(30)
Additional cash collateral for commodity contracts
not subject to rate recovery
55
—
—
—
Additional cash collateral for commodity contracts
subject to rate recovery
26
—
—
—
Total(2)
$
111
$
79
$
(45)
$
(30)
SDG&E:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
$
4
$
7
$
(11)
$
(8)
Associated offsetting commodity contracts
(1)
(3)
1
3
Associated offsetting cash collateral
—
—
9
5
Net amounts presented on the balance sheet
3
4
(1)
—
Additional cash collateral for commodity contracts
subject to rate recovery
24
—
—
—
Total(2)
$
27
$
4
$
(1)
$
—
SoCalGas:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
$
1
$
—
$
(41)
$
(6)
Associated offsetting commodity contracts
(1)
—
1
—
Net amounts presented on the balance sheet
—
—
(40)
(6)
Additional cash collateral for commodity contracts
subject to rate recovery
2
—
—
—
Total
$
2
$
—
$
(40)
$
(6)
(1) Included in Other Current Assets for SDG&E and SoCalGas.
(2) Normal purchase contracts previously measured at fair value are excluded.
The following table includes the effects of derivative instruments designated as hedges on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and in OCI and AOCI.
HEDGE IMPACTS
(Dollars in millions)
Pretax (loss) gain recognized in OCI
Pretax gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into earnings
Three months ended September 30,
Three months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Location
2024
2023
Sempra:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate instruments
$
(203)
$
320
Interest expense
$
3
$
(1)
Interest rate instruments
(33)
32
Equity earnings(1)
5
12
Foreign exchange instruments
2
8
Other income, net
1
1
Foreign exchange instruments
2
7
Equity earnings(1)
1
1
Fair value hedges:
Foreign exchange instruments
(3)
—
Equity earnings(1)
—
—
Total
$
(235)
$
367
$
10
$
13
Nine months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Location
2024
2023
Sempra:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate instruments
$
5
$
337
Interest expense
$
9
$
(1)
Interest rate instruments
(8)
56
Equity earnings(1)
20
33
Foreign exchange instruments
14
—
Revenues: Energy-
related businesses
5
—
Other income, net
2
(1)
Foreign exchange instruments
12
1
Equity earnings(1)
5
(1)
Interest rate and foreign
exchange instruments
—
7
Interest expense
—
1
Other income, net
—
6
Fair value hedges:
Foreign exchange instruments
(10)
—
Equity earnings(1)
—
—
Total
$
13
$
401
$
41
$
37
SoCalGas:
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate instruments
$
—
$
—
Interest expense
$
(1)
$
(1)
(1) Equity earnings at Oncor Holdings and our foreign equity method investees are recognized after tax.
For Sempra, we expect that net gains before NCI of $31 million, which are net of income tax expense, that are currently recorded in AOCI (with net gains of $11 million attributable to NCI) related to cash flow hedges will be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the hedged items affect earnings. SoCalGas expects that $1 million of losses, net of income tax benefit, that are currently recorded in AOCI related to cash flow hedges will be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the hedged items affect earnings. Actual amounts ultimately reclassified into earnings depend on the interest rates in effect when derivative contracts mature.
At September 30, 2024, the maximum length of time over which Sempra is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions, excluding those forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments, is approximately 1.5 years.
The following table summarizes the effects of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
UNDESIGNATED DERIVATIVE IMPACTS
(Dollars in millions)
Pretax gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in earnings
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
Location
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Commodity contracts not subject
to rate recovery
Revenues: Energy-related
businesses
$
98
$
83
$
218
$
785
Commodity contracts subject
to rate recovery
Cost of natural gas
(16)
(125)
(43)
(172)
Commodity contracts subject
to rate recovery
Cost of electric fuel and purchased power
(10)
23
(29)
5
Interest rate instrument
Interest expense
—
—
—
(47)
Total
$
72
$
(19)
$
146
$
571
SDG&E:
Commodity contracts subject
to rate recovery
Cost of electric fuel and purchased power
$
(10)
$
23
$
(29)
$
5
SoCalGas:
Commodity contracts subject
to rate recovery
Cost of natural gas
$
(16)
$
(125)
$
(43)
$
(172)
CREDIT RISK RELATED CONTINGENT FEATURES
For Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas, certain of our derivative instruments contain credit limits which vary depending on our credit ratings. Generally, these provisions, if applicable, may reduce our credit limit if a specified credit rating agency reduces our ratings. In certain cases, if our credit ratings were to fall below investment grade, the counterparty to these derivative liability instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full collateralization.
For Sempra, the total fair value of this group of derivative instruments in a liability position at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $114 million and $215 million, respectively. For SoCalGas, the total fair value of this group of derivative instruments in a liability position at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $46 million and $210 million, respectively. SDG&E did not have this group of derivative instruments in a liability position at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, if the credit ratings of Sempra or SoCalGas were reduced below investment grade, $114 million and $46 million, respectively, of additional assets could be required to be posted as collateral for these derivative contracts.
For Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas, some of our derivative contracts contain a provision that would permit the counterparty, in certain circumstances, to request adequate assurance of our performance under the contracts. Such additional assurance, if needed, is not material and is not included in the amounts above.
We discuss the valuation techniques and inputs we use to measure fair value and the definition of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASURES
The tables below set forth our financial assets and liabilities, by level within the fair value hierarchy, that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. We classify financial assets and liabilities in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of fair-valued assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. We have not changed the valuation techniques or types of inputs we use to measure recurring fair value since December 31, 2023.
The determination of fair values, shown in the tables below, incorporates various factors, including but not limited to, the credit standing of the counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements (such as cash deposits, letters of credit and priority interests).
Our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis in the tables below include the following:
▪Nuclear decommissioning trusts reflect the assets of SDG&E’s NDT, excluding accounts receivable and accounts payable. A third-party trustee values the trust assets using prices from a pricing service based on a market approach. We validate these prices by comparison to prices from other independent data sources. Securities are valued using quoted prices listed on nationally recognized securities exchanges or based on closing prices reported in the active market in which the identical security is traded (Level 1). Other securities are valued based on yields that are currently available for comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings (Level 2).
▪For commodity contracts, interest rate instruments and foreign exchange instruments, we primarily use a market or income approach with market participant assumptions to value these derivatives. Market participant assumptions include those about risk, and the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation techniques. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. We have exchange-traded derivatives that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for the identical instruments (Level 1). We also may have other commodity derivatives that are valued using industry standard models that consider quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, volatility factors, and other relevant economic measures (Level 2). Level 3 recurring items relate to CRRs at SDG&E, as we discuss below in “Level 3 Information – SDG&E.”
▪Rabbi Trust investments include short-term investments that consist of money market and mutual funds that we value using a market approach based on closing prices reported in the active market in which the identical security is traded (Level 1).
▪As we discuss in Note 5, in July 2020, Sempra entered into a Support Agreement for the benefit of CFIN. We measure the Support Agreement, which includes a guarantee obligation, a put option and a call option, net of related guarantee fees, at fair value on a recurring basis. We use a discounted cash flow model to value the Support Agreement, net of related guarantee fees. Because some of the inputs that are significant to the valuation are less observable, the Support Agreement is classified as Level 3, as we describe below in “Level 3 Information – Other Sempra.”
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other
U.S. government corporations and agencies
34
17
—
51
Municipal bonds
—
275
—
275
Other securities
—
220
—
220
Total debt securities
34
512
—
546
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts(2)
361
518
—
879
Short-term investments held in Rabbi Trust
67
—
—
67
Support Agreement, net of related guarantee fees
—
—
23
23
Interest rate instruments
—
87
—
$
—
87
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
—
5
—
74
79
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
—
1
10
22
33
Total
$
428
$
611
$
33
$
96
$
1,168
Liabilities:
Foreign exchange instruments
$
—
$
9
$
—
$
—
$
9
Commodity contracts not subject to rate recovery
—
6
—
—
6
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
20
210
—
(19)
211
Total
$
20
$
225
$
—
$
(19)
$
226
(1) Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and with cash collateral, as well as cash collateral not offset.
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S.
government corporations and agencies
34
17
—
51
Municipal bonds
—
275
—
275
Other securities
—
220
—
220
Total debt securities
34
512
—
546
Total nuclear decommissioning trusts(2)
361
518
—
879
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
—
—
10
$
21
31
Total
$
361
$
518
$
10
$
21
$
910
Liabilities:
Commodity contracts subject to rate recovery
$
20
$
—
$
—
$
(19)
$
1
(1) Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and with cash collateral, as well as cash collateral not offset.
(1) Includes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and with cash collateral, as well as cash collateral not offset.
Level 3 Information
SDG&E
The table below sets forth reconciliations of changes in the fair value of CRRs classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for Sempra and SDG&E.
LEVEL 3 RECONCILIATIONS(1)
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Balance at July 1
$
6
$
20
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
(3)
(2)
Allocated transmission instruments
1
1
Settlements
2
(1)
Balance at September 30
$
6
$
18
Change in unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at September 30
$
—
$
1
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Balance at January 1
$
10
$
35
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net
(6)
(10)
Allocated transmission instruments
1
(1)
Settlements
1
(6)
Balance at September 30
$
6
$
18
Change in unrealized losses relating to instruments still held at September 30
$
(1)
$
(8)
(1) Excludes the effect of the contractual ability to settle contracts under master netting agreements and cash collateral.
Inputs used to determine the fair value of CRRs are reviewed and compared with market conditions to determine reasonableness.
CRRs are recorded at fair value based almost entirely on the most current auction prices published by the California ISO, an objective source. Annual auction prices are published once a year, typically in the middle of November, and are the basis for valuing CRRs settling in the following year. For the CRRs settling from January 1 to December 31, the auction price inputs, at a given location, were in the following ranges for the years indicated below:
CONGESTION REVENUE RIGHTS AUCTION PRICE INPUTS
Settlement year
Price per MWh
Median price per MWh
2024
$
(3.69)
to
$
9.55
$
(0.44)
2023
(3.09)
to
10.71
(0.56)
The impact associated with discounting is not significant. Because these auction prices are a less observable input, these instruments are classified as Level 3. The fair value of these instruments is derived from auction price differences between two locations. Positive values between two locations represent expected future reductions in congestion costs, whereas negative values between two locations represent expected future charges. Valuation of our CRRs is sensitive to a change in auction price. If auction prices at one location increase (decrease) relative to another location, this could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. We summarize CRR volumes in Note 7.
Realized gains and losses associated with CRRs, which are recoverable in rates, are recorded in Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Because unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities, they do not affect earnings.
Other Sempra
The table below sets forth reconciliations of changes in the fair value of Sempra’s Support Agreement for the benefit of CFIN classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
LEVEL 3 RECONCILIATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Balance at July 1
$
23
$
23
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net(1)
3
(3)
Settlements
(2)
(2)
Balance at September 30(2)
$
24
$
18
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to instruments still held at September 30
$
3
$
(2)
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
Balance at January 1
$
23
$
17
Realized and unrealized gains (losses), net(1)
7
7
Settlements
(6)
(6)
Balance at September 30(2)
$
24
$
18
Change in unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at September 30
$
6
$
7
(1) Net gains are included in Interest Income and net losses are included in Interest Expense on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2) Includes $7 in Other Current Assets and $17 in Other Long-term Assets at September 30, 2024 on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The fair value of the Support Agreement, net of related guarantee fees, is based on a discounted cash flow model using a probability of default and survival methodology. Our estimate of fair value considers inputs such as third-party default rates, credit ratings, recovery rates, and risk-adjusted discount rates, which may be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable inputs. Because CFIN’s credit rating and related default and survival rates are unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation, the Support Agreement, net of related guarantee fees, is classified as Level 3. We assigned CFIN an internally developed credit rating of A3 and relied on default rate data published by Moody’s to assign a probability of default. A hypothetical change in the credit rating up or down one notch could result in a significant change in the fair value of the Support Agreement.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair values of certain of our financial instruments (cash, current and noncurrent accounts receivable, amounts due to/from unconsolidated affiliates with original maturities of less than 90 days, dividends and accounts payable due in one year or less, short-term debt and customer deposits) approximate their carrying amounts because of the short-term nature of these instruments. Investments in life insurance contracts that we hold in support of our Supplemental Executive Retirement, Cash Balance Restoration and Deferred Compensation Plans are carried at cash surrender values, which represent the amount of cash that could be realized under the contracts.The following table provides the carrying amounts and fair values of certain other financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(Dollars in millions)
Carrying amount
Fair value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
September 30, 2024
Sempra:
Long-term note receivable(1)
$
347
$
—
$
—
$
339
$
339
Long-term amounts due to unconsolidated affiliates
347
—
326
—
326
Total long-term debt(2)
31,224
—
29,765
—
29,765
SDG&E:
Total long-term debt(3)
$
8,950
$
—
$
8,247
$
—
$
8,247
SoCalGas:
Total long-term debt(4)
$
7,359
$
—
$
7,220
$
—
$
7,220
December 31, 2023
Sempra:
Long-term note receivable(1)
$
334
$
—
$
—
$
318
$
318
Long-term amounts due to unconsolidated affiliates
312
—
283
—
283
Total long-term debt(2)
27,716
—
25,617
—
25,617
SDG&E:
Total long-term debt(3)
$
8,750
$
—
$
7,856
$
—
$
7,856
SoCalGas:
Total long-term debt(4)
$
6,759
$
—
$
6,442
$
—
$
6,442
(1) Before allowances for credit losses of $5 and $6 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Excludes unamortized transaction costs of $3 and $4at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
(2) After the effects of interest rate swaps. Before reductions of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $366 and $322 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and excluding finance lease obligations of $1,318 and $1,340 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
(3) Before reductions of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $97 and $89 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and excluding finance lease obligations of $1,209 and $1,233 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
(4) Before reductions of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $68 and $55 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and excluding finance lease obligations of $109 and $107 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
We provide the fair values for the securities held in the NDT related to SONGS in Note 10.
NOTE 9. SEMPRA – EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
PREFERRED STOCK
On May 2, 2024, Sempra filed an amendment to its amended and restated articles of incorporation to implement the revocation of the series A preferred stock and series B preferred stock, all of which had previously been converted to Sempra common stock, thereby decreasing the number of authorized shares of series A preferred stock from 17,250,000 to zero and series B preferred stock from 5,750,000 to zero. Effective as of May 2, 2024, each such series of stock is no longer an authorized series of Sempra’s capital stock.
COMMON STOCK SPLIT IN THE FORM OF A STOCK DIVIDEND
On August 2, 2023, Sempra’s board of directors declared a two-for-one split of Sempra’s common stock in the form of a 100% stock dividend for shareholders of record at the close of business on August 14, 2023. Each such shareholder of record received one additional share of Sempra common stock for every then-held share of Sempra common stock, which was distributed after the close of trading on August 21, 2023. Sempra’s common stock began trading on a post-split basis effective August 22, 2023. Sempra’s common stock continues to have no par value with 1,125,000,000 authorized shares.
Except as expressly noted, all share and per share information related to issued and outstanding common stock and outstanding equity awards with respect to common stock has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split and is presented on a post-split basis herein.
COMMON STOCK OFFERINGS
ATM Program
On November 6, 2024, we established an ATM program, providing for the offer and sale of shares of Sempra common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $3.0 billion through agents acting as our sales agents or as forward sellers or directly to the agents as principals. The shares may be offered and sold in amounts and at times to be determined by us from time to time. The agents will be entitled to a commission that will not exceed 1.0% of the gross sales price of all shares sold through it as agent pursuant to the sales agreement.
Under the ATM program, we may enter into separate forward sale agreements with affiliates of the agents as forward purchasers. We expect to fully physically settle each forward sale agreement, if any. However, we will generally have the right, subject to certain exceptions, to elect to cash settle or net share settle all or any portion of our obligations under any such forward sale agreement. If we enter into a forward sale agreement with any forward purchaser, we expect that such forward purchaser (or its affiliate) will attempt to borrow from third parties and sell, through the relevant agent acting, as sales agent for such forward purchaser, shares of our common stock to hedge such forward purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of shares borrowed by a forward purchaser (or its affiliate) and sold through a forward seller. The forward seller will receive a commission, in the form of a reduction to the initial forward price under the related forward sale agreement, at a mutually agreed rate that will not exceed (subject to certain exceptions) 1.0% of the volume-weighted average of the gross sales price per share of all of the borrowed shares of Sempra common stock sold through such forward seller.
We intend to use a substantial portion of the net proceeds we receive from the issuance and sale by us of any shares of our common stock to or through the agents and any net proceeds we receive through the settlement of any forward sale agreements with the forward purchasers for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including to partly finance anticipated increases to our long-term capital plan and to repay outstanding commercial paper and potentially other indebtedness.
November 2023 Forward Sale Agreements
In November 2023, we completed the offering of 19,242,010 shares of our common stock, no par value, in a registered public offering at $70.00 per share ($68.845 per share after deducting underwriting discounts), 17,142,858 shares of which were pursuant to forward sale agreements. We discuss the common stock offering in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
As of November 6, 2024, a total of 17,142,858 shares of Sempra common stock from our November 2023 offering remain subject to future settlement under these forward sale agreements, which may be settled on one or more dates specified by us occurring no later than December 31, 2024, which is the final settlement date under the agreements. Although we expect to settle the forward sale agreements entirely by the physical delivery of shares of our common stock in exchange for cash proceeds, we may, subject to certain conditions, elect cash settlement or net share settlement for all or a portion of our obligations under the forward sale agreements. The forward sale agreements are also subject to acceleration by the counterparties to the agreements upon the occurrence of certain events.
COMMON STOCK REPURCHASES
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we withheld 565,571 shares for $41 million and 411,447 shares for $32 million, respectively, of our common stock that would otherwise be issued to long-term incentive plan participants who do not elect otherwise upon the vesting of RSUs and exercise of stock options in an amount sufficient to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. Such share withholding is considered a share repurchase for accounting purposes.
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Ownership interests in a consolidated entity that are held by unconsolidated owners are accounted for and reported as NCI.
The following table summarizes net income attributable to Sempra and transfers (to) from NCI, which shows the effects of changes in Sempra’s ownership interest in its subsidiaries on Sempra’s shareholders’ equity.
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SEMPRA AND TRANSFERS (TO) FROM NCI
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30, 2023
Sempra:
Net income attributable to Sempra
$
732
$
2,327
Transfers (to) from NCI:
Decrease in shareholders’ equity for sales of NCI
(62)
(44)
Net transfers (to) from NCI
(62)
(44)
Change from net income attributable to Sempra and transfers (to) from NCI
$
670
$
2,283
SI Partners
Contributions from NCI.In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2023, KKR Pinnacle used $14 million and $200 million, respectively, of a credit from Sempra pursuant to the SI Partners limited partnership agreement, to fund its share of contributions to SI Partners. As a result, we recorded a $200 million increase in equity held by NCI and a decrease in Sempra’s shareholders’ equity of $145 million, net of a tax benefit.
SI Partners Subsidiaries
Sale of NCI to KKR Denali. In September 2023, an indirect subsidiary of SI Partners completed the sale of a 60% interest in an SI Partners subsidiary (resulting in an indirect 42% NCI in the PA LNG Phase 1 project) to KKR Denali for aggregate cash consideration of $984 million, before post-closing adjustments recorded subsequently. As a result of this sale, we recorded a $1.1 billion increase in equity held by NCI and a decrease in Sempra’s shareholders’ equity of $56 million, including $11 million in transaction costs and net of a $22 million tax benefit.
The indirect subsidiary of SI Partners and KKR Denali have made capital contribution commitments to fund their respective equity share of the equity funding amount of anticipated development costs of the PA LNG Phase 1 project, except in certain budget overrun scenarios.
Sale of NCI to ConocoPhillips Affiliate. In March 2023, an indirect subsidiary of SI Partners completed the sale of an indirect 30% interest in an SI Partners subsidiary (resulting in an indirect 30% NCI in the PA LNG Phase 1 project) to an affiliate of ConocoPhillips for aggregate cash consideration of $254 million. As a result of this sale, we recorded a $234 million increase in equity held by NCI and an increase in Sempra’s shareholders’ equity of $12 million, net of $3 million in transaction costs and $5 million in tax expense.
The indirect subsidiary of SI Partners and the ConocoPhillips affiliate have made certain customary capital contribution commitments to fund their respective pro rata equity share of the total anticipated capital calls for the equity portion of the anticipated development costs of the PA LNG Phase 1 project. In addition, both SI Partners and ConocoPhillips have provided guarantees relating to their respective affiliate’s commitment to make its pro rata equity share of capital contributions to fund 110% of the development budget of the PA LNG Phase 1 project, in an aggregate amount of up to $9.0 billion. SI Partners’ guarantee covers 70% of this amount plus enforcement costs of its guarantee. As of September 30, 2024, an aggregate amount of $2.7 billion has been paid by SI Partners’ indirect subsidiary in satisfaction of its commitment to fund its portion of the development budget of the PA LNG Phase 1 project.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings attributable to common shares by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution of common stock equivalent shares that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE COMPUTATIONS
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts; shares in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Numerator:
Earnings attributable to common shares
$
638
$
721
$
2,152
$
2,293
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic EPS(1)
633,752
630,036
633,342
629,963
Dilutive effect of common shares sold forward
2,312
—
1,375
—
Dilutive effect of stock options and RSUs(2)
1,997
2,288
1,849
2,268
Weighted-average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS
638,061
632,324
636,566
632,231
EPS:
Basic
$
1.01
$
1.14
$
3.40
$
3.64
Diluted
$
1.00
$
1.14
$
3.38
$
3.63
(1) Includes 615 and 716 fully vested RSUs held in our Deferred Compensation Plan for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and 616 and 716 of such RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These fully vested RSUs are included in weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic EPS because there are no conditions under which the corresponding shares will not be issued.
(2) Due to market fluctuations of both Sempra common stock and the comparative indices used to determine the vesting percentage of our total shareholder return performance-based RSUs, which we discuss in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report, dilutive RSUs may vary widely from period-to-period.
The potentially dilutive impact from stock options and RSUs is calculated under the treasury stock method. Under this method, proceeds based on the exercise price and unearned compensation are assumed to be used to repurchase shares on the open market at the average market price for the period, reducing the number of potential new shares to be issued and sometimes causing an antidilutive effect. The computation of diluted EPS for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 excludes 450,243 and 996,966 potentially dilutive shares, respectively, and the computation of diluted EPS for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2023 excludes 624,242 and 470,804 potentially dilutive shares, respectively, because to include them would be antidilutive for the period. However, these shares could potentially dilute basic EPS in the future.
The potentially dilutive impact from the forward sale of our common stock pursuant to the forward sale agreements that we discuss above is reflected in our diluted EPS calculation using the treasury stock method. We anticipate there will be a dilutive effect on our EPS when the average market price of our common stock shares is above the applicable adjusted forward sale price, subject to increase or decrease based on the overnight bank funding rate, less a spread, and subject to decrease by amounts related to expected dividends on shares of our common stock during the term of the forward sale agreements. Additionally, if we decide to physically settle or net share settle the forward sale agreements, delivery of our shares to the forward purchasers on any such physical settlement or net share settlement of the forward sale agreements would result in dilution to our EPS.
Pursuant to Sempra’s share-based compensation plans, the Compensation and Talent Development Committee of Sempra’s board of directors granted 414,812 nonqualified stock options, 721,049 performance-based RSUs and 312,043 service-based RSUs in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily in January.
We discuss share-based compensation plans and related awards and the terms and conditions of Sempra’s equity securities further in Notes 10, 13 and 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
NOTE 10. SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR GENERATING STATION
We provide below updates to ongoing matters related to SONGS, a nuclear generating facility near San Clemente, California that permanently ceased operations in June 2013, and in which SDG&E has a 20% ownership interest. We discuss SONGS further in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING AND FUNDING
As a result of Edison’s decision to permanently retire SONGS Units 2 and 3, Edison began the decommissioning phase of the plant. Major decommissioning work began in 2020. We expect the majority of the decommissioning work to be completed around 2030. Decommissioning of Unit 1, removed from service in 1992, is largely complete. The remaining work for Unit 1 will be completed once Units 2 and 3 are dismantled and the spent fuel is removed from the site. The spent fuel is currently being stored on-site, until the DOE identifies a spent fuel storage facility and puts in place a program for the fuel’s disposal. SDG&E is responsible for approximately 20% of the total decommissioning cost.
In accordance with state and federal requirements and regulations, SDG&E has assets held in the NDT to fund its share of decommissioning costs for SONGS Units 1, 2 and 3. Amounts that were collected in rates for SONGS’ decommissioning are invested in the NDT, which is comprised of externally managed trust funds. Amounts held by the NDT are invested in accordance with CPUC regulations. SDG&E classifies debt and equity securities held in the NDT as available-for-sale. The NDT assets are presented on the Sempra and SDG&E Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with the offsetting credits recorded in noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities.
Except for the use of funds for the planning of decommissioning activities or NDT administrative costs, CPUC approval is required for SDG&E to access the NDT assets to fund SONGS decommissioning costs for Units 2 and 3. In December 2023, the CPUC granted SDG&E authorization to access NDT funds of up to $79 million for forecasted 2024 costs.
The following table shows the fair values and gross unrealized gains and losses for the securities held in the NDT on the Sempra and SDG&E Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We provide additional fair value disclosures for the NDT in Note 8.
Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government corporations and agencies
50
2
(1)
51
Municipal bonds
280
3
(8)
275
Other securities
228
3
(11)
220
Total debt securities
558
8
(20)
546
Receivables (payables), net
(7)
—
—
(7)
Total
$
661
$
233
$
(22)
$
872
(1) Maturity dates are 2025-2055.
(2) Maturity dates are2024-2062.
(3) Maturity dates are 2024-2072.
The following table shows the proceeds from sales of securities in the NDT and gross realized gains and losses on those sales.
SALES OF SECURITIES IN THE NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING TRUSTS
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Proceeds from sales
$
259
$
143
$
639
$
437
Gross realized gains
17
12
41
20
Gross realized losses
2
3
7
9
Net unrealized gains and losses, as well as realized gains and losses that are reinvested in the NDT, are included in noncurrent Regulatory Liabilities on Sempra’s and SDG&E’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We determine the cost of securities in the trusts on the basis of specific identification.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION
The present value of SDG&E’s ARO related to decommissioning costs for all three SONGS units was $480 million at September 30, 2024 and is based on a cost study prepared in 2020, which the CPUC approved in August 2024.
SDG&E and the other owners of SONGS have insurance to cover claims from nuclear liability incidents arising at SONGS. Currently, this insurance provides $500 million in coverage limits, the maximum amount available, including coverage for acts of terrorism. In addition, the Price-Anderson Act provides an additional $60 million of coverage. If a nuclear liability loss occurs at SONGS and exceeds the $500 million insurance limit, this additional coverage would be available to provide a total of $560 million in coverage limits per incident.
The SONGS owners have nuclear property damage insurance of $130 million, which exceeds the minimum federal requirement of $50 million. This insurance coverage is provided through NEIL. The NEIL policies have specific exclusions and limitations that can result in reduced coverage. Insured members as a group are subject to retrospective premium assessments to cover losses sustained by NEIL under all issued policies. SDG&E could be assessed a negligible amount for retrospective premiums based on overall member claims.
The nuclear property insurance program includes an industry aggregate loss limit for non-certified acts of terrorism (as defined by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act) of $3.24 billion. This is the maximum amount that will be paid to insured members who suffer losses or damages from these non-certified terrorist acts.
NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We accrue losses for a legal proceeding when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. However, the uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings make it difficult to reasonably estimate the costs and effects of resolving these matters. Accordingly, actual costs incurred may differ materially from amounts accrued, may exceed, and in some cases have exceeded, applicable insurance coverage and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects. Unless otherwise indicated, we are unable to reasonably estimate possible losses or a range of losses in excess of any amounts accrued.
At September 30, 2024, loss contingency accruals for legal matters that are probable and estimable were $53 million for Sempra, negligible for SDG&E and $28 million for SoCalGas.
SDG&E
City of San Diego Franchise Agreement
In 2021, two lawsuits were filed in the California Superior Court challenging various aspects of the natural gas and electric franchise agreements granted by the City of San Diego to SDG&E. Both lawsuits ultimately sought to void the franchise agreements. In one of the cases, judgment was granted in favor of SDG&E and the City of San Diego, and the plaintiff in that case has appealed. We expect a ruling on the appeal in the first quarter of 2025. In the second case, the court ruled in favor of SDG&E and the City of San Diego, upholding all terms of the franchise agreements, except for the two-thirds City Council vote requirement for termination if the City decides to terminate under certain circumstances. Under the court’s ruling, the City can instead terminate on a majority vote, so long as it satisfies repayment provisions under the franchise agreements. Both sides have appealed the ruling.
SoCalGas
Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility Gas Leak
From October 23, 2015 through February 11, 2016, SoCalGas experienced a natural gas leak from one of the injection-and-withdrawal wells, SS25, at its Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility in Los Angeles County.
In September 2021, SoCalGas and Sempra entered into an agreement with counsel to resolve approximately 390 lawsuits including approximately 36,000 plaintiffs (the Individual Plaintiffs) then pending against SoCalGas and Sempra related to the Leak for a payment of up to $1.8 billion. Over 99% of the Individual Plaintiffs participated and submitted valid releases, and SoCalGas paid $1.79 billion in 2022 under the agreement. The Individual Plaintiffs who did not participate in the settlement (the Non-Settling Individual Plaintiffs) are able to continue to pursue their claims. As of November 1, 2024, there are approximately 520 plaintiffs, who are either new plaintiffs or Non-Settling Individual Plaintiffs.
The new plaintiffs’ cases and Non-Settling Individual Plaintiffs’ cases are coordinated before a single court in the Los Angeles County Superior Court for pretrial management under a consolidated master complaint filed in November 2017, with one plaintiff’s case proceeding under a separate complaint. Both the consolidated master complaint and the separate complaint assert negligence, negligence per se, strict liability, negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress and fraudulent concealment. The consolidated master complaint asserts additional causes of action for private and public nuisance (continuing and permanent), trespass, inverse condemnation, loss of consortium and wrongful death against SoCalGas and Sempra. The separate complaint asserts an additional cause of action for assault and battery. Both complaints seek compensatory and punitive damages for personal injuries, lost wages and/or lost profits, costs of future medical monitoring, and attorneys’ fees. The consolidated master complaint also seeks property damage and diminution in property value, injunctive relief and civil penalties.
At September 30, 2024, $21 million is accrued in Other Current Liabilities and $1 million is accrued in Deferred Credits and Other on SoCalGas’ and Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These accruals do not include any amounts in excess of what has been reasonably estimated to resolve certain matters that we describe above, nor any amounts that may be necessary to resolve threatened litigation, other potential litigation or other costs. We are not able to reasonably estimate the possible loss or a range of possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued, which could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on SoCalGas’ and Sempra’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility Regulatory Proceeding
In February 2017, the CPUC opened proceeding SB 380 OII to determine the feasibility of minimizing or eliminating the use of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility while still maintaining energy and electric reliability for the region, but excluding issues with respect to air quality, public health, causation, culpability or cost responsibility regarding the Leak. The first phase of the proceeding established a framework for the hydraulic, production cost and economic modeling assumptions for the potential reduction in usage or elimination of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility, as well as evaluating the impacts of reducing or eliminating the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility using the established framework and models. The next phase of the proceeding included engaging a consultant to analyze alternative means for meeting or avoiding the demand for the facility’s services if it were eliminated in either the 2027 or 2035 timeframe, and to address potential implementation of alternatives to the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility if the CPUC determines that the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility should be permanently closed. The CPUC also added all California IOUs as parties to the proceeding and encouraged all load serving entities in the Los Angeles Basin to join the proceeding. We expect a final decision by the end of this year.
In August 2023, the CPUC issued a decision on the interim range of gas inventory levels at the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility, setting an interim range of gas inventory levels of up to 68.6 Bcf. The CPUC may issue future changes to this interim range of authorized gas inventory levels before issuing a final decision within the SB 380 OII proceeding.
At September 30, 2024, the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility had a net book value of $1.0 billion. If the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility were to be permanently closed or if future cash flows from its operation were otherwise insufficient to recover its carrying value, we may record an impairment of the facility, which could be material, and natural gas reliability and electric generation could be jeopardized.
Other Sempra
Energía Costa Azul
We describe below certain land disputes and permit challenges affecting our ECA Regas Facility. Certain of these land disputes involve land on which portions of the ECA LNG liquefaction facilities under construction and in development are expected to be situated or on which portions of the ECA Regas Facility that would be necessary for the operation of such ECA LNG liquefaction facilities are situated. One or more unfavorable final decisions on these disputes or challenges could materially adversely affect our existing natural gas regasification operations and proposed natural gas liquefaction projects at the site of the ECA Regas Facility and have a material adverse effect on Sempra’s business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Land Disputes. Sempra Infrastructure has been engaged in a long-running land dispute with a claimant relating to property adjacent to its ECA Regas Facility that allegedly overlaps with land owned by the ECA Regas Facility (the facility, however, is not situated on the land that is the subject of this dispute), as follows:
▪The claimant to the adjacent property filed complaints in the federal Agrarian Court challenging the refusal of SEDATU in 2006 to issue title to him for the disputed property. In November 2013, the federal Agrarian Court ordered that SEDATU issue the requested title to the claimant and cause it to be registered. Both SEDATU and Sempra Infrastructure challenged the ruling due to lack of notification of the underlying process. In May 2019, a federal court in Mexico reversed the ruling and ordered a retrial, which is pending resolution.
▪In a separate proceeding, the claimant filed suit to reinitiate an administrative procedure at SEDATU to obtain the property title that, as described above, had previously been issued in a ruling by the federal Agrarian Court and subsequently reversed by a federal court in Mexico. In April 2021, the proceeding in the Agrarian Court concluded with the court ordering that the administrative procedure be restarted. The administrative procedure at SEDATU may continue if SEDATU decides to reopen the matter.
In addition, a plaintiff filed a claim in the federal Agrarian Court that seeks to annul the property title for a portion of the land on which the ECA Regas Facility is situated and to obtain possession of a different parcel that allegedly overlaps with the site of the ECA Regas Facility. The proceeding, which seeks an order that SEDATU annul the ECA Regas Facility’s competing property title, was initiated in 2006 and, in July 2021, a decision was issued in favor of the ECA Regas Facility. The plaintiff appealed and, in February 2022, the appellate court confirmed the ruling in favor of the ECA Regas Facility and dismissed the appeal. The plaintiff filed a federal appeal against the appellate court ruling. In August 2024, the Federal Collegiate Circuit Court ruled in favor of the ECA Regas Facility. The plaintiff has the option to file an appeal with the Mexican Supreme Court.
Environmental and Social Impact Permits. Several administrative challenges are pending before Mexico’s Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (the Mexican environmental protection agency) and Federal Tax and Administrative Courts, seeking revocation of the environmental impact authorization issued to the ECA Regas Facility in 2003. These cases generally allege that the conditions and mitigation measures in the environmental impact authorization are inadequate and challenge findings that the activities of the terminal are consistent with regional development guidelines.
In 2018 and 2021, three related claimants filed separate challenges in the federal district court in Ensenada, Baja California seeking revocation of the environmental and social impact permits issued by each of ASEA and SENER to ECA LNG authorizing natural gas liquefaction activities at the ECA Regas Facility, as follows:
▪In the first case, the court issued a provisional injunction against the permits in September 2018. In December 2018, ASEA approved modifications to the environmental permit that facilitate the development of the proposed natural gas liquefaction facility in two phases. In May 2019, the court canceled the provisional injunction. The claimant appealed the court’s decision to cancel the injunction but was not successful. The lower court’s ruling was favorable to the ECA Regas Facility, as the court determined that no harm has been caused to the plaintiff and dismissed the lawsuit. The claimant appealed and the appellate court’s ruling is pending.
▪In the second case, the initial request for a provisional injunction against the permits was denied. That decision was reversed on appeal in January 2020, resulting in the issuance of a new injunction against the permits that were issued by ASEA and SENER. This injunction has uncertain application absent clarification by the court. The claimants petitioned the court to rule that construction of natural gas liquefaction facilities violated the injunction and, in February 2022, the court ruled in favor of the ECA Regas Facility, holding that the natural gas liquefaction construction activities did not violate the injunction. The claimants appealed this ruling but were not successful. The lower court’s ruling was favorable to the ECA Regas Facility, as the court determined that no harm has been caused to the plaintiffs and dismissed the lawsuit. The claimants appealed and the appellate court’s ruling is pending.
▪In the third case, a group of residents filed a complaint in June 2021 against various federal and state authorities alleging deficiencies in the public consultation process for the issuance of the permits. The request for an initial injunction was denied. The claimants appealed this ruling but were not successful. The lower court’s ruling was favorable to the ECA Regas Facility, as the court determined that no harm has been caused to the plaintiffs and dismissed the lawsuit. The claimants appealed and the appellate court’s ruling is pending.
Port Arthur LNG
The PA LNG Phase 1 project holds two Clean Air Act, Prevention of Significant Deterioration permits issued by the TCEQ, which we refer to as the “2016 Permit” and the “2022 Permit.” The 2022 Permit also governs emissions for the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project. In November 2023, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision to vacate and remand the 2022 Permit to the TCEQ for additional explanation of the agency’s permit decision. In February 2024, the court withdrew its opinion and referred the case to the Supreme Court of Texas to resolve the question of the appropriate standard to be applied by the TCEQ. The 2022 Permit is effective during the Texas Supreme Court’s review. The 2016 Permit was not the subject of, and is unaffected by, the pending litigation of the 2022 Permit. Construction of the PA LNG Phase 1 project is proceeding uninterrupted under existing permits, and we do not currently anticipate the pending litigation to materially impact the PA LNG Phase 1 project cost, schedule or expected commercial operations at this stage.
Litigation Related to Regulatory and Other Actions by the Mexican Government
Amendments to Mexico’s Electricity Industry Law. In March 2021, the Mexican government published a decree with amendments to Mexico’s Electricity Industry Law that include some public policy changes, including establishing priority of dispatch for CFE plants over privately owned plants. The decree further purports to permit the CRE to revoke self-supply permits granted under the former electricity law, which were grandfathered when the new Electricity Industry Law was enacted, if it considers them to have been obtained improperly. According to the decree, these amendments were to become effective in March 2021, and SENER, the CRE and Centro Nacional de Control de Energía (Mexico’s National Center for Energy Control) were to have 180 calendar days to modify, as necessary, all resolutions, policies, criteria, manuals and other regulations applicable to the power industry to conform with this decree. Numerous legal actions were taken against the decree, which resulted in Mexican courts issuing a suspension of the decree later in March 2021.
In April 2022, the Mexican Supreme Court resolved an action of unconstitutionality filed by a group of senators against the amended Electricity Industry Law. The super majority needed to find the amendment unconstitutional was not reached and the proceeding was therefore dismissed, leaving the amended Electricity Industry Law in place. However, the Court nevertheless found certain of the amendments, including the priority of dispatch for the CFE and other provisions that granted preference to the CFE over private companies, were invalid.
In January 2024, the Second Chamber of the Mexican Supreme Court definitively resolved an amparo in a separate case brought by a third party and ruled that certain provisions of the amendments of the Electricity Industry Law are unconstitutional, including the priority of dispatch for the CFE and other provisions that granted preference to the CFE over private companies. The Court also dismissed an amparo relating to the provision of the decree applicable to self-supply permits granted under the former electricity law, and established that its decision applies generally over all participants.
Sempra Infrastructure filed three lawsuits challenging the amendments to the Electricity Industry Law, including one concerning the provision permitting revocation of self-supply permits deemed improperly obtained. In each of them, Sempra Infrastructure obtained a favorable judgment in the lower court, all of which were challenged by the CRE. Following the criteria established by the Mexican Supreme Court, in July 2024, the Second Collegiate Court reversed the lower court’s decision and definitively dismissed one of the lawsuits filed by Sempra Infrastructure regarding the provision permitting revocation of self-supply permits. Consequently, the CRE may be required to seek to revoke such self-supply permits, under a legal standard that is ambiguous and not well defined under the law. Sempra Infrastructure supplies power pursuant to self-supply permits, and would be permitted to file amparos challenging the constitutionality of any such action. If such self-supply permits are revoked, it may result in increased costs for Sempra Infrastructure and for its power consumers, adversely affect our ability to develop new projects, result in decreased revenues and cash flows, and negatively impact our ability to recover the carrying values of our investments in Mexico, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Sempra’s business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects. Final resolution regarding the two remaining lawsuits is still pending.
RBS Sempra Commodities – Resolved
Sempra holds an equity method investment in RBS Sempra Commodities LLP, a limited liability partnership in the process of being liquidated. In 2015, liquidators filed a claim in the High Court of Justice against The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (now NatWest Markets plc, our partner in the JV) and Mercuria Energy Europe Trading Limited (the Defendants) on behalf of 10 companies (the Liquidating Companies) that engaged in carbon credit trading via chains that included a company that traded directly with RBS Sempra Energy Europe, a subsidiary of RBS Sempra Commodities LLP. The claim alleged that the Defendants’ participation in the purchase and sale of carbon credits resulted in the Liquidating Companies’ carbon credit trading transactions creating a VAT liability they were unable to pay, and that the Defendants were liable to provide for equitable compensation due to dishonest assistance and compensation under the U.K. Insolvency Act of 1986. In January 2024, the parties settled the Liquidating Companies’ claim against the Defendants to fully resolve the matter; our share of such settlement was approximately £7.9 million (approximately $10 million in U.S. dollars at December 31, 2023). For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $40 million in equity earnings from our investment in RBS Sempra Commodities LLP to reduce our estimate of our obligations to settle these VAT matters and related legal costs based on the settlement reached with the Liquidating Companies in January 2024.
Certain EFH subsidiaries that we acquired as part of the merger of EFH with an indirect subsidiary of Sempra were defendants in personal injury lawsuits brought in state courts throughout the U.S. These cases alleged illness or death as a result of exposure to asbestos in power plants designed and/or built by companies whose assets were purchased by predecessor entities to the EFH subsidiaries, and generally assert claims for product defects, negligence, strict liability and wrongful death. They sought compensatory and punitive damages. As of November 1, 2024, one lawsuit is pending. Additionally, approximately 28,000 proofs of claim were filed, but not discharged, in advance of a December 2015 deadline to file a proof of claim in the EFH bankruptcy proceeding on behalf of persons who allege exposure to asbestos under similar circumstances and assert the right to file such lawsuits in the future. The costs to defend or resolve such claims and the amount of damages that may be incurred could have a material adverse effect on Sempra’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Ordinary Course Litigation
We are also defendants in ordinary routine litigation incidental to our businesses, including personal injury, employment litigation, product liability, property damage and other claims. Juries have demonstrated an increasing willingness to grant large awards, including punitive damages, in these types of cases.
LEASES
We discuss leases further in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Lessee Accounting
We have operating and finance leases for real and personal property (including office space, land, fleet vehicles, aircraft, machinery and equipment, warehouses and other operational facilities) and PPAs with renewable energy, energy storage and peaker plant facilities.
SDG&E entered into an energy storage tolling agreement that commenced in September 2024 and expires in August 2036. SDG&E recorded an operating lease right-of-use asset and operating lease liability of $202 million. Future minimum lease payments are $4 million in 2024, $23 million in each of 2025 through 2028 and $182 million thereafter.
Leases That Have Not Yet Commenced
SDG&E has entered into six PPAs, of which SDG&E expects two will commence in 2024, two will commence in 2025 and two will commence in 2026. SDG&E expects the future minimum lease payments to be $5 million in 2024, $41 million in 2025, $67 million in 2026, $68 million in both 2027 and 2028 and $777 million thereafter (through expiration in 2041).
SoCalGas has entered into a lease agreement for a new headquarters office space in Los Angeles that it expects will commence in 2026. In September 2024, SoCalGas prepaid $1 million and expects the future minimum lease payments to be $8 million in 2028 and $143 million thereafter (through expiration in 2041).
Sempra Infrastructure has entered into a lease agreement for tugboat services for the PA LNG Phase 1 project that it expects will commence in 2027. Sempra Infrastructure expects the future minimum lease payments to be $10 million in 2027, $12 million in 2028 and $210 million thereafter (through expiration in 2047, exclusive of certain renewal options) and total future minimum fixed payments for operation and maintenance services to be $184 million.
Lessor Accounting
Sempra Infrastructure is a lessor for certain of its natural gas and ethane pipelines, compressor stations, liquid petroleum gas storage facilities, a rail facility and refined products terminals, which we account for as operating or sales-type leases.
We provide information below for leases for which we are the lessor.
LESSOR INFORMATION ON THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra – Sales-type leases:
Interest income
$
1
$
2
$
4
$
5
Total revenues from sales-type leases(1)
$
1
$
2
$
4
$
5
Sempra – Operating leases:
Fixed lease payments
$
83
$
78
$
259
$
234
Variable lease payments
9
10
29
26
Total revenues from operating leases(1)
$
92
$
88
$
288
$
260
Depreciation expense
$
17
$
15
$
53
$
45
(1) Included in Revenues: Energy-Related Businesses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS
We discuss below significant changes in the first nine months of 2024 to contractual commitments discussed in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
Natural Gas Contracts
SoCalGas’ natural gas contracts and transportation commitments have increased by approximately $340 million since December 31, 2023, primarily from entering into new natural gas contracts in the first nine months of 2024. At September 30, 2024, we expect future payments to decrease by $7 million in 2024, and increase by $36 million in 2025, $111 million in 2026, $119 million in 2027, and $81 million in 2028 compared to December 31, 2023.
Sempra Infrastructure’s natural gas contracts and transportation commitments have increased by approximately $474 million since December 31, 2023, primarily from entering into new natural gas contracts in the first nine months of 2024. We expect future payments to decrease by $17 million in 2024, and increase by $4 million in 2025, $76 million in 2026, $98 million in each of 2027 and 2028, and $215 million thereafter (through expiration in 2059) compared to December 31, 2023.
LNG Purchase Agreement
Sempra Infrastructure has an SPA for the supply of LNG to the ECA Regas Facility. The commitment amount is calculated using a predetermined formula based on estimated forward prices of the index applicable from 2024 to 2029. Although this agreement specifies a number of cargoes to be delivered, under its terms, the supplier may divert certain cargoes, which would reduce amounts paid under the agreement by Sempra Infrastructure. At September 30, 2024, we expect the commitment amount to decrease by $321 million in 2024, $76 million in 2025, $51 million in 2026, $37 million in 2027, $45 million in 2028 and $30 million thereafter (through expiration in 2029) compared to December 31, 2023, reflecting changes in estimated forward prices since December 31, 2023 and actual transactions for the first nine months of 2024. These LNG commitment amounts are based on the assumption that all LNG cargoes under the agreement are delivered, less those already confirmed to be diverted as of September 30, 2024. Actual LNG purchases in the current and prior years have been significantly lower than the maximum amount provided under the agreement due to the supplier electing to divert cargoes as allowed by the agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
We disclose any proceeding under environmental laws to which a government authority is a party when the potential monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, exceed the lesser of $1 million or 1% of current assets, which was $51 million for Sempra, $18 million for SDG&E and $20 million for SoCalGas at September 30, 2024.
Sempra has three separately managed reportable segments, as follows:
▪Sempra California provides natural gas and electric service to Southern California and part of central California through Sempra’s wholly owned subsidiaries, SDG&E and SoCalGas.
▪Sempra Texas Utilities holds our investment in Oncor Holdings, which owns an 80.25% interest in Oncor, a regulated electric transmission and distribution utility serving customers in the north-central, eastern, western and panhandle regions of Texas; and our indirect 50% interest in Sharyland Holdings L.P., which owns Sharyland Utilities, a regulated electric transmission utility serving customers near the Texas-Mexico border.
▪Sempra Infrastructure includes the operating companies of our subsidiary, SI Partners, as well as a holding company and certain services companies. Sempra Infrastructure develops, builds, operates and invests in energy infrastructure to help enable the energy transition in North American markets and globally. Sempra Infrastructure owns a 70% interest in SI Partners.
The cost of common services shared by the business segments is assigned directly or allocated based on various cost factors, depending on the nature of the service provided. Interest income and expense is recorded on intercompany loans. The loan balances and related interest are eliminated in consolidation.
The following tables show selected information by segment from our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts labeled as “All other” in the following tables consist primarily of activities of parent organizations.
(1) Revenues for reportable segments include intersegment revenues of $6 and $11 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and $16 and $44 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024; $5 and $16 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and $14 and $81 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 for Sempra California and Sempra Infrastructure, respectively.
This combined MD&A includes the operational and financial results of the following three Registrants:
▪Sempra is a California-based holding company with energy infrastructure investments in North America. Our businesses invest in, develop and operate energy infrastructure, and provide electric and gas services to customers.
▪SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides electric service to San Diego and southern Orange counties and natural gas service to San Diego County.
▪SoCalGas is a regulated public natural gas distribution utility, serving customers throughout most of Southern California and part of central California.
This combined MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto in this report, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II – Item 7. MD&A” in the Annual Report.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Sempra realigned its reportable segments to reflect changes in how the CODM oversees our three platforms: Sempra California, Sempra Texas Utilities and Sempra Infrastructure. Our former SDG&E and SoCalGas reportable segments were combined into one operating and reportable segment, Sempra California, which is consistent with how the CODM assesses performance due to the similarities of their operations, including geographic location and regulatory framework in California.
Sempra’s historical segment disclosures have been restated to conform with the current presentation, so that all discussions reflect the revised segment information of its three reportable segments:
▪Sempra California
▪Sempra Texas Utilities
▪Sempra Infrastructure
SDG&E and SoCalGas each has one reportable segment.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS BY REGISTRANT
Throughout the MD&A, our references to earnings represent earnings attributable to common shares. Variance amounts presented are the after-tax earnings impact (based on applicable statutory tax rates unless otherwise noted) and after NCI but before foreign currency and inflation effects, where applicable.
We discuss herein Sempra’s results of operations and significant changes in earnings (losses), revenues and costs by segment, as well as Parent and other, for the three months (Q3) and nine months (YTD) ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023. We also discuss herein the impact of foreign currency and inflation rates on Sempra’s results of operations.
Sempra California recorded CPUC-authorized base revenues in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 based on 2023 levels authorized under the 2019 GRC because a final decision in the 2024 GRC remains pending.
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
EARNINGS (LOSSES) BY SEGMENT
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Sempra California
$
247
$
290
$
1,145
$
1,247
Sempra Texas Utilities
261
305
646
548
Sempra Infrastructure
230
223
652
746
Parent and other(1)
(100)
(97)
(291)
(248)
Earnings attributable to common shares
$
638
$
721
$
2,152
$
2,293
(1) Includes intercompany eliminations recorded in consolidation and certain corporate costs.
Sempra California
Sempra California’s earnings are comprised of SDG&E and SoCalGas. Because changes in SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ cost of natural gas and/or electricity are recovered in rates, changes in these costs are offset in the changes in revenues and therefore do not impact earnings, other than potential impacts related to the GCIM for SoCalGas that we describe below. In addition to the changes in cost or market prices, natural gas or electric revenues recorded during a period are impacted by the difference between customer billings and recorded or CPUC-authorized amounts. These differences are required to be balanced over time, resulting in over- and undercollected regulatory balancing accounts. We discuss balancing accounts and their effects further in Note 4 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report and in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the decrease in earnings of $43 million (15%) to $247 million was primarily due to:
▪$38 million lower income tax benefits primarily from flow-through items and the resolution of prior year income tax items
▪$19 million higher net interest expense
Offset by:
▪$5 million higher CPUC base operating margin, net of operating expenses, including higher authorized cost of capital. Sempra California recorded CPUC-authorized revenues based on 2023 authorized levels
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the decrease in earnings of $102 million (8%) to $1.1 billion was primarily due to:
▪$89 million lower income tax benefits primarily from flow-through items, which includes $25 million related to income tax benefits in 2023 for previously unrecognized income tax benefits pertaining to gas repairs expenditures
▪$45 million higher net interest expense
▪$21 million regulatory awards approved by the CPUC in 2023
Offset by:
▪$19 million higher CPUC base operating margin, net of operating expenses, including higher authorized cost of capital. Sempra California recorded CPUC-authorized revenues based on 2023 authorized levels
▪$12 million higher electric transmission margin
▪$9 million higher AFUDC equity
▪$8 million higher net regulatory interest income
Sempra Texas Utilities
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the decrease in earnings of $44 million (14%) to $261 million was primarily due to lower equity earnings from Oncor Holdings driven by:
▪higher interest expense and depreciation expense attributable to invested capital
▪higher O&M
Offset by:
▪higher revenues primarily attributable to:
◦rate updates to reflect increases in invested capital
◦updates to transmission billing units
◦customer growth
Offset by
◦lower customer consumption primarily attributable to weather
◦annual energy efficiency program performance bonus approved in 2023, but pending PUCT approval in 2024
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the increase in earnings of $98 million (18%) to $646 million was primarily due to higher equity earnings from Oncor Holdings driven by:
▪higher revenues primarily attributable to:
◦rate updates to reflect increases in invested capital
◦updates to transmission billing units
◦customer growth
◦new base rates implemented in May 2023
Offset by
◦lower customer consumption primarily attributable to weather
◦annual energy efficiency program performance bonus approved in 2023, but pending PUCT approval in 2024
▪write-off of rate base disallowances in 2023 resulting from the PUCT’s final order in Oncor’s comprehensive base rate review
Offset by:
▪higher interest expense and depreciation expense attributable to invested capital
▪higher O&M
Sempra Infrastructure
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the increase in earnings of $7 million (3%) to $230 million was primarily due to:
▪$31 million favorable impact from foreign currency and inflation effects on our monetary positions in Mexico, comprised of a $67 million favorable impact in 2024 compared to a $36 million favorable impact in 2023
▪$18 million higher income tax benefit primarily from outside basis differences
▪$7 million favorable impact from $4 million net interest income in 2024 compared to $3 million net interest expense in 2023 primarily due to higher capitalization of interest expense on projects under construction
▪$12 million from the transportation business driven by lower revenues due to lower rates and higher O&M from a provision for expected credit losses on a customer's past due receivable balance
▪$9 million from the renewables business driven by lower volumes from wind power generation assets
▪$7 million from asset and supply optimization driven by lower natural gas prices, offset by unrealized gains in 2024 compared to unrealized losses in 2023 on commodity derivatives
▪$7 million from TdM driven by lower unrealized gains on commodity derivatives due to changes in power and natural gas prices
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the decrease in earnings of $94 million (13%) to $652 million was primarily due to:
▪$401 million from asset and supply optimization driven by unrealized losses in 2024 compared to unrealized gains in 2023 on commodity derivatives due to changes in natural gas prices and lower LNG diversion fees
▪$74 million from the transportation business driven by lower equity earnings and revenues, including the cumulative impact of new tariffs going into effect in June 2023 for certain pipelines in Mexico and a customer’s early termination of firm transportation agreements in 2023
▪$28 million higher O&M and lower revenues from a provision for expected credit losses on a customer’s past due receivable balance
▪$11 million from the renewables business driven by lower volumes from wind power generation assets
Offset by:
▪$346 million favorable impact from foreign currency and inflation effects on our monetary positions in Mexico, comprised of a $179 million favorable impact in 2024 compared to a $167 million unfavorable impact in 2023
▪$61 million favorable impact from $10 million net interest income in 2024 compared to $51 million net interest expense in 2023 primarily due to higher capitalization of interest expense on projects under construction and $17 million net unrealized losses in 2023 on a contingent interest rate swap related to the PA LNG Phase 1 project
▪$29 million higher income tax benefit primarily from outside basis differences
Parent and Other
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the increase in losses of $3 million (3%) to $100 million was primarily due to:
▪$23 million income tax benefit in 2023 from the remeasurement of certain deferred income taxes
▪$17 million income tax expense in 2024 from changes to a valuation allowance against certain tax credit carryforwards
Offset by:
▪$29 million favorable impact from $17 million net investment gains in 2024 compared to $12 million net investment losses in 2023 on dedicated assets in support of our employee nonqualified benefit plan and deferred compensation plan
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the increase in losses of $43 million (17%) to $291 million was primarily due to:
▪$23 million income tax benefit in 2023 from the remeasurement of certain deferred income taxes
▪$21 million from higher net interest expense
▪$17 million income tax expense in 2024 from changes to a valuation allowance against certain tax credit carryforwards
▪$5 million related to settlement charges from our non-qualified pension plan in 2024
Offset by:
▪$30 million favorable impact from $26 million net investment gains in 2024 compared to $4 million net investment losses in 2023 on dedicated assets in support of our employee nonqualified benefit plan and deferred compensation plan
The regulatory framework permits SDG&E and SoCalGas to recover certain program expenditures and other costs authorized by the CPUC (referred to as “refundable programs”).
Utilities: Natural Gas Revenues and Cost of Natural Gas
Our utilities revenues include natural gas revenues at Sempra California and Sempra Infrastructure, which includes Ecogas. Intercompany revenues are eliminated in Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
SoCalGas and SDG&E operate under a regulatory framework that permits the cost of natural gas purchased for customers (residential and small commercial and industrial customers, also referred to as core customers for SoCalGas) to be passed through to customers in rates substantially as incurred and without markup. The GCIM provides for SoCalGas to share in the savings and/or costs from buying natural gas for its core customers at prices below or above monthly market-based benchmarks. This mechanism permits full recovery of costs incurred when average purchase costs are within a price range around the benchmark price. Any higher costs incurred or savings realized outside this range are shared between SoCalGas and its core customers. We provide further discussion in Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
UTILITIES: NATURAL GAS REVENUES AND COST OF NATURAL GAS
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Natural gas revenues:
Sempra California
$
1,186
$
1,474
$
4,750
$
7,506
Sempra Infrastructure
15
18
63
67
Eliminations and adjustments
(6)
(4)
(15)
(13)
Total
$
1,195
$
1,488
$
4,798
$
7,560
Cost of natural gas(1):
Sempra California
$
97
$
257
$
777
$
3,283
Sempra Infrastructure
4
4
18
5
Eliminations and adjustments
(2)
(1)
(5)
(34)
Total
$
99
$
260
$
790
$
3,254
(1) Excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s natural gas revenues decreased by $293 million (20%) to $1.2 billion driven by Sempra California, which included:
▪$160 million decrease in cost of natural gas sold, which we discuss below
▪$87 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
▪$74 million lower regulatory revenues in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
Offset by:
▪$28 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$15 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s cost of natural gas decreased by $161 million to $99 million driven by Sempra California primarily due to lower average natural gas prices.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s natural gas revenues decreased by $2.8 billion (37%) to $4.8 billion driven by Sempra California, which included:
▪$2.5 billion decrease in cost of natural gas sold, which we discuss below
▪$183 million lower regulatory revenues in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
▪$97 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
▪$53 million lower revenues from lower non-service components of net periodic benefit cost, which fully offsets in other income, net
▪$29 million regulatory awards approved by the CPUC in 2023
Offset by:
▪$77 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$59 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$26 million lower regulatory revenues in 2023 from the recognition of previously unrecognized income tax benefits pertaining to gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s cost of natural gas decreased by $2.5 billion to $790 million driven by Sempra California, which included:
▪$2.1 billion lower average natural gas prices
▪$356 million lower volumes driven by weather
Utilities: Electric Revenues and Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power
Our utilities revenues include electric revenues at Sempra California, substantially all of which is at SDG&E. Intercompany revenues are eliminated in Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
SDG&E operates under a regulatory framework that permits it to recover the actual cost incurred to generate or procure electricity based on annual estimates of the cost of electricity supplied to customers. The differences in cost between estimates and actual are recovered or refunded in subsequent periods through rates.
Utility cost of electric fuel and purchased power includes utility-owned generation, power purchased from third parties, and net power purchases and sales to/from the California ISO.
UTILITIES: ELECTRIC REVENUES AND COST OF ELECTRIC FUEL AND PURCHASED POWER
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Electric revenues:
Sempra California
$
1,070
$
1,251
$
3,272
$
3,334
Eliminations and adjustments
(1)
(1)
(3)
(3)
Total
$
1,069
$
1,250
$
3,269
$
3,331
Cost of electric fuel and purchased power(1):
Sempra California
$
(5)
$
200
$
277
$
442
Eliminations and adjustments
(13)
(17)
(50)
(57)
Total
$
(18)
$
183
$
227
$
385
(1) Excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s electric revenues decreased by $181 million (14%) to $1.1 billion driven by Sempra California, which included:
▪$205 million lower cost of electric fuel and purchased power, which we discuss below
▪$59 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
Offset by:
▪$29 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$20 million lower ITCs from standalone energy storage projects, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
▪$20 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$6 million higher revenues from transmission operations
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s cost of electric fuel and purchased power decreased by $201 million to $(18) million driven by Sempra California, which included:
▪$227 million lower purchased power primarily due to change in excess capacity sales
▪$34 million lower purchased power from the California ISO due to lower market prices
Offset by:
▪$56 million lower sales to the California ISO due to lower market prices
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s electric revenues decreased by $62 million (2%) remaining at $3.3 billion driven by Sempra California, which included:
▪$165 million lower cost of electric fuel and purchased power, which we discuss below
▪$124 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
▪$13 million lower revenues from a $4 million credit in 2024 compared to a $9 million cost in 2023 for the non-service components of net periodic benefit cost, which fully offsets in other income, net
▪$7 million lower franchise fee revenues
Offset by:
▪$108 million lower ITCs from standalone energy storage projects, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
▪$95 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$36 million higher revenues from transmission operations
▪$25 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s cost of electric fuel and purchased power decreased by $158 million (41%) to $227 million driven by Sempra California, which included:
▪$230 million lower purchased power primarily due to change in excess capacity sales
▪$219 million lower purchased power from the California ISO due to lower market prices
▪$84 million lower utility-owned generation costs
Offset by:
▪$270 million lower sales to the California ISO due to lower market prices
▪$86 million from realized losses in 2024 compared to realized gains in 2023 on derivative contracts for fixed-price natural gas, which are entered into to hedge the cost of electric fuel
Energy-Related Businesses: Revenues and Cost of Sales
ENERGY-RELATED BUSINESSES: REVENUES AND COST OF SALES
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Revenues:
Sempra Infrastructure
$
523
$
611
$
1,403
$
2,418
Parent and other(1)
(11)
(15)
(43)
(80)
Total
$
512
$
596
$
1,360
$
2,338
Cost of sales(2):
Sempra Infrastructure
$
134
$
163
$
297
$
437
Total
$
134
$
163
$
297
$
437
(1) Includes eliminations of intercompany activity.
(2) Excludes depreciation and amortization, which are presented separately on Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s revenues from energy-related businesses decreased by $84 million (14%) to $512 million primarily due to:
▪$40 million from asset and supply optimization from contracts to sell natural gas and LNG to third parties, including:
◦$30 million driven by $12 million from lower natural gas prices offset by higher volumes and $8 million higher unrealized gains on commodity derivatives
◦$10 million from lower diversion fees due to lower natural gas prices
▪$23 million from TdM mainly due to lower power prices
▪$19 million from lower volumes from wind power generation assets
▪$10 million lower pipeline revenues
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s cost of sales from energy-related businesses decreased by $29 million (18%) to $134 million primarily due to:
▪$17 million at TdM driven by lower natural gas prices
▪$9 million driven by lower natural gas purchases offset by higher LNG purchases related to asset and supply optimization
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s revenues from energy-related businesses decreased by $978 million (42%) to $1.4 billion primarily due to:
▪$897 million from asset and supply optimization from contracts to sell natural gas and LNG to third parties, including:
◦$780 million driven by $24 million unrealized losses in 2024 compared to $619 million unrealized gains in 2023 on commodity derivatives and $167 million primarily from lower natural gas prices offset by higher volumes
◦$108 million from lower diversion fees due to lower natural gas prices
▪$46 million lower transportation revenues primarily from a customer’s early termination of firm transportation agreements in the first quarter of 2023 and lower rates
▪$31 million lower pipeline revenues
▪$25 million from TdM mainly due to $59 million from lower power prices offset by $30 million from higher volumes
▪$19 million from lower volumes from wind power generation assets
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s cost of sales from energy-related businesses decreased by $140 million (32%) to $297 million primarily due to:
▪$83 million at TdM driven by $101 million from lower natural gas prices offset by $13 million from higher volumes
▪$51 million driven by lower natural gas purchases related to asset and supply optimization
Operation and Maintenance
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s O&M decreased by $57 million (4%) to $1.3 billion primarily due to:
▪$98 million decrease at Sempra California due to:
◦$146 million lower expenses associated with refundable programs, which costs are recovered in revenue
Offset by:
◦$51 million higher non-refundable operating costs
Offset by:
▪$31 million increase at Sempra Infrastructure due to:
◦$18 million higher development costs and certain non-capitalized expenses from projects under construction
◦$10 million from a provision for expected credit losses on a customer’s past due receivable balance
▪$12 million increase at Parent and other primarily from deferred compensation expense in 2024 compared to a benefit in 2023
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s O&M decreased by $87 million (2%) to $3.9 billion primarily due to:
▪$190 million decrease at Sempra California due to:
◦$221 million lower expenses associated with refundable programs, which costs are recovered in revenue
Offset by:
◦$34 million higher non-refundable operating costs
Offset by:
▪$84 million increase at Sempra Infrastructure due to:
◦$35 million higher development costs and certain non-capitalized expenses from projects under construction
◦$35 million from a provision for expected credit losses on a customer’s past due receivable balance
◦$11 million higher purchased services
▪$20 million increase at Parent and other primarily from higher deferred compensation expense
Other Income, Net
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s other income, net, increased by $62 million to $65 million primarily due to:
▪$48 million increase from $29 million net investment gains in 2024 compared to $19 million net investment losses in 2023 on dedicated assets in support of our employee nonqualified benefit plan and deferred compensation plan at Parent and other
▪$7 million higher net interest income on regulatory balancing accounts at Sempra California
▪$4 million higher AFUDC equity at Sempra California
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s other income, net, increased by $119 million to $194 million primarily due to:
▪$54 million lower non-service components of net periodic benefit cost primarily at Sempra California
▪$50 million increase from $48 million net investment gains in 2024 compared to $2 million net investment losses in 2023 on dedicated assets in support of our employee nonqualified benefit plan and deferred compensation plan at Parent and other
▪$12 million higher net interest income on regulatory balancing accounts at Sempra California
▪$9 million higher AFUDC equity at Sempra California
Offset by:
▪$10 million decrease from $4 million losses in 2024 compared to $6 million gains in 2023 from impacts associated with interest rate and foreign exchange instruments and foreign currency transactions at Sempra Infrastructure primarily due to cross-currency swaps in 2023 as a result of fluctuation of the Mexican peso
Interest Expense
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s interest expense increased by $16 million (5%) to $328 million primarily due to:
▪$17 million at Sempra California from higher debt balances from debt issuances
Offset by:
▪$7 million at Sempra Infrastructure from lower interest expense due to higher capitalization of interest expense on projects under construction
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s interest expense decreased by $51 million (5%) to $944 million primarily due to:
▪$127 million at Sempra Infrastructure from:
◦$59 million lower interest expense due to higher capitalization of interest expense on projects under construction
◦$47 million interest expense in 2023 comprised of $33 million net unrealized losses and $14 million settlement on a contingent interest rate swap related to the PA LNG Phase 1 project
Offset by:
▪$50 million at Sempra California from higher debt balances from debt issuances
▪$25 million at Parent and other from higher debt balances from debt issuances, offset by capitalization of interest expense in 2024 on projects under construction at Sempra Infrastructure
Income Taxes
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) AND EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATES
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Sempra:
Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(105)
$
(52)
$
(63)
$
499
Income before income taxes and equity earnings
$
200
$
323
$
1,213
$
2,175
Equity earnings, before income tax(1)
132
133
426
418
Pretax income
$
332
$
456
$
1,639
$
2,593
Effective income tax rate
(32)
%
(11)
%
(4)
%
19
%
(1) We discuss how we recognize equity earnings in Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
We report as part of our pretax results the income or loss attributable to NCI. However, we do not record income taxes for a portion of this income or loss, as some of our entities with NCI are currently treated as partnerships for U.S. income tax purposes, and thus we are only liable for income taxes on the portion of the earnings that are allocated to us. Our pretax income, however, includes 100% of these entities. If our entities with NCI grow, and if we continue to invest in such entities, the impact on our ETR may become more significant.
In April 2023, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting for gas repairs expenditures. Sempra elected this change in tax accounting method in its consolidated 2023 income tax return filing and has applied this methodology in the calculation of its 2024 forecasted ETR.
Sempra records regulatory liabilities for benefits that will be flowed through to customers in the future.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s income tax benefit increased by $53 million primarily due to:
▪$34 million higher income tax benefit from the resolution of prior year income tax items
▪$30 million income tax benefit in 2024 from an outside basis difference in a domestic partnership investment
▪$29 million from $78 million income tax benefit in 2024 compared to $49 million income tax benefit in 2023 from foreign currency and inflation effects on our monetary positions in Mexico
Offset by:
▪lower income tax benefit in 2024 from lower ITCs from standalone energy storage projects under the IRA
▪$23 million income tax benefit in 2023 from the remeasurement of certain deferred income taxes
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra had an income tax benefit in 2024 compared to income tax expense in 2023 primarily due to:
▪$414 million from $211 million income tax benefit in 2024 compared to $203 million income tax expense in 2023 from foreign currency and inflation effects on our monetary positions in Mexico
▪lower pretax income
▪higher income tax benefits from flow-through items, including an income tax benefit in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures
▪$34 million higher income tax benefit from the resolution of prior year income tax items
▪$30 million income tax benefit in 2024 from an outside basis difference in a domestic partnership investment
Offset by:
▪lower income tax benefit in 2024 from lower ITCs from standalone energy storage projects under the IRA
▪$43 million income tax benefit in 2023 from the recognition of previously unrecognized income tax benefits pertaining to gas repairs expenditures
▪$23 million income tax benefit in 2023 from the remeasurement of certain deferred income taxes
We discuss the impact of foreign currency exchange rates and inflation on income taxes below in “Impact of Foreign Currency and Inflation Rates on Results of Operations.” See Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report and Notes 1 and 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report for further details about our accounting for income taxes and items subject to flow-through treatment.
Equity Earnings
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s equity earnings decreased by $25 million (5%) to $454 million primarily due to:
▪$44 million at Oncor Holdings driven by:
◦higher interest expense and depreciation expense attributable to invested capital
◦higher O&M
Offset by:
◦higher revenues primarily attributable to:
•rate updates to reflect increases in invested capital
•updates to transmission billing units
•customer growth
Offset by:
•lower customer consumption primarily attributable to weather
•annual energy efficiency program performance bonus approved in 2023, but pending PUCT approval in 2024
Offset by:
▪$15 million at IMG due to income tax benefit in 2024 compared to an income tax expense in 2023 primarily from foreign currency and inflation effects
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, Sempra’s equity earnings increased by $149 million (14%) to $1.2 billion primarily due to:
▪$98 million at Oncor Holdings driven by:
◦higher revenues primarily attributable to:
•rate updates to reflect increases in invested capital
•updates to transmission billing units
•customer growth
•new base rates implemented in May 2023
Offset by:
•lower customer consumption primarily attributable to weather
•annual energy efficiency program performance bonus approved in 2023, but pending PUCT approval in 2024
◦write-off of rate base disallowances in 2023 resulting from the PUCT’s final order in Oncor’s comprehensive base rate review
Offset by:
◦higher interest expense and depreciation expense attributable to invested capital
◦higher O&M
▪$73 million at IMG due to income tax benefit in 2024 compared to an income tax expense in 2023 primarily from foreign currency and inflation effects
Offset by:
▪$30 million at TAG Norte primarily from the cumulative impact of new tariffs going into effect in June 2023 offset by lower income tax expense
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023, Sempra’s earnings attributable to NCI decreased by $12 million (10%) to $110 million and $110 million (25%) to $325 million, respectively, primarily due to a decrease in SI Partners’ net income.
IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY AND INFLATION RATES ON RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Because our natural gas distribution utility in Mexico, Ecogas, uses its local currency as its functional currency, revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates for the period for consolidation in Sempra’s results of operations. We discuss further the impact of foreign currency and inflation rates on results of operations, including impacts on income taxes and related hedging activity, in “Part II – Item 7. MD&A – Impact of Foreign Currency and Inflation Rates on Results of Operations” in the Annual Report.
Foreign Currency Translation
Any difference in average exchange rates used for the translation of income statement activity from year to year can cause a variance in Sempra’s comparative results of operations. In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023, the change in our earnings as a result of foreign currency translation rates was negligible.
Income statement activities at our foreign operations and their JVs are also impacted by transactional gains and losses, a summary of which is shown in the table below:
TRANSACTIONAL (LOSSES) GAINS FROM FOREIGN CURRENCY AND INFLATION EFFECTS
(Dollars in millions)
Total reported amounts
Transactional (losses) gains included in reported amounts
Three months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Other income, net
$
65
$
3
$
(4)
$
(2)
Income tax benefit (expense)
105
52
78
49
Equity earnings
454
479
26
5
Net income
759
854
100
52
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
(110)
(122)
(33)
(16)
Earnings attributable to common shares
638
721
67
36
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Other income, net
$
194
$
75
$
(4)
$
6
Income tax benefit (expense)
63
(499)
211
(203)
Equity earnings
1,235
1,086
56
(46)
Net income
2,511
2,762
263
(243)
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
(325)
(435)
(85)
77
Earnings attributable to common shares
2,152
2,293
178
(166)
We discuss herein SDG&E’s results of operations and significant changes in earnings, revenues and costs for the three months (Q3) and nine months (YTD) ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023.
SDG&E recorded CPUC-authorized base revenues in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 based on 2023 levels authorized under the 2019 GRC because a final decision in the 2024 GRC remains pending.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the decrease in earnings of $13 million (5%) to $261 million was primarily due to:
▪$24 million lower income tax benefits primarily from flow-through items and the resolution of prior year income tax items
▪$10 million higher net interest expense
Offset by:
▪$18 million higher CPUC base operating margin, net of operating expenses, including higher authorized cost of capital. SDG&E recorded CPUC-authorized revenues based on 2023 authorized levels
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the decrease in earnings of $46 million (6%) to $670 million was primarily due to:
▪$32 million lower income tax benefits primarily from flow-through items and the resolution of prior year income tax items
▪$25 million higher net interest expense
▪$7 million lower AFUDC equity
Offset by:
▪$12 million higher electric transmission margin
▪$6 million lower Wildfire Fund amortization
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN REVENUES AND COSTS
Electric Revenues and Cost of Electric Fuel and Purchased Power
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s electric revenues decreased by $181 million (14%) to $1.1 billion primarily due to:
▪$205 million lower cost of electric fuel and purchased power, which we discuss below
▪$59 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
Offset by:
▪$29 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$20 million lower ITCs from standalone energy storage projects, which are offset in income tax (expense) benefit
▪$20 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$6 million higher revenues from transmission operations
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s cost of electric fuel and purchased power decreased by $205 million to $(5) million primarily due to:
▪$227 million lower purchased power primarily due to change in excess capacity sales
▪$34 million lower purchased power from the California ISO due to lower market prices
Offset by:
▪$56 million lower sales to the California ISO due to lower market prices
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s electric revenues decreased by $61 million (2%) remaining at $3.3 billion primarily due to:
▪$165 million lower cost of electric fuel and purchased power, which we discuss below
▪$124 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
▪$13 million lower revenues from a $4 million credit in 2024 compared to a $9 million cost in 2023 for the non-service components of net periodic benefit cost, which fully offsets in other income, net
▪$7 million lower franchise fee revenues
Offset by:
▪$108 million lower ITCs from standalone energy storage projects, which are offset in income tax (expense) benefit
▪$95 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$36 million higher revenues from transmission operations
▪$25 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s cost of electric fuel and purchased power decreased by $165 million (37%) to $277 million primarily due to:
▪$230 million lower purchased power primarily due to change in excess capacity sales
▪$219 million lower purchased power from the California ISO due to lower market prices
▪$84 million lower utility-owned generation costs
Offset by:
▪$270 million lower sales to the California ISO due to lower market prices
▪$86 million from realized losses in 2024 compared to realized gains in 2023 on derivative contracts for fixed-price natural gas, which are entered into to hedge the cost of electric fuel
Natural Gas Revenues and Cost of Natural Gas
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, SDG&E’s average cost of natural gas per thousand cubic feet was $5.61 and $6.33, respectively. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, SDG&E’s average cost of natural gas per thousand cubic feet was $5.19 and $12.10, respectively. The average cost of natural gas sold at SDG&E is impacted by market prices, as well as transportation, tariff and other charges.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s natural gas revenues decreased by $18 million (10%) to $170 million primarily due to:
▪$23 million lower regulatory revenues in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax (expense) benefit
▪$7 million decrease in cost of natural gas sold, which we discuss below
Offset by:
▪$11 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s cost of natural gas decreased by $7 million (16%) to $38 million primarily due to lower average natural gas prices.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s natural gas revenues decreased by $319 million (31%) to $695 million primarily due to:
▪$285 million decrease in cost of natural gas sold, which we discuss below
▪$48 million lower regulatory revenues in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax (expense) benefit
▪$7 million lower franchise fee revenues
Offset by:
▪$23 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s cost of natural gas decreased by $285 million to $177 million primarily due to:
▪$236 million lower average natural gas prices
▪$49 million lower volumes driven by weather
Operation and Maintenance
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s O&M decreased by $43 million (9%) to $420 million due to:
▪$58 million lower expenses associated with refundable programs, which costs are recovered in revenue
Offset by:
▪$18 million higher non-refundable operating costs
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s O&M decreased by $110 million (8%) to $1.3 billion due to:
▪$125 million lower expenses associated with refundable programs, which costs are recovered in revenue
Offset by:
▪$18 million higher non-refundable operating costs
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E’s other income, net, increased by $11 million (15%) to $86 million primarily due to:
▪$18 million increase from a $4 million credit in 2024 compared to $14 million cost in 2023 for the non-service components of net periodic benefit cost
Offset by:
▪$7 million lower AFUDC equity
Interest Expense
In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023, SDG&E’s interest expense increased by $5 million (4%) to $131 million and $23 million (6%) to $390 million, respectively, from higher debt balances from debt issuances.
Income Taxes
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) AND EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATES
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
SDG&E:
Income tax expense (benefit)
$
15
$
(15)
$
89
$
(4)
Income before income taxes
$
276
$
259
$
759
$
712
Effective income tax rate
5
%
(6)
%
12
%
(1)
%
In April 2023, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting for gas repairs expenditures. SDG&E elected this change in tax accounting method in Sempra’s consolidated 2023 income tax return filing and has applied this methodology in the calculation of its 2024 forecasted ETR.
SDG&E records regulatory liabilities for benefits that will be flowed through to customers in the future.
In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SDG&E had an income tax expense in 2024 compared to income tax benefit in 2023 primarily due to:
▪lower income tax benefit in 2024 from lower ITCs from standalone energy storage projects under the IRA
▪higher pretax income
Offset by:
▪$9 million higher income tax benefit from the resolution of prior year income tax items
We discuss herein SoCalGas’ results of operations and significant changes in (losses) earnings, revenues and costs for the three months (Q3) and nine months (YTD) ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
SoCalGas recorded CPUC-authorized base revenues in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 based on 2023 levels authorized under the 2019 GRC because a final decision in the 2024 GRC remains pending.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ losses were $14 million compared to earnings of $16 million primarily due to:
▪$14 million lower income tax benefits primarily from flow-through items
▪$13 million lower CPUC base operating margin, net of operating expenses, offset by higher authorized cost of capital. SoCalGas recorded CPUC-authorized revenues based on 2023 authorized levels
▪$9 million higher net interest expense
Offset by:
▪$4 million higher AFUDC equity
▪$3 million higher net regulatory interest income
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, the decrease in earnings of $56 million (11%) to $475 million were primarily due to:
▪$57 million lower income tax benefits primarily from flow-through items, which includes $25 million related to income tax benefits in 2023 for previously unrecognized income tax benefits pertaining to gas repairs expenditures
▪$21 million regulatory awards approved by the CPUC in 2023
▪$20 million higher net interest expense
Offset by:
▪$17 million higher CPUC base operating margin, net of higher operating expenses in 2023, including higher authorized cost of capital. SoCalGas recorded CPUC-authorized revenues based on 2023 authorized levels
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, SoCalGas’ average cost of natural gas per thousand cubic feet was $1.82 and $4.84, respectively. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, SoCalGas’ average cost of natural gas per thousand cubic feet was $3.14 and $12.10, respectively. The average cost of natural gas sold at SoCalGas is impacted by market prices, as well as transportation and other charges.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ natural gas revenues decreased by $259 million (20%) to $1.1 billion primarily due to:
▪$142 million decrease in cost of natural gas sold, which we discuss below
▪$88 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
▪$51 million lower regulatory revenues in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
Offset by:
▪$17 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$14 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ cost of natural gas decreased by $142 million to $82 million primarily due to lower average natural gas prices.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ natural gas revenues decreased by $2.4 billion (37%) to $4.2 billion primarily due to:
▪$2.2 billion decrease in cost of natural gas sold, which we discuss below
▪$135 million lower regulatory revenues in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
▪$96 million lower revenues associated with refundable programs, which are fully offset in O&M
▪$48 million lower revenues from lower non-service components of net periodic benefit cost, which fully offsets in other income (expense), net
▪$29 million regulatory awards approved by the CPUC in 2023
▪$26 million lower franchise fee revenues
Offset by:
▪$55 million higher CPUC-authorized revenues, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$54 million higher revenues from incremental and balanced capital projects, including higher authorized cost of capital
▪$26 million lower regulatory revenues in 2023 from the recognition of previously unrecognized income tax benefits pertaining to gas repairs expenditures, which are offset in income tax benefit (expense)
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ cost of natural gas decreased by $2.2 billion to $661 million primarily due to:
▪$1.9 billion lower average natural gas prices
▪$307 million lower volumes driven by weather
Operation and Maintenance
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ O&M decreased by $55 million (8%) to $678 million due to:
▪$88 million lower expenses associated with refundable programs, which costs are recovered in revenue
Offset by:
▪$33 million higher non-refundable operating costs
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ O&M decreased by $75 million (4%) remaining at $2.0 billion due to:
▪$96 million lower expenses associated with refundable programs, which costs are recovered in revenue
Offset by:
▪$21 million higher non-refundable operating costs
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ other income, net, was $13 million compared to other expense, net, of $2 million primarily due to:
▪$6 million lower non-service components of net periodic benefit cost
▪$5 million higher net interest income on regulatory balancing accounts
▪$4 million higher AFUDC equity
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ other income, net, was $73 million compared to other expense, net, of $9 million primarily due to:
▪$48 million lower non-service components of net periodic benefit cost
▪$16 million higher AFUDC equity
▪$13 million higher net interest income on regulatory balancing accounts
Interest Expense
In the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023, SoCalGas’ interest expense increased by $12 million (17%) to $82 million and $27 million (13%) to $237 million, respectively, from higher debt balances from debt issuances.
Income Taxes
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT) AND EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATES
(Dollars in millions)
Three months ended September 30,
Nine months ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
SoCalGas:
Income tax (benefit) expense
$
(52)
$
(5)
$
1
$
68
(Loss) income before income taxes
$
(66)
$
11
$
477
$
600
Effective income tax rate
79
%
(45)
%
—
%
11
%
In April 2023, the IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2023-15, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting for gas repairs expenditures. SoCalGas elected this change in tax accounting method in Sempra’s consolidated 2023 income tax return filing and has applied this methodology in the calculation of its 2024 forecasted ETR.
SoCalGas records regulatory liabilities for benefits that will be flowed through to customers in the future.
In the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ income tax benefit increased by $47 million primarily due to $40 million higher income tax benefit from the resolution of prior year income tax items.
In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, SoCalGas’ income tax expense decreased by $67 million primarily due to:
▪higher income tax benefits from flow-through items, including an income tax benefit in 2024 from adopting a change in tax accounting method for gas repairs expenditures
▪$40 million higher income tax benefit from the resolution of prior year income tax items
▪lower pretax income
Offset by:
▪$43 million income tax benefit in 2023 from the recognition of previously unrecognized income tax benefits pertaining to gas repairs expenditures
We expect to meet our cash requirements through cash flows from operations, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, borrowings under or supported by our credit facilities, other incurrences of debt which may include issuing debt securities and obtaining term loans, issuing equity securities under our ATM program or otherwise, and other financing transactions which may include distributions from our equity method investments, project financing and funding from NCI owners. We believe that these cash flow sources, combined with available funds, will be adequate to fund our operations in both the short-term and long-term, including to:
▪finance capital expenditures
▪repay debt
▪fund dividends
▪fund contractual and other obligations and otherwise meet liquidity requirements
▪fund capital contribution requirements
▪fund new business or asset acquisitions
Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas currently have reasonable access to the money markets and capital markets and are not currently constrained in their ability to borrow or otherwise raise money at market rates from commercial banks, under existing revolving credit facilities, through public offerings of debt or equity securities (including under our ATM program or otherwise), or through private placements of debt supported by our revolving credit facilities in the case of commercial paper. However, our ability to access these markets or obtain credit from commercial banks outside of our committed revolving credit facilities could become materially constrained if economic conditions worsen or disruptions to or volatility in these markets increase. In addition, our financing activities, actions by credit rating agencies and prevailing interest rates, as well as many other factors, could negatively affect the availability and cost of both short-term and long-term debt and equity financing. Also, cash flows from operations may be impacted by the timing of regulatory proceedings, commencement and completion of, and potential cost overruns for, large projects and other material events. If cash flows from operations were to be significantly reduced or we were unable to borrow or obtain other financing under acceptable terms, we would likely first reduce or postpone discretionary capital expenditures (not related to safety/reliability) and investments in new businesses. We monitor our ability to finance the needs of our operating, investing and financing activities in a manner consistent with our goal to maintain our investment-grade credit ratings.
Common Stock Offering and Forward Sale Agreements
As we discuss in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report and Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report, our offering of Sempra common stock completed in November 2023 provided initial net proceeds of $144 million upon the underwriters’ partial exercise of their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of our common stock. We did not initially receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock pursuant to the forward sale agreements entered into in connection with the offering. The forward sale agreements permit us to elect, subject to certain conditions, physical settlement, cash settlement or net share settlement for all or a portion of our obligations under the agreements. We expect to settle the forward sale agreements entirely by delivery of shares of our common stock under physical settlement in exchange for cash proceeds in one or more settlements no later than December 31, 2024, which is the final settlement date under the agreements. As of November 6, 2024, at the initial forward sale price of $68.845 per share, we expect that the net proceeds from full physical settlement of the forward sale agreements would be approximately $1.2 billion (net of underwriting discounts, but before deducting equity issuance costs, and subject to certain adjustments pursuant to the forward sale agreements). If we were to elect cash settlement or net share settlement instead of physical settlement, the amount of cash proceeds we receive upon settlement would be less, perhaps substantially, or we may not receive any cash proceeds or we may deliver cash (in an amount that could be significant) or shares of our common stock to the counterparties to the forward sale agreements.
We used the initial net proceeds from this offering, and we expect to use any net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock pursuant to the forward sale agreements, to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including to partly finance our long-term capital plan and to repay commercial paper and potentially other indebtedness.
Available Funds
Our committed lines of credit provide liquidity and support commercial paper. Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas each has a committed line of credit expiring in 2029 and Sempra Infrastructure has four committed lines of credit expiring on various dates from 2025 through 2030, and an uncommitted line of credit expiring in 2026.
AVAILABLE FUNDS AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Sempra
SDG&E
SoCalGas
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents(1)
$
560
$
15
$
2
Available unused credit(2)
8,247
1,116
1,200
(1) Amounts at Sempra include $108 held in non-U.S. jurisdictions. We discuss repatriation in Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
(2) Available unused credit is the total available on committed and uncommitted lines of credit that we discuss in Note 6 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Because our commercial paper programs are supported by these lines, we reflect the amount of commercial paper outstanding and any letters of credit outstanding as a reduction to the available unused credit.
Short-Term Borrowings
We use short-term debt primarily to meet liquidity requirements, fund shareholder dividends, and temporarily finance capital expenditures or acquisitions. SDG&E and SoCalGas use short-term debt primarily to meet working capital needs or to help fund event-specific costs. Commercial paper, a term loan and lines of credit were our primary sources of short-term debt funding in the first nine months of 2024.
We discuss our short-term debt activities in Note 6 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and below in “Sources and Uses of Cash.”
Long-Term Debt Activities
Significant issuances of and payments on long-term debt in the first nine months of 2024 included the following:
We discuss our long-term debt activities, including the use of proceeds on long-term debt issuances, in Note 6 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Credit Ratings
We provide additional information about the credit ratings of Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II – Item 2. MD&A – Capital Resources and Liquidity” in the Annual Report.
The credit ratings of Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas remained at investment grade levels in the first nine months of 2024.
ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Sempra
SDG&E
SoCalGas
Moody’s
Baa2 with a stable outlook
A3 with a stable outlook
A2 with a stable outlook
S&P
BBB+ with a stable outlook
BBB+ with a stable outlook
A with a negative outlook
Fitch
BBB+ with a stable outlook
BBB+ with a stable outlook
A with a stable outlook
A downgrade of Sempra’s or any of its subsidiaries’ credit ratings or rating outlooks may, depending on the severity, result in the imposition of financial or other burdensome covenants or a requirement for collateral to be posted in the case of certain financing arrangements and may materially and adversely affect the market prices of their equity and debt securities, the rates at which borrowings are made and commercial paper is issued, and the various fees on their outstanding credit facilities. This could make it more costly for Sempra, SDG&E, SoCalGas and Sempra’s other subsidiaries to issue debt securities, to borrow under credit facilities and to raise certain other types of financing.
Sempra has agreed that, if the credit rating of Oncor’s senior secured debt by any of the three major rating agencies falls below BBB (or the equivalent), Oncor will suspend dividends and other distributions (except for contractual tax payments), unless otherwise allowed by the PUCT. Oncor’s senior secured debt was rated A2, A+ and A at Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, respectively, at September 30, 2024.
Loans due to/from Affiliates
At September 30, 2024, Sempra had $347 million in loans due to unconsolidated affiliates.
Minimum Tax Directive
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has introduced a framework to implement a global minimum corporate tax of 15%, referred to as the “minimum tax directive.” Many aspects of the minimum tax directive became effective beginning in 2024. While it is uncertain whether the U.S. will enact legislation to adopt the minimum tax directive, other countries are in the process of introducing and enacting legislation to implement the minimum tax directive. We do not currently expect the minimum tax directive to have a material effect on Sempra’s, SDG&E’s or SoCalGas’ results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.
Market for Sempra’s Common Stock
Sempra’s common stock began trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the trading symbol SRE.MX in May 2021 following an exchange offer launched in the U.S. and Mexico to acquire the then publicly owned shares of IEnova for newly issued shares of our common stock. In August 2024, we submitted an application to cross-list our common stock on the International Trading System (SIC) of the Mexican Stock Exchange and delist our common stock from the general listing of the Mexican Stock Exchange, which application is currently under review by the CNBV. Following approval, our common stock will no longer be quoted or traded on the general listing of the Mexican Stock Exchange or subject to applicable reporting requirements, but will remain eligible for trading by Mexican investors on the SIC.
SempraCalifornia
SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ operations have historically provided relatively stable earnings and liquidity. Their future performance and liquidity will depend primarily on the ratemaking and regulatory process, environmental regulations, economic conditions, actions by legislatures, litigation and the changing energy marketplace, as well as other matters described in this report and the Annual Report. SDG&E and SoCalGas expect that the available unused funds from their credit facilities described above, which also supports their commercial paper programs, cash flows from operations, and other incurrences of debt including issuing debt securities and obtaining term loans will continue to be adequate to fund their respective current operations and planned capital expenditures. SDG&E and SoCalGas manage their capital structures and pay dividends when appropriate and as approved by their respective boards of directors.
The implementation of customer assistance programs and higher 2023 winter season customer billings have resulted in certain SDG&E and SoCalGas customers exhibiting slower payment and higher levels of nonpayment than has been the case historically. In January 2024, the CPUC directed SDG&E and SoCalGas to offer long-term repayment plans to eligible residential customers with past-due balances until October 2026. Delay in payments by customers impacts the timing of SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ cash flows.
As we discuss in Note 4 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report and in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report, changes in regulatory balancing accounts for significant costs at SDG&E and SoCalGas, particularly a change between over- and undercollected status, may have a significant impact on cash flows. These changes generally represent the difference between when costs are incurred and when they are ultimately recovered or refunded in rates through billings to customers.
CPUC GRC
On October 18, 2024, the CPUC issued a proposed decision in the 2024 GRC for SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ test year revenue requirements for 2024 and attrition year adjustments for 2025 through 2027. We discuss certain details of the proposed decision in Note 4 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The CPUC has authorized SDG&E and SoCalGas to recognize the effects of the 2024 GRC final decision retroactive to January 1, 2024. We expect the CPUC to issue a final decision by the end of this year.
CCM
In October 2024, the CPUC issued a final decision to modify the CCM. The final decision reduces the upward or downward adjustment to authorized ROE, if the CCM is triggered, to 20% of the change in the benchmark rate during the measurement period from the current 50%. The final decision adopts this change effective January 1, 2025, reducing both SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ ROE by 42 bps to 10.23% and 10.08%, respectively, and allowing SDG&E and SoCalGas to update their respective costs of preferred equity and debt for 2025. SDG&E and SoCalGas intend to file advice letters in November 2024 to address the implementation, subject to approval, of the updated cost of capital.
SDG&E
Wildfire Fund
The carrying value of SDG&E’s Wildfire Fund asset totaled $282 million at September 30, 2024. We describe the Wildfire Legislation and SDG&E’s commitment to make annual shareholder contributions to the Wildfire Fund through 2028 in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report.
SDG&E is exposed to the risk that the participating California electric IOUs may incur third-party wildfire costs for which they will seek recovery from the Wildfire Fund with respect to wildfires that have occurred since enactment of the Wildfire Legislation in July 2019. In such a situation, SDG&E may recognize a reduction of its Wildfire Fund asset and record accelerated amortization against earnings when available coverage is reduced due to recoverable claims from any of the participating IOUs, as was the case in 2023 after Pacific Gas and Electric Company indicated that it will seek reimbursement from the Wildfire Fund for losses associated with the Dixie Fire, which burned from July 2021 through October 2021 and was reported to be the largest single wildfire (measured by acres burned) in California history. If any California electric IOU’s equipment is determined to be a cause of a fire, it could have a material adverse effect on SDG&E’s and Sempra’s financial condition and results of operations up to the carrying value of our Wildfire Fund asset, with additional potential material exposure if SDG&E’s equipment is determined to be a cause of a fire. In addition, the Wildfire Fund could be completely exhausted due to fires in the other California electric IOUs’ service territories, by fires in SDG&E’s service territory or by a combination thereof. In the event that the Wildfire Fund is materially diminished, exhausted or terminated, SDG&E will lose the protection afforded by the Wildfire Fund, and as a consequence, a fire in SDG&E’s service territory could have a material adverse effect on SDG&E’s and Sempra’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Wildfire Mitigation Cost Recovery Mechanism
2024 GRC Track 2. In October 2023, SDG&E submitted a separate request to the CPUC in its 2024 GRC, known as a Track 2 request. This request seeks review and recovery of $1.5 billion of wildfire mitigation plan costs incurred from 2019 through 2022 that were in addition to amounts authorized in the 2019 GRC. SDG&E expects to receive a proposed reasonableness review decision for its Track 2 request in the first half of 2025.
Revenues associated with the Track 2 request amounts described above have been recorded in a regulatory account. In February 2024, the CPUC approved an interim cost recovery mechanism that would permit SDG&E to recover in rates $194 million and $96 million of this regulatory account balance in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Such recovery of SDG&E’s wildfire mitigation plan regulatory account balance will be subject to refund, contingent on the reasonableness review decision for its Track 2 request.
2024 GRC Track 3.SDG&E expects to submit in the first half of 2025 an additional request to the CPUC in its 2024 GRC, known as a Track 3 request, for review and recovery of its 2023 wildfire mitigation plan costs.
FERC Rate Matters
In June 2024, SDG&E exercised its right to terminate the TO5 settlement. Accordingly, in October 2024, SDG&E submitted its TO6 filing to the FERC to be effective January 1, 2025, subject to refund. SDG&E’s TO6 filing proposes, among other items, an increase to SDG&E’s currently authorized base ROE from 10.10% to 11.75% and continuation of the California ISO adder. SDG&E expects further proceedings on this matter. We further discuss SDG&E’s TO6 filing in Note 4 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
SDG&E has entered into PPAs and tolling agreements that are variable interests in unconsolidated entities. We discuss variable interests in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
SoCalGas
Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility Gas Leak
From October 23, 2015 through February 11, 2016, SoCalGas experienced the Leak, which we discuss in Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report and in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report.
At September 30, 2024, $21 million is accrued in Other Current Liabilities and $1 million is accrued in Deferred Credits and Other on SoCalGas’ and Sempra’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These accruals do not include any amounts in excess of what has been reasonably estimated to resolve certain matters that we describe in “Legal Proceedings – SoCalGas – Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility Gas Leak” in Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, nor any amounts that may be necessary to resolve threatened litigation, other potential litigation or other costs. We are not able to reasonably estimate the possible loss or a range of possible losses in excess of the amounts accrued, which could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on SoCalGas’ and Sempra’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Natural Gas Storage Operations and Reliability
Natural gas withdrawn from storage is important to help maintain service reliability during peak demand periods, including consumer heating needs in the winter and peak electric generation needs in the summer. The Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility is the largest SoCalGas storage facility and an important component of SoCalGas’ delivery system. In February 2017, the CPUC opened proceeding SB 380 OII to determine the feasibility of minimizing or eliminating the use of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility while still maintaining energy and electric reliability for the region, including analyzing alternative means for meeting or avoiding the demand for the facility’s services if it were eliminated. We expect a final decision by the end of this year.
At September 30, 2024, the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility had a net book value of $1.0 billion. If the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility were to be permanently closed or if future cash flows from its operation were otherwise insufficient to recover its carrying value, we may record an impairment of the facility, which could be material, and natural gas reliability and electric generation could be jeopardized.
Franchise Agreement
SoCalGas’ Los Angeles County franchise initially expired in June 2023 and the subsequent extension expired in December 2023. SoCalGas is in the process of negotiating a new agreement with Los Angeles County. SoCalGas is operating under the terms and provisions of the expired franchise and expects to continue to do so until a new agreement is reached and does not anticipate disruption of service to customers in unincorporated Los Angeles County while negotiations continue.
Labor Relations
Field, technical and most clerical employees at SoCalGas are represented by the Utility Workers Union of America or the International Chemical Workers Union Council. The collective bargaining agreement for these employees covering wages, hours, working conditions, and medical and other benefit plans was due to expire on September 30, 2024, but was extended by mutual agreement to allow time for further negotiation of new terms and a subsequent ratification vote. SoCalGas and representatives of the unions reached a tentative agreement for a new collective bargaining agreement on October 3, 2024, but the ratification vote did not pass. The terms and conditions of the existing agreement are currently scheduled to expire on November 8, 2024.
Negotiations for the new collective bargaining agreement and extension of the existing collective bargaining agreement are presently ongoing. If we are unable to extend the existing agreement, there could be labor disruptions following the expiration of that agreement, though we do not anticipate that such labor disruptions would have a material impact on service.
Sempra Texas Utilities
Oncor relies on external financing as a significant source of liquidity for its capital requirements. In the event that Oncor fails to meet its capital requirements, access sufficient capital, or raise capital on favorable terms to finance its ongoing needs, we may elect to make additional capital contributions to Oncor (as our commitments to the PUCT prohibit us from making loans to Oncor), which could be substantial and reduce the cash available to us for other purposes, increase our indebtedness and ultimately materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects. Oncor’s ability to make distributions may be limited by factors such as its credit ratings, regulatory capital requirements, increases in its capital plan, debt-to-equity ratio approved by the PUCT and other restrictions and considerations. In addition, Oncor will not make distributions if a majority of Oncor’s independent directors or any minority member director determines it is in the best interests of Oncor to retain such amounts to meet expected future requirements.
Rates and Cost Recovery
The PUCT issued a final order in Oncor’s most recent comprehensive base rate proceeding in April 2023, and rates implementing that order went into effect on May 1, 2023. In June 2023, the PUCT issued an order on rehearing in response to the motions for rehearing filed by Oncor and certain intervening parties in the proceeding. The order on rehearing made certain technical and typographical corrections to the final order but otherwise affirmed the material provisions of the final order and did not require modification of the rates that went into effect on May 1, 2023. In September 2023, Oncor filed an appeal in Travis County District Court seeking judicial review of certain rate base disallowances and related expense effects of those disallowances in the PUCT’s order on rehearing. In February 2024, the court dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction. In March 2024, Oncor appealed the court’s dismissal, which is currently with the Fifteenth Court of Appeals in Texas.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement
Our investment in Oncor Holdings is a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity. We discuss variable interests in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Sempra Infrastructure
Sempra Infrastructure expects to fund capital expenditures, investments and operations in part with available funds, including existing credit facilities, and cash flows from operations from the Sempra Infrastructure businesses. We expect Sempra Infrastructure will require additional funding for the development and expansion of its portfolio of projects, which may be financed through a combination of funding from the parent and NCI owners, bank financing, issuances of debt, project financing, partnering in JVs and asset sales.
Sempra, KKR Pinnacle and ADIA directly or indirectly own a 70%, 20%, and 10% interest, respectively, in SI Partners, and KKR Denali, an affiliate of ConocoPhillips and TotalEnergies SE each own a 60%, 30% and 16.6% interest, respectively, in three separate SI Partners subsidiaries. In the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, Sempra Infrastructure distributed $235 million and $289 million, respectively, to its NCI owners, and NCI owners contributed $1,121 million and $1,236 million, respectively, to Sempra Infrastructure.
Sempra Infrastructure is in various stages of development or construction on natural gas liquefaction projects, pipeline and terminal projects, and renewable generation and sequestration projects, which we describe below. The successful development and/or construction of these projects is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.
With respect to projects in development, these risks and uncertainties include, as applicable depending on the project, any failure to:
▪secure binding customer commitments
▪identify suitable project and equity partners
▪obtain sufficient financing
▪reach agreement with project partners or other applicable parties to proceed
▪obtain, modify, and/or maintain permits and regulatory approvals, including LNG export applications to non-FTA countries
▪negotiate, complete and maintain suitable commercial agreements, which may include EPC, tolling, equity acquisition, governance, LNG sales, gas supply and transportation contracts
With respect to projects under construction, these risks and uncertainties include, in addition to the risks described above as applicable to each project, construction delays and cost overruns.
An unfavorable outcome with respect to any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on (i) the development and construction of the applicable project, including a potential impairment of all or a substantial portion of the capital costs invested in the project to date, which could be material, and (ii) for any project that has reached a positive final investment decision, Sempra’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects. For a further discussion of these risks, see “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report.
The descriptions below discuss several HOAs, MOUs and other non-binding development agreements with respect to Sempra Infrastructure’s various development projects. These arrangements do not commit any party to enter into definitive agreements or otherwise participate in the applicable project, and the ultimate participation by the parties remains subject to negotiation and finalization of definitive agreements, among other factors.
LNG
Cameron LNG Phase 2 Project. Cameron LNG JV is developing a proposed expansion project that would add one electric drive liquefaction train with an expected maximum production capacity of approximately 6.75 Mtpa and would increase the production capacity of the existing three trains at the Cameron LNG Phase 1 facility by up to approximately 1 Mtpa through debottlenecking activities. The Cameron LNG JV site can accommodate additional trains beyond the proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 project.
Cameron LNG JV has received major permits, as amended to allow the use of electric drives for a one-train electric drive expansion along with other design enhancements, and FTA and non-FTA approvals associated with the potential expansion. The non-FTA approval for the proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 project includes, among other things, a May 2026 deadline to commence commercial exports, for which we expect to request an extension.
Sempra Infrastructure and the other Cameron LNG JV members, namely affiliates of TotalEnergies SE, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Japan LNG Investment, LLC, a company jointly owned by Mitsubishi Corporation and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, have entered into a non-binding HOA for the potential development of the Cameron LNG Phase 2 project. The non-binding HOA provides a commercial framework for the proposed project, including the contemplated allocation to SI Partners of 50.2% of the fourth train production capacity and 25% of the debottlenecking capacity from the project under tolling agreements. The non-binding HOA contemplates the remaining capacity to be allocated equally to the existing Cameron LNG Phase 1 facility customers. Sempra Infrastructure plans to sell the LNG corresponding to its allocated capacity from the proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 project under long-term SPAs prior to making a final investment decision.
After completion of certain value engineering work in the first quarter of 2024, Cameron LNG JV is conducting additional value engineering work to improve the overall value of the project and evaluate other potential EPC contractors. We expect this work will continue through the end of 2024 as we continue to evaluate the timeframe to make a final investment decision, which we no longer expect to occur in the first half of 2025 and which remains subject to satisfactory conclusion on the EPC process as well as negotiation and finalization of definitive offtake agreements and completion of all related financing and permitting activities necessary to align our authorizations with the proposed schedule for the project.
In December 2023, Entergy Louisiana, LLC, a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, and Cameron LNG JV signed a new electricity service agreement (and related ancillary agreements) for the supply to Cameron LNG JV of up to 950 MW of renewable power from new renewable resources in Louisiana.
Expansion of the Cameron LNG Phase 1 facility beyond the first three trains is subject to certain restrictions and conditions under the JV project financing agreements, including among others, scope restrictions on expansion of the project unless appropriate prior consent is obtained from the existing project lenders. Under the Cameron LNG JV equity agreements, the expansion of the project requires the unanimous consent of all the members, including with respect to the equity investment obligation of each member.
ECA LNG Phase 1 Project. ECA LNG Phase 1 is constructing a one-train natural gas liquefaction facility at the site of Sempra Infrastructure’s existing ECA Regas Facility with a nameplate capacity of 3.25 Mtpa and an initial offtake capacity of 2.5 Mtpa. We do not expect the construction or operation of the ECA LNG Phase 1 project to disrupt operations at the ECA Regas Facility. SI Partners owns an 83.4% interest in ECA LNG Phase 1, and an affiliate of TotalEnergies SE owns the remaining 16.6% interest. Sempra holds an indirect interest in the ECA LNG Phase 1 project of 58.4%.
We received authorizations from the DOE to export U.S.-produced natural gas to Mexico and to re-export LNG to non-FTA countries from the ECA LNG Phase 1 project. ECA LNG Phase 1 has definitive 20-year SPAs with an affiliate of TotalEnergies SE for approximately 1.7 Mtpa of LNG and with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. for approximately 0.8 Mtpa of LNG. The customers have a termination right if the ECA LNG Phase 1 project does not commence commercial operations under the SPAs by February 24, 2026, subject to certain additional conditions, for which we expect to request an extension if necessary.
We have an EPC contract with TP Oil & Gas Mexico, S. De R.L. De C.V., an affiliate of Technip Energies N.V., to construct the ECA LNG Phase 1 project. We estimate the total price of the EPC contract to be approximately $1.6 billion, with capital expenditures approximating $2.5 billion including capitalized interest at the project level and project contingency. The actual cost of the EPC contract and the actual amount of these capital expenditures may differ substantially from our estimates. We expect the ECA LNG Phase 1 project to commence commercial operations in the spring of 2026.
ECA LNG Phase 1 has a five-year loan agreement with a syndicate of seven external lenders that matures in December 2025 for an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.3 billion, of which $1.0 billion was outstanding at September 30, 2024. Proceeds from the loan are being used to finance the cost of construction of the ECA LNG Phase 1 project.
With respect to the ECA LNG Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects, recent and proposed changes to the law in Mexico and an unfavorable resolution of land disputes and permit challenges, in each case that we discuss in Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, could have a material adverse effect on the development and construction of these projects.
ECA LNG Phase 2 Project. Sempra Infrastructure is developing a second, large-scale natural gas liquefaction project at the site of its existing ECA Regas Facility. We expect the proposed ECA LNG Phase 2 project to be comprised of two trains and one LNG storage tank and produce approximately 12 Mtpa of export capacity. We expect that construction of the proposed ECA LNG Phase 2 project would conflict with the current operations at the ECA Regas Facility, which currently has long-term regasification contracts for 100% of the regasification facility’s capacity through 2028. This makes the decisions on whether, when and how to pursue the proposed ECA LNG Phase 2 project dependent in part on whether the investment in a large-scale liquefaction facility would, over the long term, be more beneficial financially than continuing to supply regasification services under our existing contracts.
We received authorizations from the DOE to export U.S.-produced natural gas to Mexico and to re-export LNG to non-FTA countries from the proposed ECA LNG Phase 2 project.
We have non-binding MOUs and/or HOAs with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., an affiliate of TotalEnergies SE, and ConocoPhillips that provide a framework for their potential offtake of LNG from the proposed ECA LNG Phase 2 project and potential acquisition of an equity interest in ECA LNG Phase 2.
PA LNG Phase 1 Project. Sempra Infrastructure is constructing a natural gas liquefaction project on a greenfield site that it owns in the vicinity of Port Arthur, Texas, located along the Sabine-Neches waterway. The PA LNG Phase 1 project will consist of two liquefaction trains, two LNG storage tanks, a marine berth and associated loading facilities and related infrastructure necessary to provide liquefaction services with a nameplate capacity of approximately 13 Mtpa and an initial offtake capacity of approximately 10.5 Mtpa. SI Partners, KKR Denali and an affiliate of ConocoPhillips indirectly own a 28%, 42% and 30% interest, respectively, in the PA LNG Phase 1 project, and Sempra holds a 19.6% indirect interest in the project.
Sempra Infrastructure has received authorizations from the DOE that permit the LNG to be produced from the PA LNG Phase 1 project to be exported to all current and future FTA and non-FTA countries. In April 2019, the FERC approved the siting, construction and operation of the PA LNG Phase 1 project. In June 2023, Port Arthur LNG requested authorization from the FERC to increase its work force and implement a 24-hours-per-day construction schedule to further enhance construction efficiency while reducing temporal impacts to the community and environment in the vicinity of the project. The authorization was granted in May 2024 and provides the EPC contractor with more optionality to meet or exceed the project’s construction schedule.
The PA LNG Phase 1 project holds two Clean Air Act, Prevention of Significant Deterioration permits issued by the TCEQ, which we refer to as the “2016 Permit” and the “2022 Permit.” The 2022 Permit also governs emissions for the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project. In November 2023, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision to vacate and remand the 2022 Permit to the TCEQ for additional explanation of the agency’s permit decision. In February 2024, the court withdrew its opinion and referred the case to the Supreme Court of Texas to resolve the question of the appropriate standard to be applied by the TCEQ. The 2022 Permit is effective during the Texas Supreme Court’s review. The 2016 Permit was not the subject of, and is unaffected by, the pending litigation of the 2022 Permit. Construction of the PA LNG Phase 1 project is proceeding uninterrupted under existing permits, and we do not currently anticipate the pending litigation to materially impact the PA LNG Phase 1 project cost, schedule or expected commercial operations at this stage.
Sempra Infrastructure has definitive SPAs for LNG offtake from the PA LNG Phase 1 project with:
▪an affiliate of ConocoPhillips for a 20-year term for 5 Mtpa of LNG, as well as a natural gas supply management agreement whereby an affiliate of ConocoPhillips will manage the feed gas supply requirements for the PA LNG Phase 1 project.
▪RWE Supply & Trading GmbH, a subsidiary of RWE AG, for a 15-year term for 2.25 Mtpa of LNG.
▪INEOS for a 20-year term for approximately 1.4 Mtpa of LNG.
▪ORLEN for a 20-year term for approximately 1 Mtpa of LNG.
▪ENGIE S.A. for a 15-year term for approximately 0.875 Mtpa of LNG.
We have an EPC contract with Bechtel to construct the PA LNG Phase 1 project. In March 2023, we issued a final notice to proceed under the EPC contract, which has an estimated price of approximately $10.7 billion. We estimate the capital expenditures for the PA LNG Phase 1 project will be approximately $13 billion, including capitalized interest at the project level and project contingency. The actual cost of the EPC contract and the actual amount of these capital expenditures may differ substantially from our estimates. We expect the first and second trains of the PA LNG Phase 1 project to commence commercial operations in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
As we discuss in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, SI Partners and ConocoPhillips have provided guarantees relating to their respective affiliate’s commitment to make its pro rata equity share of capital contributions to fund 110% of the development budget of the PA LNG Phase 1 project, in an aggregate amount of up to $9.0 billion. SI Partners’ guarantee covers 70% of this amount plus enforcement costs of its guarantee. As of September 30, 2024, an aggregate amount of $2.7 billion has been paid by SI Partners’ indirect subsidiary in satisfaction of its commitment to fund its portion of the development budget of the PA LNG Phase 1 project.
In March 2023, Port Arthur LNG entered into a seven-year term loan facility agreement with a syndicate of lenders for an aggregate principal amount of approximately $6.8 billion and an initial working capital facility agreement for up to $200 million. The facilities mature in March 2030. Proceeds from the loans will be used to finance the cost of construction of the PA LNG Phase 1 project. At September 30, 2024, $420 million of borrowings were outstanding under the term loan facility agreement.
PA LNG Phase 2 Project. Sempra Infrastructure is developing a second phase of the Port Arthur natural gas liquefaction project that we expect will be a similar size to the PA LNG Phase 1 project. We are progressing the development of the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project, while continuing to evaluate overall opportunities to develop the entirety of the Port Arthur site.
In September 2023, the FERC approved the siting, construction and operation of the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project, including the potential addition of up to two liquefaction trains. In February 2020, Sempra Infrastructure filed an application with the DOE to permit LNG produced from the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project to be exported to all current and future FTA and non-FTA countries. We received the FTA authorization from the DOE in July 2020.
As we discuss above, a U.S. federal court previously issued and subsequently withdrew a decision that would have vacated and remanded the 2022 Permit authorizing emissions from the PA LNG Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects to the TCEQ for additional explanation of the agency’s permit decision. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has referred the case to the Supreme Court of Texas to resolve the question of the appropriate standard to be applied by the TCEQ. The 2022 Permit is effective pending the Texas Supreme Court’s review.
Sempra Infrastructure has entered into a non-binding HOA for the negotiation and potential finalization of a definitive SPA with INEOS for approximately 0.2 Mtpa of LNG offtake from the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project. Additionally, Sempra Infrastructure has entered into a non-binding HOA for a 20-year SPA with Aramco for 5 Mtpa of LNG offtake from the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project. The HOA further contemplates Aramco’s 25% participation in the project-level equity of the PA LNG Phase 2 project.
In July 2024, Sempra Infrastructure entered into an $8.2 billion EPC contract with Bechtel for the proposed PA LNG Phase 2 project. The EPC contract contemplates the construction of two liquefaction trains capable of producing approximately 13 Mtpa, an additional LNG storage tank and marine berth and associated loading facilities and related infrastructure necessary to provide liquefaction services. We have no obligation to move forward on the EPC contract, and we may release Bechtel to perform portions of the work pursuant to limited notices to proceed. The price is subject to change if certain limited notices to proceed and the full notice to proceed are not issued, each by specified dates. We expect to work with Bechtel with respect to such changes based on the ultimate timeline for the project and plan to fully release Bechtel to perform all the work to construct the PA LNG Phase 2 project only after we reach a final investment decision with respect to the project and after certain other conditions are met, including obtaining permits, executing definitive agreements for LNG offtake and equity investments, and securing project financing.
Vista Pacifico LNG Liquefaction Project. Sempra Infrastructure is developing the Vista Pacifico LNG project, a mid-scale natural gas liquefaction export facility proposed to be located in the vicinity of the Port of Topolobampo in Sinaloa, Mexico. In June 2024, we extended the non-binding development agreement with the CFE to December 15, 2024, with an automatic one-year extension to December 15, 2025. We continue to progress with the CFE on the negotiation of definitive agreements, including a natural gas supply agreement. The proposed LNG export terminal would be supplied with U.S. natural gas and would use excess capacity on existing pipelines in Mexico with the intent of helping to meet growing demand for natural gas and LNG in the Mexican and Pacific markets.
Sempra Infrastructure received authorization from the DOE to permit the export of U.S.-produced natural gas to Mexico and for LNG produced from the proposed Vista Pacifico LNG facility to be re-exported to all current and future FTA countries and non-FTA countries.
In March 2022, TotalEnergies SE and Sempra Infrastructure entered into a non-binding MOU that contemplates TotalEnergies SE potentially contracting approximately one-third of the long-term export production of the proposed Vista Pacifico LNG project and potentially participating as a minority partner in the project.
Asset and Supply Optimization. As we discuss in “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Annual Report, Sempra Infrastructure enters into hedging transactions to help mitigate commodity price risk and optimize the value of its LNG, natural gas pipelines and storage, and power-generating assets. Some of these derivatives that we use as economic hedges do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting, or hedge accounting is not elected, and as a result, the changes in fair value of these derivatives are recorded in earnings. Consequently, significant changes in commodity prices have in the past and could in the future result in earnings volatility, which may be material, as the economic offset of these derivatives may not be recorded at fair value.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Our investment in Cameron LNG JV is a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity. We discuss variable interests in Note 1 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2021, Sempra provided a promissory note, which constitutes a guarantee, for the benefit of Cameron LNG JV with a maximum exposure to loss of $165 million. The guarantee will terminate upon full repayment of Cameron LNG JV’s debt, scheduled to occur in 2039, or replenishment of the amount withdrawn by Sempra Infrastructure from the SDSRA. We discuss this guarantee in Note 5 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2020, Sempra entered into a Support Agreement, which contains a guarantee and represents a variable interest, for the benefit of CFIN with a maximum exposure to loss of $979 million. The guarantee will terminate upon full repayment of the guaranteed debt by 2039, including repayment following an event in which the guaranteed debt is put to Sempra. We discuss this guarantee in Notes 1, 5 and 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Energy Networks
Sonora Pipeline. Sempra Infrastructure’s Sonora natural gas pipeline consists of two pipeline segments, the Sasabe-Puerto Libertad-Guaymas segment and the Guaymas-El Oro segment. Each segment has its own service agreement with the CFE. Following the start of commercial operations of the Guaymas-El Oro segment, Sempra Infrastructure reported damage to the pipeline in the Yaqui territory that has made that section inoperable since August 2017. In September 2019, Sempra Infrastructure and the CFE reached an agreement to modify the tariff structure and extend the term of the contract by 10 years. Under the revised agreement, the CFE will resume making payments only when the damaged section of the Guaymas-El Oro segment of the Sonora pipeline is back in service.
Sempra Infrastructure and the CFE have agreed to an amendment to their transportation services agreement and to re-route the portion of the pipeline that is in the Yaqui territory, whereby the CFE would pay for the re-routing with a new tariff. This amendment will terminate if certain conditions are not met, and Sempra Infrastructure retains the right to terminate the transportation services agreement and seek to recover its reasonable and documented costs and lost profit. Sempra Infrastructure continues to acquire and pursue the necessary rights-of-way and permits for the re-routed portion of the pipeline.
The Guaymas-El Oro segment of the Sonora pipeline currently constitutes a Sole Risk Project under the terms of the SI Partners limited partnership agreement. Sole Risk Projects are separated from other SI Partners projects and are conducted at Sempra’s sole cost, expense and liability and we receive, through the acquisition of Sole Risk Interests, any economic and other benefits from such projects. At September 30, 2024, Sempra Infrastructure had $404 million in PP&E, net, related to the Guaymas-El Oro segment of the Sonora pipeline, which could be subject to impairment if Sempra Infrastructure is unable to re-route a portion of the pipeline and resume operations or if Sempra Infrastructure terminates the contract and is unable to obtain recovery, which in each case could have a material adverse effect on Sempra’s business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Refined Products Terminals. Sempra Infrastructure owns and operates a terminal for the receipt, storage, and delivery of refined products in Topolobampo, which commenced commercial operations in June 2024.
Sempra Infrastructure is also developing terminals for the receipt, storage, and delivery of refined products in the vicinity of Manzanillo and Ensenada.
SI Partners holds a 100% indirect interest and Sempra holds a 70% indirect interest in these terminals.
Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector. Sempra Infrastructure is constructing the Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector, a 72-mile pipeline connecting the PA LNG Phase 1 project to Gillis, Louisiana, in which SI Partners holds a 100% indirect interest and Sempra holds a 70% indirect interest. In April 2019, the FERC approved the siting, construction and operation of the Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector, which will be used to supply feed gas to the PA LNG Phase 1 project. In July 2023, Sempra Infrastructure filed a limited amendment application with the FERC to implement construction process enhancements and minor modifications to several discrete sections of the Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector. These modifications are intended to decrease environmental impacts, accommodate landowner routing requests and enhance construction procedures. In May 2024, the FERC approved the Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector amendment application. We expect the Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector to be ready for service ahead of the PA LNG Phase 1 project’s gas requirements. We estimate the capital expenditures for the project will be approximately $1 billion, including capitalized interest at the project level and project contingency. The actual amount of these capital expenditures may differ substantially from our estimates.
Louisiana Storage. Sempra Infrastructure is constructing Louisiana Storage, a 12.5-Bcf salt dome natural gas storage facility to support the PA LNG Phase 1 project, in which SI Partners holds a 100% indirect interest and Sempra holds a 70% indirect interest. The construction includes an 11-mile pipeline that will connect to the Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector. In September 2022, the FERC approved the development of the project. We expect Louisiana Storage to be ready for service in time to support the needs of the PA LNG Phase 1 project. We estimate the capital expenditures for the project will be approximately $300 million, including capitalized interest at the project level and project contingency. The actual amount of these capital expenditures may differ substantially from our estimates.
Low Carbon Solutions
Cimarrón Wind. Sempra Infrastructure has made a positive final investment decision on and begun constructing the Cimarrón Wind project, an approximately 320-MW wind generation facility in Baja California, Mexico, in which SI Partners holds a 100% indirect interest and Sempra holds a 70% indirect interest. Sempra Infrastructure has a 20-year PPA with Silicon Valley Power for the long-term supply of renewable energy to the City of Santa Clara, California. Cimarrón Wind will utilize Sempra Infrastructure’s existing cross-border high voltage transmission line to interconnect and deliver clean energy to the East County substation in San Diego County. We estimate the capital expenditures for the project will be approximately $550 million, including capitalized interest at the project level and project contingency. The actual amount of these capital expenditures may differ substantially from our estimates. We expect the Cimarrón Wind project to begin generating energy in late 2025 and commence commercial operations in the first half of 2026.
Hackberry Carbon Sequestration Project. Sempra Infrastructure is developing the potential Hackberry Carbon Sequestration project near Hackberry, Louisiana. This proposed project under development is designed to permanently sequester carbon dioxide from the Cameron LNG Phase 1 facility and the proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 project. In 2021, Sempra Infrastructure filed an application with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a Class VI carbon injection well to advance this project. The permit is pending approval from the State of Louisiana as the EPA has transferred Class VI permitting authority to the state.
Sempra Infrastructure, TotalEnergies SE, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation have entered into a Participation Agreement for the development of the proposed Hackberry Carbon Sequestration project. The Participation Agreement contemplates that the combined Cameron LNG Phase 1 facility and proposed Cameron LNG Phase 2 project would potentially serve as the anchor source for the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide by the proposed project. It also provides the basis for the parties to acquire an equity interest by entering into a JV with Sempra Infrastructure for the Hackberry Carbon Sequestration project. In May 2023, Sempra Infrastructure and Cameron LNG JV entered into a non-binding HOA, which sets forth a framework for further development of the Hackberry Carbon Sequestration project.
See Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report for discussions of the following legal and regulatory matters affecting our operations in Mexico and risks associated with Mexican laws, policies and government influence:
One or more unfavorable final decisions on these land disputes or environmental and social impact permit challenges could materially adversely affect our existing natural gas regasification operations and proposed natural gas liquefaction projects at the site of the ECA Regas Facility and have a material adverse effect on Sempra’s business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Regulatory and Other Actions by the Mexican Government
Sempra Infrastructure and other parties affected by these amendments to Mexican law have challenged them by filing amparo and other claims, some of which remain pending. In particular, Sempra Infrastructure filed one lawsuit concerning the provision of Mexico’s Electricity Industry Law permitting revocation of self-supply permits deemed improperly obtained that was dismissed by the court. Consequently, the CRE may be required to seek to revoke such self-supply permits, under a legal standard that is ambiguous and not well defined under the law. An unfavorable decision on one or more of these amparo or other challenges, the impact of the amendments that have become effective (due to unsuccessful amparo challenges or otherwise), or the possibility of future reforms to the energy industry through additional amendments to Mexican laws, regulations or rules (including through amendments to the constitution) may impact our ability to operate our facilities at existing levels or at all, may result in increased costs for Sempra Infrastructure and its customers, may adversely affect our ability to develop new projects, may result in decreased revenues and cash flows, and may negatively impact our ability to recover the carrying values of our investments in Mexico, any of which may have a material adverse effect on Sempra’s business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Subsequent to the federal elections in Mexico, the Mexican government has begun to introduce significant changes to the Constitution, which will require changes in laws, policies, and regulations in order to be implemented. These changes have included constitutional reforms to the judiciary and to the treatment of certain state-owned enterprises. The changes to the judiciary include a requirement that all judges be elected rather than appointed. These reforms and any further constitutional, legal or regulatory changes could affect the Mexican economy, energy sector and our businesses, the extent of which we currently are unable to predict.
(1) Includes expenditures for PP&E of $1,838and $1,893 at SDG&E and $1,491 and $1,451 at SoCalGas for 2024 and 2023, respectively.
ERCOT has been experiencing, and expects to continue to experience, growth in power demand. Additionally, pursuant to recently enacted Texas House Bill 2555 and related rules promulgated by the PUCT, Oncor filed for PUCT review and approval a system resiliency plan to help enhance the resiliency of its transmission and distribution system. Oncor anticipates its 2025 through 2029 five-year capital expenditures plan may increase by 40% to 50% compared to its previously announced 2024 through 2028 plan.
An increase in Oncor’s 2025 through 2029 five-year capital expenditures plan would likely result in an increase to Sempra’s capital expenditures and investments in its 2025 through 2029 five-year plan. The amounts and timing of capital expenditures and certain investments may vary substantially from our estimates and are generally subject to approvals by various regulatory and other governmental and environmental bodies, including the CPUC, the FERC and the PUCT, the cost and availability of financing, changes in tax law and business opportunities providing desirable rates of return, among various other factors described in this MD&A and in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report. We intend to finance our capital expenditures and investments in a manner that will maintain our investment-grade credit ratings and capital structure, but there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Management views certain accounting estimates as critical because their application is the most relevant, judgmental and/or material to our financial position and results of operations, and/or because they require the use of material judgments and estimates. We discuss critical accounting estimates in “Part II – Item 7. MD&A” in the Annual Report.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
We discuss any recent accounting pronouncements that have had or may have a significant effect on our financial statements and/or disclosures in Note 2 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We provide disclosure regarding derivative activity in Note 7 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We discuss our market risk and risk policies in detail in “Part II – Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in the Annual Report.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Sempra Infrastructure is exposed to commodity price risk indirectly through its LNG, natural gas pipelines and storage, and power-generating assets. In the first nine months of 2024, a hypothetical 10% change in commodity prices would have resulted in a change in the fair value of our commodity-based natural gas and electricity derivatives of $15 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $14 million at December 31, 2023.
The one-day value at risk for SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ commodity positions were $2 million and $3 million, respectively, at September 30, 2024 compared to $2 million and $4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The table below shows the nominal amount of our debt:
NOMINAL AMOUNT OF DEBT(1)
(Dollars in millions)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Sempra
SDG&E
SoCalGas
Sempra
SDG&E
SoCalGas
Short-term:
Sempra California
$
884
$
384
$
500
$
947
$
—
$
947
Other
1,305
—
—
1,397
—
—
Long-term:
Sempra California fixed-rate
$
16,309
$
8,950
$
7,359
$
15,109
$
8,350
$
6,759
Sempra California variable-rate
—
—
—
400
400
—
Other fixed-rate
13,881
—
—
11,317
—
—
Other variable-rate
1,034
—
—
890
—
—
(1)After the effects of interest rate swaps. Before reductions for unamortized discount and debt issuance costs and excluding finance lease obligations.
An interest rate risk sensitivity analysis measures interest rate risk by calculating the estimated changes in earnings attributable to common shares (but disregarding capitalized interest and impacts on equity earnings from debt at our equity method investees) that would result from a hypothetical change in market interest rates. Earnings attributable to common shares are affected by changes in interest rates on short-term debt and variable-rate long-term debt. If weighted-average interest rates on short-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2024 increased or decreased by 10%, the change in earnings attributable to common shares over the 12-month period ending September 30, 2025 would be approximately $8 million. If interest rates increased or decreased by 10% on all variable-rate long-term debt at September 30, 2024, after considering the effects of interest rate swaps, the change in earnings attributable to common shares over the 12-month period ending September 30, 2025 would be approximately $3 million.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK AND INFLATION EXPOSURE
We discuss our foreign currency exchange rate risk and inflation exposure in “Part I – Item 2. MD&A – Impact of Foreign Currency and Inflation Rates on Results of Operations” in this report and in “Part II – Item 7. MD&A – Impact of Foreign Currency and Inflation Rates on Results of Operations” in the Annual Report. At September 30, 2024, there were no significant changes to our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk since December 31, 2023.
In 2023 and 2024 to date, SDG&E and SoCalGas have experienced inflationary pressures from increases in various costs, including the cost of natural gas, electric fuel and purchased power, labor, materials and supplies, as well as availability of labor and materials. Sempra Texas Utilities has experienced increased costs, including labor and contractor related costs as well as higher insurance premiums, and does not have specific regulatory mechanisms that allow for recovery of higher non-reconcilable costs due to inflation; rather, recovery is limited to rate updates through capital trackers and base rate reviews, which may result in partial non-recovery due to the regulatory lag. If such costs continue to be subject to significant inflationary pressures and we are not able to fully recover such higher costs in rates or there is a delay in recovery, these increased costs may have a significant effect on Sempra’s, SDG&E’s and SoCalGas’ results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Sempra Infrastructure has experienced inflationary pressures from increases in various costs, including the cost of labor, materials and supplies. Sempra Infrastructure generally secures long-term contracts that are U.S. dollar-denominated or referenced and are periodically adjusted for market factors, including inflation, and Sempra Infrastructure generally enters into lump-sum contracts for its large construction projects in which much of the risk during construction is absorbed or hedged by the EPC contractor. If additional costs become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully recover such higher costs through contractual adjustments for inflation, which may have a significant effect on Sempra’s results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and/or prospects.
Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in their respective reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to the management of each company, including each respective principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating these controls and procedures, the management of each company recognizes that any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives; therefore, the management of each company applies judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officers and principal financial officers of Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas, each such company’s management evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2024, the end of the period covered by this report. Based on these evaluations, the principal executive officers and principal financial officers of Sempra, SDG&E and SoCalGas concluded that their respective company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of such date.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There have been no changes in Sempra’s, SDG&E’s or SoCalGas’ internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, any such company’s internal control over financial reporting.
We are not party to, and our property is not the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our businesses) or environmental proceedings described in Item 103(c)(3) of SEC Regulation S-K except for the matters (1) described in Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report and in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report, or (2) referred to in “Part I – Item 2. MD&A” in this report or in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” or “Part II – Item 7. MD&A” in the Annual Report.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
When evaluating our company and its consolidated entities and any investment in our or their securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors and all other information contained in this report and the other documents we file with the SEC (including those filed subsequent to this report), including the factors discussed in “Part I – Item 2. MD&A” in this report and “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Part II – Item 7. MD&A” in the Annual Report. This section supplements the risk factors described in our Annual Report by adding the below risk factor under the heading “Risks Related to Sempra – Financial and Capital Stock-Related Risks” in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Any of the risks and other information discussed in this report or any of the risk factors discussed in “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” or “Part II – Item 7. MD&A” in the Annual Report, as well as additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial, could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, prospects and/or the trading prices of our securities or those of our consolidated entities.
Settlement provisions contained in the forward sale agreements we may enter into in connection with our ATM program subject us to certain risks.
In November 2024, Sempra established an ATM program, which we discuss in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and in part (a) of “Part II - Item 5. Other Information” below. We are permitted to sell shares of our common stock in the ATM program pursuant to forward sale agreements, which grant each counterparty (each a forward purchaser) the right to accelerate its forward sale agreement (or, in certain cases, the portion thereof that the forward purchaser determines is affected by the relevant event) and require us to physically settle the forward sale agreement on a date specified by the forward purchaser if, subject to a prior notice requirement:
▪the forward purchaser determines in its commercially reasonable judgment that it is unable to hedge in a commercially reasonable manner its exposure to the applicable forward sale agreement because insufficient shares of our common stock are made available for borrowing by securities lenders or that, with respect to borrowing such number of shares of our common stock, it would incur a rate that is greater than the borrow cost specified in the forward sale agreement;
▪we declare any dividend, issue or distribution to existing holders of shares of our common stock that constitutes an extraordinary dividend under the forward sale agreement or is payable in (i) cash in excess of specified amounts (unless it is an extraordinary dividend), (ii) securities of another company that we acquire or own (directly or indirectly) as a result of a spin-off or similar transaction or (iii) any other type of securities (other than our common stock), rights, warrants or other assets for payment at less than the prevailing market price;
▪an event (i) is announced that, if consummated, would result in an extraordinary event (including certain mergers and tender offers, our nationalization, our insolvency and the delisting of the shares of our common stock) or (ii) occurs that would constitute a hedging disruption or change in law;
▪an ownership event (as such term is defined in the forward sale agreement) occurs; or
▪certain other events of default, termination events or other specified events occur, including, among other things, a change in law.
A forward purchaser’s decision to exercise its right to accelerate all or a portion of the settlement of its forward sale agreement and to require us to physically settle the relevant shares will be made irrespective of our interests, including our need for capital. In such cases, we could be required to issue and deliver shares of our common stock under the terms of the physical settlement,
which would result in dilution to our EPS and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, Series C preferred stock and any other series of preferred stock we may issue in the future.
The forward price that we expect to receive upon physical settlement of a forward sale agreement will be subject to adjustment on a daily basis based on a floating interest rate factor. If the specified daily rate is less than the applicable spread on any day, this will result in a daily reduction of the forward price. In addition, the forward price will be subject to decrease on certain dates specified in the relevant forward sale agreement by the amount per share of quarterly dividends we expect to declare on our common stock during the term of such forward sale agreement.
We will generally have the right, in lieu of physical settlement of any forward sale agreement, to elect cash or net share settlement in respect of any or all of the shares of our common stock subject to such forward sale agreement. If we elect to cash or net share settle all or any part of any forward sale agreement, we would expect to issue a substantially lower number of shares than if we settled by physical delivery, but would not receive the cash for the shares that would have otherwise been issued if we settled the entire forward sale agreement by physical delivery and, as a result, would not derive the same credit metrics benefits.
If the price of our common stock at which these purchases are made by such forward purchaser (or its affiliate) exceeds the applicable forward price, we will pay such forward purchaser an amount in cash equal to such difference (if we elect to cash settle) or we will deliver to such forward purchaser a number of shares of our common stock having a market value equal to such difference (if we elect to net share settle). Any such difference could be significant and could require us to pay a significant amount of cash or deliver a significant number of shares of our common stock to such forward purchaser.
The purchase of shares of our common stock by a forward purchaser or its affiliate to unwind the forward purchaser’s hedge position could cause the price of our common stock to increase above the price that would have prevailed in the absence of those purchases (or prevent a decrease in such price), thereby increasing the amount of cash (in the case of cash settlement) or the number of shares (in the case of net share settlement) that we would owe such forward purchaser upon settlement of the applicable forward sale agreement or decreasing the amount of cash (in the case of cash settlement) or the number of shares (in the case of net share settlement) that such forward purchaser would owe us upon settlement of the applicable forward sale agreement.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
(a)On November 6, 2024, we entered into the sales agreement with Barclays Capital Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities Americas Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (each an agent) and the forward purchasers (as defined below), providing for the offer and sale of shares of Sempra common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $3.0 billion through the agents, as our sales agents or, if applicable, as forward sellers, or directly to the agents as principals.
The shares may be offered and sold in amounts and at times to be determined by us from time to time. Actual sales, if any, will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by us and the agents from time to time, including, among other things, market conditions, the trading price of our common stock, capital needs and determinations by us of the appropriate sources of our funding.
Sales of the shares, if any, pursuant to the sales agreement will be made in negotiated transactions, including block trades, or transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by means of ordinary brokers’ transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, including sales made directly on the NYSE, sales made to or through a market maker and sales made through other securities exchanges or electronic communications networks or by any other method permitted by applicable law as otherwise agreed between the applicable agent and us.
The sales agreement contemplates that, in addition to the issuance and sale by us of shares of our common stock to or through the agents, we may enter into separate forward sale agreements with Barclays Bank PLC, Bank of America, N.A., Citibank, N.A., Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Mizuho Markets Americas LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, MUFG Securities EMEA plc, Royal Bank of Canada, The Bank of Nova Scotia and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or one of their respective affiliates (the forward purchasers). If we enter into a forward sale agreement with any forward purchaser, we expect that such forward purchaser (or its affiliate) will attempt to borrow from third parties and sell, through the relevant agent, acting as sales agent for such forward purchaser, shares of our common stock to hedge
such forward purchaser’s exposure under such forward sale agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of shares borrowed by a forward purchaser (or its affiliate) and sold through a forward seller.
A copy of the opinion of Latham & Watkins LLP relating to the validity of the securities to be issued pursuant to the sales agreement is filed hereto as Exhibit 5.1.
We currently expect to fully physically settle each forward sale agreement, if any, on one or more dates specified by us on or prior to the maturity date of such forward sale agreement. However, we will generally have the right, subject to certain exceptions, to elect to cash settle or net share settle all or any portion of our obligations under any such forward sale agreement. If we elect or are deemed to have elected to physically settle any forward sale agreement by delivering shares of our common stock, we will receive an amount of cash from the relevant forward purchaser equal to the product of (1) the initial forward price per share under such forward sale agreement and (2) the number of shares as to which we have elected or are deemed to have elected physical settlement, subject to the price adjustment and other provisions of such forward sale agreement.
The agents are not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of shares but have agreed to use their commercially reasonable efforts, consistent with their normal trading and sales practices and applicable law and regulations, as our sales agents or as forward sellers, and subject to the terms of the sales agreement and, in the case of shares offered through such agents as forward sellers, the relevant forward sale agreement, to sell shares of our common stock on mutually agreed terms between the agent and us.
The sales agreement provides that an agent will be entitled to a commission that will not exceed 1.0% of the gross sales price of all shares sold through it as agent pursuant to the sales agreement. We may also sell shares to one or more agents as principal, at a price per share to be agreed upon at the time of sale. If we sell shares to one or more of the agents as principal, we will enter into a separate agreement with such agent or agents setting forth the terms of such transaction. In connection with any forward sale agreement under the sales agreement, the applicable agent, as forward seller, will receive a commission, in the form of a reduction to the initial forward price under the related forward sale agreement, at a mutually agreed rate that will not exceed (subject to certain exceptions) 1.0% of the volume-weighted average of the gross sales price per share of all of the borrowed shares of our common stock sold through such agent, as forward seller, during the applicable forward selling period for such shares.
We intend to use a substantial portion of the net proceeds we receive from the issuance and sale by us of any shares of our common stock to or through the agents and any net proceeds we receive pursuant to the settlement of any forward sale agreements with the relevant forward purchasers for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including to partly finance anticipated increases to our long-term capital plan and to repay outstanding commercial paper and potentially other indebtedness.
The foregoing description of the sales agreement and any forward sale agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the sales agreement and the form of forward sale agreement, which are filed hereto as Exhibit 10.1.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not constitute an offer to sell the shares of our common stock subject to the sales agreement or a solicitation of an offer to buy any such shares, nor shall there be any sale of such shares in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
(b)None.
(c)During the most recent fiscal quarter, (i) each of the individuals listed below, who were at the time Sempra directors or officers, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement with respect to the securities of Sempra, with the material terms described below; (ii) no Sempra directors or officers terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or adopted or terminated a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement with respect to the securities of Sempra; and (iii) no SDG&E or SoCalGas directors or officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement with respect to the securities of each such Registrant. As used herein, directors and officers are as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act, a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement is as defined in Item 408(a) of SEC Regulation S-K, and a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement is as defined in Item 408(c) of SEC Regulation S-K. The Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement listed below is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act.
Date on which the director or officer adopted or terminated the trading arrangement
Duration of the trading arrangement
Aggregate number of securities to be purchased or sold pursuant to the trading arrangement
Sempra:
Justin C. Bird, Executive Vice President
September 18, 2024
From April 1, 2025 until all shares are sold or the trading arrangement is otherwise terminated
▪35% of the shares of Sempra common stock subject to 4,579 performance-based RSUs vesting in January and February of 2025(1)
▪35% of the shares of Sempra common stock subject to 4,756 performance-based RSUs vesting in January and February of 2026(1)
in each case, less shares to which Mr. Bird would otherwise be entitled that are withheld to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements
Jeffrey W. Martin, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
August 12, 2024
From January 30, 2025 until all shares are sold or the trading arrangement is otherwise terminated
All shares of Sempra common stock subject to 104,540 performance-based RSUs vesting in January and February of 2025(1), less shares to which Mr. Martin would otherwise be entitled that are withheld to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements
(1) Shares subject to the performance-based RSUs scheduled to vest in January and February of 2025 and 2026 generally will vest, in whole or in part, or be forfeited in early 2025 or early 2026, as applicable, based on our total shareholder return for the three-year performance period ending on January 2, 2025 and January 2, 2026, as applicable, and EPS growth (as adjusted for long-term incentive plan purposes) for the three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025, as applicable. The number of shares that will vest may range from 0% to 200% of the target number of shares (plus dividend equivalents) and cannot be ascertained until the performance period has ended and the Compensation and Talent Development Committee of Sempra’s board of directors has certified the results.
The exhibits listed below relate to each Registrant as indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, the exhibits that are incorporated by reference herein were filed under File Number 1-14201 (Sempra), File Number 1-40 (Pacific Lighting Corporation), File Number 1-03779 (San Diego Gas & Electric Company) and/or File Number 1-01402 (Southern California Gas Company). All exhibits to which Sempra is a party have been named in this Exhibit Index with Sempra’s current legal name (Sempra) rather than its former legal name (Sempra Energy) regardless of the date of the exhibit.
EXHIBIT 4 -- INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS, INCLUDING INDENTURES
Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt instruments are not required to be filed or incorporated by reference herein pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of SEC Regulation S-K. Each Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of such instruments to the SEC upon request.
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY, (Registrant)
Date: November 6, 2024
By: /s/ Valerie A. Bille
Valerie A. Bille
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer)
Southern California Gas Company:
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY, (Registrant)
Date: November 6, 2024
By: /s/ Sara P. Mijares
Sara P. Mijares
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Duly Authorized Officer)